Explanations are not Excuses

Posted on August 5, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Revelation without Reconciliation is our Responsibility

ServantLeaders take Responsibility.

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33

 

  • In the revelations of inner healing, I have discovered much about how the past and others can influence and impact our present and future.
  • In the revelations of spiritual gift tests and inventories, I have learn much about how certain individuals are gifted to do one thing verses another.
  • In the revelations of family systems therapy, I have come to appreciate how no one person is the cause or problem of any crisis in a family.
  • AND YET – I have also learned that you can use the above information as an excuse to defend your situation or predicament and then blame others for the way things are in your life.

A Revelation is a new discovery; a new understanding; it is the pulling back of the veil…. A Revelation is the information that changes everything. Unfortunately people have a tendency to take “revelation” and then use it as an excuse as to why things cannot change verses – rather than understanding that this “revelation” is the missing explanation you needed to live into the change that is available to you. This is the same trap of following good intentions.

  • Inner Healing is Available, but you must take responsibility for your life. When we re-act to that which has been “done” to us, rather than in this responding responsibly, healing is missed.
  • Spiritual Gifts can lead us to greater discovering of our ability. However, we can also look at evangelism and say –“Well that’s not my gift – so I don’t have to tell others about Jesus – or say “I’m just not good at it. In this you are not taking responsibility for the gospel of Jesus Christ which has been entrusted to you. We are all called to go and have beautiful feet….
  • Family Systems Therapy can resolved generations of conflict in the family, but it also can re-enforce for those who don’t want to change, that it is easier to have cut-offs and triangles to avoid the pain.

In SUMMARY – JESUS is the Revelation and he has been given to us, what you and I do with the Revelation of Jesus is our responsibility. (Romans 16:25-27) This is not about works, it is about response and our ability to respond responsibly; the Revelation is Clear and it is Complete. Where we are not responsible reconciliation with God and others will remain unresolved. Because we have the Ability to Respond, when we don’t, we are responsible for the outcome. The core of Christian Responsibility is having the ability to respond in and to a situation in a manner which is in alignment with the revelation of Jesus… (Do we walk as Jesus does?) The root of this is found in the Holy Spirit… which gives us the fruit of self-control. The opposite of responsibility is blame.

The first blog of Year A – was in regards to the Availability of a Servantleader. This post (as we near the home stretch of year A) is about their Responsibility.

The more you accept responsibility for your past and present (which comes through revelation), the more you will achieve the future you (and God) desire. Last week we saw that Revelation is a work of the Spirit of Jesus, where God is moving in our direction to open the eyes of our hearts. This revelation changes how we see God. In light of this change all things become possible, and we now are opened to the possibility of Reconciliation. When we discover what has been done for us – it changes the way we see others. This is the beginning of reconciliation. However not all Revelation is met with Reconciliation. This week we encounter a number of realities that do not bring about Redemption, Repentance, or Revolution. (those 3 will come next week) Yet it is not for a lack of Revelation. Therefore we are driven to discover what is lacking in this process – The answer is Responsibility.

Where is Joseph’s error with Responsibility? Just because God tells you something – doesn’t mean you are supposed to go and tell others publicly. Joseph was given the dream which foretold the submission of his older brothers unto him. He was not responsible with this revelation such that it did not increase his compassion and mercy, rather it brought arrogance and separation. Paul speaks of this responsibly when it comes to the gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 14:1-3, 30-33)

What is Peter’s error with Responsibility? Just because God tells you, you can do something – doesn’t mean you are supposed to do it, or that you are going to be able to do it perfectly. Peter is often seen as bold and confident in this act of “stepping out of the boat” But then why does he receive such a rebuke? – I see Peter as in error for commanding Jesus to do anything. This is not his responsibility. Beyond this read the temptation of Jesus to turn stone to bread (Matt 4:3-4) the words of Satan are mirror by Peter I see Peter’s charge as being motivate not by faith, but rather by arrogance and worldly fear. Jesus had already declared “Take Courage, I AM (when it says “It is I” while it cleans up the English – it loses the power of the I AM declaration that is so beautiful in John’s Gospel) and Don’t be Afraid… If Peter is reacting in fear, Jesus is providing the setting for Peter to learn to take responsibility for his actions…. He learned slowly (In Matt 16:23 Jesus is not so gentle). . The deeper reflection on this also means that it was Peter’s faith that allowed him to walk on water (not a miracle of Jesus), and it was at the same time a lack of faith that caused him to sinking. I believe Peter received and accepted the Revelation of Jesus, but lacked responsibility and therefore allowed doubt to sink him. The Revelation was complete, the Reconciliation lacked. Therefore – don’t leave the boat, (the church) on your own mission (Be Sent on HIS Mission)… stepping out to prove anything is not going to bring Glory to God –only ourselves. Peter speaks later about this responsibility when it comes to serving others and not ourselves. (1 Peter 1:7-12, 2:11-12, 5:6-11)

What is the Jew’s error with Responsibility? Just because God tells you, “You are his people” – doesn’t mean you can reject his ways. Romans 9, 10 &11 are all about Paul explaining the unexplainable… And he does a great job, In short – it is a work of faith which brings the fruit of righteousness and any time anyone, attempts to take matters into their own hands, they will come up wishing they hadn’t. All three of these errors have to do with Pride; Power, Prestige and Pleasure the very three things that are the nemesis of ServantLeaders.

  • Revelation demands a ___Response_____

Jesus’ response to the Father was to surrender control.

Will you follow Jesus by faith?

  • Reconciliation demands a ___Relationship______

Jesus’ relationship with the Father was one of total Submission.

Will you follow Jesus into dependence?

  • Reconciliation changes how we see ____Ourselves______

Here the question is What must I do?   Vs. What has been done for me?

You cannot take responsibility for your actions if you lack self-awareness. Leadership and Self-Awareness is a great Book on this topic – it demonstrates the contrast the ways of those who take responsibility and those who do not:

Lack of Awareness                                                                     Self-Awareness

Inflates the faults of others                                                            Embrace my own faults

Inflates my own virtues                                                                 Embrace the best of others

Inflates my attempts to solve others problems                         Embrace the results of actions

Blames others                                                                                  Bless others

Posted in After Pentecost, Year A | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Vision Casting vs. Vision Catching

Posted on July 29, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The Revelation of the King is the means of Reconciliation of his People.

The King is concerned with Process & Possibilities not Problems and Products.

Genesis 32:22-31 Psalm 17:1-7, 15 Romans 9:1-5 6-16 Matthew 14:13-21

There has been much written in the last 20 years in organizational leadership regarding vision casting and how organizations must know there Mission and Vision Statements in order to have organizations that will survive. Unfortunately Vision Catching is rarely a part of and truly the most important part of the process. If a “church” leader casts a vision, but it is their vision, rather than coming from a vision/dream/revelation or anything other than the LORD, how then can the church follow Jesus and the pastor’s vision. (so much more could be said, but not the point here) Jesus is willing and wanting to reveal himself, so that God’s people are reconciled unto him. This is the History of the Bible. Revelation precedes reconciliation so that a revolution might take place.

Have you ever had that moment where something has been confusing, frustrating, or perplexing then all of the sudden you see it clearly, only to discover that all the while it been in front of you. Revelation is God’s specialty, in fact he even hides things so that they can be revealed. (Pr. 25:2, Daniel 2:22, Luke 12:2, Col. 1:26, Eph. 3:8-12) This act of revelation is made possible in the process of walking with the King of Kings. God has walked with humanity throughout the Old & New Testament, and he continues to walk with those in His Kingdom today. (God walked in the garden with Adam & Eve, he walked with Abraham, and wrestles with Jacob, passed before Moses, and David’s intimacy moves us to the metaphor of what it means to walk with God today, and Jesus came in the flesh to walk in the neighborhood as “The Message” expresses John 1 ) I have had this experience of revelation and walking with Jesus a number of times on my journey it led me to: get engaged, the call to work with youth and families, the current church where I am the pastor, understanding the Kingdom & holistic leadership development, and weekly when it comes to writing these posts – What is at mysterious and confusing or hidden from my eyes, becomes revealed in my heart as I walk with Jesus. When we come to see that the revelation (of Jesus) is the key to reconciliation (with Jesus), it moves our focus from the problem and frees us from pursing the end-product to now enjoying the process.

This week we continue to encounter God’s revelation and process with Jacob. The act of wrestling is a process and God entertains the possibility that Jacob can and even does “prevail”. In this Jacob must reveal his name, (to comes to terms with who you are, is always a part of the process of coming to terms with who God is), and yet God does not reveal his Name. God is creating a deeper journey for Jacob to travel, for we know the Jacob new this was God, but Jacob preferred to have it the revealed on his terms not God’s. God will ‘again” change Jacob’s name to Israel in Chapter 35 back at Bethel, for I believe this indicates the process of revelation for Jacob is going to take a life time. (Most of us aren’t much different.)

Further we discover in Romans, the process of revelation God has with the Jews. Paul clearly understands the process of God’s history with His People. He lists 7 clear revelations to Israel which God brings to his people so that they may be in relationship with Him. This movement of reconciliation is the purpose of everything that God does with Israel, so that they will be his people and He will be there God.

In the Gospel passage we see the process of revelation to which Jesus submitted himself to the Father and invited the Disciples into the realm of possibility. He does not feed the people, he tells them to do it. He reveals and reconciles, for this is work of Jesus. Read the text closely – The disciples are with the people in the place when Jesus comes ashore (I think the disciples even led the people to this “place” – they knew this because they had gone there with Jesus before- it had been revealed) While waiting for Jesus’ return the disciples must have ministered and taught the people. It was compassion that moved Jesus, what moved the disciples? Jesus was alone in the boat – seeking revelation from the Father…. The disciple don’t seek revelation from Jesus, rather they seek refuge and rescue. (yet they have nothing to be rescued from, that is if they have received the revelation of Jesus love read the last couple posts). Jesus receives revelation and filled with compassion (moving the people to reconciliation.) The disciples seek refuge, and they get rebuked.

Below is a series of statements about Revelation and Reconciliation. They are prompted by the text this week but not directly derived from it… rather they are my thoughts on the subject as a whole. David makes it clear in the Psalm this week that it is by prayer which God reveals. David never ceases to have enough revelation or to be close enough to God. And yet he is a man after God’s own heart. May we be inspired by the process of God to pray for more revelation so that our lives might be marked by reconciliation.

Revelation is a work of the ____Spirit_____

  •   Revelation precedes Reconciliation, God always moves 1st

Revelation changes how we see ____God_____

  • Revelation makes salvation/shalom possible

Reconciliation changes how we see __Others_____

  • We must ask ourselves What has been done for me? Not What must I do?

Next week we will look at:

Revelation demands a ___Response_____

  • Jesus’ response to the Father was to surrender control.
  • Will you follow Jesus by faith?

Reconciliation demands a ___Relationship______

  • Jesus’ relationship with the Father was one of total Submission.
  • Will you follow Jesus into dependence?

Reconciliation changes how we see ____Ourselves______

  • Here the question is What must I do?   Not   What has been done for me?

Then in 2 weeks we will discover:

Revelation + Reconciliation = ____Redemption______

  • Jesus gave his live that new life might be given to all.
  • What is keeping you from seeing your Identity as found in Jesus?

Revelation + Reconciliation = ____Repentance_____

  • Jesus was never out of control, rather he was Spirit-Controlled.
  • What is keeping you from total surrender unto Jesus?

Revelation + Reconciliation = ____Revolution_____

  • Jesus started a revolution by being in relationship with people.
  • What relationships of your are in need of revelation and reconciliation?
Posted in After Pentecost, Year A | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

OMG – Oh my Goodness

Posted on July 22, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: God brings goodness everywhere to everyone who goes with God.

Genesis 29:15-28 Psalm 105:1-11, 45b Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Genesis 50:20 concludes the narrative of the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with a statement by Joseph (son of Jacob to his brothers)– “What you intended for evil, God meant for good.” In Exodus 33:19, God says to Moses, “My goodness shall pass before you” and what follows is interesting, “I shall be gracious on whom I will be gracious and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” What is good to God may not be good to you and I, yet what is good to God sets the standard by which all other things are declared good or evil. For God is Good. (Psalm Verses)Therefore what you view as good, may not be good at all, if it is not God’s goodness that you are measuring against. God’s will is good and perfect (Romans 12:2) but not all desire that God’s will for their life. The apostles reflected that Jesus went around doing good because God was with him (Acts 10:38), but not all shared that perspective. Paul & James state that everything that comes from God is good (1 Tim. 4:4, James 1:17) and yet many struggle to understand then why there is evil in the world. (Unless of course God is not all powerful… a different post) To declare the goodness of God in your life, is not to only have good things in your life, it is to confess that in all things, God is working for his Goodness to be revealed. This revelation comes out of events that are both good as well as not good. This revelation comes most clearly in the gift of Christ, so much so that on the day he died we have come to know it as Good Friday.

  • Is there an abundance of good in your life?
  • Is there an awareness of God in your life?

I believe the two questions share the same foundation understanding of who God is and how he works. I wonder if when kids today are texting OMG – is this actually a declaration that they do not see the Goodness of God! Most often OMG is a declaration of disbelief and causal expression of shock…. May this post move you and I to come to terms with the goodness of God in our lives such that we are not in disbelief or shocked by his mercy & grace.

As we continue in the story of the Life of Jacob, it is placed next to one of the most challenging texts which can also be one of the most comforting texts of the New Testament. Romans 8:28 is often quoted amongst tragedy and “bad” events, stating that God will bring good out of everything that happens in our lives. While that is not what the text is saying… It is clear that in Jacob’s life of rebellion and deception, God is at work to bring about the good that he has proclaimed and covenanted. The irony of Jacob’s retribution from Laban – as he wakes up to Leah as his wife, rather than Rachel, cannot be separated from the fact that Laban upholds a truth that Jacob disregarded in regards to his older brother Esau.

  • Was it good that Jacob stole the blessing? No.
  • Was it good that Leah was subjected to a marriage that her husband clearly did not want? No.

What is good is that God is working in all things to conform the will of Jacob to the very will of God. Jacob has run from away from bad, only to find it waiting for him in another life lesson. (Can you see the pattern…?) It’s the redemption of God we need, not the removal of bad. Since we cannot go back and undo the past, how might we begin in this moment to experience our life as redeemed? Jacob cannot go back and give Esau his birthright or blessing, for he has taken such things, but until Jacob sees the treasure in the lesson God is teaching there will be no reflection on the past. Jacob continues in his ways of selfish gain and which cause him to always to be looking over his shoulder and living in distrust. Jacob will continue to struggle to trust God until the end of his days… Peace eludes him until he learns of his son Joseph is ruling over Egypt. (notice in Gen 42:36, Jacob remains bent on seeing that All things are against him!”)

God works in all things for the good of those who love him, but that does not make all things good. If we want to increase the good in our lives, we must know that it takes place not by our effort and/or perfection but by the goodness of God coming near to us. The trap is to live in a “what if” world always wondering “what if” I had come near to God would something bad had not happened. This is dangerous thinking as if then God causes the bad things to happen as punishment for not coming near. Rather God works in all things, if you miss your off-ramp from the freeway, you can still get where you were going, but sometimes you have to go a few miles out of the way before you find a new path to the same destination. Now along the detour, you just might discover something that will change your life or the lives of others. Does that mean God directed you to miss the off-ramp. No, but in all things God works for the good of those who are following his leading. There are so many things in the story of Jacob that need redemption and the beauty of the story is that is just what God in his Goodness does, brings them into alignment of His will for His purposes. A brief tangent – I think most have missed understood the text regarding Leah eyes. The word for weak is the same as are gentle and delicate. I see the goodness in Leah which soul (through her eyes), for she knows submission to her father and holds a faith in the Almighty as being contrasted by Rachel’s outward beauty. It is Leah who prays and Rachel who preys…. What/who is good here? The beauty of the Kingdom is retraining our eyes to see what is not always seen and to discover the truth that has been hidden. God is at work in the lives of those whom He is calling to be his own. In a story filled with lying, deception, rape, murder, and animosity it will play out as God decree’s– Jacob will have 12 sons which shall become the 12 tribes of Israel.

Jacob’s life is a testimony to the fact that life is a process and that God is able to work for the good in our lives regardless/in spite of our shortcomings. However as we become aware that our story is written in the context of God’s story, our history shall become His story. Therefore we are to become disciples of the Kingdom. In the Kingdom, God brings provision (He did not withhold His Son from us). In the Kingdom God brings protection (He shall justify us). In the Kingdom, God brings Peace (He intercedes for us). In the Kingdom, God brings Presence (He cannot be separated from us). This is the goodness of God! (as seen in Romans 8)

Rejoice! Your story has not fully played out! Where is God at work in your life? When and where will you see the pattern of God’s goodness in your life? You may have walked through the same field 20 times, but are yet to stop and discover the treasure that is waiting for you. As you discover the pattern of God’s goodness, you will also come to enjoy doing good works in the Kingdom. Take some time to write out your time-line of life. These questions can help you… Learn your pattern and discover God’s Goodness! In this you will see the signs of God, that lead you into true abundance and goodness of living WITH God rather than feeling as if God is angry and bent against you. Might we see that God is a loving God declaring that nothing shall separate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus?

Learning your pattern is good, but it alone is not the purpose, rather the purpose is to renew your mind to live according to God’s good, perfect and pleasing will. (Romans 12:2) Out of this and this alone can we increase the good (in our lives and) in this world. God is worthy to be praised, for he has done the work it requires to fulfill his everlasting Covenant with all those who call upon his Name. How you respond to the call is of the utmost importance. The focus of the King in the Kingdom is on the end-result, not the beginning or middle. Our focus must be the same, so yes – look back and discern the pattern, but do not remain looking back – Look Up and press on. We have seen this in the parables of the Kingdom; it is the end of the age that the fruit of the Kingdom is judged. And we see this in the life of Jacob. The focus of the good news of the Kingdom is not the removal of bad, rather increase of good that happens as we enter the Kingdom; Healing, Redemption, Goodness, and Reconciliation are marks of the Kingdom.

 

Further note on Romans 8:28

All things are not good, and God does not even need to find good in all things – RATHER – God works for the good in all things in the lives of those who have been called according to his purpose. Therefore something can be downright bad/evil/terrible and God can work in the lives of those who experienced that event or thing so that those who are in a relationship with him might learn, discover and grow in love. This does not mean all things eventually work themselves out, or that there is good in all things. This mystery is always present, but not always presented as such. This concept of “all things” it beautifully tied to the act of God the Father giving up his Son for us all. This “all things” also represents the powerful love of God which overcomes “all things”. God works for the good in all of the events of Jacob’s life… yet it is clear that not all of the things in Jacob’s life are good. God works for the good in all things of the Kingdom, but not everyone is aware of the kingdom. Does this mean that if you are in the Kingdom nothing bad can happen? What do you think? if you truly surrender your life to the King – then yes – You will fear nothing, and know nothing can separate you from God’s love.

Posted in After Pentecost, Year A | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Confronting or Comforting

Posted on July 17, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Jesus is Lord (King) over everything; heaven to earth, past to future, sinner to saint.

My actions do not determine my identity, rather Jesus actions declare my identity.

Genesis 28:10-19a Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

How aware of God are you? Do you see God in everything? (I love the Everything by Tim Hughes) When are you most focused on God? Unfortunately that answer for the vast majority of people is that they are most aware and focused on God when they are in a crisis or have great need. This is not coincidence, for in these moments we are confronted with the reality that we are not in control, and that we are in need of a Savior, to be Lord over our lives. This shift of our awareness of God taking place in moments of peace verses chaos, takes place as we are comforted (rather than confronted) by the fact that we are not in control. In the piercing of our hearts (last week), the Lordship of Christ in our lives is made complete. It is clear to me, and I have shared with you elsewhere about the patterns of our lives leading to greater clarity about God and ourselves. (Hebraic thinking –last week again) It is in our patterns that we are given the opportunity to see with 20/20 vision. Meaning we clearly see things when looking back. The Kingdom Principle this week draws our attention to God’s 20/20 vision as foresight rather than our hoped-for hindsight. (Servantleaders discover this foresight.)

It is for this reason (God’s wisdom, vision and patience) that we are to surrender our life and the control we desire over lives around us, unto his judgment. God is truly all knowing, omnipotent and omnipresent …. Theologically this makes God “big” and “powerful”, but it is much harder to apply it practically to our lives and those around us. Practically we want to be “big” and “powerful”. For we often want to see the “wrong” punished immediately, the “careless” called to give account instantly, and all who are “evil” to be removed from this world. And who wouldn’t… except maybe God…. Yet, in God’s wisdom, vision and patience, it is the wrong, careless and evil people of this world through whom God often does his greatest work. We can’t forget that Paul calls himself, chief amongst sinners. (1 Timothy 1:12-17) There is a very fine line for us here to walk. I am not calling for universalism nor compromise and acceptance of sin, but I am calling us back to a pattern 2LAF.

For what reason does God have to be patient with Jacob? He is a liar, deceiver, swindler and passive-aggressive individual who betrayed his father Isaac – God’s chosen one. You would be a fool to get to close to a person of Jacob’s character. The church has a reputation of warning us to keep our distance and separate ourselves until this sinner confesses and begs for forgiveness, or else you will be burner or brought down…. But not God… Yahweh comes near to him, God saw the beginning and middle and end with Jacob, therefore patience and wisdom are demonstrated. The Spirit of God pierced Jacob’s heart at Bethel (if not before), but it still took a life time for his alignment to be clearly seen by us. Is this any different for Abraham, David, or any of us today? The eyes of his heart were opened, but as you see in Genesis 28:20-22, for Jacob following Yahweh was conditional on what Yahweh could do for him. Jacob’s soul had not clearly been pierced by the Spirit., Yahweh was not his LORD! But Jacob was his Child!

The call this week is to love the “Jacobs” in our lives, believing in the power of the Kingdom Come. The call this week is to embrace the “Jacob” that lives in you. David invites this process with Ps. 139. He cries out, God you are to search me and know my heart… There is no where I can hide from God and God’s Spirit. The lectionary cuts out verse 19-22 of Psalm 139, but it clearly calls us back to the place that is it God alone who is to judge and shall slay the wicked. And where I have hate and not love, Lord I submit my heart to you!

It is for this reason in the parable that the wheat and weeds, are allowed to grow up intermixed. God has the redemptive power and the long-suffering heart to bring about transformation of weeds that they may become wheat. (while this is not the point of the parable, it is the truth of the Gospel) The point of the parable is that we are not so separate out from ourselves – the weeds. Judgment is God’s job, as is separation/ sanctification. He is the Judge, and at the harvest all things will be revealed. God’s patience with us is to be our guide in our patience with others (especially the “lost”).

This Blog is called confronting chaos, where Chaos is the schemes of the enemy. The enemy sows the weeds, but the enemy is not the weeds. The battle is spiritual, not of flesh and blood. (Eph 6:10-12) One of the greatest tools against the enemy is love! It is for this reason that we confront chaos by comforting (loving) those who are caught up in chaos. How do we know if someone is caught up in chaos? We see the fruit,(Matt 7:16-20) and unfortunately we like the servants of the parable, are inclined to ask God; “Shall we deal with them ever so severely?” The disciples did this as well… they wanted to call down fire on them (Luke 9:49-56) but in the realm of the Kingdom we are to be motivated by love and not fear. (1 John 4:17-18) So our call of love is to call upon the one who can change hearts. For only God can see their heart, and it is God who will judge their heart. We must learn to see as God see’s. We are seeing their actions, or fruit, and that is not their identity. Fear not – this is difficult.

How often are we guilty of allowing the actions of other to determine the way in which we see them and decided if they are trust worthy people? It is hard to take this in, but God does not see our actions as a culmination of our Identity, much rather it is our Identity which is dependent on the actions of God in Jesus Christ. We are his children because of the work He has done, we are powerful, because of the Holy Spirit that is in us. We are his children, because of His Spirit which is in us. As you come into agreement with the actions of God in your life there is alignment in your heart.(last 2 weeks) That alone transforms your life. Around you will always be people who are out of alignment, do not fear “contamination” or their ways, rather trust in the provision, protection and peace of the Almighty.

We are only set free from the power and punishment of world (fear, guilt and shame and death), when our hearts (love, joy, peace and righteousness) are set on the freedom of the Kingdom. This frees us from the worries of the world, and fills us with the movement of the Spirit, delivering us from worrying, presuming, concluding and judging the hearts and lives of others. In this act of the Spirit piercing our hearts (spirit, soul and body) we are truly set free to see Identity of others through the imagine of Christ. (Romans 5:1-2)

How many hours of your life have you spent in worry? And yet most of us have heard it said, that worry can not add a single hour to our lives (Matt 6:27-33), but still we find our hearts here. (Our soul – heart must be thoroughly pierced by the Spirit) Think of the hours parents spend in worry for their children, imagine if those same hours were spent in prayer! Prayer engages the Spiritual, while any level of judgment on our part engages the Flesh. (For this is why we are called not to judge, least we be judged – Matt 7:1) This is not a movement to tolerance, or lack of discipline (Matt 18 is clear about this) but it is a call to take your eyes off of others actions, and to come to grips with the truth that God is a patient and moves on the hearts of his children in ways that we cannot or simply do not see. God sees the bigger picture – he as 20/20 vision both in hindsight and foresight.

We must not lose sight of our inheritance that greater and beyond anything in this world, and yet we have already begun to enjoy that inheritance now so that we begin to see the everything in this world as truly belonging to Him. Jacob belongs to Him, Esau belongs to Him, wheat belongs to Him, weeds belong to him, they belong to him, we belong to Him. Who do you need to release unto Him today?

Posted in After Pentecost, Year A | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Piercing vs. Tattoo

Posted on July 9, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: A pierced heart yields alignment of oneself and an understanding of the Kingdom.

Genesis 25:19-34 Psalm 119:105-112 Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

The heart is the seat of alignment in the spirit, soul, and body.

The Spirit of Jesus comes to pierce our heart through the spirit, body, and soul. Tattoo’s mark the flesh (skin) to tell the story, but piercing cuts the Flesh (nature) to change the story. The “Flesh” is not the physical verses the spiritual nor is it body and soul as opposed to the spirit – this is Gnostic thinking. The Flesh is the very nature we are born with making us enemies of God, until we are saved by the blood of Jesus. (Romans 5:8-10) Our Flesh nature is redeemed, rather than removed from us. (Gal. 2:20, Col. 1:19-23) This piercing and redemption reveals the gift of God in our lives and very divine nature from which we now build our lives. (2 Peter 1:3-9) Therefore the body, soul and spirit of a person is pierced rather than separated by the Holy Spirit. What therefore is being pierced?

This piercing of our heart is a spiritual act, with physical implications. It is prophesied in the Old Testament (Deut 10:16, 30:6, Jer. 4:3-4, Joel 2:13), experienced in the Gospels and by the disciples (Mark 1:10, Luke 2:35, Matt 5:30, 7:19, Acts 2:37, 7:51-54), and reflected upon by Paul and the New Testament (Romans 2:29, 15:8, Col. 2:11, Eph 6:17-18, Heb. 4:12). Therefore – the heart of the body is pierced in 3 practical ways each with unique implications. First, in a very practical sense, the heart is the center most organ in our body. The heart of the soul is within the will, and the heart of the spirit is within the conscience. (See a western thinking grid of our “bodies”) This three-way understanding creates come confusion in translation in the OT translation of the Hebrew word – Leb -Heart, which has to do with the core of our being. It does not get any clearer, when the church teaches people that they must invite Jesus into their heart. What does it mean for a child to say “Jesus lives in my heart”, except to the child that the physical reality of the blood pumping organ to have a room for Jesus to live inside. Adults can smile and say, “Yes, Jesus lives in you’re heart” but this is not really clear… I say we must let Jesus “out” of the chambers of our physical heart, so that he can speak to our spiritual heart of our conscience and redeem our will. This may cause confusion for some and solve it for others, the confusion is not for the person who lives with a Hebrew or Hebraic understanding, (see the table below) as opposed to a Western or “Greek” mind-set. But the bottom line is that this process of understanding is a matter of the heart.

The human spirit, body and soul cannot be separated or compartmentalized, but much like we can identify the Trinity, and look at the distinct persons, so we can do so with the self. The human spirit has been rendered dead through the Original Sin of Adam, yet is remains part of every human person, made in the image of God. Yet because of this death, the spirit must be born again or from above. (John 3:1-5)

The Matt 13 parable is not about salvation, it is about understanding (Hebrew) and experiencing the Kingdom of God… much like you can be on the Path of Life, but never come to truly understand and/or celebrate the true gift of God’s Grace & Mercy. The Soil of the parable represents the heart of the person who receives the seed; the condition of the soil is a result of the discipleship and growth in one’s life.

I am greatly challenged in my “western” mind to understand the reasoning and selection of God to bless the lives of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob… for me it is clearly influenced by my desire to see the Law upheld. But there was no Law given in their day. They had the Spirit given to them, and only them…. What a mystery that is! But in my heart (conscience) I know they walked by faith, and feared the Lord. Their choices and actions seem confusing to me, yet there is no doubt they walked with God and followed God’s Spirit. After reading the table below re-read the Genesis text and see how it changes the way you read the story. Maybe you struggle with the concepts of having a spirit, soul and body you too may be benefited by reflecting on having a Hebrew mentality.

Back to the work of the Spirit, to penetrate the heart, and to breathe new life in you.

The Hard Path, which represents no penetration of the seed, demonstrates the life of a person whose spirit has not been pierced/cut/circumcised by the Holy Spirit.

The Rocky Ground, has seed which penetrates the soil, but it is short lived, due to trouble or persecution, demonstrates the life of a person whose body has not been pierced/cut/circumcised by the Holy Spirit.

  • Have you experience persecution because of your faith? (did you endure or wither)
  • Where does your body reject or limit the call of Jesus to expand the Kingdom?
  • The sun is needed to bring life to the seed, the sun also can kills the sapling. What feels like the sun in your life?

The Thorns & Weeds, has seed which penetrates the soil, but it does not produce fruit, do to being choked and overcome by the worries of the world, this demonstrates the life of person whose soul has not be pierced/cut/circumcised by the Holy Spirit.

  • Where have you been doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results?
  • How often do you feel frustrated, anxious, troubled, and worried? Is this normative? Or is it normative to feel at peace, hope, joy and freedom?
  • Is prayer rewarding and renewing for you?

The parable is about the soil, not the seed. The seed is scattered without measure and concern… Much like God’s prodigal love is given to the whole world. It is the soil which draws for the discussion of growth and discipleship. Again – this passage is not specifically about salvation, it is about understanding the message of the Kingdom. To see the Kingdom you must be born of the Spirit (John 3:3). While this is not a physical re-birth, without physical (body) transformation and “piercing” and renewed mind (soul) one’s experience of the Kingdom will be short lived and without transformation.

Western or Greek Thinking separates the Body & Soul. Where the Body leads to death and the soul/spirit leads to life and peace.

  • Picture two circles one is the body, the other is the soul, now picture a sword vertically between the two.

While Hebrew thinking does not separate the body, soul rather it pieces all three. The piercing of all three creates the old self (below), which is to be put off and the new self (above)which is to be put on.

  • Picture three circles, one is the body, one is the soul, and one is the spirit. now picture a sword horizontally piercing through all three…

The death is below and separated while life and peace is above.

Hebraic vs Western Thinking
– A Comparison

Western Approach Hebraic Approach
Life analyzed in precise categories. Everything blurs into everything else.
A split between natural & supernatural Supernatural affects everything.
Linear logic Contextual or “block” logic
“Rugged Individualism” Importance of being part of group
Equality of persons Value comes from place in hierarchies
Freedom orientation Security orientation
Competition is good Competition is evil (cooperation better)
Man-centered universe God/tribe/family-centered universe
Worth of person based on money/material possessions/power Worth derived from family relationships
Biological life sacred Social life supremely important
Chance + cause & effect limit what can happen God causes everything in his universe
Man rules nature through understanding and applying laws of science God rules everything, so relationship with God determines how things turn out.
Power over others achieved through business, politics and human organizations. Power over others is structured by social patterns ordained by God.
All that exists is the material The universe is filled with powerful spirit beings
Linear time divided into neat segments. Each event is new. Cyclical or spiraling time. Similar events constantly reoccur.
History is recording facts objectively and chronologically. History is an attempt to preserve significant truths in meaningful or memorable ways whether or not details are objective facts.
Oriented to the near future Oriented to lessons of history
Change is good = progress Change is bad = destruction of traditions
Universe evolved by chance Universe created by God
Universe dominated and controlled by science and technology God gave man stewardship over his earthly creation. Accountability to God.
Material goods = measure of personal achievement Material goods = measure of God’s blessing
Blind faith Knowledge-based faith
Time as points on straight line (“at this point in time…” Time determined by content (“In the day that the Lord did…”)

Sources: Irrational Man, by William Barrett; Christianity With Power by Charles Kraft; Hebrew Thought Compared With Greek by Thorleif Boman; Judaism and Christianity – The Differences by Trude Weiss-Rosmarin, Our Father Abraham, by Marvin Wilson, God in Search of Man by Abraham Heschel. Diagram taken from this source.

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Lunar & Loser Eclipse

Posted on July 1, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: We most clearly see our alignment (spirit, soul, body) in our shadow from the light of the Almighty.

If your life is marked by miracles, that is great for you… if your life is marked by mysteries that is great for everyone including you.

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 Psalm 45:10-17 Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

On earth it appears as if the sun is setting in the evening, yet it is not the sun which is moving at all, it is we who are in orbit. And so, discipleship changes our “orbit”, but it does not change the power or position of the “sun”. In our lives this becomes most clearly seen in a loser (lunar) eclipse, where we are able to see our “orbit” (discipleship path) as a shadow and reflection of God at the same time. In the eclipse, due to alignment, we see clearly the power of the sun, and the reality of the role we plan in the process. So the loser eclipse is a good positive state when the “loser” of our lives is removed and the “winner” shines only by the Glory of God. (If this metaphor is not clear for you… forget it and know that God’s mysterious flow of power is not dependent on our discipleship, but in our alignment of body and soul to the Spirit’s direction, we can see the effects much more clearly on those around us than we can if we focus on ourselves or God alone.

The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth is mysteriously marked by God’s provision, protection, peace and presence. Discipleship does not increase God’s provision, protection, peace or presence. (this is represented by the power of the sun light) Unfortunately many approach discipleship as if it can even replace or at least replicate God’s provision, protection, peace and presence. (this is like the earth trying to create a lunar eclipse without the sun…useless) The truth of the matter is that discipleship makes us aware of our experience and increases our desire for God’s kingdom rule and reign (the 4-P’s) in our lives. This takes place as we steward our lives for the sake of the Kingdom, a quick review:

As the Body is disciplined in submission to the Holy spirit–

  • Strongholds are removed that prevent you from hearing God. Disciplining your body does not prompt God to “do” anything new; rather it de-clutters your life & aligns your resources so that you can receive all that God is longing to give you. In this, your future is recognized and your journey to discovering God’s unique purpose for your life accelerated. In the last 3 posts we have looked as this a coming through breaking points.

As the Soul is developed in submission to the Holy spirit–

  • Strongholds are removed that prevent you from responding to God. Developing your soul does not prompt God to “do” anything new; rather it will leads you to embrace the greater work that God is longing to reveal in your life. In this, your history is redeemed and your journey to discovering God’s unique purpose for your life initiated. In the last 3 posts we have looked at this as having our eyes open to blind spots.

This removal of strongholds through discipline/development does not prompt God to do anything, YET God is very active and doing more than we can possibly imagine. The Scriptures this week demonstrate how and what it is that God is doing… bringing provision, protection, peace and presence without end to his children in the Kingdom. This reality is a great mystery that links our Discipleship with God’s Direction. Seen most clearly at divine appointments I am connecting to lunar eclipses. This post returns us to the concepts which were established early in this Lectionary year which laid the foundation for manifestations to be the defining marks of the missional movement of the Kingdom.

If discipleship was the answer to solving all of life’s problems, then Paul would not have written Romans 7, but the reality is that there is a war being waged against us, that does not decrease as we increase our dependence on Christ, in fact the war against us may actually be ramped up as we venture deeper into discipleship. (This is why we must not focus on ourselves alone.) If discipleship was the answer then John the Baptist would not have been labeled as having a demon, nor would Jesus had been mis-understood as a glutton and drunkard. In the narrative of Rebekah being selected (revealed as the Almighty shines around Abraham’s servant to create an eclipse or shadow that clearly and perfectly reveals her) as Issac’s wife (to be). It is God who sees and provides, rather than the servant making it happen our of sheer strength or determination. It is an act of Faith by which such things are revealed, and faith goes before as favor, and follows behind as flow.

Jesus reveals this mysterious movement of spiritual blessing in Matt. 11:28-30. The yoke of Jesus is easy and his burden is light –so one may ask, “How does this line itself up with being disciplined to overcome breaking points, and development to open our eyes to blind spots? – IT DOESN’T! This has everything to do with being a child of God which we did not earn but rather came as a gift, it is about being delivered through Christ Jesus our Lord, it is about knowing the kindness and faithfulness of God, it is about it is about following the wisdom of God which is the foolishness of the world.

Are you aware of the shadow you cast? Does it reveal the provision, protection, peace and presence of the King? If so, you are yoked with Jesus, who is gentle and humble in heart. The the Spirit of Jesus who leads him to be a friend of tax collectors and sinners, as well as to bring a sword and to turn holy expectations on their heads. Beware, the Spirit doesn’t say be friends of tax collectors and all sinners, the Spirit directs you to which tax collector and certain sinners to befriend. This is alignment to the Spirit, not reckless abandonment for the world. The Spirit also givens wisdom to direct you away from fools and evil person’s who just as well may be tax collectors and sinners (maybe even religious elites).

Unlike Lunar Eclipses the movement of the Spirit is not predicable. (but there are patterns and principles) In fact as the Spirit blows throughout Scripture it is consistently marked with surprise and startle, and most revelation and discovery of God is found as a result of the unexpected movement. We learn the most about God’s nature and plans not when God acts in accordance with our expectations but when God shows up in the least likely of ways and in the least likely of places.

Remember God decided to start a mighty nation with an old, barren couple who had no land and no money and no support network. God’s choices are often in the least likely of ways, crafty and wily Jacob is chosen over the hard working loyal Esau, Joseph is chosen but none of his brother conceived it to be true, Moses the stuttering murderer becomes God’s mouthpiece, rather than Aaron who is golden-tongued, David the runt of the litter, is left out to pasture, overlooked by his father as even to be counted. No less is Jesus born in a manger, having prostitutes and outcasts in his family line, comes to be the very incarnation of the Almighty God.

This all takes place by Faith filled with Expectancy …  While I will not presume to predict or control the direction of the Spirit, it is true that it often expresses itself in patterns and principles. Below is a table which lays out some of those patterns you can expect. It is contrasted between Blessings & Curses. Much like eating bad food negatively affects your body and harboring un-forgiveness negatively affects your soul, in the same way, seeking direction in the spiritual realm poses the same potential to have positive (blessings) effects as well as negative (curses)

  Spiritual Blessings Earthly Blessings Spiritual Curses Earthly Curses
Starting Point Divine Power Renewed Mind Strongholds Dis-Obedience
The “shadow” of our Soul Peace       (Anointing-calling, authority) Protection/Life(Flow- Timing, alignment, success) Idolatry (greed, pride, forsaken) Evil Declarations (fear, destruction, death)
The “shadow” of our Body Presence(Holiness –uprightness) Provision/Prosperity(Favor -Abundance, opportunity) Immorality(wickedness, impurity, lust) Foolish Actions    (pain, sicknesses, disease)
Alignment of the spirit Grace & Truth (Righteousness by Faith) Be-Attitudes (Gratitude & Leadership) Enmity (Strife, hatred, despised) Law (punishment)
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Clean-out the Closet, your clothes don’t fit

Posted on June 25, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The reward of discipleship is freedom to choose & change

Freedom is only known out of the experience of liberation

Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13 Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42

Abraham & David certainly learned to clean their closet (for it was filled with many dirty rags) … Freedom is walking in faith believing that salvation is a gift and sanctification is a process.

Depending on how you look at it – one drawback to losing weight- is that your clothes no longer fit…. (Unless you love to shop and have extra $$ – then it truly is a win-win) It has been almost two years since I lost over 2 inches in my waist line – and I still have a pair a jean shorts that to wear them I must bunch and crunch them with a belt or else they will drop to my knees. Why don’t I just get a new pair? I’m cheap!? I can’t find ones that are as comfortable!? I don’t wear them all that often, so why bother!? All of these express the practical reality of wearing clothes that do not fit… (there are also many other stories to share of people who wear clothes that don’t fit for the opposite reason, they gained weight and are stilling wearing items far too small) There are even more possibilities as to why we wear clothes that do not fit… denial, fear, nostalgia, etc… but all of these have to do with clothes that we wear on the outside and the physical shape of our bodies. How does this play out in the transformation of the soul? What are the “clothes of the soul” that we change as we encounter the development of our soul? Disciple your bodies and it will change “shape”, develop your soul and it will change shape as well.

In the lectionary Scriptures this week; we see the results of developing one’s soul and wearing clothes of the transformed soul that fit. This takes place after we journey through the blind spot, or others have called it the dark night of the soul. We read the declarations of David and the obedience of Abraham, seeing them in the clothes that “fit” the image as those who are our covenantal forefathers in the faith. The old is gone (murder, deception, adultery) the new has come and we encounter the rewards of wearing clothes that fit. (Blessings that carry on from generation to generation). Jesus draws upon Isaiah 61 to clarify his mission on earth, and out this text we find an allusion to this concept: “I delight greatly in the Lord;  my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness…”

While the texts of this week exemplify what it means to wear a robe of his righteousness, it might help us to see how Paul in the New Testament further express this idea of our soul being clothed.

  • Romans 13:12-14 “12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh”
  • Galatians 3:26-29 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
  • Colossians 3:12-14 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Therefore choose to change your clothes, toss the old, and put on the new and in the process you shall enjoy the reward of the King. What kind of reward is being offered? It is the reward of freedom. The reward of learning to walk in freedom, free from fear (blind spots) and free from being controlled and the need to be in control (breaking points). This freedom means you are no longer bound to wear the “jail jumpsuit” of this world, or clothes that are assigned (labels) to you by others. (last week we saw how Jesus came to cut these things away with a sword…) In Christ, you wear the clothes that express His heart, in praise and lament, in joy and long suffering.

It does not read like a climax of success, but the story of Abraham walking in obedience to offer Isaac as a sacrifice is just that: We re-cast all of Abraham’s story through this journey. He walked by faith, and it was credited to him as righteousness, this is the culmination of a life in relationship (discipleship) with God. Abraham’s soul is not at war with God, and it is also not at war with the world, (previously this had not been the case) rather he is clothed with self-control, humility, patience, and gentleness. And out of this comes the very rewards promised in Genesis 12. Discipleship does not get us rewards, rather discipleship is the reward. We do not earn rewards, but we do enjoy the relationship. The freedom of radical liberation is the very love gift of God, we call eternal life. It is the freedom to choose to lament as the psalmist does, and at the same time change to declare that you shall overcome.

The focus this week is on the clothes of righteousness, which come as the fruit of faithfulness. How fit is your soul and what are clothes do you have to choose from to wear? The reward of faithful living is wearing the clothes of Christ and feeling like it is the perfect fit. The Soul is developed in submission to the direction of the Holy Spirit in the context of relationships through character formation and our values being challenged.

Below is further connections with the Gospel text this week…

If discipleship earned us the reward than it would be impossible for both the prophet and the one who welcomes the prophet to get the same reward, clearly in the Matthew text the focus is not on the level of the reward, but rather the level playing field of all who receive the reward, whether you are a seed planter (prophet), a mature crop (righteous person) or a sapling (little one/disciple)… or one who simply cares for the garden (welcome/giver of water), the same reward is availed to each.

If you have ever planted a vegetable garden, you know that the reward begins long before the fruit of the crop is eaten; rather it builds with the each step toward the first sprout and carries all the way through the season. Freedom is having the “fruit” of the garden from which to draw from and “wear”. If you do not plant (discipleship of body and soul), then you are dependent (slaves) to what others provide. But we all know that planting is not simply dropping a seed and walking away… We must till the soil, fertilize water, weed, seed, weed, water, till, fertilize, weed, water and so on….

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Raising kids in a blind spot, breaks up families

Posted on June 19, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Discipleship is an act of love which overcomes fear and releases power.

Love is not blind, and leaves you broken.

Genesis 21:8-21 Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39

In the news we can and do see lives, homes, and the earth itself destroyed in mass by natural disasters without warning or respect to preparedness. I have not suffered in this way, yet when I see the destruction my heart sinks and grieves for those who have lost everything in a moment’s notice. What amazes me is that so many choose to have this very destruction thrust upon their lives, they are choosing the destruction of their body and soul. The body and soul can be destroyed and there have been multiple posts laying this foundation in this blog. (some tagged below) Here we will look at why people choose destruction and what prevents many of us from overcoming Blind Spots (fear) and pushing through Breaking points (powerlessness).

Do we need to discipline the body? Yes, because we are to be no longer ruled by sin, rather we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and nothing of this world shall be master over us… but unfortunately many never discover this because they avoid breaking points.

Do we need to develop the soul? Yes, because we are no longer to be driven by the passions of this world, rather the Fruit of the Spirit is to be our character and anchor for our soul… but unfortunately many discover this because their lives are filled with blind spots.

Abraham avoided breaking points and Sarai had a huge blind spot. The result of this was raising a child rooted in a blind spot and comfort and control. Ishmael lacked a developed soul (he mocked) and neither did he have a disciplined body (he did not carry the food or water). In his brokenness (he cried out) God answered to his mother, “take him by the hand” (direction) and he learned becoming a archer (disciplined body) and he became a husband (developed soul). There are many deep theological implications of this passage evident in (Gal. 4:21-5:1, Romans 9:6-9, 16) but here we are drawing on the practice expression of discipleship. Further, contrast how David views his up bringing (Psalm 86:16)

Being aware of our (especially parents) need to be disciplined and developed is important to our holistic growth.  Some may be quick to conclude if we are free, and not bound to this world, then to discipline our bodies or developing our souls is to place our focus on this world. I declare – Certainly Not! Rather it is just the opposite, for as Paul says “shall we go on sinning?” this is the equivalent movement. In dying with Christ, we live with Christ. This life is for abundance and freedom, rather than living as slaves to sin. The discipline of our body and the development of our soul is at the direction of the Spirit of God to be prepared to live a life that truly pleases God. (Romans 8:1-8) In This pursuit we are plagued by our Blind Spots and Breaking Points. These are the places where we must press on and overcome, or else we will cower in fear and powerlessness.

Blind Spots refer to the abundance of fear in our lives which hinders of the development of our soul. This is an act of development in self-awareness in regards to the formation of our character and discovery of our values. We don’t know what we don’t know, and in the development of our soul, our wounded-ness and pain masks (to us) places where our soul is not in alignment with the roots and fruit of the Spirit. In a Blind Spot we hurt others or ourselves (often unintended) and we walk away from the situation focusing often on blame, shame and guilt. Anger and Fear become our driving emotions. For blind spots to become known we must develop the soul in accountable relationships where we are vulnerable to the truth that our Blinds Spots are overcome with revelations of grace. This process is revealed through the repeating patterns of our lives. Only when we live in relationships with others over a longer period of time are these patterns uncovered. And only when we cultivate our relationship with God through the power of the Spirit are these patterns redeemed.

Breaking points refer to the lack of power in our lives which hinders the discipline of our body. This is an act of discipline of our lives in the areas of exercise, nutrition and finances. Unfortunately, many have learned to encounter a breaking point, because we don’t have to:

  • When we are exhausted or broken (lacking strength), we often use drugs (caffeine and sugar are often used, but not viewed as drugs) to overcome, rather than giving our body the healthy habits of sleep and exercise it needs….
  • When we are sick or broke ($$$), we often chose to defer the pain by the use of credit cards, debit and eating comfort foods, rather than depriving the body of unhealthy habits which it needs to be free from…

Jesus tells us (Matt10:26-31) – (1) nothing shall remain hidden, the concealed will be revealed, (2) take your focus off this world, for it is temporary (3) Your Father will lifts you up in your greatest time of need – He Loves you! And that the sword he brings (the Word of God) pierces and divides the body, soul and spirit. (Hebrews 4:12)

In this we learn that attempts and desires to avoid discipline and development are counter-productive. Often I see people working 10x harder to maintain an unhealthy lifestyle than the redirecting this effort to move in the direction of peace and prosperity. For example; spending hours talking to a fool, trying to convince them of truth, rather than simply seeking God’s Wisdom, and praying for their conviction to grow. (I too have been guilty of this many times) To choose the latter, you grow in being Spirit directed, your Soul is developed in patience and the relationship is not pre-maturely ended… People create all sorts of systems to cope with pain, sorrow and anguish; taking pills, cutting off relationships, creating elaborate lies and deceptions, and even wishing evil upon themselves so as to not have to be confronted by the deeper pain that lives within. All this is work, and draws from the energy and direction of the enemy, rather than moving in the flow and favor of God. It is for this reason that we are called to Love God more than all others, for this act of love, frees us to truly love and live, rather than existing in a lie or being tied to this world.

Therefore let us take up our cross, which is not a call to pain and suffering – rather it’s a call to liberation and identity with Christ. Read More: about faith and this process of discipleship, the role of resting in the Spirit.

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Ouch! Now, do it again

Posted on June 9, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Disciples must be disciplined

Being disciplined will be either a reward or a punishment…. Based on the goal.

Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20

Our God is a God of Process…. This Sunday is called Trinity Sunday, and the Scriptures unfold the process of God’s plan for creation to bear His image and to rule and reign according to in His Ways. This Sunday also begins the longest season of the Lectionary Calendar – After Pentecost. In this season the lectionary directs us through the current age (God’s Kingdom on this earth, initiated by Christ) and how we are to proceed and progress as the church (Kingdom Agents awaiting Christ’s return) until the culmination of all things. I am excited to see where the Lectionary will take of over this next three months and how it will inform our Discipleship Process.

To embrace the need to be discipled, is to embrace the reality that you are not perfect and have need for growth. For change to take place in our lives, it is going to take an outside force pressing in against us. This force is necessary in the process of discipline, and the great force which we must turn is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 12:11, tells us that no discipline is pleasant at the time, but that it will produce a harvest and John 15:1-8 presents the metaphor of pruning, which tells us that discipline leads us to greater growth and expression. In pruning, “healthy shoots” of the vines are cut off, and this is not a pleasantry or a gentle release, this is a “painful” cutting away (discipline) for the eyes of the master gardener know this action alone will produce more growth. Jesus tells this parable with the hope that the disciples will grow and abide Him, being thankful for such a gardener rather than being filled with disgust or resentment, for this goal is to bring joy to us and glory to God.

Matthew 28 proclaims Jesus command to the disciples (note there are only 11 – which indicates incompleteness and need for growth) which has been made famous as the Great Commission. This commission is to MAKE DISCIPLES…. This is the command of the passage, everything thing else in the passage supports it and clarifies this act. In Genesis 1, God gave a similar to command – Be Fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over… every living creature…. This is also a call to and process of discipleship. To be fruitful and multiply is to raise up others to become mature and to further participate in the work you are doing. This work to Subdue & Rule… is in alignment with the call to Make Disciples. It is a call to have authority and power, and the process of discipleship increases your awareness of authority and access to power. All of this takes time and is a process.

In 2 Cor. 13 Paul brings to light the areas of focus in the process of discipleship. Elsewhere, I have spoken of my admiration for Steven Covey’s 7 Habits. Habit 7 “Sharpen the Saw” brings to light that our lives are multi-dimensional… Covey uses 4 quadrants of life to ensure we mature in balance; Spiritual, Physical, Mental , and Social/Emotional. In Verse 11, Paul calls believers to mature in the same manner. “Be perfected (Greek: katartizo) connects physically, be comforted (Greek: parakaleo) connects socially, be of the same mind (Greek: auto phroneo) connects mentally, live in peace (Greek: eireneuo)connects spiritually.The Great Commandment (Mark 12:28-31), tells us to love the Lord our God with all our Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength. I see these four as aligning with the above as well. It is common place in church circles to emphasis the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as the way in which we shall become (discipleship) a Great Church.

While this is a holistic process by which we mature, Paul reminds us that our maturity is not the end goal in itself. Rather the end goal is to bring glory to God, (1 Cor. 6:20, 10:31; 2 Cor. 4:13-15; Phil 3; 2 Thess. 1:11-12) and this is done as we further experience and express the realities of verse2 Cor. 13:13/14 (different translations have the final verse of Ch. 13 as either verse 13 or 14. Regardless of verse number, the Trinitarian call further expands the depth into which we are baptized.) Paul gives this as a blessing, much like the blessing of Gen.1:28, “May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” This blessing is the means by which discipleship is enjoyed and discipline is a reward. It is not a program to complete it is a relationship to develop. (Notice last week how we mature in the gifts in a Trinitarian fashion as well.)

The crux of the passages this week is that, you and I are made in the image of God, and God bears an image that is three-in-one. To fully understand your call and to live into the fullness of your Identity, you must journey more deeply into the Identity of God. This is one of the main reasons that I hold a tri-part view of our human formation (spirit, soul, and body) verses a bi-part view (soul, body).

Questions to ponder this week:

How have you seen your heart, mind, body, and relationships develop and mature uniquely from each other? (Meaning, where have you seen your body be disciplined, but not your mind, or do you find yourself more disciplined with your heart (spiritual connections) or with your relationships (social connections).

Who has discipled you? In what area of focus did they focus…

Who are you discipling? Many do not consider themselves “capable” to disciple another person; please remember that Jesus gave the Great Commission, as a command not a suggestion. This command he gave to a broken and beat-up group of fisherman and followers who had recently been splintered and their leader (Peter) even denied knowing Jesus…. Further some were filled with hesitation (doubt) when the saw Jesus, while others were ready to worship…. The same commission was given to them…. So – If you don’t have a “who” – to whom are you discipling? What does it mean to you to disciple another? – And – what is one step you can take to be ready to move in that direction?

Posted in After Pentecost, Year A | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Super Human vs. Super Heroes

Posted on June 3, 2014 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Spiritual Unity precedes Spiritual Diversity, both are a work of Spiritual Power.

The church is Gifted for Diversity, Graced for Unity

*Acts 2:1-21
&
Numbers 11:24-30		 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 7:37-39

In my life there has never been such a surge of superhero’s exploitation – a true explosion of “out of this world” powers on display in the media. There has always been (in my life) DC & Marvel Comic, but in the last 15 years (post 9/11/01??) the scales have tipped in the movie releases of X-Men and Fab 4’s (not to mention the abundance of Supermans, Spidermans, and Batmans – each in multiple re-release) , and the rise (again) of Hercules and Greek Mythology as linking humanity with mutant and the god’s of other worlds siring children in the world. All this is reflecting a hunger to know and have – what is powerful, what is possible and who is gifted to do more than anyone else. At the same time, it is all-too-common to hear –“ I am spiritual but not religious”. While this has nothing to do with super heroes, it has everything to do with power and energy. There is a real sense that, being spiritual is like tapping into one’s own super-power, and to be religious is to be branded and controlled by some “evil” boss.

Last week I said that to have the power of God flow through you, but to not attribute that to God’s Glory, is to practice sorcery or witchcraft. This post is not about a warning to those “outside the church” it is a call for who are (within) pursing Jesus to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives unto God’s Glory. Here the crux of the issue – The Church is called to have supernatural powers on display beyond all else in this world. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, and yet the world has declared the church to be dead and offered in its place super powers that are reserved for the elite. I am not sure how it has happened that so many in the church do not consider themselves spiritual or power-filled. As if being spiritual is a bad thing as having been hi-jacked by New-Age thinker’s and captured only by Eastern Mediation. It is time for the Church as a whole (and specifically for me and those in the Reformed/Presbyterian approach to church) to claim or reclaim the beauty, power and potency of the Holy Spirit in our fellowship. (The Holy Spirit has always been very prevalent in our theology, not always so valued in our practice.) There is no true fellowship without the Spirit, so if the church is gathering without the power and fellowship of the Spirit, there is nothing there but dry bones and white washed tombs. Fear Not! The Holy Spirit has power over such a state of being and living waters might yet flow freely from the hearts of those who find themselves there.

Below is an explanation as to how I understand gifts of the Spirit as given to the Body of Christ. (I know this post is full in content, therefore may it be 100 times more full in power.)

The Church is called to be both unified and diversified. Last week Jesus’ prayer calls us to unity, the church is unified under the name and identity of Jesus. We are to be diversified by the work and power of the Holy Spirit, not denominations, doctrine, or traditions. We are called to be unified as one body with many parts. These gifts are given through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This baptism is different and unique to the water baptism of our LORD Jesus Christ, but not “better” or “higher” or even “after”. (Acts 2:38, 8:14-19, 9:17-18, 10:44-48, 19:4-6) Further this filling of the Holy Spirit is not a one-time act, rather it is a filling and movement of power in believer’s lives. (Acts 2:38, 4:8, 4:31, 7:55, 9:17, 11:24, 13:9-10) For the full review to understand the uniqueness of both baptisms – read hear. The point of this post is to bring to light the work and power of the Holy Spirit which filled the church on Pentecost, and continues today to bring about an explosion of diversity within the unified body.

1 Cor. 12 tells us about spiritual things (verse1 should not be translated spiritual gifts). Verses 4 – 6 help us to see there are many different workings or expressions of the Holy Spirit. Thus we are one expressing a variety of gifts, services, and energies. Energy is the unique power flow of God, not a New-Age concept.

  • 1 Cor. 12:4 says there are varieties or diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit (who is Holy).
  • 1 Cor. 12:5 says there are varieties or diversity of ministries/service but the same Lord (who is Jesus).
  • 1 Cor. 12:6 says there are varieties or diversity of energies/effects but the same God (who is Father).

Further, The roots and fruit of the Spirit are planted in “water baptism” leading and enabling us to walk closely with Jesus. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are distributed by the will of God to guide the church in maturity, build up the body and to advance the Kingdom as being called out from the world.

These workings of the Spirit are found within and redeemed in all believers for the common good and building up and equipping of the Body. They are also used to demonstrate the power of the Spirit bringing Glory to God, not glory unto ourselves.

The Motivation Gifts are: Prophet, Teacher, Servant, Exhorter, Giver, Ruler, Mercy

The energies or effects of God our Father are expressed as motivation gifts. These gifts are given to all of humanity, and redeemed by the Name of Jesus. Listed in Romans 12, believers find themselves motivated by the very energy of God to do and go beyond one’s natural personality or strength. I believe these gifts are not isolated from each other, meaning a person can have more than one motivation propelling them to fulfill God’s will in their lives, leading them to offer their life as a spiritual act of worship. In much the same way I believe Jesus walked in the fullness of the Spirit fully demonstrating all of motivation of the Father. While we often have a more dominate motivational gift, through suffering and trials (promotions), we discover deeper awareness of our motivational gifts.

The Mobilization Gifts are: Apostolic, Prophetic, Evangelistic, Shepherding, Teaching

The ministries or service of Jesus our Lord are seen expressed as mobilization gifts. These gifts are grown in those who are called to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, becoming mature in the fullness of Christ. As mobilization gifts, leaders are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to serve and give beyond their natural abilities reaping a spiritual reward far beyond earthly capabilities. These are sometimes called a 5-fold office, but the gifts are neither offices to hold nor titles to bear. Listed in Ephesians 4, these gifts enhance and enable leaders to lead other in the mobilization efforts of the church. While I believe that all Christians are called to be leaders, it is my opinion that these gifts are given in isolation of one another for the unity of the body to value the diversity of its leaders. One person need not be an apostolic, prophet with the gift of evangelism who pastors the flock and teaches eloquent doctrine… in fact to attempt to fulfill all such roles is to remove the uniqueness and complementary work of those who are called into the leadership of the church. With that said, I believe that a person which a ruler motivational gift who also has a teacher mobilization gift will have a unique power and presentation to that of a person with a prophet motivation gift and a shepherding mobilization gift.

The Manifestation Gifts are: Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues

From the passage this week in 1 Cor. 12 we find the expressions called manifestation gifts. These gifts are dramatic and powerful revelations of the Holy Spirit. There is one Spirit, but a variety of gifts. These gifts are unique to the other two “groupings” in that they truly seem to manifest or appear as the filling of the Spirit is directed and are not a constant or “resident” expression. This is not to say that once you have demonstrated a motivation or mobilization gift, it become “yours” or that it cannot be grieved, quenched or simply dormant, but that with manifestation gifts it is given intermittently as the spirit determines. Beyond this we are told by Paul to seek and desire the greater gifts. 1 Cor 12:27-31 is a summation or each of the gift groupings, and a reminder that to each person God has uniquely gifted and called them into service. A gift is greater based on the impact it has for the church to be edified. (1 Cor. 14:5).

All this to say: The Holy Spirit has come upon the church in a way that prior to Pentecost the world had not seen. In this age, the Kingdom is advanced through the power of the Spirit, and we as the church are called to move in power and humility. Might we seek to be Spiritual and Religious. Might we seek to be clear on our I.A.M…. Identity is tied to Motivation Gifts and being a Child and Image bearer of God. Authority is linked to Mobilization gifts and being a Friend and Follower of Jesus. Motivation (a bit confusing) is bolstered by Manifestation gifts being a temple and expression of the Holy Spirit, based on 1 Cor. 13 – that Love is our true Motivation of all things.

Therefore – in the Power of Pentecost – let us not get uptight about what “gift” we have, but rather move forward seeking the Power of Spiritual realities to overcome World Fallacies. I am not a big fan of Spiritual Inventories – but I welcome suggestions – for most tests –they seek to quantity your past actions and echo the influence of others affirmation, rather than encouraging you to truly seek, know and ask the Spirit for revelation. God is willing to reveal himself to us, we must ask – so ASK the Spirit and learn to listen.

The only place I believe you can truly discover your gifts is in community and fellowship with believers. This is the call to be the church. (I am not talking about a building, nor are that gifts to be used to tell you in “which” ministry you are to serve.) In relationship with the body, your followership will lead you to leadership in the gifts.

May the Lord Bless you on your journey to live your life as a Spiritual act of Worship.

Posted in Easter, Year A | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments