I'm not entirely sure if the creative juices are flowing today, but I can sense that there is something on the heart that needs to be expressed. I'm hoping that I can find the words that will give flesh to my thoughts and yearnings. Here it goes...
Gena and I returned from vacation Saturday evening. After a long drive and an incredibly busy week of eating, napping, reading, and eating some more, let's just say that it was good to be home. During the drive I had a lot of time to think and peer deep into the workings and wanderings of my mind and heart. With both Gena and Abbie napping, there was plenty of time for quiet introspection as we cruised through the various landscapes of Pennsylvania, New York, and Canada. Let me just say that car rides can work wonders for your soul. This 9 hour car ride awakened me to the fact that I'm in desperate need of an 'awakening.' And since I define faith as an 'awakening' of sorts, then I would say that I'm in dire need of 'faith.' Faith that awakens me to the beauty and majesty of that which is all around me.
Is it really any wonder that Jesus launches his ministry with a statement that causes and calls us to wake up and to see that the 'Kingdom of God' has come near in and through Him? God's kingdom of love, compassion, grace, forgiveness, and justice. Jesus says that it's near and it's all around us. He hints at the fact that God's very presence saturates this world and that we could see it if we just 'opened' the eyes of our hearts and minds. It's like all our deepest hopes and yearnings are right in front of us. It's as if that which our souls desperately ache and long for is smack dab in our midst and all we have to do is open ourselves and accept it. To which I ask this: Why don't we? Maybe the better question is: Why don't I? Why do I allow my life to be consumed with everything else? Why do I allow myself to be engaged in the chasing after things that really don't matter?
Because it's in chasing these things that we, myself included, not only lose sight of that which is right in front of us, but we become numb to the holy presence that surrounds and envelops us.
We become numb and deaf to the compassionate embrace and quiet soothing voice of our Father. Ultimately, we end up finding ourselves rooted in a place of frustration, struggle, stress and anxiety. And this is exactly where I've been living...
...and now my soul is yearning for release and longing for 'rescue.'
Ironic that I find myself in this position at the very outset of the Season of Advent. Advent, the season leading up to Christmas, is a time of eager anticipation, hope, and longing. It's a time in which we remember and celebrate the birth and coming of Christ. But it's also a time when we anxiously look forward to Christ's second coming when He will bring justice and peace once and for all. A time when God will make all things 'right.'
Advent essentially means 'coming.' And as I think about it more, I desperately long for an advent within my own soul. I long for God to come, break in and stir up something new and fresh within this heart. Yes, this very heart that often and unknowingly chases after everything, but Him. Father, would you 'come' and awaken this heart...
I remember when I was young, my father and I would make countless trips down to the lake (Lake Erie to be exact) to go fishing on our boat. But the thing about Buffalo is that you can never tell what the wind is going to do. I don't even think the meteorologists in Buffalo even knew. One minute there would be no wind and in the very next second there could be an incredibly strong gust. Fishing in high winds is not exactly a pretty sight. I don't know what other people think, but fishing in 6-8 foot waves is not ideal. One morning in the Summer we woke up and scurried down to the lake only to discover that the wind was howling. I swear it increasingly picked up as we drove down to the harbor This has been a joke between my father and I for years.
We've grown to loathe the wind.
Yet as I sit, write and think about where my heart is currently, I can't think of anything else to ask God this Advent Season then for fresh 'Winds.' Winds that would cause the waves of His love, mercy, and grace to crash over the sides and drench my entire being. Winds that would disrupt the apathy, pride, and distrust that has slowly taken root. Winds that would rip away the hardness that has calcified upon my heart. Winds that would cause me to open myself to the presence, glory, and love of Christ. Winds that would bring life to a weary soul.
May the 'Advent Winds' have there way with us.
And may they cause the grace and love of God to crash into our lives.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Suckiness and Beauty of Writing...
Vacation is right around the corner and we are so close we can taste it. Not sure vacation tastes like anything in particular, but you understand our anxious anticipation to "hit the road" nonetheless. Gena and I leave Sunday after church to head to her parents home in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania for a week of rest, relaxation, good eats, naps, family and friends. I can't even begin to describe how incredible it is to go to her parents and just "be." To simply lay on the couch and have the freedom to take a nap without any distraction or anything pressing that needs to be accomplished. That is what I call "heaven."
Every time we travel there we are always sure to stop at one of our favorite outlet/department store called "Ollies." Ollies is one of those places that has just about everything and anything at very affordable prices. Man, I sound like a commercial advertiser. The interesting thing about Ollies is that it's only in select regions. And I'm very, very pumped and proud to say that our hometowns of Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania and Buffalo, New York find themselves within those select regions.
In my opinion, the best thing about Ollies is their vast book selection (ahem...especially their "Inspiration" section). Ollies sells numerous books and many related to Christian theology and spirituality which I absolutely love. And these books are not your Walmart brand of Christian books, they are authors and theologians that I very much enjoy reading. But the best part of all is that the books at Ollies are listed at a third of the price of what they normally list for. So every year around November, Mike easily walks out with twenty to thirty books. It's an addiction really, but Gena says she'd rather me be addicted to books then to something more destructive like crack or alcohol. It's great to have someone so instrumental in my life support my addiction. I wonder what an intervention would look like for someone who reads too much.
....My name is Michael Voit and I'm addicted to books.
Just recently, and by recently I mean last night, I finished Donald Miller's new book entitled A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Miller is a very engaging author who combines his wit and humor with a raw honesty about life that deeply communicates that which he is learning in his journey with God. He has authored several books, one of which is a personal favorite entitled Blue Like Jazz. His newest book was unlike anything I've ever read in regards to life and faith, which made it a very intriguing read. Many of the concepts were fresh and new.
One of Miller's most profound points that captivated my mind and heart ironically had nothing to do with the main thrust of the book. And it was an insight that he made about his own personal struggle with writing. Miller confesses that writers find writing, creating and storytelling to be grueling, hard, and probably one of "the" most difficult tasks they face. Much to our misunderstanding, writers aren't people who can sit, write, express, and create on a whim or a moments notice. It takes time, effort, and deep thought. It's almost as if there's a painful birthing process that takes place when writing and creating.
Now while I was reading Miller's book, I found myself deeply resonating with what he was saying about writing. It made me wonder if I struggle so much with writing because I am meant to write, create, and express my heart not just for my benefit, but for the benefit of others. I wonder if I'm meant to help people on their journey and on their 'Return' to the Father by expressing my heart through words either written or spoken. As, I write this I'm honestly scared. Perhaps I'm scared to hear that I am meant to do this because it's difficult and because there's a part of me that would rather live in the land of "numbness" and "comfort." But deep down I know that's not where Jesus wants me to live. He wants me to live in the center of the struggle because that's where we're refined and remade in His image.
God, grant me strength to be who you've called me to be.
Give me the courage to accept who I am.
Give me the faith to believe that I am becoming who you've always meant for me to be.
My love for You, my heart for You, my life for You, all I am for You.
Every time we travel there we are always sure to stop at one of our favorite outlet/department store called "Ollies." Ollies is one of those places that has just about everything and anything at very affordable prices. Man, I sound like a commercial advertiser. The interesting thing about Ollies is that it's only in select regions. And I'm very, very pumped and proud to say that our hometowns of Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania and Buffalo, New York find themselves within those select regions.
In my opinion, the best thing about Ollies is their vast book selection (ahem...especially their "Inspiration" section). Ollies sells numerous books and many related to Christian theology and spirituality which I absolutely love. And these books are not your Walmart brand of Christian books, they are authors and theologians that I very much enjoy reading. But the best part of all is that the books at Ollies are listed at a third of the price of what they normally list for. So every year around November, Mike easily walks out with twenty to thirty books. It's an addiction really, but Gena says she'd rather me be addicted to books then to something more destructive like crack or alcohol. It's great to have someone so instrumental in my life support my addiction. I wonder what an intervention would look like for someone who reads too much.
....My name is Michael Voit and I'm addicted to books.
Just recently, and by recently I mean last night, I finished Donald Miller's new book entitled A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Miller is a very engaging author who combines his wit and humor with a raw honesty about life that deeply communicates that which he is learning in his journey with God. He has authored several books, one of which is a personal favorite entitled Blue Like Jazz. His newest book was unlike anything I've ever read in regards to life and faith, which made it a very intriguing read. Many of the concepts were fresh and new.
One of Miller's most profound points that captivated my mind and heart ironically had nothing to do with the main thrust of the book. And it was an insight that he made about his own personal struggle with writing. Miller confesses that writers find writing, creating and storytelling to be grueling, hard, and probably one of "the" most difficult tasks they face. Much to our misunderstanding, writers aren't people who can sit, write, express, and create on a whim or a moments notice. It takes time, effort, and deep thought. It's almost as if there's a painful birthing process that takes place when writing and creating.
Now while I was reading Miller's book, I found myself deeply resonating with what he was saying about writing. It made me wonder if I struggle so much with writing because I am meant to write, create, and express my heart not just for my benefit, but for the benefit of others. I wonder if I'm meant to help people on their journey and on their 'Return' to the Father by expressing my heart through words either written or spoken. As, I write this I'm honestly scared. Perhaps I'm scared to hear that I am meant to do this because it's difficult and because there's a part of me that would rather live in the land of "numbness" and "comfort." But deep down I know that's not where Jesus wants me to live. He wants me to live in the center of the struggle because that's where we're refined and remade in His image.
God, grant me strength to be who you've called me to be.
Give me the courage to accept who I am.
Give me the faith to believe that I am becoming who you've always meant for me to be.
My love for You, my heart for You, my life for You, all I am for You.
Monday, November 16, 2009
A "Tupac" Christmas
Over this past week or so, Gena and I have been slowly recovering from illnesses. Not major illnesses, but enough to cause us to slow down, rest, drink a lot of tea, and eat a lot of soup.
It was during this time of rest and relaxation that we took it upon ourselves to decorate the inside of our house in preparation for the Christmas/Advent Season. We didn't "over do-it," trust me. Hanging lights inside our house is an enjoyable and easy task, not a strenuous one. So the lights are up in the Voit household and "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." From what I gather, Christmas is probably "the" most favorite time of year for the both of us. Most likely because of all the fond memories of Christmases growing up. And probably because we actually get to spend Christmas together. There was a time not too long ago when we were dating that we were separated during the Holidays due to the fact that our families lived in two different states. Let's just say that we very much appreciate being together during this time of year.
It's been incredibly relaxing to sit with a cup of coffee, my wife, and a good book with some light instrumental Christmas music playing in the background. And trust me we have plenty of Christmas music. We typically get a new Holiday album every year. This year was Andrea Bocelli's Christmas CD and it's phenomenal. My grandfather (Grandpa Pine) was a big fan of Christmas music and I'm sure he would have enjoyed this particular album. He always had good taste in Christmas music, perhaps that's why I do. Grandma always said I came from "good stock." With no bias at all (kidding!), I would agree.
When it comes to music, I find that I have very interesting taste. I'm not sure I enjoy any one particular style of music. Let's just say that my musical taste is quite eclectic, meaning I like a variety of different styles. And if my wife heard me use that word 'eclectic,' she'd say "Hey now, watch it with those big words!" But it's true, my musical tastes are all across the board. If you ever check out my collection of music you'll see that I have music that ranges from Celine Dion to Iron Maiden. From Bocelli to 3 Doors Down. From the Beatles to Linkin Park. From Journey to old school 50s & 60s hits. From James Brown to Frank Sinatra.
For me, there's something about music that is just so inspiring and moving. I can't really put my finger on it or truly explain what I mean, but I'm sure you get the gist. I'm sure you've in some way or another been inspired or moved by a certain song or songs. What I've noticed about myself is that I'm not so much intrigued with the lyrics of the song(s) as I am with the song(s) itself. I find myself more interested and captivated by the tempo, the beat, the melody, etc. It's almost as if there is a story or a scene full of passion or emotion unfolding underneath all the words. There's high and low points, dramatic and ordinary sequences. There are moments when you'd wish the song would not end and there are those indescribable moments when the deep places within the heart are touched and resonated with.
Music can often tap deep into our hearts and into the very fiber of who we are. I've heard it said that when some people think of God they think of Him as a Song that is and has been playing. It's a sweet, slow Song that has been playing since the very beginning of time. A Song that has a rhythm, a melody, and a beat. A Song that we can choose to either listen close to or intentionally drown out by listening to the numerous other loud, chaotic songs that are being played in our culture. It's a Song that we can either learn to sway, dance and move in harmony with or chose to do nothing with and sit on the sidelines like boys at a Middle School Dance.
I think that we've All experienced or heard this Song at one point or another. I believe we heard it loud and clear when we were kids, but at some point our innocence and child-likeness was lost and drowned out to the voices of "reason" and "civilized" society (note the sarcasm). Remember, when we were kids and in our minds nothing was impossible and nothing was beyond incapable of existing. What happened? What has brought us to this point of no longer being able to dream or think outside of ourselves? Why can't we hear the Song the way we used to hear it so clearly and loudly?
In his song "Changes," Tupac (yes, Tupac Shakur my West Coast brother and rapper) sings "I'd love to go back to when we played as kids, but things changed, and that's the way it is." I think my brother from another mother was right, God rest His soul. Things have changed, but the fact is they don't have to stay the way that they are now. You see the Song is still playing. The Song will always being playing even amidst all the other chaotic and destructive songs that are being played and danced to. But if you listen closely you'll hear deep within the Song that there is an invitation being extended to every one us....
It's an invitation to become like a little child again...
It's an invitation to attune our ears to the Sweet Song that has been softly playing from the very beginning...
It's an invitation to "Return" (aka 'Repent') to the God who calls us His children
...Children who are loved simply for who they are, not as they should be.
Oh and by the way I checked...Tupac does not have a Christmas Album. Bummer!
It was during this time of rest and relaxation that we took it upon ourselves to decorate the inside of our house in preparation for the Christmas/Advent Season. We didn't "over do-it," trust me. Hanging lights inside our house is an enjoyable and easy task, not a strenuous one. So the lights are up in the Voit household and "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." From what I gather, Christmas is probably "the" most favorite time of year for the both of us. Most likely because of all the fond memories of Christmases growing up. And probably because we actually get to spend Christmas together. There was a time not too long ago when we were dating that we were separated during the Holidays due to the fact that our families lived in two different states. Let's just say that we very much appreciate being together during this time of year.
It's been incredibly relaxing to sit with a cup of coffee, my wife, and a good book with some light instrumental Christmas music playing in the background. And trust me we have plenty of Christmas music. We typically get a new Holiday album every year. This year was Andrea Bocelli's Christmas CD and it's phenomenal. My grandfather (Grandpa Pine) was a big fan of Christmas music and I'm sure he would have enjoyed this particular album. He always had good taste in Christmas music, perhaps that's why I do. Grandma always said I came from "good stock." With no bias at all (kidding!), I would agree.
When it comes to music, I find that I have very interesting taste. I'm not sure I enjoy any one particular style of music. Let's just say that my musical taste is quite eclectic, meaning I like a variety of different styles. And if my wife heard me use that word 'eclectic,' she'd say "Hey now, watch it with those big words!" But it's true, my musical tastes are all across the board. If you ever check out my collection of music you'll see that I have music that ranges from Celine Dion to Iron Maiden. From Bocelli to 3 Doors Down. From the Beatles to Linkin Park. From Journey to old school 50s & 60s hits. From James Brown to Frank Sinatra.
For me, there's something about music that is just so inspiring and moving. I can't really put my finger on it or truly explain what I mean, but I'm sure you get the gist. I'm sure you've in some way or another been inspired or moved by a certain song or songs. What I've noticed about myself is that I'm not so much intrigued with the lyrics of the song(s) as I am with the song(s) itself. I find myself more interested and captivated by the tempo, the beat, the melody, etc. It's almost as if there is a story or a scene full of passion or emotion unfolding underneath all the words. There's high and low points, dramatic and ordinary sequences. There are moments when you'd wish the song would not end and there are those indescribable moments when the deep places within the heart are touched and resonated with.
Music can often tap deep into our hearts and into the very fiber of who we are. I've heard it said that when some people think of God they think of Him as a Song that is and has been playing. It's a sweet, slow Song that has been playing since the very beginning of time. A Song that has a rhythm, a melody, and a beat. A Song that we can choose to either listen close to or intentionally drown out by listening to the numerous other loud, chaotic songs that are being played in our culture. It's a Song that we can either learn to sway, dance and move in harmony with or chose to do nothing with and sit on the sidelines like boys at a Middle School Dance.
I think that we've All experienced or heard this Song at one point or another. I believe we heard it loud and clear when we were kids, but at some point our innocence and child-likeness was lost and drowned out to the voices of "reason" and "civilized" society (note the sarcasm). Remember, when we were kids and in our minds nothing was impossible and nothing was beyond incapable of existing. What happened? What has brought us to this point of no longer being able to dream or think outside of ourselves? Why can't we hear the Song the way we used to hear it so clearly and loudly?
In his song "Changes," Tupac (yes, Tupac Shakur my West Coast brother and rapper) sings "I'd love to go back to when we played as kids, but things changed, and that's the way it is." I think my brother from another mother was right, God rest His soul. Things have changed, but the fact is they don't have to stay the way that they are now. You see the Song is still playing. The Song will always being playing even amidst all the other chaotic and destructive songs that are being played and danced to. But if you listen closely you'll hear deep within the Song that there is an invitation being extended to every one us....
It's an invitation to become like a little child again...
It's an invitation to attune our ears to the Sweet Song that has been softly playing from the very beginning...
It's an invitation to "Return" (aka 'Repent') to the God who calls us His children
...Children who are loved simply for who they are, not as they should be.
Oh and by the way I checked...Tupac does not have a Christmas Album. Bummer!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thoughts & Doubts on a Love Seat!
My mornings typically consist of coffee, journaling, reading and above all, time spent in silence. I think it was Ferris Buehler who once said "Life can be pretty crazy, if you don't stop to enjoy it." I'm not completely sure that is the correct quote, but many of you will get the gist. For all of us, life is hectic and fast-paced. There is always something that needs to be done or in our eyes needs our immediate attention.
As of recent (recent, meaning a year or so) I've found myself arising early in the morning, especially on weekends, not only to drink coffee, which I very much enjoy, but to spend time by myself and with God. My father would be somewhat surprised to discover that I can no longer sleep like I used to. Back in the day, I could sleep anytime, anywhere and the noon hour was definitely my favorite time to wake up. But it seems as if those days are over. If I had to trade a great cup of coffee for sleeping in, I definitely would take the cup of coffee.
Where was I? Silence and solitude. These times alone are often quite difficult. The mind races and the body feels as if it has to be doing something. Often in the morning as I spout off a few thoughts to God, journal, maybe even read some Scripture, I'm struck with the mystery of who God is and what He's up to in our world. Oddly enough, it's often in the morning that I have my deepest doubts. I sit on the love seat in our living room and constantly wonder if I'm crazy for believing the things that I do. And not just believing, but trying to live accordingly. But I wonder if I have these doubts because it's during this time that I am confronted with something much much bigger than myself.
As humans, especially in America, we are so reliant on ourselves. From day one, our culture has molded us to be so. Now to be independent and able to take care of business isn't a bad thing in and of itself. It's when we forget the Source from which our strength, health, wealth, etc. come from that we are in trouble. And I think when we forget the Source, it leads us to the "love seats" of our lives where we doubt and wrestle with the existence of the God and Creator who is the Source of all things. Perhaps when we are so reliant on our selves and so self-focused that to think of anything bigger than us (we, who are gods in our own minds) obviously means it can't exist.
Yet this has been our problem from the beginning hasn't it? When Adam and Eve ate of the Tree in the Garden, they aspired to be like God knowing "good and evil." They doubted God's goodness. They doubted God's intention for His creation. Essentially, they doubted God. Now whether you believe the story of Adam and Eve as a literal and factual story is beside the point. Author and Pastor Rob Bell, in his book Velvet Elvis, put it this way, he says "the point isn't that it happened, the point is that it happens." In other words, the point isn't that the story of Adam and Eve is actual literal history, the point is that their prideful actions of aspiring to be like God happens every day with us. And because of our actions we not only distance our self from God, but grow in our distrust and disbelief in Him. Because of our actions we end up on the "love seats" of our lives wrestling, doubting and trying to relearn what it means to trust God again.
God, would you embrace us.
God, would you forgive us.
God, would you ignite our imaginations.
May the love seats of our lives be renewed and transformed.
May they be places where we meet with the Living God. The God and Father of Jesus Christ, who has shown us His love, grace and mercy through his life, death and resurrection.
As of recent (recent, meaning a year or so) I've found myself arising early in the morning, especially on weekends, not only to drink coffee, which I very much enjoy, but to spend time by myself and with God. My father would be somewhat surprised to discover that I can no longer sleep like I used to. Back in the day, I could sleep anytime, anywhere and the noon hour was definitely my favorite time to wake up. But it seems as if those days are over. If I had to trade a great cup of coffee for sleeping in, I definitely would take the cup of coffee.
Where was I? Silence and solitude. These times alone are often quite difficult. The mind races and the body feels as if it has to be doing something. Often in the morning as I spout off a few thoughts to God, journal, maybe even read some Scripture, I'm struck with the mystery of who God is and what He's up to in our world. Oddly enough, it's often in the morning that I have my deepest doubts. I sit on the love seat in our living room and constantly wonder if I'm crazy for believing the things that I do. And not just believing, but trying to live accordingly. But I wonder if I have these doubts because it's during this time that I am confronted with something much much bigger than myself.
As humans, especially in America, we are so reliant on ourselves. From day one, our culture has molded us to be so. Now to be independent and able to take care of business isn't a bad thing in and of itself. It's when we forget the Source from which our strength, health, wealth, etc. come from that we are in trouble. And I think when we forget the Source, it leads us to the "love seats" of our lives where we doubt and wrestle with the existence of the God and Creator who is the Source of all things. Perhaps when we are so reliant on our selves and so self-focused that to think of anything bigger than us (we, who are gods in our own minds) obviously means it can't exist.
Yet this has been our problem from the beginning hasn't it? When Adam and Eve ate of the Tree in the Garden, they aspired to be like God knowing "good and evil." They doubted God's goodness. They doubted God's intention for His creation. Essentially, they doubted God. Now whether you believe the story of Adam and Eve as a literal and factual story is beside the point. Author and Pastor Rob Bell, in his book Velvet Elvis, put it this way, he says "the point isn't that it happened, the point is that it happens." In other words, the point isn't that the story of Adam and Eve is actual literal history, the point is that their prideful actions of aspiring to be like God happens every day with us. And because of our actions we not only distance our self from God, but grow in our distrust and disbelief in Him. Because of our actions we end up on the "love seats" of our lives wrestling, doubting and trying to relearn what it means to trust God again.
God, would you embrace us.
God, would you forgive us.
God, would you ignite our imaginations.
May the love seats of our lives be renewed and transformed.
May they be places where we meet with the Living God. The God and Father of Jesus Christ, who has shown us His love, grace and mercy through his life, death and resurrection.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Why is your blog entitled 'The Return'?
Now that I've had my coffee I'm ready to watch radar! Great movie (Spaceballs) and a great quote! In all seriousness, I had every intention of blogging this morning while enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee, but a new friend (now a good friend!) came into the office to pick my brain and talk some theology. Although he probably had no idea he was talking theology! Given where ministry is at right now, this conversation truly was a blessing as it opened my eyes to ways in which the Spirit of God is moving within this particular individual and his family. It's exciting to see and hear from someone awakened and enlivened by God's Spirit. This conversation breathed some much needed fresh air into my soul.
Although my blog has just been started, it would most likely help to explain why I've entitled it "The Return." As of the past year or so, this word "Repent" has continually come to the fore of my mind. At times, it fades, but every time I encounter it within the pages of the Scriptures or various books that I'm reading, it hits me with such force and power. When Jesus begins his ministry, his central proclamation that practically sums up everything that He and His Father (God) were about is "Repent, for the Kingdom of God has come near!" If we pour over the gospels and understand what Jesus is enacting through his words and deeds, we begin to understand that this message consumed his entire life, including his preaching ministry. So this wasn't just a one time saying that randomly came out of his mouth at various points. Instead, this was an earth shattering invitation. It was (and still is) an invitation extended to all people, everywhere into something very big that God was (and still is) doing...
Now this word "Repent" has drawn some harsh criticism because of it's inappropriate use amongst passionate Christian fundamentalists. And because of it's destructive usage, we seem to avoid this word altogether when it comes to Jesus. To many the word 'Repent' has all these negative connotations that center around the shame, guilt and remorse we should have before God because we totally suck at life. But you see the word 'Repent' actually means something quite different.
Repent means 'to turn around,' so in a sense it's an invitation to begin to see our lives and our world differently based on who Jesus is and this new reality called the "kingdom of God" that has somehow drawn near through his life, death and resurrection. And not only is it a call to see our lives differently, but it's a call to live our lives differently. Which leads us to a deeper understanding of the word 'Repent'? In the Hebrew the word 'Repent' comes from the word 'T'Shuva. Now T'shuva essentially means to 'Return.' The question is: what are we called to 'Return' to? The typical Jr. High Sunday School answer would be: God. In a certain sense, sure that would be a correct answer, but it's much deeper than that. You see when Jesus says 'Repent,' he's inviting and challenging us to 'Return' to who we were always meant to be.
...And we were meant to be whole, restored, and in union with our Creator.
In Jesus, God is setting things right and reclaiming that which is lost, broken, and disconnected from Him. Essentially, the Father has not only called His children to 'Return' to Him, but to 'Return' to what He had in mind for us (the human race) from the very beginning. It's because of grace and love, that I now find myself in the process of 'Returning'. And that is why this blog is entitled 'The Return."
May this blog be one of many ways by which I 'Return' to the Father and 'Return' to who I was always meant to be...
Although my blog has just been started, it would most likely help to explain why I've entitled it "The Return." As of the past year or so, this word "Repent" has continually come to the fore of my mind. At times, it fades, but every time I encounter it within the pages of the Scriptures or various books that I'm reading, it hits me with such force and power. When Jesus begins his ministry, his central proclamation that practically sums up everything that He and His Father (God) were about is "Repent, for the Kingdom of God has come near!" If we pour over the gospels and understand what Jesus is enacting through his words and deeds, we begin to understand that this message consumed his entire life, including his preaching ministry. So this wasn't just a one time saying that randomly came out of his mouth at various points. Instead, this was an earth shattering invitation. It was (and still is) an invitation extended to all people, everywhere into something very big that God was (and still is) doing...
Now this word "Repent" has drawn some harsh criticism because of it's inappropriate use amongst passionate Christian fundamentalists. And because of it's destructive usage, we seem to avoid this word altogether when it comes to Jesus. To many the word 'Repent' has all these negative connotations that center around the shame, guilt and remorse we should have before God because we totally suck at life. But you see the word 'Repent' actually means something quite different.
Repent means 'to turn around,' so in a sense it's an invitation to begin to see our lives and our world differently based on who Jesus is and this new reality called the "kingdom of God" that has somehow drawn near through his life, death and resurrection. And not only is it a call to see our lives differently, but it's a call to live our lives differently. Which leads us to a deeper understanding of the word 'Repent'? In the Hebrew the word 'Repent' comes from the word 'T'Shuva. Now T'shuva essentially means to 'Return.' The question is: what are we called to 'Return' to? The typical Jr. High Sunday School answer would be: God. In a certain sense, sure that would be a correct answer, but it's much deeper than that. You see when Jesus says 'Repent,' he's inviting and challenging us to 'Return' to who we were always meant to be.
...And we were meant to be whole, restored, and in union with our Creator.
In Jesus, God is setting things right and reclaiming that which is lost, broken, and disconnected from Him. Essentially, the Father has not only called His children to 'Return' to Him, but to 'Return' to what He had in mind for us (the human race) from the very beginning. It's because of grace and love, that I now find myself in the process of 'Returning'. And that is why this blog is entitled 'The Return."
May this blog be one of many ways by which I 'Return' to the Father and 'Return' to who I was always meant to be...
Sunday, November 8, 2009
I Don't Like to Write, Yet I Do
I'm not much of a writer. Well, I am, but for some odd, unexplainable reason I don't jump at the chance to type up a paper, homily, sermon, etc. It's not that I don't enjoy sermon writing, I just have trouble maintaining focus and putting words to my thoughts. Yet when it comes to journaling, I have no problem at all. In fact,I very much enjoy pouring my thoughts out via the pen. Perhaps it's because I don't have to follow all the technical and grammatical rules of writing. Who knows? It's crazy and to be honest I don't think I'm too far off from being crazy. One thing is for sure, I have much that is within me that needs to be spilled and I'm hoping that this provides an outlet by which I can do just that. Maybe, in the process I'll come to enjoy (and even crave) writing.
I've started this blog for multiple reasons. The first has already been stated. The second is a bit more difficult to put into words, so please forgive me if my thoughts seem complicated and too complex to understand. You see my heart beats for truth. And not truth that is discovered in ivory towers by philosophers and theologians. But truth that is embedded within the fabric of this world. Into the very Creation that we awaken to every day. Truth that resonates deep within my heart. Truth that is worthy of my devotion. Truth that beckons me to abandon my very livelihood. Truth that is only found in the God and Father of Jesus of Nazareth.
What's ironic is that my heart seems to have already tasted of this truth. How, I don't know? But I do know that within there exists this longing for more. And as this "longing for more" drives me to search, my thirst for truth continues to deepen even more. Quite interesting how that works...
May this blog be the start of an exploration to further understand myself and the God who has called me His.
I've started this blog for multiple reasons. The first has already been stated. The second is a bit more difficult to put into words, so please forgive me if my thoughts seem complicated and too complex to understand. You see my heart beats for truth. And not truth that is discovered in ivory towers by philosophers and theologians. But truth that is embedded within the fabric of this world. Into the very Creation that we awaken to every day. Truth that resonates deep within my heart. Truth that is worthy of my devotion. Truth that beckons me to abandon my very livelihood. Truth that is only found in the God and Father of Jesus of Nazareth.
What's ironic is that my heart seems to have already tasted of this truth. How, I don't know? But I do know that within there exists this longing for more. And as this "longing for more" drives me to search, my thirst for truth continues to deepen even more. Quite interesting how that works...
May this blog be the start of an exploration to further understand myself and the God who has called me His.
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