3 in 30 for 30

I was looking forward to reading Proverbs 3 this morning. It's a fantastic part of Scripture, and it contains my favorite verse:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

King Solomon knew the value of wisdom. It's basically what this book is about. It's very foolish to reject the wisdom of the Lord.

"By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew." v. 19-20

God spoke, and everything was made. I don't know how, and frankly in my mind it doesn't matter, because by grace I'm still alive for some reason. His wisdom made everything we know; and it was intended to be good.

This is why we are being warned to cling to wisdom, for the foolishness of the world is folly! Why reject the wisdom of the One who put breath in your lungs? It's because we're idiots.

But then, something near the end of the chapter caught my attention, hence the meme of the silly dog.

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you" - when you already have it with you. Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse anyone for no reason - when they have done you no harm. Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways." v. 27-30

These are commands. We are to look out for the broken (which, by the way, is EVERYONE). We are to live wisely with one another, even if we don't agree ideologically, socially, politically, culturally, etc. In short, we are to share this wisdom we have in Jesus with others, not as a "wise sage," but Jesus' heart for the broken.

"Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence." v. 31-32

Jesus detests perverse things. And became like us in the flesh.
He had every right to let us go. But he held firm... led to the slaughter.

This is how far Jesus detests sin. He detested it so much that he decided not to abandon us, because he saw how helpless we are without him. So, he took the curse.

We are to be that as the Church. To reflect Jesus' heart in such a way that those who are in evil and sin would see His heart, and would have no choice but to consider who Jesus is, not out of guilt (though we are), but out of awe. Infinite and Intimate Awe of the Almighty.

2 in 30 for 30

Kronk isn't exactly the first person most people think of when it comes to wisdom, or just plain common sense.
He's clumsy.
Not the brightest.
Lacks tact and subtle execution.

And yet I couldn't help but think of scenes like this after reading Proverbs 2 this morning:

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you... then you will understand the fear of the Lord... Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul." Prov. 2:1; 5; 9-10

The quote from Emperor's New Groove that always gets me is this scene:

"He's trying to lead you down the 'path of righteousness,' I'm going to lead you down the path that ROCKS!"

Isn't that how we think? No, we don't have tiny self-incarnated, tiny angels and demons on our shoulders guiding our thoughts, but we certainly seek to justify our decisions with "The Path That Rocks."

This world has a lot to offer. It's enticing.

Sex is at the forefront of almost every piece of media we consume.
In our Western world, Fame and Fortune sit in the check-out racks of our grocery stores.
Our intuitive, creative minds find very easy ways to take shortcuts in our work.

I can go on.

The focus is on ourselves, at least the culture I live in. It's all about myself. It's "TREAT YO SELF" to the hundredth degree. I'm not saying that you can't "treat yo self" at all, but there's a reason why there are huge gaps between the poor and rich, and why there are more slaves in our world than ever before.

Man and women decided that they don't think God knows best. Many of us believe that God's wisdom found in Scripture is archaic, out-dated, and not progressive.

And yet, I think we all know the truth. All of these things in the world will satisfy only for a short while.
They will never last.

"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways." Prov 2:12-15

Many of us would justify this, saying, "I'm not that bad. I'm not Hitler or Floyd Mayweather or Roger Goodell. I don't pursue power like those guys do."

But ultimately, we do. All of us. Our good intentions are stained with evil. We're selfish creatures... and the selfishness will lead to our destruction.

Thank God for grace through Jesus on the cross. Somehow, in 29+ years, Jesus has kept me away from making horrible choices. Was I sheltered as a child? Yeah, I'll agree, but that doesn't take away from knowing who I am and my vices.

I need God's wisdom. I need Jesus' kingship. The next three decades will be quite grim without Him.

"Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it." Prov 2:20-22

1 in 30 for 30

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

I've seen this verse for most of my life. It was the "school verse" of the private middle & high school I attended (Prison Camp for life!).

Basically, as a teenager, I felt guilted into learning with this verse.

"You're a fool, Win, if you don't learn!"

The thing is, I've learned plenty over the last 29+ years, and a lot of of it was outside of school. And yet as I sit here in seminary, I see my own irony in my rebellious nature towards academics.

In my last post I was complaining about the workload at the end of last semester. In the end, it was worth the struggle, but I didn't see it then.

In Proverbs 1, as wisdom personified is calling from the gate, she is warning against active rebellion from knowledge and wisdom. She distinguishes the troubles one faces when lacking such things:

"But since you refuse to listen when I call... since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you - when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you." Prov 1:24-27

Wisdom and knowledge won't keep me in bubble wrap. That's not the intent. Learning and gaining experience isn't a warmongering scare tactic to submit to "the man."
It's preparation. Life will be difficult. It will throw some ridiculous curveballs at you.
The wisdom I've clung to, sometimes reluctantly, over the last 29+ years? The fear of the LORD.
I struggle every day.
I have trust issues. Authority issues. Identity issues. And I will continue to struggle until my dying breath.
What gives me hope and joy, however, is knowing that Jesus is my King. He is helping me grow in the knowledge and wisdom of Him that I may know how to face those trials with perseverance and joy (James 1:2-4).

Overall, I should not be complacent; not quench the Spirit. Over the next month, as I reflect on 30 years, hopefully I'll glean more wisdom, and share that hope and joy with you.

Pleading for Purpose

FYI: I'm writing this post with a hint of anger, frustration, apathy, and helplessness.

Currently, I am reading Holy Scripture: A Dogmatic Sketch by John Webster, a systematic, Barth-influenced professor of theology at the University of Aberdeen. This book is not for the faint of heart or mind.
I have to respond to this innocuous-looking, 137-page book for an assignment in a paper. It doesn't seem like a giant task, but it's a doozy.

If you know me well enough, I despise analytical, abstract speech with big words and giant concepts. Don't get me wrong. As I'm completing this book I appreciate some of the things Webster is saying, but not without slogging through paragraph after paragraph of ideas I had to read several times over to get a hint of what he MIGHT be saying. By the time he got to the part of his book that uses words "us regular folks" kind of sound like, I was already beaten up and thrown through a paper-cutting, theological gauntlet.

And then, with the time it's taking me to do this, keep up with Greek parsings, analyze a passage for an exegesis paper, and write another research paper, I ask myself, "Why?"

Transitioning from "the real world" back into school is tough. You've tasted the life of the every day battle. For someone like me who's been in ministry for 6 years, it's tough to put away the practical side of my brain.
I get antsy. I want to interact with the harshness of life, not ponder the dogmatic approach of how Scripture is viewed by others or parse a language thousands of people have already done.
I'm not doing anything original.
I ask myself, "Is parsing these μι verbs going to help me identify with a homeless person? Or someone who's been laid off? Had a miscarriage? Lost a brother to war? The only believer in their community or family? Is it going to help the church sacrificially love and support each other, and serve their community in a Christ-like way???"

Personally, I think the answer is no. Am I being unreasonable? Of course I am. From what I've experienced so far, I think I've learned more about Jesus and people in the last 6 years than I think I ever will at seminary. I believe that the Holy Spirit has guided me through some serious rough patches in my life, and my understanding of Scripture will continue to shift because of His guidance, not simply because I know several dozen words in Koine Greek.

Do I think seminary is completely useless? No. Far from it. We need brilliant theologians like Webster, or Calvin, or Barth, or Bonhoeffer, or Keller,  or Packer, to defend our faith with serious intellect, reason, and education. They know how to engage the mind.

I don't. I'm an emotional person, though many know that I don't like showing it (that's a pride issue, and a whole other ball of wax). When friends of mine start getting into intellectual, theological, philosophical discussions, I keep my mouth shut. And I get bored with it.
I'd rather hear about how your day is REALLY going. What can the church do to help you juggle your two-jobs and four kids? Your awful vehicle needs repair, who do we know that can help you get it back on the road? How can the church help you grieve the sudden loss of your husband?
THOSE are the things I care about. It's real life I care about.

What I'm more afraid of is that the theological, philosophical training I'll receive will cause me to be a clanging cymbal of giant words and abstract ideas to people I care about, with the intention of love without actually showing it because my head is stuck in the clouds looking for answers to something that, in my mind, isn't truly definitive...

Okay, obviously I'm ranting. If I had it my way, I'd quit school, get a job, and serve my church with everything I have. I've been homeless before, and I can do it again. I'm just frustrated with this type of learning...

If I said something hypocritical, or worse, heretical, I'm really sorry. The irony of learning grammatical lessons in Greek is that I think my English grammar, and spelling, have gotten worse.

Please don't take this post and think "Win just doesn't care about theology or Jesus." I really do care. I just think there's a better way to learn it, at least for me.

Point of Reference

This term can mean a host of different things. According to Wikipedia, there are two versions of a Point of Reference:

General Usage
Physics Usage

Physics is a very specific science revolving around math and formulas. It's essential for understanding how our universe works in a precise manner.
General? It's a bit more complicated, but in short, it can refer to a relational, emotional, sensory-driven, idealized point. Basically, one object, moment, event, person has led to another.

I don't remember the context precisely, but someone was asking is there a particular moment when you saw God's kingdom at work? A point of reference, indeed.

The first thing I that popped into my mind? Washington Family Ranch, a million miles from nowhere, Oregon. It's a beautiful Young Life camp, where thousands upon thousands of teenagers and adults alike have come to have "the best week of their life," and encounter Jesus for the first time and felt His redeeming embrace. Here's a promo video of the camp: Washington Family Ranch Promo Video

This area, actually, has it's own redemption story. These grounds were the home of the notorious, cult-like figure Rajneesh, which you can read about here. Basically, a guru from India bought this large area of land in the early-mid 80's to manipulate a host of blind followers, and was truly a campground for the kingdom of darkness.

Years after the US government shut them down, Young Life got the opportunity to buy this piece of land, and turn it around for God's kingdom. It's a wonderful story.

Why do I think of this place? I was camper here through my church as a high schooler, and have brought hundreds of students here as a leader myself. In 2011, the church where I interned in Sherwood had the opportunity to have this ENTIRE place to ourselves, around 125 people, students and leaders and work crew included. To give you an idea, this place can house 800 students, easily.

So what's my Point of Reference? The very first night we arrived. After months of planning, recruiting leaders, miraculous last-minute sign-ups of students we haven't seen in years, and long bus rides later, we had 100 students from Sherwood, Oregon there, worshiping together as the Body of Christ.

That was the last time I had actual tears of joy streaming down my face.

All of that work added up to this moment, when students can meditate and think through the Gospel without distractions (cell phones didn't work out there, and wireless was password-protected). In that moment, it's like Jesus said "You did well, Win.... I'll take it from here."

I think of that moment because it brings me joy knowing that anyone, new and old, will be hearing the Gospel. I grew up in the church, and there were times I just tuned out when I heard about Jesus being nailed to a cross and raising from the dead... but now I realize that it truly is THE GREATEST story ever told. It's that kind of moment when Jesus says "I got this," and the relief of knowing He's the one doing the planting and growing, and it humbles me to ashes. Next to the power of Christ, I can do jack-squat. It's a reminder to me that I am not worthy to proclaim His good news, but Jesus chose me anyway.

I have endless stories of my time in youth ministry that will stay with me forever. The best word I can conjure to sum up that experience? Gratitude. I'm grateful that my King let me work in His kingdom.

Take A Flying Leap

I did something this past Saturday I never thought I would do in a million years:

I went speed dating.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, this bachelor did the activity used as a dating social commentary punching bag in television and movies. Nevertheless, I have to be honest.

It was actually fun.

Let me give a little background. My new home church, High Rock North Shore, and its family of churches in the greater Boston area partnered with the "megachurch" Park Street to put on a "Single Mingle" event for 35 women and 35 men. All the spots were filled quickly, especially for the women, and the night was set for 10 hand-picked dates per person, lasting about 8-10 minutes a piece.

I'm not going to reveal details of what went on in each date. That will spoil the fun! What I am saying is that it was an adventure and an enjoyable time to get to know new people. What comes from it is yet to be determined...

After that night it got me thinking about dating, relationships, and marriage. At my age, it's practically an unavoidable subject in most social circles. Some people grow tired of it. Others aren't bothered by it.

Recently, I've read two great books related to the subject:

- The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy & Kathy Keller. Timothy Keller is a respected writer and pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in the middle of Manhattan, NY.
- Loveology by John Mark Comer. Comer is the lead pastor of A Jesus Church in Portland, OR.

When this subject arises, there's one phrase I absolutely despise: "I'm waiting for the one."

You've heard that phrase. It makes my eyes roll. Believers of this myth will twiddle their thumbs forever waiting for perfect alignments with people that will never come. Both of these books address the issue, but John Mark Comer pieces the narrative together well:

This idea ["The One"] doesn't come from the Scriptures, not even close. It comes from Greek mythology, specifically from an ancient writing by Plato called the Symposium. According to Plato, humans were originally androgynous, each one with four arms, four legs, two sets of genitalia (male and female), and one head made up of two faces.

Picture that. Sounds like something out of a film by Guillermo del Toro.

These four-legged, two-faced humans became a threat to the gods, but the pantheon didn't want to destroy them. If they did, they would lose their worship (which is such a pain). So Zeus, the king of the gods, split humans in two, cutting their strength in half and doubling the number of worshipers. Smart guy.

Plato writes that ever since then, we've been searching for our "missing half." As if you were separated in the past but out there somewhere is the one who will 'complete' you.

The story of God is very different and so much better. (No offense to the ancient Greeks.) There is no such thing as "the one." You don't have a missing half, and you're not incomplete. In reality, marriage is two broken people coming together to find healing in Jesus. And one broke person plus another broken person does not equal bliss! The math adds up in the opposite direction - twice as much brokenness.

What I love about this confirmation is that perfection doesn't come from marriage, or even a serious dating relationship. It won't solve your spiritual and mental issues. In fact, they will be under a microscope!

So what's this got to do with speed dating? That night reminded me that it's okay to take risks, because you aren't waiting for someone perfect to come along. The only person who fits that role is Jesus Christ. He's the perfect lover of our souls.
Am I guilty for not stepping out and taking risks? Sure! There were opportunities in the past that I should have pursued more fully, but I chickened out. I wasn't confident in my identity in Christ. That won't be perfect either, but I'm assured in His love.

So gentlemen, take the flying leap. You interested in a lady? I don't think it would hurt to ask her out for coffee. You're not jumping into a snake pit (at least I hope not). Your life will be filled with risk-taking decisions, and I think it's time we stop waiting for "The One" perfect person or moment, and start practicing. You'll get better at it. I promise... sometimes those 8-10 minutes can drag, or you'll feel like you want more time. Just see what happens.

That's the spirit!

Christmas time is here! Isn't it wonderful? There's delicious food to be eaten, laughter to be shared, and memories to be made in this annual tradition. Relatives are visiting or visited (for better or worse), and humorous get togethers with old friends frequent our smart phone calendars, wrapped tightly around our mad dash for gifts. The enrapturing smile of children opening their gifts and the sigh of relief from millions of workers and students on a short break or vacation alleviate the pressures of society for some short, but very sweet, moments.

On the flip side, millions of people every holiday season get lost in the shuffle. Depression, loneliness, unemployment... these are definitely not uncommon to most families. Most people in the social media world are a little disgusted by the consumerist nature of the United States, yet there aren't many steps taken to quell that belief. Some are dismayed by the simple use of "X" in "Xmas," when "X" in the original Greek is the first letter for "Christ," so nothing is replaced in my opinion (yes, I just had a nerd moment), while others hate the term "Happy Holidays."

I think in our current culture it's difficult for almost everyone this time of year, because when we've settled down with our families, and reflect on the year that has almost passed by, we feel like we've missed an opportunity, or made a mistake, or damaged a relationship. We're fearful of the consequences. We doubt our abilities and our knowledge to move forward with... well, anything.

Recently, my old church's worship director helped record a wonderful Christmas album featuring many of the musicians who volunteer their time for Sunday services. It's well done, with personal, modern twists in lyrical structures of classics. However, the part that moved me to near tears was the final track:

http://countrysidecommunitychurch.bandcamp.com/track/the-nativity-story

A child, in one take, emulated Linus' rendition of the Christmas story. It's filled with mistakes. He called Caesar Augustus "Keeser," and instead of a "census," he says "a Kansas should be taken." It's simply delightful. Should he have been corrected and do another take? Probably, but I think it's brilliant. He bravely carried on, without much thought to his pronunciation limitations. This recitation of Scripture helped me understand a few things:

1. I'm still young, and I do not have a perfectly wrapped up answer to life.
2. Jesus tells us to have faith like a child, and I think we've seriously missed that idea. We put up charades and masks and piles of knowledge and know-how, it's easy to forget that we should be okay with our limitations, and grow in them
3. We're going to make mistakes. We will believe something differently 5, 10, 30 years from now. It's okay to have a different opinion or belief. Circumstances change.

I hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas season. Reflect on this past year with renewed hope; the hope given in a dirty, germ-infested trough in Bethlehem.