On The Re-Remix (Holidays)

Today, holidays usually refer to days off of work that are outside of the normal weekend. They are filled with food-eating, family-gathering, and credit card-maxing. However, both the word and the definition of “holiday” have been remixed. The original word was “holy day” and it had two definitions. Both are applicable as we enter this season.

1. Religious festival. It is during this time that people should remember the promises and provisions of God. In many cultures people are the most reverent of the spiritual, acknowledging God with special traditions, customs, and ceremonies during this time.

2. A day of recreation. It is a time of rest from the hectic pace and heavy burdens of work. It is also a time of rejuvenation of the mind, body, and spirit.

As a believer in Christ, I can undo the remix this holiday season. I can take it back to what it really means. What is that? Firstly, a time of celebrating God for all His goodness. He has done so much this year and before this year that deserves our attention and reverence. Secondly, I can be re-created. I can take some actual down-time and relax from the normal schedule of life. I can also use this as a time to become renewed for the year to come.

In addition to this, I can also re-remix this holiday season by combining both definitions – Having a religious festival in celebration of my day of re-creation. It is because of Jesus Christ that I have been born again (II Corinthians 5:17, below). I can thank God that one day He saw fit to enter my life, grant me salvation, and fill me with His Spirit. This is what this holiday is about to me – praising God for the new life I have in Christ. I pray we all re-remix what this holiday season should really mean - celebrating our re-creation in Jesus Christ.

God, thank You for this last year. It has been amazing. So many testimonies, so many provisions, so many good things. Thank You for every family member, friend, enemy, and stranger. Thank You for their place in my life. Thank You as well for the bad news, disappointments, and struggles. At times, they have been difficult, but I thank You for those too. They happened for a reason. God, help us celebrate You this holiday season. Please allow us to remember the reason for the season. It’s not a festival for our families, it’s not a day of religious play-time - but it is a holy day. Please let this holiday be re-remixed into a celebration dedicated to the new life we have in Jesus Christ. Thank You.

On the 1's and 2's,

j.a.g.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (New Living Translation)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

On This Moment

After the election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next president of the United States of America, I was in shock. My faith calls me to pray for those in leadership (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and this election was a moment that required reflection and expression. So I woke the next morning, prayed, and wrote the following words. I submitted them to the local newspaper and they were printed later as a guest column.

- - - - -

African-American laureate, Langston Hughes, once penned, “What happens to a dream deferred?” For nearly two generations, those who believe in social equality and civil rights have repeated this refrain. They have been referring to the vision they heard from the lips of the martyred dreamer Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. over forty years ago. True, America has taken important steps since, but it has also seen it’s prisons accept more black men than it’s colleges, allowed (and defended) unequal pay for women, and witnessed the world lose respect for it’s way of life. Throughout this journey, the question has lingered for many, “What happened to the dream?” In the last two years, we have experienced an answer to their quandary. With the candidacy and now the victory of Barack Obama as President-elect of the United States of America, a dream long deferred has been revived.

In this, "our moment", details of Obama's policies and promises are secondary. True, his victory is sobered by many relevant issues that he must address; energy independence, economic accountability, national/international security. But for many, those issues are sat aside for this brief moment. Ultimately, time and history will determine the final verdict of his presidency. For now, we all should reflect on what it took to get here; the marches, sit-ins, struggles, and quiet protests in classrooms and boardrooms that have created this opportunity for our nation. To every American who has sought this dream, this presidency is partly yours. All those Americans who have confronted their own prejudices in the hopes that one day the content of one’s character would outweigh the color of their skin. All those Americans who have succeeded against the invisible and visible barriers of discrimination. All those Americans who have raised their children with the simple faith that ‘anything is possible’. This election is your dream fulfilled.

Rev. King’s eyes would undoubtedly be filling with tears if he were with us. His sacrifice is a little more redemptive now. Along with King, all Americans who work for freedom and equality share in this remarkable triumph. This campaign will be remembered and revered. The keepers of history will honor the day when people from the cascades of Oregon to the plains of Iowa to the shores of Virginia flooded the ballot box for a dream. Americans are swelling with pride in their country and themselves as they realize they are witnessing, and making, history. Simply put, a dream deferred does not die, run, nor rot. When it is fueled by faith and action, it can happen. And when it happens, how beautiful it is.



- - - - -

Lord, let us pray that this moment produces change in attitudes and relations. Let us find in ourselves the courage to instigate change in our communities and families. Let this administration be the sounding bell for all those who desire equality, service, and unity. We rest in the assurance that you have chosen this moment and will empower us to reach our potential as people. In Jesus' name, Amen.





Praising,



j.a.g.






1 Timothy 2:1-2

1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

On Big Words

Incredibly, indelibly, large language
Complicates things.
Inevitably, inherently, small thoughts
Hide behind vast verbiage.

Every now and then,
In between the syllables,
Ever pause and think:
Why, the big words?




When I want to say something simple, my education or intellect (or perhaps some pride) searches for a way to over-say it. To dig into the depths of the dictionary for an obscure dialectical discovery. However, the beauty of language is not in how big your words can be, but in how you can communicate what you feel. Some of the smallest words have the strongest meaning… "If", "Yes", "No", "Ow", "I", "You", "God". Yet, we spend our time trying to convince ourselves and others of the amount of big words we know. The point for me? If it is not necessary, don't use it. I have to learn to let my yea be yea, my nay be nay, and nothing else (Matthew 5:37 below). Colorful language is fine for literature, fine for poetry, and even fine for certain conversations (ever try explaining the periodic table in under 200 impossible terms?). However, big words should never substitute for the wisdom in keeping it simple.

As we grow in faith, don't forget the little words. Never get too big for the words that communicate how you feel. The words that cried for salvation, "God, I need you". The words that confirmed your marriage, "I do." The words that show your gratitude, "Thank you". The words that move you from affection to action, "I love you". The words that acknowledge your imperfections, "I'm sorry". These are the words that mean the most to God, they should mean the most to us.



Lord, I pray we don’t lose sight of you in the middle of our learning. I pray our words don’t get so big that our hearts can't understand them. I pray our children are not won over by our eloquence, but by our simple honesty. May we remember the beauty in the small sayings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.



Listening,



j.a.g.






Proverbs 29:12-14
12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
14A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?


Matthew 5:37
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Throwback: On Lessons From Sonny

August 5, 2008, I was driving from the Dollar General, when I saw a man who looked homeless walking. He was wearing shoddy clothes and a long sandy/salty beard. He walked toward the store as I drove off and in my spirit, the tug-of-war began (Matthew 25:34-40 below).

A little personal spiritual context – I had recently been dealing with communicating with strangers about God. I felt like I was a Christian, but needed to express myself to others openly. Being a Christian is more than just being a nice person, it is about stepping up and standing out for Christ. Faith is ACTIVE - faith travels.

SO, I drove to the end of the parking lot, looked in the rearview mirror, and….. put the car in park. I could not drive away. As I looked at the man, I couldn’t leave. It was like a magnet was preventing me from pulling away. I must have sat there five minutes, talking to God and trying to come up with a reason NOT to turn around, when I came to the realization that I was going to do this. This was my moment of truth – it wasn’t a matter of being uncomfortable, I just had to turn around and (gulp) do it. Then, a funny thing happened. I looked in the mirror again and the man was walking toward me! He was walking directly toward where I was parked. So, I quickly reversed into a parking spot in order to get out of the car. As soon as he was walking past the car, I got out and said hello…

To my surprise, he smiled and said “Hello, how are you?” This began my conversation with my unexpected friend, Sonny. His first words after that were “No one does that anymore. No one stops, smiles, and just says hello anymore.” It was a refreshing statement that took me back a minute. Sonny continued, “We have a great Creator. He has given us all we have. It’s just a matter of us listening to Him and hearing what He tells us. Most people don’t do that. Most people let the words come in their ears, but it gets stuck there. The people who get it, get it in their hearts.” Wow, I thought to myself. Lord, what am I supposed to say to this man?

As Sonny spoke, his smile was honest and his sincerity was unarming. We stood and talked for twenty minutes about many things, but mainly about him. He talked of his love for animals (deer, raccoons, and even skunks!), his meeting with the Dalai Lama (he touched Sonny in a Bloomington gas station on Sonny’s 50th birthday), and the documentary that was done by an anthropology student on his life (it won a prize here in town and a sequel is being filmed). Near the end of our conversation, I realized that God had sent me to this place to learn some valuable lessons...

1) Sonny had come to witness to me, not I to Him. He had shown me the goodness of God and His presence in all places and all people. 2) He showed that because someone looks unkempt does not mean that they automatically need something from me. Maybe I need something from them. 3) Finally, being a Christian doesn’t mean I always have the ‘solution’ for everything. It simply means I have access to a God who does.






God is in everyone and wants us to seek fellowship with His creation. He just needs us to be available to be used. He is simply waiting for us, as Sonny would say, to say “Yes.” That yes gives Him the opportunity to show us new things and new ways of knowing Him. That yes lets Him know we are available and submitted. It is my prayer that these lessons from Sonny empower all to say Yes again and again.




Learning,






-j.a.g.















Matthew 25:34-40 (New Living Translation)

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.

35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?

38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?

39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

On That Thing

It is that thing each person has, but few publicly acknowledge. It is what separates us from divinity. It is the burden of humanity - issues. Although it is impossible to know everyone’s thing (or issue), it is certainly possible to speak to their universality. Whatever your thing is, only you know it best. It is that thing you can’t shake. Even after much of the undesirable has been removed, that thing is there. No matter how many good thoughts, earnest prayers, or sound strategies you employ, it remains. The truth is, each of us has some-THING, some irritating imperfection that lingers in our spiritual and/or physical temple. Whatever it is, it is a deficiency that is nearly impossible to break. In the battle to overcome that thing, many question their sanity and others even question God. “God, Why can’t I get rid of this THING!”

However, whether you are dealing with a physical battle or a character flaw, there are reasons for it. In II Corinthians 12:7-10 (below), Paul discusses his own affliction and the reason for it. He discusses his “thorn in the flesh” (verse 7), that “thing” (verse 8) that he could not overcome even after asking God to remove it from him. Then, he discusses why God allows imperfection, illness, and inconveniences in our lives. – to humble us and to show God’s strength.

“Lest I should be exalted” in verse 7 explains that God allows issues in our lives in order for us to remain humble. People who have gifts and never hurt often find it harder to exercise humility. ‘If I’ve never hurt, why would I need the help of God or others? I’ll be ok. I can make it, I’m me.’ The truth is, that “thing” keeps you humble, understanding the frailty of man and the grace of God.

In addition to humbling us, that thing also comes to show us God’s strength. When we have issues, it leads us to the One who can fix them. God told Paul in verse 9, “…my strength is made perfect in weakness”. At no greater time can God exhibit His power than when we are weak. Just think –

Would you hire a plumber if you never had a leak?

Would you go to a doctor if you never got sick?

Would you need a mechanic if your car never failed?


The question to each is, rhetorically, NO. It is when you have an issue, when something occurs, that you find out the true value in the plumber, doctor, or mechanic. This is God’s explanation for that thing in your life. That issue has not come to destroy you or devastate you. It has come to show you that God is able to correct it. It is there to humble you and show you the strength of the God you serve.


Let us reach our hands to the heavens in humble adoration of a God who hears us and humbles us. He doesn’t forget to pick us up when that thing knocks us down. The only reason He lets us fall is so we can appreciate how strong His arms are when He lifts us up. I pray that we begin to “take pleasure” in the distresses, needs, and persecutions we face. It is only then, in the place of our thing (issue), that God’s glory can truly be shown. Then we will reach our peak of understanding Him. For then we will understand how great He truly is.




Trusting,


- j.a.g.

II Corinthians 12:7-10
7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

On Bold Prayers

At first glance, bold prayer can seem like a paradox. Boldness suggests pride, an arrogant inability to back down. Conversely, prayer reminds us of a submitted, humble nature. Yet, the two words speak of an assured faith in God. Removed from the brash, disrespectful, selfish connotations of boldness, there is a root of virtue in this word. Deep down at it’s core, boldness is born of an assurance that is neither good nor bad, simply true. Boldness is developed because of a sincere belief on foundational truths. In short, boldness comes from confidence. Prayer too, can be misunderstood. It is not a timid, distant dialogue with God. At it’s root, it is a naked, open conversation with God. The more honest, the better. Combined, bold prayers, are times of confident honesty.

We can learn from David in Psalm 143 of the Bible (listed below) about this principle. David, battered from his earthly existence, calls on God in a sincere and sure voice. This psalm exposes David’s heart, his boldness, and his example to us. He declares:


I need to be heard. Hear me (v. 7) - Can You make sure my prayers reach You and reach others? Can You promise they won’t come back unanswered? Can You at least agree to hear me when I call You?

I need to be directed. Cause me (v. 8) - Can You make sure I am headed in the right direction? Can You promise I won’t go the wrong way? Can You at least agree to lead if I let you?

I need to be rescued. Deliver me (v. 9) - Can You make sure I am delivered from my sins, my enemies, and myself? Can You promise to provide a way of escape? Can You at least agree to save my soul if You don’t save my body?

I need to be instructed. Teach me (v. 10) - Can You make sure I know what is necessary to serve You? Can You promise to give me teachers and lessons for my life? Can You at least agree to provide a textbook?

I need to be strengthened. Quicken me (v. 11) - Can you make sure I am strong enough to live for you? Can you promise to sustain me? Can you at least agree to be strong when I am weak?


While blunt and bare, David’s communication with God came from his relationship with Him. This is revealed in verse 12 - “...for I am your servant”. The reason he was able to approach God boldly was because he had already submitted his life and his spirit to God. His position, as a servant, gave him access to God and to honest and direct conversation. If you desire to approach God boldly, with candor and free of inhibition, submit to Him first. Bold prayer requires a servant’s heart.


I pray this changes how we pray. Our petitions to God should not be powerless pleas, but passionate professions of our faith in Him. I believe God cups His hand to His ear when humble hearts pray. Desire to pray with the heart of a servant. One who has a relationship that is built on confidence and truth. One who can pray BOLDLY.



Seeking,

- j.a.g.




Psalm 143
1Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
4Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
6I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
7Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
8Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
9Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
11Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

On Wasted Creativity

The most magnificent gift we have as human beings? The ability to create. From logic to language, from art to architecture, humanity’s sustaining asset is our ability to invent and imagine. Sadly, there has been a deficit of this resource in our current culture. Rigid education combined with inadequate reflection has diluted our creativity. Capitalism’s consistent call has made many create only for material wealth. I believe that creation is not for profit, but it is instinctive, it is the very nature of man.


Biblically, Genesis 2:18-22 (listed below) reveals this:

First, God MADE the earth, including the plants and animals (The sheer variety of plants/animals displays God’s appreciation of creativity). Gen. 2:19

Next, God CREATED man in HIS own image (So if God created us and we are like Him, WE should create). Gen. 1:26-27

Finally, Adam’s first task as a man? - naming all the cattle, beasts, and fowl (Adam was given the freedom of CREATING names for EACH animal). Gen. 2:20


This passage displays the inherent nature of man – to create. Even more perceptively, we see in verse 19 that God brought the creatures to Adam “to see what he would call them”. Wow. God glories in our creativity. Picture God thinking, “I wonder what they will come up with next?, I wonder what they will design?, I wonder what they will discover?” How amazing.


This message is a rallying cry to the inner man/woman. Revive your creativity. Take steps backward into your childhood when you could paint fairy tales in your mind. When the world was not as cynical or concrete. I beckon you brothers and sisters to invent and imagine. If you are an engineer or a sculptor, a janitor or a lyricist, a mother or an athlete, create. Challenge the limitations, push beyond the norms, press into the unknown – God is waiting on you.


Many thanks to the life artists whose creativity has inspired my introspection. To all of the thinkers, non-conformists, and idealists, thank you. Continue to allow your creations to breathe creativity into the world. You make the world great by giving life to life.

Many blessings.


- j.a.g.


Gen. 2:18-22
18And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
19And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
20And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
21And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.