BaringRoots

This week…Utterly Dependent

BMacco — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:50:46 +0000

I have been re-reading Deuteronomy for the last week or so. There is much to take note of throughout these chapters, but what I’ve been struck with most is our utter dependence on God. In Deuteronomy 6 God warns His people through Moses when houses are richly stocked, when one gets water from wells one has not dug or food from land one did not work “be careful not to forget the Lord” because He gave this all to you. It’s easy to forget our dependence on God when nearly everything is just “magically” provided for us.

In chapter 8 we are encouraged again to “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful…” (Deut. 8:18) Nothing we do is done by us. Everything we have is given. (James 1:17) Moses and the Israelites receive a pep talk in chapter 9 about conquering the Anakites (huge, intimidating, strong people) and they are warned about pride when they beat them. “It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land….You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not – you are a stubborn people.” (Deut. 9:5,6)

This week I am reminded that God is sovereign over all things. The fact that I have food to eat, clothes to wear, a home as shelter, a job for steady income and land to occupy is not because I worked for it, brought success or am good enough to deserve it. Everything I have comes from God. I am careful not to forget, careful to remember how utterly dependent I am on my Creator.

Meditate with Mandalas

BMacco — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:12:56 +0000

Mandalas are mostly used in the Hindu and Buddhist religions, but I find them to be helpful for Christians as well. The detailed circular images are used to focus oneself and aid in the art of meditation. I encourage you to print off some of your favorite mandala patterns and color them in. Focus on your breathing, relax your body and enjoy the symmetry and repetition. I often use the colors I choose to usher me into the presence of God. Yellow reminding me of the hope He gives. Green representing my growth and life in Him. When I color with purple of think of the robe Jesus will be wearing when He comes again. Allow the Spirit to lead your thoughts and hand.

Take 10 minutes a day for the next 7 days and use mandalas to help you meditate on God. May you learn the Creator’s beauty and creativity in the simple shapes and colors you encounter.

Church Elders

BMacco — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:42:48 +0000

Speaking only from my experience in the evangelical churches I grew and served in I share with you the role of elders within a church body. As a child you see quiet men with stone serious faces stand in front of church accepting the responsibility of elder, but usually do not know the context. The position of elders within the church arose from a need for structure as the gospel of Jesus was spreading. Pastors, the apostles, needed help to minister to so many and teach them all, but needed to make sure the ones doing so would not taint the Word of God. I Timothy 3:2-7 tells us the characteristics used to choose an elder, or overseer, for a church:

Above reproach
temperate
self-controlled
respectable
hospitable
able to teach
have control over alcohol
gentle (not violent)
avoids quarrels
not a lover of money
good manager of own family (only 1 wife)
well respected
believer for a long time
good general reputation with others

If ALL of these characteristics are not in place, a person should not become an elder. (though fallenness is unavoidable, but you get the idea…it’s serious!) There is a spiritual maturity that goes along with this position in a church. An elder is an extension of the pastor even when it comes to teaching and ministering. Elders oversee the church as a whole and provide a trusted group of individuals for a pastor to go to for discernment and direction as well. Elders are made to help, not restrict, and are chosen very carefully with prayer.

Length of an elder term differs with each church. Some denominations appoint elders for life, others three years, and still others one. I’m not certain how each group determines the length of term biblically, but none the less the position of elders is important in a church. They are there to uphold the biblical integrity of a community and are a resource to the pastor. I encourage all of you, if you belong to a church community, to get to know your appointed elders. Learn ways you can pray for them as they assist the pastor and are held to a very high standard.

This week…Giving is an Inconvenience

BMacco — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:43:34 +0000

The week after Christmas a pastor preached on giving. He mentioned how an offering to God is not an offering until it prevents you from doing something you planned on, wanted or always do. Giving out of wealth is good, but giving out of your “need” is essential to spiritual growth. Mike and I were both challenged by this sermon and the challenge of giving out of our “need” has remained in us.

This week I remembered to give out of my need rather than my planned wealth. Prevent yourself from doing something you’ve always planned on by giving to another, an organization, a church. Exercising this spiritual discipline produces much growth. Learn to sacrifice yourself for others. See beyond your home and wallet. You don’t have to give only your money either. Give out of your “need” for time as well. Carve out an extra two hours a month to volunteer with your kids. Get up 30 minutes earlier to serve your spouse breakfast. Forego the plans to shop one afternoon and spend it with the Lord. Make sure giving is an inconvenience for you in some way, shape or form, otherwise it may be not be considered a sacrifice or offering at all.

A Sacrifice of “Thanks”

BMacco — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:56:53 +0000

Asaph is overlooked as a psalmist. He’s one of my favorites, but often is overshadowed by King David’s slew of psalms. Today we take a break from one of the more popular characters of history and remain with Asaph in Psalm 50.

He begins this psalm full of adoration declaring God’s sovereignty and majesty over and in all creation. The audience feels the power of God and the only posture one is left with is prostrate. “Our God approaches and he is not silent.” (v. 3) There is no clearer way to tell the listener to pay attention. God is about to speak. Asaph paints a picture of Judgment Day for us. He reveals God’s thoughts about the day when the sheep are separated from the goats, the wheat from the weeds, the faithful from the faithless.

God goes on to approach the faithful first. He explains there is little to complain about regarding their repentance, acts of submission, etc. The Lord does make a point to basically say, “Thank you for those gifts, but I’m God. I have created and own everything you see and everything you offer. I appreciate your spirit, but I do not need you to feed me or make anything for me as if I am in want. That said I have an idea…” God tells the faithful He no longer needs their version of sacrifice. He has a differing perspective on the whole thing. “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God and keep the vows you made to the Most High.” (v. 14) Thankfulness is the new bull, the new repentance, the new submission.

Interesting to consider being thankful as a sacrifice. I wonder how myself, then think of the only human way I can understand, relationships. Imperfection is a word that describes everyone. No matter if it’s your boss, spouse, best friend or babysitter we all can name something imperfect about each person. Rather than going to work and being irritated by the way your boss communicates you sacrifice your own feelings and selfish impulses and say, “Praise God for a job!” Then you find that blasted pair of socks thrown on the floor of the bathroom yet again. Rather than voicing your frustration with your spouse you say, “Lord, I’m grateful I have a pair of socks to pick up because I have a spouse.” Next time your best friend ruins your favorite sweater she borrowed you continue to loan her clothes because she supports you in ways others don’t. You praise God for her companionship. After coming home from an evening away from the kids you walk into a living room that looks like a hurricane blew through while you were away. You tell the somewhat rude 15 year old, “Thank you for giving up your evening so I can have one. And praise God we have the resources to afford a babysitter in the first place.” Thankfulness can be a sacrifice. Instead of serving your own feelings you offer up gratefulness to another.

In the second half of Psalm 50 God addresses the faithless. What surprises me most is how He starts, “Why bother reciting my decrees and pretending to obey my commands? For you refuse my discipline and treat my words like trash.” (v. 16-17) Judgment on the faithless is not reserved for only those who defiantly refuse Him. The goats, the weeds, the faithless are even found among those in church, those who know Scripture. Listen up! Signs you’re a goat include refusing discipline (accepting consequences brought on yourself), disregarding God’s Word, accepting devious people, lying, and gossiping. There are other goat-like qualities in Scripture, but these are the ones God leaves us in Asaph’s psalm. If you’re like me, you fall in the faithless category on a few accounts. There is hope for us. “Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” (v. 22-23) Even in the Day of Judgment the faithless are given a chance. Our God approaches, finds us guilty as goats and offers us eternal salvation. We, like the faithful are encouraged to give thanks and keep our promise to follow His path.

Both the faithful and faithless are given directions and promises. God tells the faithful to give thanks and says, “Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” (v. 15) God tells the faithless, “Repent…or I will tear you apart and no one will help you.” (v. 22) Once you repent, you give thanks. If you’re the faithful begin sacrificing with thankfulness. Once you do, you will find yourself always with a Deliverer. If you’re the faithless, turn from your goat-like qualities, start thanking God and receive His salvation. It’s either that or your complete destruction. I choose to thank God for a clear choice!

Cultivate a Relationship

BMacco — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:02:03 +0000

Growing up the Church was always telling me being a Christian was all about having a personal relationship with Jesus. I was confused because no one ever really addressed how to cultivate a relationship. They would tell me to do daily devotions or have my quiet times, but with no direction as to how. Read the Bible! Okay, then what? Pray! How?

Throughout high school and a part of college I did my dutiful Bible reading in the morning or evening and would say a prayer. While I enjoyed those times I’m not convinced they had any meaning for quite awhile. Not until my second semester of my freshman year of college did I stumble upon genuine Jesus-times. I discovered what the church was always talking about, getting to know God and practicing His presence in my life.

I can read about Sandra Bullock, talk about her with others and hear about her in the news. I know about her but I cannot claim to know her until I spend time with her too. In the same way I read about God in the Bible, talk about Him with others and hear about Him at church, yet I do not know my God until I spent time with Him. Devotions, quiet times or Jesus-times (whatever you choose to call them) are about connecting with God and getting to know Him. He already knows you so do whatever you need to in order to build a deeper relationship with your Creator. Reading the Bible is a great way because you learn about His past, His character, His story. Talking with others about Him helps you see His influence and patterns in others’ lives. Hearing about Him at church broadens your perspective of Him. Talking to Him, being with Him, is also an equally important way to connect. That is prayer. All parts are necessary if one is to claim a personal relationship with another. If you’re looking for new ways to engage an invisible God check out ideas for cultivating that relationship here.

This week…Muddy & Saved

BMacco — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:43:23 +0000

For me one of the harder concepts of Christianity to explain to people not of this faith is sin. Since God is all about reconciliation it only makes sense someone knows what caused the rift in the first place. Unfortunately telling someone they are unholy, imperfect and in need of a savior is often troubling considering the enormous blow to one’s ego. I turn to Psalm 40 to help me explain it a bit. “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” (Ps. 40:2) One of the misconceptions regarding Christianity is once someone comes to know God his or her life is automatically in order. This is not true.

I believe, love and attempt to follow Jesus. I have been lifted out of the pit of despair, knowing Jesus as my hope for the present and eternal future. No matter what happens I am kept safe in my God’s arms. I am out of the mud and the mire with my feet on solid ground, however, I am still dirty. I have been saved from my own destruction and death (both physical and spiritual), but once out of that pit of mud and mire I am still in need of cleansing, washing and refining. I am muddy, but I am saved.

Senior Class Commencement

BMacco — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:09:58 +0000

This day probably feels somewhat surreal since for the last 13 years of you life, nearly the majority, you’ve been going to school from 8-3pm every day. Some might think today signifies a personal freedom: sleeping in, no more exams or lectures from Mr. Johnson or school lunches. Maybe today is a relief since high school has never really felt like a fit for you, or rather you a fit for your peers. Some of you will enter the working world immediately. Starting early in a family business or at another job is where you’ll have the most fun, the freest schedule and it’s what you have always pictured for yourself. Others of you will enter the local community college to save money and help decide what your true passion is before committing to a $25K a year university. While a wise financial decision you’ll probably be frustrated that community college resembles high school to some degree and there are still those lousy social cliques to overcome. It’s everywhere though, so just enjoy as well you can. For those of you entering a university I say good luck. It will be one of the best seasons of your life filled with laughter, impromptu road trips, late nights, and total distraction. Whatever you choose to do from here you are about to embark on some of the most transformative years of your life.

Some of you are scared to leave high school and you may not even know it yet. You are known well here, feel comfortable and have most people figured out. Friends are dependable, teachers predictable and each person in your graduating class has filled a specific role to round out what is probably an awkward bunch of kids; kids that the parents here love and cherish so much and the teachers find so much potential. Please don’t be scared for leaving. Know that this moment in your lives is bursting with opportunity.

If you’re going to concern yourself with anything, concern yourself with the choices you are about to make on a daily basis that will set your path of life forever. Thanks to current statistics I’m pessimistic that many of you actually know God though I hope the statistics and I are wrong. Regardless of your level of belief it doesn’t make God any less of a reality. That said I have to tell you now is the time to engage God on your own; you cannot afford to wait. You might wonder why that is so important and that’s a good question. Unfortunately it’s a question that I will never be able to persuade you on until you experience God for yourself; He’s kind of like sushi in that regard. All I can tell you is that God has preserved for you all your great experiences in school to this point and has protected you from allowing the crappy ones to be worse.

The Lord created you and knows “your inmost being” – your strengths, weaknesses, passions and gifts. He wired you in such a way that your future job, family and friends couldn’t help but see how truly talented you are. He knows of your imperfections and offenses. He has witnessed the anger, the parties, the sex, the depression, the judgment, the alienation and the heartache. These are realities for all of us. His heart aches for you too and has reconciled you back to Him through Jesus in order to wash those stains, tears and scars away. There is always hope. He calls to you, desires to be with you, and has determined a path for you. You have a choice. You can stumble along your own at work, at school, or at home. You can go where you want to go and do (do) what you want to (want to) do with whomever you (you) want to do it (do it) with (Thanks Mama and the Papas!) or you can walk with Him through life. He offers you guidance, wisdom, confidence and peace. If you don’t know the necessity of these things now, you will one day. For your sake I hope it’s sooner than later.

Some of our graduates today know the Lord and have pursued a relationship with Him for some time now. I praise the Lord for capturing your heart early. There is much worldly heartache God has saved you from because of that intimate relationship. For you I leave you with one verse: “Whatever happens,” work, community college or a university, “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the good news of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:27)

Teachers, we thank you for remaining loyal to this class. You have helped shape them and have given them the irreplaceable gift of education. Thank you for giving your time and recognizing that each student has a personality and giftedness and is unique to them.

Parents, we cannot leave tonight without thanking you for supporting and raising these kids. Thank you for helping them with projects, getting tutors when needed for geometry, and for partnering with the teachers when decisions were tough. These students are successful because of your commitment to them and this school. To you I leave one verse as well. As you watch your first, another or baby graduate and enter the world on his or her own you must release them. Remind yourself that God sees them and they are His in the first place. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Maybe this verse is a reminder to all of us. To the graduates, no anxiety is necessary as you face the coming years. You have a God that you can partner with. To teachers, no anxiety is necessary over a troubled student, stubborn parents or the security of your job. You have a God that you can partner with. To our parents, as you release these quality and imperfect students you have a God to partner with. My hope is that none of you sitting here tonight leave this place entering a new season of life alone. We all have a God we can partner with.

Let’s pray…

Trinity

BMacco — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:57:12 +0000

Trinity is never mentioned only alluded to in Scripture and is arguably the most difficult theological concept to comprehend. There are plenty of illustrations pastors have used over the years to communicate this truth, but most of us fail miserably to describe such complex a Deity. Still, people would be at a loss if we did not attempt to describe this aspect of the Christian God, for it is a primary way His children relate to and understand Him.

The Trinity is made up of three representation of the same Christian God: God the Father or Creator, God the Son – Jesus Christ and God in Spirit – Holy Spirit. Each aspect is a different function or representation of the same God. God the Father is usually understood to be sovereign over all Creation, Lord in Heaven and on earth reigning from heaven. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God left for all of us when Jesus returned to heaven. God the Father is often seen as the Almighty. Jesus Christ is remembered as the Savior Messiah who reconciled all people back to God, or Himself. The Holy Spirit is left on earth to be our Advocate and dwell in us so we are evermore transformed into His likeness. Get it?

Forgive me for this pathetic attempt, but I have one more illustration that might help. I can talk to my mom on the phone and it’s still my mom. I can see her in person, hug her and massage her shoulders and it’s my mom. I can say an exact phrase just like her, hear her voice as I act on something or pull a face that resembles her and it’s all still my mom coming out of me. In the same way we can talk to God without seeing Him – God the Father. The disciples could touch Jesus’ cloak, scars, hair and hug Him in person- God in the flesh. Christians can quote Scripture, hear God’s direction and voice as we go about our day or mimic Christ’s actions and it’s God’s Spirit coming out of them.

I believe in one Living God, one Deity, that shows Himself in my life in three different ways. I believe in a God that is so complex and creative that He Created everything, reconciled it all back to Him and remains with me through three different avenues of His presence. I believe in the Trinity.

This week…I am an Adult

BMacco — Tue, 04 May 2010 02:23:32 +0000

I remember in seminary being asked the moment we felt like pastors. This week I realized the moment I felt like an adult. I’m approaching my 6th wedding anniversary and I can safely say it was not the moment I said “I do”. I did not feel like an adult when I graduated high school, college or seminary and I didn’t feel like an adult when I moved away from my hometown for the first time. I think we all have moments where adulthood drifts in and out of our lives, but there is a moment when it really sticks.

For me, after years of being married and/or on my own I believe this week allowed me to know adulthood in a permanent sense. Mike and I did some traveling, some with others and some on our own, and I discovered how my sense of home has changed. While I love my family, home is not with them. While I love my hometown, home is not that location. While I love my friends, home is not where they are. Today home is where Michael and I are together. We have truly united as one in the Lord, have done the “leave and cleave” in a healthy manner and find our marriage to be a great expression of who we are and who God has been. This week I have come to realize I am an adult.