I AM Changes i am: created with purpose

 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."   So God created man in his own image,
                        in the image of God he created him;
                                               male and female he created them.  (Genesis 1:26-27, ESV)

Year’s ago, The Who made popular a song we more recently know as the CSI theme song.  The refrain is fairly haunting, “Who Are You...Who? Who?”  The question crescendos with a scream, “I really want to know!” Even me!  I really want to know who I am; who God says we are.  I, too, want to have my theology match my reality.  So, as we begin start to dig into some identity truths, the best place to begin is at the beginning when God created the heaven’s and the earth... He didn’t just randomly decide to create.  God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit molded man with purpose and clothed him in dignity. 

It’s important to take note of a couple of Hebrew words that are used in this passage.  First, the word that’s been translated God is “Elohim – meaning more than one, but less than many.”  In the beginning was “Elohim,” the Trinity (Genesis 1:1).  The “three-in-one” fellowshipped together in perfect unity.  They certainly didn’t NEED human beings, but Elohim created man because they desired to (Rev. 4:11).  Someone has said that we were created out of the Holy “Us of God” – out of fellowship for fellowship.

The second important word is the word translated image.  This word (tselem) means “a likeness; a resemblance; not an exact replication or duplication, but a shadow of the original.”  We were created to reflect the nature of God.  That’s exactly what Isaiah 43:7 says, “Everyone who is called by my name; whom I created for my glory.”  To give something glory simply means to reflect that one’s character.  We aren’t meant to be a perfect copy, but a representation of… 

These two critical components of this one verse tell me two things about “who you are”:

1)    It pleased God to create you! In fact, He knew He was going to make you before you were even a thought in your mother’s mind; from the beginning of time you were in His plan.  He knew what you would be like, the things you’d do and exactly who you would become – and still, the God of the Universe was pleased to bring you into this world.  You are His heart’s desire.

2)    You were created with a purpose in mind – to be an image-bearer of the Lord.  Think about that for a moment.  That’s a pretty grand purpose in light of whom you are representing.

3)    You were created to fellowship with the Deity.  The three-in-one enjoyed each other so much, they wanted more...and you were chosen! 

Here’s a little assignment.  Grab some 3 X 5 cards.  Write the following identity truths on them:

1. I am His heart’s desire…
2. I have an important reason for being alive – a master-plan purpose!
3. I am created to be an image-bearer of the Lord!
4. God longs to fellowship with me (His want-to is intimacy with his creation).

Now, pull those cards out regularly.  Read them carefully (when you can, read them aloud; maybe even shout them out loud, so it cements them in  your heart).  At the least, say them convincingly.  Allow your mind to engage your heart with what you are saying. Write about them in your journal.  Tell the Lord what comes to your mind in regards to these two thoughts – Now, share these truths with someone else who needs to hear them (I’m sure you can find someone!)…

I AM changes i am

Three weeks ago, I began a series I was titling “The Other Side.”  My thinking was to reflect on what it is like to be on the other side of things we hear talked about as Christians.  For example, what if we’re the one wanting to be forgiven, instead of the one who needs to forgive?  What if we’re the receiver of hurtful words, not the one who must learn to guard our tongue?  However, in light of the start of a new school year, and a new chapel theme at Arizona Christian, where I work part time, I am going to put that series on hold.  Our theme at ACU this year is “I AM changes i am.”  #transform. 

In June of 2011, I felt led to purposely look at the ‘I AM’ statements of Jesus.  Even then, we discovered, that A (if I truly understand WHO HE IS) + B (who i am because of WHO HE IS) = (then) C (I will live confidently in my identity).  So, if you feel so inclined, you can go back to those blogs for a refresher.  However, in light of our new theme, and a conversation I had with a student this week, my goal is to dig more deeply into the concept of who I am, really, in Jesus.  It seems all of us struggle with living out of our true identity.  The student I met with this week has head knowledge, just like all of us...but she struggles with the “how” part of the living out - the place where reality is met with her theology.  As we start this series, I begin with a note and a challenge I wrote her:                                                                                       

Good morning,

I’ve been thinking about our conversation this week.  I’m not trying to force any “Aha” moments, where all of a sudden you just “get” the how of victory in Jesus. I do, however, pray that you can begin to believe the very things God believes about you (no matter what your “feelings” might say).  Somehow these truths need to get from your head down into your heart. I’ve wondered what is blocking that from happening.

The most interesting truth struck me today as I was reading Mark 6:5-6.  Basically, without writing out the verses, it says that Jesus could not do any miracles in his hometown.  Why?  What limited him?  What held him back from doing what he was doing everywhere else?  Verse six holds the key, “He was amazed at their lack of faith.”  Their unbelief limited God’s ability to work in the life of the very people he had come to help.  Think about that.  Just a question for you – could the victory you are seeking be blocked by this very thing - faith?

Of course, even our faith, Scripture tells us, is a gift of God.  It is not anything we can “work up.”  So, how do we increase that faith, which will help bring victory into reality?  My mind went first to the story revealed in the gospels about the healing of the young boy from an evil spirit.  Jesus words to the man seemed a bit harsh, “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief (Mark 9:23-24).”  First key to increasing our faith is prayer for God’s favor.  It’s OK to ask for the gift of faith.  It should be a regular prayer request.

I also remembered the passage in Romans 10.  “Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of Christ (17).”  Second key is continual exposure to Scripture.  Freedom is found in the truth (John 8:32).

So, let’s pray for an increase of faith, together...and let’s explore the Scriptural truths about our identity.  As we do this “work” – we may be overwhelmingly surprised at the miracle of freedom.

The Other Side: Of Hurtful Words, 2

Last week we started to look at Proverbs 26:2 and the relationship between this passage and hurtful words without cause:

Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow to its flying, so a curse without cause does not come to nest (Proverbs 26:2).

This passage actually gives us a terrific word picture.  One meant to illustrate how we should respond when we’re on the “other side” of wounding words.  Words, which we can’t seem to un-do the damage of, because we keep re-living them.  Words that were meant to cut deeply – and did!  Words, that after evaluation, didn’t hold any merit, were nothing more than empty, wasted air, except that their arrow struck deep into our hearts and minds.  They absolutely hit the mark. 

Here’s the illustration.  The passage wants us to picture a small bird looking for a place to nest.  However, for one reason or another, the bird can’t find a resting place.  Instead of settling in on the branch of some tree, it can’t stop flitting from place to place. 

Words without cause need to be treated just like those birds.  Instead of offering them a branch on the tree of our heart, shoo them away; and, for heaven’s sake, don’t build them a bird house and put out seed each morning (instead, you might consider putting up a scare crow…).  In other words, don’t keep mentally going back over the conversation.  Quit picking at the scab and opening the wound.  What a waste of good energy that could be used for Kingdom work.  That’s why the enemy keeps shooting those words on fiery darts into the battlefield of your mind.  He knows how distracting dwelling on our own hurts can be!  The sage of Proverbs is trying to give us a soothing salve of healing help – wisdom for wise living.  In contrast, continuing to live in the pain of past conversations is considered foolishness.  Oh, how I don’t want to be foolish!

In case that word picture isn’t enough, Solomon gives us another one a little further down in the chapter:  As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. (Proverbs 26:11).  Seriously, does that not gross you out?  Well, so should returning over and over again to the words without cause that we let disturb us – over and over and over again.  When we do; we are that dog! Ick!

I’m a visual person.  So, this morning in my journal, I jotted down some words I’ve recently heard spoken in reference to me.  I sat with them for a bit.  What I needed to confess, I’ve confessed and given back to Jesus to cleanse.  I’ve sincerely written a thank you note to the person who helped me see correcting truth.  However, there are other words, which have gotten back to me, that really don’t hold water.  On those words, I drew wings, and I’ve sent them on their way. 

So, if you’re in that same place, I encourage you, some words you gotta just “let fly away…”  Now, back to Kingdom work!

The Other Side: Of Hurtful Words

Gossip.  Criticism.  Slander.  Cursing.  Taking God’s name in vain.  Scripture is filled with verses reminding us of the woes we’ll experience when our mouths are unguarded.  These, we’re informed, should all be matters of the conscience.  These are “ought-nots” for the Christian.  James says it perfectly, “My brothers (or, sisters) this ought not to be (James 3:10).” 

Ah, but more than quicken our consciences, they should be reminders of the darkness of our hearts.  When words spill out that “ought not,” and we wound others, we don’t have to wonder, “Where did that come from?” No, we really don’t have to be shocked, because Jesus warned us, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).” Ewwww, ugly heart!

What, though, if you are on the “other side” of words that wound?  Ever been there?  Yeah?  Me, too!  Like a scene from a bad movie, the video clip replays itself over and over in our minds.  Every time we re-visit and re-hear the painful words, we re-experience the hurt.  The words land in our hearts like a bird on a tree needing to nest.  There they lay eggs, which hatch.  More wounds.  More festering.  More fuel to the fire that already burns.

Here’s the way Proverbs explains it (definitely worth pondering this verse):

Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow to its flying, so a curse without cause does not come to nest (Proverbs 26:2).

Huh?  Let’s unpack it.  The word “curse” is an important word.  In my Hebrew lexicon, the full definition says this:  to speak ill of another, to vilify, to lower in worth or value, a rude expression intended to hurt or offend, to verbally abuse.

The phrase that follows is most critical, “without cause.”  From time to time words sting, and we carry them like boulders in a backpack.  However, those words carry some truth.  They hold some merit.  When words are spoken that have this kind of credibility, we need to do something with them, besides simply haul them around. First, we need to evaluate the following statement:  In every criticism there is an element of truth.  What’s true?  Whatever is true, we take to heart.  What we take to heart, we repent of, and make course correction.  Then, we should sincerely thank the speaker!  “Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6).”  “Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).”  These folks, no matter how they may have said the words, intended to help better us.  That’s why they called us out.  From them we learn, we correct, we move on, and we let go!

However, what if the words spoken were meant to hurt? What if there was no just cause?  What then?  Stay tuned...  (In the meantime, meditate more on those words of Proverbs 26:2.  They hold the key.  Practice a little Lexio Divina:  What does the passage say?  What does it mean?  What can I do, or change?  Let’s compare notes next week.)

The Other Side: of Forgiveness

My God will fight for me, I have only to be silent (Exodus 14:14).

Some time back I sat under excellent teaching through the book of Colossians.  One sermon has had me pondering a “thought” ever since – the focus of which was forgiveness.  To open the message, the pastor shared a story, which I will quickly repeat.

A man was bitten by a rabid dog and, naturally, sent to the hospital for treatment.  Unfortunately, the bite was too severe, and nothing could be done to cure the man.  So, the doctor went to his bedside to deliver the bad news.  “I’m so terribly sorry, but there is nothing we can do for you.  You are terminal.  In the few remaining lucid days you will have, you might want to consider getting your affairs in order, writing your will, calling in family, etc.”  As the doctor departed, the gentleman in the bed reflected on the words heard, and pulling out a piece of paper, began scribbling as fast as he could.  He was still writing when the doctor returned several minutes later.  “I see you are taking quite seriously the encouragement to get your affairs in order. Writing your will, are you?”  “No,” replied the sick man.  “Making a list of everyone I want to bite before I die.”

According to biblical principles, we, as Christians know that revenge is really not sweet, contrary to popular opinion.  Jesus spells it out clearly in Matthew 18 the importance of forgiveness, then went on to model it for us from the cross.  Paul gives us strong words in Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”  These are words we know…words that are sometimes hard to do.  Necessary, but often difficult.

Yet, that’s not the direction my mind went following the sermon.  I listened carefully. I walked through the ending exercise given the congregation, but my brain (as is often the case) went down an entirely different road.  The question I asked myself was this, “Whose lists would I be on?”  I sat with that question for a bit, and it definitely didn’t take too long for some names to pop in my mind. 

That breaks my heart.  The truth is that even though I’m still on some lists, I believe I’ve followed correct biblical procedure to seek reconciliation.  That morning, I searched my heart for anything else I might do to bring about restoration.  Just as hard as it is to forgive, it’s almost as difficult to be on the other side – wanting the forgiveness, but not able to receive it.  Ever been there?  So, what do you do in the meantime, because you can’t live your life painfully waiting for what might not happen?  It can eat us alive, internally, or we can take God’s approach.  Here are some things the Lord reminded me –

1.   Bless those who persecute you and pray for those who are spiteful against you (even this is a form of persecution).  So, for those whose lists I know I am on, I have written out a prayer of blessing.  Whenever their name pops into my thoughts, I add to the prayer written in my journal.

2.  Seek mercy, love justice, and walk humbly with God.  I asked again, is there any opportunity to seek mercy, even still, and request what I might do to humbly satisfy the debt?

3.  Be silent.  I don’t need to talk to or about; I don’t need to defend or fight on my own behalf.  I simply need to let go and watch for God to intervene.

4.  Return to an attitude of praise.  When the thing I want to do most is fight on my behalf, I remember how Jehoshaphat was led into battle – praising God.  

Praising and blessing do the most for turning something the enemy would want to devastate us with into glory and honor and peace that passes all understanding.

Adventures in Wonderland, #10: Slaying the Jabberwocky

I never once considered, as I began reflecting on Proverbs 14:26-27, where it might lead, or of the “rabbit” I might chase.  It’s been a journey, and one, which I think we complete this morning, as we contemplate slaying The Jabberwocky.

In the more recent movie, Alice in Wonderland, the Jabberwocky, is a flying dragon (of sorts), which Alice must slay in order to return Wonderland to its place of vibrant glory.  She is the destined one…and it has been written from the beginning that one named Alice would do the deed on “Frabjous Day” (a fabulous, joyous day!).

Symbolically, we each have our own Jabberwocky, which must be slain.  Where do we find this creature in our own personal lives?  Certainly, we could venture down a number of roads seeking the Jabberwocky – an oppressive demonic force, perhaps?  - some persecuting human enemy?  - a terrorizing fear?  No, I think we need travel no further than our own minds to find that creature!

Nothing jabbers at me, and sends my soul spiraling, quite like my own mind.  I imagine yours, too!  We tend to live in our thoughts and rest there much too long, much too often.  Words spoken to us; perceptions we imagine; what if’s we envision; fears we fancy – all have the capability of cycling around and around and around our brains, leaving us breathless, weak, and incapacitated.  Our worlds turn dark, black and gray, colorless.  Yes, the Jabberwocky lives in our mind, and that fierce dragon breathes his fiery worst over and over, especially in the middle of the night.  We are called to victory; it is written that there is a “Frabjous Day” for all of us: 

…but thanks be to God, who give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:57)

…for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor 10:4-5).

…put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil…for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the powers, the world forces of this darkness, and against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to resist…and having done everything, to stand firm… (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Good news:  the victory is sure.

Bad news: it is not easy!  To slay the dragon we must wear the armor of God (go in His strength and the power of His might), and thrust the sword (the Word of God) over and over and over and over, until finally the Jabberwock is dead, and we can slice off his head (just as David did Goliath).

What do I do in the dark, or at other times, when the Jabberwocky goes crazy attacking me?  I’ve found several things helpful (but let me assure you, I don’t have it down, not yet).  I find it doesn’t do any good to sit still.  At the times when the “Jabber” is most “wocky,” praying is almost out of the question (he tends to drown out my prayers with distraction).  So, I move…usually I go to a place where the Lord seems to speak regularly (my “spot” on the couch, where I meet with the Lord each morning, or if possible, I go for a walk outside).  Since silent prayers are drowned out by the beast, I pray aloud; or if it’s middle of the night, I write out my prayer).  Like King David in the Psalms, I am very honest with the Lord.  I line out my thoughts, specifically, in messy detail.  I talk; then, I listen. 

Listening involves the Word, the Truth*.  Sometimes I know the truth I need to hear, and it comes easily to mind…  Other times, I draw a blank, and I have to read reflectively for a while, until my mind receives the truth the Lord has for me for that moment.  Either way, I listen for that still small voice that holds the key to victory – the sword of the Spirit, which is able to thrust deep into the dragon…  Sadly, sometimes I just wound him, and he flies off to recuperate, returning other nights.  Yet, over time, I learn how to defeat him more quickly, and ultimately, I can eliminate him all together.  What I am looking for most of all is God’s perspective on my messiness.  Once I have his perspective, I often find His peace.  They seem to go hand in hand. 

A word of warning, some Jabberwockies are bigger than others.  Some take a little more time to wear down, and kill.  Others require a little something more – like fasting, or further digging into the truth, or some accountability, even a little more “faith power” (achieved by including friends who pray and counsel).  The hope of it all is that there is a “Frabjous Day” coming…and you are destined to discover it!  It is written!

*Side note:  One thing that really helps me is to keep a stack of 3 X 5 cards handy, on which I write key passages of Scripture.  I can keep those with me for those random moments when I need them (and, I, also use the cards as memory packets, so I can also hide that truth in my heart for "at moment's notice").  I keep these cards in my purse, so no matter where I am, they are available for "such a time as this."  

Adventures in Wonderland, #9

It seems like we always end with some kind of “problem” that keeps us coming back for further introspection into the world of Wonderland (AKA: Kingdom Life).  Once Alice unlocks the door and enters in, she quickly discovers there’s a battle to be won for the sake of the Kingdom: a battle over evil that seeks to rule hearts.  It’s a battle over one whose head is “bulbous” from pride, who lives the lie that evil can rule by force and intimidation.  Frankly, the Queen of Hearts has had her day, the story has been written, and a champion is on the horizon. 

This is in such similarity to our spiritual enemy, who desires to rule our souls, our hearts.  He, too, uses lies and intimidation as his greatest tools, and somehow we believe them, and for some reason we keep giving him the authority to render us shaking in our boots.  YET THE GOOD NEWS.  The story has been written.  There is a “Frabjous Day” ahead, when the champion will defeat the enemy. 

Ultimately, our champion is Jesus.  In the meantime, we don’t have to live under the rule and defeat of the enemy on this journey in Wonderland.  We, too, have armor, and a sword, to pick up and slay the beast.  Even so, Alice! 

Oh, there’s no question, Alice falls prey to the intimidation.  She loses some of her strong confidence, courage, and conviction in the presence of her enemy.  She loses some of her “muchness,” as the quirky Hatter proclaims.  Even wise Absalom tells her, “You’re almost Alice.”

Even in Wonderland, we can lose part of ourselves as we stand in the intimidation of the enemy.  However, a visit to the White Queen gives Alice another key to victory.  “You can not live your life to please others,” she says. “The choice must be yours alone.”  With that, and the realization that she has all she needs in armor and sword, Alice makes the choice.  Her return to confidence, courage, and conviction comes forth and she comes out The Champion.

I’m reminded of Paul’s words to me, to this Alice in Wonderland.  “For am I now seeking the favor of men or of God.  Or am I striving to please men?  If I were striving to please men, I would not be a bond-slave of Christ (Ro 1:10).”

The choice is ours.  Who do I wish to please?  Only one choice leads to victory.  I’m either slave to the insatiable appetites of this world, or the one sufficient to lead me to freedom.  One keeps me in a dreary world, even in Wonderland, and the other springs my world forth in splashes of rainbow color. 

The armor and the sword stand at the ready.  I simply need to apply them.

And…how? There’s still more, it seems.