Religion is Anti-Me

I saw this on Facebook the other day, and I was intrigued...because I totally agree! Haha! I'm one who loves Jesus, yet I agree with an atheist about "religion". Oh man...the kind of belief that reduces faith to legalism and sin management...the Pharisaical "religion"...is so destructive. Yes, it keeps some people behaving themselves, but it robs people of real life...the kind of life that releases people into true freedom and destiny. It robs people of the ability to love beyond rules...which makes for an awful reputation of cruelty. So terribly sad.

So...yep...I believe religion is anti-me too. I won't ever go back. :)

When the Kingdom Comes in a City

This is a podcast by Kris Vallotton. I just couldn't agree more!!!!

When the Kingdom Comes in a City 

Ministry of Kindness

My high school volleyball coach is a mentor for me to this day. She's a wonderful friend too. In her words and actions she continues to remind me of the verse that says that God's kindness is what leads us to repentance.

What a fantastic reminder...and calling...I want to live like that too.

A life lived as a ministry of kindness.

I don't want to be a judge. I want to be an investor. I don't want to elevate self in pride. I want to confidently serve. I don't want to require "cleanliness" as a pre-requisite to belonging. I want to welcome and love without stipulations. I want to invite, beckon, encourage...

Hmm...things to think about.

Victor's Crown

Man, ever since the Beth Moore conference, this song has been in my heart...and rocking my socks off... :)

"Every high thing must come down. Every stronghold shall be broken..." To me it's such a beautiful picture of bringing heaven to earth. The reality of kingdom life...Jesus' resurrection life...TODAY. Mmhmm...amazing.

 

Grace for the Graceless

I think I've put my finger on the issue. Definitely seeking God for His recommendations.

I don't have grace for the graceless (at least towards the graceless by my definition).

It has always been a stark contrast for me...noticing how I can apply grace in both perspective and approach to those who seem outside the "club" of the church (Don't get me started on the ridiculousness of the "club" mentality.) but finding it absolutely revolting to apply grace to the legalistic and judgmental "saved" ones. The anger I feel sometimes for how I feel Jesus is so misrepresented by the very ones who claim His name...oh man, it can be overwhelming. I understand that I don't always display the true heart of Jesus either, but for some reason I can extend grace to myself a bit more than to "those" others. (Wow...that's probably not cool at all. Hehe.)

Yet...the frustration is not productive. It just sits there building resentment...and a disdain for association. Yep...living in judgment of the judgmental. Sigh.

Knowing that it is true that "hurt people hurt people" doesn't always help. I'm sure it should, but it doesn't. The truth is that most legalistic and/or judgmental people face a reality of fear and shame every day. A nasty, heart-crushing prison that so strongly dictates their actions. Really tragic when you think about it...but for me, it's difficult to hold on to the sympathy in the face of their cruelty to others.

What to do. What to do.

Seemingly, this is a God-sized problem. One that our tips, tricks and self-help books can't remotely address.

Show me the way, God. Show me the way.

Patience Is Tapped Out.

Patience is a virtue, they say. And if I ever find out who "they" are...there's gonna be trouble. Hehe.

For whatever reason, it seems to be a season that requires a great deal of patience, and I'm discovering that I'm lacking any reserves. Just about every "pet peeve" button has been or is being pushed. Irritations...most definitely...abound.

I think what adds to the tension is knowing that many of them can't be changed. So, putting in the energy to address situations knowing any modification is unattainable???...I'd rather just loath from a distance. Haha!

It's the grace quandary really. The grace of the invested challenge...or...the grace of the prayerful silence. Knowing when to highlight an issue and when to walk away. Sigh.

"God grant me the serenity..." or get me drugs. ;)

A Temple Without Levels

I heard a sermon last week that referred to the Jewish temple. I didn't know much of anything about the various courts inside. Quite interesting. Click here for more information on the Temple.

Of particular interest to me was all of the separation that existed within this holy place. A court for Gentiles...Jews and Gentiles could interact here, but Gentiles couldn't go further inside. Up a few stairs to the Court of Women...a place for Jewish men, women and priests to interact, but women couldn't go further than this place. Up a few stairs to the Court of Men...a place where Jewish men and priests could go, but only priests could go further. Through a gate into the Priest's Court...a place for all Jewish priests, but the lesser priests could go no further. And finally through the veil, the Holy of Holies...a place for only the high priests and God.

Over the years, I've focused on the tearing of the veil during the Crucifixion of Christ. That spectaculor moment symbolizing that God would not be contained or isolated but would now occupy the human heart. Wow...still so precious to me. But knowing that there were all of these courts of separation, I was so blessed by how the life, death and resurrection of Christ also became the grand equalizer.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Can't you just see it? In addition to the tearing of the veil that kept the Holy of Holies closed off, the various, raised levels separating Jews and Gentiles, men and women, and priest and layman were collapsed. The tiered temple became a level place...all have equal access to Him and are equal in Him.

Oh man...what a visual. What a gift!!! Now to place our faith in alignment with His wide-open spaces of Grace. :)

Those Dry Bones

I have noticed a trend in the last two weeks...the number of times the story of the dry bones from Ezekiel has been mentioned in a variety of circles. Many times, referencing concerns for the current church at-large. It's seriously been quite unusual...so much so that it slapped me in the face to pay attention. :)

When you look at the church in America today, it's not difficult to see the "dry bones". (Note: I am looking at myself in the analysis as well.) Those ruled by appearances...putting forth the "show" to pretend to be someone they are not. Those ruled by legalism...putting forth the "rules" that would "earn" God's favor and often using their Belt of Truth to abuse others. Those ruled by self...seeking only what makes them happy and comfortable, all the while being "me-me-me" and "milk-dependent" rather than challenged to grow in maturity and servanthood. Those ruled by a gospel of sin management...living this life in constant remembrance of who they've been without seeing that His cross was also a gate to true freedom and to becoming who He made them to be in the first place. Those ruled by consumerism....seeking the perfect church of entertainment without any attention to the condition of their heart or the nature of true worship. Those ruled by performance or duty...working out a social gospel or gospel of doing without any focus on the personal relationship with Jesus.  Those ruled by offense...isolating themselves from community and permitting themselves a seat of judgment rather than forgiveness and healing. It goes on and on and on...

To me, it feels like all of heaven is groaning for Abba's children to come alive again...to be filled with His breath of life...to experience intimacy with Him that unleashes destiny...to allow His power and presence to be made manifest in their own hearts and in their realms of influence...the truest tales of the kingdom expressed today.

So...let's live in agreement with the prophesy..."Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may LIVE!" Because...there's MORE! There's MORE! There's MORE!!!

Living the Dream

My Ragamuffin friend sent me this link some time ago, and I've been coming back to it over the last few months. If you have the time, it's worth a viewing. Living a life of purpose, calling...dreams. :)

 * Have courage to share your story. The risks you fear in the telling are likely smaller than the beauty that comes...that is needed...in its telling.

 * Our dreams often come from our brokenness...those places where we've experienced hell and have risen up to say "Hell, no!" to evil. Look there!

 * Our dreams often come from glory too...those places where we find ourselves coming alive in the experience. Look there too!

 

Mr. Oak Tree

He wants to be my oak tree. Yes, please! :)

Lessons from the Little Man and Jesus

I did a teaching on Zacchaeus and Jesus on Sunday. I'll tell you...the love of Jesus is just rocking my socks off lately. So uncharacteristic of much of the church today, He was willing to shatter his reputation to "seek and save the lost". He pursued people...didn't wait for them to clean themselves up first. Some in the church today forget the beauty of grace and sharing His love. They choose to use the armor of God to abuse. Rather than making a way for the King to come, they beat people with their belt of truth or helmet of salvation or breastplate of righteousness...sigh. How sad...because those articles are meant for the defense of their own heart as they bring the beautiful "good news". There is so much more for us in living out His kingdom life.

Here are two clips I used. The first is Bill Johnson from Bethel Church. He raises such an interesting point...one that challenges us all to live bigger. The second is Annie Lobert from Hookers for Jesus. She pursues women trapped in prostitution and the sex trade because His love is worth way more than anything else. So beautiful.

 

Destiny

I'm loving spending time with Graham Cooke teachings lately. This one is changing my life. :)

Rise Up Into Your Destiny

The Nature of God

If you are looking for something to rest in...meditate in...try this! Let the kindness and goodness of God be with you just like Moses on the mountain when His glory passed by. :)

 

Stirring Up Trouble Again

Confessions of a Closet Egalitarian

Be The Light

The Blessing Of Partnership

What a powerful time with parents! We had our parent-teacher conferences this week and decided to meet with the parents of the seniors for a farewell meeting. We talked about the changes over the years, the strengths, the challenges, the victories... Oh wow! So powerful! It was so wonderful to celebrate with parents...with tons of tears...how much partnership between parents and teachers can really be a powerful thing in the life of a child. We had one dad comment..."It's been as good for me as it has been for my son." Seriously...that's from a dad who really engaged in community and partnership and grew himself!!!!!

Fantastic!! These are the days when I love my job. Hehe.

Hearing the Voice of God

What a powerful message on hearing God's voice...discerning His voice based on His identity. Love it. Graham Cooke is a great and encouraging teacher.

Hearing the Voice of God

Belonged Before They Believed

I just saw a clip of Bill Johnson's latest sermon. He made an interesting reference to something he heard once..."The disciples belonged before they believed."

Seriously...it's really a shocking statement when you consider how often the church tends to allow belonging AFTER belief. Not before though...that might taint things.

It makes me really appreciate the ministries and the people who open their arms to anyone...loving whomever...without the requirement of appearances or behavior for club membership. No, they offer community as a demonstration of the love and grace of Jesus without requiring belief as a prerequisite. That's so humble and so powerful...so free.

Something I want to shoot for in my relationships with others...

 

She's In Ministry...Uhoh.

I'm becoming a huge fan of the Junia Project. Here's an interesting blog.

When God Calls A Complementarian Woman Into Ministry

Luggage

Second Coming of the Pharisees?

Oh, legalists. Kids are one thing, but the adults???...Sigh. One of those moments to ask God to provide the substance of His love and grace...'cause I certainly am lacking enough to compensate.

And then I remember that I'm not perfect either. Oh dear. It's a good thing God is big enough for all of us.

He Gives The Love Itself

“Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him....Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness....And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives along with the command, the love itself.” - Corrie Ten Boom

This came across my Facebook news feed last night. It was such a good reminder of how God actually supplies with what we lack when it comes to loving and forgiving. God is so fully our Provider. (If you don't know Corrie Ten Boom's story, you should google her. She has the right to say such things.)  I've been trying to put this into practice. When I can't love and when I don't feel like forgiving, I can ask for Him to be the answer...to give me His heart.

God is so very good. 

Perceptions of Christianity

Food for thought for those that love Jesus...

 

God is Awesome! Judgmental People Suck!

Hehe...maybe worded a bit strongly, but I felt the picture captured my sentiment. ;) What a week!!! Oh my word! It could best be described as the "week of judgment".

To this day, I find it so insane how we, who call ourselves God's loved children, can be so unfathomably unloving.

The grandest of ironies really.

People loved by the God of grace...incapable of extending forgiveness and unmerited favor.

People cherished by the God of "neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female"...distinguishing based on DNA, association, status...

Pawns more than powerhouses...  Pride, assumption, prejudice...

Why, God? Why???

Probably because satan is really good at his job...and humans are amazingly terrible at misplacing agreement with his lies.

The added frustration, I must admit, is that I picked up the attack and wore it for a while. Letting it completely knock the wind out of me. Permitting myself judgment in return. Viewing myself as isolated in the storm. Robbing myself of the security that comes from truly identifying one's self as Abba's child regardless of what comes. Sigh.

So...back to the drawing board. Standing for truth, extending grace...getting my own act together. Hehe...life never lacks for drama. ;)

Oh, How We Trust Resurrection MORE Than Grace...

"We find it easier to trust the miracle of resurrection than the miracle of grace. We so fear failure that we create the image of perfection, lest heaven be even more disappointed in us than we are. The result? The weariest people on earth.

Attempts at self-salvation guarantee nothing but exhaustion. We scamper and scurry, trying to please God, collecting merit badges and brownie points, and scowling at anyone who questions our accomplishments. Call us the church of hound-dog faces and slumped shoulders.

Stop it!...

God's promise has no hidden language. Let grace happen, for heaven's sake. No more performing for God, no more clamoring after God. Of all the things you must earn in life, God's unending affection is not one of them. You have it. Stretch yourself out in the hammock of grace. You can rest now."

From a Biblegateway devotional that my Uncle Tim sent me. Wonderful. :)

Keep On!!!

Real Strength

Here he is! :) I'm not going to embarrass him too much, but I have to comment on at least one thing!!! (OK...we all know it's one of many to come. Hehe.) You know where this picture is taken? At a wedding that I officiated this weekend.

Yep...this man actually encourages me in my calling, prays for me in my assignments and challenges, and stands with me!

You have no idea the blessing this is. I've dealt with men who have convictions about women in ministry (which I respect as some have respected mine), other men who found it intimidating, and still others who have been just plain cruel and critical...all summing up to a load of rejection over the years.

This man???...he's a "wild at heart" man. He has authentic strength and doesn't need me to be less for him to be more. Because of that, I feel like I can open my heart most fully and be my true self....and...yep, support him in his calling too.

Wow. Just Wow. :)

What Our Responses REALLY Say?

We reveal our true, heart-born understanding of redemption in our responses to others.

Truly...it's been a heck of a year of learning this. Some through the hardship of judgmental abandonment. Some through the celebration of community investment.

I've been bumping into it lately with a particular response to a typically happy situation. A happy situation!!! So bizarre! A few who cannot let someone's old story be just that...their OLD story. Instead of celebrating who God is and His profound redemptive work, they spew bitterness and flex their control muscles.

Makes me so sad...for them!!

I get the need for accountability and boundaries and all that...but WOW!! Given a good amount of time??...with demonstration of repentance and God's restorative work???

What healing have we not known ourselves that makes us incapable of extending grace? What freedom has been forgotten that we exchange God's lenses of love and potential for unforgiveness, gossip and pride? What makes us evaluate our own old stories as superior to another's, giving us a grand pedestal from which to point fingers?

Sad. So sad.

Good reminder for me...that's not how I want to behave anymore. Never, Ever Again.

And so...that said...CONGRATULATIONS!!! God's peace and blessing be on those who get back up after a fall and find themselves fuller and freer than before!

Yep, He's a Keeper

I just had to survive a winter camping trip with my high schoolers. If you know me...ya, not my cup of tea. Haha! It was great fun though!!! We had to alter the plans when the -20 degree temps were paired with serious winds, but the times we were out were fabulous!!

That said...my man-friend was one of the chaperones. So awesome...he's an expert at pretty much everything, including survival...but I was a little freaked at times about how my survival appearance must have looked. I'm guessing words like "horrific" and "nightmare" flooded his mind with background sounds from Psycho. Hehe. Some girls struggle with feeling insecure in those situations, and I definitely had moments.

When he was dropping me off at home last night, we talked about how this was a good experience for us, seeing each other in tough situations. I made a reference to my crazy appearance...he commented that he has now seen me with frozen snot-cicles, rooster hairs in every direction and eating skills like someone who's "challenged"...and that he loves me even more.

HAHAHAHA! Yep, he's a keeper. ;)

Letting Go...

There come moments in our lives when it's time to "let go of Egypt". The Israelites, while wandering in the desert, always found themselves longing for the good old days of slavery in Egypt whenever challenges came their way. That inability to release the old kept them stalled for 40 years. Dry, desert-living...the Promised Land out of reach.

It's so interesting, isn't it???...how seasons of dysfunction and slavery seem so much safer and familiar than the unknowns of "new". We lose a ton of authentic living to those "Egypts" in our lives. Missed opportunities, blessings, lessons...

Then the Hero comes... Jesus invades to invite us to new, open doors...all the while offering to close the doors on "Egypt". He introduces the possibility of walking forward without looking back.

Letting go can be very painful...but it's so worth it. YOU are worth it!

So long, Egypt!! :)