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.

friend - cmi sealed orders bonus - "who do you think you are?"

This is a "bonus" sealed order.  The entire CMI student body is at the Milwaukee Brewers game tonight, and therefore there is no regularly scheduled time for sealed orders.  Thanks for reading online!
    

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. - Exodus 33:11

  

A British publication once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. Among the thousands of answers received were the following:
  
"One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down."
The winning definition read: "A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out." 

 

When learning how to pray, have you ever heard these words?  "Just talk to him like you are talking to a friend."

Moses and Joshua learned the secret of prayer and how to make it real in their lives.  But there is a difference between Moses and Joshua. 

   

As you invite God into your life, he becomes your friend.  He becomes the one who multiplies joy and divides grief.

   
There have been times in my life when I thought Joshua was the one to model.  After all, he never left the tent of meeting.  There is something admirable about a closer relationship, isn't there?
   

But the more I think about it, I think Moses had the right pattern in mind.  He developed his relationship with God, but then he went out into the camp.  There were friendship lessons that needed to be learned, but then there was a time for school to be out of session.  There was a time to put the lessons into practice.
   

Do you enjoy a balance between time with God and friendships with others?  Do you carry the lessons you learn in the Tent of Meeting into the camp?
   
Are you the kind of friend that comes in when the whole world goes out? 
   

Are you taking time both to get closer to God, but also to get closer to others? 
  

Take this quiet moment to ask God to teach you friendship lessons, and to carry them into the relationships around you. 

disciple - cmi sealed orders #5 - "who do you think you are?"

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

Dave Simmons tells about a day he took his kids to a local mall.  His daughter Helen was eight years old and his son Brandon was five.  On the way into the mall, they saw a sign for a petting zoo.  Both kids begged to go inside.

The father gave each kid a quarter and they disappeared into the zoo, wanting to spend every moment possible with the furry creatures.

After a few minutes in the store Simmons turned around to see Helen patiently waiting for him. 

He asked her, “Why aren’t you at the petting zoo?”

She replied, “It costs 50 cents, so I gave my quarter to Brandon.”

After the shopping was done they both stood outside the fence, watching Brandon on the inside run with glee from goat to rabbit and back again.

Knowing his daughter loved animals, Helen’s dad waited for her to ask for another fifty cents.  But she stood quietly and patiently, watching her brother enjoy the animals. 

In a small way that day, Helen had learned the lesson of sacrificial love.

On the night before Jesus was handed over for suffering and death, he told his disciples, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

And in the next few hours he gave up everything, not just to provide salvation for us, but also to show what real love was all about.

What do you have that you are willing to give up to show love to someone?  In what small way can you show how much God loves them?

Use the remaining moments to ask God to continue to disciple you and to show you something that you can give up to show love for someone in your life.

ambassador - cmi sealed orders #4 - "who do you think you are?"

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

The movie “Invictus” is set in the 1990s in South Africa.  Nelson Mandela was just brought out of prison and elected president of the divided nation.  Even though apartheid had ended, strife still remained between whites and blacks.  Mandela knew if South Africa was to survive, he needed to find a way to unite people of every color into one nation.

Now that their hero was president, many of the majority blacks wanted to put the South African whites in their place.  After all, the white minority had subjected them to horrible treatment and injustice under apartheid.  It was time for revenge.

But President Mandela wanted to find a path toward unity.

So he befriended François Pienaar, the captain of the Springboks, the South African national rugby team.  In South Africa, rugby was a sport traditionally supported by white fans.  And as the Rugby World Cup approached, Mandela chose to support this predominately white team, trying to find a common cause that would unite his nation.

As the Springboks fought toward victory on the rugby field, South Africa slowly became united as a nation.

By reaching out and putting his country first, Mandela’s effort to reconcile the races paid off.

Is there something that divides you from other believers?  Maybe it’s a difference of opinion.  Maybe someone doesn’t look like you or act like you.  Maybe it’s hard to accept people who don’t have the same gifts and talents you have.

As Christ died, he didn’t make us a nation.  He made us a family.

Paul announced, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”  God’s desire if for us to be reconciled to him.  We who were once at odds with our creator can find a restored relationship with him.

But another part of that reconciliation is to each other.  Despite our differences, we are called to find common ground so that we can present ourselves united to the world.

Certainly that common ground begins with our faith in Christ.  If that’s the only thing we have in common, it’s enough to get started.

Ask God to reveal someone with whom he is calling you to connect.  Ask God to help you break down any barriers so that his family can truly be united.

body of Christ - cmi sealed orders #3 - "who do you think you are?"

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

 

You wake up in the middle of the night and you are hungry.  The glowing numbers on the clock on your dresser show that it’s too late to wake anyone but too long to wait for breakfast.  It’s time for a midnight snack.

You roll out of bed as quietly as you can and grope around in the dark.  After all, you want to make this trip to the refrigerator alone.  As you reach the door, a searing pain shoots up from your foot.  You forgot about the table by the door and stubbed your toe.

You are still committed to silence, but suddenly your body is distracted from hunger and goes into pain management mode.  Your face contorts and your leg lifts your sore foot to meet your hand reaching from the other side.  The other foot hops around in sympathy for its hurting partner.

“You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it,” says Paul.  So what do you do if someone else – another part of the body – is hurting? 

Think about the last time you heard about someone going through a tough time in life.   Maybe you saw a post on Facebook.  Maybe you overheard a conversation.  Maybe a friend came to you in confidence with a difficult issue, wanting a listening ear, advice, reassurance.

How did you react?  Did you turn to help, sympathize and understand, or instead did you avoid, ignore or minimize the problem?

How should one member of the body of Christ react to another who is in need?

Think about someone you know who is going through a tough time.  Pray about that person right now.  Ask God to show you how he wants you to respond to your fellow body part while they are in pain.

In the remaining moments ask God to fill you with his love for others in his body, the church.

temple - cmi sealed orders #2 - "who do you think you are?"

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Close your eyes for a moment and think about your home church or corps.  Imagine walking in on a typical Sunday.  Visualize the people you see, the places you walk through, the things you do. 

You just finished a time of worship that introduced this Sealed Order.

Think of what it means to be in God’s presence and to worship him with your friends. 

Now, think about what happens when you leave church.  What happens when CMI is over?  When you go back to “regular” life, does it feel like you are doing it alone – without God with you?

Just like the Tabernacle Moses built or the Temple that Solomon engineered, your home corps is a kind of temple – a place to meet God and for him to dwell with us, his people.

But you are his temple as well.  After all, you are the most intricately designed portable place of worship. 

Paul asked the Corinthians, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”  As if it was the most obvious fact of all. 

When we turn our lives over to God, we become little temples – places to meet with God.

In fact, as you walk around and go through the regular activities of the day, you have God with you, in the place he designed to dwell with you.

You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Take these silent moments just to enjoy God’s presence and to have your own private worship meeting.

masterpiece - cmi sealed orders #1 - "who do you think you are?"

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Mary had grown up knowing she was different from the other kids, and she hated it. She was born with a cleft palate.  She had to bear the jokes and stares of cruel children who teased her non-stop about her misshapen lip, crooked nose, and garbled speech.

With all the teasing, Mary grew up hating the fact that she was "different".  She was convinced that no one, outside her family, could ever love her . . . until she entered Mrs. Leonard's class. Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round face, and shiny brown hair.  While everyone in her class liked her, Mary came to love Mrs. Leonard.

In the 1950's, it was common for teachers to give their children an annual hearing test.  However, in Mary's case, in addition to her cleft palate, she was barely able to hear out of one ear.  Determined not to let the other children have another "difference" to point out, she cheated every year.  The "whisper test" was given by having a child walk to the classroom door, turn sideways, close one ear with a finger, and then repeat something which the teacher whispered.  Mary turned her bad ear towards her teacher and pretended to cover her good ear.  She knew that teachers would often say things like, "The sky is blue," or "What color are your shoes?"

But not on that day.

Surely, God put seven words in Mrs. Leonard's mouth that changed Mary's life forever.  When the "whisper test" came, Mary heard the words: "I wish you were my little girl."

God loves you so much.  Sure, you aren’t perfect – no one is.  But God created you just as you are – with all your flaws, shortcomings, gifts, talents and personality – for his eternal purpose.  You are his masterpiece!

When you are tempted to feel discouraged about some way that you are different than those around you, remember that God loves you.  Remember that he has a plan for your life and that he created you to live out that plan.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

As you sit quietly, listen as God whispers his words of love to you: “You are my precious child.” 

Does knowing God uniquely created you with his love motivate you to live for him in the world?

What good works does he have prepared for you to do?

"who do you think you are?" - CMI Sealed Orders 2011

Over the next ten days, I will be posting the "Sealed Orders," a personal quiet devotional that is shared every afternoon as part of Central Music Institute, an intensive musical and spiritual retreat for Salvation Army youth.

The theme for Sealed Orders is "who do you think you are," which is an exploration of our identity in Christ.  Because of God's love, grace, mercy and purpose in our lives, we take on a new identity as defined in Scripture.

The purpose of this series is to point out different aspects of this new identity and to discover to what action that new aspect calls us.

In other words,

if you know  who you are,  you will know  what to do.

With only eight devotionals, we won't cover every aspect of our identity in Christ.  I will leave that to you to discover as you explore Scripture on your own.  What an exciting study!

So about this time every day, a new post will be available.  

Please consider joining us online for this devotional journey.

Why It's My Responsibility

Photo credit: Ladyheart from morguefile.com

I am currently taking a class on Spiritual Formation.  It is difficult to take a week away from my family and appointment, but it is a productive retreat.

The professor mentioned that while he was a pastor, he was only asked a few times how healthy his spiritual life was.  That statement gave me a reason to think about how many times that question has been asked of me.  I can't really count them, but I know it doesn't happen very often.  

I suppose that hesitation comes for two reasons.  First, the person who asks the question makes himself vulnerable.  In other words, if my spiritual life is weak, what ground do I stand on to ask someone else?  Just to ask the question is a scary thing.  Second, I think that for people like me who are in ministry positions, it is assumed that I am doing the things necessary to stay healthy on my own.  To ask the question could imply that the other person is failing in some way.

However, at the same time, there seems to be inadequate instruction as to how to maintain and grow spiritual health.  We are told that it is important to have daily devotions, but few specifics are shared.

At an earlier point, I privately bemoaned this neglect that I experienced.  I wondered why someone did not take the time to walk me through the process, to show me the way and to encourage me along the way.  I guess perhaps an assumption was made (or I didn't speak up enough about my shortcomings) that I knew how to do it.

I am making a new determination to give these instructions to those under my care, but I have to realize that, like me, at some point, must move on without someone holding their hand.

After all, while I did (and still do) need help on my spiritual journey, I must take ownership of my own spiritual growth.  

I remember the first car Beth and I bought.  Taking care of it was easy at first - fuel, car washes and oil changes.  But at some point, I needed the help of a mechanic when things started to go wrong.  I didn't sit at the side of the road whining about the fact that no one was helping me.  It was my car - I needed to get it to someone who could fix it.  It was my car - I needed to pay the bill for parts and labor to make the car "healthy" again.

In a similar way, it is my spiritual life.  Sometimes I need help, but it is foolish to wait for someone to notice and whine until someone helps.  I need to know when to ask for help.  I need to be willing to take the time and spend the resources to help my spiritual engine run and run well.

Are you willing to take ownership of your own spiritual life? 

Why I Don't Drink

Photo credit: arker from morguefile.com

Recently, we enrolled some new soldiers at the corps.  Soldiers and adherents.  Some people apologize to me, their Corps Officer, when they decide to become adherents.

I try my best to encourage them, saying that I am glad that (1) they are becoming members of the church, and (2) that they are honest enough to say that they, with God's help, are working on something in their lives.

That gave me a reason to pause and think.  Why have I made the promise not to drink?  Is it just because it's part of our tradition?  Is it merely a step to membership in the Army?

As I talked with my friend Ken, he reminded me of the vision and beauty of this commitment.  I enjoy learning from others around me, especially gentle lessons that bring more grace into my life.

Paul said, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall." (Romans 14:19-21)

As long as there are men and women - brothers and sisters - who struggle with alcohol, I choose to abstain because I love them.  I give that up for the sake of those I minister to, in order to support them and help them be stronger.  Even though I don't have a problem with alcohol, I also have no problem giving it up, simply because others do.

Are you also willing to give up something, not because you have a problem with addiction, but because someone else does?

What are you willing to give up for your brother or sister?

Doing the Most Good - 1 Peter 4:12-19

These are the study notes for tonight's Men's Bible Study at the Oak Creek Salvation Army at 6:00 p.m.  Join us for this last study of the year!

What kind of anesthesia do you use at the dentist?

What were your first reactions to the Army’s brand, "Doing the Most Good?"

Rejoicing in Suffering
Read 1 Peter 4:12-19.
In what sense is the suffering of the Christian part of Christ’s suffering?  What are we asked to do in verse 13 when we suffer?  What is the promise for those who rejoice?

What would you tell a new believer about what to expect from the Christian life?  In what ways were you surprised?  What would you have done differently?

Judgment
Where does Peter think judgment should begin?  What do you think this will be like?  How do you think those outside the "family" will react?

What is the answer to Peter’s questions in verses 18 + 19?

Do you agree with him (and the writer of Proverbs 11:31) that it is hard for the righteous to be saved?  In what way is this true?

What does it mean to commit ourselves to our faithful Creator (v 19)?

What is my part in continuing to do good?  What is God’s part?

"Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can."
    John Wesley

Application
What will be hard for you about the judgment?  What part of your life needs "saving?"

Homework:
Read 1 Peter 5:1-13.

Trading One Set of Friends For Another - 1 Peter 4:1-11

These are the study notes for the Men's Bible Study at The Salvation Army in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2010.  Join us if you can!

Opener:
What was one of the worst things you did as a child?  Did you confess, or were you caught?  How did others react to you?

Perspective on Change
Read 1 Peter 4:1-6.
How did your life change when you turned it over to Christ?  How did those around you react?  Was it similar to what he describes in verse 4?

What kind of abuse have you experienced for your faith?

Others
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11.
What keys for effective prayer does Peter suggest?  Why is there urgency to these steps?

What habits help you in your prayer time?

What is the focus on our behavior in verses 8-10?  Is this service to others easy or difficult?  Why?  (Compare with Hebrews 10:24-25)

How would serving suffering people give them strength?  What does it do for us?

Application
What part of verses 8-11 is most difficult for you?  What can we do today to serve suffering people better?

Homework:
Read 1 Peter 4:12-19.

Three Radical Ideas to Make Thanksgiving More Meaningful

Yes, it's that time of year.  For a brief respite before the Christmas rush, we pause, take a day or two off work, stuff ourselves and watch parades and football.

And it's a great time to take a few minutes and count our blessings: Family, friends, job, house, etc.

But let me suggest to you a few things to make this Thanksgiving more memorable.

1.  Invite someone who might otherwise be alone this Thanksgiving.  If you're like us, there's more than enough food, and it will make someone's holiday.  You might work with or go to church with someone who is away from family, lost a loved one recently or for any other reason might be alone.  They probably won't seek you out - but they might be wondering if anyone cares.  Make them part of your family tradition.

2.  Call someone with whom you have had a split or misunderstanding.  Maybe this is a family member that you have struggled with, a neighbor whose tree grew over the fence.  Call just to say you are grateful for what our relationship means, and that you want to take steps to make amends.  Make the first move to mending a broken relationship.

3.  Give someone in your family the gift of tradition.  In other words, find a younger person - maybe your own child, a niece or nephew - and impress on them the value of pausing and being thankful.  Draw a picture, make a list or shoot a video talking about what you all are grateful for.

I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving this year.  Let me know what comes of these challenges in your Thanksgiving this year.

One for the Other and Baptism - 1 Peter 3:18-22

Who did you look up to growing up?  What qualities did that person have that you wanted to live out yourself?  How did that person help you?  How did your perception of that person change over time?

One for the Other:
Read 1 Peter 3:18-22
What was Jesus’ purpose in dying (v 18)?  What was his purpose in preaching to the spirits in prison (v 19)?

Read Genesis 6:1-13.  What did God have against men?  Who were the eight people saved from the flood (Gen 7:13)?

Baptism that Saves:
Were you ever baptized?  Do you remember it?  What was it supposed to do for you? For your parents? 

What kind of baptism was Peter talking about?  What result was promised from it? For us? For Jesus?

Read Colossians 2:9-15.  What else does baptism remind us of?

In what ways do we go through the burial and resurrection process with Jesus?

In what way did you go through a tough time only to come out stronger on the other side?

Application:
In what ways do you need to have God’s baptism in your life? Does the baptism process change how you look at difficult times in your life?

Homework:
Read 1 Peter 4:1-11.

These are the discussion questions for tonight's Men's Bible Study.  Join us at the corps at 6:00 p.m. or participate on your own.  Please join the discussion in Facebook!