When Praise is a Sacrifice

Today, October 15th, is a day of remembrance.

Two days ago, Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving with friends, family and great food. But today is different.

It's a day I wouldn't have paid much attention to if it weren't for an event that happened in my life just over a year ago.

I never imagined having to count myself as 'one of them' - the group of women with soul connections on this day.

October 15th marks the 'Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day'

As mentioned on the official website, back in October 1988, American President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. He sensitively said, ''When a child loses a parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn't a word to describe them.''

And as one of those parents, I realize there also isn't a word to describe one's emotions when you lose a child.

Yes, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy 3 months ago. But on August 6, 2013, I also buried a baby after suffering a miscarriage at 8 weeks.

Since then, 5 friends of mine have unfortunately had to do the same.

How does one reconcile thanksgiving and trial? Love and loss? Praise and pain?

Hebrews 13:15 talks about offering God a 'sacrifice of praise.' Oh, how you and I know that praise isn't always easy. How many days is it a decision we have to make instead of a natural response flowing from our hearts?

Tim Hughes' song, ''When the Tears Fall'', is a powerful summary of the struggles and questions I was left with after my miscarriage. But it's also an intense reminder of hope, an invitation to look up.

I've had questions without answers
I've known sorrow, I have known pain
But there's one thing that I cling to
You are faithful, Jesus You're true
When hope is lost
I call You Saviour
When pain surrounds
I call You Healer
When silence falls
You'll be the song within my heart

I'm not trying to minimize anyone's pain by saying that we should just 'get over' such experiences, that we're not allowed to ask questions, or that we need to suck it up and be 'spiritual'. No, mourning IS spiritual (a whole book of the Bible is all about lamenting!)

But for me it is significant that this day of loss and remembrance falls two days after Thanksgiving. Because I can still be thankful, and praise God even when it's hard.

Praise Him for the fact that I'm not alone, since He is familiar with suffering.
Praise Him for hope.
Praise Him for life.
Praise Him for Shalom - that all-encompassing, deep, healing, life-giving peace and comfort.

Maybe you haven't lost a child, but maybe praise is still a sacrifice for you.  Maybe it's sickness, disappointment, stress, doubt.

But may I encourage you to offer a praise sacrifice even in your suffering?

And friend, if you've lost a little one, let us remember together. Know that Jesus sees your tears and is ready to offer beauty for ashes.

Thanks + Giving + [Always?]

Sun shining; house cozy warm from the heat of the oven, which contains a 12-pound turkey; smell of apple cider and cinnamon candles; husband peeling potatoes and me kneading dough; table set and awaiting guests.

It's Thanksgiving. Autumn is here - my favorite time of the year!

 

There's no way to exactly duplicate a tradition, but we took joy in the newness of Thanksgiving and our first time celebrating it in Germany was a success!  I even managed to come up with a maple leaf - Canadian Pride! :)

Funny how memories are triggered. Memories of family members showing up at our house, of board games, of kids, of lots and lots and lots of (great) food, of getting to use the "special" plates and glasses, of the "go-around-the-table-and-everybody-say-one-thing-they're-thankful-for" round.

Giving Thanks. Because so much has been given to us; it's the least we can do in return. 

But Thanksgiving is more than a day; it's a lifestyle. 

If we only choose joy when we have a full plate, a full stomach, and a full house, are we really giving thanks?

This year my husband and I were confronted with the biblical mandate to REJOICE ALWAYS.

Three days before Thanksgiving, his mom took a fall outside, was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that she had a complicated wrist and elbow break, had an emergency operation and likely has to remain in the hospital for 3 weeks now.

That wasn't exactly part of the plan. Or at least our plan.

For awhile, I felt guilty for excitedly anticipating food and fellowship, but then the Holy Spirit reminded me, "It's perfect timing to celebrate Thanksgiving." If not now, then when? 

 

The Lord called us here to help bring restoration. And it looked like restoration was happening - my mom-in-law was overcoming the effects of her stroke and was beginning to ride a bike again, re-learning how to write, and becoming more engaged in activities and conversation. And now? She's laying in a hospital bed with metal plates in her arm and can't remember what happened or why she's there.

What does giving thanks look like in this situation? I read a quote from Ann Voskamp the other day which made me think:

"My lips may have said YES to God's grace of a Messiah - 

but my life has said NO to God's gift of this moment."

How is it that we so easily receive God's GIFT of grace, His GIFT of salvation, His GIFT of a Savior...but so often reject His GIFT of each new day? What makes us think we can pick and choose what we get to give thanks for?

And so, in the middle of hospital visits, short nights, telephone calls to family, and conversations with the doctors and nurses, we choose joy.

• We're thankful that in a matter of minutes after calling emergency, we had 5 medical personnel at our doorstep.
• We're thankful for hospital staff working the night shift, so she could receive immediate care.
• We're thankful for friends and family who have stopped in to visit. 
• We're thankful for a praying community of brothers and sisters in the Lord.
• We're thankful that none of this is a surprise to God. 
• We're thankful that God redeemed the situation - my mom-in-law's "room mate" gave her life to the Lord after my husband had a conversation with her about Jesus!

And although the reality of the situation isn't nice, we're allowed to celebrate.

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is something deeper than circumstances. Receiving each moment with thanksgiving is what allows us to live in joy.

There is another quote that says: "Hope is hearing the music of tomorrow. Faith is dancing to it."

So we "turned up the music" yesterday and enjoyed a feast, knowing God is in control of the end of the story. We're still working on the dancing part, but we believe that God is good and that He's worthy of receiving our thanksgiving. Always.

P.S. Would you pray with us, please? For a quick, miraculous healing, for peace for us as a family, especially my husband's dad, and for the strength to dance? Thank you.

What does Prosperity have to do with the Gospel?

An online Google search of the term "prosperity gospel" brings up mega-church pastors’ names such as Joel Osteen, teachings such as "believe and receive," and issues like money and self-improvement.

Depending on what you've heard about this topic, or what your experiences are, this will exert either an "Amen!" from you at this point, or rolling eyes, a groan, or a big question mark. Or, if you’re like me, maybe all of the above.

I’ve heard the discussions (and been part of them); I’ve seen quotes and read blogs and flipped through books. And of course this is a huge topic and there are many facets to it, but I would like to dedicate this post to addressing it from one perspective that is important to me.

First of all, what exactly is the “Prosperity Gospel” and what do those who adhere to this stream of teaching believe and promote? A few of the "theological pillars" associated with this movement include Healing, Wealth, Faith and the Power of Words. A common theme heard in this type of preaching is that if you “sow” financially (by donating to the ministry, mainly), God will “give back” multiple times and you’ll reap a blessed monetary harvest. It’s also believed that God’s will is to bless you with good things - therefore, “prosperity.” And this blessing can be taken ahold of through prayer, through speaking positive hopeful thinking aloud in faith, whether it be related to health, financial need, jobs, relationships, etc.

I haven’t concerned myself too much with the details, but that’s my general understanding of the direction it goes. And what are the biggest objections to this stream of teaching? Here is a quote from someone who opposes the movement, and it summarizes alot of what I’ve heard spoken against the prosperity gospel:

A columnist for the Washington Post wrote an article in which she stated,
   

        "Few theological ideas ring more dissonant with the harmony of orthodox Christianity than a      focus on storing up treasures on Earth as a primary goal of faithful living. The gospel of prosperity turns Christianity into a vapid bless-me club, with a doctrine that amounts to little more than spiritual magical thinking: If you pray the right way, God will make you rich." 

In my understanding, a lot of opposition has to do with people thinking that prosperity shouldn’t be the goal of a Christian. Followers of Christ shouldn't have big houses (Jesus didn’t even have “a place to lay his head”); and nice furniture, expensive cars, big successes, etc. are unnecessary and maybe even sinful, because "there is so much need in this world." How can it be "God's will" for us to live in luxury when so many are barely surviving? How can you say God wants to grant us health when there are innumerable instances of people (Christians, for that matter) dying of cancer, being persecuted, dealing with depression, etc.? And, how can you be sure that God blesses financially when the Bible even says that “money is the root of all evil” (or wait...isn’t it something about the “love of money”?)

So what in the world does Prosperity have to do with the Gospel?

When Jesus came to earth, when Holiness and Love Himself took the form of a human baby and grew up under the parenthood of an earthly father and mother, He made His mission as the Son of God and the Son of Man clear:

Explaining His purpose to the Pharisees who were accusing Him and to the Jews who doubted His miracles, Jesus stated that the reason He came to earth was to bring life in abundance (John 10:10).

And in Luke 4:18 He applies an Old Testament prophecy to Himself which fills in the blanks about what this abundant life looks like:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.” (Jesus quoting from Isaiah 61)

And the writer of one of the gospel books asserts: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17). Salvation. Life. Eternal Life. Abundant Life.

THIS is the Gospel. The Good News. The reason why Jesus came.

Is this a “prosperity gospel?” Well, by all means yes!

The reason I believe that prosperity does have something to do with the Gospel is this:

Prosperity is about so much more than money.

If we want to get into what prosperity is, we first have to consider what prosperity is NOT. What is the opposite of the Good News that Jesus was sent to preach, the reason we need the freedom He proclaims and the favor and comfort that He provides?

The reason is that we are poor.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines poverty as: "the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possession; scarcity; debility." Or from the Oxford dictionary, "the state of being inferior in quality or insufficient in amount." Dictionary.com adds "the state of...having no means of support."

For a long time, I thought 'being poor' meant having no money. I now believe that financial means might be one part of poverty, but it's definitely not the whole picture. A broader description might include aspects such as lack of resources, lack of opportunity, lack of hope.

In fact, when Jesus said He was sent to proclaim good news to the “poor”, the Greek word translated there in Isaiah 61 is ptochos, and means “one who is destitute, afflicted, and lacking.” Basically...helpless. Strong's Concordance defines this use of ptochos as meaning: "of one who crouches; beggarly" or, in a broader sense, "destitute of wealth, influence, position, honors; lowly, afflicted."

The whole gospel is about God’s answer to our human poverty. We were helpless in our sinful state, and “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). In fact, Jesus Christ “for our sake became poor, that we might share in His riches” (2 Cor. 8:9). We lacked the means of salvation; God provided a Savior.


The bottom line? Poverty is about LACK. Not having enough money (but who defines what "enough" is anyways?); not being given enough opportunity (to study, to provide for yourself, etc.); not having the support of friends, community, government; lacking means, lacking hope.

And what is the opposite of Lack? Abundance, Provision, Enough, Plenty, Surplus.

Prosperity.

Prosperity is defined as "a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition." Sounds like abundant life to me!

But don’t get me wrong.

I have been to Africa. I have seen mud huts that large families live in, without sanitation, without light, without access to clean water or food, and I’ve wondered how a culture can be so without abundance. I have been to Mexico and seen a put-together-shanty from leftover aluminum pieces and scrap pieces of wood, where children rejoice at the simple concept of a balloon because they have nothing else to play with, and I’ve felt guilty for my prosperity. And I have been to Vancouver and walked along East Hastings Street, shocked at the rawness of a life caught up in addiction and abuse, wishing I could do more to provide hope.

And, I have returned home from these places, wondering why on earth there are a billion choices of cereal in the grocery aisle, why anyone would waste money on another piece of clothing just to keep up with fashion, and not wanting to let the water run while brushing my teeth because I've seen people without access to something so basic according to my prosperous lifestyle.

I've wrestled with theological questions (and still do), such as the definition of "abundant" and what is “enough.” And at the same time I’ve wondered who sets the standard of “rich.” (By the way, did you know that in Switzerland, if you earn less than 5,000 Swiss Francs a month you’re considered “under the poverty line”?).

And how often have I thought, "Oh, I shouldn't waste this food; there are starving children in Africa..." But how much will MY eating one plate of food really help the millions of people dying of starvation? It requires more than a bad conscience to make a change. It begins with worldview, with a renewal of our thinking, and with lifestyle choices.

Jesus proclaimed, in His mission statement, that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him and had anointed Him to preach to the poor and bring freedom, healing, comfort, provision. And guess what? His mission hasn’t changed. Now, He wants to accomplish that purpose through us.
It's been our call since the beginning - God told Abraham, "I will bless you, and through you, all nations on earth will be blessed" (Gal 3:8). Since we are Abraham's descendants (Rom 4:16), that is God’s will for us as well.

Blessed to be a blessing.

The Bible is full of examples of abundance, stories of Jesus blessing people more than He needed to, more than they perhaps expected Him to.

• Jesus' first miracle was turning water into 600 liters of wine (the best wine!) at a wedding where people had already had enough to drink after partying for a week
• When Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000 men, there were 12 baskets of bread leftover!
• "Toss your nets to the other side" Jesus commanded His discouraged disciples who had been fishing all night without catching anything. And, because of their OBEDIENCE, they brought in so many fish that the boat almost sunk!
• Moved with emotion regarding His good friend Lazarus, Jesus didn't just comfort the sisters, grieve with them, or pass on "spiritual sounding" answers - "This must have been part of my Father's will…." No, He called on the Name of His Father and raised Lazarus from the dead!
• And there are innumerable instances where Jesus healed people - sometimes because they asked and sought, and other times because He just chose to.
• Jesus also received abundantly. When a sinful, looked-down-upon woman came to pour perfume on Jesus' feet, Christ’s disciples were uncomfortable and tried to sound spiritual - "shouldn't that have been sold and the money given to the pour?" Jesus answered by saying she had done a blessed thing.
• And, as I mentioned earlier, the greatest example of all is that "He did not spare His own Son” and is still today willing to “give us all things” (Rom 8:32).

What is the purpose of Him giving us all things? What is the point of prosperity?

“You will be made rich in every way so you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

We know the Bible verse - "Freely you have received; freely give" (Matt 10:8).  How can we give if we have nothing to start with? How can we be generous if we ourselves are lacking?

The answer to the desperation of this world is NOT Christians becoming poorer!

Please allow me to clarify:

I do NOT believe that Christians are called to an easy life, and I am definitely not saying that our brothers and sisters in third-world nations or persecuted countries are doing something wrong because they don’t have material wealth.

I am AGAINST leaders using manipulation or anything else in order to get money, Aad my heart BREAKS when I see how many people, especially "Christian" leaders in influential positions, are misrepresenting God and leading people astray. Oh Father, help us! No wonder the World has a skewed perspective of the God/Christianity!

I think it is WRONG to try to manipulate God, or think of Him as a "heavenly vending machine" where we just get what we want out of Him (money, blessings, health, relationships, bigger houses, bigger cars, promotions, etc.) It has always been, and will always be, about relationship.

But about that relationship, the Bible says: “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, will not your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?” (Matt 7:11).

God does give, and He gives generously - Wisdom (James 1), Peace (John 14), Love (1 John), His Spirit (John 3:34), Hope (Rom. 5:5), Finances (Philippians 4:19), Healing from diseases (Psalm 103), Forgiveness (1 John 1:9), Gifts and Talents (1 Cor. 12:11) and many other things.

What would it look like for the Church, the Bride of Christ, to be known for her generosity? We are created “in the image of God,” meaning with the potential to give. What if we were so touched with compassion for the broken, the down and out, those facing lack, that we were moved to action and believed that God wants to use OUR hands and feet to bring about change?

And remember, generosity is not defined by numbers, and giving is about more than finances and posessions. A person with $3,000 may be living a more disobedient lifestyle than someone with $3,000,000 if they are not sharing and investing into the Kingdom of God. And remember the story of the Widow’s Mite? Jesus said the lady who put one penny in the offering plate gave more than all the others, since she gave what she had; it was a sacrifice for her. No matter what our social status is or what our bank account looks like, we are called to give. For some that means giving of time, resources, and listening ear, a helping hand. But I believe our faith needs to reach our chequebooks as well. It’s not our money anyway! The God who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” has generosly entrusted His resources to us, and asks us to be faithful.

So what does prosperity have to do with the Gospel? The Good News is the story about God meeting our need and equipping us “with everything needed for life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3) in order that we may serve others with that same generous spirit.

----




Thoughts? Questions? Please feel free to comment and share your own struggles, experiences, perspective!

Blood Donors

Two weeks ago my husband and I went to donate blood at the German Red Cross. They spoil us here in Germany, in that they actually hire a butcher and prepare a big meal for all blood donors as a thank you! Not quite like the juice boxes and granola bars in Canada, eh? :) They are also very intentional about caring for your health (for example they gave me tablets to replenish my iron). We have begun donating regularly, as often as we're allowed, and it's actually really fun and fulfilling!

Sure the needle pricks a bit, but just the thought that we could be helping save another person's life makes it all worth it! I am amazed at the scientific research and technology that makes this all possible, and totally thankful for the complexity of our bodies and how God created us. WOW! We figure it is such a practical way to "love your neighbor."

I have a hard time fathoming how 500mL of this "red substance" can make such a difference in someone else's life. In fact how is it that blood itself holds the power of life? The Bible was way ahead of scientific data and understanding when it said: "the life of a creature is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). No blood, no life; but new blood, new life!

Our little experience at the blood donation center reminded me of a t-shirt I once saw someone wearing:

"a blood donor saved my life!"

My life, too, was saved by a blood donor. But it didn't happen to Him through nurses and needles; instead by whips and nails. By piercings in His side, by harassment from His enemies and being spit upon. By a crown of thorns being twisted upon His head and His naked body carrying the weight of a cross up to Golgotha.

"Nothing but the blood of Jesus..."

We sing about it, we read about it, we talk about it, and every time we participate in Communion, or the Lord's Supper, at church, we soberly remember and celebrate it. But what does it actually mean that Jesus gave His blood for us?

Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada, and I thought for this day I would like to start a series about the blood of Christ, because it is what I'm thankful for. It is the most precious gift we could receive, the foundation of our salvation. It is of course a huge topic, but here are some basics about the power of Christ's sacrifice:

It is the symbol of the New Covenant I have with God (1 Cor. 11:25). Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Blood was also the seal of the Old Covenant that God made with His people, the Israelites...Every sacrifice the priests made and every animal they offered had to do with the spilling of blood, given "for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance (Hebrews 9:7). "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). Sacrifices were God's way of providing salvation for His people in the Old Testament, but the blood of Jesus was what sealed the New Covenant.

The good news is that now, Jesus doesn't have to offer Himself again and again - His blood sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 9:25), sufficient to cover our sins...and so much more.

His sacrificial death on the cross was foreshadowed by the Passover event in the Old Testament. When the Lord was about to release His people from the grip of Pharaoh in Egypt, He gave them the command to sacrifice an offering to Him, taking the blood of the animal and marking their doorframes with it. "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you" (Exodus 12:13). In that way, the people of Egypt were struck with the judgments of God while Israel was set free. 

In the same way, the blood of Christ sets us free. When we accept Christ's gift we are marked by His blood, which offers life, protection, and healing. Here are some of the promises of God from the Bible that talk about the power of the blood of Christ and what exactly this New Covenant is:

1 Peter 1:18-19 The blood of Christ "redeems us from the empty way of life..." Before we knew Christ, we lived in death, in hopelessness, in darkness. Now we belong to Christ and are given Hope and Life and Purpose!

Ephesians 1:7 "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." We have eternal life! The blood of Christ fulfilled the requirements of the law that nothing and no one else could. Jesus Christ gave His life as a RANSOM (Hebrews 9:15) - setting us free from the effect of sin (which is death) as the power of sin to control us and be our master (Romans 6). 

1 John 1:7 The blood of Christ "purifies us from all sin." That means we are spotless, clean, and no stain of unrighteousness is on us. God sees us as holy, forgiven, perfect in His sight!!! It doesn't matter what we've done or "how bad" we've messed up - Christ's blood was enough to offer forgiveness for ALL.

Ephesians 2:13 We have been "brought near through the blood of Christ." And Jesus reconciled to Himself all things, "making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:20). Because of sin humans are separated from God, out of relationship with Him, strangers. But the blood of Christ makes it possible for us to be in God's presence, to "approach Him with freedom and confidence" (Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16). We can have peace with God.  Jesus is standing next to God, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). What does that mean? It means he "destroyed the barrier, breaking the dividing wall of hostility" that separated us from God, and now stands in the throneroom, holding the door open for us so we may talk to God, hear from Him, be in relationship with Him and experience Him.

What precious promises! Jesus Christ willingly went to the cross, laying down His life and pouring out His blood to give us freedom from sin and peace with God.

And we can be partakers of these promises when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. But His blood has power and an effect on our everyday lives as well...

More on that in Part 2!

Miracles

Well I've been meaning to write ever since returning from our week at camp...

There is just so much to share, I'm not sure where to start! God definitely proved Himself, as I shared in the last post, to be STRONG and to be LOVING. Lives were completely changed! People were set free from depression and addictions, chose to forgive those who had hurt them in the past, and young men and women who came from difficult home and family backgrounds experienced a God who, as their Heavenly Father, loves them the way they are and is proud of them.

Powerful truths! Life-changing realities! Miracles.

Students were encouraged the whole week, and left affirmed in their gifts and calling and most of all, their identity as sons and daughters of God. They were taught to use the Word of God as a powerful weapon against the lies of our enemy that constantly face us. They experienced deep inner healing resulting in joy and peace, as well as physical healing, as they lifted up their eyes to Christ in worship. We were all reminded of the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit and his presence and power dwelling within us.

The Love of the Father, the Victory of Christ, the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit. 

What a great God we serve!

I wanted to share these things with you, my readers, as a testimony. Revelation 12:11 says we overcome the devil "by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony." When we testify to what God has done, we advance His kingdom and the enemy is rendered powerless.

God is a miracle-working God! And He displays His power still today. 

Psalm 77:13-14
"Your ways, O God, are holy.
    What god is so great as our God?  
 You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples."

I also wanted to share one way God provided for me last week...
I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed, and it was literally without any problems! There was no swelling, and the same day I was able to eat and talk normally, and go to our small group that evening. Then the next day Mogi and I were involved in helping lead worship for an event, and I was able to sing. Praise God! I love reminders like this when God says, "Hey, I care about the small things in your life, too."  

I know we all walk through things that are not easy. We have doubts. Questions. Fears. Times where we just don't get it, or wonder where God is and if He really knows what He's doing!

But I want to write this as a reminder...OUR GOD IS ABLE! 

God has been speaking to me through the story in 1 Samuel 1-2 as Hannah wept and poured out her heart before the Lord. God answered her prayer, and she responded in worship through song: "For the Lord is a God who knows!"  

Praying today that you experience the peace, love, and provision of the God who sees you, the God who knows about the circumstances in your life, and the God who is able to move mountains. 

If you need a miracle, let me know and I'd love to pray with and for you! If you've experienced God's love or power, leave a comment and share your testimony!