Love Already Won

Rob Bell recently came out with a new book titled, "Love Wins. A Book About Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived." The premise resides around the afterlife. When we die, we will either go to Heaven or Hell. However, Rob Bell believes that in Hell, we will still have the option to find salvation in Jesus. Ultimately, he's proclaiming that "hell" may not even be a physical place. He's proclaiming that God's love is so great that he will pursue those who are lost in Hell until each of them chooses Him. For those who do not know, this is untraditional Christian thought. So much so, that Rob Bell is being labeled as a heretic by some. Perhaps he is. Perhaps he is not. I'm not here to label anyone. But I do have thoughts that I need to get out. So here goes...

Rob Bell, you ask, "Who says that God can't pursue people's hearts even after our physical death?"

Good point. We don't know the answers to the afterlife. We can only rest in 100% confidence in the knowledge that there is an afterlife and what we do in this life effect where we will go when we die... Heaven (whatever that means, with Jesus) or Hell (whatever that means, without Jesus).

Maybe God will save sinners in the afterlife... but what if he doesn't?

How can someone be sure that there will still be a chance in the afterlife to ask for forgiveness and live with Jesus? We can't be sure. I think its awfully foolish to wait for an option that may never be available. Maybe it will be. But why put all your eggs in a basket that may have a huge, gapping hole in it? Why deny love now?

I think the right questions to ask is, "What are we going to do in this life time that will make lasting impact for God's glory now?"

The Bible says eternity is now. We must live in that truth. We must live with eternal minds now. What happens today, in this moment, will have lasting impact. Therefore, I will focus my heart on loving God, living for Him, making Him my savior every day, doing what I can to save more of God's people now, and to bring God glory all the days of my life... on earth and in heaven. This is my mission.

I will not wait or rest on a possibility that may not exist... and I believe that this idea may cause people to wait. We must not stray. We must hold on to the truths that the Bible proclaims. God is Lord. Jesus is Savior. And we each have the choice to put our faith in Him and live in Freedom form our bondage, today.

You see, Love already won.

Love already beat death. Love already offers the gift of salvation and freedom to each and everyone of us NOW. It is our simple choice... today and tomorrow... to choose to live in Freedom, or not.

I think we put God in a box whenever we say "this is how God is. and this is how God does things." Yes, God is love. But perhaps giving us a chance on earth to proclaim God's glory and accept the gift of Jesus' death and resurrection that saves us from our sins is love enough. Who can say there is any bigger expression of love than that? Why are we always looking for something else? Something that makes that simple fact better, as if anything more than that could be better?

Rob Bell, yes it is ok to ask questions and ponder the unknowns. I myself wonder what Heaven will be like... if there really are streets of gold, and what worship will look like when we get to be with the Lord. But I will not stand for you labeling how God chooses to love or proclaim ideas that we have no way of knowing if they are truth. They may be... who knows? But that's just it... no one knows.

God says... "I Am who I Am." That is all we need to know. Now is the time to trust. Now is the time to believe. Now is the time to make eternal decisions.

Please don't wait on any idea that may just be that... an idea. Please, make your decisions on truth, now.

My Heart

If we are to be disciples of Jesus, we must be made disciples supernaturally. And as long as we consciously maintain the determined purpose to be His disciples, we can be sure that we are not disciples. Jesus says, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16). That is the way the grace of God begins. It is a constraint we can never escape; we can disobey it, but we can never start it or produce it ourselves. We are drawn to God by a work of His supernatural grace, and we can never trace it back to find where the work began. Our Lord's making of a disciple is supernatural. He does not build on any natural capacity of our at all. God does not ask us to do the things that are naturally easy for us - He only asks us to do the things that we are perfectly fit to do through His grace, and that is where the cross we must bear will always come.

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

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I've never felt sorrow and joy so completely intertwined before. But I have for the last month or so... every day...

Its almost as if my heart feels the strain of this world... the cry of misplaced hope... the need for love and the feeling of failure. But then, the dichotomy of Hope leans right up against it too. The Hope of knowing and trusting in Jesus. The understanding that what is lost can be found... and is found. And although my feeble attempts often land me in the midst of "failure" (whatever that means), the Hope and Joy in my heart begins to fix me little by little. And I wish others would know this Truth too...

Oswald Chamber wrote, "He only asks us to do the things that we are perfectly fit to do through His grace, and that is where the cross we must bear will always come." Oh how my heart feels heavy when I read that! For the sorrow and pain in my soul reminds me that my life is messy... and this world has left fingerprints on my heart... but I somehow trust (I am left needing to trust) that the Joy and Hope that lives within me will outlast and transform the grime. It is what makes me whole. It calls me. Pushes me. Asks me to be something I don't think I can be. And I can't on my own. In my weakness he lifts my heavy heart to His and whispers ever so severely - and sweetly - that His strength can be sufficient. Rest in me. Rest under my wings and be loved by your Father who loves you. And oh, He does. He loves so utterly and completely that it almost hurts my heart... because it is so profound and real and... there.

Perhaps that is why my heart seems so heavy and joyful right now. Because His love is in the midst of my weakness... and perhaps, for right now at least, it is sustaining me. And all I can do is lean into it. Because me heart is so weak. It's always been weak. For I am simply a human trying to make some sense in this world. But He is filling my heart with Joy... And I am trying.

Hosea 2

I have a new favorite chapter of the Bible. Hosea 2. I know its an obscure favorite, but seriously. It is remarkable. A perfect illustration of our sinfulness, God's jealousy for our hearts and His redemptive power to rebuild what we break. Truly remarkable. Hope filled. Humbling too. I urge you to read it.

Some favorite parts?

Verses 14-15: Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor [trouble] a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came out of Egypt.

Verses 19-20: I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.

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This chapter simply strikes a chord within me unlike any other. You see, the world has allured her. And she has prostituted herself to everyone and everything. And He is a jealous God who wants her heart - the heart He created for His glory.

And so she is stripped naked. Her path blocked. Unable to catch desire. She is exposed. Her celebrations put to an end.

And that is when He allures her... gently leads her to the desert.

There she confronts Hurt. The barren, rolling hills emanate emptiness and despair. Why here? There are no distractions. Nothing to run to. No way to hide. Her heart is laid bare and her mind peeled open to Truth and Understanding.

It is here that He speaks. Every so tenderly. Piercing her heart with Truth.

"You've come. I've been waiting."

And then emotion comes. A cry for help within her withered and broken soul pleads for deliverance from the heavy chains. No more hiding. No more running. The dam breaks free and washes everything away.

And then the rebuilding begins. Troubled lies are brought forth and the door of hope gives way to freedom.

And then she feels it happening. Her rusting heartstrings are replaced and re-laced with ones of fine gold. And she can't hold back. A song of joy and redemption is released from within her soul and she is free!

The names of the past fade from her lips. A new covenant is made. A betrothal for eternity... in righteousness, justice, love and compassion.

Adultery gives way to faithfulness as LOVE is acknowledged. And LOVE responds. A booming voice over all creation.

"I planted you here for myself. I will show you my love for you are mine and I will fight for you."

And out of the desert she comes. And she responds, "Yes, I am yours and You are my God."

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Incredible! He is so jealous for her heart and purposefully stripes her of everything... and instead of condemning and judging... he leads her to the desert and speaks tenderly to her!

Do you get it? God is jealous for our hearts. He wants us for His own. In our days of trouble, He will lead us to the desert where we may feel lost, confused, tormented by who we have become and the choices we've made in the past. But it is from the desert that He provides a door of hope and redemption. It is from the desert that He speaks tenderly to us; where He waits for our hearts to respond.

Will we open our hearts to Him? Will we respond to His grace and love? Or will we remain in the desert? Will we become comfortable and take up residence there? Will we ignore the slavery that constricts our hearts? Perhaps our slavery is indistinguishable... perhaps it has become the norm in our lives. Perhaps we question whether we are slaves at all. But if we become comfortable in the desert we will only keep ourselves from being rebuilt and molded into who we were originally created to be. We will instead be lost forever. Never finding our way. Chasing after things we will never catch.

And so the question remains... will we listen to His tender voice? Will we be released from the bondage that so easily consumes? Or will we remain lost forever?

Because He Responds

They say, "be careful what you ask for because you might actually get it."

Well, that's how I feel sometimes when it comes to prayer and God... because He responds.

Some of you know that this summer marked the end of a 6 year journey of serving Westminster's youth ministry. Wow. That number 6 still seems remarkable to me... a lot happened in those 6 years that I will always treasure. 

Now that I've taken a break from "ministry," I often get the question... "where are you going to serve now? What's your next step?"

Well, one thing about ministry is that when you're in it, you kind of feel like you can check off the "service" box as complete. Like, yeah, of course I'm serving others all the time because... gosh, I'm a part of a ministry! I serve these kids and therefore, my job is done. And while yes, that is undoubtedly true... I was serving those kids with all my heart and I do not want to diminish or devalue that truth... I think a part of me forgot what it really means to serve everyone else. That's a much harder "box" to check off.

So, that's my answer. This next year is about service and re-learning what serving others really means. And I can tell you already... even though its only been about a month... this is going to be a difficult year of learning. It's hard to admit, but the truth is that I jumped into this year of "service-discovery" without first realizing what I was signing up for. And to be honest, I think it had to be that way, otherwise I'm not sure I would have chosen it. 

You see, God responds when we commit to something, when we decide to do something and when we ask for help. And that's when He begins to put things in our lives that requires us to step outside of ourselves and actually learn what we've asked to learn. 

And that's why this is hard. Because service requires selflessness... and if you know me... then you know that's something I struggle with. Selflessness.

But I do want to learn. And so I'm going to try. Its proving to be difficult. 

But God responded. So, now its my turn.

 

Hypocrisy: Still learning but here are some thoughts

I'm nervous to post anything on this topic... and to be honest, I don't really want to, but something makes me think I need to. So, here it is. I'm sure not everything I write will be truth as I am still learning, but I extend my trust to you and ask for your open heart and mind to these random smatterings of thoughts on hypocrisy.

Here we go...

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One of the biggest objections that many people (non-believers and believers alike) have against Christians is that our lives are saturated with hypocrisy. We say one thing, but do another. We proclaim that sin is wrong, and then turn around and sin against someone we love. We put ourselves on a pedestal because we are "saved," while condemning everyone else for being full of "sin." Then, we turn around and are selfish, prideful, drunkards, gossipers, full of hate, searching out instant gratification, and finding fulfillment in selfish ambition and vain conceit.

We cannot deny that this is happening... because it is happening. It's a dark and painful truth. But its real. Therefore, it must be brought forth into the light. It must be discussed. If left under the rug, it will only brew more hate and confusion in the hearts of men. That is why I write on this topic. May this be the platform that prompts discussion so that we may be challenged to learn something new together.

Ok, so here's the thing. All of us sin and will continually fall short of the mark. Regardless of whether we do or do not believe in Jesus, we undoubtedly do wrong. Every day. Multiple times. Maybe even the same thing multiple times every day. There's just no getting around it. We will all repeatedly sin whether we purposefully seek it out (because sometimes we do), or even when we desperately try not to (because sometimes we will just give in). We are stuck in the struggle to do what our flesh desires and what our spirit was created for. Therefore, "Christians" will, by unfortunate default, live hypocritical lives until we are reunited with Jesus in Heaven.

So, yes. Christians are indeed hypercritical. I am in fact a hypocrite. Despite the truth that the desire and longing to live a right life runs deep deep deep within my heart... I often sin. I do what I proclaim to be wrong or harmful or self destructive or prideful... because sin will always be knocking at my door.. and sometimes I don't have the strength or ability or desire to deny it and leave it on the door step. Instead, I'll answer and take part.

And if I'm expected or asked not to be a hypocrite, then I am essentially being asked to be perfect. And there is only one person who has ever lived a perfect life on this earth... and that is Jesus.

I am not Jesus. And therefore, I will never be able to live a blameless, sin-free life. This is a humbling truth because it means that I will fail in my journey to obey Jesus because I love him and want to do what is right. But I will fail. Every day even.

Perhaps people have a misunderstanding of what Jesus asks for. Perhaps some believe He calls us to perfection, and, because they know in their hearts (like I know in mine) that perfection cannot be reached, they instead ask and place blame... "You say you know Jesus, so why don't you act like it? Why can't you stop being hypocritical?"

This condemnation is rightly placed to an extent. We are called to live like Jesus, but Jesus does not call us to be perfect. I remember the light bulb that went on in my head when I finally realized this in my own life. But He just does not call us to be perfect. He simply asks for our love and for our honest attempt at living a real life that may reveal His glory and glorify Him. A refreshing truth, isn't it? 

Hypocrisy becomes the type of hypocrisy that many people (and may I include myself too?) despise when it acts as a justification for sin and the provision of a sense of freedom to do whatever we want. But the knowledge that we are all in fact sinful does not give way to a path of acceptable selfishness and wrongdoing.

The knowledge that we are sinful gives way to an understanding of our need and dependence on the only one who has ever lived a blameless life, and yet chose to take upon himself the sin of the world, and die as a pure sacrifice for our freedom.

We don't deserve it. I don't and you don't either.

Jesus' sacrifice is a demonstration of desperate love and grace. He wants us for His own... for all eternity. He chose us, now we each must make our own decision. Will we choose Him?

It sounds absurd! I know it does because even as I sit here writing it I'm asking, "Is that really all there is to it?" The profound simplicity of it all is what undoubtedly causes turmoil in our hearts and minds... because we are creatures of logic and reason. It just doesn't seem rational that we could receive a gift so great and so undeserved by not doing anything. It doesn't take good works.

All that is asked for is love. And obedience comes from love.

And therefore, out of complete love for Him, I jump into an attempt to live a right and blameless life as best as I can for Him. If we choose Him over ourselves and over this world, we may be set free from our sin and from the bondage that holds us back from being all the we were created to be.

And so, may I be so bold to say that I will rejoice over the fact that I am a hypocrite? Yes, I will fail again. But instead of using grace as a justification for my sin, I will let the knowledge and understanding of my failures bring me back to Jesus time and time again. They are the reminder in my life that I am nothing and that He is everything.

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PS: I will write about my St. Helens climb soon! Stay tuned!

The time has come

It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in my chair on a cold, rainy day in February. Fixated on my computer screen, I made the purchase...

10 permits.

$22 each.

Click submit. 

It is finalized. 

I am indeed going to climb Mt. St. Helen's on July 26th, 2009. 

Whoa.

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In that moment, climbing St Helen's seemed so far away... almost like a fleeting thought or undefinable dream in my mind. But now it is here. In fact, the epic event commences THIS Sunday! I can barely wrap my heart and mind around it. For some reason this means something so real to me. Its more than just climbing a mountain - especially since St. Helen's isn't any Mt. Rainier. But it is still a step in that direction. One day I will make it to the top of Rainier... and it all starts here. This is the beginning to something. I just know it. With meaning and purpose intertwined and running deep within... I will make it to the top. 

Despite the 95 degree weather we'll experience, despite the fact that I know its going to be difficult, it is something that will be experienced...

Joyfully. 

Intentionally pursued.

With arms wide open.

And heart-felt gratitude.

And so, this is for Him. 

From the crater edge on top of St. Helen's, I will behold this view of His perfect creation. 

And I will stand in awe of Beauty Defined.

Risky Living

"To live without risk is to risk not living.... 

 it knows that the possibility of making a mistake and getting hurt is very real. But without exposure to potential failure, there is no risk..."

- Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust

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It is true that I often write about risk on this blog... but it just so happens that taking risks is one of the driving forces in my life: to take risks despite the chance of "failure" - whatever that means - so that I may be challenged, forced to learn, moved toward growth and stretched beyond myself. 

There's no doubt that taking risks is scary business... but how else are we to learn the fundamentals of trust if there isn't a little fear involved? 

What if we miss out on His plan because we are too afraid to wait, to jump in, to let go, to give in, to forgive, to love, to correct or to simply let the unknown be the unknown?

Again, it involves trust... being ok with not knowing and understanding that the majority of real living requires a surrendering of control. 

But oh, it is so difficult to live this way! To let go of control and allow for risky living requires constant vigilance of the mind's tendency toward self sufficiency. It takes discipline and intentionality... to run toward fear rather than remain wrapped up in a safety net of routine and familiarity. 

So I ask, what requires risking today? Will trust be enough to do so? Or... will fear rule the unknown and the prospect of getting hurt? 

What's worse: risking something big and getting hurt in the future, or never knowing what could have been if only you trusted?

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Today, these words are written to remind myself.

A Little Bit of Truth

I am feeling compelled this morning to simply write for anyone who is questioning this truth... God is real.

He is real and present and working... in my life and in your life. He just is. It is as simple as that. Even if He is presently unbeknown to you, He is still with you. Still loving you. Still pursuing after you. He just is. Simply pure pursuit.

And I hope that His disciples would listen to His direction today... are we to say something to a friend? Are we to do something for another? How does He want to work through each of us today to make Himself known?

For even a simple sentence or a quick prayer can make all the difference in someone's life... in my life. It has the power to reveal God's truth. His faithfulness and divine love. And His plan and purpose in another's life. 

The amazing thing about Jesus is that His love doesn't just save us from our sins... but it transforms, changes, inspires and encourages us to be who we were created to be. It enrolls us to see the possibility of something new in our lives and motivates us to run after the vision Jesus has for each of us personally and uniquely. 

Do you see His vision for your life? Is it REAL for you? If it isn't real yet, it can be. Be encouraged! God does not misplace His hope and love for us when we refuse to see - or can't see - what He sees in us. Instead, His faithfulness, glory and power is shown more clearly and severely than ever before. And He will continue to gently whisper His encouragement that things can change. And things do change. And as they change, He is with us every step of the way - leading us and reminding us that we are different than we were yesterday. And that things will be different tomorrow. Transformation is happening in our hearts and in our lives... and this year will be different and is different than before. 

Can you see it?