Joy Ride

I've recently discovered that life surprises you sometimes. I've never met anyone whose life has gone exactly to plan. I've never had anyone tell me "Yep, my life has been as average as anyone's, and as predictable as a fairy tale."

Our lives twist and turn. They begin, and then, sometimes very abruptly, they end. They may seem to stand still for years at a time and then, all of a sudden, turmoil strikes. Injury. Cancer. Death. Floods. Earthquakes. Unemployment. Bankruptcy. Divorce. Sometimes, though, it just gets interesting. Graduation. Marriage. School. Job offers. Birth. Moving.

It's a giant story- one that is different for each of us. It will hold many different seasons, in many different places. I discovered that, today. I discovered that sometimes life hits you right in the chest and you go flying backwards, unable to figure out what's going on. It's hard to find your balance, and it's hard to make sense of it all, but one thing is for certain: God's holding me. Tightly.

He's my seat belt as the vehicle of my life is careening around corners, flying down gravel roads, and leaning precariously over the edge. He's the one driving, and I'm the one in the passenger seat. I get to look out the window and watch whatever He chooses to drive me by. That's my job. That's my position. But man, I am a backseat driver if there ever was one.

I like to push him out, and squeeze into that driver's seat. I prefer to steer. I focus on the road immediately ahead, making sure I get to every stop and take all the right paths. I have a single destination in mind, and I have faith that I can make it there. However, my timing, my sense of direction, and my driving skills just don't cut it. Along the way, I miss the important stops. I miss the big picture. I miss all the pit stops, the landmarks, the missions, and the opportunities for adventure that God had in mind for me, because I was on my own schedule. I may get to where I wanted to be... but it  will disappoint when compared to the perfect trip God had planned for me. With me at the wheel, nothing could never add up to what God has in mind. He sees the big plan and, when He drives the car, the trip is worth every second.

I'm not sure what He's planning for me, but right now, things are a whirlwind. I've been struck with a sense of obligation, and have been starting to understand how short life is. We're here, there, everywhere... and then we're gone. Seeing how fast my family can be called somewhere else- seeing how suddenly I may have to live on my own... it scares me. What else could happen in just the blink of an eye?

I want to know what my job is right here, and right now. In the little jobs, in the little things- I want to know what God expects of me as a student. Teacher. Employee. Friend. Sister. Daughter. Leader. Writer. Dancer. Musician. What is my place? What is my job? In this tiny town, in this tiny school- what is my purpose? Life can change quicker than we'd like to think... and I don't want to miss my opportunity to fulfill my purpose. Who knows when God will decide it's time for me to get back in the car, so that He can drive me away somewhere else? Bible school, college, university, missions trips, a new home, a new job... my time is limited. I'm trying to go with His flow, but I don't know His thoughts. I don't know His timing. So while I'm here, I will not waste my time.

Whatever season of life you are in right now, look around. Instead of focusing on what's up ahead, look on your passenger window. God took you this way for a reason. He has something to show you. He has some stops he wants you to make. He has a plan. An idea. A story. Your story. His story. He's writing it, and you're living it.

Check out what on earth He could be calling you to right at this second. Sending an encouraging email? Phoning up someone who's going through a hard time? Be attentive to His desires for you. They are beautiful, and worth giving every thing you've got. Look out the window and just enjoy. Be watching for those moments that God is driving you by. He's doing it on purpose. Nothing you see is an accident. Allow God to control the vehicle. Let HIM be the one to guide your path. Don't stress about it- He's got it! So go along for the ride, and allow Him to turn your life into an extraordinary adventure!

1 Peter 5:7~

Give all your worries and cares to God,

for he cares for you.

John 14:27~

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid.

If the captain of the universe is driving your vehicle, you have no need to fear crashing. So sit back, keep your eyes open, and watch as He shows you His marvelous plans for your life. Whatever He asks you to do, remember that He's driving the car. It's your turn to trust. Obey. And be amazed.

Romans 8:28~

And we know that God causes everything

to work together for the good of those who love God

and are called according to His purpose

for them.

Someday, our cars will stop for good. It may end in a crash. It may end when you run out of gas. Either way, will it come to an end with you saying, "Wait, when's the exciting part? Isn't there something I'm supposed to do?" Or will it end with you saying "Wow! What a ride!" 

Tomorrow is no guarantee. Your plans are merely that. Yours. There's Someone at work

who is greater than you, with plans that top yours by FAR. So while you're here, in this time, in this season, at this place, why don't you learn to dance? Why don't you sing? Why don't you clap, shout, and praise? Why don't you look around and realize that this is just a pit stop on the long journey home. While you're here,  put your back into it! Show some love, and get some back. Take a few risks, learn some new things.

With Jesus at the wheel, you can be sure your life will be one long joyride.

Learning Less

For those of us still in school, we are studying so we can get out.

For those in post-secondary, you are learning and researching so you can get out.

For those in apprenticeship programs, work experience, or other forms of applied learning, you are sweating away at your assignments so you can get out.

Almost every form of education includes an entrance and an exit. The only way to reach the finish line is to make an attempt to learn, memorize, understand, practice, and pass. All of the student's efforts, from start to finish, will accumulate and hopefully produce a passing grade. With that triumphant diploma, certificate, degree, or other prize, the student can then graduate. They can leave. They can move on to bigger and better things. They can find jobs, earn money, and live a successful life. The education they received was a means to an end; a step in the direction of ultimate prosperity and satisfaction.

In my life right now, it's not much different. I study math because I know I will have a math test. I study English because I know I'll have to write an essay. I pay attention in my classes because I know that I'll have assignments and projects, quizzes and tests, and that exams are coming up shortly. I study to pass. I learn so I can achieve. My education is a means to an end... or more accurately... an exit from the school system.

There is one category of education, however, that is studied in a different way. Granted, it may be used like all the other categories- as a means to be released from classes- but unlike most other educational paths, when this one is pursued passionately, it is never a means to an end, but to a beginning. This is the mystery of God's word.

Through personal devos, small groups, prayer times, church services, conferences, Bible studies, Bible School, Bible College- the more we learn about it, the less we know! And the less we know, the more we want to learn!

There's something about the living Word of God that's like stargazing. The longer you look, the more stars you see. The longer you stare, the brighter they get. The longer you watch, the more awestruck you become. The less distractions around you, the less electric lights that you surround yourself with, the clearer you see the dazzling display in the sky.

Acts 17:27~

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way 

toward him and find him- though he is not far away from any one of us.

This is a beautiful verse. The first time I read it, I immediately thought of a cardboard box maze. My old church used to put them on for the children around Halloween time, they were always a highlight. Inside the winding tunnels, everything was pitch black. The going was slow, but that was all part of the thrill. One had to constantly be groping around with their hands, making sure they were not running into a dead end. We were on our hands and knees, and the only way to find the way to the exit was to feel along the walls for any hidden tunnels or doors. Getting closer to the end of the maze, things would start to lighten up from the adults running things outside. Things became clearer as you would approach the finishing point. 

The strange thing was, sometimes it would be the little doors that you had passed numerous times and ignored, that actually led to the exit. The thrill of seeing just a pinprick of light in the distance was always so exciting, and I would crawl faster and faster to escape the darkness and get my candy prize. Reflecting on my time in the maze, however, it was strange to think of how I could often here the laughter and talk of the grown-ups at the entrance and exit. They were so close, but I just could not find them. Of course, getting lost was 90% of the fun, but it still makes me think.

It's interesting how, when compared to every other discipline and study, knowing God is the one that, instead of rewarding us with an achievement, gives us a hunger. It makes us emptier and emptier, so that it can fill us more and more. While here on earth we study to pass, to ace, to win, to graduate, to be accepted, to earn, and to arrive, when we study the Word of God with the passion that He intended, we study to get lost. 

It's the stark contrast between worldly values, and Godly values. While the world says to study until you "get there," the Holy Spirit convinces us to read and pray without ceasing, and without a deadline. While the world says to take course after course until you are "qualified," God's Word encourages us to be humble, and live lowly lives. While the world tells us to get certified so we can set our paths, the Bible tells us to surrender our goals and leave it up to God to determine our destiny.

At first glance, one of those paths sounds like success and happiness, and the other sounds like wasting life and giving up opportunity. However, the latter option is the one that completes and rewards.

John 7:37-38~

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds,

"Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!

For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart'."

I want to challenge you with this: When you next read your Bible, when you next pray to God, when you next worship Him wherever you are, don't make a deadline. Don't set a time frame. In fact, just leave your time with Him open-ended. In this society in culture, it is SO easy to treat God like we treat all our other disciplines and studies. We treat our devotions like we do our homework. We have set schedules, times, sections, passages, etc. It is all orderly and organized. That doesn't have to be a bad thing, but are you allowing the Holy Spirit freedom to move in you and through you?

 Take a look at the time you spend in the presence of God, and answer honestly: Am I the boss of my devotion? Is my time spent with God self-directed and self-administered, or is He still the Master and Perfecter? Step down from being the president of your meetings, and give back to God what is His rightful place! Trust me, He'll do a better job.

Maybe next time you read, read on. Read past what your Bible Plan says, and just get LOST in His Word. Don't read to be done, read to begin! Don't pray to accomplish, pray to be overwhelmed! Don't worship according to an agenda, worship according to the Spirit's prompting!

While in other areas of life you may be studying to get out of the system...

In the area of your relationship with God, try studying to secure yourself inside His system... because a life spent in thirst for Jesus will be a life lived in accordance with His Will. Let your "heavenly schooling" be the opposite of your earthly education. Have the mindset not of one who wishes to 'graduate' and move on, but of one who wishes to completely immerse themselves! Read, seek, and learn until you cannot live without the Word of God!

Matthew 4:4~

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread

alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'."

Do the Math

I'm sitting here typing on my laptop, spinning once and a while in my desk chair, wrapped in my fuzzy blanket. Pretty soon I'll get in one of my family's two vehicles, and race to my dance studio, where I will practice within a great community of girls and teachers, preparing for our next performance. Then, after a couple hours, I'll drive home, open the fridge, and find some supper to eat. I'll shower, read for a while, do some last-minute homework, talk to friends online, brush my teeth, get ready for bed, and then sleep for 7-8 hours. In the morning my alarm will go off, and I'll head to school where I will be given knowledge by teachers who do their best to impact me in a positive way. I'll read, take notes, wrestle with mathematical concepts, enjoy times with friends, and then it will be the weekend.

I am living, quite truthfully, the ideal life. I look around my room and am baffled by the comfort and luxury that I get to live in. I have the entirety of information known to man at my fingertips. I have college funds growing in a bank account, and scholarships just waiting to be applied for. I have two part-time jobs that I enjoy. I have hot water, electricity, and utilities at my disposal. With extra funds we've repainted my room at least three times, and have spent the leftover cash on pictures, posters, lamps, and other meaningless decorative objects. 

Judging from the things I own and the opportunities I have, I am living a dream. You are probably reading this on a computer screen, or a mobile device. You may be sitting at your desk, lounging on the couch, eating a snack, getting ready for bed, or just passing the time. We are living lives of conveniences. Addicts of consumerism.

If you were to come back one evening after going out to dinner or to the movies to find that your home had been robbed, how would you react? Everything you owned, your electronic devices, your appliances, your clothes, your furniture... what would be your response? How much value do these things hold in your heart? Would the police find you angry, distressed, mournful, or despairing? Would they find you raging over how awful the thief must have been, and how urgent it is that they be found, and your belongings returned? Or would they find you at peace, reacting mildly in the face of misfortune?

Lately, I have been trying my best to figure out what makes Christians different from the unbelievers. I am sad to say that it was a hard thing to pinpoint. Can you answer that question right now? What do you think should make a Christian's life noticeably different from the rest of the world's?

I think the answer is a big one, and can't be perfectly summed up in one idea, but here is what I believe to be a big part of what sets us apart. Christians do not live for themselves.

Romans 2:7-8~

He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, 

seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 

But He will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, 

who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.

That is a bit of a scary thing for those of us living in First-World "paradise." The very fact that we think lives lived in these wealthy countries are lives lived well is a bit of a warning light to us as believers. God's Name is being abused. His Word is being distorted. He is being shunned and cursed, and blatantly refused. Granted, He is also being worshiped and praised and followed... but do we label first-world countries as 'desirable' because of their Spiritual health, or because of their economy and opportunity for wealth?

Hebrews 13:5~

Keep your life free from the love of money,

and be content with what you have, for he has said,

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."

In other words, the very presence of God is more than enough to keep us afloat. Should our homes be robbed or burned to the ground, should we be fired and blackmailed, unable to find employment anywhere, should the stock market crash and leave us bankrupt... His presence would be more than enough.

A life lived in constant hunger for wealth is a life wasted. A life lived in God's presence, however, is a life that will be rewarded with everlasting perfection.

Notice how all of the characters in the Bible that we consider to be role models had a certain common denominator. They lived not for themselves, but for God. The characters that we admire, the ones that we strive to be like... they gave up their lives in obedience to God. Abraham, Noah, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, David, the disciples, Paul the Apostle; these are the people that we teach children about, because they lived the true 'ideal' life. Not ideal in the eyes of man, but in the eyes of God.

What about the characters that we teach not to imitate? Cain, Joseph's brothers, Jonah, Judas... their stories are always read with the knowledge that we must learn from their mistakes, and not try to live like them. Why? They are most well-known for the actions they took that were in their own favour, and therefore, against God. Jealously, selfishness, cowardice, greed, these are traits that we all have, but are seen in the stories that are highlighted for these Biblical characters. They are seen to be living for themselves. While some mended their ways, others died trying to make their own lives better.

Obedience to God's law is not what makes us right with Him... but if we believe in everything that Christ has done for us, then what reason have we for not obeying Him?! If we truly believe that Jesus gave His own life to pay the price of our sin, that why would we continue to live contrary to His will? Why would we continue to live a life trying to please ourselves? It makes no logical sense.

Francis Chan's rope illustration explains in a very compelling way the importance of living a life in complete service to God. We have a few decades; a handful of years on earth. The things we do now reflect where our heart resides. If we have placed our worth in the things of this world, and go about life thinking only about the money we need to make, the jobs we need to have, the things we need to own, the places we need to go, and the fun we need to enjoy... then we have put all of our time and energy towards the 80 or so years we have to live here. If may be a great lifetime, pleasurable and peaceful... but that is all the pleasure and peace we will get to experience, because God will "pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves." 

The people who have sold everything they own to donate to the poor, the people who have given up their livelihoods to go live among the poor and destitute, the people who have opened their homes to needy strangers and have gotten nothing in return, the world would say they are crazy. Stupid. Foolish. Not thinking properly. Being too hasty. However, they do these things because their mind is not set only for the 70-80 years on earth, but the infinite years that come next!

Whether our life of service is peaceful or fraught with suffering, and even if we are tortured and killed for our faith, the eternity we will get to spend in God's kingdom vastly outweighs any earthly grievance. In fact, they are incomparable. 

Romans 8:18-19~

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal

to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will 

reveal who his children are.

So if you lose your home in a fire. Where have you set your heart? Would such an event give you a miserable outlook on life, consuming your thoughts? Or do you see your possessions as what they truly are? They aren't ours, they belong to God. He is leasing them to us.

Everything we own, we can choose to use them for their original purpose- glorifying their true Owner. We can spend them in the service of God, and risk a few decades of hardships and struggles before entering into a Kingdom of Paradise that we will life in forever...

...Or they can be used to build up a life of ease and luxury, and reap an eternity of regret.

You do the math.

Black Tie Event

"Listen, you foolish and senseless people, 

with eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear.

Have you no respect for me? Why don't you tremble in my presence?

I, the Lord, define the ocean's sandy shoreline as an

everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross.

The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set.

But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts.

They have turned away and abandoned me.

They do not say from the heart, 'Let us live in awe of the Lord our God,

for he gives us rain each spring and fall,

assuring us of a harvest when the time is right."

--Jeremiah 5:21-24

He's big enough to crush the universe with His foot, but He's small enough to live in our hearts. He's strong enough to power every single one of the trillions of stars, but He's as meek and innocent as a child. He's fierce like a wild lion- a true king of the jungle, but He's as mild as a little lamb. He's the most fearsome, the most awesome, and the most beautiful being.

He tells us Himself in Job, that He KNOWS where light comes from. He KNOWS where darkness goes. In fact, He takes them to their homes! He knows the path to the source of light, He knows where the east wind lives. He created the channels for the torrents of rain, He lays out the paths for the lightning. He directs the movement of the stars. He directs the sequence of the seasons.

Job 38:33~

Do you know the laws of the universe?

Can you use them to regulate the earth?

Job 40:9~

Are you as strong as God? Can you thunder with a voice like his?

All right, put on your glory and splendor, your honor and majesty.

Give vent to your anger. Let it overflow against the proud.

Humiliate the proud with a glance; walk on the wicked where they stand.

Bury them in the dust. Imprison them in the world of the dead.

Then even I would praise you, for your own strength would save you.

All the knowledge that mankind has pooled together over the millenniums, it's merely a drop in the bucket. Out of His ocean of wisdom and understanding, we've discovered mere drops of the mist that He blows across the sea for us to catch. The things we know, we know because He has given them to us.

He created light with a word. He invented life. He never began, and He will never end. He IS.  He will someday eliminate evil. In a moment, in a flash, all darkness will be gone. He, alone, imagined every law of nature, every mathematical and principle of physics, every function of every organ in every body. He organized the galaxies.

And we waltz into His presence demanding answers like we own Him.

We give him our shopping list and to-do list, and get frustrated when we think He doesn't deliver. We ignore His majesty, we ignore His power, and we expect Him to answer to His own creation. We were made FOR Him, not the other way around, people!

How is it that while we, the weak and mortal humans, are arrogant in the face of our Creator, when His own Son reveres Him?!

Hebrews 5:7~

While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings 

with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death.

And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.

If your father was the King of England, it wouldn't matter how close you are- he deserves respect. It doesn't matter who you are, or how powerful you are, you recognize his status and his authority. If your best friend was the Queen, it would not matter how tight your relationship was- you would show her reverence. The relationship is maintained just as before, but she is given the respect that her position demands.

God has adopted us. He wants us to talk to Him every second of every day. Sometimes I find, however, that I only think to talk to Him right before the tests I should have studied harder for. When I lose something, when I'm injured, when I'm stressed, I pray like He is holding every good thing from me, and I need to persuade Him to give me the things I want. 

So many of our prayers sound like "God, please give us a good day... Lord, please help us do well at our game... Please give us peace... Give us joy... Give us a great time together... Bless this food... Keep us safe on the roads. Keep us healthy... I pray the concert goes well... I pray we don't mess up... I pray we don't get hurt..... in Jesus' name, Amen."

Have we forgotten that when we pray to God, we are entering into His throne room? We are in the literal presence of the Almighty God- the One who demands perfection, the One who invented righteousness. And how do we approach Him? Sometimes, even less respectfully than we would our own parents. When was the last time you marched to your parents or guardians or boss or employer and gave them a list of the things you wanted and needed, and then walked out? It's unheard of, really. It's rude, it's arrogant, it's not your place.

I implore you to examine how you approach our Master. My resolution is to come to Him not as I'm falling asleep, not as I'm eyeing my waiting food and saying the practiced words in a rush, but on my knees. On my knees where I belong. In the quiet of my room, though I long to go to bed, I will make this room a place of holiness and reverence.

He is the One who holds my soul in His hand. He is the One who has sent His very own perfect Spirit to guide me. Little ol' me! I have the privilege of being filled with the very Spirit of GOD. 

Notice that even when Jesus prayed, in Matthew 6, He did not jump to His requests. He acknowledged God's Sovereignty. Jesus WAS God, but even He did not come into God's presence demanding anything. He said "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." 

We are lowly sinners. Dirty thieves and liars. And yet, we've been invited into the House of GOD every minute of every day. Who do your prayers focus on, God, or yourself? When was the last time you sat in silence, and came to grips with who He really is? When was the last time you accepted your place?

And the question I would like to challenge with is this: When we pray, who is in charge? Do we try to pray in a way that reflects God's will, and accepts His sovereign authority, or do we list our own requests with the idea that WE know best, and He needs to do what we say? 

Hebrews 12:28~

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable,

let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

For our God is a consuming fire.

If dates are semi-formal, if banquets are meant to be fancy, well, I think coming into the presence of God should be a black tie event!