Mind Reading

My world is never really quiet. If you ever spend some time around me, you will notice that I often drift into prolonged periods of silence. This does not mean, however, that my mind is empty. Rather, I find my brain rather noisy. I am usually thinking quite loudly about something—preferably lofty or heavy or holy, yet too often petty and silly.

So, I enjoy the quiet. Because it helps me turn my orchestra of thoughts into a unified symphony. But I know that my family and friends sometimes wonder—“What is going on inside there? I didn’t get invited to the concert. And he seems to be dancing to the beat of a different drummer.” Then again, what should I say? “Oh, I am just listening to the voices inside my head as they sing loudly.” I don’t want to scare them...

When I am alone, I try to focus my mind through reading. It appeases my brain, but also aids it in meditating specifically. So, if you ask me about what I am thinking, you will likely hear about something I am also studying at the time. This blog post is my attempt to let you into my thoughts, as sharpened by my reading list from the past few months.

This year, I have been reading books in pairs. I have noticed that it helps better achieve balance—to provide a different point of view. And, really, it’s a better way to seek truth. The scriptures speak of the witness of two or more, not just one. Plus, the truth is not found in just some of His Word, but in the sum of it (Psalm 119:160).

So, here are the pairs of works I have been dwelling on recently:

Radical by David Platt + Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Both of these authors have spurred me on to leave behind American church-ianity and really think biblically about authentic Christianity. I have been more convicted than ever that I do not want to just be a status quo church-goer. There is no room for lukewarm, mediocre faith. That is the kind Jesus spits out of His mouth (Revelations 3:16)!

Platt does a great job of spelling out the mission—there are real needs in the world, and we have real opportunities in our living and giving to make a difference. There is also a real Savior who deserves to be worshipped by people groups all over the globe. And as Platt speaks of the mission, Chan provides the motive. We shouldn’t go out of man-made guilt or shame, but in response to God-centered gospel love. We love because Jesus first loves us (1 John 4:10).

The word “radical” is often a scary word. But, a mentor once told me that it actually comes from a root meaning “basic.” In Chinese pictograms, several radicals make up a complete character. In the same way, being radical means doing the basics well—being committed to allowing simple obedience to things like prayer, evangelism, study, and worship to radically shape our character…to be more like Jesus.

Radical Together by David Platt + Total Church by Tim Chester & Steve Timmis

More than just a model for individual devotion, these books give amazing pictures of corporate worship and gospel faithfulness. They ask the question—what should our lives look like together as Christians? In fact, Total Church makes the case that the gospel word is best expressed through gospel community—through the Body of Christ.

This has reminded me that involvement in my new local church Hilltop Christian Fellowship is of holy importance. While I experience and enjoy the with-ness of the saints there, we are also being a witness to the world around us!

Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card + Champagne for the Soul by Mike Mason

I actually decided to re-read these books. I wanted to read them together. The first one speaks about sorrow, and the second teaches about joy. They both remark, at various points, that joy and sorrow are a lot more closely linked that we often imagine.

The Lord welcomes our tears. He cares about us, and He meets us in our deepest need. Moreover, He delights to turn mourning into dancing. He transforms the sacrifice of tears into shouts of joy. These combined works reminded me that: 1.) lament is a pathway to worship—that we can cry to the glory of God and 2.) joy is waiting—that it was the glory of God to purchase imperishable (now available) joy for us on the cross!

Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung + Forgotten God by Francis Chan

This combo in actually an interesting mix. The first is about our obsession with finding the will of God for our lives. The second is about our neglect of the Holy Spirit. By them, I was reminded that God the Spirit is to be worshipped, not treated like Madam Cleo or a Magic-8 ball. And that I far too often care about my future, instead of walking in step with the Spirit today, trusting God to provide what I need to best glorify Him in tomorrow.

DeYoung’s book is a call to action. Yes, we seek God’s face and ask His blessing. But we don’t have to obsess over every detail, but rest in God’s sovereign will. It’s a great reminder that who we are and why we do something is more important than the “what.”

I think about my dad. Putting food on the table and being faithful—coming home to mom, and serving me and my sister every day, while working for nearly 40 years at the bank. I was convicted—for all of today’s emphasis on sitting around and figuring out the 50-year plan for our lives, my dad has a lot more to show for it. There is much to be said in just making decisions, living in freedom, and working hard to the glory of God.

Indeed, “walking in the Spirit” sounds more like active obedience than passive existence. Of course, Chan’s book was a great comfort that the Lord is with me, that He promises to bless me and guide me, as I worship Him and consecrate my life to His praise.

Single Servings by Lee Warren + … Something by Me???

This next book I actually read while thinking about writing my own. Several friends have encouraged me to write a book, based on my sermons on singleness and loneliness. There aren’t many books on how to glorify God in the season pre-marriage, especially for career-aged singles. I was lamenting the lack of these books, and the sheer amount focused on dating relationships over our relationship with Christ, when I found this gem. It is a 90-day devotional, speaking on issues most singles face. It was encouraging to the soul—and comforting that, even alone, we don’t have to feel lonely in our struggles.

As for my book, I am still assessing the need / timing / practicality. For now, I am keeping my ideas quiet. But of course, you could always read my mind…

The Stuff of Heroes

The hope of glory.

It’s been driving me ever since I was a little boy. I would wake up and wonder who I would be that day—a super hero like Spiderman, a ninja turtle like Leonardo, or a brave warrior like He-Man. Even then, I aspired to power and greatness.

It’s not so different when a boy becomes a man. But, the heroes move from cartoons to Hollywood. Now, I wonder who I am becoming—a suave ladies man like James Bond, a wise jedi master like Yoda, or a cunning secret agent like Jack Bauer. Something in me now—I want to be more than great. I want to be glorious.

I often transfer that into my Christian life. There is the power and promise of faith—that it can move mountains, give feet like a deer, grow wings like an eagle, stop the mouth of lions, quench the power of fire, put whole armies to flight. My heart says, “Sign me up.”

There are men in the Bible whose legacies I admire greatly. One of them is Moses. Sure, he had his insecurities about leading people, such as a fear of public speaking. And he had a temper. He murdered an Egyptian for mistreating his people and tried to cover it up (Exodus 2). But in the end, what defined him as a prophet was this: he was a humble man who spoke to God face to face (Deut 34; cf. Num 12:3)

Another is David. Yes, he was at first overlooked because of his size and humble beginnings, and he had family issues throughout his life. Plus, his passion got him into trouble. He conspired to kill the husband of the woman he desired (2 Samuel 11). But in the end, what defined him as a king was this: he was a man after God’s heart (1 Sam 13:14; cf. Acts 13:22).

I want to be a Moses or a David (as I see them). I want to go when God says go. I want to fight when God says fight. I want to lead masses, to conquer armies, to be great and powerful, to do untold signs and wonders.

That, in my mind, is the stuff of heroes.

…

But, as I come to see myself rightly, I have more and more realized that if I am to be a hero, I am more a hero like...Lot, Gideon, or Jonah.

Lot was called a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7). But his story is rife with people-pleasing, second-guessing, and compromising. The angels tell him to flee Sodom, before its destruction. However, his son-in-laws laugh at him, as a crazy old man who actually thinks he talks to God. The angels are forced to take him by the hand and pull him out. Even still, Lot only goes because they don’t make him run the full distance planned.

Sure, he had that one moment where, with focused determination, he ran out of that city, never to look back. But…there is a “but” here. Look at Genesis 19:16 – “But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.” Did you see that?

This is the truth behind Lot: “But he lingered.”

Gideon was deemed a mighty warrior (Judges 6:12). But his reign is riddled with excuse-making, doubting, and sign-seeking. He refuses to fight any battles unless the Lord, through repeated signs, guarantees him victory. He finally defeats the enemies of Israel without, only to leave the nation worshipping idols within.

Yes, he had that day when he led a group of 300 with nothing more than jars and torches to defeat a greater army. But before that…there is another “but.” Look at Judges 6:27 – “So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night.” Did you hear that?

This is the truth behind Gideon: “But he was too afraid.”

Jonah was counted a great preacher (Jonah 1:1). But his legacy is marked my running, arguing, and self-seeking. The Lord tells him to preach to Nineveh. Jonah has other plans and runs the other direction. After storms and whales and repentance, he does his job and awaits their demise. Though they turn from wickedness, the book ends with him pouting on a cliff, hoping for God to change his mind and destroy them anyway.

True, his preaching was so mighty and effective than an entire city turned to the Lord. But…there’s that “but again.” What if it were up to his choice? Look at Jonah 1:3 – “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” Did you notice that?

This is the truth behind Jonah: “But he rose to flee.”

…

How can it be that men like Lot, Gideon, or Jonah have found their names on the roll call of the faithful (Hebrews 11)? Some have even called them heroes. Heroes? Really?! They are conflicted. They never fully overcome their personal issues. Their stories don’t end with a hero’s song or an epic poem. They seem so messy and frail and…human.

Yet, in truth, we must remember what they are heroes of—faith. And who is that faith in? A Great God who wants to display his power, to showcase his grace and mercy. They are his trophies. And it is our faith in that same God that gives us the hope of His glory.

I relate to Lot, Gideon, and Jonah. I am the man who lingers. I am the man too afraid. I am the man who rises to flee. But there is more than the sinful “truth behind me.” My legacy will not be determined by my failures, but by faith counted as righteousness.

Moreover, God has chosen me and you, not because we are made of the stuff of heroes. But because we are weak and powerless, unable to do what he is asking. He has decided to show Himself through our lives. He will grab us by the hand, like Lot. He will give us the assurance we need, like Gideon. He will use us despite us, like Jonah.

The greatest hero who ever lived and will live is Jesus. He is mighty to save. He can use us as the poor, the lame, the leper, and the prostitute to do great things. Not because of who we are. For, it is no longer us who live, but Him who lives in us! Even the faith I have in Him is a gift. It was given…so that I have no reason to boast.

Here is the truth behind Him: “But God rich in mercy…” (Ephesians 2). And in that, we now possess this: “Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim” (Col 1:27-28).