One-anothering your spouse...Doing the DIRTY work

In John 13:14-15, Jesus says, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." 

It was expected in Jesus day, that a guest in your home would be offered water to clean his feet or perhaps a servant would be given the task as the guests arrived. It was a lowly job, reserved for the lowliest of servants. 

So, what in the world is Jesus doing in his final days on earth, stooping to wash his disciples feet? Well, he says he was doing it as an example for them to follow! Imagine how uncomfortable the disciples would be; the teacher is on the floor, stooping, cleaning, getting his hands dirty...example-ing! 

And then he says..."do just as I have done to you." Really Jesus?

So, can we humble ourselves with our spouse? Is there dirty work that needs to get done? Is the lesson of Jesus that we should wash each other's feet or is there more to it?

I think there must be more to it, since I have never walked into church or a person's home and been offered water for my feet. I can't just say, "well that one doesn't apply to me." :) While there are many valuable lessons that we could learn from Jesus' action, one that I don't hear very often is "how does this apply to marriage?"

What do you think was the key quality that Jesus was displaying? I think it was humble service! The Bible says, in a well known passage, that Jesus humbled himself as a servant...and that we ought to do likewise. (See Philippians 2)

Are there jobs that you just don't like to do? Are there some that you feel are beneath you? 

Honestly, there are jobs that I don't like to do. When my children were young, my wife had the primary responsibility of changing diapers - I joined in as long as I could keep my gag-reflex from overwhelming me! I can think of many times that I just said, "here you go, your daughter (or son) needs to be changed." At other times, a child may be sick in the middle of the night, "honey, it sounds like someone is getting sick..."(nudge, nudge) You get the picture. 

While I never thought those jobs were beneath me, there have been times that I have thought..."I have more important things to do." Ouch, that hurts to say that! I am glad that Jesus didn't say that!

I am blessed with an incredible wife. In retrospect, I think I have taken her humble service for granted. Over the years, she has demonstrated, time after time, the point of Jesus words, ..."do just as I have done to you." She has taken up her bowl of water, knelt down, served, and...exampled Christ to me. Somewhere along the way I began to take up my own towel, and kneel down to serve (nowhere near to her level, but still aspiring.) It is not just her example, of course, but my Saviors, that inspires. 

What does this kind of service look like in your marriage? Cleaning up after the children, the dog, or each other? As we age together, I know that there will be many other ways to humbly serve (come quickly, Lord Jesus!). Your marriage has its own "dirty work" that must be done...are you above it or ready to follow Christ's example?

Let me say it this way. When I am confronted with a decision that makes me want to say, "not me," perhaps I should stop and ask the question, "why not me?" Certainly, if anyone ever had the right to say, "not me," it would be Jesus. But, instead he stooped, he cleaned, and...he exampled servant-hood constantly.  And he asked us to model it for one another.

There are probably lots of better analogies and lessons and applications to be learned from Jesus teaching here. But if I am seeking to be the best husband I can be, and esteem and value my wife deeply, then it may just start with following Jesus example of doing the dirty work and humbly serving her.

Pastor Dave

"One Anothers" apply to marriage (and family) ...too!

One Anothering Your Spouse!

If you are like me, you have heard a sermon or two on the "one anothers" of the Bible. I love these passages of scripture like, "accept one another..." or "encourage one another" or certainly, "love one another." These truths give valuable instruction about how we are to live here on earth with, and express God's care for, the family of God.

Some years ago, however, as I was thinking about how to carry out these instructions with the Body of Christ, I had this thought, "shouldn't these one anothers first apply to my own family and especially my dear wife?" Since that initial thought, I have desired to think through how these truths apply to my marriage. I can't tell you how many times since then I have been interrupted in my spirit with that idea...and sometimes even before I violate one the one another commands with my spouse;)

Case in point? Have you ever noticed that sometimes we treat total strangers (or people outside of our immediate family) better than we treat our own spouses or children? We might show extraordinary kindness to someone in line at Starbucks who appears to be having a "tough day," and moments later be snapping at our spouse or kids in frustration for something totally insignificant. Maybe this does not apply to you, but I have both experienced this and have seen this phenomena countless times. I am assuming that you have as well, so I won't bother pointing out any other "hypothetical" situations:) The "why" of this might be an interesting topic to discuss in a future entry, but for now I am guessing that you would agree that it is God's desire that we learn to do the one anothers of God's Word with those closest to us, as well as the broader family of God. 

In my next entry, I am going to begin examining these "one anothers" of the Bible in order of their appearance in the New Testament. I am hoping that you will join me.

Ready-Made Prayer

Some years ago, a dear friend showed me a section of scripture that I have never forgotten. In fact, it has become one of those sections that I return to over and over. I call it a "ready-made prayer" because Paul prayed it for the Ephesian Church, and by simply changing a few personal pronouns, it can be a prayer for yourself, for your family, your church, or a person on the street!

The prayer can be found in Ephesians 3:14-19: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

So, here is the ready-made part. Insert your name in these blanks: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant _________ to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in _________ inner being, so that Christ may dwell in _________ hearts through faith—that _________, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that _________ may be filled with all the fullness of God.

I was reminded about this prayer again last night, as I had some friends asking what they might pray for, for me. Of course, I have all sorts of cares and concerns, hopes and dreams, pressures and anxieties, but what is the thing I need most? What is the thing, that if I had it, all of the other things would pale in comparison? The knowledge of the love of Christ and the expression of the love of Christ in my life! There is so much depth to this prayer, and it is worth the deep look, but suffice it to say that I want to know God's love! Don't you? 

When the Bible says to "know," it is not talking about a casual, half-hearted, or weak understanding. No, it is talking about the deepest and fullest kind of knowing. Maybe this will help me explain - This past weekend I hiked the Grand Canyon with some friends. I have been on the ridge of the canyon and observed the majesty and grandeur many times; it is an awesome sight to behold! But that is a shallow kind of knowledge compared to our descent on the trail towards the river! I was overwhelmed by the beauty. Every turn revealed another aspect of this wonder, and gave additional "experiential" knowledge! 

For several years after coming to faith in Christ, I had a view of God's love from the edge of this "wonder." It was an incredible sight to behold, and certainly worth the trip! However, as I gained an experiential knowledge of God's love, I was overwhelmed in a way I can't really explain. I knew something...and I wanted to know more! And the knowledge I gained, by the way, began to transform me in a way that a view from the edge could never do.

So, my hope is that you will pray for the ability to take the hike into God's love and that you will be empowered to this end. God's love is so much more wonderful than any trip to a Grand Canyon, and certainly Paul knew this...that is why he prayed this prayer for his Ephesian friends. Won't you do the same?

Desiring to really KNOW the love of Christ!

Heads you win; tails you lose

Psalms 39:4 says, "O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!"

This reminds me of the game I used to play called “heads or tails.” Flipping a coin into the air, with roughly a 50% chance of it landing on heads, 50% tails, one of the participants comes out a winner and the other a loser.

Psalm 39:4 is like a heads or tails game to me; I can live by faith or fear! But unlike the game, I have some control over the winning or losing…let me explain.

The heads (faith) side: Over the years, I have tried to live with the end (my end) in mind. In my desire to live for God and impact my world for Him, I have tried to understand the reality that David talks about above. Knowing my end helps me to evaluate my life against the reality that I am only here for a fixed number of days, all short in terms of eternity. Hence, I am more prone to prioritize the things that truly matter. What matters most? Loving God and loving others. As a youth, I tended to live without this knowledge – thinking only about my own needs and desires; my end was not in my mind! However, in my twenties, I encountered this verse, and others like it, and I began to allow this truth to shape how I live each day. As I get older, this idea is becoming even clearer to me.

Unfortunately, there is another side of the coin; the tails (fear) side: In my weaker moments, I wrestle with the phrase, “let me know how fleeting I am.” I don’t like that phrase! Other translations use words like, “transient” or “frail,” I don’t care for those either. When I think about this verse in my flesh, I am afraid. It reminds me of the inevitable; my end is coming. Especially in my forties, I began losing friends to cancer or tragic accidents. In my weakness. these losses are like “shots across the bow” of my heart and mind; it’s like death is taunting me, “just so you know, I am coming for you, too!” (Evil laugh)

When I live in fear I lose; I experience anxiety and worry that robs me of energy I could use to please God, serve my family or world. In other words, fear brings stagnation to my spiritual growth by turning my attention away from faith and trust in God.

When I live in faith I win; I can pour my life out as an offering to God which brings a sweet satisfaction that I am pleasing my Lord, serving His purposes, and modeling faith to my children, church, and world.

Good news! Unlike the chances of the actual game, 50/50, I can influence the chances of landing on heads. The scripture says in Hebrews 10:17, “So faith (heads) comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” One thing I can do is to listen to the words of Christ. I can sit under His teaching, read and meditate on His words! I can also do what David said in Psalms 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil (tails) within me? Hope in God…” David is basically telling his soul to obey him…his soul can be a slave to truth and not the other way around! So, when I feel like I am landing on tails, I have a choice to tell my soul to listen up!

My prayer is that you and I will live in faith. Understanding the brevity of life will then prompt us to use the minutes, days, years that we have left to honor and serve the King.

Heads we win, tails we lose. We choose!

Heads you win, tails you loose

A look inside my journal...

I was stopped again in my spirit last night, as I prayed and thought about my day. Does that ever happen to you? I was stopped as I realized how easy I become religious; how easily I can go about doing the things I should...out of habit, without experiencing my Savior. I mean, I pray often, seek wisdom, desire to do His will, yet without intimately connecting to the True Vine. Does that even make sense to say that?

Some might argue, and I might be open to listen, that I desire what I can't experience until heaven. I am not saying that I always need to experience His presence, but perhaps what I am saying is, I don't want to go about "doing good" while not realizing that Jesus is with me. It would be like working alongside of others all day but not engaging in relationship...does that make sense?

All I know is, I felt as I prayed, that I had not had the awareness of or set my mind on Christ in that "relational" aspect. I remember the words of Christ in John 5:19, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise." I wonder if that is even possible for me, and to what degree? I know that Jesus is God and He relied on His Father in ways that I cannot in my humanity...but the longing yearns within me to experience some of that closeness with my Lord! I want to be like Jesus in His relationship with the Father while He was on earth!

There is a mystery to that, and cautions, perhaps. Yet I desire a closeness, meaningful work, and joy that comes from that kind of intimacy!

So my prayer today is; Lord, You promised to remain in me as I remain in you (John 15:4). Please help me to be aware of your presence and intimately converse and depend on you as I go about seeking to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which I have been called (Ephesians 4:1). I love you, Jesus.

I don't want to be religious, I want to be in relationship! Do you?

India Mission Review - Part 1

The drive out and back to the small village church took about an hour each way; lots to see, smell and conversations to be had. I may soon forget most of that…but the hour and a half we spent there - I doubt I will ever forget!

The church was started by a graduate of the Missionary Training School that I have had the privilege of teaching at each visit to India; the pastor (Satish) had been one of my students! I didn’t remember seeing his face in the classroom a few years ago, but I do remember praying for him. You see, these men and women express their faith with complete devotion and service to Jesus (wouldn’t anything less be a contradiction?)

When these missionaries walk out with their training, they must rely upon God to lead and sustain them through some of the most difficult trials a person can face. What resources could they bring? Poverty! Family support? Unlikely! Knowledge and skill set to pastor? Limited! Welcome by villages? Hardly! But, that doesn’t stop these servants. That is why I remember praying! For, if the very power of God does not show up, if His angels don’t protect, if the Spirit doesn’t give them words, and if the forces of darkness are not beat down by our Lord of Hosts, then these servants are without hope! They need courage, endurance, God’s presence! They journey knowing what lies ahead, yet they continue in the hope that Christ will give them a harvest of souls, whose hearts have been opened by the Holy Spirit.

We had the great joy of doing church with these brothers and sisters in Christ; the fruit of God’s grace through the obedience and passion of one man…and His God.

The building was a small brick square, with a thatch roof and a dirt floor maybe 25 x 35 feet in size. The room was filled with young men, women and children, and a few western folks who were there special guests. I don’t know if there were 40 worshippers in that church, but the joyful noise and the passionate expression of their faith was inspiring!

I sat in the heat, blessing the God who cares and delights in the praises of His people…from every tribe and tongue and nation! I looked over and saw my daughter, Bethany, eyes wide open and amazed at the Godly animous of these believers. During the service they gave us the gift of a cold drink; hadn’t they given us enough! Then they wanted something from us…our prayers, our touch. How humbling! I had the privilege of praying over the widow, the infirmed, the smallest of children and their parents, to the next generation of leaders…and the pastor!

I have tried to describe some of what I experienced in just 4 hours of one day during this journey – I hope it gives a small glimpse into the rich experience that Bethany and I had, by the grace of God and prayers of friends like you. Our churches may not look like, smell like, or even sound like the church we visited on that day…but the same Spirit who walks among and indwells these Indian believers, walks among and indwells us. May we be encouraged to live with the same passion and dedication to our Savior, because anything less is a contradiction!

The "Up" side of "Down"

What do I mean, the up side of down? Well, please bear with me as I try to explain.

I spent last week as sick as I have been in years. I can't tell you if there was a cause; close quarters with others on the India trip that were sick, flying in crowded planes for hour upon hour with coughing all around, or lowered immune system because of all the energy expended in the service of our King. It really doesn't matter, however, how I got sick; but it does matter how God encouraged me in my sickness.

The coughing, congestion, and flu like symptoms kept me at the feet of Jesus all week...like only illness or tragedy or hardships can. Over the years I have tried to have this attitude; to praise God for the good things, and trust Him in the not-so-good things. This kind of trusting has turned many hardships into opportunities to praise God "in spite of" the way I feel, the circumstances, the shattered dreams, etc. So, I decided to seek God’s honor even in the illness, and let Him teach me to rely on Him in even greater ways.

In addition to praising God in the midst of hardship, my desire is to sincerely invite God to use this time to grow me in some way. So, I sought to humbly surrender my plans, etc. so that God might just grow something scarcely resembling Christ likeness in me! I am not saying that I do it well all of the time or even most of the time, but I think it has become easier with practice! (Not that I like it or want more, Lord!) Last week, I felt that God was teaching me to rest and pray more…for others. Of course, I cried out for myself from time to time! But, I did find many hours throughout the days, and especially in the long and uncomfortable nights, to seek God for those in need - and don't we all have a long list of friends and family who are in need?

I understand that some of you may have the equivalent of a Master's degree at what I have been describing! Long term illness, watching someone close suffering day after day, or experiencing tragic events in succession; these all have the opportunity to turn us toward greater dependence on Him, or away to self-sufficiency or pity (please know that I am not judging those latter reactions, but only inviting us to examine our reactions.)

Scripture is certainly not silent about the suffering in this life! Whether we are talking about Habakkuk's words in chapter 3:17-19 where he says; Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines...yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Or perhaps Jesus words in John 16:33 where our Lord remind us that; "...while in the world, you will have to suffer..." or Paul's experiences that led him to announce in 2 Corinthians 12:10; "...For when I am weak, then I am strong." There is clearly a higher purpose that can be seen in pain and misfortune.

You get the picture, I think. Hardships have a way of humbling, refocusing, refining us. I just want to yield to the higher purposes of God in the midst of all of the troubles…and I hope you do as well. That’s why I called this, the up side of down.

I am still recovering from this recent illness, and am hoping that I am on the healing path. But, before I get too far away from experiencing of God's nearness in my pain, I wanted to jot it down as way of reminder...for myself and perhaps any who might also be struggling just now. May God give you and me special grace and allow Him to turn our “down” into an “up” as we learn greater dependence, perspective, and selflessness. Amen?

Revive: Cultivation

As I am interning under Pastor Chris, one of my primary areas of responsibility is to work to develop the Revive worship service in multiple ways. It's relatively easy to work on improving the physical space of the worship environment, and it's a bit tougher to initiate service teams and coordinate their activities from week to week. But perhaps the most challenging - yet potentially rewarding - aspects of developing Revive is culture-building, or fostering a sense of community within the congregation of this new worship service at FBC. I find myself asking the questions: 'What kind of people do we want to be? How do we want to be known? What will be the distinguishing marks of Revive that make it unique among the many other worship services held on a Sunday in the greater Prescott area?'

Revive is a new kid on the block. People haven't quite figured out who we are yet. The truth is, we haven't figured out who we are yet, either. But I hope to cast some vision for Revive, and specifically, the culture of Revive. Who we are right now is maybe not as important as who we could be, by the grace of God.

The physical environment of Revive is a dramatic shift for an FBC worship service. Having a coffee bar and seating at tables with low lighting and restyled walls is a major improvement to the Smyth fellowship hall, to be sure. There is great potential for continued incorporation of art and design elements which will communicate volumes to anyone who comes through our doors. As a guy with an architecture background, I am constantly thinking about those kinds of things. I am also aware of the limitations of the space - most notably, the fact that we are already needing to look at options to increase the seating capacity of the room, since - praise God - we are quite full on Sundays already.

But let's put all that aside. Worship space is important, and we are truly blessed to have the space we have. However, a church building is merely a medium in which to grow the people of God. We must cultivate fully-devoted followers of Christ, for the glory of God. We must cultivate authentic corporate worship; a spirit of community and belonging; a commitment to the Bible and to fervent prayer. We must cultivate the awareness that we are part of a bigger story, much bigger than whatever happens on a Sunday morning - there is a world out there full of people who need to not only know the saving gospel of Jesus, but to understand in a very tangible way His compassion and His desire for justice. We must cultivate a visible and spiritual presence right here in Prescott, because what good is a local church if it doesn't act locally?

Growth takes time, and cultivation takes work. A lot of work. But we have a great Father who is faithful to renew and revive the hearts and souls and minds - indeed, even the very bodies - of those who love Him, by the power of the blood of Christ through the working of the Holy Spirit. This is the hope we have. It is my prayer that above all, the distinguishing mark of Revive would be the culture that develops - a culture of love, of family, of renewal and reconciliation; of both great outreaching acts of faith and simple gestures of invitation; and of true hope.

Take a glance through the Gospels and you'll see time and again Jesus telling parables of growth and agriculture. The Kingdom is like a mustard seed. It is like a farmer going out to sow seed. The Vine and the branches. The Lord of the harvest. This idea of the people of God being divinely cultivated into a fruitful harvest is a theme that permeates the whole of Scripture. May we allow God to work in and through us to raise us up into a community that lives in stark contrast to the world around us, yet in an irresistable way that others clamor to join in.

So they will be called oaks of righteousness,

The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3