The Seat of the Matter

Even in the Old West, women dominated the seat issue.

Ditching Grace By Jumping Jesus

Let’s say you’re about to meet Presidents Barack Obama and George Bush. Whoa. What do you think? How do you feel? Got something you want to say? Here’s your chance.

But let’s back up and give it some context.

A foundational aspect of the New Covenant that Jesus made and keeps is that when we receive Him, He actually receives us—into Himself. The rest of our days are about getting used to our life in Him, not simply our life for Him. This being brought into Jesus actually happened when He was on the cross—we were put into Him—and reached its culmination when He rose from the dead—we were in Him on resurrection day, brand new and cool with God. (There are all kinds of references, but check out Romans 6:1-7; Ephesians 2:6-7. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. . .”)

So think of yourself in Christ just after His resurrection. How’s your condition, there in Christ? Do you have any worries with God? Do you have a sin problem? Are you the black sheep of the family? No, not any of it is true. In Him, you’re more than magnificent; you’re perfect, just as He wanted. Whoa.

That’s our context.

Now, from your happy and secure position inside of Christ (maybe you’re in His chest, close to His heart), let’s say Jesus wants to stretch His legs and take a walk into Jerusalem. Where are you? In Christ. Naturally, people come running to you, I mean to Jesus, startled and thrilled to see Him up and about. And what is it that you know? Well, what just happened? What did Jesus just do over the last few days? He took responsibility for everyone’s sins and treated Himself as though He had done them, and made everybody in great condition with God, reconciled and everything. And no one is counting anybody’s sins anymore. (See 2 Corinthians 5:18-21) That’s what just happened, and you know it because you were included in the whole thing.

Being where you are and knowing what you know, how are you affected by seeing people running to you, to Jesus? How do they look to you, knowing what you know? Do you care for them? Have something to tell them? How does your heart feel toward them? You know EVERYTHING—the good news!—about God and them, and are motivated by that knowledge and true insight, right? As you rest in Christ, how can you not be?

Here’s how.

Suddenly you see faces you recognize, people you know and have opinions about. From the left there’s Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and—Hey!—Bill Clinton, making their way toward you, smiles lighting their faces. Approaching from the right is George Bush, Dick Cheney, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and—Hey!—Sarah Palin, eyes wide with glee. They’re all delighted to see you, I mean to see Jesus (which is where you are), and it seems that nothing will keep them from getting to you.

And here’s your moment.

One of two things will happen. What you know will keep you secure in the truth and love of God for yourself and for the crowd, and you will speak to them and treat them accordingly, or what you know will induce you to jump out of Jesus and speak to them and treat them according to the wisdom of this world—you and the crowd will suffer. You choose.

From now through early November you and I will endure a withering and worldly barrage of information and opinion as to who should govern this country—the United States of America. If you care one whit, you’re going to have to choose your position: not Democrat or Republican or Independent, but your position in this world. Either you’re in Christ and see and know and feel and reap from there, or in your thinking you’ve jumped Jesus and you’re in this world, with knowledge and insight in keeping with it. You will be affected.

I don’t mean that you shouldn’t vote or care or have feelings for who and what party governs—I will! I do! I am saying that if you’re in Christ, one view is natural to you now, and one is not. If you wonder why love is elusive, I believe it is because of the position and view you choose: in Christ and from that vantage point (you’ll see people from the very heart of God and relative to the cross and resurrection), or outside of Christ (you’ll see people as they appear and behave alone, apart from the heart of God and unrelated to the cross and resurrection).

Here’s what the apostle Paul had to say about the effect his position in Christ had upon him:

“God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Whoa! God’s affection coming through Paul!) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Phil 1:8-11, italics mine.)

If, indeed, our true vantage point is from Christ, in Christ, then that must and will cause our love to abound more and more because of what we know and what we see from Him and what He did—for the crowd. However, if we choose the limited, twisted knowledge and shallow insight of this world as our own, our love will not abound, we will not know what is best and pure, and the passing away passions of this world will have supplanted the eternal grace of what Christ provides for us every day.

If you want love that abounds, then think of your incredible place in Christ—think of your view from there—and don’t jump Jesus.

- Ralph

“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. . .”
2 Corinthians 5:16

Look Away

To the fleshly mind, looking away from sin is counterintuitive, even irresponsible. It wants to do something about it, and that’s the problem—it can’t! But the mind set on the Spirit IS life and peace. The mind “looking” at Jesus reaps His very life. And that’s the miracle of “Christ in you.”

Misery Loves Commandments

Now that Christians are no longer weighed down by sin (since it has been removed and forgiven), a continued focus upon it is counter-productive. A continued pondering or pointing out of sin does not provide balance but bondage. Sin seizes opportunities brought about by sin-avoiding, behavior management commandments—always has and always will—and death results. Sin makes the most of commandments; it takes advantage of them, no matter how good they look. (See Rom 7:7-11, 21-25; 1 Cor 15:56 “…the power of sin is the law.”)

In fact, the law and our attempt at rule-keeping empowers sin, so the better looking the commandment, the more likely the disappointment will be deep. Consider Mr. Expert's lament (the apostle Paul) and summary in Galatians 5 and Philippians 3 — “It’s all rubbish!”

That kind of life is the best attempt this world has, but it is not Christian life. Those fixated will trade experiencing the life of Christ (not a life lived for Him, but His life found in us) for days of behavior management. . .and the failure which must come from it.

By focusing upon Christ, who is our life and who dwells in us, is the fruit of the Spirit produced. The Spirit living in us is in conflict with the flesh, and by our sowing toward Him (talking with Him, focusing upon Jesus and the cross and resurrection, enjoying all that is ours through the New Covenant, etc.) does He win that conflict. And Christ’s life comes out! (See Gal 5:16-25) It’s amazing and miraculous. And it’s real and true.

What I am getting at is Christ in us, found by us, and lived through us. That’s LIFE—His life now made mine. A proper focus is what’s needed.

Just Sayin'

Shallow Is The New Deep

I really like the sound and time-tested ideals presented in this video. Perhaps it will "go viral," and become the new face of the church. . .(Yuck!)

Have a great weekend!

New Book Recommendation

Here’s a book I love and it has just been released: Night With A Perfect Stranger: The Conversation That Changes Everything. This is David Gregory’s third book of the series, and it’s fantastic. He tells a story that deeply intrigued me and had me talking and laughing aloud, and even tearing-up as I read. It’s not important that you have read the first two books—you’ll get everything out of this all by itself—although you can pick up them up easily enough. (I think you’ll want to.)

You can find it at all the usual places, including online retailers and local bookstores.

Beloved

I think you'll really like this five minute video. I sure did.

New Book Recommendation!

Two of my favorite books are from the same author—Andrew Farley. “The Naked Gospel” and “God Without Religion” are outstanding and must-reads for, well, everyone!

Last fall the publisher sent a preview copy to me of Andrew’s brand new book, “Heaven Is Now: Awakening Your Five Spiritual Senses to the Wonders of Grace.” I can tell you that it is excellent—again—and it has just now been released! Here’s what I wrote about it:

"If you've ever wondered what Jesus might say specifically to you, this is your book and you're going to love it! Andrew Farley presents the magnificent truth of the gospel in the form of a conversation—as though Jesus were talking directly to you, and you to Jesus. Your heart will open wide to your Savior as you marvel at his love for you. And there's nothing more life-changing than that!"

You’ll find it now at all the usual online sources (click Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, to go directly to the book page) in either hardcover or eBook, and it will be in stores very soon. Go get it!

To see other books I highly recommend, go to http://lifecourse.org/Recommends.html.

One Day

Religion entraps people by suggesting and encouraging “one day.”

“One day you’ll be holy.” “One day you’ll have it together.” “One day you’ll be closer to God.” “One day He will bless you.” “One day you will be fully surrendered and committed to God.” “One day you will become what God wants you to be.”

Do you see the trap? It suggests you’re not holy, which means Jesus didn’t make you that way after all. (You’re still dirty and sinful, even though He thinks you aren’t.) It encourages you to work and focus on becoming better, because Jesus didn’t make you complete in Himself. (Oops. You’ve got work to do, even though He thinks you don’t.) It suggests the possibility of drawing closer to God, implying you’re not now. (Better figure out what’s standing between you and God, even though He thinks there’s nothing.) It encourages you to keep striving in faithfulness because there’s a blessing He will give you that He hasn’t yet. (Keep tithing/praying/witnessing/being nice because the blessing train is coming, even though He thinks He has already arrived.) It suggests that you are still against God and stubbornly resistant, but if you try hard enough, you will eventually become real friends and get along. (And, living the surrendered life, you will finally be useful, even though He thinks you’re entirely compatible already.) It encourages you that, while you are not now much of anything, “one day” you will finally give yourself a really good scrubbing and arrive. (God’s gift to you is life; your gift to God is what you make of it, even though He thinks His work in you is plenty already.)

The six statements at the beginning of this post (there are plenty more) suggest the lie that you don’t have everything God thinks you do and that you’re not actually right now in Christ, who earned it all, who provides it all, and who maintains it all—right now and forever for you. But that’s the truth, and believing it is how we live! Religion that entraps subtly encourages you to see yourself (and others, such as your kids) outside of Christ, with a whole lot of stuff to do so YOU can earn what He hasn’t, provide what He won’t, and maintain what He cannot. That is not the gospel. That is anti-Christ.

Fortunately, we’ve been convinced about God toward us and for us and in us, and we trust and glory in Him, “. . . who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Cor 1:30-31). Let’s help each other with the truth—big, heaping platefuls, served regularly and at all hours! That’s how we’re nourished and can resist the lies.

Because of Jesus, one day has arrived.

Teachers, Can I Get A Witness?

Simply Him

God Himself is the antidote for sin—past, present and future. I’m relieved and encouraged that He makes Himself known to me always in love and always with perfect solution—even if that solution is simply Him.

What Message?

What message is playing in your head today? What message is being sent from you to people today? This is just a little checkup to help you see what influence you’re under: the law that measures and kills, or the Spirit that births life and gives righteousness? Each will produce something in you, and each will produce something through you. You’ll feel it, and those around you will too.

One message is dark and ominous—to you and to those around you—and the other is light and hopeful. If you’re under the former, it’s not natural for you, so think of the gospel and offer yourself to the Spirit. He will free you and produce the fruit of Life.

“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:6-10

Distorted Motivation

The Apostle Paul said that it was the love of Christ that controlled his actions. It is important to note that he didn’t say it was his love for Christ but instead it was Christ’s love for him that regulated how he behaved. The emphasis in the modern church is about how we should love Him, but the emphasis of the New Testament is on His love for us. To reverse the two is to find ourselves in a place where we’re filled with constant spiritual fatigue from our efforts to love Him more.
– Steve McVey

(To read the rest of this post, go to http://gracewalkministries.blogspot.com/2012/03/distorted-motivation.html)

Happy St. Patty's!

Thank Gumby!

A couple of days ago I posted a comic of two ladies having an important discussion about "butt or buck naked." Many of you contributed to their chat, butt still the debate rages. . .until now. I knew you would want to know.

A Clear Life

How about a loud, “Hip-hip-hooray!” for messy relationships! No?

When we experience relational stress there comes the temptation to figure things out, to set up boundaries, and to get more wisdom and understanding so we will have better relational skills. None of those is necessarily wrong, but what is most needed because it is most true to our nature is authentic love—love from The Source. We’ve simply been trying to get it where it’s not found.

We are set up for God’s love and what that does to us and through us, particularly in relationships. He is an unending supply of love—love that is patient and kind and generous, and love that doesn’t measure its affection as a strategy to win anyone or anything. God’s love isn’t keeping score and it isn’t self-seeking. It’s a marvel of perfect grace.

If you’re single and struggling in love as I did for many long years, consider resisting the temptation to get smarter as fast as you can about the struggle you’re in, and rest for a time in God’s love for you. Enjoying Him and the way He is toward you will also fashion love for everyone in your life as well. His love keeps life clear! And when you find someone who also knows God’s love, that’s a relationship you’ll treasure in whatever capacity is best. You’ll know because of love.

Butt Or Buck Friendships?

I can easily see this conversation happening, which is something of the beauty of friendship. Seriously. I am deeply thankful for the people in my life that I can say anything with and to whom I can ask those “Better-not-ask-that-because-you’ll-get-ridiculed” questions. While we’ve all been made wonderfully well-off with God and each other, believing that and actually enjoying the fruit of Christ’s labor of love is often difficult. Maybe being real and asking questions like the one below will assist you in your friendships.

From The "Surprised Sheep" File

Here’s a party idea: Let’s say you lived during Old Covenant times and wanted to have some friends over, enjoy some nice Egyptian ale, and at around midnight, sneak into the Holy of Holies, the place where God lived? Would anyone come to your party? No? Why not? Well, because God was in there and He wasn’t accepting visitors. Nobody entered that holy place unless he was the high priest, was perfectly prepared, and then only once a year. You didn’t mess with the Holy of Holies because God Himself was in that temple.

Has it ever struck you that today God’s Holy of Holies, the temple where God lives, is reading this right now?

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? . . .God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

If you've received Christ, then God is actually living inside you right now. That makes you a rather special place—a holy and sacred place.

And the sheep said, “Whoa!”

On The Radio Tuesday

FYI, I will be on the radio tomorrow morning, Tuesday, March 13, from 7-8:30am (MST). You may stream it live by going to http://www.am91.org/ and clicking on the Listen LIVE button. For those in Colorado, the radio station is AM910. If you listen, you'll hear about a pretty great deal, too.

Claim To Fame

Loser.

I have never been able to motivate God to love me. He has never once conveyed to me that He loves me now more than He once did. Not one time has He ever told me that His love for me is deeper, better, seasoned, more fun, more full, more reliable, or more secure. I haven't done a thing—good or bad—to bring about any change in what I had at the first. Maybe that will be my claim to fame: "While failing to do anything to deserve it or lose it, the chief end of Ralph’s life was that he knew that God loved him like crazy all the time, no matter what." Come to think of it, maybe that’s His claim to fame.

Is this how He is with you too?

What If?

What if it's true? Might this influence your relationship with God? How about with people? When you think about it, the gospel is nearly ridiculous, especially when you compare it with what you've heard to the contrary. Hooray for the truth!

Dude!

Dude! God thought it would be a great idea to jump into flesh and blood motor homes so He could show up and do things from there. Think of the fun and work He could get done convincing people how well off they were with Him and with each other. He wouldn’t even have to be invited or begged or prodded to show up; it was already His idea.

What if we thought He was right? What a ride that would be. Dude.

On The Radio

FYI, I will be on the radio this coming Tuesday, March 13, from 7-8:30am (MST). You may stream it live by going to http://www.am91.org/ and clicking on the Listen LIVE button. For those in Colorado, the radio station is AM910.

Springing Forward

FYI, a lot of us will be springing forward late Saturday night. Oh, and I know there's an extra "s" in the comic. :)

Looking Away From Rubbish

Now that Christians are no longer weighed down by sin (since it has been removed and forgiven), a continued focus upon it is counter-productive. A continued pondering or pointing out of sin does not provide balance but bondage. Sin seizes opportunities brought about by sin-avoiding behavior management commandments—always has and always will—and death results. Sin makes the most of commandments; it takes advantage of them, no matter how good they look. (See Rom 7:7-11, 21-25; 1 Cor 15:56) In fact, since the law and our attempt at rule-keeping empowers sin, the better looking the commandment, the more likely the disappointing result. Consider the apostle Paul’s lament and summary in Galatians 5 and Philippians 3 — “Rubbish!”

That kind of life is the best attempt this world has, but it is not Christian life. Those fixated will trade experiencing the life of Christ (not a life lived for Him, but His life found in us) for days of behavior management. . .and the failure which must come from it.

By focusing upon Christ, who is our life and who dwells in us, is the fruit of the Spirit produced. The Spirit living in us is in conflict with the flesh, and by our sowing toward Him (talking with Him, focusing upon Jesus and the cross and resurrection, enjoying all that is ours through the New Covenant, etc.) does He win that conflict. And Christ’s life comes out! (See Gal 5:16-25) It’s amazing and miraculous. And it’s real and true.

What I am getting at is Christ in us, found by us, and lived through us. That’s LIFE—His life now made mine. A proper focus is what’s needed.

Beauty Satisfied

Why do we fix our thoughts and hearts on things above and not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2)? We don’t do it so we’ll feel better about ourselves and have a nice day. We do it because that’s where we’re made visible and where our desire for the Beautiful One who made us beautiful is satisfied. And we ought to be satisfied by Him again and again. We should seek our own satisfaction and delight in God—to be as happy as we can in Him.

The Gate's Open

You can catch the flesh and the devil at his game by growing wise to their tactic of remembering for you what God has already forgotten; your sins. (See Heb 8:12)

It’s not that you’ll never remember anything regretfully from the past, but their strategy is that you should accept and bear a heavy load of remorse as a way of navigating the future. It isn’t so. Christ took responsibility for your sins (2 Cor 5:21) and got rid of them. Why should you try to bear what He already has? It is finished.

Faith, trust and humility is the way forward. That should mean some fun, don’t you think?

What God Is About

As it turns out, forgiveness and removal of sin was a secondary issue; it wasn’t the point. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life.” Forgiveness was only the warm-up act. God’s life—the giving and receiving and enjoyment of it—is what God is all about. Today. With you.

Always

Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection was not God’s Plan B. He didn’t make something up because we messed up. Jesus was always the Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth. God’s plan is right on time—always. Even today. Even for you.

Tact & Sarcasm

There's so much I could say about this. But isn't there a saying about restraint being the better part of something-or-other?

Temporary Pit People

I dread the pits. It’s nearly impossible to see anything at all good in the pits, especially at first. Besides my own pit experiences, I think of Joseph, whose brothers threw him into one, and dragged him out only to sell him into slavery. I think of Daniel, Elijah, Paul, David, Naomi and Jonah, to say nothing of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and lots of others. Except for Jesus, I’ll wager that not many of them thought, “And this is for the glory of God.” But that’s how their pit days worked out.

Most of us don’t think of ourselves as being in the same league with those people because they made it into the Bible. They’re in God’s show! But I’m convinced that God is orchestrating His show in our day too, and that it includes you, God’s leading man or woman. . .along with a whole bunch of other leading men and women. Even me.

Jesus is pretty good at getting out of deep and dark places—the pit won’t last or win. But because He is in there too, you will.

P.S. I know the pits quite well. Frankly, He has met me there better than most anywhere else—at least as far as I'm concerned. I'll help you in yours if you'll help me in mine. Deal?