08.17.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 2:31 pm by Zane Brown
. . . you’re in good company.
I was doing some yard work yesterday while my MP3 blared “Let the Waters Rise” by Mike’s Chair. It’s a song that I’d heard scores of times, but this time, I stopped my work so that I could focus on the lyrics. Allow me to share them with you:
Don’t know where to begin. It’s like my world’s caving in and I tried, but I can’t control my fear. Where do I go from here? Sometimes it’s so hard to pray. You feel so far away. I am willing to go where You want me to. God I trust You.
There’s a raging sea right in front of me; wants to pull me in, bring me to my knees. So let the waters rise if You want them to. I will follow You.
I will swim in the deep, cuz You’ll be next to me. You’re in the eye of the storm and the calm of the sea. You’re never out of reach. God, You know where I’ve been. You were there with me then. You were faithful before. You’ll be faithful again. I’m holding Your hand.
God, Your love is enough. You will pull me through. I’m holding on to You.
Stormy seas often produce flooding. In 1989, scores of people took shelter at Lincoln High School in McCellanville, SC to escape the fury of Hurricane Hugo. Their shelter almost became a death trap as the storm surge flooded the school building and required many adults to hold children over the heads as they sought refuge on the roof. The rising waters could have quickly taken the lives of many of the 400+ folks seeking shelter that night. By the grace of God, no one died there.
While pastoring in North Charleston, I met with some deacons who tried to persuade me to focus more on the joy of following Jesus in my preaching. Their chief complaint was that I spent too much time talking about valleys and storms and difficult times. My explanation didn’t change their minds, but I still hold to it. MOST of life for MOST of us is lived in the storms and valleys and flood waters of life. Whether it’s health issues, employment issues, realtional issues, financial issues, or any other kind of issues, following Jesus does not guarantee that those things will dissipate. When we come to faith in Jesus, the only guarantee that we have, other than the certainty of heaven, is that HE will be with us in the valleys, storms, and floodwaters.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking that walking in God’s will means the absence of distress. It does not! You need only read the Psalms and Ecclesiastes to discover the distress of David and Solomon. You need only to read of the persecution of the early Church, the stoning of Stephen, the killing of James, the thorn in Paul’s side, and the Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11 to discover that following Jesus really is taking the hard road. It’s not for weaklings, cowards, or quitters.
In Matthew 14:22-32, please notice that Jesus could have stilled the winds and the waves on Galilee that night, but He didn’t. Surely, it would have been easier for Peter to step out onto a sea as smooth as glass. But when Jesus told him to step out, the wind still howled and the swells continued to crash against the boat. But as long as Peter kept His focus on the Christ Who called him, he could literally rise above the normal effects of the storm. BUT, at the moment he changed his focus from Jesus to the rising waters, he began to sink. At that point, Jesus reached out to rescue him and said, “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?”
For most of us, life will continue to confront us with issues, dilemmas, and stressors of every sort. The winds will continue to howl and the waters will rise and fall. Between all the mountaintops, we’ll be force to travel in the valleys. Why? Because that’s where ministry is needed. Those valleys and stormy seas will be littered with hurting folks and we can point them to the One Who can help them rise above the effects of the storm.
Whenever the waters are rising in your life, ask yourself a couple of questions:
1. Have I lost my focus? Am I distracted from Christ?
2. What is it that Jesus desires to teach me in this storm/valley that could be useful in helping others? How will this strengthen my witness to those in my circles of influence?
Distress comes to us all. Fear is natural. Questions are OK. Obedience is key. Even when you’re afraid . . . even when you don’t understand . . . even when there seems to be no answers, keep the faith and keep your focus on Jesus. His love is enough and He WILL pull you through.
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07.22.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 2:53 pm by Zane Brown
We lost a member of the brotherhood early Tuesday morning. I wish I had known Cpl. Paul Potts better. What I knew of him was that he was passionate about his job. He was well-trained and always seeking to improve his skills. He was an achiever who wanted to excel rather than just pass. He was a police officer and firefighter who was close to becoming a certified EMT. A big, strong, tough guy who was constantly seeking ways to help others.
I don’t know all the experiences and circumstances that brought about the events of Tuesday morning. I’ve heard things. I know that Paul lost a grandfather earlier this year. This was the man who had been a surrogate father to him. Another traumatic event was the emergence this year of his father, with whom he had no contact since early childhood. I wondered if perhaps Paul had spent the last 30 years of his life trying to achieve, impress, and gain the acceptance of a father who had left him years earlier. Grandpas are great, but nothing can really replace the love and interest of a “dad.” When a child feels abandoned by a parent, it can result in a “love deficit” that the child will try to fill, often in unhealthy ways.
But, that’s speculation on my part. What I do know is that at some point late Monday night or early Tuesday morning, Paul’s depression reached a point where he felt that death was his best option. That kind of desperation is usually generated by pain. Sometimes the pain is physical. More often the pain is emotional. And let’s face it . . . law enforcement officers can’t show that kind of pain. NOT because of the bad guys they confront everyday, but more often because of the pressure of their peers. They cannot appear “weak” to their fellow officers. So these wonderful guys and gals who stand between the law-abiding public and the criminal element will hone their shooting and ground-fighting skills. They’ll hit the gym 3 or 4 times a week to bulk up. They’ll do some aerobics to build up their endurance. BUT, they let their emotional and spiritual health atrophy in the process. They don’t want to talk about “issues” that are affecting them. They shy away from medications, churches, spiritual development, psychological triage, or even time off because they might “appear weak.”
To all my Law Enforcement brothers and sisters, I have an update. No matter how hard we train, we’re all just flesh and blood. No matter how tough the exterior, we’re all the same on the inside. We’re all very human.
There is a Bible verse that says, “Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT) No matter how hard we work out, we continue to experience the limitations of growing older. But the real spark of life is our spirits. When the spirit is crushed, the healthiest body in the world can’t alleviate the pain. That’s why we need to nourish the spirit as well as the flesh if we are to really be healthy.
So, what I am trying to say? In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey tells a story that illustrates the need for adequate rest and renewal in our lives. The story goes like this: You come upon a man in the woods feverishly sawing down a tree. “You look exhausted! How long have you been at this?” you ask. “Over five hours and I’m beat,” he replies. “This is getting harder,” he says. So you reply, “Maybe you could take a break and sharpen the saw. Then the work would go faster and easier.” “I don’t have time,” the man replies. “I’m too busy sawing.”
Perhaps you can identify with the man in the woods. You just keep on keeping on in hopes that the issues that haunt you don’t overwhelm you. But sooner or later . . . well quite often those issues manifest themselves in narcissism, anger, anxiety, or depression. It can negatively affect your closest personal relationships, your professional performance, and your private life. It can be a killer, but it doesn’t have to be.
Exercise yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well as physically. Sharpening the saw means taking time for reflection, rest, and recuperation. It means taking time to stretch, exercise, and heal the body, mind, and spirit. It means acknowledging wounds and seeking out the help we need to mend them. It means finding trustworthy friends and professionals with whom we can be honest about our “issues.” If the “issues” can’t be confronted, they can’t be overcome. It means recognizing that, according to the psalmist, even God our Creator ” . . . knows how weak we are; He remembers that we are just dust.” (Psalm 103:14 NLT)
So, my brothers and sisters, do not be afraid nor ashamed to reach out for help when the burden becomes cumbersome. As I’ve often told my sons, it’s not the strong man who refuses to ask for help; it’s the weak man. Continue with your physical exercise and healthy nutrition. Take your vitamin supplements and prescribed medications. But take the time to stretch yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Join a support group. Get involved with a church. Read. Reflect. Reconnect with your spouse or a friend with whom you can ventilate your true feelings. AND encourage your co-workers to take a break to “sharpen the saw.” Perhaps that encouragement will prevent us from having to place the black band on the badge again.
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06.30.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:54 pm by Zane Brown
Can you recall your elementary school days? I remember them with much greater clarity than I thought I would at this age. It was September, 1960, that I started the first grade with Mrs. Roche as my teacher. Central Elementary School in Sumter, SC was a place that I would grown to love through six wonderful years of cultural, academic, and spiritual education. I had wonderful teachers like Mrs. Martin, Miss Roper, and Mrs. McLeod who took time to nurture the values that had been instilled by our parents and grandparents: Respect for God, pride in our nation, a desire for self-improvement, and a work ethic that truly believed that hard work and perseverance would ultimately bring fulfillment in life. I remember proudly serving on the safety patrol, always eagerly looking to “flag duty.” That was the privilege of raising the flag in the morning and lowering it in the afternoon. I remember finally being old enough to be in the elementary chorus and the rousing school assemblies that always began with the pledge of allegiance, an invocation, and inspirational songs like “This Land is Your Land,” “America the Beautiful,” and God Bless America.”
I didn’t understand much about the United States in those days. I knew there were worries about atomic bombs because we had regular drills that required us to sit underneath our desks. I knew that a new, young president had been shot and killed in his first term. I knew about the “space race” with the USSR. I knew there was a long, painful, and unpopular war going on in a place called Viet Nam. I knew there was this thing called the “Civil Rights Movement” going on. YET, still there was always this sense of pride that came with being an American.
That hasn’t changed for me! Fifty Years later, I have a better understanding of how our government works; and I know that the very freedoms that we have held so dear for over 200 years, the very freedoms that so many heroic men and women have served to protect are also the very things that make our American culture so fragile. For 230+ years, people from every culture and nation have wanted to come to America. We have opened our arms to them . . . red, yellow, black and white, and everything in-between. Rich and poor, refugees and royalty —- those who came seeking relief from oppression, whether political, religious, or economic, found a “promised land” in which to fulfill their dreams.
Even now, when I hear our national anthem, see a young man or woman in a military uniform, or hear stories from those veterans of the greatest generation, the hair stands up on the back of my neck as I think about the greatness that God has imparted on our nation. Please, don’t think that our greatness is found in the halls of congress or on the bench of the supreme court or in the oval office of the White House. In this era of career politicians, over-inflated egos, and self-sustaining partisanship, I can assure you that the strength and greatness of this nation resides NOT in the ivory towers of the District of Columbia. It resides in the hearts of those men and women and young people and children all across this land who still believe that America is the world’s best hope. The strength and greatness of American lies in a voluntary military force comprised of men and women who believe that freedom is worth defending, even to death. The strength and greatness of America lies in single-wide mobile homes and mansions alike, in synagogues and churches where values like respect, personal responsibility, and accountability are nurtured. The strength and greatness of America lies in our God-given purpose. The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 33:12 — “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His own inheritance.”
This Independence Day . . . Remember!!!
HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY FOURTH!
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05.25.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 12:19 pm by Zane Brown
Ephesians 4:31-32
My visit to Bethlehem was a discomforting yet pleasant surprise. No, not Bethlehem, the city. Bethlehem the church. Pastor John tackled one of the toughest passages in the New Testament , particularly when teaching it to your own folks. The passage was I Corinthians 6:1-8. He met the issue of intra church and inter church conflict head on and lovingly delievered a biblical absolute that most of us would just as soon forget. “Why not put up with injustice. Why not rather be cheated.” I Corinthian 6:8
As I sat there contemplating how clear and direct this biblical mandate was, I recalled a few times in my ministry & my life as a Christ-follower that I had disrupted my fellowship with God and robbed myself of His power because I held a grudge against someone who had wronged me. But forgiveness seems so . . . weak.
There is a great quote attributed to Ghandi: “The weak cannot forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.” How true! No greater display of forgiveness than when the dying Son of God forgave those who hated Him. Though we might not verbalize it, we all have our ideas of what demonstrates deep or mature Christian faith. For some, it might be how often you attend church. For another, it might be honesty & integrity. For still another, it might be a litany list of what you DON”T do. But for me . . . well I’m thinking this just might be the apex of true discipleship — the ability to overlook a hurt or offense without bitterness, resentment, or a desire for retaliation.
Following Jesus might seem intriguing when we consider His miracles. He healed the sick, He fed the hungry, He raised the dead. Is it any wonder that so many followed Him. They wanted what He could do for them. Their relationship with Christ was motivated by selfishness. But when we consider His example and His teaching, following Him seems more strenuous than intriguing. Think about it! This ONE Who could have called legions of angels for deliverance and destruction chose the path of peace. That cost Him His life. Everyone who was close to Him forsook Him. Yet, on that cross, He prays “Father, forgive them . . . “
Days later, when the resurrected Lord confronted those followers, we hear nothing but encouragement from His lips. No judgment of the doubting Thomas. No “I told you so” to the two-faced Peter. No tongue lashing to the dispersed disciples. They had already been forgiven. During those 40 days prior to the ascension, Jesus sought to restore, strengthen, and prepare those who had wronged Him for a mission that would change the world.
No wonder, the apostle Paul would later write, “Make your attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used to His own advantage. Instead, He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death . . .” Read the whole account in Philippians 2:5-11
We must never become so distracted by the rigid maintenance of our “rights” that we forget such biblical absolutes as:
* “whoever will be great among you must be your servant” Matt 20:26 * ”Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those trespass against us” Mtt 6:12 * “Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” Ephesians 4:32
Building the Kingdom of God is never about you or me. It is about submission to the will of God, following the example of Jesus, and letting go of our hurts and disappointments by forgiving as Christ as forgiven us. It might seem uncomfortable at first, but letting go of that emotional load of bitterness and contempt is evidence that your relationship with Christ is strong and deep.
So, whatever injustice you might be holding on to, just let it go!
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04.12.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:39 pm by Zane Brown
I’ve played golf for about 20 years now and I’m still a 13 handicap. I read golfing magazines, I play weekly if possible, and I watch the pros. I was just one of a throng who watched the 2010 Masters in Augusta. CBS News reported that viewership was up 50% over the previous year as a curious public awaited the return of Tiger Woods. Viewers were not disappointed. Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, and Anthony Kim played extraordinary golf in the final round to finish as the top three. Tiger played well as did the “old man”, Tom Watson. But for a while, one thought overshadowed the excellence on display at Augusta. “WHY ARE GOLF BALLS DIMPLED?”
So I did a little (literally) research and concluded that it was a matter of simple physics. Legend suggests that poor young golfer found it necessary to use old, scarred balls of the tee. His playing partners soon noticed that his “scarred” ball traveled farther off the tee than their smooth ones. Research followed revealing that scars or dimples helped the ball travel higher and farther. Now, hold that thought while we take a brief look at everyone’s favorite disciple, Peter.
Luke 22:31-34 offers a glimpse at how calculating the Devil can be in seeking the downfall of those who long to follow Christ. He is pictured in those verses as the accuser of humanity (Revelation 12:10), the one who uses his resources to erode faith and destroy the faithful. The word translated as “has desired” in verse 31 is a Greek word implying a challenge, like that in the Old Testament story of Job. It’s as if Satan appeared before God again and said, “All those followers of Jesus are like a puff of smoke in the wind. A little pressure and they will all forsake Him.” The TEV translation states it this way: “Simon, listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff.” Note that Jesus calls him “Simon” rather than “Peter.” At this point, Jesus does not refer to him as a stone or a rock or anything of substantial weight or strength. Instead, He calls him by his old name . . . a reminder that Peter is a mere mortal, a frail, weak human who is unable to withstand Satanic pressures alone.
Jesus warned them all of the impending danger and assured them that He had prayed for their strength. But, in His foreknowledge, He also knew that failure was imminent. He also knew that no one would be harder on Peter than Peter himself. Jesus, with infinite love and mercy, looked beyond Peter’s downfall and saw his potential as a leader in the fledgling Church. He showed His faith in Peter by commissioning him to the task of strengthening his Christian brothers and sisters (v. 32b).
When Peter launched a stern defense assuring Jesus of his loyalty, even if everyone might forsake Him, Jesus simply said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Those words must have echoed in Peter’s ears just hours later when he heard the rooster’s crow. With guilt and grief that more punishing than death, he left the high priest’s house weeping bitterly. No longer considering himself a part of the apostolic group, I imagine Peter wallowed in self-pity until that third day when Mary came with a special message. I can hear her now: “He has sent me to tell you that He is risen. But Peter, He mentioned you by name. He wants to see you.”
That’s what the EASTER season is all about . . . Second Chances! Human nature hasn’t changed that much. I’m sure Peter heard whispers, endured murderous stares, and felt the sting of gossip from people who only remembered his failure. But all that really mattered was that he had been forgiven, vindicated, and commissioned by Jesus Himself. Fifty days later, this failure would be the one whom God would use to preach the sermon at Pentecost and usher in the birth of the Church.
So, what’s this all about?? It’s about understanding that sometimes failure is necessary. God will sometimes use our failures to strip away pride and a sense of self-sufficiency. Peter’s upper room conversation with Jesus revealed an arrogant self-confidence. His failure opened the way for God’s grace to reshape him. Failure can humble us and restore our focus on Christ. It’s also about understanding that failure can be the soil from which greater opportunities for service can grow. God used Peter as the preacher at Pentecost, not because of his eloquence or education. He used him because his penitent spirit, in the wake of his failure, prepared him for the task. It was his scars and flaws that made him authentic.
Like golf balls, God’s people are usually more effective as ministers when they bear the scars and marks of real life. Through Peter, God has shown us that He can even use our failures to make us stronger and more effective in helping to build His Kingdom. So if you’ve failed somewhere along the way, don’t give up on God. He certainly hasn’t given up on you. That’s the story of Easter and . . .
. . . that’s what Jesus is all about: grace, regeneration, restoration, and another chance.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are just dust.” Psalm 103:13-14
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04.02.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:33 pm by Zane Brown
He Was . . . Maundy Thursday was a busy day. I was trying to get my 2009 tax info together before leaving on vacation. I also had to put together a wedding ceremony for a friend’s wedding on Saturday. AND, I was getting ready to serve Communion at the Christian Women’s Job Corps Bible Study at 5:45pm and for second shift hospital staff at 7:30pm. A busy, busy day with little time for solitude and reflection on the majesty of this season until I arrived at the hospital. I had worked out a plan for employees to drop by the private dining room, watch a three minute video, and receive communion and a prayer. It seemed perfect for employees who might only have 5-10 minutes for their Maundy Thursday observance.
The announcement was made and 6-7 employees came by during the first half hour. After that, it was just me, the video, the elements, and my Bible. It was quiet, still, and perfect for reflecting while watching & listening again to the story of that fateful weekend in Jerusalem almost 20 centuries ago. As I reflected, I jotted these thoughts:
After 37 years as a follower of Christ, I still bow in awe that the Almighty, Invincible God of the universe would subject Himself to the vitriol, the violence, the humilitation, the abandonment, and the pain of the CROSS for me . . . and for you. I will never be able to comprehend in this life the amazing truth that “God demonstrated His love for us in that WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
A bended knee, a contrite spirit, a simple “thank you” seem so inadequate. This Easter, don’t just watch, hear, and believe the story of Easter. RESPOND with a heart of love & a life of obedience because one day, HE is coming again for me . . . and hopefully for you! (John 14:6)
HAVE A WONDERFUL, WORSHIPFUL EASTER!!! And watch the brief Blue Fish video titled “He Was.” Click on the link at the top left of this post. It might take a while to buffer up, but the wait will be worth it.
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03.22.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 3:23 pm by Zane Brown
I had to face the fact that I was no Wayne Gretzky. My adult-onset love for the game of hockey compelled me to try “in-line” skating at the tender age of 41. I had already dreamed of moving across the driveway with the grace of Scott Hamilton, the speed of Eric Heiden, and the moves of the Great One. I sat on the front steps, buckling the skates, eagerly anticipating bursting into the International Roller Hockey League as a 40 something superstar rookie. But alas . . . my ankles were weak, my balance uncertain, and my speed could have been measured with a calendar intead of a stopwatch. Ten (10) minutes after stepping into the skates, I was taking them off. My legs were quivering as I climbed the steps toward the front door. My dream had crashed into the cold, harsh reality that I was not Scott Hamilton, Eric Heiden, or Wayne Gretzky.
What was the difference between them and me? Discipline, commitment, hard work, and the investment of time. I wanted to do in ten minutes what had taken those men a lifetime to develop. The grace, speed, and skills they displayed on the ice resulted from years of commitment, focus, discipline, and practice. In spite of “natural talent,” they might have been as uncomfortable on skates as I was when they started. But over the course of time, it was their focus, discipline, hard work, and tenacity that made them superstars.
That sports principle is true in the spiritual realm, too. Spiritually, we can desire to be prayer warriors, bold witnesses, and people of faith. But desire in not enough to help us handle the pressures of life as Jesus did. We must practice the same discipline, focus, commitment, and tenacity that helped maintian His intimate relationship with God the Father. It requires hard work. We must be totally committed to His cause, clearly focused on His will more than ours, and ruthlessly disciplined in our walk with Him. The apostle Paul wrote these encouraging words to young Timothy: “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and the life to come. “ I Timothy 4: 8 (NLT)
Remember! Desire is not enough. Commitment, discipline, and focus, along with the passage of time, will help us in dealing with the pressures of life and becoming more effective workers in building His Kingdom. After all, champions are made, not born.
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03.10.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:25 pm by Zane Brown
A military chaplain, sitting in a poorly lit railway station, was trying to show a young soldier the way to eternal life. Opening a pocket-size New Testament to John 3:16, the chaplain asked the young man to read it aloud. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only forgotten Son.” Certainly it was a mistaken reading; yet it is tragically true for too many professing Christians. It is easy to walk out of an uplifting church service and into a stress-filled world and have our awareness of the presence of Jesus dulled by our worldly responsibilities. There’s bills and scout meetings and soccer and bills. There’s sickness and sorrow, disappointment and discouragement, pain and pressure, and don’t forget the bills.
In Luke 2:41-52, Mary and Joseph were caught up in the busyness of their departing caravan. They were probably tired after the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Now, dozens of people and tons of frenzied activity surrounded the them as the group began their trek back toward Nazareth. I imagine they assumed their young son was somewhere in the group, perhaps playing with other children. Their awareness of his presence was dulled by their busyness. So much was happening that they simply assumed that everything was OK and they’d catch up to the young Jesus later. For a time though, Jesus was forgotten. Not intentionally, but simply replaced by the stresses and responsibilities of life for a while.
Far too many professing Christians today struggle through life doing the very best they can spiritually while feeling frustrated and utterly inadequate. Perhaps it’s because this Jesus, Who is very real to them in their Sunday worship and Wednesday small group, seems to disappear amidst the pressures and responsibilities of day to day life. They tend to forget that He IS present and desires to be intimately involved in every part of their lives.
Do NOT tie the hands of Jesus by limiting His involvement in your life to church-related events. Jesus said, “. . . the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14) But, He also said, “I have come that they might have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10)
In the midst of the stresses and difficulties of daily life, Jesus is NOT missing. He is there and wants to be involved in every circumstance, every issue, and every decision. His desire is that our status quo be replaced with adventure, our anxieties replaced with peace, and our questions about the meaning of life replaced with a sense of eternal purpose. All you have to do is remember that He is there and submit to His will and purpose for your life. Call on Him for strength when you feel weak, guidance when you are uncertain, comfort when you are hurting, and boldness when you are afraid. You won’t be disappointed! And you’ll experience the abundant life that He has promised to those who submit to His will.
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03.01.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 3:25 pm by Zane Brown
As I’ve arrived at the official age of senior citizenry, I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that my hearing seems to be a bit dull. It’s becoming more difficult to screen or distinguish words in the midst of background noise. In the car with the radio going or at home with the TV and the dishwasher doing a duet, my wife’s voice becomes muffled sometimes by the competing sounds. I have learned that in order to really communicate with her, I need to turn off the distracting sounds and focus my attention on her. That might be in the quiet of a darkened bedroom at bedtime, in the car as we drive to our next “event,” or over a table for two at our weekly date time. When the busyness level drops and the distractions of the day are blocked out, I can hear and understand her. And that makes for a happy wife AND a happy husband.
But you know what? My spiritual ears grow dull from time to time, too. With a job, an avocation or two, and family demands, it’s easy to let my life become overrun with noises and distractions that dull my sensitivity to the presence of God. In the midst of a schedule that never seems to let up, it can become increasingly difficult to discern the voice of God over all the other “voices” demanding our time and attention.
Perhaps we all need to schedule time regularly to follow God’s admonition to “Be Still and know that I am God.” (Isaiah 46:10) Perhaps we need to turn of the computer, the TV, and the telephone for while. Perhaps we need to bow out of a responsibility, give a little less time to a time-consuming hobby, or give up some overtime on the job. Effective communication and genuine intimacy don’t just happen. Those things are nurtured by attentive, intentional communication.
So nurture your family and yourself with the gift of high quality communication. Get silly on Wii with your children. Sit quietly with your spouse and watch the changing colors of a late winter sky. Kneel reverently at the bedside of that sleeping child or grandchild and remember that it is God alone Who creates and sustains such beauty. Take a few moments each day to meditate on His goodness. Listen for His still, small voice cutting through all the frenzy of life to remind you that He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:9) Take some time every day just to Be Still and Know That (He) Is God and His desire is for you to know Him better.
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02.18.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:45 am by Zane Brown
All my life, I tried to fit in. As a child, I tried to find my “fit” in my family. In school, I played sports, drank beer, grew my hair long — it was the 60s for goodness sake — all in an attempt to find a spot, a niche, a place of acceptance.
That’s also why I was baptized and joined the church at age nine. It wasn’t until I was 18 that I realized my need for Christ as my Savior and really submitted to Him. At age 20, I felt God’s call to vocational ministry. YET, I was still trying to find a way to fit. It was a decades-long , desperate search for acceptance.
There are many who, like me, are searching for truth, answers, meaning in life, and acceptance. Some turn to social organizations, some lean toward criminal gangs. Many turn to the church hoping to find acceptance, encouragement, and love. Unfortunately, subtle demands for uniformity have infilitrated the church. “Come to Jesus just as you are,” we say. But then we attempt to remake new believers in our own image.
Perhaps that’s why I felt so uncomfortable in ministry for so many years. I had been trying to fit in rather than being myself. But then, one glorious day, the psalmist reminded me of the unique stamp God had placed on my live when He formed me over 56 years. I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” according to Psalm 139:14. And the same is true of you. God Himself formed you in your mother’s womb. He created you to be remarkable and unique. AND, before you ever drew a breath, all of your days were written in His book and planned. In other words, He created YOU for a purpose. You’ll never find that purpose trying to be someone you’re not.
The apostle Paul reminds us that it takes all kinds of unique individuals working together to be effective as the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12). Essentially, God has said to me, “Zane, it’s OK to be yourself. That’s how I made you.” My prayer and hope is that I can be as gracious to others as God is to me. Our differences in appearance, abilities, experiences, giftedness, and methods are one of God’s ways of reminding us that we need each other if we are to function most effectively as the Body of Christ.
Accept yourself as Christ accepts you. Let Him bring about the changes that are necessary to give your life meaning. Remember that He created you with a purpose in mind and when you begin to live out that purpose, you will fulfill YOUR role in the Body of Christ.
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