James 4:13-5:6

James 4:1-10

Attendance:
1st Service Kingdom Kids = 15
Kingdom Kids = 37
KinderKingdom = 15

Offering:
This Week = $14.07
This Month = $38.40

James 3:13-18

Attendance:
1st Service Kingdom Kids = 5
Kingdom Kids = 35
KinderKingdom = 14

Offering:
This Week = $24.33
This Month = $24.33
Last Month = $25.90

James 3:1-12

Attendance:
1st Service Kingdom Kids = 6
Kingdom Kids = 33
KinderKingdom = 12

Offering:
This Week = $14.30
This Month = $25.90

Faith and Deeds (James 2:14-26)

If we were stranded on a deserted island like Phineas, we would need many things to survive. We would need water. We would need food. We would need fire. We would need clothing. We would need shelter.

As we learned in our study of the book of Daniel this Spring, we are exiles living in a foreign land. This is not our true home, at least not in the state it is right now. So how are we to survive as a stranger to this world? James lists four survival skills. Can you name them?

a.    Perseverance is trusting in God’s work.

b.    Wisdom is trusting in God’s way.

c.    Faith is trusting in God’s word.

d.    Humility is trusting in God’s worth.

Today, we will read a little more about faith. What is faith? [Allow time for kids to respond.] When are some times we need faith? [Respond.] Does it matter who or what we put our faith in? [Respond]

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

Let me ask you that question James asked his audience. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if a man says he has faith, but doesn’t do what he says? Can such faith save him? [Allow time for response.

In case you had a hard time understanding the question, James gives an example. [Call up 3 volunteers. Whisper the scenario in their ears. One enters the room pretending to be cold and hungry.  He approaches the other person (carrying a Bible, and munching on food) who says in as sincere a voice as he can muster, “Go, I wish you well. Keep warm and well fed.” The cold, hungry person just looks at him and walks off.]

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

What do you think this person really believed about helping others?
[Replay the scenario with the third volunteer showing his faith with actions.]
What do you think this person really believed about helping others?

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.

What is different about the faith demons have and the faith Christians have? [Allow time for responses.] The deeds of demons are very different from the deeds of Christians. So faith must mean more than believing something to be true. It means acting a certain way based on this belief.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

James gives the example of Abraham. Do you know the story of Abraham? The Lord asked Abraham to leave his country and go to a new land where he would be made into a great nation. Abraham obeyed and went. Years passed and Abraham did not have a child. God told Abraham, “I am your shield, your very great reward.” Abraham asked, “What can you give me since I remain childless.” God said, “You will have a son. Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

From the very beginning, the Bible makes it clear that righteousness comes by faith. Did Abraham’s faith lead to action? Abraham and Sarah had a baby, Isaac, the long awaited son. It was this promised child that God asked Abraham to sacrifice. This was a key moment in Abraham’s life. Did he really believe that God wanted what was good? Did he believe that God was capable of raising Isaac from the dead? Did Abraham trust God even when it didn’t make sense to him? Yes, yes, and yes. Abraham’s faith was made complete by what he did.

Did Phineas have faith in the video diary clip we watched? What challenge did he have to overcome to show his faith? Is it easy to say, “I believe?” Is it easy to believe?

One of my favorites songs is called “Faith to Be Strong.” It says, “Give us faith to be strong; give us strength to be faithful.” I think that’s a good prayer. Let’s pray and ask God to help us show faith.

Attendance:
1st Service Kingdom Kids = 12 
Kingdom Kids =  27
Kinder-Kingdom = 14

Offering: 
This Week: $5.75
This Month: $11.60

Kid Quote: "Did you know there are things inside you that you can't even see with an x-ray?" (Maxson)

Picking Favorites (James 2:1-13)

Introduction:

[Show a box of crayons.]

Look at these crayons. They are all different sizes and colors. Some are sharp and some are dull. But even though these crayons are different, they all have one thing in common. They are all crayon.

Can you imagine always having to color in gray?

[Show a picture of everything colored in gray.]

Pretty boring, huh?

But we don't have just one color. There are many, and the variety in colors adds for a more exciting picture.

[Show a picture of everything in bright colors.]

Don't these colors add such beauty to this picture? And look, the sharp crayons help me get in tight places like these. The duller crayons are better for coloring large areas. The old crayons work just as good as the new ones, and it doesn't matter if the wrapper is a bit torn. They still have these beautiful colors on the inside.

This reminds me of the Church. The people that make up the Church come in all sizes and colors. Some are old and some are young. Some are pretty sharp and some may be a little dull. Some are dressed in fancy clothes, others in plain ones. But we all have one thing in common. We are all human. We are all created and loved by God.

1. Created and Loved by God

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

Let's play a game called "Pick your Favorite." I am going to name two items. If you like the first item better, stand up. If you like the second item better, remain sitting.

- Chocolate or Vanilla
- Superman or Spiderman
- The Pool or The Ocean
- Basketball or Soccer
- Board Game or Video Game
- Book or Movie
- Plain M&M's or Peanut M&M's
-Dill Pickles or Sweet Pickles
- Bath or Shower
- Tennis Shoes or Flip Flops
- Jonah or Caleb

I saw that you hesitated to answer that last one. When is it okay to have favorites? When is it not okay to have favorites? Why is it okay to have favorites with things but not with people?

[Bring out two presents, one nicely wrapped with nothing on the inside, and the other taped together with newspaper but containing a great treasure.]

If we were to just look at the outward appearance and make our choice based on what these gifts look like, which present would you pick?

[Open up the two packages to reveal what's inside.]

It's what's on the inside that counts.

Remember the story of Samuel choosing a king to rule over God's people? God told Samuel to go to the house of Jesse. When Jesse's family arrived, Samuel saw Eliab, the oldest, and thought, "Surely this is the king God has chosen." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." God chose the youngest son, David, to rule over Israel.

Remember Peter's vision of the animals on the sheet? He saw heaven open and a large sheet came down to earth. On the sheet were all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice told Peter to get up and eat, but Peter refused, "Surely not! I have never eaten anything unclean." The voice said, "Don't call anything unclean that God has made clean." Peter would come to realize that his dream wasn't really about animals or food. It was about people. Through Jesus, God made all men clean, even the Gentiles. And if God says they're clean. They are clean. Peter said, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."

God does not show favoritism, and neither should we, his children.

How can we make sure we don't show favoritism? By treating everyone as we would like to be treated.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 

When you walk into a new place, how would you like to be treated? When you make a mistake, how would you like people to treat you?

2. Lawbreakers

We are all humans, created and loved by God. And we are all lawbreakers. James writes,

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

Paul agrees with James when he writes in Romans 3:22-23, "There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." There is no place for boasting in the body of Christ. We are all lawbreakers.

3. Mercy is offered to all

But the verse does not stop there. It continues, "...[all] are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." We are lawbreakers, but we are offered a new identity. It doesn't matter if you are a Jew, a Greek, slave or free, male or female. We are all one in Christ Jesus.

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

God is merciful to us. We don't deserve his goodness, but he lavishes it on us anyway. God has shown mercy to you, so be merciful to all. After all, you are becoming more like your heavenly Father every day.


Attendance:
1st Service Kingdom Kids = 5
Kingdom Kids = 30
Kinder-Kingdom = 16

Offering:
This Week: $5.85
Monthly Total: $5.85

James Memory Verse Challenge

Yesterday, I challenged our students to collectively memorize 200 verses from the book of James this summer. If we meet our goal, we will have a pizza and pool party (the kind of pool with water, not with a cue stick, as Barrett wanted to clarify :) Here are the verses they can memorize:

James 1:2-3 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

James 1:4 - Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:19 - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 2:5 - Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

James 2:10 - For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

James 2:14 - What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

James 2:15-16 - Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food, If one of you says to him, "Go I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

James 2:26 - As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James 3:5-6 - Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.

James 3:7-8 - All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:9-10 - With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

James 3:13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.

James 3:16 - For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 4:1 - What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?

James 4:2 - You do not have, because you do not ask God.

James 4:7-8 - Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 4:12 - There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor?

James 4:17 - Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

James 5:7 - Be patient, then brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

James 5:8 - You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

James 5:9 - Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

James 5:11 - The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James 5:12 - Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and you "No," no, or you will be condemned.

James 5:13 - Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

James 5:14 - Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

James 5:15 - And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Perseverance (James 1:12-18)

Perseverance is trusting in God's work. It is never giving up, because you trust that God is at work in the world even when you can't see it. It is never giving in, because you trust that God is at work in you.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

The author of Hebrews says life is like a race that we are to run with perseverance. Whenever I run, it's easy for my mind to get distracted by how tired my legs are or how short of breath I am. Sometimes I think about the runners next to me or my friends and family in the crowd. It's the same with life. Sometimes I get distracted by how tired I am, how hard it is to wait on God's timing, how it feels like I am alone and no one else is doing the right thing. So how do we keep running?

Hebrews 12:2 says we fix our eyes on Jesus. We don't look at our legs and think about how tired we are. We don't look at the other runners and think about how much faster they are. We don't look in the stadium and worry about letting people down. We look at Jesus, and we keep running.

Jesus ran the race with perseverance. He did not give up or give in. He went through the hardest trial of all (being betrayed, mocked, beaten, crucified, and abandoned). What gave him the strength to not give up? It was the joy set before him. He saw that obedience to the Father would bring joy (both to himself and to the whole world). And he kept running.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:24 that we should run in such a way as to get the prize. What is the prize at the end of the race? It is the crown of life.

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when full-grown, gives birth to death.

If those who persevere receive the crown of life, what is reserved for those who give in? Death. Why do we sin if we know sin gives birth to death? Well, there are many reasons we sin. One reason we sin is because it's hard for us to wait. A neuroscientist named David Eagleman observed, "Things that are offered right now have so much more power than things that are offered in the future." We will make all sorts of poor choices if something is offered right now, rather than later.

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Sometimes we think God wants us to fail. We think he tempts us just to watch us fall. But that is not true! Sometimes we think God likes to keep good things from us, that he makes up rules so that we will be unhappy. But that is not true, either! God is the giver of every good gift.

Did you know that Satan does not have the power to create. He can only destroy. He can only take what God made for good and twist it for evil. He tempts us to take the gifts God has given us in the wrong way or at the wrong time. He is the trickster. He is the deceiver. James encourages us not to be deceived but to listen to the word of truth. If Satan is the liar, God is the truth-teller. Let's listen for the voice of Jesus. Let's look for God's good work in the world. Let's trust in the Holy Spirit's good work in us. Fix your eyes on Jesus and run with perseverance. Don't give up when trials come. There is a crown waiting for you. Don't give in when temptations rise. Life and joy come to those who stand strong.

Attendance:
1st Service Kingdom Kids = 4
Kingdom Kids = 29
Kinder-Kingdom = 10

Offering:
This Week: $4.45
Monthly Total: $31.45

Keeping Darkness at Bay

"My armor is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail is a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!"

"There He Lay" by Justin Gerard

Who can fight such a formidable foe? Someone with might? Great speed? Stealth? A trained warrior? A powerful wizard? An armored knight?

Gandalf chose a Hobbit. There is nothing magical about a Hobbit. They are small, ordinary folk who often prefer the comfort of home to an unknown adventure.

So you can understand Galadriel's curiosity when the council gathers to discuss an even darker shadow rising within Middle Earth. She asks, "Why the Halfling?" Gandalf responds,

"Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay, simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid and he gives me courage."

If you were to ask me why I am a children's minister, I think I would respond in similar fashion. Perhaps it is because I believe the meek will inherit the earth. I've seen giants fall to slings, kings succumb to shepherds, and strongholds crumble beneath the weight of a single cup of cold water. Why am I a children's minister? Perhaps it is because I am afraid and children give me courage. 

Survival Skills (James 1:1-11)

Phineas McDoogle Video Diary: "Blown and Tossed by the Wind" 

(James 1:1-11)

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 

James is a New Testament letter written to Christians scattered among the nations. Why were they scattered?

Christianity began in Jerusalem with the death and resurrection of Jesus. The disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood up among crowds and preached that Jesus was the Prince and Savior of Israel. The word of God spread and the number of disciples grew.

On of God's followers was a man named Stephen. Stephen preached that Jesus was God's Messiah. He told the religious leaders that they we just like those who killed God's prophets, except worse. They killed God's Righteous One. This made them furious. They dragged Stephen out of the city and heaved heavy stones at him. They killed Stephen.

On that day, a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 

But threats don't thwart the preaching of the Good News. Those who were scattered continued to preach the Word wherever they went. More people heard, and more believed. In the face of great opposition, the Church continued to grow. Because you see, sticks and stones can't break the marrow of these bones. 

James is writing to these Christians who face death daily. He is writing to Christians who hug their loved ones tight because they know very well that it might be their last. James writes to Christians who face jeers, sneers, and tears, and he tells them, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 

In his letter, James passes along four survival skills to his brothers and sisters in Christ. We are introduced to all four of these survival skills in the first 11 verses of James' letter.

1. Perseverance

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Perseverance is trusting God's work. It is trusting God to work in and through us. It is holding tight to God's goodness and timing. It is doing the right thing and never giving up no matter what because you believe God is at work even when you can't see the immediate results. 

"After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God firsts helps us towards is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again" (Lewis, Mere Christianity).

2. Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Wisdom is trusting God's way. It is training your ears to hear God's voice.

3. Faith

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Faith is trusting God's word. It is knowing what God says, he will do, and acting accordingly.

4. Humility

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

Humility is trusting God's worth. It is knowing God holds all power and glory and trusting that He will dispense it at the proper moment.

Attendance:
1st Service Kingdom Kids = 5
Kingdom Kids = 28
Kinder-Kingdom = 13

Offering:
This Week: $20.31
Monthly Total: $27.00

An Unexpected Gift

"Ooh, that's good! I better jot that down." It's a thought many of us had throughout the weekend. I was in Nashville attending that blessed convergence of wisdom and kindness, beauty and truth, ideas and service called Hutchmoot.

I reached for my notebook, opened it, and started with surprise. For there staring back at me was a ferociously whimsical face. It had disproportionate eyes, an open mouth, jagged teeth, and a single strand of hair atop an otherwise-bald head. Who sketched this creature and left it for me to uncover? Was it boredom that bore this beast? Was it mischief? Did the monster bubble up from the deep well of delight? Did he spring from some chasm of unnamed fear? However it came to be, it came to me as a gift.

Faces flashed to mind, faces of children I know and love, faces of those who know me and love me still. My story is not one of new characters, plots, and places, but of recognizable ones. I continually bump into people from my past: former coaches, teachers, and friends. I trod familiar ground: my home church, my alma mater, childhood playgrounds. Just last month, I stood in my high school gym and coached volleyball alongside my Freshman coach. I bought a house next door to the place I played as a kid. At Hutchmoot, I sat in on a session led by Andrew Peterson, singing Rich Mullins songs alongside the man who introduced me to the music of both. Memories rise and mingle with the present.

And yet, I only see a pinch of the history in these places, only a fraction of the narrative written in the lines of these faces. There’s enough gold in them hills to mine for a lifetime. There’s enough mystery to keep a girl searching, enough wonder to keep her seeing anew. There’s enough sadness to bring her to her knees, and enough joy to fill her days with laughter.

I remember sitting in attendance at the first Hutchmoot, observing the friendships around me. I longed so desperately to have what I saw. I even prayed for such a community. And God answered my prayer. No, a new group of people hasn't moved in, and no, I haven't moved, but something has moved in me. Instead of giving me what I saw, God allowed me to see what I had. I have a community. We all do. And I'm beginning to see the people I come in contact with each day, not as I wish they were, but as they actually are.

As a child, I remember marveling at the fact that I have control of when my fingers move. I once asked my mom, “What if I wasn’t me? What if I were someone else?” It’s a thought that baffles me still. Why this place? Why this time? Why this plot of earth and this passel of people? I can’t reason out an answer to those questions, but I can live out one. Here I sit at the crossroads of the past and the future. And it is here, right now in this present moment, that God’s kingdom can come to, in, and through me.

The sketch in my notebook stands as a reminder. It's a reminder of you, my friends and neighbors. It's a reminder of all who daily share their thoughts, food, home, time, and yes, even their art with me. I look upon this drawing and thank God for you. More than marks upon a paper, you leave an imprint upon my heart. You are to me, a living letter of Christ, "written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts" (2 Cor. 3:3).

A Christmas Invitation

Jacob runs. He runs until the sun sets and darkness descends. Taking one of the stones, he puts it under his head and sleeps.

Jacob dreams. He dreams of a ladder, resting upon the earth and stretching to heaven. He dreams of the Lord atop the ladder, His angels walking up and down.

Jacob stirs. He awakens aware of another presence. "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it."

And Jacob trembles. "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." Could Jacob have stumbled upon a portal between heaven and earth? Jacob seems to think so. He sets up the rock and names the place, Bethel, meaning "the house of God."

1800 years later, in a stable in the town of Bethlehem, the ladder fell once again. The gateway between heaven and earth opened and God, Himself, passed through. From the womb of an innocent girl, a baby came.

Christmas is about coming. Christ came and bids us come. You see, the portal between heaven and earth opens both ways. This morning, I read through the lyrics of Jason Gray's [newly released] Christmas album. The album feels to me like an invitation.

Christmas excites different feeling in different people. Some look back on Christmas past with warm nostalgia; others with regret. To some, the season is a happy reminder there are better times and brighter days ahead. To others, every peal of laughter is a mockery of the silence felt, every family gathering a painful reminder of those absent. Some get lost in lists; others feel unprepared. Some thrive on hope and expectancy; others temper giddiness and lower expectations. Perhaps you've felt one or all of these emotions yourself. I know I have. This album is for you. You are welcome, come.

Come, step back in time and see the events unfold through the eyes of the characters present. Christmas Stories: Repeat the Sounding Joy intersperses classic Christmas hymns like "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "O Holy Night" with original songs telling the stories of the Christmas characters. While we can easily dismiss cold facts, stories don't allow that luxury. They spark imagination and draw us in. Story disarms us. Before we know it, we turn from a passive observer to an inhabitant within the tale. We are the Innkeeper looking for Sabbath rest. We are Mary, carrying hope and bearing shame through the darkness. We are Joseph, faced with a choice between resentment and forgiveness. We are the Shepherd, bursting with good news. We are the Wiseman, hiding behind gifts.

Come, be filled with joy. Though the songs lead us through the darkness of betrayal, fatigue, disgrace, and fear, this album, ultimately, is an invitation to joy. How fitting that "Joy to the World" puts the punctuation mark on this collection of songs.

Come, let the season awaken your inner child. Christmas Stories celebrates little things: a baby, a town, the humble. What better way to illustrate that God's Kingdom "belongs to such as these," than to turn the lead vocals over to a child? "Christmas for Jesus," sung by Jason's son, Gus, wonders what kind of present God would put on his list. Bracketing the album are "Christmas is Coming," a song about how the season beckons the child in us all, and "Children Again," a song for the wizened grown up. Christ came as a baby. Could it be that, in order to come to him, we must become children, as well? "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 18:3).

So, come. Oh Jacob, what you once knew in part, may you now know fully. The portal was never a place. It is a person. Christ descended the ladder. He came that we, too, could come. "Love found a way in and left open the door." Will you crawl through?

...the things themselves told her.

He showed her things on the mountain, things in the sky, things in the pools and streams wherever they went. He did better than tell her about them; he made her see them, and then the things themselves told her.

(George MacDonald's, Sir Gibbie)

When I teach, I want to do better than simply tell my students about the things of God. I want to sit them down at the feet of Christ, himself.

More than speak of beauty and truth, I want them to taste of it. I want their thirst slaked by living water, their hunger satisfied by the bread of life.

Word of God, speak. Illumine our paths. Sword of the Spirit, penetrate. Judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Cloud of His presence, come down. Fill us with your glory.

"Soaked in silliness and seasoned with truth."

Each Sunday, Kingdom Kids starts with a "Stop." It's a song from one of my favorite children's albums, Slugs and Bugs and Lullabies.

Slugs and Bugs is recording a new CD, and you can help fund the project. Here's how. Become a backer and join me in promoting music for kids that is "soaked in silliness and seasoned with truth."

"I know I'm not worthy, but please pass the salt."

I like this introduction to "I Am New." I think there are times when it is good and proper to pray, "I am not worthy." It's the prayer of the publican in Luke 18, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." But I find myself hanging out in this state of unworthiness all too often. The shame becomes crippling.

Yes, it's true, God desires a humble heart. But I wonder if my view of humility has become skewed. Maybe humility isn't as much my low view of myself as it is the recognition that I am a child, a child who relies on her Father for all things, including my righteousness, worth, and identity. 

Am I worthy of God's love and grace? Without a doubt, no. But does God lavish it on me anyway? Yes. And when God poured out His love and grace on the cross, something else happened...Christ's righteousness became my own. Today, I'm trusting that this is true, and I'm moving on to deeper and more intimate conversations with my Father.  


Check out the special edition of Jason Gray's new album, A Way to See in the Dark (set to release September, 13th). You can pre-order the CD today and get an immediate download of the newest single, "Remind Me Who I Am."

Sunday Highlights

This week was Promotion Sunday. I'm grateful for the opportunity to watch Christ grow in and through these young ones as they mature in their faith. 

In Kinder-Kingdom, we talked about God's act of creation. The class went on a nature walk to observe God's handiwork firsthand. One of my favorite things about kids is their ability to see things that adults pass over (tune out?). Annie Dillard writes, "Only children can hear the song of the male house mouse. Only children keep their eyes open."Here are a few pictures from the nature walk:

In Kingdom Kids, we studied the first chapter of the book of John. Jesus is the Word. Jesus is the Light. Jesus is Life. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. We learned about John's purpose in writing, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31).

Appearances (Fear, part 4)

Perspective (Fear, part 1)
Naming my Fear (Fear, part 2)
The Eternal God (Fear, part 3)


March 13, 2011

Max: I'm just going to play this piano for a minute. [Max sits and starts playing.]
Me: Oh, do you take piano lessons?
Max: No. I'm just good.

Kids are seldom inflicted with false modesty. They have an honest appraisal of themselves and speak what they see and feel. Too often I worry about appearances. Sometimes I even wonder if I desire the appearance of a virtue more than the virtue itself.

Last year when I was given a new car, I remember a good friend of mine saying, "You are so worried that someone will think you are materialistic." I wanted to retort, "Don't you mean, 'I admire your determination to avoid the trap of materialism?" But in time, I came to realize the truth in her statement. The appearance of humility (driving an old car with no air conditioner) had become my pride. I was worried about how others would perceive me in a new car.

In a sermon at Ozark Christian College a few years ago, Professor Kenny Boles said something that has floated in my memory ever since. He said, "We don't want to be holy as much as we want to be viewed as holy." Ouch.

So how do I change my desires? How do I become childlike? How do I gather the courage to step out from behind the lobster tank?

Trust. Community. The answer seems to lie in those two words.

Though we're strangers still I love you

I love you more than your mask

And you know you have to trust this to be true

And I know that's much to ask

But lay down your fears

Come and join this feast

He has called us here

You and me

("Peace" by Rich Mullins)

The Eternal God (Fear, part 3)

Perspective (Fear, part 1)
Naming my Fear (Fear, part 2)

March 11, 2011

"I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again." (Genesis 46:3-4)

This morning I read of Jacob's encounter with God in Beersheba. It was in this very spot that Jacob's father, Isaac, built an altar, pitched his tent, dug a well, and called on the name of the Lord. It was here that Jacob's grandfather, Abraham, made an oath of peace, exchanged seven ewe lambs, planted a tree, and called on the Eternal God.

Jacob, you deceived and were deceived. You ran, worked, and wrestled. You were given a limp and renamed. Forgiven. You started a family that would become a nation, each of your sons a tribe. You lost your beloved wife and believed your son devoured by a beast. Famine brought hunger. Grief wrinkles your skin and grays your hair.

But now you stand, an old man on the same plot of land as your father. You stand by the well that brought forth water from the ground; dried, blistered, and cracked though it was. You stand beneath the shelter of a tree planted by your grandfather; the promise that his seed will take root and bless the world.

Do not be afraid, Jacob. The God of your fathers is the Eternal God, and he is faithful. He is your God, and he will not leave you until He has done what He has promised. There is still water bubbling beneath this barren land. Go to Egypt and prosper. Lie down in peace. Your seed has much to suffer yet, but he will thrive. A deliverer is coming. Do not be afraid.

Naming my fear (Fear, part 2)

Read Perspective (Fear, part 1) here.

March 10, 2011

"Always use the proper names for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself."

Naming my fears: asking for help, talking on the phone, wasps, inconveniencing/bothering others, not being able to play sports, disappointing people, being alone, not having a family of my own, that I'm nobody special, losing a loved one, failing in front of people, my failures will hinder God's work, people won't like me because I'm not insightful enough, hard-working enough, kind enough, etc.

Many of my fears have to do with how others perceive me. I am fearful of being rejected by others. Could this be because I am seeking my redemption from people instead of from God? Others of my fears have to do with not living up to a certain standard. Could this be because I am trying to get redemption by works instead of faith?

God, save me. Help me trust in you alone for redemption.

Perspective (Fear, part 1)

This past Lenten season, I committed to forgo fear. Each day, I scratched down a few of my thoughts in a journal. Throughout the next few days, I will revisit some of these journal entries. My posts typically sit simmering for many days before they are crafted into a meal and served up here. These next few entries will be raw. But I offer them here in hopes that you will not feel alone in your fear. I pray that together we may die to what once bound us; that we may become like Christ in his death so that we may also join in his resurrection.

March 9, 2011 (Ash Wednesday)

"You are dust, and to dust you shall return. And God loves you anyway." ~ Jonathan Rogers

"I am nothing, but the angels sometimes whisper in my ears." ~ Pierce Pettis

"Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I'll be healed." ~ Jill Phillips

This shell of a body will one day be no more. The world is aging, time passes, things deteriorate. I feel it in my bones. My knee aches. Creation groans. Life is but a breath. I am but a speck no bigger than Horton's. And I am loved.

If so many things are passing, what sticks? What lasts forever? Even faith and hope will serve their purpose and bow out gracefully. Only Love remains.