Puberty & Prayer are essential to Maturity

Posted on August 18, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Jesus brought the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth, now we can ascend to Heaven on Earth

The veil of the heavens and earth has been torn.

1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43 Psalm 84 Ephesians 6:10-20 John 6:56-69

The most common catalyst to prayer is crisis. The crisis of identity is often first engage in puberty. This is why so much maturity takes place in these years. Prayer & Puberty move us to develop a maturity that is needed in our lives.

  • Prayer shifts our focus from what is happening to what can happen.
  • Prayer shifts our focus from the reality of this world to the realm of the heavens.
  • Prayer changes you, even if it doesn’t result in your desired outcome.
  • Prayer is a conversation with God, in which you learn to ask, seek and find.
  • Prayer includes listening to the response from God. (This is true Wisdom)
  • Prayer guides us in the journey of faith, teaching us the very Will of the Father.

This post may be as challenging as the stage of puberty; however without it we never reach maturity.

Prayer has been a part of the faith narrative since the beginning of time. However, prior to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the veil was not torn. In Christ, the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacle) amongst us. (John 1:1-14) This new reality culminated in the tearing of the veil in the temple physically(Matt. 27:51)as well as the veil of heaven and earth being torn spiritually (Matt. 16:19, Rev. 3:7-8) The tearing of the veil made a two-way movement possible from heaven to earth, and earth to heaven. This veil is also spoken of as covering the hearts of those who do not turn to the Spirit, but rather trust in the ways and laws of the this world. For those whom the veil is removed, the result is transformation into the likeness of God through the power of the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:15-18), and admittance to the Throne room of God. (Hebrews 4:14-16) This change is the very change that we speak of when we say, “Prayer Changes things”.  You are the very “thing” that is being changed when you engage in prayer.

Last week we read Solomon asking for wisdom, because the Lord asked him what we wanted. This conversation came in the form of a dream and resulted in a prayer. This prayer is not a request for more; it is a declaration of all that already is.  (Declarations and Commands are another means to move heaven on earth- but that will be a future post) God is already at work prior to your prayer being expressed. When you pray, God is confirming in you the work that He has already begun.

READ THIS CAREFULLY – Not praying actually causes us to experience more change than praying. When we pray, we are emotionally connecting with our desired or preferred future, therefore when it happens we do not experience it as change, rather completion.

God is at work prior to your act of prayer and in prayer God is transforming your will unto His…. Therefore, not praying is to actually working against the will of God and can thwart the desires of God’s heart.  We can delay God for God is patient and willing to wait, this makes God long-suffering and full of mercy. What happens when we delay God is that we engage in painful repeating patterns of our problems of this world. In prayer we participate with the movement of God and continue the plans of God.  So for those who feel that change is hard, how much harder is not seeing change happen where you want it most, only to repeat painful patterns. The greater change to experience the seamless transformation that God desired for our very lives which is rooted in prayer.

From this place we engage kingdom warfare, which is to serve the King of Kings rather than the prince of this world. Our fight is not of this world, and we are called to be wise in how we engage this world. We can and do have access to the Throne Room of God which is where the war is fought. (Hebrews 3:1-3, 4:3, 12-16) Therefore the Psalm of this week is not wishful thinking rather a very reality, right here and right now from which we can transform earth from heaven.

If prayer is a difficult thing for you…. It will be my assessment that you may struggle as well with wisdom. Wisdom is a gift of the Spirit, for which you must ask for in prayer. (see last week) So if you struggle with prayer – it won’t typically work to simply start praying. Rather I encourage you to seek someone (in the “flesh”) who you believe has wisdom of God.

  • The problem with prayer is not our inability to express our wants; it lies in the resistance of our hearts to receive God’s will.

So rather than resolving that prayer does not work, seek wisdom from those who you see that prayer is working. This seeking is the training ground from prayer. In listening to them, you will develop the needed act of listening which is essential to prayer.

Food is unto the body, as prayer is unto the spirit. (John 4:34) Is your spirit starving? Much like food, our palette changes and our desires are shaped by what we feed it. So if you want to eat a “healthy diet” you have to introduce healthy food – even if it does not taste good. Then soon that will shift your taste buds and you will not only like the healthy food, you will no longer desire the junk food. Are you willing to introduce prayer to your spiritual diet?

Does Crisis prompt you to pray more than Contentment? If so – join the crowd of the masses. However, the way of the cross is narrow, so if you desire to not only pray in crisis but also in contentment, rather than asking God to change what is going on…. Ask God what is going on. The change moves outside of you, to the inside as you listen to God. So ask, “Jesus what is your prayer for me in this situation? Then wait for an answer, then pray as Jesus is praying for you. (Romans 8:26-39)

Posted in After Pentecost, Year B | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Time wasters vs. money makers

Posted on August 13, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  Wisdom wastes no time with a fool and does not entertain evil.

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Psalm 111 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58

What do you find is a way in which you commonly end up wasting your time?   Many of us are drawn to identify the “forces” that work against our time and plans– this is an unhealthy default mode rooted in the self-justifying experience of blame. Yet, blaming itself is a waste of time. When we focus our attention on what we can do, and how we will do it, we are taking responsibility for our time. We have all been given the same amount of time, how and where we spend it, is an act of wisdom. In this post we will focus on time as it is experienced in relationships. The most common ways to waste time in relationships is: Nit Picking, Saying “I told you so”, Claiming moral superiority (“I would have never done that”, and complaining – these are all counterproductive. (This short list was compiled by M. Goldsmith in “Triggers” pg.156). The reality is that Wisdom overcomes each of these short coming of destructive communication. It is unfortunate that so many people lack the wisdom to ask for wisdom. Let’s change that right now. The passage this week demonstrates the power of asking for wisdom. If you don’t have wisdom, then you can simply ask for it. (James 1:5) If you have trouble believing that it is that easy, your faith is more child-ish than child-like, and wisdom is what you need to ask for most. Solomon was a “child” (19 or 20) when he became king and he asked for wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God, and we must seek it. It begins with the Fear of the Lord, and ends with understanding of all things. (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Deuteronomy 4:6; Job 28:28; Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Wisdom leads you to seek the Kingdom of God as outlined in Matthew 6:33 – seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all things will be added unto you…. Therefore, why would one seek anything else, when by seeking the Kingdom all else is added? Do you long for God’s will to be done in your life? Seek the Kingdom and His Righteousness. If you are not sure how to do that – (read this blog) but simply Ask God for wisdom. As you do you will be filled with discernment and understand about the world around you and the love of God that will lead you to celebrating freedom, or leave you crushed under the current reality and fear of change.

There is so much more I wish to say here, but to keep it short – I am going to draw from two books: “Necessary Endings by “Dr. Henry Cloud and “Bold Love” by Dan B. Allender. Both of these books are amazing reads for the spiritual insight leading to healthy relationships and the role of wisdom being applied.  Overall there are three types of people in the world.

  • The Wise,
  • The Fool,
  • The Evil.

A very quick and simple summary of these types of people:

  • The wise have an open ear and open heart to learn God’s will. (It keeps them seeking)
  • The fool have closed ears to God’s voice and open mouth to share their own.
  • The evil are fools, who have a closed heart to God and haughty eyes looking for opportunities to thwart God’s will.

Most of us assume that we are not fools, yet our actions reveal something much different. Read a summary of this kind of thinking from the wisdom proverbs of Solomon. The fool can identify themselves as both sinners or saints, but the wise are able reject and resist the lies of the enemy an thus identify as saints. The goal of this blog is for us to be wise saints confronting the chaos of this world. Wisdom helps us to navigate and direct our time which we invest in the lives of those around us. True wisdom is bold love directing us to make necessary endings where the soil is not fertile for the Kingdom of God. Here are three acts of wisdom which you can draw from when you are in an environment where you are being drawn to waste your time or fall into folly.

    1. Ask for Help.
    2. Apologize.
    3. Choose Optimism.

Each of these demonstrate a posture of wisdom in that you are open to what God is going to do in the renewal of the relationship. You are choosing a path of humility, while as the same time rejecting the default mode of blaming and victimization. If these three are not natural to you (yet) let it be an initial indicator of your level of wisdom.

The result of having wisdom is seen throughout the Book of James and the lectionary will lead us there in just a few weeks. Wisdom is a movement of the spirit within you. The Ephesians passage makes this clear– be filled with the Spirit for you are to move as wise not as unwise. The John passage draws us to the source of wisdom – JESUS, but may walk away from Jesus using the foolish statements given above –

  • Nit Picking – Jesus is confusing…
  • Saying “I told you so” – Jesus demands too much…
  • Claiming moral superiority – Jesus is soft on sin and sinners…
  • Complaining – Jesus doesn’t work for me, or why do bad things happen, or I don’t like the church…

Your time is valuable. You are valuable. Let today be the day you seek wisdom with a renewed expectancy that God will fill you up and help you to overcome foolish and evil pitfalls.

Posted in After Pentecost, Year B | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Work is not for everyone… Worship is

Posted on July 20, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Life is to be an act of Worship – your labor will either be worship or it will be wasted.

Your Work is to be an expression of Worship.

2 Samuel 11:1-15 Psalm 14 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21

When you are asked by someone who doesn’t know you very well, “Tell me about yourself?” what is your answer? (Think of your answer…) How quickly does your profession/work come up? In other words – how quickly do you substitute “what you do” for “who you are”? There are two basic responses that result from this thinking. First, you must discover your identity apart from your work – you are a human being, not a human doing. In this way, it is wrong to answer the question about yourself with “what you do” for a living. Or a second possibility is to understand that your labor/work is an act of worship. Thus in this way, telling someone about yourself by describing what you do – is a great way to share with them how you worship.

So when asked about your life – feel free to answer – I am a Worshipper – and I spend most of my awake hours offering my life as an act of worship, as a ______________. (Rom. 12:1-2)Where the blank is your labor/job. This answer may seem foolish, but it is at the heart of the Kingdom and it is the opposite of the fool in the Psalm passage. (see 1 Cor. 4:8-17)This is not limited to those with “paid work”… For someone who is a student… this is where they find themselves 7-8 hours a day… therefore – fill in the blank with “student”. The same is true for those who are retired or others who spend the majority of time outside “work”. The truth of this conviction is declared by Jesus in his parable about working all day, or for one hour and getting the same pay. When your work is an expression of worship – the joy comes not from the pay/compensation, but rather from the contribution you are making to the Kingdom.

I try to follow the statement “Work to Live, rather than Live to Work” which implied the basic truth that working is a means to an end and that the end is to live your life to the full. This is supported by my perspective that we are all called to be in full-time ministry. (This does not mean employed by the “church”, but to live as the church “full time”. As a Life Coach I ask many people the question – “If money was no object what would you do with your life?”  That question is often too difficult to answer, so I simplify it with: When you have all the time in the world – what will you do? As well as, When you have all the money in the world – what will you do? The answers usually begin with: I would quit my job & travel &/or spend time with family &/or help those in need. These are great answers, how do your answers fill in the “____” if you were to have endless time and money. I have discovered a very important secret, which very few know and I believe the church has even attempted to cover up (The best part is that my job is not to sell the secret, rather to give it away) Your work (labor/job/profession) is one of your greatest forms of worship. This is also one of the greatest paradigm shifts of the Kingdom – because it frees you from spiritual disciplines (which most don’t practice) and going “to” church (which most do less than 2 hours a week) as being the only means to connect with God. (Spiritual Disciples and being in community with fellow believers are essential to your continued formation, but they were never intended to limit your worship, rather to increase the intimacy of worship.) With a renewed paradigm of work as worship, there is no need to quit your job should you ever experience a windfall of time or money – that would remove you from the most consistent and regular aspect of worship in my life.

This raises many questions for most people: What if I don’t like my job, what if I don’t have a job, what if I don’t work in/for Christian company or location, what if I don’t like the people I work with  or what if my work is a constant place of temptation?  what if?  what if… What if we stop asking “what if” and change the question –How can my work become an aspect of worship? (This re-orientation has been the theme since Pentecost – quickly review the Kingdom Principles of the last 7 weeks.)

  • Living in the Kingdom of God is a choice…
  • Living in the Kingdom is a matter of faith…
  • Living in the Kingdom is a spiritual reality…
  • Living in the Kingdom is a physical reality…

The reality is your work/labor can advance and express the Kingdom of God – when you choose, by faith to merge the spiritual and the physical as an act of worship.

The scriptures this week show us, what happens when we don’t see our work as worship. We end up in sin, foolish, trying to make on our own, and missing the opportunities to give God Glory.

King David’s work was to lead the nation of Israel – that meant leading the troops out to war. His sin, (that most overlook) was abandoning his work, this then opened the door for sin to grow leading him to adultery and murder. (James 1:13-15) You may not consider yourself tempted to be an adulterer or murderer, (Matt 5:21-30), beware before you judge David, the point here begins with looking the small choices of going to work everyday. David did not “have” to go off to work – he had money to “pay” someone else to do his job thus increasing his time. So if time & money is what you seek – beware. So what can you do? Col. 3:17 – “Whatever you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through the Lord Jesus.”

If you hate you job or you simply have no job; as the Psalm directs – do not be a fool. The fool works for money or because they “have to”, our call is labor for the Lord, trusting that He shall be our refuge. What this means in practical terms is – Trust the Lord to provide, and begin to do/labor/work your heart’s desire. (There are many ways to go about this – do not move in anger/resentment or quit thinking you are now released… Rather, first begin to ask the Lord, How is it that you ended in this role, and what can/must I learn from this place first? Second ask the Lord if he releases you from this job? You may have an “assignment” that once you finish it a promotion will come your way.) As we saw in last week’s scripture, if where you intend to go is not the Lord’s will, expect Him to intervene and bring conviction and correction. This is a blessing, not a curse. Don’t make the error of looking for a job to provide enough money to give you the freedom to do what you want when you are not at work. Rather, approach work in such a way that you express the Freedom of the Spirit as you work and trust in God’s provision is a matter of Faith.

My issue is simple, I still struggle to believe that what ask the Lord for can be given. For 5 years I have continued to attempt to live into Ephesians 3:14-21… I am still not asking for enough. I have a limited scope of what God can do and is willing to do. Every time I think I grasp how deep and wide the love of God is – God “peels back the scales of my eyes” to show me another dimension or depth I could not fathom before. When I ask – I ask for hundreds and he says, why not thousands, when I ask for thousands, he says why not millions… so on and so forth… I find myself counting my wages, and rowing all night long, when what I really need to do is let my Work be Worship, rather than making Worship so much Work.

Posted in After Pentecost, Year B | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Great Leaders are first Gracious Followers

Posted on July 15, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: In the Kingdom; followers become leaders who rule, and servants become saints who reign.

God’s rule & reign – is designed to move you from where you are at into His purposes.

2 Samuel 7:1-14a Psalm 89:20-37 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

The Kingdom of God is a paradigm shifting reality it is both spiritual and physical, it is both now and yet to come, it is both in you and beyond you, and it is together the rule and the reign of God.  When you choose to follow and apply the Principles of the Kingdom, you will be respected, revered & refined as a leader in this world.   This may not all happen at once, but without a doubt it will result from God’s rule and reign over you. In this way you are first a follower and a servant before you are a leader or saint. (you are called to be both a leader and a saint)  But in following and applying the Principles –you are in fact acknowledging that it is not “you” who attained or achieved leadership, rather it is God whom you are following that lead you to this place. The Principles of the Kingdom are determining characteristics which yield the fundamental direction for all those under the rule and reign of the King.

  • The rule of God is the existence of God’s sovereignty over all things.
  • The reign of God is the expression of God’s shalom in all things.

God’s reign reaches to everywhere and from under his rule no one can escape. Throughout the Bible we find God’s rule through the establishment of his Covenant relationship with his People. This covenant is not dependent on their faithfulness, rather it is rooted in God. However being covenant people brings both God’s grace and discipline when the people are not faithful. God’s covenant and God’s kingdom are not the same. God’s Covenant is his sovereign commitment to remain in relationship with His people. God’s Kingdom is the culminating presence of covenanted people under the reign of Christ, expressing their purpose unto God’s glory. Because of the rule and reign of God, both the Covenant and Kingdom are spiritual and physical, now and yet to come, temporal and eternal. The Covenant heart of God moves upon the hearts of people, motivating them to move into the Kingdom.

I see the rule and reign of God being similar to the rails of a train track. One rail is His Kingdom, the other is His Covenant. For the track to fulfill its purpose both rails must be in place and tied together. They are “tied” together by the characteristics of God which are communicated to us and do not change – his Grace, Love, Righteousness, Judgment, Beauty, Mercy… etc. Thus we move along the path the rule and reign of God (the tracks) we discover more fully the true identity of God. In this process the revelation of the Spirit shows us our purpose as well. Does that mean we all share the same purpose – yes and no – the “yes” for all of us is that our purpose is to know the rule and reign of God. This is the embrace of righteousness and holiness as the true spiritual identity that God has given to us, in this we find true comfort of belonging to the Great King of Kings.  Out of this peace and joy we express worship in our obedience and service to Christ as an act of love, overflowing with Thanksgiving and Compassion to love the world as we have been loved. The “no” is that God has uniquely designed and gifted each of His Children with a calling and destiny for which only that person is purposed.

In other posts we have address the principles of Authority and Power. Authority is to Covenant via relationship as Power is to Kingdom via revelation. Through relationships and revelations, the people of God are established as leaders in the world; the train is the church which moves down the track. Where there is Authority and Power the train moves, where it lacks, the train stalls. Therefore, the church must pursue intimacy in its relationships (with Christ and others) and seek discernment in its revelation (from Christ and for others) in order to continue to forward on mission.

In all of the passages this week – we find movement and mobility. It is not the tracks themselves that move, but we see David being promised a “track” that never ends, we see those who are not on “track” being brought into the train, and we see the hunger of the people to move down the track following (chasing) Jesus. It is for the purpose of movement (the church) that the tracks (God’s kingdom and covenant) are established.  We cannot find our purpose either on a personal level or in general without movement. (This is why there is no way to fail on purpose – the only failure is to fear moving forward)In the Gospel of Mark over the last few weeks – (chapters 3-6 read it quickly) count the movements of the disciples with Jesus. In Ephesians we see the same metaphoric movement in being brought near from a far off through the Blood of Christ. Next week we will read the passage of David’s sin and we find the one of the roots of this sin, is his choice not to be in movement with his warriors in battle. This week we seek that we wants to build a temple, and while Nathan give the go ahead (movement) God quickly reveals his truth on the topic. In this way – we fear not, and move much and see the Mission of God being fulfilled in our lives.

  1. Do you experience the Sovereignty of God ruling in your life? (Covenant)
  2. Do you experience the Peace of Christ reigning in your life? (Kingdom)
  3. Do you experience the Movement of the Holy Spirit as the guide in your life? (Mission)
  • As the Sovereignty of God rules in your life, others will see it as authority.

Kingdom leaders will be respected! When you don’t feel respected – rather than looking at the lack of respect people have for you…. Focus your attention on increasing your respect of God’s sovereign rule in your life. (Humble yourselves, Confess sin)

  • As the Peace of Christ reigns in your life, others will see it as power.

Kingdom Leaders will be revered! When you don’t feel revered – again rather than looking at a lack of reverence people have for you… Focus your attention on increasing your reverence for the reign of Christ in your life. (Release all Anxiety, Receive his peace)

  • As the Movement of the Holy Spirit guides your life, others will see it as character.

Kingdom Leaders will be refined! When you don’t feel refined – you know the drill – Focus your attention on the blinding and disguising aspect of the enemy’s work to prevent you from having clarity and confidence in your identity in the Spirit of Christ.   (Command the darkness away and Come near to God.)

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Hide & Seek with a prophet is no fun… Neither is debating same-sex marriage

Posted on July 3, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Everything is made twice… a spiritual reality calls forth a physical expression.

However, a physical reality cannot be understood spiritually without discernment.

2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 Psalm 48 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13

Many have heard of the phrase “Begin with the End in Mind”. Stephen Covey uses it to teach people to make more effective decisions in their life and leadership – what he guides us to do is to recognize that every reality or image is first created as a mental picture prior to the physical reality being created. Therefore – you are to picture what you want as the end outcome, before you begin to go off looking to make it happen… Biblically the pattern is the same concept the spiritual precedes the physical. The clearest example of this is with regard to the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle of Israel was a physical replication (shadow) of that which has a spiritual reality in heaven. (Hebrews 9, vs 24 ) Jesus himself is a physical reality of the spiritual presence of God. (Hebrews 1:3)There are other examples such as the marriage of Hosea to Gomer, a physical marriage to represent the spiritual adultery of Israel and the many diverse actions of the Prophets. My favorite example of this is found in 2 Kings 6:8-23 when Elisha asks the Lord to open the eyes of his servant to see the Angel Armies that are spiritual present to fight for them. (vs. 17) This holds true in the New Testament as well, some examples are the “dove” that descends upon Jesus as his baptism, the healings of Jesus where spiritual healing precedes physical healing, the transfiguration itself, the tearing of the temple curtain and the destruction of the temple, not to mention this is why Jesus’ parables are so powerful, they lead the hearer to discover the spiritual truth hidden within a physical story. Jesus clearly establishes the principle for the church in Matthew 16:19 showing the inter-relatedness of that which is in heaven and on earth.

In our texts this week we see this reality being expressed both in the spiritual and in the physical as well as for the positive and a negative reality. 2 Samuel shows how the physical anointing of David by the elders was preceded by the spiritual anointing of David by God. God is with David prior to his physical and political power increasing, yet the base of this reality is the spiritual power being made manifest in the physical realm. The Psalm demonstrates the “city of God” as a mighty fortress, this is both a physical reality and a spiritual metaphor. In 2 Corinthians Paul is demonstrating that merely judging a physical reality can cause us to be misinformed with regard to the spiritual truth that exists. Paul seeks to proclaim that his weakness (a physical reality) becomes a tool for the spiritual reality to shine forth. One might conclude that because Paul has weakness, then the spiritual reality is that Paul is spiritual weak, but we know this not to be so… In this one must be able to discern the spiritual reality first, before drawing conclusion based on the physical expression. Paul quickly shares that his physical weakness is a gift to show God’s spiritual power following through him, lest others mistake the power as belonging to Paul. Therefore the spiritual reality is not a lack of power, rather a willingness on Paul’s part to submit his body and soul to the Lord. This spiritual reality manifests through Paul’s difficulties so that light can shine through brokenness.

Jesus was not immune or above the reality of this Kingdom principle. When he was in his hometown the spiritual reality was an absence of faith. This spiritual reality directly impacted and manifested through a lack of physical healings to be done in this town. Contrast this with last week’s Scriptures in Mark where the woman was healed simply by touching Jesus. But also take note that when Jesus raised the girl from the “dead” he limited who was allowed in the room. Could it be that Jesus was protecting/ensuring the level of faith so that the spiritual reality might precede the physical reality? Further sending the disciples out to do healings, Jesus is calling them trust in the spiritual provision they have already received, not looking for a physical confirmation.

It is an ignorant argument to expect the physical reality to prescribe the spiritual. It is the spiritual reality that gives meaning to the physical. This gets messy when we consider what Soren Kierkegaard says, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” So putting this together we do not have the privilege to stop living our life to figure out everything behind us, and at the same time to truly understand life, we are going to have to look backward. This looking backward is to search for meaning –specifically spiritual truth. What this means is that simply because a city is a mighty fortress, we cannot conclude God is the center of that city. However if God is with a city, we can discern that God’s unfailing love will not abandon them and is right hand with up hold them. In this same way God promised to never leave David’s line would be enthroned forever (2 Sam. 7:12-16, Psalm 132:11) This spiritual reality was passed from generation to generation delivering Jesus to be the King of the Kingdom of Heavens even through the line which had including Tamar (incest), Rahab (a prostitute) and Ruth (Moabite – a rejected people) and now Bathsheba.

Let us seek to embrace and express the spiritual depth of our lives in our physical surroundings. Remember you must discern the spiritual first, rather allowing the physical to dictate. It is of great concern of mine that much of our culture as moved away from the need of spiritual discernment to know the truth and test the truth. The movement away from testing the spirit has no doubt affected our ability to know what it means that God is love… notice how the two are related in 1 John 4.

I have buried within my weekly blog a few thoughts on same-sex marriage and our current US context. I am attempting to live out Proverbs 26:4-5 as well as applying the hidden spiritual reality with a physical reality. (Proverbs 25:2) I will most like provoke more questions than provide answers here, but I am willing to continue the dialogue are you?

It is an overwhelming physical reality (truth) that:

  • People are born with same-sex orientation.
  • Same-sex marriage is a stance of equality.

You can disagree and/or agree these physical realities, but as you are doing so – you are most likely reading a spiritual truth into it. I believe that my acceptance/affirmation of the above statements will cause some to question my Biblical convictions, and I simply ask them to join me on a journey of discovering spiritual convictions which run deeper even than that of biblical interpretations. The church/Christians who disagree with the above physical truths are clearly failing to build bridges or winning arguments which will allow for any discussion or relationship to continue. This is a reality that separates the “conservative church” from Jesus, in that Jesus had a way to be with “sinners” and “Pharisees” that kept the conversation moving forward. Each side is holding securely onto a very different reality. The “open and affirming” church community is interpreting physical events as a current reality which is leading to a spiritual truth. The other is holding a spiritual truth and therefore denying the physical truth. (the “conservative church”/ homosexuality is sin view point) It is for this reason the conservative church is appearing bigoted and judgmental – they are denying that which is plain to the physical eye as real and true. (If you disagree with the two statement above – you are not looking at the reality of real people and our current social context objectively.) Looking back at the example of Elisha seeing the Spiritual reality of the angel armies, this lead him to have peace, the servant however did not have this peace and joy until he saw the spiritual reality. Now – look at it differently. There is a physical army advancing against Elisha but if instead of finding peace in the spiritual army and pointing out to the servant – imagine if he simple denies that there is a physical threat and tells the servant, “pay no attention to the physical reality that there is army here to kill you. I this not only does Elisha look like the fool living in denial, and he does not help the one who is looking to him for guidance rendering him foolish. This is at the crux of the problem the conservative church is facing today. They are denying a physical reality (looking like a fool), and they are unable to unveil deeper spiritual realties, limiting their unable to open the eyes of those who do not see the spiritually (foolish). I am cannot stay silent amongst this current reality.

Again, I do see the two statements above as true. People are being born with a same-sex orientation, yet the spiritual reality behind this truth is that homosexuality is a deeply rooted spiritual entity that is passed from generation to generation. As this spiritual reality is embraced and validated by the individual will of a person, it is made stronger. Where it is rejected it must be managed, where it is redeemed there alone is true freedom. Therefore I hold the position that we (the US and the world) have entered a tipping point – a new reality is now upon us where the will of the people or at least SCOTUS is to embrace this physical reality. First let me say – I do not believe that God is cursing homosexuals, nor are we to blame parents or anyone for that matter. God is not evil, and humanity are not victims. However, I do see a nation that is filled with greed & arrogance, and willfully choose to consume without regard to the poor and needy. (Ezk. 16:49) I confess I am a product of this nation and still recovering through repentance. The lack of faith and (re)turning to God for deliverance in our nation the root of sin has become the source of many symptoms. This is our spiritual reality. I do not hold that you simply must “pray the gay away”. Rather what I am seeking is for God’s children to live a life that is redeemed, where all spiritual roots (including homosexuality) are de-throned and dis-empowered. This clears the way for your “identity” to be found in Christ alone. In the same way that heterosexuals must see their flesh (sin nature) crucified/redeemed – the old must go and the new must come. This is Repentance to enter the Kingdom.

With regard to a stance of Equality. Frankly I amazed that this is what the homosexual community is fighting for…. The heterosexual community has not done well at holding it up as a valuable institution. I see this as well rooted in the spiritual realm as a lack of identity and faith. This reality is that which was found by Jesus in his hometown – where miracles did not happen. The institution of (heterosexual) marriage needs a miracle, but it is nowhere on the horizon… This is not good news. We in the US have entered a serious zone of lack of faith. In exchange of faith, legalism and universalism are on the rise. For legalism the cry is to be more strict on all the other sins and write statement to protect ourselves, and universalism makes faith easy for it does not matter what or who you believe in or what you do – God is always Love. Neither of these are faith as Jesus invited us into the Kingdom following the children.

So how do I go forward: I believe this applies to all believers regardless of their understanding of same-sex orientation and marriage.

  • I confess my sin to God – Resting in His Word.
  • I release my anxiety to God – Confessing Jesus is my Lord.
  • I command darkness away – Being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Finally, I make my best effort 2LAF more of the time.

Are you looking for more clarity…. here is where I am at:

The battle is won on our knees…

The spiritual truth is that our battle is not against flesh and blood and that spiritual realities are passed on through generational lines. “Blaming” does us no good. (Gen 3 & John 9 demonstrate that) Let me be clear the battle is not against same-sex relationships or persons of same-sex orientation. Spiritually, sin was overcome at the cross, but we remain under the curse of this world. This is why there is a call for repentance to enter the Kingdom – we all must change (repent) our ways from the pattern of the world and align ourselves with the Kingdom of God. There are long lists of sins we are not to engage, I have read both side viewpoints – the answer is not legalism and nor cheap grace. It is truly being yoked with Jesus… (Matt 11:28-29) We don’t need to march on Washington to change the current physical realities, (Jesus did not ask Rome to reconsider) we need to bow to our knees and cry out for we all have wicked ways. This is not a judgement to require of others, but rather a conviction that must rise up in every follower of Jesus. (2 Chron. 7:14)

Don’t judge, or you too will be judged….

For those who are arguing the hardest against the SCOTUS decision far too many are not proclaiming a spiritual reality, they are reacting to a physical reality, and repulsed by the physical acts of same-sex. (This demonstrates the spiritual root of self-righteousness and fear from redemption is possible as well) Even the call to “a biblical definition of marriage and sin” is based on physical experiences. As I cautioned earlier in this post – a physical reality does not directly indicate a spiritual reality. (Not all physically healthy people are spiritually healthy)

Therefore the physical reality of same-sex marriage does not necessarily follow that God designed anyone this way, nor does it declare that as long as it is “love” that God is on your side. In the image of God, humanity is designed (male and female) to be like God in righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24) The physical reality of maleness or femaleness is of no issue to God. (Gal. 3:26-28) It is righteousness and holiness as a spiritual reality which is the only criteria and it alone is found with Identity in Christ. Then and only then can we say God made me this way… prior to this we are a product of the flesh and this world. The fruit of this righteousness and holiness is peace and joy. Therefore – those who are made in His image carry with them true peace and true joy.

Sin is not the issue… Identity is…

Those churches/Christians (in general) which hold an “open and affirming” position see the spiritual reality as progressive in that the church of previous generations were misguided in their views and interpretations of Scripture. I hold that this new spiritual reality has been arrived at is based on the physical realities of “loved ones” demonstrating Christ-like acts and science (medical & psychology) indicating that same-sex attraction is normal rather than a “disorder or disease.” (This took place in 1973/75) From this reality, a new stance on Identity was formed – this is when the title “Gay Christian” was used to proclaim a new freedom. Identity is established in the actions of Christ, and sin no longer has the power to remove this spiritual truth.

Spiritually sin was taken care of on the cross – yet we remain in a physically reality that we fight temptation and sin daily. This battle (see above is not something to be embarrassed about, rather it the means by which we demonstrate power and authority over the darkness. Freedom comes not from controlling one’s sin, (I understand that those who support same-sex marriage do not view this as a sin issue) but rather being released from one’s prison. The prison I speak of is not homosexuality – it is any identity that is based on anything other than Jesus Christ. This is the stance that all sins are equal but the focus here is not to level the playing field, rather to elevate the hope for brokenness to no longer be viewed as weakness, but rather as strength.

Let me demonstrate how this works with a different “issue” – that in my opinion will soon move from “disorder” to “normal”

The number of Autistic persons continues to rise exponentially. Because it is not a “sin” in the eyes of anyone as far as I am aware to be autistic – there is no expectation for an autistic person to be healed for them to fully participate in the life of the church. Yet, I would say that some aspects of the life of the church are not fully “open” or available to an individual who suffers greatly under the limitations of autism. (I am not equating the two – just showing how the church can accept a person born a way that remains “a disorder” – based on a definition that autism is a disorder. Do people with Autism need to be healed – wrong question…. Is there healing and deliverance to be found from the limitations of the disorder. I believe that in Jesus healing is always found. Does that make me judgmental – if so I am trying to stand with Jesus – John 9:39,, being blind is not a sin – but healing takes place there as well, we all need healing and transformation. Bu that is not to arrive at heterosexual, or non-autistic, rather that is to have our identities redefined by Jesus. Again I see a spiritual reality behind this disorder of autism, (for me it is the spirit of control) My point is that for someone to be healed from autism would be a great deliverance and that it has nothing to do with their sin or their choice. But we all have choices with regard to how we approach our identity – one can choose to say I am first autistic, then add other labels – even such as Christian, or one can find their identity to be defined and rooted only in Jesus.

Finally – Choose the humble path –Jesus did provide all the answers…

I don’t have this all this worked out and my answers are still very difficult to articulate. I find comfort in that of the words of Jesus do not solve all my questions. The “Be-Attitudes and sermon on the mount” resolve this reality for me. You are the light of the world – and so is Jesus – which was my last point – find your peace with your identity being found only in Jesus. “Lust is Adultery”, “Love enemies”, “Give to the Needy”, “Pray & Forgive” “Don’t Worry or Judge” Put the words of Christ into practice….

I can humbly and honestly say that I may be holding the weaker position (Romans 14) and ask that you give me the space to work out my spiritual convictions. But where I am today – these are my spiritual convictions. I cannot and will not argue that your faith is weak or false, and I do know that anything that does not flow from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23) Therefore to those within the “open and affirming church” I see you faith and this encourages me to know that “WE” together shall find a way to overcome. We must seek spiritual healing and transformation, moving with confidence and conviction based on spiritual discernment and revelation. There is always more to come.

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Hanging on a Giving Tree

Posted on June 24, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: A life marked by giving is a product of truly receiving.

Favor is not about what you can “get” from God – rather it is being able to give everything away – even your own rights, security and well-being.

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43

Over the last three weeks we have looked at different aspects and outcomes of our faith, which is a foothold of the Kingdom of God in our lives… The Kingdom of God is within us, (Luke 17:21) as well as far beyond us, in that it is still yet to come. (Luke 17:22) Our Faith is within us and yields a great favor from God who gives perfect gifts (James 1:17)…yet we are called to have an impact far beyond us, because giving is far better than receiving. (Acts 20:35) And yet, Faith and Favor are non-transferable gifts from God to you… However when you live your life in faith and enjoy the favor of God, there are plenty of other things you can give away.

The call this week is to give away – Forgiveness, Finances and Freedom – for in this you are trusting your faith and favor to never run dry. You cannot give away what you do not have… therefore some will say… I don’t have any Finances to give away…. this is more like an issue of stewardship, but Okay – then start with Freedom & Forgiveness… giving away our freedom is to give away yourself for the benefits of others… this often looks like service, but it need not be manual labor… it can be emotional labor… Think of the child that makes a card for their parent, taking the time to color and write something from their heart. This gift cost them time, energy and the freedom to play outside or more likely some form of electronics… regardless you can give money and time as you choose to steward. If you have no finances nor freedom to give, you may be benefited getting some guidance from a “good teacher” as is found in Luke 18:18-30. A good teacher will be able to coaching you and look at your current predicaments to see where you time and talents may be used more productively for the Kingdom.

Beyond Finances and Freedom, all who enter the Kingdom must be well versed in forgiveness. And further it is forgiveness when given away, leads other to understand your faith as being different and set apart from the ways of the world. You can give money and time, with or without faith… To give forgiveness is to practice a lifestyle of 2LAF…. In short, those who have been forgiven much, forgive others much more easily… again you can’t give what you have not received. – Therefore give Forgiveness, Finances and Freedom because you trust that God can and will meet every need of yours this is because you have a wealth of faith and favor.

David gives Saul; finances, forgiveness and freedom. Saul used him, denied him, and tried to kill him repeatedly. David has served with all his talent, given his best unto Saul and now delays his time to begin ruling as King; commanding the people to lament and grief for Saul. This act of forgiveness is a demonstration of the love of God which so filled David.

Paul calls the church to give Finances… this is to be the joy-filled expression of being filled up in faith and favor of God. We are called to give what we have, so that those who lack, will have something to give. Our God moves in abundance not lack or scarcity, this is not simple a redistribution of wealth, that is sacristy thinking, this is the fact that God has given to you once, and he will do it again, therefore – give to others who lack so that they might experience the same joy of being restored. The abundance is in God giving to both parties… Paul declares to the church in Corinth, that favor in finances is nothing if it is not accompanied by conviction – to give it away when others are in need.

Jesus gives forgiveness and freedom. The narrative is filled with rich truths that transform lives, at the core is the self-less living of Christ. Jesus disregarded his own rights and personal space to be violated so that others might find life. Jesus according to the law was made unclean by being touched by the woman or by touching the dead girl. Yet He is full, and power goes out from him… this is the act of giving… he gave himself, his life, his time, his freedom.

Psalm 130, captures all of this..    Giving such things does not increase your favor – rather it is an indicator that you are not in need of more favor, rather you trust that you can give this all away and the Lord can replace it in a moment of time. THEREFORE:

Give Forgiveness: Favor is not earned, therefore don’t expect others to earn your forgiveness. Give it away freely. (A stewardship of suffering applies here) In forgiveness you surrender your right to get even, and allow God the place of authority over relationships. When forgiveness is hard for you– don’t start here – start is disciplining your own body and developing your own soul.

Give Finances: Being wealth is not bad or a prohibiting factor to enter the Kingdom. However the greater your wealth, the greater faith in the King must be. This reality is taught through tithing…. A tithe is a first-fruit, it is to be given not as a payment, but as a thank you and acknowledgement that everything I have has been given to me. An Offering is given beyond the first 10% for various reasons, but the foundation of it all is are acknowledging the very favor that God bestows on you…Teach your children to given when they have little – then the principle will be in place when the Lord’s favor blesses them later. Beyond the personal principle of giving, we give because people are in need. The hard part here is not for us to determine the need, but to follow the Spirit – allowing the Lord to prompt our hearts to give beyond our measure.

Give Freedom: My life is not my own, I was bought with a price.  (1 Cor. 6:19-20) How do you measure your time – What is free time to you? When you have a gift of healing, (if you’ve never prayed for another’s healing, how can you know if you have the gift or not… start trying) yet chose not to use it, who loses more – you or the broken? I will argue it is you…. For we are to use/give what we have willingly (2 Cor. 8 :10-12) and if we do not use it, the Lord can call out another healer for the broken person. (Matt 25:14-30) In our culture (western/American/consumer driven) we value our choices and our freedom over most other things. Acts 17:28 states, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” This declaration is from one who allows God to rule over their purpose and time of life….  You cannot declare Acts 17:28 part time, or only when it’s convenient.

Further Questions to spur you on:

Is there anyone you would rather avoid, due to your unwillingness/inability to forgive them? Where do you still hold pain or personal disappointment from your own mistakes – Where has forgiveness not intersected your faith? Do you ask others to forgive you on a regular basis?

Does giving of finances seem to be impossibility? If you had more money, do you would think you would give more? If so, what indicator in your past demonstrates that truth? Where have finances replaced your foothold of faith in the Kingdom?

Do people come to you when they have a need? Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself? (time to discipline your body, develop your soul or to let God direct your spirit is essential) What would you do if you had more time?

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Trust… it builds upon brokenness

Posted on June 19, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle.  Faith is the foothold of the kingdom yielding unity with God and others.

1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16 Psalm 133 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Mark 4:35-41

This week’s post is written by Amber Thomas-Kellner. Blessings over you, my sister of faith… May this be the first of the great writing work that is produced in you!

Faith is strengthened not in spite of our brokenness but because of it.  Anyone who has truly listened to my story has heard me confess that until a few years ago my faith in God was never a choice.  For those who don’t know, the summary is this,  I was born 3 months early and classified on my original birth certificate as a living miscarriage.  41 years later I am still living and thriving.  I was told the circumstances of my birth so often growing up that I never doubted the existence of God nor was there a time that I can ever remember not believing in Him.  I was a “miracle baby” after all.  “Who can do miracles but God” I thought in my little child brain.

Fast forward to a few years ago sitting in my pastor’s living room taking a class about Hearing God speak and it dawned on me that I had never CHOSEN to believe in Christ, I just did.  You may think that would have made me a woman of great faith, right?

I thought so too.  I was wrong.  Oh, I still believed in God, even read my bible more and came to church more often.  So I would say my belief strengthened most definitely.  My knowledge increased, even my interactions and relating with God was on deeper level but not my faith.

I say this because I still planned and worried everything to death.  When I would over plan, over think and over analyze, if there was still a possibility I would fail I would hide rather than living out my plan.  I did this so that when my plans did fail, I could say it was because I gave up. I was willing to choose to give up, but again, I never found myself ever choosing to give my life to Jesus. Somehow for me failing because I gave up was easier to take, not because I prayed about it, asked for help, tried my best and I still failed.  Maybe because I was the only one to blame.  I had a lot more in common with Saul in the 1 Samuel passage than I like to admit, I was completely ruled by fear.

Fast forward to a couple of months ago when my pastor again sent us a survey about the next steps our fellowship was considering.  Had I known then that marking the “unsure” box meant I would have still been placed in a leadership trio I would have marked “No.”  I would have felt safer but my faith would not have grown. And yet here I am writing this post, leading this Sunday in a trio and my faith in God, in others, and myself as grown.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even though you can’t see the whole staircase.”  I completely believe this.  Look at the passages for this week, they exemplify it well. Starting with the 1 Samuel passage that illustrates what happens when we come from fear.  (Saul being afraid of David and trying to kill him)  Or coming from Faith (Jonathan loving David as himself and giving his birthright to David)    When Paul is writing to the church at Corinth the entire letter is an expression of faith.  He is stating what he has done in faith and asking Corinth to do the same in Faith and Unity with him.

Then, lastly the Mark passage starts in Fear and ends in Faith.  (“Teacher do you not care that we about to parish?”…  “This is the Son of God even the mighty wind listens.)

I have heard somewhere that when a bone gets broken it heals stronger that was before.  I do not know if this is valid scientifically but what a beautiful image it creates when applied to Faith in God, The very things that we consider ugly or bad and broken and often we are tempted to hide are the very things that if we share with God and others will make the relationships deeper and stronger than before.  I hope I remember that more of the time, don’t you?

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Wait, maybe it’s about the heart

Posted on June 11, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  Faith is the foothold of the Kingdom, rooted in the heart.

1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13 Psalm 20 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 Mark 4:26-34

This week’s post is written by Kimberly Harp –   It has long been my desire to have others contributing to this blog, and today this desire has been realized. Thank you Kimberly for following your heart – it is beautiful. 

I have grown up a part of the church. I attended Sunday School, youth group, and private Christian school so to say the least, I know the “answers”. I know that 90% of the time the “answer” is Jesus. For the other 10 percent, I attended seminary and earned my Masters degree. Yet still, just last week the answers weren’t enough. I felt depressed, worth less and lonely and the answers that I knew to be true in my mind were not changing those feelings.

Wait, maybe it’s about the heart.

I have trained faithfully and rigorously for long races. I lost weight and three dress sizes in nine months. I disciplined my body and got into the best shape of my life. Yet still, I find myself standing next to another woman questioning if all that discipline was good enough. My medals attained fall short when I let comparison creep in and notice that my body is not what the world says it should be.

Wait, maybe it’s about the heart.

Faith is the foothold of the Kingdom. And faith is deeply a matter of the heart. It is by faith that we discover our identity, authority and motivation in our lives.

In I Samuel 16, we find Samuel mourning over Saul until he is told by God to anoint the new king of Israel. He goes to the house of Jesse and upon seeing the eldest brother thinks…this is the one to be anointed but God stops him and says, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things the people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (16:7) Samuel sees all seven sons before he asks if there are any more…and God chooses the most unlikely, the youngest, the one out tending to the sheep because of his heart.

The apostle Paul writes that we have a choice- “you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.” (2 Cor. 5:12) He continues to write that “if we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” (2 Cor. 5:13). How often we try to have the right mind for those around us… How often we are focused on what is seen rather than what is in the heart.

The evil one is real. He is fighting for our footholds- whether that foothold be of the mind, body or deeper in our hearts. We have a placement already won for our foothold- it is our faith in Jesus Christ. “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Often the pressure to have all the right answers can get overwhelming. There is a pressure to be what we think others want us to be…. a weight upon us coming from the lies of the enemy. In faith, we need to breathe in His grace. Renounce the lies. And from the heart, exhale praise to the Lord of Lords. This takes faith. It is rooting us deep in a foothold of the Kingdom. When those footholds get loose, we breathe again. We choose faith again. We remember that though we feel small like a “mustard seed” (Mark 4:31) we can be who God created us to be, live with His authority as our own and be motivated to advance the Kingdom in love.

 

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I pledge allegiance… or not…

Posted on June 2, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: All choices we make in this world will lead to some form of conflict and controversy. Those who walk in the Kingdom of God engage conflict and controversy with peace and joy.

Our call is to make choices that honor others and our identity in Christ.

1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) Psalm 138 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Mark 3:20-35

Life is full of choices – make them in allegiance to the King or other kings will claim you as their own. Our choices will either lead us into intimacy with Jesus or our choices will lead us into idolatry of this world. This is the power of choice. The first indicator of the results of our choices is our immediate emotions based on the decision we made – does the choice lead us to experience contentment or frustration. Think of the last choice you made, what was your experience as a result of the choice… Contentment or Frustrations are merely the doorways to the depths of emotions possible for every choice. The Kingdom is one of Righteousness, Peace & Joy. (Romans 14:17) Righteousness is our Identity in the actions of Christ, and Peace and Joy are our sought out emotions of contentment.

Most people dislike conflict and avoid controversies. Then there are those that thrive on creating conflict and love to stir controversy. The kingdom of this world does not bring forth peace and joy, regardless of one’s ability to avoid conflict or desire to stir controversy. The great irony is that those born of the Kingdom of God are given joy and peace in the midst of conflict and controversy, because their life and faith are rooted in love that is not of this world. This is most important because as you stand for the Kingdom of God, all other kingdoms will be in conflict with you. Jesus explains this in Matt. 6:24 that “no one can serve two masters” and in later Matt. 12:30 he says that “he who is not with me is against me”. This week’s Scriptures paint the picture of the many gods of this age and the kings of the world which are all competing for the allegiance of humanity, and humanity is clamoring to have a king over them. (This is well presented in the movie The Avengers as Loki comes to rule the world).

In 1 Samuel the people are making a choice… it appears to be a good choice. They are rejecting Samuel’s sons because of the choices they have made. The choice of the people is unfortunately reactive, (verses proactive) and it leads them to miss all the available options, so in turning to the world around them (which they can see) they ask for a king, rather than trusting in God. (Whom they can’t see)

God tells Samuel that this decision is the people’s choice to reject him as King. They are priding themselves on rejecting Samuel’s sons, only to miss the bigger picture that means they are giving up the Rule of God over them. The rule of God’s Kingdom is marked with Protection & Provision, Peace & Presence of God (Pleasure). The more seek the Kingdom the more I long to grow deeper into that reality, the reality of true intimacy with Jesus. At the same time the more I understand the paradox and concept of “fixing my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen”, I am drawn to my knees begging the Father to reveal to me this great mystery that I might share it with those around me. In that prayer, Psalm 138 comes to my mind. I desire that all the “kings” of the earth might praise the LORD and in that those who follow such kings will praise the LORD, but regardless I know the LORD will fulfill his purpose for me as his love endures forever.

The choice of the people to have an earthy king, this is the unfortunate reversal of the Kingdom of God on earth. The Peace of God is a complete and perfect, but as a result of rejecting the King of Kings, the people find themselves walking in frustration:

  • The people will find themselves protecting their king,

rather than being in the protection of the King.

  • The people will find themselves providing for their king,

rather than being provided for by the King.

  • The people will find themselves bringing pleasure to their king,

rather than the King presence increasing their joy in life.

And yet as true for Israel then and now of nations today – that is what people choose.

Jesus brings the Kingdom of God back to earth as a choice for all people. In doing so, Jesus faces the conflict and controversy of those who have given their allegiance to other kingdoms. (this includes both religion and worldly ways) Jesus does not make reactive decisions, hoping to please people, rather Jesus seeks to only please the Father and do his will. In doing this, Jesus demonstrates a completely anchored identity in the love of the Father, thus his actions/choices are ones which will also lead to greater Fruit of the Spirit (starting with peace and joy).

In this world there will be conflict and controversy. It will come as a result of your choices. Those who choose the Kingdom of Heaven, will be opposed by every other kingdom of this world. In the midst of this conflict they will have increasing peace and joy. Those who choose the kingdoms of the world will have conflict and controversy as they each seek to rule over one another desiring the power of heaven, but never finding it. Therefore the choices/actions of those in kingdoms of this world lead to depression and despair.

What is the Father of Heaven calling you to make a choice about – Do you have peace and joy about this decision? If not, have you seen other options? (be proactive and explore new ideas) When no other ideas emerge, focus your attention on God’s love for you. His Love and Identity of righteousness will lead you forward.

When have you been accused of wrong doing or completely mis-understood for your efforts to serve the King? How can you be thankful for such experiences, without blaming or judging (reactive) others?

Where have you struggled to walk in obedience because of the accusations of others or even the lies of the enemy telling you to give-up because you are not good enough? Trust in the blood of Jesus to cover you and cleanse you from all wrong doing. Allow the Spirit to bring conviction to the world, while you walk in freedom.

Finally, as children of the King our heart has been changed and the very blood that flows through our veins is the blood of Jesus – in this we have been born again from above. How do you see and experience the “Family of God” differently because of being reborn? Where is there conflict or controversy with your “family of origin” because of this??? How might joy and peace be the answer to this conflict?

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Choosing Cancer…

Posted on May 26, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Entering the Kingdom is a repeated choice, claiming life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in every breath.

Isaiah 6:1-8 Psalm 29 Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17

The thought that anyone would choose cancer is repulsive to all those who find themselves or a loved one suffering and/or having died from cancer. (I am included in that description) And Yet – it is just as repulsive to believe that there are choices that can be made that greatly reduce if not remove the power of Cancer to destroy life and then not make those choices. A book titled “The end of illness” captures this perspective from a medical vantage point. Dr. Agus in his revolutionary book states that we are all living with cancer within us. We must choose to pro-actively prevent this cancer from killing us. His goal is to guide us to make the simple choices in life based on the principles (system) he presents which yield a healthy life.  (Great book – a bit long and steeped in medical jargon) Overall – the answer is that the simple things we do everyday matter. For example; take care of your feet and teeth, which means you are able to listen to your body, to you care for your body, eat the right foods and take the appropriate precautions (not vitamins) and you will not be sick…. The point is – In you already lies the very thing that can kill you, and at the same time, in you lies the very truth that can save you. This is a medical book and nothing in this book is theological, but for me there is no separation of that which is spiritual and that which is secular… Therefore this choice is just as much a spiritual revelation as it is a medical truth.

The Spirit of Truth has been given to the world to bring forth conviction. This truth either leads us to live a life of repentance, rejoicing in the Glory of God, or we reject this truth, bringing forth our own death. At the end of each day – our lives are filled with thousands of small choices, and every one of them matters. The big choice which is often the focus of most debate… is not ours to make… And no one chooses Cancer… but every day you choose what to eat, to exercise or not, whether or not to brush my teeth, how to engage others, forgive or not, and if I view the world as positive or negative etc… and these choices will impact the reality of cancer being made manifest in your life. Be clear I am not saying, if you don’t do these things you will get cancer, or that if you do these things you can’t get cancer… I am saying you already have cancer… NOW WHAT? Personally, I don’t know quite how to apply this to my brother who was diagnose with terminal cancer at age 5…!!! John 9 presents this sincere regarding a blind man asking who sinned he or his parents. Jesus says neither… and yet the truth remained that man of John 9 was born blind…In my life, my brother died of cancer… I cannot tell you why it happened, or how it could have been prevented… but I live my life everyday unto the Glory of God making holistic choices that war against the plan of the enemy to steal, kill and destroy my life and I intercede for the lives of those around me.

This Kingdom of God is not a matter of the body or the soul; rather it is rooted in our spirit as the identity of the Father, initiated by the Son, ignited by the Spirit. And yet little choices we make every day are going to be expressed via our body and soul. Therefore we can see the Kingdom when our spirit is made alive by the Spirit of God, but to enter the Kingdom, we must submit our body and soul to the Glory of God. This act of submission is declared by the waters of baptism. Water Baptism is not the point… much like eating alkaline rich foods for your health are not the point, but it is a choice. Baptism is a choice of submission. This is why in baptism we renounce the identity of the world, and proclaim the identity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit over us. Again, water baptism does not save you, but it is the means by which the Body of Jesus Christ (read as the church) celebrates you as part of the body unto the Glory of God. Your identity of the world is pronounced dead, and the Life of Christ is called forth (Let’s kill cancer, before it kills us). When you are baptized and how you are baptized are little decisions, so let little decisions culminate– be baptized with the water and the Spirit.

  • Being “Born again” is a work of the Spirit to lead us to Jesus. (We see the Kingdom)
  • Being “baptized in the Spirit” is a work of Jesus leading us into the power of the Holy Spirit. Read more about these last two sentences here. (We enter the Kingdom)

The choice to enter the Kingdom follows every day after you are born from above, because you have been chosen from above, the choice is to follow the principles of the King. Look at these parables on this: Treasure/Pearl (Matt 13:44-46) Unmerciful Servant (Matt 18:21-35), The workers in the vineyard (Matt 20:1-16), Tenants (Matt 21:33-45), Wedding Banquet (Matt 22:1-14), 10 Virgins (Matt 25:1-13), Talents (Matt 25:14-30) Sheep & Goats (Matt 25:31-46) In each of these the Kingdom of God is found in a choice. The little things matter – daily be with God investing in *intimacy*, feed your body, soul, & spirit what it needs – to be equipped, and edify the body of Christ – *fecundity*, listen to the Spirit testifying to your spirit. – *ecstasy*. The option of the Kingdom is marked by our adoption into the Kingdom. You cannot choose it, for it chooses you, you cannot earn it, for your admittance has already been paid for, you cannot achieve it for even the most zealous endeavor of piety will not open the doors of the Kingdom. What then does opens the door to the Kingdom? – It is a simple choice, made with every breath of the day – to walk in the Truth of the Spirit. This choice is to experience the joy of Heaven touching Earth at this very moment in your life. To be able to see the Kingdom is to be born again…There are many who have salvation (see the Kingdom), attend church, and will one day go to heaven, but to enter the now Kingdom is a choice. Entering the joy of heaven on earth is a choice you will make every day until the very day that you enter the heavens, on longer dwelling on this earth.

Questions to further your reflection

  1. Do you view your life holistically where all aspects inter-relate? (Physical, Emotional, Mental, Relational, Spiritual, Missional, Cultural…)
  2. What are the little choices you make every day to be healthy, honoring your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit?
  3. What are the little choices you can make every day to have healthy relationships with others, honoring The Body – where your life is a witness and testimony to the mission of Christ?

If all this was too complicated. Look at this wonderful graphic that depicts little choices of successful people verse unsuccessful.

Successful vs unSuccessful

Posted in After Pentecost, Year B | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments