Resurgam

Interestingly, the older I get, the less I realize I know about life in Christ. Sounds kinda crazy, right? You’d think that the longer you follow someone – in part, whole, or some fraction thereof – that you’d begin to think and act like the one you’re following. You’d think that.

I have come face to face with a story that Rich Mullins told once, where an interviewer asked Rich, “When were you born again?” To which he replied, “Which time?” Rich goes on to talk about summer camp, and how the kids there would rededicate their lives to Christ each year. In college, the need to give our lives to Jesus hits us about every 6 months. After college, it’s quarterly. Until, Rich said, we hit our 40’s, where we rededicate ourselves 4 times a day.

Maybe he was joking, but I think only a little.

I flat out guarantee you that I don’t have this Jesus stuff nailed. Isn’t that comforting, to read of an elder at a church admitting to being at times clueless? I think I flirt with following Jesus. I mean, there are times where I get close, but then *poof* it’s back to me being me. I cling to the idea that I now see through a glass darkly, and will one day see face to face. And yet, it is, as Paul declares in Scripture, “a mystery” most of the time. I can remember being so sure of myself, and being so very confident that I had the answers – the right answers – to any Jesus question. Today, I realize that Jesus calls me to die, daily. And in the dying, I know that I will rise again. That’s about it.

That’s what Resurgam means, that “I will rise again.” One Latin word captures for me, hope. Not in me, but in Christ. I trust “that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

I may be down but I will rise,
It may be dark but God is light.

AMEN.

August Rush

Okay. Maybe it's a little corny. But August Rush is a God-haunted movie, and its a good one as well. If you know me, you've heard me say "he who has ears to hear" tons of times. That idea is a key element in this movie.

Here's a couple of lines from the movie . . .

August Rush: It's like someone's calling out to me, only some of us can hear it.
Wizard: Only some of us are listening.

- and -

Wizard: You know what music is? God's little reminder that there's something else besides us in this universe; harmonic connection between all living beings, every where, even the stars.

This movie also connects us to a longing that lies within most of us, which is to know that we belong.

Wizard: If you could choose any name in the world. Any! What would you want to be?
Wizard: Come on, kid. Any.
August Rush: Found.

Trust me, and give this movie a look. I think you'll find it well worth the $3 rental.

Marvelous Light

The day after Easter is huge for me. The season of Lent is over. The intense focus of Holy Week is over. Life continues, but now the question must be asked, "What do I do with the Risen Christ?"

How will my life be different now that He has risen? How will your life be different? Allow yourself to slow down a bit and consider things like how your time is spent. How your money is spent. Who are you helping today? How are you expressing joy? Expressing mercy? Compassion? Justice? Am I seeking Jesus in the scriptures and in prayer? Is He remaking me into His image, today?

How will your life's story end, because you follow Jesus?

May abundant life be yours today.

I may be down but I will rise,
It may be dark but God is light.

Sin has lost its power,
Death has lost its sting,
and from the grave You've risen victoriously!

Into Marvelous Light I'm running,
Out of darkness, out of shame,
by the Cross You are the Truth,
You are the Life, You are the Way.

~ AMEN

(to be continued, daily . . .)

He is Risen Indeed!

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

Matthew 28:5-7

And from the grave You've risen victoriously!

(to be continued . . .)

Saturday is a Hard Day

Every year at Easter, I try and imagine what the original followers of Jesus experienced on the Saturday after Good Friday. The Scriptures are pretty silent concerning that day, which makes sense given the strict observance of the Sabbath. But don't you wonder what they were feeling? Jesus - who had proclaimed to them that He was the Son of God - was dead. And now they were alone. Hope had little company.

Feebly, almost in a whispering, trembling voice, I can imagine those first followers proclaiming . . .

Sin has lost its power,
death has lost its sting . . .

(to be continued . . .)

It is Finished

28Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28-30)

"It is finished." May you consider today, Good Friday, the weight and the cost of those words as you look at your life and the part you are called to play in the Kingdom story.

"I may be down but I will rise.
It may be dark but God is light."

(to be continued . . .)

The Most Important Fact in the Universe

Christ is the Son of God. He died to atone for men's sin, and after three days rose again. This is the most important fact in the universe. I die believing in Christ.

~ Watchman Nee, note found under his pillow, in prison, at his death.

Albert's Sidekick

It's tough being a bobblehead in my office. Albert Pujols has single-handedly manned the post for the last couple of years, but he's paid the man on occasion.

Now, Albert has a sidekick. A partner. Someone to get his back. And it's none other than Dwight K. Schrute II. So sleep easy Albert, for help has arrived. You need never to fear a bear attack again.

Thanks to Rachelle and the kids for a great birthday present!

I Am the Church

X Games, Collins Style

Last Saturday, we woke up to 9 inches of snow. And of course that meant SLEDDING!

Some did pretty good . . . Others, not so much. I can tell you that if a 43 year old guy tries to go down a hill standing up on the sled, the picture ends painfully. And it's more of a lingering pain, really.

After this motley crew sledded until we were froze, a bowl of hot chili was waiting on us.

And as the day closed, our guest photographer, Brianne Fults, grabbed some shots of an awesome sunset. Good times with good friends. Life together is good.