What should Christians be experts in?

In this day and age of Christian exceptionalism I have wondered lately, What should Christians be experts in? When I watch Pastor's on television I hear a lot about various aspects of ministry. I hear them speak of how they are great managers, leaders, motivators, writers, etc.... All of these things are or can be a part of doing ministry, but is this the primary focus of the church?

I have heard a great deal of discussion about being salesman, marketers, best selling author's, and Dove/Grammy award winning singers. These things are all great. But again, is that the focus of the believer? Please hear me correctly. I'm not knocking anyone of these things that have been mentioned. If you are going to do something you should do it well. Especially as a representative of Christ. However, I have concern that the main thing is no longer the main thing.

If you look at most story lines of pastors, ministries, and the like you typically will see a brick and number presentation. Such things as how much space, how many people, and the size of the budget will be front and center. In some ways it reads like the balance sheet of a company looking for investors. Again, you want to be successful in your work for the Lord and there is nothing wrong with doing well. Again, I'm concerned about the focus.

Another popular theme in the Christian faith is getting small. What I mean by that is who you need to cut out of your life so YOU can be successful. This is a serious bone of contention with me. I understand that bad company corrupts good character. But I don't think that the major issue for us is who we hang around, but who we are at our cores. Where is the mission of expanding the Gospel in the message of cutting people lose? Where is the mission of growing the Body of Christ? I don't see it. What I do see is that we are willing to do what we think we need to do to get what we want. I suppose we are experts in self in that sense.

The Word says that you shall know us by our love for one another. We should be experts in Love. Not motivation, management, marketing, business, production, and self help. No, we should be experts in LOVE! We are known by our love for one another. I once read a book that commented on how foreigners that visit America have been known to say that when they meet a pastor they know they are meeting a "manager." They also said when they meet a Buddhist monk they know they are meeting a "Holy Man." That says it all about what we are presenting and promoting as Christians. What are you an expert in?

COURAGE

This journey of life has taught me one clear lesson, COURAGE is needed. Courage is defined as: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is without doubt that life will encompass danger, fear, and difficulty. So, what is one to do with such promising prospects?

You have only two real choices when faced with life's harsh realities. The first choice is to cower and shrink back from the world before you hoping to hold on to what you have left. This is not a great option. One of the great truisms of life is that you are either gaining or losing. Rarely can one simply maintain. Money is either increasing or decreasing. The same with strength, wisdom, spiritual formation and so on. Hence the decision to shrink back and hold is actually a decision to slowly lose all. This type of thing will frustrate an individual because he won't know why he is losing when he isn't moving? Answer; because while you are standing still everything else is moving on.

The second choice one is presented with is to put your head down and run forward as hard as you can enduring the blows and gaining ground. This is the option I have chosen. You can't avoid pain, suffering, heartbreak, fear, difficulty, or loss. What you can do is continue to move forward and enjoy life's experiences as they come. You can make every moment count. A courageous life is not a life void of fear. It is life in the midst of fear. It is the ability to enjoy the great pleasures while persevering through great pain and learning from it.

Jesus Christ, the greatest man to have ever walked the earth, was not void of disappointment. He was not without danger. Yet, he pressed on through life with determination and purpose. I hold him as our highest and greatest example. He is the model for living. Hence, though life may crucify you, you must press through it all to get to the other side of joy...which is redemption.

One of my favorite movies is The Matrix. Agent Smith, the primary villain, is at one point completely destroyed by Neo the hero. At the beginning of the next installment of the movie series Agent Smith leaves a message fore Neo. In the message he thanks Neo for setting him free. It may be rare that you learn a life lesson from a villain but one is here. It was in the destruction of Agent Smith's paradigm of existence that he truly lived life and was set free. He was no longer operating by fear but by a fearless determination to continue on.

I plead with you to choose the road of courage. The road of fear and disappointment only produces the same. It is a miserable living with so few benefits. This life promises pain and suffering. I ask the question, "If you are going to suffer, why not suffer for a purpose?" There is no purpose in fear. Purpose can be found in courage.

Great Days

Monday, August 23, 2010 Great Days
Today was a truly Great Day! I was in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and back again. I spent the day reconnecting with my cousin. It was all love and all good. I had a meal in the Burgh that was Thanksgiving like complete with all the fixins'. There was turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, and pound cake....LOVE. I was able to see my family; Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, Step-Dad, Sisters, Cousins, Nephew, Niece....

It's days like this that remind you of the important things in life. It's about family, connection, fellowship...essentially it's about relationships. Connecting with the people you love is truly powerful. It's that feeling of acceptance, understanding, and support that means so much. You can't find that everywhere so value those times when you do.

Life isn't perfect but it can be enjoyable. Don't spend all your time looking at what you don't have. Step back from the grind and the pursuit of happiness and take in what you have right in front of you. Recognize those folks that let you be you and take care to enjoy them. Have a great day!

The Undeniable Power and Presence of Sin

Talk to any born again Christian and you will soon find that somewhere close to the beginning of the Gospel message is the presence of sin in the lives of men and women. Sin is what separates us from God, from each other, and even from ourselves (people are not congruent in their thoughts, intentions, beliefs, emotions, or actions). It is a terrible disease that plagues the human race from beginning to end. Remember Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God."

Sin is the number one problem in the world. Why is there disease? Answer-SIN. Why is there poverty? Answer-SIN. Why is there divorce, crime, pain, evil, lies, racism, debt, heartache.......? SIN, SIN, SIN!!! On every count it's sin. There is no escaping it's power or presence. Whether one is in or out of the church sin is still present among you.

Sin is why the country has a housing crisis. Sin is why you're overweight, underweight, or self-worshiping. Sin is why a person can do the wrong thing thinking it was for the right reason or do the right thing for the wrong reason. Sin is why we are attracted to hurtful, shameful, and damaging behavior. It is the cause of every whoa the human race experiences.

So, what is a man or woman to do? Where can one find relief? Will it ever end? The Answer to question number is seek out and accept Christ. He is the only real answer for our sinful ways. His blood and eternal life has paid the price for all of our wrongs. If you do this you find relief (the answer to question number 2).

Christ brings relief because takes the pressure to perform off of us. We can rest assured that we have salvation, forgiveness, love, and understanding from God our Father because of Christ. In addition, we receive the presence of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome sin in our lives. The Spirit helps to refine us and make us more like Christ daily.

If you proceed in the first two actions then the third question shall be answered via experience. We shall never know complete transformation from sinfulness to sinlessness on this earth. However, we shall sinless as we are formed in the image of Christ. Ultimately, we shall see the end of our struggle against this disease when we cross over into eternity. It is then that we shall be completely renewed. New bodies, a new home, and a whole new experience of God's presence and goodness. It will be at that time that we will see clearly and no as we have been known. There is no doubt that the power of sin is present throughout all of the earth. However, hope is available.

Man, Life is Hard!!!

I haven't written anything in a long time. There are multiple reasons for this. For one, I don't feel very spiritual lately. Truth is my heart just isn't in it. The second issue is that I've been coaching my son's T-ball team and that took quite a bit out of my free time. Last but not least, I've had one Hell of a year!

I won't go into the details but I must say life is much harder than I have ever expected. I took a shot that was so jolting I don't know what I'm going to do with the rest of my life at this point. There are so many questions, so few answers, and so much uncertainty. It's crazy.

Have you ever had a life altering experience so great that it has caused you to rethink everything you knew to be true? I have and I wish I hadn't. I have actually had two of these events take place in my life. The first was salvation. That was like being pulled out of the Matrix. I saw the world as it truly was; full of sinners and fools in deep need of Jesus Christ.

The second earth shattering event I can't even speak of because it's too much and too messy. Just know this...It appears to have been equally as powerful, in the negative, as my salvation experience. On one hand this has opened an opportunity for a fresh start. I have been brought to a crossroad and a decision must be made. You hear stories all the time of Christians that go through incredibly difficult times and come out better for it. I hope that's me.

On the other hand, there is such an anger, such a pain, such disillusionment, that I don't know if I want to come out better. I am a man faced with the harsh realities of life. This world is cruel. The people are cruel, the system is cruel, and no doubt there is no compassion in the to be found in the devil or his minions. Such suffering and confusion....what is one to do? I thought I knew the answer. I thought do the right thing and life will be good. I have done the right thing most of my life. It seems that it has been to no avail. Now I am asking the honest question of myself, "Is it worth it?"

I really don't know where to go from here. I don't know if it's worth it? Both ways...I don't know if it's worth it to struggle for righteousness despite the pain or if it's worth it to struggle in sin with momentary thrills with long term pain? I just don't know. What I do know is that life is hard...damn hard.

The late Ron Johnson used to say, "Life is Hard from the womb to the tomb, from the cradle to the grave, from the time you check in till the time you check out, life is a struggle." His son Charles would later add, "But, as long as I'm alive I still have a chance." I know what Ron said to be true. I hope I come to find that Charles was correct in his amendment.

Protecting a man's heart

We are a week removed from Valentines day. This is a day reserved for lovers. It tends to lean heavily in the favor of women in terms of gifts, dinner, and activities. Men may get gifts on this day. Maybe a watch, maybe an item of clothing, and if he's lucky-some sweet love making. The aforementioned items are nice, but it is the "sweet love making" that I want to focus on.

Over the years I have heard sermons preached on the roles and needs of men and women. Often male pastor's speak to the need of men as the strong desire, urge, and need for sexual fulfilment. Women tend to not always take this issue seriously when it comes to the needs of men. Women laugh, ignore, make fun of, or even down grade men for this very real need in their lives. Women think men are dogs that simply see women as objects to be used for physical pleasure. If only this were true (and I know in many cases it can be).

At the same time that women disregard the sexual needs of men those speaking on the subject have not always done a good job of communicating the issue at hand. They have said things like: "women learn to please your husbands" "your duty is the booty" and "you should affair proof your marriage." Don't get me wrong. These statements all contain the truth. They are simply spoken in terms that men understand. The straight forward nature of these statements are seen as crass by women. The "marriage proofing" statement is seen as a threat. "Learning to please your husband" is seen as a throwback statement of times when women weren't seen as equals.

As I was thinking about how to frame the issue I came up with "Protecting your man's heart." Engaging your husband in sexual activity is vital in his battle against temptation. Men are physical beings. This means that we respond to physicality (sight, touch, smell, etc...). In our current world the style of dress, the nature of commercials, and women in general pose a threat to men. Men can't help but notice women. We take in the physical form of a woman. Her figure, facial features, and clothing. A man will have any number of thoughts when he encounters a woman (one likely being sexual).

I heard a woman author who has written on the subject of men and sexuality, state that when men see a woman they catalog that woman in their brain like a Rolodex. This image can resurface at any time. Some being the most inappropriate. This happens without effort. She would go on to say that her survey of thousands of men found that men despise this brain activity and wish they could do away with it-temptations and all. Engaging your husband in regular sexual activity will help the man deal with such temptations. A man can deal with these things more easily when he is fulfilled sexually. The same is true of a man's ability to fight off advances by women. Pastor R.A. Vernon has stated that it is because of his wife's regular engagement of him sexually that he is able to shrug off the onslaught of women that approach him with less than Holy desires. In this way you are protecting your man's heart.

It doesn't just stop with the physical. Men have a high need for respect. Sex is a form of praise. It communicates worthship (respect) to a man. A women that shows her passion and desire for her husband through sex is saying "I love and respect you. Because of that, I give myself to you." This can do wonders for a man's confidence. Once again, protecting his heart from the damage sustained in this tough world.

Sex is also the way that a man connects to his wife. Women want intimacy in the form of emotional, spiritual, and physical (non-sexual touch)interaction. Men tend to give those things post sexual activity or to get sexual activity. Sex is the gateway through which the man provides those things. If sex is denied men don't want to offer those other forms of intimacy. Sadly, if the man doesn't offer those things there will be no sex. This leaves both parties wanting and frustrated. Try connecting with your husband through sex and see if he doesn't open up in those other areas.

Lastly, this is one thing only you can provide in a holy, healthy, and safe manner. I believe I heard Ed Young Sr. state that men can find friendship, food, and a partner outside of the marriage without violating God's word. It is only a wife that can provide sexual fulfillment to a man. What a statement! The very thing that men have identified time and time again as their greatest need-only you can give it to him. What an honor and a responsibility.

I would encourage women to read, research, and accept the truth about men's hearts and sex. Don't view your husband in disgust because of his needs. We know as men that this is not anywhere close to a priority for most women. I appeal that if you love your husband and care about his needs that you make a conscious effort to meet them. Help protect his heart by meeting his number one need with passion, desire, and creativity.

What did you say?

I have recently come to the conclusion that I don't know how to hear God. I don't know if I ever knew how to hear God. I stumbled upon this fact while reflecting on current discontent with my life's circumstances. As I was thinking over how I got to where I am I figured out that I got here by not hearing God clearly. I can only imagine that I would be living out my purpose daily if I knew what God was telling me to do. Unfortunately, I don't know what he is telling me. I have thoughts and ideas about what he is saying, but I don't have solid concrete answers.

I have met, read about, and heard about people that sense God's leading through life in a real and tangible way. People who pray about just about everything from where to live, what job to take, what to name their babies, and on and on. I have prayed about these things-but I can't say that "I heard God." I envy folks that say they can hear God speaking and their life appears to reflect that their claim is true.

It's not that these people don't have troubles or disappointments because they do. It's the fact that their troubles and disappointments have purpose attached to them. In my current condition I don't know if my suffering is for the greater cause of Christ (purpose) or for making the wrong decisions-being outright rebellious-sin. If I knew for a fact that all of my struggles were of my own doing that is relatively easy to fix. All I have to do is get on track and do the right thing. However, if my suffering is because I am in fact doing the right thing and the enemy is attacking that gives me a completely different direction.

Years ago I thought I knew my purpose and my passion. I have struggled to live that out with little gain. There have been many times that people have confirmed my gift and calling. Yet, so few times where I have found a place, a home for that calling to grow and have an impact. I have now come to a point where I don't know if that is my calling, simply a talent, or if I even want to be used in such a way (or am willing to submit). My dreams have been crushed and scattered and without hearing the clear direction of God I don't know what to make of it.

I want to hear from God! I want to have an ongoing sense of his presence and leading in my life. I want to learn how to do "listening prayer." All to often I fall asleep while I'm trying to listen. I wake up mad that I fell asleep, mad that I didn't hear from God, mad that I'm not still asleep. I want to live a life of specific purpose. I want a life that means something. I want to use my gifts and be used and know that's what I'm doing.

If you have any insight as to how one "listens" let me know. I know about basic prayer, reading scripture, and the like. I am not looking for "water is wet" type answers. I'm looking for specific insight to engaging God on a specific level of instruction. A sort of "call and response" with the almighty. To be clear let me illustrate: I have asked many people how they started their businesses, ministries, etc... These folks always come back with answers like "God did it," "It was all the Lord," and "It was a lot of hard work." In such cases I am looking for the details of the "hard work." It is in the details that the mystery is unveiled. With that said, please help a brother out.

Second Class

If you haven't heard there has been a lot of controversy this week about an ad Focus on the Family has produced for the Super Bowl. The ad is a pro-life message featuring College Football Great, Tim Tebow and his mother.

If you don't know Tim Tebow you can google him and there will be no shortage of information available. In short, he is a two time NCAA National Football Champion and Heisman Award Winner. He is also considered to be a man of tremendous character and faith. He already has plagues dedicated to him on The University of Florida campus (These were produced in advance of his graduation). Some have argued that he may be the greatest college football player of all time.

The ad tells the story of how Tebow's mother suffered through a difficult pregnancy while carrying Tim. It was recommended that she get an abortion due to the difficulties she had encountered. Mrs. Tebow decided to stay the course, honor her faith, and her son's life. Through Tim Tebow's play as a football player, missionary work as a Christian, and leadership he has added much to the world already. It leaves the viewer thinking what could be loss when we abort children.

Lot's of liberal, pro-choice groups, such as National Organization of Women have come out against this ad and NBC. There have also been individuals that have spoken out against this ad citing the polarization of the message as inappropriate for the Super Bowl.

My wife stated, "How is it that it's OK to show half naked women,but it's not OK to talk about life?" Excellent question. There have been all types of commercials shown on Super Bowl Sunday. Some very racy and highly questionable for family viewing (the targeted audience of the Super Bowl). Yet, little protest or outcry. Where was the outrage from the Women's groups? After all, women were being displayed and used as objects to move product. Is that not a negative message?

More and more, Christians are being told not to speak by those that appose their message. People automatically jump to the cry for unity, question the appropriate nature of the venue, and treat our message as though it has no place in the public arena. We are not Second Class citizens! We are first class, equal, like anyone else in this nation or world. Our contributions to this country are well documented. We must stand for truth and for our right to speak that truth in love.

Redeeming Value

I just finished watching the movie The Soloist. It is a moving about the real life story of a man blessed with a tremendous gift of music set back by his struggles with mental illness. It is stated in the movie that the main character, Nathaniel Ayers Jr., suffers from schizophrenia. This is a mental illness that causes the brain to process information in a way that distorts what is being seen and heard.

The movie tries to convey the struggles and humanity of not only Ayers, but of all those that find themselves homeless and suffering from mental illness. During the course of the movie Ayers makes the statement,"I think God made a mistake when he made me. I don't think he wants anything to do with me (paraphrase)." This was a heartrending statement by Ayers.

As I thought more and more about Ayers stated belief that God made a mistake when he made him I began to think that he isn't alone in his assessment. I believe at some point in time many people have felt like a "mistake." They look at their lives, their struggles, their deficiencies, their pain and suffering, their decisions, and wonder-was all this a mistake? Folks look at where they are in life and think how can God use me? They wonder if life is worth fighting for? They wonder is there any redeeming value?

Such questions are frightening. Yet, they are the reality of life for many. The good news is that no matter how bad it is your life is worth redeeming. Your life has value. I think back to Moses. Here was a man that found out at approximately age 40 that he was on the wrong side of the battle. It was around that time that he came to realize that he was part of a kingdom that had enslaved and murdered his people. In an act of rage he killed a man. Moses would flee to the wilderness for fear of losing his life as a consequence of his actions.

While in the wilderness Moses receives a call from God to return to Egypt to free his people from bondage. Moses responds by telling God all of his short comings. God responds by telling Moses He knows exactly who and what Moses is and sent him on his way. To make a long story short, Moses through a series of events did as God commended him and liberated his people. Moses' life was redeemed by doing what God wanted him to do and using what God gave him.

Are you like Nathaniel Ayers or Moses? Do you feel at times that God has made a mistake or that you don't have what it takes? Have you made choices in life that have led you to believe that you can't be redeemed? Don't believe it. God has created us all with a purpose. That purpose comes with the understanding that we are but dust (frail), yet equipped with what we need to do God's will. Christ redeemed and equipped us all with gifts and talents. For Mr. Ayers, his story has helped to shed light on those that are homeless and mentally ill. Ayer's has also shared the beautiful gift of music with many. For Moses, he turned out to be the chief figure of the old testament. You can not recall the history of the Israelites without the story of Moses. And for you......well only you and God know that. Ask God to reveal how he wants to redeem your life and your gifts-sufferings, shortcomings, mistakes, and all. No matter what you are struggling with you have REDEEMING VALUE.

A Celebration of Gospel

Worship has to be one of the most powerful spiritual activities a person can engage in. Worship can move the individual, others, and even God. There are numerous occasions in the scriptures where acts of worship are followed by a powerful move of God. God answers prayer, praise/worship, fasting, obedience, etc...by showing up.

I just finished watching A Celebration of Gospel on BET. It was a fantastic showing of the talent that is promoting the Gospel of Christ through song. Not only was it a show of talent, but it was a moving presentation as the songs spoke to the heart of the people.

I was personally moved during the tribute to Steve Harvey, host of the show. The tribute was a balanced presentation of who Steve Harvey is. It did not paint him as a perfect man, but instead as a man with struggles and in process. The tribute moved Steve Harvey to tears.

The Gospel of Christ is not about perfection. It's not about having it all together. It is about our relationship with God through Christ and His forgiveness. A Celebration of Gospel captured that. You can capture that as well if you will ask Christ to come into your life, forgive your sins, and walk with you. I'm certain BET will repeat this program many times over. Take some time and watch it. Let the Celebration move you.

Being a leader of Men

ESPN has been showing a compilation video of great moments in college football over the last decade. Included in their collage was a video showing the head coach of Iowa State address his team after a victory over Nebraska. The coach was full of emotion as he stood before his team. The young men he had led to victory reciprocated their coaches emotions (I have included the video below).

It is really an inspiring moment. As I watched I thought to myself, "What a feeling to lead men to great heights." It is truly something when you can take a man, or a group of men and together achieve something great. I remember being a member of a two time championship wrestling team back in middle school. My coach expressed gratitude to our entire team. He was thankful for all of our hard work. We too, were thankful. We often referred to each other as family. We looked out for each other and had each other's backs. We pushed each other further then we thought we could go.

Men need a leader. Men need a team. Men need a family-a community of men. If you're lucky, you are part of a team somewhere. Maybe it's your team at work. Maybe it's a local hoops squad you are a part of. If you are truly blessed perhaps you are a part of a church with a pastor that leads and inspires men to follow Christ and achieve greatness. The sad reality is that so many men don't have a team to be a part of or a leader to follow.

Christ was a leader of men and still is. He led the disciples, he led the 120, he led the multitudes. Christ inspires greatness in men. He causes men to be and do things they could have never done apart from Him. Christ sees what is in a man and because he knows the purpose we were created for he stands at the mountain top telling us to "come higher."

If you are a man without a leader and a team may I suggest you start with Christ. Ask Him to lead your life. Ask Him to reveal your gifting and skills. Ask Him what position He would have you play. Maybe He has called you to be a leader of men. Maybe he has called you to be an intricate part of a team. If that is to be, you must first be a follower of Him.

Come one, come all

One of the truly remarkable things about Christ is His miraculous healing power. Biblically speaking, there had been miracles before Christ but not anywhere near the same quantity and quality. Jesus' "heal at will" style drew crowds from near and far. People came from all over seeking the healing touch of Christ.

Matthew 4:23 says, "...And he healed every kind of disease and illness." Every Kind!!! What exciting news. It's exciting because there is nothing that Jesus can't handle. Nothing that he can't heal. What's even more exciting is that He is still healing today. That means that we can come to Him in search of wholeness with hope and expectation.

There is always an open invitation to come to Christ with what is on our hearts and minds. Whatever our sufferings we can present them to Christ. We are instructed in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all our cares on Him. Bringing our "illnesses" to Christ is an act of worship. It says that we recognize that He is the one that can get us through whatever trial we are facing. It recognizes His power. It recognizes God in all the ways that he has revealed Himself to us.

I know that you have probably taken a request to God that seemed to be unanswered. Things like that leave us wondering some time. However, we have to remember that He is sovereign and all of his decisions are good and right. If God chose not to move in a way that was satisfying to you, be certain that it was satisfying to Him for His eternal purposes.

Although things don't always go the way you want don't let that deter you from making your request known. Healing is ours to ask. Healing is His to give. Later on in Matthew 4:24 it goes on to say, "And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed-he healed them all." Go to God with passion, with hope, with expectation, and wait patiently for His response. Whether now, later, or in the everlasting glory, He will heal us all. In the mean time-COME ONE, COME ALL!!!

New Year, New Freedom

I recently began reading through the book The American Patriots Almanac by William Bennett and John T.E. Cribb. I have found it to be a magnificent work retelling the great history of our nation in a way that is concise and interesting. It reads like a daily devotional of American history. Each day tells of a different person, event, or place in America.

The book leads off with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln. January 1st marks the historical date in which President Lincoln signed into law the freeing of all slaves in those rebellious states. With a stroke of his pen he dealt a strong blow to slavery. America would never be the same again.

There are so many things that are significant about this event. The one that stands out most to me is that the Emancipation was signed on January 1st. What great imagery that with a new year came freedom. January 1st is a day that holds so much hope and promise for people. We often look forward to what the future holds. We stand hopeful of what tomorrow brings. With a new year comes our own emancipation from the past. We welcome the new year as a chance to start over. We envision renewal.

The Proclamation states, "all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State...in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thencefoward, and forever free." I believe Christ made a similar proclamation when he arose from the grave. Maybe it reads something like this, "all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State...in rebellion against the Kingdom of God, shall be then, thencefoward, and forever free."

God grants us new mercies each and every day. Included in that is the new mercies of a new year. Let's break free from the chains of the past. Break free from the slavery of sin, poor choices, shortcomings, and downfalls. He who the Son sets free is free indeed. Enjoy this new year-new freedom and live in a way that demonstrates that you are FOREVER FREE.

Victory

I have long been in search of victory in my life. It seems so allusive. Strangely enough, one might think obtaining victory would be easy as a Christian. After all, there has been book after book written on the subject. Whole ministries have been started based on the premise of victory. Overcoming this, Taking Down that, Hour of Victory, Born to Win, Power, Promises, and Promotion, just to name a few (the names here are purely fictional on my part so as to protect the identity of those involved). Well, you get the point.

Victory seems to be so much a part of the Christian life and culture. Yet, when I look around and talk to many of my brothers and sisters in Christ I find that after we stop pretending there's not a whole lot of winning going on. There is a lot of pain, a lot of suffering, a lot of crushed hopes and dreams......very little victory. So, what is the problem? Why don't we have the Victory? Why are we struggling.

I find that most teaching on living victoriously comes with a formulated plan. Perhaps it says something like "fast this many days," "Pray like this," "Worship like that," and let us not forget "Give till it hurts." If you're like me you have sought to obtain victory in this way. You followed the plan in hopes of a breakthrough. You hoped to go to that "next level." You were looking to finally be the head and not the tail, the lender not the borrower. You hoped and hoped. Prayed and prayed. Yet, no victory.

I have asked God about this for many years now. One of the answers I believe He has given me is that our view of victory is just not on par with His. Remember, His ways are not our Ways. When you look at the Cross and the great suffering of our Savior I can't imagine that in our humanity we would have chosen that course of action to obtain victory over sin, death, and the devil. We would have likely deployed the angels, called down fire from on high, or with the words of our mouth simply made it right. Who among us would have known that Christ was actually winning as He suffered on the cross? His followers weren't thinking, "Championship!" on that day. Yet, it was through this seeming loss that Christ paid our debt, wiped away our sin, and obtained eternal life for us. I could go on about this but I will save that for another time.

The other issue might be that we are looking for victory in things rather than in a person. Psalm 3:8 says, "Victory comes from you, O Lord..." Maybe we have been looking for victory in all the wrong places? Perhaps, we have been looking for victory in our own strength and in our own talents? In verse 3 of Psalm 3 it states, "But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high." Maybe we should just run to God and let him shield us from what we are going through. It is there in His presence that victory will be found. It is there that we shall overcome-by His might.

Those things I mentioned earlier (prayer, fasting, worship, etc...) are all avenues of connecting with our Lord. They are to be used and practiced regularly. However, they are worthless if our goal is to obtain something different than the presence of God. Victory comes from Him. Let us go to Him and in doing so obtain victory.

Don't sell me out!!!

Have you ever been sold out? It is certainly one of the worst feelings you can experience. I have been fortunate that my friends have never sold me out. However, there have been quite a few occasions when colleagues of some kind have sold me out. I can remember sitting at work and having my partner sell me out while trying to defend herself. It was unnecessary. When I confronted her about that situation she told me that she was highly competitive and saw that as an opportunity to knock me down a few notches. Competition amongst co-workers is to be expected. So I took that with a grain of salt and moved on.

There are times when you will be betrayed by those close to you-by those commissioned to protect you. Being sold out by a co-worker, competitor, or mere acquaintance is one thing. Being sold out by someone you trust is a completely different animal. I can remember being a member of a group where I held a leadership position. The advisor of that group actively sought to "sell me out." He knew my qualifications weren't where they needed to be and used that as a way to have me removed. He told me he did it with my best interest in mind...disgusting.

Can you imagine what Eve felt when Adam sold her out in the Garden? I'm sure she was crushed by Adam's finger pointing and blame. In an attempt to exonerate himself, Adam told God that it was the woman that had caused him to sin (Genesis 3:12). Adam was Eve's husband, trusted companion, protector, and friend. He denied all those titles and responsibilities when he turned a blind eye to Eve's conversation with the serpent and when he blamed her for his shortcomings.

The Bible does not elaborate on what took place between Adam and Eve relationally post-garden. I can imagine that Adam had some explaining to do. Adam would have had to overcome all the emotional pain, the betrayal, and the loss of trust between he and Eve....A crushing blow to their once perfect relationship.

Relationships are funny in this way. They take an incredible amount of time to build up and yet can be reduced to ruble in a matter of moments. Choices that are made in seconds can have consequences that last a lifetime. This is true in all relationships. Some relationships do not have the strength to withstand such blows. Others, though still standing, sustain irrevocable damages.

Don't be a blamer, a finger pointer, a "sell out," when times get tough. Take the responsibility that is yours whether good or bad. Deal with the consequences of your actions. Although painful, it will take you further in terms of respect and trust. As we look at the new year and the many resolutions that people make, lets make a resolution to be a committed friend, husband, co-worker, etc...

Naked and Unashamed

A new year is upon us and with that comes the task of reading through the one year Bible. As with the start of all things comes the beginning. Hence, we start off in the book of Genesis with Creation Story. It is in chapter 2 of Genesis that God brings Eve to Adam. No doubt this was a spectacular moment for Adam..."This one is bone of my bone, and flesh from my flesh!"

In Genesis 2:25 it states, "Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame." What a statement. Both...naked....and unashamed. Many of us search our entire lives looking for a place where we can be naked ( in all senses of the word) and unashamed. We look for a place of safety, a place of commonality, a place of rest. We look for that place where we are known intimately in all of our strengths, weaknesses, faults, dreams, fears, hopes,potential, and shortcomings. This place is not found in a location, but in a person.

Adam and Eve found their place in each other. Adam had seen all of God's creation paired with a mate equal to themselves. He stood there as they were presented before him naming and observing them...."But still there was no helper just right for him." Adam noticed that something was missing from his life. He took notice that there was no one, no "helper" just right for him. He could not share with the animals of the earth, the birds of the sky, nor the fish of the sea. He needed someone-just right for him.

God took notice too. Certainly, if God chose he could have sustained Adam for all of his days in all ways. But God did not design man to function that way. He designed us with a need for relationship. We need people. We need each other. We need a place where we can be naked and unashamed.

There is a certain type of freedom that is experienced when you find yourself in a safe place with a person with whom you can bear your soul. Someone that knows your heart and your thoughts, and still loves and supports you. There is liberty when you know that a person has your best interest at heart despite the circumstances. There is peace when you know you are safe.

Finding this person in your life can be difficult. Many have given up and have resigned to a relationship with Jesus and Him alone. Many church leaders promote such relationships as they often preach about how many people you need to drop to "make it." We pretend that we are satisfied with our lonely existence (I don't care how spiritual you say you are without people in your life you will be lonely). Think about this. Adam walked in the Garden with the Lord. Yet, not only did Adam take notice of his need for a "helper" so did God.

First,let us start by being the type of person that is safe for others. Let us rejoice with those who rejoice and grieve with those that grieve. Let us be people of love and charity. Let us fight against the temptation to spread malice and be people of confidentiality by allowing those in need of confession to be set free without the weight of their sin being made public to all.

Second, let us remain sensitive to who God is bringing in our lives. The Bible says that God brought Eve to Adam. Be patient in your search for that safe person. Don't be too quick to bear your soul. Yet, be watchful and wait to see who God has paired you with.

Third and finally, stay busy at what God has called you to do. Adam was faithfully working at his assigned post when all this took place. Working did not distract Adam from noticing his desire and need for someone in his life. You too will still feel that void even if you are doing what God has called you to. However, you are more likely to find someone that is in line with what God has called you to when you are doing what God wants you to do.

Stay hopeful for that safe place in this new year. God has made us for relationship and intimacy. He made us to be in a place where we can be naked and feel no shame.