Whitewashed Tombs

One year ago I attended the funeral of my high school sweetheart whom I will cherish until I die. During the graveside service, I began to think about my parents who had died 13 ago, I wondered how long it took for our bodies to decompose.

I began researching what happens after we die, we don’t become angels. What I learned helps give a clear sight Christmas. I used to think insects ate us, but what actually causes our bodies to decompose is already inside us.

Our digestive system causes our bodies to decompose. We literally eat ourselves from the inside out. After we die our immune systems cease to function and lets our insides go. No matter how things look on the outside our ultimate end is within each one of us now, even if we’re washed by the water.

It’s like religion. We think it keeps our souls in check, but we’re dying on the inside. What’s on the outside is just for show. It kind of reminds me of the Christmas holiday traditions and temporary blessings people put their confidence in.

Sorry, but traditions are nothing more than religious checklists. Everyone looks busy and alive, but they really just dead men walking. This is what Jesus told the Pharisees to their faces (Matthew 23:27). The church is called to march to the beat of a different drum.

TOMBS?

I’d heard the Jewish burial tradition is a lengthy process. After one dies, the body is prepared for burial and then they are placed inside of sepulchers (tombs). Most family sepulchers were hollowed out caves near the family home or even a room added to the home.

Family members would wait a year and remove all of the bones and place them in a bone box where they could rest evermore (1 Kings 2:10). This allowed the tomb to be reused since we use permeant graves we can’t relate.

You may be wondering what this has to do with Jesus, Christmas and the birth of love. All of the prophecies about Jesus—Emmanuelle—God with us predicted He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), it’s Christmas Day.

Bethlehem was a shepherd’s town and stables were often made in caves. There are many claims that Jesus’ actual birthplace was in a cave where animals were housed. This makes sense because Israelites often used caves or sheep pens made of loose rock to protect the animals from would-be threats.

It would also help keep the animals warm on cool desert nights like in California. To make it more prophetic it was a borrowed cave. Another key fact about the messianic prophecy is that none of His bones would be broken; this would cause a discrepancy when the family collected the bones.

Lastly Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, which meant someone had to go back and get His bones; they didn’t know He was coming alive. So tombs were full of death and a sign of a family legacy or tradition. When Jesus compared the Pharisees to whitewashed tombs He was referring to tombs that have been cleaned up on the outside, yet were full of tradition and death on the inside.

One of my favorite childhood memories growing up was always having a white Christmas. There’s nothing like gathering around the Christmas tree with family while the ground is covered with snow to make it feel like it’s Christmas.

It made everything on the inside feel that much more cozy and welcome. After my father retired from the military and we moved to the Deep South, Christmas stopped feeling like Christmas for me. Because we rarely get any snow, especially on Christmas.

As I’ve grown up, I’ve realized Christmas is about more than just feelings and family traditions. Regardless of how we feel, Christmas is ultimately about the love that is on the inside.

SAY WHAT?

Recently some friends of mine at the gym posted a picture on Facebook of all of them praying in a circle before they had their workout, I don’t think they know what they’re doin’. Before you say amen, we need to understand Jesus spoke strongly against public prayers (Matthew 6:5-6). Remember the first Noel was in a cave, not some big grand entrance like an earthly king.

I find it ironic that for the last decade or so the American church has made a spectacle out of praying publicly when Jesus taught the first-century church to get in their prayer closets and not bang their drums to be seen (Matthew. 6:6).

The prayer God always hears isn’t necessary the loudest, but the sincerest; it’s not about getting our way or what we want. It’s not what we say in front of others that makes us Christians, it’s Who is on the inside of us regardless of what is happening around us, that is joy.

Since the turn of the millennia, the church has broadcast their deeds and prayers over every form of social media, the Pharisees were known for wearing ornate robes and religious paraphernalia.

The Pharisees were a separate society from other Jews; they never accepted Jesus as the Messiah as our savior, their religion made them nothing more than whitewashed tombs.

Goodness Gracious!

A year ago my favorite author released his newest book. When it released I was going through some hard times, I had been hurt by old friends. A relationship didn’t work out and I was at a breaking point. My hope is in the Lord and I had never felt closer to Him.

I didn’t feel like reading anything. Then God gave me an opportunity to go to a writer’s conference where I made new friends and, then I couldn’t wait to get behind a computer and check out what I learned.

For over a year, I didn’t remember my favorite author’s book. Mostly because I’d been busy reading one rock star YA writer’s books (which are romantic.)

Until I was asked by an agency to rewrite a screenplay I wrote years ago. Once I began the process of brainstorming new ideas, I realized how unqualified I am to take on such a huge project.

One particular day was pretty depressing and I was nauseous, the rewriting seemed impossible. It was an awakening to how helpless I am on my own.

I found myself curled up in a chair by a window where I left my favorite author’s book Grace > Greater. After being a Christian for over half of my life, I thought I understood grace.

Kyle Idleman explained grace in a way I never imagined. “Perhaps you’ve been in a place where you could not deny you didn't have what it takes... Because we're able to receive God's grace only to the extent we're able to recognize our need for it." Likewise, the Apostle Paul noted, we are strong when we’re weakest (2 Corinthians 12:9-11), that’s grace.

Grace?

Grace means the unmerited favor of God. Thus, grace is everything we are not, it won’t let you down. It has been the banner of the church for centuries.

• It is strength when we are weak.

• It forgives instead of burning bridges.

• It makes every hurt okay.

• It makes everything beautiful.

• Grace changes things.

It’s not just giving thanks for the food God has provided. One of the oldest Jewish traditions is the Siddur, a collection of prayers Jews offer to God. It means order; the hint of legalism is clear, pray to God this way.

After the destruction of the temple a familiar prayer was added to the collection, “Master of the world, it is not on the basis of our righteousness that we lay our requests before Your presence, but because of Your great mercies.”

It reflected a statement by Moses about God’s gracious ways after God came to the rescue while Israel was on the run (Exodus 34:6). Yes, grace is found throughout the Torah. Goodness gracious, the law the Pharisees had memorized, yet, quickly forgot as they rose to prominence.

When Jesus arrived, He showed them that they weren’t perfect. That is the purpose of the law—to show our need for God, His love, forgiveness, and power—everything we don’t have, but need.

After thousands of years of experiencing God’s grace, the Pharisees failed at giving it. Grace has a view like a panorama, it moves in circles, we receive grace and we must give grace (Matthew 18:21-35).

Jesus explained He came to save the lost and the sick (Matthew 9:11-13). Religious people don’t think they need grace and rarely give it to anybody. We all know deep down inside we really need grace.

Inside out?

I’m pretty sure the Pharisees knew in their hearts they needed grace, everybody hurts. Perhaps that’s why they were constantly trying to show off their good deeds (Matthew 23:1-6).

They failed to realize that grace isn’t about us; it is what God has done for us, again and again. One of my biggest concerns about the 21st-century church is we talk too much about who we are more than about God. God’s favor is based on God and not who you are. We are just counterfeits behind our white fences.

Last month I had the opportunity to go celebrate the release of a new devotional by the rock star writer I met last year. I enjoyed seeing her do the thing that God has gifted her with, she knows you love with your life.

Before I left she offered to help me with some of my own writing projects. I left thinking she is just as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. God’s not done with you just because things look good on the outside.

One morning I woke up worrying about a writing project and remembered I don’t need to know the how or when as long as I know the Who.

Sometimes we Christians get so concerned about who we think we are, we forget about who God is—just like the Pharisees—goodness gracious!

Woah!

Recently while walking home from church and was almost hit by a car pulling into a parking lot. Shocked I asked if the driver was going to just keep on and run me over as if I wasn’t breathing? Suddenly the vehicle stopped Gangham style and the driver approached me angrily as if it was none of my business.

After I explained what I said, they said they thought I said something else. For a moment the crazy situation became heated until I asked how they could hear anything while they were driving with all of the noise and I was outside walking.

Moments later they returned their vehicle and left. As I continued walking, I sensed anger growing within my heart. I became overcome with bitter thoughts about the situation. When I was almost home the bitterness turned into guilt and shame.

I knew my pride had puffed me up and perhaps my religion blinded me. I remembered the parable about the Good Samaritan. Luke explains the Pharisees and an expert in the law who was with them began to test Jesus.

They tried to test the Teacher on the law and Jesus asked them the same question about the law. The expert answered correctly, he had known the answer all along, he just didn’t know how to apply it. Jesus’ parable about a Samaritan woman teaches us who our neighbor is (Luke 10:25-37.) Basically, you need to find your love for others, because this is the proof of your love for God (John 13:34-35.)

Matthew and Mark also discussed how the Pharisees and the expert attempted to test Jesus about the matter. In Matthew’s version Jesus tests them about the Messiah and they fail the test. He then makes a declaration to the Jewish people against the Pharisees and their experts. Jesus pronounces a “woe” against them.

Woe?

This “woe” isn’t good expression as made famous by Bill and Ted. This woe is a harsh rebuke purposely used to call attention to an error in judgment or beliefs.

Pronouncing woes against people wasn’t a new concept in Jesus’ day, it had been going on forever. Throughout Jewish history God's prophets pronounced woes to His people in attempts to get them to return to Him.

It was God’s way of saying this is not My way, return to me. That was the main function of prophets for a thousand years, to correct His people (Isaiah 3:1, 5:20, 29:15 31:1, Micah 2:1.)

Interestingly, the name Israel actually means, “Wrestles with God.” Because God’s people have always wrestled with God’s ways and we still do.

When Jesus arrived He started using this language with His followers (Matthew 11:21-24,) yes, we see this in red letters. Jesus is calling His people to repent and leave their evil ways alone. It’s an opportunity to learn from our mistakes.

John tells us this correcting continues until the end of time. In his vision of Heaven, he sees the angel rebuking some of the churches. They are infamously known as the three woes of Revelation (Revelation 8:13, 9:1-2.)

Grace?

Some may wonder about grace. Grace for Christians is often misunderstood. Grace is a second chance to do what is right, just like it is to the lost; it is not permission to keep doing what is wrong. In a sense, a woe is grace.

Grace is another way God says return to Me. It is God’s plea with everyone. The only difference is we accept it—for the most part, we’re almost there. We accept the idea, but not the application, I love God and I want to live like I mean it.

Many Christians believe as long as they go to church every Sunday, say the right things and do the right things, they will go to Heaven when the end comes.

Jesus told His followers not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter Heaven (Matthew 7:21.) Even Moses wasn’t allowed to enter the promised land. Thus, it is possible to live our entire lives and never understand grace. The scariest part is what if our friends, family or even we spend forever in hell, whoa!

Work It!

My favorite childhood memories are when my family lived in Italy while my father served in the Army. I’ll never forget the vacations we took.

I still have the heirlooms we bought in Italy. Sometimes I’ll lie on my sofa and watch the Italian rain lamp as I listen to my antique grandfather clock chime.

I’m transported back to Italy when I was younger and its good 2 be back, I was happiest in Rome. We visited all of the tourist spots; I’ll never forget walking into the Sistine Chapel for the first time. It was hard not to run into other tourists as I stared at the paintings.

Looking up at the ceiling I wished I could touch heaven like the angels floating on the ceiling. The scaffolding being used to restore some of the paintings was a temptation to climb.

I thought just maybe I could make it to heaven if I climbed high enough. Now, it’s funny to think about how the early church had a misconception of Heaven. The saints simply float around on clouds while God judged people below.


The emphasis was more on the saints and angels than God and His guiding light. It’s a dichotomy in this mythical version of heaven. Michelangelo’s Heaven on the ceiling is a masterpiece, but it’s twisted; much like the beliefs of the early church and unfortunately, the 21st-century church, let’s look at a few before the show’s over.

•Location

•Family

•Work

The idea work is part of the Curse because of the fall of man is ridiculous. God created Adam and Eve and placed them in a perfect garden and told them to work it, all before they sinned (Genesis 2:15.)

Work It?

Work is an activity involving effort done in order to achieve a purpose, mental or physical activity as a means of earning income; employment.

God gives man something to do like a good, good Father gives a child chores to do, to help them grow and give them a purpose, we are born this way, God made man in His image (Genesis 1:27.)

God is still working (John 5:17.) God is working even when we don’t see it: in nature, in heaven and within us. Work isn’t bad; it only became difficult because of the fall, it was never meant to be like that.

When paradise was lost in the garden, work became toilsome; the gift was tainted with sin. In Heaven, Paradise will be redeemed and labor will be restored, we’ll have no limitations.

After my accident, I was in the hospital and taking rehab for almost a year and missing work. During that time I was unable to work and realized what a gift work really is, it’s more than just earning a paycheck, that’s a misconception.

Rick Warren says, “Work is necessary to provide for our needs.” Work gives us purpose. Christians are to work for the Lord. Warren continues, “If you are alive, there’s a purpose for your life.” This life is preparation for eternal life with God. Believers are called to serve God now in many ways.

1.Loving others (Luke 6:32-42.)

2.Caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27.)

3.Welcoming the least of these (Matthew 25:40.)

4.Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God (Colossians 3:17.)

Religious people look down on others who work harder, religious people work hard to serve themselves rather than God. Jesus confronted the Pharisees about being lazy (Matthew 23:4.)

Ironically, Jewish writings are full of teachings about serving God and warnings against being lazy (Proverbs 10:4-11, Ecclesiastes 10:18.) Don’t forget, laziness is considered one of the seven deadly sins (Proverbs 17:24,) time for an S.O.S.

Wicked?
If you’ve read my blog, you’re aware I am a gym rat. The truth is I don’t always want to work out, most days I don’t feel like it. If we only worked out when we felt like it, we would spend most of our time at home doing nothing like the broken vessels we are. Can I get an amen?

The church isn’t called to feelings, but to action. In one of Jesus’ parables, He tells about a servant who buried the Master’s talent, Jesus called the servant a sloth and wicked (Matthew 25:14-30.)

The message to the church is obvious, while we wait for Jesus’ return; we need to get busy with what He created us to do (Ephesians 2:1.) If we are standing on the promises of God, we will prepare for His perfect plan and work for us on the new earth, that’s the bigger picture.

Yes, our family is coming home to where we’ll be together again, but we will be happier because we are reunited with God and together we will work it out (Revelation 20:6.)

Kingdoms?

Recently one of my favorite Christian authors posted a question on Instagram that got me thinking about my faith. She asked, “What’s the purpose of pursuing a daily relationship with Christ?”

My first response was, serve Him with my talents; I want to light up my world for God. Later, I remembered the difference between religion and a relationship. Religion says do this and God will love you. A relationship says I do this because I love you, not because I don’t want to lose my soul.

Religious people do things to get something from God. Christianity says, serve God, and love with your life. We do what we do out of love for God, not the world. I am called to fix my eyes on things above—the real kingdom of heaven, not below.

The Pharisees thought the Messiah would establish His kingdom here; they misinterpreted the enthronement Psalms (Psalm 47, 93, 96, 97, 98, and 99) as an kingdom on earth.

However, we serve an awesome God and in the New Testament the Messiah clarifies this world is a fallen kingdom with a fallen king (John 18:36.) His disciples understood this world is fading away and God is building a bigger kingdom.

KINGDOMS?

It’s interesting how the dictionary defines kingdom:

• The eternal kingship of God.

• The realm in which God’s will is fulfilled.

• An area in which one holds a dominant position.

Earth isn’t permanent and although God is sovereign, most people don’t acknowledge Him as Lord. Thus, it can’t be the fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven; I don’t care what John Lennon or Mercy Me sing, we can’t imagine what the Kingdom of Heaven will be like (1 Corinthians 2:9.)

Jesus tried to explain what the kingdom of heaven is like and it isn’t what we expect. He talked about a man who sold all of his earthly possessions to buy a field with a hidden treasure, because the kingdom of heaven is priceless (Matthew 13:44.) The idea is nothing on earth can compare to the riches of Heaven. The only way for a believer to live their best life now is to die and go to Heaven.

Last month a group of young soccer players became trapped in a cave, it seemed the whole world came together to rescue them. There was a universal love of man. The disciple John had a vision of every nation coming together and worshiping God in Heaven (Revelation 7:9.)

In another story Jesus tells His followers unless they become like children, they can’t enter the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:3.) Matthew Henry explains, “Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents.”

If you’ve read the book of Revelation, you know it’s a story of two kingdoms–the kingdom of heaven replacing the kingdom of earth—the eternal replacing the temporary (Rev. 21:1-4.) This world is going to end, God will burn it down. This is why Jesus told His followers to concentrate on things above, not Houses and cars (Matthew 6:33.)

Georgia pastor Bill Purvis stated, “This world is the closest to heaven the lost will ever get; it’s the closest to hell, Christians were ever get.” Religious people want their heaven now, they teach the lie that God always says yes; Christians know heaven is coming with Jesus.

One day paradise will be restored and God’s people will live with Him in the kingdom of heaven forever. Jesus explained He is preparing a better, eternal home (John 14:2.)

The Greek word used for mansion in the New Testament is Mone and it doesn’t just mean a mansion with extravagant architecture, it means an abode and abide with.

The idea is to be with God in heaven, it’s when believers start living. If the church seeks material blessings, we are not doing kingdom work, our religion is simply chaining us to the world that our King died to break every chain from.

KINGDOM WORK?

We are called the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13), which brings me back to the question by the Rock star writer earlier.

A. W. Tozer noted, “Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice.” Lord, forgive us for our religion. Jesus said we’re known by our love for one another (John 13:35.)

History teaches it’s possible to think we are doing things for God and be pursuing our own desires. The Pharisees (God’s people) stoned a first century deacon to death, of course in the name of God (Acts 7:54-60.)

The holy crusades were a pursuit of religious power in the holy land. They glorified self, not God, they pursued the wrong kingdoms.

Free At Last!

Summer has arrived and students are enjoying their summer break. They are free to run wild the next 2 to 3 months doing whatever they want. Okay, maybe not completely; most people view the summer as a time to take it easy.

They can be carefree with no rules or struggles. People take advantage of the longer days to let go and enjoy everything, we gotta live.

Workforce production declines during the summer. It’s a Catch-22, we work to live or live to work. I’m an outdoor person and I’m outside year-round enjoying God’s creation.

The warmer months are my favorite time of year, although I hate the humid air in the South, I enjoy the warmth of the sun on my skin and you can't stop me from hitting the highway. Doesn’t our faith say nothing is impossible (Philippians 4:13?) Lord, You are for me, don’t let me fall.

I hate to let you down, we are not free to do whatever we want; we can’t go on sinning, there are 2 sides of the game (Gal. 5:13.)

John talks about how the Pharisees treated God’s people, Jesus pointed out the Pharisees did the works of their father, not God (John 8:39;) being God’s people doesn’t mean we have the freedom to do whatever we want because our identity makes us a lil’ holy.

FREEDOM?

Freedom is the power or right to act, speak or think without restraint. It’s why the puritans left England. Then there was another Catch-22, rules and laws were needed to keep order, even freedom needs boundaries. Problem is some people get carried away with rules.

That is what happened with the Pharisees before Jesus arrived and proved they were frauds. They created 613 laws, 365 negative commands and about 250 positive laws.

While their intention was good, it eventually became an unbearable yoke the Pharisees themselves couldn’t bear (Matthew 23:3-4.) Below are some of my favorites from the Mishnah regarding the Sabbath:

• Adding fresh water to a vase of cut flowers (sowing–any activity that causes or furthers plant growth.)

• Cutting hair or nails (shearing sheep-removing outer covering of a human or animal.)

• Rubbing soap to make lather, applying face cream, polishing shoes, using scouring powder for utensils or other surfaces (scraping-smoothing the surface of any material by grinding, rubbing, or polishing.)

The latter two make me laugh because they negate the southern tradition where I live of looking godly, which Jesus also spoke against (Matthew 23:26.) When faith becomes a tradition, it is religion at its worst; there’s no need to walk it out.

In the community I live in, it’s a sin if you’re not at church every time the door is open, if you don’t wear the right clothes to church or if you watch any networks other than Fox and the Hallmark Channel.

The Bible speaks against the traditions of men (Matthew 15:9, Colossians 2:8.) The irony is Jesus and God’s law frees us, our traditions and religion are like chains holding us back. None of us are worthy no matter how much holy water we drink.

SHACKLES?

No wonder the world is against the church. The hypocrisy is obvious (Ephesians 2:1-7.) Religious people set the bar too high for the lost and lower it for church members. Regardless, you can’t do what you want (Romans 7:15,) focus your ways on the kingdom of heaven.

When the church teaches it’s okay for Christians to love the same junk the world does—it keeps the church in bondage to this world—all the while making it impossible for the lost to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 23:13.)

I believe Christians aren’t better than the world, just better off when it ends; we are living for the other side, this world is broken. That’s why all creation longs for Christ’s return (Romans 8:22-24.) It’s why I just want to run away home, where I’ll be free at last!

Pruned!

Last month I was restless and decided to go for a late night drive to clear my head. As drove home, the disappointment began to leave my eyes as I cried out, “I need you now more than ever."

I talked with God about all the sacrifices I’ve made. I told Him I had believed this year would be a year of change and now I don’t think I could bear one more day of it, something’s gotta give.

I asked what I was being punished for, had I become too proud. I took the long way home and there was clarity. I remembered what I learned as a child in church. Discipline isn’t always punishment, but its love. It’s how our fathers show love (Hebrews 12:10-11.)

Correction isn’t always pleasant, but it always has a purpose (Proverbs 10:17.) The A-ha moment continued as I remembered what Jesus said about pruning (John 15:1-2.)

Pruning?

Jesus’ first audiences were familiar with agriculture. When they heard Jesus talk about pruning, they understood it was a good thing; we let it bring us down like gravity. God is interested in the details of our lives.

God has a way of using pain to get our attention. When our hearts are hard as titanium, He uses suffering to shape us (Romans 8:28.)

Webster’s defines pruning as, “To trim by cutting away dead or overgrown branches, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth; to reduce the extent of something by removing excess growth.”

The implication is obvious; God (the gardener) takes away anything that impedes growth. It may not be pleasant, but God will strip us of anything that isn’t bearing fruit for His glory, not ours. Let’s be honest, it hurts.

This suffering seems pointless. Jesus makes it clear in His sermons; His followers will suffer in this mad world. Unfortunately, this doctrine of suffering was rejected by the Pharisees.

Not much has changed in the 21st-century church with their personal Jesus. The least of these are looked down upon.

John tells a story about Jesus meeting a blind man outside of the temple. His disciples wanted to know who sinned to cause him to be blind (John 8:59-9:2.)

Jesus’ reply is that God is glorified by this man born without eyesight. Religious people believe suffering is a result of something someone has done or hasn’t done, they are nearsighted. They think their position makes them better than everyone, they forget Jesus promises us, the children of the living light, we will suffer (John 16:33.)

Timothy Keller said it best, “The irreligious person knows she is far away from God, but the religious person often does not.” And that is why we need to be pruned. Jesus came to set us free from the things that have captured us (John 8:36.) Pharisees want to make this world Heaven, when Jesus came to set us free from it.

Set free?

God has always used trials, pain and suffering to draw His people back to Himself whenever they would fall away. That’s why they were constantly attacked in the Old Testament and even forced into exile numerous times. Remember the book of Lamentations? Psalm 22 is a hymn of the future suffering savior.

He would set them free from whatever was hindering them (Hebrews 12:1.) This has been God’s M.O. since Adam and Eve fell in the original garden. This is why He had to set boundaries (Genesis 3:24.)

This world will break us and leave us disappointed. But, we can say the joy of the Lord is our strength, even when being pruned (Psalm 28:7.)

Bloom!

If you live in the southeastern United States, you know how bipolar the weather can be this time of year; it can make you throw your hands up. Recently, after two days of rain, I ventured out to my garden to check on my flowers.

I was excited to see my yellow and purple irises were beginning to bloom. Except for one blossom half open. I tried to lift open the petals for a picture.

Before my fingertips touched the petal I sensed God telling me to wait. Although it is the right season for them to bloom, that particular blossom was not ready to bloom.

As I thought about what God was saying in those moments, tears began to overtake me. Some were happy tears and some sad. I realized like the flower, I am ready to bloom for God’s glory—and likewise—I’m not strong enough to bloom. Everything is perfect in God’s timing (Ecc. 3:11.) I hate it, but I have to wait on God before I can bloom too.

BLOOM?

Most people like when spring flowers bloom, it signals a change in seasons. People don't realize how much is happening in seasons we don’t see any progress. A flower’s life doesn’t begin when we see the pretty blossoms; its beast mode is unseen. It actually begins with the death of a seedling that was planted at some point: months, years and sometimes decades before.

The germination begins with a small seed being planted in the ground. The timeline from seed to plant varies depending on the weather and how much moisture the seed absorbs.

As a nature freak I appreciate all the Bible has to say about nature. Jesus, Who was in the first garden used nature analogies to teach stories to His disciples; the most famous being that of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20.) Faith is seeing things, but not through your eyes.

Most people think this analogy focuses on the size of a mustard seed. But, if you study botany you’ll understand a deeper meaning. Not only do mustard seeds take root fast and grow quickly, they have a way of choking out weeds and other plants.

This trait leans towards another story Jesus told about plants (Matthew 13:31-32). The weeds in the story are the Pharisees who weren’t sold out for God, just His power. They are scattered in with the good crop. Pharisees show off their works.

Jesus told His followers to say their prayers and do their works in secret (Matthew 6:1-4). I’ve never trusted Christians who put their works on display. Of course they waive their Bible in the air. They remind me of these always positive fanatics who don’t believe in the struggle of life. They only want to be somebody great.

THE STRUGGLE?

For those who feel trapped or lost in the moment. What Pharisees fail to realize is struggles, storms and the flames of life aren’t meant to kill us, but to build us up (1 Peter 4:12-13.) Just like pressure makes diamonds, the pressure of the ground helps break down seeds to let the beautiful flower inside break free and stand strong. Like Steve Austin, the bionic man, we have to lose something before we can gain something better.



The 21st century church needs to stop focusing on the blessing and remember our journey is the evidence of faith. If you are not dead yet be brave and glow-in-the-dark. Christian author Mike Foster said it best, “They thought they could bury us, but they didn’t realize we were just seeds.” So when it’s time, just bloom!

Storms!

Recently, I talked with an acquaintance about things I’ve been struggling with. I shared with her a passage about depression from a book I was reading. Her response reminded me of the religious advice I received when I first became disabled twenty-one years ago.

“Just pray and believe, you can overcome anything; you can do anything and there is nothing to fear." In the movie Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller shared, “The church believes because God is on your side, you can do what you want.” Religious people are too strong for God.

The New and Old Testaments are full of stories about God humbling His people through suffering (Psalm 34:19, Isaiah 43:2, Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 4:12-19.) Jesus told His disciples they would face many trials in this world.

Jesus Himself suffered as foretold through prophecy (Psalm 22:1-32). Matthew explains Jesus’ struggle in the garden, He endured the cross to win sweet victory (Matthew 26:42).

Twenty chapters before, Jesus calmed the storm He was in with His disciples without even a splash (Matthew 8:23-27). As sure as hurricanes hit Havannah, the rain will come.

STORMS?

Sometimes, when it rains it pours and we can hardly breathe. Each of us will face storms in our lives; there are hills and valleys in life. It can be physical, financial, emotional and even spiritual. I’ve heard the closer we get to God, the more the devil comes after us. Especially if we shout it out—God—I was made for loving you.

This happened when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Satan offered Jesus an opportunity not to suffer (Matthew 4:1-11.) But, Jesus knew the good that would come from His suffering.

Even strong leaders in the faith face storms, author Randy Alcorn blogged about his experiences with depression a couple of years ago. In his post he cited Charles Spurgeon’s battle with depression. Most just don’t talk about it.

The first century church grew because of persecution coming from the religious leaders of Judaism. The Pharisees believed they were great because they were the people of God.

If you think you’re special and protected from hardship because you belong to God, you’re a religious Pharisee—instead of a humble servant of God.

Jesus told stories about the pride of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:2-6, Mark 12:38. Luke 20:46); He made it clear their greatness was at war with the kingdom of God.

I recently wrote an article about writing with a disability and how God uses our weaknesses to do His will; God is glorified in our weakness!

GROW?

I’ve heard what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger, trials help us grow; God is making a masterpiece (Eph. 2:10-20). Jesus faced the cross because He knew ressurection Sunday was coming, keep holdin’ on. Pain from spiritual growth can be out of this world.

Things we view as bad or hurtful cause us to turn to God. The Bible tells a story about one of Jesus’ friends dying, only so Jesus could raise him from the dead. Lazarus literally means God is my help.

It’s imperative we remember this truth as we face hardship in life like the first century church. There are times you will suffer and so will I. My mother used to say, “April showers bring May flowers.”

Y.A. author Tessa Hall wrote in her book Unwritten Melody, “The depression, despair, even death itself—can be transformed into something beautiful.”

Lately, it seems like I’m drowning in a flood of suffering: physical, financial, emotional and spiritual disappointments. Thankfully, we serve a God who can levitate and walk on water (Matthew 14:22-23), even in storms!

Versus Us!

Last month there was a tragic shooting in another school, it was like Deja vu. Fourteen people were wounded and seventeen others were killed.

Within hours chaplains from the Billy Graham evangelistic Association arrived to aid victims of the nightmare. It was the fifth time this year that the rapid response team has been deployed to a crisis.

Ironically, most people believe the church and God are against the world, judgmental conservatives of an age gone by. The truth is the world has always been against God and the saints, some days it’s a fight just to smile.

We see this in the Old Testament, especially when Israel’s exile in Egypt. God’s people were surrounded and wanted to settle there, God sent His prophets to remind them Egypt wasn’t their home and was against them; God was their true shelter (Psalm 18:2). God is who we run to in times of trouble (Psalm 18:10) was the war cry of many believers and then came the Pharisees versus the first century church.

VERSUS?

The dictionary defines versus as, “Against, as compared to or as one of two choices; in contrast to.” For hundreds of years the Jewish were taught the prophecies by the Pharisees. The prophecies like scripture are true; but the Pharisees’ interpretations of them were flawed by sin.

The Jewish believed the Messiah would conquer the world and they would reign. They believed this world would be the Hereafter. Pharisees always want to be in control. They want to be great and powerful here, these are the things the Christ stood against, just sayin’. God doesn’t show favor (Romans 2:11); life doesn’t get easier because we speak the name of Jesus.

Jesus came to show us a better way; it was a revolution, when love came down. But this wrecked their plans to rule the world and money up. Jesus instructed His disciples not use their authority like the rulers of the world (Matthew 20:26). It’s a misconception to think the church gets the best of this world.

He declared His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Later the apostle Paul told the first century church not to conform (Romans 12:2). Each day that passes it becomes obvious that the world is too dangerous to be our final home. As long as we’re on earth we are taking a walk on the wild side—we're outsiders.

When Christ reigns, He will rip it up and start over. Because this world is against us and while we’re here, the church will face many trials. Perhaps this is why Jesus said the road to Heaven is narrow and the road to ruin his wide (Matthew 7: 13).

TRIALS?

Jesus promised in this world we would face many trials (John 16:33). The enemy walks around like a roaring lion and the roar is getting louder (1 Peter 5:8). But, the saints have nothing to fear. We are never alone, love is on our side; He is where we find our Joy for eternity, not just a billion years.

Billy Graham once said, “The Bible says that as long as we are here on earth, we are strangers in a foreign land. There are enemies to be conquered before we return home. This world is not our home; our citizenship is in heaven.” There the saints will experience the glory of the Lord as one body, one spirit.

Sadly, Mr. Graham passed away before I finished this blog. The Old Testament has a lot say about suffering (Deuteronomy 28, Isaiah 53), because in this life it’s the world versus us.

Committed?

This Christmas a friend died from cancer, I was shocked because I had recently seen her at the gym. On Thanksgiving Day she learned her husband had an affair. She was so distracted by her husband’s betrayal she didn’t realize her body was tearing itself apart, her heart wasn’t the only thing broken.

I can’t imagine her pain. Two decades of hearing I love you every day, only to realize it was a lie. Her husband forgot his vow…the promise to be faithful he made with his mouth, but his actions proved otherwise.

For most of their marriage he was faithful, but the sinful desire was there in the beginning. Sin isn’t always black-and-white.

Same with the Pharisees; at first their cause was God honoring, educate Jews in His word (Deuteronomy 6:6.) Eventually, their passion became prideful and soured their love of God.

Their version of the Messiah reflected what they believed about God: do this and God will make you great, don’t do this or God will punish you—religion to its core.

Not much different from what the 21st century church, the God squad today. Pray this and God will give you the desires of your heart, don’t do this and God will bless you; we are made for greatness.

Dream theology comes from the heart of sinful man, not a righteous God! It doesn’t glorify God, but man; all in the name of God. An old T-shirt says Christianity is a reletionship, not a religion.

It is a result of the perfect love of God in our Divine romance. Relationships require commitment and religion doesn’t. Religious people are too busy for God, they lack commitment.

COMMITMENT?

As a single guy, I place a lot of worth into commitment. It means more than just an agreement. Love is not what I say, but what I do. If I don’t act like I’m in love, I’m a hypocrite.

Commitment is a pledge to do something in the future, an act of committing to a charge. It is the noun form of commit, a verb implying continual action. Not a simple thought. No wonder so many people are afraid of it.

Last year at a writer’s conference I met a young millennial who shared how she and her generation were terrified of commitment. She said the thought of giving up everything for it scared her.

I’m not picking on millennials; God’s people have always had a problem committing to Him, we are not worthy of His wreckless love.

• Adam and Eve wanted more than just their creator.

• As Israel grew, they looked at the world around them and wanted more.

• Their love for God decreased as their love for what they saw increased.

• Time and again God rescued them from their pursuit of greatness.

• Then came the religious Pharisees teaching greatness again!

Over 2000 years later the modern church is continuing the same pattern. We turn away from God for various reasons: a lost dream, lack of patience, and most common, a lack of commitment. Although we say, I just need you Lord.

We can try and cover it up with light work: we talk the talk, put on our Pharisaical robes to look godly and believe if we never give up on what we want, God will bless us.

Despite what many false teachers and well-meaning pastors teach, God is more concerned about giving us new hearts (for Him) than our selfish desires. Just like in the first century church, there are wolves deceiving many believers who think they are committed to God (Matthew 7:15, 10, 16).

WOLVES?

Wolves aren’t the most loving creatures. They are notorious for killing their own; they’re their own priority. It’s where we get the saying, “it’s a dog eat dog world.”

They do so for one of two reasons, they’re hungry or they are trying to become the top dog (wolf). They are fierce hunters and legendary enemies of sheep.

Pharisees put the spotlight on themselves (Romans 16:17-20). It’s no coincidence that throughout the Bible we see this wolf/sheep analogy. It contains warnings about wolves infiltrating the flock of God (Jeremiah 23:2, Ezekiel 34:2-3, John 10:12, Acts 10:29), the saints are in this together with wolves.

Jesus called the Pharisees wolves, because He knew they were fakes and told them their hearts were hard when they tested Jesus on divorce (Matthew 19:8). They loved no one, but themselves.

The A team of the Pharisees applied the law to everything; Jesus applied unconditional love to everything. The Pharisees’ passion for God turned them against Him and His people. Selfishness turns passion into pride. C.S. Lewis wrote in his classic The Great Divorce “No people find each other more absurd than lovers.” If we only love when it’s wonderful, then we were never truly committed.

21st Century Pharisees!

Recently, I received a rejection from a Christian literary agency I have been communicating with. While disappointed, I was more discouraged by their reason.

“I am not well-known enough;” I’m not great enough for publishers to publish me. They want somebody famous. I was reminded even Christian publishing is a “business.” Truth is money has become more important than the message.

The Pharisee turned Apostle, Paul, wrote you are saved from conformity (Romans 2:29). The gospel is showing others the love of God, not money or our dreams... or anything this world has to offer.

Jesus helps free us from the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). I am called to fix my eyes on things above. Christianity is saying goodbye to the cares of this world (Matthew 6:24, James 4:4).
The world is focused on temporary things, it has a self-centered mindset, they want to hit the lotto.

Christianity was never meant to be a popularity contest. It’s a life-changing, soul saving, world changing phenomenon.

Christianity shows there’s true power in humility, in serving the greater cause. The church was never meant to be a business. It’s the family of God, a body working together to fulfill His purpose. Not much has changed in the 2000 years since God came back to earth to show us the way up.

Two Millennia?

When Jesus arrived 2000 years ago, the religious leaders of God’s people were divided: the Sadducees and Pharisees, the primary difference between the two was the Pharisees believed in an oral law in addition to the perfect written law.

The Pharisees were the good guys at first; they challenged the conservative legalism of their co-parts. As the Pharisees increased in their expertise of the law, they established schools to teach others their interpretations of the law, these synagogues became places of education and a place to show off what they knew.

The brighter the students, the further they advanced in their training with the Pharisees. The Pharisees developed a dress code of sorts to display their expertise. Their elaborate clothing made them easily identifiable from the common Jew. It’s easy to see how their pride blinded them.

They taught earthly greatness. Even their interpretation of the Messiah was misconstrued. No wonder they were in opposition to Jesus, despite the miracles He performed. He challenged their vision of greatness.

Once, when Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem, He overturned the tables of the money changers who set up businesses selling sacrifices and exchanging currency for a fee. He accused them of turning God’s house into a den of thieves (Matthew 21:12). This happened not long after Jesus had warned His followers about the yeast of the Pharisees (Matthew 16:6).

Yeast makes bread rise, I t makes bread look bigger than it really is. The Jews would understand this because bread without yeast was used in the very first Passover. Jesus taught less is greater in God’s kingdom. No matter how great we think we are, we need grace.

Contrary to this, both the world and the modern church teach more is better and God wants to bless you; get rich or die talking about it, do life big. Like the Pharisees we’ve mastered the art of looking godly and living worldly.

PHONIES?

Religious people are more worried about looking godly, than living godly. They forget God knows their hearts better than they do, He sees through their light show.

God has never tolerated phony devotion or superficial love (Isaiah 29:1; 13, Matthew 15:8-9). The late nonconformist minister Matthew Henry states, “To worship God, is to approach him. And if the heart be full of his love and fear, out of the abundance of it the mouth will speak; but there are many whose religion is lip-labor only. When they pretend to be speaking to God, they are thinking of a thousand foolish things.”

We are only night lights when we wave the Bible in the air instead of living it. You can’t write your story if God is the author.

When I was little my mother used to say, “God knows your heart.” Now that I’m older those words scare me, because I know how wicked my heart is. Our love for God is fictional, if our lives don’t illustrate the words we speak. Let it be love for others that motivates us not money or greatness. God wants to transform our hearts and let His love fall afresh on the Earth.

Last month we celebrated God’s return to the earth on that oh holy night. But, if we’re not careful we’ll miss the message God was showing us in the baby Jesus—He is with us. Humility is the humanizing trait of God, not strength and power. If we miss this, we are just 21st century Pharisees.