The Simple Truth

Spiritual Muscle

A week ago today I had arthroscopic knee surgery to repair some torn meniscus and arthritis in my left knee. The knee originally started bothering me back in January while I was in India when it blew up like a balloon while I was helping with a basketball clinic in Chennai. From January until now my exercise routine with my legs has been little to non-existent. As a result the muscles in my left thigh had atrophied at an alarming rate. Prior to the injury I was incredibly diligent in my workouts and was in pretty good shape for a guy my age (no comments please).

On Wednesday while in physical therapy for my knee I commented to the therapist (who I affectionately refer to as my physical terrorist) how quickly my muscle (what I have of it) had atrophied. Her reply was telling. She said, "They go away so quickly, and take a long time to come back."  Her statement has profound spiritual implications.  Our faith, our godliness, and our walk with Jesus are like a muscle that must be exercised in order to be maintained. If we don't use it, it goes away very quickly. If it's lost, it takes a lot of diligent work to get back.  Paul tells us in First Timothy 4:7-8 that we are to exercise ourselves unto godliness.  Living a godly life requires diligent exertion; it doesn't just happen.  Exercise yourself through reading God's word, through fervent prayer, through meditating on the things of God, and through serving others. Become a spiritual body builder. 

In therapy they are actually having to teach my muscle how to work again. They are trying to get me to a point where muscle memory is regained and my muscle can perform in the way they were intended. Living a godly life is achieved much the same way. Godly living doesn't come natural at first but over time, as you respond in a proper manner again and again, the godly response becomes the natural response.

The bottom line for our spiritual life is this - don't ever go into coast mode. The moment you stop diligently pursuing godliness and exercising your spiritual muscles, you start to lose strength. The longer you let it go, the harder it is to get back.  Stay diligent in your spiritual exercises so that a godly response becomes second nature to you.

Who Are You?

Yesterday I was saddened to hear of the suicidal death of Junior Seau, the former great San Diego Chargers linebacker. As a KC Chiefs fan I witnessed first hand the destructive force that was Junior Seau. He was truly one of the all time great linebackers in football history. 

I obviously don't know Junior Seau and I am not familiar with the events surrounding his apparent suicide but as I have listened to the pundits over the last twenty-four hours discussing him and his situation and there seems to be one very sad common theme.  Those who knew Junior well have said that he had a very difficult time adjusting to life after professional football.  It's not unreasonable to assume that after nearly 20 years in the NFL life filled with fame, fortune, competition, accolades, and accomplishments, his very existence had become defined by football.  When father time took football away from him he lost his identity and ultimately took his life.  

Linking our identity to something or someone happens all too frequently. The situation with Junior Seau may be intensified and magnified because it involves a soon to be Hall of Fame football player, but this is a common occurence. The problem with finding your identity in your profession, a possession, or in another person comes when we no longer have that, or them, as part of our life.  If I'm defined by my job, and subsequently lose my job, what happens to my identity. If I'm defined by what I possess and they are lost, who am I? If my identity is defined by a particular relationship, what happens they are no longer around?  All of this begs the questions, where do I find my identity? Who am I?

You are more than what you do for a living. You are more than a particular item you own. You are even more than your earthly relationships.  As followers of Jesus, we find our identity in Him.  We are ambassadors for him on earth regardless of what we do for a living. We are joint heirs with Christ even if we live paycheck to paycheck. Because of Jesus we have been adopted into the family of God and are now a child of the King.  These are the things that define who we are, our identity.  They can never be taken away from you no matter what life throws your way.

It saddens me to see people struggling to discover their identity.  I have great sympathy for those who are trying to find a place to fit in - remember those teen years?! Let me finish with a loud and clear statement to those struggling to answer the question, "Who am I?" and to those basing their identity upon temporal things - In Christ, you are amazing, you are valuable, you are important, you are victorious, you are loved! Don't allow the world to tell you otherwise. Find yourself and define yourself on the basis of what you have in Christ, not on the basis of what you do and what you own.  The temporal will always disappoint, but your eternal identity in Christ will never let you down. 

My Story

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, everyone has a story - including me.  Those of you that have only recently come to know me may think I was born as "Pastor Brad" with a baby rattle in one hand and a Bible in the other. Nothing could be further from the truth.  Let me take a few moments and share my story of coming to know Jesus as Savior.

From the outside looking in my life was a tremendous success. Though I was still relatively young (20 years old) I was well on my way to having all the things the world tells us are important. I had a full ride scholarship to great school; I was on the Dean's Honor Roll every semester; I had a beautiful girlfriend; I was popular (and a little arrogant) and ran in the BMOC groups at school. What more could a guy want? Lots! For all my success I found myself unfulfilled and longing for more. As a result, I started to experiment regularly with drugs and alcohol. I knew chemical stimulants weren't the answer and repeatedly vowed the morning after to never do that again. However, I still found myself continually giving in to temptation in order to cover the ache deep in my soul.

During the summer of 1988 I underwent my third shoulder surgery and was unable to do much except sit around the house. Out of boredom I decided to read a book about one of my favorite basketball players, Pistol Pete Marovich, called "Heir to a Dream".  As I read the story of Pete Marovich I continually saw my life in his.  Unfulfilled and unsatisfied in the midst of unparalleled worldly success Pistol Pete received Jesus as Savior and became a Christian.  God used this book to start peeling back the spiritual blinders in my life.  I began going to church with my mom who had started attending a Baptist Church in Kansas City. The lights were starting to come on for me.

On a hot Sunday in August of 1988 I went to church with my mom and girlfriend. I recall very little about the content of the message that day, but the title has stuck with me all these years - "I Gave My Life to Jesus and I Meant It!" For the first time I realized that I was a sinner and Jesus had personally died for me.  The story of Jesus went from general and abstract, to personal and concrete.  As the invitation was given that Sunday morning I bowed my head and accepted Jesus as my Savior.

The change in my life was immediate. I remember driving home that day filled with excitement. I finally understood what life was all about. I no longer had the emptiness haunting me. I was complete. I was happy. I was forgiven. I had been given a purpose for living.  From that point forward my life was different.  Many things changed immediately - most notably, no more partying and no more foul language (that's right Pastor Brad had a potty mouth).  I still had struggles and missteps in my life, but for the most part my focus was now on getting to know my Savior and living my life for him.  I was no longer living for myself, but for the One who had saved me.

I look back on my life and I am amazed at how far God has brought me. Without him there is no telling where I would be right now. It is only by His grace and mercy that I am what I am.  

Your Story

If you are a follower of Jesus he has called you to be a witness for him.  What does that mean? Well, let me answer that with another question, what does a witness do? A witness offers testimony. A witness shares what happened to them, what they experienced, or saw happen.  A witness doesn't argue the case, prove the truth, or press for a verdict - that's the job of an attorney.  As witnesses for Jesus we are to offer our testimony by telling others about the difference Jesus has made in our lives.  In I Peter 3:15 we are told to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask us about the hope that is in us. The best way to be ready is to write out your personal testimony and be prepared to share it when God opens a door for you to do so.  

In order to help you out with the writing of your testimony let me share four different aspect which you should consider including in your story...

• What my life was like before I met Jesus.  Share your doubts, your struggles, your questions. Be real and honest. Don't sugar coat it.   Fight the tendency to think your story is not dramatic enough and therefore not interesting.  There are people all around you who can relate to your story and want to hear it.
• How I realized I needed Jesus.  This is the moment the light bulb went on for you. Was it something someone said, a book you read, or maybe a life experience you had.   Maybe you grew up in church but there was a time when it finally made sense to you.
• How I committed my life to Jesus.   Describe the moment you accepted Jesus as your Savior.  Was it at church, at home, with a friend, or maybe just you reading your Bible. This is that conversion moment in your life.
• The difference Jesus has made in my life.  How has your life changed since you committed it to Jesus? Maybe its a restored relationship, an addiction overcome, or worry being replaced by peace.  This isn't to say you don't still have "issues" but there ought to be some evidence of your new relationship with Jesus.

You have a story to tell and it is unique and powerful. Write it out and be prepared to be a witness when God calls you to the stand to offer your testimony. 

Every Need Met...

This morning as I read through the fifth chapter of the gospel of Mark I was struck by the similarities and consistencies within the three miracles performed by Jesus in this chapter.  There are three different people with differing needs but in each instance Jesus is the answer.

• Demon Possessed Man (v.1-20) - He has a spiritual need.
• Woman with Issue of Blood (v.25-34) - Has a physical need.
• Jarius with sick/dead daughter (v.21-24, 35-43) - Has an emotional need.

Let me share some of the consistencies I observed between these stories...

• They involve the number 12. The woman had her issue for 12 years. Jarius' daughter is 12 years old. The possessed man's story doesn't specifically mention the number 12 but when the demon is asked his name by Jesus he responds "Legion" because their were multiple demons - might there have been 12? I say very likely given the consistency of God's word. Why twelve? The use of this number most likely points to spiritual condition of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus is illustrating Israel's need for him through these healings.
• In each story the people in need are desperate for help. They had tried other alternatives and nothing was able to resolve their issue.  The possessed man had been bound with chains many times but simply broke free. The woman with the issue had spent all her money going to doctors and had only gotten worse.  You can be pretty certain that Jarius, a ruler in the synagoge had tried every other option before turning to Jesus. The fact Jarius finally turns to Jesus for help shows how desperate he is. Sadly, sometimes desperation is what it takes to drive us to the Lord.
• In each instances the participants worship Jesus. Even the demonic man comes and falls at the feet of Jesus worshipping (v.6). This blew me away. The demons find their proper place before Jesus, why do we struggle so much with this. After her healing the woman falls at the feet of Jesus and confesses all to him. Jarius comes with an attitude of worship and falls at Jesus' feet. After the healing, Jarius and all other present are astonished at what Jesus has done.
• Fear must be replaced by faith. Each stories involves a person who is afraid (or feared) and who finds faith in Christ. Fear and faith cannot occupy the same place at the same time.  If I'm fearful I don't have faith. If I have faith, I will not fear. Another way of looking at it is my fear is shifted from my circumstances to a healthy fear of God.  Jesus tells Jarius in v.36 "Do not be afraid; only believe." That's his advice to us as well.
• Every need is met by Jesus.  Whether you have a spiritual need, physical need, or an emotional need. Jesus can provide the healing you need.  Come to him in faith and receive his healing.

Scariest Blog Post Ever

This is undoubtedly the scariest blog post I've ever written. Why? In a word, ACCOUNTABILITY! Yep, I'm putting myself out there and making myself accountable to all my blog readers (all two of you).

For years now the Lord has been bugging me about writing more. I've dabbled in it off and on and even had some articles published. However, I've sensed the need to do more, to go bigger.  I've tried to ignore these promptings. I've squashed them at every turn. I've come up with every excuse imaginable (usually centered around time) for why I can't make writing a larger part of my life / routine. Finally, at the beginning of 2012 I made a commitment to write more regularly. Upon returning from India at the end of January I put my plan into action.  Here's how I'm incorporating writing into my weekly routine...

Several years ago (it feels like a lifetime ago) I actually ran a marathon (26.2 miles). The race was of course grueling, but the training was the hardest part. While training for a marathon your life revolves around when you are going to fit in your runs, especially the long runs. You rearrange, re-prioritize, and get creative to make it happen. That's what I'm doing with writing. I actually got one of Hal Higdon's marathon training schedules which details how far you are supposed to run each day.  Instead of running, I'm writing - it's much easier on the knees.  I write for the amount of time it would take me to run the distance listed in the training program - believe me when I say this is a big commitment, because I run really slow.  I've been at it for a couple of weeks now and so far so good.  We'll see how it goes as the distance / time starts to climb into the teen and twenty mile range.

I hope to share more with you as I progress through this journey. I also hope to share some of the finished product with you once its suitable for reading. Until then, keep me in your prayers and don't be afraid to hold me accountable to my plan. 

Control

This week I've been applying the "Pronounce It" method of devotional Bible study to particular passages in scripture.  The Pronounce It method forces you to concentrate on each word of a verse by placing the emphasis on a different word during each subsequent reading.  One of the passages I "Pronounced" this week was Colossians 3:15...

"...let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."

Two words jumped out of this short passage and challenged me - "let" and "rule".

The word "let" shows me that having the peace of God in my life is a choice. I have to allow it to happen. Too often we choose the opposite of peace and continue to live in constant turmoil, worry, anxiety, and stress.  Each day, in every situation, I have to actively choose God's peace.

The word "rule" shows me that the peace of God is a matter of control. Who is ruling my life? Who is in control of my life? Me or God? The world or the word? My circumstances or my Christ? As long as I battle God for control I will never experience peace.  Peace requires surrender. I need to actively relinquish control of my life to God.

My prayer is that I would make the CHOICE to allow God to CONTROL my life. Each decision to do so causes the peace of God to flood into my heart.

Thoughts on a Land Far Away

As one reflects on life there are certain moments which can be deemed as "life-changing". I recently had such a life changing experience as I journeyed half-way around the world to India.  My prayer prior to the trip was simple, "Lord, show me how we can more effectively minister in this part of the world." God has/is answering this prayer. In the months to come I hope to share specifics with you about how PBC can continue to play a part in that part of the world. For now, I thought I would share some of my BIG take aways from the trip...

• Jet lag STINKS! for the first four days of the trip I was running on about 2-3 hours of sleep per night and going hard all day long. I was just starting to get acclimated when it was time to return home. By God's grace I was able to persevere and continue to function without too much fog in my head.
• It was a sincere pleasure getting to know the F. family. They are a tremendous blessing and their hospitality is unmatched.  During this trip acquaintances became friends.
• It was a blessing to be part of the Go Sports basketball clinic. 70 kids learning to play the game I love.
• You have not lived (or nearly died) until you have been in Indian traffic, at rush hour, on the back of a motorcycle.
• Our visit to the women's shelter was both heart breaking and heart warming. To see them do so much with so little was amazing. The girls (and I do mean girls) are amazing and I pray God would continue to work in their lives.
• We had opportunity to visit some incredibly remote portions of this country. We were in villages where they had never even heard of the USA.  The poverty is extreme and the work conditions horrendous.  God bless the men and women who are working with these people to help them improve their quality of life.
• I'm so thankful to the S. family for taking the time to show us around northern India. What a blessing to be able to minister along side them and to be blessed by their faithfulness to the Lord in the midst of difficult circumstances.
• Our context drives our worldview. I knew this truth before the trip but it was cemented in my mind through this experience. Upon visiting a boarding school located in rural India our Q&A with the students centered around crops, soil, and animals. They asked questions based upon their context. They couldn't have cared less about the glitz and glam of the US. They wanted to know about the farms.
• The Indian food was delicious! I especially liked eating with my fingers.  Chai, Chai, Chai!!!!
• The worst part of the trip (besides jet lag) - was a young Indian guy trying to snuggle with me on the plane ride home. I promptly gave him an elbow in the name of Jesus.
• A special thanks to all who prayed for us and supported us during this trip. I especially want to thank everyone who ministered to my family while I was away.

Thankful For...

As followers of Jesus we are to live in a continually state of thankfulness.  First Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that it is the will of God for us to give thanks in all things.  Notice it says to give thanks "in" all things, not "for" all things.  There may be things that occur in your life for which you are not thankful but we can still maintain an attitude of gratitude while we are endure difficult circumstances.  That said, as we set aside today to focus our attention on being thankful, here are a few things for which I am extremely thankful...

• My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
• My beautiful wife
• My two children
• The word of God
• The opportunity to be involved in the work of the ministry
• The faithful people of PBC
• Good health
• Good friends
• Circumstances of life that drive us closer to our Lord.
• God's unfailing provision

I encourage you to spend some time today expressing your thanks to God for His numerous blessings.  Then turn that day into a lifestyle of thankfulness.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Spiritual Trash Talk

I've been involved in athletics my entire life - as a participant, coach, or avid observer. In all my years of athletics I've never been a big trash talker. I just did my thing and let the my performance speak for itself.  However, I do marvel at those who have raised trash talking to an art form.  While I don't condone it, I do understand the strategy behind it.  Trash talk is all about one thing, distraction. The trash talker is trying to get inside the opponents head and get them focused on anything other than the game and game plan.  If they can cause them to become so angry that they lose sight of the overall objective of their team, then the trash talker has won the battle within the war, and made their target less effective.

In our spiritual warfare we are engaged with an enemy who is the ultimate trash talker. He desires to get inside our head (mind) and distract us from our mission and our Maker. If he does that he will rob us of our peace and make us ineffective in carrying out the mission of God here on the earth. 

What is our mission?

It is to make the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ known throughout the entire world.  God has given us the ministry of reconciliation whereby we are to make God's plan for salvation known to those who are far from God.  The devil wants to inhibit this work. He can't change our eternal destiny once we've received Jesus as Savior, but he can derail our spiritual walk and make us ineffective in carrying out God's mission here on earth. 

Who is our Maker?

God is our maker and needs to be our focus. When our eyes drift from God to our circumstances we are instantly robbed of peace and our life becomes less impactful.  Isaiah 26:3 tells us that perfect (complete) peace comes from keeping God as our focus.  When God is BIG in our life, our problems seem small. When our problems look big, it's because our God is small.  Keep your mind focused on God and you will have the peace of God that passes understanding.

Don't allow the spiritual trash talker to get in your head and distract you from your Maker and from your mission.  Diligently pursue God as you make His gospel known in all the earth.  Remember, we've already won the game - your adversary is desperate and is trying all his tricks to distract you and make you ineffective.