Jesus the Socialist? Part I

The election year is upon us.

You can tell because of all of the political cartoons and commentary, most often slanderous. To be honest, I hate election years. I hate the mud-slinging. I hate the division. I hate the bumper stickers. I hate feeling as though I have to make an extremely adult decision of more or less, in my opinion, picking the lesser of two evils.

I suppose I could be expectant of great things and change for the better, but my hopes for those sort of things just … well … aren’t very high. They never have been, even before I really gave myself to following Christ. Even before I pledged my allegiance to Yeshua, I’ve never trusted the politics of man.

Earlier in my life, I would have called myself a die-hard conservative. I espoused all of the values of the conservative party, with little to no room for compromise. Now that I’m a little older, I’ve become increasingly moderate–and libertarian, leaning still to the right. So I suppose you’d call me a “conservative-leaning, moderate libertarian.” If that makes any sense. And now, as I align myself with Christ and seek to become more like Him, it begs to question … WWJVF? Who Would Jesus Vote For? What are Yeshua’s thoughts on politics?

As a believer and follower of Messiah, I don’t recognize a separation of political beliefs and religious beliefs. Yeshua calls us into complete agreement with Himself. There is no secular vs. sacred … it’s one life. As such, I’m seeking to align my political beliefs with scripture … not the other way around. This has caused me to rethink some of my previously held beliefs, and has caused me to affirm others. I guess seeking the heart of God is what has caused me to become a conservative-leaning, moderate libertarian. And no, I’m not saying that God endorses my political label. More on that later.

I have noted a pretty longstanding and disturbing practice: aligning Yeshua to a political party. I’m referring to both of the main political parties, by the way. I’ve seen arguments for both “Republican Jesus” and “Democrat Jesus”. For us to think that either of our modern-day political parties would perfectly align to a first-century Jew who also happens to be God is … well … pretty silly.  And here recently, I’ve seen a whole lot of “Socialist Jesus” emerging, to garner support for candidate Bernie Sanders. I guess as a red-blooded American, my gut reaction is repugnance. I recognize this is largely due to the general American distaste for Socialism, I’m sure. But I’m able to look beyond that. Is it true? Would Jesus have been a Socialist?

The whole question of this arose when I saw an image on a friend’s Facebook page. It emerged again and again, almost begging my attention. It was a picture of a painting of Christ driving the Money Changers from the temple, only Jesus’s face had been replaced with the face of Bernie Sanders. The caption on it read, “Voting for a Socialist Jew who Opposes Bankers: Literally the Christian Thing to Do.” I thought about it on the elliptical in the gym, in the shower, on the toilet, while cooking, in bed, while unloading the truck at work, while designing posters, while driving: Would Jesus have been a socialist? Is there some truth to it? Since I am conforming my life to Christ’s, if it were true, it would cause a revolution in my political beliefs. I am not a stranger to changing my life to conform to The Way: When I turned my life upside down to follow Torah, I felt peace. The implications of Christ being a Socialist made me feel a little sick to my stomach, so I took it as a cue to dig deeper. Something about it didn’t quite sit right. Thankfully, since Christ lives, I can ask Him.

The question lead me deep into one of the most immersive and fascinating personal bible studies I have ever engaged in. As a result, I feel like I know Yeshua better, know scripture better, and have a better idea of where I should stand as a follower of Christ in the dirty world of politics. I’m going to attempt to flesh out some of that here, in the next few posts–hopefully in a fairly coherent manner.

Blessed to be a Blessing

As is my custom at the end of the year, I sat down on the floor of my apartment on December 31st, about a half-hour before midnight, and I prayed. I thought back on 2015 and I thanked YHVH heartily for all of His blessings–which have been in absolute abundance. 2015 marked a year of prosperity for me: I got a new car, my very first apartment all by myself, a paycheck from my full-time job that provided for it all, a part-time job that I enjoy, the emergence of my Dad’s non-profit organization for helping Veterans; and to cap it off, a brand new computer provided by my extremely generous Christmas Bonus. My grandmother, who was on her deathbed, was given by God another chance to live. And on the spiritual front for me, 2015 was a red-letter year: With the help of Yeshua (Jesus), I toppled the idol of security that He revealed to me and really truly began to trust in YHVH Jireh–the God who Provides. My health improved greatly in 2015, and for the first time in my life, I’m really starting to understand who I am as unfettered by the constraints of what a lover, denomination or society thinks of me … instead, I am coming to accept and understand who I am in Christ. And of course, 2015 saw my becoming a Torah-Observant Christian … turning my spirituality upside down in the most glorious of ways. In observance of Yom Kippur, I reached out to those with whom I was in broken relationships and did all I could to mend those relationships, and in that, received healing. I reflected on YHVH’s pronouncement over 2015–“Order out of Chaos” and saw all of the amazing ways that came to pass. Yes, the chaos of the whole of my adulthood was stilled–just like Yeshua calming the storm on the sea of Galilee–and YHVH made order. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. 

When He spoke those words into my heart on 31 December 2014, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what that meant. But I will say, being on this side of it, that it meant more than I could have ever imagined. That the blessings of 2015 were tenfold what I could have expected. That my cup overflows. He is so generous. So kind. 

I’ll admit that I didn’t really hear much this year … at first.

I found myself saying throughout last year, “Lord, I don’t deserve this. This is too much.” I began to feel guilty for my blessings. I mean, I saw the suffering that so many other people were going through. But for me, the blessings kept coming. I guess part of it is that we live in a society that teaches that we’re supposed to feel guilty for being blessed. Do you have a roof over your head? Yeah, well–most people in the world don’t have that much. Society tells you that your reaction is to feel guilty. I’m not so sure that’s biblical.

Of course, we should be humble and full of gratitude for what we have. We shouldn’t take our blessings for granted–even the tiniest ones that we take for granted. Our toilet water is cleaner than most people’s drinking water around the world. How amazingly blessed are we?

And of course, in all of this guilt for my blessings, God gently spoke into my heart. It was through the story of Abraham–the father of our faith. God pronounced incredible blessings over Abraham, but then He told Abraham not only that he would be blessed, but that he would be a blessing. 

Ah, there’s the rub. In being blessed, God wants me to give to others. To be a blessing to others, so that they can see the goodness of God. And (in the words of Leeland & Brandon Heath’s “Follow You“) how could I not give it away so freely?

So, I think that’s what God’s heart is saying to me over 2016. As much as He has blessed me in 2015, I think He’s calling me to take a step closer to Him and be a blessing to others. Blessed to be a Blessing. I will have to pray over this, and ask Him what that looks like. With the election this year and the refugee crisis, I have to wonder where He’ll lead me this year. Wherever it is, it will be good. Help me, Lord, to be a blessing.

 

 

“Follow You”
By Leeland and Brandon Heath

You live among the least of these

the weary and the weak

and it would be a tragedy for me to turn away

all my needs you have supplied

when I was dead, you gave me life

how could I not give it away so freely?

 

And I’ll follow you into the homes of the broken

I’ll follow you into the world

I’ll meet the needs for the poor and the needy, God

I’ll follow you into the world

Use my hands, use my feet

to make your kingdom come

to the corners of the earth, until your work is done

’cause faith without works is dead

and on the cross your blood was shed

so how could we not give it away so freely?

And I’ll follow you into the homes of the broken

I’ll follow you into the world

I’ll meet the needs for the poor and the needy, God

I’ll follow you into the world

And I give all myself
And I give all myself
And I give all myself to You

And I give all myself
(Lord, I give myself)
And I give all myself
(Lord, I give myself)
And I give all myself
(I give it all) to You

And I’ll follow you into the homes of the broken

I’ll follow you into the world

I’ll meet the needs for the poor and the needy, God

I’ll follow you into the world

Becoming.

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted. It’s not because God has been silent–in fact, far from it. It’s that my spiritual life has been revolutionized.

Scripture talks about moving from drinking the “milk” of the basic Gospel to eating “solid food”–(1 Corinthians 3:2, Hebrews 5:12) … to advancing in our understanding of the deeper matters of faith. To becoming.

I feel strongly that I have been advancing in this way. Perhaps I’m not on to “eating” full-on steak, but I’ve been heartily feasting on the “mashed potatoes” of scripture.

And it all started with a seed.

The seed that was planted so many years ago has taken root and sprouted, and it has manifested itself in the growth of my faith into what is known by many today as “Hebrew Roots.” Although I am hesitant to align myself with any particular creed, it’s useful to describe my beliefs. In a nutshell, I am returning to the faith held by the apostles shortly after the resurrection and ascension of Messiah–before Rome and other influences stepped in.

What does this look like? Well, for starters, I follow the laws of the Torah. What that mainly means is that I observe YHVH’s feasts and appointed times (I no longer observe Christmas or Easter), wear tzitzyot (tassels) on my garments, abstain from pork and other unclean foods, I strictly observe the Sabbath on the 7th Day (meaning Friday from sundown to sundown on Saturday) and I don’t wear or purchase men’s clothing. I’m still learning the Torah and growing in the teachings, but these are the main ways it has affected my life. And so much for the better .. the fruits of these simple things have been astounding, and my relationship with Christ has grown exponentially.

It started, most appropriately, on Shavuot–the day of the giving of the Law, and of the fulfillment of that feast–the day that the Holy Spirit was given to the world. I had decided a few months earlier that I would like to celebrate God’s appointed times–the idea had always made since to me. I wasn’t really planning to change a whole lot about my life, other than adding these observances to my usual celebrations throughout the year. How could adding more holidays possibly be a bad thing? I figured it would help me to understand more about God. I didn’t realize what an understatement that would be.

So I sought guidance on the matters from people who knew what they were talking about, and they provided. I was all set to celebrate Shavuot–and that’s when illness struck.

My throat had been sort for about a week leading up to Shavuot. I really didn’t think a whole lot of it. Usually I would get a sore throat a few days before a cold, so I figured I just had a cold coming on. Wrong. The sore throat got worse and worse, and eventually, on the day before Shavuot, it evolved into a monster earache, too. And on Shavuot proper, as I tried to muddle my way through the celebration, it struck me down with so much pain that I was delirious–calling out to God to save me from the immense agony I was in. Luckily for me (or more likely a blessing from God), some friends came to my rescue and ended up taking me to the Urgent Care Center down the road where I was given a shot, antibiotics and some serious pain meds. It turns out that I had a very, very serious case of Strep Throat.

When I returned home, I could do very little but rest. After I had slept all that I could, I turned over to my nightstand in somewhat of a daze and began to read a book that my kindly friend had sent me when I had requested more information on God’s Appointed Times. It was his very own book that he had written about the observance of the Torah (“Backwards” by J.S. Clark). The more I read, the more awake and alert I became. And I felt as though my spirit was in agreement with all that I had read. I devoured the book once through, and then again. If what was in it was true, the implications were vast. After that, I prayed earnestly–asking God to reveal to me if it were true. And I felt peace … followed by a voracious appetite for scripture (which, by the way, has really never been the case for me … reading scripture almost never comes easily for me). I read through the Torah with new eyes (perhaps eyes to see?). For the first time in my life, the words of Psalm 119 resonated in my heart: “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times” (v. 20), “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (v. 24), “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight” (v. 35), and so on. When I was well enough to leave the comfort of my bed and apartment (which was the very next day), I literally saw the world through new eyes. It was as though it was a new world.

So my life changed on Shavuot. Not only do I keep the appointed times (as well as I can; I’m still learning), but I keep the Laws. It’s certainly easy to live a “Set Apart” life this way; I experienced a sense of separation from mainline Christianity. With my tzitzyot dangling from my undershirt, I get a lot of questions. I turn down a lot of plans on Saturdays that involve commerce. None of these things have caused me sorrow. Inconvenience, yes. Sorrow, no. Everyday when I put on my tzitzit, I remember who I belong to and who I serve … and in that, who I am. This past year, since that Shavuot, I have come into an understanding of who I truly am, in Christ.

I know a lot of people who are critical of religion, which is understandable. When they see me observing the Law, they see bondage, but I see freedom. They often wonder how I could possibly have my own identity apart from the statutes that God put forth, but for me, I have found my identity–apart from my relationships, my idols, my crutches–these are the things that have usurped who I am. When I set my sights on the Lord and became determined to follow His ways (even if that meant giving up bacon, Christmas and my beloved Foo Fighters shirt that I got from the men’s section at Target), I truly began to live. That’s because I made a conscious decision to put nothing before my God. Do I still stumble? Sure, that hasn’t changed. That’s why Christ came–among a myriad of other reasons. But in the end, it has allowed me to see what God has for me–which is who I truly am. My identity in Him. Myself as He meant me to be.

Never have I been more myself, and I am pleased to say that I am both surprised and happy with who God has revealed me to be. It is freedom.

Since my life has changed, I have been fairly steadily growing in faith. I have been becoming.

On the Turning Away

It happened again–I had a religious experience while listening to a secular song. This time it was my favorite band, Pink Floyd–and their song, “On the Turning Away.”

I guess I should give some background to why my mind (or perhaps the Spirit?) lead me to derive such spiritual themes from a secular song. I’ve been thinking a lot about the roots of Christianity. The Old Testament, the Israelites–I guess just the Bible as a picture of the whole. And thanks to the guidance of a few more seasoned, wise Christians who are of the Messianic variety (namely the eloquent, intellectual and Godly J.S. Clark), I have been considering for some years now that I as a Christian should be celebrating the feasts that Christ Himself would have celebrated as a Jew–the feasts that God commanded to be celebrated. It’s interesting to note that all of the main “Christian” celebrations coincide with the feasts God ordained. And it’s also interesting to note that the traditional celebration of “Christian” feasts often (or almost always) are rooted in pagan traditions, meant to indoctrinate the early pagans into Christianity. If I’m following Christ, why wouldn’t I celebrate as He would? And if I believe that Jesus came to fulfill the law instead of abolish it (see Matt 5:17), wouldn’t we see all of the major events of His life and ministry as fulfillment of the various feasts? The deeper I dive into my faith, the more the Spirit reveals that Christ is deeply intertwined in the Old Testament and fulfills all of the laws. The Perfect Lamb, The First Fruits, The Second Adam … His fulfillment is all throughout the Bible. Without understanding the Bible through the lens of Christ, it’s hard to make sense of it.

Anyway–the main theme of the Bible seems to be turning away. The Israelites turn away from God again and again, and He continues to pursue them. Of course, this was my first thought I connected to the song. There’s a line that says, “Is it only a dream that there’ll be No more turning away?” This echoes a desire in my heart to see all of God’s people (including myself) return to Him instead of all of the idols we churn out. But listening to the song again and really hearing the lyrics, it reminds me of the ministry of Christ during His life, and the ministry we all must take part in when we call ourselves Christians. We can’t turn a blind eye to the suffering of the world, which seems to be the secular theme of the song and the intent Pink Floyd wrote it with. I’m just going to post the lyrics and annotate some parts that stirred me in particular:

On the turning away
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say which we won’t understand
“Don’t accept that what’s happening
Is just a case of others’ suffering
Or you’ll find that you’re joining in
The turning away” (Matthew 5:42)

It’s a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting its shroud over all we have known (Ecclesiastes 6:4, Isaiah 25:7)
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:26)
We could find that we’re all alone
In the dream of the proud (reminds me of how our pride separates us from God; see Psalm 10:4)

On the wings of the night (Contrast on the “Wings of the Dawn,” Psalm 139:9)
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite in a silent accord
Using words you will find are strange (reminds me of the speaking of tongues, Acts 2:4)
Mesmerised as they light the flame (again, reminds me of Pentecost)
Feel the new wind of change (the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:2, and the way it changed those who received it)
On the wings of the night

No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away from the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It’s not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there’ll be
No more turning away?

Order out of Chaos

It’s another season of coming out of the valley and being among the mountaintops. The air is clear, fresh and I feel close to God. But not before having clawed my way with bloodied fingertips to the top … having slid down rock faces and seeking refuge in crevices, through rain, fire and ice. And now I’m reaching the summit, only to realize that it’s a false summit. The mountain continues to reach into the heavens. And now I know that it will go on forever.

As I’ve done for the past few years, I started out the year with God. I prayed in the New Year, sanctifying my living space and myself, worshiping and asking the Holy Spirit to fill myself, my domain and my life and to speak into the new year His will. And I listened for a theme. This year, I heard the spirit of God say, “Order out of Chaos.”

I breathed out a sigh of relief.

My life has felt like nothing but chaos since I left school, and even when I was in school, I still felt like I was being tossed by the waves … but in the shelter of a boat. After school has been like being capsized from a vessel and into shark-infested waters. Nothing seems certain and control is a concept I’ve completely abandoned. Who even knows where I’m drifting off to in troubled waters? I’ve just been treading water and bracing for the next wave. (Interestingly enough as I typed the previous sentences, I’m listening to iTunes and I heard the following: “… Have you heard of the one who calmed the raging seas?” Thanks, Phil Wickham.)

Goals. Goals are something I’ve come to think of as worldly. I’m not saying they are, but it’s funny how God seems to disregard them sometimes … and so much for the better. But when our human senses are disturbed by the divine, it leaves us to feel like we have quicksand under our feet. But I guess it’s like that old hymn says: “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand“. It’s funny how such things seem so disconnected until the Holy Spirit brings light to them. Even now as I type this post, I can feel things aligning and coming into light … my thoughts becoming clearer and clearer. Order out of Chaos.

Out of all of the tumult of the past few years, I’ve definitely been learning to lean on God. I’ve learned the meaning of “Firm Foundation.” And all of the books I’ve read, all of the studies I’ve done, all of the knowledge I’ve collected–it amounts to nothing beside the things I’ve learned through faith and walking (or sometimes swimming) in the Spirit. Relinquishing our control puts us in the amazing assurance that God is in control. And when He is in control, chaos is managed. The seas are quieted.

Early into the year, I sat in my little prayer corner with my prayer journal in my lap and I didn’t know where to start. I felt so overwhelmed by the task of connecting with the Great I AM.
I’m excited for the thought of what that might mean. Will He give me a goal? Will He reveal a mission or a ministry? I’m not sure, but I know that whatever it means, it will be glorious.

Savior

“You’re doing it again.”

The admonition came gently, almost playfully. He didn’t have to tell me what it was that I was doing. I knew.

After having prayed the “Search me and know me” Psalm (139:23), I was ready to be reproved. But it wasn’t until some time later that the Lord spoke to my heart and said it: “You’re doing it again.” I smiled to myself, guilty as charged … and maybe just a little embarrassed.

“Sam, let me be the savior.”

You see, I’ve got a bit of a Savior Complex. I find a need in someone–be it companionship, heartbreak, a lack of understanding. Bingo. I can fill that need! Here I am, send me! I can, one person at a time, save the world.

Or so my heart thinks.

What’s so wrong with that? Well, nothing–except that the intent is all backward. Sure, it may start out loving. My heart really does fill with compassion, especially for those who suffer with depression or any other mental affliction. My heart breaks for them because I know what it feels like. The utter hopelessness, the senseless pain–the feeling of being completely abandoned. Often there’s no cause for it, which often leads others to say things that don’t really help: “C’mon, cheer up!” or my personal (least) favorite: “You know, a lot of other people have it much worse than you.” A long time ago I came across an article on how Christians should respond to the grief of others, and I was completely hooked: “Weep with those who weep, laugh with those who laugh.” And so I began to weep with others.

But something happens in the middle. Something twists. What began as heartfelt compassion and a desiree to ease someone’s pain turns into something else. Oh, it’s a subtle twist, to be sure–but all of the dangerous things are. It becomes self-serving. Just how can self-sacrifice turn self-serving? In the intent. Somewhere in the middle, a need of my own emerges: the need to feel important and needed. If I can “save” someone, then I can justify my existence. And maybe, just maybe–if I’m lucky–someone will need me. Looking at our intents is also an exercise in guarding our hearts (see Proverb 4:23).

The problem lies in the fact that the answer to my need and the other person’s need doesn’t lie in me: it lies with and in the true Savior, who is Christ our Lord. He is the only one who can completely fill the void, and all of our needs were designed to lead us to Him.

And there’s more to be said of the consequences of trying to be the savior: it will run you ragged. What if someone accepts you as their savior? Quite often, you’ll be at their beck and call–placing yourself in an overwhelming position. The weight of their world quite literally is on your back. No one can stand to carry someone else’s cross forever–and sometimes, we’re simply not meant to at all. In some cases, you wound your own heart by being taken for granted by the very person you’re trying to save. Oh, how broken we are as humans.

I don’t like to admit it, but the truth of the matter is that no matter how willing I am to help, I am broken. I can barely carry my cross, let alone the crosses of several others! In my brokenness, no matter how noble my intentions might be in helping, there stands the (very good) chance that I will fail. Our amazing Savior takes on the weight of the whole world, in perfect love! And guess what–He will never fail you! I certainly can’t live up to those standards … nor was I ever meant to.

Another dangerous consequence is that you might just be hindering them from seeking God’s help. It’s easy to go to someone earthly. But again, our needs are meant to point us to the cross of Christ … for Him to pour out His power and love and bring healing to us.

Now, I’m not suggesting here that we aren’t meant to help out our brothers and sisters in Christ. We certainly are. I’m suggesting that we watch our intentions. Don’t step on the toes of the One whose feet, hands and side were pierced for our transgressions. Let us remember to look to–and help others to look to–the only one who fulfills and the only one who can truly live up to the title, “Savior.” Remember when Simon stepped in to carry Jesus’ cross during the passion? He carried it long enough to allow the Savior of the World to regain His strength and then continue on to Calvary. I think we can learn a lot from that scene in our daily lives. Jesus finished the work.

So … what CAN I do to help a broken world? What SHOULD I do? Lead them to the Cross. Pray for them. Act in kindness, but with the knowledge that Christ is the Bread of Life, the Living Water and the Way, the Truth and the Life. Not me. And I can ask the Lord how I can help Him. Maybe it means helping the other person bear their cross. Maybe it means offering encouragement.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for once again trying to be the “Savior,” and for loving people for my own selfish gain–and in doing so, not looking to you to fulfill my emptiness. Help me to remember to lead others to you in their emptiness. You are the only one who fulfills and you have overcome the world. Purify my love for others so that I can love them the way that You love.

Glory (and a few other things) Defined

I was listening to Building 429’s “Glory Defined” a while back, and I actually though of the titular line literally: What does “glory” mean? Just how do you define it? I know that’s not exactly what the song means, but it inspired some interesting thoughts.

There are some words in Christianity that are part of the lingo–you probably know ’em: holy, amen, hallelujah, grace–and of course, glory. In my personal story of Christianity, I can tell you that I was using these words LONG before I knew what they actually meant. I mean, you can’t be a Christian without saying, “Hallelujah!!!” or “Amen!” all of the time, right? But I’ve taken an interest in finding out exactly what these words mean–I want a deliberate relationship with Christ, and if I can’t tell you exactly what I mean when I say, “Hallelujah” … well, I think it’s worth exploring.

Now before I get into the “meat and potatoes” of the post, I want to state this as sort of a disclaimer: there are certainly some spiritual experiences that can’t be explained with mere words. That’s the nature of spirituality, in fact. I don’t think that all of my experiences with God can be explained using simply human rationality. In fact, these experiences transcend what is rational. My simple point in this post is that I think it’s important to be intentional with what we say instead of just using “buzzwords” that we may not understand. I think when we really understand what “grace” means or what “holy” means, we can deepen our relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I think sometimes we just tend to repeat whatever we hear, even if we don’t understand it. I remember when I was a little kid being shocked that “elemeno” wasn’t a part of the alphabet … that it was actually “L-M-N-O”. But more properly applied to Christianity, I can tell you that it was only within the past few years that I actually thought about what the prayers that I have been saying for years actually meant. The dinner prayer? Up until recently, I’ve said it like this:

“Blessesolordandthesethygifts, wichwereabouttoreceive, throughthybounty, throughchristorlord, amen.”

I’m afraid the Lord’s Prayer was much the same (I used to think that “Our Father who Art in Heaven” meant that God was in heaven in front of an easel making paintings). Since I’ve really been seeking God I’ve finally taken these prayers apart and actually realize what it is that I’m saying, and it has made all the difference. What I’m saying here is let’s not just go through the motions; let’s make sure that we’re being intentional–let’s make sure we’re honoring God with our hearts and not just our lips (See Matt 15:8 and Isaiah 29:13). Instead of just carrying out traditions that we’ve been raised up in, let’s put some meaning behind them.

So, over the next few posts, I hope to actually discuss what these often-used words actually mean  and then I want to conclude with what I think the song “Glory Defined” actually meant when they said, “I wake up to find Your glory defined.”

New Year, Same God

Well, it’s 2013–and here’s my obligatory New Year’s Post. 🙂

First off, I think it’s a good idea to look back on 2012 and assess it.

For me, 2012 was an incredible year. It will go down in my life as a “red-letter” year … it’s the year in which I really, truly started following God with all of my heart. It’s the year in which God broke my idols, set my captive heart free and called me into His courts.

2012 brought with it a break-up, a reunion and the end of my long battle with depression. I spent Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday in the wilderness on a personal retreat. 2012 saw some powerful works of the Holy Spirit. It saw my graduation from college, and a move which has me more than convinced of God’s providence for me. It was truly the end of a big chapter of my life, and brought me to the cusp of a new, exciting (and even somewhat frightening) chapter .

Spiritually speaking, I learned about what idols truly are. I learned how to listen to God and hear Him. I learned that my heart is good. I learned how to engage in spiritual warfare, and how to pray in the spirit. I learned just what it means to worship, and experienced just what “glory” is. I learned a little more about how to love my neighbor and how to cultivate the fruits of the spirit. I learned  how to go about forgiving. I learned the power of intercessory prayer and faith. I’ve seen miracles happen, blessings imparted and hearts of stone turned into hearts of flesh.

Standing on that cusp of this new year, I just have to look back and stand in awe of what an amazing, wonderful, loving God we have.

So, now on to 2013–I’m more than convinced that God has even more blessings, trials and words for me this year.

My hopes for this year? I’m hoping to grow even closer to God–a need that (thankfully) will never fully be culminated. There’s always more to know, more to learn, more to experience with God. But thankfully, He’s always the same. That’s one of His attributes that I’m really learning to love dearly. In a world in which nothing remains constant, God does. Everything else is in chaos, otherwise, it grows stagnant. God does neither, and I just love that about Him. He’s always doing a new thing, but HE never changes. That’s a rock that I cling to wholeheartedly.

Ah, yes–but back to my hopes for 2013. I do hope to grow in love for God, but also for others (always one of the most difficult commands for me, I’m afraid). I hope to learn how to have audacious hope and faith. I hope to hear Him more clearly as well. I would also love to see Him set more captive hearts free and have the honor of doing some of His work. Above all, though, I hope never to become complacent. I don’t want to go through the motions at all–I really want to seek His face, and I want to find a community of others who are doing the same. My biggest Christmas Wish this year was to find a community of people who believe that God still speaks to His people, who believe that spiritual warfare is real and who want to support each other through prayer and counsel. Not people who want to “play church.” Not people who love Christian Culture–people who love Christ.

I asked the Lord what His theme was in my life this year. His answer? To bring me out of my timidity. To fill me with courage and strength.

He’s already started working on that one, let me tell you. I’m excited for the blessing that comes at the end of this trial. Either way, though–I know He’s up to some pretty incredible things, and I’m waiting in joyful anticipation for what’s in store.

What is God’s theme for your 2013? Let this be a Red-Letter year for you, too–and follow the one who love you so dearly! He CAN set the captives free, He WILL heal your infirmities . Let God lead the way this year, and see what wonderful things are in store for you.

Thirty

 

“Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.”  – Luke 3:23

A big change has happened in my life recently. I graduated from college with my Bachelor of Fine Arts–a huge step. I’m happy and proud to be sure, but I did it a little differently than most people.

For the past three years, I’ve been living the life that most people would have lived in their early twenties. As for myself, I’m in my late twenties. I got married at the age of 19 and lived “in the real world” for about seven years. Unfortunately, I got a divorce a few years ago and I’ve been a full-time student. Now I’m looking for a job.

It’s wild … I feel like I’ve started all over again. And to an extent, I feel like I’ve lost everything. As I’m approaching my thirties and facing the real world again, I often feel like I’m far behind. People my age have children that are growing up quickly. They have husbands and wives. They have homes and jobs. They have established lives. I feel like a newborn calf on wobbly legs. What have I to show? What have I to bring?

I’ve been troubled in the past by this feeling of being behind. It was during one of these times that Jesus in his mercy came to me and gently reminded me in his loving way that He Himself hadn’t even started his public ministry until he was thirty. Even so, his ministry lasted only about three years … but in those three years, He made the biggest and most important contribution to mankind–He saved the world from its sin and reunited it with the Father.

So, I’m approaching thirty. That very thing scares me sometimes, but remembering Jesus and His encouragement, I can’t help but find myself a little excited. I’m ready for life to begin, and I’m ready to do great things for He who loves me so.

Am I the 10%?

I’ve been thinking a little bit about something that’s sort of old news–and that’s the whole “Occupy Wall Street” debacle. I keep seeing the bumper stickers on all sorts of vehicles (the ones that say, “I am the 99%” on Mercedes-Benz and BMWs are the most amusing to me) and I’ve started to think about what it all must mean to God.

Now I certainly have my own point of view of it all–which won’t really be voiced here. This blog was never intended to be that sort of forum; there are plenty of other places for me to express my political thoughts and this just isn’t one of them (not to say, however, that I’m one of those people who believes that religion and politics should be separated and that religion is a “private” thing).

It makes me think of the story of Jesus and the lepers, though ( you can read it in Luke 17:11-19). Jesus heals ten lepers, but yet only one goes back to thank Jesus. Only one. Jesus takes note of it, and seems rather hurt. He says,

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸ Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” – Luke 17:17-18

In thinking about this world and the whole mess of who’s rich, who’s poor I think that we’ve all lost sight of what’s really important: giving thanks to God for whatever it is that we do have. There’s some wonderful teaching on the subject of providence from R.A. Torrey that I should like to blog about later, but for now, I’d just like to say that I’m incredibly thankful for everything the Lord has given–and taken away–in His incredible mercy and love.

I don’t care if I’m the 1% or the 99% … I want to be like that 10%: the one person out of the ten lepers who was healed who gave thanks.