On Squirrels in the Attic and the Holy Spirit

When was the last time you went in your attic?  (I know…that sounds like a pest-control commercial, but hang with me…).  If you’re like me, you hardly have a clue what’s up there.  Who knows?  You might even be housing a family of small, baby squirrels somewhere between your Christmas decorations and old tee-ball trophies.

I spent the day cleaning out my grandmother’s attic—something that obviously hasn’t been done in years.  I tried hard to get out of it, but to no avail.  You’d think after my brother and I broke four separate glass items that my mother would’ve just asked us to stop, but that didn’t work…

It’s amazing how much junk you can accumulate over time.  There was stuff in that attic from over 50 years ago, most of it completely useless, evidenced by the avalanche of trash out by the street. 

However, every once in awhile, we would open up a box and find a treasure.  We found a box of old “LIFE” magazines from the ‘60s.  We uncovered some of my grandfathers childhood pictures.  There was even an old Nazi Germany dagger in one of the boxes.

The treasures were there all along.  They were just covered up by years of neglect.  To get to these treasures, though, we had to dig.  We had to sort through piles of worthless old stuff to find what really mattered.

I think we’ve done the same thing with the Holy Spirit.  We’re told in 1 Peter 1 that upon our salvation, we are given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” through the Holy Spirit.  In other words, we are given a great treasure.  However, as time passes, we cover that treasure up with junk until we forget that it’s even there.  We don’t feel it anymore.  We don’t hear it anymore.  And we certainly don’t follow it anymore.

But what would happen if we uncovered it?  What would happen if we dug it out and starting using it again?

Where have you placed the Holy Spirit in your life?  What’s covering it up?

Maybe it’s time to move those “Christmas decorations” out of the way so that you can rediscover the treasure that’s inside of you.

 

[Note: I must thank Francis Chan for making me aware of this dilemma.  Please check out his latest book “Forgotten God” for more on this subject.]

On Haircuts

Imagine that you are a sheep.  Baaaaah.  As a little ewe lamb you wander around, munching on grass and clover until your plump little belly is satisfied.  You lie down on soft patches of moss, watching cute little bunny rabbits frolic around in the surrounding pasture.  You spend all year long growing a beautiful, plush coat of soft, fluffy wool.  All the other little ewe lambs are jealous of your fine follicles of soft goodness.

Then along comes an ugly, old shepherd dude with a rusty pair of shears and whacks it all off.  Gone is your outer garment of beauty, and you are left with nothing but naked shame.

That describes my life exactly.  OK, maybe not EXACTLY, but I had a similar experience.

I got my hair cut after going 3 months without a single trim (yes, I know most of you noticed that a long time ago…).  Now suddenly it looks like my grass does when I forget to put the lawnmower blade on level 4 instead of level 1.

Don’t get me wrong, the lady who cut it did a good job, and I really like her.  It’s just that I haven’t had short hair in a long time.  And in reality it’s not even that short.  It’s no shorter than it was the last time I got a haircut.  It’s just that it looks like a drastic change to me.  I’d gotten so used to my long hair, I’d forgotten what it was like to have short hair.

The same phenomenon tends to occur in my spiritual life.  I get into a pattern of holiness and spiritual discipline, being diligent in my walk with the Lord, and then I allow sin to start growing in my heart.  Before long, it’s grown so much that I don’t look anything like I did before it grew out.

But I don’t even realize it…because it happens so slowly.  I get so used to a lifestyle filled with sin, I forgot what holiness looks like.  On top of that, when I do realize my need to “cut” my sinfulness, I’m hesitant to do it because I’ve kind of gotten attached to the rugged, “good-looks” of my growing sin problem.

I’m pretty sure there are better ways to describe sin than by discussing the process of whacking off hair.  Nevertheless, it reminds me of my need to stay pure and the ease at which I allow sin to grow in my life.

In conclusion, I want to be spiritually bald for 2 reasons.  For one, I’d even more closely resemble the physique of Mr. Clean than I already do.  And secondly, I wouldn’t let sin grow in my life at all.

If only…

On Unfaithfulness

There are two things that I know for sure:

1. I can’t fly.  Tried that one before…

2. I am a terrible blogger.

It’s been awhile since my last post and even longer since I did a true post according to my usual blogging style.  Why the wait?

Laziness.  Plain and simple.

My blogging pattern closely resembles that of every other aspect of my life: a pattern of unfaithfulness.  I lack discipline.  I lack motivation.  And consequently, I lack faithfulness and the ability to see things through.

This is not a new development.  It hasn’t just sprung up in the last couple of years.  Looking back on my life, there are very few things that I’ve been faithful in seeing through to completion.  I always seemed to get my schoolwork done or finish projects at work, but if there was no immediate consequence for not seeing something through, then it often did not get done.

Examples: I stopped working out after about 3 months of doing it faithfully (I know, my bodily physique defies that fact).

I never did learn Spanish.

I quit swim team as a child because I looked too good in a Speedo and was a temptation to the girls around me…or because I just didn’t want to do it anymore.

Time after time I start something and don’t follow through.  This has never been more evident than in my spiritual life.  Lack of discipline has led to many a failed attempt at quiet time routines, Scripture memorization, or simply being holy when faced with temptations.

Praise the Lord that he is faithful.  His love never fails even when I fail miserably.  Great is his faithfulness.

So, what to do about my unfaithfulness?  Work at it, try harder, do better?  I guess those are all noble goals.  However, first I must understand and appreciate the grace that God shows me.  Then, I must seek him.  It is only by the grace of God that I can approach him, much less be faithful in following him.

May his grace sustain me, and may that grace help me to be faithful.

No promises for better blogging habits—just letting you know about my problem.

What are you unfaithful in?

East Asia Excerpts - 07/08/09 - Being Sick and Being Patient

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/08/09:
Large City #1, China -11:02 a.m.

Being sick:
I'm laying here at the hotel while everyone else is working. How frustrating! Since last night I've had an upset stomach, so I'm laying here resting, hoping to be back on my feet soon enough.

I hate being sick. It's even worse when I'm away from home--not having the luxuries of my own bed or family to take care of me. On top of that, we're in another country, so I don't even have the usual conveniences that I have when I'm sick in the States....

It's times like this that make me wonder "why?" Why would God let me get sick so that I can't work? What good can come out of this?

Then I look at Job. God brought him bodily harm (much worse than what I'm going through so that he could test him and teach him. I don't have to know the extent of God's plan here. I don't have to know why I'm sick. I just need to remain faithful.

Lord, help me to bring you glory, even while I'm laying here. May you teach me what I need to know. Teach me patience, to not be anxious about this (or any other ailment) and to wait on you to move. Teach me faith, to trust that you are in control at all times, and you make all things work together for our good.

Teach me humility, to know that I am nothing without you, that I can have nothing (including health) apart from you, and that I can do nothing (including work for you) without your guidance and blessing. Teach me to be joyful in all things, in all places, at all times, and in all circumstances (including this one). Teach me to be thankful for what I do have and not to complain about what I don't have.

Lord, teach me during this time. Sometimes you have to break me and stop me before you can use me. Perhaps this is one of those times. Do whatever you have to do for your glory.
____________

Morning thoughts:
I read about Stephen this morning in Acts. It's neat how his speech tied in with the story of Moses which I read some last night and this morning (I love how your Word ties everything together, Lord). He also talked about Abraham, and one verse in particular stood out for me. Verse 7:5 says that God gave Abraham no inheritance in the promised land--not even a foot's length--but instead promised it to his offspring (of which he had none at the time).

I think this has significance for me in two ways. First, today, I am unable to take part in our work. God has brought us here to work for him, but I can't really do anything today. Instead, my teammates are working. Today, I am not receiving the blessing of our work here, and I need to be OK with that. Secondly, and more importantly, I may not see the promised land here. I may not see one person come to Christ while we're here. God has promised to move here, but I may not necessarily be around to see the results. And I need to be OK with that. May God do everything for his glory and not my own. May the harvest be reaped here, even if I am not to be one of the harvesters. Help me to know and play my role in your plan here, Lord. Use me as you need to.

For your glory.
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Large City #1, China -5:44 p.m.

Patience!:
It seems as though more than anything, the Lord is teaching me to be patient. I am not a very patient man, but every circumstance on this trip, from the long flight to long periods of waiting on jobs, from clothes taking all day to dry, to days going by with no evidence of spiritual fruit, from days of sickness to days of uncertainty, it seems that patience is being required.

For God to do his work here among these people, it is going to take more than a day, a week, or the month that I'm here. It will take years for the harvest to be reaped.

does this give reason to be slack? By all means NO! Scripture is very clear on the fact that we need to seize the day while it is still today. God is not being slack (2 Peter 3:9) concerning reaching these people or the rest of the world for that matter. He is patient for our benefit. May I learn to be patient for his.

I may never know why exactly I am here in China or what good my presence here accomplished. This I do know, however, that God's ways are higher than mine, and his Word will not return void. May he do a work here among these people, and may I be patient and prayerful, trusting his Spirit to change lives for the kingdom.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts - 07/07/09 - Dinner and Singing on the Streets

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/07/09:
Large City #1, China -7:54 a.m.

Morning thoughts:
We've officially been gone for a week. This has now become the longest trip I've been on. It's kind of weird being gone for a month. I'll admit, part of me is ready to go back home for a variety of reasons, mainly comfort and routine. However, I know that right now my place is here for the next few weeks, and that is OK with me. May I continue to be broken for these people and have a joy in serving them.

I read this morning in Acts 5 about Ananias and Saphhira. God, help me not to be as them. May I not grieve the Spirit or lie to it. Help me to keep my word. I committed to serving you here for a month. May I fulfill that commitment with joy, passion, and zeal. You don't require me to change the world. You just want me to be willing and obedient, giving to you what I am called to give.

I am struck at how the church grew in this chapter as a result of 2 things: discipline and persecution. After the deaths of Ananias and Saphhira, many people were afraid, but the church grew by leaps and bounds. Why? Because they recognized the holiness of God and didn't allow win in their fellowship. Secondly, when the church was persecuted, people joined. Why? Because they felt joyful and honored to suffer for Christ.

Both of these things are lacking in the American church. We can't do too much about bringing persecution--we're not supposed to go looking for it--, but we can do something about discipline.

Lord, I pray for an awakening of your church in America. May we become what you've called us to be and not lie to you anymore. I see how the church here thrives under both discipline and persecution. I wish we were the same way.

May I take what I'm learning here and flesh it out back home. I want to see the church glorify you. You love the church and died for it. It is your bride. May we be faithfulto you so you can bring honor to your name.

For your glory.
____________

Large City #1, China -7:54 a.m.

Willingness:
We spent the morning doing much of the same thing that we've been doing the last few days. It seems to be working, though. By being a living billboard, they've had a great sign up for the English classes. We'll start them tomorrow.

We got word today that another group of Americans will be coming in next week, so we're only going to e working with this school group for the rest of this week. I hate that we're not going to be with Trinity and the rest of the girls anymore, but such is missions. We must be willing to go wherever we're needed and do whatever we're called to do.

Lord, may I stay willing to do whatever you have in store for me. Continue to give me patience and humility in serving you so that I can do whatever you want, regardless of how significant I think it might be. As we go from day to day, please energize my body and spirit. Give me all the strength I need to perform what you've called me to.

Lord, please straighten up my digestive system. I don't want it to be a hindrance. May I not worry about it. Your grace is sufficient in my weakness. Help me to bring you glory in all situations. Use me.

For your glory.
___________

Large City #1, China -9:30 p.m.

Dinner:
God continues to provide for us. This evening we went over to Trinity's house for dinner. I've felt sick to my stomach all day, and the cab ride over there didn't help matters. She cooked up a great meal, but all I was able to eat was just a little bit of rice. Throughout the evening, though, I felt a little better. I'm still not 100%. I don't know what's going on. I just can't seem to get my digestive system in order. Lord, please heal my body. I don't want this to get in the way of you and your glory here. I don't want to be hindered by poor health. Please give me energy and health for your glory. I don't want it just for my comfort. I don't want to be sick feeling so that I'm unable to perform my duties.
____________

Singing on the Street Corner:
After dinner, we went and set up a table on the street corner to pass out flyers. Trinity happened to have a guitar at her house which she told me to take with us for tomorrow. Little did I know I would use it tonight.

As we were walking down the street, I just started playing "God of This City" as a prayer over Large City #1. When we set up the table I continued to play. For the next 2 hours, I played, worshiped, and prayed over the people of Large City #1, standing on a street corner with a guitar. It worked beautifully. Me playing music brought attention, and people would wander over to our table where we then told them about the English classes. It was advertisement and prayer at the same time. No one had a clue what I was singing about. They just knew some American was banging a guitar on the street corner, and that was intriguing. Little did they know I and some of the guys were singing and praying for their city. It was really neat.

God has really blessed us so far. Tomorrow we start teaching in the classes. I'm not sure what that holds for us or exactly how we're going to go about it, but I know that God is in control, and he will use us for his glory just like he has every day so far.

Lord, continue to use us. Give us opportunities to shine for your glory. Strengthen and revive us.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts - 07/06/09 - Being Bait and Dancing

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/06/09:
Large City #1, China -1:48 p.m.

Being Bait:
We spent the morning playing 4 Square--by ourselves. Seriously. And then we played the "signs" game and makeshift basketball--again, by ourselves.

After reading Acts 4 this morning, it was a little anticlimactic. Nevertheless, there was actually a purpose to what we were doing. As we sat there this morning, all sweaty after playing around, Trinity came up to us with some encouraging words. She said that we were doing a great job. Really. All they wanted us to do was be American and draw attention, which we did quite well. As a result of us being here doing that, they've had a lot of students register for class that otherwise wouldn't have.

She then told us that there are several Christian teachers who will be sharing the Gospel with the children. We don't have to say anything. We just stand there and draw a crowd.

After this morning, that was encouraging. Yes, we're called to share the Gospel and do it openly. But at this point, I may not be the one that is supposed to speak. I'm supposed to draw the crowd so that someone else can speak and Jesus can be glorified.

May that happen over the next few weeks.

For your glory.
____________

Large City #1, China -9:55 p.m.

Testimonies:
This evening we went to the local University, to do some shopping, to dinner, and to the bridge for some dancing (yes, dancing). It was a pretty uneventful evening for the most part.

Dinner, however, was really good. We got to share our testimonies with two of the girls we're working with: Kelly and Jillian. We're praying for their salvation. Trinity has been talking with them too, so we are very hopeful. May the Lord continue to work in their hearts and the Spirit move them toward salvation.
____________

Dancing and Community:
After dinner, we went down to the bridge to pass out some flyers to the people dancing there. The dancing was beautiful--very smooth and elegant. I even hopped in there for a few minutes.

The culture here is amazing. Families enjoy life together. Communities are very strong. I wish life in America was this way. Families just don't seem to get it in America like they do here.

I'm not sure, what the future holds as far as me and China go. I'd love to come back and do ministry here again. There's such a need here. It wouldn't be easy at all, but I would be willing if the Lord called me.
____________

Prayer:
We spent a good deal of time in prayer tonight, praying specifically for several people and for different groups. May we continue to see the importance of prayer, and may we be intentional in spending time with you each day. Continue to speak to our hearts and lead us in your will. We want to bring you glory, however that may happen. Guide us. Keep us sensitive to your Spirit. Give us wisdom. Give us boldness. We want to see people come to Christ here, whether it be now or in the future.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts - 07/05/09 - Timidity, Testimonies, Tim, and the Nations

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/05/09:
Large City #1, China - 7:45 a.m.

Morning thoughts:
It is Sunday. I'm not sure what we'll be doing today, but I'm quite sure it won't be like any Sunday back home. There will be no choir, no sermon, no Sunday School. I doubt we'll go to any house church meetings while we're here--it would be too dangerous for the people there.

I keep thinking about fear and the presentation of the Gospel in the midst of the rules and regulations here. We are called to be unashamed in presenting the Gospel. The Bible is very clear on that. At the same time, we don't want to jeopardize the organization here....

Lord give me discernment. Help me to be bold...and wise. The Gospel must be preached.

May we do what you want us to in every situation.

For your glory.
____________

Large City #1, China - 8:58 p.m.

Sharing testimonies with teachers:
What an encouraging day. Your Spirit, Lord, has truly refreshed me. I am content in You.

This morning we went (me and Catfish) to the park with some of the girls to pass out flyers. It was fun to play with the kids, but the most encouraging time came afterward as we talked with "Kimmy," "Fawn," and "Carol." It was great to have spiritual conversations with them, particularly in sharing some with Fawn and Kimmy. However, talking to Carol about the resurrection, her husband and family, and Christ in prayer was also very encouraging. Tracey and Alex were also able to have similar conversations with them throughout the day.

The more we interact with them, the more I see that as one of our main purposes for being here. I know that we're here to work with children some, but I feel like you have placed us with these girls for a reason. May we live out Colossians 4:2-6 with them. May our conversations always be seasoned with salt and grace. Continue to open doors for your word to reach them.
____________

Tim:
This afternoon we went back to the sports complex to do more of the same thing. We played a little badminton and did some games with some more kids. Lord, help me not to be so competitive. I'm tired of being so proud. Help me to have a spirit of humility in everything I do.

After we played games, we were standing by the gym when a family approached us about enrolling the girl in English class. I struck up a conversation (thank you Lord!) with a young man named Tim who was the girl's cousin. Tim works with his father in a business that makes artificial Christmas trees and sells them all around the world. We talked about various things, but I tried to steer the conversation toward Christ; however, the door was not open. Nevertheless, he was very open for future conversations, and he even invited us over for a tour of his factory and to spend some time with him.

Lord, I pray for Tim. I pray that the Gospel reaches him. Please open up the door for continued conversations with him, whether it be with me or not. I pray that something I said today will stick in his mind. May I be a living testimony of your grace. I pray for his salvation.
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Thankfulness:
Thank you again for this team of guys. They are truly an encouragement to me. Thank you for their examples. I pray for them, that you encourage and strengthen their hearts. It was neat to see them interact with everyone today.
____________

Dinner and fellowship:
Thank you for a good dinner tonight. It was encouraging and refreshing to enjoy food and fellowship. I was reminded of the way Jesus did the same thing in the upper room with his disciples. I pray that I will help provide that atmosphere whenever I get back home. Burn that in my mind. Help me to be hospitable.

You have been so good to us, Lord. I pray for greater things these next few days. I pray for an outpouring of your spirit. May your glory be magnified in this plce, and may the Gospel be shared. You love these people. Help us to love them too, with an unconditional love.
____________

Praying for the nations:
I pray for your work in other places. Thank you for moving in [another city] with the team there. Continue to bless them and what they're doing.

You are in Thailand with the team there. Thank you for Stuart. Bless him and use him.

You are in the Philippines with Leigh Anna. Thank you for her. I pray that you use her in a mighty way over these next few weeks for your glory.

You are Lord in all these nations and all other nations. May your glory be increased in all of these places. Continue to open my eyes to the global church and your fame worldwide.

For your glory.