Never give money to anyone.
Hi. I want 20 bucks. Can I have it? Will you give it to me?
If you knew me, you’d probably spot me.
But what if I was homeless?
Would your attitude change then? Probably. Why?
Our culture usually associates homelessness with failure, drugs and alcohol, among other things.
So, if I was homeless you’d probably assume I was going to use it on the wrong things and offer to buy me something, like food or a jacket, in an attempt to protect me from myself.
Churchy people would use a word like discernment. How do you exercise discernment? What does discernment mean?
They’ll tell you something like “let the Spirit lead you.” What the H does that even mean? (pardon my letter.)
God Speaks
It’s always been taught and told to me that God speaks through His Word (The Bible). And I had always believed it, but sometimes didn’t experience it. I had learned a lot from it, and have been able to articulate great things to many people, that brought life change, because of it.
However, now that I was relying and yearning from a Word that would direct me, is when I REALLY experienced it.
Why I Dislike Scripture
Before you call me a heretic, or un-Christian, lemme explain, please.
I love the Bible. I love that God has provided us a written word that we can grow from, and learn the truths of His grace, love, and glory.
The fact that a Holy God has provided us a manuscript to know Him greater, is beyond comprehension to me. I can’t fathom it.
Going back to the truth aspect, the thing I like most about Scripture is its relevancy and truth. Those also happen to be the things I dislike most.
Filter It
Recently, I was at a comedy show at Dallas Comedy House. I enjoy laughter, so I went with a buddy, and the show was quite hilarious. The comedian used a German accent for the first 1/3 of his show, I legitimately thought he might be German. (only for a few moments.)
The show reached a point where it went religious, and something happened that surprised me. The comedian questioned the audience. “Is any one here a Christian? Raise your hand.”
I didn’t raise mine.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
Recently, I had the opportunity to sleep in a truck in the middle of a highway. I wouldn’t suggest it.
First, I’ll give you a little background on the situation and myself. I work with a women’s ministry called The Blush Network. We travel and put on conferences in various states and cities around the country. We aim to hit every major city at some point.
A few of our team members fly out, and others drive. I got the privilege to drive from Dallas, Texas in a truck with a couple other team members. Our destination was Lynchburg, VA. We had a conference on campus at Liberty University.
Fast forward, conference goes well, great attendance and speakers. The Gospel of Jesus was presented and many souls were captured by Him. Fast forward again, we’re hitting Arkansas on the trip back. BOOM, rain hits. I think, no big deal. Then the rain turns slushy, and the temperature drops. Uh oh.
Suddenly, the roads turn icy. Like solid sheet of ice, and we’re towing a trailer. Turns out, we drive around 200 miles on solid ice, all in all. Scariest trip of my life.
This is where my appreciation for 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 comes into play. Specifically the part in verse 17; PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
This passage is talking about our conduct as Christians. With each other, and apart from each other, our conduct is important. I have a completely renewed perspective on this passage. During this 200 mile ordeal, I think I prayed more nonstop than I ever have.
We were losing traction if we hit any incline, bridge, or overpass; it was terrifying. We petitioned the name of Jesus the entire trip.
Suddenly, traffic stops all around us. I mean DEAD STOP. We sit for what seems like an eternity. Two hours goes by and I sleep a little. I wake up and finally we’re moving again, but the roads are even icier. It’s had time to refreeze.
We’re moving at about 12 mph and still have 100 miles to go to get to our destination. We’re calling hotels in the surrounding areas looking to just take refuge for the night. None have vacancy.
We end up sleeping for a couple hours in the parking lot of a hotel in 12 degree weather. It was invigorating.* (*awful)
So all in all, our normally 18-hour trip turned into about 27 or so hours, I’m just glad I didn’t have to cut my arm off like in 127 Hours.
Scripture is important, and what it says are not suggestions. When Scripture says to pray without ceasing, or to quit sinning, or help the weak, it’s a command.
I have a newfound appreciation for this concept, because God saw us through a potentially life ending ordeal.
Our petitions to Him do not fall on deaf ears. However, keep in mind, that Scripture also says to do nothing out of selfish ambition. So, our prayer life should be from a place of humility.
Also, look for me on the next episode of Ice Road Truckers: Dallas Edition. Just kidding.
Do you pray without ceasing? I look forward to your thoughts.
Bigger, Better…Best.
So I recently have had a “career change.” Sparing the details, I’m now searching for a new place to work, and make a living. I know my skill set, and have people helping me out, putting their necks out and a good word in for me. I love the people who surround me.
So many times, when people are in similar situations, they hear things like: “God’s got something so much better for you,” or “You’re gonna be moving on to bigger and better things, I just know it.” These statements are so dangerous. Let me explain why.
First let us establish that God says, “I am enough for you,” and Scripture also shows up that God works out things for the “good of those who love Him,” in Romans 8.
This being said, the danger of the previous statements is that so often, we look at things from our perspective. So following that thought, I imagine that “bigger and better” looks like more responsibility and more money. Affording more luxury to life, and extra income to work with.
CAREFUL.
God says what he has for you is plenty and more than enough. Better, in the eyes of God, doesn’t necessarily mean better in the eyes of man.
Our God doesn’t play by our rules. He has His own agenda and has a specific plan in place for the world, and our path is determined before we’re even placed on earth.
So when we approach “bigger and better”, please don’t set yourself up for disappointment when things aren’t exactly what you envisioned. Don’t feel like God hasn’t given you what is better, because when it’s from Him, it is the best.
I’m not saying these things from a place of–do this–like I am an expert, I’m saying this coming from a place where I have to continually remind myself of these things. The human condition is to be easily deceived by fleeting thoughts and empty promises; don’t succumb to it. Rather, submit wholly to God.
God is wholly good, and more than sufficient. Praise God for that, because I’ll never carry myself to the places He wants to take me.
You’re moving on to exactly what God has, bigger and better…best.
-Jarin
Why Intuition Is A Liar
In previous blogs I’ve written, I’ve touched on 2 Timothy, and its description of what Scripture is and how it is used. I’ve really been looking hard at this passage. Specifically the part where it talks about “training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Training. Training. Training.
We have to learn righteousness. It’s not an immediate thing. We have to be taught, rebuked and subjected to the correction of the Holy Spirit.
This is why intuition is a liar.
So often I’ve heard, even in the last year, “Follow your intuition,” (“Trust your instincts,” “Follow your heart”—they’re all the same.)
My heart is not filled with righteousness, nor a real desire for The Lord. Well, over time it has become that way, but hasn’t always been.
This is no fault of mine, because as scripture explains, I’m born a sinner. Full of faults, and failures. I miss the mark.
It’s because I am a sinner that I cannot trust MY intuition. I can’t. It’ll fail me every time.
This is where the intervening nature of the Holy Spirit and the correct use of Scripture comes into play.
A lesson learned. A guiding correction. A convicting sermon/passage of Scripture. It’s all designed to train in righteousness.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
(If you’re a vine user and are familiar with Cousin Terio, insert the “Oooh, Oooh” here.)
It’s with a little pain and discipline that we become righteous. We become more prone to reactions based in love, truth, and understanding.
It’s with training that we become who Christ wants us to be, and we establish the place in His Kingdom that He desires for us.
Quoting from the English Standard Version, Proverbs 12:1 says: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”
-Jarin
Dr. Pepper and Heineken
Rebellion is something you hear about semi-regularly if you attend church much. Rebellion could be against God or man/the world.
Let me tell you a little about my rebellion since I’ve had my fair share of rebellious moments against God and my family. But, this is one is epic, so let me give you this scenario: I was a senior in high school on spring break AND it was my 18th birthday. I was feeling like I was king of the world and could do no wrong.
I decided not to go home that week, choosing to spend time with my friends and crash at one of their houses rather than spend time with my family. I only went home to change clothes, disrespect my mom, and grab some money out of my hidden stash. We had a “good” time that week, fighting each other in air soft gun wars, cruising town in Shane’s ’64 Ford Galaxy, and calling Bret’s mom to get “permission” to drink her beer that had been taunting us in the fridge, mixing it with Dr. Pepper, which is the WORST thing I have ever tasted.
In our my rebellion, I disregarded what was important, which was to honor my God through obedience. See, I was a Christian, very active in student leadership in my youth group, and growing in my relationship with the Lord. I also wanted to experience more out of life and wanted control of it. I laugh now, realizing how stupid of a kid I was. I also see that I had an opportunity to grow.
Romans 5:19-20 talks about how disobedience brought about the law by which we’re held accountable. The law entered the world by the action of one man, Adam. We always have a choice to choose God or man and any choice that disobeys God is rebellion.
But, the end of Romans 5:19-20 says that while sin abounds, God’s grace is EVERMORE present. So, while I am a wretched, sinful man, God sees more and even desires to use me. Even when I was a dumb kid who rebelled against God and my mom, God knew that He still wanted to use me.
So now, since I’ve been rebellious, I see rebellion from the inverse side and see it as something to strive for. Wait, what? Yep. I strive to rebel against the standard of the world. I work to choose God with every action and every decision. It’s not always easy and I do often fail. I need to constantly remind myself to “seek first the kingdom of God.” (Matt 6:33)
God willing, I’ll be better at honoring Him as our relationship continues to grow. I hope I also become better at honoring my parents and family as I seek to obey them even now as an adult.
Rebellion is something to strive for and avoid. You have the choice to rebel against the world or God. Make the right choice.
-Jarin
Don’t Categorize
First, as you’ll notice, I am a guy, and I write like one. I am part of The Blush Network , and I hope you’re cool with that.
Now then.
I always seem to think about what dangers lurk in ministry. Not physical dangers, but dangers to the Gospel. The danger of dismissal is one that I keep constantly in mind.
Dismissal can be filed under ‘categorization.’ What do I mean? Let me explain.
In all of our lives, we have those select few people who are just ‘that guy,’ or ‘that girl.’ They’re just the token ‘____.’
Or, try this scenario out. I’ve recently been in contact with a gal I dated years ago. Nothing romantic – we were just catching up. I’ve learned that in the time following our break up years ago that she’s since ‘lost her faith.’ She thought I’d ignore her or decide that talking to her would be a waste of my time, so she was reluctant to tell me where she was at this point in her life.
Pause.
This is where I tell you one thing. Be intentional with the Gospel with your relationships in dating and in non-dating. Being intentional with the Gospel of Jesus Christ should drive your every interaction.
Being intentional looks like letting the understanding of who you are and who Christ is drive your interactions.
Un-pause.
If you’re tracking with me still, and I hope you are, the young lady was under the impression that my attitude toward her would change. Much to her surprise, it didn’t. To quote her, “…also a good feeling to not be categorized by a religious person, based on that single factor.”
That should mean the world, right? The person will be surprised by knowing that you value them like God does and delight in knowing that you will not disassociate from them based on differing beliefs.
However, keep in mind that you’re not necessarily condoning a different lifestyle or sinful natures. You’re simply showing that person they’re of value, as Romans 5:8 so clearly states: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
That Scripture shows us the infinite value of life and should give us the push we need to love others.
Back to my original point. I am that “token” person. I get typecast as the funny guy. I get overlooked for opportunities to speak or teach because I am funny. While I can deal with it and press on, not everyone can do that and some people get really hurt by church people typecasting them because they’re good at something.
So, for people who know the Lord, make sure that you shuffle positions around in your ministries every so often. This’ll do a couple things — first, it’ll ensure that your people don’t get burnt out, but it’ll also allow for others to bring new ideas to the table and hone new skills.
If you’ve kept reading after my opening couple sentences, congratulations, you’ve already worked against categorizing me. Thank you for that.
-Jarin