Real Names

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:3-4 NLT)

Celebrities often have stage names that are different from their original names. The actress, Emma Stone, was born Emily Stone. Her first stage name was Riley Stone. However, she never responded to it, so she changed it again--this time to Emma which was more similar to her given name. Those closest to her use yet another nickname which she prefers to keep private.

The world is like a stage.  When we are born, our parents give us a name. As we grow up, the surrounding culture brands us with an identity. Our soul remains stuck in these restrictive costumes which hide our true selves. We play roles that fit societal expectations, forgetting who we are.

The Savior opens the gate to each captive soul. How can we recognize His voice? He calls us by our true identity. This is an intimate name; we respond when we hear it. He knows who we were created to be.  He reminds us that we are part of His Spirit. The Lord walks ahead of us. We follow where He leads, because His voice resonates deep within our soul.

Rich Neighbor

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table.” (Luke 16:20-21 ESV)

Mexico is in the middle of a serious fuel shortage. Many gas stations are closed, and those that are still open have long lines. People can’t get to work or go shopping for food supplies. Desperate drivers are resorting to buying gas on the black market, compounding an already bad situation. Recently, a gas pipeline exploded north of Mexico City, killing and injuring many. In the middle of reading about this tragic news, I came across this headline:

“No guac for the Super Bowl? Fuel shortages in Mexico threaten avocado shipments to US.” (USA Today, January 19th, 2019)

Much like the rich man in Luke chapter 16, we in the U.S. feast sumptuously every day, while our poor, neighboring countries long to be fed from the crumbs that fall from our table. Concern about guacamole at a football game trumps the plight of fellow human beings. Our lack of empathy is shocking. As an American citizen, I can go to Mexico whenever I want and stay as long as I want. However, Mexican nationals do not have similar privileges. Families trying to escape destitution and violence are torn apart and kept in detention centers. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens go to Mexico to relax and enjoy themselves. We call ourselves a Christian nation, but ignore Christ’s teaching to love our neighbors. We close our ears to the cry of the poor, but expect God to answer when we call out for mercy.

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (Proverbs 14:31 NIV)

Rituals and Tradition

“For your meetings do more harm than good.” (1 Corinthians 11:17 NIV)

Cultural and religious traditions greatly influence what each of us regard(s) as sacred. Our daily rituals and beliefs--what we eat and drink, how we dress, what we do on holidays, the principles we live by, the values we pass on to our children, our political leanings--all are shaped by the environment we live in.

Rituals and traditions can be useful in our faith journey. Depending on our religious background, we may have different viewpoints on prayer, baptism, confirmation, confession, rosaries, medals, jewelry, head coverings, circumcision, birth control, celibacy, caffeine, alcohol, meat, fasting, etc. Our beliefs and practices can allow us to express reverence. However, legalism can make every act obligatory, sucking the intimacy out of it. A forced hug does not convey love. Gifts that are given out of a sense of duty are not expressions of generosity. Anything we do because we ‘should’ or because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings is of lesser value than what we do freely from the goodness of our heart. Thus, legalistic rituals and traditions can be harmful, turning spiritual experiences into restrictive practices and mundane chores.

Falling into Wholeness

“Falling into the hands of the living God is a terrifying thing.” (Hebrews 10:31 GWT)

If you walk along the shoreline, you notice shells that are broken and pebbles that are worn down smooth by the waves. Sand is made up of tiny grains of rocks, minerals, coral, and shells of sea creatures. Everything that is exposed to the energy of the waves and the wind is eventually ground into finer particles and resuspended into the ocean.

Minor daily irritations to major life stressors can cause us to crumble. Our ego and identity can be worn down by erosive forces. How and where we fall apart is significant. Near the shoreline, where God’s grace meets our individuality, is the ideal place to disintegrate. Fall apart in God’s arms.  Relinquish the need to hang on to your identity apart from Him. Allow the waves to carry you back into the Spirit, integrating you into Wholeness.

Cleansing Tide

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:2 NIV)

During our last vacation to a coastal resort, I ran on the the beach every morning. After my run, I thought of sitting down and watching the waves for a bit. However, the beach chairs were far away from the waves and covered in bird poop. I walked down to the edge of the water, took my shoes off, and let the waves wash over my feet.  This part of the beach was much cleaner since everything was being constantly cleansed by the tide.

God’s grace cleanses us steadily like ocean waves on a beach. The farther away we stand, the more we are covered in sin.  The closer we get, the more forgiveness we experience. We must come to the edge, leaving behind spiritual dryness, willing to be soaked in God’s love. Let us take off our shoes and walk in holiness, allowing God to wash away our iniquities and cleanse us from our sins.

Soldier Down

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’” (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)

Desmond Doss was a combat medic during World War II. Because of his religious beliefs, he refused to carry any weapons or kill anyone. At first, this made him unpopular with his fellow soldiers. However, Doss earned a Medal of Honor for aiding 75 wounded soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa. In the midst of heavy fire, he ministered to each of them, and carried them one by one to safety.

As Christ followers, we shall all face the Enemy at some time. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is our commander. Many are called to be soldiers on the front lines of battle, but a few are called to be medics who minister to those who are wounded. When a soldier is down, the Lord asks: Who will go for us? Who will be an agent of My compassion and care? Who will minister to those who are hurting? Who will lift them up and carry them back to Me?

“Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)

Cultivating Genuine Relationships

“Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them.” (Romans 12:9 NLT)

Rock Band is a video game that allows players to simulate performing popular songs. The game comes with controllers modeled after musical instruments: a lead guitar, a bass guitar, and a drum set. Players spend hours playing fake musical instruments to get to higher levels. I have often wondered...would they not get more satisfaction if they spent half that time practicing on a real instrument?  

Why do we humans settle for pretend relationships? Is it easier? Is it all we know? Do we think there is nothing better? Would it not be better to have a few authentic relationships than a hundred fake interactions? Instead of keeping up this delusion, what if we spent half that time and energy in cultivating genuine relationships? Would that not be much more meaningful and gratifying?

Fake Relatives

“The poor are shunned by all their relatives.” (Proverbs 19:7 NIV)

In Japan, you can rent family members for a price. Actors will play the roles of relatives for a certain number of hours. When I first heard of this practice, I was shocked. Why would anyone pay for a fake family?

I come from a culture that puts great stock in extended family relationships. Weddings and funerals are packed with hundreds of relatives. These gatherings engender an illusion of belonging and connection. At first glance, it looks like one big supportive community, but behind the scenes, there is gossip, backbiting, criticism, lying, envy, competition, struggling for power, manipulation, and drama. Belonging is rationed out to those who are willing to be used. Acceptance is conditional to conformity. Those who have nothing to offer are shunned. Only those who are willing to pay can play this farce.

Fake relatives are similar to fake friends--they show up in your life when it is convenient or beneficial for them. Money is not the only currency in these relational transactions--power, influence, entertainment, status, admiration, assistance, and usefulness are also valued. Oftentimes, people just want an audience for their drama. They need someone to validate their delusions. Those who have difficulty maintaining true relationships often settle for fake ones. Thus, they are willing to pay for fake friends and family.

Growing Prayer

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” (1 John 5:14)

Lord, I have spent years praying for a comfortable life for me and my loved ones. I was taught to value self-reliance, prosperity, and success--so I sought Your help to meet these societal expectations. Deep down, I know that Your values are not the same as what the world values. Yet, I still crave health, safety, happiness, pleasure, and control--a life apart from dependence on You. This does nothing to glorify You.

Jesus, I want a mature relationship with You, and I want my loved ones to also have the fullness of love and power that comes from You. Thus, here is my new grown-up prayer:

I ask that you come into our weakness, our pain, our inadequacies and reveal Yourself in ways that we can comprehend. Be the light in our darkness. Infuse us with Your Spirit. Help each of us to know You, love You, and devote our lives to You. May our lives be like magnifying lenses that reveal You in detail. Let others see Your glory through us. Amen.

Choosing Mantras

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4:13 MSG)

A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated frequently to shape your mindset. Runners often use positive mantras to motivate themselves. They repeat phrases like: I am fierce. I am strong. I can do this. They rely on their own strength and willpower to get through the difficult situation.

I’ve tried several of the above mentioned mantras during marathons. They provide me with a certain amount of distraction, but not necessarily motivation. Deep down, I realize that I can only go so far on my own tenacity. However, I also know that I have access to a higher power. I remind myself that I can make it through anything with God’s help. Thus, I repeat the following mantra to myself through every challenging situation:

I can do this.... through Christ who strengthens me.

Escaping Temptation

“God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

Most of us struggle with the temptation to eat foods that are unhealthy.  When we go on a diet, we rely on willpower and discipline to resist our cravings. However, it’s only a matter of time before we justify succumbing to temptations. Indulging our desires merely inflames them. Even suppressing our urges is only temporarily effective.

Fighting temptation on our own can be dangerous. It’s like getting to a roadblock and crashing through it anyway. You may be moving forward, but it’s a perilous path. The Spirit shows us a different way--a detour to the temptation of self-reliance. God is faithful. As long as we depend on Him, He will help us come through every affliction.

Family Visa

"Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live - and everyone in your house included!" (Acts 16:31 MSG)

One of my aunts applied for immigration to the United States for her family. Back in those days, most families had to wait around five years if they were sponsored by a sibling. My aunt ended up having to wait eighteen years to get approved. By this time, her oldest son was no longer eligible to immigrate with the rest of the family. She had to make a very difficult decision. Does she move to the new country, leaving her son behind, or do they all stay together in the old country?

Many of us who trust in God are faced with a similar dilemma. Not all families move forward to God’s kingdom simultaneously. Leaving behind loved ones is heart wrenching. Fortunately, God is compassionate. We can trust Him to take care of all that is beyond our control. God’s promises and provisions are all-inclusive. His timing may be unpredictable, but the Lord is faithful. Thus, let us put our entire trust in the Master Jesus and live as we are meant to live--depending on God to take care of the rest of our household.

In case you are wondering...my aunt moved to the U.S., waited another five years to become a citizen, and sponsored her adult son. It took another decade, but her son has finally joined the rest of the family.

Tolerating Corruption

“I refuse to be corrupt or to take part in anything crooked, and I won't be dishonest or deceitful.” (Psalm 101:3 CEV)

Consider the following scenarios:

-You have a relative who talks about others demeaningly, but you ignore it.

-You work for a business, and you know your manager is skimming from the company. You don’t want to get involved, so you just keep your mouth shut.

-You have a friend who cheats on her husband, but you excuse her behavior.

-You continue to support a leader who is corrupt, dishonest, and deceitful.

When you tolerate unethical behavior, you allow it to happen unchallenged. The perpetrator feels that his action is permissible and justified. By condoning misconduct, we become unwitting participants.

Wishy-washy convictions invite condescension, while self-respect speaks up against disrespect. The more we excuse deceitful behavior, the more we propagate it. Tolerance of delusion should not be mistaken for a virtue. Liars do not make faithful companions. Those who value honesty, decency, and goodness must stand up and let their voice be heard.

“I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.” (Psalm 101:7 NLT)

The Road of Right Living

“Please help me learn to do the right thing.” (Psalm 101:2 CEV)

Have you ever driven down an unfamiliar road and had the gut feeling that you were going the wrong way? You can’t explain how you know, but something just feels off. What do you do? Do you ignore your instincts and hope for the best? Or do you pull over to the side, consult your map, and reevaluate your route?

Do you ever sense that you may have taken a wrong turn and exited off the road of right living? What do you do? Do you ignore your instincts and just follow others, hoping it will all turn out okay? Or do you take time to contemplate and reevaluate your life choices?

I like to think of myself as more rational than emotional; so, I try to figure out what is causing my uneasiness. I look for signs that either confirm or contradict my gut feelings. If I notice that others before me on this path have slipped into ditches, I turn around. If the road signs point to a different destination than where I need to go, I turn around. I take time to contemplate and learn. I ask God for guidance. I pray that He will keep me on the path of right living and redirect me when I take the wrong path. I listen carefully to the insights He provides. I know the Lord will direct me on the road of right living.

Uncertain Times

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV)

There are days when I am filled with uncertainty. What should I do? How am I going to manage? Why are things the way they are? Where am I going to end up? Not knowing makes me feel anxious and vulnerable.  

Abraham was called to leave his comfort zone and go to a new place. Even though he did not know where to go, how to get there, why he had to leave, or what to expect--Abraham stepped out in faith. He trusted that God was dependable. He was confident in God’s care.

Like Abraham, I want to respond to every uncertainty with faith:

I am uncertain about the future, but I am certain in God.

I am uncertain about health, but I am certain in God.

I am uncertain about my loved ones, but I am certain in God.

I am uncertain about finances, but I am certain in God.

I am uncertain about my judgment, but I am certain in God.

I am uncertain about my abilities, but I am certain in God.

I am uncertain about life choices, but I am certain in God.

I am uncertain about this world, but I am certain in God.

Compensating for Weakness

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD.’” (Jeremiah 17:5 NLT)

A few years ago, I had a lower back injury that immobilized me for about a week. As part of my physical therapy, I was prescribed several different exercises for my hip flexors. I thought my injury was a result of weak muscles in my back, but that was not the case. It turns out that because of my tight hip flexors, I was compensating by overusing other muscles. Instead of gaining strength, my compensation merely led to more weakness.

When we rely on human strength instead of God’s power, we are setting ourselves up for injury. In our attempt to counterbalance insecurity, we sometimes lean heavily on whatever we can control. God is set aside in favor of flexing our own muscles. We imagine our compensatory behavior will make us tougher. We may get better at coping with weakness, but that doesn’t make us stronger. The more we trust in human capacity, the less we turn to God. The result is brokenness.

Breakthrough

“The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.” (Acts 12:6-7 NLT)

James the Apostle had just been executed. Peter was imprisoned. Things looked dark and hopeless for the followers of Christ; yet, they prayed fervently. Suddenly, there was a bright light, followed by a messenger of God. Even though the directions made no sense, Peter obeyed. The angel led him out of the prison walls.

Are you or a loved one trapped behind bars of bitterness, despair, depression, grief, desperation, resentment, unforgiveness, insecurity, anxiety, or hopelessness? Are you filled with fear when you hear of others in similar situations being destroyed?

Especially when things look bleak, pray fervently. Wait for the light of God to shine through the darkness. Stay attentive.  God’s instructions may come in the form of an unlikely stranger, a close friend, or a sudden revelation. Even if it makes no sense, follow Divine leadings. Prayer, attentiveness, trust, and obedience enable us to break through the limitations that imprison us.

Dependence on God

“All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground.” (1 Corinthians 10:1 NLT)

The Israelites recognized God in the cloud. He led them through the desert and the sea. They relied on the Lord; He provided them with sustenance and guidance.

The Israelite story reveals the step-by-step progress of faith. First they acknowledged God. They put their trust in Him. They put aside their fears and followed Him. God led them through seemingly impossible situations. He proved to be dependable. This renewed their faith and commitment to the Lord.

God does His part by revealing His presence. It is up to humanity to respond to His love and glory. The progress of faith requires recognition, trust, submission, willingness to follow, commitment, and dedication. Each step leads to the next. A fully mature relationship with God develops over a lifetime. The more we depend on Him, the more we experience His goodness.

Fill Your Cup

“When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, and along with dishonor, derision. (Proverbs 18:3 CSB)

Do you have people in your life who fill your cup with goodness? These are the individuals who pour compassion, kindness, love, sacrifice, loyalty, generosity, and forgiveness into you. They support and care for you. They check up on you. They make time in your time of need. Like attentive waiters, they observe and notice when you are running low and refill you as needed. They bring the best out of you.

And then there are those who just piss in your cup. They relieve their own needs without any consideration for you. These are the people who contact you only when they have something to brag about, or when they need something from you. They take over your life when it suits them. They belittle, bully, and mock everyone. They exploit others for their own advantage. Do not mistake their acts of disrespect as attentiveness or service.

There are those who fill your life with goodness, and there are those who fill it with contempt, disrespect, and derision. Know the difference.

Mentoring

“As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. ” (1 Peter 5:1-2 NLT)

I have several older friends who have mentored me through life. They have cared, comforted, directed, and led me through the heights and valleys of my journey. They have shared their experience and wisdom freely, without condescension, without ambitions for personal gain. Their willingness to reveal their mistakes, to teach others--disregarding their own self-image--has enabled me to avoid certain pitfalls.

I have been trying to pay this forward. I am now that ‘older’ person who can be a mentor to those coming up behind me. When sharing my experiences with others, it is tempting to just tell them about the wonderful achievements, the good stuff that promotes admiration and approval. However, life-changing lessons are rarely in the mountain-top experiences, but in the pits of despair. Opening up about failures and mistakes requires humility, vulnerability, and transparency. Admitting weakness sets the stage for revealing God’s power, sustenance, and guidance. We can use our time with others to impress them with our greatness OR God’s glory--not both. We all have a built-in desire to know and be known. However, the Holy Spirit prompts us to a higher purpose--to know God and make Him known.

Lord, use me. Speak through me. Let me spontaneously pour myself into others without considering my self-image, without regard for personal gain. Help me to call back to those coming up behind me, to reveal your constant presence. Grant that I may use every encounter, every experience as a way to magnify You.

Forwarded

“Turn your burdens over to the LORD, and he will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22 GWT)

I was having some issues getting a visa to a foreign country. Thus, I wrote a long email to the agency explaining why I couldn’t provide all the necessary documents. I got a quick but short reply: “Your email has been forwarded to the supervisor.” That was it. Nothing about what I needed to do next or when I would get answers. I felt a bit dejected. I didn’t get any response for weeks. Then, one day, the visa appeared unexpectedly at my doorstep through a delivery person. Even as I signed for it, I couldn’t believe it had come through.  

We all face issues that we cannot handle on our own: failed relationships, health problems, finances, anxieties, fears, disappointments, dangers, weaknesses, addictions, evil. Most of us struggle to find answers--for ourselves and for those who come to us with their problems. What if we admitted that we are powerless and forwarded every issue to God, immediately? Trust enables us to turn over all our burdens to Him. Faith knows that He will take care of us. Hope waits in anticipation for God’s perfect timing.

F--Forward

A--All

I--Issues

T--To

H--HIM

Blurring the Background

“When my heart whispered, "Seek God," my whole being replied, "I'm seeking him!" (Psalm 27:8 MSG)

I like taking digital photographs and editing them. One of my favorite tools is the background blur feature. I can decide what I want ‘in focus’ and blur everything else. However, it is difficult to blot out anything that is within a close radius of the principal subject. For example, if I am taking a picture of a couple, and there is someone in the background near their heads--it is hard to edit that out. Thus, I prefer quiet, uncrowded places for photography.

The same is true for contemplation and prayer. It helps to blur everything in the background, so our eyes are drawn to God alone. It can be hard to focus when we are surrounded by busyness and noise. Thus, removing ourselves to a quiet space is the first step. Clearing the clutter in our minds takes a bit more effort. We have to intentionally blur out each fear, concern, and distraction that pops up. This enables us to be more attentive to the Principal Subject. Eventually, we learn to listen only to the deep whispers of the Spirit within. Everything else fades as we seek God with our whole being.

Joy List

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

At the beginning of 2018, I made a list of 18 things I thought would give me joy. Many of the resolutions centered around self-care, experiencing new things, and achieving new levels of growth. I managed to do all the things on my list at least once. Some of them made me feel better about myself; others brought temporary pleasure and satisfaction; however, I can’t honestly say that anything on my list led to sustainable joy.  

For 2019, I am going to attempt something slightly different. Although I will continue to pursue self-care, new encounters, and personal growth, I would like to focus more on inwardness, for caring for my soul. I suspect this quest will be hard to quantify or check off on a list. As usual, my writing will reflect whatever I am learning at the moment.

As we start this new year, my prayer for all of you and for myself is the same: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.