Face it – God has a thing for ugly people.

Posted on April 12, 2012 by chaplaincasey

This post was updated on 4/7/2015

Kingdom Principle: The Kingdom is advanced through the unity and fellowship of the Church. Unity is the prize and fellowship is the process.

Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 133 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31

It is often referenced in relationships that opposites attract. The power in that is a complimentary unity found in matching and blessing of gifts such that the two unique become one unified. Why else would I be able to have such an amazing wife? Or why would God consider humanity to be the bride of Christ? It is beautiful when unity is embraced between two who enjoy a process of fellowship and discover unity.

The goal of unity is discovered not in the pursuit of unity rather in the process of fellowship. Often the pursuit of unity is one of compromise and conformity, where the process of fellowship is one of communication and celebration.  The key source of communication in the process of fellowship belongs to the Spirit of God. In this process the Holy Spirit creates the bond of peace and cleanses the sin that so easily divides. Our calling as the church in fellowship is to be quick to confess our impure ways and to contribute to the burdens of others. This process demonstrates how good and pleasant it is when the people of God live together in unity speaking truth in love.

In the Scriptures this week – we see the power of opposing ideas, people and  places being brought together in unity. We also see that Unity is not tolerance or compromise as in the understanding of Light and Darkness. It is not acceptable for Thomas to remain in unbelief – rather there is a process for belief to take root where fellowship is granted and for unity to be achieved.

What process are you in for unity. Who is in this process with you? Are you the person “ahead” or “behind” on the road to unity?  If ahead be quick to confess your impure ways and contribute to the other persons needs. If “behind” reach out to the Spirit and the bond of peace and ask for help to see that which you are missing. In this you will deepen your fellowship with your brother or sister to whom you are in relationship.

But what goal of unity is there for those who you are not in fellowship with? We will address this later in more detail, but for now – look to the process of fellowship of your own self. Are you at peace with yourself? Do you have passions or dreams which you have given up and it plagues you? Do you have addictions or impulses of which you are ashamed? Are their people whom you are avoiding – if so what feelings are evoked in you which are not pleasing unto the Lord? These are places where there is not pure fellowship within your own body, soul and spirit.  Spend time here, before you begin to seek out fellowship with those whom you know unity will be challenging.

Remember Unity is the goal, and fellowship is the process and it is all:

  • A work of the Holy Spirit
  • Worked out in the Physical/Practical
  • Expressed in Community not in Conformity
  • Already complete and always expanding

Therefore –  How do we participate in the work of the Holy Spirit for the physical/practical expressions of our community to enjoy that which is complete and to expand the unity of all?

  • Confession – embrace my faults and shortcoming, releasing expectations
  • Celebration – embrace the best of others and their intentions
  • Compassion – embrace your ability to bless others
Posted in Easter, Year B | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

What do you have to say for yourself?

Posted on April 3, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The Resurrection of Jesus is publicly personal and profoundly universal.

Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 Mark 16:1-8

The week leading into “Easter” is called the passion of Christ – a week that connects the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the resurrection of Jesus, by way of the Temple being overturned, the betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter, the mockery & trial of the Romans, and the crucifixion at the demand of the Jewish leaders…

This week in the life of Christ demonstrates the passion and commitment of Christ to fulfill all that the Father has set before him. This week made Jesus’ calling and commission public to the world, the very convictions of Jesus as he has foretold his followers since the beginning of His ministry. It crystallized and communicated to all who had ears to hear – that Jesus, the Chosen Messiah would not establish His Kingdom in this world as some had hoped, rather his Kingdom (as Jesus declares to Pilate – it is not of this world) would be ushered in through his death and resurrection as prophesied.  Jesus’ public demonstration of his Passion has profound effects on the world, and at the same time it bring deeply personal implications and impact. For you, is the remembrance of this passion week, culminating in Christ’s resurrection more of a public pronouncement or it is personally impacting?

What are your personal expressions in relation to the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus? What impact has this reality brought to your life and to those around you? The resurrection is profoundly universal, as Jesus died for the sins of the world – In what ways has the universal aspect of Christ’s resurrection prevented you from making it personal?

While being a phenomena impacting the globe, Christ’s resurrection must penetrate our hearts to be both universal as well as personal. A few personal expressions drawn from the Scriptures today are:

  • The psalmist: I proclaim the LORD’s work.
  • Isaiah: I trust in you.
  • Mark: It is all just as Jesus said it would be.
  • Mary: I have seen the Lord.
  • John: I believe.
  • Peter: We are witnesses of everything.
  • Paul: It is just as the Scriptures had said it would be.
  • You:

Ephesians 3:20-21 says; Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

The power of the resurrection is now at work in you. This work of Jesus continues through us beyond what we can ask or imagine, and all this: to Him be the glory in the church and in Jesus Christ.

How might you express the personal impact of this profoundly public act of Jesus Christ? What is one statement or sentence, which you will profess this week that captures both the universal aspect of the resurrection as well as it personal impact on your life? Make sure you statement is more focused on the impacting it brings to you, rather than attempting to be profound to anyone else. The Resurrection is to be the profound statement.

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Failure is the key to your Success

Posted on March 26, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Submission of the body & soul yields the exaltation of the spirit and glorification of the King.

Updated 3.25.15

Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 11:1-11

In general we are not very good at following directions. There are many indicators and very clear demonstrations of this – the excuses and rationales are fairly undisputed as well. We don’t take the time to read, we struggle to listen without forming an opinion, we disregard warnings and bend the law for our own selfish and personal bias…..  and yet discovering the life of abundant joy and exaltation may be as simple as following a few simple directions.  We have looked at those as the 10 commandments a few weeks back, and the last two weeks as Accept, Believe, Confess & Declare. Here we will attempt to take a different direction (although already addressed in previous posts) of understanding the call to submission in relation to body and soul, to that of the spirit.

Often the word submission is used in the context of relationship with others, whether that is husband and wife, government and the people, teacher and student and so on…. Here we are addressing the concept of submission within oneself. Prior to addressing any of the previous concepts of submission in external relationships, one must engage an understanding of submission of one’s body and soul to that of their spirit. (to review previous posts on this  – Can going to church give you a split personality)  It is clear that Jesus exemplified this submission in his own life prior to submitting to the pain and anguish of the attacks of the Jewish leaders, the Roman persecution and the scorn of the cross.

All the passages clearly depict the concepts of the body and soul being filled with grief, yet the strength of the person comes from the LORD, and is expressed via their spirit.  While we can strive to walk as Jesus did, this week we will focus on the short narrative of the disciples attaining the colt for Jesus to ride on – Mark 11. Here the disciples are asked by Jesus to go “borrow” a colt. In essence this is stealing; expect that they are given the call to do this for the LORD.  When they are confronted, they must face the ridicule and rejection of such an act, while defending their actions only with the words of Jesus. Now look at the owner of the colt – we do not get his direct response – but why would he release such a possession… would you be willing to let it go?  What if the people push back and say you are stupid to give away your colt (or whatever possession the Lord is asking for) – how would you defend your decision to let it go…. Would you feel the need to defend your choice?

The discipline of the body prevents it from being your master such that when you direct your body to do what is “painful” or “difficult” it does not over-rule you as master. (I remember training for rowing crew in college – my body said no more, but the captain say go – and I was able to do more than I ever imagined) The discipline of the soul prevents it from being your master such that when you  direct your soul to endure that which is considered shameful or belittling by others – it does not over-rule you as its master. The spirit within you is the means by which the LORD sustains and empowers you to do such things, but if your body or soul is the master of your decisions, the spirit will not direct your steps.

I confess it is easier to measure your (my) short comings than your (my) successes in this area. Yet in our short comings, the lack of submission of our body to our spirit – whether for fasting, resting, controlling our physical urges and wants; or our soul to our spirit – whether for demonstrating our character, enduring rejection, or being a servant… each time we encounter this opportunity we are given a chance to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Putting your trust in the Lord, proclaiming that He is your Master, King and God – and in doing so in an A.B.C.D. (see the last two weeks posts) manner that your body nor soul are going to save you. While many of us know this theologically – meaning we don’t expect or believe that our body or soul can save us –we live our lives in such a way that they are in fact our master.  So what shall we do:

  1. Begin to hear the independent “voice” of your body and soul and spirit. If you don’t know the “voice” of each, it will be difficult if not impossible to listen to it or conversely to lead it to submission.
  2. Identify the weakness of your body, soul, and spirit. And seek to follow the direction of your spirit in the Word of God and Prayer, grow in the development of your soul through servant opportunities and growing your character and self-awareness through key chosen relationships, grow the discipline of your body through diet, rest and exercise.
  3. Integrate all the above. We are not intended to be separated into parts and in fact we can’t be, I have addressed it here as such for your benefit to see the uniqueness of submission, and what makes it such a challenge.  It is very common to live a Christian life – where the body is the master of the spirit –yielding a self-righteous form of obedience to service and Bible study. It is just as common to live a Christian life – where the soul is the master of the spirit -yielding a contemplative and pious form of mystical obedience where the character of the person is the cherished prize.
  4. Finally – Chose one avenue to grow at a time – we are complex beings, unified by the Love of God, for the purpose of His Glory. You don’t have to take on everything at once.  It’s simple – begin to discipline the body by adding one thing – ex. drinking a glass of water before you eat a meal or drink anything else. Develop the soul by saying thank you or acknowledging the work of others as often as you can.  Where you struggle with these you will begin to hear that “voice”.
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the paradox of love and hate when following Jesus

Posted on March 22, 2012 by chaplaincasey

This post was updated on 3.18.15

Kingdom Principle: The Kingdom advances, but not at a consistent pace or set direction. Kingdom progress cannot be measured in linear distance or positive experiences.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 51:1-12 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33

As we near closer to the Passion week culminating the season of Lent, we have the perspective of looking back to see things clearly. We must hold this tightly in our lives as we do not posses that same privileged as we live each day by day. If the Kingdom advanced at a consistent pace or a set direction, there would not have been the stories of the disciples freaking out while at sea with Jesus, nor would there have been Healings of Jarias Daughter or blind men – only to have followers turn away because of Jesus’ claim to die on the cross.  The Kingdom advances in such a way that the gates of Hell will not prevail against it. However that advance does not always seem to you and me to be one of logic or linear movement.  In fact often it seems like a step in the wrong direction proves to be the best step we ever take for the Kingdom  – that wrong step, was our judgment. We cry for Mercy often, seeking to receive God’s grace and protection from all trial and hardship. However we are quick to bring our own judgment on a situation – believing that the obvious challenge to our hopes is contrary to the will of God. We are called to pray – Thy Will be done, not my will be done.

Let us not forget that as we read last week –God so loved the world…. And this week we are confronted by the ruler/prince of this world will be under judgment. God’s judgment is not missing, but it always has the right timing. Three times in the gospel of John prior to this passage  – Jesus states that the hour has not yet come for the Son of Man to be glorified, and yet now as the Gospel has reach the Gentiles and the world has pronounced judgment against Jesus. The time has come.

When Jesus cries out to the Father, saying “glorify your name”  – it makes it clear that nothing we can possibly do can bring Glory to the Father – rather it is our submission to him that he uses to bring glory to his name. Consider all the hard work, all sweat and tears, all the discipline that has moved you closer to the goal set before you – as not truly giving Glory to God – unless you ask and submit it all to the Father.  Even more difficult to imagine – the Father saying – not right now – the time is not right to bring Glory….  To let the King shine through you – you must be willing to be broken. Without brokenness – you have it all together and there are not cracks from which the light can shine. This is not a call to sin in order to create cracks – see Romans 6 – rather it calls us to embrace healing that begins with discovering our brokenness.  It is this brokenness that most challenges our concept of advancement. We work so hard to do the very best we can – that it is quite contrary that it is brokenness which actually advances the Kingdom most clearly.

How do you pursue brokenness – First – it is simplicity over complexity – see last week’s post. To make that tangible –  1. Ask God to open your eyes to the brokenness that is already there. – His word is already written on your heart – even if you don’t know it’s there – in the same way – God does not need to “break” you  – rather He wants you to know your brokenness. 2. Believe that Jesus has paid the price for your brokenness to be healed. Believe that His blood was shed for you and that through him your spirit can be made new. From this place the joy of salvation begins to shine. 3. Confess your need for the Father to save you and to bring His Glory to that others can know Him. Confess your desire for mercy, yet your willingness to walk in submission in obedience so that in suffering you can be perfected. (to be made complete). 4. Finally, Declare your stance for the Kingdom, that your life is not your own and that you give up your life, even “hate” your life if it means to follow and be a servant of the God most high. In this declaration you stand as the priesthood of all believers proclaiming the salvation of the King to the entire world.

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The simple answer is not always the easy answer.

Posted on March 15, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: God gives simple solutions to complex problems.

This post was updated on 3/13/15.

Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21

I have read many books on the topics of leadership each approaching the answer through a different lenses some theology, others psychology, and even anthropology. That in itself needs to be explained in a blog post. However here – I want to touch on the point that there are simple solutions to complex problems. The reality is that in all these books the goal is to bring an answer or new way of approaching leadership – the simple answer is love.  From theology – love is a gift from God and in leadership, a leader must be directed by that love rather than any other love to truly lead for God. From psychology – love is an emotion and it must be disciplined and directed for without clarity on why you love, you may lead from the wrong motives leading to unwanted results. From anthropology love is a relationship of origin and it must be cultivated and universally understood therefore showing you the way to lead other people. But in reality it is quite simple to lead you must love.   I love James 4:7 – it makes it very simple – Submit to God, Resist the Devil. I love Romans 10:9 Confess – Jesus is Lord, Believe God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved.  I love that Jesus’ word to the disciples from the beginning to the end of the Gospels ( Mark 1:17/ John 21:19) are only two words – Follow me.

It is not wonder that the world has seen the most simple solution as the answer at every major sporting event, behind the backstop and at the top of the grandstand, and behind all major news worthy gatherings – a large poster board declaring: JOHN 3:16. This most simple truth is the answer to a most complex problem. Asked in the covering of night – How can I be born again…..?  The world has heard – WHO SO EVER….  And from there we have added all the complexities of theology, psychology and anthropology and much more. Within the verses today – you can see the complexities of judgment and grace, which are always held together by love.

What problems are you facing today?  Dr. John Gottman – one of my favorite “psychologists to read and follow” describes problems in relationships as either being solvable or perpetual.  (Read an interview with Dr. Gottman regarding problems link) Without going in to detail – basically – you can solve your solvable problems so do so and you need to find ways to live with your perpetual because you won’t be able to solve them. (not because they are difficult, rather their roots lie in unsolvable territory) It’s a simple solution and much like God’s Gift of Grace. Grace is there to teach you how to go forward and powerful enough to cover all things in the past. Yet, grace does not tell you how it does what it does – rather it tells you to get up and live into it.  For the most part people don’t want simple solutions to complex problems – they want complex solutions, because that justifies the problem. We have been justified by faith not works – work is a complex solution.

Examples of our desire for complexity – you can detox and clean your skin by taking an extra minute in the shower to pulse hot water, then switch to cold, then back to hot, back and forth for about a minute. Our skin is a living organism and when you pulse the water from very hot to very cold it activates the cells to regenerate causes toxins to be cleansed. But most would rather spend money on product, or take extensive time through a series of cleanses – The most classic cleanse for our body is to drink more water – but that is way too simple to follow.   From an psychological lens – when you are battling situational depression – you can take drugs or let your body produce drugs internally – (endorphins) going for a walk is a simple solution – but must will chose and “easy” complex solution to take a drug which they have no idea what’s in it – as long as it works.

We all have perpetual problems; at our core we all share in the same nature of an in ability to become perfect in this world. Rather than focusing on the problem focus on the simple solution. Jesus is Lord, and we are to love the Lord. In doing so all else will come into perspective. The challenge of accepting the simple solution – it forces you to accept that the complex problem need not be the focus off your life.  Jesus is the Lord over your problem; it now makes the problem not yours to solve or to fix. He is the King of your reputation, it is not yours to build or secure.

I write this from the crucible of learning that lesson again – God has a simple solution to my complex problem and he has one for you too. Do you want the solution? Then share the problem with him. It is that simple – Cast all of your cares on Him.

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Wonder why you try so hard only to get so little.

Posted on March 8, 2012 by chaplaincasey

This post has been updated 3/3/2015.

Kingdom Principle: God brings order with chaos and chaos to order.

Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22

Everything happens with purpose, when purpose is discovered power is released. This is true is every aspect of God’s Creation. From the motion of the sun and orbits of the plant to the Law of God given to the Israelites, God has set a way for all things to be. The old saying – work smarter not harder – applies well here – discover your purpose and live into it –rather than work harder to prove what you are doing it good/right…  Because when things are out of order, order must be restored. However to bring order to chaos  – more order is rarely the method of choice. Rather chaos is confronted in a radical yet principled governing way.

If humanity messes with “nature” – to obstruct the order that God has set forth. There will be a greater principle that God can and will evoke in order to restore order. God is a long-suffering and patience God – this need not be a quick fix. This is seen in the way God will give humanity over to their own desires, actually bringing to light the original intentions and purposes set for by the King of Kings in their extreme reactions and conclusions. Jesus made this famous, by turning the other cheek. The greater principle is meekness to confront the weakness found in another lack of self-control. The order is for us to love one another and that order must be re-established.

There is nothing in creation without purpose – this includes you and me. There is nothing in our lives without purpose – this includes suffering and celebration. We must find the purpose in all things and in all things find must ourselves renewing and discovering our purpose. In the Gospel of John we see the cleansing & turning of the temple at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry – in the other three gospels we find in placed at the conclusion. There is purpose to this…   As Paul proclaims the foolishness of the cross, what he is pronouncing is the profound purpose that God set for, so as to turn the signs of the Jew and wisdom of the Greeks on their heads. There is purpose in the cross beyond a means of death.

Where does an event or experience seem out of the normal – seek out its purpose and embrace the principles of the Kingdom. This is not simply for the negative events of life or suffering. There is purpose in your obedience, in your faithfulness and in your following the ways of God. Where does faithfulness lacking fruitfulness? Where is following not leading to fulfillment? It is in these moments that we have the clearest picture to see our purpose or more clearly the lack of purpose – if your faithfulness and following is not yielding fruit and fulfillment – you may have missed or miss used your purpose.  God longs to bless and provided for you and this is done as you live into your God given design and purpose.

Do you long to live into the purpose God has set before you? Follow the fruit of the kingdom and the fulfillment of your heart.  Don’t look to the world for this validation. Look to the Word, and faithfully live in obedience following fruit and fulfillment.

What is the fruit that you desire from your faithfulness?

What is the fulfillment you desire from your following?

Want more help on this – let me know I have a worksheet I can send to you….

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Don’t give up – Take it on…

Posted on February 21, 2012 by chaplaincasey

This post has been updated here.

Kingdom Principle: Conflict and Controversy are not obstacles to overcome rather they are opportunities for both personal growth and kingdom expansion.

Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15

Think for a minute of a conflict or controversy in your life which you have overcome. What did you learn from those experiences? These nuggets of truth and life lessons are some of the most valuable which money can’t buy.  If you can’t think of anything you have learned from conflict or controversy– it is likely that you will face a challenge of the same kind in some fashion or another. Going through conflicts and controversies are not seen most as desirable in fact most people do all they can to avoid such experiences.  I am not suggesting that you look for things to challenge you and to bring conflict into your life, rather I am presenting the reality that as you and I seek to be usher in of the expansion of the kingdom, we are likely to face situations that challenge us and bring conflict to the surface. (There are many quotes of Jesus on this…. Just read the gospels) How we respond to challenge is more important than if we fail or succeed. In fact, to fail in a challenge is likely to produce more growth and learning, than to simply overcoming and succeeding without struggle.

Martin Luther King Jr. adds this insight, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The Lent Season (which begins this week) is the period of time leading up to the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In this season it is traditional to “give something up” but a better way to look at is to willingly take on an opportunity which may produce challenge or conflict in your life. This minor interruption is a great way to prepare you for the major interruptions that cannot be anticipated.  It is in this preparation of the lent season that we find our way to stand in times of challenge and controversy that yield the greatest kingdom expansion.

In the flood, God clearly recognized that humankind had emerged in a failure state. This does not make God a failure rather he remained enthroned over the flood and established a new covenant that would stand the test of time. The Psalms clearly show that God is not keeping track of our failures and conflicts in our lives rather, He will guide us in the way to set our paths straight. Jesus embraced both the challenge of being in the wilderness for 40 days and the journey of the cross. In all things we are given the opportunity to bear the marks of Christ – a small token of Lent gives for us a opportunity to see challenge and conflict as something we can choose rather than avoid.

Please don’t take from this meditation a call to give something up for lent – the Kingdom will most likely not be affected if you do. However if your gain the perspective that no trial, trouble, conflict or challenge is meaningless and that in Christ you can do all things. Then consider the opportunity to take something on this Lent season in order to affirm your willingness to bear the cross of Christ in your life. Take on a joyful celebration the Kingdom of God within you being stretched to its limits.

Posted in Lent, Year B | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Do you know what you are looking for?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: God’s Glory is shown to and through his chosen servants.

2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9

This post has been updated here.

You have not because you asked not. Jesus shares this principle with us very clearly  – what he doesn’t tell is what to ask for…   The question for each of us is “Do you know what you want?”  Knowing what you want is the first step to getting “it” – unfortunately many have no clue what they want in general or specific. The scriptures today lead us to ask the question – Have you seen God’s Glory? And I ask you, “Do you want to see God’s glory?”

Can God’s Glory can be concealed? Even as the god of this world would like to veil the light of the gospel which is the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, he can’t. There is more to the image of God than the light of the gospel. (think about this for just a minute) God’s image is in the gospel… and yet our very lives are made in the image of God.  God’s glory has been made to shine through us and the gospel in much the same way. Could it be that the message of the gospel and the message of our lives are designed to be on in the same….?

This is the final week of Epiphany for 2012 – next week we move into the season of Lent. The transition from Epiphany to Lent is marked by the climax of all that the Spirit of God has revealed through the Life of Jesus to this world. Lent will then prepare us to let go of the things of this world, by taking on and embracing the disciplines of Jesus. Do you have all that you want and need from the Spirit of God? If not – ask for  more. The way of Jesus is to be easy and light – but that is when you are yoked equally with him. That yoke is measured by the power of the Spirit.

Elisha is not being greedy when he asks Elijah for a double portion of his spirit – He is merely asking for all that is possible. He is asking for a full inheritance. Culturally speaking – The first born was to receive 2/3 of the inheritance while the others are to receive 1/3. This is the double portion. One cannot give more than one has – So Elijah cannot give a double dose of his spirit to Elisha – rather – Elisha is asking to take his rightful place as the inherited spiritual son of Elijah.  We are called the son’s of God and called to take our rightful place in this world.

Our God is not silent nor passive about the way in which his blessing is dispensed. Our King is a wealthy King  – and the King longs to share all that he has with his noble subjects who are his servants.  Peter, James and John are invited into the presence of Jesus, Elijah and Moses  – the glory is revealed to them like never before in their life. (This is not a first for either of the other three) and yet in this Jesus alone is the true glory of God. Jesus calls us unto himself as God has summoned all the earth and heavens to reveal his glory.

Where have you seen God’s Glory?

Where is the Glory of God shining through you?

If you don’t have quick answers to either of those questions – Ask to see his Glory – it will most likely come through the lives of God’s chosen servants who are not looking to draw attention to themselves, but can’t help but to shine the light of the son in this dark world.

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When is Anger – Righteous vs. Foolish?

Posted on February 7, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: In the Kingdom – anger serves the King not the “self” nor “short term goals”   (Anger can be rooted in Actions, Attitude or Approach – only Approach leads to Righteous Anger)

2 Kings 5:1-14 Psalm 30 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Mark 1:40-45

Emotions are neither right nor wrong – they simply are.  How and when our emotions lead us to act is where right and wrong come it to play. To deny your emotions is to deny what you are feeling and ignore the roots of your soul. However to allow your emotions to control you, or even direct you, can at times is very a dangerous and risky situation to allow yourself to be in.  Many in the Church have mis-used the term “righteous anger” in the same way they have used the term “error on the side of grace” both I believe are mis-directed efforts of pride or selfishness.

Righteous Anger –is often the defense of the self-proclaimed righteous to bring judgment on those who are in error or are not living up to the requirements of the Lord. (Read John 8) What makes this “righteous anger” UN-righteous is the fact that the anger is expressed in the attitude and actions of the individuals executing their conclusion, rather than in service of the Lord based on His approach to the situation. (The Lord is full of compassion and gracious – yet slow to anger – but still righteously angry) Unfortunately, often someone has come to the conclusion that their anger is righteous – removes restrain of actions and attitude– and is allowed to have such expressions of  justified anger.

We have spent the last 4 weeks looking at the body, soul and spirit and recognizing their uniqueness and contribution in a life of submission to the King.  Truly righteous anger is not expressed in the body (Actions) or in the soul (Attitude) – it is core to our spirit (Approach). Righteous anger exists prior to the offense or the situation and is not used to support the “higher road” or elite status of any individual. Righteous anger is rooted in the very impulse of the Spirit – and directed at the very things that anger the King.  In the same way we find joy in what brings the King joy when we are in flow with the spirit – (last week), We have righteous anger when we are approaching a situation in submission to the King in the same what the King would approach a situation.  (If you’re not sure how the King approaches a situation – continue to study the principles of the Kingdom.)

Approach can be understood in the way a servant/slave approaches their master . Do they respect and revere their master or do they live in contempt?  To fear & revere the Master is to submit your life into their control and direction. A servant may still serve their master out of obligationor co-deendence, but if their attitude is wrong then their service is filled with contempt. An action/attitude rooted in the emotion of contempt will never become righteous.

Again, righteous anger is rooted in the approach (of your spirit) not in your attitude (of your soul) or actions (of your body). Injustice angers the Lord (See Ps 7, 11, & 33) – As King he will not ignore it or stand for it. If injustice angers you – you will not remain silent on the issue– it is in your approach.  However when someone ignores your plea to stand with you against injustice – your anger need not increase or be now directed at that person – for that would allow your anger to flow from your attitude and into your actions.  This is often where the church mis-uses “righteous anger” – If you are really righteously angry about something you don’t wait for others to stand with you nor do you stand against others who ignore your cry – Your approach is to stand against in justice regardless of others attitude or actions.  To stand against injustice in one form – check out http://iempathize.org/

When your Body and Soul are in submission to the Spirit – Completion of the task, or righting one wrong person is no longer your short term goal.  Rather than reaching your “goal” – follow-through and faithfulness to the call is what drives your spirit thus directing your life.  A few questions to ask yourself about Anger and if it is Righteous.

  1. Is my anger directed at an individual person? If so – beware – a response to the person is likely to fall in the category of unrighteous. However – looking deeper – based on the realty that most anger is first discovered in personal relationships…   Ask yourself is my anger directed at their actions / attitude or their approach?  If actions/attitude – pray for your enemny for we are called to do so and we live in a world full of sinners (that includes you and I).
  2. If your anger is directed at their approach. Take a step back and seek out where in your life you have been enraged / angered at this approach in others?  If never – go back to question one. If you can see a repeating pattern – recognize the Sprit of God may be revealing a path by which you may grow in your stance and understanding of the King. You need not be anger against the person – rather learn how to take a righteous stance and to operate and move in the opposite direction or motivation of what “angers” you.  (Ex. If a controlling or manipulation approach  angers you – stand in the opposite spirit of granting freedom to others – not needing them to need you or vice versa.)
  3. How often do you use labels to describe people?  When we use labels – we are setting ourselves up for missing the approach and only seeing the action/attitude.
  4. Where have others mis-understood your approach and judged your actions/attitude? Recognize this in yourself and seek to grow your spirit so that confusion is less likely.
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1 Step forward & 2 back, maybe 3 steps in the wrong direction.

Posted on January 31, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  Resting of the spirit is different than resting the body or soul…. The spirit of a person is rested when they are moving in the flow of the Holy Spirit.

This post has been updated  – read it here.

Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-11, 20c 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39

Faith can often seem like a constant stance against the flow of the culture. Here the emphasis is not about being against the culture, rather it is about being in the flow of the Spirit.  If we take two steps forward and one back against the direction the Spirit is leading, then all steps are counterproductive to our rest and renewal. The body is “charged” by sleep, nutrition and through short-term bursts of adrenaline and endorphins. The soul is charged by the love languages – as outline by Dr. Gary Chapman – (Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time)  – The Soul needs the body to express itself – therefore the rest of the body and the rest of the soul are deeply intertwined.  In the Scriptures we find references to the Lord giving us rest for our souls.  (Ps. 62, Jer. 6:16, Matt. 11:29) This rest is absolutely essential and a renewing gift of the Lord to give us the capacity to function in this world. However the rest of our spirit is a very different concept. In fact our spirit does not need to rest in the above mentioned ways – not is it renewed by anything in the world or by the actions of others. Simply put it does it need to be “shut down” to recharge. Our spirit is always awake and alert. The “rest” of our spirit is an action from the outside – our spirit is rested or restored when the Spriit of God rests on us.  (Num. 11:25, Ps. 51, Isa. 11:2)

We see this most clearly when a person has the ability to be motivated by the leading of the Spirit which compels and motivates them. Jesus was not looking for or in need of the food of this world nor rest of the night for his body, nor was He longing for the love languages as defined above. (The Love Languages are a great tool and often referenced concept by myself when dealing with relationships – this demonstrates the concept of dividedness that relationship can bring and take our focus off  the Lord (blog 2 wks ago; “When is it time to stop fighting to save your marriage”). When you are in an intimate and committed relationship your soul is engaged and you must recognize the need and power of love language for one another.  Jesus’ spirit was fully rested in the power of the Holy Spirit. His body and soul were completely submitted unto the spirit – therefore the body and soul were empowered and directed by the spirit not the other way around. If you feed and rest the body and soul in order to function, then the body and soul hold the reigns of your function for the Lord.   If you find rest and renewal of the Spirit – the body and soul will find renewal as well. This is key to conversion for the Kingdom as the story of last week’s blog highlighted.

Paul was compelled to preach to the ends of the earth, but when the Spirit said no – he stopped, when the Spirit said go – he went – even unto chains and death.  Jesus was able to walk away from the praise and recharging of the soul to be in solitude with the Spirit. For the Spirit rested on him –and that was His renewal.

So how do we rest our spirit rather than yielding to the needs of our body and soul? First we recognize that the body and soul need to be rested and we acknowledge that need, but we do not seek to meet those needs at the expense or exclusion of the spirit.  To rest the spirit is to be in-sync and flow with the Spirit of God; in this place, time stops, our body does not fade, our emotions are not subjected to approval of others.  It is the Lord who does the work of the Spirit, not ourselves, yet we are the participants in this great work. To rest our spirit we must give up our need to get the credit for the work that is done and we must renew our hope in the impossible. When we work with our hands and abilities and build upon our relationships and strengths the outcome is good and God  is blessed as are we. But when we follow the work of the Spirit and build upon connections of the Spirit the outcome is eternal and our life is super-charged beyond our comprehension or ability.

Questions to guide us on this quest to rest our spirit:

  1. How have I allowed love languages approach to bring rest to my soul and the soul of loved ones, rather than investing in the growth of the spirit of my closest relationships?
  2. Am I involved in anything that cannot be done or completed without the Spirit of God making it so?  If not, what might God lead you into where his Spirit can be made known to you? If so, where are your trusting in the work of your body or soul rather than the Spirit?
  3. Do you find pleasure in the same things that bring pleasure to the Lord?  – If you don’t know what brings the Lord pleasure – spend more time in the Psalms.
  4. What am I saying no to – at the leading of the Holy Spirit that my body and soul selfishly desire to say to?
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