It is not a question you will hear many people ask, at least not in such blunt words, but often it is the reality behind much of our motivation. With a world full of demands and desires, it is easy to look for the minimum investment required, but is that what God asks of us? Is that what God is like? There are many comments I have heard throughout my ministry about what the Lord requires of us. More frequently than I would like, or would expect, the heart of these comments are rooted in this minimalist mentality.

God, however, demonstrates a heart of extravagance toward us. We celebrate God’s blessings in our life and anticipate God’s provision in the future. In this divine generosity we find the example of the holy life. God blesses and cares for us, showing us great compassion so that we, having experienced these joys can share them with others. This is the heart of grace and hospitality that exemplifies the Spirit’s presence within us.

Yesterday, a good friend invited us to her home for a Christmas luncheon. Her home was decorated for the season and the table was set for the guests to enjoy. She prepared appetizers and placed them around the kitchen so that we would all be able to visit as we gathered. Drinks were offered, special dishes prepared and love was shared. Her hospitality made everyone feel welcome and valued. Each piece of the celebration was an expression of love.

It was clear that much time was given to the preparation of the two hour event. All of the graciousness we experienced was the result of a lot of planning, decorating, and cooking. It was also an expression of our friend’s heart, and each person was blessed as a result. Such a blessing warmed our heart toward our hostess and toward each other.

Sharing gracious hospitality is a wonderful expression of the joy of the Lord that is within us. Yes, it takes time, energy and commitment, and there are few shortcust along the way. Sure, it is extravagant, but so is the love of God whom we represent. Each act of hospitality says, “Welcome, you are loved, appreciated and valued.” It is a witness that simply cannot  be shared with a meager mentality.

Last night, we ended our day with a Christmas concert at the church. Every year, we invite a local men’s chorus to share their gift of music with us and the community, and every year the people come to get in the spirit of Christmas. It is always a special occasion, but one of the highlights remains the reception that follows. Church members make a variety of finger foods from deviled eggs to veggie pizza for our guests to enjoy, and every year people stay and visit with us and with one another. It is a wonderful time of community and it is there that we often hear people say how welcome they feel.

We could make cookies and coffee and say, “thanks for coming,” but that just doesn’t have the same feel to it. When we take the time to make the little extras we are saying something about the God we serve and the people we love. Just like the Christmas luncheon we attended, it is all of the special details that share the heart of love with others. There is certainly more than making food involved in sharing Christian hospitality, but Jesus reminded us that even offering a cup of cold water in his name was great ministry, and when we offer ourselves to others in this way we share God with them.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, “Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) It is a simple command, but one with great power. When we practice hospitality, we demonstrate what God is like. It is a part of the Christian life that we need to make time for, and Christmas affords us many opportunities to practice. We serve an awesome, extravagant and gracious God. What a wonderful privilege it is to be like him as we serve others.

May your holiday season be filled with divine blessings and as you practice hospitality, may you be God’s blessing to others.

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There are so many different ways to read the words of that question. It can be spoken in the tone of a parent asking a precious child what would bless them, or with the drone of a bored cashier who would rather not be bothered. It is the terse expression of an annoyed coworker, or the heartfelt request of someone who really cares. At its best, it is a searching question aimed at revealing motive and desire.

In the Gospel of Luke, we find the story of Jesus interacting with a blind beggar just outside of Jericho. The man is seeking a touch from the Lord as he passes by, yet Jesus asks the man, “What do you want me to do for you?”

At first glance, we might think to ourselves, “Come on, Jesus, don’t you know what he wants? Can’t you see that he can’t see? Isn’t his need obvious? Why would you ask such a question?” The man, however, responds directly to the question, “I want to see!” and with this declaration, Jesus heals him.

Why would Jesus ask such an obvious question to someone with such a recognizable need? If others knew his need, wouldn’t the Son of God be able to perceive it as well? Maybe, there is a deeper meaning to be found in Jesus’ request. Maybe, Jesus had a bigger purpose in mind.

I once heard Joseph Garlington, a pastor from Pittsburgh say, “When God asks you a question, he isn’t looking for information.” God is not lacking understanding or information, but we might be. We might not have a clear image of what we are seeking, but God does. And that is why we need a clarifying question.

Jesus was not oblivious to the beggar’s need, but he wanted him to identify it. He invited him to become a part of the miracle by clarifying his desire. The man paused, even if only for a moment, to consider his need and to ask specifically for Jesus to meet it. Maybe, we need to do likewise.

In our home, we often have conversations that go something like this:

“Let’s go out for dinner.”

“Okay, what do you want to eat?”

“I don’t know…”

It can be very easy to know you want something, but not know what that something is. Likewise, most of us know we need something from Jesus in our lives, but the real nature of just what that need is often eludes us. It is in these moments, that we too, can hear Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” What, specifically, are we seeking from him? He already knows what we need, but this is our opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to show us our real need so that we can present it to God and receive our answer.

Too many times I’ve said, “God, fix it,” or, “God forgive me.” with no idea what I wanted God to do, or what God might be asking me to do. It is not that God will not answer such requests, but God is so much more than a genie in a bottle, there to grant our wishes. God is a loving friend who wants to share the journey with us.

So, the question stands, not as an expression of ignorance, but as an invitation to share our needs, our requests, our very selves with God. It is an opportunity to see our real need more clearly and to see who Jesus is in the midst of our need.

As the Lord journeys with us, perhaps he is asking us, “what do you want me to do for you?” if that is his question, what is your answer?

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It is not that I cannot live without my technology, though I do have a bit of withdrawal when I step away for a while. The real issue is the ability to connect with people I know and love. I am accustomed to hearing the news of their lives on Facebook and Twitter. Interacting with friends and colleagues by email is commonplace, and the ubiquitous cell phone makes instant connection a daily reality. I even have Skype connections with friends in several other countries, allowing me to video chat with them whenever I like.

This is not only my life, it is the way many, if not most of us keep and maintain relationships. We are part of a very connected world and those connections continue to grow. We understand the need for those connections yet, we can all too easily miss the value of real, deep relationships. We can be so busy with all of our activities, that we neglect the most valuable connections in our lives.

Not long ago, I watched two high school students visit the coffee shop I frequent. They purchased their drinks, sat at a nearby table, then pulled out their cell phones and proceeded to text for the next hour. They rarely spoke to each other. They were so busy with their connectedness, they missed the relationship that was literally right in front of them.

It is easy to sacrifice our most significant relationships, with the busyness of life, even the parts that seem to bring us closer together. We can be so involved that we neglect our relationship with good friends, with family, and even with God. Slowly, we step away from being together and before long we moved further than we ever expected, and sometimes, we don’t even know we moved.

The writer of Hebrews remembered the value of staying connected. In the tenth chapter, we find these important words, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (10:25) There is something powerfully important about meeting together, about building real, meaningful relationships. We need God, and we need each other.

We’ve probably all heard the guilt-laden arguments for being in Church and for taking more time with God, as if the litmus test of a healthy spirituality is how busy we are with religious activity. Such thoughts are a real shame, because they hide the deeper reason for making time for these relationships. It is not for duty’s sake that we gather, nor are we trying to avoid guilt. Instead, we make time for God and one another because it is good for us to do so. It is good for our personal wellbeing, it is good for the community of faith, and it is good for the world. When we are properly grounded in the relationships that matter, we can be our best for ourselves and others we meet along the way.

Like so many other choices we make to live healthy lives, taking time to stay spiritually connected is important. I encourage you to prayerfully consider whether or not your choices truly nourish your soul, and in turn, the lives of others. I know I need to do this on a regular basis to be sure that I do not substitute what is good for what is best. Make time for the people and things that really matter, and may we all be blessed as we celebrate our connection with one another.

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As I reviewed the chapter on we are joined together to fulfill God’s purpose, I was struck by his reflection on disciple making. Platt writes, “Disciple making is not about a program or an event but about a relationship… Disciple making involves inviting people into a larger community of faith where they will see the life of Christ in action and experience the love of Christ in person.”

I wonder why we often work so hard to find substitutes for real relationships and community. We take a simple (though not always easy) revelation and then work hard to complicate it with our self-made substitutes. Life, ministry and discipleship are not as complicated as we would believe. It really does come down to authentic, God-directed relationships.

Jesus, when asked to summarize the commandments replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” He added, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Simply put, Jesus said that the message of the scriptures and the heart of the Gospel is: Love God and Love People. Instead of pouring our resources and energy into fancy programs and flashy promotions, could it be that we should invest ourselves in our relationship with Christ and our relationships with others.

My emerging goal is simply this, “Keep it Simple.” There are thousands of good ideas, but none of them will have greater impact that the message and impact of Jesus. Certainly, if he felt spending three years sharing life with 12 people as a good discipleship strategy, then it might be worth our time to follow his example.

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When we first married, my wife and I had no ornaments for the tree, and we also lacked the finances to purchase fancy decorations. One evening, while shopping at the mall, we found some simple ornaments we liked at Sears and we brought them home. We covered our first tree with Styrofoam apples and strawberries, bows and gold thread balls. It was simple, but very attractive. We loved it because it was ours and it represented the new life that we would share together.

In addition to these basic ornaments, a small knitted duck and some mini taper candles that we purchased on our honeymoon in Williamsburg, Virginia, hung on that first tree. Since then, we add new decorations each year, and every one has a story. Some are gifts from friends, clients and coworkers. Others are purchases made at special occasions. As we place these ornaments on the tree, we remember the stories associated with them, and give thanks for the blessings they represent.

Twelve years ago, when we adopted our three children, the decorations took on new meaning. New ornaments for each child became a holiday tradition, but something more important happened in the process of adorning the tree. The stories of our past became the stories of our children’s past. We watched in awe as our three precious gifts: six, eight, and ten years old, took each ornament along with its history and made it a part of their life story.

Now, each year as we decorate the tree, the children take the ornaments and ask about their stories. Sometimes, they even tell us the now familiar tales. We laugh and smile as once again we celebrate the joy of being a family. There is time to show off for the video camera, then we all sit and watch the video of what we just accomplished. It never gets old, and our shelves display a series of videotapes that share the same memories over again, but with new life and joy. Together, the children, the ornament memories, my wife and I all grow closer together and we find a deeper blessing in sharing the holidays as family.

Traditions, when used correctly, strenthen relationships to our past and the people in our present. They give us a sense of place and connection, providing stability to envision our future. Traditions are not rules we are bound to, but opportunities to share our common journey. In our families, churches and communities, we make our way in unison for the joy of being together.
 
As we journey through this Advent season together, what traditions make this season special to you and your family?

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Her eyes still reflect the light
Of the candle we lit together.
Her touch still speaks
It’s language of intimacy and love.

The path we’ve shared
Resembles the one we charted.
While the destination first embraced,
Is still our journey’s goal.

Her love for me grows deeper
As does mine for her,
As our hearts are drawn together
By Love’s unseen hand.

With tomorrow’s dawning, will come,
Yet another moment to see,
The beauty of this life with her,
Embodied in our love

The post Our Journey appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

How quickly that security departs when the stream seems to dry up. Fear sprouts where faith once grew and doubt begins to remove life from our spirits. We wonder why our Provider abandoned us. “What will happen to me now?” we ask ourselves and we question why we let ourselves trust in the first place.

It is in these dry seasons that we need to look deeper and further ask ourselves, “Is there a bigger picture than I can see right now?” We were not foolish to trust in God, but there is something for us to learn in this moment.

An insight into that lesson can be seen in the nurture and provision of the eagle for its young. When the time comes for eaglet to fly, Its mother takes some very bold action to motivate this new step in her young one’s life. This majestic bird which builds one of the most comfortable nest of all the birds, begins to remove the softness of the nest and allow the eaglet to feel the pokes and prods of the twigs that formed the framework for its rest. By making the only home this baby knew so uncomfortable, the mother is lovingly motivating the little one to take one of the most important steps in its life. It is a step that will lead to what it was made to do.

In a similar way, when our stream dries up, God may be asking us to take a step into a deeper relationship with Him. Instead of simply resting by the stream, we are being called to the Source. Where once our goal involved seeking the hand of God to provide the things we need, now we are growing into people who will seek His face for relationship with Him. What seems like neglect, as if we were forgotten, is actually the exact opposite. God is so interested in us, that He is leading us into a more mature experience of Him.

In the classic text of the Twenty-third Psalm, the psalmist reminds us that our Shepherd takes us to green pastures and still waters as He restores our soul. We like that part. It is good news in the midst of a chaotic world to have the promise of divine renewal and provision. However, before the psalm ends, we are reminded of God’s promise to be with us even in the valley of the shadow of death. Clearly, it will not always be about basking in natural beauty while everything is delivered to us with ease. Parts of the journey will be challenging, but the Shepherd will be with us no matter where we are.

The real promise of the psalm and, for that matter, all of Scripture is not of easy days by the river, but the promise of the presence of God Himself. God promises us, God. He commits Himself to an intimate relationship with us that goes beyond all expectation. He loves us so much that He is willing, like the mother eagle, to create discomfort in order for us to learn to soar. He will permit the stream to dry so that we will seek the Source and know the power, perspective and providence of our God.

Wherever you are on the journey, experiencing the refreshing of the stream or seeking fresh water in a dry time, you are not alone. Both seasons are part of the rhythm of the life of faith. The most important thing you can do right now, is draw near to God and let Him draw near to you.

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I know not everyone enjoys these puzzles, and for good reason, finding solutions can be more work than fun and it can take a considerable amount of time. But there are other problems that demand a solution. Situations and issues in our lives that are not puzzles or games, but real concerns that need real answers. These problems can be deeply personal, affecting our lives and the lives of those we love. They can also be profoundly systemic, rooted in the structures of our culture. Either way, there are issues, serious issues, that need a solution.

At the root of all this brokenness is the impact of sin on our lives and on the world. We live as people who experience the deep pain of broken relationships with God and with one another. We see all too often the results of evil in the world as gunmen enter schools and injure students and teachers; as people are persecuted for their race or beliefs; as nations war against one another. There is no doubt that we live in a broken and hurting world that desperately needs an answer to sin’s grip and influence.

Praise God, there is an answer and His name is Jesus. His death and resurrection make all the difference in, and to, the world. This is what we celebrate in the Easter season. Easter is God’s answer to the problem of sin and death. Through the power of the resurrection, God declares, “sin shall not have dominion over you.” There truly is victory in Jesus. We may not see the fullness of God’s redemption, but the doorway is open to a transformed live, and the power of the Holy Spirit is present to enable us to live a life of victory.

Each of us has the power of God, the power of the resurrection, in us to overcome the power of sin and death in our lives. As we yield our lives to God, and to His purposes for us, we reap a harvest of victory, and as we move further in the Spirit’s leading, we begin to see that God is using us to impact the lives of others as well. Our faithfulness, linked to the victory and power of Christ Himself, brings forth the biblical promise of, “ever increasing glory.” The Word of God tells us that, “of His kingdom there shall be no end.” When we walk in obedience, when we walk in victory, we begin to see God’s answer for a broken and hurting world revealed, and the transforming, redeeming power of the resurrection begins to flow even into the darkest and driest places.

We may be approaching the end of August, but it is still the perfect time to let the reality of Easter come forth in our lives. We are not bound by the season, but every day is Easter day for us, and we should share its liberation with the world.

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Some people never realize their potential in Christ. Carrying wounds and lies from the past, they hold fast to the belief that they have nothing special to offer to God or to the world. They pass through life filling the time, but avoiding the deep questions of purpose and meaning. Meanwhile, others grab hold of a personal mission that serves them well, but ignores the call of God on their lives. They invest deeply in themselves and their success, yet opportunities to make a deposit in the lives around them go unnoticed, leaving their true success hidden of buried.

God knows that we are counting on Him, but He is also counting on us. We have a special part to play in His plan. We are coworkers with Him in the process of bringing His purposes to fruition. Even more exciting is God’s desire to grow fruit within us, to make us more than we ever thought we could be. God wants us to connect with the purpose He placed within us so that we can, “have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) And that is the promise that accompanies our living out of our purpose. When we connect with this God-given destiny, we find meaning and fulfillment we never dreamed possible. We experience greater clarity in decision making and planning for the future. We see the power of God at work to produce miraculous results in our families, work and relationships. We are blessed and we become a blessing to others.

What has God made you to do, that no one else can do like you? Who has God called you to be that makes a mark that represents Him in and to the world? These are questions worthy of a quest, for when the answers are found, a destiny is formed. You are not your job, your church, or your linage. You are more than your pedigree or any list of accomplishments. You are a child of the living God with a special place in Christ that only you can fill. It is a place that has meaning at home, at work and at play. Everywhere you go, your purpose goes with you. It is greater than titles and positions. It is not affected by retraining or relocation. It supersedes all other job descriptions, yet it seasons every facet of your life.

Above all, knowing and living from your purpose leads to fulfillment and meaning, wonder and blessing, and in levels you never imagined before. God wants you blessed and alive in Him. God wants you to have His wisdom and insight and we are encouraged to ask for it because He promises to give it liberally. Today, will you seek God for your life purpose? Will you call upon God to reveal your unique place in the kingdom and then order your life around His vision for you? Will you embark on the quest whose treasure is beyond measure? I pray you will and that God will reward you as you diligently seek Him.

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“I like that I can be anonymous,” he said, “It is nice to be able to slip and out on Sunday morning and not really be noticed.”

I must admit that his response was very unexpected and gave me much to think about. I wondered if that level of isolation was really what God intended. Either way, it was clear that this gentleman chose to worship in a place where the DNA allowed anonymity.

The church I serve is not that church. In fact, our DNA is significantly different. We are a church that embraces the opportunity to be family and to connect with each other and our community. As our current slogan declares, we are a place where you can, “Come in and be loved.”

Last year, I met with a couple who was considering attending our church. They shared some of their interests and asked many questions about our beliefs and activities. Near the end of our time together, the husband said, “Well, I think we will just slip in a few times and check things out before we make a decision. Will that be okay?”

I said, “No.” I could tell my response shocked him and after he recovered, he asked if I meant they could not visit before they made a decision. I smiled and explained, “Oh no, you can visit as soon and as much as you desire. What you cannot do is just slip in. Not because it is unacceptable, but rather because it is impossible to do. You see, this is a very loving church and you will not make it to your seat without someone visiting with you and bye the time you leave, many of our people will celebrate the opportunity to simply love on you. There is no way to just slip in here.” After their first visit, they made a point to tell me I was right.

Now I know, like a parent with their children, I am more than a little biased, and I also know that the congregation I serve has its own areas for growth. Yet, I celebrate that our church family makes a point of sharing the love of God actively with one another and with those who visit us. I continually remind them not to let go of this gift, but to nurture it and help it to grow even more.

The Church of Jesus Christ should be a place where everyone experiences the love of God. That involves more than hearing about God and God’s love and it is certainly more than just being nice. Sharing the love of God involves receiving his love; celebrating that love in our own lives, and then giving that same love away to others. People do not need cool programs, the best PowerPoint presentation, or the biggest building. People need a personal experience with the transforming love of Jesus, and we can help them have that experience when we live authentic, loving and grace-filled lives.

We are challenged to live our lives in such a way that others will see us and give glory to God. It is a challenge worth accepting and the results are worth our commitment to it.

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