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A Spoke-n Word

2/1/2022

Traveling down highway 385 in western South Dakota, just outside the tiny town of Pringle there is a site that you might call an anomaly. By a town with no clearly active businesses, save the local tavern, there is something that you won’t find many other places and something that is very original. It is a cross between bicycle Art and a bicycle graveyard. It appears that over the past many years, someone or some group has amassed an array of bicycles and connected, attached, and or twisted them together to form a huge structure with walls, pathways, and arcs. The bikes range in age from recent years to several decades old. Some have their original paint, while others are covered in a nice rust colored patina. Ok, it’s rust, but the cool kind that shows age, but not a crumbling destruction. At some places, care was taken to layout these two wheeled vehicles so they had cool designs or made shapes that were familiar. In other places it appears people saw the opportunity to unload their families collection of outgrown pedal powered childhood diversions, and they did. In the name of art, they dumped their unused pile of rubber and metal on the side of the road with hopes it would become a part of this little known rural icon. My family and I have journeyed to this small cycling monument twice now. The first time it was a surprise as we traveled home through the mountains, the second time we deliberately searched it out to share with our children and niece. It truly is a fascinating stop on an otherwise normal mountain highway.

I’m not sure which intrigues me more. The fact that someone would take the time to bring this hodgepodge together, caring enough to arrange them in the fashion that they saw fit, or that people would go out of their way to contribute their own unique part to this beauty. Just as the spokes in a wheel radiate out to its edges, so each persons addition to this collection extend the meaning and significance of this monument that I suspect many find by happy accident as they travel from point A to their point B. It might seem a stretch, but it all makes me think of how many a Church or even the whole Body of Christ is a collection of different souls from a variety of backgrounds. Although we may sometimes feel unusable and destined to be discarded, there is one who knits us together as he sees fit. As we allow ourselves to be woven into His tapestry, though in many ways we are a hodgepodge of individuals, we are part of one giant piece of art: The Body of Christ. When we love one another, our love reaches out and radiates in all directions. When we become that kind of a Body, many a traveler can find us when they least expect to have such an encounter. With a love that reaches in all directions- like spokes on a wheel, we become that “happy accident” that leads them to the love of Christ. Allow yourself to be knit together and fashioned into the art that God wants to show off in this earth. Then, whether someone travels by foot, car or yes, even bicycle, they might want to stop long enough to receive the message of the Artist in a fresh and life changing way. Every piece of art speaks a message. I’m not sure what the artist is saying by his spoke-n word, but I know God has a message to share through the lives of the people who call Jesus Lord. That Word is that He loves us and can take each life that comes His way, that by themselves might seem insignificant, and join them to His masterpiece as He calls out to the Earth.

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What Are You Singing...?

11/2/2019

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There is a song that I have sang since I was a little child. If my memory serves me, my first hearing of this song took place in my home from my parents. I continued to sing it at the church where I attended Sunday School and Children’s Church. People who loved me and cared for me taught me this song and it stays with me to this day. However, as my age advances, my mind can’t help but question if the words are completely true. Now that I approach the half century mark, this grows increasingly important to me. Words after all have meaning, but even more than that, they have power.

I am cautious in sharing these thoughts, because I am sure that, like me, almost everyone who grew up attending a Christian Church are familiar with this song, sang this song, and most likely cherish it as an early memory as well as a meaningful lyric. What song is it? Please brace yourself, because this answer may surprise you. The song I question is, ‘Jesus Loves Me’.

Now before you get upset or question my spiritual sanity, please understand, I agree with the part that says, ‘Jesus Loves Me’. But that is only because He really does, and more so than we will ever know. No, the part I question is deeper into the words. You know the words, please sing them with me…

Jesus loves me this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes Jesus loves me.
Yes Jesus loves me.
Yes Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.

Did you see the words I question? Did they jump out at you? My guess is they didn’t. Why? I believe it is because we have sang this song for so many years that we just take for granted that all the words are true. Who would question a song titled, ‘Jesus Loves Me’? What kind of Christian would say there is something wrong here? Well, I can only answer that question with one word. Me.

To be clear, there is no question in my mind that Jesus loves me, or that the Bible tells me so. In this song, there is really only one word I question. But that one word says a lot and quite honestly can set a life on a lesser course if it is believed. What is the word?

The word in question is an adjective, you know, a descriptive word that talks about the ‘little ones.’ The song lyric says that the little ones are ‘weak’. There, that’s it, that is what I believe is wrong with this song. For you see, they are not ‘weak’.

Perhaps, after breaking my silence, you question why I have issues with this word. Afterall, it is just one word. Besides, you’ve seen little kids before and, they are weak. What’s the big deal?

It was said before that words have meaning and more so, words have power. Not to mention the fact that we have a responsibility to question if the thoughts we entertain are in agreement with God or disagreement? Doesn’t the Bible tell us to take captive every thought that sets itself up against the knowledge of God? In case you’re wondering, yes, it does.

If you question me questioning, please entertain this question: What does the Bible and Jesus tell us about the status and identity of children in the Kingdom of God? Look close, because I am pretty sure you won’t walk away with the answer that says, “Yup, they are weak.” On the contrary, you will find that it tells us that they have power and access to Jesus. Lets look at a few things the good book says.

When people brought their children to Jesus and the disciples tried to turn them away Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’(Mark 10:14) First notice that Jesus said, let them come. But then He shows that the the Kingdom belongs to those who are like them. Why is that? I suggest it is because the little children do not yet have a kingdom of their own.

This makes sense because, the older we get, the larger our kingdom becomes. What we own, who we love, where we live, etc…. This starts early too. It doesn’t take long and even the most well mannered child starts saying, “MINE!”. But still, they can have access to Jesus and they possess qualities we need. Children have a great status. But wait, there is more…

The Bible in the book of Psalm tells us the power of a child. It says, ‘From the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.’ (Psalm 8:2) Are children weak like the song says? From what I read in the Bible, I say NO. A resounding NO. Children are a great example for us who pursue the Kingdom of God, but they are more than our example. They are powerful! Did you see what Psalm 8:2 said? It tells us that God has established their praise and that it silences the enemy. That is huge!

Physically they are weak. As a matter of fact, we all are relatively speaking. But when I sing ‘Jesus Loves Me’, I am not thinking about physical strength. No, I am looking at the spiritual strength that God intends for us to walk in. Children are not weak. They are strong.

Now that you see why the lyrics to this beloved children’s song seems wrong to me. Might I suggest a solution. Instead of singing over children and having them sing in agreement that they are weak, why not change the song. This song has been around since 1859, written by William B. Bradbury. Now, it is in the public domain and, with no disrespect to Mr. Bradbury, I think it is ok, and time, to take some creative license and start using a word that more accurately reflects what the Bible says about the children in this world.

As matter of fact, this is something that I have done personally for the past several years, even before I had my first child. Now, I can say that I have sang a ‘New Song’ over each of my children as I have put them to bed, prayed for them, and watched them grow. It is a simple change, but I believe it has had an impact on my children. Here is what I suggest and sing:

Jesus loves me this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
They are GREAT but He is strong.

Yes Jesus loves me.
Yes Jesus loves me.
Yes Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.

That’s it, just changing the word ‘weak’ to ‘Great’. Perhaps there is a better word, but it works melodically and it makes a greater statement and proclamation over our children than ‘weak’.

I’ve written it twice before, and now write it a third time. Our words have power. What we say over children matters. This is no small thing. Sure, physically, children are weak, but spiritually, they are powerhouses. When we raise them up and they proclaim faith in Jesus, but they proclaim and agree with the idea that they are weak, we hinder their strength in life. But when we give them truth to agree with- Truth that says who they are. Truth that tells them that they are great in the Kingdom of God. We give them truth to agree with, and when you agree with God’s truth, you can’t go wrong.

I don’t believe that it is a stretch to say that this is and has been a strategy of the enemy for centuries. I do not believe that this was in anyway William B. Bradbury’s intentions. I think His intent and motivation for the people of God was good. However, as with all good things, even God’s Word, the enemy can take those words and twist them until a generation accepts half-truths as whole-truths. And this is a dangerous thing.

This brings up a question that is worth answering. What other songs are you singing that perpetuate a half-truth or untruth in your life? There are others out there, and from looking at ‘Jesus Loves Me’, we know it is an easy trap to fall into. But be encouraged, God is big and His Spirit is there to lead us into His truth, His whole truth.

As Christians we are called by God to meditate on His Word and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Here is one way I believe we can start. Let’s call children and even sing what children really are; and encourage them to sing it about themselves. They are great, Jesus is strong, and He loves me, for the Bible tells me so.

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So, You Think You're God's Gift To The World?!?!... GOOD!

1/21/2015

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We’ve all heard it. A question that is not posed for the sake of gathering information, but as a stab at someone who is the target of a put down. Sometimes it is used with the opening question – “Who do you think you are…?” or the statement of “Hey, look who just walked into the room…” These questions are often followed with the words “…God’s gift to mankind?” Usually this is stated or asked because the person perceives the target as having a big head or thinking more highly of themselves than they should. I however have begun to take a new look at the question because, I think within it, we find an astounding truth.

That is that this idea should never be wielded as a weapon to belittle a person, but transformed into a statement that elevates us all to a place from which we are meant to live. When someone makes the statement, “Oh, look who’s coming… God’s gift to creation.” We should respond with, “Why yes I am and I’m glad to be here." Saying this, not from a place of conceit, but from a place of realizing who God made us to be.

I believe everyone is just that, God’s gift to the world. Each of us are unique and one of a kind, possessing gifts, talents, and possibilities that are unlike any other persons. And, each of us has a purpose and a place in the world that only we can fully fulfill. But, there is a problem. We live among people who either don’t believe this, or just don’t care.

As a result, instead of being elevated and lifted up by our fellow beings, most people are regularly put down, put in “their place”, and intimidated into conforming to the ideals of others. Words are used like weapons that strike deep into the psyche of men and women, and these words often cause of to see ourselves as much less than was ever intended.

Why not make a shift of this oft used insult. Instead of using it to wound another, why not use it to introduce them with esteem and honor. “Hey look! Here comes God’s gift to humanity!” If stated as a fact and affirmation, it takes on a whole new meaning. If you don’t feel comfortable with saying this to one another, I understand, but at the very least, lets perceive ourselves and others through this lens; that we all are gifts from God to one another and to the world, gifts with answers and solutions that bring transformation to communities and cultures.

There is power in our words and the perceptions that we allow ourselves to perceive. Start seeing the gifts and elevating the people around you. As we make this investment in those around us, soon we get to see the “gifts” open up and these “gifts”, those around them, and the world will get to enjoy all that they bring.

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Be A Tree

1/1/2015

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I started reading Psalm 1 today in an attempt to start the year off right with my reading of the Bible. As I read, my memories turned back to what I believe was 1994. This was the first time I was invited to speak at a children’s retreat. The theme I chose was “Be A Tree” This is because the person who meditates on God’s law is “like a tree planted by streams of living water”. Not bad for a greenhorn, wanna be children’s evangelist. I was grateful for the invitation and the friends who assisted me that weekend. As my memory serves me it went well, though I’m sure it was a bit shaky, the message was strong.

Now, flashing forward 20 years, I know I’ve grown, not just in experience, but in depth. My roots have grown deeper, but deep cries to me to reach for more. There have been seasons when I have immersed myself in God’s Word, and seasons when reading or thinking on it was far from my first priority. In both seasons, respectively, I have seen the increase and lack of intimacy with my God.

I declare here and now, that I want to be a tree! A tree that produces fruit in it’s season because it is planted by a stream of water with a never ending supply of life. Notice, as the scripture says, it produces fruit in “it’s season”. In the past, I fear I have rushed the process of producing fruit. Fruit doesn’t come through strife, but through rest. This lesson, though not new, is one I am newly coming to grips with. When I taught that first retreat so many years ago, that a healthy tree is in a place of rest was far from my mind. Now, this revelation is a challenge to me to stop driving the show, but to trust and relax that God has a plan and he wants me to enjoy it. That as I rest in His stream, I receive the life that is ever increasing and will produce fruit in the seasons I am designed for.

As I begin my year with reading from the Bible, I hope you will be like me and find that place of rest where you can be in tune with God. Find that place where you can eat from His table, or more appropriately for the text, drink from the place you are planted, and grow to maturity to where you produce fruit ( which means in the tree world, that you are reproducing ) from a place of rest. Join me this year and for many more. Lets, “Be A Tree”.

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Time Flies...

10/21/2013

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Funny how time can fly and you don’t realize it until you are well in the air, far from where you started, but closer to your final destination. During the journey it is easy to think you will get to the things you are determined to do, while allowing the activities and turbulence of life to distract you from what is most important or needs to be accomplished. Personally, I used to think many of my goals in life were things that I would accomplish when I knew more or when I had achieved a greater maturity in ministry. I now realize it is best to pursue these things during the journey, allowing oneself to express who you are in the process of discovery and growth.

Taking the analogy of flight a bit further. Sometimes our journey has us in motion at high speed. But in the journey, we often have layovers and breaks when we are waiting for the next leg to begin. Don’t miss these moments of opportunity to refresh, gather new ideas, and to pursue the goals that God has placed in your heart. This is where I am. On route, yet waiting for the next plane to take off; or perhaps it is closer to the truth to say I am in flight, but discovering how to take this jet higher. Whichever it is, here are a few things I realize I need to do. I hope these might help someone out there, whether in the air, or on the ground refueling for take-off:

Review your goals and vision in life, write them down and pray.
Evaluate where you have been and where you are going.
Give yourself grace, yet challenge yourself toward break-through.
See what others are doing and learn.
Don’t compare your lack to their success rather identify who you are

and take the next steps toward greatness.

Prioritize your goals and begin to take tangible steps toward accomplishing them… Prepare, Write, Produce, Pursue, Collaborate, Become
Identify the risks you have avoided, pick one and take it.
Ask not, “What can I accomplish, but how can I give."
Remember Who your source is.
Keep moving forward.
Have Fun!

What I have written here may or may not be profound, but it is necessary. If not for you, it is for me. For one of my goals is to write. To express what I have learned and gathered in life and to equip others to pursue the purposes and greatness to which they have been called by God.

Wherever you are in the process, keep moving forward. Don’t let discouragement cloud your ability to see the next steps ahead. Realize you are not alone; for we all have next steps to take, but we need each other to help get our feet off the ground. As this helps you take flight, be sure to do something to help someone you know achieve greater heights.

Adam.

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A Spoke-n Word

What Are You Singing...?

So, You Think You're God's Gift To The World?!?!... GOOD!

Be A Tree

Time Flies...

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