Suddenly or not at all

If you are anything like me you go to church looking for something to happen. You're looking for God to move in a mighty way. You're looking for souls to be saved, lives to be changed, and God to be glorified. You are hopeful that God's Spirit will pour out in a way you have never experienced before. You're looking for God to move in a new way, to do a new thing.

I was always looking for God to do "something" while I was in service. I wanted God to turn on the light bulb for me. I wanted God to make me over, make me someone different, someone new....do something with me. I was looking for that magical moment to happen when I would go in through the church doors and come out magically transformed in every way by the worship service. I'm sad to report that day never came.

Please understand me, I have been changed by engaging in corporate worship. Going to church on a weekly basis has had an impact on me. But, it wasn't necessarily the circumstance transforming change I was looking for. So why is that? Why is there no special magical moments happening that change peoples lives forever? Why is it that people don't walk in poor, beat down, and foolish and walk out rich, victorious, and wise? Where is the pool of Bethesda?

Unfortunately, I think we have been misled. We have the spiritual walk backwards. Pastors and leaders of the church always talk about coming prepared to worship. They speak as though you spend your entire life preparing for those few hours on a Sunday morning or Wednesday night for the main "EVENT." Naturally people go in pumped up and ready to go. They are ready to give out "worship" and receive God's blessings. There is talk of how you need to "fill up" for the rest of the week. How you need to get that midweek boost to make it against the devil. Such an emphasis is placed on going to service with so little results.

The truth is corporate worship on Sunday, Wednesday, or any other day is an event. It's a culmination of a life lived for Christ. It will have an impact on you but no more than what you have aloud God's Spirit to do already in your life. The real hard work of a Christian's life takes place in the day to day living of the faith. It is the practicing of God's presence on an ongoing basis that will transform your life. It is prayer, Bible reading, Bible Study, fasting, meditation,service, worship (private and corporate)-It is the regular employment of the Spiritual Disciplines as a vehicle to bring you closer to the heart of God that will bring lasting change. There is no sudden transformation coming.

This may be a disappointing notice that there may not be a suddenly moment. I know that whole sermon series have been built upon the "sudden" power of God intervening into life's situations. And to be certain there are moments like that in many believers lives. But more often than not it is the ongoing daily pursuit of God that will satisfy our souls desires. Look at the Life of Christ and those that follow him. It was not one moment that made all the difference, but a dedicated life that matured over time.

I hope you don't find this post as a downer but as a hopeful motivator that life, power, and transformation is in fact possible (even if not in a moment). Don't give up on God, church, or spiritual matters because you haven't seen the change you want. Seek out those daily activities that will bring about spiritual maturity. Church is a part of that process. So don't be a suddenly or not at all person. Let those suddenly moments serve as markers in a broader spiritual journey.

God and Work

About a week ago I had the opportunity to see some old friends. It was a gathering centered around a tragedy. Nevertheless, as the mood lightened over dinner people began to loosen up and talk. We talked about the old days, changes in our lives, and of course-our careers. To my surprise most of the folks at my table said they "hated" their jobs. I was shocked because I was under the belief that for years I represented a small group that despite our best efforts could not find that career/calling God had equipped us for(Please understand, I do not hate my current job. It has its issues, but I don't hate it.).

Person after person felt out of place at their current place of employment. Many had worked in these positions for multiple years. Like most, these folks have dreams that they desire to see fulfilled. They want to be actors, singers, TV personalities, married, musician, playwrights, mothers,fathers, etc... Some have had glimpse of hope as they have ventured into their desired careers. Unfortunately, they just haven't been able to make "it" happen on a full time basis. One thing is for sure, this is not how they planned their careers.

While reading the book of John I came across a scripture that just jumped off the page. That scripture is found at John 3:27 "God in heaven appoints each persons work." This was a quote from John the Baptist concerning the shift in spiritual influence from himself to Jesus Christ. John recognized that he was not the messiah, but a forerunner for the one to come.

On one hand I find this scripture to offer hope and security. The truth of God appointing each persons work is comforting. It lets me know that God does have a plan and place for each one of his people. You don't have to wander on and on about where your place is. You can know and live it out. Like Toyota, "OH WHAT A FEELING!"

On the other side of this coin is the feeling and fear that God may appoint you to a job you don't necessarily care for. I know such a thought is near apostasy to many because "My God wouldn't do that to me." I know, I know...God only places us in fun, purposeful, enjoyable, talent and gift aligning jobs. If that is the case then why did Jonah run from his call? Why did Christ himself ask that the cup be removed from Him? How did Paul ask that his thorn be removed only to hear that God's grace is sufficient? Even Moses asked that God send someone else. Being appointed can be difficult.

So how do you reconcile the tension between the comfort of a call and the possibility that God's will and our wills don't match up? I suppose the only real answer is to submit to what God wants to do. We can't serve two masters no matter how hard we try. We can try to run, try to hide, but there is no escape. If God would send a fish to make his point clear to one man, what will he do for you? Resistance is futile. As Peter stated, "Lord, where can we go? (paraphrase)"

I'm not one of those folks that believes that God's call is always going to be painful and out of line with our desires. I happen to think that more often than not His call will align with what brings us pleasure and joy. I am saying that there may be times where we find ourselves in situations that we don't want to be in. It is in those times that you need to seek out God and find what his purpose is for you.

The Biblical accounts are almost always positioned right in the midst of tough times-Crisis. There are always choices that need to made, suffering and heartbreak to be endured, hope for better days, and a longing for God to deliver us through His mighty power. Sometimes these things happen. The history of believers that emerged triumphant is robust. At the same time the stories of those that had to endure to the end is also abundant. Finding God in our work is not always easy nor pleasurable.

With an estimated 80% of Americans unhappy with their jobs I wish I could say I have found the answer to our woes. I haven't. What I can say is this. Continue to seek God and His place in your daily work. Develop the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control-Gal. 5:22). Remeber that God is with us even until the end of the age (or shift). Don't give up on your dreams and desires but learn to be content and thankful in the midst of your work.

Is there room for fiction in Christianity?

The recent Release of The Twilight Saga-New Moon has triggered some debate and controversy amongst Christians concerning the fictional world of vampires and its possible connection to Satan Worship. In an article titled Responding to Twilight ,found at Charismamag.com, it shows some of the concerns about the themes of of the book and movie series. There is no doubt that some of the activities and decisions of the characters leave much to be desired. That is common amongst all movies, including those rated "G." As I read the article I asked the question, "Is there room for fiction in Christianity?"

I ask this question because even movies like the Chronicles of Narnia, well known for its Christian themes, has come under fire by Christians. I remember hearing an interview where a respected Christian was critical of the books and movies because the themes did not fit 100% in alignment with systematic theology. I thought to myself, "It's not the Bible or a theology class. It's a tool, a type, a picture of the Christian faith!"

I am a major fan of the Chronicles and I find them to be quite moving in their portrayals of themes such as faith, trust, sacrifice, calling, and gifting. The depiction of Satan as the Ice Queen is powerful. I believe the bait and switch promises she presents are accurate in the ways of the world and Satan. Narnia is a masterpiece in both its book and movie forms. There was also criticism of the Lord of the Rings series as well. The Christian themes of the "Rings" book and movie series are far less pronounced.

Getting back to Twilight, I find it to be in line with the classic story of vampires and forbidden love. I have only seen the movie-never read the books. The theme of good vs. evil is present as in most movies. I thought the story was well written. There was little to no violence, zero nudity, few kisses, no profanity, and no blood or gore. It is a love story with a vampire as its foil. As movies go it is pretty vanilla. Yet, there is concern that such movies are leading people into the worship of Satan.

I don't believe this is a new phenomena. I remember growing up people who were fans of The Lost Boys wanted to be vampires. One of my cousins was one of these people. He didn't dive deep into Satan worship or sharpen his teeth. He simply pretended to be a vampire for a little while. I think every generation has a fictional work that makes people interested in the possibility of extra-human powers. These folks are hungry for more-hungry for God.

To be certain there are movies that directly threaten the Christian community. They are outright onslaughts against Christ and His Cross. Those movies should be confronted with great debate and the proclamation of the Gospel. However, we ought not be fearful of fiction as a whole even when it doesn't tell the story of the Gospel. Instead we should seek to use these stories as a starting point for presenting the Gospel. The movie Twilight includes the themes of good vs. evil, eternal life, love, sacrifice, and spirituality in general. Anyone of these points can be lifted and used to direct people toward the Cross. I am not endorsing the Twilight series. I am simply asking, "Is there room for fiction in Christianity?"

Is God speaking to me?

Lately, I have been very concerned about if I am hearing God's voice. I have been reading Hearing God by Dallas Willard. I think the book offers great insight into hearing God through a conversational relationship. As of late I keep hearing a recurring theme over and over from various sources concerning God's plan for my life. It's not new and certainly not foreign. I have heard this "call" before.

In a lot of ways I think answering this call will unlock the rest of my life. I think it is as Darth Vader would say, "My Destiny." There is a great deal of risk, dedication, cost (financial and time wise), and faith needed to pursue this call. I have tried to pursue this twice. My first attempt ended miserably. My second attempt was close, but no cigar. Having crashed and burned twice I was thinking of pursuing something different all together. I had given up on what I believed to be my call.

Giving up on my call has come with a cost. My faith took a hit, my self-respect took a hit, and the level of respect of those close to me has taken a hit. This is common when you express your hopes, dreams, and plans and are not able to see them through to the end. It hurts to not obtain your dream. It also hurts to have those around you question your credibility. I think most people have experienced this at some level one way or another. The pain of failure can make it difficult to carry on with that dream. Nevertheless, those that do tend to be those we look up to.

So hear I am looking for another way to use the gifts and talents God has given me. With the disappointments of past failures weighing heavily upon me I was thinking, "won't do that again." However, that is not God's plan. God keeps sending people my way to remind me of his call on my life. These folks pop up unprompted. Out of no where they ask me if, "I have ever thought of _____?" Or they say, "you know you are called to...." Embarrassed that I can not say that I am in fact doing God's call I sheepishly answer, "Yeah, I've thought about it." I find myself thinking about it more and more as these reminders come in greater frequency.

This leads me to only one conclusion-GOD MUST BE SPEAKING. I would like to continue to ignore this and do what I want, how I want. But that does not seem like an option. I don't want to be foolish and in my search to hear God miss him altogether. I suppose the only thing left to do at this point is to answer his call and submit to the process. This is the tough part of process.

I tend to believe that most folks are like me. They want to hear God's voice, God's call. They want to know what form and shape their lives should be taking. If you're like me you may be missing God's voice altogether for no other reason than that you don't like what you are hearing. Don't let your rebellion get in the way of God's voice. Quiet yourself before him, watch for the recurring themes, and hear God speaking.

Honor or Worship

A couple of weeks ago my wife was informed by a friend that they had witnessed something quite unusual while attending a Christian Leadership Conference. Apparently, a psalmist had led the group in worship. As I understand he had a marvelous voice-angelic. People said his voice was beautiful. So far, so good. Up to this point nothing beyond his talent was out of the ordinary. But as I hear people say-"Wait for it."

Our friend states that the man left the pulpit and walked down the steps to prevent himself before the host pastor. As the host pastor stood before him the man laid himself prostrate before the pastor and took hold of his ankles. Another friend of mine that was present at the event described the moment as "uncomfortable."

After I stopped laughing with my friends at their description of the event I had a feeling of sadness. I was sad because I asked myself, "Where is the line between giving someone honor and giving someone worship?" I have seen on more than one occasion during a church service where someone dropped to their knees and bowed their heads before the pastor as an act of honor. At some level it would seem to be a humbling act. However, when you consider the entire picture and atmosphere it becomes a little frightening.

The same pastor that had his ankles grabbed and folks kneel before him is often quoted by his members as though they were quoting scripture. I remember watching an interview with a member from that particular church that had authored a book. This women wasn't five minutes into the interview before she began to credit her pastor for practically everything she was. There was also a group of women that accompanied her from that congregation that began to fall over each other to do the same. Such behavior has been encouraged by the pastor and his staff under the guise of "honor."

I would like to say that this is an isolated incident limited to only that church. But I have seen Christian leaders from across the nation encourage people to do the same. I have also seen local members of smaller congregations give the same "honor" to their pastors. Members afraid to speak about disagreements either to their pastor or in general. This is not done as an act of solidarity but out of fear for saying something bad about "God's anointed under-shepard." More and more pastors are being recognized as a special class of Christian worthy of honor, accolades, praise, blessing......"Worship."

I have no doubt that there is a place for giving honor to those that have served us well as pastors and leaders. I am all for showing gratitude to those individuals that have impacted our eternal souls for the good. But there is a line between showing respect and offering worship. Pastors are not super Christians. John Bevere rights about this in his blog, The Enemies Secret Strategy . Lets give honor where honor is due and Worship the only one truly worthy of it-Jesus Christ.