Washed

Shame

2011-12-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Last week in my Creative Writing course, we took a field trip to the Dallas Museum of Art to discuss various pieces which reflect biblical imagery. Then, we were asked to pick any piece from the Museum's vast collection and write about it. I knew before I even arrived at the DMA which painting I would select. I have attached it below as well as the short piece I wrote. I hope as Christmas approaches you all find time to reflect on what Christ did for you and what he asks of you.

The second floor of the Dallas Museum of Art beckons me every time I visit. I know if I look at the piece red cheeks and escaping tears will expose my swelling shame. Yet, like the ascetics of old, I proceed to the Early European gallery to receive my beating.

While the father points heavenward knowing his mission, his eyes gaze downward upon his pale, unblemished son. A century of barrenness culminates with his only begotten, but Abraham’s good God demands the spilling of Isaac’s blood. And, he obeys. He obeys. Abraham obeys. Here comes the shame.

While Abraham was willing to place his son upon the altar, I grumble at the thought of placing my money, my time, or even my image. Instead, the savory aroma of hedonistic incense burns on the altars I erect for the gods of convenience and pleasure. By comparison, Abraham’s God asks me for so little, and he constantly receives what he asks: so little.

Yet, after sufficiently despairing over my disobedience, I swallow the gathered spit, wipe away the streaks left by tears, and remember that the reckoning of righteousness comes by faith, not sacrifice.

Mourning

2011-11-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

This semester I am enrolled in a creative writing course…stop laughing, I’m serious. And, despite whatever preconceived notions you have about a creative writing course in seminary, this class has given me the opportunity to express many deep, theological convictions in ways previously foreign to me. One such opportunity came when our class was asked to reflect upon the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. Not having had the opportunity to visit this landmark, my thoughts focused instead on the idea of mourning loss. It was in my preparation for that writing assignment that I realized our society has lost the ability to grieve well. Throughout scripture mentioning of sackcloth and ashes, wailing, renting of clothing, and utter despair accompany bereavement. Now funerals exhibit starched clothing, manicured appearances, and hushed whimpers as we attempt to add dignity to suffering. It is my firm conviction that mourning plays a purposeful and redemptive role in the life of a believer (c.f. Ecclesiastes 7:4; and verses which speak on suffering, Romans 8:17 in particular) and we would be wise to follow in the footsteps of our spiritual ancestors who grieved openly, loudly, and genuinely. Rejoice with those who rejoice, but, please, remember to WEEP with those who WEEP.

Silent Grief by Nika Spaulding

Hurried tears and gentle sobs escape the young widow.

Induced smiles conceal the writhing hands of a bereaved mother.

Somebody lied to them, to us.

“Dignity emerges in restraint,” paralyzes their sorrow.

Etched names satisfy our need to commend.

But, who receives the honor?

Consideration killed grief.

Reverence excised wailing, but left a wall.

Silence replaced weeping

Sackcloth exchanged for starched suits

Where is your sting O Death?

We forgot how it feels.

For Baby J

2011-01-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me, you knew this day was coming: a blog about my niece. I simply had to. But, since I know you all have endured my relentless reminders of how amazing she is, I figured I would post this awfully, embarrassing video of me with her to offer as a small sacrifice. Of course, the video has purpose. As I’ve watched this video repeatedly, I’m constantly struck by the frailty of my niece and her sheer dependence on me to hold her. I’m not even brave enough to type about the results that could occur if I were to fail on my end.

Now perhaps it’s because I’m in seminary, or perhaps it’s because I was holding her around Christmas time but this video also makes me think of Jesus (yes, you should find it humorous that I am singing such a ridiculous song and am still reminded of my Lord and Savior). However, the concept of an all-mighty God who transcends time and space coming to Earth in the flesh as a mere babe simply astounds me.

Jesus, our only worthy sacrifice on behalf of sins, was once swaddled and held by human hands—the same human hands that needed him to go to cross because they were covered in filth which comes by way of the flesh.

As I sometimes think about my niece, there are so many “what ifs” that plague my mind—what if she gets hurt? What if she gets abducted? What if my sweet Lord takes her home soon? (Even the thought of it brings tears to my eyes as I type.) Then I think about Jesus and the same “what ifs” could have applied. However, the implications are so different it’s hard to imagine them on the same plane. What if Christ would have been murdered under Herod’s decree? What if Jesus would have been stoned by the Jews prior to the cross? What if Jesus would have been trampled by a crowd?… what if? what if? what if? Would he not have still atoned for my sins? Would their still be wrath stored for me? Would he not be coming back for us all?

Then one word always hushes the racing hypothetical situations: sovereignty.

Sovereignty. God’s got this. All of this. He had Jesus, and He has my niece.

I simply cannot fathom being in God’s place sending my son down to earth to be cared for my humanity. He’s seen our wretchedness, our evil, our reckless pursuit of sin and yet placed His Son in our midst to be cared for by one of us: one of the harlots. Of course, I cannot fathom this act because I’m not God. This obvious and understood statement brings me to my point: although I am not God, that does not excuse me from trusting His plan and work in my life and the lives of those around me. I want so much for my niece to live a life free from harm, pain, or discomfort; yet, I know that this life will bring her hurt, sorrow and even despair at times. My comfort is in knowing that God was trustworthy with His son, even orchestrating the salvation of the world through wicked humanity.

Although Jesus was cared for by human parents, His heavenly Father was always calling the shots. The same is true for my niece. God’s got her. What better place for her to be?

Jeremiah 10:23 LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.

Next Stop: Heaven

2011-01-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

Hey Friends,

Just some thoughts from a recent spiritual retreat I took.

Season of Grace

2010-12-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Here is my first vlog ever. It's a bit rough since it's an unedited, uncut one-take. Hope you can push through the amateurism of the film :)

Merry Christmas.

Thanks Be To God

2010-11-19T21:47:00.000-08:00

Ex 23: 16 Also you shall observe… the Feast of the Ingathering at the end of the year when you gather in the fruit of your labors from the field.

In one simple verse, God ordained from that time forward an annual celebration for the Jews to offer their gratitude for the bounty Yahweh had abundantly and graciously provided during the harvest. Clearly, Thanksgiving began way before the Pilgrims. This Feast of Ingathering, later referred to as Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, parallels very well with our November feast. Leviticus 23:40 tells the reader the Jews were to celebrate this time joyfully and 23:43 offers that this time is an opportunity to remind the Jews of the temporary dwellings during the Exodus. Later in Zechariah 14:16-19 the prophet warns of the consequences for those who refuse to pay homage to God—no rain and plagues. In short, the Feast of Tabernacles was a time of year where to the Jews traveled to the Temple to celebrate God for an entire week. They cried out to God, thanking Him for His provision and pleading with Him to provide again for the next harvest.

Fast forward. John 7. Enter Jesus. The beauty of this passage is staggering.

In John 7, Jesus enters Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles and offers words and a promise to the Jews never heard before. These men and women would have been celebrating all week long the bounty of Yahweh and would have been beseeching Him to provide a blessing. And, it is in this backdrop that Jesus, on the last day—after all the beseeching, praying, celebrating, and yearning—made this declaration:

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"

Jesus, in this short but powerful phrase turned this entire Feast on its head. No longer would the Jews need to long for the provision of Yahweh, He had come. No longer would the Jews need to yearn for rain, living water had come. No longer would the Jews need to travel to the Temple, the Word was now dwelling among them.

Yet, despite the fact that Jesus completely changed the content of this Feast, its purpose remained: give thanks. And so we will. But, let us give it like those who have read John 7, and who gush living waters.

God, thank you for your Son, and for the sacrifice He made on the cross, may we never forgot what you’ve done and who you are.

Underdog

2010-10-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

Watch the video first. And turn up the volume.
If you’re anything like me, that video hits you in the soul, your eyes light up, your adrenaline spikes and you think to yourself, “Man, I love sports.” But ,maybe there is more to it than just sport. Maybe, something inside my soul cherishes the underdog, something loves the defiance of expectation, something begs for greatness to emerge from the weak or the unknown. Think about it, movies are seldom made focusing on the team expected to win the championship; instead, we flock to watch the story of the unexpected nobodies achieving the impossible. Movies like Rudy, Miracle, Remember the Titans, and, yes, even Mighty Ducks tug at our souls engaging something inside of us that yearns for the triumph of the human spirit over the seemingly insurmountable foe. Maybe it’s no mistake or a fabrication of society that this yearning is weaved into the very fiber of humanity.

There is a line in the middle of the video that says, “Sometimes passion has a funny way of trumping logic.” To that line I simply respond, “Amen.” There is nothing logical about the death on a cross of a man dying for the soul of a putrid, undeserving, wicked woman like ME. There is nothing logical about the shameful exposure of Jesus’ naked body at Golgotha FOR ME. There is nothing logical about my heavenly Father being pleased to shame his son FOR ME. But again, passion on that day trumped logic, and it will again, and again as long as God is in charge.

And since Christ went to the Cross for me, my soul was invited to rejoice in the greatest underdog triumph in all of humanity. Think about it, the entire Old Testament pointed towards the coming Messiah. The Hope of the Jewish people rested in this “wonderful counselor” they had only heard about, read about, prayed for, and longed for. And finally, as prophesy said it would, he came!!! He came!!! But, oh no, he came as a baby? To a virgin mother? But, Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and around 30 he began to do ministry. But, what is this? Our Messiah, our Great Deliverer, is not concerned with the upheaval of Caesar and the government? And, he teaches that we are to turn the other cheek and love our neighbors as a Samaritan would? Where is our victory!? Where is our Messiah?! And then, as the history books tell us and our Bible testifies, they killed our Messiah. He was supposed to be the one, the one who was to save us all, and they killed him. Where is our victory?! Where is our triumph?!…It was fourth down, it was the bottom of the ninth, backs were against the ropes, all hope was lost, death was stronger, death was mightier, and death was winning…but three days later, oh! Three days later, our underdog, our deliverer, our Messiah sprang forth from that tomb and our King won the battle of all battles and has offered the riches of his victory to us.

Oh yes, something inside of me yearns for the underdog to win, and Christ satisfied that yearning and has welcomed me to walk in that victory with him. So, as that video says, Folks, “we’ve got ourselves a game”…and to that I would add, and we already know the outcome.

Heavenly Perspective

2010-09-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest joys of my life has been experiencing the continued blessings I received by working five summers at K2 (Kanakuk Kamps--a christian sports camp). As I’ve often looked back on these fond times, there are certain memories that seem to hold greater intrinsic value for me—leading kids to Christ, preaching the word at Backwoods, baptizing kampers, etc. Amidst all of these tender remembrances rises one memory I continue to enjoy regularly.
When I was a counselor for cabin 19, I used to stay up late at night talking to one camper in particular (sorry Trish). Literally, for long stretches of time we would have conversations like this:

Camper: Nika, someday we’re going to be in heaven.
Me: I know, isn’t that awesome.
C: No, it’s so much better than awesome.
Me: Yeah, there are no words to describe the awesomeness.
C: And, it’s going to be forever.
Me: I know, I can’t wrap my mind around that.
(Silence as we both tried to contemplate forever)
C: No, I mean forever.
Me: Yeah, forever.
(Giggles ensued as we became giddy over the thought of dwelling with God forever in Heaven)
Camper: No, but Nika, someday we’re going to be in heaven…(and then the convo cycled like this for quite some time).

There are so many reasons why I love this memory, none of the least of which is because I particularly adore this camper still to this day. However, the reason tonight I am holding this memory so dear is because it marks one of the first times I really dwelled upon the eternality of my faith and relationship with God.

I am such a finite being with such feeble finite thoughts. Naturally, this earthly perspective allows me to navigate through the necessary tasks and endeavors of life. However, it also robs me of recognizing the purpose for all of my necessary tasks and endeavors: to glorify God. So many times I press on in this life toward my humanly goals, but Paul pressed on to win the prize for which God had called him heavenward (Phil 3:14).

The more I dwell on God’s will and purpose for my life, the more I am convinced that it is absolutely necessary to bathe my actions in an eternal perspective. If not, sharing Christ becomes a burden instead of an opportunity to shape someone’s future forever. If not, reading my bible becomes a legalistic task instead of an opportunity to learn about the God I will worship for eternity. If not, the trials of this world overwhelm my spirit instead of viewing them as experiences to sanctify me before my final dwelling. If not, I fiercely seek the desires of the flesh and temporary things of this world instead of forsaking all to walk with the Lover of my Soul. Simply put, without an eternal perspective my motives and desires are in great jeopardy of pursuing my will instead of God’s.

Someday I will be with God in heaven, and more and more I desire for that day to draw near. But until that day, I do not want to live my life as if heaven is a distant destination and I am simply waiting. Rather, I want to live my life as one who constantly remembers where I’m heading and my purpose until I get there.

Camper: Nika, someday we’re going to be in heaven.
Me: I know, let’s press on in the faith so that when that day comes we can say we’ve been poured out like a drink offering and God will say well done good and faithful servants, welcome home.

You watch your mouth when you're talking to them

2010-09-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

This summer I overheard a young girl—maybe six or seven years of age—tell her mother a “story” about one of her friends. I kid you not, she told her mother about her friend Sam who ate a bunch of Mentos and then drank some soda and afterwards his stomach exploded. The mother, half-listening, replied, “Oh wow, that’s not good.” Understatement.
Obviously, this girl has a warped sense of truth, and I probably should be bothered by her blatant lie. However, she is just doing what every other young child does: re-telling urban legends, which have been circulating for years. The part of this story that is bothersome to me though, is when I see this same pattern occurring in the realm of spirituality. Countless times, I have heard young men and women re-telling “spiritual truths” from the mouths of pastors, mentors, counselors, etc which should be classified as urban legends at best.
Lines like “God wants me to be happy”, “God helps those who help themselves”, “If I do x I’m promised y” and others of that nature have permeated our culture. And, unlike their equally false cousins, the urban legends, these “truths” cannot be tolerated in hopes that people will eventually discover the real truth as time continues. When dealing with spiritual matters, the lessons we learn as children become ingrained in our thinking about God and consequently affect the natural outworking of our lives. Therefore, any deviation from the truth of God sends our young believers into perilous territory as life continues and they realize the promises they thought were guaranteed by God are mere fabrications of a wishful and sloppy theologian/pastor/mentor/etc. If we’re lucky, they will get angry at the theologian and will begin an honest search of God’s true covenants; unfortunately, though, most of the time the anger terminates on God—the one who was misrepresented from the beginning.
In the battle for young minds, our only hope of victory rests in God alone. Thus, the absolute necessity to introduce him honestly and accurately cannot be stressed enough. Be the generator of young people re-telling phrases like, “In God alone I place my trust”, “God does not promise me wealth, popularity, success, or fame, but he has promised me eternal life and a life-long relationship with him through the blood of Christ”, and “my salvation cannot be bought or earned, it is a gift from God.”
I Timothy 4:16 “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”

Sovereignty

2010-09-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made.

This summer I enjoyed three incredible opportunities to spend time hiking in some of the most stunning places in America. I visited the Grand Canyon, a slot canyon in Zion National Forest, and spent seven days hiking through the High Sierras of Northern California. Whenever I go to these beautiful places, I inevitably engage in conversations with others about God. It seems there is something about creation’s majesty that points humanity towards the supernatural. After these exchanges, I typically dwell on Romans 1:20, secretly enjoying the fact that God’s word is true.

The conversations I have with others are filled with allusions to God’s attributes: His Greatness, His Beauty, His Expansiveness, etc. However, this particular summer one attribute of God, which I witnessed from His work, plagued my thoughts: His Sovereignty. This might seem odd at first, but allow me to explain. During these hikes I often encountered very dangerous elements. Some of the edges of the Grand Canyon were so steep, one small misstep would unavoidably end my life. Furthermore, throughout the slot canyon I had to climb down steep cliffs and even use ropes at times to avoid injuries. Just two weeks prior to my Sierra trip, a couple was unexplainably mauled to death by a bear despite their precautions to remove all of their scented items (food, deodorant, etc).

Throughout my long hikes, I would consider these perils, and would thank God for His Sovereignty knowing that my life and my safety lay in His hands. Consequently, hiking was a wonderful time of worship; however, after meditating more on this attribute of God I began to realize the strange dichotomy in my life. When it comes to trusting God to provide for me in the wild and keep me safe, I am unwavering; yet, sadly, when it comes to God to provide for me during the school year in the pressing needs of life, I waver like a reed in the wind.

How sad when I think that I would trust God to protect me on a cliff, but I struggle to trust God to provide me with enough money for my monthly budget. Yet, somehow I think I’m not alone in this struggle. In moments of strength we find the faith to trust God to provide us with safe travel to and from work, but in the next moment we manipulate another because we do not trust God to provide us with love. One moment we trust God will provide us with clarity of thought when making a decision, but in the next moment we falter in patience when we fail to trust God will bring us a spouse. One moment we trust God will give us our daily bread, but in the next we doubt he will forgive us our sins.

My hope is that after reading this blog, you will realize your own tendency for double-mindedness. Then, I hope you will ask God to strengthen you to trust his Sovereignty in all the moments of your day. If you can believe God is completely in control of one area of your life, then you can believe He’s in control of them all.

No, but really...

2010-07-17T21:54:00.001-07:00

Recently, I was watching a comedy show, and a guy named Kyle was doing a bit about how ridiculous America can be. It went something like this, “so, you know America is messed up right? I mean, America has all kinds of ridiculous things. I mean think about it, we have water parks. Some countries don’t even have clean drinking water, and here in America, we play in it.”

I laughed at first. Then, I thought…No, but really…

How sad. When you compare the luxuries of American indulgence with the impoverished situations of countries like Haiti and Uganda, it’s hardly a laughing matter anymore.

As I continued to reflect on Kyle’s joke another television show caught my eye. Apparently, Americans think it is entertaining to watch people attempt to answer trivia questions as expensive items are thrust from the top of a building to their destructive end. Items like costly pool tables, boats, cars, etc. are destroyed for sheer entertainment purposes. Thirty thousand kids will die in Africa TODAY because of poverty. We are throwing luxury vehicles off of buildings and mothers in Africa are uncertain if their babies will survive today because of a lack of food. No, but really…that’s disgusting.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been accused of being the thriftiest person out there, neither have I always valued the privilege and wealth that being an American has afforded me. Yet, being a Christian demands that I accept the responsibility of stewardship of my wealth and bids me to use it in a God-honoring way. It demands the same of you.

The Lausanne Covenant (written in 1974) echoes this sentiment as it states, “The church is at the very center of God’s cosmic purpose and is his appointed means of spreading the Gospel. But a church which preaches the cross must itself be marked by the cross.” So many areas of my life markedly display the cross, yet my bank statement reflects a self-indulgence which requires repentance. Where does your money go?

Our charge has been set before us: “look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1), “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Prov 3), “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” (Luke 14).

Check out these websites:

http://www.kiva.org/

https://www.microplace.com/

www.worldvision.org

Do something.

"Faith seeking Understanding"

2010-04-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

While I in no way promote reading horoscopes or looking to astrology to predict what life has in store for you, I do think fortune cookies are a great deal of fun. I especially like it when they pay me a compliment, “your personality will open up great opportunities”, or “friends are attracted to your blonde hair” (okay, I’ve never received that one, but maybe someday). Consequently, they seem fairly harmless. However, today after lunch at Pei Wei I received a fortune, which is so fundamentally opposed to Truth that I had to blog about it. It read, “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.”
While I can appreciate what the author of the fortune was trying to tell me, I think this very notion summarizes an often misguided approach to Christianity. Lest we forget, “Fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of all wisdom.” God is not to be understood first before we should worship Him. I think all too often we approach our faith from the “understanding seeking faith” mantra rather than the “faith seeking understanding” foundation we must ascribe to. While God in His communicable attributes—mercy, love, justness, jealousy, etc.—has made Himself known, he also possesses incommunicable attributes that leave us ignorant to the vastness and greatness of His glory. Yet, despite the unknowability of certain aspects of God, we are still obligated to worship Him.
The modern day Atheist and Agnostic would would have us believe Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood, but our Lord has revealed enough for us to know He exists (reference Romans 1 if you doubt that claim). Therefore, while it is in our desires to know about God and He has promised that “if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us”, we cannot expect to know everything about Him. Nor can we expect to have our every query answered. Furthermore, it is not our privilege or our right to become discontented when our questions remain unanswered. Instead, God has revealed what He in his perfect sovereignty has chosen to disclose, and where our understanding terminates is where our Faith begins.
Thus, on this Good Friday, a day where so much uncertainty loomed upon the Disciples and followers of Christ, understanding was not necessary. Rather, Faith that our Lord would rise and take his proper seat by His father in heaven was the only thing that could have solaced those few. Therefore, I propose that we become people seeking not to understand every facet of God, but rather we become people that seek to worship our God. Yes, pursuit of knowledge is a noble task, but if that quest terminates on simply knowing more then we have wasted our time. Seek God with all your mind, but seek Him so you may worship Him, even when you don’t understand.

Blind Appraisers Are We

2010-02-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t gone to see The Book of Eli yet, you’re missing out. I think there are so many explicit Christian truths to be grasped by that movie, but for this blog I’ll just focus on one scene.

The main character Eli was talking to his new-found companion Solara when she asked him to tell her about what it was like before the war. She is referring to some apocalyptic event that killed many people, and practically destroyed the Earth. Now, the people that survived and the ones that were born after that event live in a desolated world struggling to find food and fresh water. The new currency is no longer centered around money or precious elements like Gold or Silver, but rather wet-naps from KFC are the new “Benjamins.” After she asked her probing question, he profoundly replied, “People then didn’t know what was valuable. We kill each other now for things that they threw away before.” (Keep in mind, I’m terrible at movie quotes, so that was a paraphrase).

That scene really resonated in my thoughts for several days, and even now I find myself still thinking about those simple words. I think the movie was meaning to make a commentary on the wastefulness and abundance of our culture we currently enjoy, but I keep thinking about how that scene also demonstrates how humanity historically and currently, arbitrarily ascribes value to things that are essentially worthless.

Take for instance the realm of art. Obviously, there are artists that are capable of producing superior works when compared to others. However, when appraisers consider the value of a piece very little consideration is given to the sacrifice that the artist made, the amount of time put into the work, or even the overall aesthetic pleasantness of the art; rather, rarity determines the value of many pieces. Can you imagine how little the world would care about the Mona Lisa if Leo had made 100 of them.

Sadly, the world did not stop with art when it came to ascribing value to things. Pick up a magazine, turn on your tv, or look at the sidebar of your facebook and you will quickly find out what the world has deemed valuable.
The problem that manifests itself with the world’s appraisal is simply revealed when you recognize God’s currency is not our currency.

We, myself included, spend copious amounts of time, energy, and money chasing after the things that humanity has deemed worthy, but spend so little time chasing after what God has made absolutely worthy. Perhaps a good test of our pursuits in life would be to ask ourselves, “would I still care about this if money held no value, beauty was not defined by Hollywood, and athleticism was not worshipped in my world”?

May we fix our hearts on what matters: grace, humility, love, kindness, holiness and integrity just to name a few. As we appraise the things in our life, may we remember that the currency we operate under here, is so very, very temporary.

Matt 6:19-20 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Allow me to introduce you to...

2010-01-06T22:54:00.000-08:00

Despite the constant buzz of excitement that accompanies the fleeting moments of my senior year of high school, there are very few events during those days that left the lasting impression which a simple introduction did. During just one of the many celebratory parties being held at my friend Melissa’s house, I will never forget the way that Melissa’s mom introduced me to her extended family and friends. As the people were gathering to honor Melissa, her mom emphatically and proudly introduced me as Melissa’s college roommate. I hated it. While I understood her excitement and pride in introducing me in this way, I felt like I had been demoted by this title. You see, Melissa and I had been best friends for nearly nine years at that point, and we were of the sort that were practically inseparable during that time. To call me her roommate would be to overlook the years of laughter, joy, memories, and trust we had created. I was more than a roommate, I was a best friend.
Much in that same vein we see this sort of encounter occur in those cliché scenes in tv and film as a guy negligibly introduces his date as his friend to another woman. Of course, the date then assertively inserts that she is not his friend, but rather his girlfriend.
You see, this poor guy, like Melissa’s mom, was not entirely wrong. His date is in fact his friend, but the label of friend in this situation is simply inadequate, and therefore insulting.
More tragically than these two examples, I believe this sort of negligence occurs as we often introduce others to our God. I believe there are several people that by their lifestyle show the world a God that is full of mercy. They show a lack of regard for the command to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling,” but instead feed their hedonistic desires knowing that the blood of Christ has covered their iniquity. Yes, introducing God as merciful and gracious is true, but that introduction is inadequate.
I also see people living their lives in such a way to introduce a judgmental God. The legalism they establish in their life hints that there is a God that desires His people to be holy, but they neglect to acknowledge “for it is by grace they have been save through faith, not of themselves.” Yes, introducing God as just is true, but that introduction is inadequate.
There is often a pendulum in the Christian culture that swings between abuse of grace and legalism. I know this full well, as that pendulum has often swayed polemically in my own personal life. But, to show the world by our deeds only one aspect of God’s personality, would be to introduce God inadequately and consequently, insultingly. God is both merciful and just, and to attempt to separate these two attributes would only serve to introduce to a lost and dying world an incomplete God.
May we always be people that strive to show the world our merciful AND just God.

Cutting Down My Asherah Poles...

2009-12-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

Bear with me…this is going to be a long post.
For any of you that grew up in the culture of sports and vividly remember the sometimes subtle and mostly overt messages of pride that were instilled in you at an early age, you might appreciate my next comment. I love the song “I Want To Leave A Legacy,” by Nichole Nordeman. Why you ask? Well, it was the closest thing to an excuse that I had to try to make a name for myself when I was in High School. But, despite the fact that I can see now that being president of various clubs and captain of various teams does not constitute a legacy, I still love that song because of the honesty of some of the lyrics…
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world
It’s true, we do want an “Atta boy” at times, or even all the time. But, in the end of that wrestle that occurs between our greatest fleshly desires and our deepest yearnings for the Lord, we ultimately come to the conclusion that God’s treasures are greater and more worthy of our pursuits. So, then we should ask ourselves what is a legacy worth pursuing?
As always, we must defer to the Bible. And, while I used to think King David had it on lock because of that beautiful phrase, “A Man after God’s own heart” it’s hard to remember David without conjuring up thoughts of Bathsheba. In fact, most of our biblical heroes are wrought with deceit, adultery, doubt, anger, drunkenness, etc. While, that fact could lead this post in the direction of God’s grace and ability to use sinners…I’m still wanting to focus on a legacy worth pursuing. Thus, I want to draw your attention to 2 Kings 22-23. As Chapter 21 is coming to an end we find that the nation of Israel has already been split, and Judah is about to inherit a new king after the Death of Amon. Now, Amon was an evil dude, as was the king before him (Manasseh) and the kings before him, etc. These men were notorious for their idol worship to Baal, and a big part of that idolatry was to erect Asherah poles. These poles (or trees) were next to pagan religious sites and were the places where idolatrous sacrifices were made. You can imagine the anger that God had for these places (or maybe we can’t). Anyway, it’s against this backdrop that Chapter 22 begins with a new king, King Josiah. KJ was only 8 years old when he became King of Judah, but even then he began to build his legacy. What did he do, you ask?

Dude cleaned house.

During KJ’s reign a book of the Law was found in the temple, and after having heard the message he immediately began to change the way things were done in Judah. He tore down the high places, cut down the Asherah poles, slaughtered the priests/priestesses (prostitutes) of the pagan gods, and reinstated the Passover. In Verse 23:25 it says, “And before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him.” That’s a legacy worth pursuing.
So, in an effort to clean house, and to always strive to be a woman who practices what she preaches, I am just finishing a season of tearing down my Asherah poles. As some of your remember I recently posted on the idols that exist in our culture (The Biggest Idol). That post was mostly directed towards myself, so afterwards I began a 20-day juice/water only fast as well as a 25 day facebook and television fast. First, let me be clear, I am not telling you this for my glory, only so that I can bring it to Him.
But, I wanted to write this message to share a bit of what I learned during that time.
1) We, excuse me, I had fallen for the lie that I need more than I really do. I often say that God is enough with my mouth, but with that same mouth I fill it with the comfort of food and the lie that I need much to be satisfied. But, after not eating for almost three weeks it is clear that God is enough. He always has been, and the freedom from food and worldly comforts only drove me further into his loving embrace. Food is good, but God is so much better.
2) Facebook is a lie. It tells me I’m valuable and popular and needed. But, God has told me I’m beautiful and redeemed and eternally secure. Facebook is cheap. God is priceless.
3) TV is a thief. And, I voluntarily let it rob me of the time that is so much better spent in the riches of God’s word. The Office is funny, the Word is living and active.
4) Cutting down the Asherah poles is a lifelong pursuit. I was made to worship, and I am so thankful for this time to align my highest praise with our loving Father. But, I’m not so ignorant to think that I’ve beaten this ability to prostitute myself. So, with the grace of God and the accountability of you good people, I’ll keep sharpening my ax so that I can continue to cut down the poles I will foolishly erect in the future.
My final words on the subject: if you find yourself standing in the shadows of the poles you’ve created, know that God delights in helping his children clean house.
1Co 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

What's in a name?

2009-12-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

Despite the commands throughout scripture to imitate God and His character, there are few times when I read my Bible that I think to myself, “Hey, I do that.” Consequently, I am always delighted when I come to the passage in Genesis 17 where we see God giving Abram a new name—Abraham. While there are deep theological implications to this re-naming, I will simply liken it to giving a nickname. Which, for those of you that know me, now understand why I enjoy this passage. I love nicknames. In fact, if I call you by your real, parent-given name, then you are in rare company.
[Allow me to digress for a moment to brag…I once gave a friend of mine the nickname “Pookie” in high school, and it soon became her name used by almost everyone in those days. Yes, I do delight in that, yes, I’m that vain.]
Back to the point, when I give out nicknames, it doesn’t really matter to me what everyone else calls you either. I will continue to call you by that nickname, even if I’m the only one. To the world, you may be Lori, but to me you’re Pookie. To the world, you may be Laura, but to me you’re Lo. To the world you may be Nick, but to me you’re Papi…and this could go on for quite some time. You see, when I name someone, I’m not only giving them a title, I’m also to some degree possessing them (now, don’t get me wrong, by giving you a nickname I’m not trying to own you or subordinate you, I’m just letting you know that I love you and want to claim you as my friend). You’re MY Pookie, You’re MY Lo, You’re MY Papi. I think in large part, that’s what God is doing also. Abram is no longer just a Middle-Eastern man shepherding his flock, he is now Abraham—a man chosen by God to begin the line of descendancy that will lead to Christ. He’s God’s now.
So, what’s my point? The dishing out of nicknames didn’t stop in the Old Testament with Abraham’s clan. God has given His children (you and I) names as well. Here are just a few:
Royal Priests, Holy, Chosen (1 Pet 2:9)
Beloved (Jude 1)
Saints (Rom 1:7)
Blessed (Matt 25:34)
Brothers of Christ (Luke 8:21)
Child of Promise (Rom 8:9)
Child of Light (Eph 5:8)
Elected (Col 3:12)
Excellent (Ps 16:3)
Co-Heirs (Eph 3:6)
Heir of the Grace of Life (1 Pet 3:7)
Just (Hab 2:4)
Lambs (John 21:15)
Lively stones (1 Pet 2:5)
Ransomed (Is 35:10)
Redeemed (Is 51:11)

Now I hope from this blog you have not assumed that my point is to encourage everyone to become people that give out nicknames (although, I do recommend it). Rather, I hope to encourage you to realize that you’ve been named, and and are ultimately His. To the world you may be no one; to Him you’re His Redeemed. To the world, you may be average; to Him you’re His Royal Priesthood….

Life is like...

2009-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

A Rubik's Cube

(Click Link for explanation...)

The Biggest Idol

2009-12-02T12:25:00.001-08:00

Not long before you step foot inside any major bookstore will you find yourself immersed in the culture of the self-help world. At the Barnes in Noble by the SMU campus the self-help section is juxtaposed to the New Age Books, I doubt this is a coincidence. Of course, this is what one would expect in a country like ours: home of the self-made man. Whether watching televisions shows, cheering on one’s favorite sports teams, or simply reading out of any magazine on the shelves today, one thing is made clear: do it yourself. Americans today are familiar and engrained with the phrases “pick yourself up by your bootstraps”, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”, and my personal favorite “just do it.” While many of this may seem harmless, and really quite motivating, there is a major flaw to this philosophy: scripture negates those claims.
The Word is clear that “the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests in the Lord (Proverbs 21:31). And, that all good things (weight loss, emotional stability, that new car, a promotion, etc) come from the Lord. Thus, what is one to do when there is illusory triumph over one’s circumstance apart from the Lord? My suggestion, study the change more carefully and you may just find no victory was actually claimed. I’ll use a certain case study in sin to make my point…The Biggest Loser.
At this point I think I should note that I love The Biggest Loser, in fact, I’m rather involved in that show. But, I think it’s fair to call things the way I see them, and that show is sinful, take that for what you will.
Anyways, The Biggest Loser is a show that entirely built around changing people’s lives by helping them lose weight. I would submit to you that those people are idolaters of food when they go on the show. You can hear it in their confessional tapes as they lament, “I use food to numb the pain”, “I use food to have something to control”, “I use food to calm me after a stressful day”, etc. For the sake of this blog I will define idolatry as placing anything in your life as ultimate, or using things to satisfy you instead of the Lord. Therefore, I am usually amazed when I see these outstanding weight losses on the show, since there is no spiritual reference made claiming their victory over this idol. Obviously, this would be an astonishing feat to see that people who do not profess the Lord can overcome sin in their lives when Romans 6 so clearly states that they are slaves to sin. What then is the real cause behind their pseudo-success?
I submit to you that these people are not overcoming their sin of idolatry of food, but rather are exchanging it for idolatry of self. I would encourage you to listen to the people talk about their success stories. They are full of self-exultation with phrases like “I need to put myself first”, and “I want to inspire the nation telling them it’s okay to make yourself #1.” Even someone with limited theological experience can tell that putting oneself first usually ends in doom (something about pride coming before a fall rings a bell).
Now don’t get me wrong, I think these people are wonderful and wish them all the best success in their weight loss, but the reality for them still exists that they are full of idolatry and for this the Lord is not pleased.
My point: idolatry is rampant. And, apart from the Lord there is no true victory. So, the next time you are tempted to go reaching for anything that comforts you—cell phone, food, best friend, boy friend, tv, facebook, or even the illusion of your self-sufficiency—remember that the only true satisfaction in this world is the Lord. His nearness is our Good. Ps 73:28

Woe is me...

2009-11-21T22:02:00.000-08:00

The book of Leviticus is full of various laws, requirements, rules and boundaries for God's chosen people. In our present day culture, many of the laws may seem absurd or bizarre, but the men of those days knew that God was uncompromising in his demands for holiness. As we see in Chapter 10 regarding Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu, the consequence for a lackadaisical approach to holiness and cleanliness was nothing short of death. At first glimpse, this consequence may seem harsh, but upon further reflection it is clear that to attempt to defile God or his law in any way is deserving of capital punishment (thank Him for grace, for we are all offenders). Furthermore, for a priest during that time to acquire access into the holy places, serious methodical cleansing had to precede that entrance.

Now, when we contrast those practices with our present day state, it is humbling to realize we have gained, through the blood of Christ, access into those holy places at any time. We have confidence approaching the throne of grace without first making a costly sacrifice. I think two natural consequences emerge from this dichotomy—one good, and one bad. First the good: we are able to bask in the free grace that Christ lavishly pours out on us. Whether dirty or clean we can enter that holy place and bring ourselves before the Lord as Christ intercedes on our behalf. This is great; however, tragically another consequence naturally manifests itself through the abolishment of the sacrificial system. Man no longer pursues holiness.

In the days of the Levitical priesthood, sin would cost a man and his family an offering of sorts for atonement. Not only would his sin bear on his conscience, it would bear on his budget. Additionally, his sin would have visible, tangible consequences for his family since they too would depend on the monetary value sacrificed in the atoning act. Yet, when this system was put aside when Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, I don’t think God intended for man to now take his sin lightly.

So, what then is the solution? How can man now motivate himself to pursue holiness without reservation? I’m sure the answers are many, but I’ll propose just one: stand before the holiness of God. We see in Isaiah 6 that the prophet encounters the perfection of God as Christ was being worshiped by the Seraphim. His humble reply was “Woe is me, for I am ruined.” To pursue holiness, man must wrestle with his depravity and his need to be cleansed. One will not seek restoration until he knows he is broken. Therefore, stand before the perfect, eternal God and recognize your righteousness is but “filthy rags”, then run hard after him…”For I am the Lord your God, consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy for I am holy”—Lev 11:44