One Last Sealed Order for Lucas

Today we learned that Lucas Astudillo, good friend, avid euphoniumist and CMI alum, lost his battle with cancer. And so, in the midst of tears, we try to figure out how to navigate life without him. And it's a pretty difficult challenge.

His faith and positive spirit helped set the personality of CMI 2011. But his determination to keep in regular contact with CMI friends he made after he returned to Argentina, despite being a continent away, was inspiring. While my daughters spent more time on Skype calls with him, his brother Marcos and friend Loreley, I had a chance to say hello to him from time to time.

And by sharing his infectious humor and encouragement electronically, he became an inspiration for me.

Jonathan made a decision to be David's friend, even though it wasn't easy.  As Lucas was separated from us by over 5,000 miles, Jonathan was separated from David by Jonathan's jealous and insane father, King Saul. And because the days they had to share were limited intensified their determination to develop a friendship anyway.

1 Samuel 18:1-4 (NIV)
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.  From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family.  And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.  Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

Jonathan was more interested in being David's friend than being the Prince. So he gave those things that represent that honor in order to express his true friendship.

So here's the challenge from Jonathan, Lucas and anyone who has ever determined to be a friend against all odds: Let nothing stand between you and your friends. Not distance, not time, not circumstances. Not language, not technology, not cancer.

Sometimes I look at my life and count the friends - the real friends - I have. God has blessed me with many who would be Jonathan to me. And then I measure the time I spend with them. And I realize how much I fall short. I need to answer Jonathan's challenge and Lucas' example, by being the friend I need to be to those who are ready to extend themselves to me. In other words, in honor of Lucas, I need to be a better friend. There is no such thing as too busy, too far away, too different. I need to be a better friend.

Will you join me in honoring Lucas by being a better friend to those we still have with us?

We'll all miss you, Lucas. Save a seat in the Wonderland Band in heaven for all your CMI friends. I know you'll be waiting with a smile and an encouraging word for each of us.  And you'll probably move down the row so that someone you call friend can sit in a place of honor. 

Playground Connections

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending an hour with our 3-4 age preschool room kids.  We started upstairs with song time followed by talking out the day - what the weather was like, what day of the week it was, and what kind of clothing is suitable for the weather.  After sitting still for so long, it was time to go out to the playground.


Once we navigated the halls, stairwell and half a dozen doors in (almost) quiet single-file line, we emerged to the sun drenched playground.  I felt like Willy Wonka finally opening the door to the Chocolate Room, watching his guests scatter to discover all the treasures to be found within.  And scatter they did - some to the swings, some to the climbing wall, others to the slide.


As I kept an eye on the group, one by one they shouted, "Captain Tom, watch this!"  As soon as they had my attention, they climbed up, jumped down, or swung from one ledge to the other.  


And so I responded with "Whoa!" or "Wow!" or "No Way!"  And they seemed satisfied.  But they wanted that kind of response again and again.


It made me remember with fondness when my own kids were that age, and they longed for their Dad to be there, to watch them, to respond with encouragement.


I wonder if we ever long for someone to watch us in what we do.  Did someone notice that I created that report for my boss with excellence?  Did someone see when I let the person with only two items in front of me in the grocery checkout line?  Did someone realize that I bit my tongue when I felt the urge to be critical?


And what kind of response would we expect if someone did see us?


The prophet Isaiah announces: 


All of us have become like one who is unclean, 
    and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; (Isaiah 64:6)

Too often we get caught in the performance trap with God.  Only it isn't his trap, it's ours.  We think that if we just do something amazing, something unexpected, something "Godly," he will sit up from his throne in heaven, notice and respond with delight.  "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," we hope to hear.

Rest assured, he does see what we do, but that isn't the basis of our relationship or his favor.  If it was, we'd all be in a heap of trouble.

Isaiah explains a few verses later,


Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. 
    We are the clay, you are the potter; 
    we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)

God is our father.  While he is our master and we his servants, our relationship with God is more like a father-child relationship.

In other words, he loves us no matter what.  And he wants to be the one who does the amazing work in our lives.  Of course, we serve him.  But he wants us to stand back sometimes and let him do what he wants in our lives.

He wants to shape us - transform us - into an extraordinary creation.  He wants to lead us, help us, change us, to match his exciting plan for our lives.  Not just where we go and what we do, but he wants to transform the essence of who we are.

Maybe on the playground of life, rather than clamoring for God's attention, maybe we need to sit down, quiet ourselves and watch what amazing things God is already doing in your life.  

And maybe you'll say something like "Whoa!" or "Wow!" or "No way!" And you'll mean it, because God's work in your life is amazing.

More on Simon's "Undercover Boss" Moment

As I usually do when I prepare and study for Sunday morning, I come up with much more material than I have time to deliver.  Today, the message was "Who is this Jesus? Our Best Look at God."  We started with John 10:25-30 and ended up looking at Luke 5:1-11, examining the moment when Simon realized that Jesus was more than just a teacher - he was God.


As I look at Simon's experience, I discover six things that accepting Jesus as God means.


To accept Jesus as God means. . . 


. . . to obey him even when it doesn't make sense.  


Remember, Simon had been fishing all night long (verse 5).  I don't think it was an accident that Jesus picked Simon's boat as a preaching platform.  And I don't think it was an accident that Simon hadn't caught anything all night.  Sometimes Jesus uses circumstances to get our attention.  But what would have happened if Simon didn't cast his net - just one more time?  After all, it didn't really make sense, did it?  


What has God been asking you to do?  Why are you hesitating?  Are you resisting that call to pray for something you've been praying for years?  After all, what will one more prayer time do?  Are you struggling to shake a habit - you know it's wrong but what difference will full obedience mean?


When we know Jesus as God, we are inspired to obey him even when it doesn't make sense.  That's what faith is all about.



. . . To be overwhelmed from time to time with God’s blessing.


Take a look at Simon's catch - the one Jesus told him to cast for.  The nets were so full they were breaking (verse 6).  They were so heavy Simon needed help lifting them (verse 7).  The boats were so full they were sinking (verse 7).  When we finally acknowledge Jesus as God, we see him as the one who can meet our needs.  When God answers prayer or he blesses me out of left field, sometimes I feel ashamed at being so surprised.  After all, didn't I believe God would come through for me?  


But then I think of how delighted I am when I can surprise my kids with a Christmas present.  It's a lot of fun, isn't it?  I think God takes a great deal of pleasure in surprising us.  


Yes, I think our faith needs to grow bit by bit so that we can pray bigger prayers.  A growing faith unlocks God's goodness and power in a more dramatic way.  But acknowledging Jesus as God means that we will be overwhelmed from time to time with his blessing.


. . . To partner with others


When the big catch came in, Simon needed help, and he called out for others.  And they came to help (verse 7)


When you accept Jesus as God, you suddenly become part of a team - a family of brothers and sisters who help you along the way.  Have you considered joining a Bible study or small group?  Being a part of a group of believers means that you will spend time who have been through what you're going through.  They understand.  You're going to gain from the wisdom of others, and they can gain from  (verse 7)


. . . To see yourself inadequate and insufficient without him


When Simon finally realized who Jesus was, he suddenly saw himself for who he was - a spiritually needy Simon.  (verse 8)  It was like being a toddler on the field of an NFL game - the comparison is dramatic and overwhelming. 


When we acknowledge Jesus as God, we see ourselves as inadequate and insufficient.  The best news is that Jesus accepts us as we are.  He forgives us and gives us a fresh start in life.  


. . . To accept a new priority for your life


One Simon "got it," Jesus gave him a new priority - taking the fishing skills Simon already knew: patience, determination and strength; and putting them to practice in winning people to Jesus.  (verse 10)


I get the sense that God is calling our congregation to conduct a fishing expedition - to cast the nets one more time.  There is a neighborhood just west and north-west of the corps building that God is calling us to reach for his kingdom.  On Saturday, March 31, we will be taking a "prayer walk," going door-to-door, asking for prayer requests.  Let's acknowledge Jesus as God by going out into our neighborhood - reaching out with God's love for others.


. . . To live your life by a new pattern


At the end of this chapter of Simon's life, he begins a new one - he starts following Jesus.  (verse 11)  He wants to spend time with Jesus, learn from him, and pay attention to how Jesus does life.


When we acknowledge Jesus as God, we start following him.  Try reading a little bit of the Gospels every day to see how Jesus lived, and then put what you learn into practice. 


------------------------


So, how will you live this out?  Are you ready to accept Jesus as God?  If so, fasten your seatbelt, because there are going to be big changes in your life.

The Holiness of God

"Why is this night not like any other night?"

A selected child asks this question as his family celebrates Passover.  That was the night that God himself struck down the firstborn of every family - man and beast.  Everyone that is except those who had the blood of the Lamb on their doorposts.  (Exodus 12:12-13)


For Jews around the world, this holiday is celebrated to remember how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt.

The word "holiday" was born as a compound word: "holiday" = "holy" + "day"  Those who spoke Old English knew this to be a religious day; a day that was different from any other day.  This could be anything from the Sabbath day to Resurrection Sunday.

Today, a holiday means the office is closed and we get together with family.  In that sense, what makes it holy is that it's different from a typical day.

When we think about God and his holiness, it takes on the same meaning but to a much bigger degree.  To say that God is holy means that he is different from anything that is familiar to us in this world.  To say that God is holy elevates the word "holy" to a level far higher than we are used to using it.

Yes, God is different.  In his holiness, he defines what holiness is.  Holiness is not something that is added to God, it is part of who he is.  He is the perfect picture of holiness, because it is his essence.

God is bigger than anything we can imagine.  His purity and holiness surpass any of our thoughts.

In God's holiness, he exacted judgment in Egypt on that Passover night.  But he also provided a way for us to be holy through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.  Just as John the Baptist introduced his cousin, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29)," we see Jesus in a whole new way. 

Jesus provides not only forgiveness from sin.  He shares with us a bit of his Divine attribute of holiness.  He gives us that ability to resist temptation.  He transforms us from the inside out so that our motives are pure.

And so, just like the Israelites as they left Egypt, we are free from the slavery from sin.

It's a night like no other night, and he's a God like no other God.  He is holy.

As we explore the idea of God's holiness this week, reflect on what it means to worship a holy God.  Ask him to reveal to you the transformation he wants to make in your life.

overcomer - cmi sealed orders #8 - "who do you think you are?"

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 John 4:4

On the television series, “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” personal trainer Chris Powell works with people who are morbidly obese to help them lose weight that they haven’t been able to lose any other way. 
 

In addition to specialized diets and exercise equipment, he starts by talking to them.  Sometimes he challenges them and sometimes he encourages them.  One contestant was even offered a new car if she made her weight loss goal.  

Sometimes the people make their goals, but sometimes they don’t.   You could think that Chris Powell is being cruel with these demands and incentives.

“Why does he offer something that he knows they might not achieve?” you might ask.

But the difference is that Chris Powell really believes the person can reach their goals - even if the participant doesn’t.  Whether the task is a certain distance to run or a repetition of a difficult exercise, Chris really believes they can do it.

And you may find yourself rooting for the person yourself.

Are there areas of your life in which you need a cheerleader?  Maybe there is an area of spiritual growth that you haven’t been able to reach yet.  Maybe it’s a habitual sin that haunts you and keeps pulling you down.

Jesus believes in you.  Like Chris Powell, he knows it is going to be difficult.  He knows that there are times of failure.

But Jesus believes in you the whole time.  That’s why he provided for your forgiveness and transformation.  And that might be why you came to CMI this year – to be reassured that you can grow and succeed in your spiritual life.

John believed in his friends even when they were facing discouraging times.  He told them, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) 

Spend these quiet moments letting these words wash over you: “YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER!”  Just as John believed his friends could succeed, Jesus also knows you can succeed.  You can succeed because Jesus will give you the power to do it.  Close your eyes, concentrate on God’s presence, and let his encouraging words fill your heart.

salt of the earth - cmi sealed orders #7 - "who do you think you are?"

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”

Matthew 5:13

Alexander the Great was one of the most successful commanders of all time.  And he had a reputation to maintain.  After all, he was undefeated in battle.

He commanded a great army and a story is told about one of his soldiers who was being court-marshaled for desertion.

After reviewing the charges and the evidence, the great general asked, “What is your name?”

“Alexander,” the soldier replied.

“Then change your name or mend your ways,” replied the general.

As followers of Jesus, we carry his name.  We lead our life with many watching us.

We represent Christ to the world, and there are people who are trying to decide what to do with Jesus.  Each decision we make, every word we speak, each time we react to a situation, we are saying something about who Jesus is.

Jesus came to make a difference in the world.  And he wants us to do the same. 

He said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”

How consistent is your life?  Are you living what you profess?  Are you representing the name of Jesus faithfully?

At one time you may present one side of your life and at another time, show a different side.  Do your words and actions around your Sunday friends match what happens at school?  Do you live out your faith commitments while you are on the internet or on a date?

Spend these quiet minutes asking God to make you more consistent – not just because you are working harder at it, but because you are letting him purify you – to make you what he wants you to be:  “the salt of the earth.”

light of the world - cmi sealed orders #6 - "who do you think you are?"

“You are the light of the world.”

Matthew 5:14

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin

Like a house of cards

One blow from caving in

Do you ever feel already buried deep

Six feet under scream

But no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you

Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the light

And let it shine

Just own the night

Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework

Come on show 'em what you're worth

Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"

As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Katy Perry probably wasn’t thinking about our spiritual lives when she wrote these lyrics.  The kind of light she’s talking about is quick, fleeting and self-serving.  But she’s right when she says that “there’s still a chance for you, ‘cause there’s a spark in you.”

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  But to his disciples, he also said, “You are the light of the world.”

If you allow Jesus to shine his light into your life, you become a light to this world – even better than a firework.  And letting him shine through you is better than any light you can ignite on your own.

A firework is incredibly bright, but temporary.  It is a quick, thunderous, blinding burst or a few seconds of brilliant, streaming color, and then its ashes drift back to the earth.  The oohs and aahs are over and life returns to normal; just as it was before.

Jesus gives us a different kind of light.  It is a light that lasts.  And he wants us to show it to the world.  This ‘Jesus kind of light’ has an eternal and significant impact on the world.

There is still a chance for you, because Jesus wants to shine his light in you.  He gives you more than a spark inside – he shines his heavenly light through you into this dark world.

In this quiet moment, pray that your spirit will be reconnected with Jesus and that you will shine his light to those around you.