a living hope

My every need is met, more than adequately.

I am blessed. I know this.

But with risk of sounding like a pharmaceutical ad, depression doesn't discriminate. Depression doesn't care that I have a wonderful marriage, loving parents, amazing friends, and a fulfilling career. Depression certainly doesn't mind how difficult it can make it for me to go out into the world with knots in my stomach, a buzzing of doubts and insecurities cluttering my thoughts, a numbing pain in my heart, and a stiff aching body. Depression couldn't care less about the people depending on me to show up to work each day, or those who've invited me to share life with them.

But thankfully, depression doesn't get to decide my fate. Even when I've lost all sight of light, there is a Living Hope.

Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do."

This verse has a special place in my heart. Its a reminder that, in those times of feeling worthless, I was created with a purpose to share the love of Jesus.

ποίημα is the word used in the original Greek text of this verse to signify a piece of workmanship, like a sculpture or a ballad. In fact, the pronunciation of this word, poiēma, is the root for the English word "poem."

As someone with a passion for songwriting, this concept really resonates in me. Each song I've ever written feels like a piece of who I am; they come from my heart. To think of myself in these terms, as someone the Creator of the universe so lovingly crafted Himself, is a powerful and moving thought. Thats why I had this Greek word tattooed on my wrist a few years ago. I was in a dark place at the time, and struggling to see any sign of hope. When the day came to get this tattoo, I faltered a bit. But within minutes of questioning if this was a sentiment I wanted branded onto my body forever, I received a text from a dear friend sharing this very same verse with me, "For we are God's handiwork..."

Recently, I've found myself in another valley. Depression has weaseled its way back into my life in a way I can't quite seem to shake this time. Months have passed in shadows, with the last couple weeks seeming to be the darkest I've met yet. Again, I know I'm blessed, but reminding myself of that somehow only leads to more shame and darkness. I worry the storm cloud over my head is beginning to wear upon those around me, and all those symptoms of the aforementioned pharmaceutical ad run rampant.

Fortunately, my focus was returned to this powerful verse, "For we are God's handiwork..." in the Orchard Community Church service this morning. I was reminded that I am made alive in God's mercy and grace, and that I've been given a life of purpose. These aren't things I'd forgotten; but a fire needing rekindled.

And although the waters may still remain rough for some time, I know I have a living hope.

Armies of Goliaths

We all know the story of David and Goliath; the ultimate tale of an underdog's success. The shepherd boy's triumph against the giant-sized warrior has even permeated the most secular corners of our culture.

Zero to hero.

One could even draw comparisons to the American dream.

But David wasn't pining away for his big break. His didn't put his nose to the grindstone to make a mark on the world. David didn't step up to the plate hoping to hit a homerun. In fact, I think he would've been just as happy making ends-meet herding sheep.

For forty days the Philistine and Israelite armies were at a standstill. Both set up camp on mountaintops, a valley between the two served as the battleground... that is, it would have, if the Israelites ever made a move. In their defense, the first army to enter the battlefield would have been at a serious disadvantage, losing altitude to their enemies. Not to mention, the Philistines had Goliath on their side.

Everyday, Goliath would step down into the valley, alone with his shield barrer, and challenge the Israelites. If any one soldier could kill him in combat, the Philistines would pull back, leaving Israel in peace. But thats not all the behemoth-of-a-man had to say. Goliath implemented a special war strategy used to attack the opposer's morale and judgement. In civilian terms: smack talk.

Lets take a moment and see the world through the Israelites' eyes. Look familiar? For me, its strikingly similar to circumstances I find myself in daily. Theres always something seemingly undefeatable thats obstructing the path God is pointing me down. And like the Israelites, I tend to freeze in fear. Negative thoughts, self-doubt, and outside discouragements start getting to me. Goliath's taunts begin echoing through my mind...

Being a true lover of God, David couldn't standby knowing the blaspheme coming out of Goliath's mouth. Not only did Goliath mock and defy God's army, he was doing so in the very land God declared as His' peoples'.

This week at The Branches, Paster Pink put an emphasis on a single verse that really struck a chord in me, "... David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:28

David didn't pray Goliath would just go away, or that he might somehow be able to avoid the battle. David ran to the battle line; David ran towards something I run away from. David knew, full heartedly, God was with him. His faith was strong. But David's bravery wasn't just an act of faith; it was a testimony of God's glory.

"Then David said to the Philistine, “... I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts... This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand... that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel." 1 Samuel 17:45-46

Is it possible for us, today, to have the same faith and determination David had the day he defeated Goliath? Is it possible that our doubts and fears are the battle tactics of our enemy? Can we hear these things as blaspheme and feel a righteous anger instead of discouragement? Can we prove to all nations God is alive? 

Goliath stands before us. Armies of Goliaths. But God stands behind us, and no weapon forged against Him shall remain (Isaiah 54:17). He gave us a spirit of power, not fear (2 Timothy 1:7), so lets run to the battle line and make His victory known!

See you on the other side? 

what (not) to wear

what NOT to wear

- the old self and it's early ways

"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you... put off the old self with its practices..." Col 3:5-9

what TO wear

- the new self in the image of God

"... put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator..." Col 3:10

you've GOT to share

- do everything for God's glory

"... do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus..." Col 3:17

Church notes 103011

Matthew 20:20-28

Two brothers send their mother to Jesus to seek a high position in his coming kingdom.

     - Jesus challenges them to consider what they're asking and to consider the suffering necessary as followers of Christ. "Can you drink from the cup I drink?" Etc.

Matt 20:26 "but whoever would be great among you must be your servant and whoever would be first among you must be your servant, even as the son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
   
   -servitude should be lived out, opposed to the worldly concept of greatness
   -humbleness, selflessness, operating not out of pride

- I must examine myself in comparison to Jesus, measuring pride vs. humility.

Humble people:
-fear the lord
-are Christ-like
-accept their place
-make good leaders
-consider others
-are quick to repent

By nature, we are not humble. Humbleness takes pursuit and is fruit of a relationship with God.

Pride and humbleness are easily confused and can look similar. If you're avoiding sharing gifts or leadership to avoid attention or to appear humble, you are focusing on others perception of you, which is PRIDE.

What can we do to become less egocentric and more others/God-centric? How do we become more considerate, loving others before ourselves?

What would happen if we no longer expected to be served, but lived to serve others and God?

     - To truly understand God is to accept we have nothing to offer him for our salvation. We make no contribution. Its an undeserved gift we must gratefully and humbly accept, without pride.

     -there is a joy in surrender to servitude and freedom of living a life without pride

Church notes 101711

Matthew 18:1-14

-Christianity is always one generation away from extinction.

The disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus stated it was the children, which was counter-cultural of the time.

Matthew 18:4, "Whoever humbles himself and becomes like this is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

-Children humble themselves and don't have shame of their reliance on adults.

     -This is the way we should be with God: completely dependent and unashamed.
     - Invite God into all areas of life, the way children invite others to share life with them.

- Children are most likely to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

- When you open your heart to a child you open your heart to Christ.
     - Make room in your heart for children and others and you make room in your heart for God.

- You're better off drowning yourself than leading a child or follower into sin. (Matt. 10:6)

Read the parable of the Shepard and the missing sheep (Matt. 18:12-14)
     - Notice the emphasis on 'little ones.' Reaching out to the lost means reaching out to children.

church notes: 100911

Matthew 17

Jesus appears in all his glory to Peter, James, and John. They saw Him as he appears in Heaven, his true form.

-Jesus was sinless because He always sought God's will. Our sin begins when we serve our own.

-Peter was overwhelmed with joy in the presence of the Lord.

-Pursuit of the Spirit of God is not an option as a Christian. His presence is our joy and His honor.
    -Develop a holy dissatisfaction with your spiritual. Desire more God in you always.
     -Develop a plan to grow towards God. Put forth effort to seek Him, thru study, meditation, etc.

2 Corinthians 3:18
Beholding the glory of God is transforming.

-Faith is not a one time event.

- Jesus pleases God as a reflection of himself. As we are transform to become more like christ, we become more pleasing to the Father.

-In His perfection and righteousness He loves us despite our imperfection and unrighteousness.
     -Our joy: His honor

What would it be like if we stepped into His presence completely, forgetting ourselves?

church notes 100211

Matthew 16

Is God a co-pilot in my life? Or is He the driver?

-SURRENDER

Matthew 16:24 "If anyone would come after Me let him deny himself..."

-Jesus often speaks of dying to ourselves. This is a false self He speaks of,  not our true selves He created us to be.

-Surrender is an internal and external process; lives change inside and out.

OUR OPTIONS
-live with a rebellious heart
-live with a divided heart
-live with a surrendered heart

Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me..."

What part of my heart have I cornered off for myself? Am I willing to surrender it to God?

Church notes 092511

Read Matthew 15:32-39

Believe: Do we really believe? Do we really believe the miracles of the bible? Or are they just fairy tales?

-he really healed the blind
-he really fed thousands
-he really brought dead the life
-he really rose from the grave

Having issues believing? Read the bible!  But first ask God to open your heart to his truths.

Remember: we often forget what God has done for us. We fail to remember our spiritual highs.

-read the bible about what God has done
-journal! Read back into what God has done in your own life to remember the blessings

Be renewed: continually allow God to renew you through and in your belief and remembrance.

There is no stopping what the Holy Spirit can do!