James 4:13-14 (NLT)
Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
Yesterday, all was quiet.
Today… On celebrating the life of our friend Jamie, many personal memories have flooded my mind. Among those are our time together in small group. We have been combing through the Crazy Love book (mush like we do with the devotions). This past Sunday, we discussed the second stanza, titled “you might not finish the chapter.” When I asked the group what stuck out to them the most in their weekly reading, Jamie shared the story about Stan. Stan had given the eulogy speech for a friend in which he shared not only the Gospel of Jesus but the fact that all of us have a time to go. Stan concluded his speech by asking, “Are you ready?” After returning to his seat, Stan crumpled over dead. This story had resonated with Jamie. And it does with me now also.
With the passionate but peaceful joy of a wise sage, Jamie went on to relate with words what we had seen in his actions over the last year. That GOD, through the power of the Holy Spirit and a willing heart, had radically changed another broken human being. He expressed he had a peace that surpassed all understanding. That he absolutely loved nothing more than grabbing a cup of coffee and pouring hours into conversations with GOD over the Bible and other devotions. How he savored the thought of coming to Refuge to worship and mingle with his friends. How everyone- from the pastor to the musicians to the servants to the pew sitters had been the hands and feet of Jesus. With every eye in the room glued on him, the unforced rhythms of grace pouring from within were contagious. Through his transparency, his music, and his discipleship, Jamie transformed from Christ follower to a disciple. And not only does heaven applaud but we celebrate with him in praising GOD.
Yes, life will go on…but we will never forget you, Jamie.
Now, in the immortal words of our departed friend, “Rock on!”
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 43: Poor Rich People
Luke 18:22-24 (NLT)
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.
When Jesus saw this,[a] he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!
For the past seven years, I’ve slung wisecracks about how broke we teachers are.
A mission trip to Honduras in March changed all that.
As much as I relish the gift of words and writing, a limit exists to their power. Sometimes it takes a picture to get our attention. You know, the whole “a picture is worth a thousand words” thing. Even more powerful than the most poignant picture is the experience itself. And no amount of reading, picture-looking, or relative poverty here compared with much of what I witnessed there. I saw firsthand what Chan writes about when he quips, “Simply by purchasing this book, you spent what a majority of people in the world will make in a week’s time.” Although I didn’t purchase this book (but ripped it from the back table as a first time visitor to Refuge post facto), the statement registered.
The people in the village of La Preadera live on much less than the cost of this book. How humbling it was when they gave us food out of their need to feed us during our days there. Because of this situation and sacrifice, I was encouraged to make changes to my lavish lifestyle. Upon returning home, changes were made. I live on less. Give more. Ride my bike to work. Am grateful for any meal, not just blowing through the blessing. Am grateful for O’Bannon High School and its crumbling infrastructure.
I feel much like Zacchaeus from the Gospel. Like salvation over those trappings has come to my house.
Despite living in the Delta, may we all come to see ourselves as we truly are. Rich. Wealthy. Prosperous. And may we thank GOD for such things and pray that they are kept in their proper place. In our gratitude for these things, let us be willing to give them away or never lose sight of the One who bestows such things.
May our joy come from Jesus and not in the gifts he provides!
Author’s Note #1: In case I came off as holier-than-thou, here is an edited list of my dirty laundry for the week to let you know I’m still a work in progress: vanity, pride, ego (monstrous), idolatry, lust, the essence of evil (taking joy in the gifts of GOD rather than in Him alone)
Author’s Note #2: for more on this topic, read pages 88-90 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.
When Jesus saw this,[a] he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!
For the past seven years, I’ve slung wisecracks about how broke we teachers are.
A mission trip to Honduras in March changed all that.
As much as I relish the gift of words and writing, a limit exists to their power. Sometimes it takes a picture to get our attention. You know, the whole “a picture is worth a thousand words” thing. Even more powerful than the most poignant picture is the experience itself. And no amount of reading, picture-looking, or relative poverty here compared with much of what I witnessed there. I saw firsthand what Chan writes about when he quips, “Simply by purchasing this book, you spent what a majority of people in the world will make in a week’s time.” Although I didn’t purchase this book (but ripped it from the back table as a first time visitor to Refuge post facto), the statement registered.
The people in the village of La Preadera live on much less than the cost of this book. How humbling it was when they gave us food out of their need to feed us during our days there. Because of this situation and sacrifice, I was encouraged to make changes to my lavish lifestyle. Upon returning home, changes were made. I live on less. Give more. Ride my bike to work. Am grateful for any meal, not just blowing through the blessing. Am grateful for O’Bannon High School and its crumbling infrastructure.
I feel much like Zacchaeus from the Gospel. Like salvation over those trappings has come to my house.
Despite living in the Delta, may we all come to see ourselves as we truly are. Rich. Wealthy. Prosperous. And may we thank GOD for such things and pray that they are kept in their proper place. In our gratitude for these things, let us be willing to give them away or never lose sight of the One who bestows such things.
May our joy come from Jesus and not in the gifts he provides!
Author’s Note #1: In case I came off as holier-than-thou, here is an edited list of my dirty laundry for the week to let you know I’m still a work in progress: vanity, pride, ego (monstrous), idolatry, lust, the essence of evil (taking joy in the gifts of GOD rather than in Him alone)
Author’s Note #2: for more on this topic, read pages 88-90 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Monday, August 26, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 42: Posture of Obedience
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
It bothers me that sometimes I don’t need GOD.
A while back, a conversation arose between me and a friend about complacency and persecution. This friend related how the church over in China was praying for the American church to be persecuted. This, naturally, took me aback at first, until I understood it in context. Under extreme persecutions, the underground church in China has flourished (like the Book of Acts church). The arrests, beatings, and sometime death sentences has only served to throw spiritual gasoline on the flock there. It has forced them to spread out, stretch their comfort zone (if there was one to begin with), and display a love for everyone- including those who want them shut up so badly. Despite some of the obvious pain accompanying such a situation, they are taking joy in clinging to their crosses, serving GOD, and relying on Him for EVERYTHING. Out of this love and conviction, they are praying for the American church to be shaken from our complacency. Given is the fact that there are many sold-out Jesus Freaks here in the States. But overall, the church has become like that in Laodicea which we read about in the Scripture yesterday. There was a time when we needed GOD. But in our prosperity, wealth, entertainment, and materialism, we have grown distracted and distanced from the Giver of those things. Gotten out of balance. Lost sight of the eternal. May we begin to once again heed the anthem of our prayer ministry, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves…I will heal their land.”
And, by the way, remember your Chinese brothers and sisters in prayer today. The world is much bigger than our little patch of buckshot.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 87-88 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
It bothers me that sometimes I don’t need GOD.
A while back, a conversation arose between me and a friend about complacency and persecution. This friend related how the church over in China was praying for the American church to be persecuted. This, naturally, took me aback at first, until I understood it in context. Under extreme persecutions, the underground church in China has flourished (like the Book of Acts church). The arrests, beatings, and sometime death sentences has only served to throw spiritual gasoline on the flock there. It has forced them to spread out, stretch their comfort zone (if there was one to begin with), and display a love for everyone- including those who want them shut up so badly. Despite some of the obvious pain accompanying such a situation, they are taking joy in clinging to their crosses, serving GOD, and relying on Him for EVERYTHING. Out of this love and conviction, they are praying for the American church to be shaken from our complacency. Given is the fact that there are many sold-out Jesus Freaks here in the States. But overall, the church has become like that in Laodicea which we read about in the Scripture yesterday. There was a time when we needed GOD. But in our prosperity, wealth, entertainment, and materialism, we have grown distracted and distanced from the Giver of those things. Gotten out of balance. Lost sight of the eternal. May we begin to once again heed the anthem of our prayer ministry, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves…I will heal their land.”
And, by the way, remember your Chinese brothers and sisters in prayer today. The world is much bigger than our little patch of buckshot.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 87-88 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Sunday, August 25, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 41: Of Leftovers and Vomiting Spit
Revelation 3:15-18 (NLT)
I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, "I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!" And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.
In 2004, Rob Lilwall began riding his bicycle from the frozen tundra of Siberia back to his home country of England. Along the way, he experienced a plethora of adventures and lessons, strengthened his faith in Jesus, and wrote such a riveting book that I not only read it, but placed it among my “keepers” in the shelf (to be read again). During the course of his journey, he pedaled through Afghanistan and Iran among other hostile countries. In a conversation with an Iranian Muslim, Rob discovered why Christians, especially those in the Westernized world, are frowned upon there. He pens, “They [the Iranians/ Muslims] gained most of their experience about America from Hollywood and some crude television shows on their (illegal) satellite dishes. They seemed to think that all Westerners were Christians, and thus the television shows and films were portraying how normal Christians lived.”
While it is of course unfair to lump all Christians in America into this category, it can’t be far off. Because that’s how normal Christians (if we can even call them Christians) live. In my personal experience, the vast majority of people who show up to church on Sunday live however they want during the week. We watch things we have no business watching. We do things we know we shouldn’t be doing. We bounce from one thing to another, do anything to get ahead, rationalize our lusts and desires, and then, only then, squeeze some time in for GOD. If we’re not too tired after turning the television off.
We are indifferent to GOD.
And it makes GOD want to vomit. Blow us out in chunks of spittle. Hurl us from his mouth. Wrenching and coughing. Ashamed and embarrassed and in agonizing anger.
May it be said of us that we are a delight to GOD. May we give GOD our lives- “our sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking around life- and place it before GOD as an offering.” (Romans 12:1, The Message). May GOD have all of us. And may others see this, this different “Christian” lifestyle, and praise GOD because of it!
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 83-87 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, "I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!" And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.
In 2004, Rob Lilwall began riding his bicycle from the frozen tundra of Siberia back to his home country of England. Along the way, he experienced a plethora of adventures and lessons, strengthened his faith in Jesus, and wrote such a riveting book that I not only read it, but placed it among my “keepers” in the shelf (to be read again). During the course of his journey, he pedaled through Afghanistan and Iran among other hostile countries. In a conversation with an Iranian Muslim, Rob discovered why Christians, especially those in the Westernized world, are frowned upon there. He pens, “They [the Iranians/ Muslims] gained most of their experience about America from Hollywood and some crude television shows on their (illegal) satellite dishes. They seemed to think that all Westerners were Christians, and thus the television shows and films were portraying how normal Christians lived.”
While it is of course unfair to lump all Christians in America into this category, it can’t be far off. Because that’s how normal Christians (if we can even call them Christians) live. In my personal experience, the vast majority of people who show up to church on Sunday live however they want during the week. We watch things we have no business watching. We do things we know we shouldn’t be doing. We bounce from one thing to another, do anything to get ahead, rationalize our lusts and desires, and then, only then, squeeze some time in for GOD. If we’re not too tired after turning the television off.
We are indifferent to GOD.
And it makes GOD want to vomit. Blow us out in chunks of spittle. Hurl us from his mouth. Wrenching and coughing. Ashamed and embarrassed and in agonizing anger.
May it be said of us that we are a delight to GOD. May we give GOD our lives- “our sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking around life- and place it before GOD as an offering.” (Romans 12:1, The Message). May GOD have all of us. And may others see this, this different “Christian” lifestyle, and praise GOD because of it!
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 83-87 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Thursday, August 22, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 40: Reflections of the Lukewarm
Luke 14:34-35 (NLT)
Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
Congratulations! You made it through the wilderness of the lukewarm (so to speak). If the last three weeks were as gut-wrenching as they were for me the first time I paged through this chapter, you may find the need to rest. To take a deep breath. To veg out in front of the television for a month. To read something else lighter. But I would encourage to plod on.
One thing is for sure. If you put your whole heart into the last three weeks of the lukewarm chapter, then your life is in the process of being transformed. Yes you, like me and everyone else, are still messed up human beings. But, as Chan describes, “there is a difference between a life that is characterized by [negative] mentalities and habits and a life that is in the process of being radically transformed.” No matter your spiritual maturity level, we can all grow. If we are willing to humble ourselves, admit our half-hearted attempts to follow GOD, confess it, and press on toward Him with everything we have.
I know you’re tired. I’m exhausted too. But let us continue to unabashedly follow Jesus in this LifeTogether.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 80-81 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
Congratulations! You made it through the wilderness of the lukewarm (so to speak). If the last three weeks were as gut-wrenching as they were for me the first time I paged through this chapter, you may find the need to rest. To take a deep breath. To veg out in front of the television for a month. To read something else lighter. But I would encourage to plod on.
One thing is for sure. If you put your whole heart into the last three weeks of the lukewarm chapter, then your life is in the process of being transformed. Yes you, like me and everyone else, are still messed up human beings. But, as Chan describes, “there is a difference between a life that is characterized by [negative] mentalities and habits and a life that is in the process of being radically transformed.” No matter your spiritual maturity level, we can all grow. If we are willing to humble ourselves, admit our half-hearted attempts to follow GOD, confess it, and press on toward Him with everything we have.
I know you’re tired. I’m exhausted too. But let us continue to unabashedly follow Jesus in this LifeTogether.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 80-81 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 39: Lukewarm 19
Matthew 23:25-28 (NLT)
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
“Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't that different from your typical believer.” (page 79)
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 79 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
“Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't that different from your typical believer.” (page 79)
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 79 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 38: Lukewarm 18
Luke 12:16-21 (NLT)
Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
“Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.” (page 78)
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 78-79 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
“Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.” (page 78)
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 78-79 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Monday, August 19, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 37: Lukewarm 17
Matthew 7:21 (NLT)
Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.
“Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age 12, were baptized, came from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.” (page 78)
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 78 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.
“Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age 12, were baptized, came from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.” (page 78)
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 78 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Sunday, August 18, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 36: Lukewarm 16
1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NLT)
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.
“Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for GOD.” (page 77)
Maybe it’s a mission trip to a far off corner of the world. Maybe it’s a calling to leave your current job to pursue one in which you focus on the Gospel. Maybe its sharing your testimony at Refuge. Maybe its as simple as smiling and speaking to someone.
Many things can jar us from our comfort zone.
As human beings, we are creatures of comfort. We get caught up in routines and motions that are repetitive. What they lack in excitement is usually made up for in the safety of knowing we are in comfortable surroundings. Consider your life (and quit thinking about your neighbor so much!). Could you honestly say that you have fallen into a comfort zone, a rut from which there is safety but little excitement? Could you say that you balk when GOD guides you toward reaching out to others, sharing your story, or discovering your purpose in life? If you answer yes (which, let’s face it, is most of us), then first pray. And don’t just run your mouth. Allow GOD to whisper to you. Listen to others around as GOD uses them to speak to you. And then do whatever it is He says. Then leave the made-for-TV comfort for the great adventure that is following Christ. While I can’t promise you “comfort,” I can assure you it will draw you closer to Jesus and a world so desperately in need of what you have to give.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 77 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.
“Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for GOD.” (page 77)
Maybe it’s a mission trip to a far off corner of the world. Maybe it’s a calling to leave your current job to pursue one in which you focus on the Gospel. Maybe its sharing your testimony at Refuge. Maybe its as simple as smiling and speaking to someone.
Many things can jar us from our comfort zone.
As human beings, we are creatures of comfort. We get caught up in routines and motions that are repetitive. What they lack in excitement is usually made up for in the safety of knowing we are in comfortable surroundings. Consider your life (and quit thinking about your neighbor so much!). Could you honestly say that you have fallen into a comfort zone, a rut from which there is safety but little excitement? Could you say that you balk when GOD guides you toward reaching out to others, sharing your story, or discovering your purpose in life? If you answer yes (which, let’s face it, is most of us), then first pray. And don’t just run your mouth. Allow GOD to whisper to you. Listen to others around as GOD uses them to speak to you. And then do whatever it is He says. Then leave the made-for-TV comfort for the great adventure that is following Christ. While I can’t promise you “comfort,” I can assure you it will draw you closer to Jesus and a world so desperately in need of what you have to give.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 77 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Thursday, August 15, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 35: Lukewarm 15
Matthew 13:44-46 (NLT)
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
“Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum to be “good enough” without it requiring too much of them.” (page 76)
It’s the proverbial spiritual tightrope. How close can I get to the edge? Can I blur the black-and-white line into gray? Where can I push the envelope to? Why must I shake up my comfort zone when it includes such wonderfully delightful things such as church attendance and daily Bible reading? How far does this grace reach? Can I take this one drink and be okay? Can I look at the body of that woman/man just a little longer? Can I want all the wealth in the world as long as I would share some of it? Can I tell the truth about this person without slipping into gossip? Can I take another bite of this supper despite being full already?
Everyday we encounter situations such as these. Situations where, in our depraved human nature, we seek to blur the righteous lines GOD has drawn. When it comes to relationship with Jesus, however, it continues to be all or nothing. Jesus didn't sacrifice himself for us to just be “good enough.” He came “that we might have life, and have that life abundantly!” The next time these questions or this wishy-washy attitude slips into your spirit, remind yourself of those words of Jesus. May we continue to live LifeTogether and live it abundantly. Completely sold out to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ!
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 76-77 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
“Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum to be “good enough” without it requiring too much of them.” (page 76)
It’s the proverbial spiritual tightrope. How close can I get to the edge? Can I blur the black-and-white line into gray? Where can I push the envelope to? Why must I shake up my comfort zone when it includes such wonderfully delightful things such as church attendance and daily Bible reading? How far does this grace reach? Can I take this one drink and be okay? Can I look at the body of that woman/man just a little longer? Can I want all the wealth in the world as long as I would share some of it? Can I tell the truth about this person without slipping into gossip? Can I take another bite of this supper despite being full already?
Everyday we encounter situations such as these. Situations where, in our depraved human nature, we seek to blur the righteous lines GOD has drawn. When it comes to relationship with Jesus, however, it continues to be all or nothing. Jesus didn't sacrifice himself for us to just be “good enough.” He came “that we might have life, and have that life abundantly!” The next time these questions or this wishy-washy attitude slips into your spirit, remind yourself of those words of Jesus. May we continue to live LifeTogether and live it abundantly. Completely sold out to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ!
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 76-77 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 34: Lukewarm 14
Matthew 25:34, 40 (NLT)
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
“Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor.” (page 75)
Not long ago, there was an apartment fire over in Shaw, Mississippi. Shortly thereafter, relief teams were asking for many things to meet needs there, including toys for children. This gave Elizabeth and I a perfect opportunity to share a valuable lesson with Savannah. We took her to her room and showed her the incredible amount of toys, games, and books she had accumulated. Things she had always been very thankful for, even mentioning them in her prayers. We explained the situation as it was: there were children in our area who had no toys and she had an abundance. While we were willing to make her give some of them up, we first asked her what she thought of the dilemma. Without much of a second thought, she confessed that she wished to share her toys. We gave her a box and told her to put some toys she doesn't play with anymore into the box. A few minutes later, she had filled that box up and asked for another. And another. As I moved the packed boxes out of the way, I noticed a couple of toys she loves and plays with regularly cradled in the box.
“Savannah, do you realize you put your favorites in here, baby?”
“Daddy, these kids don’t have any toys and I want to share what they need,” she replied.
After swiping more than a few tears from my eyes, I told her I was proud of her and she responded by simply saying that Jesus loves us and wants us to share. Now I’m not a man with much, but I learned a valuable lesson from my four-year-old that evening. While I’m thankful for what I have, am I actually making a point to give some of it away to those who have little to nothing? May our answers be a resounding yes.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 75-76 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
“Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor.” (page 75)
Not long ago, there was an apartment fire over in Shaw, Mississippi. Shortly thereafter, relief teams were asking for many things to meet needs there, including toys for children. This gave Elizabeth and I a perfect opportunity to share a valuable lesson with Savannah. We took her to her room and showed her the incredible amount of toys, games, and books she had accumulated. Things she had always been very thankful for, even mentioning them in her prayers. We explained the situation as it was: there were children in our area who had no toys and she had an abundance. While we were willing to make her give some of them up, we first asked her what she thought of the dilemma. Without much of a second thought, she confessed that she wished to share her toys. We gave her a box and told her to put some toys she doesn't play with anymore into the box. A few minutes later, she had filled that box up and asked for another. And another. As I moved the packed boxes out of the way, I noticed a couple of toys she loves and plays with regularly cradled in the box.
“Savannah, do you realize you put your favorites in here, baby?”
“Daddy, these kids don’t have any toys and I want to share what they need,” she replied.
After swiping more than a few tears from my eyes, I told her I was proud of her and she responded by simply saying that Jesus loves us and wants us to share. Now I’m not a man with much, but I learned a valuable lesson from my four-year-old that evening. While I’m thankful for what I have, am I actually making a point to give some of it away to those who have little to nothing? May our answers be a resounding yes.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 75-76 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 33: Lukewarm 13
Colossians 3:2 (NLT)
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
“Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven.” (page 75)
Once more I shall gracefully bow out and permit the literary genius that is C.S. Lewis to take the devotional today.
Regarding this issue, he writes,
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
Enough said.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 75 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
“Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven.” (page 75)
Once more I shall gracefully bow out and permit the literary genius that is C.S. Lewis to take the devotional today.
Regarding this issue, he writes,
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
Enough said.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 75 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Monday, August 12, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 32: Lukewarm 12
Luke 18:21-25 (NLT)
The man replied, “I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.
When Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
“Lukewarm people will serve GOD and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.” (page 74)
The word of the day is “willing.”
Are we willing to give?
Many theologians, pastors, and lay people (that’s the rest of us) have dissected the preceding Scripture. But every time I read this passage, it causes me to think mainly of my motives. Did Jesus really intend this man in the story to sell every single possession he had and give all the money to the poor? Maybe he did. But it occurs to me that this was more a question of his motives than any thing else. A probe to see the condition of the man’s heart. A check to see if he was willing to give everything up for Jesus. Had he been willing in heart, he’d have jumped at the opportunity to give everything to Jesus.
Which inevitably leads back to us. Are we supposed to sell every possession we have- house and cars and toys and entertainment goodies- and give the money to all the poor around us? Maybe GOD is calling you to do so. But maybe he’s just questioning us to see if we’re willing to do that. Because if we’re willing to do it, we will do it if the time every comes to do so. To give everything. Or a check to help someone for the month. Or a car so they can get back and forth to work. Or a basket of groceries to fill a physical need. Or any number of things.
So check the motive of your heart today. If GOD said it was time to lay all aside for another, would you be willing?
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 74 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
The man replied, “I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.
When Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
“Lukewarm people will serve GOD and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.” (page 74)
The word of the day is “willing.”
Are we willing to give?
Many theologians, pastors, and lay people (that’s the rest of us) have dissected the preceding Scripture. But every time I read this passage, it causes me to think mainly of my motives. Did Jesus really intend this man in the story to sell every single possession he had and give all the money to the poor? Maybe he did. But it occurs to me that this was more a question of his motives than any thing else. A probe to see the condition of the man’s heart. A check to see if he was willing to give everything up for Jesus. Had he been willing in heart, he’d have jumped at the opportunity to give everything to Jesus.
Which inevitably leads back to us. Are we supposed to sell every possession we have- house and cars and toys and entertainment goodies- and give the money to all the poor around us? Maybe GOD is calling you to do so. But maybe he’s just questioning us to see if we’re willing to do that. Because if we’re willing to do it, we will do it if the time every comes to do so. To give everything. Or a check to help someone for the month. Or a car so they can get back and forth to work. Or a basket of groceries to fill a physical need. Or any number of things.
So check the motive of your heart today. If GOD said it was time to lay all aside for another, would you be willing?
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 74 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Sunday, August 11, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 31: Lukewarm 11
Matthew 5:43-47 (NLT)
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.
“Lukewarm people love others, but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves.” (page 73)
This whole thing about “loving your enemies” was difficult for me to understand for a while. I’m like you, I have no enemies. Or at least, I make an effort not to have any on my end. But if you live and work and volunteer around people long enough, you may (if you're honest) develop “combative” feelings towards some people. For me this came several years ago when a particular individual entered our Arms of Mercy program. This guy (let’s call him Leonard because I don’t anyone by that name and that will protect the aforementioned name from being spilled) entered our program after having taken advantage of my generosity once before. He came into the program cocky, arrogant, and with a distaste for authority. On one occasion, he asked to use my phone (no-no number 1) to call someone to bring him something up there (no-no number 2). After I told him “no”, Leonard waited until I returned inside and walked over to a nearby pastor’s house and concocted a creative story that convinced the pastor to let him use the phone. An hour later, he had a visitor show up. He had gone behind my back (no-no number 3) and got his way anyway. Because I was still new to the whole servant-leadership thing, I called Major to inform him that I was about to murder one of the men so that he could handle it in his own unique way of doing things. I was rather surprised to see the guy the next day at my church (I assumed Major would have kicked him out). I was further surprised when I opened the door to greet him and was met with a mumbled string of expletives. As you might imagine, I kept a cool and collected on the outside but on the inside it was not so pretty. I had made my first enemy. I despised this dude. His arrogance grew worse and worse for several days. He all but refused to participate in Bible study. He continued mumbling things under his breath. He continued to manipulate the system. And he was winning because it was eating me up inwardly.
Until I poured out my heart to GOD. And he gave me the strength to not only forgive Leonard but love him. Even if I didn't care for his company much. GOD taught me to love everyone, even my enemies. Because often, it's those things I hate in my enemy that I struggle with the most personally. How’s that for humility?
P.S. Leonard and I patched up our differences and are now friends. Not close friends, but friends nonetheless.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 73 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.
“Lukewarm people love others, but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves.” (page 73)
This whole thing about “loving your enemies” was difficult for me to understand for a while. I’m like you, I have no enemies. Or at least, I make an effort not to have any on my end. But if you live and work and volunteer around people long enough, you may (if you're honest) develop “combative” feelings towards some people. For me this came several years ago when a particular individual entered our Arms of Mercy program. This guy (let’s call him Leonard because I don’t anyone by that name and that will protect the aforementioned name from being spilled) entered our program after having taken advantage of my generosity once before. He came into the program cocky, arrogant, and with a distaste for authority. On one occasion, he asked to use my phone (no-no number 1) to call someone to bring him something up there (no-no number 2). After I told him “no”, Leonard waited until I returned inside and walked over to a nearby pastor’s house and concocted a creative story that convinced the pastor to let him use the phone. An hour later, he had a visitor show up. He had gone behind my back (no-no number 3) and got his way anyway. Because I was still new to the whole servant-leadership thing, I called Major to inform him that I was about to murder one of the men so that he could handle it in his own unique way of doing things. I was rather surprised to see the guy the next day at my church (I assumed Major would have kicked him out). I was further surprised when I opened the door to greet him and was met with a mumbled string of expletives. As you might imagine, I kept a cool and collected on the outside but on the inside it was not so pretty. I had made my first enemy. I despised this dude. His arrogance grew worse and worse for several days. He all but refused to participate in Bible study. He continued mumbling things under his breath. He continued to manipulate the system. And he was winning because it was eating me up inwardly.
Until I poured out my heart to GOD. And he gave me the strength to not only forgive Leonard but love him. Even if I didn't care for his company much. GOD taught me to love everyone, even my enemies. Because often, it's those things I hate in my enemy that I struggle with the most personally. How’s that for humility?
P.S. Leonard and I patched up our differences and are now friends. Not close friends, but friends nonetheless.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 73 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Thursday, August 8, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 30: Lukewarm 10
Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."
“Lukewarm people love GOD, but they do not love Him with their whole heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love GOD that much but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; its only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.” (page 73)
Like you, I admire men and women who are radical for the cause of Christ. People like our pastor and friend John (the Pastor not the Baptist) for his passion and unfailing love. Or my friends Nate and Lauren who are my heroes for dropping the comforts of America to move to the mission fields of Indonesia. Or by people I haven’t yet met but would like to. People such as Rob Lilwall, who rode his bike from Siberia to England to spend time with GOD and raise money for a Hong Kong children’s charity.
For years, as Chan expresses so profoundly, I thought this type of sacrificial living was for Super Christians. Christians who were in paid ministry or had a “Call” over their lives.
But the Scripture is clear. While some pastors and teachers may be held to a higher standard, we all must hold to a high standard. Following Christ is not a half-hearted, lukewarm effort, but complete and blinding devotion. It's all or nothing.
Do you give your iPhone half your attention? Or your football team half your passion? Then why are we doing this with the Living GOD?
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 73 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."
“Lukewarm people love GOD, but they do not love Him with their whole heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love GOD that much but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; its only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.” (page 73)
Like you, I admire men and women who are radical for the cause of Christ. People like our pastor and friend John (the Pastor not the Baptist) for his passion and unfailing love. Or my friends Nate and Lauren who are my heroes for dropping the comforts of America to move to the mission fields of Indonesia. Or by people I haven’t yet met but would like to. People such as Rob Lilwall, who rode his bike from Siberia to England to spend time with GOD and raise money for a Hong Kong children’s charity.
For years, as Chan expresses so profoundly, I thought this type of sacrificial living was for Super Christians. Christians who were in paid ministry or had a “Call” over their lives.
But the Scripture is clear. While some pastors and teachers may be held to a higher standard, we all must hold to a high standard. Following Christ is not a half-hearted, lukewarm effort, but complete and blinding devotion. It's all or nothing.
Do you give your iPhone half your attention? Or your football team half your passion? Then why are we doing this with the Living GOD?
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 73 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 29: Lukewarm 09
Luke 9:57-62 (NLT)
As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”
The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”
Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
“Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, their thoughts, but He isn’t allowed to control their thoughts.” (page 72)
My wife and I have a wonderful relationship. Among the many things we do to ensure that it stays that way is communicate daily. We simply sit there and talk and listen to one another. Sort of like in those days of dating. I've learned countless things through this process, including that I can be sitting there with her physically but be a million miles away in my head. What I mean by this is that she can be talking and I’m sitting there listening and nodding my head, but my brain may be thinking of what I forgot to do that day or lesson plans for school or an idea for my next book or how hot she looks in that outfit. You get the point. While she has my attention, she doesn't have all of me, just a part. Like a shell of a person.
When this occurs, I’m not being the best I husband I could be. I’m giving my wife only part, not the whole of me, mind and body. And it’s the same thing that happens in our relationship with GOD. As “good” of Christians as we think of ourselves, most times we are giving GOD but a piece of ourselves, not the whole. We may talk to him in prayer or sing worship songs or do some community service for him, all the while thinking about other things like what time the game is, what new app they have for my iPhone, or when the clearance sale ends. We are giving him but a hollow shell of who we really are.
Like in our human relationships, our lives should be completely devoted to GOD. He should get not only our time, talents, and tithe, but our thoughts as well.
It's been the theme throughout the “Profiles of the Lukewarm” chapter: It's all or nothing!
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 72 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”
The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”
Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
“Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, their thoughts, but He isn’t allowed to control their thoughts.” (page 72)
My wife and I have a wonderful relationship. Among the many things we do to ensure that it stays that way is communicate daily. We simply sit there and talk and listen to one another. Sort of like in those days of dating. I've learned countless things through this process, including that I can be sitting there with her physically but be a million miles away in my head. What I mean by this is that she can be talking and I’m sitting there listening and nodding my head, but my brain may be thinking of what I forgot to do that day or lesson plans for school or an idea for my next book or how hot she looks in that outfit. You get the point. While she has my attention, she doesn't have all of me, just a part. Like a shell of a person.
When this occurs, I’m not being the best I husband I could be. I’m giving my wife only part, not the whole of me, mind and body. And it’s the same thing that happens in our relationship with GOD. As “good” of Christians as we think of ourselves, most times we are giving GOD but a piece of ourselves, not the whole. We may talk to him in prayer or sing worship songs or do some community service for him, all the while thinking about other things like what time the game is, what new app they have for my iPhone, or when the clearance sale ends. We are giving him but a hollow shell of who we really are.
Like in our human relationships, our lives should be completely devoted to GOD. He should get not only our time, talents, and tithe, but our thoughts as well.
It's been the theme throughout the “Profiles of the Lukewarm” chapter: It's all or nothing!
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 72 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 28: Lukewarm 08
Luke 18:11-12 (NLT)
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.
“Lukewarm people gauge their morality or goodness by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hardcore for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere near as horrible as the guy down the street.” (page 72)
I grew up in the great state of Texas. The land of Republicans, Baptists, the Religion of High School Football, and competitions. (And no, these aren't the reasons I moved. Although it may have played a part in it.) From an early age, Texas boys are trained like Spartans in preparation for their entrance onto the field and turned against one another to compete for positions and therefore, status. They are taught to worship the Dallas Cowboys, study the history of the glorious old days of the Southwestern Conference, and review over the “X’s” and “O’s” long before learning their regular alphabet.
Not to be outdone, cheer-leading and its various competitions are just as fiercely competitive as the football environment. Remember the story about the mother who had people injured so her daughter could make the team?
In short, Texans (and most every other American) are bred and programmed for competition. So we have a predisposition to comparing ourselves to others. Like most everything else however, Jesus draws a different line. We aren't supposed to worry about what others are doing or not doing. We are to pick up our crosses and follow him. We are to give everything we are and not look at our neighbor and say, “Well, we’re giving more than them.” With blinders on like those race horses wear to guide their vision straight ahead, let us run the race with our eyes on the prize. Not on everyone else. This is not about position and whether you’re better at this thing than one of your cohorts. This is all about Jesus!
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 72 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.
“Lukewarm people gauge their morality or goodness by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hardcore for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere near as horrible as the guy down the street.” (page 72)
I grew up in the great state of Texas. The land of Republicans, Baptists, the Religion of High School Football, and competitions. (And no, these aren't the reasons I moved. Although it may have played a part in it.) From an early age, Texas boys are trained like Spartans in preparation for their entrance onto the field and turned against one another to compete for positions and therefore, status. They are taught to worship the Dallas Cowboys, study the history of the glorious old days of the Southwestern Conference, and review over the “X’s” and “O’s” long before learning their regular alphabet.
Not to be outdone, cheer-leading and its various competitions are just as fiercely competitive as the football environment. Remember the story about the mother who had people injured so her daughter could make the team?
In short, Texans (and most every other American) are bred and programmed for competition. So we have a predisposition to comparing ourselves to others. Like most everything else however, Jesus draws a different line. We aren't supposed to worry about what others are doing or not doing. We are to pick up our crosses and follow him. We are to give everything we are and not look at our neighbor and say, “Well, we’re giving more than them.” With blinders on like those race horses wear to guide their vision straight ahead, let us run the race with our eyes on the prize. Not on everyone else. This is not about position and whether you’re better at this thing than one of your cohorts. This is all about Jesus!
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 72 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Monday, August 5, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 27: Lukewarm 07
Matthew 10:32-33 (NLT)
Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
“Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.” (page 71)
When Savannah and I go to the park to play, there is this line of concrete that reminds me of a tightrope. Her and I will gingerly tip-toe our way across it doing our very best to avoid falling off. (If you do step off, the crocodile bites into you like he did Captain Hook from Peter Pan). The same thinking rings true for many believers today. We walk a spiritual tight rope when it comes to sharing our faith. We don’t want to trip to the left and be rejected by saying something that someone may make fun of us for. And we don’t want to lean right and share our faith because it may make some people uncomfortable. Because to some, religion is a private matter, separate from the operations of our normal daily lives. I've even bought into this a time or two.
Then I thought about it this way. If my soccer team finally won the elusive championship, would I quietly go on about my business? Absolutely not! (Even if you had no idea what I was talking about, I’d still share it!) If Alabama/LSU/MSU/Ole Miss/Michigan won the national title, would you sit idly by and be silent? If you met B.B. King or Jimmy Page or Brad Pitt or Beyonce, would you take a vow of silence? If you got a killer deal on some new fall clothing from the department store, would you keep it a secret? In all cases, I believe you would say with me, “Absolutely not!”
Then why on earth would we keep the greatest news imaginable a guarded secret? I’m not telling you to thump your neighbors over the head with your Bible or preach to them on how they should live when you don’t practice it yourself. I’m simply encouraging you to let your light shine and when (not if) the opportunity presents itself, “be prepared to share the hope you have in Jesus.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 71 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
“Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.” (page 71)
When Savannah and I go to the park to play, there is this line of concrete that reminds me of a tightrope. Her and I will gingerly tip-toe our way across it doing our very best to avoid falling off. (If you do step off, the crocodile bites into you like he did Captain Hook from Peter Pan). The same thinking rings true for many believers today. We walk a spiritual tight rope when it comes to sharing our faith. We don’t want to trip to the left and be rejected by saying something that someone may make fun of us for. And we don’t want to lean right and share our faith because it may make some people uncomfortable. Because to some, religion is a private matter, separate from the operations of our normal daily lives. I've even bought into this a time or two.
Then I thought about it this way. If my soccer team finally won the elusive championship, would I quietly go on about my business? Absolutely not! (Even if you had no idea what I was talking about, I’d still share it!) If Alabama/LSU/MSU/Ole Miss/Michigan won the national title, would you sit idly by and be silent? If you met B.B. King or Jimmy Page or Brad Pitt or Beyonce, would you take a vow of silence? If you got a killer deal on some new fall clothing from the department store, would you keep it a secret? In all cases, I believe you would say with me, “Absolutely not!”
Then why on earth would we keep the greatest news imaginable a guarded secret? I’m not telling you to thump your neighbors over the head with your Bible or preach to them on how they should live when you don’t practice it yourself. I’m simply encouraging you to let your light shine and when (not if) the opportunity presents itself, “be prepared to share the hope you have in Jesus.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 71 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Sunday, August 4, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 26: Lukewarm 06
James 1:22 (NLT)
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
“Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all His followers.” (pages 70-71)
Over the last 30 years, millions of Americans (and people around the world) have been inspired by the film Rocky. There is something about the character which resonates with us all. His rough upbringing. His desire to make the most of life. His determination to never give up no matter what life throws at you. His response to adversity by withstanding its punishment then fighting back. His feelings of inferiority and mid-life crisis. His commitment to being in peak physical condition. His humble heart even before GOD. Whatever it is, we love it.
What I've always found perplexing though, is that the vast majority of people I know who either love the film, or been inspired by it, don’t live out its messages. Sure, we sit on the couch and dream of doing such noble things like living life to the fullest or getting in shape. But when we finally leave the couch, we’re more likely to hit the fridge rather than the exercise equipment, the TV remote rather than our knees in prayer. Rocky was my favorite movie for years before I actually adopted many of its mottos.
As I read this portion of the Lukewarm profiles, my mind went to Rocky. Because that’s what many of us believers do. We are moved and inspired by stories of people who completely sell out to the cause of Christ, overcome their obstacles, and glorify GOD. However, we think of them like we do Rocky Balboa. That that is their calling. That is them, not us. So we cheer them on from the sidelines or from our couch and don’t act on what they’re encouraging us to do- to walk closer to GOD and serve others in whatever way we can. We are all “Rockys” for the cause of Christ. We must get off our butt, dive into our spiritual training, withstand the punches of the enemy, and with the help and hope of the Holy Spirit fight the good fight until the final bell sounds. Then the victory party!
So let us pray what Rocky shouted at the end of Rocky IV: “If I can change…and you can change…everybody can change!”
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 70-71 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
“Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all His followers.” (pages 70-71)
Over the last 30 years, millions of Americans (and people around the world) have been inspired by the film Rocky. There is something about the character which resonates with us all. His rough upbringing. His desire to make the most of life. His determination to never give up no matter what life throws at you. His response to adversity by withstanding its punishment then fighting back. His feelings of inferiority and mid-life crisis. His commitment to being in peak physical condition. His humble heart even before GOD. Whatever it is, we love it.
What I've always found perplexing though, is that the vast majority of people I know who either love the film, or been inspired by it, don’t live out its messages. Sure, we sit on the couch and dream of doing such noble things like living life to the fullest or getting in shape. But when we finally leave the couch, we’re more likely to hit the fridge rather than the exercise equipment, the TV remote rather than our knees in prayer. Rocky was my favorite movie for years before I actually adopted many of its mottos.
As I read this portion of the Lukewarm profiles, my mind went to Rocky. Because that’s what many of us believers do. We are moved and inspired by stories of people who completely sell out to the cause of Christ, overcome their obstacles, and glorify GOD. However, we think of them like we do Rocky Balboa. That that is their calling. That is them, not us. So we cheer them on from the sidelines or from our couch and don’t act on what they’re encouraging us to do- to walk closer to GOD and serve others in whatever way we can. We are all “Rockys” for the cause of Christ. We must get off our butt, dive into our spiritual training, withstand the punches of the enemy, and with the help and hope of the Holy Spirit fight the good fight until the final bell sounds. Then the victory party!
So let us pray what Rocky shouted at the end of Rocky IV: “If I can change…and you can change…everybody can change!”
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 70-71 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Thursday, August 1, 2013
The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 25: Lukewarm 05
Romans 6:1-2 (NLT)
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
“Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and aren’t truly sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because GOD is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don’t really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one.” (page 70)
Despite being known for soccer when it comes to athletic fanaticism, I’m also a closet baseball fan. I’m not fond of watching it on television but I enjoy attending games in person, lingering in the ambiance of all that is…baseball. The converging smells of freshly hewn grass, hot dogs, and eight dollar beer somehow blend together in sweet seamlessness. The sounds of cracking bats, obnoxious vendors, and muffled conversations. The dramatic dancing duel between pitcher and hitter. The tension of the bases being loaded with a 3-2 count with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth. Like soccer, an elaborate chess match. One glaring blemish preventing me from falling head over heels in love with baseball, however, is the continued use of steroids and the ugly scandals which ensue as a result. Now I realize that every sport (even my beloved soccer) has athletes who cheat by using illegal performance enhancing drugs. But its seems epidemic in baseball. What gets me is that many of the best ballplayers use these substances then lie profusely about it when asked. Then, even though their infractions are proven and well documented, they still vehemently deny the issue.
It reminds me of the lukewarm issue from Crazy Love today. These guys who finally admit their mistake (some still don’t) usually do so to avoid a more devastating penalty. One player in the news yesterday was the MVP a couple of years ago. He’d got off on a charge last year by a technicality and got busted once again this year. This is an example of someone who obviously didn't stop their “sinning“ and was only apologetic after being caught. Despite having to serve a 65 game suspension, I dare say he would do the same thing if he could get away with it. The thought of being a famous ball player instead of a common one is too much for some to handle. The life of sin, in other words, has more to offer them than a clean existence.
Sounds remarkably like us does it not? Sure, we all hate when we get caught and must suffer the consequences of our sin. But do we hate the sin itself? Are we so disgusted by our behavior that we confess it and change? Or are we only sorry when GOD sends down the punishing consequences for our actions?
It's my prayer that you and I recognize our sin problem and deal with it openly, honestly, and truly apologetically.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 70 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
“Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and aren’t truly sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because GOD is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don’t really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one.” (page 70)
Despite being known for soccer when it comes to athletic fanaticism, I’m also a closet baseball fan. I’m not fond of watching it on television but I enjoy attending games in person, lingering in the ambiance of all that is…baseball. The converging smells of freshly hewn grass, hot dogs, and eight dollar beer somehow blend together in sweet seamlessness. The sounds of cracking bats, obnoxious vendors, and muffled conversations. The dramatic dancing duel between pitcher and hitter. The tension of the bases being loaded with a 3-2 count with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth. Like soccer, an elaborate chess match. One glaring blemish preventing me from falling head over heels in love with baseball, however, is the continued use of steroids and the ugly scandals which ensue as a result. Now I realize that every sport (even my beloved soccer) has athletes who cheat by using illegal performance enhancing drugs. But its seems epidemic in baseball. What gets me is that many of the best ballplayers use these substances then lie profusely about it when asked. Then, even though their infractions are proven and well documented, they still vehemently deny the issue.
It reminds me of the lukewarm issue from Crazy Love today. These guys who finally admit their mistake (some still don’t) usually do so to avoid a more devastating penalty. One player in the news yesterday was the MVP a couple of years ago. He’d got off on a charge last year by a technicality and got busted once again this year. This is an example of someone who obviously didn't stop their “sinning“ and was only apologetic after being caught. Despite having to serve a 65 game suspension, I dare say he would do the same thing if he could get away with it. The thought of being a famous ball player instead of a common one is too much for some to handle. The life of sin, in other words, has more to offer them than a clean existence.
Sounds remarkably like us does it not? Sure, we all hate when we get caught and must suffer the consequences of our sin. But do we hate the sin itself? Are we so disgusted by our behavior that we confess it and change? Or are we only sorry when GOD sends down the punishing consequences for our actions?
It's my prayer that you and I recognize our sin problem and deal with it openly, honestly, and truly apologetically.
Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read page 70 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski
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