Author: Bibs

Allgemein, Reflection on the Word

God‘s wisdom – my comfort

Bibs

If you have ever read the book of Job, I wonder what stuck with you.
Maybe it’s the manner in which Job deals with immense, sudden grief, or how his friends attempt to offer reason and wisdom – or maybe, how all of it seems to be happening on the backdrop of a curious scene that takes place in heaven between Satan (the accuser) and God.

I’ve often wondered what I am supposed to get out of this book from the Old Testament. Especially the finally appearance of God and his challenging Job has always left me puzzled: Is God reprimanding Job? Is this simply putting Job in his place? And what does that mean for me?
You may gather that for years the end of the book of Job left me with a slightly daunting picture a God whose response felt less like comfort and more like intimidation.  
As it is, I found myself once again reading through Job’s lament and his friends’ frustrations and seemingly incomplete wisdom. This time, however, I decided to see wether some background knowledge might help me gain a better understanding of the story.

The Bible Project has this short videos on the different books of the Bible, and they have often helped me place the things I was reading into a broader context – historical, cultural, and even in terms of traditions of translations. They also offer videos on specific themes, characters, words, and concepts found throughout Scripture.
Regarding the book of Job, they have two main video clips: one that explores the book itself – its central ideas and structure – and another that places the book of job in conversation with the other two other books of „wisdom“, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
I will share the former with you, as it opened my eyes to the question I had been missing: Is God just?

Suddenly, my own efforts to discern God’s justice and His ways become liberatingly foolish. The final scene, in which God takes the stage and confronts Job with the intricacy of His creation, evoked a very different emotion than it had before. Like Job, all I could find within myself was a sense of deep humility and awe. There is no way I can even begin to fathom all that God perceives, knows and orchestrates every moment of every day. And while knowledge has always seemed to offer me comfort or sense of security, the sudden revelation of my profound lack of understanding came with a deep peace.
A liberation from the need to reason and figure out why and how things come about – what may be and what may not. A joyful lifting of hands in surrender, deeply content in the realization that I indeed lack the means to pass any judgment on the happenings around me, and instead reflecting on how awesome and almighty my God is.

My God how marvelous are your ways.
We are in awe with your works, your intricate design
Knowing that we only have a glimps of the vastness of all you made.
May we rest in your wisdom, rest in your almighty power
And contend ourselves in looking to you.
Where our reason ends, freedom begins.
I may never know, never understand but this I trust,
You know, you are involved and you are sovereign forever.
You love me and consider me.
So, let me lie down and remember in all of life’s trials – you are God.
Thank you.

Allgemein, Reflection on Faith

Reflections on the heart of Christianity

Bibs

“At the heart of the Christian message is God Himself waiting for His redeemed children to push into conscious awareness of His Presence.” – A. W. Tozer

A thought-provoking book I’d like to recommend: A. W. Tozer’s “The Pursuit of God”. What is more, it’s the reason I am sitting here, sipping some ginger tea on a rainy Sunday, desperate to share some thoughts.

Tozer devotes his words to remind the fellow believer about the core of the Christian faith and to reprimand the heart that has lost its fire. A heart that has become content with ‘right opinions’ (doctrine) and void of an intimate and personal experience:

“tasting of the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts” – A. W. Tozer

It is a book devoted to the panting Spirit that longs to push through the ‘veil’ and find there God Himself. Seeking Him for no other reason than to enjoy His Presence.

I read his words with a mix of deep yearning and conviction. Desperate to see and taste the Presence of God and simultaneously convicted of the many times I have missed His heart, having pursued the gifts rather than the giver. Habitually bringing God a list of my needs during my times of prayer, rather than consciously entering into the ‘holy of holies’ eager to find Him. Trying to get some direction or ‘right opinion’ from His word, while neglecting to cherish His word as a revelation of Himself.
Allowing the business and distractions of life to take precedent and missing out on the restoring and refreshing communion with God.

“The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One.” – A. W. Tozer

I know I am not alone in this. It’s a heart issue that has manifested itself in many ways – some less subtle than others.

There is a term I have come across just a few weeks ago called “moralistic therapeutic deism”. It’s a term that was introduced in 2005 in a book titled “Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers”.1 In short, it is a prevalent believe that has reduced God to some mix of therapist, moral teacher and personal butler with the goal of being happy and living a moral life in order to get into heaven.

In contrast stands the Gospel as found in scripture:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

Or as the Westminster short Catechism states:

Q. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Oh what bliss, to approach God as a redeemed child ready to enjoy His very self.

Where are those with burning hearts for God Himself?
Where are those children of God that can testify to His Goodness and Majesty manifested in their lives and make others hungry for more?
And what kind of Gospel are we sharing with others?

I pray that we may return to our first love, to the pursuit of God Himself.
To the place were His love may compel us to enter into His presence with confidence and assurance. That we, as children, may enjoy Him and He may again be our truest treasure and delight.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
[…]
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Hymn: Be thou my vision

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moralistic_therapeutic_deism ↩︎
Allgemein

The straight, narrow, and… hard

Bibs

Every once and while there will be a verse I stumble over during a morning devotional only to have it show up again during the day or week in some other shape or form.
Sometimes it will be something encouraging, sometimes an answer or clarification, and sometimes a nagging feeling.

The latter of which leads me to my blog. Mostly I write here to share some neat insight I had and because I hope to encourage others. This time, however, I write wondering if others out there find themselves asking similar questions and wrestling with Jesus’ statements as I am.  

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” – Matthew 7:13-14

Quick context: These verses are part of the famous Sermon on the Mount. Jesus starts his sermon with the “Beatitudes”, a set of spiritual attributes he calls blessed and that lay the groundwork for the outward expressions which he teaches about later. Near the end of his sermon is where we find these verses, nicely fitted in between the Golden Rule (do to others as you’d have them do to you) and the fruit that reveals a good or bad tree.

Every time I come back to Jesus’ sermon on the mount I find something convicting or challenging.
This time, however, instead of an area of life that I feel needs adjustment or repentance, these verses pierced a bit closer to the core.

  • Am I walking the narrow way? Is it hard?
  • Have I chosen an easier compromise?
  • Only a fewfind it? Why only a few? And am I one of those?

Yes, Jesus offers grace, peace, rest and victory. Absolutely!
But, he also mentions over and over again the hardships, the cross, the persecution, and the challenges a follower will face. Now, life has its general ups and downs but the hardships Jesus mentioned here are the result of following him. So while those naturally-occurring “downs” certainly seem to be part of a faith-building process, my question is this:

  • Am I experiencing hardships due to my following after him?
    Am I following hard after him if I find myself facing little to no opposition?
  • Has it cost me anything to follow him? (Luke 14:27-28)
    Am I walking the straight and narrow path, or how much have I become a friend of this world (James 4:4)?

Jesus is clear that anyone who will follow him will be as light in darkness (Matthew 5:14). In other words, they will unquestionably stand out.
The persecution and hardships come, because people hate light. As Jesus said:

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” – John 3:19

The prophets, Jesus himself, and his desciples all endured hardship because their life irritated others. A reightous life will irritate those who walk in sin.
I know this to be true, remembering a time in my life when a friend’s “light” was incredibly irritating to me. And it wasn’t that my friend pointed out my sin to me or anything like that, rather their righteous way of living was so convicting it was truly irritating. However, once I had dealt with my sin, repented and turned back to God, and no longer was stuck in a defense mode, I found her light to be a delightful blessing.

So, how bright is my light?

What about you?

Ps. I mentioned in the beginning that the verses showed up again in another shape or form. In my case it was the movie “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. A low budget production, that still managed  to provoke a lot of reflection and reverence for the price of following after Christ.

Allgemein, Reflection on the Word

Imago dei

Bibs

Trusting God to take this writing and do his work, I will allow myself to jot down some thoughts in obedience and leave them in their imperfect form in my blog.
Inspired by the very concept I’d like to share with you today.

I got a fresh perspective on my Christian walk a couple weeks ago through a Bible study I had been working through. As a part of the homework, I was asked to reflect on the idea of our calling to be image bearers of God – imago dei.1 I will give you some passages and thoughts from the study later but let me first explain: This certainly was not the first time I had read the words “image bearer” in scripture, nor was it the first time I had heard in a sermon that we are called to represent God in this world. Yet something about the message hit me different this time around.
You know those passages in scripture that you’ve read more than once and still there is a unique moment in which one of those passages suddenly becomes alive like it never did before? A precious and intimate “aha” moment with God.

“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:26-27

God chose to create us to bear his image, be his ambassadors, his children.
Contrast that to pagan religions where people crafted images of their gods out of wood, clay, or precious metals. They believed that their gods would then reside in these idols.
Not our God. He himself fashioned images of himself by creating us. Living, breathing image bearers that carry in them the Spirit of God.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” – 1. Corinthians 6:19

Let that sit.

So, what does it mean to bear God’s image in this world?
Well firstly, an image will let you get a glimpse of the original. Now here’s were the challenge comes in: Do people experience and see the almighty, loving God through you?
This question humbles me and reminds me of my many shortcomings and dependance on Jesus to shine through me.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” – 2. Corinthians 4:7

Having this hope that we may still bear his image amidst our failings, we cease to desire attention ourselves. Instead, we delight to see people turn their gaze to our heavenly Father in response to our obedience and conduct.
Perfectly loved, redeemed, and desired I may be, but this life is not about me. A daily battle against my selfish inclination.

From spiritual to practical. There is also an aspect of responsibility that clearly transpires from the passage in Genesis. God created us to be co-laborers with him.
Oh, how many times have I fallen into believing that I need to somehow work for God – leaving me frustrated and drained.
Instead, Jesus clearly showed us what it means to join the Father’s work:

“So Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.’” – John 5:19

Are you grasping how dependent we are on God?
Which brings me to another aspect – Jesus. God himself through His Son not only showed us what it truly means to be an image bearer but has made a way for us to actually step into that calling.
And what happens when we set our minds on bearing His image? In our dependance, we find Him: the one who knows us, created us, and in whose presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

The Westminster catechism puts it like this:

“What is man’s chief end?
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.”

We strive to give Him glory in all we do, whether writing a blog or meeting with friends. Setting our minds on Christ, we rejoice in the love He has shown us and the fellowship we can experience with Him.

I pray that His word may lead us into more knowledge of Him and His desire for us. That we may step into the life for which He died for us to have, and enjoy Him here on earth and then forever more.

Amen.

  1. https://youtu.be/eW7qqn8D4pE?si=atGPZkBSplTL5dJl ↩︎
Reflection on Life

Creation Tales of Today and the Lies They Tell

Bibs

An Essay

Introduction

The Big Bang Theory[1] and Darwin’s Theory of Evolution[2] both have proponents and critics in the scientific world today. Critics argue based on fossil findings or complexities that beg for an intelligent design rather than pure chance and natural selection[3]. Recently this theory of intelligent design has gotten attention, with scientists like Stephen Meyer bringing forth scientific evidence that point to an intelligent force behind the created universe[4]. While these efforts take a step towards theism, they do not acknowledge the Christian God or Christ Jesus as the author of life.

So I’d like to take a different angle in this short essay. Rather than approaching these theories from a scientific perspective, as intelligent design attempts to do, I will look at the lies that surface beneath the narrative of these theories, the effects on our lives if we believe them, and contrast them with the truth that I believe we find in God’s word.

No creator – Mere physics

The Big Bang Theory tells the story of a universe whose formation is the result of the laws of physics that by chance brought about the universe we can behold today. This includes us humans too. No supernatural force, no creator, mere physics. If chance is the governing principle behind our very existence, what deeper purpose do we have than to live today and die tomorrow? Being born blind, in poverty, or in an abusive home is just simply unlucky.

A person with a comparatively privileged starting point may have a stronger inclination to accept this narrative than a person with an “unlucky” starting point.  The latter may wonder about the “why” and pursue to find meaning while the former may be comfortable to rest on their privileges.

If we believe that all is born out of a series of “lucky chances”, what holds us accountable for the choices we make in life? The laws of physics that supposedly govern the creation process do not regulate human interaction. With no “higher force” there is no absolute morality, meaning that right and wrong are relative and subject to change. And if we agree on the premise that human reasoning is fallible, then so is their perception of what is right, wrong, and good.

Scripture provides a different narrative:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genisis 1:1

“By wisdom the LORD founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.” – Proverbs 3:19

In the beginning God.
A creator with a purpose, a will, and a plan.
All that is seen, and unseen is created out of “ex nihilo” – out of nothing.
Ironically, the very skies the Big Bang theory looks to for proof are the ones pointing to God:

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.”
– Psalm 19:1

If there is a wilful directed act of creation, everything receives a purpose.
No longer can the “privileged” person rest on his lot in life without wondering what his response should be while the “unlucky” person is encouraged that there is more to his circumstances than meets the eye.  God has given his creation a blue print for life and clarity as to what is right and wrong – absolute morality. There is no question about purpose or what may be good and true.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Purpose is at the heart of what drives people. If we believe the lie that the heavens are merely a witness to observable physical principles and void of a creator, subject to chance and continuous change, there is no stability or accountability.

Not created – Evolved

Charles Darwin’s Theory claims that humans are a product of evolution and natural selection. What makes us humans different from other animals are evolved traits and the cognitive abilities that come with them. Based on these differences we carry a notion of superior worth, having evolved more favourably. We can see this mentality manifested in unequal rights that are found across species, genders, and ethnicities.

And herein lies the issue. If what makes us superior or have more worth is tied to a favourable natural selection, how does this shape my understanding of identity and other humans?  Is a person with a higher IQ or stronger physique worth more than a human born with a weaker build or more limited cognitive abilities? And where does this leave humans born with a disability? We may treat people, even subconsciously, based on our discernment of their worth and dignity. One person with more “favourable” traits may much enjoy their standing and this idea of natural selection and evolution while another may wrestle with their self-worth.

Believing that this sense of superiority that we claim over other species is tied to evolutionary processes, leaves people with an identity rooted in their superior standing (“being the fittest”) among others. A worth that is dependent on comparison and triggers competition.  

The Bible roots the worth and dignity of a person in the creator’s design.

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.”  – Genesis 1:26-27

Created in the image of God – imago dei. The Bible is clear on the source of a person’s worth by linking it back to the will of the one who created them. There is no difference between men and woman in respect to their worth and divinely granted authority over the rest of creation. God makes it clear, that humans are a purposeful design and set apart from the beginning.

Rather than a sense of superiority, scripture encourages humility and wonder in view of our creation and relation to one another and God:

“ As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
 – Psalm 103:13-14
“For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14

Where we derive our identity from shapes how we relate to others and the world around us. Where is the sense of superiority or self-belittling, when we understand that we are purposefully created, set apart with an inherit unchanging worth, and far inferior to the one who created us? Rather than comparing ourselves to others and competing for more worth, there is a freedom in discovering our identity and worth in the creator God.

Last thoughts

While intelligent design can offer competing scientific evidence and arguments challenging the two theories addressed in this essay, they do not offer answers to questions that arise regarding the larger narrative of life. Questions that move beyond a scientific understanding to our perception of self, others, the world, and this “intelligent designer”:

  • What is my purpose? / Why was I created?
  • How does this creator “force” relate to me?
  • What is my place in this creation?
  • Who am I?

Intelligent design and other theories end where faith begins and searches for answer to these existential questions. Scripture offers the same answer it did 2000 years ago:

“For in him (Christ Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

[1] “The Big Bang Theory is a scientific definition of the origin of the universe that is widely accepted. This theory says that our universe began as a singularity. A point of extremely high temperature and infinite density and has been expanding ever since.” What is the Big Bang Theory? How did our universe begin? – Astronomy Explained

[2] “Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who proposed the theory of biological evolution by natural selection. Darwin defined evolution as “descent with modification,” the idea that species change over time, give rise to new species, and share a common ancestor.” Darwin, evolution, & natural selection (article) | Khan Academy

[3] Darwin’s Top 10 Arguments Against His Own Theory | Evolution News

[4] Where Darwinism Breaks Down | Discovery Institute

Reflection on the Word

My worth

Bibs

What we allow to define us and where it leads us

Has a fleeting thought of losing something ever put your mind into panic mode?
It’s not like anything has happened yet. It’s just a thought. But the storm it unleashes inside alarms you to the reality that you have attached a significance to this something. So much so, that it triggers anxiety and fear should that something ever be taken from you. Maybe up to this point you have not consciously observed your emotional attachment to it, but at the latest now you sense the tightening of your grip on this something.

For a while, I have been running a one-woman show when it comes to my church’s senior-youth program. And while it seems daunting at times, somehow God has faithfully provided me with the grace to run with it and even more so, enjoy it. Over the last couple of weeks, however, the pressures at work have challenged me to the point where it has dawned not only on me but outside observers that I could use some help with this ministry – a team, so to speak.
Now, you’d think that the idea to get a team around me would be a relieving and exciting idea.
It should be. However, if you may recall my introduction to this post, you can get a vague idea of the panic this suggestion triggered in me.

Why?

Well, after some checking-in with my heart and allowing the Holy Spirit in on the process, I found an interesting truth. One that doesn’t merely apply to my youth-ministry dilemma; One that made me much more aware of my need for God’s word; One I decided was worth writing a blog post about. So here it goes…

Who are you?

If you were to ask me that question I would tell you about my job, my relationships (friends, family, etc.), my talents and interests, my ministry at church, my faith, some quirky attributes of mine, and some adjectives I identify with. All of those aspects hold a special value in my life. They are key elements I have learned to identify myself with – I am a teacher, a daughter, a friend, a writer, a youth leader, sporty, creative, and so on. Over the years I have seen in them my purpose and my worth.

Where does your worth lie?

Did I consciously make my worth dependent on these things? No, but take one of those items in the list away from me and my feeling of identity and significance will begin to crumble. Show me that I am replaceable and watch the agony rise within me (Youth-Ministry dilemma right there).

The bold truth though is that we believe ourselves to hold much more significance to this world than we truly do. And when reality hits – we lose our job, are overlooked by people, or simply are replaced – we are shaken to our core and wonder what our purpose in this world may be. Am I suggesting that you are of little to no worth – not at all! But I am suggesting that we have placed our value largely in the fleeting things of this world and its echo. And to this world, you are for the most part replaceable. If we insist on proving our value through our works, our position in society, the praises of people, or base it on how we feel about ourselves, we will stumble… a lot.

Now here is the part where I give you some passages from God’s word. Because A, any reasoning of mine will always come second to God’s word and the power it has to transform and speak to the very depths of your soul. And B, because the only source that will withstand any changes, shaking, and turbulence of this life and your emotions is God’s word (1. Peter 1:25). And as I believe He has intimately created you, I would suggest that He is the only reliable source to determine your value.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

When we let go of the value the world has given us and begin to meditate on God’s truth, allowing it to redefine us, embracing how God sees us regardless of what our circumstances witness about us – there’s freedom. And my friend, the value God has bestowed on mankind – on you and me –has puzzled even the Psalmist:

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.” (Psalm 8:3-6)

“Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you […]” (Isaiah 43.4)

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son so that whoever would believe in him would have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” (Ephesians 1:5)

Wonderful isn’t it?!

Chosen, loved, precious, honored, and glorious!

Now, if you fear that these words would put anyone in danger of becoming proud, you are mistaken. The contrary is true. For if you read on in Hebrews 2:6-10, which quotes Psalm 8:3-6, you are reminded of Christ Jesus. All of your worth is based on Him. Everything you are – your creation and being, your significance, your right standing with God – it’s all in Him, through Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16). No boasting left for you. And when you are humbled in this truth, seeing that God’s adorning love for you, and His purpose for you is all founded on what Christ did and who He is – well, no one and nothing in this world can take away or change that (Romans 8:38-39).
There it is, your rock-solid secure worth, Jesus Christ.

Putting this all back together in context with my Youth-Ministry.
I had believed that my position as youth leader in my church had added to my worth, given me a reputation with people and a purpose that I could identify myself with. And I was afraid of losing this meaning and position if anyone else would step into that space. It took God to humble me and remind me that I didn’t have to prove myself, didn’t have to care if people noticed me or not – for He, my God, sees me. I don’t have to cling to purpose or position. I am free to serve, love, and be all He desires for me to be in Christ; Free to pursue what is best for the Youth-Ministry.
It’s all because of Him and it is all that will ever matter.

May you take courage from God’s word today and allow God to redefine you according to His loving purposes. I pray that the Holy Spirit may reveal to you the places you have trusted in for your worth and significance and free your grip from them. That you may clothe yourselves in joy and contentment as Paul “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” (Philippians 3:8) and throw off all discouragement and fear. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Reflection on Life

New, Exciting, just not this…

Bibs

Getting to the root of feeling stuck and waiting
on God’s “bigger” and “better”

Have you ever felt stuck. I mean really stuck in life. The kind where all around you there seems to be this beautiful momentum but your life is just on hold or at most a slow progression in some unknown space. Maybe you have just come out of some momentum of your own but now there just seems to be that same old routine and that initial fire for purpose has dimmed down to a quiet ember. And apart from the occasional encounter with someone or an inspirational message here and there it really doesn’t seem like your life is moving in the purposeful or epic direction you had hoped for.

Should any of this hit home, let me assure you, that you are in good company my friend. I would like to describe myself generously as a visionary. I am not the greatest at executing plans but man can I dream up an epic adventure. Hanging on to so many words and dreams that spoke into my life I have spent much time longing for that purpose, that mind-blowing adventure to commence. Now, of course I have had inspiring and purpose-driven seasons in life. Times where I have witnessed God move in crazy and exciting ways. But every one of those “take offs” was followed by a crash-landing back to daily life.
From spiritual high to spiritual low.

One look at scripture and you will see that this is not something that seems to be highly unusual. Some of the passages and stories in God’s word happen to include lengthy seasons of desert – literally. This is not to say that some of my own loss of momentum in life hadn’t been on account of my own error, but God’s design for our life with him does seem to include a desert every now and again. It’s in those desert places where the nitty-gritty character-shaping workout often takes place. Where God seems quiet, and your best efforts seem to be but hot air.

I wish I could tell you a bullet proof way of getting out of that place, a way to kick-start that epic-God-given-purpose you have been waiting for. Maybe something that you read today gives you that kick – great! – if not, allow me to at least give you a fresh perspective today. I want to share with you a bitter-sweet truth that I am currently processing. Most likely a truth you have heard before – but reminders never hurt. 

Last Thursday evening my small group met to exchange their thoughts concerning previous Sunday’s message “heavenly ambition”. Prompted by one of the guys in the group, we all shared what we believe to be our “heavenly” ambition. And as I was listening, I reflected on my own “Paul-sized” ambitions; being a missionary and visiting all our partnering churches, helping with youth programs in less fortunate countries, being a known teacher/speaker around the globe, leading and discipling youth and young women and so on… when all of a sudden God interrupted my dreaming with a question:

How can you get so excited about a ministry in another country but feel contempt about the place I placed you in right now? Why do you feel a love for the youth in Armenia, but lack that same passion for the youth in your neighbourhood?

Ouch.
Allow me to elaborate…
I had been serving in the youth ministry in my church but lately had just not seen a lot of momentum anymore. As a teacher at a local school my hope for a revival among students and teachers had slowly faded. And my prayers for the people around me had been largely replaced with prayers for my day to day worries and challenges. I had become increasingly discouraged. And with growing discouragement my commitment and passion had begun to fade and my desire and hopes for some “bigger” and “better” purpose had begun to consume my daily dreaming.

And this is where God met me. Right where I was at, with a simple but profound question.

The simple truth, my friend, is that God had called me to serve just where I was at and had no intention of giving me a “new” assignment just because my passion for his initial calling was growing dim. He had given me a vision for my youth at church, at school and for the people around me and this had not changed but my efforts surely had.

And while others in my small-Groupe finished sharing their take on “heavenly” ambition the round came to a close with some final reflections from the guy who had prompted us in the first place:

It seems that we often get lost in desiring some ambition that someone else may be walking in – ambition that seems so much more exciting and glorious than the one we feel called to. And when you add all the noise of social-media-comparison on top of that you find yourself in a fog unable to see where you should be going. Each of us has a unique calling and like the analogy of the body being made up of many parts (1.Corinthians 12:12-27) the ambitions God has for us may certainly not be the same as that of someone else. Furthermore, our ambitions are to serve the body (the church of Christ) as one and therefor are crucial to those around us. So, us desiring and dreaming about someone else’s ambition will confuse us and, in that space, we will fail to walk in the purposes of God for our lives and those around us.”

There it is. Simple and sweet and maybe a bit bitter.
I don’t doubt for a second that God is keenly interested in taking you onto an amazing adventure and using you most mightily for his kingdom purpose in this lifetime on earth. However, his word also reminds us that God is looking for those faithful stewards.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” – Luke 16:10

This is God’s kingdom principle. The most epic stories in the bible are testimony to this principle. Allow me to remind you of some:

  • David anointed to become king, first spent years tending to his family’s sheep and protecting them and leading an outcast army in the desert before being placed as king to protect and lead the people of Israel.
  • Joseph had only a dream to hold on, while serving faithfully and with integrity as a slave for years before being put in charge as second over the Egyptian empire.
  • Job had no glimpse of God’s working for 37 chapters as he wrestled through loss and despair yet finding a place to worship God regardless of it all. And then also was raised up and walked into God’s blessings for his life.

And these are but a few of so many lives governed by this principle. Now, I do hope that your journey will not include years of deserts, but it is in those times that God has equipped those he called. So, take heart and ignite that passion for the purposes set before you today. Be it praying for that person God had placed on your heart, serving in kids church, sharing Christ’s love with your grumpy co-worker, or encouraging that stranger you walk past every so often. I believe God is looking for obedient and faithful people. Yes, a people who desire and dream big-kingdom dreams, but also those who will humble themselves where God placed them.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
– 1 Peter 5:6

This then is my prayer for you. That you may take courage from God’s word and the testimony of those who have walked before you in God’s purposes. I pray that the Holy Spirit may remind you of the places God has called you and equipped you to serve today. That you may experience his favour in those places and his grace in the desert places. That you may clothe yourselves in joy and contentment as Paul “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance” (Philippians 4:11) and throw off all discouragement and discontent.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Reflection on Life

There’s got to be more to life

Bibs

Longing for that freedom in Christ

It started with a simple question. “How do you see God?”
Then gradually a group of teenagers started to express with a deep sense of reference their frustration. Some expressed a sense of vast distance between them and God, while others felt a heavy weight regarding the expectations they felt were in place. Still others expressed doubt, that they even had anything that could be called a “personal relationship” with their creator, or Christ as they said. And in all of it a deep sense of feeling lost in a reality that seems so different to the ideal they believe in and try to convince others of.
I can relate.
Many times, sometimes still today, I would find myself faced with a reality of faith that seemed not to be the Gospel and good news that I was at the same time trying to share with others. This all together would make me feel much like a hypocrite and I assume, made me not a very convincing witness. In those times, spiritual disciplines such as praying, reading the Bible or even worshiping started to feel heavy – and tainted with a sense of duty, rather than joyous seeking.
This all would give me an awful sense of feeling like I was not measuring up; that somehow, I just needed to do more to get closer to God. During my teen years and early twenties, these crisis’ usually spiralled me into exhaustion, until I found myself just wanting to give up. Then I would calm down, get back up and start with a new sense of enthusiasm back into the same patterns – working my way into measuring up, working my way closer to God – always feeling that despite a conviction that my faith in God and Christ must be the true way and certainly full of beautiful aspects, there had to be more to life than this heavy religion.

God has done an amazing work in the last years. I still have ups and downs and occasionally will wind up trying to work myself into trying to prove myself to God; however, God has been leading me into a beautiful sense of freedom and peace.

Sometimes all I need these days is to take a deep breath…

and I am keenly aware again of the lightness which is grounded on my trust in God unlimited ability and love. Yet, while I tried to encourage this group of teenagers with this testimony, I began to wonder how I had gotten here. What had changed? And how could I avoid giving them just another well-intended recipe that would tempt them to work it out themselves?

As I meditated on this during my week, God’s spirit reminded me of scripture; bringing in the right messages; and opening my eyes to truth that I had not yet understood.
And so, I would like to share God’s word and reflect on a message about the freedom we have in Christ.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

This is the verse that sprung first to my mind when listening to these teens last Sunday. Weariness and a feeling of being burdened is exactly what I can relate to and seems to be what the teenagers are experiencing. So, what can we gather from this verse?
Let me begin with Jesus first words, which resound as an invitation “Come to me”. A commentary pointed out: “Many times Jesus said, “Come after (follow) me,” but only here does he say, ‘Come to me.’” A similar call precedes Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:29). We see him stepping out of a boat and walking towards the one who called him. As the story goes, you might remember this “walking on water” went great until his focus shifted to the waves.[1]  The same Peter, after having expressed his utmost loyalty to Christ, becomes painfully aware of his limitations regarding his love for Christ a few chapters later. Yet, faced with his limitations Jesus calls him to join into a great purpose – not a heavy load – but a glorious and grand commission. In the same way Jesus encourages us in this verse in Matthew to come to him with our limitations and simply answer his call.

We get messed up when we try to work things for God instead of working with God.

And the motivation might as well be love towards God when we try to do something grand for him; If I am honest, many times my hidden motive for doing a righteous work for God was and is a desire to be worthy of his love; To be good enough. But He is not asking for us to work for him but with him.
It’s a shift of focus.
We look to Jesus Christ and not our own strength; to his teaching and not our own figuring it all out. My biggest challenge DAILY is to look to Christ and simply walk with him rather than working my way to him. And in essence that is what all reflection of this week has pointed to – look to Him.

Does that mean we don’t have to read our bibles anymore, pray or practice any kind of discipline[2]?

No. Spiritual disciplines are keys that help us unlock a deeper understanding and fuller life in faith – when practiced out of a sense of purpose rather than wanting to proof ourselves. There is a life where discipline and freedom do not contradict. A life where disciplines can turn into desires, and the walk is an adventure and not a chain of endless frustrations.
My best friend once said:

“Wherever your focus is there is your centre of gravity and all the weight will be pulled towards it.”

So, when I focus on myself, and make my relationship with God depended upon my works, all the pressure will be on me. But when I focus on Christ and his works the centre of gravity shifts and I step into a lightness, finding myself practicing spiritual disciplines with a sense of joy.

I used to think there had to be more to life than a constant struggle and God feeling distant. More than feeling like I had to be something else, something better before being able to live the life God called me to live; A deeper and more real relationship with Jesus. What if the answer is simple? As simple, as going to Jesus, as we are, not with a desire to proof ourselves, but rather with a willing heart and an awareness of our own limits, trusting in his leading. So, when we are burnt out on religion, we find a gentle Lord and Friend. 

As it all comes together beautifully Jesus calls us to “come”, to “lay down” all that is heaviness, to “follow” him, to “find” life and purpose and freedom, and to “soar on wings like eagles”.

A simple gospel.

I pray that this message may encourage you. Encourage you to take a deep breath and lay down your burdens. To find rest for your soul in the freedom that we have because of all that Christ did and all that he is. Encouraged to learn from him as you dive into scripture and walk with him daily. To simply come and meet him. Encouraged that there is an abundant life God has desired for us, and a destination that goes beyond all we see here on earth. Encourage to rest in his grace and his mercy, knowing that he is fully able; Knowing that HE will finish what he has begun in you. Encouraged that his gospel will become the beat of your life and a testimony to the world. Look to him, bring a willing heart, and do not let fear and doubt rob you of a beautiful sense of peace in Christs love for you.

If you would like to comment on something that stood out to you in your studies or if you would like to share your testimony within these truths – you are welcomed to reply by leaving me a message.

Truths to meditate on…

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2.Corinthians 3:17

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. […] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:5; 9-12

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

[1] See also “A little faith”

[2] Discipline: choosing what we want most, over what we want now.

Reflection on Life

Don’t look back!

Bibs

What we can learn from Lot’s wife – approaching the new year.

New Years is usually a time I reflect on the year gone by and all that has happened. This year is certainly no exception. While my ponderings take me through the highs and lows, there is something beautifully different this year. My mind does not linger as it used to, on the painful memories or regretful moments. Somehow in all the craziness of this year, my mind and spirit are quickened by God’s sovereignty in all of it. It’s as if I can see God’s fingerprint in all that has taken place this year. And so, my annual reflection turns into a song of praise for all the beauty and wonder that God has worked out this year. It’s this kind of remembering of God’s goodness that we are encouraged to do in scripture:

Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. – Isaiah 46:9

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. – Lamentations 3:21-23 

When we remember what God has done, what he has promised and spoken, our faith is strengthened, and fear and doubt lose their power in our lives. I believe that this remembering must be actively encouraged and practiced. I personally do this by journaling, reading scripture and sharing God’s faithfulness with my friends and family. So, when fear has a grip on me, it will be a reminder shared by a friend, a scripture or my own writings that break those chains and give me faith to move beyond doubts.

As much as I could go on about the importance of remembering God’s goodness, it is not the central thought that prompted me to write this post – or the title for that matter. It’s very relevant, yes, but my inspiration finds its beginning with a scripture I read in Luke:

“Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.” – Luke 17:32-33

The verse is found amid Jesus warning his disciples about the time to come – the time of God’s kingdom. While there is much that can be said about these verses, what caught my attention was Jesus’ reference to Lot’s wife.

Lot was the nephew of Abraham and he lived with his wife and daughters in Sodom. God had decided to destroy both the city of Sodom and Gomorrah but sent Angles to warn Lot and urge him to leave the city. As the family is taken by the angles and sent on their way, they receive this warning:

“Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” – Genesis 19:17

However, as the family reaches safety and burning sulfur begins to rain on the cities, well…

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” – Genesis 19:26

A pillar of salt. She didn’t get struck dead or consumed by fire – as it’s found in other occasions in scripture. No, she turned into a solid pillar of salt. A passage I have heard and read about several times, suddenly got me questioning:

  • Why did turned into a solid pillar?

A solid pillar is unable to move, it is “stuck” in one position. I believe Lot’s wife symbolizes what happens to us, when we look back in our lives. We get stuck. I am not refering to times we recount events with people or try to remember an occasion in the past. Rather, it’s the moments when we find ourselves unable to let go of what was, maybe even long to return to a different time in our lives, that we get stuck. We no longer move forward, but instead are held in a space in the past by an an invisible force. And while the world keeps turning our minds and hearts are frozen in time. 

In my life, this has happened with the end of a relationship or any undesirable change in my life. My mind would then get lost in memories of the past, going through all kinds of “What if’s” and “If onlys”. And while the changes would ripple into forward movement around me, my mind would be stuck. Until I’d find a place and the strength to let go, to turn forward, to trust God and move on. Easier said than done, I know. It’s nevertheless, the vivid image I take from Lot’s wife.

It’s not just this image of a solid pillar that I have pondered on. As I was walking this evening, I had another question:

  • Why a pillar of salt?

Why not a pillar of stone, marble, or any other solid material? Well, after some praying and pondering here are my thoughts:

  • Salt was and is used as a preservative. It keeps things from expiring or in our example from further developing.
  • Salt dissolves in water. Which means, that after some rain, a pillar of salt would have dissolved into the ground, no longer to be seen or remembered.

So, this is what I took from the pillar of salt: When we live in the past – look back – we no longer move forward. We are preserved in the past and no longer develop. And as we cease to impact the world around us, which is moving forward, well… in the worst case, we slowly dissolve.

Going back to the passage in Luke 17. Jesus urges his followers, that whoever tries to keep their life will lose it. And whoever loses their life will preserve it.
(see the play of words here 😉 “preserve” – “salt”?)

I used to look back to my rebellious days with almost a sense of longing or at least feeling as if that part of my life deserved to be remembered as a part of me. The consequence of this, was an ongoing battle with past sins and thought patterns.

At some point God showed me that holding on to this part of my life was keeping me from moving into what he had for me.

For he promises:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2. Corinthians 5:17

It was when I began to let go of that part of my life – losing it – that I found a beautiful new life. We all can have excuses for holding on to our past. And change is not always easy to embrace. However, when we believe that God’s will is good, and he is for us, all knowing and all loving, we should find our eyes, eagerly gazing ahead. For the fulfilment of his promises and his providence, they are before us. And so, approaching this new year, I challenge you:

Don’t look back!

Remember God’s goodness in your life. Let go. Find his truth and promises for your life in his word. And then, take a leap of faith into the unknown.

Happy New Year.

Reflection on Life

I played my drum for Him

Bibs

What a drummer boy taught me about true worship

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum.
A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
So to honour Him, pa rum pum pum pum
When we come”

– Little drummer boy

Chances are that you read the verses of this classic Christmas song with the melody playing in your head. Growing up, this was one of my favourite Christmas songs. So much so, that I convinced my parents to give me a drum one Christmas. Not sure how long it took before they found themselves regretting giving their child such a noise-making Christmas-gift. The song, however, was just one aspect of my excitement regarding the drummer boy. The movie from 1968 and its heart-warming ending was a yearly must-watch for me. A boy full of bitterness and hurt encounters the new-born Christ King, plays the drum for him, and finds his heart warmed with love.
20 years later, I find myself on YouTube re-watching this childhood-classic and teary-eyed I am captivated yet again by the final-scene and song. As it is, I was left listening to variations of the song up and down over the next days, only to be surprised at my spirit’s response in worship to the words of the song. So, I listened. Listened to the words I knew so well. Listened, and marvelled at the heart of worship that I found within those few lines.
Allow me to share a deeper look into this Christmas-classic and the revelation about worship found within.

One of the things that humbled me about these first few lines, is this heart acknowledging that Christ is nothing less than our eternal King. Not only a Good Shepherd or Merciful Saviour, no, also our king deserving of “finest gifts” and honour. As this sinks in, there is a heaviness on me. I think of the revelation of Christ in the New Testament writings and become painfully aware of how little I have to offer to One who is crowned with glory above all the earth.

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”- Hebrews 1:3-4

And in this painful awareness I sing the next lines of the song:

Little Baby, I am a poor boy too. I have no gift to bring that’s fit to give a King. Shall I play for you on my drum?

Now, I do not know how to play the drum, nor do I own one anymore. Yet, I have found that the heart of worship is not limited to any instrument, nor any song or harmony for that matter. Rather, we bring the very thing we have – in the case of our drummer boy it was his talent and drum. God himself revealed to the prophet Isaiah that true worship is not a matter of words or rules but the condition of our hearts:

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” – Isaiah 29:13

And so, the next lines of the Christmas-classic resound:

Mary nodded, the ox and lamb kept time. I played my drum for Him. I played my best for Him. Then He smiled at me, me and my drum.

We do not just “play our drums for him”, we play our BEST for Him. This is where the song gets me every time. When was the last time gave Christ my absolute best? If I take this beyond my hand-lifting praise in church extending this notion to my service in the youth-ministry, my fellowship with friends and family, my work… What if worship is more than a song, more than a church service, more than financial giving and acts of service?

What if our BEST extends to every aspect of our lives? – A life of worship.

Let’s go back to our drummer boy, who full of bitterness and hate, offered the very best he had – all he had. And in this act of worship he found himself transformed – transformed by the child’s smile. No longer did he hold on to the bitterness and pain of his past but found love deep within his heart.
True worship changes us.

And whether with a drum, a voice, or an act of service[1], worship that honours God is worship that is in spirit and the truth[2]:

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:23-24

I believe if we worship in “spirit and truth” our stubborn heart and mind are transformed by the revelation of God’s might, love and mercy, which is in Christ. And as Christ poured out his life for us as a fragrant offering of worship, true worship overflows into every aspect of our lives, allowing us to give our BEST by pouring out our lives to the glory of God.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1

May these thoughts inspire you to reflect this Christmas on God’s desire for worshippers; find your life transformed as you learn to worship in spirit and truth, giving every aspect of your life to God in worship; redirect your gaze to Jesus Christ and all He is. All your bitterness and pain, they diminish in the light of Him. May you grow in knowledge and insight of His truth, through His Holy Spirit.

Merry Christmas


Some further thoughts on a “a life of worship”:

The first thought that comes to mind when I think of a life of worship, is King David. Not only did he write most of the Psalms and Songs found in the old testament, but was a man who is remembered for shamelessly longing to honour God with all his might:

“And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might” – 2. Samuel 6:14

And yet, David’s life was flawed by sin, just like God’s people, whose story of devotion and sin, we follow, all the way to Christ; to a King, born in a manger, who lived a perfect life of worship and poured out his very BEST – his own life. As our eyes are opened to really see our perfect King, suddenly mere songs of worship are transformed into something much more, a fragrant offering of a righteous life – a life of worship.

[1] as Billy Graham pointed out “The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service”

[2] To worship in “spirit and truth” involves our spirit connecting with God’s Spirit, and our love and reverence of God being expressed with in all sincerity.
«the truth» is found in God’s word referring to the Person of Jesus Christ, as well as the Gospel and God’s word.