Unpredictability

If Christmas teaches us anything about the character of God it is that He is unpredictable. At church on Sunda, we started a new series entitled Rhythm. You can download the podcast off the church's website: http://crosspoint.tv . There are many things to think about as Christmas approaches, but one that is often overlooked: God's shear unpredictability and willingness to do literally everything He can to reach us.

While talking about the typical symbol of the season, my pastor explained the Nativity Scene as follows:

"Nativity" should be a reminder that Christmas is thick with unexpected, transcendent hope. The Nativity scene should be a reminder that Christmas is God telling His people, "You can't predict me! I'll show up at anytime, anywhere, in the midst of the most unlikely circumstances and through the most unlikely people."

To read Pete's blog, click HERE .

He also included a quote from Frederick Buechner, who said:

"Those who believe in God can never in a way be sure of Him again. Once they have seen him in a stable, they can never be sure where he will appear or to what lengths he will go or to what ludicrous depths of self-humiliation he will descend in his wild pursuit of man... And, this means that we are not safe, that there is no place where we can hide from God, no place where we are safe from his power to break into and recreate the human heart because it is where he seems most helpless that he is most strong and just where we least expect Him that he comes most fully."

There were so many things I wanted to say in conclusion, but Beuchner's quote covers it all. We have a God who loves us to stoop to the ludicrous depths of humanity to reach us. This Christmas, find a way to encounter Him. He found quite the way to encounter you.

Exhaustion

"Be exhausted for God, but remember your supply comes from Him."
Oswald Chambers

I saw this quote on a friend's Facebook page the other day. Let's think it through for a second.

Exhaustion.

We all know it - too close of a friend for some of us. Late nights, long days, working more hours than we ever agreed to when we took that job.

Exhaustion.

The reason relationships fail, friendships fall apart, and we continually, each and every morning, dread the alarm. But exhaustion... for God? Colossians 3:23 states to "do everything as if working for the Lord." Do it all for His glory. Not for the promotion, not for the money, but for the glory of the Lord.

Be exhausted- doing His work,

Be exhausted - expanding His kingdom.
Be exhausted... for Him.

It is, afterall, about Him, right? Then go ahead, be exhausted- for Him. Whether it's in your marriage, at your job, or in your church. Put your whole self into it.

BUT REMEMBER: your supply comes from Him.

Isn't this the part we too often forget? We pour ourselves out (whether in work, ministry, family, or school) and never let ourselves get poured into. Regardless of how much of God's work you do, you will eventually run empty. Your exhaustion will overtake your passion. It'll overtake your will to work. It'll dry up your well of joy.

Your supply comes from Him.

So rest in Him. Be exhausted in Him. Let Him fill you up, pour you out, and refill you again. Maybe then your days will have more purpose, and your nights will be more restful. And you might even find yourself looking forward to tomorrow morning.


-xT

Taking Thanks?

Today I spent 8 hours boxing pies, cakes and casseroles for the upcoming holiday. Sadly, all these efforts were not in attempt to feed the hungry, serve a shelter, or give hope to families who have so little to be thankful for. No, I was at work, on the more affluent side of town, boxing up hundreds of orders for our guests. As they pulled up one by one in their Escalades and BMWs, came in with their designer bags and sunglasses, and mindlessly swiped one of their several credit cards, I began to wonder if this was what it was really all about. I caught myself commenting on it to some co-workers, getting rather fired up about "this" being the problem and how sick it made me (luckily this was when I was up back, nowhere near the customers...). I looked at all the food: mainly pies, cakes, and specialty desserts, you know... the things you "treat" yourself to when you're already stuffed. None of it necessary; all of it complimentary. For today's orders alone, I could only imagine just how many thousands of dollars that was about to be spent on the most counterproductive activity on a holiday such as Thanksgiving- overindulgence. While we sit around our tables, eating more than our fair share, we too easily pass off the day's suffering to the Detroit Lions and their fans as they lose yet another Thanksgiving game. We joke how terrible it must be to never win, and how they truly have nothing to be thankful for. Then we go back to the kichen for round 2.

Joking aside, the importance of family and spending time together should never be taken lightly. Those who have family (whether it be 2 or 32 members) should celebrate all they have together. What I discovered today, however, was that I have strong feelings on the matter- and I really struggled to hide them. When did our holidays become about elaborate tablescapes, overpriced casseroles, and decorative cakes? I struggle to accept that a day dedicated to "giving thanks" has anything to do with any of those things. Now, I know not everyone has the same convictions, nor does every person claim to live "like Christ", but this has little to do with religion or beliefs. The last time I checked, or maybe it was just how I was raised but, to "give thanks" was to show appreciation for what you had, and showing appreciation typically included a form of sharing, or giving. True gratitude is passing it along, or what some call "paying it forward." If that's the case, then, on a day dedicated to giving thanks, shouldn't there be an overabundance of such giving?

Another thing I've learned, religion and faith aside, is that its not about me. Hold on, let me retype that for those of you who's eyes blurred at the sight of that statement: It's not about me. Or you. Take a second. Think on that. I know it goes against every message you hear in the media, in our culture, and from society in general.

You deserve a day off.
You need a break.
Seriously, take some time to yourself, and celebrate.

Don't get me wrong- there is nothing inherently bad about relaxing, taking time off, or catching a break. But during our celebrations, how better could we use our money? Or use our time? With Thanksgiving being a time of celebration of all that we've been given, shouldn't we then also give? It is wrong when the focus on ourselves engrosses our every thought to the point we no longer see what is around us.

Hunger.
Hopelessness.
Fear.
Doubt.

Couldn't we better celebrate being thankful? Isn't there something we have that we could share? Now I know these thoughts (maybe moreso rants...) started today due to the massive selling of $35 cakes that would cost less than $5 to make on your own (trust me, I did it myself...), but these convictions are in no way new nor limited to the gross indulgence of the general population during a holiday that is supposed to be of gratitude.

So I guess, this Thanksgiving, I wonder if we could spend a little less on ourselves, and practice giving thanks by actually giving.

Ignoring His Presence

"We may ignore, but we can't evade the presence of God.
The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito."
- C.S.Lewis

When we look to find God in the world, how often do we search for the big moments, the pillar of smoke, or burning bush? While God does still manifest in that way, we too often forget that He is constantly on the move around us, we are just too blinded to notice. We spend our every day waiting for a miracle or a revolutionary experience to take us by surprise, when, in all reality, He is on every street corner, passerby, and stressed out moment. We cannot escape His presence.

The question, then, is what is blinding us from Him? If our world is crowded with God- why can't we see more of Him? Is it unintentional? Just "busyness" or stressfilled schedules forcing us to practically beg and plead for Him to push through and show us a miracle? Why do we constantly demand Him to shout at us when the Creator of the Universe prefers a whisper?

Have you considered the possibility that this "blindness" to God's presence is not only tragic, but purposeful? If we are not intentionally choosing to be in His presence daily, then, we must face the truth that we are intentionally choosing to not seek out His presence. It's easy to excuse it, that we just can't find Him anywhere. But are we even looking?

He might not be easy to find; I haven't seen many burning bushes grabbing my attention lately. But I do know one thing for sure- He is here, constantly moving, always speaking.

Have you seen Him lately?

The Patterns of This World...

Sometimes I wonder if turning Scripture into "memory verses" ruins our ability to truly grasp the meaning. The classic example would be John 3:16. I can hear my childhood voice spitting it out as quickly as possible, like it were a competition to see who could ramble the fastest. I wonder why we do this to the most important verses- I find we become immune to the power that lay within each one.

So here I am, spending my Sunday evening the best way possible. I already slept in (used Nyquil last night due to a ghastly cold), grocery shopped (spent a lot less than planned!), and watched my share of football (well, there really is no limit to the amount of football that I can watch, but the Patriots aired here in Nashville and that was just perfect! Plus- they won!). I'm drinking my green tea and eating Back To Nature peanut butter cookies (just 'cause they're organic doesn't make them any less fattening...) and am trying to be as focused as possible. I popped onto Facebook and an old friend, Jake, suggested I dedicate my blog to him. "Write how much you miss a short kid in NH with tattoos and a white truck..." Jake. I miss you. :) My roommate also mentioned that I could write about the dynamics here in our apartment. Words cannot even describe...

Anyway. Church tonight gave me a lot to think about. The entire service was powerful, with spontaneous baptisms and wonderful worship, but there is no way I could write about everything. This is just one of the points made (and a mere 5 seconds of the service... ).

A single moment captured me tonight during church, at Crosspoint. While talking about our previous week of pledging for our Hope Centers and new campus opening, one of our pastors made the comment "I am so blown away by stepping out in faith that has taken place here. You continually prove your home is elsewhere, and exemplify Romans 12:2..." I paused for a second. Wait, 12:2? That's "Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in Christ Jesus..." See, there I go again. Darn memory verses. (I am not taking away from the importance of the knowledge of scripture. I am merely pointing out how easy it is to forget what it really does mean...).

The patterns of this world... to hoard, to get. To be comfortable. That's the goal, isn't it? I quickly pulled out my Journal to jot down the verse. Next to it I wrote "Avoiding Comfort". What a thought! Romans 12:2- a verse I have always connected with things like sexuality, drugs, and alcohol. You know, the "good Christian life." But money? Stuff? Comfort? THOSE are the patterns of the world. Hallelujah for new takes on memory verses!

So I guess some of my (and maybe your) favorite memorized verses need a second look. I fear we are limiting the power intended in each and every word.

-xT-

Conflict: God's Ideal Plan

I spent last night at a book tour event... not the typical activity done on a Friday night by a 22 year old in Nashville... but I wasn't the only one. More on that later.

It was called "An Evening with Donald Miller"- author of Blue Like Jazz. This tour was covering his newest release A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. I haven't read the book (just started BLJ for that matter) but I knew it would be quite the experience. I wanted to share some of the thoughts he presented as best I can remember, along with my own additions and thoughts. If you read anything groundbreaking, I doubt it is from my own mind. Possibly just in my own words.
****

Think of a good story... whether it be a book or a movie. Anything that makes headlines (whether its your favorite genre or not) has a few things in common. Of course they have a protagonist, antagonist, supporting cast, etc. But all good stories share something else- conflict. In movies, the most critical point of conflict is the "Act 3 Climax"- when all things build to a certain point, and push the protagonist to the edge (and you to the edge of your seat) and all things finally come together (the couple falls back in love, the army wins the war, the kidnapped child is found). War movies, romantic comedies and even cartoons have this included. A good storyline is not without conflict. The conflict makes the story great. And we wouldn't have it any other way, would we? We see ourselves in movies, relate to the characters, and connect emotionally with them (whether it be an "I wish", an "awww" moment, or an inspirational "fight for what you believe in"). But without the conflict it's just... meaningless.

Its the same in our own lives. Conflict is the only way a character in a story can change. Don't we want to change? Don't we want our story to be great? Why, then, do we avoid conflict with all our might? Why do we cling to the "woe is me" attitude the second our boat gets rocked? Conflict is painful, yes, but it is the very thing that adds beauty and inspiration to our story for those that are watching. It is the way we change.

For some reason, the church (and our entire culture for that matter) has taught us to avoid conflict, and that if faced with it, we must be doing something wrong. Where did this idea come from? Who in the world came up with the idea that Jesus would rid our lives of conflict? For some strange reason, we have been taught to believe that accepting Jesus is our Act 3 Climax. That it is the most pivotal turn in our lives, and that we forever will be comfortable because of it. The truth, however, is much different.

Look through the Bible. The most dominant command is "Do not fear." Conflict is evident. Think of what accepting Jesus did to certain people's lives: How about Paul? Before Jesus, Paul, originally known as Saul, was an extremely powerful man, killing any who disagreed with his choices. Life was pretty good- I doubt he had much conflict, minus the type he caused for others. Enter: Jesus. Now, if it were like in the movies (and like too many church tell us), this would be the Act 3 Climax. Everything from here on out would be perfect. The credits would roll, and all watching would applaud. But, something different happened. He was blinded, imprisoned, and killed. And that's just the Reader's Digest Version of what happened. Serious, serious pain and suffering. So much for an Act 3 Climax. So much for life smoothing out.

So the question, then, is what do we do with this conflict? Without it, our human experience suffers. Especially relationally. How are we supposed to teach other if we have nothing teaching us? How are we to grow together if we are not growing ourselves?

Paul called himself a blessed man- blessed to be persecuted, tortured, imprisoned. Today's definition of blessed? Two incomes, 2.5 children, a brand new car and a smiley, accepting church family. This type of "blessed" robs your life of meaning and the ability to play a role in the beautiful story that God intended you to be a part of. Yes, I said it- God intended you to encounter conflict. He wants you to. To tell His story by embracing yours. How well are you telling your story? And how are you making it great?

****
What a way to spend a Friday night, huh? Thankfully, I wasn't surrounded by the stereotypical bookclub crowd (I honestly don't know what that would look like, because I definitely am not part of that stereotype...). I was surprisingly surrounded by every stereotype, people of every shape and size. :Sigh: Ohh, the body of Christ.


-C

Faith, Comfort Zones, and the Realization that its NOT about me

We just finished a series entitled "Faith, Hope, and Love" at my church. Some serious works took place, and God made a move on my heart. After taking a HUGE leap of faith, I emailed my pastor, Pete, about the decision. You can read my email, which Pete posted inside his blog, by clicking below

The Thrill of Trusting

I came home tonight (well, its 3:30 am, so... I guess I could say morning) to 30 comments on his blog post, and 13 re-tweets on the subject. I was quoted on Twitter accounts by people I don't know, and informally thanked by some that I may never meet. Over and over again I read "I needed this..." or "May I make the same decision..."

It's not about me, my money, or how painful of a decision it was. Even less than a week since making the decision I can see just how LITTLE it was about me. Sure, my faith will be built and tested over this time... but I can't even begin to know who else my decision will now affect. Thousands of people follow Pete on twitter... possibly thousands have read my simple email.

One of the lines in the email I wrote was quoted several times as "tweets" - Being “comfortable” is not the goal- the goal is to be at the center of God’s will.

Let me say that again to remind myself, and maybe you- the goal is to be at the center of God's will.


How humbling it is to be used by God. How thrilling it is to know He wants to use me.

-C

The Start of Something Good... Don't You Agree?

Hopefully not all of my blog posts will be titled with some catchy phrase from a song, but I thought it fitting to start it this way... and besides, there are plenty of song lyrics that day in and day out define my life... those were just a no-brainer.

I'm not sure why exactly I am doing this- I doubt there are but a handful of people who will thoroughly enjoy what I have to say, let alone read about what I have been doing. Regardless of who will read, I do know one thing for sure: God is requiring of me things I never thought I could hand over and is begging me to have faith that literally can, and will, move mountains. God is asking that He be God in my life... and I'm finally going to let Him.

So there it is- the most basic and uncreative first blog post of all time.
It can only get better from here...

-C