Our own Audrey is in Korea

Take a moment and send our little violinist and Laurelhurst friend a note - You can post a comment on her new blog. Read about Korea and be ready for her arrival in China. Check out her blog. Give her some encouragement!

Audrey's blog site

Final "Letter" in MaskS (Status)

This is the final installation of my acronym called MASKS. This is a test in the discipline of consistency. (Yes I do grade myself on the curve!) SO, here it is - we are all hard-wired with those famous 5 senses (the sixth sense is a great movie, but not science). Society naturally follows A&E's lead (don't blame those gorgeous avocados) and judges by their senses and therefore has created a mask of value which it willingly (forcefully) attaches to humans. Our true value gets lost, covered up, in this self-evaluation. These masks deaden the song of our heart (God's Spirit singing into our heart) and create illusions of being ok. But masks never seem to stay in place and we keep finding ourselves disappointed, and tempted to believe life, love, and true friendship to be a joke. We believe even more lies and then have to create mini-masks, stacked at multiple depths, to try and keep believing the mistruth that what we do makes us valuable. Religion is one of the biggest peddlers of such poison. Only the TRUTH can set us free. The truth is never found in ivory tower or some Eastern philosophy (Yoga is great for the physical well-being), but in a being - a real live, I want to be your friend being - JESUS who lived and walked and looked like a Jew. (Maybe because He was/is one?) Here are my jumbled thoughts on the last letter of my word MASKS

Money
Appearance
Skill
Knowledge
STATUS

I wanted a fake Rolex watch! I thought "how cool to be riding on a plane and kind of hang my hand out there . . . just look at me." This was in the early years of "knock-off" watches. We were in Mexico and I had found one for $25. It looked amazing. The good ones were made in Hong Kong at the time. (Laura and I had looked at those while in the Orient - people were paying a few grand for what they thought was a real Rolex only to find out when it was looked at in the US that they were incredible fakes - they probably lasted as long as the real "R".)

I begged for my sweet, so-easy-to-get-along-with wife, but she is "tight" when it comes to money (it's a good thing) and said it was one of my 10 greatest "stupid spontaneous spending ideas" ever. I did get one, but I had to wait a few years. I had told this story as a guest speaker in Boise, ID. A year later I was speaking there again and a businessman who travels to Mexico on a regular basis gave me one. He had bought one and had saved it until I returned. Wow! When he gave it to me, a lady who didn't know either of us was waiting to talk to me. She became very upset at the way I kept laughing when I got this "expensive" gift. She almost left without me having a chance to clarify (another great sermon for another day). Anyway I got my watch and did wear it for social experimentation purposes. At times, with certain people it really did work.

Status can be a watch, a title ("My son is a doctor!"), or any of several "social idols." Some of the reason the "rich and famous" waste money is that it's part of that Status mask. But if anyone could be a poster child for Status being a poor measurement of value, that Charles fellow has got to be the man (He once hung out with that Lady Di lady). All the High English blood in the world still can't fulfill what God alone can do!

Do you have something in your life that gives you that sense of "being ok?" Last week it was my BBQ Monster (Mine is bigger than Kasey's- Ha . . . Summertime is here and watching Shrek again would be a great idea).

Perhaps you hang onto the the fact that you're a "great parent"? It may be your status title. What a great thing to value, your investment in your kids. But what a poor way to know why you are valued. I'll end with one of my top 50 verses in all the Bible - It's why we're valuable!

"Before God even got around to making this amazing world, he was daydreaming about how in love He was, already, with you! He already looked at you as unique, perfect, and 100% real! This wasn't blind sentimentality, God knew we would take a side street, but He predetermined to win us back through His Son."

Warning: Someone has determined that "Knowledge" can be harmful to your health

[This continuation has been in draft mode for the past couple weeks -long weeks with a cold, stress, and some personal wrestling. Letting God lift you back up on the horse and heading out with the wagon train is a wonderful, refreshing experience. We are not yet meant to be Settlers. We are on an adventure, a rescue mission of love. Heaven has not come down yet, it will, and I believe soon. But I leave the "soon" up to God. I'm so anxious to write about again about the book The Shack. Our life group is going through it and looking at God through Scripture and this creative novel. It's been so wonderful. I've been puzzled by those who DON'T just dislike the book, but feel compelled to write against it and use their platforms of influence to attack it. I mentioned not relating to Frank Peretti's book "This Present Darkness" in an earlier blog (I dislike the book a great deal), BUT I've never put it down when preaching or attacked it in writing. I have seen God use it to touch other friends' lives. It's a novel too and I hesitate to apply apologetical questions and require it to give definitive, proof-texting, type descriptions of God. I want to reply on one of my blogs to these attacks but must "cool" down a bit and listen to God's plan for this hothead. I most likely will blog on it, as the author of "The Shack" will be coming to Living Hope in July! But for now, let's try and finish my MASKS acronym.]

So I've been blogging about "false identity" and I've been doing this acronym called MASKS. It's taken me like 600 months to try and finish it, so if you're older than 29 you may need to jump back to my earlier blog and refresh.

Money
Appearance
Skill
Knowledge
S (still to come)

I've never struggled with trying to wrap my sense of value around my IQ. In fact I was told at the end of high school that I would have a hard time finishing even a 2 yr. degree at a community college. I did, in accounting, and then went to work with my father in his businesses. I returned about four years later and finished a BA in theology, with a minor in Biblical languages (Greek). I then went to Michigan and finished a M.Div. (Masters of Divinity). That's when I realized that the knowledge mask can sneak up on you in various shapes and forms.

I got bit by thinking I knew a lot about God. I loved to debate with other "believers" about theology, ethics, and Bible truth. I loved to discuss "free will" and "Calvinism." I thumbed my eternal nose at those who were blinded by 1,600 + years of darkness in history. I felt sorry for people who worshiped traditions and theories that were never part of Scripture.

I WAS BLIND to my mask of spiritual knowledge. It hurt me very badly. One of the ways this false mask got glued to my face is that I never saw how much I was trying to play the Holy Spirit's role in others' lives. I was so worried about others misrepresenting God that I felt compelled to correct them. I would point out how what they said was not in sync with the Bible. The end result was very consistent. They seldom, if ever, saw "the truth" but instead became even more entrenched in their "error." I no longer had the same influence on them (at least not in a positive way) and everyone around us were drawn into attitudes of negativeness.

I've seldom seen people in Biblical swordplay come closer as friends, or even understanding something in a new way. There is almost NEVER a positive result from such apologetics. So why did I get so sucked into this cover-up? (Isn't it wonderful to say "I'm no longer bitten by this snake!" Ha!) I believe I was so concerned about others being "lead astray" that I didn't realize the sense of value I was deriving from "playing God." This is not to say there isn't a time and place (and way) to share with others God's love, His plan. But as I was re-reading a review by a "big time" cyberspace Christian blogger I felt the mask reappear.

How does the Knowledge mask grab you? Any attempt to use things, or my abilities to measure value will always result in a performance-based relationship, not one of love as a gift!

Christians, I fear, are too often bitten by this false sense of superiority because of their "it's-all-figured-out" theology! God is so close to us - He will be our best friend, AND God is so different, so beyond us, that we will always be in a "mystery" relationship of total "awe" because God is beyond all that I could ever think, dream, imagine, or even believe! God IS GOD and I am not! To think that a God so vast that I can never understand Him is able to come so close and relate in my human ways so that I can love, trust, and grow a friendship with Him forever! Wow - ONLY GOD!

There's only one "letter" left in our MASKS of false value - Status! I'll share with you my "Rolex".

Check out Aria's web site

It was so cool to have Aria lead us in great worship and share passion and gifts. Here are two links to her web sites:

My Space

Aria Anaforian

Learning to Risk . . . God's Adventure today

One of God’s “Big 10” values has got to be adventure!
In Genesis we see Adam invited into an adventure on his very first day of life (in a perfect, brand new world)! In this perfect world there was no fear in adventure. But with our natural distrust of anyone but ourselves, we often feel uneasy or perhaps even terrified when God invites us into His adventure.

Last night I was visiting with a couple who greet at our Saturday night service in Vancouver. They’ve been married 44 years, but it looks like they must have gotten hitched when they were 9. They are one cool couple, inside and out. He’s got some killer tattoos (they actually look good on him) and she matches him perfectly! Together they exude a rare joy, and they're are on God’s adventure together. They are a couple who have left the safety of the calm bay and let God take their Viking ship out into open water. The big waves have carried them away from “church people” who go to church to “hear deep sermons” and enjoy their “church music".

After the 5 pm service they said to me, “We live to be a part of a church that is more about lost people (I would add, “people at sea without clear direction") than about those who already have a close relationship with God.” In all their years of “doing church”, they have never seen a church like Living Hope. Last night was no exception; Living Hope opened with three classic rock and roll songs (no worship) and used this as a way of connecting people to the idea that God’s priorities are upside down in relationship to societies. When we did worship via music, at the end of the service, it was so powerful, so clear, because of what Pastor John had shared in God's world.

Perhaps you saw the news clip of the elderly man being hit by a car and no one stopping or coming to his aid for over a minute. People jay-walk across the street, passing within a couple feet of the man. Cars slowed and drove around him; one car even backs up and turns around. No one comes to his aid. Was it Fear or an unwillingness to risk that hardened so many people? God help us in our idol worship to "safety!" (See more regarding this story on Pastor John's blog)

Laura and I have only a few (maybe 50) years to live and nothing has brought us closer to God than risking, moving out of our “safety bay” and into unknown, uncharted waters. (Yes, I’m currently reading a book about early Vikings traveling to Iceland.) We've used up some of our retirement funds, refinanced our home, and worked harder and for less money than ever before - BUT we are so abundantly blessed, so constantly overwhelmed with God's amazing love. In the last four years we've seen more miracles, more baptisms, more lives dramatically changed, more deep friendships established, more joy deep in our hearts than at any other time in our lives. Living in life's calm, protected bay is wonderful. Having our boat moored, connected to electricity, cable TV, and being close to grocery stores is real nice; but worth nothing compared to the open water adventure of God's plan! What is God calling you to risk? If you cut the ropes that keep you moored to the dock and allow God to take you wherever He knows best, you will KNOW Him deeper! No one can tell you what "cutting the ropes" means for you! Cut them, you will know, and then you will see God's plan as He knows best to show it to you.

I was thinking these thoughts and read Oswald Chamber's devotion this morning – Wow, catch this, “If you do not cut the moorings God will have to use a storm to break them and send you out. Launch all on God, going out on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and your eyes will be opened.”

Are you still waiting to see the map before you row out into open water? Do you need to hear a voice from Heaven before you become a Barbarian for Jesus? (Check out Erwin McManus’ book.) There is always a counterfeit for following God’s plan, it’s called “self-manufactured sacrifice.” Israel’s first King chose this “human-doing” sacrifice over risking God’s unknown adventure. We sometimes sacrifice in order to remain the Martyr-Hero, to keep the focus on ourself. The very first murder was all about this (Genesis 4) – Cain wanting to offer to God what he had produced. God invites us to risk and follow His adventure over our own hard work and effort (I Samuel 15:22).

Don’t focus on what you once did for God or how you used to be so close to Him: look to the open water, risk, and let God lead you into a deeper closeness (true knowledge) with Him. What is your open water today? Again, it’s not necessarily someone else’s adventure.

I’m looking and listening right now, because all this week I’ve been tempted to stay moored in the bay that’s so nice, so safe, so full of wonderful shops and restaurants (my own “good life). I've felt fear, the unknown this week. I've prayed for Portland, for people far from God, and my own "safety bays" that God is inviting me to sail out of. So, sharpen your knife, cut the ropes . . . there are far too many "civilized" religious folk. God needs a few more barbarians who will follow him before they see how! Is it fun? Not always. For some, it can mean suffering for a long time. Is it worth it? God's friendship and any adventure with Him is worth everything! Drop everything; your diamonds, baseball cards, and even your nachos -push away from the dock and sail! What your open hands and open heart will receive is far greater than anything we can create or get through human means. Let sail out into open, uncharted water right now!

BACK to my "MASKS" Acronym re: False Identity

We are still in the Identity series, Rockstar, at our church. And I want to finish the acronym I started at the first of this series. It represents 5 ways we typically try to build our identity (false ways) . . . but FIRST . . .

. . . a report on my sweetheart's 39th birthday. (Laura gave up calling it her 29th a couple yrs. ago.) We had a blast. It really reminded me of heaven, because I was disappointed that I didn't get to be with her until about 5 pm. Laura and I snuggled on the couch looking at the Alaska cruise her dad is taking us on in September and the excursions we might take. It was fun. We so are into dating and we love setting dates in the future that we can dream and anticipate for a time before it happens. If you want to know how to supercharge your dating, give us a buzz -we love to share.

When all our family got home we took a trip up the street to 360 Degree Pizza. (Their salads are fantastic and I love their Garlic and Chicken Pizza it's wonderful - Margaretta pizza, and other unique high quality authentic pizzas . . . great place - same owners at ROOTS.) We finished up at home and Laura was once again overwhelmed by her jewelry and clothing gifts (1 pair of shorts and one shirt didn't fit - all the rest were home runs!) We finished with four gourmet ice creams (Laura loves ice cream). Marcus entertained us with "silly laws" that are still on the books in several states - Great evening (not as adventurous as some years . . . we usually do some "flower bed" project on her birthday (felt bad and good at the same time - I'm not a yard guy). I can't think of a more amazing woman, in all the world, than my sweetheart and best friend! My father is the most amazing human I've ever met (Jesus is beyond the "human" category).

OK, now it's back to our MASK acronym:

You may want to brush up on my initial MASKS blog before proceeding (A - Appearance, S - Skill)
OK, our fourth COVER-UP mask is Knowledge.

Knowledge - This mask hasn't been one of my favorites. It was usually the nerds in my high school or that quiet girl who most often resorted to this false value measurement. Karl Sagan could be poster child for this mask. But the classic representative is still Albert Einstein. Brilliant, insightful, Einstein was a powerful mind who left a permanent mark, an unremovable dent, in our lives. Who better to represent this seductive mask of false worth?

Einstein had a brilliant mind and he came to be valued by society for his knowledge. Society values bright minds and Albert's was no different. But his life was one of profound loneliness. No matter how others value us our true value can only be met by God. I've had friends rely on their ability to make a name for themselves by using their IQ. But our Spiritual and Relational IQ are much different and that inner call of our hearts can only be met by a deep friendship with Jesus. If you rely on how smart you are to feel valuable you know how empty this measurement gauge is. I think in the end Einstein understood this. I love some of what he wrote. Here's what he said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

More quotes from this incredible, lonely, intellectual giant:


"Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind."

"My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind."

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has not forgotten the gift."

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; It is the source of all true art and science."

"We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles but no personality."

"The human mind is not capable of grasping the universe. We are like a child entering a huge library. The walls are covered to the ceilings with books in many different tongues. The child knows that someone must have written these books. It does not know who or how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. But the child notes a definite plan in the arrangement of the books -a mysterious order which it does not comprehend, but only dimly suspects."

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."

. . . more later on how I found I was using this mask in my "spiritual life." This is a very dangerous and poisonous variation of the Knowledge mask.

Nothing Better!

Late night - 12:30 p.m. to bed (getting up at 5 is tough). It was worth it! I was holding my little granddaughter at 11:30+ lastnight and I had this deep sense of how much God wired us to be in passionate, real, alive relationships. I loved today's Oswald Chambers (see my fav. on the side bar of my blog). He uses the word "say-so." I've never known what a say-so meant - it's a cool word. Loved his thoughts - so perfect for me.

Our son's band, Gordon Avenue, played at the Hawthorne Theater in the Hollywood district lastnight. They got a great response (Gordon had been sick for 4 days and couldn't talk before the show), God really helped him with his voice.

Some of our Life Group met for Thai at this absolutely amazing place before the show - it's on SE Sandy Blvd. - wow. I'll give a full update soon (I hope), as well as a very cool Bible search engine I just found (it's cool).




Talk more later - I'm heading to the local jail; and my sweetheart's birthday is today too (Oh us boys got her the coolest clothes and jewelry - WOW, WOW!). I am perhaps the luckiest man on this planet (I'll explain later my own definition of luck).

Come join us Wed. Night

Our oldest son Gordon is playing at the Hawthorne Theater this Wed. night. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and Gordon's band, Gordon Avenue, will be playing at about 8:40 or 8:50 p.m. It's a 40 min. show and you will have so much fun! Our entire LifeGroup is going out to eat in the Hollywood area before the show. Hawthorne Theater is on the corner of Hawthorne and SE 39th (some good food on Fremont, Division, and over accross I-84 on Sandy.

Even if you don't like great rock & roll you can gift someone else's life. Email me at averybruce@gmail.com if you want to Will Call tickets ($8 -a great way to invest in Gordon and his band).

It will be fun. Gordon's blog
His website is on My Space - search for Gordon Avenue under bands (sorry this provider blocks My Space so I can't give you the link). Hope to see you there!

David's identity issues - Who we trust makes a difference

King David's identity trust issues are a lot like mine: I've trusted God for a long time but I can switch to trusting ME in less than ONE picosecond! I also switch over to listening to others' (auditory and visual) affirmations or perceived rejections just like the Rifleman when he re-cocks his Winchester SRC! David was tempted because he was hungry! He wasn't aware of God's plan being worked out in his life. Perhaps he had stopped writing hit songs (Psalms). He had stayed home instead of leading his troops into battle. And when he looked down off his palace rooftop suite he didn't have mentors close enough to stop him from following through with his lust. Like David, I usually have that open door to confess before I fall further into the open bag of M&M's. David could have confessed to a friend about his "telescopic" fall. Laura and I have stood where King David's palace was and looked down the hill to where Bathsheba would have been. Do you have two or three people you can run to when temptations comes?

My old buddy, Oswald says, "Never trust anything in yourself or in anyone else, but the grace of God." Ultimate trust in myself or anyone else will always disappoint me and bring even more temptation. When I trust God, I learn to trust others and myself in "healthy ways" that don't expect too much. Far too often, I'm subconsciously expecting others to be way too perfect." I expect my life, my day, my world to be perfect, warm, inviting, fun, full of direction and meaning . . . WAIT A MOMENT, this earth is not Heaven. God will bring Heaven down here and recreate our world new - but it's in His perfect time, not mine!

For now, my perfect moments are realizing God wants to live in me right now. Here's the other O.C. quote from today's devotion that I think is amazing, "God's trust is that He gives me Himself as a Baby. God expects my personal life to be a 'Bethlehem.' "

Oswald's devotion helps me trust more, reading Proverbs everyday, John 14-17 once a month, and other parts of the Bible all help me believe more in the miracle of God living in me. My hunger levels go down as I drink from the right well (John 4). Prayer, praying for others, worship in music and out in nature, running, cycling, being with friends, going to church, serving, tithing . . . , all of these are gifts that help me believe I'm God's personal Bethlehem. Who best will define your identity today?

Take time to look up the following verses using Bible Gateway's portal:

Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 9:10, Ps. 18:19; 23; 30:11, 31:20; 32;8; 33:17; 36:1,5; 37:7;39:7;51:7;63:1-6; 89:8;113:6-8; 139 (all), Isaiah 44:22; 43:1-7.
Enjoy!

Confession helps with "out of control appetite"

So my friends Jason and Jessica dropped by yesterday and . . . they brought me a big bag of peanut M&M's (and other cool stuff). They are such a cool couple. (I'm so excited to be doing their Wedding this June.) The bag got opened last night . . . you guessed it, there's only a few lonely pieces of gold left (I like the green and blue ones best!). That's my confession and I'm sticking to it!

Healthy confession boundaries (think banks of a river every time you hear this word):

1) What's my motive? Am I confessing mostly to get rid of guilt and shame? If that's the case be careful that you don't use others. Remember my little mantra, "USE things and love people . . . never USE people and love THINGS." To USE people so you don't have to feel guilty can be cruel and wrong! What do I mean? If I confess some mess-up to someone else, it's forever stuck in their brain. Men, don't confess your screw-ups to other women (maybe your mom or your wife . . . sometimes a girlfriend). I've confessed things to my sister, and a very dear female friend I've know for 40+ years (I only confessed to this friend in the presence of my wife -we had agreed that she would be a good person to share with re: one area of my life.) Even confessing to Laura, I must ask, "What's my motive?" Why? Because timing is so important. If I'm only thinking of myself, I might miss that reality that sometimes when I want to confess to Laura she's exhausted, or needing to share something herself. Healthy confession makes sure that we aren't just DUMPING on others.

2) Stay away from the color-commentary! Sharing graphic details of a fall can make others fall, or at least it's stuck forever in their memory -not good! In the last 29 years I've seen so many couples share every detail of an affair. I'm still not convinced it helped with healing, with trust, or with honesty. If you are like me, you can allow your inquisitive side to run wild. I'm fearful if I don't know everything I can't trust you. Be careful. Pray long and hard. Maybe bounce off a trusted, spiritually mature friend your confession (still no details) before you share with your mate. There are thoughts that should never be shared with anyone except God. There is no RULE for this; you have to listen to God's spirit. This has nothing to do with hiding. It serves no purpose to go into details about what you thought when you lusted after someone. If you had a physical affair you might share that you met 15 times, or that didn't do certain things, but to go into complete detail is a curse I've seen so many couples struggle with. Again, we often confess just to get rid of guilt, not to be free from further temptation. I would even go as far as to say there are times when you don't confess to your mate. (This is a hard one to explain on my blog, but if you share with a spiritual counselor or trusted pastor, you might find there are times this is true - I would say this is rare, an exception.) The POINT is that confession is to rid yourself of hiding and to build a team around you so you don't fall into this snake pit again. If you're having an affair you might want to see a counselor or pastor before you confess to your mate. Timing is a gift from God too!

Finally, confession is a team gift, usually it's good to share with more than ONE person. Think of those you confess to as God's cheering team meant to encourage, give renewed hope, and strength. King David wrote out confessions for all the people to sing. He learned not to hide. He was one of the few that God said, "This guy has a heart like mine." David learned to be authentic and real. Read his story and then come back for some fantastic verses he wrote. (I promise I'm going to give them to you!).

David's big fall. Being called out. His prayer of confession.

What made David so hungry? Why was the awareness of his true identity so bruised? Read Psalm 32.

Curbing your appetite (Temptation blogs continued)

Curbing your appetite could mean buying one of those expensive, it's been used in the jungles of Peru for thousands of years, gel capsules sold at Walgreen's or . . . how about a "wheat grass and pure maple syrup (dark ale) elixir (on scoop of protein powder, a cup of frozen blueberries, and a cap full of pure vanilla extract)?

Hunger is sometimes an addictive habit that our muscles, nerves, and memories build over time. We were made for a perfect world and hunger is a reminder that it's not all here yet. Later today I want to share some of the ways King David didn't take care of his hunger and the consequences. David learned how to use the gift of confession (I'll go over that too). . . . got to run . . . (literally) . . . back to blog soon.

God is MY shepherd (perfect being to care for all of me) and He will FILL up all my needs! Do I believe this? If I let Him, he will MAKE me lay down and take a rest in Him. Will I? It will make a huge difference in my hunger level.

Check this Bible verse out - WOW!

How hungry are you? Hunger fuels temptation!

Have you ever watched someone when they were really, really hungry?

What do you think?


Hunger boosts desire. Desire finds it's life in what we hope for. What do you hope for more than anything else? This is why when God says
"Know Yourself" (I Corinthians 10:12 . . . Watch out when you think you're strong). I'm so unaware of how hungry I am for affirmation, for safety, for a sense of direction. I want to know there's a reason for breathing, living, and doing what I'm doing today. My longing, my imagining what "I think" is best fuels my desire for a microwave "NOW!" I need to feel "Ok" right now. Thus my previous "good use" of M&M's (Yes, I really did have a serious addiction to M&M's.) It sounds silly, and it's easy to discount the "little stuff", but it's a flag of what I really hope for; I keep wanting Heaven (a perfect, full-filled-up world) NOW! But Heaven is only in my heart, not complete. I've got to wait for God's perfect timing. M&M's (Only the peanut ones tempt me!) are an easy fix that lasts for a few minutes and gives one the illusion (and physiological boost) of being fulfilled. I've been to the Las Vegas M&M store - fun. But really, does it ever last?

Psalm 81 talks about how our lust turns us away from God, who wants to fill us up, and causes us to allow our minds to imagine "unknowable" gods as real. We actually try to have a "relationship" with "things." Check out verses 8-12. The Hebrew word used for "lust" can also mean "stubbornness." It's from an ancient root word that means "to twist" to make a rope. It is related to the word for our umbilical cord. Our human DNA is designed to supply life. Our lusts are "desire" out of control. So how does this all relate to temptation?

1) When I'm really full, wanting to buy expensive "fresh packed Claussen pickles" at the grocery store isn't a big temptation. (I like expensive olives, cheese, and other fine foods too!) One of the things that saved Laura and I from disaster and divorce was that we have consistently spent a lot of time and money investing in each other. We are best friends. We've grown over the years to love the same sports, same outdoor activities, art, and even reading material. If you're empty on healthy relationships, you will be addicted to something! Temptation always uses hunger as a way of getting our direction turned the other way. Watch, and surround yourself with friends who are on the same road, have the same ultimate goals as you, especially when you're tired and hungry.

2) Remind yourself often what really fills you up! I still like M&M's but I save them for movies. I also like the fact that I rarely get sick (watching how much simple sugar I eat). I like being flexible and able to play hard with my kids (and soon granddaughter - She will be one amazing soccer player (she's very tall), real baller, and fabulous tennis star. (Also Michelle Wie will have been nothing compared to this girl!) Anyway, that's what makes one of my favorite sayings by King David so amazing, "Joy comes from your presence" not God's "presents." I keep loving things and using people. Lasting fullness comes when we love people and use things. Things are not bad. Nothing physical in itself is bad. (Guns don't kill people . . . you can smile, I'm trying to be funny . . . sorry!) It's when we turn things into our focus, our source for feeling "Ok" about ourselves that we end up abusing, using people. We turn away from God to our homemade gods. Here is one very "out of this world" Bible verse: Psalm 18:19! The word used for "place of safety" means literally "Wide space." Are you all boxed in, locked in a prison by your "out of control hunger?" God's hunger is to set us free! Why does God rescue us? What's His motive? God actually gets His kicks, delights, in us! God enjoys, finds His pleasure, in a relationship with us! God rested after 6 days of creation. Making things is good. But the only day he made holy was the 7th. What did God do on the 7th day of creation? He didn't make anything. He did what is most important, He spent time in relationship with His newest kids, Adam and Eve. Our ultimate purpose in life is to BE in relationship with God and others, in the same way He is in relationship to us!

Temptation dies when we are full on God's presence. Do you sense God in you? Have you invited God to live in you today? The whole idea of using disciplines like prayer, the reading of the Bible, and hanging out with others (church, small groups, etc) is that it helps us know and believe that God really does live in those who invite Him in! I have read Psalm 139 almost every day for 7 years. I try to read John 14-17 once a month. I want to fill up on reminders of God's presence in me. Check out this verse! It's exactly what I've been blogging about! Where do I find my joy? What should I do when I've got some great food? This is a cool concept . . . make sure you go to this link!

Tomorrow, more pictures and more on King David (some very cool texts) and how to curb the hunger that kills. (We will look at how to wake up the true hunger God placed inside of us) . . .

Missed hearing our story on Memorial weekend

Last memorial weekend was a big one with our new granddaughter being born, our oldest son doing an acoustical set with his band in Portland, and me talking at three times at two of our campuses about Temptation and what to do when we fall. Here are a few links for those of you who want to start at the first:

The video from this weekend
Blogs about the subject of temptation (1, 2)
Blogs with pictures of our granddaughter (1, 2,)

Tomorrow or the next day: What kind of CONFESSION is healthy and what kind could leave really big scars! How to make "confession work for you!" It's an amazing tool to destroy guilt and shame - it's powerful, so one must handle with care!

Still interrupted from my normal blogging - be patient

Laura and I are bringing our granddaughter home today . . . so . . . my ideas about how God wants to help us out of temptation are still on hold (try tomorrow).

Tomorrow, or late tonight, I want to blog about "Hunger" and lack of clear "direction," and how both twist our sense of value. When I feel like I'm stuck in a rut, when I'm hungry on the inside, it sets me up to want to fill up on "empty calories." We use quick-fix medications to attempt to be "fulfilled." I'll share what I mean tomorrow and how God met King David where he was with the "Way Out!"

But first, check these out; Elena's first bath! She loved it!

Elena Renee Avery Born May 25 @ 3:37 p.m.

It is a MEMORY-filled weekend! Our youngest son, Marcus interrupts my normal blog to bring a most beautiful little girl into the world. More later today - now, back to the hospital. Elena was 7 lb. 14 oz. and measured 213/4 in. - destined to become an amazing ball player,tennis star, and golf pro (Move over Michelle Wie). Keep returning for more pictures from the 8th Wonder of the world!

GOD’S THREE "KNOWS” ABOUT TEMPTATION

[Interruption: We will return to my series of blogs on identity - I finish my acronym "MASKS." But first let me share what I spoke about at church this weekend . . . Dealing with temptation. It's based on I Corinthians 10. It's all about who you know that makes the difference. Look at these three "Knows" found in the Bible.]
1. Know Yourself. I do a "rewind" every day in two journals; one is my prayer journal which I keep on my laptop and the other is a daily devotional that I record events I want to remember. Looking back each day, I've got ten years recorded. I see, over and over, so much about myself that I so easily forget. This is what Paul is talking about, KNOW YOURSELF! He says in I Corinthians 10:12, "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall." The Greek word for "Think" is "My feelings about something." Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I feel OK about this." What does God think? I can feel so safe in a situation. I can see myself as so strong - Look a little closer Bruce, be careful with your strengths. Take the time to KNOW who YOU ARE!

I read Oswald Chambers everyday. I love what he says about this idea Paul's sharing with us – “Our unguarded strengths” says my British friend, are turned into “double weakness.” Realizing how weak I am leads me to the truth; "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Doctrine, Bible facts, or information isn’t what keeps temptations from crashing in on us, IT’S JESUS! “I am the way, truth, and the life.” Says Jesus. Truth is a person. Truth is Jesus (John 8:32; 14:16).

The second “Know” we find in I Cor. is to Know Your Enemy. I Peter 5 says Satan is a “Roaring Lion.” We’re not talking about that good Narnia lion. This is a lion with a paralyzing roar of guilt, shame, and lies. It paralyzes us with the lie that we are hopeless, worthless, and locked into our situations. Satan lives for one thing says Peter, to “Seek & destroy.” He is the Father of lies (John 8). His name is "Devil" which in Greek is pronounced “Diablos.” It means “One who falsely accuses.” Satan accuses God of not being good. He whispers lies to us that “We know better.” We know better than God what we really need; these are lies – cover-ups of the truth. Satan will try to misalign us in our view of ourselves. His words are false; he is The Devil, Diablo. He's the one that repeats over and over, "Where's God when you need him? You're screwed up. Maybe there isn't a God out there who will rescue you. Are you sure God's all that good?" Adam and Eve bought the lie that maybe God wasn't best for them 100% of the time. At least with this one special tree, they believed they could make the better choice. They weren't listening to who God said they were. God had told them when they visited the Dark Angel's embassy they wouldn't be wise. It looked ok, in fact very good. So they underestimated the enemy and overestimated their own strength.

Jesus is Truth –the word "truth" is a very interesting word in the Bible. Truth in the NT is a word which literally means “That which is not hidden or secret!” Satan’s all about cover-ups and mistruths. We hide behind masks of things, performance, and what others tell us. We are hiding from our past screw ups. Jesus is never hiding from us! He has come to offer us freedom from hiding! Every time I’m afraid and keeping secrets, I'm tempted to believe the Father of lies, Satan.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for Truth means, “Firmness, or faithfulness.” It comes from an ancient root word which denoted a parent, “carrying a child in their arms.” It also was a word used to represent a pillar that held up a building. Truth in the Bible carries the idea of that which is “sure, certain, lasting!” Coming to Jesus builds a consistency, the true belonging that destroys our natural fear of abandonment. Being honest about who we are and who are enemy is opens our eyes even more to hear Jesus, THE TRUTH, THE WAY –REAL LIFE. Jesus is trustworthy when he whispers the words of His father, "I will NEVER leave or abandon you."

# 3 of our “Know” is to KNOW YOUR GOD! Paul reminds us in verse 15 and 16 of I Corinthians 10, that communion is that remembering of Who we belong to! It’s a reminder of “Who knows best.”

We are tempted to think we are unique in our temptation. Several people came up to me
Saturday night and expressed how “alone and isolated” they felt. They had believed they alone were serious mess-ups. Listen to what Paul says in I Corinthians 10:13: "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Here’s the answer to those times when temptation has caused you to fail, or you are about to fail; verse 14, "So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols." The word “Worship” is an Old English word which meant “to ship your worth” or “valuables.” Look at what is most valuable to you. Do you look to these things, these people, these securities as your worth? An idol is what object, thought, or person you serve.

Three things that have helped me the most with temptation are: 1. Flee 2. Don’t isolate yourself, use God’s gift, Confession, to keep you from hiding (Tomorrow I’ll blog about King David and the amazing words of encouragement for those who fall. I also want to share the difference between healthy and dangerous confession.). Number three (3), Refocus on who God says you are! Remember freedom is all about who you “know.” Do you know Jesus as your personal friend, the only one who can set you free?

I love this promise; start claiming it today –"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, . . . ." Romans 8:31-34.

MASK - In search of our True Identity

Last night a good friend and young lady that Laura and I get to mentor had her story videotaped at our Living Hope creative arts studio. Seeing her courage, her vulnerable, authentic surrender to what GOD SAYS about her was so inspiring. If you are at Living Hope this Saturday night or Portland on Sunday you will see her story. It so illustrates the mask of APPEARANCE. Beneath these cover-ups the deeper issue remains -it's our identity and who we believe we are that really determines our honesty and authenticity. Brittany's story is like so many others, she just wanted to be loved and accepted. It was so easy to tie on the mask of attractiveness.

Masks don't just cover up our realness, they set us up for temptations that lock us in addictive prisons and keep us from meaningful relationships. All medicating activities, things, and thoughts are nothing more than masks. They do work! But only for awhile, and then the hunger returns with great ferocity. It's now turned into a twisted hunger that can't be satisfied. Drinking, parties, or vegging out in front of the TV; it's all the same, a mask to hide from the lies we believe about ourselves. Drugs work or else they wouldn't attract us. But to medicate to avoid fears or difficulties is only to make the situation worse. The drug could be disguised through obsessions with our talents or work, but it's still there! Today I want to share a few minutes about the third mask so many of us use to falsely measure our value; it's the word, SKILL.

First a quick review of our value cover-up MASK:
Money I've been tempted to use the $1,200 Uncle or Aunt Sam sent me towards a BIG flat screen TV . . . what about you? How does money nibble away at you?
Appearance Diets, $30 a month on nails, clothing, jewelry, surgery . . . trying to attract others? What's your temptation? Does trying to "look good" become your value gauge?
Skill
To illustrate an extreme example of how tight this particular mask fits, I've chosen Michael Jackson. His contribution to music, entertainment, and music video art can be disputed or disagreed with, but he did have an influence on society (millions of dollars worth). Be it Michael Jordon, Jackson, or Fox - their talents illustrate the masks by which society often tells us we're valuable. Our accomplishments, what we do, now becomes the way we feel OK about ourselves. Muhammad Ali, our craze over American Idol, all of it is part of that mask that focuses on what we DO! We are enticed to become "human doings." Athletes use drugs, take money under the table, and often fall into addictive prisons because our society is so in love with this mask. It's an easy way to try and believe we're OK.

For males, this mask has been the primary way we find value. When our first parent, Adam, decided that God didn't know best, the natural consequence, a self-fulfilling curse was born. It focused on accomplishments and work, but it wouldn't allow for satisfaction. Sweat, that effort of trying to make something turn out ok, this curse still drives us to fill our days with more and more activities. Being in those moments with that amazing awareness of who we really are, God's kids, gets lost in our constant measurement of how much we've got done (even those numerous not-yet-done home projects can steal our peace).

I so struggle in this area. I compare myself with other's productivity, their contributions to society, their usefulness, and then I beat up on myself for not doing enough. My first memory of gaining my father's approval, and disapproval came in the area of work and how skilled I was. A great deal of our TV shows are gladiator types of competition that reward the most gifted, skilled, best performer types. Satan confuses our sense of what makes us valuable. When I don't hear or see any affirmation for "what I do" I began to doubt everything God says about me. This is my favorite mask. I love it and I hate it at the same time. This is a "regular" temptation of mine.

The very first murder in history bought into this mask. This older brother, measured what he did best against what his brother brought as a gift to God. Cain wanted desperately to have what HE did count! His struggle with trusting God's way brought intense anger. Seeing his brother's sacrifice accepted made him hate his brother. (Why didn't he try boxing with God? That's who really ticked him off.) In his rage he took the first human life on planet earth. His production, his work, his accomplishments were rejected as what counts most before God so he began to take life away from others. Do you think this is a dangerous mask?

How much of "who you are" is hidden behind "what you do?" Being honest with where I was, and running back to God, saved me from the loss of my wife in 1983. Instead of her divorcing me, I began to see that my "workaholic" obsession was just as dangerous as that person who used alcohol or other drugs to hide. Do I still struggle with this mask? Only about 16 hours a day (I'm doing so good at keeping track of my record that I think I'll make an Excel sheet to track my progress. . . help!).

"Be still and KNOW that I am God!"

"I've been in love with you and have accepted you even before I made you or this world!"

"All your accomplishments are lined up to do battle, but I'm the one who really brings victory."

Will you believe yourself more than God? Who knows best? Who can best define your value?

MASKS - How my obsession with "Appearance" hurts me

Money is a huge mask and looking at yesterday's response from a young lady who shared the decision she made re: the government stimulus check touched me. Laura and I have invested more than $150,000 into God's work in the last 33 years and many more $$$ into Christian education. We've given a lot of time. We've given up much of our retirement. Yes, for us it has been so worth it! Giving is a joy! Giving for the right reasons - because we're been given life, love, eternal friendship, is what it's all about. If you struggle with the Mask of Money, don't try to tear this mask off by yourself. Reach out to someone further along the adventure and ask for prayer, wisdom, encouragement. Let the money mask go. My father gave a very vast amount of money throughout his life to God's work. He never did it to get anything back. But he is the most blessed man ever to have lived in the 20th century. (He wouldn't want me to brag about him like this, but he'll have to wait for the resurrection to argue with me.)

Today's mAsks are all about Appearance! What we wear, how we fix our hair, hide our fat . . . our outward appearance can easily become a Mask, a cover-up, for fears and lies about our value.

Money
Appearance:
Marilyn Monroe was a very interesting and unique person. I've read a few books and interviewed people who have talked to people who worked with her. (Wow, how trustworthy is that?)

Not at all unlike the story of Howard Hughes, Marilyn had talent and power. She hung out, slept with, and married some of the most powerful people in her world. She was admired, worshiped, and lusted after by thousands. Still, that empty, gapping hole of not having a parent to tell her how valuable she was, how loved and cared for she was led her down a dark, sad, trail that ended nowhere. Abused, taken advantage of, and finally abandoned by many who called her friend, she died in a cloud of mystery (most likely murder). What a testimony to the hollow shell of hiding behind appearance as a way of feeling good about one's self.

This has been a huge mask in my own life. I became conscious of my appearance when I was eleven. Southern California had just come out with with "flare" pants, soon to be called "bell bottoms." I so wanted a pair. I also pleaded with my mom to "block my hair in the back." She refused and at age 12 I ran away from home. (It lasted for an hour before my dad came and picked me up.) Then I got shipped off to a private boarding school when I was 14 and had to cut my long hair and couldn't wear blue jeans. I'd bought leather jeans, spent way too much on my hair. (God has such a sense of humor, and I'm not blaming God for taking my hair . . . but it does make me laugh.)

When I was in the 6th grade I realized that I had more hair on my arms than any other kid in our entire school (long sleeve shirts for two years). I didn't share with anyone how much I hated my "not big enough" nose until I was nearly thirty.

I've talked with hundreds of people who've been in the prisons of anorexia, binge eating, cutting, burning, and other traps that come when we buy into the mask of appearance. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse attack our mental psyche. But like any other mask that we use to try and like ourselves, God can set us free. I've seen my friends get their noses redone and other parts remodeled and still no lasting change. There is only one answer. Our value must come from a deep belief that what God says about us is true. No doubt how we treat our bodies can and does make a difference in how strong our belief in what God says sticks. But don't ever think you really will like yourself more by focusing on your appearance.

For seven years I read the following words several times a week - try them out yourself.

Here's one of the three-word prayers I've prayed every day for the past three years - "I Am Yours." Knowing through every fiber of my being that I belong to God, His son in whom He is so pleased. I believe this more and more every day. But oh how I need to hang out with others who believe this too. Praying and staying in God's Word is vital for me.

Tomorrow (maybe) our Masks continue with a look at SKILL. (Do you ever feel valuable because of talent, skill, hard work?) Being a long time workaholic, I've got a few things to say about this one. It's one of the oldest curses recorded in all of written history. The curse of trying to find value by what we DO!