References:
• Freedom definition
• Independence definition
• Jude 1:1
• John 8:34-44
I have been thinking long and hard about this blog entry. Because we were out until well after supper on July Fourth, I was not able to write anything. Yesterday, I was taking care of the kids and doing typical household chores while my wife worked. Again, I was not able to sit down and write anything. But, I was thinking about what to write throughout the day. Today, because my lower back is really bothering me, I am home resting it, trying to stay on top of the pain. It is never a good day when my back acts up, because it affects all that I do. However, since sitting at a computer for short periods of times is something that I can do. So, I am finally getting a chance to put my thoughts into words.
My wife and I talked quite a bit about what we were going to do in celebration of Independence Day. After several discussions, we decided to visit the Homestead National Monument, just outside of Beatrice, Nebraska. It is not the first time we’ve been there. But, being Independence Day, we figured with would be appropriate. That is, celebrating what our Founding Fathers gave us to inherit, this vast country to settle and live in relative freedom.
But, do we really live ‘in freedom?’ That is a very subjective word. What freedom means to one person will not be the same for someone else. According to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, we freedom of the press, freedom of religious practice, freedom of assembly, freedom to keep and bear arms, etc. Because of the tyranny that our Founding Fathers, like George Washington, Ben Franklin, John Hancock, amongst many others, lived under, they put in many, many checks and balances within the Constitution to help ensure that future generations enjoy the same freedoms. And, to some extent, we are.
The thing is, we are never really ‘free.’ Think about it, we will eventually suffer the consequences of the decisions that we make. If we make positive choices, we should experience positive repercussions. If we make bad decisions, we should experience negative consequences. This is not always the case. One can easily read through crime and political stories and see that many people suffer bad consequences for making good choices or make bad decisions but yet are not held accountable. For those of us who believe in the importance of justice, that is a great heartache.
But, all of that aside, we really are not free. Though we may have more freedoms to speak our minds (though Political Correctness is a hindrance to that), worship how we choose, etc., they are all really limited. We are constrained by what is available to us where we live and work. For example, I am in the Army Nation Guard. Though I can participate in elections, I have to be very careful what I say and do in and out of uniform. I am held to different standard, due to the nature of my work. I am also very much constrained in how I critique my leadership. It’s against the Uniformed Code of Military Justice to speak of my leadership in a negative manner that impacts the morale and welfare of the US Military as a whole.
If I were ordained within a denomination (let’s say, Presbyterian Church USA, since that is the denomination that I grew up in) and challenged decisions that the PC USA leadership had made, they could (depending on what I said and how I said it), take me to court (Judicial hearings) and, could either reprimand me, prevent me from being able to accept a call to another church, revoke my ordination credentials, or even excommunicate me. Believe it or not, the PC USA can excommunicate someone. In a nutshell, the denomination, if it so chooses, will have every church that the excommunicated member attended and have them erase all references of their attendance, having been confirmed and/or being on any ministry boards, etc. Such a person would not be able to transfer their membership to any other church; they would literately have to start all over.
However, each and every one of us is truly not free. We all have a sinful nature and pushes us to make bad, selfish decisions. We all easily choose to do things that harm ourselves and others. Some people flaunt their sinful passions while others seek to restrain them. But, it is something we all have. We are either slaves to our sinful passions, or we are servants of Christ. That is, we willingly submit ourselves to His Lordship, seeking to be obedient in service to Him. Whether we choose to be servants to our sinful nature or seek to be faithful servants of Christ, we are not ‘kings or queens’ or our own life.
We are never ‘truly free.’ We have to submit ourselves to those that we work for. We have to submit ourselves to the rules and regulations of the local town, state, and even country that we live in, etc. While in school getting an education, we have to submit ourselves to their rules for attending classes, getting good grades, taking the courses we need to graduate, etc. We are always having to submit ourselves to someone or something (organization). We also either submit our choices to our sinful nature, or we prayerfully seek to be led by God via the Holy Spirit. What is our choice?
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Hearing and Responding
References:
• Isaiah 6 NAS
• James 4:13-17 NAS
• “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” (with lyrics) from “The Prince of Egypt”
Over the years, I have often been challenged to listen to the directions that God is giving me and to follow where He guides me. Sometimes it is easy to be obedient. When you sense God directing you to do something that makes sense or makes sense, obedience is easy. Such situations as comfort a friend who is going through a rough time, volunteer in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, to sing during a worship service when you love to sing in front of people, etc. All of those are easy to do.
But yet, often times God will call us to do things that are difficult. For example, God may call a person who loves to study and research thing to teach a class. But while that person loves to learn new things, sharing them in a social setting may set them on edge. Or, sometimes God calls a person to take a stand against a socially accepted evil, like abortion, even though it will mean sacrificing his/her relationship with many friends and family members.
I have sometimes wondered what went through the minds of people like Paul, Isaiah, James, etc., when God called them to do something. Let’s take Isaiah’s experience as an example. Not a whole lot is known about him. He may have been an aristocrat, or maybe he just grew up in Jerusalem and was very knowledgeable with the religious and political leaders. No matter what his up bring was, we see in Chapter 6 that he was suddenly called by God to be His spokesperson to the nation of Israel. And, like Daniel and Jeremiah, it appears that he had a long ministry. And, according to Scripture, his ministry was often rejected.
When God calls us to do things that are unpopular, it can be very hard to want to obey. How many people do you know who enjoy going against the grain, calling injustices and evils to light, and taking a very unpopular stand? I have read about, and talked with, people who are very passionate about the cause they are leading. Though they are passionate about their cause, they often feel greatly frustrated with having to fight against the status quo. Though driven, they are often tired, exhausted, sometimes even become physically ill from the stress.
Sometimes, though, the challenges that God calls us to are not fighting major social injustices. Sometimes the difficult times that God calls a person to are working a job that they really do not enjoy, living in a community that they do not feel a part of, etc. I have been experiencing this myself for many years. It is very hard to work a job that does not come naturally to you, where you feel like a square peg in a round hole. But yet, sometimes God wants to use you in one place so that, when His timing is right, you can be placed in a different position where He can use you, and it feels more natural.
One of the things that I have noticed in Scripture is that God often calls people to follow Him and do things way out of their comfort zones. With people like Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Saul (later Paul), amongst many others, God called a person from one life and profession to fulfill something totally different. Moses went from a Prince of Egypt to a shepherd somewhere in Canaan, and then to the leader of Israel. Saul was a zealous Pharisee until God changed his life. After his awesome encounter with God on the road to Damascus, Paul became a very influential person within the Early Church and a very effective missionary.
In many cases, the people who God called were not ‘qualified’ for what He called them to do. But, in spite of the fact that they didn’t have the training prior to what He was calling them to, God provided all that they needed as they walked in obedience. Some of those called by God to walk in faith in ways that were very challenging saw a lot of fruit for their labor. Some of them saw little in their lifetime. The same can be in our lives. Although God may call us to do something in faith, we may or may not see much fruit for our labor. And, that is a difficult thing to accept. But yet, accept it we must.
In this life time, we may see little of what God is doing through us. But, that cannot be an excuse to justify not being obedient. Even when it seems that walking in obedience means walking totally alone, we still need to follow. One song that has been a source of encouragement to me (and a challenge, too) is “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” from the movie “The Prince of Egypt.” This song reminds me of the fact that my perception of life is very, very limited. I can easily miss what God is accomplishing through my obedience. Or, it could even be totally hidden from me. But yet, I am encouraged with Ecclesiastes 11:1, that God will accomplish His will through what I do. I may not see it, but He will accomplish His will through my obedience. Is that not an encouragement?!
Whether God calls us to do something that is easy or exceptionally challenging, let us prayerfully seek to obey. Even if we might not see what God is doing through our obedience, let us strive to be obedient. Isaiah, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Fredrick Douglass, amongst many others, probably had little comprehension of what all God would do through them. The repercussions of their obedience is felt even to today. Though we may not be used like God used them, that’s not to say that God can’t do incredible things through us. On this side of Heaven, we probably will not fully comprehend all that God has accomplished through us.
I started this blog many years ago, walking in faith that it was what God wanted me to do. Although I see that many people have visited my blog (over 1300 to date), and people from all over the world have viewed it, I still don't know just how it impacts each person. I have had visitors from the Middle East, all over Europe, Canada, China, etc. (at least, that is where their ISP is registered at). But, though I know many people have visited my blog, I do not know how many stop and read through everything. I also do not know how I have impacted lives now, be it encouragement, challenge, or what not. Nor do I know what kind of seeds God might be planting in a person's heart when they stop briefly, read a few lines, and then go elsewhere. Though I don't know, I trust that God is accomplishing something. Just as when a stone is tossed into a pond and the ripples continue from one side to another, let us seek to do God’s will. As we pray for help to be obedient, let us trust God to guide those ‘ripples’ in the directions that He wants them to go. And maybe, just maybe, God will give us glimpses into what He is doing through us.
• Isaiah 6 NAS
• James 4:13-17 NAS
• “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” (with lyrics) from “The Prince of Egypt”
Over the years, I have often been challenged to listen to the directions that God is giving me and to follow where He guides me. Sometimes it is easy to be obedient. When you sense God directing you to do something that makes sense or makes sense, obedience is easy. Such situations as comfort a friend who is going through a rough time, volunteer in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, to sing during a worship service when you love to sing in front of people, etc. All of those are easy to do.
But yet, often times God will call us to do things that are difficult. For example, God may call a person who loves to study and research thing to teach a class. But while that person loves to learn new things, sharing them in a social setting may set them on edge. Or, sometimes God calls a person to take a stand against a socially accepted evil, like abortion, even though it will mean sacrificing his/her relationship with many friends and family members.
I have sometimes wondered what went through the minds of people like Paul, Isaiah, James, etc., when God called them to do something. Let’s take Isaiah’s experience as an example. Not a whole lot is known about him. He may have been an aristocrat, or maybe he just grew up in Jerusalem and was very knowledgeable with the religious and political leaders. No matter what his up bring was, we see in Chapter 6 that he was suddenly called by God to be His spokesperson to the nation of Israel. And, like Daniel and Jeremiah, it appears that he had a long ministry. And, according to Scripture, his ministry was often rejected.
When God calls us to do things that are unpopular, it can be very hard to want to obey. How many people do you know who enjoy going against the grain, calling injustices and evils to light, and taking a very unpopular stand? I have read about, and talked with, people who are very passionate about the cause they are leading. Though they are passionate about their cause, they often feel greatly frustrated with having to fight against the status quo. Though driven, they are often tired, exhausted, sometimes even become physically ill from the stress.
Sometimes, though, the challenges that God calls us to are not fighting major social injustices. Sometimes the difficult times that God calls a person to are working a job that they really do not enjoy, living in a community that they do not feel a part of, etc. I have been experiencing this myself for many years. It is very hard to work a job that does not come naturally to you, where you feel like a square peg in a round hole. But yet, sometimes God wants to use you in one place so that, when His timing is right, you can be placed in a different position where He can use you, and it feels more natural.
One of the things that I have noticed in Scripture is that God often calls people to follow Him and do things way out of their comfort zones. With people like Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Saul (later Paul), amongst many others, God called a person from one life and profession to fulfill something totally different. Moses went from a Prince of Egypt to a shepherd somewhere in Canaan, and then to the leader of Israel. Saul was a zealous Pharisee until God changed his life. After his awesome encounter with God on the road to Damascus, Paul became a very influential person within the Early Church and a very effective missionary.
In many cases, the people who God called were not ‘qualified’ for what He called them to do. But, in spite of the fact that they didn’t have the training prior to what He was calling them to, God provided all that they needed as they walked in obedience. Some of those called by God to walk in faith in ways that were very challenging saw a lot of fruit for their labor. Some of them saw little in their lifetime. The same can be in our lives. Although God may call us to do something in faith, we may or may not see much fruit for our labor. And, that is a difficult thing to accept. But yet, accept it we must.
In this life time, we may see little of what God is doing through us. But, that cannot be an excuse to justify not being obedient. Even when it seems that walking in obedience means walking totally alone, we still need to follow. One song that has been a source of encouragement to me (and a challenge, too) is “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” from the movie “The Prince of Egypt.” This song reminds me of the fact that my perception of life is very, very limited. I can easily miss what God is accomplishing through my obedience. Or, it could even be totally hidden from me. But yet, I am encouraged with Ecclesiastes 11:1, that God will accomplish His will through what I do. I may not see it, but He will accomplish His will through my obedience. Is that not an encouragement?!
Whether God calls us to do something that is easy or exceptionally challenging, let us prayerfully seek to obey. Even if we might not see what God is doing through our obedience, let us strive to be obedient. Isaiah, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Fredrick Douglass, amongst many others, probably had little comprehension of what all God would do through them. The repercussions of their obedience is felt even to today. Though we may not be used like God used them, that’s not to say that God can’t do incredible things through us. On this side of Heaven, we probably will not fully comprehend all that God has accomplished through us.
I started this blog many years ago, walking in faith that it was what God wanted me to do. Although I see that many people have visited my blog (over 1300 to date), and people from all over the world have viewed it, I still don't know just how it impacts each person. I have had visitors from the Middle East, all over Europe, Canada, China, etc. (at least, that is where their ISP is registered at). But, though I know many people have visited my blog, I do not know how many stop and read through everything. I also do not know how I have impacted lives now, be it encouragement, challenge, or what not. Nor do I know what kind of seeds God might be planting in a person's heart when they stop briefly, read a few lines, and then go elsewhere. Though I don't know, I trust that God is accomplishing something. Just as when a stone is tossed into a pond and the ripples continue from one side to another, let us seek to do God’s will. As we pray for help to be obedient, let us trust God to guide those ‘ripples’ in the directions that He wants them to go. And maybe, just maybe, God will give us glimpses into what He is doing through us.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Do You Really Know Him?
References:
• RC Sproul “In the Presence of God” for the week of March 14, 2016
• Genesis 3:6-10 NAS
• Matthew 25:31-46 NAS
• Arminian Theology
• Calvinism Theology
Every week, I receive an E-mail devotional from RC Sproul called, “In the Presence of God.” It is written from a conservative theologian writing from a very strong Reformed perspective. Having grown up Presbyterian, it is like a drink from a cool, clear stream for me spiritually. Several of the devotionals that RC Sproul has written have touched me. But, this one did so in a way that was a bit different.
I have had numerous discussions over the years about the fallen nature of mankind and whether or not we, as a fallen being, can seek to know God or not. I must confess, this is something that I have really wrestled with over the years. My wife grew up in the United Methodist Church (UMC) and has a strong Arminian background. Needless to say, this makes for some interest discussions!
This short paper will in no way thoroughly look at this issue. Numerous theologians, not just Arminius and John Calvin, have greatly wrestled with this concept. Many, many books have been written on this theological concept alone. Books written by people a lot more intelligent than myself, and a lot more time to thoroughly research. And both sides use numerous Scripture passages to support ‘their side.’
The thing is, according to Scripture, God is the one who is at work in our lives, doing things and guiding us. As Followers of Christ, we have to choose each day, on a minute-by-minute basis, really, with whether we will be obedient to Christ or not. But, what about non-Christians? Do they have such a choice? Sometimes I really wonder… Almost like the question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”
No matter how one sorts all of this out in their mind, there is something that we have to take ahold of. Our relationship with God. Whether our understand is that God called us onto Salvation (Calvinism) or that we felt a longing and chose to follow Him (Arminianism), the core issue is, “Do you really know God?” Not just know ‘of God’ with purely an intellectual understanding of Him. But to truly know Him in a personal way. Confused? Allow me to try and help you understand.
If I simply have ‘head knowledge’ of someone, it means that I know of him or her. A good example is studying a large amount of information on the subject of incarceration and its impact on a person who has committed a crime. I can read all of the books and study all sorts of statistics, and come to some very education conclusions. But, it is all ‘head knowledge’ of the subject, all academic, nothing practical or personal.
Now, lets say I take a job as Custody Staff in a state prison or as a jailer in a county jail. Over the many months and years, through personal observation, listening to stories, and my own interactions, I learn first hand how prison life can impact a person. Since everyone is different, how prison impacts a person will vary greatly from person to person. However, if I pay attention to things around me, I will be able to draw education conclusion as to how prison life at that particular prison impacts the people incarcerated there.
With that in mind, let’s go back to our spiritual lives. How well do we know God? As finite beings, we cannot fully understand an infinite God. But, we can know Him to some degree. But, is it all purely academic? That is, are all we know about God are theological concepts and various Scripture verses that one might have memorized? How is this different from ‘heart knowledge?’ A lot, really… If I have ‘heart knowledge’ of a person, then I knew what he or she likes, what they dislike, how they act in certain situations, that kind of environments help them relax, or what kind of situations stress them out. Most importantly, what I say and do has a direct impact on them and what they say and do have a direct impact on me.
That is to say, when someone that I have ‘heart knowledge of’ is having a difficult time with something, it directly impacts how I feel. For example, if someone that I care about is having a very difficult day and struggling with their emotions, it will have a direct effect on my thoughts and feelings. Now, there are times where things that I am wrestling with may blunt the impact of their struggles to me. But, this is only a situational situation where their struggles might not impact me as much as another time. But, typically, how things are going with me will affect them, and visa versa.
Back in the Garden of Eden, God created us to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. It was a deeply personal one where God, Adam, and Eve walked together and talked with each other. But, due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience, that unique and awesome relationship was destroyed. Since then, we are limited to how well we know God. And, like any kind of relationship, it is an on-going one that takes time and energy to enable it to grow.
What is the depth of your relationship with God? Have you even thought about it? How you live your life and the choices that you make can give others indicators as to what kind of relationship you might have with God. But, in reality, only God truly knows. We can wrestle with where our relationship with God is, but due to our finite and sinful nature, our understanding is limited. However, God is gracious and He will help us know. How He expresses His love to us will vary from person to person. How God helps me to know that He is in my heart and life will be a bit different with someone else. But, if you are a Follower of Christ, He will make His presence known in your life. Are we willing to listen? Are we willing to be obedient?
• RC Sproul “In the Presence of God” for the week of March 14, 2016
• Genesis 3:6-10 NAS
• Matthew 25:31-46 NAS
• Arminian Theology
• Calvinism Theology
Every week, I receive an E-mail devotional from RC Sproul called, “In the Presence of God.” It is written from a conservative theologian writing from a very strong Reformed perspective. Having grown up Presbyterian, it is like a drink from a cool, clear stream for me spiritually. Several of the devotionals that RC Sproul has written have touched me. But, this one did so in a way that was a bit different.
I have had numerous discussions over the years about the fallen nature of mankind and whether or not we, as a fallen being, can seek to know God or not. I must confess, this is something that I have really wrestled with over the years. My wife grew up in the United Methodist Church (UMC) and has a strong Arminian background. Needless to say, this makes for some interest discussions!
This short paper will in no way thoroughly look at this issue. Numerous theologians, not just Arminius and John Calvin, have greatly wrestled with this concept. Many, many books have been written on this theological concept alone. Books written by people a lot more intelligent than myself, and a lot more time to thoroughly research. And both sides use numerous Scripture passages to support ‘their side.’
The thing is, according to Scripture, God is the one who is at work in our lives, doing things and guiding us. As Followers of Christ, we have to choose each day, on a minute-by-minute basis, really, with whether we will be obedient to Christ or not. But, what about non-Christians? Do they have such a choice? Sometimes I really wonder… Almost like the question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”
No matter how one sorts all of this out in their mind, there is something that we have to take ahold of. Our relationship with God. Whether our understand is that God called us onto Salvation (Calvinism) or that we felt a longing and chose to follow Him (Arminianism), the core issue is, “Do you really know God?” Not just know ‘of God’ with purely an intellectual understanding of Him. But to truly know Him in a personal way. Confused? Allow me to try and help you understand.
If I simply have ‘head knowledge’ of someone, it means that I know of him or her. A good example is studying a large amount of information on the subject of incarceration and its impact on a person who has committed a crime. I can read all of the books and study all sorts of statistics, and come to some very education conclusions. But, it is all ‘head knowledge’ of the subject, all academic, nothing practical or personal.
Now, lets say I take a job as Custody Staff in a state prison or as a jailer in a county jail. Over the many months and years, through personal observation, listening to stories, and my own interactions, I learn first hand how prison life can impact a person. Since everyone is different, how prison impacts a person will vary greatly from person to person. However, if I pay attention to things around me, I will be able to draw education conclusion as to how prison life at that particular prison impacts the people incarcerated there.
With that in mind, let’s go back to our spiritual lives. How well do we know God? As finite beings, we cannot fully understand an infinite God. But, we can know Him to some degree. But, is it all purely academic? That is, are all we know about God are theological concepts and various Scripture verses that one might have memorized? How is this different from ‘heart knowledge?’ A lot, really… If I have ‘heart knowledge’ of a person, then I knew what he or she likes, what they dislike, how they act in certain situations, that kind of environments help them relax, or what kind of situations stress them out. Most importantly, what I say and do has a direct impact on them and what they say and do have a direct impact on me.
That is to say, when someone that I have ‘heart knowledge of’ is having a difficult time with something, it directly impacts how I feel. For example, if someone that I care about is having a very difficult day and struggling with their emotions, it will have a direct effect on my thoughts and feelings. Now, there are times where things that I am wrestling with may blunt the impact of their struggles to me. But, this is only a situational situation where their struggles might not impact me as much as another time. But, typically, how things are going with me will affect them, and visa versa.
Back in the Garden of Eden, God created us to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. It was a deeply personal one where God, Adam, and Eve walked together and talked with each other. But, due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience, that unique and awesome relationship was destroyed. Since then, we are limited to how well we know God. And, like any kind of relationship, it is an on-going one that takes time and energy to enable it to grow.
What is the depth of your relationship with God? Have you even thought about it? How you live your life and the choices that you make can give others indicators as to what kind of relationship you might have with God. But, in reality, only God truly knows. We can wrestle with where our relationship with God is, but due to our finite and sinful nature, our understanding is limited. However, God is gracious and He will help us know. How He expresses His love to us will vary from person to person. How God helps me to know that He is in my heart and life will be a bit different with someone else. But, if you are a Follower of Christ, He will make His presence known in your life. Are we willing to listen? Are we willing to be obedient?
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Asking The Right Questions
This morning after church, we had a congregational meeting to discuss some important future plans. Two years ago last January, our church burned down. There was, praise God, no loss of life. Just the loss of the church. Almost from the start, some people were already talking about how soon we could start rebuilding.
At this time, some plans have been drawn up and a lot of money has been set aside for building the new church. It isnot fully funded yet. But we have some moeny set aside already. We have a good start; but, I am concerned that our focus is not where it should be. My greatest concern is that there is too much of a focus on the physical building, a physical church, but not much thought on being the church to our community.
What do I mean by "being the church?" Much, actually. Being a Christian is more than just making verbal confessions, carrying a Bible, with you all of the time, more than just memorizing Scripture, and attending worship worship at a church. It is much more than that. It is, first and foremost, a personal relationship with God throughthe life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. But, it doesn't end there. Not by a long shot.
Being a Christian means being a Follower of Christ. It means living a life of obedience to not just how God wants us to live morally, but also with how He wants us to serve Him and others. I think that my current life is an excellent example.
As many of you might already know, I work at a State prison here in Nebraska as Custody Staff. It is not a job that I actively sought out. In fact, when I have been job hunting, I have sought out a ministry position. Working in a church or a Christian organization is my heart's desire. I attended seminary ad got a Master's of Divinity (2000 at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) because that is where I felt God was calling me. But yet, I am working someplace totally different.
Not just that, but personality wise I am in a very challenging place. As an INFJ, I excell in theological study, teaching, and ministering to people. But yet, God is choosing to use me in a place very much outside of what come to me naturally. The last few weeks have been even more vividly so. Over the last year, as I have learned more about the personality that God has given me, I have begun to better understand why I have always been sensitive to my emotional surroundings. Keeping that in mind, it might come to a shock to you that God has been keeping meposted in visiting. My job in visiting, as Custody Staff, is to enforce rules with Inmates and the visitors. On top of all that, during the visiting periods are a huge, volital mix of emotions. Just a few of them are anger over bad d3cisions, grief over damaged and destroyed relationships, grief over shattered dreams, anger over not being in contol of one's life, etc. The more people who are together, the greater the intensity of these feelings. Yesterday, I had three big groups to deal with, with one being an almost to compacity of the large room. By the end of the day, I felt like I was a 110 volt motor that had been plugged into a 220 volt outlet. Being "very exhausted"was a gross understatement. One might logically ask, why would a loving God put someone like me in an environment that was so draining?! I wrestle with that a lot.
God has given me a few glimpses here and there. Over the 7+ years that I havemworked at this particular prison, God hasnused me to greatimpact many lives there. Both staff and inmates. It doesn't always appear like I do. But, I doget glimpses at times. For example, as I was getting ready do do my searches on a group of Inmates before their visiting session, they were already grumbling about how long it would take. Then one Inmate said, "Hey, I know Underwood... He's cool..." That is all he said. Might not seem like much, but I felt a large amount of the building anger and frustration drop. They all chose to cooperate and, when another staff member arrived to help, things ran very smoothly.
Why did I share this story? Over the last 7+ years, I have had to live in utter dependence to God for strength and with guidance for doing my job. A lot that I do as Custody Staff does not come naturally as an INFJ. It has been a huge struggle on many ocassions. But, from time-to-time, God gives me glimpses of how He has touched lives through me. But, tnis is only because I prayerfylly choose to be God's instrument.
For us as a church, I see us at a crossroads. Will we focus on our physical needs of having our own church building now,; or, will we prayerfully seek to learn how to be The Church to our community? One is a road of easy decisions. One is a road of very difficult introspection and decisions. And, the worst th8ng of all, living uncomforably.
I do not know why God has me where I am at. Working at the prison has been a growing experience, but also a painful one. It is definitely not what I want and would have chose on my own. But, my desire to be obedient to God has beenthe reason why I have stayed so far. And, I believe that we, as a local church, is facing a similar kind of decision. We greatly need God's help in making the right decisions for doing His will. It is a great strugglento be obedient as an individual. The more people who gather to seek His Will, the more conflict and confusion can arise. Especially if each is seeking what makes them, as an individual, feel safe. But, since when has God called us to do things that make us feel safe? I think that Abraham, Moses, Dietrich Bohnhoffer, Frederich Douglas, Maartin Luther, Martin Luther King, Jr., etc., would argue that our comfort is not God's greatest concern.it is our obedience. Let us prayerfully contemplate that.
At this time, some plans have been drawn up and a lot of money has been set aside for building the new church. It isnot fully funded yet. But we have some moeny set aside already. We have a good start; but, I am concerned that our focus is not where it should be. My greatest concern is that there is too much of a focus on the physical building, a physical church, but not much thought on being the church to our community.
What do I mean by "being the church?" Much, actually. Being a Christian is more than just making verbal confessions, carrying a Bible, with you all of the time, more than just memorizing Scripture, and attending worship worship at a church. It is much more than that. It is, first and foremost, a personal relationship with God throughthe life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. But, it doesn't end there. Not by a long shot.
Being a Christian means being a Follower of Christ. It means living a life of obedience to not just how God wants us to live morally, but also with how He wants us to serve Him and others. I think that my current life is an excellent example.
As many of you might already know, I work at a State prison here in Nebraska as Custody Staff. It is not a job that I actively sought out. In fact, when I have been job hunting, I have sought out a ministry position. Working in a church or a Christian organization is my heart's desire. I attended seminary ad got a Master's of Divinity (2000 at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) because that is where I felt God was calling me. But yet, I am working someplace totally different.
Not just that, but personality wise I am in a very challenging place. As an INFJ, I excell in theological study, teaching, and ministering to people. But yet, God is choosing to use me in a place very much outside of what come to me naturally. The last few weeks have been even more vividly so. Over the last year, as I have learned more about the personality that God has given me, I have begun to better understand why I have always been sensitive to my emotional surroundings. Keeping that in mind, it might come to a shock to you that God has been keeping meposted in visiting. My job in visiting, as Custody Staff, is to enforce rules with Inmates and the visitors. On top of all that, during the visiting periods are a huge, volital mix of emotions. Just a few of them are anger over bad d3cisions, grief over damaged and destroyed relationships, grief over shattered dreams, anger over not being in contol of one's life, etc. The more people who are together, the greater the intensity of these feelings. Yesterday, I had three big groups to deal with, with one being an almost to compacity of the large room. By the end of the day, I felt like I was a 110 volt motor that had been plugged into a 220 volt outlet. Being "very exhausted"was a gross understatement. One might logically ask, why would a loving God put someone like me in an environment that was so draining?! I wrestle with that a lot.
God has given me a few glimpses here and there. Over the 7+ years that I havemworked at this particular prison, God hasnused me to greatimpact many lives there. Both staff and inmates. It doesn't always appear like I do. But, I doget glimpses at times. For example, as I was getting ready do do my searches on a group of Inmates before their visiting session, they were already grumbling about how long it would take. Then one Inmate said, "Hey, I know Underwood... He's cool..." That is all he said. Might not seem like much, but I felt a large amount of the building anger and frustration drop. They all chose to cooperate and, when another staff member arrived to help, things ran very smoothly.
Why did I share this story? Over the last 7+ years, I have had to live in utter dependence to God for strength and with guidance for doing my job. A lot that I do as Custody Staff does not come naturally as an INFJ. It has been a huge struggle on many ocassions. But, from time-to-time, God gives me glimpses of how He has touched lives through me. But, tnis is only because I prayerfylly choose to be God's instrument.
For us as a church, I see us at a crossroads. Will we focus on our physical needs of having our own church building now,; or, will we prayerfully seek to learn how to be The Church to our community? One is a road of easy decisions. One is a road of very difficult introspection and decisions. And, the worst th8ng of all, living uncomforably.
I do not know why God has me where I am at. Working at the prison has been a growing experience, but also a painful one. It is definitely not what I want and would have chose on my own. But, my desire to be obedient to God has beenthe reason why I have stayed so far. And, I believe that we, as a local church, is facing a similar kind of decision. We greatly need God's help in making the right decisions for doing His will. It is a great strugglento be obedient as an individual. The more people who gather to seek His Will, the more conflict and confusion can arise. Especially if each is seeking what makes them, as an individual, feel safe. But, since when has God called us to do things that make us feel safe? I think that Abraham, Moses, Dietrich Bohnhoffer, Frederich Douglas, Maartin Luther, Martin Luther King, Jr., etc., would argue that our comfort is not God's greatest concern.it is our obedience. Let us prayerfully contemplate that.
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