Tag Archives: Culture

Life is not a Collaboration

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The late actor Dennis Hopper had an eclectic taste for art that found expression in the paintings of artist Andy Warhol; so much so the two decided to collaborate on an art piece….sort of.

Hopper owned a piece entitled “Mao”, an original by Warhol. While in his home one evening Hopper caught a glimpse of the piece and became so spooked he shot the artwork twice. Instead of angering Warhol it impressed the artist so much that he titled each bullet hole and declared the work a “collaboration”.

There’s a lesson to be learned here about our relationship with God.

When it comes to the lives of His followers God is an artist. He is making us into His masterpiece and He’s doing all the work. Now from time to time he gives us a glimpse of His portrait but always with the caveat that He is not finished yet.

Yet sometimes we get spooked at what God is doing in our lives. He may be changing us in ways we never imagined or rearranging things such that we are shocked. These times in our lives can be challenging and they can scare us into thinking we need to collaborate with God. Have you ever found yourself bartering with God over some area of your life? I can think of several times when I’ve had no idea where God was headed but trust me when I say not all portraits are better off with bullet holes in them.

I don’t think anyone of us could legitimately say that Dennis was trying to improve the work, he was scared of it. When we try and wrest control from God as He is painting us into His masterpiece we are in danger of smudging His work. Trying to control our own lives is like asking a toddler to improve on the Mona Lisa with a crayola marker…it’s not going to help.

Let me challenge you today. Read Psalm 113 and Micah 7:18-19.You may be frightened from time to time about what God is doing in your life, it might be uncomfortable or even down right disagreeable but you need to trust God. His character proves that He is working to create the best version of “you” possible. He is not out to ruin us, but to help us thrive. Be patient, be willing and as you do I think you be surprised to find that God is eager to finish his masterpiece with our support but without our “collaboration”.

Community Questions:

Why do you think it’s difficult to trust God in the midst of our everyday lives?

As an artist has God offered us a look at his portfolio? Where?

Go: NUTS!

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Christian, have you ever felt surrounded by the enemy? Like there was no hope? What should our response be when the world stacks all its darkness around us and it feels as though the little light of our candles is about to blow out?

I suggest we take our cue from someone who’s been there and say NUTS.

General Anthony McAuliffe was in charge of the US forces defending the surrounded city of Bastogne in what is now famously remembered as the battle of the Bulge. It marked one of the last true offensives that the German Army mounted during WWII and nearly succeeded in turning the tide of the war. On December 22, 1944 the General had to make a difficult decision, for this was the day that a German entourage entered the US occupied city under a white flag with the following message from the German Commander.

“ The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. If this proposal should be rejected a German Artillery Corps and six heavy artillery Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately two hours’ after being given this term.”

The facts were true, this seemed like the only course that would save the troops but McAuliffe would not back down. His response to the German Commander was curt:

To the German Commander: NUTS!

In the face of overwhelming odds the commander refused to give up. The decision was costly but effective for the US forces held out and they were key in keeping the German from achieving victory.

Being encircled by the darkness of the world is a distinct possibility for Christians. Many of the names we known best in the Bible were surrounded at one time or another. But being surrounded does not mean we are defeated. As Christians we need to know when to say NUTS!

1.      Say NUTS to discouragement.

The enemy of the saints is a master at discouragement. He accuses us day and night (Revelation 12:10). But we need to know that Christ has won the victory and that Hell will not overpower us (Matthew 16:18). Never forget that the battle has been won!

2.      Say NUTS to worry.

Even when the going is tough, very very tough…we can says NUTS to worry. Why? Because God promises that the darkness will never overwhelm us. In fact, when we humble ourselves before God and honestly share our struggles, He promises to show up in a big way. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

3.      Say NUTS to callousness.

While we are promised the victory there are countless thousands who have yet to find the hope of Jesus Christ. These fall victim to the rage of the devil and the power of Hell on a regular basis, and they are why we fight. We never go to war with the powers of darkness to prove we’re tougher…we go to secure peace for those who are helpless to find it on their own. When you are tempted to give up the fight because it’s just too hard or costly for you remember why you’re fighting.

Sometimes when life throws difficult our way we just need to go NUTS!

Even Your Secrets: A Life Lesson from WikiLeaks

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Who wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with all of their past secrets out in the open? Let’s face it even a little regret is too much and we all probably have more than just a little of that lying around in our past. It has been fascinating to watch the story of Wiki Leaks unfold before our eyes these past few weeks but I think it is insightful as well.

Everyone has a past; even Christians. Yet the way in which a Christian deals with her past should be fundamentally different than the way others do. Why? Because no Christian should fear that their past come to light. (GULP!)

When Christ enters into a life, he enters not only into the present he enters into the past as well. He is not accepting who we are today and tomorrow only, but He is acknowledging who we were yesterday. In fact, it is the combination of our yesterdays that requires the presence of Christ in our lives today. Our past teaches us humility and gives weight to grace.

The Christian, better than anyone else should be able to know who they were and the immense joy that the grace of God brings to forgive us from what we were and change us into who we are.

So let’s come back to Wiki Leaks for a moment. A recent development to the story is that Wiki Leaks will let off another bombshell of secrets should anyone come after them to shut them down. The gauntlet has been laid. Yet the enemy of the Christian has used this tactic for centuries. Who hasn’t been reminded of their past failures big and small by the Accuser? Worse yet, have you ever feared doing something great for God because of your past, some secret that you are afraid may come out? This is where we can take a lesson from the Apostle Paul.  “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul persecuted Christians, watched as Stephen was murdered, was furious at the existence of the church…talk about a colorful past. Yet this past he embraced, through grace, as the very reason Christ saved Him. Friends your past, as colored as it may be, is the reason you have a relationship with Jesus Christ. This means we need not hide from our past but rather we should allow our past to generate a proper amount of humility. Our past should continually serve us by making grace an agent of change in our lives.

When we do not fear our past, we will not fear those who would try and leverage our past to affect our future. Christ does not call us to live in fear, but to live in faith. His followers can know for certain that whatever is dredged up from our past has been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and makes their salvation all the sweeter.

A Sure “Sign” Part 2

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I never ceased to be amazed  by the throngs of people who show up at a God sighting. Story after front page story record the numerous ways in which the maker reveals himself; On a hillside, in the clouds and even in a taco (Read the Story)!

Why is it that people show up by the thousands to see a “sign” from God yet so few people have a real understanding of what the Bible has to say?

Consider it, the Bible is the best God sighting of all time yet many people would disagree…I wonder why.As you try and decipher God’s plan for you remember this second guideline.

Guideline 2: If you want to know what God wants, follow what the Bible has to say.

It’s not over simplistic, rather it’s foundational. The Word of God guides our understanding. You may ask, “why is this the second guideline and not the first?”. Notice from our story in Acts (1:12-26) that is was only after Peter had united around the mission of Jesus that he was able to fully understand what the Bible had to say (verses 16-22). There is something to be said about understanding that these guidelines build upon one another. If we know the mission yet are divided about uniting around it then we can never really understand the Word of God fully. The mission is a lens through which we view the Word of God.

Now, I want you to see how familiar Peter was with the Word of God. Given his situation and where he was I am amazed that he recalled the book of Psalms and yet, without hesitation it seems, he rattles off two verses from two separate chapters that help him understand the way forward. At times, the way forward for us can seem complex. Yet if we are familiar with the Word of God. If we spend time in it, ruminate it’s books, and get ink on our fingers it can often guide us forward despite the complexities of life.

So is it time to brush up on your Bible reading? Maybe you need to revisit your plan for regular reflection in the Word.

Why look all about for a God sighting when He can be found in the Bible? It seems strange to me to pack up and head across country to stare at the face of Jesus on a billboard when He is in our living rooms, library, churches, bedrooms, and even in the dresser drawer of hotels. Spend time getting to know God in the places He is already. The more you know His Word the clearer His direction for your life will become.

Community Questions:

Why do you feel so many people flock to God Sightings?

Do you have an effect Bible study practice or tip? Why not share with others your secret to success.

A Sure “Sign” Part 1

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I was recently listening to Christian radio when I heard a woman talking to the DJ about how God had directed her family to move across the country. She saw a picture of a homeless man wearing the same size shoe as her husband. This “sign” sealed the deal, the family is now moving cross country.

Is this the best we can expect from God when it comes to the important decisions of our lives, random signs that need lots of subjective interpretation? Does the Bible give us any hope for a different path?

The book of Acts records the story of the Apostles replacing the position that had been filled by  Judas (you know the Benedict Arnold of the Bible) before the death and resurrection of Jesus. Consider the magnitude of this decision. Talk about pressure! The Apostles had to find a once in the history of the world replacement for one of the 12 Apostles. Yet the story of their selection goes off without a hitch. They seem to have no trouble making this difficult decision and feeling firm about their decision. I believe this is because they reveal for us some essential guidelines to follow when seeking God’s direction for difficult decisions.

Read the story in Acts 1:12-23.

Guideline 1: If you want to know what God wants, be united around the Mission of Jesus.

This story comes hard on the heals of Jesus giving his disciples the great mission. You will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the remotest parts of the earth. It was crystal clear what Jesus wanted them to do.  Verse 12 tells us that they immediately headed back into Jerusalem to wait. Now this is important because Christ had told them they needed to do this.

Obedience is key to finding direction from God. Have you ever been unsure of something. Prayed to God let’s say about talking to your friend about your faith, or whether or not you could afford to give money to the church? Sometimes God seems silent on these issues, but is he really? He gave us a mission in Acts 1:8. BE WITNESSES and frankly that’s all He has to say on the matter. So if you’ve been talking to God about this or that and you know that what your talking to him about accomplishes His mission stop praying and start doing. Obedience is an action, not a state of mind.

After coming back to Jerusalem the Bible tells us that the Apostles were of one mind. They understood the mission of Jesus and were ready to pursue it together. Don’t expect to know God’s direction in your life if your quibbling about lesser things. Seek the unity of those around you in church and in your family. This is essential.

Finally, they were continually praying. Talking to God is important too. “What’s next Lord?”. Often, when one group of people pursues one mission fully the way forward becomes clear. Need proof? It was only after the Apostles were obedient, united and praying that Peter figured out they needed to replace Judas (v15).

Many times, asking God for a sign is redundant. He has already given us our mission: Be Witnesses. This means that YES God does want you to live free of sin. YES God does want you to submit to the local church and support its ministry. YES God does want you to share your life story with your family and friends. NO God does not think it’s okay to fall victim to sin. NO God is not good with you sitting this one out. The first step to hearing from God is listening to what He’s already said.

Community Questions:

Do you believe that the mission Jesus gave to the Apostles is your mission as well? Why or Why Not?

How can prayer and unity clear the way forward for us? Have you ever experienced this? If so, what happened?