The Good Shepherd

“From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people.” (Matthew 2:5-6 MSG)

In biblical times, sheep herding was such a common job that no one had to explain the symbolism of comparing Jesus to a good shepherd. Most of us have never met a shepherd or been near a flock of sheep. We have seen images of Jesus walking around with a lamb in his arms. Yet, we rarely think about the full implications behind this pastoral metaphor.

A shepherd guides his sheep to good pastureland and water sources. He feeds and cares for his flock. He protects them from danger. He shears their wool when necessary. He delivers new lambs. He trains them. He goes after the wandering sheep and guides them back into the fold.

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus is our guide, provider, and protector. Everything we have is from Him. He knows what we really need. Not everything we want is beneficial. He nudges us back on track when we have strayed. He pulls us back when we are about to fall off a cliff. He delivers us from evil. He trains us through discipline. He grooms us for his purposes. He strips us of our superficial, egotistical fluff. Since we become attached to what we have amassed--our possessions, our identities, our accomplishments--this shearing is often uncomfortable. All we have to do is listen and follow.

Good Shepherd, we are depending on You to guide us, provide for us, and protects us. Shear us of our iniquities and use us according to Your purposes.

False Masters

“You must not have any other god but me.” (Exodus 20:3 NLT)

I had a conversation with my cousin, Philip, recently. We spoke for a few hours about his personal faith journey. The following is my account of his story:

Somewhere in the last few decades, I had lost my faith in God. I felt like an intellectual person couldn’t really believe in these things. I stopped praying. I went to church sporadically. I also got in the habit of having a drink every night. I rarely got drunk. However, I enjoyed drinking and entertaining guests at my house. Over the years, I collected a pretty impressive array of liquors from around the world. My friends were assured of a good time when they came over.

Then, over the last few months, several events happened that changed my perspective. First, my 14-year-old daughter started praying intensely for me. She would often pray over me while I was asleep. She asked me to pray with her frequently.  I humored her a few times. Then she challenged me to stop drinking for a week. I wanted to show her I was not addicted, so I stopped having my evening drink. I have to confess it was really difficult for me. Over the next few months, I attended a few faith-based conferences. I went to visit my sick mom and spent several weeks with her. I didn’t drink while I was with her. I also spent more time in prayer during those months. I felt convicted to stop drinking alcohol, but I continued to serve alcohol to my guests. Then one day, I felt that God was asking me... ‘Do you love me more than alcohol?’  I felt the urge to completely get rid of all the alcohol in my home, but I was reluctant. Some of those bottles had not even been opened. I had been saving a few of them  for over twelve years, waiting for a special occasion. My total collection was worth about $3500. I thought about giving the alcohol away to my friends. But that would be equivalent to getting the poison out of my house and distributing it to others so, I just kept procrastinating. Finally I couldn’t wait any longer. I lined up all 47 bottles that I had in my house and dumped them all down the kitchen sink.

Many of my friends feel like I have been brainwashed. They don’t think I’m fun to be around anymore. Several feel like I am being judgmental and prudish. I haven’t asked anyone else to quit drinking. I just decided not to drink or to serve alcohol in my home. The alcohol was just one of many obstacles blocking my way. I know God is still working on me. I still have a long way to go.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6 NLT)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbPh13yhmN8

Giving Thanks

“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.” (John 6:11 NLT)

What do you do when resources are scarce? Perhaps you lack time, energy, money, supportive friends, a functional family, encouragement, purposeful work, faith, peace, health, security, or stability. It is natural to feel whiny-- even if you don’t express your complaints out loud.

When faced with the daunting task of feeding a crowd with a few loaves of bread, Jesus gave thanks. He was confident that the Father would provide whatever was necessary. His gratitude and faith led to contentment for all who were present.

Don’t worry about all the things that are in short supply. Give thanks to God. Trust Him to work through every insufficiency. Then you will experience contentment beyond all your expectations.

The Root Cause of Delusion

“They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can’t think straight anymore.” (Ephesians 4:18-19 MSG)

Delusions stem from deceptive thoughts. Human nature compels us to do whatever we want--to pursue self-gratification and ego validation. We imagine that this will bring us happiness and fulfillment. These false beliefs are exposed and shattered by enlightenment. Thus, we prefer to operate in dimness--by not thinking too deeply about the way we live and the choices we make.

Eventually we realize that we cannot find satisfaction by our own efforts. This often leads to disenchantment and denial. If we cannot find fulfillment and meaning, then they must not exist. Life must be futile. Our hearts become clogged up by vanity and despondency. Our minds become inflexible and unyielding to the grace that surrounds us. Our souls become calloused--unable to sense God.

The root cause of delusion is alienation from God. Treating the symptoms can bring temporary relief. Distractions, busyness, ambitions, relationships, new goals, medications, coping mechanisms, etc. may help for a while. However, delusion can only be cured by the Spirit of Truth. May God enlighten our thoughts, soften our hearts, and make us receptive to His Grace.  May He regenerate His character and mind within us.

God's Instruments

“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name...” (Acts 9:15 ESV)

Most major rock bands have guitar technicians who maintain and set up the guitars. These techs are in charge of changing strings, tuning, repairing, and making adjustments on the guitars, pedals, and amplifiers for the band. They do sound checks before each concert and hand the appropriate guitars to the musicians during the songs. The guitar techs must have some musical skills themselves in order to do their jobs. They have to be familiar with the band’s music and be available to tour with the band.

Imagine that you are a guitar technician who is employed by the Greatest Musician. You have been assigned to take care of one signature guitar. But what if you never took the instrument out of the case, or if you let your friends play with it as they pleased? Our spirit, the essence of who we are, is like a signature instrument that belongs to God--the greatest Musician. The physical body is like a guitar tech assigned to care for this precious guitar. Do not keep your spirit locked up in its case. Bring it out, clean it, tune it, and make changes and adjustments when necessary. Place it on the rack where it is ready and available for the Musician at all times. Allow God to bend your spirit, to use you as an instrument for his purposes, to express Himself through you.

Holding It All Together

“Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.”  (Colossians 1:16-18 MSG)

I have a friend who builds houses. He is involved in every aspect of the construction of his homes. He lives in one of the homes he built. He planned everything out so that the home would fit his purposes. He has lived in this home a long time. When something needs to be repaired, he gets out his toolbox and fixes it. He has remodeled parts of the house as his family’s needs have changed. He is the designer, builder, owner, occupier, and maintainer of this home.

God designed, created, and formed us for His purpose. But sometimes we allow other tenants to use the home that God built for Himself. Some are squatters that sneak in without permission. Others are renters from whom we receive some minor payback. They are not invested in us, thus, they don’t care what happens to us or those around us. These occupants need to be thrown out, or else they will damage our lives through neglect and abuse. Christ has the power to evict these interlopers. God wants to live in us and maintain us. But we need to let Him, and only Him, dwell within us. When things fall apart, He has the knowledge and ability to put us back together. He will care for us, uphold us, and sustain us.

Lord, you built us from the foundation up to the rafters. We shall depend on you to dwell within us and maintain us.

Propelled by Discomfort

“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.” (Isaiah 26:3-4 MSG)

Even though we expect a certain amount of adversity in life, we never seem prepared for it. We try to bar the door against suffering, but we can’t. Afflictions can make us miserable, but they can also teach us some valuable lessons.

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”

― M. Scott Peck

Discomfort can propel us to make changes. Adversity can break down our delusions and prompt us to seek truth.  However, Discontentment does not always lead to growth. Suffering does not always make us stronger individuals. We have all witnessed adults who spiral into an abyss of bad choices and worldly distractions when faced with a crisis. We have also seen others who manage to become better individuals because of how they react to difficult circumstances. It all depends on which way they turn in the midst of disappointments. We can either try to figure things out on our own, or we can turn to God in trust and faith. Depend on God to keep you steady and on the right path. Listen to His voice. Those who approach challenges head-on with perseverance and faith are made stronger. Those who keep their minds focused on God are made completely whole.

The Unwelcome Guest

“And now my life drains out, as suffering seizes and grips me hard.” (Job 30:16 MSG)

Suffering is an unwelcome house guest. She barges into your life unannounced.  She sucks up all your energy and leaves a mess everywhere. She encroaches into every room and spreads her stuff all over your furniture. She uses your personal things without permission. She stays too long and expects you to attend to her whims. You wish you could ask her to leave, but once she moves in, she seems to be in control.

How do you deal with a horrific house guest that you cannot get rid of? You try to minimize her power over your life. Don’t give her a set of keys. Set boundaries. Do not let her spread her misery into every area of your life. Don’t rearrange your life to accommodate her demands. Even though it is upsetting, confront her when necessary.

When it becomes difficult to handle Suffering on your own, it is best to let your Roommate deal with her. If you live with God, you can let Him take over. God can manage things that you can’t manage on your own.

“In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33 MSG)

Show Love

“This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9 MSG)

Mike and Sandy have been married for 41 years. For the last several years, they have been dealing with Sandy’s cancer treatment. Mike sends regular email updates to all their family and friends, and he wrote the following in one of these emails: “Don't just say you love someone, show them you do.”

How can we show love?  We remain faithful, we forgive, we persevere. We continue to love, honor, and cherish--even after the illusions have faded. We express this love unconditionally, unselfishly, and regularly. And we don’t expect anything in return. This does not come naturally to humans. What we call love is often sentimental and self-centered. So we have been shown great love by example.

God loves us zealously, even though we are undeserving.  He loves us sacrificially--without boundaries, without conditions, without expectations. He expresses how He feels toward us on a daily basis, even though we often take it for granted.  Yet, because of the sacrificial love that God has shown us, because of His Spirit within us, we have been given the ability to manifest great love.  

Unique Gifts

“If you faint in a crisis, you are weak.” (Proverbs 24:10 GWT)

My husband works as a physician in the Emergency Department. Every day he helps people who are in the midst of crises and chaos. There is nothing routine about his job--he works rotating shifts, sees patients of every kind, and deals with a wide range of physical, mental, and social illnesses. He is intelligent, compassionate, and diligent in his work. Yet, what makes him especially suited for this job is his personality--he can stay unruffled and level-headed in the middle of crises. He imparts this calm to all those around him--the patients and their families, as well as his co-workers.

Placidity in the midst of chaos is a rare gift.  This ability to remain unflappable and think clearly is something which many of us lack. I am amazed that my husband was led into this career that matches his unique gifts.

God, in His deep wisdom and extravagant grace, places us in situations that bring out His best in us.  He plants gifts in us and brings them to fruition. He brought us into existence and holds us together. His purposes and plans are enigmatic. He directs the trajectory of our lives in astonishing ways.

Second Naivete

“The wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God” (1 Corinthians 2:7 NLT)

Paul Ricoeur was one of the most notable philosophers of the 20th century. And, like with most great philosophers, his thought process is a bit inaccessible for most of us. I have been trying to read and understand his writings lately. The following few paragraphs are my attempt to explain one of Ricouer’s ideas--the intriguing concept of second naivete.

Ricouer describes basic religion as first naivete. Everything is taken literally. This stage is full of doctrines, dogma, rules, and taboos. Motivation is fueled by fear of punishment and a desire for protection.

Many individuals discover that religion is unsatisfactory--especially when faced with life’s inevitable paradoxes. This compels us to distance ourselves from our early beliefs. We question everything we have been taught--approaching our faith rationally and critically. Some of us never make it out of this desert of unknowing and give up on spirituality completely.

According to Ricoeur, the desert experience is a necessary intermediate step before reaching the next stage--second naivete. This is a fresh way to approach faith after we have shed our primitive religious preconceptions. The term naivete here implies a simple authenticity, an unaffectedly, direct approach--NOT a lack of information or judgment.  It sees the value of symbolism and metaphor. It looks at things critically--picking out what is relevant, while disregarding the trivial. This level of faith requires openness, vulnerability,  and humility. It is a gift. It is a wisdom that leads us into the deep mystery of God.

Obedient Idiot

“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20 NLT)

Joseph doesn’t get much recognition for his role in the life of Jesus. He is engaged to Mary when she gets pregnant--and Joseph knows it isn’t his baby. Like any guy in this situation, I’m sure he is humiliated, heartbroken, and angry.  Understandably, he wants to break up and move on. Yet, he obeys the message that he receives in a dream. He takes the pregnant Mary as his wife. I wonder if he felt like an idiot. I’m sure others berated him for his stupidity and naivete.  

I often feel like an idiot--especially when I’m following directions that I think are from God. Spirit-conceived  ideas often make very little sense compared to humanly-constructed ideas. It is difficult to keep going when you look and feel stupid. I am frequently tempted to follow my own wisdom rather than look like a fool for Christ.

Now, there are many people who do stupid things in the name of God, but their intentions are merely to further their own agenda. They convince themselves that they are doing what they are doing because of their dedication to God. Distinguishing between Truth and half-truths requires spiritual wisdom and discipline. Or else, we may end up “obediently” going in the wrong direction.

By His Power

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT)

The ultimate purpose of all humanity is relationship--to know God, to be known by Him, and to make Him known. God has given us the power to imitate Him. He has given us the opportunity to approach Him, to access his power, and to accompany Him. As we operate within God’s authority and influence, we are able to channel and express God’s power through our prayers, our words, and our actions.

“This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.” (2 Corinthians 2:16-7 MSG)

The power of the Holy Spirit is within all those who trust God. This is a great responsibility that must be wielded with reverence and discipline. The things that concern us, the words we speak, and the way we live must reflect God’s Spirit within us. We must be careful not to contaminate or dilute the expressions of God.

Lord, as you channel Your power through us, enable us to live a godly life--to know You, to be known by You, and to make You known.

Seasonal Snares

“Lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:4 NIV)

Once again, I’m doing something that I should not be doing. For the fourth time in the last two weeks, I’ve stopped to get myself a pumpkin spice latte. The first one of the season was wonderfully delicious. Each subsequent drink brought diminished satisfaction. Yet, I keep going back. I tell myself: It’s a seasonal treat. I have to get it while I can.  I read that it takes 75 minutes of exercise to burn off the calories of a pumpkin latte. I know I’m going to regret this later! But I continually succumb to the temptation, even though I know better.

Every season comes with its own set of temptations. The things that appeal to us in our teens are often different from the things that ensnare us in our forties. We should just drive by these traps, giving them a wide berth. Instead, we drive through, dally, and indulge in things we know are harmful.

God does not lead us into temptation. We swing by all on our own. However, we can ask God to keep us safe from ourselves. We can ask Him to make us aware of our internal proclivities and to help us be more proactive in steering clear of these seasonal snares.

Experiential Faith

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:19 NLT)

Why are some people able to sense the Divine while others cannot? I am not saying that all claims to supernatural experiences are valid, but I do believe that some individuals are more spiritually attuned than others.

We cannot arrive at faith by careful analysis of facts and logic. Many of us try to use rational thinking to figure out a God that is beyond understanding. This does not work. Unless we experience God’s intimate presence and love, our faith will remain flimsy. Yet, I know that God desires to be known. Thus, He makes Himself accessible.

There is a place for intellect in a life of faith. Reasoning is needed to sort and understand what we experience. However, experiential faith must precede intellectual faith. Otherwise rationality can become more of a barrier than an opening. We can only experience the breadth and depth of God when we are open and receptive. Experience and reason blended together leads us to a faith that is made complete with all the fulness of life and power that comes from God.

Instincts vs. Intuition

“They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. (Jude:19 NLT)

We often mistakenly fuse our natural instincts with intuition.  Instincts are innate urges common to each species. These inclinations are often impulsive and involuntary.  Intuition is the ability to recognize truth, not by logic or reasoning, but by insights into the unconscious. Instincts are found in even less evolved animals, while intuition is a function of a higher conscious state.

“Impulsiveness needs to be trained into intuition through discipline.” (Oswald Chambers)

As adolescent brains mature, one of the last things to develop is impulse control. As we grow and evolve, base instincts can be trained and honed until we pierce through the barriers between sensory perception and higher consciousness. This is where the Spirit dwells within us. We no longer have to operate from the lower level of animalistic instincts. We now have access to a higher power, where God’s Spirit enlightens and illuminates, allowing us to understand and recognize truth.

Praying in the Spirit

“The Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.” (Romans 8:27 NLT)

Most of us pray with our heads. We form our ideas into requests or recall words that we have memorized. Even when our prayers are sincere and heartfelt, they often come from our human perspectives.  Praying in the Spirit is quite different. This phenomenon is very difficult to explain in words.

“We don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” (Romans 8:26 NLT)

Our role is to cooperate and allow the Spirit to move in. In order to make room for the Spirit, our ideas have to vacate the premises. Under the influence of the Spirit, our prayers become less self-centered and more God-centered.  As we continually make ourselves available, receptive, and yielding--the Spirit takes over and prays through us in harmony with God’s will.

Adventures with God

“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.” (Romans 8:15-16 MSG)

Fear and insecurity prevent me from living fully according to God’s purpose. I sense that God wants to unbind me from my fears. Yet, He needs my cooperation in the matter.

For the last year, I have been trying to do something uncomfortable once a week. I notice that the things that trigger anxiety in me have a few things in common:

-unfamiliar tasks that make me feel incompetent

-appearing overbearing or inconsiderate

-possibility of long-term injury or loss

I have also learned that it is healthy to fear things outside of God’s will. I heed the warning from the book of Proverbs:

“We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.”  (Proverbs 19:21 MSG)

These days, I wait for God’s confirmation before I push through feelings of discomfort. As soon I start brainstorming options and plans on my own, I check myself. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts, words, and actions. Once I sense that what I am about to do is within God’s will, I proceed. I expectantly look forward to my next adventure with Him.

DIY Life

“So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!” (Romans 8:12-14 MSG)

There is no shortage of internet videos showing us how to do things on our own. I am a fan of DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. Any time I learn to do something useful on my own, without hiring a professional, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. This penchant for independence and self-reliance extends beyond household projects. I also like to live on my own terms. Thus, I’m reluctant to commit to anything that limits my autonomy. I don’t want to be a puppet.  I think I can be good and do good under my own power. I crave the sense of validation that comes from being my own person.

This new life that God is calling me to requires me to bury my old self. But I’d rather hang on to my DIY  life. If only I could let go of my self-limiting behaviors and submit to living on God’s terms instead of  on my own. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go.

What Controls You?

“Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God.” (Romans 8:6-7 MSG)

Self-control has its limitations. It is easily influenced by circumstances. Many of us who are able to resist temptations to eat unhealthy foods will succumb if we are really hungry. Yet mastery of the self is considered one of the ultimate virtues. We depend on self-discipline, self-reliance, and self-focus to achieve self-fulfillment. When we are focused on how to make our lives better, happier, and more fulfilling--our journey ultimately leads to a dead end. This is a sad truth that most of us cannot accept.

As long as our attention is focused on ourselves, we are unable to focus on God. We are either controlled by Self or by God.  Our thoughts, our joy, and our contentment can be influenced by God instead of being manipulated by our reactions to circumstances. Once we extricate ourselves from our self obsessions, we are free to allow God’s Spirit to take over our minds and lead us into a spacious peace that is beyond our earthly circumstances.

Distracted by Pain

“I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. 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 3:20-23 MSG)

It is difficult to focus on prayer when you are suffering. When you are sucked down into the sinkhole of sorrow, when you are drowning in the bitterness of pain--all you can do is throw your hands up in despair. Yet even this simple gesture of surrender is prayer. Prayer does not need to be elaborate, specific, or wordy. Anything that gets us to rest trustingly in God’s presence is prayer.

Are you in a phase of life where your pain is bearable? If so, pray for those who are in too much pain to pray for themselves right now. Lift them up and press them into God’s arms.

Lord, have compassion on those who are distracted by pain. Shield them from bitterness. Infuse them with Your strength and peace. Cradle them in Your arms as You comfort and console them. Help them rest trustingly in Your presence.