The Walls are Broken

I am a fixer. Always have been. If there's something broken, incomplete, done incorrectly, or insufficient I step into action wanting to solve whatever issue going on. Even if I have no expertise or experience. You see, our house has many of those things that 'need fixing'.

When we purchased the home last November it had been completely renovated, everything seemingly new and fixed. "Great!" I thought. With a newborn daughter and trying to move into the house at the same time there was not time for fixing anything. Well little did I know that in a span of months that would all start changing. Being new to Texas I had no experience with humidity's impact on door frames, the re-leveling of a repaired foundation, and all of the overgrowth of a previously unmaintained backyard.

Last month I was able to fix one door in our house so it will now close. It creaks, but hey, at least it closes now. There are two other interior doors that won't close and a super wonky exterior one goes to our back deck that is so crooked it's unusable from the door and frame not matching up, not to mention the gap between it and the weather stripping. The two interior doors I think I have ideas on, but the exterior is way out of my skill level. So I have to plan, prepare and for the time being, wait.

I was excited to shape the backyard into what we were hoping it could be; a place to spend outside enjoying meals and playing. Currently it is an overgrowth of grass, trees and vines. Two weeks ago while working back there I came inside and noticed some bumps on my arm. I figured mosquito bites or something of the like and didn't pay them much attention. That was into they got bigger, itched a whole lot more, puffed up, and began to spread. I was at my wits end of what was going on and ended up caving and going to the doctor. I say caving because to be honest I'm not a fan of doctors, clinics, pills, and the whole situation. After the first visit I was given some topical creams and told to apply them and wait.

So I applied and waited, but still nothing improved, so I went back to the doctor seeking answers. The doctor had an idea of what was going on but really was as confused as I was as to why things weren't changing. So with the advice of a colleague gave me prescriptions for three pills and gave me a steroid shot. So I took these pills on their appropriate schedule, adjusting meal times around them to fulfill their empty or full stomach requirements and waited.

Do you see a theme here? Waiting. O how I hate waiting! It is torture to me. My anxiety ramps up and I get restless and sometimes physically ill for multiple days. Yet what God calls us to is to wait. Wait for His timing, wait for Him to move, wait so He gets all the glory. My fallen soul wants to be selfish and hoard it all for myself.

I have viewed my home as my castle, my own personal city so to speak where I am comfortable, familiar, and in a safe place. In the beginning of the Old Testament book of Nehemiah as Nehemiah is returning to Jerusalem the walls, the defenses and protection of the city, have been destroyed during the nation of Israel's exile. I see all of the problems of my home as cracks in the walls and defenses of what I envisions for my home. Nehemiah doesn't get right to fixing the broken walls and fortifying the city. He "sat down and wept and mourned for days, and continued fasting and praying (Neh 1:4). Nehemiah pleads before God and intercedes on the city's behalf, confessing not only his sin but also the nation's sin begging for restoration.

Taking care of a home isn't bad, wanting to provide for your family isn't bad, and setting up a sufficient and safe place for your family is not bad. These are all great things that God calls us to do, but to what expense? Are you putting these things before your daily development with your relationship with God? Where can you ease a bit to give God what He deserves?

For me, it's when I get up with my daughter in the morning so my wife can get some more sleep. After changing a diaper, playing a little, and feeding her a bottle to put her back down for a nap I have me time. I do whatever I want or feel is needed until someone wakes up next. This is when my God time should be. Not my only time in the day to connect and commune with Him, but a dedicated time to grow and grow closer to the Almighty. So before I start on chores or my next project I have time with God, Him going before me in my day and the adventures that unfold, bathed in prayer, confession, and His unbending grace.

Where is there even a small pocket of time that you can take and reclaim it for time with God?

Adios and Aloha

Everyone says that the best day of your life is your wedding day, birth of your children, or perhaps retirement. As I, like many, reflect on this last day of 2014 the past year (and a little of 2013) you could ask me that question and try to force an answer from me but I would be unable to provide an answer. Let me explain, I'm not trying just to be the passive 'Minnesota nice' I mainly grew up as. 

On November 2nd, 2013 (yes I know, you many say 2013 is not allowed in a 2014 year in review, but I'm a Texan now, so tough luck!) I married the most amazing woman God could have ever made me for me and who I am. She knows who I am and respects that but provides pushback when needed and knows how to stretch and prod me to grow myself and expand who I am. 

January saw the beginning of conversations of a job transfer with Swatch. I had been working 3 part time jobs for the last year or two, enjoying all three things I was doing but knowing it wouldn't be able to last in regards to both my health and sanity as well as for my new family. I was at this time working part time for Swatch at the Mall of America, coaching youth soccer, and working at a church plant with my former youth pastor overseeing the Life Groups. I was working 50-60 hours a week and my wife was managing a coffee shop, needless to say we didn't have as much time together as we would like nor probably needed.

In March we found out that God was blessing us with our own child. At the time it was very much a shock discovery but my wife and I leaned into those we looked up to and who mentored us. We also had to make a decision now as well, would we still consider a job transfer and move? As I'm sure you deduced from above that answer was a yes. The yes was one of great thought, prayer, and counsel with others but ultimately was answered by what we felt God was telling us.

In July I finished my time coaching soccer and my job at the church and Amy wrapped up her coffee career. Thankfully I also had Amy to wrap up most of our things as well in preparation for the move. We filled a POD with nearly everything we owned except for very basic necessitates that we could fit in our 2 door sports car, sold our SUV, and prepared for another great adventure God had in store for us.

August 2nd we drove away from my parents house in Burnsville, MN and said goodbye to Minnesota and everything we had known and become comfortable with. We drove to Kansas City, spent a night in a hotel, and finished our drive to Texas the next day. What a whirlwind of adventure we were on! I need to give.a giant thank you to My wife's aunt and uncle who let us stay in their house for many months and welcomed me completely into the family.

I started that next Monday at my new Swatch store, all alone and knowing that being alone was the only guarantee of this first day at work. I am so thankful to the staff who welcomed me and made me feel not like an outsider. It was nice only working 40 hours each week. This was the first time I had only worked 40 hours a week in several years and I found myself with plenty of free time, which I filled up with swimming in my aunts pool and looking at housing options.

November 11th my beautiful baby daughter was born. I had been coaching girls soccer for 5 years for many ages and levels so I was not surprised when we had found out months previously our baby was a girl. That precious little bundle of joy melted my heart instantly, and now 7 weeks later it is hard to watch her growing every day and doing new things knowing those things I will never get to experience again. She is what God has called me to in nurturing and developing her along with my wife and I couldn't be happier. 

The day after Sarabeth was born we signed on our first house. It had been completely remodeled and was exactly what we were wanting and needing. It is by no means a project less house, but when internally the biggest things were buying a washer/dryer, fridge, and putting up curtain and shower rods, I call that a win! We are still in the process of finishing unpacking but it is becoming a home more and more each day.

As I sit here 30,000 feet in the air on my way home to Texas I can say without a doubt Texas is now home and not just where I live and work. I am returning from a few days in Minnesota where we got to spend time with both families and celebrate belated Christmas and as I drove by so many families places I had driven by many times before without even thinking about it they felt weird. Recognizable but not familiar. Known but mysterious. 

My favorite (and least favorite part as well, being that I don't like change) about this past year has been adventure! Here's to much more adventure here in Texas in 2015 and would love to have you visit us in our guest room at some point in the year! Sarabeth would love to see you! (And us too)

Adios 2014 and Aloha 2015!

The Couch

Such a long time it has been since this has been touched. Hoping this is the start of a renewed commitment of writing and sharing.

I am stuck on the couch barely able to talk and my mind has no where to go but everywhere. What needs to be done, when to get it done, and how to keep everything in line. Underlying all of this is control. Control, the mindset of needing to directly influence every decision and situation involving oneself and often others' as well. That is how I define this word of control. Control is hard to give up when so much is at stake; work, finances, relationships etc. Sitting on this couch I am out of control. I can only do so much of my own ability. I must submit and give up to God that which I cannot do. God will be the one to get the credit. The selfish nature wants the control and praise to feed itself, but true reliance is needed to the Bread of Life (John 6:35). I must do my part, but I have to let God do his. With being sick proper fluid and food are important in recovery. In faith, reliance on God and trust in His control creates the need to be properly fed, through prayer and Scripture.

Are you having your daily bread? Where must you let go, and let God?

Life-Altering Weekend

What a crazy and awesome weekend! I knew it would be a good one but didn't know it would turn out as it did.

First off was the pure joy and excitement of my best friend getting married! It was great seeing him and be able to be right beside him with all of the final wedding preperations as well as the wedding itself. I am so proud to know him and call him my best friend, what a great example of a godly man. It was a blast getting to know his friends in the bridal party and growing so close with them so quickly (if you ever need somewhere to crash in Minnesota you know who to call). The wedding itself was gorgeous, and seeing how happy the bride and groom were as well as their love for each other brought tears to my eyes. This will not be the only time thos happens but that will come later. The reception was loads of fun. I am not a dancer nor have I ever claimed to be one but I was dancing the entire night. It was such a happy occasion I couldn't resist.

The drive home the next day was sure tiring but one full of thought and prayer. I have found a renewed joy in prayer, and doing so constantly. God is opening my eyes to so many things personally as well as opportunities. I am so thankful for all of His provisions.

My weekend ended just as awesome as it started and remained. It was the final official gathering of the season. The sun was shining and the parents and kids had a very entertaining soccer game before enjoying a picnic. It was great seeing them again as I had not done so in a few days. They all have become adopted little sisters to me. I was not planning on this when the season started but I'm glad it did. God does amazing things. Coming home afterwards I teared up again in joy (yes this is the second, two days in a row) because of how blessed I am to have coached them.

God is showing me awesome things and teaching me a lot lately. I cannot wait to see what he has in store for me next!

Growth

In a world of catchy one-liners they are everywhere. Today I saw one regarding growth and struck close to where I am right now. The quote went something like "you can't grow while standing still".  A plant doesn't stay the same while growing, it moves and develops. As I grow I know that I cannot stay the same. Things need to change and evolve constantly as I look to improve myself and become the man I am supposed to be and God has planned out for me.

I am the branch and Christ is the vine, I need to constantly be connected to the vine to receive my nourishment for growth.

I challenge you to look for the places in your life where you are growing or need to grow.

Brothers In Unity (Psalm 133)

One of the greatest days for some can be the saddest for others, for the same reason. Last night I helped my closest friend pack and carry the last of his things to his car as he was preparing to leave college and head home to his family, fiancee, and pastoral internship. His family and fiancee were definitely excited as it meant he would be returning home and would be able to see him on a regular basis, if not daily. I on the other hand would get to see him in person even less, though thanks to technology and the wonders of Skype I will hopefully be able to see him (albeit on a computer screen) fairly regularly.  Although I may not have physically shed a tear...ok maybe just one, it is saddening to see him go. Looking back over the last three years I never thought we would end up this close nor have him touch my life the way he has.

Walking along our freshman floor, the person now I am closest too more than any other is the least likely person I would have thought so then. We were quite opposite in many ways. I was super small, he was ripped and all muscle. He woke up early and went to bed early while I favor more of a stay up somewhat late and sleep in type of schedule. He was really neat and I...well lets just say I had trouble keeping things neat. Though as we got to know each other, both informally and socially constructed activities we started to get to know each other and found things to bond over such as Frisbee golf (frolf). If it was a warm sunny day and most of the homework was done, or even if it wasn't, we would go shoot a round. This is where we learned the most the quickest about each other because it was either talk or be in awkward silence.

It is because of him that I am where I am now in my faith. He has no idea how many times he has helped correct me or prevent me from going further away from where I needed to be. I opened up my newly bought Bible and just opened it to start to break it in and the first page it opened to had Psalm 133 on it.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. (ESV)"

 It truly is good and pleasant to dwell in unity with brothers in Christ. Those time on the frolf course where some of the best times I can remember. From talking about life, to watching and thinking about our crazy celebrations over the luckiest of shots. I owe so much to this brother and only hope to be able to give not only back to him but to others as well. His fiancee is one lucky lady. Love you bro!

Today is Enough (Matthew 6)

Today stars the busiest week of my life. Busier than college soccer two-a-days, busier than a weekend soccer tournament, and yes even busier than any college finals week I have ever had (and I have had some crazy ones).
I am working over 50 hours this week as well as trying to focus on and do well in all of my schoolwork for the week and trying to squeeze in sleep wherever possible. I do not bring this up to brag about what a harder-worker I am nor using it to complain and say 'whoa is me'. It is just a fact I am facing.  Having such a busy week I have constantly been going over my week: when I work and at what job (of the 3 I have), what assisgnments I have to do this week for school, when those are due, and thinking about needing to work ahead on future assignments due soon such as research papers. This is currently the case as I have been at work several hours with nothing to do really but think, and hope more people come in the store. Standing fixing shoe laces Matthew 6: 34 came into my mind...

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Thinking about this passage and thinking back over my last few hours and days of dreading this week the main thing that comes to mind is "DUH!". Each day this week has its own struggles and problems, so why do I need to make things even harder on myself by not staying in the moment? GOD, not myself, will be the one to get me through each day this week and the week as a whole and surely I will learn greatly from it.

What events in the near or long term future are constantly weighing on your mind? Know that God is there for you and supporting you in these tough times, even if it doesn't seem so.


I was here live for this concert and was truly an amazing experience. Jeremy has an amazing story!

Taking Charge (Joshua 1)

Welcome back! After a long time off into oblivion I am back and posting again, hopefully on a regular basis once again.

Growing up the main thing in my life has been soccer. It was the only sport growing up where my lack of size didn't harm my ability to do well to a great extent until I hit the end of high school and college, which I learned to adjust for and play smart to offset my physical deficiencies. Once my playing career ended I was looking for a way to both stay involved with soccer and also needed some additional income so I contacted my local club which I had played for seeking a coaching position. I had the opportunity to either be a head coach for 9 year olds or assist with a team of 12 year old boys. Not having had any direct coaching experience I decided that the assistant position would be best to just adjust to coaching and how that went because it was a totally new thing I was stepping in to. Last year I had the privileged of learning underneath a intelligent and personable coach. This year I am a head coach, on my own, of a team of 14 year old girls.  Not only am I on a new adventure as a head coach but have a completely new audience to teach in girls.

This morning at Restoration (church I attend) the sermon was on Joshua and how he had been under the training of Moses and now, without Moses, was in charge of the entire nation and bringing them into the promised land.

            1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses'  assistant,2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all  this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. (Joshua 1:1-3).

Being in charge and directing 14 junior high girls in one collected goal has seemed like a daunting task at times but today I re-heard a verse (Joshua 1:9) which I have memorized over a Backstreet Boys song. (It was from a church camp session, and if you haven't tried it yet, putting verses to modern song tunes works wonders!) 


          9 This is my command: Be strong and courageous. Do no be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.


Even in trying to lead this group of energetic and spunky group of girls I know that I can do this and with His help I can prepare properly for success this season. Not only with this temporary aspect in my life of coaching, but also as I am just finishing up school and preparing to head into full time ministry, God will be there and is with me, so whom shall I fear? NO ONE!  




Where in your life are you timid or afraid, how can God use you in your situation, and what resources has He put around you to help you accomplish this for His glory?

Don't be the person who plays it safe   

John 3:3-6 Exegesis

The Gospel of John, also known as the Fourth Gospel, has no distinct author but is presumed to be written by John the beloved disciple. The author writes in several different forms and styles depending on the context in this book. In chapter three verses three through six the author writes in narrative consisting mostly of dialogue that recounts the meeting between Jesus and the Pharisee Nicodemus. Chapter three relates to the other chapters surrounding it in that Jesus uses talking about being born in the spirit to link the chapter before talking of men to the next chapter where he references himself as the way to eternal living. This passage links man to eternal living and divinity. The passage of chapter three verses three through six correlates with the thesis of John in that it exemplifies the importance of having spiritual birth and allowing the entrance of the Holy Spirit which was to descend later. This links Jesus to eternal life and to the thesis so people will believe in Him and have eternal life. These verses also support and point to validity in the rest of the Gospel; Jesus’ pre-ministry time, His time of works and signs and ministry teaching, and in His death followed by resurrection

In verse three there is a first in that there is an intimate moment between Jesus and a Pharisee in a one on one situation. The reference to it being night serves two purposes. The first is quite logical, the Pharisees study at night which would make sense. The second is in reference to the darkness that clouds Nicodemus in his actual understanding of God and how to live. In speaking with Jesus at night Nicodemus is seeking instruction in the way of life (Morris 188).

Verse three of John chapter three goes as follows, “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (ESV Study Bible). Jesus was intending for Nicodemus that even though he was a religious leader and Pharisee that Nicodemus need to experience being born again, showing he hadn’t yet (Borchert 171). Morris states this in a very clear way: “Anyone who would enter the kingdom of God must be born in a radically new fashion, and this second birth is from heaven” (189). There is some discrepancy as to the words “born again” and the intended meaning it has. The two translations that “born again” come from are to be born again or to be born from above. John liked to use words throughout his writing with double meanings and this seems to fit that style as well (Morris 188). While one reference would seem to make perfect sense as to being born again in the Spirit, or the other in that we need to be born again from heaven which references the Spirit as well; this ties the two different possible meanings together, making very good sense.

Moving on to verse four of chapter three John writes this, “Nicodemus said to him, ‘how can a man be born when he is old’? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (ESV Study Bible). There are several possibilities as to why Nicodemus asks this question. One is that he is indeed blind to what Jesus is referring to and can only ask what seems logical. Nicodemus shows that he does not understand the spiritual intent Jesus had in his response. His thought process was so narrow-minded that he could only focus on the literal. This also would have been the usual or normal and expected response from most people in this time (Borchert 172). With Nicodemus’ extensive knowledge in the Old Testament he should have been able to understand what Jesus was referencing (Barton, Comfort and Veerman 55). A second possibility as to why Nicodemus asks this question is because he did so intentionally. He very well could have done this because of his loss in dignity realizing what Jesus was referring to and Nicodemus not following how he could fulfill what Jesus is speaking about. While this is the less likely of the two it is still a possibility. Nicodemus could have been one of the Pharisees who believed in Jesus but kept it to himself so not to bring a stir to the group of Pharisees (Morris 190).

In verse five there is a repetition of how Jesus starts off verse three in chapter three of the Gospel of John which says, “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (ESV Study Bible). This verse is one of some great controversy and debate among theologians and scholars. One part that does not have much controversy though is at the end when Jesus mentions the kingdom of God. This is the only time in the Gospel of John that these words are used, referencing the kingdom in a way that describes and shows that God’s kingdom involves the current reign than a distant or separate realm (Morris 189).

The controversy comes in during the middle section (“…unless one is born of water and the Spirit…”. There are four different ways that scholars interpret this section. The first possible meaning of this section is that Jesus was using the word “water” in reference to a literal birth and human flesh through amniotic fluid or even possibly semen. While this is possible it is quite a stretch since throughout the Bible water is associated with the Spirit and not with human flesh or humanly birth. The water and Spirit correlation leads to the second possible meaning of this section of verse five. Some say that the two words are used to complement each other and are used as a metaphor to mean spiritual seed. This also is a possibility but once again not the most accurate with the normal usages of the words. The third possibility of this passage is that the water is referring to baptism accompanied by the Spirit in spiritual regeneration. While at the time of John’s writing of this Gospel there was a decent amount of baptisms going on, there weren’t really many at all during the time this occurred between Jesus and Nicodemus. The fourth and final accepted possibility is that the words “water and Spirit” form a unified concept to “express the eschatological renewal that was promised back in the Old Testament” (Burge 115-116). This seems like the most complete and holistic response to the possible intended meaning of this passage but it still remains unclear and of little certainty.

The controversy clears up in verse six of chapter three in John’s Gospel for it is quite direction. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (ESV Study Bible). Verse six wraps up this section by emphasizing the divine nature of the Spirit with the human nature of the flesh. This can also link back to verse five to help with its decoding and create a more complete understanding of what is being said.

The two words chosen for my word study are water and spirit. The word water’s transliterated word is “hudor”. There are six different ways this word is used. They are: of water in rivers, in fountains, in pools; of the water of the deluge; of water in any of the earth's repositories; of water as the primary element, out of and through which the world that was before the deluge, arose and was compacted; of the waves of the sea; and figuratively used to mean of many peoples. Of all of these definitions the one(s) that fit best with the possibilities for John 3:5 are the ones that refer to water in its normal form scientifically known as H₂O. This is probably why this passage is so highly scrutinized because this type of definition seems to have no reference to what Jesus was referring to.

The second word I did a word study on is the word “spirit. The word spirit’s transliterated word is “pneuma”. There are a plethora of definitions for this word. The ones of greatest use are in reference to the Holy Spirit, part of the Trinity, a spirit in general referencing something that brings animation to a body, a spirit higher than man but below God (angels, demons, etc.), or in reference to wind or the movement of air. The most common form used is in reference to the Holy Spirit which is the case for this set of verses as well (both verse 5 and verse 6). This seems to make most sense because Jesus shows through his speech the difference between what is normal here on earth such as water or flesh and what the difference is in the spiritual realm.

The things found most interesting or significant were on two different extremes. The first extremes involve the lack of knowledge of Nicodemus. While he more than likely could not have expected to receive the types of answers he did. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and very knowledgeable in the Scriptures. It would have seemed that he would be the one that could have figured out who Jesus was and the things he was referencing among prophesies and the descriptions the Old Testament has in regards to God as well as the coming Messiah, Jesus. The second extreme is the boldness of Jesus’ answers. To go into a setting and give those types of in-depth and metaphoric answers was not easy as it can be assumed Jesus wanted Nicodemus to understand what He was saying while not weakening the content in which He was sharing.

Some practical information that comes from this text involves taking it to heart first before putting it into practice. It is not an easy and simple commitment to be born again although it sounds like it. This takes a renewal of self and a complete one-hundred and eighty degree turn in lifestyle and commitment. Once born of the Spirit no longer are you your own person, but now a child and servant of God, doing His will for your life.

Works Cited

Barton, Bruce B., et al. Life Application Bible Commentary: John. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1993.

Borchert, Gerald L. The New American Commentary: John 1-11. Unknown-United States of America: Broadmand & Holman Publishers, 1996.

Burge, Gary M. The NIV Application Commentary: John. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.

ESV Study Bible. Wheaton: Crossway Bibles, 2008.

Kysar, Robert. Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament: John. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1986.

Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to John Revised. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995.

Humility: 1 Peter 5:5-7

Humility is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “the quality or condition of being humble; of modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance or rank”. In today’s society America humility and being humble is downplayed and often straight up ignored. Being an individual and being all you can be as a person negates any teaching a person has received regarding humility unless continually practiced. We as followers of Christ must all humble ourselves before God because of His instructions and benefits that are described in 1 Peter chapter five verses five through seven. The benefits God grants us for being engulfed in humility is that He grants grace to those in humility, He lifts off anxiety, and He will exalt His people in His timing. The book of 1^st Peter was written by the Apostle Peter from Rome to dispersed Christians throughout what is currently known as Asia Minor. Having seen humility from the perfect example in Jesus, Peter is able to make these claims with firmness and authority.

The first benefit of humbling oneself before God is that He grants grace to those in humility. Look at Joseph back in the book of Genesis. Joseph was the favorite of Israel over all of the rest of Jacob’s sons. This brought jealousy to Joseph’s brothers who despised him and wanted him dead but ended up selling him into slavery. Now Joseph had little in his control and had to stay humble as a slave, but through his humility and trusting in God, he ascended all the way up to the second most powerful person in the nation of Egypt, behind only the Pharaoh. Romans 13:1 says to stay subject to governing authority because they are put in place by God and He is the one who gives authority. At times it will be hard to submit and live in submission humbly when you don’t agree or things they say or asking in supporting them but it must be done, for God commands.

The second benefit of humbling oneself before God is that He will lift off your anxiety. Many people, being prideful in nature, hold on to things much longer than they should. Small daily tasks that don’t seem of much importance in the overall scheme of things end up being taken care of from the person’s side of things because they feel as though they can handle and take care of them. These then begin to pile up on each other until all of the small things turn into this huge ordeal that is overwhelming and THEN they bring it before God because they were proven wrong with their ability to take care of things themselves. Take a stick for example. Not very big and if lit on fire it will go out fairly quickly and with minimal flame or heat. But stack a lot of sticks in a pile that are lit and you get a huge fire. It’s only once this out of control fire is light that we call on God, our firefighter/Savior, to put out the fire and calm things down. The truth though is that before we even light that first stick we need to have God (firefighter) there with us to control the flames and keep everything from going out of control. In Matthew 11:28 God is calling us, wanting us to go to Him and give up the burdens and stresses of this life and give them to him, but to do this we must make ourselves submissive to God and come before Him with knee bent, humble in His presence.

The third benefit is that God will exalt his people in His timing. We must understand with this that God’s plan and timing is perfect. No ifs, ands, or buts. Even those in tuned to God’s plan and will in their lives must understand God’s timing, which can be quite different from the timing the individual envisions. In Peter’s second letter he says this, “But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same” (2 Peter 3:8). Humbling before God in His timing will allow Him to use you in the greatest way possible to affect his Kingdom. It also says in Deuteronomy 32:4 that the Lord is perfect and just in all his ways. These assurances are to be kept close to the heart and not easily forgotten when times become troubled or unexpected. In Philippians 2 Paul shows Christ’s example of humility throughout his entire lifetime with coming to the world in human flesh, and going through trials resulting in death though that’s not entirely what he wanted (Matthew 26:39). While in the moment Christ was suffering, he knew the plan God had for him and that he needed to go through with it for all of mankind.

Therefore, we all must humble ourselves before God because of the benefits Peter describes in his first letter, specifically chapter five verses five through seven. The benefits God grants us for being humble is that He grants grace to those in humility, He lifts off anxiety, and that He will exalt His people in His timing. We must continue in the footsteps of Christ and remain humble in all situations no matter the circumstance. This may be in regards to a family member, significant other, or employer. This is as simple as listening to their instructions or requests and following through with a servant heart knowing it is what must be done.

Redemption Through the Eyes of the Old Testament

Redemption is a fundamental and key component of the Christian faith as well as the Old Testament. Without redemption there is no becoming righteous or becoming cleansed or right in God’s eyes. There are many stories in the Old Testament that show redemption including the story of Ruth, the Exodus, and the Abrahamic covenant. Redemption involves the payment of a price that affects salvation (Youngblood 102). It also involves the switching out of one thing in exchange for another that equals out and justifies the situation. In the Old Testament, redemption can be and is restored is through the law as well as through personal promises and grants. The story of Tamar and Judah in the thirty-eighth chapter of the book of Genesis is a good example of redemption based in the Old Testament.

Judah was a very important man in Israel, and the head of the one of the twelve tribes. He went and married the daughter of Shua in the land of Adullam. They bore children together, three children, all boys, named Er, Onoan, and Shelah, in respective order. Judah’s eldest son, Er, married a woman named Tamar. Er was a very evil man and turned from God and so he was killed by the Lord. Judah, according to the rituals and traditions, told his second son Onoan to go and lie with Tamar as well, but wouldn’t go through with it completely because the offspring would not be of his and would be of his brothers, so God also killed him because of the wicked he did in God’s eyes. After two lost sons and third one too young to marry Tamar, Judah told Tamar to go back to her home and be a widow and that once Judah’s youngest son, Shelah, grew up, she could marry him then, because Judah was sure his third son would die as well. There is a long break in the story, until the death of Judah’s wife occurs. Judah grieves for a long time and then goes up to have his sheep sheared at a nearby town. Tamar hears of this, takes off her widow’s clothes, puts on a veil like a prostitute and disguises herself, and goes to the same village as Judah, and goes to stand on the side of the road. She did this because Shelah had now grown up and yet she was not married to him. So Judah, seeing Tamar disguised as a prostitute and not recognizing her, he sleeps with her. First though, Tamar asks what she will get for sleeping with him. Judah promises a young goat, but Tamar wants something as a pledge until she receives it. Tamar requests his seal, its cord, and his staff. He agrees and so they sleep together and she becomes pregnant. Judah goes to bring the goat to who he thinks is a prostitute on the side of the road and can’t find her, because she was really never there. Tamar, once found out she is pregnant, is accused of prostitution. She then shows that Judah is in fact the father by showing him the staff, seal, and its cord. He then recognizes what he had done in not giving her Shelah to marry. He claims her more righteous than he is and did not sleep with her again (NIV Study Bible).

This story is a story regarding of redemption because Tamar was persistent. She was persistent in fulfilling her duty and obligation to bear a child to keep Judah’s family line and name going, even though she had to go through three people to achieve this. By not bearing her first husband a child, as was accustomed, she moved on to the next brother, but he too died before she could bear a child, and then Judah with-held his third son. Tamar took matters into her own hands and slept with Judah because it was her duty and responsibility to bear a son and continue the family.

Redemption in my own life has been an everyday thing. Some people view being redeemed as something that happens after you make a large or drastic mistake, but as stated by Jesus, no sin is greater than another. If no sin is greater than another, then why should some be emphasized more for the need of redemption than others, they shouldn’t. There are many examples from my life in which I need redemption and that I have received it from Jesus Christ by his shedding of his blood on the cross. One such thing that I struggle with that daily I need to be redeemed for is lying. It is such a simple thing to do, and once it becomes a habit, is something that is very difficult to change. Daily it occurs and daily I need to be redeemed for it by asking for cleansing by Jesus. One specific example would be when I was about 16, and crashed the family van into a concrete post. I made up an elaborate story that another driver cut me off and forced me either into the post or into their car. I managed to get away with this, but in the long run did no good and was not worth it, because it was just an accident on my part and would not have been a big deal. I think my parents knew I was lying but ended up letting it go because bringing it up wouldn’t really have changed anything, so they forgave me and let me move on from it.

Essential to Christianity and our relationship with God and his Son Jesus Christ, redemption is something that should be sought after every day for the things we do that shouldn’t be done and also for what should be done, but isn’t.

Tattoos: How Do They Line Up With Scripture?

In the age of post-modernism and advancing viewpoints, what does the Bible have to say about this controversial topic? I take a look into this and report my findings.

Few things are as awkward as walking into a church and hearing a loud roar of whispers and everyone turning their head towards you. You start to look around nervously wondering what in the world is going on. Maybe there’s a sign on your back or a stain on your clothes, but that is not the case. Everyone is looking at the design of ink on your body. What next? Turn around and walk back out of the door or sit down and push the things aside? The house of God is supposed to be a place of love and acceptance full of Christians whose basis and main focal point is love. How does it seem to be so easy to move beyond that basis of love when there seems to be something different or out of the ordinary? So where does the doctrine of Christianity stand on the issue of tattoos and what does the Bible have to say about it? There are just a few points in the Bible that talk about this directly. The areas that will be focused upon will be the Biblical background as to the doctrine behind tattoos being acceptable in the Christian faith, the opposite view point with the Biblical argument, and the support for acceptance as well as inclusion among those with tattoos in the Christian church today.

Biblical background and doctrine can sometimes be debated and argued and if no resolution is found, a split among the church into different denominations occurs even among the smallest things, as it has been throughout history. This doctrine is based upon Bible passages and their interpretations. Although there really aren’t any verses that deal directly with tattoos of modern day society, there are verses that relate very well. Many verses talk about marks, engraving, and brand marks being upon different people and followers of God. These verses include Exodus 13:9;13:16, Isaiah 44:5;49:16, Ezekiel 9:4, Galatians 6:17, and Revelation 7:2-3. These show and talk about God having His mark among His people. Back among the First Century, a brand or mark was put on a slave or showed ownership or possession and that the person belonged to a master (Gennaro, 2007). Also, the book of Revelation uses intricate and specific detail in chapter nineteen, verse sixteen to describe and show in fact that Jesus himself when he returns will bear a mark or tattoo upon his body: “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (ESV, 2007). The key word here is actually the forth word in the verse, the word “and”. This common word means all the difference. In Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, he talks about the depiction upon the robe. According to him and his research, it was customary for distinguished individuals to have their name inscribed on their clothing for recognition from others, which often could be used as an intimidation factor, mostly when in a military battle (Barnes, 2001). “In Revelation, Jesus is a prize fighter with a tattoo down His leg” (Driscoll, 2008). The biblical commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown offers insight and support for the second half of the verse following the crucial word “and”. The compilation by those three men state and support exactly what the verse says, that not only was it customary for the robe to be stitched with the riders name if of much importance, but that where the robe fell from the thigh while riding a horse there was His name again, King of kings and Lord of lords (Jamieson, 1871).

Now many people, quick to judge in our human nature, pull out scripture verses as well to support their claim that tattooing and having them is a sin against God. Let’s take a look at these and walk through them and see what happens. One of the first verses that gets pulled out against the topic of tattooing when brought up is Leviticus 19:28 which says, “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD (ESV, 2007). This verse by itself and alone can be quite convincing about how God feels about the issue or topic of tattooing, though in fact this is not quite correct. It is imperative in understanding the meaning behind that verse to take a larger chunk of the chapter including the verses surrounding it to grasp a better understanding. Right before this passage is a verse that says it is wrong to cut hair from the head or trim a beard. Do these things seem like something that is a big deal in modern time? No. Theologian Adam Clarke gives his understanding of this passage saying that it was “a very general custom to carry marks on the body in honor of the object of their worship” (Clarke, 1983). It was common in the day for those who worshipped pagan gods and idols to mark or tattoo themselves to set them apart. Now although some may say that his commentary actually supports the argument that tattoos are a sin, these things must be looked at under the proper lens.

This section of Levitic law described and briefly explained was part of what can be called the “Old Law”, pertaining to how the religious rules or expectations were to occur in the Old Testament, when sacrificing animals and other rituals were to atone for the sins of the people. The coming of Jesus and the sacrifice of His body on the cross to take care and wipe away everyone’s sin changed around law for those who believe in Him (see John 3:16). Now I am not saying that everything that is considered “Old Law” or that is in the Old Testament is to be thrown out and become null and void, but the atonement of sins upon the cross by Jesus Christ does change things around. One of the more strict laws that were enforced by the religious leaders of the time of Christ was the commandment regarding the Sabbath. The religious leaders had a large amount of specifics that outlined what someone could or couldn’t do on the Sabbath, or day of rest. Jesus though, being the foundation for what can be called the “New Law”, went out against the guidelines that had been set up by what was deemed religious law and healed a man. Jesus also went against the Old Law and religious law in the choosing of His disciples. To become a disciple of a Rabbi a young boy needed to be the very best of the best, having memorized all of the Old Testament. Jesus, the ultimate Rabbi, chose lowly fishermen and common folk. If Jesus was worried or concerned about breaking the religious law of the day, He wouldn’t have done those things, especially since He was perfect and sinless. So if a New Law or new way of how things were to be done developed, the Old Law needs to be questioned as well as studied using the context in which it was written (Gennaro, 2007).

Another verse that gets used in defense of tattooing being named a sin is 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own” (ESV, 2007). While I agree completely with that verse, once again it is taken out of context completely. The verses surrounding it are talking about sexual sin and the sexual immorality of the city of Corinth. I do agree with the verse and believe it though when it says that our body is the temple for the Holy Spirit. But what are the first things you see when you walk into a church or place of worship? Usually it is the artwork on the wall, the set up of the building, or the multi-colored stained glass windows. We do not find a need to completely bland out the place of worship, but in fact adorn it with things to bring about remembrance and ferventness in honor of God.

Religious tattoos actually have some significance and importance. As depicted by the Great Commission we as believers in Jesus Christ are to go out and make other disciples, expanding the Kingdom of God. How did Jesus do that? He spent his time with the less fortunate, the sick, the poor, the blind, the abandoned, and the forgotten. Bearing Christ’s name, we as Christians must do the same. Religious tattoos allow for direct contact and comfortablility with those that do not know Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. A caution and concern I do have with them though is echoed in Romans 14:13-18:

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men” (NIV, 2000).

It is imperative that the tattoo is honorable and pleasing to God and is for worship of Him. If it becomes a point of pride or arrogance, then that in fact is where the sin comes in, not the tattoo itself. Also, if it hinders another from coming to Christ, don’t flaunt the tattoo or make it a big deal, because you want that brother or sister in Christ to become deep in Him and anything that would hinder that is not tolerable.

The biblical doctrine and explanation on tattoos and the act of tattooing as a sin are few and far between. It seems to be left up to the individual about whether or not for them it is something that is permissible, relying on their motives and reasoning for getting a tattoo to honor and worship God to decide for them. Yes, tattoos are permanent, but being a Christ follower should not be just a part time thing, but a life long journey, so what else is better than a permanent and constant reminder? Jesus himself is even described in His glorious return to Earth in Revelation as having a tattoo. With Jesus being perfect, blameless, and free from sin how can we declare tattooing as wrong?

Bibliography

Barnes, A. (2001) The Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Baker Publishing Group

Clarke, A. (1983). Commentary on the Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Publishing Group

Driscoll, M. (2008). Seven Big Questions. Retrieved April 14^th, 2009 from

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god_article.php?id=7418

English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible. (2007). Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Bibles

Gennaro, J. (2007). Bible Support for Tattoos. Retrieved April 16, 2009 from

http://www.religioustattoos.net/Bible_Support/index.php

Jamieson, R., Fausset A.R., Brown D. (1871) Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible.

Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers

New International Version (NIV) Study Bible. (2000). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan