Seeing & Seeking Understanding

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.  “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” John 9:1-3

I read a passage from a pastor offering two perspectives.  He noted a comment made by an African American author, James Baldwin, which said, “To be black and conscious in America is to be in a constant state of rage.”  He then followed up with scripture saying, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)  I was fascinated by this, and thus, circled back to him to ask what he was trying to say.  I’m sure he thought I was trying to start a fight, which I was not.  With that being said, he might not have understood what James Baldwin meant.  Baldwin spoke during a time of oppression, and today, many African Americans still feel some level of this.  This rage is not in the sense of lashing out or destructive.  It is the form of hurt, pain, and frustration with the struggles of inequality, and is often hidden.  Despite this, the overwhelming majority like me live fully productive lives with the inner peace Paul spoke of.  The two thus coexist.  It’s a perspective that if heard the right way can help one understand and grow further to help other brothers in Christ.

God often places us in circumstances so that we can grow in our faith.  I have read today’s verses multiple times.  I always focused on the miracle.  However, I recently read a different perspective on this.  The beauty of Jesus’s teaching here was twofold.  First, He wanted to show God’s work in the blind man.  This went beyond just giving him sight.  It also spoke to the man’s appreciation for what God did for him.  Second, it was for the disciples themselves to see the suffering of others as opportunities to help and grow in understanding Christ.  Jesus gave them the courage to believe they could truly do things that others would say couldn’t be done.  This would come to fruition after Christ ascended to Heaven.  Peter would later heal a lame man saying, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6b)  As Christians, we should always seek understanding of others.  If we come solely from a place of condemnation, we run the risk of misinterpreting what one is saying.  Furthermore if we are too passive, we lose opportunity to share who Jesus Christ is all about.

Being a follower of Christ can be a balancing act.  We are to be strong advocates for Him and His word.  We are also to be compassionate and understanding showing grace as Christ showed us.  I spoke of the struggle we have with sin a week or so ago.  The struggle here is about discerning what is the right amount to apply of both scripture and understanding.  How much understanding must I show versus what word of God I must deliver?  Well, that is what spiritual growth is all about, isn’t it?  Let us be willing to endure the growing pains of learning to be more Christ-like not only to others but also within ourselves.  Whose perspective do you find difficult to understand?  What situations must you better balance God’s word with His heart?  My prayer is that like the blind man we can open our eyes to better see and like the disciples seek understanding.  Amen.

Focus And Do

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.  For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.  You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.  James 1:21-25

My youngest daughter is a master of diversion.  When she is in trouble, she will try to quickly acknowledge what has happened and been done wrongly.  However rather than focus on what was the poor behavior, she tries to quickly change the subject.  She realizes that the place of punishment and consequences is not where things end well for her.  So she moves quickly to things like, “Dad, I did really well in school today,” or, “Mom, do you know what happened in cheer?”  Of course, we direct her back to where the focus should be, but nonetheless, she will keep trying.  Her determination and persistence is a great thing.  However as parents, we have to channel it where she focuses on the right things, and then does the right thing.  In thinking of the big picture as a Christian, that is our challenge as well.  It’s a lot more challenging though because we may tend to focus on the stuff that seems important instead of on Christ.  Today, I want to encourage you to focus and do.

If we trust in God, we will walk closer to Him with each step.  In each action where we read His word and act on it, we move closer to God’s plan for our lives.  Here is the interesting part.  If we are truly focused on God, it is not to say that every step will be in the right direction.  In fact, we may very well fall off course.  My life is filled with errors and missteps where I knew the right pathway but made the wrong step because I might have wanted something more than what God wanted for me or got distracted and hastily made a decision without trusting God.  In the end, these were choices I was neither proud of nor happy with.  Yet, they were key moments of learning where God through either His discipline or revealing to me His plan allowed me to move forward.  In the end, the steps still moved me closer to Him and not further.  There’s a reason the Bible is called ‘The Living Word Of God.’  It is not a vacuum that we read and say, “Ok.  That makes sense.”  It asks us to focus on it, reflect, and then act.  It is how it manifests itself from just being words on the paper to as James wrote the living “word God has planted in your heart.”

We live in a world that is built to ensure that we are disconnected from God.  The thing is that it can be so subtle, we often lose sight of it.  Hebrews 12 states, “(L)et us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”  That is why it is important that we focus on Jesus Christ for if we do, our actions (or walk) will be on God’s right side and our faith found ‘perfect.’  What is stopping you from converting God’s word into action?  How can we be better doers than readers?  My prayer is that we not only pause to adjust but also focus and do.  Amen.

I Can Do It!

When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  Matthew 14:26-29

Last week, I felt entirely spent mentally having dealt with many things that had been going on in both the short and long term.  Even though I would like to think I have a pretty high threshold for taking on things, I was struggling to find a way to be energetic.  Fortunately my annual recharge known as The Leadership Summit ended the week, and as usual, it greatly uplifted my spirits.  While there were typical well renowned speakers that gave great informative talks, it was a gentleman from Nigeria (Sam Adeyemi) who gave me the greatest pause for thought.  He provided a different spin on an old story.  He spoke on the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:26-31).  As Christians, we tend to focus on the moral of the story, which is to have faith in Jesus.  While that is true, the story is also a reminder how Jesus encourages us to do His will.

Jesus wants us to know that we can do anything through Him.  We already know of the literal words of Paul in Philippians 4:13 (For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength).  The story of Peter walking on water with Jesus is a prime example of this.  Peter could not visualize how he could walk on water.  However, Jesus, the great leader He is, does not try to teach Him to walk on water.  Why?  First, Jesus is already standing on the water as proof that it can be done.  Second, He knows Peter’s heart, and understands the faith he has in Jesus.  What Peter lacked was the confidence that he could do it.  So Jesus says plain and simply, “Yes, come.”  This is Jesus being the encouraging force saying ‘if I can do it, you can do it!’  We often come across situations where we cannot see a clear pathway.  When God calls us to do something, we need not focus on the obstacles ahead or the lack of preparation we were given.  Like Peter, we must simply come to Jesus because if He says we can do it, we can!

God has given us everything we need to do His will.  Like most things with God, we must not focus on what we see.  We must trust in what He says.  If Paul focused on his circumstances (murderer of Christians) and education (not well versed), we would not have the majority of the New Testament.  When you find yourself stuck or struggling to achieve something God is asking of you, do not run to the corner of ‘failure’ and ‘disappointment.’  Trust in Christ not just in word but through His examples.  When is the last time you trusted God beyond what you could see?  How can you look less at circumstances and focus more on what God is asking of you?  My prayer is that we are encouraged by Jesus Christ to know that if He could do it, “I can do it!”  Amen!

Love Above Our Mistakes

For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.   Galatians 2:19-20

Do you ever feel as if you can do nothing right?  There was a time at work where I felt everything I did was wrong.  Even the things I did right I would question.  I would double and triple check to ensure that even the things I normally did well were correct.  It got to a point that it became difficult to function.  Then after making yet another mistake, I asked myself, “What am I doing?”  Here I was focusing more on trying not to make mistakes than trying to learn more about doing things better.  It reminded me of when I first gave myself to Christ to become born again.  When I made the choice, it did not matter how wrong I was living.  It mattered that I was forgiven of past (and future for that matter) sins, and I would focus on how to live a life that God had both intended for me and honored Him.

God’s intention for our lives is to look forward to serving Him better and not focusing on our mistakes.  In reading the verses today, it should serve as a relief to all of us.  We all should aspire to live for God and to follow His laws and commandments.  The verses above are not meant to make us feel good when we sin.  Instead, it is to unburden us when we realize the gravity that we have sinned.  We all fail to meet God’s perfect example, and if we are truly followers of Christ, there should be a certain level of self-disappointment.  However rather than dwell on that which we have faltered, Jesus died on the cross both to say that we are forgiven and to grow spiritually from those failures.  We should fully understand that the gospel of Christ is one of continual growth and an ever closer walk with Him.  Paul’s statement confirms as much for he aspires for His will (life) less and Christ instead to dwell within him more.

The laws of God is what we aspire to live by, but it is not the purpose of our relationship with God.  Jesus said, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40).  Thus, we are to above all love God and His people, and if we continually grow learning His word with those two loves in mind, we are indeed living ‘trusting in the Son of God.’  Where do you struggle with God’s laws?  How can you focus on Godly love instead of Godly judgment?  My prayer is that we focus on God’s love for us above our mistakes.  Amen.

Your Servant is Listening

So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”

Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.

And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”  1 Samuel 3:8-10

We live in a world that is fast paced and ever changing. We are pushed to do more with less, and situations force us to give them our entire attention. With all that goes about me, I find it difficult at times to not only speak to God but also and more importantly to hear Him. Now I realize that God does not speak to me all of the time, and there may be some of you out there who may have never heard God speak at all. But He does speak, and if you are in tune to Him, He speaks a lot! But how can one hear God when all about them is going on? For me, I have to find a moment where there is utter and complete silence. I have to be careful the voice I hear is not the one in my head. You know that voice. The same voice that tells you to eat a bunch of Doritos even if you know they are not good for you. God’s voice is distinct, and is the voice of love, guidance, and discipline. But how are we to know when God is speaking to us?

We will hear God speak to us only if we are willing to receive Him. This story of Samuel is one of my favorites for we all at times wonder what voice we are hearing is. What Eli, Samuel’s Dad, said should not be lost in understanding these verses. How often have we tried to mute out God’s voice saying to ourselves, “I know what is best for me,” or, “I do not wish to hear you?” If we were to follow what Eli said to his son answering, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening,” God will speak clearly to us. Sometimes, He might say “Don’t worry about the obstacles you see in front of you. Trust in me. I am with you!” Other times, He will say, “This is wrong, and you know it.” Just like preparation is the key to success, we too must prepare our hearts and minds to receive God’s word in both writing and thought. Then, you will hear God’s voice in situations where you have doubt, and then see His awesome power create changes in your life.

We must always be receptive to the voice of God. With the many distractions the world places in our way, we must be vigilant in ensuring we do what is necessary to connect with Him. So if you feel you need to hear from God, take a walk by yourself. Go to a quiet place in your house. And yes, even take a long drive if necessary. What is God calling you to do today? How will ensure you are receptive to God’s voice? My prayer is that when God speaks, we like Samuel are willing to answer, “Speak, your servant is listening.” Amen.

How We're Living

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Romans 8:13-16

(This is Pt 2 of 8 – Turning the Tide – Representing God to a World that Misrepresents Him)

Why do they call the Bible the ‘Living’ word of God?  Many of us know that while the actual Bible printed is not living, the words come to life through our study and application of it.  Through us, the Bible comes ‘alive.’  It's what   Yet, people will still doubt the validity of it and how present it is for the very reason it is living; us.  Many of us who have become newly born again Christians are surrounded by people that will mock and criticize us for our choice.  Opinions will range from the ‘he will turn back to his old self by next week’ to the ‘how could God see anything in her’ commentary.  What if this world does not believe that you have changed?  What if their goal is to pull you from the path that God has set forth before you?

The answer to this problem is to simply walk with God one day at a time.  Yes, there are many who have made a dramatic change where they have left a life filled with sin and become a passionate and fierce defender of the faith.  But if you were like me, then there were some things that you jumped right on and others that you failed at miserably.  It is those very failures where the world will remind you of the old person you were.  However, you are not that person!  God wants us to acknowledge the person we are becoming as born again through Christ.  Yes, we will fail at times, and often it will occur over the same sinful behavior numerous times.  But anything worthwhile is never easy, right?  It requires strength and determination, but most of all we need a helping hand; the hand of Jesus Christ.  There is a reason Paul said to the Philippians that indeed he could do everything through Christ (Philippians 4:13).  Just as today’s verses reaffirm, if we are led by the Spirit of God, we are indeed His children; inseparable and beyond any doubt.  Through Jesus Christ and with a sprinkle of patience, we are indeed able to show the world how He alone is the single greatest agent for true positive and transformative change. 

God knows us.  He knows our thoughts, our spirits, and our hearts.  There is no need to mind what the world says.  Trust in God and His word for if you follow Him, the whispers of the person you were will go away, and the naysayers will soon gravitate to the person God is making you.  How can you trust in God to help you be the person He wants you to be?  How can you focus less on your past sins and more on God’s future for your life?  My prayer is that we today and beyond to show the world how we are 'living.’  Amen.