I really think God’s name is not Yahweh Sabaoth. I know, I know, I learned in Catholic school that was His name, and I even won the trivia question, What is God’s last name? (Sabaoth? I think it’s in Isaiah…or Romans.) But despite all of those years, I think His name is different. I think God’s first name is Justin. Yup. Justin. Last name Thyme.
Years ago I had a good friend in Annapolis who ran a curio store called Justin Thyme gifts. Neat store, even neater sign. That name stuck with me for all of these years, and made me realize that our God is a Justin Thyme God. He operates in His own time frame, not ours. When we need something desperately and pray for it “now Lord! Please!” He knows what’s best for us and when things need to happen. And He is never late, in His time.
A few weeks ago I prayed to God that I really needed a day job. There are a lot of dreams that He has given us that I thought could only be fulfilled if I had a day job. I normally sleep in the afternoons, so any type of ministry in the evenings was an impossibility. “You NEED me to have a day job God, otherwise I can’t do these ministries for you.” Lesson learned: Don’t challenge God.
After a rough weekend I found myself asleep in the morning on Monday. I woke up at 5 and enjoyed the evening with my family. It wasn’t until hours later I realized that my changed sleeping schedule now allowed me to do anything in the evening. Including ministry. God – 1. Bob – 0. I guess he didn’t really NEED me to have a day job after all.
When we spend our time waiting on God, a lot of time He's waiting on us to get up and move. It's like trying to steer a bus...real hard when it's stationary. Same thing, kinda. It's really hard for God to bless someone when they aren't moving. Now that I changed my sleep schedule I can move forward in my ministry, and God can bless me.
I’ve been so anxious to get a day job, praying so earnestly for Him to make it happen, and SOON! And the whole time I needed to simply remember His name, Justin Thyme. And to know that my prayers would be answered, Justin Thyme. And I would be blessed, Justin Thyme.
Monday, June 30
Sunday, June 29
#6 Hey, no offense, right?
I'm sure yesterday's post offended somebody. Most likely the oxen-loving crowd, which is a key demographic I'm trying to reach out to. Hey, it IS an election year. But seriously, if you were offended, that's good, and I'm sorry. I think it's good you were brought beyond your comfort zone and offended, and I'm sorry you took offense.
That's a big issue as we lead church and try to walk the Christian life. We focus so much on serving the Christians in our church that we forget there is a whole 'nuther world out there, one populated primarily by non-Christians. And they think differently, laugh differently, cry differently. I'm not saying we should be in the world, James 4:4 says "Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." But that doesn't say we should shun the world and everyone in it. We still do have to live here you know.
How do people preach to Koreans? I'm just curious, since I speak Korean and all. I mean, their culture is very different from ours, so we would have to learn a little of their way of life right? Maybe their language, music style, dress, mannerisms, etc? And then in order to reach out to them we'd have to use our knowledge of Korean society in order to share the Gospel in a manner they understand, relate to, and can identify with.
You already see the point, don't you? There's a difference between being of the world and understanding how the world works. If we really are committed to reaching the unchurched, we can't flinch when something comes up during a service that is contemporary, a la pop culture. Instead, we need to embrace the attempts at broadening our horizons, stretching our comfort zones. Because by expanding that zone, the less we'll get offended. And that's good, and I'm sorry.
That's a big issue as we lead church and try to walk the Christian life. We focus so much on serving the Christians in our church that we forget there is a whole 'nuther world out there, one populated primarily by non-Christians. And they think differently, laugh differently, cry differently. I'm not saying we should be in the world, James 4:4 says "Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." But that doesn't say we should shun the world and everyone in it. We still do have to live here you know.
How do people preach to Koreans? I'm just curious, since I speak Korean and all. I mean, their culture is very different from ours, so we would have to learn a little of their way of life right? Maybe their language, music style, dress, mannerisms, etc? And then in order to reach out to them we'd have to use our knowledge of Korean society in order to share the Gospel in a manner they understand, relate to, and can identify with.
You already see the point, don't you? There's a difference between being of the world and understanding how the world works. If we really are committed to reaching the unchurched, we can't flinch when something comes up during a service that is contemporary, a la pop culture. Instead, we need to embrace the attempts at broadening our horizons, stretching our comfort zones. Because by expanding that zone, the less we'll get offended. And that's good, and I'm sorry.
Saturday, June 28
#5 Why can't we sacrifice oxen on stage?
So yesterday was the last day of VBS at our church. That typically means a big party to be attended by all the kids, parents, neighbors, pets, and random folks driving by wanting to check this whole thing out. We had inflatable slides, sno-cones, popcorn, hot dogs, balloon twisters, and me and some friends provided the facepainting. Basically, it was a carnival where you knew everyone. Pretty fun time.
Although I had my head buried most of the time trying to paint a horse on some kid's face (sorry it looked like a pitbull) I looked up every now and then and saw a familiar scene every time. Excited kids with red sno-coney mouths running up to some inflatable monstrosity and defying death while racing the other kids. And the parents? Slowly walking around, obviously exhausted as they tried chasing their kids around, and then giving up to feast on hot dogs and harass the facepainters.
So why is it that the kids were so thrilled and excited, and the parents were living in the doldrums? Is it because they chased their kids all week, loaded full of animal crackers, orange drink, and crazy VBS songs? I don't think so. Something tells me if we whipped Tim McGraw out on stage with a monster truck rally behind and a fireworks pyrotechnic show up in the sky the parents would get pretty excited. I think it's because we aimed at the kids. Every event screamed "Kids! Come quick! Cool, wild fun right here! Eat these sweets, get this balloon, jump on this slide!"
If we look at that the right way, it gives a little insight into church. What are we aiming for? We have thirty minutes of scripted worship, communion, offering, then a 30-40 minute three-point sermon complete with PowerPoint slides. So we're aiming for corporate CEOs. And they don't smile much. Or ride the inflatable slide.
In Leviticus 9 we have one of the very first worship services for the Hebrew nation. It looked just a tad different from our worship, since we don't really slaughter animals on stage and sprinkle their blood on the altar. The verses I want to focus on are 23 and 24.
All of the people were gathered together, the priests came out and blessed the people, and the Lord sent down fire to consume the offering. Everyone in their incredible joy buried their nose in the dirt. While I think it would be cool if we stuck our nose in the carpet midway through a song (post-VBS carpet, mind you) that's not the focus. The entire service, the whole chapter describes the ritual of the sacrifice and how the Lord was pleased, everyone was joyful, and it was a service definitely worth talking about at Applebee's over lunch.
But what was the aim of the service? All of the rituals were done at the altar not for the people, but for God. The people shouted for joy when God's fire came down and consumed the offering. The whole aim of the service was for God.
I think we could aim our services more for God. Allow the Spirit to move amongst the people, fill them with joy so they can cry out to the Lord in love. We were made to worship Him, and I don't think God is running through the church gleefully laughing at our PowerPoint animations. But I could see him enjoying an offering of worship, prayer and supplication. He probably enjoys it as much as a kid getting a pitbull painted on her face.
Although I had my head buried most of the time trying to paint a horse on some kid's face (sorry it looked like a pitbull) I looked up every now and then and saw a familiar scene every time. Excited kids with red sno-coney mouths running up to some inflatable monstrosity and defying death while racing the other kids. And the parents? Slowly walking around, obviously exhausted as they tried chasing their kids around, and then giving up to feast on hot dogs and harass the facepainters.
So why is it that the kids were so thrilled and excited, and the parents were living in the doldrums? Is it because they chased their kids all week, loaded full of animal crackers, orange drink, and crazy VBS songs? I don't think so. Something tells me if we whipped Tim McGraw out on stage with a monster truck rally behind and a fireworks pyrotechnic show up in the sky the parents would get pretty excited. I think it's because we aimed at the kids. Every event screamed "Kids! Come quick! Cool, wild fun right here! Eat these sweets, get this balloon, jump on this slide!"
If we look at that the right way, it gives a little insight into church. What are we aiming for? We have thirty minutes of scripted worship, communion, offering, then a 30-40 minute three-point sermon complete with PowerPoint slides. So we're aiming for corporate CEOs. And they don't smile much. Or ride the inflatable slide.
In Leviticus 9 we have one of the very first worship services for the Hebrew nation. It looked just a tad different from our worship, since we don't really slaughter animals on stage and sprinkle their blood on the altar. The verses I want to focus on are 23 and 24.
23 Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. 24 Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.
All of the people were gathered together, the priests came out and blessed the people, and the Lord sent down fire to consume the offering. Everyone in their incredible joy buried their nose in the dirt. While I think it would be cool if we stuck our nose in the carpet midway through a song (post-VBS carpet, mind you) that's not the focus. The entire service, the whole chapter describes the ritual of the sacrifice and how the Lord was pleased, everyone was joyful, and it was a service definitely worth talking about at Applebee's over lunch.
But what was the aim of the service? All of the rituals were done at the altar not for the people, but for God. The people shouted for joy when God's fire came down and consumed the offering. The whole aim of the service was for God.
I think we could aim our services more for God. Allow the Spirit to move amongst the people, fill them with joy so they can cry out to the Lord in love. We were made to worship Him, and I don't think God is running through the church gleefully laughing at our PowerPoint animations. But I could see him enjoying an offering of worship, prayer and supplication. He probably enjoys it as much as a kid getting a pitbull painted on her face.
Friday, June 27
#4 With faith like a child
So yesterday I talked about trust, and how we don't really trust God too much. Well, I thought about it more and I thought of a really good illustration to explain it. Or at least, I think it's good. So that's good enough. I think. Anyway...
When Rebekah was 4 years old we became pregnant with Joshua. Now telling a 4 year old you have a baby in your tummy can be a confusing thing. I can just now see Bekah looking really confused, asking, "There's a baby. In your tummy?" Well, yes, there is. "What did you eat?" See, confusing for a four year old.
She probably didn't believe us for a while, what with the whole stomach/uterus dilemma (and I was NOT going there yet) until mommy's stomach started to grow. She may have started believing us then, or she may have thought mommy was spending too much time at Sonic. Don't know. But she still was having a problem trusting us. Even though we told her, and she could see the effects, she still wasn't quite sure.
And then happened that special moment during any pregnancy, the kick. Or as I call it, alien spawn clawing its way out through the belly. When Bekah was able to put her hand on Nikki's stomach and feel Joshua kick her, she truly believed. Her eyes got wide, a big smile, and "I felt it Mommy! There IS a baby in your tummy!" Joshua still kicks her by the way, just harder now. With shoes on.
The important thing here is this, Rebekah trusted us. Well, she trusted Nikki. I tended to not be entirely truthful in all of my life lessons (yes, tapioca really is spiders' eggs). But even though she trusted us, there was doubt. Then, when she could see the evidence of this alleged baby in stomach, she trusted a little more, but there was still doubt. It wasn't until she could physically touch this life with her hand, to really feel the existence of the baby that she truly believed.
We're like that a lot, or at least I am. God will do amazing things in my life, and I see the effects daily. He is blessing me and my family more than we could imagine. But it's all behind the scenes. It's in the wind, it's out of sight, so there's a little bit of disbelief there. If I saw a burning bush I probably wouldn't really believe it until my hand was burnt.
And that's the problem. We're too busy trying to feel it, to feel God, to feel something spiritually, to feel the Spirit move, that we can't take time to simply enjoy the presence of God, and to know that He surrounds us. God has great blessings in store for us, ready to pour out on us. I simply need to trust that what He says is true, and that I can learn to truly believe.
When Rebekah was 4 years old we became pregnant with Joshua. Now telling a 4 year old you have a baby in your tummy can be a confusing thing. I can just now see Bekah looking really confused, asking, "There's a baby. In your tummy?" Well, yes, there is. "What did you eat?" See, confusing for a four year old.
She probably didn't believe us for a while, what with the whole stomach/uterus dilemma (and I was NOT going there yet) until mommy's stomach started to grow. She may have started believing us then, or she may have thought mommy was spending too much time at Sonic. Don't know. But she still was having a problem trusting us. Even though we told her, and she could see the effects, she still wasn't quite sure.
And then happened that special moment during any pregnancy, the kick. Or as I call it, alien spawn clawing its way out through the belly. When Bekah was able to put her hand on Nikki's stomach and feel Joshua kick her, she truly believed. Her eyes got wide, a big smile, and "I felt it Mommy! There IS a baby in your tummy!" Joshua still kicks her by the way, just harder now. With shoes on.
The important thing here is this, Rebekah trusted us. Well, she trusted Nikki. I tended to not be entirely truthful in all of my life lessons (yes, tapioca really is spiders' eggs). But even though she trusted us, there was doubt. Then, when she could see the evidence of this alleged baby in stomach, she trusted a little more, but there was still doubt. It wasn't until she could physically touch this life with her hand, to really feel the existence of the baby that she truly believed.
We're like that a lot, or at least I am. God will do amazing things in my life, and I see the effects daily. He is blessing me and my family more than we could imagine. But it's all behind the scenes. It's in the wind, it's out of sight, so there's a little bit of disbelief there. If I saw a burning bush I probably wouldn't really believe it until my hand was burnt.
And that's the problem. We're too busy trying to feel it, to feel God, to feel something spiritually, to feel the Spirit move, that we can't take time to simply enjoy the presence of God, and to know that He surrounds us. God has great blessings in store for us, ready to pour out on us. I simply need to trust that what He says is true, and that I can learn to truly believe.
Thursday, June 26
#3 I hid, because I was afraid
Why is it that we hide from God? I mean really, sometimes I'm like my 2 year old where I'll do something wrong then cover up my eyes, if I can't see it, then God can't. Case in point: I had to meet with someone to discuss some projects I was working on. But I ended up having to lie to my boss about where I would be and why. As I was driving off to the meeting, my thoughts drifted over to the lie. I tried to explain it away that my boss would never find out and it was all for a good thing anyway, so I was ok. Nobody knew.
But I know, I hear God speak right into my soul. I see it and I know.
It made me stop and think. Here I am trying to ask for God's blessing on these projects, and I'm lying to try and make them happen. And I'm hoping that since the boss won't see, I'll be ok. But God sees. It's like Adam and Eve in the garden. They ate the fruit, saw their nakedness, then they hear God moving through the garden. So they hide. I'm again reminded of my 2 year old. If I cover my eyes, then He can't see me.
Why do we do this? If we truly believe that God is all powerful, Omnipotent, Omniscient, that He created every planet and star in the sky and every leaf of grass on Earth, then why do we think we can hide behind a bush and say "I hid, because I heard your voice, and I was afraid." Just like my 2 year old, hiding really doesn't do anything but hurt the parent's heart. I feel compassion for Joshua when he hides. He knows he's done something wrong, and his guilt causes him to hide. That's when I go to him, gently uncover his eyes, and hug him and tell him I love him.
I'm probably going to lie again. And I'll think I can get away with it. Then I'll hear God's voice and hide. But I know that when I really am ashamed and pray for forgiveness, I will feel God move my hands, reach down and hold me, and whisper in my ear, "You're my child, and I love you."
Wednesday, June 25
#2 Hurry, hurry, all day long
11:30 AM. I had thirty minutes until I was too late. So I’m racing to Sweetbay supermarket in order to get the paper towels my wife needs for VBS. Why an urgency for towels? Chain reaction vomiting? Dunno, but I need them and back by noon, if I hurry I can make it. I swing into the parking lot and hop out, 11:33, good to go!
As I enter the supermarket I see a white-haired couple going down an aisle. Cute, I thought, but really would have to process the image later, I’m in a hurry to get the towels. Quick price compare (thank you whoever does price per sheet math!) and head over to the registers. Aisle #1? No, mom with three kids and seven carts, aisle #2 looks empty, so I hurry up and…right behind the white-hairs. 11:36, I’m screwed.
They only get a few things, so I may be in luck, until they ask for the total. Four times. Then reach for their cash. Then ask again. Then count out the bills. All 24 of them. So I’m forced to wait. I don’t want to, I’m in a hurry, but the other lane is WAY too long with kids screaming about peanut butter candy, so I wait. And I notice something. They’re smiling. This incredibly old man and his wife are smiling. At each other, the cashier, snot-nosed brats in the next lane, even at me. Of course I smile back, can’t be rude and all, but then those images start to process. When I first walked in the store, he was pushing the cart and she had one hand on the cart. On his hand. Holding it. These two little old people were still very much in love, with life, with living, with each other. And they weren’t in a hurry.
After I pay and race outside I jump in the truck and start ‘er up. Ready to go and hurry on down the road. That stain at VBS must really be setting by now, and then I see the couple come back out to their car. I lingered a moment to see if they needed help loading, and I see them laughing with each other. As I’m about to drive away, I have to stop and say something, anything. What I don’t know, guess I’ll wing it.
Me: Ma’am, I have to say thank you
Old Lady: Excuse me?
Me: I saw you and your husband in the store earlier and thank you. Thank you for still being in love, thank you for holding hands, thank you for being an example to younger folks like us. My wife and I have eight years this December and you set a good example for us.
Old Lady: We’ve been married 67 years son. And don’t you worry, you and your wife will make it, you’ll see.
The husband laughed and smiled, and I said goodbye. They were the same age at marriage as my wife and me. As I drive (a little slower mind you) over to VBS I realize that maybe it isn’t about the hurry. Or about making it on time. Maybe it’s just about making it. And we will, you can bet on it.
Cheers!
As I enter the supermarket I see a white-haired couple going down an aisle. Cute, I thought, but really would have to process the image later, I’m in a hurry to get the towels. Quick price compare (thank you whoever does price per sheet math!) and head over to the registers. Aisle #1? No, mom with three kids and seven carts, aisle #2 looks empty, so I hurry up and…right behind the white-hairs. 11:36, I’m screwed.
They only get a few things, so I may be in luck, until they ask for the total. Four times. Then reach for their cash. Then ask again. Then count out the bills. All 24 of them. So I’m forced to wait. I don’t want to, I’m in a hurry, but the other lane is WAY too long with kids screaming about peanut butter candy, so I wait. And I notice something. They’re smiling. This incredibly old man and his wife are smiling. At each other, the cashier, snot-nosed brats in the next lane, even at me. Of course I smile back, can’t be rude and all, but then those images start to process. When I first walked in the store, he was pushing the cart and she had one hand on the cart. On his hand. Holding it. These two little old people were still very much in love, with life, with living, with each other. And they weren’t in a hurry.
After I pay and race outside I jump in the truck and start ‘er up. Ready to go and hurry on down the road. That stain at VBS must really be setting by now, and then I see the couple come back out to their car. I lingered a moment to see if they needed help loading, and I see them laughing with each other. As I’m about to drive away, I have to stop and say something, anything. What I don’t know, guess I’ll wing it.
Me: Ma’am, I have to say thank you
Old Lady: Excuse me?
Me: I saw you and your husband in the store earlier and thank you. Thank you for still being in love, thank you for holding hands, thank you for being an example to younger folks like us. My wife and I have eight years this December and you set a good example for us.
Old Lady: We’ve been married 67 years son. And don’t you worry, you and your wife will make it, you’ll see.
The husband laughed and smiled, and I said goodbye. They were the same age at marriage as my wife and me. As I drive (a little slower mind you) over to VBS I realize that maybe it isn’t about the hurry. Or about making it on time. Maybe it’s just about making it. And we will, you can bet on it.
Cheers!
Tuesday, June 24
#1 Call Me Ishmael
So why would someone start a blog? It’s definitely not because of a lack of them, there’s blogs everywhere nowadays, Christian blogs, movie blogs, cute little furry hamster blogs, all type of blogs. The world does not another blog.
But this blog isn’t for the world. It’s for me, and hopefully, for you the reader. It’s a chance for me to express and explore the various thoughts that fill my head throughout the day. By writing this down I’m able to develop new ideas and old concerns. Hopefully it’s not a chance for me to expand my nepotism, or even the arrogance that I actually know what the word nepotism means. (Looking it up) Yup, that’s what I meant.
So it begins, hopefully this doesn’t become a chase for the great blog post, everyone telling me that I finally got it! One that resounded throughout their soul! A post they actually read from start to finish without drooling! Not the plan.
So the dedicated few that are still with me, welcome! Hopefully we’ll all find enjoyment, a little hope, some laughter, and a lot of introspection on this journey.
Cheers!
But this blog isn’t for the world. It’s for me, and hopefully, for you the reader. It’s a chance for me to express and explore the various thoughts that fill my head throughout the day. By writing this down I’m able to develop new ideas and old concerns. Hopefully it’s not a chance for me to expand my nepotism, or even the arrogance that I actually know what the word nepotism means. (Looking it up) Yup, that’s what I meant.
So it begins, hopefully this doesn’t become a chase for the great blog post, everyone telling me that I finally got it! One that resounded throughout their soul! A post they actually read from start to finish without drooling! Not the plan.
So the dedicated few that are still with me, welcome! Hopefully we’ll all find enjoyment, a little hope, some laughter, and a lot of introspection on this journey.
Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)