Beast into a Beauty!

Just a quick warning if you haven't seen either the animated or new version of Beauty and the Beast this post might spoil the plot for you. Read on with caution.

"So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look! New things have arrived!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

So I admit it proudly I had the privilege of watching Disney's live action remake of Beauty and the Beast in Theaters.  It was my favorite Disney movie as a kid, and still is my all time #1. Tonight I was reflecting on why this is? What is it about this love story that connects so close to my heart? 

I find my answer in the Corinthians passage above. It's the beast that intrigues me. We meet him as a vile and terrorizing creature. There is no way anyone could love such a monstrosity, someone who is filled with pain, regret, and rage. In all ways the beast is meant to be seen as the unlovable monster. We take the beast at face value, he is ugly and easily dismissed as too far gone. I know if I am honest I have my "Beastly" moments. Times when my mouth is not encouraging. My attitude is not good. In those moments I feel like an unlovable creature a "Beast." 

But, the story shifts and Bell who is the beauty of the story begins to unlock a deeper truth about the beast. She begins to see the monster as something more and in doing so he indeed becomes something more. My favorite part of the film is not when the beast is made beautiful, that's too cliche. It's the moment I see the beast as a hero in the film before his physical appearance is altered. Nothing outwardly has changed at all in our monster. At first glance there are still horns, teeth, and overall I should see a beast. But I don't any longer. I see a person (Yes a large bear wolf hybrid person) but still something that can indeed be loved. 

I see this at what Christ does for me. Paul tells the church in Corinth that being loved by Christ changes us. When we are living into the power of Jesus Christ even though we don't have a magical outward transformation, inwardly we are created anew. When I accept the love of God into my life the old beastly parts melt away in some miraculous sense.The fears of being an unlovable creature no longer exists, and in its place is the knowledge that I am a child of the Most High and His love for me is unending. That's the beautiful thing about God's love it cannot help but overwhelm us, change us, move away our beastly lives. Following Christ is not beauty and the beast. No dear friends, that implies that nothing changes in us, and God merely loves the beast but leaves the monster in its brokenness. Gods love for us is more powerful than that! Accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the beast becoming beautiful. This Easter let's put down the beast of sin and destruction, because God is not interested in walking with the "Beast" in us, because Jesus has better news for you and I. Christ makes the "Beast" beautiful. Be beautiful Everyone! By Christ alone. Selah

Richard

focusonthecross.org

"Where are you?"

"During that day’s cool evening breeze, they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden; and the man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God in the middle of the garden’s trees. The Lord God called to the man and said to him, 'Where are you?'” Genesis 3:8-9 CEB™

Lent is a time where we take a deep look into our own souls. The victory of eternal life is the payoff of Easter, but before we get there first we have to address sin. We see Adam and Eve the first two people after they have openly disobeyed God and now are living in a sinful state. They hear the footsteps of their Heavenly Daddy and assume the worst. They hide.

Let's be honest God knows where they are, and their hiding spots aren't that great, but the more interesting piece for me is the symbolism of the hiding. Before sin, Adam and Eve would walk with God in the cool of the evening. It was the equivalent of a nice family meal together. This would be the time they could laugh, and learn from God and God would display the beauty of creation for them. It was a Father and child relationship that brings tears to my eyes. Until, they sinned. Now the presence of God is terrifying, and sin has caused Adam and Eve to run into hiding believing that God is no longer good, loving, or would care for them. Maybe, as you read this you too are in a state of hiding. Have you ever said this phrase; "If I walk into the doors of a church, God will burn the building down." I know this is meant to be cute, and funny yet all I hear is; "Can God really love me, even though I know I'm not perfect." Sin is the master of deception and it causes us to believe that God cannot be good, nor loving toward us in this broken state. However, God is bigger than you and I tend to give Him credit for.

God doesn't wipe out our sinful beginning. God doesn't come as an accuser. Instead, God asked a simple and  painful question; "Where are you?" Think about the pain in God's heart as His creation now runs away from Him. Noting feels more wonderful than when a toddler comes walking up to me. Conversely, I feel like a monster whenever a little baby looks at me and runs away. How did God feel that moment He entered into the garden only to find that the people He had created were hiding from Him? God calls out, wanting them to come and be in His presence. God wants to love Adam, and Eve yet sin has convinced them that they are now unlovable. This moves us back into the question "Where are you?". It's not a question of location, but a question of relationship. God wants to love and care for Adam and Eve, we wants to walk with them again. But, there is a critical shift in the relationship. God is calling His beloved back into His presence to care for them, but they hide in shame from their Heavenly Creator. But finally  Adam and Eve sheepishly come out of hiding  and God goes to work. 

First, comes an honest inventory. Now sin is here and God is not shy to reveal the brokenness that it has caused. Life will now come with pain, relationships struggle to be balanced, and working will become a struggle. All things we know today about life. Yet, our story doesn't stop there. Even though we have revealed the curse of humanities sin, next God reveals what He will do with them. If I were God this is the point of the story where we start over. The painting can be fixed, and I would make dolphins in my image (they are adorable). Yet, that is not the heart of God, and He offers provision and life in midst of this new sinful state. God dressed the two in leather, a sacrifice in order to cover the humans. He sets them mindfully outside of the garden. This will be the heart of God forever. Painfully knowing that humans will suffer the pain of sin, yet if you listen you can hear God's voice calling out "Where are you?" "I will walk with you even in the middle of this brokenness, and I will provide a sacrifice in my perfect Son Jesus the Christ to cover your brokenness with my holiness, or wholeness." This God how calls out to us even the midst of sin is drastically different than what sin would have us believe. Instead of destruction, there comes provision, and salvation. Lent must deal with sin, and it must be dealt with in death. But, if we listen to easter we see that even though sin always ends in death, when we come to calling voice of God death becomes life. So, are you still scared to darken the doorway of a church, because God is calling to you. "Where are you?"Selah

Richard 

focusonthecross.org

Why?

For God so loved…John 3:16

I know, I know…yet another play on John 3:16. But, Lent is a season of reflection and contemplation of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, murdered at the hands of Jews and Romans to atone for humanity’s shortcomings (sin).

I am approaching this Lent in a new and fresh way, being single again, and contemplating the idea and ideals of love, and, if you’d allow, me I’d like share.

What I have surmised thus far is that we can approach this season of suffering with apathy, or with a sense of overwhelming joy. The fulcrum on which this attitude tilts is John 3:16. Either this is a played out verse that has been placed on too many bumper stickers and T-shirts to affect us, or God really loves me, and you, and the world. I believe it is the latter. The heart of the divine creator turns warmly and powerfully to us. We see His unrelenting love being poured out in death for us. As Paul writes, “Even while we were yet sinners…He died...for me...for you…for us” (Romans 5:8). The love of God for his creation is crazy enough to take a bullet for us.

I am challenging you, as the reader of these words, to pause for a brief second and evaluate if this will be just another calendar Lent for you. You will give up some bad habit in hopes of self-improvement. You will say the “right” Christian phrases, and even darken the door to a faith community during this time. Or, will you, in your heart, with honesty and humility, realize someone died for you, someone jumped in front of a bullet for you? As Jesus lays there bleeding, will you ask yourself one question: “Why?”

Because…God so loved.

In Him,

Richard

Lifelong faith

“Much to learn you still have…my old padawan.” … “This is just the beginning!”

– Yoda (http://www.yodaquotes.net/page/6/)

You know its going to be a great blog post when we begin with a Yoda quote.

This week I had the privilege to attend our annual West Ohio Conference (WOC) of the United Methodist Church. I wanted to share a thought with everyone on continuing the learning process. The WOC brought a teacher Dr. Thomas Long from the Chandler School of Theology in to teach the entire conference. Dr. Long brought one simple premise to a room full of trained theologians. The four gospels, and what they would look like if they were actual churches. On the outset, it seemed to be far too simple a subject to educate trained professionals. “Really?” “The gospels?” Most Christian pastors spend a majority of their time in the gospels because these are the teachings of the Christ. But, masterfully Dr. Long began to wander down the road of the four churches, leaving even the most well trained theologians in the room teary eyed, and awestruck by the teachings of Jesus. Here’s a brief summary:

The church of Saint Mark: “We do what we can!” God is bigger than we are, is the mighty power in the world, not humankind.

The church of Saint Matthew: “Casting the nets deep.” Christians are not meant to be saved and moved on, but becoming a disciple of Christ is a forming process, and through the power of God, God’s people can become great by His Spirit.

The church of Saint Luke: “The main piece of the building is the fellowship hall.” Luke sees Jesus as the master of a great banquet and all are invited. Luke’s church is open to all people, and no one is refused fellowship with the God of grace.

The church of Saint John…kinda…The House church of Saint John. “Love” Love and people are the focus of John’s church.

Dr. Long taught us in two parts Monday afternoon, and Tuesday Morning. Check Him out along with the whole conference here at: http://livestream.com/accounts/4268345/events/4095662

I have no doubt you will love Dr. Long’s teachings, but that’s not why I have called this blog conversation to order..oops…Sorry, too many days being in session with parliamentary procedure.

The point today is to note that no mater how long you have traveled the road with God and others there is never a point where you are a know it all. If a conference with over 1,000 churches represented can be moved to applause, and tears with a simple teaching on the most basic books of Jesus. That should signify that God is the great teacher and we are all on this journey to know Him better, no matter our time on the Christian journey. 

In college, I had the overly wise roommate who seemed to know, or informed  everyone around that they were the wisest person in the room. This person was always cynical, and never amused by anything, because why find joy when you have mastered the universe? Hanging around this individual was always draining, and everyone always felts undermined, and belittled. No questions could be asked, because our wise all-knowing friends always responded with snarky and mean answers. No ideas where brought about because they were too petty for this wise sage. Are you beginning to understand the environment around this person? Not a very powerful, or positive one. Why? Because, part of the human to God exchange, or, simply part of being on this earth with others is the vulnerability to express growth, and expose ignorance. Ignorance is not a negative concept, it simply states there are things yet, I as finite person do not know. When we travel the road of life surrounded by people who are willing to help us learn, and also let us teach we are growing in unity together. Otherwise, it becomes a tense place where growing cannot is stifled, or worse, belittled. 

“Have you learned all you can know about God, and people?”  If the answer is “Yes” The the appropriate thing to do is of course repent of this lie, and accept the teachings of the prophet Isaiah, who in the 40th chapter declares, “Who can understand God?” Not that God is entirely a mystery, but that all the ways of the Almighty can not be known in a few quick readings of scripture. Or, unpacked in a few quick listening to skilled teachers, or read in lofty academic theology books.  But, God is learned in pieces, movements, and especially in God’s Holy Spirit. Every lesson will lead you one step closer to knowing God and people. But, do not fool yourself into thinking this road will somehow come to an end. Because, the tragedy in life is not that we cannot know all about God and people, but the converse. The tragedy is not enjoy the journey towards God and people. We are called to be curious creations following after our brothers and sisters in the world, whilst trying to find our Heavenly Father and know Him in every facet of His Grace! If we become less sure about our  knowledge, and more sure about the adventure here the seeds of a life long faith are planted. I would like to suggest that as the Christians church we do two things. One, God is working in us and our relationship is growing with every breath of the Holy Spirit, and through every curious creation seeking their Creator. Secondly, we cannot believe the journey can end, because we must know more about God, through The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, because the Triune God deserves to be known.

I am pleading with you in all sincerity, if I as a trained clergy can be renewed by a simple gospel lesson, then you can be renewed in whatever step you need to take in knowing more about God and others. Whether you have never known God through the powerful story of Jesus Christ, or you have been around God for a century. You do not know all God wants you too. You have not mastered God or people. Know this friends the adventure is not in arriving at full knowledge, but chasing after God into the wild unknowns of the world, and the Heavens. Finding new roads, new understanding, new emotions, new lessons. Life is the adventure to know God, and to love people. Will you adventure with me? I will adventure with you!

Strive on my friends, Strive on,

Pastor Richard

focusonthecross.org 

"Hold Your Breath!"

Today is the most polar opposite day of the year for us as Christians. One the one hand there is the blessing. Jesus gave up his life for you, and I on the brutal, bloody, and unforgiving Cross for the sake of forgiveness of our sins, and the chance to be connected with God again in Spirit, and truth. This calls for a celebration right? Wrong! Not yet, Sunday is on its way you can toast the campaign then, but for the next three days we need to enter into a Holy State of breath holding. When Jesus gave up his life on the cross the apostles, and all of his followers had to retract themselves, and wait. There was no jumping ahead to Easter morning. All they had was darkness, despair, and hopelessness. Sounds like a barrel full of fun right? They were in a shocked moment of wondering if God would indeed resurrect their Messiah, teacher, and friend Jesus or would this be the last of his teachings, and legacy. All the while they were asking softly and genuinely  for God to perform a miracle, and bring Jesus back as he had foretold. 

When I look around at the Easter weekend I see egg hunts, festivals, clowns, and novelties. This is great to enjoy the joy of Easter with family, and so that churches can try to attract families to hear the resurrection story on Easter morning. But, where in the busy schedule of entertainment do we as the church carve out a serious time for asking God to forgive us. Being made aware that it was the sins, and brokenness all of us that put him there. In Celebrate Recovery™ a Christian based recovery group the 4th step is “Creating a Fearless Moral Inventory.” This is writing down all good, and bad moral qualities in a hopes to reconcile past mistakes, and pave the way to a bright, and healthy future. The 4th step is not just addicts in hopes of recovery, but for all Christians and is aptly named “Good Friday”. This is the day when sins are forgiven, but everyone must also make peace with the fact that no matter how perfect anyone has been it was added to the suffering of the Christ. 

What I am hoping for this weekend is a call to Holy breath holding like the apostles. Spend the great times laughing with your family. Enjoy all of the festivities that all the local churches have to offer. But, create some somber space in your life. During these next two days be in some sorrow, and be grounded in our failures. As a pastor, I have hurt people in my church with my quick to respond personality. As a husband, this was one of the hardest years in my marriage, and it has taken a lot of forgiveness, repentance, and improvement. As a son, I have failed to check in with my Mom like I should. The list goes on and on, and while its not easy to post these realities out there on the world wide web its the heart of “Good Friday.” If we are brave enough to mourn our failures over these next two days. Then we can be the first to run to that open tomb on Sunday and receive God’s full pardon as His son Jesus comes back to the world to prove that he is indeed the God of grace, love, and forgiveness. Be somber today, but know that Sunday is just around the corner.  

Today, I hold my breath with the apostles so I may celebrate with them in the fullest on Easter morning. Will you join me in this time of breath holding today? Amen.

Strive on my friends, Strive on,

Pastor Richard

focusonthecross.org

Mind your Manners!

Please and Thank you. These are the basics of manners, and are taught to us as children early on. When someone is generous to us the correct response is “thank you.” If you are in need you say “please” its simple, and easy. But, what if the gift is too big, grandiose, excellent, expensive, or overwhelming. What happens when the gift is too good? My response to gifts that are so kind, and thoughtful is shock, awe, and being overwhelmed by someone’s extreme generosity. The please and thank you system is easy for small things, but the larger the ask the harder these systems are to us. 

Now is the time of year when we ask God “please renew our faith in your son Jesus as he goes toward the cross”, and we say in soft muttered words, “thank you for taking my place on the murderous Roman cross.” As I prepare for our Palm Sunday service I am overwhelmed with the, “Thank you.” Don’t make fun, but, every time I say it to God for the gift of His Son. I get choked up, and it becomes more surreal that Christ would take my place on that bloody cross. 

This weeks blog is simple, and easy in the ask. I am challenging all of us to spend the next week to get down on our knees, and tell God “Thank you!” That’s all. Simple, but what will happen afterward is what I am excited about. They say attitude is everything, and with your heart in the proper place any task become more focused, and enjoyable. What I am praying happens over the next week as we pray, and say thank you over, and over, again is our hearts will be aligned to the story of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. So that Good Friday is more that “TGIF”, but that we are broken with our Lord, and cry over his death. It’s ok you manly men, its a great thing to cry, especially when you realize that the celebration of Good Friday is being forgiven by God above, and that it was all paid in blood through Jesus. Why do I want you to be broken on Good Friday? 

Because, if you are able to handle the weigh of Jesus’ death, and if it crushes your Spirit. When we all come together for  Easter Sunday you will have something to resurrect. The celebration of God’s Son overcoming the grave will be thunder and lighting to those who have taken the weight of His death on their shoulders. What I want for Easter this year more than anything else, is not a church full of people, its not some new crazy good candy. Nope, I want our hearts to be broken with the weight of God’s gift, and the transformation that comes with the understanding of God’s resurrection. “Please”, and “Thank you.” Can we say it to God until our hearts are changed? Until,our lives are filled with more of God than anything else? I think so, what do you say we try? Amen.

Strive on my friends, Strive on!

Pastor Richard

Spiritual Fitness: Prayer

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” Exodus 17:11

Lent is a journey. We are walking in memory with our Savior Jesus Christ and this journey always ends in sacrifice and victory. But Lent is the perfect time to explore different types of spiritual discipline. It’s a great time to engage ourselves in different practices. The way I look at it Easter is for the church, the same as New Year’s is for the gym. why not try it out, see what works, and explore new and different spiritual disciplines. In the excitement of the risen Lord now is our time to engage our faith journey’s with intent, focus, and passion. 

So, as part of the weekly blog series I am going to engage us every week with different spiritual disciplines.

This week we are looking at the most basic but often overlooked discipline Prayer.

Prayer is so effortless that is can be mistaken for powerless, or too easy. It’s like the stretching of spiritual exercise, “There can’t be much value, because it’s so easy to do.” But without limbering up after every work out soon, the harder stuff like weights, running, or cross fit can lead to injury, or stiffness. Stretching keeps the body limber and able to move well. What is the use of being a 230 lb. muscle machine if you can’t move well. Same with prayer. How can you know God only through a book or public opinion, but never really have dialogue with Him.

The practical challenge this week is 1.) Reading this story in full in Exodus. Moses has to keep his hands in the air as a sign of prayer and as long as Moses is in this prayer posture Israel is winning the battle, but when he lets his hands drop, or looses his prayer posture Boom! Israel begins to loose.

Take this in our spiritual lives. The moment we stop praying, even if we maintain some other spiritual disciplines we are loosing our relationship with God. Paul says to pray without ceasing. 

The other piece to the practical challenge is this. Visit this link: http://www.positiveprayers.com/4-types-of-prayers.html 

Check out all this different kinds of Prayers, postures, and even positions.

About three Easters ago my pastor and I were in his office and he said “come let’s get down on our knees and pray!” Then without question this grown man gets on his knees in the middle of his office and starts to pray. I joined in and he grinned afterward and said, “Hey why did you change?” When I was face down before God my language, attitude, and entire demeanor changed. Because I put myself in a different prayer position it reminded me of the reverence I need to have when in God’s presence. It was amazing. Try the tradition kneeling bed side, or the standing with arms out like moses. Just shake up your prayer life this week, because God is dying to hear from you!

Just remember prayer is our connection to God and when we walk away from it the battle is all but lost.

Strive on my friends, Strive on!

Pastor Richard

focusonthecross.org