YGT: The B-Side of Christmas

Today is Christmas and for many it’s a time of great rejoicing. Our society celebrates because it’s a time of family and egg nog, cookies and music, taxable giving and end of year profits. In the church, we rejoice because this is the season our savior was born! However, there is another side of the Christmas story.

Back in the 80's-90's, people played entire records or single songs on cassette tapes (it felt sad saying that). On one side you have a popular song, the one that’s on the radio, the one everyone knows and can sing along with. On the B-side you have a song that’s a little less known and a little less popular. It doesn’t get the airplay at first, but there are plenty of B-side songs that have been redeemable ("I WIll Survive" by Gloria Gaynor and "All the Single Ladies" by Beyonce are two notable examples).


The triumphant narrative of Christmas is the A side, but the massacre at Bethlehem in Matthew 2 is the B side. After Jesus was born, Herod tried to kill him. The verses below tell us that Herod sent out the wise men to locate Jesus and after they didn’t return, Herod decided to kill every boy under the age of two in Bethlehem. Parents are screaming, blood is in the streets as toddlers are being killed. While Jesus is being heralded, children are dying.



In our country today, there is a B-side to all the celebrating and gift-opening. For a community in Conneticut, there has been a massacre. For citizens of major cities like Chicago*, there have been years of massacres. There is drear instead of cheer.  This may be the first Christmas...

• without a loved one
• without a job
• without a home
• since a divorce
• since a separation
• since a diagnosis
• since the sentencing
• since the deployment

These losses are what make this the time of year where suicide and depression rates surge.  The charge to us as believers is to remember those who are struggling during this holiday season.  To reach out, make a call, send a card or email to let someone know you are concerned.  As we rejoice, let's remember to be present with those facing the B-side of Christmas.

Lord, thank You for the witness of scripture.  Thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation.  For unto us has been born a Savior.  While we cheer Christ's birth, let us consider our brothers and sisters who are on the other side this Christmas.  Those who are sick, imprisoned, in war, or at funerals.  We're grateful for the reminder of the massacre at Bethlehem.  Please comfort the families of all who face this season with loss.  We have hope because of You.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Turning the tape,

j.a.g.

*Click link to see the murder statistics for the city of Chicago.  The city approaches 500 murders as the year ends.  In spite of the national media coverage,  gun restrictions have been a major issue in this country long before now.

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Matthew 2:11-16

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

YGT: Between Two Flowers

We are in the middle of two intense moments.  Last Sunday, we lost Granny, my wife's grandmother who was 86 years old.  She was was a faithful woman who loved her church and her family. She had a limited education yet encouraged her children to succeed in school. She was courageous enough to move north from Alabama as a young woman. She was the eldest daughter, the matriarch of her family, and a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years.  Granny began as a budding stem and ended as a sturdy oak.


On one side of our story is the loss of our dear Granny, the rose of her family. On the other side, we are mere hours away from welcoming our daughter Jaelle into this world. A new seed will be born into our family tomorrow. As much as we received from Granny, we wish for Jaelle. She is our hope of a rose to come...


So between grieving and rejoicing, we sit in this moment.  It is the place in between mourning and dancing (Psalm 30:11 below).  Now we wait for another flower; a future seed waiting to be welcomed and blossom. Granny, please shine on her as a guardian and friend. Please help her flourish and stand courageously. We trust that she will rise beautifully because of Your great legacy.

Lord, thank You for the gift of Granny and Jaelle. We believe that in a way, you have given us a person in our family to replace another. We are grateful that there is residue from Granny's flowerbed that will be revealed in both of our daughters. We look forward to a day where we stand among all the flowers that have passed before us and before You, our great Gardener. In Christ's name, Amen.


Digging,

j.a.g.

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Psalm 30:11You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

YGT: Dancing with My Eyes Closed

*I dedicate this post to my sister Jessica. 

 We spent many nights dancing in the kitchen. 

Those are some of my happiest memories.

A part of the allure of writing is the ability to document sadness.  

Sometimes though, you just need to be happy.  

This past weekend, I had a euphoric reminder of the joy that life can bring.  Ashley and I listened to some R&B and I just danced...  For no reason at all...  If you're like me, sometimes when you're dancing and the music feels good, you close your eyes.  If you've ever been there, you know this is the height of joyfulness.  

I imagine this was David's experience too in II Samuel 6:14-15 - Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

It's not hard to imagine David dancing with all of his might and with his eyes closed.  If God has ever done anything for you, you have a reason to rejoice.  Life's too short to be sad all the time.  Why not take some time to dance?!?!!!

Lord, thank You for making us a people who can dance and dance with others.  Help us to shout as well as we sulk.  Please remind us to leave our concerns at Your feet and rejoice in the victory we have in You.  Thank You for it all.  In Christ's name, Amen.

-j.a.g.

YGT: Sales Papers (John's Job)

This week will be one of the most important days of the year, a day when people will shout and cheer, run and rejoice, even debate and fight.  It's a day that has lived long in our country as a sign of our values and success.  Yes, you guessed it, it's Black Friday.  (God bless you if you were thinking Thanksgiving.)

Black Friday is the shopping climax of the year.  It's the day stores open in the middle of the night to welcome shoppers who can't wait to purchase gifts for Christmas   If you're unaware that Black Friday is coming, there's a surefire way to know.  Each year, this day is brought in by the arrival of sales papers in your mailbox.  Every day you will receive new papers with announcements on sales, discounts, and specials that all start on Friday.  They come for things you want but don't need or things you want but don't want to go into debt over.  The avalanche of sales papers can be informative but also overwhelming.

In the church, we are preparing for the season of Advent, or the time the church focuses on the coming birth of Christ.  Luke 3 tells us that Jesus Christ also had a sales paper (or maybe pauper).  His name was John.  John was to Jesus what Black Friday ads are for lego-dreaming children, purse-ogling women, and tech-obsessed men.  John was getting the people ready for the special of their lives.

Like a sales paper, his message was loud and clear (I imagine it in BOLD, BLUE FONT):  I know you want this and can't afford it.  But there is a day coming when you can have it.   There's going to be a deal that you can't resist and that you have to take.  Someone else has paid the price for you.  Don't worry, it's no money down.  Bad credit, good credit, no credit?  No problem, it's 100% off.  That's right, FREE.  Don't miss this special.  This is something that will change your life forever...

Whoever you are reading this, I pray there is an urgency in your spirit to trust in Jesus Christ.  If you know him already, I pray your faith increases in this season of advent.  If you desire to know him, I pray you connect with a sales person (Christian) who can share the gospel of Jesus Christ with you.  The day is coming when the sale will be over.  While we still have the chance, let us grab hold of the hope John so desperately promoted.  

-j.a.g.

Lord, thank You for Jesus.  And thank You for John.  Amen.

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Luke 3:2a-6

2 ...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 

3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:


“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
5 Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’”

YGT: Triple-A for the Broken

The Revised Common Lectionary Old Testament text for this past Sunday was Job 23. It described Job’s honest feelings with God after he’d lost his livelihood, his family has died, and his friends had turned on him. Job was brutally honest with God, sharing his frustrations and pain. When Job was at his lowest point, when he was completely broken in spirit, he expressed three things:



1.   Anger... “Today also my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning." (v.2)

Job told God that he was bitter and confessed that he was complaining.  He didn't act as if he felt ok with how God was treating him.  He was open enough to say he was angry.


2.   Abandonment... “If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him." (v.8-9)

Job continued that everywhere he turned, it felt like God wasn't there.  God, who claims to be omnipresent*, is nowhere to be found.  Job doesn't sugarcoat this reality, but acknowledges it openly - God, I don't sense You anywhere.

3.   Assurance..."But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold." (v.10)

Job assured himself that God was still in control and that he would be better because of his testing.  Wow, Job found assurance in God even during his brokenness.  Job doesn't ignore his emotions, but he doesn't let them overrule his belief in God.  

If this is your story today and you find yourself broken, learn from Job.  We don't have to be politically correct with God.  That wasn't Job's pattern and it shouldn't be ours.  God is big enough to handle how we feel.  God can handle the truth.  

We should also learn to find our place of assurance, to remember that after this test we will come out as pure gold.   Admittedly, this is the tough part.  There's no easy way to do this.  But we must hold onto a seed of faith (a mustard seed even) that reminds us that God is somehow still in control of it all.  As we travel this earthly journey, God can handle and heal our brokenness.

Lord, we trust You, but that doesn't mean we always understand You.  Sometimes, we don't know what to trust.  You say You love us, but You allow us to hurt, to cry, to die.  How can this be?  Our anger is kindled when we see innocent people suffer and crooked people prosper.  Where are you in this?  I don't know, but I believe You're around.  You're somewhere and everywhere; watching, welcoming, witnessing, and waiting for us.  Please help our faith, please help our unbelief, please assure the broken.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Contrite,

j.a.g.

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*Romans 8:38-39 is an interesting passage to read alongside these verses

Jaelle

"Most blessed of women be Jael..."

Judges 5:25a

Our second daughter will be born two months from today. Her name will be Jaelle (pronounced Ja-el) and it was taken from the woman Jael in the Bible (Judges 4 & 5). In Hebrew, the name is “Yael” (there's no "J" sound in Hebrew), but we’ve made the name more convenient for English spellers and speakers.

We liked Jael for many reasons. First, and honestly, we liked how the name sounded. Secondly, we liked her. Jael was a courageous and heroic woman who killed a captain to save the Israelites. Her story is filled with intrigue and deception, but that doesn’t diminish it’s strength. This woman was “blessed” for her actions according to Judges 5. I’m reminded how God used an adulterer and murderer in David, a doubter and critic in Sarah, a curser and hothead in Peter. Many of the people we hold dear are clouded with imperfection and yet God has chosen them to bring Him glory.

As we were confirming the name for our daughter, it was very important for us to know what her name meant. When we looked online, we found some interesting definitions.  According to:

• thinkbabynames.com it means “mountain goat” 
• babycenter.com it means “to ascend” 
• allnamesmeaning.com it means “prominent” 

After being confused by the web (yeah, it's not always the best source), I tried to consider the name in its original Hebrew. The word ‘Yah’ in Hebrew is a name for God. It is an abbreviation of Yahweh (or Jehovah). The word ‘El’ in Hebrew is another name for God. This is a shortening of Elohim. El is also seen in many other names (Danielle – God is my judge, Michael – who is like God?). The combination of the words Yah-el (or Yael… or Jael…  or Jaelle) can be seen two ways:


a. God God (a repetition of God’s name)
b. Great God - In Hebrew, when you want to emphasize the greatness of something, you add a ‘Yah’ to it (like Hallelu-yah – great praise).



From our prayers, it's obvious to us that Jaelle will be someone great - we can see God’s name is all over her. That comforts us and makes us so, so anxious to meet her.

Yeremy,

j.a.g.

Darling Jaelle, we cannot wait to meet you.  God has charged us with stewarding another of His children.  We're so grateful to have been chosen to be your parents.  Please know that whatever happens in life - whatever people call you or whatever you're tempted to call yourself, God calls you His own.  Don't ever live under your namesake.  You are a living testimony of God's greatness.  I long to hold you... Until that day... and beyond... journey faithfully.  

In Christ's name, Amen.

YGT: The Blackness that Whiteness Created

I don't usually write about my assignments in school, but this semester, I'm taking Theology of the Black Church with Dr. J. Kameron Carter. The class has brought up very powerful insights into the ways Christianity promotes whiteness*. The term "whiteness" has to do with white social power along with it's place as the unquestioned standard for all other people. It's important to say that whiteness doesn't simply refer to white people. It refers to a power structure, an invisible hierarchy that imagines itself as the ideal. All white people wouldn't be in this structure (though white people should immediately attempt to remove themselves either). Conversely, all black people wouldn't be excluded from this structure either (continue reading).


One of the comments that came out of class a couple weeks ago is "the blackness that whiteness creates". This is the idea that whiteness has created a desire and need to define what blackness is. (Don't get lost here -  this is important) I hadn't made that connection before, but I was intrigued to think about the ways in which those who are black define themselves by/against those who are white. Sometimes people can do this in ways that actually ignore their realities. For example, black people can become more focused on "not being white" than in finding out what "being black" really means.


Trying to think about this theologically...

According to James Cone's Black Theology and Black Power, Jesus’ Jewishness is essential in understanding God’s connection with the oppressed. The context of Jesus’ suffering is central - he was a Jew, a minority within the Roman state.  Jesus’ Jewishness was a social marker of oppression because of the Caesar of Rome. Said plainly, there is no struggle without an oppressor.  In Jesus’ culture, Jewishness was defined by and against ”Romanness”. 

This “Roman-ness” mirrors “whiteness” in intriguing ways; In John 19, when Pilate is sentencing Jesus and the Jewish crowd says “we have no king but Caesar”, the Jews are performing the theological problem of whiteness. In a sense, this minority group is saying, “we will not acknowledge that there is an alternate understanding of king, because that doesn't fit into the social world that has been created for us.” This is the Jewishness that Roman-ness creates. It creates a blackness that is in the best interest of whiteness rather than the best interest of the oppressed. Similarly, whiteness (like misogynistic theologies) denies that there is another understanding of God outside of the one that it has proliferated.  The kind of blackness that can only name a king that has been given to it is a dangerous blackness.  Blackness unvetted is nearly as toxic as whiteness unacknowledged.




Lord, we pray that we love our neighbor as ourselves.  Please help us through the hard work of study and examination.  Not just the examination of books, but the examination of our hearts.  Forgive us for times we are implicated in social oppression.  Thank You for freedom and the life of Jesus Christ.  In His perfect name, Amen.

Created,

j.a.g.








*There are countless books/resources that examine whiteness, including works by Richard Delgado, Mike Hill, and others. The word can also find early mention in W.E.B. Dubois' "The Souls of White Folks" chapter in his book Darkwater, where he notes the world's people discovering "personal whiteness".

YGT: The Perfect Church

Today, at Mt. Level Baptist Church's Youth Church, I gave a sermonette about the perfect church.  Below are excerpts from the message...

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Imagine this…
You get to church and a greeter meets you in the parking lot to park your car
You ride on a segway to the church’s door
When you get there, there’s a DJ in the church lobby,
You’re carried to your seat like royalty,
When you’re seated, the ushers come and take your order –
And you place your 20 oz. non-alcoholic beverage in the cup holder in your chair.
The offering is raised by Carolina Panthers cheerleaders,
The Roots do praise and worship,
The choir stand is full of the contestants from Sunday’s Best,
The sermon is powerful, short, and uses pyrotechnics,
Altar call is done through FaceTime,
Kevin Hart comes in afterward to promote his upcoming DVD,
The person you’re crushing on passes you their number during benediction,
And when you leave, everyone gets a pony.


From our perspective, this seems like the perfect church, but not to God. Why don’t we have cotton candy in worship? Why isn’t there a kiss cam in the sanctuary? And where’s my pony?

…..

What should we be doing here? - Let’s look at Acts 2.  The scripture for today gives us a glimpse into what we should expect to see in the church today:


· Teaching
· Fellowshipping
· Eating
· Praying
· Performing signs
· Distributing possessions
· Being glad
· Being sincere
· Praising God
· Adding believers



The church gets a lot of these right... But I believe there’s at least one area we're still coming up short.  In verse 45, we see that everyone who had need was given to. What we can miss is that in order for someone to know what your need is, you have to tell them (or they have to know your situation.)  For this to happen, you have to be honest. In verse 46, we see they broke bread together with sincere hearts.


One of the biggest things preventing us from being a more perfect church is we can’t talk real in church. We can’t be truthful. To be honest, church can be one of the fakest places in the world to be.


In the perfect church I could share my needs and my lack. The perfect church is a place where we can be perfectly honest.  It should be -


A place where the poor can sit on the first pew,

where the lost are found.

Where the spirit of God is present

and God is praised.
Where there is fellowship, prayer,

and sound teaching.
Where people are saved, healed,

open and honest.


There might not be any ponies (unicorns or Pegasus either), but that would be perfect.

Some of the teens said they'd want a unicorn or Pegasus when they left church.
You know what they say, give em a pony...

YGT: How does it feel to be Ordained?

I was ordained at Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana two weeks ago. Sidenote/apology: Between preparing for the ordination, spending time in Indiana, and beginning my final year at DDS, I haven't been able to post in over three weeks.  I'm sorry and will do better.


Since the ordination, I've been asked the same question over and over - How does it feel?  In essence, people are asking - Has there been any noticeable change?  *For those into the theological aspects of ordination, this is a major question - Is there an ontological change during ordination?  In other words, does it literally change who you are?

My response has been the same - no, I don't really feel much different.  There is definitely relief (it was an anxious process) and expectation (ordination is done for anticipated service). Admittedly, there is also something indescribably powerful that happens in the laying on of hands (can't name it, but it happens - Acts 8:18, I Timothy 1:6) .  But none of these feel extremely different than before.  This was better said in another post by a Jesuit priest - "If you're not a priest the day before ordination, you won't be one the day after."


All that said, I received the best follow up to this question yesterday from my friend, Duane Cole, who made me aware of another reality. He said that usually after you take a major step in your faith, the enemy attacks you.  This is similar to Jesus being tempted by Satan after His baptism.  After God publicly approved of Jesus ("thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased" - Luke 3:22), the Spirit sent Him to be tempted.  Jesus overcame the enemy's attempts and was ministered to by angels (Mark 1:9-12).

I love Jesus.  He shows us that being set aside for service doesn't make you more special, it makes you more of an opponent.  In a way, once we take a step for God, we make ourselves a bigger target for the enemy.  All those who submit and follow God are asking for a confrontation with the enemy.  You can't have a superhero without a super-villain.    If we're faithful to our calling and indeed our ordination, we should expect to feel targeted, to feel destitute, and to witness God's provision.  

Lord, thank You for the blessing and curse of ministry; the blessing to love Your creation and the curse to be enlisted for battle.  Remind us of the priesthood of all believers, of our universal call to serve.  Please separate us as You desire for faithful obedience.  In your separation, please sanctify and empower.  We need You.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Expecting,

j.a.g.

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Acts 8:18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money


I Timothy 1:6-76 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

Luke 3:22
and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-13

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 

11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son,whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 

13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

YGT: Thirsty Prayer

You're everywhere. In the morning dew. In the air I breathe. In the shower. In the toothbrush. In the coffee. You're inescapable. The lunchtime downpour reminds me of your omnipresence. The hurricane warning reminds me of your omnipotence.

You come in many forms, but specifically three - in gas, liquid, and solid. You encompass the whole earth as a gas, most of the earth as a liquid, and two poles as a solid. Even most of my body is made up of you. I can tell when I sweat and especially when I cry.

Water, you live in me and enliven me. You are vast and yet you can be consumed through a straw. I take you in constantly and let you out involuntarily. You comfort in the heat and whet the brow of the exhausted. You give life. You take life.  

When I'm thirsty, you satisfy.

God, you're everywhere. In the morning dew. In the air I breathe. In the shower, the toothbrush, and the coffee. You're omnipresent, ominpotent, and omniscient. You're everywhere, all-powerful, and all-knowing.

You're triune - you exist in three forms, but one. As Father, as Son, and as Spirit - as God. I know I'm made up of your God-stuff.  I reflect your capacity to work and your willingness to feel pain.

God, you live in me and have given me life. You're so big and yet so accessible I can feel you now. When I'm not trying you're still here. I receive you and release you, often without knowing. You've been a comforter and deliverer. You give and take away.  

I am thirsty...

Blessed be Your name.  

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Genesis 1:2 - And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Psalm 24:2 - For he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

YGT: Bottom 5 Posts of 2012 (so far)

This year, I started out on a journey to chronicle great thoughts that were the source of great sermons.  That led to a weekly post with the thought for that week.  Here's the bottom five posts* for the first half of the year from January 1 to June 1:

1. The First Earth Day (and Night)
2. Wading In
3. Summer Reading Club
4. Glowing in the Dark
5. Jesus to His Followers - Be Co0l

Check them out if you'd like.  Here's the Top 5 posts!

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to document my random thoughts.  I love that You love me and call me Your own.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Blessings,

j.a.g.

*by numbers of times they've been viewed

YGT: The Moment's Moment

Beyond the visceral, beyond the visible, beyond the veil

Behind the veneer, behind the valance, the moment waits.

The time is near.

It is brooding, pulsing, breathing heavily,

Anticipating it’s grand entrance.

It enters the stage to little fanfare.

This is the moment’s moment.



It’s voice quivers, then strengthens,

Bolstered by preparation and hope.

Once an afterthought, an unknown, a nobody,

The moment now invites attention.



Judgmental judges judge and critical critics critique,

But the moment doesn’t care.

Despite it’s worthy display, it doesn’t grandstand,

After the final bow, there is no encore.



The moment exits behind the curtain,

Beyond the visceral, beyond the visible, beyond the veil...

Hoping someone has taken notice of it’s presence.



-j.a.g.

Lord, we thank You for every moment and every opportunity.  Please give us wisdom to sense when the moment has arrived.  You are great, You are God... In Christ's precious name, Amen.

YGT: Top 5 Posts of 2012 (so far)

This year, I started out on a journey to chronicle great thoughts that were the source of great sermons.  That led to a weekly post with the thought for that week.  Here's the top five posts* that currently DON'T appear in popular posts on the right of the page.  These posts were taken from January 1 - June 1: 

1. Thank You, Dr. Watson
2. What's more Disgusting than a Wet Willy?
3. The Chronicles of Naptime
4. The Problem with Romney's Taxes
5. Christianity > USA

Check them out if you'd like.  Here's the Bottom 5!

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to document my random thoughts.  I love that You love me and call me Your own.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Blessings,

j.a.g.

*by numbers of times they've been viewed

YGT: Permanently Pressing (The Good Life)

How do we get the good life?  

Well, that depends on your idea of "good". We often believe that a good life is one where we're "happy" - where we don't have to worry about anything. However, if we define our lives by God's standards, the good life is not an easy life. You see, God's definition of good is quite different. 

Paul gives us a hint of this when he said "this one thing will I do" in Philippians 3:13-14.  He said he will PRESS. One of the definitions of press in Greek is to pursue in a hostile manner.  That means to work, scratch, crawl, kick, bleed, and sweat your way to your destination.  

Many of us can relate to what it means to press.  Everyday our lives seem like we are in a battle as we try to live for God.  It is my belief that the pressing we do each day is good to God.  Paul said it better when he said at the end of his life he wants to be able to say "he fought the good fight of faith."  Or in other words, that he pressed.  

Our social expectations and childhood fantasies have painted a picture of the good life that was never given by God.  I like to imagine that God is looking down, watching us press each day, and longing to say "Well done, my good and faithful servant".  When God says you've lived a good life, that's when you know you've attained it.  Until then, this one thing will I do...

Lord, please help us to be strong and continue living for you.  Help us press.  Please be with us when we would like to give up on the journey.  We desire to know You, but it is hard.  We desire to live for You, but it is painful.  We want to hear well done and to hear you call our lives good.  In Christ's name and for His sake, Amen.

In hostile pursuit,

j.a.g.

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Philippians 3:13-14Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

II Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight of faith, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.

YGT: Give God a Break

Yesterday, I was driving home and began to get anxious as I approached our place. Jocelyn is home and it was her bedtime. Bedtime normally isn't a huge problem but last night Kadia (who Jocelyn adores) was over and Jocelyn always cries when she leaves. And once she starts crying at bedtime, its hard to get her to stop. The crying will usually continue throughout her bath, brushing her teeth, and putting on pajamas. As turned the final corner and parked the car, I could already see the scenario vividly in my mind. Lord, I breathed, please don't let this be a rough night... Can I please have a break tonight?...


I went inside and the craziest thing happened - Jocelyn didn't cry. She wasn't happy to see Kadia leave of course, but she handled it really well. She laughed her way into the bathroom and asked me to play the song "Chasing After You" by William Murphy. We listened to the song at least 4 times as she sang and danced through brushing her teeth and putting on her pajamas. We laughed and laughed. When it was time to say her prayers (which can also be an interesting time of night - sometimes she's feeling up for it, sometimes not), Mommy came home. Jocey asked Mommy to pray with her and I was able to go sit on the couch and rest.


Wow, what a great night, I thought.




For one night, I got a break from being the father of a child who can be needy, moody, and irritable. Instead, I was able to witness my child make me smile and laugh. If you can, try reading this post again and substitute yourself for the child and God for the father. I imagine it'll be no different. Like a three year old at bedtime, we can be pretty whiny. Let's allow God to rejoice in us laughing heartily, dancing mightily, and singing freely (yes, even trying to hit those notes you'd never sing in public, lol). Give God a break!



Lord, sorry I cry and complain so much.  I know you understand and I know you'll be there because You love me, but I'm still sorry.  Thank You for everything!


Nothing,
j.a.g.







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Genesis 2:2
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

YGT: My Summer Internship (Like Writing in the Sand)

This summer I have been serving as a chaplain intern at a youth development center in North Carolina. In our summer experience, we write reflection papers on our experience. Below is an excerpt...


One of the ways we (former intern Jeremy Simmons and I) tried to bring hope was starting a gospel choir. We meet, talk, and sing songs that focus on Christ and forgiveness. Before one of our rehearsals this summer, my friend and fellow intern, Justin read Romans 8:1 (there is therefore now no condemnation...)the boys spontaneously began asking questions about the Bible, church, and God. They had questions about Christians serving in the military, abortion, using God’s name in vain, and unforgivable sin. We spent nearly our entire rehearsal time just talking about the Bible and their own thoughts. It was one of the most amazing moments I’ve seen in ministry.

This taught me a valuable lesson...

Besides prayer, our chief asset as chaplains is probably flexibility. My outline is not for God to fit into, but my goal is to try to fit into His outline. It’s become akin to writing in the sand by the shore; as long as the tide doesn’t come, the writing is discernible. But when the tide rushes in, be ready to change your plans.

As it's been said, if you ever want to hear God laugh... tell Him your plans.  I'm grateful to find out what ways God will continue to teach me and change my plans during my internship.

Lord, please give us the flexibility to roll with the punches...and the tides.  In Christ's name, Amen.

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Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

YGT: Jesus, the Alpha Male

Picture this: 

You're at work. 

A grown man walks through the hallway preaching. 

He comes up to you and says "Follow me". 

What do you do?

Its hard to imagine quitting your job because some prophet walked by, but this is precisely what happened in Matthew 4.  Christ's first disciples were summoned by two words.  When compared to our opening scenario, this sounds completely implausible.  What was it about Jesus' personality that allowed Him to convince these men to follow Him?  Did He threaten them?  Did He bribe them?  Did He share His resume?  No, Jesus had confidence because He was the Son of God. 


This gives us a glimpse into Christ's leadership style . Like an alpha male, he led a pack of followers. Yet, He had a servant's heart. He didn't lead by fighting or using flowery words.  No, He simply walked in His anointing, others saw it, and followed Him.  


What a lesson in leadership for us today!  We don't have to convince others that we are worth following.  We don't have to list our achievements and qualifications.  We need to know ourselves in a way that places value in who sent us rather than in who follows us.  Through Christ, we see that being a strong leader is less about one's intimidation and more about one's self-awareness and confidence in God.  




Lord, please let us lead others as You have led us.  Thank You for the example of Jesus.  He could have came and summoned us with a sword, but He did it with His love.  Please teach us that the only qualification we have comes from You.  You are our great God, our Lord, and our Redeemer.  Amen.




Howling,
j.a.g.

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Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peterand his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 

22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

YGT: The Frustrating Burdens of Artistry

Artists have a knack for taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary.  They can take a mountainside and make Mt. Rushmore.  They can take three chords and make the blues.  They can take discarded bottle caps and make this:

Steven Beatty and Laurel Kurtz collected thousands of bottle caps
to depict the impact of waste on the environment.

Oh, the joy of being an artist.  It allows you the freedom to create...  But being an artist is also hard, burdensome work.  It should be said that most artists are attempting to capture a glimmer of a glimpse of an idea that darted across their minds.  They nurture this spec of creation and often become enraptured, dedicated to the idea of the idea.  The artist becomes willing to sacrifice time and energy, simply to witness this chance of success.


Then they are confronted with the unforgiving reality of biology: artists are human - therefore, they live in bodies.  Bodies require food and water to survive (and accomplish things).  Food and water costs money.  Money (often) requires work.  Oh, and the art you want to create?  Those discarded caps?  Someone has to BUY bottles for you to make that.  Sheesh.  The sad truth is that the artist is saddled with finding resources.  For example, the bottle cap production above required the artists to solicit caps from friends, family, and even on Craigslist!  


Ok, so once the artist has the resources to create what they think they thought they saw, they are faced with another frustrating burden: exposure.  Now, the artist must present their work to the public.  Like emerging from a dark room into the sunlight, they must now experience the blinding rays of critique.  They must watch others make judgments on the piece that they suffered so incredibly to make.  In an instant, what once was an intimate, personal moment is now a spectacle.  In a moment, your dream can be dismissed.


Artists travel this journey constantly.  I wonder what the great psalmists' motivations were when they penned their poetry.  How they struggled to access resources in war times.  How they now watch as some of their words are barely read (Psalm 45), while others are celebrated (Psalm 23).  To be an artist is a great calling filled with immeasurably high highs and inevitably low lows.  Thank you to those who sacrifice time and time again so the world may witness glimpses of the divine.


Lord, thank You for the blessing of creativity.  Please don't quiet our minds.  Please allow others to come alongside us and support our work.  Please give us the courage to chase our ideas even when we are poor or when we don't get the responses we desire.  Let us create as unto You.  In Christ's name, Amen.


Clay,
j.a.g.




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Psalm 45:1
My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

YGT: Singing in the Rain (A New Baby!)

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 

Matthew 5:45b

In life, there are moments of intense pain, loss, and tragedy; the car accidents that rob parents of children or the diseases that stubbornly evade a cure.  Then there are moments of great joy; walking across a stage at graduation or the birth of a child.

In my family's life, we have recently experienced great pains and great blessings.  We continue to hope for relief for our Granny's Alzheimer's.  Like many, there always seems to be more month than money.  At the same time we are also celebrating the news that we're having another baby soon... (wait, what?!) Yes, we're pregnant!!!!!

Of course, this is AMAZING news.  We're overjoyed and can't wait for the next addition to our family (who is due this December).  However, it's sobering to remember that many people don't have the opportunity to have children, have complicated pregnancies, or struggle to raise their children.  How can I be ungrateful about what happens in my life when I've been so blessed?  If I don't complain about the joys why do I complain about the pains?  (Many of my complaints could likely be classified as "first world problems" - thanks T.K.)

When disappointment rains down, rather than opening an umbrella of pity, why not just let it fall on us?  If it's gonna fall anyway, why not try singing in the rain?  I sing because relief is on the way.  I sing because rain is a sign that God is still on the throne.  I sing because new life is on the way!  

So, back to the title... when it rains, open your mouth and sing!!!  Need a song?  How about the classic "I Won't Complain".  Here's a version by John Legend...

Lord, please forgive us for complaining about what we go through when others suffer so much.  Thank you for the gift of a new life.  We're blessed to be stewards of Your glory.  Please reveal Yourself to us again.  Until we see Your face, we'll be singing while You reign... Amen.

Saying thank You Lord,

j.a.g.

YGT: Watch the Throne

Excerpt from a recent sermon:

1Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. 

2 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

3 In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. 

...When Josiah was born, his grandfather, Manassah, reigned as king of Judah. Manassah was evil and then turned his life around and followed God. Manassah reigned fifty-five years and was buried in his palace. (check out II Chronicles 33)

When Josiah was six, his father, Amon, reigned as king of Judah. Amon did what was "evil in the sight of the Lord". He never repented. Amon was killed in his palace by his own servants after reigning for two years.

Josiah was made the king of Jerusalem at eight years old. I imagine he had to decide what kind of king he wanted to be. Would he be like his grandfather or his father?  Josiah chose to follow the example of his grandfather and follow after David.  I believe this is because Josiah remembered how his grandfather ruled and how Manassah had turned his life around.  This had a profound effect on Josiah.

If we want revival in our youth, that revival must start in us!  Our children are watching the throne to see who is ruling in our lives.

...How powerful would it be if we told our children: I'm going back to school.  Or we're going to pray together every night before we go to sleep.  Or (hold onto your seat) I’m going to stop using the N-word?  (Whoa!)  ... Our children are burgeoning royalty.  They're looking to the throne to decide what kind of rulers they want to be.  What kind of legacy are we leaving them?...

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.(Ephesians 1:18-23 NIV)

Squinting,

j.a.g.