Veggie Tales - Patience

So it has been a couple of months since I planted our veggie garden, and I’ve been learning a lot about patience along the way.  Our pumpkins are flowering, so now we continue to wait patiently for pumpkins, then, better yet, pumpkin fritters!

Patience

Hebrews 11 is an incredible chapter on faith.  First, it tells us what faith is – confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we don’t see. (Hebrews 11:1)  While the world would say that “seeing is believing”, faith tells us the opposite - that God’s Word is true even when we don’t see it, and that we actually need faith in order to see it.

Next Hebrews 11 tells us why we need faith – to please God – and what to have faith in – that God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)  What are the rewards?  All the promises and blessings that we find through prayer and studying His Word.  Remember drinking in God’s rain often falling?

Hebrews 11 also gives some incredible examples of regular people who, because of their faith, fulfilled their callings and were rewarded by God.  It takes faith to receive what God has promised us, like a hand reaching out to receive a gift. 

And often times it also takes patience…

The relationship between faith and patience can be compared to brakes on a car.  Faith is like the brake itself which brings about the desired result – stopping the vehicle.  Patience is like the foot that keeps the brake engaged until the vehicle actually stops.

So what is your desired result?  What have you been praying for in accordance to God’s Word and will?  Finances?  A spouse?  An unbeliever to be saved? … Oh, wait, that’s me…  Does it seem like your prayer will never be answered? 

Often times we surrender to the circumstances we see around us because they seem so real.  We pray for finances, but see bills.  We pray for healing, yet feel sick.  So we give up our faith before God gives us our blessing.

Mark 11:24 says this, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”  Notice that received is past tense.  It already happened.  But also know that God’s timing isn’t ours.  There are all sorts of reasons a blessing or promise isn’t received when we think it should be.  Faith knows it already happened from a spiritual perspective.  Patience keeps us believing until we receive it in the natural.

The Lord has promised us that believing is seeing!  We just need to be patient!!

Tax Season

The religious leaders had just walked away steaming mad after having been made an example of in Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants. (Mark 12:1-12)  So next they intentionally sent some Pharisees and Herodians to try to “catch Jesus in his words”.  Here we see two parties typically at odds with each other banding together in an attempt to trap, arrest, and ultimately destroy Jesus.

First they tried to butter Jesus up by praising His integrity and unwavering obedience to God.  Then they challenged Him with a question they expected to cause trouble either way Jesus answered.  Should they pay taxes to Caesar?  Yes or no.  If Jesus said yes, he’d surely alienate the Jews who hated being under Gentile rule.  If he said no, then he’d break the law and be arrested as a traitor. 

With a denarius coin in hand, Jesus asked whose inscription was on it.  Easy.  “Caesar’s” they replied.  “Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”  And they were amazed at him.”  (Mark 12:17)

Why were folks so amazed, I wonder?  Perhaps because Jesus is confident and unflappable.  Perhaps because He elegantly avoided their trap.  Perhaps because His simple yet wise answer satisfied both parties.  Perhaps because He challenged them to deeper reflection.  In any case, folks were amazed. 

With tax season upon us, I found this passage particularly interesting.  And I was amazed as well.  Jesus’ answer is as simple as it is wise, profound, and convicting.  I’m sure people did pay taxes, giving to Caesar what was owed.  But we’re they giving to God what is God’s?  No.  This is where they fell short.  They disregarded God’s claim on their lives.

The denarius bore Caesar’s image; it belonged to him.  Our dollars bear the image of the US government, so of course we must abide by its laws and pay our taxes. 

We – you and I – bear the image of God.  Therefore, we belong to Him. 

Are you giving God what it God’s?

Am I?  My love.  My prayer.  My time, treasure and talents.  My effort.  My heart, mind, soul and strength…My life.

I was created in the image of God.  So as I give to Obama what is Obama’s, it’s also a timely reminder to be giving to God what is God’s.

Tested

I’m reading Mark right now and it’s interesting to see how the Gospels compare in terms of style, audience, and content.  Not that there are any contradictions (there are none), but God uses each writer to convey the same Truths in different ways to different people.  Mark focuses on the ministry of Jesus and His role as the ultimate servant.  It’s believed that his primary audience at the time was Roman believers suffering persecution.  Mark purposed to encourage them through Jesus’ example.  Could you use some encouragement as a servant of God?

Mark begins with Jesus being baptized first with water, then by the Holy Spirit.  Baptism of the Holy Spirit is an infilling that empowers believers for ministry or service.  Then immediately after Jesus’ baptism by water and by the Holy Spirit the same Holy Spirit pushed him out to be tested by Satan.  (Mark 1:12-13, MSG)  Some translations say tempted.  The Holy Spirit didn’t want to see if Jesus would sin, rather He wanted to prove that he wouldn’t. 

Mark doesn’t share the nature of the test, nor does he reveal the score - for that you can read Matthew’s account (Matthew 4:1:11,NIV).  Perhaps this is because we all know Jesus passed with flying colors.  Or perhaps this is because they don’t matter, at least not to the point God is trying to make in this account.  I’ve been reflecting on the latter.

I think the point is simply that when leaders are called and equipped by God, tests are inevitable.  Jesus himself was tested.  Furthermore, tests aren’t just trials to be endured, they are active, intentional tools used by God to deepen our knowledge, hone our skills, and practice what we’ve learned.  Such tests give us experience and credibility as believers and leaders.

First Mark tells us Jesus is the Son of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.  For the rest of us, I compare that to titles and education listed on a resume.  Important stuff, but not what proves we can do the job.  Next Mark tells of Jesus’ testing - His experience.  This is where the spiritual rubber meets the road, demonstrating Jesus’ anointing and credibility.  Next Mark goes on to tell us about Jesus’ authority in teaching and performing miracles, and the experiences go on from there.

It feels weird analyzing Jesus like a man to be hired, but it helps me to apply Mark’s Gospel to my life.  Tests are intentional.  And the more closely we follow God, the more intense the tests will be.  Satan doesn’t waste his time with non-Believers, or Believers not stepping out to make a difference.  Why bother. 

Additionally, being tempted is not a sin.  Yielding to temptation is where sin enters the picture.  That’s why God empowers us with His Spirit, Word, spiritual armor and weapons; and why He puts us to the test when we choose to serve him.  To refine us, mature us, and to give us the opportunity to practice our knowledge, skills, and gifts.

I think of Peter Petrelli on Heroes (we just watched the first season).  His super-power was the ability to absorb the super-powers of any other hero he came in contact with.  But it took a lot of testing and practicing for him to master them and wield them for good.

God allows us to be tested so that we too may learn to wield our spiritual weapons with power.  How are you being tested right now?

On Top of the World

One of the cool experiences during our recent leadership retreat was hiking up a mountain.  At the top, while catching our breath and taking in the spectacular view, we talked about what God revealed to us through the climb.  I loved how the Lord spoke to each of us uniquely - into our own hearts, about our own circumstances, appreciating how wonderfully different we are.  And as we shared, He also knitted us together as a team, revealing even more of Himself to us.

Pressing On

The Lord showed us how the climb was a lot like life.  Easy paths can quickly become difficult terrain, but as we press on one step at a time we get through the prickly shrubs, over the steep rocks and back to even ground.  Scrapes and bruises heal, and through the grace of God we’re stronger for the road ahead.  Plus from the top looking back, we realize just how beautiful the journey was – something difficult to recognize en route dodging thorns, stones and the occasional Cobra (yes, Cobra!).  Keep pressing on towards the goal, the rewards will be worth it! Philippians 3:12-14. 

Pressing Together

The Lord also taught us about teamwork – working together in strength and weakness, leveraging our unique gifts, and encouraging one another.  We started off energized, laughing, talking and singing.  But as the sun beat down and the path became more difficult and then disappeared completely, we grew weary.  Had any of us been hiking alone, we might have been tempted to turn around.  After all, the base of the mountain was quite lovely.  The middle of the mountain had a great view.  There were so many points where we could have justified giving up and feeling satisfied.  But as a team, we urged each other on, lending a hand or encouragement when needed.  And we all made it to the top, some of us having never hiked up such a mountain before.  We’re definitely stronger together than alone.  Romans 15:5-6. Philippians 2:1-2.

Being Impressed

It’s pretty impressive to be able to see for miles and miles in every direction.  Through the beautiful 360-degree panorama, God also spoke about perspective – training ourselves to see things from His point of view, through the lens of His divine sovereignty, power, providence and character.

When were tempted to feel small, insignificant, like what we do or who we are doesn’t matter, we need to remember that God created us for a plan and purpose.  Each of us is uniquely called, uniquely qualified, and uniquely equipped for God’s bigger picture.  Jeremiah 29:11  Romans 8:28. 

When we’re tempted to feel big, self-righteous, self-important, doing things our own way, or even mired down in our own circumstances, we need to humble ourselves before our Creator.  It’s when we humble ourselves that God lifts us up.  1 Peter 5:6.  Philippians 2:3-5.

The Lord speaks in so many amazing ways and this time it was through His Creation.  All we have to do is look and listen…My prayer for all of us.

New Year Resolutions

We seem to have a love-hate relationship with New Year’s Resolutions.  We make them, break them, vow to never make them again, and then keep trying.  Some are specific like lose 10 pounds; some are general like give more or become a better person.  But all have one thing in common – a desire to improve ourselves and our lives.  To make a change for the better.

So why is it so hard to keep our resolutions, to make our changes stick?

I was reading in Matthew 22 this morning and the Lord showed me something interesting…

As usual, the religious and government leaders were trying to trap Jesus.  In 22:23-33 the Sadducees challenged Jesus about resurrection and eternal life.  They wanted to show just how ridiculous the idea was, so they gave Jesus riddle-like story about a woman who married, lost her husband before they had children, married his brother, and then the same thing happened down to the 7^th brother.  Who would she actually be married to in heaven? 

In verse 29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”  Then he went on to set the record straight.

So what does this have to do with New Year’s Resolutions? 

While Jesus is teaching specifically about resurrection and eternal life, what He says has much wider application.  The Sadducees were in error because they a) didn’t know Scripture and b) didn’t know the power of God.  They didn’t know what God’s Word said, nor did they believe He had the power to make it happen.

This made me think about my own “errors” – in my thinking, attitudes, ignorance, and behaviors.  Where do I fall short of God’s will for my life?  Where do I want to make changes?  See where I’m going? … I feel like Jesus is teaching us how to change and grow – New Year’s Resolution or not.

To make our changes stick we need to a) know Scripture, and b) know the power of God.

So how do we know Scripture?  First, we need to read and study regularly.  Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day, we need God’s Word like we need air, food, water…daily.  Second, we need to pray for guidance and revelation as we read.  God’s Word is alive.  You’ll be amazed at how it speaks to you if you read it with expectancy.  Third, we need to mediate on it, thinking about what we’ve read.  Let it sink in.  Plant it deep within your heart so that as it grows it changes the way we think, speak, or behave.  Trust that God’s Word is working even when the results aren’t immediately evident.  Knowing God’s Word will transform us, correcting errors and making positive changes in our lives.

So how do we know the power of God?  First, we need to read and study God’s Word regularly.  Yes, I’m repeating myself, but it’s the truth.  God’s Word is the primary way He speaks to us.  Read it like He’s talking directly to you, because He is.  Second, look for God’s power all around.  Expect it.  Notice it.  Don’t try to understand or explain everything based on our human limitations like the Sadducees were doing.  God’s power is everywhere – in His creation, provision, protection, miracles, and in the lives of His people.  Don’t let the world’s point of view render Him impotent or irrelevant.  Third, have faith when you can’t see God’s power in the given moment.  Trust that what He says is true.  This passage was specifically about resurrection and eternal life.  Something we can’t see, but know to be true.  Have faith knowing that God’s ways and timing are different than ours.

So what is your New Year’s Resolution?  What change or goal are you trying to accomplish? 

What does Scripture say about it?  What is God’s role in helping you achieve it?  Trust in both and you’ll be able to make that resolution stick!

Kicking But

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:28-29)

Jesus sent the disciples across the sea while he dismissed the crowd and went up the mountain to pray. In the wee hours of the morning, Jesus walked across the water to meet them. Thinking he was a ghost, the disciples panicked. (Ghost…really? That’s a whole other lesson)

As they cried out in fear, Jesus immediately reassured them saying “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27) Like the disciples, I too have moments of doubt when what I “see” around me seems more believable than what I “know” to be true, when faith dips and fear rises up in its place.

It took courage for Peter to tell Jesus to call him out on the water. It took faith to believe in what seemed naturally impossible. But as Peter put his courage and faith into action, obeying Jesus’ command, he walked on water.

He actually did it!

But…

Too often we move quickly to verse 30 to analyze what went wrong. After all, there are great lessons to be learned. Peter took his eyes off Jesus, saw the wind and waves around him, lost faith in the moment, and let fear take over.

Sure he sunk, but let’s camp a moment on the fact that Peter walked on water. He did the impossible. We know all things are possible through Christ. We hear it a lot, we say it a lot, but do we actually believe it?

Do you truly believe you can walk on water? Accomplish that seemingly impossible goal? Achieve that breakthrough in your life? Overcome that pattern of sin that seems to be just “how you were made”?

Prove it by getting out of the boat. Kick all those buts right out the door and take the step of faith Christ is telling you to. Don’t let your fear, over-thinking, or “practicality” trump your courage, faith and obedience.

Trust that Christ will provide, protect, and empower you. Trust also that He will catch you if you sink.

Will – not can.

Peter walked on water, and that invitation is there for all of us. Come.

Get Over It

The Lord has really been speaking to me about judgment, forgiveness and the condition of my own heart. Personality-wise I tend to be sensitive, observant, and a deep thinker; yet I do not show or share my emotions very easily. One result is that I tend to shrug off conflict, not out of discomfort or fear, rather because I consider being strong and “getting over it” as a virtue; especially as a leader.

Over the past several months, I’ve been “blessed” with a few occasions where I was judged falsely. Once that was annoying, once that was embarrassing and mildly painful, and once that down-right hurt. It’s as if the Lord is turning the heat on so that I look inward, truly forgive and heal (rather than shrugging it off), and ensure my own heart produces fruit that honors Him.

The theme for our recent Enrich conference was Forgiveness and Healing Hurts, and our guest speaker was Leon De Haan, president of Thrive Ministries International. His passion is for teaching and equipping Christian leaders, and it was such a blessing to have him with us!

As leaders, we’re in visible positions vulnerable to evaluation, criticism and judgment. Hopefully we’re surrounded by team members who are brothers and sisters in Christ, passionate about the vision, highly motivated and extremely competent. But along with these admirable qualities also comes the risk for stepped-on toes and stepped-on hearts.

As leaders, we’re also in the challenging position of having to evaluate others – monitoring results, holding people accountable, mentoring and coaching. So it’s critical that we a) recognize and deal with our own hurts, such as when we are judged, and b) not judge others in our efforts to “help”.

There is a difference between judging a person, and inspecting the condition of their fruit.

Judgment says we know why they did what they did; that we know the condition of their hearts. We may think that we do – we may even guess right – but the truth is that we don’t, and it’s not for us to decide (1 Cor 2:11). Judging keeps us remembering the offense, reopening the wound, and justifying our own actions or positions in our minds. This is exactly what Satan wants because it keeps us from forgiving, and from being released from the hurt, anger, bitterness, etc. It also brings judgment down on us (Matt 7:1-3).

As leaders we need to admit to God when we feel hurt, to trust Him as our Lord and Savior and also the keeper of our hearts. We need to receive his forgiveness and truly understand what it means. We need to stop judging others. And we need to exemplify forgiveness.

Our decisions, actions and words flow from our hearts (Matt 12:34-35). So our hearts must be healthy and whole in order to lead, preach, counsel, or serve effectively.

…this is what the Lord has been speaking to my heart…