Suicide & Conversion – are they so far apart?

Posted on January 26, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The size of your spirit correlates to the flow of power through you.

Read an updated version of this post here!

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 111 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28

Suicide &  Conversion – Both recognize that life is not worth living in the current state of being. Both have given up the hope that they can do it on their own. Both are willing to die to see what is on the other side…. Below is my story to swallow the realities of my own death.

While I was enjoying the beach on day – Jesus said,  – “Come and Follow me” and off to the water he went. Heading for the water, he did not look back. Following, with excitement the usual shock of the cold water did not set in – rather we began swimming into the waves. At about 50 yards out, he looked back again at me and said, “Follow me”.  Before I could respond – He dove beneath the water. At about 10 feet below he began to point out many beautiful things – I wanted to stay there with him, but had to return to the surface for air. He did not follow me – so I quickly took a breath and returned. This repeated for an hour – down for 2 minutes at a time, returning to breath then to dive again –  until so exhausted I could barely returned to shore. When arrived there, Jesus was waiting for me on the beach.

The next day – I returned and Jesus said, Follow me – and we went to the same spot, this time I came prepared with goggles, fins, and snorkeling gear – I saw others out there doing the same – when we reached the spot again – this time I was prepared to hover on the surface, but this time he went to deeper, and my emotions switched from enjoyment to fear, and Jesus clearly said at 15 feet – Follow me.  So did and holding my breath – until I was about to die – I followed – until at the very last moment, I could hardly imagine – I rose to the surface and immediately returned to shore.  Exhausted, Feeling like a failure and disappointed I decided that Jesus was asking too much of me. Yet then it came to me that if I learn to SCUBA – I could spend more time with Jesus.

After 6 weeks and lots of money invested I was ready to go back to swim with Jesus. I returned to the spot, where I had last swam with Jesus, but Jesus was not there.  I decided that since I worked so hard to get there that I might as well look around.To my great surprise as I began to dive –  there was an entire flock of people SCUBA diving – but no Jesus to be found. No one really talked about that, the focus was on amazing things that could be found.  I learned that many returned to the surface to invite others to the dive, and taught them to SCUBA but rarely did those people ever talk about Jesus or that it was once Jesus that led them to this place. Then one day I discovered that Jesus was hanging out again in about 10 feet of water. Many snorkelers hovered over him,  SCUBA divers looked up at him. I decided to ask Jesus why he was there at 10 feet and not with others – either at the surface or below with the divers– He simply said – Follow me… I said I was ready; and Jesus said good, not take off the SCUBA gear.  I did not object, but I did not understand, Why not that I was ready, was Jesus not leading the way?  Jesus said, Follow me & Drink – with the stoppage of time – we discussed my inability to do this – and he said Drink.  I opened my mouth and it began to be filled with salt water – and as I expected I began to choke and then it happened I died – but instead of floating to the surface, I was given in the most incredible freedom I never imagined –my body transformed and my lugs could breathe under water and Jesus was now off swimming ahead – He showed me the wonders of the sea – and said – you do not need to return to the surface, but I am – so I followed Him.

I realized that I could no longer breath above the water as I could before. But that was okay, because as long as I was with Jesus, he filled my lungs with living water. If I was to wonder from Jesus, now I had to hold my breath above water… life would never be the same – I had a choice to make. Return to the sea, walk on earth only where Jesus leads, or now attempt to return to life as I once knew it only to die again…. the choice was easy and the burden was light.

I if the Lord mysterious deposited 100 gallons worth of wisdom, insight, love and power in you, that in some way that you were then required to release/spread – How large of “spout” would you have to work with… Imagine pressing 100 gallons through a baby bottle or dropper verses a fire hose.  There are many ways the church tries to increase your “spout”, here I wanted to challenge us in allowing God to get things (even 1 gallon worth) inside of us. You can have a fire hose of a spout, but be dry as a desert.   The metaphor helps me to better understand what it means to live for the Kingdom and the very challenge that it poses to Christians and why more don’t have a Kingdom Perspective inside of them.  This story represents the power of the body and mind to keep you from following Jesus, and the way in which many have created ways do the actions of following Jesus – without really following.

The Church in general  – loves to swim close to the shore in no more than 10 feet of water.  There are many who have found ways to make it possible to swim with Jesus – snorkeling, SCUBA, air lines from boats, holding one’s breath for minutes at a time…. all in vain to truly be with Jesus.  The church has offered swimming classes and built huts by the shore, but in reality very few ever enter the water – for to enter the water is to embrace disappointment – In order for me to follow Jesus – I must be willing to die  – the absurdity of swallowing salt water as the way to find life.

Stepping into the water (of baptism) is to have the complete and wonderful opportunity to swim with Jesus. We must learn to swim, to play in the water  and enjoy the feel of the sun – but the call is to leave the shore and swim to the depths –

Questions to from the Scriptures:

  1. How do you know the difference between your voice, and the Lord’s voice? And What if your voice has three difference tones – your Spirit, your Body, and your Soul?
  2. How does your body control you?  Reactions, headaches, hunger, mental games of fear and rejection…..
  3. If Jesus was to make space for your growth, what do you think would be removed?
Posted in Epiphany, Year B | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

When is it time to stop fighting to save your marriage?

Posted on January 17, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Kingdom living requires an undivided life, yet will potentially separate everything else from you.

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:5-12 1 Corinthians 7:29-35 Mark 1:14-20

Read the updated version of this post.

My wife and I for some time have been intending to create a Living Trust. It is not because we have so much – and yet we do – to begin with our kids, the house, life insurance, and all the impending realities of this world. It is an overwhelming task – and yet it is a true gift to look at the value of all that you posses and to assign it a role in your death. We have not completed the process and part of our excuse is – our life and our possessions are the in the Lord’s hands, and yet what keeps us going is the real potential for others to fight (disagree) over the realities of this world we leave behind. To quickly answer the leading question of this post regarding marriage: Trying to build or save your marriage into something that cannot be broken is an effort of good intention, but wrong direction. The actual release from the need to save or build your marriage into the true joy of being in a relationship that last this life time is what prevents divorce. (Read  – the 7 Principles of Making Marriage Last, by Dr. John Gottman)

To be for be the Kingdom of God – is to be unmoved or motivated by the kingdoms of this world.  Kingdoms of this world can be anything from an individual to an institution. Even when churches, marriages, and identities are formed and tied to this world and not that which is established for the Kingdom of God it will cause an divided heart.  (Marriage is an institution established by God –  to invest in it as such – join our marriage enrichment cohort –  begins again Feb. 4th 2012.) The time has been fulfilled, (it is short – in Paul’s words) this does not mean to abandoned institutions rather it means to see them as what they are  – a tool and means by which God can and will assist you to be about what is greater – That is the Kingdom of God.

This concept of commitment and level of devotion seems complicated to us, yet we accept it and see it clearly in the calling and life of a solider trained for war. When a solider returns from war,  we call them a veteran. We acknowledge the service they have given, but it is hard for any of us who have not been to war to comprehend the sacrifice they have given.  This sacrifice is not simply time away from their families, risk of life, training and the traumatic experiences – the sacrifice is their very identity with no option to return to life as they once knew it. They have completely given over their lives – whether they die or not. Their training is a conversion of national allegiance – where their will is redefined to charge ahead in the face of death and to value the lives of people they do not know by name more than their own life. Their tongue is disciplined to answer in submission and respect to the commanding officer at all times. It is no wonder that when Jesus is approached by a soldier (Luke 7:1-10) who understood this level of conversion and faith –Jesus said none in Israel believed as he had.

Christians are called to his same devotion and commitment for we are in a battle. There is a war going on – it is a matter of life and death – and for the most part Christians are going through the motions of their faith without the slightest awareness or appreciation for the battle that they have been enlisted to fight. This battle will tear your family apart, it will require you to give your life, it will demand your attention and discipline or else when the battle is faced – you will either cower in fear or face destruction and death unless you have trained for such a time as this.

The Kingdom of God is – a Kingdom with a King not of this world – and we are called to be the servants, soldiers and heirs of this great Kingdom.  While we are enlisted into this battle which is not of flesh and blood – or even of this world for that matter. The effects of the battle are not only experienced in this world, they are as tangible and impactful as anything we do or do not do in this world.  We can pretend that there is no war, we can separate ourselves from society, we can attempt to balance how much we let it affect us – but we live in denial if we are going to give our lives to the King and pretend that it will not affect every aspect of our lives.

So – what do we do with our lives….. Our marriages, our families, our friendships, our possessions, our jobs, and the thing we have come to call the church as an institutional force of organization.  All of these are rooted in the soil of this world. When we count any of these things as more precious or valuable than our service to the King we have committed the error of Jonah – Not wanting to acknowledge the larger lens and more powerful love of God than we can control and contain.  For Jonah this a national issue – and we can see that very clearly today. God’s Kingdom is not nationally aligned – (no room hear for commentary on the current electoral process…)

At the same time – We have experiences in this world that we bring to the table when enter to the Kingdom to fight for the King. Are we to simply leave behind all that we have in this world? NO – Are we to give all that we have in this world over to the King?  YES… in choosing this we are choosing to live a life that is undivided. Whatever you have to leave behind or to give to the King is in your life for the purposes of the King. The our journey is to discover how we can use all things for the Kingdom and not our own comfort an gain. Our Strengths are for the King as are our Weaknesses.  When we wrestle with this – it takes us to the core of Repentance – “A turning away from what once was – to what will be so”. The repentance is connected by Jesus with believing in the good news. This Good News is at the heart of the Kingdom – that in Jesus as our King – all things have been redeemed.

If the passage of 1 Cor. is challenging to you today – you are in the right place. If it is not challenging to you; either you are not in touch with what it costs to be a servant of the Kingdom or your have chosen to divide your life into what is the King’s and what is not – and the impact that decision is yet to be realized.

The challenge of the passage is because Christians are called to convert everything in their life in  following Jesus. Our body –in what we do, Our soul in what we think or feel, and our very relationships. All of this is a submission of our lives by the rule of the Spirit. Imagine if Jesus calls James or John and they say” can’t we just stay here on the boat and share the Good News to all who are in our lives already? Sure there is a need – but the call is not simply to share about the good news it is a call to repentance and change so that the Good News is not based in this world rather in the conversion to the Kingdom of God.

Questions to guide you:

  1. Where does your time seem divided? – as if you (body, soul & spirit) are going in different directions all the time? (Being busy does not mean your time is divided – in fact not being committed and involved is a sure sign that your time can be given to almost anything that wants it…)
  2. The Lord Hates Divorce – so Cor. 1:29 is not a call for such action. Yet Idolatry is loving anything more than God as King.  Connecting last week – how can you and your spouse have an undivided Spirit – to your rule your marriage?
  3. What makes a person powerful in the Kingdom of God? (Review today’s Psalm)
  4. What makes a person powerful in the kingdoms of this world?      Does power in the World prevent power in the Kingdom of God – if not how do you reconcile these two answers?
Posted in Epiphany, Year B | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Banana Split vs. Sundae

Posted on January 9, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Banana Split vs. Sundae

Kingdom Principle: Wholeness of self (body, soul & spirit) is the process of holiness.

The King sees your whole self, and your whole self is greater than the sum of its parts.

1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51

While the banana is only a single ingredient of the Banana Split without the banana it becomes something very different – a Sundae. Further simply having all the ingredients for the banana split but to eat them separate is not to enjoy the dessert. The parts (ingredients) of the banana split (ice cream flavors, syrups, nuts, cherries, whip cream) are all unique and important pieces, but together you have so much more. God has called us to whole and holy people. In order to live into the holiness of God, we must not settle for sundae’s when what God has asked for banana splits.

In this dessert metaphor, the Holy Spirit has been given to all believers which is being made analogous to a banana, but all too often believers offer sundae’s leaving the “banana” in its peel. (There is a play on words regarding what believers have to offer on Sunday… but I’ve already pushed it far enough) It’s no wonder those believers to feel like something is simply missing when it comes to holiness and worship. What is missing is a holistic understanding and engagement of life. Meaning that every aspect and part of your life matters to God, and impacts your worship.

You have a body, soul and spirit each unique unto themselves, and when the Holy Spirit cuts and pierces our hearts (Acts 2:37) and the Word of God divides us (Heb. 4:12, 1 Thess. 5:23) the process of our submission and holiness unto the King is holistic (as opposed to dualistic). While we have unique parts, holiness is the aspect of all our parts being made whole. Holiness is alone a gift from God unto us, yet we are called to be Holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16) Over this lectionary year (B) we will look at the unique and individual aspects of the body, soul and spirit, but it must always remain paramount that we are more than the sum of our parts, and that we are made in the image of God, who’s thoughts are greater than the sum of them all.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” – is first attributed to Aristotle in his Metaphysics in 330 BC, this was a rejection of Plato’s theory of objects being a mere shadow of an ideal. (the roots of gnostism) And while this statement has been interpreted with various meanings over millennium, a great resurgence began in the last 100 years with the interest of Gestalt psychology. (here the emphasis is on the power of interactions and impacts of the “parts” upon one another) The Psalmist (David) long before Aristotle presented this picture of the whole being greater than the sum of our parts as the aspect of how God views us as His Creation. Further, God thoughts toward us are greater than a dissection of philosophy (Aristotle) or psychology (Gestalt) as a form of elevated anthropology. (forgive the jargon) God has split the heaven and earth, (torn veil) and draws us to holiness, by the power of his Holy Spirit.

Last week we addressed that the Spirit motivates, moves and molds the heart of the Kingdom, and previously we have addressed how the heart is the center of the body, soul and spirit. When we separate the body, soul and spirit we have a tendency to emphasize only one aspect of our holiness; like eating banana split one ingredient at a time. I would go as far as to call this a split personality, which has lead to many in the church to be accused of hypocrisy.

  • An isolated focus for the holiness of the body demands right action.
  • An isolated focus for the holiness of the soul declares right attitude.
  • An isolated focus for the holiness of the spirit demonstrates right approach.

But unfortunately, having any of these rights (action, attitude, approach) at the expense of another is to miss the fact that God’s holiness for us is holistic. This holistic expression is a reality that the whole is greater than the sum of its part. God sees our whole self and longs for His holiness and righteousness to be our only measure of approach, attitude and action. The Spirit of God is the glue and ruler of the body, soul and spirit of humanity. Gnosticism (the dualistic separation of the body and soul/spirit has been around for the ages, and was one of the main battle of the 1st century church) is not the pattern the King of Kings is seeking for those who desire to worship Him.

God has established a pattern by which his people are to worship, and the world has a different pattern (Romans 12:1-3). God’s pattern was laid out to Moses in the building of the Tabernacle, (Exodus 25-27, 30-31) and is renewed in the Life of Jesus (John 1, Hebrews 9:11-15) and was followed by Paul. (1 Cor. 4:16, 11:1, Phil.3:17 2 Tim 1:13). It is God’s desire to dwell among his people; the Tabernacle of the Old Testament shows how common people can have fellowship with a Holy God. (Exodus 25:8-9). The Tabernacle of the New Testament is the re-born life in Christ, (John 3:3, Gal 2:20) and our body is the tabernacle of the Holy Spirit. Within the pattern of the Tabernacle and Domains (inspired by Moses’s discipiling the nation of Israel) all aspects of life were engaged as worship.  Again, the whole is the focus not the sum of parts or even the parts without the whole. All of the law is fulfilled in the life of Jesus – and it is the Spirit of Jesus which has been given to us that we might exalt and worship the King.

This week’s scriptures focus on the integration of our lives. Even if we live without deceit, having right actions (body) and right attitude (soul), but truly fail to approach (spirit) Jesus in submission of spirit as Nathaniel did, what have we gained? When we know the truth of God’s Word, yet fail to apply it to our lives and in our places of authority – God is not worshiped and the Kingdom is not expanded. Eli focused on mental formation, but ignored the physical formation of himself, and the relational/emotional formation of his children. Samuel’s soul was in submission to Eli when he first heard the Spirit, for he had not be taught to hear the Lord. As Samuel responded the Holy Spirit, it transformed his actions (body) and attitude (soul), such that no word fell to the ground unanswered. Wholeness, in our heart is our process of holiness – and in holiness, God is worshiped and the Kingdom is expanded. God is concerned with the mundane actions of our lives just as much as the majestic and the mystical – when we sit and stand, even our very thoughts when we are thinking about nothing at all, remain a priority to God.

Therefore let Holiness be an integration of wholeness into my life as an act of worship!

First, it is important to acknowledge that you have a spirit as distinct from your body and soul. Your spirit is unique from the Holy Spirit, and while that may be obvious, the implications are not so commonly accepted. Your soul is unique from your spirit, in the same way that your body is unique from your soul. Your soul is uniquely expressed in your thoughts and emotions and your will that has impulses of its own. Your spirit must be reborn from above; your soul must be redeemed. The process of holiness begins with your spirit and lives and dies in the soul. Your body is not mere substance or flesh. God created your body to honor him and be a connective tool for worship. Further you body is so important to God that it will be fully resurrected.

Second (once you have the ingredients – make your banana split – by putting it all together) Seek to integrate your worship (actions, attitude, and approach) though the pattern of the Tabernacle.

Physical & Emotional formation are often rooted in the need to disciple your body.

Mental & Relational formation are rooted in your need to develop your soul.

Spiritual & Missional formation are rooted in your need to be directed by your spirit.

Finally, be you!

You were designed to worship the King in holiness… it is not about having the right actions (alone), or the right attitude (only), or the right approach (without the rest); it is about having the righteousness of God – which is a gift. So bask in the Son of the Almighty – He as given his life for you, now give your live for him.

Posted in Epiphany, Year B | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Holy Spirit gives Lottery #’s to big winners!

Posted on January 3, 2012 by chaplaincasey

Updated Jan. 2015

Kingdom Principle – The Holy Spirit moves, motivates and molds the heart of the Kingdom.

Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11

Winning the lottery is a very real hope for many people. Even if they never win,  just having the hope of winning is enough to motivate people to get up  in the morning and keep playing. They have faith knowing that  if by chance – they win… all things will change in that moment.  Think of how foolish it would be to buy a lottery ticking, hoping to win, only to refuse to check your ticket to see if your numbers are the big winner. And yet, this is the very foolishness that many Christians live their life – having access (a ticket in their hands) to the Holy Spirit, but never checking-in to see if what they have makes any difference.  Statistically, people know the lottery is not going to be won by everyone, the odds are not in their favor – but it still yields a billion dollar draw – with the very hope that it might someday pay off. The Holy Spirit is unlimited in its ability to be a “pay-off” for everyone who “plays” but too many are going through the motions of Christianity (having a ticket, but not checking the numbers) and not even seeming to miss the benefits of the Holy Spirit.

While much has been written in this blog on the “benefits of the Spirit”:

This will be a reflection on what prevents us from hearing the Holy Spirit in your life – which is as simple and necessary as checking your numbers to see if you won the lottery…. (for a how-to guide – here is the best book I have found) For believers in Jesus Christ, you have given your life to him (possessing a lottery ticket), but there is so much more for you, in learning to hear from him each day (checking your numbers). Please forgive the gambling references to the role of the Holy Spirit – and rather focus on the foolishness of buying a lottery ticket – only resist checking the numbers…. Let’s avoid this foolishness in our pursuit to Exalt the King and Expand the Kingdom.

For too many believers in Jesus, the reason the Holy Spirit does not make any difference in their lives is that they are content living their lives without hearing from the Spirit. There are those who live in this contentment out of ignorance, much like the men who Paul encountered in Ephesus, and there are others who actually choose not to have the Holy Spirit overwhelm their plans.  The root issue of this is a lie from the enemy, that proclaims you can “enjoy the comfort and control of their lives” without the disruption of the Spirit. Yet tied to this lie is a truth that the Holy Spirit can not be contained or controlled by us. During this season of Epiphany (Jan. – Feb) we will be looking at the difference – The Holy Spirit makes in the lives of those who live in the Kingdom of God.

When Jesus was baptized, by John it was not because he “needed” it – it is because we needed it.  Jesus was without sin – and John’s baptism was one of repentance and forgiveness of sin. It is no wonder that John questioned this act of baptism Jesus stating “I’m not worthy to baptize you…”  and yet in this act the Heavens were torn open and the Holy Spirit descended.  This is certainly not the first time the Holy Spirit moved on the earth, but it does exemplify the movement of God’s Spirit upon our lives when we open ourselves and publicly declare that He is our King. In this the King declares that we are his children.

Below are three ways to look at why you may not be hearing the Holy Spirit.  These will contrast the way we move in life between a GPS and a SPG system.  Most of us have experienced  a GPS directional system (global positioning systems) which is not on all smart phones.  SPG stands for Spiritual Positioning Guidance, in order to be guided by the Spirit we must learn to position ourselves to hear the Spirits “voice”. We must learn to tune into the right signal.  Without the right web address, all the information of the Internet is of no use to you, but just because you don’t access it, does not remove its presence.  What many believers really want is GPS to tell us where to go,  not SPG (Holy Spirit Guidance) to tell us who we are.

Are you motivated by the Destination? (Where)

  • GPS – we input where we want to go
  • SPG- we receive where we need to be

We don’t hear because we are not asking. – Luke 11:9-13

Are you motivated by the Directions? (How)

  • GPS – we expect the “quickest” route
  • SPG – we experience the “best” rout

We don’t hear because we are not listening – Luke 12-27-34

Are you motivated by the Information? (What & Why)

  • GPS – we depend on the most current updated results
  • SPG – we draw from the wisdom and awareness of the ages

We don’t hear because we over-value what we already know. – Luke 12:54-13:9

This week  – Ask the Holy Spirit to “speak to you”, Then take time to listen… Finally – “Check your numbers” this is a metaphor for learning how to embrace and experience your story through a God given lens and purpose. These “numbers” are what lead you to the a winning combination.

Posted in Epiphany, Year B | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Love or Fear – What motivates you more?

Posted on December 14, 2011 by chaplaincasey

Updated Dec. 2014

Kingdom Principle –  Fail forward in Love, rather than being frozen in Fear.

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38

What motivates you more – love or fear?  Do you not steal from your work, because you love your boss/company or because you don’t want to get caught and fired? Do you remain faithful to your spouse/friends because you love them or because you fear what life would be like without them? Do you have good hygiene because you love yourself or because you fear the ridicule and rejection of others? (These questions are reflected in the post on 9/11/11) Many times we don t look closely at what truly motivates us to do the things we do – in fact we often simply assume that our motivations are good if the results are good. God’s motivations are always pure – which means His motivations are always based on Love.  As seen above – the same “right or good” outcomes can result from very opposing motivations…(this is why right actions are not the focus of the kingdom see post 9/25/11)  If you based you goodness on your actions – no stealing, no cheating, no lying but all these things are rooted in fear, then as we learn in 1 John 4:18 – there is a lack of love in you, because love drives out fear.

When the Angel of God appears we often hear him say, “Do not be afraid”. It is interesting that pure love can cause or evoke fear in others. It is our impure motives and nature which is being drawn to the surface as fear? Love will always demand a response – the angel is coaching as much as describing. (Fear often leads to anger which is a secondary emotion – not directly relevant – but interesting for reflection-  why might a message from God evoked anger) For the Angel of God always comes with a message –and this message is not based on what you have done, rather it is that God is giving you the message to go forward. The Angel of God comes to give you a new motive – at first glance we might assume that motive is fear “An Angel of God appeared to me – I better do whatever he says” but the real message of the an Angel is God’s love and the motivation is acceptance and signification from God Almighty. Therefor when the angel says “Do not be afraid” –  yes it is because there is Angel before you, but more importantly do not let fear take root in you.

It is God’s sustaining love that fulfills the commitment to Israel for the line of David’s throne. Jesus is to be born of Mary not based on what she has done, but because who she is and her response to God’s love. David is not chosen to be King – not based on what he has done or will do (both good and bad) rather based on his response to God’s love.

Is it possible for you and I to be motivated by Love and to encourage others to do the same. Yes,  for nothing is impossible with God, but what does it look like to un-root the fear in you and I?  It looks the same was allowing Love to take root in us– for Love drives out fear. Here is how to let Love take root and motivate you in all things:

  1. Take your focus off of your fear by…  Stop asking Why and What if…
  2. Believe that nothing is impossible for God by…    Asking How and saying Here I am….
  3. Accept God’s love and forgiveness for all the past fear-based failures
  4. Ask God’s love and faithfulness to lead you forward
  5. Remember, Do not be afraid – don’t discount what God shows you for the future
  6. Live in Obedience of Faith – walk forward not because you can, but because he called.
Posted in Advent, Year B | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Custom Order or One-Size fits all?

Posted on December 7, 2011 by chaplaincasey

One Size fits all or Special order?

Kingdom Principle: The Kingdom of God is universal based on the uniqueness of each person.

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Luke 1:46b-55 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28

People believe based on scientific evidence that no two people are exactly alike – knowing that no two people have the same fingerprint…. Yet all of humanity has the same building blocks of DNA. DNA is universal to humanity; fingerprints are unique to every person. In the Kingdom of God,  the Salvation of the King has a DNA for all of humanity and it is expressed in the uniqueness of each person’s message. We touched on that DNA last week, here we are going to look at the uniqueness of each person’s message.

When God’s salvation becomes my salvation it changes me. This change clarifies the uniqueness of the message that will come from me.

The question that most of us hold is “What is my unique message or what are the right good works for me to do?”  The reality is that if anyone simply tells you what your unique message is – I am very suspect that the uniqueness of that message has not been compromised by the giver. (Remember the concept of being a door verses a mirror – post on 10/31/11) The impact of God’s universal salvation on a unique person is described in the Thessalonians passage above, and yet there is a personal impact where the person is sanctified at the most unique and personal level of human description fond in the Scriptures –  your spirit, your soul and your body are each uniquely designed from the rest of the creation.   John the Baptist was able to leap in the womb of Elizabeth when Jesus was in the womb of Mary – this is a mark of their personal spirit’s connecting not their body or soul. Our Bodies being unique as describe in fingerprints is easy, our body is far more unique that that – based on blood type, genetics, and may other factors, our soul is also a unique expression of who we are that is separate from our spirit and our body. Our soul which is dependent on the body for expression is the make-up of our personality, character, values all impacted by the context we find ourselves. This is far more complicated that I can go into here, but here is the point:

YOU have a unique message to share for the Kingdom of God to be completed. The best way to begin the process of articulating that message is through reading of the Scriptures the “source code” of God’s DNA . Within the Scriptures is Diving Truth, a Trauma Truth and a personal Truth will emerge making you alive… from there, that message is personalized in you by your holding in tandem the Kingdom of God as you see it around you and the Kingdom of God as it lives in you.

Jesus has a unique message as found in his divine truth of Isaiah 61, his trauma truth was found in the prophecies of the Old Testament and from his Personal Truth we learn that his food was to complete the work of the Father and to destroy the work of the devil. Connect this to the good works we were uniquely prepared for as found in Eph. 2:10.

If you don’t know your Divine, Trauma and Personal truth from the Scriptures start there… (review post on Oct. 25) If you do… then begin to look at your values and strengths (post on Nov. 9 ) finally connect the dots with the context you are in and where you can apply yourself at this present moment.

Some easy steps to begin the process:

  1. Rejoice  – We all need to learn to feel the joy of Salvation…..
  2. Pray  – We all need to learn to hear his voice.
  3. Give Thanks – We all need to learn to see things more as God sees them
  4. When you sense something or a nudge to do something new…. Do it
  5. Do it as long as it does not conflict with the Scriptures
  6. Begin to listen to your body…. Ex. Don’t feed it until it tells you it’s hungry… when it is thirsty it needs water, when you are tired sleep…
  7. Begin to listen to your soul…. Ex.  What emotions are you feeling that are not “righteous” take those to the Lord and your Trauma Truth, What passions and dreams live in you, which you have given up on or simply let die…. Write them down.
  8. Begin to listen to your spirit… grow your spirit by search the Scriptures for your Divine Truth, follow “weird convictions to drive down a different route, to ask a stranger a question or to speak up when you don’t know what to say…
  9. Know that God is faithful and he will complete these things in you
Posted in Advent, Year B | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

When you don’t have time to breathe – beware of what takes your breath away

Posted on November 28, 2011 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The salvation of the King is the only true peace.

Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8

Being in Mexico for a few days reminded me how much comfort I get from my watch (which broke), my phone (which did not work), my hair being done (if I gel my hair the kids pull at it all day) and the simple comfort of a set schedule… yet these comforts fail in comparison to knowing that I was in the right place doing the right thing for both myself and the Kingdom. I feel total security driving the roads of Mexico. In this last trip, reflecting over the last 10 years, confirmed many thoughts in me for the next steps in life here and what it means to be on mission for the Kingdom. The Guidance I was looking for was found in Him, but the other comforts needed to be removed for me to see the true comfort.

What brings you comfort? The virtues of comfort are Wisdom, Power, Guidance, and Security and the vices of comfort are Money, Possessions, Food &/or Drugs, Labels and Relationships in general. These Vices are not negative in and of themselves or wrong, however if they become the center of one’s life then become a false center of purpose. The virtues of comfort are used by Steven Covey in Habit 2, to guide you to your goals which are based on your purpose. The difference between the two lists is that the virtues produce in patience in you, which when matched with purpose yields a true peace. The vices rather than producing patience are usually more inclined to grow your desire for instant gratification.

The person who knows their purpose and has the perspective of patience will know peace beyond any discomfort…. So the question becomes not what gives you comfort, but what has the power to take away your peace? (It is usually the same thing that takes your breathe away…)

Peace for me has been remembered as not the absence of the storm, rather the calm amidst a storm. When we think about patience we often direct our thoughts to time. How long am I willing to wait for a event to happen indicates how much patience I have. But in the Scriptures we see that time is not relevant to patience. In fact I might add “time” to the list of vices if it were to be seen as giving you comfort.

John the Baptist  – knew his purpose, in that he was at peace waiting for the coming messiah. His comfort came not from his possessions, or his relationships, and he laid all labels down, only to patiently wait for the King to rise!  As we turn our hearts to God, wisdom and guidance will be given as we recognize his power and security in the Salvation given by Grace in the Lord Jesus Christ.  So does this mean we are to wear camel skin and eat locusts and honey – you may if you wish – but more importantly we are to be covered by the righteousness of Christ and to feed on his Word that does not fail.

For you and I today – To increase our comfort and peace – we must work out and grow up in our salvation with is a Gift from God.  It is very simple – Let your patience rest in  “Jesus is Lord” and your purpose to “Love the Lord”. The hard part in is finding ways to put everything in our lives under the heading of “Jesus is Lord” or “Loving the Lord” …. But try just for a moment – to put everything in your life under one of those two headings…

Jesus is Lord (Rule)– of my children & wife, of my possessions, of my life… etc

Loving the Lord (Reign)– in my work and relationships, with my money and time…. etc

As there may be things in your life that do not fit under these headings – you have found places in your life where the rule and reign of the Kingdom is not complete. This is what remains for you to work out and grow up into Salvation. Where does my desire to watch TV fit? What about my desire to vacation and relax, or the ways in which I wish for others be punished for their lifestyle….  For the most part these are the places of my life where comfort comes from something other the Salvation of my King who rules and reigns over the Kingdom.

Take a breath  -inhale saying “Jesus is Lord”…. Then exhale saying “I love the Lord”. In this you are increasing your Peace and Comfort by claiming that your very breath is a gift from God. It is simple but this practice will take your attention off of the things that cause distress and refocus you on Wisdom, Power, Guidance and Security.

Posted in Advent, Year B | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

What kind of list are you making this season?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by chaplaincasey

Updated 11/26/14

Kingdom Principle:  Kingdom Come – means, there is more to come…

Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37

Each year our kids enjoy making a list of things they want for Christmas gifts. The creation of this list forces them to think carefully about what they want. As they make this list they also think about the likelihood of what they might get based on those who are receiving the list. (They can ask for a Xbox360 – but no one in the family is going to buy it for them….) The key to a good list, is reaching as far as possible, without going so far as to get nothing on your list. If you were to make a list of what you want, what would be on the list? Think of that list, write out the top 5 right now….   It may seem unfair, but on your list, did you include the salvation for someone who does not know the King? If not. I would guess that it is because the advent of the King is not a pressing thought for you rather than a lack of concern about someone’s salvation.  If I change the question – stating that Jesus will return in 24 hours, what are the top 5 desires of your heart? In this our trials and troubles seem to be removed, and our concern for others salvation is increased. What does it look like for us to live in this way every day?

Each year at this time the Church moves into a season of Advent. In this season we remember the coming of Jesus to the world – culminating in the celebration of the birth of Christ – our King. The Church is also called to look forward to the second coming of Jesus to the world – the final establishment of His Kingdom Come. The Kingdom of God is both here and now – as we read last week, it is here now, in you. And the Kingdom of God is very much still yet to come. But when it comes it brings more than we might want.

When the King comes again to fully establish His Kingdom on this earth – all things will be restored in a way that can not and will not happen prior to the advent of Jesus to the earth for the final time. With this advent there will be deliverance for God’s people, and at the same time there will be a judgment for those who are not known by Him. Are you ready for the advent of the King? For those who quickly respond yes – their eyes are fixed on their deliverance and removal of their suffering. This is a great promise and hope for those who are attentive and waiting for the coming King. However, tied to this coming is the weeping for those who did not heed the warnings of the prophets and the signs of the times that pointed to the destruction of the earth.  There is much we do not know about the second coming, and the Bible seems very clear that no one will know the time or the hour of the final advent of the King. What we do know is that the King is not unaware of His people and as His people we are not to be unaware of those around us. What we also know is that there is more to come…

As the Church we have gotten comfortable hoping that someone else will share the gospel of the Kingdom with those who do not know. We wait for an evangelist to preach, we wait for a prophet to show the way, we wait for a pastor to pray….  We are called to be awake and alert, that the hour is at hand. If the King were to return at this moment, do you believe that you would be lacking anything? If you lake nothing, what do you have that others who are lacking are in need of?  This awareness is to be what keeps you awake, not for your own benefit but for the impact that it can and does have on the lives of those around you. Now it is time to make a list and check it twice. The list that needs to be made, before we wishfully desire the Advent of the King, is the list of names whom are not blameless and covered in filth.

Make a list of three people whom you fear have not accepted the Grace of Jesus Christ over their lives. For these people in this season; pray for their hearts to be opened, seek out opportunities to share life with them, be alert and aware of how your mission can be a testimony to them. Let us not give up on this list, not let us give up asking the King for his mercy over their lives. You can ask for the world… but you may not get it.. make your list based on those whom God has already laid on your heart.

Finally, remember the Prophets have spoken, the people have ignored the message, and the cycle continues…. You may be the prophet God is calling to share your hope with your neighbor, co-worker or family member this season. The prophets were not visionaries who knew the future, rather they were vessels who God filled in the present. What is God filling you with this season? What would it look like for you to be a prophet to the people on your list? This Advent season begins by remembering the prophets and we share in their message of proclaiming the Kingdom Come.

Posted in Advent | 1 Comment

Mexico was not created for Mission Trips and neither are you.

Posted on November 16, 2011 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  The Church is mission, the Kingdom is missionally motivated

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46

For the past 5 years my family has participated in a “mission trip” where our mission was not to be on a mission trip, but rather to be missionally present with those to whom we are sent. There has been no tasks to complete, and there is no measurement of what we have accomplished, rather there are relationships that have been deepened and there is life that is shared. We are mission because we are sent, not because we have to, or because we need to, rather for the sake living into the Hope which God has called us to. Identity is formed and confirmed in the fulfillment of mission.

The Lord separates out His people based on Identity – not outwardly, but rather by inward motivation (This is an act of mercy).  Matthew addresses people as sheeps or goats, and yet there is one thing the same about both, each group responds with surprise for they did not see as the Lord saw,  therefore they both say, “Lord, when did we see you…” I imagine that behind their response is, “If we had seen YOU in need, we certainly would have served YOU” but, “we did not see YOU”. (remember this is the same for both groups) What or who then did they see?

Clearly there are those who, while they did not see “Him”, they were missionally motivated and completed the task set before them, while there are others who because they did not see never saw engaged the mission. It is theses goats who are waiting to be sent on mission, rather than living their lives as mission.  When we see a need and respond to it, we can quickly feel as if we are on a mission to accomplish a task. There is nothing wrong with this; businesses have mission’s to accomplish, churches and youth groups go on missions trips, and many today have personal mission statements they seek to fulfill.

However, if our motivation is based on the reward of completing the mission or avoiding the guilt of avoiding the mission, then the mission is external to you and can be separated from you. To engage in mission, unaware of the reward or the without any avoidance of guilt is to truly be motivated by our identity (values, character and strength – last week’s post) and to be mission. Jesus was and is the mission of God. Jesus was not on a mission for God, Jesus is the mission. Are we are to be with Jesus, as a body is with the Head. (Eph. 1:22, Col 1:18)

The church is mission not on a mission. The righteous are not motivated by reward they are motivated by mission. Again, when we go on a mission, it begins and ends…. When we are mission, we move and have our being as mission. (Acts 17:28) As we find in these passages the King is separating out two groups of people. I see the separation as those who are mission and those who see mission as something they do. (There will be many who cry out Lord, Lord, yet will hear – “I never knew you” (Matt 7:21-23).  Jesus leads the way and the Church fulfills the mission, by being filled with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.  That very filling yields wisdom and revelation which leads us to engage mission. Because mission cannot be separated from Jesus nor for that matter the Church, those who are mission have a hope that carries them beyond accomplishment.

This Hope is expressed in life as we see in Psalm 100. This hope also overcomes confusion about God’s will for your life. Where confusion comes in, we can be sure it is a work of the enemy. I am not saying confusion is sin or a result of sin, but where there is confusion – ask for mercy (last week’s post). Confusion is a battle ground for the mind. We must resist the devil, in order for confusion not to lead us to sin.  I confess my life is not without confusion as to what decisions to make regarding some directions in life. However my confession overcomes my confusion, for, because I will always have many choices but only one mission. Often we can become trapped waiting and looking for God’s will, and I understand the desire to go through the “right” door, but truly to be mission is to know that no matter what path I take, I will be serving the King. So pray, ask for mercy and run forward so that you will have increased awareness and receive the grace of the Lord to set your path straight.

Finally, the Kingdom is missionally motivated, and the Kingdom of God is within you. Further in the Kingdom of God His servants are called to have their focus beyond themselves. In much the same way the King is focused on his people, as the people of the King we are servants in the Kingdom which takes our focus outwardly. Therefore – when we are mission, our (right) actions are not the primary concern of the King, rather it’s the movement of the Kingdom through righteousness.

For a moment, forget about any decisions  or confusion that need to be resolved and focus on the hope to which you have been called. If this is too hard – simply reread the Ephesians passage and believe in the power and ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Now regarding the hope to which you are called:

  • What does that hope look like?
  • To fulfill that hope what will it require?
  • When your life is mission, there is no such thing as failure – Can you accept this?
  • Follow and Be with Jesus, he will lead you, not Go… Fear not – He is with you!

To be mission, is to be called and separated out by God for his Kingdom and not your own. That is to be a sheep of his pasture.

Posted in Year A | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Are you aware of what God isn’t giving you?

Posted on November 9, 2011 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The King does not give as much as he withholds

Judges 4:1-7 Psalm 123  1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30

To say that the King does not give as much as he withholds, is hard to understand without knowing how much the King gives. This is not simply a catchy statement – about the King giving his life, rather this is a practical condition meaning that if God has given “X”, and he has withheld “XX”, in order to be your King. A simple analogy on the heels of Halloween; I allow my kids to Trick or Treat – going door-to-door to fill up bags of candy and yet I limit how much they can keep and how much they can eat each day.  I also limit the number of hours they can spend Trick-or-Treating. With no limits – They could potentially collect 30-40 lbs of candy in one night and again with no limits they would eat half of that the first night. I have actually placed more limits on Halloween than given permission. But for them, they do not experience the limit, they experience the joy of having a couple piece of candy. And for most of us we do not experience the Mercy of God, but we do enjoy the Grace. To grow in our understanding of the King and to live into the Kingdom we must appreciate what has been given as much as we are aware of what has been withheld.

The Church has become fixated on Grace. (not bad – except when we error on the side of grace, for there is no error in grace) The Kingdom is filled with Mercy. That which the King withholds falls in the realm of Mercy. Grace is given as an undeserved gift. It is given and the Church can tangibly see the effects of what is given. Salvation and life transformation are gifts of Grace.  When Grace is given and receive, it is invested in and it increases in expression – this is the parable of the talents. Mercy on the other hand is when punishment is withheld or removed; nothing is being “given” which it as tangible, but the result is exponential. This is the parable of the 10 Virgins, is that the 5 who were ready fully understood Mercy, those who did not, well they need Grace. Mercy is the prevention of the weight of the world crushing you at any moment.

Practically Speaking: If you  Speeding down the road , and you get pulled over, you can ask for grace or mercy, but which do you really want- If Grace –  you are asking for the officer to give you a letter of recommendation to reduce your insurance rate.  That is to give you something you don’t deserve. If Mercy – you are asking for the officer to let you go without giving you a ticket. To not give you what you deserve. To withhold punishment. Many of us has mistaken Grace for Mercy and in doing so, have never enjoyed the true benefits of Mercy.  Because God is rich in Mercy – He give us Grace…. Grace is a Gift and Mercy is a Means by which the gift is given

MERCY IS THE DIVINE MOTIVATION  IN US FOR CHANGE –this is key why the church struggles with mercy, but loves grace. Grace does not require change; yet we were given grace so that we might change. Grace is the teaching and Mercy is the learning. In the Kingdom, as in the parables your learning is paramount.

For most we never think about the difference between Grace and Mercy. If we don’t become aware of Mercy as separate from Grace, we can get spoiled by Grace. Have you become “spoiled by Grace?” Do you wonder when bad things are going to happen after a good thing? When you see a police officer do you feel as if they are waiting for you to do something wrong? Do you wonder why things always break or don’t work when there is no reason for them not to be working correctly? Have you never driven down the street and hit every light green or is traffic always at its worst for you? If so, I am going to suggest you begin to look for Mercy. Mercy is the action of God that withholds what which could be experienced as hard, trying, punishment or judgment and you are never the wiser.

The King is constantly withholding in the Kingdom. (If you read that last sentence and still think that withholding a negative term – then Mercy is yet to take root in you.) This withholding or dispensing of Mercy is seen in two unique ways – Delayed Entropy & Increased Awareness.  Delayed Entropy is the slowing down or withholding of the natural rate of decay or pressure of the world. When your clothes last longer than others or you don’t get sick and others are suffering – that is Mercy. When you don’t run out of gas and pull into the gas station on fumes, when you get cell reception in a dead zone to make an important call or when you don’t lose an account or get fired due to downsizing this is Mercy. Increased Awareness is the common or natural state of the mind is withheld and rather you experience an increased or heightened ability to have perspective or to insight beyond yourself.  Mercy leads you to make decisions that don’t make sense to others at the time. Mercy increases your awareness of others and motivates you to reach out to a friend then discover that in that moment they needed you most.  Mercy as increased awareness is a withholding of your selfish nature.

Mercy frees you to invest your life, not fearing it will be consumed by the world. Mercy causes your eyes to be focused on the Power of the King, rather than the neediness of ourselves. Mercy reminds us that while destruction can come at any time, it pleases the King to thwart the will of the enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy your life.

Mercy is the motivating factor of life. Does it take a “carrot”  to motivate you? – Something out in front that is desirable. Or Does it take a “stick” to motivate you? – Something behind you that is painful you don’t want to repeat. Or is there an internal motivation that directs you beyond the external factors of life. Internal factors are rooted in Mercy – they are Values, Character and Personal Strengths…  Where we are aware of it or not – it is there, but it is not until we begin to identify them do the gain the prominence in our lives that they desire.  To more deeply discover your values and strengths – go to http://www.viame.org and take the survey.

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