His Strength-the mutant gene

So this past weekend I literally watched every single X-men movie in the Trilogy (and even those Wolverine spin-off movies) from X-Men (First Class) to X-Men (The Last Stand). I must say I'm excited about the new one coming out in 2014.

I find myself quite smitten with Superhero films because its fun to see what human people do with super-human powers. It's obvious that some use their powers for evil while others feel obligated to use theirs for the 'greater good'. But that's not what my focus is in my using this comic book fantasy to make a point. What I see is something a bit deeper. Allow me to use Rogue as an example in making my point.

For those of you who DON'T know, Rogue was a character who could involuntarily absorb and sometimes remove the memories, physical strength, and superpowers of anyone she touched. Rogue, however, was more concerned about her inability to touch the people she loved and had feelings for than how her power could be used to help others. This 'weakness' clouded her vision and stifled her ability. All she could see was this weakness, so much so that she couldn't focus on the fact that the power she was given was not, in fact a curse, but was able to help others. In the final movie, she even opted for the "cure" because she viewed her weakness as a limit rather than a gift.

So many people quote Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and do so with the premise that the very things THEY want to accomplish or anything WE can imagine (particularly without regard to HIS interest) can be done as long as Christ is on their side! In essence, the verse is used as a resource to push our own agendas. This is heresy!

Paul, however wrote the verse from a different context. He meant that in the areas of our personal lives where we struggle to understand why God allows certain issues to arise; or in the inabilities we find ourselves having as it pertains to following or being obedient to Christ--in these challenges that arise, Christ can and will empower us to do what He desires to accomplish through us.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul further exposes his weakness and even admits that He wished God would remove it. He saw his own limitations as failures, when in fact, God willed that He would see his failures as a gift! Therefore, he embraced his weaknesses because he realized that when he does, Christ's strength moves in on those weakness.

What a beautiful paradox!

Lately I've been focused on my handicaps as a Christian. Quite self-absorbed, if I was being honest, in the many ways I fail at obeying Christ. The closer I get to Him, the more He's exposed my weaknesses and the more ashamed I've become. But I've realized that His power can't fully work, unless I embrace my limitations, failures and weaknesses. I must see them as gifts that are intended to bring me to my knees so that HIS power may infuse inner strength in me.

If I, like Rogue, focus solely on my weaknesses by playing the 'woe is me' card, I insult Christ and by default deny the power I have access to. However, if I view my weaknesses and inabilities as signs to point me to my source of strength, I tap into limitless power and thus satisfy the heart of God!

The mutant gene is embraced, when we are on our knees.

Low Tire Pressure

Lately, I have been allowing social network sites (Facebook, Twitter, and InstaGram) to appeal to the lust of my eyes. When I see what others have in relation to what I don't have (and often THINK I need), it ends up triggering a feeling that I hate. This feeling is known as covetousness, which, plainly put, means wanting something you don't already have.

It may sound foreign and petty, but how easy is it to see people post pictures of their 'happy relationship' and want that? To see posts about having another baby, and desire that? Relational things aside, lets not even address the tangible things such as cars, raises, new jobs, shoes, etc? Even deeper than that, what about those who are accomplishing the dreams you're chasing after and working diligently for?

As I read Genesis 29:31 through 30:24, I realized that no matter how many children Leah bore, she was looking for her husband's love. And no matter how much Rachel's husband loved her, she was looking to bear children. Each woman had what the other wanted thinking it would satisfy. Yet if they'd both sat still long enough, they would have realized that neither their husband's affection, nor bearing of children was satisfaction enough.

I've had so many issues with my tires, that now I am pretty paranoid yet I have a pretty good idea what's wrong when my 'tire pressure' light comes on. As a result, when a friend of mine saw the tire pressure light turn on in her car, for the first time, she called me for a bit of advice. To her, the light coming on triggered an immediate call for action, but because I had a little more experience in that area, I knew how to address her anxiety.

The light (for her) triggered a desire to address a hidden issue.

Something as simple as a social network post, can trigger in us an awareness of what we don't have & what we desire. Yet, in that same way, God wants us to realize that what others have isn't what pours into the void that we are trying to fill. "Getting things in life" isn't the air needed to fill the void in our tire-like lives. When we see and hear about the things others possess, this should trigger in us (like a light in our car) the awareness that He desires to satisfy a deeper (hidden) longing and become an immediate call for action to run to Him. Because He knows exactly what we need, He knows how to address our anxieties and to fill us with Himself.

To find or be found?

If a man's job is to "find" a 'good thing', should women be positioning themselves to be found?

This may not be a widespread concern and possibly not even a fleeting thought for most women, but I know a handful of women of whom toil over and toss this question/concern around. As a single woman who often goes around family and life-long friends, that constantly (yet lovingly) nag me about when I plan on settling down, I must admit, its something I've been guilty of mulling over as well.

From this vantage point, it seems the men have it easier. All they must do is pursue a woman, in hopes of finding one worthy of being called a "good thing" and make her their wife. The chase, the wooing, the commitment are all cards HE gets to play. Meanwhile, SHE acquiesces, in hopeful expectation that the 'HE that findeth', will stumble upon her (of all candidates) and be content with his choice.

Whether that's the reality or not, my question is: How does a woman position herself to be found?
Does she, "accidentally-on-purpose" join a church with a high percentage of available men?
Does she get dolled up each weekend to frequent the hottest lounges with her girls?
Does she accept every invite to a singles party?
Does she join Christian Mingle?

What's the method? Our society has come a long way from arranged marriages, and presents various forms of hook-ups as well as different viewpoints on who should pursue whom?

So is this scripture (Proverbs 18:22) outdated? Is it even relevant? Can a woman (go) find her 'good thing' in a man & still 'receive favor from the Lord'? Hmmm

I'm not settled on the issue (as I have female friends who have pursued their husbands & both are walking with the Lord); and I dare not say the scripture is outdated. I choose to believe (much like John Eldridge, author of "Wild at Heart") that there is a certain wildness and pursuit built into men just as a desire to be rescued is wired into women. As Christ pursued us to His heart, I like to believe men should pursue women unto their hearts.

I've experienced the secret of 'being found'. 11 years ago, much like Ruth (Ruth 1:16), I moved home from college to serve in my home church. While I devoutly committed myself to using the gifts God had given me, a Boaz of sorts (not my Boaz) 'found' me & inquired of me (see Ruth 2:5). We dated for some time and I must admit, God used that relationship to show me that what I thought was impossible--is WITH HIM, possible.

I still believe today, that though I prefer my couch, sweet tea and a nice book to the weekend street life; this has nothing to do with me "being found". The positioning (if any) a woman must do, has everything to do with her heart. Who & what she gives her time serving to is all the positioning she needs to be found. God can maneuver us into 'fields' where men might 'redeem' us and find their 'good thing'.

Pursued

You didn't look so intriguing at first glance

took me by the hand

wooed me with every chance

but still I was reluctant.

Your swag had no appeal

relentless efforts to seal the deal

not wanting to fall for something real

cuz then my will...I'd have to yield.

You did not catch my eye

sittin with you, while watching others that passed by

loose from your grip, wishing I could pry

not realizing harder, you would try.

Until I walked away

other gods put on display

Your Word beckoning for me to stay

like the seduction of an entree'.

Pursuit then took a turn

desperate for you, I did yearn

thirsty, panting...eyes to the Son.

Reniging on my chosen course

realizing You were my first

now I harbor no remorse

believing all of Your reports

I am who You say I am

therein lies the secret to my chains

releasing all those bitter pangs

causing me to throw up my hands!

*As I read Romans 11 today, I was enticed to think about my "engrafting" and saw my "chosen nation, royal priesthood" in a different light. Though the passage was deep...the Holy Spirit broke it down in the bite-size pieces he knows I often need and revealed to me more mysteries of my Master...futher helping me see that I am indeed a "friend" (b/c I know what the Master is doing). And tho i cant see the whole picture, I saw enough to cry, "HOLY HOLY HOLY...I am a woman of unclean lips...but I have seen the Lord..."

And this was the palpatation of my heart, after my praise went up.

No Grinch, no Glory

Those few days when Christmas movies begin to show on regular TV, Christmas music starts playing in stores and holiday décor begins to go up, is simply the sweetest few days of the year.

Tonight, I accidentally watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", and I'm ashamed to say that I never really cared to watch it before, much less tonight. The 30 minute cartoon, however, was quite impressive as Dr. Seuss poetically unfolded a timeless truth wrapped in a heartfelt, humorous short-story.

The "Who's" of Who-ville, to me, represented a community of people (hopefully believers) who find no lasting value in material things; yet venture to allow the giving of those things be an outpour of the love already overflowing in their hearts.

"Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,
Would stand close together, with Christmas bells ringing.
They'd stand hand-in-hand. And the Whos would start singing!"

I'd like to think their singing came from a place of deeper joy over their relationships amongst each other. And though, to the Grinch, it was viewed that Christmas to the Whos was more about presents and décor; that community of Whos knew better. Christmas was a representation of something deeper and a reason to celebrate rather than a celebration, itself.

It took affliction to reveal this truth.

"Then he slunk to the icebox. He took the Whos' feast!
He took the Who-pudding! He took the roast beast!
He cleaned out that icebox as quick as a flash.
Why, that Grinch even took their last can of Who-hash! "
The removal of the material; the absence of the tangible and the loss of the physical gifts, however, were unable to rob the Whos of what really mattered--love.

"Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!

He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming!
IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!"
So whether it was Dr. Seuss' intention of revealing an underlying spiritual truth or to simply reiterate the meaning of Christmas (as it were to pagans); I contend that believers can take a timeless truth from this short-poetic story:

True joy can be found only in Jesus Christ. Once we've accepted the gift of God's Son as our payment for sin & understood the value of walking with Him as we wait to spend eternity with Him, how we interact with others will begin to be the overflow of our hearts. No material possession or temporary gift can rob us of WHO lives in our hearts and lovingly cares for us. The enemy might bring affliction, loss, and live up to his mission of 'killing, stealing and thieving' (as God allows), but the absence of 'things' shouldn't halt the singing of our hearts. May your trials, issues and affliction, however, reveal the true joy that lies deep within. And maybe, like the Grinch, this holiday season will remind you of or reveal to you that...

"..Christmas," ... "doesn't come from a store. 
...Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!"
~Dr. Seuss "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

{Proverbs 17:1; Romans 8:38-39}

Keep calm & have faith!

We used to play this team building game where some people would wear blindfolds and pick a partner to lead them through a maze safely using only their words. It was always very scary for the person wearing the blindfold, yet very comfortable for the person giving the instruction.

People say all you have to do is have faith as if faith is easy.

From my vantage point, faith increases as you step out and dare to believe.
But it's not as easy as it sounds.

If a person was seeing all of their life and suddenly went blind, their world, as they know it, would change. Complete independence would swiftly change to complete dependence. Their lifestyle patterns would change. Things they use to do on their own, would now become something they'd need to trust someone else to do. Help with walking, paying bills, working on their job, eating and all the other day to day routines would revamp.

The same is true of a person who needs to have faith. We have learned to provide for ourselves, and fend for ourselves, operate on our own timelines, get up and go when need be.

All these routines set in place are, to a degree, expected to drastically change when faith is implemented. Faith is very similar to trusting someone else with your life and the details therein. It's hoping, without knowing whether answers will come or if doors will open. It's believing that God has your best interest at heart. It's the expectation you have in that stressful wait time between asking for your need and the answering of that request.

Going from seeing (providing for yourself) to blind (trusting someone else to see for you and guide you) is never easy. It's scary, it's uneasy and unsure. It's relinquishing the control we so desperately want to have.

Yet God lovingly requires it from us, stretches us to that end, proves His faithfulness through it and is pleased with us when we execute it. (Without faith it's impossible to please God.)
And with every trial that requires our faith, we are squeezed just a bit tighter than the last trial. That pressure, in turn, forces us to stretch our faith just a bit further than the last. What's amazing is, if in fact we utilized faith in the previous test, we have the "umph" needed to conjure up the faith for the current test. Not only that, but we can draw upon Gods record of faithfulness in our past, to get us over that chasm of uncertainty.  Either way, it's still blind, and still just as difficult and uncomfortable.

In light of these discoveries, I often find myself relating to the guy in the gospels, who confessed, "Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief."

Multiply or Divide? Discipleship is Math!

This was a difficult concept when I taught 5th grade. My students would always stare at a word problem like a deer caught in headlights and immediately I knew I had to give them the tools to decide whether the problem was a multiplication or division problem.

I faced a similar question when I was handed the reigns in college to facilitate a bible study group of young college women that would later become the Impact Movement on Baylor's campus. The lady who discipled me would encourage that as the bible study group grew in number, it would be time to "multiply" (splitting the group and allowing the lady who I discipled to lead a section of the group whom I facilitated). However, the ladies and I never could see it that way because we had developed this close knit family that had grown comfortable through fellowship and sharing our lives every Thursday night from 7-10pm. We didn't want to multiply our group because it felt too much like a division of our bond. We were like a deer caught in headlights deciphering whether this was a good idea or not. Yet we trusted her advise because she, being in the same season as us (singlehood), had already built such a relevant bond with us.

Here I sit, some 13 years later, wondering what would happen if we had not heeded the wisdom of our fearless leader encouraging us to multiply our group. What if we had stayed together? Our multiplying led to ladies discipling other ladies and I see the fruit of that as some of my best friends live lives devoted to full time ministry, some infuse ministry in their corporate jobs, others worship the Lord through their married lives and in raising their children.

Saturday night, I sat with a few of these ladies and in fact with the lady who began it all--Lori Joiner. Not only is she the author of "Disciple Women", but she is the very woman who has walked out every practical piece of advice in the book! Of which I am a witness to and product of! Her faith as she meandered her relationships with the opposite sex, is what has strengthened me to wait on my future mate this long.

Now, she is married (8years strong) with 2 boys and still finds a way to gush out advise relevant to this small group of women who are in (now) very different seasons of life. As we went around the table sharing the ins and outs of our current lives, she intently listened and found ways to encourage us both individually and collectively. As she divulged her own life to us (weaknesses and all), she still managed to teach us about the Lord and what He requires from us through her transparency.

Yes, discipleship is transparency and multiplication. Make no mistake. No division can be found within this type of relationship. The four women who sat around that table are reaching more lives today, because one woman reached ours...years ago! Now, that's math!