A recent trend has found its way to social media by which various groups are demonstrating support by declaring that their lives matter. Supporters and "bandwagoners" alike have taken to posting about his/her political/social/racial/occupational groups with #(insert group)LivesMatter. A quick search on my newsfeed just today can pull up at least three of these declarations for three different groups. Harmless, right? Innocent, right?
I believe there are two lies implicit in these posts, whether intentional or not; and lies are never innocent or harmless. First, to declare one life matters is to imply that there is another which does not. All lives matter. All human life was created in the image of holy and good God (Genesis 1:27). All lives are recipients of a portion of His generous grace that gives warmth to the sun, bloom to the flower, and power to a nourishing rain. All lives are cared for under His watchful eye, and all lives are held in specific and intimate knowledge that only God could inventory. He knows every hurt, struggle, joy, pain, dream, temptation, and tear that ebb and flow to make up our calendar of life. He knows. He cares. All lives matter.
Second, the truth that all lives matter is not a license for all choices and behavior. The "Lives Matter" informal campaign that has developed implies that because these lives matter their choices should not only be supported, but lauded. All lives matter, but all persons do not live those lives well. All lives matter, but some lives are lived selfishly, and some even maliciously. All lives matter, but not all choices are to be respected nor all decisions granted permission.
I believe in and serve a loving God who has loved me in spite of my sinful choices born from a sinful nature (Romans 3:23. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ who gave His life for those sins (Romans 5:19). I believe that He offers total forgiveness and complete redemption to those who commit their lives to Him, regardless of what those lives may have previously entailed (Romans 10:8-11). Because I believe in these things, I believe it is the cruelest of people who bedazzle the ugliness of sin with political correctness and tolerance and let lives that matter die in a lie.
All. Lives. Matter. Speak the truth.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Good News, Princess
On the edge of my seat I sat in a dark theatre watching the latest rendering of Cinderella. My three year old niece stood between my knees with her arms draped over my legs watching intently. The rubber bottoms of her shoes rubbing the skin off the tops of my feet was my price for using her as an excuse to go see this movie. (Totally worthy it I might add.) Beautiful music, exquisite colors, stunning costumes, and, of course, a story that puts me both in a far away palace as well as right back in my footie-pajamas on the couch with my mom. I was taken.
"Real life is not a fairy tale," I scolded myself as I realized I was being swept away with all the dreaminess of magic, royals, and happy endings. I have read far too many Christian relationship books to be taken in by the nonsense, right? How will I ever be happily married if I let myself love a fairy tale, right? This is reality and in reality only children fancy themselves in a story. I glanced down at the top of Maddie's head, a little embarrassed at the childish joy of imagining life as a princess that was welling up in me. When suddenly and unexpectedly there He was; in a dark theatre, in a private moment of my heart He appeared, the King of Glory and the Lifter of my head. As near and intimate as my face in His hands He whispered "Good News, Princess". I did not literally see the face of my Lord, yet I know without a doubt that with a gentle, tilted head, He smiled as He reminded me of the place the gospel of Jesus Christ had placed me.
Am I not the King's daughter? As a part of the body of Christ, His beloved church, am I not betrothed to the Prince of Peace? Am I not joint heir of a kingdom that has no end? I am a princess; not in an imaginative and allegorical way, but in the reality of the blood of Christ and because the Bible tells me so. We are often so fearful of being thought prideful or immodest that we functionally deny the truth that God has sang over us with rejoicing (Zephaniah 3:17).
One day He will come for me in rapture or in death and I will be escorted, uninhibited by this world's sin, into the presence of our King. The Son of God will present me perfected by His blood and suitable to bring my praise. I will stand in His presence which is more splendid and glorious than any set designer or cinematographer could ever dream. I will behold Him and be held by Him not as dust, but as daughter.
This hope, this unwavering certainty, of the future He died for is what He delights for us to enjoy today. Good news, Princess, your King knows what you are going through. Good news, Princess, your Prince's righteous right hand holds your frail and tired one. Good News, Princess, be lifted, be encouraged Christ has come. Life is in fact not a fairy tale, who would want to settle for that; for loving Christ and knowing God are more wonderful and more remarkably breathtaking than any legend I've ever known.
Good News, Princess, very good news.
"Real life is not a fairy tale," I scolded myself as I realized I was being swept away with all the dreaminess of magic, royals, and happy endings. I have read far too many Christian relationship books to be taken in by the nonsense, right? How will I ever be happily married if I let myself love a fairy tale, right? This is reality and in reality only children fancy themselves in a story. I glanced down at the top of Maddie's head, a little embarrassed at the childish joy of imagining life as a princess that was welling up in me. When suddenly and unexpectedly there He was; in a dark theatre, in a private moment of my heart He appeared, the King of Glory and the Lifter of my head. As near and intimate as my face in His hands He whispered "Good News, Princess". I did not literally see the face of my Lord, yet I know without a doubt that with a gentle, tilted head, He smiled as He reminded me of the place the gospel of Jesus Christ had placed me.
Am I not the King's daughter? As a part of the body of Christ, His beloved church, am I not betrothed to the Prince of Peace? Am I not joint heir of a kingdom that has no end? I am a princess; not in an imaginative and allegorical way, but in the reality of the blood of Christ and because the Bible tells me so. We are often so fearful of being thought prideful or immodest that we functionally deny the truth that God has sang over us with rejoicing (Zephaniah 3:17).
One day He will come for me in rapture or in death and I will be escorted, uninhibited by this world's sin, into the presence of our King. The Son of God will present me perfected by His blood and suitable to bring my praise. I will stand in His presence which is more splendid and glorious than any set designer or cinematographer could ever dream. I will behold Him and be held by Him not as dust, but as daughter.
This hope, this unwavering certainty, of the future He died for is what He delights for us to enjoy today. Good news, Princess, your King knows what you are going through. Good news, Princess, your Prince's righteous right hand holds your frail and tired one. Good News, Princess, be lifted, be encouraged Christ has come. Life is in fact not a fairy tale, who would want to settle for that; for loving Christ and knowing God are more wonderful and more remarkably breathtaking than any legend I've ever known.
Good News, Princess, very good news.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Life Threatening
My 33 year relationship is over. Love abounded, but when you threaten the life of someone I love then I have no choice but to end what had been a wonderful life together. That is right, for those of you who did not know, Peanut Butter and I have parted ways. (insert single glistening tear)
A few short months ago, we found out that my oldest niece, who is only five years old has a life threatening allergy to peanuts. I am not telling you that she will break out in hives; I am not saying that her tummy will be upset. I am saying plainly that jelly's best friend and a baseball fan favorite can take the life of this sweet baby. My sister would have to give you the exact numbers and all the medical jargon, but what I know is that it would only take a nearly invisible amount of peanut residue to bring on this reaction. It is serious. So, what did this aunt do? I ditched it all. No peanuts, no peanut butter, nothing "processed in a plant" with it, nothing that "may contain it". Gone. My pantry is clean. Why? Because I would never do anything to risk endangering her life. I live three hours away from her, but my home is peanut safe so that her mom never has to worry about giving notice before she visits and so I don't worry about having to hide something when she comes. It's dangerous and I would not and will not risk her life no matter how much I used to like it.
The same is true of sin. A fraction is life threatening. We know that the Bible says plainly "The wages of sin is death," yet we continue to store it in the pantry of our lives and hide a morsel or two in the bottom of a drawer. Why do we risk it? Do we not understand how serious it is? Life-threatening. Yes, I am aware of the fact that the rest of the previously quoted verse is "but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." However, we need to remember that Jesus did not come to change the nature of sin. Sin remains damaging and dangerous. Jesus came to rescue those who choose to follow Him and to save them from the penalty and power of sin. Nevertheless, we are still warned of the potential harm that sin, in any form or shape brings. Proverbs 14:9 begins by saying, "Fools mock at sin". Yet, we giggle at it on tv and whisper about it among our friends not at all realizing that we declare ourselves foolish.
Unbelievers, sin not only has your life been threatened but condemned already (John 3:16-21). Believers, sin still threatens your life. No, not your eternal one, but the one you live daily while still away from home. Sin robs our joy, sin robs our health, sin robs our opportunities, but most of all sin robs us of the intimate fellowship by which a life lived in the Light of God should be characterized. Let us open up all we have before the Lord and invite the Holy Spirit into every crevice that, in every moment, our lives might be inviting and pleasing to the King of Glory.
It is serious. It is dangerous. Let's not risk it.
A few short months ago, we found out that my oldest niece, who is only five years old has a life threatening allergy to peanuts. I am not telling you that she will break out in hives; I am not saying that her tummy will be upset. I am saying plainly that jelly's best friend and a baseball fan favorite can take the life of this sweet baby. My sister would have to give you the exact numbers and all the medical jargon, but what I know is that it would only take a nearly invisible amount of peanut residue to bring on this reaction. It is serious. So, what did this aunt do? I ditched it all. No peanuts, no peanut butter, nothing "processed in a plant" with it, nothing that "may contain it". Gone. My pantry is clean. Why? Because I would never do anything to risk endangering her life. I live three hours away from her, but my home is peanut safe so that her mom never has to worry about giving notice before she visits and so I don't worry about having to hide something when she comes. It's dangerous and I would not and will not risk her life no matter how much I used to like it.
The same is true of sin. A fraction is life threatening. We know that the Bible says plainly "The wages of sin is death," yet we continue to store it in the pantry of our lives and hide a morsel or two in the bottom of a drawer. Why do we risk it? Do we not understand how serious it is? Life-threatening. Yes, I am aware of the fact that the rest of the previously quoted verse is "but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." However, we need to remember that Jesus did not come to change the nature of sin. Sin remains damaging and dangerous. Jesus came to rescue those who choose to follow Him and to save them from the penalty and power of sin. Nevertheless, we are still warned of the potential harm that sin, in any form or shape brings. Proverbs 14:9 begins by saying, "Fools mock at sin". Yet, we giggle at it on tv and whisper about it among our friends not at all realizing that we declare ourselves foolish.
Unbelievers, sin not only has your life been threatened but condemned already (John 3:16-21). Believers, sin still threatens your life. No, not your eternal one, but the one you live daily while still away from home. Sin robs our joy, sin robs our health, sin robs our opportunities, but most of all sin robs us of the intimate fellowship by which a life lived in the Light of God should be characterized. Let us open up all we have before the Lord and invite the Holy Spirit into every crevice that, in every moment, our lives might be inviting and pleasing to the King of Glory.
It is serious. It is dangerous. Let's not risk it.
Monday, November 24, 2014
The Rough Patches
I am a day dreamer. I enjoy scrolling through the future memories of my mental scrapbook as much as I enjoy flipping through the camera roll on my phone. A day, a month, an age ahead I will fantasize about everything from the food I am going to eat tonight to the food I am going to cook for my future man. When the trailer for the latest kid movie pops on TV I imagine and anticipate my lap full of popcorn and nieces and nephews; and the moment the commercial switches to yogurt I dream about a far off vacation to Greece that I will never afford. I am a thinker, a planner and a dreamer. It's fun for me and it saves a ton of money on XM radio.
The best part about day dreams, however, is the absence of difficulty. In the moving pictures of my mind the popcorn never burns, kids don't need to go to the bathroom a thousand times during the movie, and my new husband thinks I could stand to gain a few pounds. No one imagines a life filled with pot holes. No one fantasizes rough patches. For that very reason, I am so grateful for the rough patches I experience with the Lord. If God were not real; if Jesus had not truly saved me and this was all just the work of an active imagination to cope with the difficulties of life (as Christians are often accused) then I assure you as an avid imagineer I would refrain from including rough patches. The awkwardness in my relationship with Him and the struggles I feel in my communication with Him are one of the many affirmations of His existence and His desire for real relationship with me, and with all of His children.
I know He is real; I know He speaks; I am certain of it, because sometimes I do not like what He has to say. Sometimes I want to talk about things that He has moved on from, sometimes He wants to talk about things that I do not want to move to, and sometimes I do not want to talk to Him at all. I am not proud of those moments and I am grateful for His compassion and grace because certainly it is always true that the rough patches in my relationship with the Sovereign God lay squarely at the feet of this fallen, but redeemed daughter.
I am so enamored with the life I dream, and those dreams give me ambition and goals. Those dreams give me contentment in where I am and drive to not stay here; but I am in love with the life I have, and this Thanksgiving I am most delighted for the rough patches and for the God who loves me enough to stick with me through them and patiently guide me through stumbling blocks of my own design. I love Him and He loves me - in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, always, as death will never part us.
"But in all things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 (NASB - emphasis mine)
The best part about day dreams, however, is the absence of difficulty. In the moving pictures of my mind the popcorn never burns, kids don't need to go to the bathroom a thousand times during the movie, and my new husband thinks I could stand to gain a few pounds. No one imagines a life filled with pot holes. No one fantasizes rough patches. For that very reason, I am so grateful for the rough patches I experience with the Lord. If God were not real; if Jesus had not truly saved me and this was all just the work of an active imagination to cope with the difficulties of life (as Christians are often accused) then I assure you as an avid imagineer I would refrain from including rough patches. The awkwardness in my relationship with Him and the struggles I feel in my communication with Him are one of the many affirmations of His existence and His desire for real relationship with me, and with all of His children.
I know He is real; I know He speaks; I am certain of it, because sometimes I do not like what He has to say. Sometimes I want to talk about things that He has moved on from, sometimes He wants to talk about things that I do not want to move to, and sometimes I do not want to talk to Him at all. I am not proud of those moments and I am grateful for His compassion and grace because certainly it is always true that the rough patches in my relationship with the Sovereign God lay squarely at the feet of this fallen, but redeemed daughter.
I am so enamored with the life I dream, and those dreams give me ambition and goals. Those dreams give me contentment in where I am and drive to not stay here; but I am in love with the life I have, and this Thanksgiving I am most delighted for the rough patches and for the God who loves me enough to stick with me through them and patiently guide me through stumbling blocks of my own design. I love Him and He loves me - in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, always, as death will never part us.
"But in all things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 (NASB - emphasis mine)
Thursday, September 18, 2014
A Bowl of Bananas
Somewhere in the world today our Creator God, Father of those who trust in Him, watches over the birth of a new baby while at the very same moment comforting a family who has received dreadful news. He presides over a blissful couple's new steps as husband and wife; and He aches as a marriage feels the pangs of distress. He is Mighty Warrior in the midst of a war zone as men and women call out in desperation for safety and refuge. He comforts a child who feels unloved and afraid. He celebrates the next year of a princess in training as she blows out little pink birthday candles on her favorite cake.
Today, He peeks into the depths of the ocean and delights in a funny little fish you and I will never even see. He quickens a driver's reflexes to avoid an accident and adjusts the twinkle of a star. He stands far above time and space and eternity and sits near and intimately in hospital waiting rooms and living room couches. He walks the rows of classroom desks and the halls of Capitol Hill. He directs warm sun and cool shade on the faces of men, women, and children who have no home and soaks the soil of a farmer on His knees.
He is everywhere; He is always; And He is with me - right now, in this moment - sitting at my table staring at a bowl of bananas. If that isn't awesome, I don't know what is.
Great and Worthy and Wonderful is our God!
Today, He peeks into the depths of the ocean and delights in a funny little fish you and I will never even see. He quickens a driver's reflexes to avoid an accident and adjusts the twinkle of a star. He stands far above time and space and eternity and sits near and intimately in hospital waiting rooms and living room couches. He walks the rows of classroom desks and the halls of Capitol Hill. He directs warm sun and cool shade on the faces of men, women, and children who have no home and soaks the soil of a farmer on His knees.
He is everywhere; He is always; And He is with me - right now, in this moment - sitting at my table staring at a bowl of bananas. If that isn't awesome, I don't know what is.
Great and Worthy and Wonderful is our God!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
The Jesus I Expected
Only a few days before the crucifixion of Jesus, he road into town on a young donkey, upon his arrival the people spread palm branches and their own coats on the path before Him and proclaimed, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!" (Mark 11:1-10; see also Matthew 21, John 12) The people were elated and they joyously and eagerly welcomed Jesus into their lives as their conquering king. What a sight it would have been as so many families grabbed their coats and shoes and hurried to this impromptu parade, tearing branches from the trunks of nearby trees so they could be a part of laying out the "red carpet" for Jesus. The hope of their salvation erupted into shouts of praise and celebration; however, their shouts did not remain celebratory. Just a few short days later, the shouts of this community turned from "Hosanna in the highest!" to "Crucify Him!" So, what changed?
God's plan had not changed. Jesus had not changed. The hope of the people had changed. They were expecting a conquering king, and as, later that week, rumors circulated about Jesus' giving Himself up in the garden, they lost their faith in the man who came in on palms. Where was the roar of His army? Where were the trumpets and the declaration of new political power? He was not at all what they expected. Truthfully, He was not even what they wanted. Nevertheless, even while they rejected Him, He was exactly the Savior and King they needed. His kingdom had come, not to change their circumstances, but to change their lives. Unfortunately, they missed it. He was right there in front of them, in the rescue process, but because He was not what they expected, they missed Him. I can relate. Often, my expectations of what it means to follow Jesus are met with a different reality. King Jesus does not always ride in the way we expect, but He is always exactly what we need.
As we approach this Easter weekend, and gather together to celebrate the saving death and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus may we be renewed in our hope and obedience to the king. He may not be what you expected, but His Word is certain and His faithfulness is true. Don't miss it.
The King has come! Hosanna in the highest!
God's plan had not changed. Jesus had not changed. The hope of the people had changed. They were expecting a conquering king, and as, later that week, rumors circulated about Jesus' giving Himself up in the garden, they lost their faith in the man who came in on palms. Where was the roar of His army? Where were the trumpets and the declaration of new political power? He was not at all what they expected. Truthfully, He was not even what they wanted. Nevertheless, even while they rejected Him, He was exactly the Savior and King they needed. His kingdom had come, not to change their circumstances, but to change their lives. Unfortunately, they missed it. He was right there in front of them, in the rescue process, but because He was not what they expected, they missed Him. I can relate. Often, my expectations of what it means to follow Jesus are met with a different reality. King Jesus does not always ride in the way we expect, but He is always exactly what we need.
As we approach this Easter weekend, and gather together to celebrate the saving death and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus may we be renewed in our hope and obedience to the king. He may not be what you expected, but His Word is certain and His faithfulness is true. Don't miss it.
The King has come! Hosanna in the highest!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
The Last Hole
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to be the speaker for a women's retreat; the unique thing about this retreat was that it was my own church's event. We had a wonderful time in the Word and God moved in and amongst us in such a beautiful way. I was once again amazed at God's timeliness and generosity to meet us in our place of greatest need and move us toward greater joy. However, it was during our scheduled free time that God surprised me with a wonderful reminder of a powerful truth.
During our free time, several of the other ladies and I decided to try our hand at a round of miniature golf; and while you may be imagining an outdoor tea party of sorts I'll just let you know that a competitive spirit is not confined in a man's heart. We were having a good time, but time was not on our side. We only had a few minutes to get back up to our meeting room for a closing session. As some of the other ladies started loading into their cars to hurry back I stood at the end of the course with one of the sweetest ladies I know. Mrs. Diane, being mindful that I had to lead this final session, finished the 17th hole and then picked up her things for us to leave. Only she and I remained on the course, but I could not stand the thought of her being so close to the finish and not getting to complete her game; and while she was very willing to stop for the sake of the group I could tell she didn't want to leave it undone either. "No, Mrs. Diane, you only have one more," I said. She hurried over to the 18th hole, dropped the ball in place, and wouldn't you know it... hole in one!
I tear up even now as I have thought of this moment and both of our reactions as the ball fell into the hole. We were so excited and celebrated on that course as we rushed back to the car. But what if Mrs. Diane had not finished the game? Yes, I know that it was just a round of miniature golf and not only was there no prize, but even if there were, she and I had already been beaten. It did not matter. In that moment we were both reminded that we will never know what is in store if we do not persevere to the finish.
We all have seasons in our life when we are ready to quit and let circumstances dictate our course. Perhaps a struggle with sin; perhaps we've been diligent in the Lord, but don't see results; perhaps our carpet is worn by the bent knees of prayer, but we still feel we have not been heard. Hold on, persevere, keep striving. We cannot see around the corner, but God does. He knows and is prepared to delight us with His perfect timing.
Romans 5:3-5 says, "And not only this (v.2 the hope of the glory of God), but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Hope does not disappoint - not because of anything we can do, but because of the love of God through the Holy Spirit. I know too many people who quit just short of the Lord's intervention. He stood waiting with open arms beckoning a little further down a prepared path, but perseverance faded away. Do not miss Him. Do not miss the chance to celebrate with the Father on the course He has purposed for you specifically.
Persevere. Finish the game.
During our free time, several of the other ladies and I decided to try our hand at a round of miniature golf; and while you may be imagining an outdoor tea party of sorts I'll just let you know that a competitive spirit is not confined in a man's heart. We were having a good time, but time was not on our side. We only had a few minutes to get back up to our meeting room for a closing session. As some of the other ladies started loading into their cars to hurry back I stood at the end of the course with one of the sweetest ladies I know. Mrs. Diane, being mindful that I had to lead this final session, finished the 17th hole and then picked up her things for us to leave. Only she and I remained on the course, but I could not stand the thought of her being so close to the finish and not getting to complete her game; and while she was very willing to stop for the sake of the group I could tell she didn't want to leave it undone either. "No, Mrs. Diane, you only have one more," I said. She hurried over to the 18th hole, dropped the ball in place, and wouldn't you know it... hole in one!
I tear up even now as I have thought of this moment and both of our reactions as the ball fell into the hole. We were so excited and celebrated on that course as we rushed back to the car. But what if Mrs. Diane had not finished the game? Yes, I know that it was just a round of miniature golf and not only was there no prize, but even if there were, she and I had already been beaten. It did not matter. In that moment we were both reminded that we will never know what is in store if we do not persevere to the finish.
We all have seasons in our life when we are ready to quit and let circumstances dictate our course. Perhaps a struggle with sin; perhaps we've been diligent in the Lord, but don't see results; perhaps our carpet is worn by the bent knees of prayer, but we still feel we have not been heard. Hold on, persevere, keep striving. We cannot see around the corner, but God does. He knows and is prepared to delight us with His perfect timing.
Romans 5:3-5 says, "And not only this (v.2 the hope of the glory of God), but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Hope does not disappoint - not because of anything we can do, but because of the love of God through the Holy Spirit. I know too many people who quit just short of the Lord's intervention. He stood waiting with open arms beckoning a little further down a prepared path, but perseverance faded away. Do not miss Him. Do not miss the chance to celebrate with the Father on the course He has purposed for you specifically.
Persevere. Finish the game.
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