Go BIGG!

Truth: We live in a celebrity culture; and, this world is fixated on it.

Little girls want to emulate the latest popular singer (think "Swifties").

Our boys look to the next-best-sports-phenomenon (Christiano Ronaldo? LeBron James? 🤷‍♀️).

We find our heroes in the lives of the wealthy, the popular, the powerful, the charming, charismatic, and the famous.

What has happened that we look to these to find our identity, some kind of personal warmth and significance, basking in the shadow of these people?

Sociologists call it BIRGing (Basking In Reflected Glory): finding value in association with someone else's success, because we have a NEED to identify ourselves with someone or something. 

We are not enough, in and of ourselves. 

We even transfer this within Christian circles: popular pastors, speakers, worship leaders (particularly those with a performance-based-style), authors, scholars, and mega-church-leaders.

While it is good to have someone to emulate, to idolize and put them on a pedestal only sets these folks up for failure, and when they fall....ours is right behind...

...and, sometimes we never recover from the disappointment.

*****

This became the direction my thoughts scurried last Sunday in church as Bay preached on the life (and death) of Stephen (his story is a good read in Acts 6 & 7). 

Actually, Bay shared that same message in four services, so I had plenty of time to ponder the life of this early church martyr and try to put him in this context. 

BIRGing would have appalled, horrified and disgusted Stephen.

Stephen had died to his own fleshly desires; and, walked by faith and not by sight. 

He had buried his past, when he gave his life completely over to Jesus...

...and, was raised to live a new life under the daily power and influence of the Holy Spirit. 

In his "resurrected life," Stephen stopped living for the applause of man; and, lived for the Way of Jesus. 

He didn't worry about what others thought of him.

He wasn't ruffled by politics or a need for power or control. 

He stopped (if he ever even tried) attempting to fix the world around him, and focused on the Gospel (and serving it to those around him in good and practical ways).

Stephen stopped pointing fingers to place blame; he never tried to defend himself; not once did he express anger or frustration over his mistreatment.

When the others gnashed their teeth at him in anger; Stephen was calm and confident - ready to die yet another death for the cause of the Gospel.

You see, Stephen died way before he died. 

He knew his life was not his own, it had been bought with a price, and he was a new creation. 

That's why, when his accusers "fixed their gaze on him," they saw his face "like the face of an angel." 

My conclusion on Sunday? 

Forget culture.

Toss BIRGing into the firepit.

Instead, 

GO BIGG....

Bask in God's glory: immersing ourselves into His presence, power, and majesty; finding our confidence, identity, eternal hope, value, and purpose for living through His plan for us and all mankind...

What's that plan? Stephen grasped it...and Paul...and John...and Peter...and a Hall-of-Faith-host-of-others (see Hebrews 11):

God's plan has always been that His people incarnate the Gospel willingly, boldly, and faithfully.

My mind may have chased a lot of rabbits, down many a different trail, but eventually here's where the trail ended.

Just like these folks of faith from years past, we embody the Gospel when we:

...die with Christ, bury our old life of sin and shame, and allow Jesus, through His Spirit, to live through us...having been raised to walk in newness of life!

When this is our daily declaration, others watch as the Gospel takes on flesh in us. 

Seriously there's no need for the false narrative of celebrity culture, no need for BIRGing... just, BIGGing: immersing ourselves in God's joy-filled presence, and taking on His amazing plan for all mankind - THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST...

It's the Gospel of Jesus that changes the world. 

For Other's Sake

Have you ever been driving down a familiar stretch of road, only to see the sun shine a little differently on scenery that you think you know like the back of your hand, and all of a sudden it just looks new, fresh, divergent? 

That was this verse this morning... a very familiar "stretch of Scriptural road" that I'd driven down many times before.

Somehow the sun shimmered on it in a slightly different way, and the landscape shifted for me. 

It's a pithy statement; one of the Apostle Paul's more memorable quotes.

I hear it used in sermons quite frequently.

I've spoken it often in conversations and messages myself; and, I've re-written it in posts, letters, cards to friends (well, at least the first half of the verse).

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). 

I sat with it just a little while this morning taking in the view...

Here's how I've always read this verse through Paul's pen:

If I continue to live, great! My life belongs to Jesus and He will be my focus. If I die, great - far, far better, in fact! I get to go be with the lover of my soul, the love of my life, my One and Only (in whose Presence is fulness of joy).

Look at the rest of the paragraph Paul is writing to the Philippians:

For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet, which I shall choose, I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account...for your progress and joy in the faith; so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus (verses 21-25, emphasis mine).

Paul's want-to longs for heaven; but, Paul's why-for (his purpose) is to see the church grow deeper in faith, fully experiencing gospel-living. 

This apostle had adopted a Jesus-mindset (see Philippians 2:5-7); an attitude that served others out of a heart of love. 

Living had to do with loving; and, loving had to do with "laboring" on behalf of those he loved. 

Not, laboring as in the result of an end-of-the-day salary or pat on the back for all he marked off his to-do-list; but, laboring to bear fruit on behalf of the gospel. 

Laboring to see the faith of his fledgling church deepen, put down roots, sprout, and grow in measurable ways.

Paul didn't want to see his heart's desire fulfilled (go on to heaven to be with Jesus), leaving his children-in-the-faith with an incomplete, immature, under-developed faith.

So, if Paul lives, he gets to see more of Jesus formed in them...but if he dies, he gets to see more of Jesus for himself...

What a win-win!

To live for Christ is really to live for the sake of someone else's spiritual development...

The shift this passage took for me this morning, isn't so much about just living for Jesus (as important as that is), but living for those around me to see more of Jesus in me, so that more of Jesus, then, lives in (and through) them for others to see. 

So, it seems to me that what Paul is really saying, in context, is that his beloved church at Philippi doesn't need to believe more of the gospel, they need to become the gospel...

So what? 

I'm living, as I well know, on a short leash. We all are. 

With what's left of my days, I want to be purposeful in how I spend my hours. 

I contemplate the best ways to do so: What that looks like. What my end goal should be. 

David started this specific thinking with this verse:

Then, Paul settled it for me today.

It's getting the gospel in me, allowing it to take root, so Jesus' lives through me for the sake of the gospel in others...one generation to the next. 

Like Paul, I really don't want to leave this earth (even as wonderful as heaven is and how much I long to meet Jesus face-to-face) until I am privileged to see those coming behind me walking in truth.

➡️ Perception ➡️ Gratitude ➡️ Joy ➡️

Welcome, November...not just because I love a good Thanksgiving dinner, and time with family, but because throughout the month, I am truly focused on seeing the goodness of God in the land of the living. 

I spoke with someone just the other day who mentioned she simply struggled to find God's goodness in the midst of her life's circumstances. 

Often times, that problem is solved when we recognize our eye/I problem and get help...

Hence, this little allegory:

Perception.

Gratitude.

Joy.

Triplets born hinged at the hip.

Conjoined, so that each one depends on the other for living her life’s purpose. 

Perception, the first born. entered the world full of possibilities and the potential for positivity.

However, it was clear from the beginning that she had an eye problem. 

It was difficult to diagnose exactly what was wrong.

Sometimes she saw things clearly.

At other times her vision was clouded and confused. 

Much of the time, it seemed her vision problem was simply myopic. 

When Perception seemed “off,” Gratitude was greatly affected.

You see, Gratitude, the second child, was born completely blind, yet given a lovely voice. 

Depending on what Perception could see, the expression of Gratitude’s voice was decided. 

She whole-heartedly listened to Perception to lead her into the world through the sharing of her eyes.

So, sometimes, Gratitude's song came out sounding more of a funeral dirge than a joyful, wedding song.

But, after years of research, Doctors diagnosed new lenses through which Perception could view the world. 

These lenses had the ability to see the world through eyes of clarity.

New spectacles that saw the world through the eyes of the Lord God...with the same vision of beauty for everything around her.

When Perception wore her new "perspectacles," the world around her came ALIVE with blessings in abundance; even the desert places glistened with loveliness; and the darkest of times held a warm glow of light that positively changed everything.

As she whispered her new vision into the ear of her sister Gratitude, Perception painted a glorious picture of all that was good and grand, sparkling and stunning. 

These new lenses so changed Perception, that even when the sun wasn’t shining brightly, she saw a silver lining, and with great care passed this on to Gratitude. 

This is how Gratitude began singing songs of a less somber quality, and gave the world about her inspiring hymns of praise for the glorious works of the Lord, and melodious, catchy songs of celebration.

Often, at random moments, as Gratitude pondered what Perception shared with her, she would belt out a happy rhythm based on these abundant pleasures…songs of Adoration and Thankfulness.

Joy, by simple deduction, entered the world last, following the other girls, and, like the other girls, she, relied on them for the heart problem with which she was born. 

Her heart condition left her prone to depression, grumbling, criticism, hopelessness, shame and a lack of peace. 

But, when Perception's vision changed, and Gratitude sang her joyful songs about the mercies of the Lord, His wondrous works, and His faithfulness to all generations, Joy’s heart was strengthened. 

As her heart became stronger, she overflowed with peace, hope, enthusiasm: JOY like a river… 

The great gift Joy offered, as she touched the lives of those she came in contact, was the ability to heal other wounded hearts about her. 

Imagine. A change in perception, brought about a transformation of gratefulness, which soothed and cared for many a damaged soul!

Of course, the girls often reciprocated their gifts to one another...and, they lived their lives seeking to always serve one another. 

**********

So, during this Thanksgiving month, may your Perception be clear-visioned, your Gratitude be immersed in the goodness of the Lord as He shows up in the world around you, and your Joy overflow with healing hope for others. 

“The grateful heart is like a magnet sweeping over the day, collecting reasons for gratitude.” 

Max Lucado

God's First, Best, and Preferrable Plan...

"We are not called just to be people who follow Jesus. 

We are called to be people who turn around and teach others how to do the same. 

We are called to make disciples - 

- no excuses and no exceptions."

(Dave Stovall)

I read the above quoted in a book I was reading as I flew home from a speaking event in New Brunswick this past weekend.

It was followed by Psalm 40 and verse 10, which has clung to my heart since. 

The talons of David's little Psalm got it's grip on me, and has not yet released. 

Here's how it reads in the ESV:

I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness 

from the great congregation.

I believe it is true -

my mouth has trouble keeping silent. 

You see, the Lord's salvation rocked my world; oh, so! many! years! ago! (55 years next month!)...

...when His peace filled my heart;

and, hope and joy, which I still do not have words for in my word-nerd-vocabulary, overflowed.

It has not left me.

Paul once said, 

"I am compelled to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16, NET)."

It pressed heavy upon his heart... 

...it burned with an overwhelming urgency to declare what the Lord had done for him.

Paul's history with Jesus was tongue-ready...and, it hadn't been a pretty one.

Like Peter, he was quick to tell "the stories of the hope that was within him (1 Peter 3:15)."

"Woe," he said, "if I do not." 

"My grief will be deep."

"My heart might explode."

I do love what I get to do; I love my calling; my ministry. 

Throughout each year, the Lord allows me to travel to far away places, to share my stories of the hope within me.

I get the word Paul used: compelled (no, I am not a "preacher," but, please let me tell my stories).

An almost forcible, Holy-Spirit-drive moves me to want to speak Jesus as opportunities open.

So, as mentioned, I recently returned from such an event.

As I journeyed home, the following question popped into my head.

"It almost seems as if speaking at events is sufficient; but, how do you do with the one-on-one conversations? Do you hide your words in your heart? Are you as excited to open your mouth, turn around, and speak of God's deliverance, salvation, faithfulness, and steadfast love in those moments? Or do you prefer to pick the size of your congregation?"

Well, ouch!

I've wrestled since with the conviction...

And, I confess I want to be ready with a good-word on my lips whenever the Lord gives me a congregation of any size! 

*****

So, through the song of a young, exiled David, I hear a rhythm that beats with the same need for similar expression. 

Don't hide it -

Never conceal it -

Don't bury it under a bushel - 

Oh! No! Reveal it.

Speak...

Use your words (we used to tell our kids);

Tell the congregation,

the one right in front of you, no matter if it's not myriads.

The God-of-the-Bible still delivers,

excels in salvation,

and, great is His faithfulness...

from generation to generation.

His mercy breaks forth,

new with each morning's dawn.

He pours out goodness, steadfast love,

and His peace leads us on.

I am called to follow my Lord; 

but, also, to turn around-

in order to effectively teach

His perfect truth that is always sound.

*****

How is your "turning around?"

How ready are your stories-of-the-hope-within?

Do you like to pick the size of your congregation (maybe, you and I are polar opposites)?

OF THIS I AM CERTAIN...

I continue to hear God-whispers in my ear -

The world needs TRUTH more than ever!

It needs to hear sound, loving doctrine from our mouths.

Jesus-followers, we are called to be disciple makers.

This is His first, best, and preferable plan:

Turn around!

Don't hide your words in your heart.

Tell of Him...

Speak kindly,

Speak often,

BUT,

SPEAK!

Because We're A Forgetful People...

During the years that I worked toward my master's degree, one of my professors drilled the following into us, his students. 

"We are a forgetful people, we must daily (and, sometimes, more than once a day) remind ourselves just who our God is and what He has done for us."

Because he correctly nailed the potential for spiritual amnesia among his students, there are days, I completely forget to do what I was instructed not to forget, and, I forget.

God understands (after all, He made us), so He puts the word "remember" into the Bible over 1200 times (this # depends on your translation). 

Here's a taste of a smattering of those passages:

Take care lest you forget your God...(Deuteronomy 6:12)

Remember the former things of old, for I am your God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me...(Isaiah 46:9)

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old...(Psalm 77:11)

Remember the wondrous works that He has done, His miracles and the judgments He has uttered (1 Chronicles 16:12).

In the same way, also, after supper, He took the cup, saying, "This is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me...(1 Corinthians 11:25).

So lately, I've been taking this mandate to heart, and find the cure for spiritual amnesia to be worship...to simply take a few minutes each morning prior to my quiet time to jot down some of the aspects of God's character (who He is and how He has worked in our lives), so that I can focus more intentionally throughout the day. 

It's a great exercise!

Over the last week, I've sensed the Lord whispering into my soul (not audibly, just a tug on my heart), "remind those to whom you speak to 'remember,' as well."

With this in mind, I did a little informal survey, asking the question, "What aspects of your God do you appreciate most? Or, what one word do you use to describe Him?" 

Here is the short list that garnered the most responses:

Loving

Compassionate

Gentle

Savior 

Good Shepherd

Faithful

Kind

Grace-filled

Oh, yes! He is all of those in spades. 

I even asked ChatGPT to give me one word to describe the God of the Bible. Actually, AI had the best answer:

INEFFABLE!

He is, indeed, so great there are absolutely no words adequate enough to define Him. That's my God!

In the journaling, reflecting, pondering, I knew there was just SO! MUCH! MORE! to our God than we tend to even think or imagine. 

I began to list a few more things that my God is (these aren't in any order)...

Untamable

Uncontainable

Unstoppable

Surprising

Constant

Unimaginable

Unpredictable (in action, but predictable in character - the same yesterday, today, forever!)

All-powerful

Unfailing

Fearsome 

Holy

Undefiled 

Unbridled

Unfettered

Undomesticated

Uncultivated

Unsubdued

Uncontrollable

Unseen (yet, strangely enough - SEEN)

Unknown (yet, strangely enough - KNOWN)

The One who will one day set all things RIGHT! RIGHTEOUS JUDGE!

...and, because He is all these things, I am UNABLE to wrap my mind around this God I bow the knee to and serve. 

If I had to pick one word to describe Him, well, it would be a toss up between MYSTERIOUS and WILD!

I'm certain, like me, you noted all those "un" prefixes above. 

"UN," meaning not, or opposite of.

Like 7-up, the "un-cola," my GOD is the "un-god..."

He is not like any little 'g' god I might conjure up to bring me happiness - money, family, home, security, ministry, influence, health, looks...____________________ (fill in the blank).

BUT,

BECAUSE HE IS an "UN-god," 

I CAN TRUST HIM WITH MY EVERYTHING! 

That's why my professor wanted me to remember to never forget who my God is and what He has done for me.

IN REMEMBERING, I TRUST HIM.

IN FORGETTING, I fail to trust Him, and spend my life fretting over the things that do not matter.

IN REMEMBERING GOD STAYS IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE TO ALL MY PROBLEMS:

He is oh-so-big and oh-so-mighty...

& they are oh-so-small!

Need Comfort? God Is...

For four weeks I have been mulling this verse over and over. 

I know exactly how long, because I've been praying through the psalms one at a time, and Psalm 46 popped up on the 16th of September.

I didn't read any further than verse 1. 

There, I stopped, as it grabbed and stuck to my brain, like the leech that once tightly gripped my arm as I floated peacefully down the Snake River one summer while in Washington. 

I couldn't seem to shake it...

Perhaps it had a lot to do with the timing of when the verse appeared and what was going on in our world a month ago.

Why fight it?

So, I pondered...

God is our refuge, our sanctuary, our safe place, when life feels overwhelming and when nothing makes sense.

He tucks us under the shadow of His wings, when we're troubled by circumstances without and there is turmoil within our souls, 

He draws us close to His side, and near to His heart. 

He is our calm in stormy seas; and, He invites us into a place of peace, where rest and restoration are possible (because He can sleep even when the waves are higher than the boat, He's the perfect one to show us how we can, too).

He is our hiding place. 

He is our haven of solitude, when we prefer to sail under the radar, unnoticed; when we need some privacy and a quiet place to process what's happening about us,  

God is our strength, our fortitude. When we really, really just want to throw up our hands, He, through the power of His mighty Spirit, keeps us steadfastly plodding along. 

With His strength, He helps us do the very next right thing in front of us. 

He is our very present help in times of trouble.

He is always with us; He never forsakes us or abandons us.

What a progression!

When we step into His presence, in that sacred place, secreted close enough to hear the rhythm of His heart - He strengthens us, develops us, then moves us into the work He has prepared for us.

But, more than anything, these two words simply jump off the page (or should):

GOD IS!

He EXISTS.

(Never question it.)

He is with us.

Always.

Today.

Right now.

Forever.

Not has been.

Not will be.

HE IS!

And, when we need His help, He's ALWAYS for us! 

What a verse of good cheer for these days in which we live.

Be comforted.