Don’t get me wrong – I was made right

Posted on May 23, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  The Spirit of God has been given to the world – not all respond with Praise.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:22-27 Acts 2:1-21 John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

In Pentecost the Spirit of God births the church (or better said –it is born from above) for it is called to be a light to world. (Isaiah 42:6, Luke 2:32, Acts 13:46-48) In Pentecost, the world is made aware of the darkness which surrounds it. Other posts in the blog address the call of the Church to let light shine, how it goes it about being a light, and the power it has been given by the Spirit do this good work. This post addresses the awareness of darkness which the world discovers in light of the church.

The Spirit of God has roots and fruit, one of the roots of the Spirit is to bring conviction. We as the church are to follow our convictions, as we release our intentions. But what exactly is the conviction that the Spirit brings… John 16:8 tells us the world is wrong or faulty understanding about sin, righteousness and judgment. The conviction of the Spirit is to bring a correction of this error to the world. In this the world will see the Forgiveness, Freedom and Foolishness of being alive in the Spirit.

First we must see that this conviction is an act of correction and revelation of an error in thinking. However, this correction is not as most in the church perceive it to be according to the passage in John 16… the common church assumption is that God’s Spirit corrects us when we sin. This quickly falls in the category of punishment, the Spirit causes me to know that I did something wrong. The resulting conclusion of such a conviction is that God is displeased with me, therefore my conviction increases my guilt, which is supposed to lead me to no longer sin. Unfortunately, this cycle actually leads many in the church to “give up” and leads them to grieve the Spirit. (This is the lie and deception of the enemy) Returning to the text… the correction as a result of the Spirit’s conviction falls upon the world – Not the believer. This liberation from the cycle of displeasing God and being punished is the gift of forgiveness and freedom found in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:1,13, 2 Cor 3:16-17). The Truth is that God is love and just, and sin has been forgiven at the Cross through the blood of Jesus. (Eph. 1:7-8) My guilt need not be increased through conviction, rather I only need to accept that Christ has paid the debt, and willingly I partake of the gift of forgiveness. There is no need or ability for me to also pay the debt through my conviction. So I joyfully return to God, restoring my intimacy with Him through Christ’s righteousness and holiness. However, the World is not united with God, and thus they have no awareness of their separation. Therefore the conviction that falls upon the world – is found in their being made aware of grace.

When “we” –Christians who are seeking to please God, do something sinful, the Spirit shows up to tell the world of Grace through our lives. This may sound odd, but in your error/sin, the world has the best opportunity to witness the gift of grace. In this the correction falls on the side of the world’s understanding of the great Grace and truth of Jesus, rather than on the believer to experience guilt – being of the Spirit you are to demonstrate joyful acceptance of grace. Paul ensures that the Church not see this as a license to sin more – so that Grace abounds (Romans 6:1, 15), but we must discover the power of humility and confession for this reality to be demonstrated to the world. This is clearly seen in the rebuke of the Father to the older son in Luke 15 with regard to the younger who returned home after living in sin. In this God is more “concerned” about our demonstration of Grace, far an above any mistake we make. The conviction that the world must see with regard to sin is FORGIVENESS.

The world also needs a conviction (correction) of how it views righteousness. The world often expects very little from humanity, this is why it is so surprised at the choice of any person to do a good act of selflessness. Yet, the world is just as prone to expect all too much of those who carry a title and position of leadership. The reality is that in placing their expectation that these leaders will not let us down – the world has grown callused and now doubts that there is such thing as a leader who can do the right thing at the right time – which is “their” definition of righteous. What is left is Christ-ians… little “Christs” doing their best to live up to that expectation. This takes us back to point one regarding sin & forgiveness – when every time we come up “short” we fear the Spirit will come to convict us… then our engagement with the Spirit becomes one of resentment rather than fruit bearing. The correction for the world with regard to righteousness is the discovery that there is a mindset that does not fear failure or imperfection. This mindset is found in the freedom of the Kingdom, where my imperfections are overcome and weakness becomes my strength, this is not true in the world or religious systems of leadership. For this reason – the leaven of the Pharisees (religious leaders) and that of “Herod” (worldly appointed leaders) must be exposed. (Mark 8:14-21)

Righteousness is a gift that comes from our relationship with Jesus. Intimacy with Jesus through the power of the Spirit is what the world needs to see. The foundation of this is an identity that is not swayed by the wind and waves of the world. (James 1:6, Eph 4:14) When religious or worldly leaders consistently compromises their character and values – they are demonstrating an identity that is not righteous. As the Spirit leads, the truly righteous leader considers others needs as greater than their own, and is quick to confess their wrong –not fearing it will tarnish their righteousness, rather it redeems it all that much more. All this to say: The conviction that the world sees with regard to righteousness is FREEDOM.

Finally we encounter this issue of judgment. Again the same paradigm shift must take place, the Spirit is bringing conviction to the world regarding judgment, not to those filled with the Spirit. (There is a judgement to come, but this is not that…) The Church often limits the work and power of the Spirit of God to be isolated to Christians… God is at work in lives always prior to their coming to confess his Name… With regard to judgement the common practice of the church is to actually lump this in with the first two works of conviction, and continue to beat ourselves up, but here as we see it actually is given to the world as a demonstration of Mercy. Conviction of the world regarding judgment is the truth that the Judgement has already been issued, but it has been withheld from them. This mercy, withholding of penalty is being declared that those who follow the devil, will receive what is due them. Judgment has already fallen on the devil, it need not fall on the people of the world in the same way. However as the world chooses to separate oneself from grace, in doing so they unite themselves with the devil. This is true in Herod’s life with regard to John the Baptist. (Luke 3:18-20) The devil was defeated at the cross in much the same way that your Sin was forgiven. The revelation to the world is the fact that death unlocks the victory into our lives… this is the foolishness of the cross. (1 Cor. 3:16-4:5) But as we see with Herod, denial of our death is sought while those in power issued it freely as judgement upon others. This blindness is the reason the conviction must come to the world, for they see death as the final judgment. The call is for those who are filled with the Spirit to no longer fear death, its power or the outcome of such a fate. For physical death is to be a culmination and celebration of this life, not a disappointment and removal from this world. Paul rightly captures this in the fact that believers are not to grieve as the world grieves but rather with hope (Romans 8). The conviction that the world sees with regard to judgment is FOOLISHNESS.

So then what does this look like in our lives as believers?

Sin – All sin has been forgiven at the Cross, and we are no longer under the penalty of sin. Where the law revealed our sin, the blood of Jesus removed our sin. We are to die with Christ, and rise again with him, no longer living according to the pattern of this world. Sin is no longer the problem to deal with in our lives… it is removed with a breath of confession. Grace by faith is our salvation. We must no longer live as if we are attempting to master our “sin”. When the world observes this – they rightly conclude “we” are not different than “them”.

Therefore – Confess and believe you are forgiven…

Righteousness – Righteousness is a Gift with which we are clothed in Jesus. (Col 3:12) Our robe of righteousness (Rev. 19:8, Isaiah 61:10, Ps 132:9) must clothe us as we enter his banquet and feast in the Kingdom. (Matt 22:1-14, Zech 3:4). The gift is one of freedom, therefore we are to no longer live our lives as captives and prisoners of this world. We have thrown off the sin that entangles (above) now we must be released from the worry and anxiety that snuff our joy. Grace by faith is complete – but there is more – true freedom – Cast all your cares on him. (1 Peter 5:7)

Therefore – Run and celebrate your freedom to be who God has called you to be.

Judgement –We are liberated! We are free! Salvation has come… the one who stands to be judged is one who has reason to fear. For this reason we are called not to judge (Luke 6:37) (I often use the words Intimacy, Fecundity, and Ecstasy – they fit here as well as lining up with each of these respectively) Therefore increase the ecstasy in your life – this will look like foolishness to other, and that is just what the world needs to see. We know there is no fear in love, so let love release you to be a fool for Christ. (1 Cor. 1:18) It is the enemy, and those who follow him who have a judgement to fear.

Therefore – Don’t judge the world for the pleasure they seek, rather demonstrate your foolishness and be drunk in the spirit so that the world may taste and see that God is good.

Posted in Easter, Year B | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Mirrors don’t tell the future

Posted on May 12, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:    The Kingdom Leaders are set apart with credibility.

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Psalm 1 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19

A mirror is a tool which reveals only what it is given. Much like yeast in the Bible, a mirror has both negative and positive connotations. (yeast pos. Matt 13:33, neg. Matt 16:6) Another post reveals the positive qualities of the mirror, this one is the other… The mirror confirms what you “is” but cannot tell you what is possible, when what we see does not meet our expectations we don’t get mad at the mirror (at least not those with sanity). For this reason, the mirror rarely moves us forward, rather it maintains previous expectations or worse sends us backwards on our “but”. James 1 tells us we are fools if we look in the mirror, then forget what we look like as we walk away, yet that is the practice of many leaders in the world. Leaders who are fools view every matter that comes their way as problem to fix, people are obstacles to overcome, and success is merely a ladder to climb. They use the mirror to tell them what they already know.

Kingdom Leaders have no need for a mirror in this world. They see their reflection only in Jesus. They are not looking for the approval of the world to justify their worth nor are they looking for advancement to justify their work. True leaders are those people to whom others look to for guidance, security, power and wisdom. Kingdom Leaders are those who looking to the King for their guidance, security, power and wisdom. There are leaders in every domain of life – (there are 8 domains – government, business, education, medicine/technology, church/religion, service & communication, family and arts & leisure) While each of these domains has leaders – not all of these leaders are Kingdom Leaders. Even those who are leaders in the domain of the church are not by default Kingdom Leaders. Kingdom Leaders are those who are fulfilling their Co-mmission.. To be on Mission is the very call that Christ Jesus had from the Father and he gave to his disciple.

Kingdom leaders are set apart from other leaders based on their credibility. Credibility increases by living in intimacy, fecundity & ecstasy with the King (see the previous post) in a way that doesn’t lead to idolatry. This is because their work and their worth are established apart from the world. Their identity has been anchored in them by the Father. When our credibility is based solely on our efforts, failure becomes our downfall. When our credibility is established in partnership with Jesus, any shortcoming is now covered in forgiveness and grace. The result is we no longer cover our failure, rather we embrace and learn for it producing in us a great level of credibility. Jesus prays for this reality in John 17.  Our credibility grows as these prayers are answered in our lives.

  1. (vs. 11) Protection that they may be one as Jesus and the Father are one.
  2. (vs. 15) Protection as they remain in the world from the evil one.
  3. (vs. 17) Sanctity them by the truth.

The opposite of this prayer is the mission of Satan – his mission is to steal, kill and destroy. Overall we see that credibility is diminished when discord and anxiety (in general chaos) abounds in our lives. Since Jesus’ prayer is not to remove us from the world, we must find a way to live in such a way that we become overcomes of the World (1 John 5:3-5) This ability is given to us by the testimony of Jesus – this testimony is called Favor – we come alongside this favor to develop our credibility as expressed through our character, as humility & hospitality– taking us back to our very Commission. Let me not lead you to believe that leadership is easy, nor is it simply a gift, but it is taken on by both grace and effort. Psalm 1:2-3 emphasizes how the blessed Kingdom Leader puts forth effort to increase their credibility –

  1. mediation on the Word of God, (v.2)
  2. filling of the Spirit, (v. 3 being rooted in living water)
  3. being prepared to serve in all ways at all times… (yielding fruit and prosperity)

The first thing to ponder based on this post is  Do you consider yourself a leader?

In short – All leaders have influence. Do you acknowledge your influence? (this can be both positive and negative – just like mirrors) All Christians are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matt 5:13-16) – this to have influence and impact in the world. My forgone conclusion is that as a believer you are called to be a leader. This call to leadership is actualized by others in our credibility. As you embrace credibility, establish by Jesus’s grace and confirm by your effort – you fill find leadership opportunities abounding before you.

Consider again the Kingdom domains, in which domain might you increase your influence? Simply to acknowledge this possibility is to increase your influence and to test (strengthen) your credibility.

In conclusion – Don’t look to the mirror to answer the question, am I a leader! Rather let the world be your mirror in such a way that you might verify the prayers of Jesus for you, to be in the world.

Want more info…. This info below is taken from others posts which are linked above:

Leaders learn to find balance in their being and their doing.  This is identified by:

Consistency (being) + Credibility (doing) = Change (becoming).

To lead and to be comfortable with change, a leader must have their own personal compass that does not change. This compass is their calling. Calling happens in a moment, and is refined and clarified throughout the commission of the leader’s life.

Calling happens in a moment’s time, and is unique to each person. For some it seems as if they must receive multiple calls from God before they every truly pick up on the other side of the call. Both Paul and Peter hear the call of Jesus to “Follow Me”. Peter hears these words directly (Matt. 4:18-20), while Paul is blinded and told where to go and what to do (Acts 9:6, 22:10). Our Calling is revealed in our Blindness – what we once did not see we now are able to see. For Peter, His calling matured over a longer period of time – but he two had his eyes opened (Matthew 16:15-17). Paul we read the story this week – it was a matter of three days and Ananias prayed for his eyes to be opened…

Choosing happens throughout a life time.  This is the process of our brokenness and wilderness experiences where we come to know and trust the Lord.  Here is where we see Peter as a sprinter and Paul as a marathon runner. Peter often and quickly chooses to sprint off to accomplish a task for the Lord, only to discover it was on his strength and his will that things were pursued. Paul’s choosing is a long obedience in the same direction. In choosing we encounter Brokenness. Paul is told by Jesus how much he will have to suffer, but also what his Commissioning will be. (Acts 9:15-16) Without being totally broken we will not chose the Lord, he has Called and Chosen us – but now we must choose him and “Get Set”… Matthew 22:14 states that “many are called but few are chosen”

Commissioning begins in a moment and culminates in a life time.  To be faithful follower of Jesus Christ, we are to be both called (our eyes open) and chosen (our heart set for Christ). (1 Peter2:9, Rev. 17:14) Calling is an act of God of alone, Choosing falls on both, God and us, while Commissioning returns to be an act of God in response to our choosing His will over ours. Since Choosing is a process that never ends, in making the choices that surrender our will to his, our commissioning is clarified which brings God’s Blessing and Favor in our lives.  Again to be commissioned is an act of God that takes but a moment, but culminates in a life time.  Commissioning is identified in favor, which is grasped only by faith. Faith again is the root of our identity.

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Love as Obligation vs. Obsession

Posted on May 7, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: To be in the Kingdom is to experience love with the King

The Gospel of the Kingdom is Intimacy, Fecundity, and Ecstasy with the King.

Acts 10:44-48 Psalm 98 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17

Jesus did not speak His own words, but the words that the Father gave Him (John 8:38-42; 12:49-50; 14:24). His message was not primarily about Himself, but rather the good news that the Father ordained to be announced on earth. While Jesus Christ was by far the most important individual ever to walk this earth, the Bible shows clearly that the gospel that Jesus brought was not simply about Himself. We can go so far as to say that Jesus was obsessed with the Father – what he did, what he said, what he desired – was the only they Jesus did, said and desired. He proclaimed the Kingdom of God not out of obedience, but rather obsession: (see Scriptures below) Jesus preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God, but some how that message has changed into the good news of obligation: the gospel of getting out of Hell, the gospel of this world has nothing to offer me, the gospel of the church, the gospel of good works, the gospel of health and wealth. Jesus’ obsession with the Father is the means by which the Gospel of the Kingdom is brought to us.

In this same way – being loved by God is not the end, it is the means by which love is spread to the world. The command we are given by Jesus is to love others… and by doing so we remain in the Fathers love. This is to be our obsession, not obligation. In this way obeying commands no longer even becomes measured as a “to do” – rather it is a “ta da”. It is easy to make the Gospel of the Kingdom all about Jesus, in the same way that it is easy to make Christianity all about God’s love. But neither is correct…. Christians are to experience the Kingdom and to express God’s love. This experience and expression is modeled by the relationship Jesus has with the Father. So the point is not simply to “have” Jesus or the Father, it is to express and fully experience the same relationship that Jesus has with the Father. This relationship of obsession is grounded in three words: intimacy, fecundity & ecstasy.

I have chosen these words (with great assistance from Henri Nouwen) because they are not words that we use to describe our everyday life in this world. Trying to define the Kingdom is difficult because it is not of this world. In the Gospels, Jesus often referred to the Kingdom in parables, which initiated a paradigm shift. In this blog we have demonstrated there is more than one Kingdom; where the edge of the Kingdom is; we have established the foundation of the Kingdom and that Jesus as King rules and reigns over the Kingdom as well as who can enter and how to enter the Kingdom. And yet all the above does not address the relationship of being in the Kingdom. It has been declared that love is the only constant of the Kingdom, and here we will address the experience and obsession of love – again as – Intimacy, Fecundity, and Ecstasy.

Love expressed outwardly is obedience, but as we looked at last week – actions outwardly can have very different motivations inwardly. We must find the experience of obsession to experience the transformation of our motivations. We see this in the Acts passage; the circumcised believers were astonished at the indiscriminate work of the Holy Spirit…. How did their view of these Gentiles change after they saw the Holy Spirit poured out on Gentiles?… this is the pinnacle of a paradigm shift (movement from obligation to obsession) takes place in the Kingdom. When this shift takes place… we are changed, not only in our actions and behavior, but more importantly inwardly and emotionally. The “Jewish/circumcised” believers were now emotionally engaged with these Gentiles very differently than they were before. How is this?   Love took hold of them in a deeper more real way that before.

Being loved – moves you into intimacy with God and others

Intimacy is possible when obstacles and objections are overcome… in a sense the space between us and others is made pure and holy. This presence and gift of holiness of God, makes love for others a real potential.   This cleansing is a spiritual reality that must take place prior to a physical connection can be made. This intimacy is the flow of love being shared through vulnerability and brokenness. God become vulnerable and broken to us in Jesus. Therefore, for us to love others, we must first be vulnerable and broken before God moving us into intimacy with him.

Being loved – moves you into fecundity with God and others

Fecundity is an expression that demonstrates unrestrained or uncontainable reproduction and multiplication. Obsession leads to fecundate fruitfulness, obedience results in calculated production. Fecundity is not measurable, it is more fertile than the reproduction of rabbits…. A sampling of fecundity is captured when a parent has a second child, and wonders how they can possible love this child as much as the first, only to discover a multiplication of love for both children. The second child has the same love if not more than the first, while the love for the first grows as well. This abundance is to be giving not only to “our” children, but to all God’s children. By being touched by a fecundate work, is to be touched by a virus or germ to which there is not vaccination.

Being loved – moves you into ecstasy with God and others

Ecstasy is a word we have lost to secular drug use and New Age radicalism. Ecstasy describes our ability to get “lost” or to lose ourselves in the messy mission of the Kingdom. Being under control is the opposite experience of ecstasy, and yet ecstasy is not being out of control, rather it is enjoying a freedom trusting in the control of the King. It is tasted when one rides a roller coaster for the first time, wondering if their life is going to end, trusting it is not, but feeling being pressed to the edge at its greatest extreme. It is an obsession to ride this coaster of love with the King. This freedom in turn en-flames our faith, which increases our intimacy… and the cycle continues.

  1. Have you ever considered your relationship with God obsessive? If not, how might this redefine the word for you?
  2. How do you think life in the Kingdom is different based on obligation verses obsession?
  3. Which do you prefer?
  • Below are verses the demonstrate Jesus proclamation of the Kingdom…
  • And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)
  • And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (Matthew 9:35)
  • Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)
  • Jesus] said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” (Luke 4:43)
  • Now it came to pass, afterward, that [Jesus] went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings [gospel] of the kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1)
  • The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. (Luke 16:16-17)
  • And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
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Have you looked at your “but” lately?

Posted on April 27, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:   Love abides in opportunity. Fear focuses on obstacles.

Abiding in Opportunity and Fear of Obstacles can look the same on the outside, but internally Love Abides, while Fear freezes.

Acts 8:26-40 Psalm 22:25-31 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8

How often do you find yourself stuck on your “but” – frozen and not able to go forward without more answers?  Imagine yourself in a conversation saying – “That sounds wonderful, “but”…   I I’d love to, “but”….   I really wish I could, “but”…   It is fear that causes us to get stuck on the “but”.  Love on the other hand frees us “to remain” rather than being stuck. This past Dec – a post focused on the power of fear to freeze us, this post will demonstrate the power of love inviting us to abide. To the outsider it may look the same – to remain/abide or to be stuck. However the motivation and purpose are revealed in the source.  Jesus was not stuck on the cross – He willingly choose to remain is an act love – even when we cried out “Father why have you forsaken me? (Ps. 22:1) He did not fear that all was lost, rather he remained in love to proclaim, “It is finished” (Ps. 22:31). There are always multiple ways to reach our goals, yet we must realize that to reach the goal is not the only thing that matters. The end does not justify the means… the means must demonstrate and boast of the end.

Phillip’s story in Acts 8 is not without beginning or end. This week’s text is the middle and the clear motivation is love that carries him into new opportunity. His story begins for us in Acts 6 as he is chosen to care for food distribution and service of the church because he was full of the Spirit and wisdom.  Even after Stephen’s death (Acts 7) and a great persecution scattering the church (Acts 8) Phillip remains in love ready for opportunity. Being full of the Spirit and wisdom he hears the call of the Lord and does not respond with “but”– rather he seizes the opportunity and goes on mission. Then just as quickly he is transported from that place and ends up elsewhere. Here is where fear enters most of us – we say – God I will serve you “but”… I want some level of control or comfort therefore we add….  But, I am not willing to go there…. But, that is not how we do ministry here…. But, I am not good enough for that….  (Look at last week’s 10 excuses – they all increase our “but” rather than our buttress) This is not true for Phillip as we find him later in Acts 21 – the father of four daughters each of whom is a prophet and he is hosting Paul (who murdered his friend Stephen). Let us remain in love, and see the fruit of abiding in our lives.

When we remain in Jesus – who remains in us – love is made complete in us. To remain, abide or continue (the focus of John 15) in love is not to avoid movement – rather it is to have our eyes opened to the movement of God, seeing all as an opportunity to extend love. (Sometimes this means, remaining in painful or difficult circumstances to demonstrate love.)  Fear like a tourniquet – shuts off the flow of love from the Father to you, which shuts off the flow of love from you to others.  For this reason, we often run from hardship because we are empty due to the fear that I can’t handle this verses knowing I am not along in this. Many can attest to the fact that it is only love can motivate us to remain in a difficult place, while fear can excuse us to run away.  I’d share my faith, “but” I may lose my job; I want to go on a mission trip, “but” I don’t have the money; I want to tell them how I feel, “but” it will hurt them too much.  Fear never leads us to love, Love never abandons us to Fear.

Love will draw you close, Fear will push you for distance. Love will produce in you new life, Fear will focus you on what is old. Love will release you to risk, Fear will restrain you to be proven wise.

1 John declares that if you say, “I love God” yet hate your brother  – you are a liar…” these strong words cause great fear in us that we have not measured up and loved those to whom it is difficult. Today I hope you quit looking at your “but”, it may be large, it may be ugly, it may be dead weight, regardless take your eyes off the obstacles to love and place your focus on the source of love. This love does not begin or end in you, it is love that comes to you from above, and then by you is given away. This is the movement of abiding in love. Therefore, I can forgive my enemy and I can be forgiven even/especially when I don’t move in love, because I am not stuck in failure.

  • The Power of Love, reinstates Peter. (John 21)
  • The Power of Love calls Phillip to continue the mission after the death of Stephen. (Acts 6-8)
  • The Power of Love takes Paul back to the synagogue where he has persecuted so many. (Acts 9)
  • The Power of Love that calls Timothy to be circumcised (Acts 16)

The Power of Love opens our eyes to the movement of God that we might abide with in it…. Below is an opportunity to invite Father to reveal His love to you through the presence of Jesus.

  1. Set up a meeting with Jesus… put it on your calendar, set aside a meeting time. Do whatever you would do, if your best friend whom you have not seen for years comes to town…. In this time, talk and listen, catch up and enjoy each other’s company.
  2. After or during this time… reflect on these questions: What are the reason or purposes in you, that God is most pleased? When God sings over you (Zep. 3:17) what is the song about? Are you able to feel the “smile” of God as He looks upon you?
  3. Where/When you get stuck in this process ask God to reveal where the source of fear is rooted in you cutting off the flow of Love. As you learn these roots… breathe in the power of the blood and grace of Jesus, coming near to God, resist the devil, and cast all your cares upon Him as you Praise his Holy Name.(Ephesians 1:7, James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:7)

If you want to digger deeper into this, the best book on this topic is by Henri Nouwen – LifeSigns. In this short mysterious book the reader is moved to understand what it means to dwell in the house of God. The result of such dwelling is to move in Intimacy with the Father, Fecundity with the Son, and Ecstasy with the Spirit…..

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

10 reasons Christians don’t change the world

Posted on April 22, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  Good works first require God working in you.

Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18

These are the top 10 reasons (excuses) I have heard as to why Christians don’t serve in various capacities. These reasons directly undermine the calling of the Church to change the world.

  • 10-“I am not good at that”
  • 9 – “I am not good with people”
  • 8 – “I am not the example you want for others to look at”
  • 7 – “Last time, it didn’t end well.”
  • 6 – “Ask me at a later time”
  • 5 – “I have never been asked”
  • 4 – “I feel inadequate”
  • 3 – “I already did that”
  • 2 – “That is not for me”
  • 1 – “I don’t have time”

But there is one answer you rarely/never hear is “I didn’t know that Christians are supposed to be about compassion or service” The Gospels are very clear that Jesus’ compassion moved him into action, and that he came to serve and not be served. Most of our efforts to decide if a work is good or not, is a wasted effort, rather we must focus on if an act is life giving. The transformative work of the Spirit is the bench mark of that which is life giving. Therefore a good work can be known by expressions of Compassion (patience, kindness goodness) combined with Service (faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). When we are lacking good works, it is not usually because we are ignorant of our calling, but because we are lacking the transformation of the spirit.

To lay a foundation of our calling to good works as an expression of our transformation, be reminded of these truths: You were designed to do good works (Eph 2:10), good works are the validity and expression of your faith, (James 1:26-2:26, Matt 5:16), to not do good works is to be enslaved by the world and its pleasures (Titus 3:1-10), we are not to complain when we work “harder” than others (Matt 20:1-16, Gal 6:9) and finally that at the end of time we will be held accountable for what we have done or not done. (Matt 25:31-46, 1 Cor. 3:8-15, Col 3:23-24)

Again, this post is not about convincing you to do good works, rather it is to ensure that what you do is a good work at all. Good works (based on the above scriptures) are not truly good, unless they are produced by the Spirit of God in you first. (John 3:19-21, 6:28-29, Romans 9:30-32, Phil 2:12-13) Therefore a truly good work is an overflow of God’s work pouring out of you. Compassion and Service flow as a result of Transformation both individually and as an expression of the body. It is a misguided effort of the church to seek transformation (in others) as a result of their good work of compassion and service. This faulty approach makes the goal of good work- transformation, rather than transformation being the foundation of good work. The good work is now dependent on another’s transformation, which will then result in credit being given to them rather than to the Father who produces the initial good work. Overcoming this cycle is the most difficult yet crucial aspect of servant leaders.

These questions can help you unravel the motivation your compassion & service /good works.

  • Are you selective on whom you are compassionate? (if so based on what criteria)
  • Do you feel compelled to fake compassion when it’s the “right” thing to do?
  • Have you often wanted to get involved, but never see this want become a reality?
  • How often have you thought, “Why should I keep serving, when no one, ever helps me out?”
  • Who gets the credit when you act with compassion or service?

The Church is to be filled with Compassion & Service – as an overflowing expression of the transformation that Christ has set ablaze in our hearts through fellowship.

There is no price tag or self-gratification in compassion for as soon as there is, it ceases to be compassion. Compassion is passion in action. Service is work done for the good of others. A fruit is a result of a seed taking root and growing. So based on this thinking, good work is a fruit, based on the seed of the Holy Spirit growing into Compassion (patience, kindness goodness) and Service (faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). The doing of a good work is itself the reward for the person expressing it in action. As it is expressed – it directs the recipient and the spectator to the transformation in your life, not to your own goodness but rather to the Grace of Christ.

To increase the expression of compassion and service in your life, first stop trying to increase the expression of compassion and service in your life – instead increase your fellowship (intimacy) with Jesus and with those who are obviously rooted in the Spirit. Seek Transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit and trust that the fruit of this good work, will bring greater good works. Therefore:

  1. Receive the compassion of the Great Shepherd.(1 Peter 5:1-11) It is at the direction of Jesus that compassion comes and goes. Receiving compassion from Jesus can be found in Ps. 23 – let him lead you and restore you, be guided and comforted by his counsel, allow his anointing to be your confidence in all of life.  In this you will be able to focus on what you have rather than what you lack. The world is trapped in the vice of comparison which cuts off compassion. Let the Lord be your shepherd such that you are not in want based on comparison.
  2. Release the Spirit of God to flow through you. When we remain focused on ourselves and our needs, the ability of God to flow through us is closed off.  It is as a river dam shuts its gates being concerned only about its needs rather than looking at those “downstream”. The Church is to be an ever-flowing source of movement and power of the Holy Spirit – open the floodgates and let it flow. The clamps of our dam are typically time and pride (each of the 10 excuses touch on these), time is often measured in money, and pride is indicated by our comparison. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) shows us how when we calculate and measure our money and allow comparison to justify our actions good work, ceases to flow. To release the flow – turn the table on the typical measurement of your money and comparison. Ask not if you have enough; rather declare my life is open as much as I can so that God has enough of me to flow through.

Finally 3. Recognize that your life is not your own. Christ laid his life down and took it up again, may we in obedience, seek to do the same. Obeying His commands is an act of love and in a sense we lay down our lives, then take them back up in obedience. Obedience is not “good works”, for in obedience you are choosing as an act of your will to do that which Christ is commanding – to Love others. When you love others, as an act of obedience – we are to hope and desire for transformation in them. Obedience is Good and it is Work, (love is not always easy) but may we no longer settle for obedience as our only good work. Rather might we have good works (compassionate service) as an overflowing expression of the fruit of the Spirit that is in us, and in addition to that may we be obedient to the command to love others in all we do and say.

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The Bride’s Buttress is Huge

Posted on April 14, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle:  The Church is set apart in its Fellowship, for the sake of transformation. Transformation is the invitation to the world to join in the fellowship of the Church.

Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48

The Bride is the Church, and a Buttress is one’s support or defense. However if you spend your energy defending your buttress or hiding your buttress you have missed the point having a big buttress at all. What is the Buttress of the Bride… the Transformation of lives! Sure there are many who will say the Gospel is our defense, or give the “right answer” as Jesus being our support and defense…Yes the Gospel is the power of salvation, (Romans 1:16) and it is in Jesus name that every knee shall bow and confess (Romans 14:9-12)… however we as the church (who are the Bride) must demonstrate this power for this Gospel (not defend it with words) and demonstrate our stance of worship & submission (not hide it) in order for transformation to be a defense at all.

The lives of the disciples (not just the 12, remember the women at the Resurrection and the 120 gathered prior to Pentecost – Acts 1:12-15) had been transformed. This transformation was a result of being in fellowship with Jesus. Now it was the charge of Jesus to proclaim and testify to the rest of the world to them on mission. (John 20:19-31, Luke 24:45-49, Mark 16:15-18, Matt 28:18-20) This sending is not a removal from fellowship, rather it is the testimony or expression of fellowship. To be sent is to extend fellowship, because fellowship is the means by which transformation occurs. So you see – the buttress of the church is huge… the Bride has a big Buttress, and it is to never remain sitting on its butt… (sorry couldn’t help myself)

The Church is called to be in fellowship as they are sent out as witnesses to the world who need to know and experience the power of the Gospel and the message of the Cross. Unfortunately, much of this witness has been lost in an attempt to attract people to church, rather than being an incarnational (the process of being sent out as the invitation) witness of Christ. What is more is that this witness has been lost in an attempt to increase the fellowship of the church – this increase is based on numbers rather than intimacy, yet intimacy is where lives are transformed. The resulting action of the church has been to “paint and dress up” the front door and the back door of the church has been locked.

In this (post)Easter season the lectionary addresses the movement of the Church as it proclaims what it believes because of the resurrection; both its power to visibly change lives as well as to unify those lives into one expression. (summary of the last two weeks) Unfortunately what has been witnessed more than the power of the resurrection, is the reality that the church is in fact different than the world (but this label has become increasingly negative). Rather than transformation being witnesses, the church is declaring and defending the difference. This attempt to look different is actually serving to lock the world out. Much like the disciples we need Jesus to remind us of the power of transformation granted by the resurrection. Because of this fear the “but” has become larger than the “buttress”. The “but” of the Church says, “you can join us BUT, you have to change your ways first”. This is the exact opposite of the point of the Gospel… in fact, the message of the Jesus, is that you cannot change your life without Him… so Jesus declares, “come follow me”. (John 1:43, Mark 1:16-18) Jesus continues to invite Peter to follow Him as an invitation to deeper fellowship – resulting in deeper transformation. (John 21:15-19)

Jesus is the head of the body (Col. 1:18) which is the church. (Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12, Eph. 4) Therefore to discontinue fellowship with Christ is to no-long be the body of Christ. Further our fellowship is not to be an excuse to be separate from the world, rather our fellowship is to be an expression of our separateness or uniqueness. This is the invitation not a call to preservation. When we are gripped with fear of the world. We have forgotten that the Light is in us, and there is no fear in Love. (1 John 1:7, 4:18) For this reason fellowship without transformation, leading to invitation is not healthy. The Greek word for Fellowship, is Koinonia. Chuck Van Engen – (Fuller Seminary professor, author and friend of mine) teaches that when the fellowship of the church avoids transformation and growth – it suffers from koinonitus – which is an inflammation of koinonia (fellowship). This inflammation is an unhealthy infection that turns all its energy inward to fight infection hence reducing or even removing its mission to the world.

So while the church is set apart in its fellowship, it remains in the world to demonstrate the power of transformation. In the Scriptures this week we hear, Peter speak to the Jewish leaders and fellow Israelites – and said, you are on the outside of the greatest mystery of all times – the Messiah has come; it is not too late for you… John speaks to the church as says, be pure and live without sin – for if you sin, then you are not with us.  David in the Psalms often looked at those of the world and wondered why they slander and attack him – yet he knew that in the LORD, he was set apart and in the LORD he had security and safety.  The disciples were caught up in fear and Jesus confronted them with truth to set them free. This is the power of fellowship with Jesus –Freedom. They had locked the door and Jesus reinstated them for mission and sent them to share the resurrection with the world, but not until they had been set apart.

The invitation to someone on the outside of fellowship was never intended to seeker sensitive, rather is was designed to be transformative. The paradigm shift of the Church is mission to the world, not a lifeboat to get off a sinking ship. – It is our confession, that the power of the blood of Jesus is loosed upon the Bride making her pure and holy. (1 Peter 1:13-16, Eph 5:27, James 1:27) As fear, shame and guilt are removed from the lives of those who follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life; others will come to walk in the same path. This is not in the power or right choices of any one person, rather by choosing to follow the One who is Righteous.

  • In what ways is your fellowship with believers – separate/ unique from those who do not believe?
  • How has and can fear, shame and guilt thwart fellowship? How can confession strengthen fellowship?
  • In what ways are you demonstrating to those who do not believe, that your fellowship leads to transformation in your life?

At the end of the day – to be with God in fellowship is all one needs. This contemplative truth has a paradox to it – if one is in true fellowship with God, that person will be so filled in such a way that they cannot help but to overflow and spread the good news to all whom them come in contact.

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God has a thing for Ugly People

Posted on April 7, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: The Kingdom is advanced through the unity and fellowship of the Church. Unity is the fruit (outcome) and fellowship is the process.

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

It is often referenced in relationships that opposites attract. The power in this attraction draw is a compounding unity found in matching and blessing of gifts such that the two unique become one unified. With this truth, it is no wonder that I have been blessed with such an amazing wife… opposites attract. God in His Holiness pursues humanity to be His bride.(Rev.19:7-9, Isaiah 62:5, Matt 25:1-13, Jer. 2:2, Eph 5:25-27) Opposites attract. The focus here is not how needy humanity is, nor that God has low standards, rather we must overcome our need for unity prior to enjoying fellowship. Unity is the fruit of fellowship, not the foundation of fellowship.

Unity is not the foundation of fellowship in the same way that not until we come into relationship and fellowship with God do we have any awareness of the possibility of being one with Him. In coming into relationship with God, I for the first time discovery my true identity with paves the way for unity. This is why Jesus prays for our unity, as this is yet before us. (John 17:20-23) God desires and pursues fellowship with us, prior to having unity with us… For while we were still sinners – God loved us. (Romans 5:8) This is why God has a thing for ugly people…

The fruit of unity is discovered in the process of fellowship, but unity is lost when it is sought in the absence of fellowship. When two or more make the pursuit of unity their goal, compromise and conformity often lay the foundation. When our goal is to enjoy of the process of fellowship the foundation is communication and celebration.  The key element of communication in the process of fellowship belongs to the Spirit of God. In this process the Holy Spirit creates the bond of peace (Eph 4:3) and cleanses the sin (John 6:63,Titus 3:5) that so easily divides. Our calling as the church in fellowship is to be quick to confess our impure ways and to contribute to the needs of others. This process demonstrates how good and pleasant it is when the people of God live together in unity speaking truth in love.

In the Scriptures this week – we see the power of opposing ideas, people and places being brought together in unity. We also see that Unity is not tolerance or compromise as in the understanding of how Light and Darkness interact. Thomas does not agree or stand in unity with the other 10 disciples who saw Jesus with their own eyes, yet we find him in fellowship 7 days later being locked in the same room. Thomas’ stubborn doubt and unresolved ability to believe what the others believe, does not cause him to be considered darkness. How often do we break fellowship the moment we find an impasse or disagreement? Could there be any greater disagreement between the disciples at this point? Judas is dead, Thomas is resolved not to believe, and they are locked in a room for fear of what might happen to them. This is the process of fellowship. Jesus returns for Thomas, as he remains in fellowship to bring unity to the surface.

Are you in the process for unity. Who is in this process with you? Are you the person “ahead” or “behind” on the road to unity?  The “ahead” person embraces the person without demand for compromise or conformity. The “behind” person continue to communicate and celebrate in fellowship even as they hold contrary views. The emphasis is on our belonging as being more important or primary to our believing. For those who are “ahead” be quick to confess your impure ways and on-going need for forgiveness, further seek ways to contribute to the other person’s needs. The “behind” person is to reach out to the Spirit of God, seeking the bond of peace in order to build a new bridges of reconciliation between one another.(2 Cor. 5:16-18) In this you will deepen your fellowship with your brother or sister to whom you are in relationship.

How can there be unity with those who you are not in fellowship with? It begins with having peace in your heart that overflows to whomever you do come in contact with. Are you at peace with yourself? Do you have passions or dreams which you have given up and it plagues you? Do you have addictions or impulses of which you are ashamed? Are their people whom you are avoiding – if so what feelings are evoked in you which are not pleasing unto the Lord? These are places where there is not pure fellowship within your own body, soul and spirit.  Spend time here, before you begin to seek out fellowship with those whom you know;

Unity is the outcome and fellowship is the process and it is all, both are:

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

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

Pursue Fellowship by a means of:

  • Confession – embrace my faults and shortcoming, releasing expectations
  • Celebration – embrace the best of others and their intentions
  • Compassion – embrace your ability to bless others
Posted in Easter, Year B | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

What do you have to say for yourself?

Posted on March 30, 2015 by chaplaincasey

I pray this week proudly impacts your life….

chaplaincasey's avatarconfrontingchaos

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

Isaiah 25:6-9Psalm 118:1-2, 14-241 Corinthians 15:1-11Acts 10:34-43John 20:1-18Mark 16:1-8

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

This week in the life of Christ demonstrates the passion and commitment of Christ to fulfill all that the Father has set before him. This week made Jesus’ calling and commission public to the world, the very convictions of Jesus as he has foretold his followers since the beginning of His ministry. It crystallized and communicated to all who had ears to hear – that Jesus…

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Give up – Giving Up

Posted on March 25, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Wholeness of self (body, soul, & spirit) glorifies the King.

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

We begin Lent addressing the concepts of giving up verses taking on…and the fact that true growth in Lent takes place not as we give something up, but rather as we take something on as an act of submission. We are taking that further this week, to see that we can give up – giving up throughout the rest of the year and our lives as well. Last week we addressed that our brokenness boasts of the Kingdom, this post presents the paradox that our wholeness glorifies the King. Seeking wholeness is both a work of effort and grace. This post is to encourage us to put for our own effort, trusting in the grace of our Lord to be sufficient in every aspect of our weakness. Further, it is in our failed efforts that we become most aware of our pursuit of wholeness being complimented by grace.

By all standards of “triumphal entry”, the Christian church has done a great job making Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem a celebration, but if this is really Jesus’ culmination of honor, what an utter failure. He is on a borrowed donkey. Yet because of the wholeness of Christ’s life this procession glorifies the King. It is not suffering, for the sake of suffering, which brings glory to the King – it is our stance in the midst of suffering. Imagine the emotional suffering of Christ in this procession knowing that within a week this fanfare will become a fatal mob. Submission in the midst of suffering is only possible when we first embrace and understanding the significance of submission in relation to our own body and soul and spirit.

Often the word submission is used in the context of a relationship with others, whether that is husband and wife, government and the masses, teacher and student and so on…. But here we are addressing the concept of submission within oneself. I believe that the first step in becoming a great leader is learning first to lead yourself. In this same way, you cannot submit your life to another relationally, if you are unable to apply that concept within yourself. For example, within marriage, a husband cannot lay his life down for his wife, if he remains focused on living his life to please himself. (Eph. 5:18-32) Therefore submission in external relationships, must be preceded by submission of one’s body and soul and spirit. S. Covey’s “7 Habit’s of Highly effective leaders” identifies this as a private victory (Habits 1-3) which must precede a public victory (Habits 4-6). It is clear that Jesus exemplified this submission in his own life as he become humbly obedient unto death: that is to the anguish of the attacks of the Jewish leaders, the Roman persecution and pain, and finally to the scorn of the cross. (Phil 2:8, Heb. 12:2, Is. 53:4-5)

Each Scripture passage this week clearly depicts the reality of the body and soul being filled with grief and suffering, yet the strength of the person which comes from the LORD. This grace sustains the body & soul to be unified in submission with the spirit.  While we can strive to “walk as Jesus did” this often means something closer to an unattainable journey for perfection. Walking like Jesus did, looks more like being willing to ride on a donkey rather than acting like one. A closer look at Mark 11 shows the disciples being asked by Jesus to go “borrow” this colt or donkey. In essence this act is stealing; they are given permission by Jesus, but they also might end up looking like a donkey if the owner says “No”.  Should the disciples be confronted in taking this donkey, they must face the ridicule and rejection of such an act, while defending their actions only with the words of Jesus. Do you feel the confidence to defend your choices and actions based on the words of Jesus? This might be to avoid physical suffering, emotional ridicule or spiritual oppression, regardless of battle the pursuit is wholeness of our lives to bring glory to the King.

Elsewhere we have addressed the individual and unique aspects of the discipline of the body, development of the soul and the direction of the spirit. The emphasis here is that submission begins internally and that even our failure when given to God leads to greater wholeness. I will be the first to confess it is easier to measure my (your) short comings than my (your) successes in this area. Yet in our short comings, each time we encounter this opportunity we are given a chance to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father:

  • Failure to submit your body to your spirit – comes up for me when I attempt to fast, rest, controlling our physical urges and wants, exercise or simply overcome laziness.
  • Failure to submit your soul to our spirit – comes up for me when I don’t take my thoughts captive (allowing anger, lust, jealousy and many other thoughts dance in my mind), endure rejection, or simply resist the will of God-thrusting my own will…

In our awareness of our failures we are to place our trust in the Lord, proclaiming that Jesus is your Master, King and God –further to practice the process of Accept, Believe, Confess, Declare establishes that your body nor soul are going to save you. While many of us know this theologically–we live our lives in such a way that the body and soul become our master.  This is reality is evident in our journey with Jesus despite the fact that there is abundant joy found in discovering a life lived in obedience and submission to the King of Kings. The directions given this Lent season are most simple: our confession is Jesus is Lord, and we declare we love the Lord. The last two weeks have highlighted the process 2LAF. Jesus brings this all to one simple covenant: Love one Another. (John 13:34).

So what shall we do:

  1. Identify the weakness of your body, soul, and spirit. Seek to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God through Prayer.
    • Submission of your body is seen through servant opportunities (your ability), most common areas for growth in the area of the discipline of your body is through diet & nutrition, rest & rhythm of life, and exercise.
    • Submission of your soul is seen through servant opportunities (your attitude), demonstrating character and conduct which represent the Fruit of the Spirit and self-awareness especially in relationships which are most frequent.
    • Submission of your spirit is developed only after we are born again, yet the spirit continues to grow or increase in power or direction as we submit unto the Lord. (Peter’s spirit continued to grow such that his “shadow” was able to heal people, and Paul’s handkerchiefs somehow remained linked to him and the power of healing via their wholeness (Acts 5:14-16, 19:11-12). Submission of our spirit is seen through servant opportunities (your approach), as our lives our directed by spiritual disciplines, marked by intimacy, fecundity, and ecstasy.
  2. Integrate all the above. We are not intended to be separated into parts and in fact we can’t be, I have addressed it here as such for your benefit to see the uniqueness of submission, and what makes it such a challenge.  It is very common to live a Christian life – where the body is the master of the spirit –yielding a self-righteous form of obedience to service and Bible study. It is just as common to live a Christian life – where the soul is the master of the spirit -yielding a contemplative and pious form of mystical obedience where the character of the person is the cherished prize, but the temple of the Holy Spirit is wasting away.
  3. Finally – walk daily with the LORD. There is no such thing as failure, when Jesus is Lord and holds the power of redemption for all things. Focus on what is possible, not on what is wrong, old habits are overcome by forming a new habit which can grow through Submission. Drink 1 glass of water each day (body). Smile and find one thing to be thankful each day (soul). Pray – asking for the Lord to lead you each day, before you get out of bed each day. (spirit)
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crack pot – it’s meant to be

Posted on March 18, 2015 by chaplaincasey

Kingdom Principle: Our Brokenness boasts of the Kingdom.

Brokenness is beautiful – it boasts of Grace, Faith & Love which advance the Kingdom

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

The Self-Help industry has grown in the last 15 years from 2 ½ billion dollar industry each year to over 12 billion dollars a year. Our culture values two things very highly at are captured in the Self-Help phenomena… 1. We value our individualism often more than others– We don’t want to need anyone else to help us. 2. We want to fix or at least present our lives as if we have it all-together. This illusion of control over our lives is sought by many even if they know it is only an illusion. At the base of it all we are earthen vessels… which is very close to saying cracked pots…. (2 Cor. 4:7-10)

Life in the Kingdom serving the King of Kings is the contradictory to Self-Help. In fact the primary step to entering the Kingdom is to Accept that your life as you know it – needs to end and you must be re-born to enter the Kingdom. This act of being born again is not an act you can do unto yourself… In fact you must cry out for help from the Spirit of God. (John 3:1-8) This Acceptance indicates a Belief that there is life beyond this world. Jesus is the gift that has been given to the world, and it is our Confession that Jesus is Lord and he has been raised from the Dead, that brings us into our own resurrection experience by the Power of God. (Romans 10:9-10) Because of our Acceptance, Belief and Confession we Declare that Jesus is our Lord and we Love the Lord and one another. This is the path to discovering our brokenness.

How do you pursue brokenness while remaining resilient?

Let us FIRST understand brokenness as a desired characteristic. Ask God to open your eyes to the brokenness that already exists in you. God does not need to “break” you. It is a major error in thinking when the church preaches that God breaks us with pain or punishment. (reread John 3:16-18) There is wilderness and suffering, but that is very different from pain and punishment. Judgment is leveled against the ruler of the air (the devil and those who follow his ways), not against those who are being saved. Punishment is a poorly understood and often misused word for God’s love has nothing to do with punishment. (1 John 4:15-18) Jesus, our Messiah/Savior has come to forgive sin, and to save you from this world, this is an act of love not punishment. Because of the Cross, punishment is removed, Justice however remains.

You & I were born into this world broken, which is why we must be re-born into the Kingdom. God longs for you to know your brokenness not cover it up. When we seek to cover up our brokenness – what results is pride and sin and for these there are consequences, but this is not punishment to break us, rather it is discipline to restore us. Discipline is a choice, and it is a choice of love and submission. Punishment is punitive action to prove a point. Consequences are established rules, which are enacted when choices are made to break such rules, resulting in learning opportunities. When we choose discipline, much like “pruning” (John 15:1-5) it can be painful, but it is a choice. When we choose sin, there are consequences, which can also be painful, but neither of these have anything thing to do with neither punishment nor breaking us. Punishment is an act of this world, and those who choose discipline do so because they already see their brokenness.

SECOND: Believe that Jesus has paid the price for your brokenness to be redeemed and wholeness restored. Believe that Jesus’ blood was shed for you and that through him your spirit shall be born again. From this place the joy of salvation begins to shine. Believe that you are God’s workmanship and that by Grace you are saved to do good works. (Eph. 2:10) Believe that brokenness does not need to be covered up or even fixed by you…. The only brokenness that is “fixed” is redeemed in being born again, and that is completed outside of any effort by you. It is our joy to live into our calling and purpose that is housed within our brokenness. Believe that God sees you as perfected through the eyes of Jesus. It is through our brokenness that the light of Christ is most fully reflected.

THIRD: Confess your need for the Father to save you from your sin. Forgiveness cleanses us from sin, but does not remove brokenness, rather is removes fear, guilt and shame that cause us to hide our brokenness. Therefore no longer must you wallow or sulk in the darkness; rather you can run to the light. In the moments breath of confession, forgiveness is complete. In fact your forgiveness was completed in Christ before you ever sinned – what is necessary is our confession. In our brokenness, we will continue to work out in this world the realities of our choices. May this lead us back to Acceptance of our inability to do this on our own strength and to cry out for Grace & Mercy.

FINALLY:, Declare your stance for the Kingdom, that your life is not your own and that you give up your life, even “hate” your life, if it means to follow and be a servant of the God most high. This is the change and charge of repentance, a turning from what was once done, to a new way of life. As we follow the King we are not to look back, rather with bold declaration we proclaim to the world, healing found in Jesus Name alone. In this declaration we stand as the priesthood of all believers proclaiming the salvation of the King to the entire world.

To let the King’s light shine through you – you must be willing to be broken. Without brokenness – you have it all together and there are no cracks from which the light can shine. This is not a call to sin in order to create cracks – see Romans 6 – rather it calls us to embrace healing that begins with discovering our brokenness.  In this way the proclaiming of the good news and healing become one in the same; healing being defined as the removal of the works of the enemy. Therefore may our brokenness be beautiful as is the feet of the good news. (Romans 10:15)

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