Thursday, July 9, 2009

Resting in Peace




Location: Sitting in bed in the small French village, across the street from the house where the Americans live (7:30am on July the 9th)

So where did I leave off?

Oh yeah, the unloading of the wood never happened--maybe today?
I told you I am in paradise. I was told that it would be peaceful--just me and the cows! There was even a gigantic doilie (how do you spell the fancy lace-like decorations that polka-dot the parlors in grandmothers houses?) covering my bed! I am being hosted by a retired lady; in the other half of the house lives her retired brother and his wife, and for the moment, their seven year old granddaughter. There is a barn between the two halves. Two retired Americans live across the street.

The village was in the middle of the war zone in World War II. All but two houses were destroyed. There are still trenches in the forests, and it is illegal to have fires in the forests because of bombs that may be laying around. There are craters the remain from the aerial attacks, and they keep finding new tunnels that were dug by both the Germans and the French. There are also little stone buildings that were used to provide cover for the soldiers.

Two nights ago, we went for a drive looking for deer (we saw several, and a fox). But we passed many of the war monuments, cemetaries, trenches, tunnels, and so on. It is a bizarre feeling and sobering to be surround by such sad history while observing such beauty in God's creation. We passed through several neighboring villages, and in the last we stopped, entered a cow pasture, and ate cherries straight off the tree. They told me that they always taste best right off the tree! But even there, with the cattle standing as sentries, there is a French graveyard full of military crosses right next to the cherry trees. You cannot escape the history here.
I already mentioned the helicopter that made me feel a bit like James Bond... Two fighter jets streaked past us later that day, too; there is a military base not far from here. We passed one yesterday, too, which might have been it or a different one.

You know, last time I was here, it was not very popular to be American, because the USA was invading Iraq. Surely you remember the "Freedom Fries" the Americans were eating in order to insult the French. The Americans and the French have an interesting relationship. As I spoke with a French man the other day, we were joking around about what we thought of each other. When I told him what Americans thought of the French, he joked back, saying that it was not true, because Americans do not even know where France is! (Sadly, there is a lot of truth in that statement.) But he sobered up quickly, and he said something I will never forget. He said, "Wait a minute. I will speak frankly. During the war, Americans came here and died so that I could still be French. They did not know where France was even then, but I have the utmost respect and appreciation for them. We must never forget that! But now, they still do not know where France is!"

Yes, things are certainly different between the two cultures. For example, you probably have no idea how much the French loved Michael Jackson. We joked about it last time I lived here, that the French could name all of his relatives and songs and more! So this week, they have been amazed that I did not care to watch the funeral (which was live on at least two channels!). It has been the talk of the country, and I was even in Romania when he initially died!

So now, I am truly in France. One lady told me that everyone thinks "Paris" when they think France, but Paris is just like any other big city, in most ways! Now I am seeing France, and I have to admit I love it. I have always struggled to enjoy France, but this small village is changing my mind!

Yesterday, we took a trip to Reims to see the famous cathedral there. It actually turned into a shopping spree, as I was with three women and a little lady! But I survived and was consoled by the cat we brought back with us; it chose my lap as the first-class seat for the hour and a half car ride back!

Have you seen the animated film "Ratatouille"? We had ratatouille for lunch yesterday!

Before I wrap up and go find some breakfast, you are probably wondering why God has me here. I do not know all the reasons, but I know that God is a God of relationship. This town has no Church; it has a church, but so few people come to the local mass here and in the neighboring villages that the priests must rotate. And there is no other Church. Unfortunately, like in the United States, most people in France do not understand that God is relational.

In Romania, must people were Greek Orthodox. In France, most are Catholic. But very few in either place know God. They go on Sundays to try to find Him hiding in an ornate building that is hideous the rest of the week. (Yesterday, my hostess said I was welcome to pray in the cathedral, and I told her thanks anyway, because God is hard to find in cathedrals. He does not dwell in houses built by men, but in the hearts of men.) Very recently, a French woman staunchly argued religion with me. She explained how it was insane to believe that Adam and Eve were more than a metaphor to explain the problem of evil, that surely the loaves and fishes miracle never happened. But she agreed that the definition of Christianity rested in the incarnation of God, becoming man to dwell among our sufferings and to offer us a living hope.

Tragically, even the demons believe that, and shudder. If you know that God revealed Himself to us in the form of a man through His Son, Jesus, who died on a cross and rose again to give us eternal life, you know the textbook definition of Christianity. But if you do not KNOW that Jesus, nothing else matters.

Perhaps you have millons of prayers memorized and you offer alms or keep the Sabbath holy. If you do not KNOW the God who is our Father, our Abba, our Papa, it does not matter.

Maybe you know that God loves us. Great! But if you do not love and KNOW that God, your knowledge is useless.

Yes! God loves you!

Yes! God clothed Himself as a man (Jesus) who died on a cross for your sins!

Yes! Jesus conquered death and offers us eternal life!

Yes! The Spirit has been sent into our world to help us!

BUT ALL THIS IS FUTILE, USELESS, WORTHLESS, IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT GOD. He is a person with whom we can be in relationship, like our father, mother, brother, friend, teacher, etc. What is more: that is what He wants! That is WHY Jesus came to die--to make that possible.

Friend, I have written a lot today. Do not take my word for it. If you want to argue about metaphors with me, I will not be insulted--just email me. But take a look at the Bible. Read it through the eyes of relationship. Look at how, since the beginning of time, God has intended for His people to be in relationship with Him.
But do not just read; enter into that relationship with Him. It is so much better than any church service of any kind. It is so much better than memorized prayers or Easter clothes.

A relationship with the living God--now that is adventure!
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A Rose From Home

A Rose From Home

My Story (As prepared for my church congregation this spring--2009)


I have a story to tell you. I am the main character, but the story is not about me. I have traveled several parts of the world, but my adventure has been closer to home. I am twenty-six years old. My story begins like many of yours…

I grew up going to church. I had been born into a family who labeled themselves “Christian,” in a country that labels itself “Christian.” Every Sunday found me attending a worship service and Sunday school in a mainline denomination church. I served as an acolyte, attended Vacation Bible School, helped my dad count and record the offering money, sang in the youth choir, was a leader in the youth group, and occasionally served as liturgist. Baptized as an infant, I was confirmed at the age of twelve, thus becoming an “official” member of the church. Then, hurt by the church, my family left to find another.

Have you ever been hurt by the Church?

After months of searching, we settled into a very large independent church. Things were different there, and I was quickly welcomed and at home among new friends that truly had a passion for Jesus. The Word of God was taught boldly from the pulpit, and I was introduced to a missions-aware lifestyle. So it was with regret that I said goodbye only a couple of years later to move with my family to another church. I purposely remained aloof, not wanting to make new friendships before I left for college a year later. Besides, I was loosing my faith—or so I thought—and I didn’t want anyone to know. I was asking scary questions like “Is there really a God?” and, if so, “Is He the Christian God?” and “Would I be Christian if I had been born in another part of the world?”

Have you ever asked yourself unsettling questions about what you believe?

So I headed into college under a cloud of confusion that only worsened for the next two years. Though I didn’t know what I believed anymore, I continued to go to church every Sunday, and to help lead worship in chapel. Most importantly, even during this questioning, I continued my morning habit of daily study of the Bible. I had begun at age twelve, reading at first a chapter per day, then ten minutes each morning, then an half-hour, and so on. So, only by the grace of the very God I doubted, I remained anchored in His Word and in His community, though I felt like a fake most of the time. Since then I have learned that “fake” is the worst insult the world can give us; that is why the label of “hypocrite” is so offensive.

Have you ever felt like a fake?

Six weeks with missionaries in South Africa followed by a year in France began to teach me what life with God is all about. I began rebuilding my faith, this time it belonged to me, in contrast to me borrowing the faith of my parents, church, or anyone else. In my parent’s basement in 2003, on either Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, I invited Jesus to live in me; perhaps I had done so before, but I didn’t recall—but since 2003, I have never forgotten that moment. Unfortunately, nothing changed. I continued to do my best to act like a Christian, as I had done for so long.

Have you ever found yourself “doing your best” to be a good person, or to act like a Christian?

Though I did not realize it at the time, I was quenching the Spirit, even though I had welcomed Him into my life. During the next few years, the LORD continued to nurture me, and slowly things began to change. Several tough months in Idaho birthed my prayer-life. I spent three years being humbled in a job that was my informal seminary training. In 2007, a short stint in Mexico helped me to see things as they were, and not long afterward, I was baptized by immersion. No baptism of any kind can save a lost soul—only Jesus can do that. However, this baptism was an important covenant between me and God, symbolizing not only my death and resurrection with Jesus and my public profession of faith, but it also my life change, the beginning of my bearing fruit. “For each tree is known by its own fruit…”according to Luke 6:44. During the past year and a half, the LORD has provided me with an informal pastoral internship in my church, teaching me every aspect of discipleship. Simultaneously, I have been studying unceasing prayer and worship. I am now very different than I was five years ago.

In the Book of Acts (which tells the story of the earliest years of the Church) every time a person decided to follow Christ, two things took place—though not always in the same order. Each person experienced a life change, which I call the “baptism of repentance,” as well as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which I call the “baptism of the Spirit.” Looking back, I realize that the Holy Spirit was living in me in 2003, but it wasn’t until I surrendered everything to God, as represented by my immersion, that I allowed the Spirit to have His way in me and transform my life. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now life in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20)”

Have you invited Jesus to live in you? Have you allowed the Spirit to transform your life?

I tell you this story for two reasons. First, I tell this story in order to boast in the LORD! May God our Father get all praise and glory forever! Second, I tell this story because it is relevant to you. Likely you have heard that I am leaving the country: I have let my light shine before you; please let your light shine within the Church, too! This congregation is in revival, and as each of you allows the Spirit to revive you, the entire Church will be revived and utterly transformed, to the glory of the Most High God. And for His glory is the reason He created us; the reason He sent His only Son to reveal Himself to us; the reason He became Sin for us and died for us on the cross—while we were still sinners; and the reason that He conquered death and offered us eternal life with Him.

It will cost you a lot—in fact, it will cost you everything, your very life. But if you have never surrendered your life to Christ Jesus, if you have never invited Him to send His Spirit into you and to transform your life, then do it right now. Just let go of everything to which you are desperately clinging; stop trying to do it yourself! This is the very reason you are still breathing in this physical life—God has been delaying His judgment of this sinful world because He is waiting for you—2 Peter 3:9 says He wants none to perish!

If you have already invited the Spirit into your life, then live like it! Bear fruit! Anyone and everyone who meets you or knows you or sees you or hears you should know immediately and clearly that Jesus the Christ lives in you and loves them! That is how stark the contrast should be between your life and the world around you!

Have you immersed yourself in God’s Word and in prayer in the last twenty-four hours?

If you call yourself a follower of Christ, then there is no excuse for not communing with Him daily! Anchor yourself in the Word! God has revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Bible is a complete and accurate record of that revelation. And prayer is humbly letting Him love us. Let Him love you! God doesn’t need us, but He wants us! God doesn’t need us to live for Him—He wants to live in and through us! Let us love and fellowship with one another, even when you disagree! Pray for each other—the names in the church directory are a great place to start! Church, we are not only the Body of Christ, but we are the Bride of Christ. We have allowed ourselves to get bedraggled and stained—now let us stand to the glory of God! Let’s let Him purify us, restore us, and love us!

My dear Brothers and Sisters, if you have ever once been blessed by God our Father at work in me, then I urge you, please, take seriously His desire to love and work in you, beyond anything you can ask or imagine! I have told you the beginning of my story—may it end in glory to the Father, in the Name of Jesus, by way of His Spirit.

Now, what is your story?