A Heart Turned

"For anyone who says yes to Jesus

For anyone who believes what Jesus said 

For anyone who will just reach out and take it

Then God will give to them this wonderful gift:

To be born into a whole new life

To be who they really are

Who God always made them to be

Their own true selves-

God's dear

Child"

(John 1:12-13- paraphrase)

God has been working in the heart of little Wyn these days. We've  seen it in her rebellion and her confession. We've seen it in her questions and her pondering...and we've even seen it in her desire to know and understand why the God of the universe has any interest in His creation. 

A few days ago, I was reading on our bed during the girls afternoon nap. Just as I was starting to settle in, the bedroom door quietly squeaked open to reveal Wyndham standing there with one arm full of tattered "buddies", and the other one full of books from her bookshelf. Normally, I would redirect her right back to bed, but we hadn't been out of the house that day and so I caved and let her climb in bed with me for some afternoon reading. 

Lately, Wyndham has been very interested with "bad guys". Trying to understand evil, and why people do bad things. She has a Little Golden Book version of "Mickey's Christmas Carol". The Ghost of Christmas Past is portrayed by a character wearing a red devil costume. Almost predictably, she turns immediately to that page when she drags the book out. I was secretly watching her on this day, fascinated by her. When she got tired of Mickey's Carol, she turned in her Children's Bible to the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert by satan. Satan was portrayed by a person wearing a long black cloak. Though his face was never exposed, you knew that this was a formidable being. 

We haven't spent a great deal of time talking with Wyn about satan up until this point. She has enough fear to deal with at the moment- the #1 fear being her aversion to Grizzly Bears.....long story...we think she had a fever-induced dream a few months ago about a bear breaking into her room....it's been chaos ever since. Anyway, giving a small child the full picture of Satan's power and hatred of God and God's children in something to take in stride over time. 

I seized the opportunity to talk to her about having courage in the face of trial. 

W- Mommy, why is satan talking to Jesus?

M- He's talking to Jesus because he wants Jesus to forget about His Father in heaven and worship satan instead.

W-But why?

M-Because Satan is the Father of all lies. God created Him, but satan thought he was better than God- his own creator! He had pride in his heart- he thought he was better than God. He started gathering other angels with Him to fight against God. He became God's enemy. God threw satan out of heaven forever, and now, satan spends his time trying to trick people into thinking that they are more important than God. 

W-That's what the snake did to Eve!

M- That's right! That's because satan can disguise himself and make himself seem OK, when really he is just trying to get you to stop loving and worshipping God. 

W- But sometimes, I don't want to do things that you and daddy tell me to do. I want to lie and do what I want to do instead...

M- (catching my breath) That's right. We all have hearts that want to do bad things. That's why we need new hearts. Ones that want to do right things- ones that want to love and worship God and not ourselves. The only way that that can happen is if we admit and tell God that we have bad hearts and ask Him to live in us so we can have new ones.

W- I want to read the story of Jesus dying on the cross again.

M- Ok...

(We read through the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension)...you can't just leave the story at the cross, you know?!

M- You know, Jesus being killed on the cross...it wasn't like a punishment that you deserve when you've done something bad.

W- Like a pat on the buns?

M- NO! It was MUCH much worse than a pat on the buns. Jesus never did anything wrong. He never sinned. He was perfect in every way.

W- Even to his parents?

M- Yes. Even to them. It would be like, if I told you and Sophie not to touch a special pot of flowers, and while I wasn't looking, Sophie touched it, knocked it over and broke it. Instead of her taking the "pat", it would be like if you volunteered to take the pat for her...

W-Yeah. Because she wasn't supposed to be touching the pot of flowers.

M- Right. But remember, Jesus was perfect, so even that story doesn't quite compare to the real one. God loved us and sent Jesus to take the ultimate "pat" for us. He was beaten and nailed to a cross. It was horrible Wyndham. The worst....

 (Wyndham is now sliding off of the bed...I'm beginning to think that I've been talking a bit too much)

M- Where are you going Wyn?

W- I'm going to go ask Jesus to come into my heart (DUH implied)

M- (Another gasp of breath- millions of thoughts running through my mind). Wow Wyn. That is a big deal.Would you like Mommy to help you pray?

W- OK (climbing back onto the bed)

M- Wyndham, before we pray to God, I want to tell you a few things so you understand what is happening. When you ask Jesus to come into your heart, you are saying that that you have a bad heart and that the only way to love and live for God is by believing that you're heart wants to do bad things and telling God about those things. You also need to believe that the only way to be with God again is to believe that Jesus was His Son, sent to take our punishment on the cross. That's a big deal Wyn. It's called "grace"- being given the gift of a life with God forever even when you don't deserve it. 

W- Hey! That's my middle name! 

M- Yup. We think Grace is one of the best word invented! Being a Christian is hard work Wyn. It's not an easy life, but it is so worth it, and someday, God will welcome us into Heaven and tell us that He is proud and that He loves us. 

W- Mommy (impatience growing)... I already know that.... are we gonna pray now?

M- (falling a part by the second) Ok. Sorry sorry. Let's pray. 

Dear God, I love you. You made all things in heaven and on earth. My heart wants to do naughty things and love myself more than you. I'm sorry and ask you to forgive me. I believe that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross for my sins so that I wouldn't have to. I give my life and my future to you. I want you to come into my heart and life as my Savior. I know life won't be easy, but with your help, I can grow and know you more every day. Thank You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

W- Mommy. Why are you crying? Aren't you supposed to be happy?

M- I am! I am! I'm just so proud of you...snif sniff...sob sob...hug hug...Wyndham, the world will tell you that God isn't real. The world will tell you that there are other Jesus'. But I promise I'm telling you the truth. There is one true God who loves us. When Jesus left His disciples to go back to heaven he told them to "Fear not, for I am with you always". He will be with you always in your heart, guiding your thoughts and actions. This is your 2nd Birthday. Let's go call daddy and write it down.

A million thoughts have been running through my head ever since this day. As parents, one of our highest calling is to raise our children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. We as parents are called to shepherd our children's heart in hopes that God's Word would take root someday. It's easy to focus on the externals of their behavior rather than the internal caverns of the heart...especially during the toddler/preschool years!  Proverbs 4:23 describes the heart as "the well-spring of life". What is written there overflows into our speech, our actions and our character. If our fallen hearts are the real issue, that is where we must place our focus. 

Wyndham has been showing signs of her awareness of sin and her belief in Jesus for some time now, but I admit, I was not prepared for this day. I now understand what II Timothy says about being prepared "in season and out" to share the Gospel. God could be calling you to seize the moment at anytime with anyone. 

I guess I never really thought about what this experience would be like, but it was the sweetest, and yet scariest moment of my life. It was like the weight of the world was suddenly upon my chest- How do we guide this child? She believes God...but what now? There is so much more. Does she really know the cost? Will she be able to withstand opposition? How do we pray for her?

God has been talking to me though His word and through prayer reminding me that Wyndham is not ours...but His. There is no better way to promote and add to the Kingdom than by guiding and training our children to know and serve God. Children are truly a blessing--small welding torches burning away the coal of our hearts- refining us each day into Christ's likeness. No matter how God chooses to use Wyndham in the future, our task remains...and each day, I pray that God will break my heart and pry my white-knuckled fingers off of our children so they can be released for His Sovereign plan...wherever that may be......

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in."- Revelation 3:20

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."- Romans 10:13

Behind the Curtain...

I came upon this scene today after putting Sophie down for a nap... Ohhh she is my child.

After being discovered, Wyn, in typical performer fashion, had to give the full-version of her 1st Sunday Morning hit =)

The Shack- Part 2

"The healthy soul, like the healthy blood system, has it's proper proportion of white and red blood cells. The red corpuscles are like faith: they carry the life giving oxygen to every part of the body. The white cells are like discernment: they pounce upon dead and toxic matter and carry it out to the drain. In the healthy heart there must be provision for keeping dead and poisonous matter out of the life stream."

~A.W. Tozer~

So, a few more nap times have transpired, and I have finally had a chance to once again sit down and sift through the book that one Editor has claimed is a, "Great book! I totally enjoyed it and found some parts of it needed to be read more than once because the words were so “right on”. (Margie Ulsh, Among Worlds- noted on theshackbook.com).

As you have probably noted from Part 1 of this review, I find Young's writing, though compelling and engaging in a literary sense, interwoven with a great deal of unbiblical and questionable theology. I attempted a read-through of the book awhile back, but got distracted by life and knew it would require more than a chapter-per-night right before bed.  I read through the book in a relatively short amount of time on my second attempt, just to digest it and grasp the totality of the story. I noted many quotes and conversations within the text that I wanted to return to, dissect and research. Now I am in the longer, more arduous process of really comparing scripture to Young's claims. It's not easy people! What's worse as I noted in Part 1, is not knowing the author and the author's history personally. Perhaps someday...

Part 1 left off with a brief look at Young's description of the Trinity and hierarchy. Continuing in that vein, I wanted to spend some time discussing the nature of the Trinity as it relates to roles and submission in The Shack... If anything, this book has caused me to do my homework on scripture and doctrine....I will try to stay focused as, again, my time is limited!

I can't help but note that the section of The Shack that provides the most detail of the Trinity relationship is in a chapter entitled, "A Piece of Pi". God in Three-Persons is often likened to this analogy. While the Doctrine of the Trinity truly is difficult for our minds to grasp, I believe that Young is missing the essence of God here. As John Piper notes in an article entitled, "What is the Doctrine of the Trinity?",

The Trinity does not divide God into three parts. The Bible is clear that all three Persons are each one hundred percent God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all fully God. For example, it says of Christ that "in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form" (Colossians 2:9). We should not think of God as like a "pie" cut into three pieces, each piece representing a Person. This would make each Person less than fully God and thus not God at all. Rather, "the being of each Person is equal to the whole being of God."[1] The divine essence is not something that is divided between the three persons, but is fully in all three persons without being divided into "parts."

Thus, the Son is not one-third of the being of God, He is all of the being of God. The Father is not one-third of the being of God, He is all of the being of God. And likewise with the Holy Spirit. Thus, as Wayne Grudem writes, "When we speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together we are not speaking of any greater being than when we speak of the Father alone, the Son alone, or the Holy Spirit alone."[2]

The Shack definitely blurs these distinctions at times- the dialogue is vague, and then a sentence later, is very matter-of-fact. I have been doing some research into this particular scene from page 107, 

" ...Jesus reached across the table and took Papa's hands in his, scars now clearly visible on her wrists...". This is a scene followed by Papa explaining to Mack that "We were there to together" when referring to the cross... I did some research on this. The idea that God the Father as well as the Holy Spirit died on the cross and were present with Jesus on the cross is called, "Modalism". In a nutshell, it's the "piece of pie" problem. 

A proper understanding of the Trinity can be found in the Westminster Confession of Faith 2.3: “In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of none, neither begotten, not proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.” To put it simply, the Trinity is comprised of three distinct persons and one substance. Not one substance and three modes. Not three substances and three modes. Not three different gods who are friends. Three persons, one substance. The Shack, unfortunately, confuses this orthodox and biblical picture beyond comprehension. (Harvie Conn).

Though the relationship between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is mysterious to us, I find it ironic that Young attempts to breakdown stereotypes here. "...this weekend is NOT about reinforcing religious stereotypes", says Papa.  Admittedly, people and churches have not handled the topic of the Trinity well over the years, yet, Young seems to overshoot the truth in an effort to dissolve these stereotypes. In essence, he's creating a new stereotype...unfortunately, it's not one that is rooted in scripture. 

The final dialogue I would like to note is taken from a chapter entitled, "Wade in the Water". Jesus and Mack are discussing the topics of free will and submission. Young's word choices here are a very subtle blend of truth and error....

"That's the beauty you see in my relationship with Abba and Sarayu. We are indeed submitted to one another and have always been so and always will be. Papa is as much submitted to me as I to him, or Sarayu to me, or Papa to her. Submission is not about authority and it is not obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect. In fact, we are submitted to you in the same way." (pg. 145)

Why would the Creator of our universe be submitted to us? Young would say that God would in fact want to be submitted to us for the sake of us joining this "relational circle".  Genuine submission, according to Young, must be marked by mutual submission. The Bible does teach that we are to submit to one another, but it also ordains certain hierarchies. All people are to submit to God-ordained authorities and ultimately, to God Himself.  Sin has perverted God's ordained structures however.  People are threatened by terms such as "submit" and "authority". The connotation is often a negative one...one of abuse, control or even slavery. This is not the hierarchy that God has created. Young's use of words such as "love and relationship" appeals to us because we long to dwell in God's love. This picture of God (Papa, Sarayu and Jesus) puts God in anthropomorphic terms. Basically- Young is attributing human qualities to God. We cheer at the idea that God wants this close loving relationship (and He does), but Young is literally putting words in God's mouth through his characters. 

Authority and submission are inherent to the Godhead  and have existed from the beginning of time.   Jesus was sent by the Father (John 6:57) and Jesus says that His intention is to obey the Father's will (Luke 22:42). The Holy Spirit obeys the Father and the Son (John 14:26, John 15:26). This structure is not the result of sin, but the very nature of God in which all three are equal in essence, but exist within a relationship of hierarchy and submission.  

Whew! My brain is sore ;) There is still so much implied within this dialogue...another day another time perhaps! The next topic- Forgiveness- is a huge focus of The Shack. So many read the book specifically looking for guidance and encouragement in this area. I look forward to more research and study through this very crucial topic, and hope this has generated interest and a true desire to know our God- for who He truly is...

(Please excuse alignment and fonts. The areas where I cut and pasted quotes affected the body of the typing and I can't figure out how to fix it!!!)

The Shack- Part 1

“Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it is the difference between right and almost right.” -Charles Spurgeon

I have finally taken the time to read William P. Young's novel, "The Shack", and have been working on re-reading sections of it for further analysis and research. I'm sure I'm "behind the times" when it comes to this book as it was released over a year ago and has slowly but surely risen to acclaim from recordings artists to pastors to people on the street. I have heard about it from many different friends, family members and more recently, several people within church settings discussing it's transformational qualities and profound implications.  Randy has asked me to put a "review" of sorts together as he is starting a blog for the youth and their families at our church and would like to include a section on books, music and media.  Since I have finished the entire book and can comment in a more educated manner, I agreed...what have I gotten myself into, right?

First and foremost I'd like to share that I have been working on and praying for a more discerning mind and heart these last several months. While the "debater" in me finds causal bantering and discussion enjoyable and thought-provoking, there is nothing enjoyable about discovering the many fallacies of our age. The more I hunger to study and grow in my relationship and worship of God, the more I am acutely aware of what Paul talks about in II Timothy 4- "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." All this to say- what does this have to do with The Shack? Probably more than one realizes. 

I've read many different reviews on this book, and had several discussions about it's themes and teachings as well. Instead of spending a lengthy amount of time dissecting each specific sentence and theological viewpoint, I am going to try to stick mainly to broad themes...though even in broad terms- there much to say about this popular and ever-controversial novel. For the sake of time, and to protect my brain from exploding (!), I am going to divide the review into 5 sections: 

1.  The Trinity
   
2.  Submission
   
3.  Forgiveness
   
4. Potpourri of Problems
   
5. Why we want The Shack to be Real and Conclusion
   

Eugene Peterson says in his glowing endorsement, “When the imagination of a writer and the passion of a theologian cross-fertilize the result is a novel on the order of “The Shack.” This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” did for his. It’s that good!” When a novel has a statement like this highlighted on the front cover, it definitely peaks one's interest. The list of endorsers includes such an array of other characters- Michael W. Smith, Wynnona Judd....Kathie Lee Gifford? Can a book really be THIS good? I'm not a decorated theologian, but I have a brain and a heart for God's truth. Let's reflect on the Shack and find out if it's actually worth its weight. 

Some Pre-Review Notes: 

Author's Biography- A Background Check

When I finished reading the book, I immediately went to the website noted in the back of the book- theshackbook.com. The website isn't terribly elaborate, but there was a link to Young's personal blog and I wanted to get more background on him. The tile post of his blog Windrumors, is "You are Welcome Here". Knowing that the Shack has been a polarizing book for so many, the title definitely came off to me as a white flag, as if to say, "Critics vent elsewhere". I'll elaborate on why this struck me in this way a bit later...

Based on his bio, it's clear that Young has had a very full and long journey in life. Starting out as an MK in the mountains of New Guinea, he speaks of his dad being in the ministry and many moves and many jobs. Though he doesn't elaborate much on his childhood here, it is obvious that these experiences shaped his faith as he states, "For each of us, where and how we grew up plays a foundational role in our sense of ‘normal’, and only when we begin to experience the ‘bigness and diversity’ of the world are we tempted to evaluate our roots."  Point taken. If this is the case with Young, it would be good for any reader of the Shack to spend some time analyzing his history and background to get an idea of where he is coming from in this novel. 

Young shares that his "time is spent loving the people that are a part of my life. I am not connected, or a part, or a member of, or involved inside any sort of organization or movement anywhere. The truth is that I doubt anyone would want me. From my perspective that is a very positive thing… for both of us." I have a difficult time wading through some of these statements...and I'll explain why a bit later. For now, if you don't already know, Young seems like a fairly normal "Joe Schmoe" that just happened to write a book- a janitor with 6 kids just trying to live a loving life....so why all of the fuss? 

Fictional Facts or Factual Fiction?

Almost every time I have spoken with people about The Shack, it seems like the phrase, "Let's not forget, it's just a fictional novel" seems to surface... in my case, this seems especially true of Shack Defenders over Shack Attackers. I personally have a difficult time understanding how theology and fiction can so easily "cross-fertilize" as Peterson says. Admittedly, I don't read a great deal of Christian fiction, but not one famous or credible "cross-fertilized" example pops into my head. I have also heard people liken The Shack to allegorical novels- case in point, "Pilgrims' Progress", "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe", and even "Lord of the Rings" once. 

The tricky part about The Shack, is though it is indeed a "fictional novel", Young supposedly wrote this book for his kids to explain his theology... that's just the problem. He is using the story to explain his theology and belief system. An allegory is defined as "n. a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy. Thus an allegory is a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning. --Webster"  

The Shack is definitely NOT an allegory, and thus, not exactly comparable to these other books. As Tim Challies noted in his book review, “…because of the limitations of the genre, it is sometimes difficult to really know what an author means by what he says. There is often some questions as to what comes from the author and what comes from the characters." In my view, the Shack is Young's personal version of Systematic Theology in story form. The other tricky part of Young's writing is that he makes deciphering his theology challenging and too vague at times. It doesn't help that there are hardly any scripture references in any part of the book which makes his points even more unstable and questionable.

Keeping all that I have already shared in mind, one can imagine that reading a book like the Shack is no easy task. This isn't beach reading by any means. I would have a difficult time relating to anyone who can read it and not be challenged by the theologically saturated dialogue. Is the theology that Young communicates through his characters really...true? My answer?...Yes...but mostly NO with a capital N. In the following sections, I'll try attempt to explain why.

Deception Detective

The Shack contains so many interesting sentences and word choices, it would take days to thoroughly sift through everything to come up with a well-rounded critique. As a mama of 2- I don't have that kind of time. If my girls weren't awesome nappers, I wouldn't be writing this review as I "speak"....and on a side-note, this "review" took SEVERAL naps to complete:) I will touch on the main theological teachings I feel are unbiblical and finish up with a few other related thoughts on the book, author and society. 

1. The Trinity

One cannot read The Shack and not walk away with some interesting thoughts about the author's portrayal of the Trinity- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. While some are quick to drop the novel because of its portrayal of God the Father (Papa) as a woman of African-American descent, Jesus as a Middle-eastern man with a "big nose" and The Holy Spirit, an Asian woman/mist named Sarayu, I tried to give the author the benefit of the doubt here. Some argue that the 2nd Commandment forbids graven images of God, but others would argue that God did indeed choose to identify Himself as a "Father" (male) throughout the Bible and The Shack is only using alternate images due to the main character's (Mack) "daddy issues". 

Lets just say that we can move beyond this, though admittedly, I'm not crazy about the author's choice here. Young makes many references to the relationship that exists between the Trinity through various conversations between the characters. One conversation in particular completely tears down the idea that there is any kind of order or hierarchy among the trinity. According to “Papa,” 

"…we have no concept of final authority among us, only unity. We are in a circle of relationship, not a chain of command or ‘great chain of being’ as your ancestors termed it. What you’re seeing here is relationship without any overlay of power. We don’t need power over the other because we are always looking out for the best. Hierarchy would make no sense among us. Actually, this is your problem, not ours."

This sentiment easily appeals to our flesh and is great news for anyone dealing with authority issues. Scripture is clear that hierarchy DOES in fact exist among the Trinity. Though fully equal and fully God, God sent His Son (John 3:16) to do His will. Jesus shows his obedience and respect to the Father's will over and over again (see John 5:30, John 10:15 and the Garden of Gethsemane to name a few), and in John 15, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit. 

Papa continues, "We carefully respect your choices, so we work within your systems even while we seek to free you from them". Young's portrayal as hierarchy as a man-made adaptation is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. God Himself ordained unique hierarchies in the world as a reflection of Himself--one could even call it a "circle of relationship to use Young's words...But, like everything else, these hierarchies are infected by sin. Sin is what causes marriages to fall a part, not the God-ordained structure of marriage itself. Rebellion against the beauty and uniqueness of roles within relationship is what drives people a part each and every day.

The word "hierarchy" contains a negative conation for most people. It obviously carries this weight with Young as the characters in the novel claim it as being, "ghastly" and "such a waste". Another point Young seems to imply is a seeming separation or disconnect within the idea of hierarchy. "We created you, the human, to be in face-to-face-relationship with us, to join our circle of love." The idea set forth here is that if one person has authority, or fulfills a different role within the circle, there could be no love or real relationship. Again, the Bible refutes this sentiment over and over again and I submit that this is a theological choice the author makes based upon his own past and experiences. If one has the view that authority equals subsiquent slavery, this picture of "everyone is in the same circle with no distinction" would be extremely appealing. 

These are the moments when a face to face discussion with Young himself would come in very handy. Based upon Young's bio and many negative references to Seminary, Sunday School and organized religion in general throughout the novel, it makes one want to delve deeper in Young's personal story so as to understand what he is communicating in The Shack. Since this is not likely to happen any day soon... I'm left to speculate. 

One cannot discuss hierarchy without discussing roles and submission, which will lead to Part 2 later this week....hopefully ;) In the meantime, I welcome comments and thoughts on this very hot topic.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom 

(Lyrics- S.Townsend)

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A friend of mine used to have a plethora of books in her powder room. The books ranged from gossip magazines to other light reading. I always looked forward to excusing myself to "powder my nose" so I could spend a few blissful minutes alone reading books and or magazines that I, more than likely, did not own myself. (As a mom of 2 girls ages 3 and under, I'll take what I can get!). 

My friend always had a stash of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books on hand. They have so many versions now, it boggles the mind: Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul, Chicken Soup for guys named Bob who have estranged Aunts name 'Beverely'... Ok, maybe not the last one, but you get the point! I remember when these books first came out, they were all the rage. I could p-shhaw them to you now, but I would be lying if I said that I think the books are cheesy and pointless. Some of the stories ARE a bit out-there...but a few of them have stuck with me. 

One that stands out to me is the story of a mom who walked in on her toddler hanging over the edge of her baby sister's crib during baby's nap time. The mom, though compelled to rush in so the toddler wouldn't disturb the baby, decided instead to stay behind the half-cracked door and watch what was unfolding. The toddler was whispering to her little sister who was staring up at her with bright eyes. When the mom was finally able to hone in on what the toddler was saying in hushed tones, she caught her breath...The little girl whispered, "Baby, what does God look like? Do you remember, because I'm forgetting...."

I've read it a few times, and each time I read it, something always catches in my throat. Maybe because I can actually imagine stumbling upon my own girls in a similar scene, or maybe because, sometimes....I forget too. Though I wouldn't rely on this story as a sort of doctrinal belief about where and if we exist prior to life on earth, the story has always driven home the idea that it doesn't matter if we know God... there are many times, too many times in our lives, that we forget that we know Him. Life happens- we are here on earth, making decisions, working jobs, having relationships, experiencing struggles, joys, sorrows and yet- where is God? 

The truth is, God is here. Because of our fallen state, we are separated from the very lover of our souls- our Creator, our Redeemer, our Friend. The utter separation of sin leaves us in a pretty sad state. Sure, we can scrape ourselves together, try to pretend that education, careers, parenting, friendships and other distracting things are "enough"...but who are we kidding? When life slows down, or heaven forbid, tragedy strikes, we realize, we are alone. Don't get me wrong, I love Randy, and I love my children...but there are times when life slows just enough to remember that if I didn't have them in my life---what would I have? We weren't meant to live in isolation. Sin has created it. This very fact makes God's grace so amazing. We are destined to live an eternal life of separation and suffering...unless we believe, repent and surrender to the one who has made a way for us....the one who SO loved us, that He gave us His Son. 

I have thought of this a lot lately. Here we are, removed from our families and all that we have known and enjoyed over the last several years of our lives...and I'm struggling. I LOVE being home with my girls, but we don't have family here to really enjoy them ALONGSIDE of us. This new stage of life has been extremely difficult for me to navigate. Perhaps I was born to live in an Amish community, or even grow up in China where generations live together in one house.... or maybe not, but I can definitely see the appeal! We live in a society where we are told to "be all that we can be" and be whatever we want to be when we "grow up". It's no wonder people change their majors an average of 3 times during the course of their college years. Aren't we all longing for identity, love, relationship...that place to belong? 

Perhaps the identity that we are really struggling to find isn't who we are in the "world", what kind of job we are supposed to have, etc....but a creation of God- an image-bearer who, by Jesus' sacrifice, has an eternal identity. We long to love and be loved in return.

Have you ever experienced loss or sorrow, or disappointment? If we, in our fallen human state, experience earthly pains, trials, etc...if we are able to experience human love- love for friends, family, souses and children, imagine how God our Father views us?

I John 4 reminds us: 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

How easy it is to forget this. God loves US. Because of His love for us, we are able to know and abide in Him. It's not by merit, by works or anything else. This is really what is meant by the term "Amazing Grace". His love and grace are what ENABLE us to love Him to begin with. No more pain, no more sorrow, no more isolation...no more sin.

Randy went to a Pastor's Conference last spring in Cleveland. It was hosted at Parkside church in Cleveland under the ministry of Allistair Begg. The theme was "Preaching the Gospel to Yourself Everyday". What a concept. Pastors, of all people, preaching to...themselves?? It is SO true! We need to be reminded DAILY of who God is, what He has done for us, and who we are in relation to these facts. This is what makes attending church so very important. We need to hear the Word of God preached. We need the Gospel- the TRUE Gospel presented, and we need to be amidst a loving community of believers who can REMIND us of these things. 

I haven't arrived. I feel like I am just now scratching the surface, even after 28 years of life, most of which was spent in church and christian school. Have you forgotten? Let God speak to you through His Word today. Call up a friend or loved one and remind them of what we are living for and Who made that possible. 

If My Words Abide in You

John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

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This past weekend, Randy and I attended a "Connection Seminar" at our church. The Seminar is supposed to serve 2 purposes: give thorough detail on the beliefs, structure and ministries at the church, as well as map out what it means and what is required for those wishing to become members. We figured that it was about time that we took this seminar as we are staff members and have been attended the church for 6 months now. 

Everything was extremely organized and orderly. Each of us received a nice packaged booklet containing documents, belief statement, charts, graphs, etc. As the leadership began presenting all of the information, it became painfully obvious that there were many people in the room that still had a lot of questions, not necessarily about the church, but more, about their own salvation and faith. 

We read the above scripture from John. The NIV translation uses the word "Remain" instead of the word "Abide" as shown above. This word really disturbed one of the ladies in the room. What does it mean to "remain in Christ"? She asked if she didn't read her bible, or if he didn't pray X amount of times, if she was still "remaining" in Christ. It became clear that she had a skewed view of her own salvation and probably needs a healthy serving of  grace and growth with a side of eternal security. She went on to speak about being involved in church, and it seemed that she basically has a works-based view of salvation. 

The leadership had a difficult time answering her questions and pointing her to supportive scripture and resources. Everyone was squirming in their seats as an answer was given, but not an articulate definitive answer laying out the basic precepts of the Gospel. I was a little disturbed. These are basic questions that I think a lot of people have about Christ and faith. Why wasn't the answer on the tip of our tongues? Why was pertinent and meaningful scripture ready to fall out of our mouths at any moment to provide clarity, encouragement and peace?

As the seminar went on, a great deal of time was spent looking at the structure of the church and all of the many opportunities that one could get involved with once they were members. One of the requirements for membership is Baptism-- either a previous Baptism, or a public one at our church. A nice woman next to me immediately raised her hand and asked if Baptism had to be a "public proclamation". She went on to say that she thought that one's relationship with Jesus was "personal" and that it didn't seem to make sense that people would be forced to be Baptized publicly. 

Here again, we had a situation where someone, who is sincerely wanting to understand, sincerely wanting to be taught, and no one had a definitive biblically saturated answer for her.... Another passage talks about being "blameless" before the world. She asked about this wording as well as the word "blameless" seemed to indicate "perfection" in her mind. Was she supposed to be "perfect" in order to be a good testimony to the world? No one had an answer ready...in fact, one of the leadership awkwardly turned to Randy and said, "Randy, could you elaborate on this for us?" Thankfully, Randy had an answer waiting- (Thank the Lord).... the word "blameless" in the NIV is translated as "holy, righteous, or set-apart" in other bibles- Not perfect, but the idea leading a life above reproach. 

I share this story not as a dig against anyone in our church, but more as a wake-up call to us all. Is God's Word really a "lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths?". Perhaps technology has really diminished our need to read or memorize. All we have to do is go to Google and voila! The answer we need! Do we really think that just because we once said a "prayer" that we are all set, and have no need to grow and learn? Our theology is "all set" and we're fine. I submit that the answer to these questions is a loud "NO!". If you had to lay out a statement of faith of of your own- what would it look like?

Even Jesus Himself had to learn, study and mediate on God's Word. Luke 2:52 says that "Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." There is no doubt that Jesus Himself studies the Scriptures. What was Jesus' defense in the wilderness when Satan came to tempt Him? God's WORD. Every response Jesus gave to Satan in this hour of weakness was straight from scripture. 

Randy and I have recently discovered the ministry of John Piper. He is a Pastor/Author/Theologian in Minneapolis, MN. He is a respected for His Biblical preaching and teaching, and we have been blessed through sermons, books and blogs. He recently gave a sermon of the same title, "If My Words Abide in You". Click the link to be taken to a page where you can either read his outline or listen/watch the podcast. I would HIGHLY recommend getting a hot cup of something yummy, and taking the time to sit down and take in this message. I have listen to it upwards of 3 complete times now. 

Here are some highlights from this message to wet your appetite:

8 Reasons memorizing scripture is essential for every Christian: (MS=Memorizing Scripture)

1. MS makes meditation possible when you aren't able to tangibly read the Bible, and it brings deeper understanding.

2. MS strengthens our faith, and faith comes from hearing the Word.

3. MS shapes our view of the world and conforms our minds to God's viewpoint.

4. MS helps scripture to be readily accessible to overcoming temptation and sin.

5. MS guards our minds and makes it easier to detect error- and the world has MUCH error.

6. MS helps us hit the devil in the face with a force he can't resist. 

7. MS provides the strongest and sweetest words for ministering to other in need.

8. MS provides the matrix for fellowship with Jesus. He talks to us in the Word, and no where else. We can talk back through prayer. 

The Bible is a BIG DEAL. 

We read the Bible so it can TAKE ROOT and bear the fruit of faith and holiness. We don't memorize or know the Word because we are like the Pharisees who know every Word by rote, but have not the Spirit in their hearts. The Word should be at home in our heart because of our belief and the work of the Spirit.

Jesus, in talking with the Jews, spoke out about having the Word in our hearts in John 5: 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

May this NEVER be said of us. May the Word to be us as "Honey from the comb". May we be ready "in season and out" to proclaim Christ to others. We don't always have to go searching for those that need to hear....just look to your right and to your left each Sunday morning.... look in the mirror.... The mission field is all around is. May 2009 be the year we are transformed by the very Words of God and may the Spirit grant us clarity and courage to proclaim it.