julianjdavis

[julianjdavis]

WHAT‘S AN INTROVERT TO DO WITH THE GREAT COMMISSION?

We are what we think about ourselves. And as if being our own worst enemy wasn't enough, we get plenty of help from society to shape our thinking. Pick your poison. There's an article, a podcast, a TED Talk, a book, a conference tailored just your size—affirming and encouraging what you might resonate with the most. There's a plethora of identities to diagnose yourself with. We wear whatever fits best.

No doctors are needed. Introvert is a label we place on ourselves. It's all about how well we know our own self. And as I'm writing this now, I'm realizing how often I'm having to use the word self. The answer to the question of whether you're an introvert or extrovert comes down to how self aware you are. I'm sure those around us could chime in on the topic as well, but we know us better than anyone.

Take me for example. I'm a textbook introvert by nature. I mean, I physically feel my heart trying to leap through my chest at the thought of speaking in front of a room full of people. Even a tiny room. The more courage I muster up to open my mouth, the more intense it gets. Being in a large group setting for an extended amount of time is about as exhausting for me as running a 2K in a sweat suit in the middle of July. I'd much rather stay home and read.

Then there's the chronic brain cramps, like a car engine misfiring, that leave me saying something totally different than my original thought. Seriously. Something happens in between my medulla oblongata and my mouth. When I'm with my wife she can see it happening and just gently grab my arm. That's my cue to find the nearest exit from the tangent I was running off on. Lord knows where it was going.

I had always thought there was just something wrong with me. Until a few years ago when I was rescued by the fresh wave of content that welcomed my social awkwardness with open, loving arms. And of course, a label that gave it value. The whole introvert/extrovert spiel is nothing new. But there just happened to be a surge of articles from some trendy and intellectual sources that caught my eye.

I don't know where things went south for me. I've always enjoyed making people laugh. I'm just naturally not very comfortable with people I don't know well. My mom most definitely has the "life-of-the-party" personality. Everyone who knows her knows that. She's loud and fun. My dad, on the other hand, was one of those rare breeds of people who understood the art of perfecting his craft. This meant tunnel vision. It meant working while everyone else was sleeping. He did always make time for me, though. And for the record, he did have a personality. He also had no problem performing in front of large crowds since he was a professional musician.

Then there's me.

In all my self-analysis I've tried to trace back to the cause. As if I were an alcoholic trying to find the beginning of my downward spiral. I was in the acceptance stage. I guess I'm just weird like that, I said to myself.

Then after reading more about it from a positive standpoint, I was able to switch a few letters around in that word weird. Instead, I realized I was just wired like that. Not everyone is meant to be the life of the party. God made me this way and it is oh so okay.

I clung onto verses like Psalms 139:14 that says "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." I found comfort in the fact that God doesn't make mistakes and that He made us uniquely different. The sovereign Creator made all things yet has no errors or accidents. Including me.

So I set out to be the most confident introvert there ever was. I was newly content in my skin. I was ready to take on the world—quietly and subtly, of course. Then I remembered the story of how God used Moses in spite of his insecurity. He had some sort of issues with his speech and didn't think he was good enough for God to use him. Even after He performed two miracles to remind and reassure him of His power. I just love what God said to him: “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:11-12)

That resonates with me on such a deep level. As it does with any one of the seventy-three verses over the course of three chapters in the book of Job when God put him in His place. You can't help but feel the mammoth difference between the Creator and His created being.

Then came some serious soul searching to find the place where my gifting and passion intersect as it relates to the kingdom. Music.

Questions arose like how does an introvert pursue music? More specifically, how does one pursue a role like leading worship? Because the men and women who wear those shoes have radiant, magnetic qualities that I don't possess. They're outgoing and witty. Not shy and quiet.

I read the job description and line after line was a case toward my inadequacy. There was no way I could do all of those things. I prayed for God to change me, knowing fully well that He was capable and would if He wanted that for me. I begged Him even. All I have to work with is a surrendered heart, the ability to carry a tune (that's debatable) and a passion for theology. There's plenty left to be desired. So I've accepted the fact that I don't fit the mold of a worship leader—at least by popular standards.

Still, I've wrestled through trying to discern what was actually true about myself and what lies I've been believing. Because there is a lurking enemy who day and night plots ways to steal, kill and destroy. I'm sure I'd be a threat to him if I were invoking the presence of God and inviting others to join me in His glory. What a potential threat that makes me.

But the fact of the matter is that leading worship is not a God-appointed mandate. Whether or not I'm up on a stage, or in the pews, or in my car, or even the shower, I can sing Him praises from my heart. He may not need to use me front and center. I have total peace there.  

But what does a so-called introvert do with the Great Commission? What do I do with the call to share the gospel? How can I radiate the joy of the Lord and love others well? What about community? What about using my gifts to edify the body? These things aren't so optional. In fact, they aren't at all. And I have no peace whatsoever with where I measure with those things.

I just can't wrap my brain around the notion that I could stand before God and it going something like this:

God: What have you done with My words? What have you done for My kingdom? Me: Well, you see… I have this condition. I wanted to do all these grand, amazing things but… but You made me this way. God: That's true. I'll give you a pass. But what about when I wanted you to pray for that man in the parking lot? And why is it that none of your neighbor’s know Me? I placed you right next to them. I also surrounded you with brothers and sisters to help you. Me: I wanted to engage but I just couldn't calm my pounding chest. I was too scared, too shy. And what if they think I'm weird or I mess everything up? God: Well, I know you wanted to and I know you tried. As long as you know Me I guess it's okay. I don't want to inconvenience anyone. Even though My Son went through much worse for you and it's not My will that any should perish.

I'd be willing to bet that you also have a hard time finding that scene to really play out that way. I also want to make sure that anyone reading this who identifies themselves as an introvert feels encouraged and not offended by the end of this post. There are plenty of legitimate factors that make it extremely difficult in a social setting. These challenges are an annoying reality.

But this enemy of ours is also an enemy of God's. He's a liar and the father of lies. He the master of deception. From the beginning he's whispered falsehood that contradicts what God says. He contradicts what He says about us and where our true identity lies.

So the real question is what does God say about us? What does He say about me?

My wife and I got plugged into a church with a missional mindset and a pastor who is leaping head first into the daunting task of breaking away from traditional church as we've known it. I just love him. And discipleship is the collective tone of the body.

On our first Sunday we joined them already in progress as they were going through the gospels. Not long after that, the pastor led our small group by teaching on what he gleaned from his recent trip to Haiti. This was the game changer for me.

Apart from already being confronted with the reality that sharing the gospel is as much about building relationship as it is about sharing faith, and that either of those things involve interacting with other humans, there's a lot more truth to be added. There's more coal to the fire.

The gospel is the lens that all of life passes through. In our small group we addressed the different insecurities and hindrances and doubts and fears that keep us from making disciples. There were so many lies I've allowed myself to believe. Then they were eclipsed by God's truth.

We turned to 2 Corinthians 5:17-21:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

The words that have taken root in me are new and ambassador. We are in a constant battle of spirit against flesh. Old nature versus new. This is one of those concepts I've heard thousands of times but in this context, understanding that Christ made me new was like a ceasefire amidst this war that’s brewing inside me.  

It's like being knighted. It's like having your name changed from Jacob to Israel or from Saul to Paul. And with this new identity comes a new role. Ambassador. I literally carry God's righteousness! Not mine. I walk and talk bearing the righteousness of God. The act of being made new was Him bringing me to Himself. As His ambassador in His righteousness.  

So what else is true about my identity?

I'm a conqueror.  (Romans 8:37)

I am complete in Christ. (Col. 2:10)

I've been chosen. (Eph. 1:4, 1 Peter 2:9)

I have power. (Isaiah 40:29-31, Romans 8:11, 2 Cor. 12:9, 2 Tim. 1:7)

I have authority. (Luke 10:19)

I am helped. (Isaiah 41:10)

I am loved. (Romans 8:38-39, 1 John 3:1)

I am strengthened. (Phil. 4:13, Eph. 3:16, 6:10, 2 Tim. 1:7)

I am courageous. (Deut. 31:6)

I am bold. (6:19-20)

I am free. (John 8:36)

I am brave. (Joshua 1:9)

I was created for good works. (Eph. 2:10)

And there’s more…

God is actively in the process of finishing the work He started in me (Phil. 1:6).  

He grants me access to everything I need (2 Peter 1:3).  

He can do far more than I could even fathom (Eph. 3:10).  

It is Christ who lives in me and I have His mind (Galatians 2:20, 1 Cor. 2:16).  

God keeps me in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

His truth is where my thoughts should live (Phil. 4:8).

This is who I am. These are the abilities I possess. This is who you are and the abilities you have. When we get out of bed and take on the day ahead, with all it's opportunities and it’s challenges, we should as our true selves. And we can only do that after we've given up our claim to who we are outside of Christ.

When you surrender your entire being to the Lord, He can have His way with you and change you as He wills and for the best possible purposes. There's liberty in surrendering. There's a calming confidence in knowing that He who knows best, is best and wants our best has the control. We don’t need it. And we're better off without it.

It's why Paul knew he could rely on his flesh for absolutely nothing (Philippians 3:3). The God who calls us to “go” doesn't send us out in our own skin wearing all our humanity. We are too bent in ways that disrupt His perfect mission. Each of us have parts of ourselves that we need to bring under His submission. We need every bit of Him and all that He offers us in order to carry out the mission He called us to.

No matter where you lean on the introvert/extrovert scale, Christ levels the playing field. Either way, we need to die to ourselves and our former identity along with it. The former slave becomes free in Him. The former free man becomes a slave in Him (1 Corinthians 7:22-23). Jesus paid for our ability to become new. He purchased our identity with His life. And when I answered His call I took on that identity in Him.

The world promotes self-awareness but God is in the business of humbling and decreasing men so He can be the increase. So we are less aware of ourselves and more aware of Christ in us. He rescues us from our own self. Oswald Chambers explains it this way:

“Ask the Lord to put awareness of Himself in you, and your self-awareness will disappear. Then He will be your all in all… If we try to overcome our self-awareness through any of our own commonsense methods, we will only serve to strengthen our self-awareness tremendously. Jesus says, “Come to Me…and I will give you rest,” that is, Christ-awareness will take the place of self-awareness.”

[julianjdavis]

T H E   P O W E R   O F   S T O R Y

Everyone loves a good story. We read them, we live them, we share them. But most importantly, we are all part of one. Thousands of years ago God breathed His words onto scrolls through the writers of the scriptures. We read those words today after generations of translations and versions.

The Bible is one big narrative. It is a collection of stories that flow into the main story of God's love and redemption through His Son Jesus. With the use of analogies and parables, Christ Himself, along with the other prophets and saints communicated the heart and mind of God. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 we have everything we could ever need for entertainment, truth, love, encouragement--every human affection is satisfied. Every emotion is accounted for. And the parallels from the old tales recorded centuries ago are just as relevant now as they were then.

Jesus is the Master storyteller. He used story to convey and make plain His Father's heart for a world in desperate need of redemption. And the worst of it is that we were grossly unaware of our due judgement until the story of the gospel wrecked our vain little lives. The gospel story turned our tragedy into comedy. It turned our hopelessness into joy unspeakable.

This is our testimony. And so it continues as we merge our story into God's already written story from eternity past to eternity future. In response to the Great Commission we become stewards of the story. We've been entrusted with the good news not to keep it to ourselves but to share it. The world is just an earshot away.

The narrative of each and every one of our lives are unique and different. That's the beautiful part about it. Some are similar and from those we can find hope, strength and encouragement. The task from birth is to find our place in God's story. We bring our broken story, unmasked and surrendered into His. Our stories exist for Him to be the recipient of all its glory. They also exist to intersect life with one another. It's our segway into relationship. It's the foundation of human interaction.

So I challenge us all to refine our story and begin the habit of sharing it if you aren't or share it more often if you are. The power of God is in each and every testimony. The world is starving for it. So what's yours? We would love to hear it.

[julianjdavis]

Walk this Way (#wtsdevo newbeginnings)

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” -Isaiah 30:21

Probably the only thing I didn’t dread about going back to school was the chance to share all the exciting things I did and cool places I visited over the summer break. We’d be taller, darker, with new clothes and stories to share. Well this summer has left me with nothing to brag about than my God. He has provided, protected and strengthened in a way that expanded my capacity to trust Him.

I had to rely totally on His promises because the changes ahead required bold steps of faith. The questions of where to work, where to live, where to go to church plagued my brain. So many options and so many opinions meant so many opportunities to make the wrong decision. But this type of fear has proven to be paralyzing and the only remedy is the wisdom of God (James 1:5).

My wife reminded me of this passage:

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” -James 3:17

When discerning the voices and which are the Lord’s, this is the filter they pass through. So our choice, in prayer and obedience, can be made in confidence. We can walk forward with God’s unconditional support. Whether embarking on a new journey or rejuvenating old faith, His wisdom is our compass.

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Devotional Series: Pursuit (#wtsdevo newbeginnings)

By: Julian // Personal // Walk the Same

[julianjdavis]

More than Anything (#wtsdevo pursuit)

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” –Psalm 27:4

God is vast and infinite enough that we could never get bored in our pursuit to know Him. It just isn’t possible. No man or woman has ever said to themselves “I’ve figured God out.” But the best we can do is to die trying—better yet, live trying. We are graciously invited to learn of Him (Matthew 11:29).

If you’ve ever felt the presence of God and dwelled there, then you know there’s nothing better on the face of the earth. So why do we ever leave? This is all the psalmist wanted to do. There should be nothing we want to do more but sin is like driving in the middle of nowhere on a dirt road through a tunnel. It severs our connection.

Everytime we’re tempted we choose our allegiance. God or sin. And when we take our eyes away from His beauty and majesty (as I’m so prone to do) the flesh will fail and sin prevails. We have to fix our eyes on Jesus and make Him the beginning and end of our satisfaction. Not just for a moment but every day of our lives.

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Devotional Series: Pursuit (#wtsdevo Pursuit)

By: Julian // Personal // Walk the Same

[julianjdavis]

God is the Reward (#wtsdevo pursuit)

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” –Hebrews 11:6

Faith is the foundation to everything. It takes faith to find God but it also takes God to draw us to Himself (John 6:44). Sometimes it’s a faint whisper. Other times it may be a near death experience that’s heard unmistakably loud and clear.

It’s such an amazing thought that the same God who holds all of time in His hand desires to have a relationship with you and me. I can’t get over it. Because it’s so easy to treat God as a distant, cosmic genie–mindlessly throwing up our wishes to be granted. But He is no such God. He is real and He wants you.

And what does He want exactly? He wants what’s best for His kids and that just happens to be Himself. Because He is infinitely perfect and He is the epitome of satisfaction. But don’t just take my word for it.

You may have heard Him call and have rejected Him. You may have tried Him and think He failed you. Maybe you’ve sought Him and haven’t found Him. I believe those who have either given up on God or haven’t found Him have been seeking with partial hearts. He says in Jeremiah 29:13,

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

God doesn’t hide like it sometimes feels. He waits patiently and beckons us to come and taste His goodness (Psalm 34:8).

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Devotional Series: Pursuit (#wtsdevo Pursuit)

By: Julian // Personal // Walk the Same

[julianjdavis]

Fear of the Lord

Type & Edit by Naomi Scheel

“Humility is the fear of the Lord;  its wages are riches and honor and life.” -  Proverbs 22:4

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H U M I L I T Y   I N   W O R S H I P 

 “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” -Psalm 95:6 

 What comes to the forefront of our mind when we think about God is definitely the most important part about us. Because these thoughts make up our entire posture towards Him. The way we see ourselves in this light affects the way we live in the daily flow of life but also the way we worship corporately. It affects my quiet time alone with Him. It affects my relationships with other people. 

Everything about us stems from our high or low reverence of God. This where humility comes in. Because we can’t even get to a deeper knowledge about God without first making ourselves the Creator’s creature–the Potter’s clay. There’s nothing more humbling than the finite before the Infinite. Our inadequacies and imperfections are exploited and we find the awe that comes from His presence (Psalm 40:12). And we can’t truly go into His presence being made aware of Him without our heart being moved to respond (Ezra 3:11). 

 Then the more we search Him out and learn of Him, the more clearly and humbly we see ourselves before a Mighty God. Our hearts become a willing sacrifice. And I’ve found that being under His submission is a choice but staying there and clinging to His commands is so rewarding. Because His provision is best. His ways are best and He deserves all the glory due to Him (Psalm 119:10). 

 We define humility as viewing ourselves less than others but I’d dare to take it a step further. The type of humility He longs to find in His children is when we give all, die to all and forsake all we have. And in doing that we gain everything He is and offers us freely–which is abundantly more than we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Because I’m bent to hold on to anything I have left. Pride can still show it’s head even with just a little ownership to work with. Distractions come. Motives can also change. And when I’m trying to give God the attention needed to give Him the worship He deserves, it’s tainted. It’s diluted. It’s partial. 

 He wants all of us. And it takes every bit of us to be laid down at His feet, totally surrendered. We don’t come before Him with anything to offer Him but filthy rags–even at our best (Isaiah 64:6). The heart that beats inside our chest belongs to Him and has to be completely drained of self to find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). I can say “I am poor and needy” without being embarrassed because I depend on Him and He supplies everything I need (Psalm 40:17). So we bow our heads and open our hands emptied, ready to receive.

[julianjdavis]

Humility in Worship (#wtsdevo humility)

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” -Psalm 95:6

What comes to the forefront of our mind when we think about God is definitely the most important part about us. Because these thoughts make up our entire posture towards Him. The way we see ourselves in this light affects the way we live in the daily flow of life but also the way we worship corporately. It affects my quiet time alone with Him. It affects my relationships with other people. Everything about us stems from our high or low reverence of God.

This where humility comes in. Because we can’t even get to a deeper knowledge about God without first making ourselves the Creator’s creature–the Potter’s clay. There’s nothing more humbling than the finite before the Infinite. Our inadequacies and imperfections are exploited and we find the awe that comes from His presence (Psalm 40:12). And we can’t truly go into His presence being made aware of Him without our heart being moved to respond.

Then the more we search Him out and learn of Him, the more clearly and humbly we see ourselves before a Mighty God.  Our hearts become a willing sacrifice. And I’ve found that being under His submission is a choice but staying there and clinging to His commands is so rewarding. Because His provision is best. His ways are best and He deserves all the glory due to Him (Psalm 119:10).

We define humility as viewing ourselves less than others but I’d dare to take it a step further. The type of humility He longs to find in His children is when we give all, die to all and forsake all we have. And in doing that we gain everything He is and offers us freely–which is abundantly more than we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Because I’m bent to hold on to anything I have left. Pride can still show it’s head even with just a little ownership to work with. Distractions come. Motives can also change. And when I’m trying to give God the attention needed to give Him the worship He deserves, it’s tainted. It’s diluted. It’s partial.

He wants all of us. And it takes every bit of us to be laid down at His feet, totally surrendered. We don’t come before Him with anything to offer Him but filthy rags–even at our best (Isaiah 64:6). The heart that beats inside our chest belongs to Him and has to be completely drained of self to find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). I can say “I am poor and needy” without being embarrassed because I depend on Him and He supplies everything I need (Psalm 40:17). So we bow our heads and open our hands emptied, ready to receive.

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Devotional Series: Humility (#wtsdevo Humility)

By: Julian // Personal // Walk the Same

[julianjdavis]

C R O S S - C U L T U R A L   H U M I L I T Y

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” // Philippians 2:1-4

Ever since sin first entered the world the struggle has been our way of addressing it. The temptation is to put band-aids on wounds that need surgery–or even amputation. And I’m afraid our current racial climate is no different. These are lives being lost. Lives no more or less valuable than mine or yours. These are souls gone into eternity. All sides are screaming their lives matter. Yes, they all do and that’s without trying to sound politically correct. But when we’re labeling those involved on either side as racist, superior, entitled, criminal or thug we’re barking up the wrong tree, even if it’s accurate or if it’s just a stereotype.

The media does have it’s fair share of involvement but the real diagnosis at the heart of the matter is sin. It’s sin that keeps minds closed and hearts hard towards the unknown and misunderstood. It’s sin that ignorantly raises judgment without truly knowing or being able to relate with other people groups. It’s sin that drowns out love and empathy and instead breeds hatred and division. Racism is just a symptom.

If I’m being honest, to some degree I’m guilty of this, too. I like to spend my time with people like me. Not necessarily by race but by common interest. Goals and hobbies. I have preferences for sure. I’m also an introvert which shrinks my circle even more. But as socially acceptable as that is, it keeps us divided and bears no fruit. Christ called us to be one. He called us to engage ourselves deeply with others (Titus 3:14). And it pleases the Father when we dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1).

It’s been said that if you’re not part of the solution then you’re part of the problem. And what we need now is a body of men and women to press into the uncomfortable, humble ourselves and elevate the needs and feelings of others above our own. The things we’ve been doing like peaceful protests, pleading to our local government for equality and defending our constitutional rights will only put a band-aid on the issue. But retaliation is more like salt on this open wound. Here’s what Jesus says about it:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.”// Matthew 5:38-40

What could move a person to behave that way? Because it won’t happen naturally. It also won’t happen overnight. But in small steps–decisions to be intentional and vulnerable and honest, we’ll chip away at these logs in our own eye and forget about the spec in our brothers and sisters eye (Matthew 7:3). We’ll learn to engage in our differences. And maybe, just maybe we’ll sit down over a cup of coffee or break bread with an unlikely friend. Maybe we can lay our comfort down and tread through what’s unfamiliar. Let’s explore the point of view from another man’s shoes and maybe we’ll find empathy there.

Whether you’re a believer or not, the gospel is the only lens that lets us see clearly. This is a broken world in desperate need of love. That’s the solution. That’s the cure-all. And in order to act out love effectively we have to first become humble ourselves. Humbled by the fact that we don’t have it all together. Humbled by the fact that no human is better than another. Brought low by our own sin and our position as sinners before a holy and just God. We are poor and needy, destitute and in debt to Him (Psalm 40:17).

“Let’s explore the point of view from another man’s shoes and maybe we’ll find empathy there.”

We have Christ to look at as the greatest example of humility. He endured the long road to the cross for the bigotry against Him then and the bigots of today. He died for me. He died for you. A King, the Son of God, became a man and a servant to lay down His life for the entire human race (Philippians 2:8, 1 John 3:16). No one excluded. If anyone had the right to look down on anyone else it would have been Jesus. Yet He had the greatest distance imaginable from where He belonged to where He positioned Himself–washing feet and dining with tax collectors. Neither the poor, the hated or anyone in between was too low or too different.

There’s plenty hurt that’s happening around us but right now we’re confronted with a particular hurting people. Just care. The same way we’d all hope we would be cared for if we suffered loss or injustice. Go where there’s pain to feel it too. Seek out the hurting to feel that hurt too. Look for the ones weeping and weep with them.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” // Romans 12:14-21

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The Art of Decrease (#wtsdevo humility)

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” - John 3:30

The posture of a humble person is very cut and dry. Because the moment you think to yourself I am humble, you’ve lost the match and you are more than likely not. Humility doesn’t notice itself. It never does. Self proclaiming it contradicts it’s very nature altogether. And trust me, I know.

Take it from a guy who has been pigging out on humble pie for years. My pride diagnosis stems mainly from the sinful nature I was born into thanks to my Eden ancestors. But they’re not all the blame. I’m bent toward myself and what I know. I’ve had the privilege of having a Christian education from the church nursery all the way to a high school diploma–with tons of Sunday school and youth group in between. I learned Catechisms and memorized a great deal of scripture. As beneficial as it was, I managed to let my head swell because of it.

It got so bad at one point, about 5 years ago my wife asked me what I struggled with so she could pray for me. My answer was unbelievable. After pausing to think for a moment I told her I thought I was in the clear. I couldn’t think of one thing. I thought I was a super Christian who had it all together. But that’s just what pride does. It blinds you from itself and suffocates you slowly.

Pride is like quicksand. By the time you notice it you’re sunk so deep you can barely breathe. It’s by nothing more than God’s amazing grace that I was made aware of how disgusting I was as a human being. I hadn’t truly realized that it was my sins that nailed Jesus on the cross and His blood should have been my own.

It is such a gift. And that’s the understatement of a lifetime. Because my righteous is like filthy rags to a holy and perfect God (Isaiah 64:6). He is not at all impressed in what we know or what we can accomplish. His eyes are surveying the entire world looking for emptied, humbled and dedicated hearts to support (1 Chronicles 16:9). The God of all creation seeks to get behind that person. Is that you?

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Devotional Series: Humility (#wtsdevo Humility)

By: Julian // Personal // Walk the Same

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Distress Leads Us To God (#cmdevo #LivingEpistles)

Read: 2 Corinthians 7:10-16

Anyone can let bad events and situations turn them away from God. But it takes faith and trust to keep leaning on God and letting the bad situations turn into good opportunities.

While I was growing up, I learned that it’s the difficult and stressful situations that, in the end, strengthen our relationship with God. We have been studying the books of Corinthians for a while now and I’m sure you all have realized how Paul always stays positive and upbeat. No matter the circumstance or trial, the story ends with Paul on his knees singing praises to God. Now, is or is not Paul a devoted Christian who seems to have quite a wonderful relationship with His Lord and Savior? This passage reminds us that if we let stress take over and lead us farther away from God, we will just be full of regret. Rather than praising God and thanking Him for giving us the opportunity to rely on Him and let Him take control, as He is more than willing to, we swim in a sea of sadness. When we do so, the Message explains it as “ending up on a deathbed of regrets.” Why do so when we have the choice to live a stress-free life and letting God take the reins? It’s definitely easier said than done, but it’s possible!

Devotional Series: Living Epistles by the Color Movement (#cmdevo #LivingEpistles)

Posted by: Chelsya // Personal // Color Movement

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“I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.” -  Charles Spurgeon #WTSInspire

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Way Beyond Me (#wtsdevo Faith)

“But I will have mercy on the house of Judah, and I will save them by the Lord their God. I will not save them by bow or by sword or by war or by horses or by horsemen.” - Hosea 1:7

Back in biblical times the chariot was the equivalent to the drone of today–at least as far as having an edge in battle tactics. Chariots gave a faster, more mobile way of fighting. So in war you definitely want to be the guy riding the chariot and not the guy on foot. Then again, if you’re the guy on foot at least you can still use your sword if you have one. Even a strong man has a fighting chance with a sword or an archer with precise accuracy.

The point is that all these things have something in common. Control. The horsemen on the chariot, the swordsmen and the archers can all use their strength and ability to earn victory. And if they won it would be because of the training and preparation that developed their skill. God was making sure there was no mistaking the reason for their victory. He is sure and all else is futile.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” - Psalms 20:7

The question is where is our faith? Our abilities can only take us so far. And the sooner we understand this the better. I’m so tempted to revert back to my own effort. I’ve seen the result of my hard work. And I’d like to think I know what it takes to get some things done. But the problem in that is that I get all the credit with an ego boost to go along with it. If I’m being honest I’m terrified of what I can accomplish because pride is lurking around the corner.

It doesn’t make sense to the rest of the world. When it comes to the things of God, less is more. We shrink so He can be magnified. We become weak so He can be strength in our stead (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). We lay down everything we bring to the table – our talents, our intellect, our power to trust that God can do more with His thoughts than we could ever do in our fullest human capacity. Meanwhile, we can boast in our God and bring Him His due glory. Then the rest of creation will see Him and not us.

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Devotional Series: Faith (#wtsdevo Faith)

By: Julian // Personal // Walk the Same

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H I S   R E S T   I S   B E S T

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him”: — Psalms 37:7

The two most important and yet challenging words I find In this passage are rest and wait. And not only is it suggesting a better solution, it is a command for us to obey. It’s especially challenging because our default is to act smarter, work harder and do more. God knows us so well. He knows that we take pride in what we can accomplish. There have been so many brilliant minds and strong wills that have persevered through the greatest odds. And we live and breathe in a better world today because of them.

Preaching rest to a culture of doers can come off as lazy. But here’s the thing, God can do immensely more in our rest than we ever could in our most effective doing. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely times that call for us to work hard and be proactive on our end. We wouldn’t get out of bed if we were only expected to wait for God to do everything for us. Even He worked for six days and rested on the seventh.

But what I gain from this passage and many others like it in the scriptures is that there is a remedy for my anxiety, my panic, my fear and my anxious heart. It is rest in the Lord and waiting patiently for Him. I love how the psalmist says “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Grand emphasis on the word make.

Sometimes we have to be knocked down in order to find rest. It took my loss of everything to find this truth, as unfortunate as it is. Surrender by choice is definitely the better option. Nevertheless, His arms are always eager and ready to hold us.

I also believe that God’s rest is like a filling station. Because we weren’t created to live in fear, anxiety, doubt or weakness. At times we may find ourselves there since we’re humans on the wrong side of heaven. But we’re not supposed to camp there. God’s rest should be a rejuvenating experience leaving us ready to take on the world and anything it throws at us.

Being empty is only the beginning. The next part is equally as hard. It’s the waiting. In the stillness and most vulnerable stage of surrender we have to listen carefully for the Father’s voice. You can hear so much when there is dead silence. The tricky part is discerning and obeying the right voice.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” // Isaiah 40:31

Thanks to my wife I now fall asleep to the soothing noise of a fan. Like a lot of you know, it comes in very handy for cancelling out other noises. The only problem with that is that you might not hear important noises like a door opening or a squeak in the floor. So now to go from a fan to no fan is a huge deal. Now you have no sound neutralizer and can hear everything even in your neighbor’s house. Because there are so many noises to hear I now have to determine which ones are worthy of getting out of the bed to check on. Otherwise we’re panicking at every sound.

This is what happens when we’re waiting in the still and quiet for God to speak. After silencing the external voices and even our own we are open to hearing anything and everything. Some are worth pursuing and others aren’t. But I’m finding that the more voices and input and opinions there are, the more confusing it gets to filter through and find God. Especially when there’s so much good that can come of it and the potential that God is in it.

I wish there was a five-step guaranteed solution. I do know that walking with the beat of my heart synchronized with His and being saturated in scripture puts me in the best position to discern His voice from the rest. I know that when we seek Him diligently He is found.

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning[a] and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling, // Isaiah 30:15

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Hope Against Hope (#wtsdevo Faith)

“In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be.”“ - Romans 4:18

Faith and trials go hand in hand. Because it takes every bit of trust and hope to believe that God is still for us and is still working everything out for our good when things go bad. It requires a steadfast faith in a steadfast God to maneuver through all the layers of opposition we face. Our faith is put up against a monstrosity of obstacles and It feels an awful lot like trying to walk up an escalator that’s going down. It’s a fight. And of all the ploys up the enemy’s sleeve, the most effective faith deflator would have to be doubt.

Going all the way back to the garden we find the serpent doing what he does best. Deception. He’s been whispering the same nonsense for ages through a simple question: "Did God really say…?” And with all the noises and self-talk and opinions we’re ingesting on a daily basis, it’s not too hard to get tripped up by that.

I currently find myself in probably the biggest transition of my life. Because the weight of my decisions will also fall on a wife and two little boys. Not just me. And it feels as if the very hope I’m clinging to is working against me. You name it, I’ve lost it. Car. Gone. Home. Gone. Job. Disappeared. I have every reason to doubt God. It’s as if He snatched every bit of security away leaving me with nothing but Him and His promises.

The beauty in that is that He is immeasurably more than an abundance of stuff. He is my everything and His promises are sure. Against all odds His promises prove true. We can search the scriptures page by page and find a one hundred percent success rate on God’s resume of promises. Because He speaks and things come to fruition. He thinks and it exists. He is incapable of lying. So we can cling onto every single word He has ever said or will say. In a world where people fail us every day and fall back on their word, God never does.

Ever.

“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” - Numbers 23:19

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Devotional Series: Faith (#wtsdevo Faith)

By: Julian // Personal // Walk the Same