DoxA

Rock the Boat

Right in front of me, as I write this, is a picture of my two daughters and me sitting on the front of a sailboat heading back to the island of Maui after returning from a scuba dive off the island of Lanai. Moments after the picture was taken several spinner dolphins entertained us with their seemingly happy frolic of flying into the air while spinning their bodies. Off in the distance humpback whales would slap their tales on the surface and occasionally one would exit the water in a full body breach! It was exciting to watch. There was something near magical of the slow yet powerful movement of those whales. This was something we had never seen before and would not had we stayed on the shore.

As children growing up we read the stories of Jonah in the belly of a whale for three days... this, alongside another story of a wooden puppet in search for his father, makes for nice fiction and presupposes children's stories are for children and rational thinking will eventually have it's way. Whether the characters were actual historic figures or not is irrelevant today, right? If they serve a purpose to teach us and we learn the lesson there's no difference whether George Washington cut down a cherry tree and couldn't tell a lie or not... is there? Jonah was a prophet of God... has his own book in the Bible and we agree it's true right? Pinocchio was a puppet and the figure of a fairy tale and we agree it's not true... right? However the origin, the result is the same; instill virtue, develop character and motivate appropriate behavior... yes?

We assume we get wiser as we grow older but I'm not so sure this is true. It's the older ones who tell stories like these to the younger ones so when they grow up they'll know their "place." We learn not to run away, to always do what we're told and to never rock the boat! In other words, doing the right thing means to follow and let others lead.

While it may appear obedience is to do what you're told sometimes obedience is to go against the very thing that seems right... In a society that screams to keep to yourself... most who claim faith in God deem it a private affair and walk quietly among the violently outspoken. So, what are we to do?

Rock the Boat!

"This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Take a risk, do something you've never done before and speak up for truth even if it hurts. If you don't rock the boat; God just might and you'll be in it! So pray. Not for obedience, God doesn't give obedience; pray for courage and do something courageous... like another seafaring figure of history whose legend is told among the young...

The things that haven't been done before,
Those are the things to try;
Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore
At the rim of the far-flung sky,
And his heart was bold and his faith was strong
As he ventured in dangers new,
And he paid no heed to the jeering throng
Or the fears of the doubting crew.

The many will follow the beaten track
With guideposts on the way.
They live and have lived for ages back
With a chart for every day.
Someone has told them it's safe to go
On the road he has traveled o'er,
And all that they ever strive to know
Are the things that were known before.

A few strike out without map or chart,
Where never a man has been,
From the beaten path they draw apart
To see what no man has seen.
There are deeds they hunger alone to do;
Though battered and bruised and sore,
They blaze the path for the many, who
Do nothing not done before.

The things that haven't been done before
Are the tasks worthwhile today;
Are you one of the flock that follows, or
Are you one that shall lead the way?
Are you one of the timid souls that quail
At the jeers of a doubting crew,
Or dare you, whether you win or fail,
Strike out for a goal that's new?

The Things That Have Never Been Done Before - Edgar Guest

Once Saved, Always Safe?

This past week when considering the storms of life we are having to face in our current culture due to the economic, political and moral morass we've created I've been thinking about another storm brewing.

I could be wrong about this but the pendulum may be swinging back toward doctrine as the most divisive topic facing the church. Typically, doctrine has always been a cause of dissension among the brethren but ecclesiology, baptism, spiritual gifts and most recently, worship styles have taken the driver's seat. When I look back with subjective eyes, I see the key issue has always been brought on by the latest church "fad." From the most recent "seeker-sensitive" approach to doing church came the knock-down, drag-out fights over performance alongside the perennial argument of traditional versus contemporary music.  Will we ever learn from these tides that come and go?

I hope, as I approach a much more seasoned age, I will let go of traditions for sake of tradition and reach for new practices that are not birthed from idealism. I want to be real... I want to matter... I want to work toward a cause and live for a purpose of value, truth, godliness and eternal effect. I, however, do not interest myself, nor do I wish to align myself with another fad that will ebb in and flow away never to be seen again or worse yet, to be forgotten altogether. That is why I am easily aligned with many fellow pastors who lead churches with the same hope but are being labeled into a movement... uh, that's another word for fad.

First, to be clear I am leading a church with an "emerging" mindset. Conversely, I am, this almost hurts to say, too old to be of the "Emergent" and more controversial bent. Secondly, I avoid the arrogance and elitism that is creeping into the young movement among the young. Finally, I like the struggle of balancing truth with grace but can't stand the mind-wrenching, never conclusive debate over Calvanism vs. Armenianism. It shouldn't bother me since I am in agreement with those who believe man is completely incapable of being or doing good and that God does choose those He loves, God's grace is only reserved for those who accept it and it is so compelling it produces reasonable and viable results that are life changing and life lasting under the protective watch of a God who doesn't let us go once he has us. YES!!! This is what I believe. But, I'm not smug about it...

I'm afraid Reformed Theology is becoming the same as those who believe if you're not speaking in tongues you haven't receive the "full" baptism of the Holy Spirit. Yet, for those who are eloquently espousing the return to pure doctrine it's mostly those who are more willing to glom onto a title over studying the tenants that are doing the new reformers more harm.

As people of faith we face a lot of opposition from those who don't share our faith let alone from within. We must be striving for, insisting in and protecting truth... we have a mission to lead people into a clear understanding what it means to be transformed into the image of Christ but I will shy away from exclusive, almost hostile conversations or associations that put me on opposite sides of the same team...

sola scriptura baby!

Good For a Rainy Day

One of the most common questions I get is, "I have a great life. I have no problems and everything seems to be going pretty good, right now, but I'm board and have no passion... What's wrong with me?" I tell them, "Oh, it's because you live in Santa Barbara!" They just look at me funny.

I have to admit I'm something of a wimp when it comes to rain and cold. I don't care much for snow unless I'm looking at it or skiing on it (and I prefer both just after it has fallen). Likewise I enjoy temperate days over blistering, hot ones! Therefore, because I like to be outdoors most of the time, consider me Goldilocks... I want days that are "just right!" My life thus far, as is yours, is a culmination of days; most of which are "just right" but occasionally a little too hot for comfort or too wet, cold or both to enjoy. Unfortunately, as I look into this matter these unfavorable days are essential for the days we consider just right as they balance on a delicate thread of too hard, too soft.

Because the world is dealing with the ramifications of global warming brought on by our poor environmental policies we must also look at the impact of personal neglect, over time, securing our own individual comfort. While using our cars, consuming energy irresponsibly and dumping tons of toxins, plastics and metal products into our oceans and landfills we can claim ignorance to our part but the truth is we're lazy and we like it that way! Because we could, we did. Sadly, today we look at dwindling rain forests and waning glaciers and think, "Oh! We can fix this... can't we?"

Similarly, just like the environment, I know there will be a personal weather forecast I either prepare to face or ignore. Each day the weather is changing and while most tend to be just right, some are violent storms and others are heat waves I can only liken to hell on earth. Most of these storms are unexpected... a sudden illness or loss of a job. It's like you wake up and they just happen while others can be seen coming in the distance... financial difficulties; forecasted by excessive spending on credit. And if that isn't enough to make for a miserable day, there are those storms that are self-imposed...bringing an act of God meant to turn me on my heals and get me back on track where I belong. If ignored these storms can be extremely devastating!

Regardless of the type of storm; I have a promise...

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2,3

... and so do you!

• What is the storm you face today?
• Did you see it coming?
• Did you have something to do with it?
• What good will it do in time?
• What "conservation" can you do now to avoid devastating storms later?

Find 5 key points involving the environment from the accounts of Noah and the people in Gen.6-9  and Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37. What was sudden, forecast and devastating and why? Discuss or journal the implication for your life today and what a little rain could do for you.

I love Santa Barbara, by the way! But if you lived there; you know what I mean.

A discussion blog for the Message series: Rain - Dealing with the Storms of Life.

That's Not What I Meant

Being misunderstood, having to answer questions that you already answered, having to say you're sorry to something you never did... all these things just get at me. I remember being blamed for something my sister did growing up. She just sat there and let me take the punishment... oh, and I did the same to her. Perhaps she was getting back at me. Perhaps she thought she was right and I was the wrong one.

My wife says I point my finger too much when I preach. Reminding me that when you point your finger at someone there are three pointing back at you! She's making the point.

When we are quick to accuse there are those who stand ready to accuse back. Usually in meaner or uglier fashion. It's defense. It raises issues that were never the issue and leaves one stammering for an even uglier comeback. This is why I don't get into political brewhahas. Not because I'm incapable of competing and rolling around in the mud. I just don't want to. Never seen what good it does. People tend to polarize over emotion while rational thinking gets chucked out the door.

When I counsel couples that are struggling to treat each other with fairness and respect, I'll ask them whose standard do they live by? In other words, who gets the final say on how it is and why is your way better than his/her way? There's always a bit of hemming and hawwing, on the spot compromising and declarations of "It depends." Then, usually without asking, an example is offered up by one of them. As the story unfolds you can see the tension building between them until finally, given a chance for rebuttal, the "accused" looks at me and declares, "That's not what I meant!"

Today, standards are a dying virtue and absolutes; are you kidding me? Everything is judged by the situation. By allowing individual standards to determine behavior, not only are we undermining the foundations of our culture we now build houses on the "slippery slope." I fear we have no idea and worse yet, no concern for the outcome. This is why, I'm old fashioned and even though I think I'm tolerant, compassionate, seek justice, and care for the widow, oppressed, poor, orphaned and stranger in this world... the B I B L E is still the book for me.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before. It was written a long time ago, by men, in cultures that were unfair and mistreated women and people who disagreed with their spiritual views. Yeah, yeah, yeah... it says we are to do things that restrict behaviors based on imperial supremacy and oppression... say what you want. That's not what I meant.

It's not what God meant.

To Walk the Talk part 2'

A couple of summers ago I was walking with my daughter, Aubrey, in New York City. Due to a bit of confusion on my part and trying to locate a dance studio on the upper east side we did a bit more walking than planned... a lot more. When I finally admitted to my daughter that I had no clue anymore where we were headed and that I thought I had memorized the studio's location and we had unnecessarily walked to Harlem and back, I expected her to say something like... "Dad, why didn't you just write down the directions?" But she didn't but what she did gave me a clue to perhaps why.

As we stood near Central Park she pointed to a building and said, "Look dad." As I panned across the green backdrop of the park back toward the wall of gray at first all I could see were the buildings but then I found it. Inscribed on one of the buildings was a familiar passage of scripture found in the old testament.

   

O people, the Lord has told you what is good and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

She said, "I think that's so cool... Come on dad let's walk."

So as we strolled through the park over to the Lincoln Center, on a beautiful afternoon, it dawned on me that my daughter was walking with me; listening, following, anticipating and completely trusting me to get her to our destination. This is generally not how I walk with God. I tend to wander. Mostly leaving God, not letting him know where I'm headed or intending to disclose a time of return, I just like to bolt! "See ya!" and off I go. I tried to imagine what it would be like if Aubrey just started running across the field and left the ol codger? Well that thought didn't last long because I know I can still out run her but God doesn't chase after me. What's up with that? Could it be that we are called to walk with God rather than to let God walk with us?

I realize for a church to take its people into the streets for a walk that is politically charged and for many, who will be there and benefit are of alternative lifestyle, there will be issues. People will want to take a stand and draw a line. And honestly, I'm alright with that. But as you take a stand, I'm going to take a walk. And our walk will be our stand... That as a church we walk with other fellow Christ followers and we walk with God, for mercy, to do what is right. We walk not for a cause, but for Christ. We walk not for a political statement but to state we are aware and that we care. We walk not for affiliation but for the afflicted. We walk because we walk. But before you do or before anyone should, you need to ask some questions; it's right to do so. But don't just ask what you're walking for, ask... Who are you walking with?

What You See Is What I Want

A couple of days ago I asked what interesting topic would you like for me to address here on this blog. Between this guy and this guy's responses I will now attempt to not so exhaustively if not obnoxiously address the issue of when enough is enough! Keeping in mind, there is a certain esprit de corps when blogging, it has the uncanny ability to make one bolder in opinion then they would be in person. Two thoughts as to why that is: First, Putting your thoughts out on a blog is empowering. You are stating, "Here's what I think and it matters." Of course you get feedback. Sometimes not so kind. Most of the time fairly benign and usually the agreement of like minded, colleagues and sometimes your mom or favorite aunt who really don't care what you have to say they just like the fact, that as an adult, they still have something to display on the proverbial refrigerator door. Second thought, is the blogger is safe. Sticks and stones will break bones, but the names you call be easily deleted on a moderated blog. I liken it to the angry driver. Take two people have them accidentally bump into each other on the sidewalk and they'll politely excuse themselves with a smile and a nod. But put them in cars on the adjacent street with one cutting the other off at the intersection and fingers fly and swearing erupts! So the blogger feels powerful and safe... this can be good, but like firearms, if misused carelessly or purposefully it can be harmful.

When I decide what I'm going to write about in a blog I take a few things into consideration. First, would I be able to defend this position/opinion in a verbal debate? Second, what is my source or basis for my position/opinion? Third, if I have only personal observations as a basis for a topic are those observations shared by many, a few or just me? Forth, will it inspire or provoke? And Fifth, are my opinions genuine or have they been "fancied up" to make my readers think something other than who I am and what I truly think?

Mind you not all posts require this kind of scrutiny. There's another purpose for blogging beside spouting platitudes and contriving original content. There's the personal, "get-to-know-me" side of blogging. Some fear this can be anti-productive and produce unwanted affects. Again, what you would reveal in your blog should be that which you would reveal in person. Character reveals the person at the keyboard. Who you are will come out and who you are will determine whether it's a good thing or not. I know there are those who will read my blog and wonder what kind of a pastor is he? He drinks wine, reads controversial books, supports liberal-social organizations and writes more about triathlon than church growth... and after all the stuff he's written about "church" I don't know what he believes the church is supposed to be. Although some would say this type of vulnerability could hurt my effectiveness  on the work front I would argue it has an equal if not greater affect with those who are looking for authenticity in a pastor.

So, on the issues of politics, religion, my personal life, how I manage a church, and my opinions on culture... What you see is what you get! Unfortunately, it may be like another car analogy... the one where people somehow think that picking their nose in a car is a private affair... People It's not! Just because you think you're alone and safe... We can see in your car.

Viewer discretion is advised.

Return Department

I am generally amused by the experience of returning merchandise to a store. Some stores want to know why the product is being brought back while others just have you sign for the return and hand back your money... or most recently a gift card. I'm not amused by that.

We used to do a sketch back in my ol' JP (Jeremiah People) days called the "Return Department" where a man walks up to the counter and tries to return his Christianity. This store clerk was interested in why the "customer" wanted to give back his faith. The reason... "It's just not cracked up to be what it promised to do." So, with that in mind I hear another old song my mother used to have playing around the house when I was growing up...

I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.
Along with the sunshine,
there's got to be a little rain sometime.

Far too often I see people walking up to the celestial return counter trying to exchange what they have for what they want. Got a difficult boss... "God, I want a new one!" Got a problem child... "God, I want a different one!" or "Can you just take this one back?" Got a lazy husband or inattentive wife? "God, don't look but I'm gonna just get me a new one that I can use instead." Ironically, I know some other folks who have cancer, lost a loved one and raising a down-syndrome child and these wouldn't trade in their faith for anything. If you were to ask, they would say... "Take anything else you see I have but don't take away the one thing that gives me hope."

We "customers," like the different types of stores, either don't ask questions and just hand it over or we try to find out what the problem is and fix it.

Time and time again, prior to the arrival of Jesus, the people of God experienced God's mercy and kindness but turn their backs on Him.

“I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’" Malachi 3:6-7

• When was the last time you thought "My faith's just not working?"
• When or did it ever start again?
• What was the problem or cause and how did it get better?
• Why doesn't obedience seem to "fit?"
• Did your faith have great appeal when you first got it? Did it lose it's shine over time?
• Why did Jesus say "Return to the works you did at first" in Rev.2:5?
• What aspects of your faith do you feel like returning? What would an Upgrade look like instead?

Time and time again since the days of Jesus, the people of God turn their backs on Him and go on selfish, personal pursuits of pleasure and power making our faith less desirable and unusable. Instead of turning away from God and returning what was given to us simply because it doesn't fit like it used to, we should be retuning for more! Walking by the "return counter" and right up to the shelves of new faith, refills of obedience and boxes of love, compassion and selfless service. These things never go out of style and are easy to check out, give away and return for more. There's a never ending supply; not only because the inventory is vast but there's usually someone standing at the return department wanting to turn theirs in.

Here's a Thought: You Do It!

Lately I've been noticing that if something needs to get done there are usually several people waiting... waiting for someone else to do something about it. Whether it's a piece of trash on the ground or a civic duty to fill; there are those who just calmly stare ahead and respond with, "It's not my job" and do nothing.

Now without getting into the specifics of gifts, talents and abilities we know many things are not suited for everyone. If you can't sing don't go out for American Idol. I don't care how goofy you look or how much you desire 15 minutes of fame. Spend your energy and resources doing something you can do. You will more than likely experience greater joy and fulfillment succeeding rather than failing... Just a thought.

But when it comes to the things we all can do; why aren't we? Why aren't we all trying to eat healthy, stay in shape and sleep regularly? Why shouldn't we take responsibility for our own health care and retirement? Why can't my neighbor mow his grass if the rest of us mow ours? Why? My guess, if I can be so politically incorrect, is some folks don't care what I think! They don't care their bad choices will, not might, but will indirectly affect me.

Entitlements: What are they really? Each and everyday I hear of someone's insistence of "You promised!" I wonder deep down why the promise got made in the first place? When we promise something we are doing so with a preeminent conviction, a purpose of good and not harm; we promise to fulfill with no intention to break our promise. Yet stuff happens. Most likely the result of an indirect affect of another unintentional lack of fulfillment. Or we just don't care anymore and we then justify reasons why we're in retreat. Entitlements are the result of promises made. I am convinced entitlements are bad... BAD, BAD, BAD. And promises; cheap. The promise to stay faithful to a spouse... cheap. The promise to work hard for your company... cheap. The promise to be there for a friend when needed... cheap. The promise to love God and serve Him for the rest of our lives... cheap.

Cheap promises produce bitter entitlements.

We have mistaken our responsibilities and relabeled our social compassion and acts of justice as someone else's job. We need to care for those who can not care for themselves and fight for those who are oppressed by power takers. We need to search outside ourselves for opportunities to receive and give when it is discovered and we need to stop thinking our rights will determine our action.

Jesus warned in Matthew 5 not to make vows, a binding contract, of which you swear by a higher name than yourself, for the only name greater than the creation is the creator. (Matt. 5:33-37). Yet God makes a promise to you and me that will never be broken. It is the only entitlement we can and should count on...

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. "Text edition"--Spine. (2nd ed.) (Heb 6:18). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

• Have you been disappointed in a broken promise? When was the last time it happened to you?
• Do you consider the "full" consequences of your promise before making it?
• Has anyone told you they were disappointed you broke your promise?
• What was your reason for breaking that promise? Was it right?
• What is the difference between God making an oath and us making one?
• Why did Jesus warn us in Matt. 5 about making vows? 
• When we come to faith in Christ are we making a promise?

Read Galatians 3:22 and discuss "freedom."

As I wrap this up... I'm sitting here in Panera Bread typing away. Someone just walked by the big over sized, comfy chair I'm sitting in and just looked at me as if to say, "You're sitting in my chair." then walked on. I have a choice, as does she; there are other chairs in this place to sit. Either I'm entitled to continue to sit here or she feels she is because it's most likely where she sits when she's here. No one made her a promise. But I'm about to leave. Here's a thought... I think I'll just offer her the chair.

Going the Other Way

Many people make important life decisions simply on the basis of doing things differently than their parents. Some think, "My parents were poor so I'm going to be rich!" or, "My folks were alcoholics so I'm never going to drink!" and "My mom and dad never paid any attention to me so I'm going to be involved in my children's life all the time!" Some of this is summarized as the "pendulum swing affect." In other words, going to extreme opposites to correct a wrong. In my mind this is never positive behavior because it is reactive rather than active. I tend to enjoy being in control of my life and any situation I find myself. Yes, some would call me a control freak but I don't always have to have things my way, I just want things to be rather in hand; another way of putting it is, I like things predictable.

I find it interesting we can form opinions and determine our daily course of action based on our comfort rather than staying on task to an overall plan. It isn't until we are faced with the wide disparity of how far we have come to where we hoped to be that we'll take drastic measures to get there. Don't believe me or wondering what I'm talking about... How are you doing on saving for your retirement? The problem is if we wait too long the consequences are too immense to remedy in short order. And there we sit, asking ourselves. "How did I let this happen?" More broadly, if we take this same manner of thinking and put it in view of our moral condition here in America we may find ourselves down the road and asking the same question... "How did we let this happen."

Much thought has been given and debate introduced to this topic. Looking back we see stifled and antiquated behaviors insisted upon younger generations and typically rebellion sets in. As these generations age up their children push back on established social and parental boundaries as well. Again and again this happens with the old looking at the young with disapproval but quietly admitting, "We used to be that way too." And the beat goes on.

Is this enlightenment or is it comfort? The Barna Research Group, recently released this article...
Young Adults and Liberals Struggle with Morality American society has become more intrigued by moral issues in recent years, as evidenced by the fact that 55% of adults discuss moral issues with others during a typical week. But a nationwide survey by The Barna Group indicates that Americans have also redefined what it means to do the right thing in their own lives... You can read the rest of the article HERE.

As Postmodernity prevails and truth becomes more relative we endanger the very fabric from which our country was woven. Freedom, is not the ability to do whatever one wants. Freedom is not having impositions towards one's life and livelihood. I should not assume, because I can drive your car, that I should take your car. If I do so against your will then I would, according to the law be stealing, and thereby not truly free to do whatever I want. But this rational is being introduced in our culture today because the law is in question. Who writes the law? Who enforces the law? Who is subject to the law? We are inventing exclusions daily.

If we go back in time, we'll find the first law is a moral law from which all other laws are adapted. Who says you can't legislate morality? Morality legislates! They are synonymous. Once we begin to justify our actions based on personal freedoms our feet step onto the slippery slope. But you may be thinking it's what everyone is doing and if I don't stand up for my freedoms who will? Well, as my momma used to say, "Just because someone else jumps off a cliff does that mean you should too?"

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. "Text edition"--Spine. (2nd ed.) (1 Co 10:23-24). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

• What moral or immoral things happening today bother you? Explain why.
• Do you have a right or a responsibility to express your concerns? Who would you tell?
• Do you feel embarrassed to discuss morality with others? Explain why.
• If morality is a "personal thing" when does it stop being so?
• When does morality become a weapon?
• Do we project negative outcomes regarding morality or is there evidence of moral decay... give some.

Look through Judges... notice Judges 2:6-10. How many times did this happen and what was the pattern?

When Jesus says we are salt and light in this world did he mean this to be a moral function? Matthew 5:13-16.

Just what are "Good deeds?"

As our parents did their best to raise us, albeit some of us came from different types of families, their intentions were to help us live a better life then they had... we too hope our children will have a better life then the ones we live. But when it comes to teaching them what is right and what is wrong, we may... I say, may have gone the other way.

What Changes Never Changes

Think about some of the things that change... the guards at Buckingham Palace, owners of NFL Football teams, air filters, street lights, the flavors at Baskin Robins oh... and my wife's shoes 10 minutes before walking out the door on a date. The old saying goes... If there's one thing that will never change is that things always change.

God doesn't change. It's one of His attributes; we say God is immutable. I like that about God. I was always reminded about this as a young Christ follower going to Foursquare churches where it was common to see this written on the wall above the alter...  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever Hebrews 13:8. On the other hand that ain't me. In fact, Senator, I know Jesus and you are no Jesus Christ! But I'm trying to be like him and because of that aim; I'm changing. Perhaps not as much or as soon as I would like but I am changing. I have to admit though, I am like most people, I don't like change. I prefer routine. I continue to use the same toothpaste and hair products I've used for 20 years and when I discovered my favorite deodorant was no longer being made I bought whatever I could find on the internet... Yep, Just ask Ellie whose Aunt lives in England and received shipment of those little boxes to save me international shipping charges.

So for people who don't like change what has the power to actually cause change to occur?

Some would say it's will power. Others might say they became "sick and tired of being sick and tired." But when I look at people who are really changing its because they have done three things! First, acknowledge they are dissatisfied with their current condition. Second, make a decision to do something about it. Third take action! This include anyone from those wanting to recover from addiction, those wanting to get in shape or people looking for a new job. But there is even a higher calling to change that goes beyond earthly endeavors and is a bit more elusive than those mentioned. This kind of change is an eternal endeavor and it to begins with a similar process. First acknowledge your current condition separate from God. Second, make a decision to change allegiance from self to Christ. Third, take action. But in this case what does that look like. When you're dieting action is clear... eat less, exercise more! When you're trying to be a disciple of Jesus what do you do? Well, you look for instructions and for us we find those in the Bible.

What I find really interesting here is the same words, written thousands of years ago to people who have been long forgotten is still changing people today. In other words, the Bible, the words inspired by a God that doesn't change are words that have themselves remained unchanged but yet produces great change!

Here is the unchanging nature of God's word to us... The grass withers and the flowers fade but the word of our God stands forever.Is 40:8

Here is the essence of God's word to us... Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Pr 30:5

And here is the power of God's word to us... For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Heb 4:12
Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. "Text edition"--Spine. (2nd ed.). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

We can ignore the word of God. It's not like some tractor beam that pulls us in against our will and straps us down for a lobotomy. But we're better off if we try it, apply it and do all we can not to deny it.

So if God's word stands forever and does not change then what does it change in us? We are given eternal salvation! ... For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

And if God's word is true and protects then how does that change us? We are made Holy... Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. John 17:17

And finally, if God's word is power and living how then does that change us? Because it convicts us and this change comes from the inside out... So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. "Text edition"--Spine. (2nd ed.) (James 1:21). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

Things to consider and discuss:

• Does God's word change me?
• How has it in the past? What is it doing right now?
• What am I doing about it?
• What does "Protection" look like when I'm submitted to God's word?
• How does that "save" me?
• What would I like to change about me today?
• What power do I have in my own human efforts to change?
• Is that power any different if I call it "God's power" (Holy Spirit) or read the Bible for help?

Finally, read and discuss James 1:22-25 and see how practical you can get. If you're discussing it in small groups, "GET REAL" and don't let anyone off the hook. We often get accustomed to what we see and justify. Other have the objectivity to be sensible yet don't want to make "waves." Give them permission.

Now if we only had the power of voice and heart of conviction like Jennifer Hudson (Holliday in the original... and much better might I ad!) in Dreamgirls to "Change."