Humbly Holy part 1

(reflections from the Deep January 13)

I often think of Holiness in a number of ways. Sometimes I view holiness correctly and I crave to know the unique, special, powerful, and wholly "otherness" of God and I also want nothing more than to live a holy life to honor him. Other times I hear the whispers of the world and I fear the label that sometimes causes the misunderstanding of others regarding holiness. I fear being perceived as exclusive, stuck up, better than others, and untouchable. How can I be culturally relevant, able to connect with my friends and neighbors around me who don't know God, and still live out my calling be radically different? Holiness includes so many character traits and behaviors that seem impossible and utterly overwhelming to truly live out in a realistic way. I am supposed to avoid sexual impurity, coarse joking and slander, not even have a hint of sexual immorality in my life, and not complain or argue about anything to name a few of the challenging elements that one pursuing holiness must embody. But how does one live in the year 2007 with out reverting to the Little House on the Prairie lifestyle or completely avoiding the world and closing all influences out? The true reality is IT IS POSSIBLE. It was possible for Jesus and we are called to be like Jesus so it must be possible for us.

I think sometimes I confuse the concepts of God with that of the world. In the Bible God said, "Therefore, Be Holy as I am Holy." I somehow add something to that commandment which makes me want to avoid being perceived as "holier than thou" but God didn't say be holy and prideful, stuck up, and unable to relate to others. Isn't that they way sometimes we Christians are perceived? But in the word he also calls us to be humble (another seemingly impossible task)and not put ourselves above other in any way. In fact, we are called to live such good lives that people wouldn't be able to say anything bad about us. This revelation has been refreshing for me. This week I have been compounding HOLINESS AND HUMILITY. Just think of these two concepts as being together. We are called to be HUMBLY HOLY. We are called to be radically different, pure, Christ-like, blameless and free from sinful lifestyles while AT THE SAME TIME being kind, compassionate, serving of others, and able to relate and love people, too, without coming across as self-righteous. Now that sounds pretty impossible. And it is if we simply rely on ourselves to accomplish this behemoth calling. On our own efforts we will not really be authentic unless we choose by the grace and empowerment of God to let his love make humbly holiness possible.



Thoughts to reflect on:
Holiness: in the highest sense belongs to God (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Rom. 6:19, 22; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:23, 24).

1-Belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.
2-Regarded with or worthy of worship or veneration; revered: a holy book.
3-Living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly: a holy person.
4-Specified or set apart for a religious purpose: a holy place.
5-Solemnly undertaken; sacrosanct: a holy pledge.
6-Regarded as deserving special respect or reverence: The pursuit of peace is our holiest quest.

Titus 2:11-15
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.


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Up Coming events
Hope you all enjoy your January and time to relax and adjust to the New Year.

Acting group this Sunday 12:30-3 Choir room
This Sunday night we return to ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK PIZZA January 21st
Thursday February 1st Shane and Shane Concert
Saturday February 3rd Bocce Ball and Lunch 12pm
Saturday February 17th The Deep at our home 8pm

Choosing to be at his feet

I got home from the gym and it was 7:30pm. Usually Monday nights Wendy and I both work out, have dinner, and relax the night away. Wendy was already in bed because she was feeling sick and wanted to get her rest so I unexpectedly had the night to myself. I immediately conjured up my to do list. I wanted to shower, eat, finish laundry, start packing for our Christmas trip, organize my bills, watch some of my TIVO shows that I haven't watched in weeks, email some friends, empty the dishwasher, and write this blog. I decided to shower first because I was sweaty and it would give me more time to think through my agenda a little more. It was almost within minutes that the course of my night changed. I turned the water on and it was as if these words were spoken. "Mary has chosen what is best." I had my eyes closed as the hot water was beating down on my head. It felt so refreshing and then again, "Mary has chosen what is best (Luke 10:38-42)." That's it. Those words in just that one line fluttered through my mind. I stood there thinking. How did that get in my mind. Did I just think it or did something trigger that? It was a simple sentence actually spoken from the mouth of Jesus to his friend Martha about her sister Mary. Just as quick as the words came, an image came to my mind. The picture was Martha standing in front of Jesus with her agenda in hand. In my mind I could see her holding a to do list in one hand and a kitchen pot in the other.


She stood there realizing her well thought out busy plan really wasn't the best for her at that moment. I only saw the picture in my mind... but I knew how she felt. She felt a little awkward, singled out, and a little ashamed that she elevated house hold chores above time spent worshiping Jesus. That was exactly how I felt. And why shouldn't I? I had been truly longing today for some time to just read and journal. I had made my plans, but God ordered my steps. I actually felt relieved, even though I felt humbled. How could I have missed what was best? I finished my shower, warmed up some leftovers, and made myself comfortable with my journal and Bible. It was such a sweet time of reading, praying, and reaffirming my trust in God in this day and this moment.It was the best use of my time. (And the great thing was that I ended up being able to complete everything else I wanted/needed to do, as well (Hence, this Blog is written). See Proverbs 16:9. And I had more awesome revelation through Psalm 127, that I'll blog about later.

This Tuesday 12/19 we will meet at PCC's Fireside room to wrap gifts for the homeless, bake some goods, and go out to Christmas carol on the street.

Choosing Humility and Simplicity

(In theatres now THE NATIVITY! See it with your whole family, invite others and discuss.)

I wore my red, cashmere, Gap socks this week. (The socks I won from our Christmas party last weekend). I really like them. If you weren’t there have someone tell you about the “White Elephant” game we played. There was quite a bunch of socks to choose from and steal. I “coveted” the socks of others. Yes, it’s true, I must admit I had a little camouflage and argyle envy from Drew, Steve, and Ben. But I also experienced some interesting thoughts and conviction during this game, too. This season of going through the book of James at PCC and my own devotional reading in Luke 1 & 2 has caused me a lot of reflection. I have been spiritually stirred these two ways: #1 with my own lack of humility and #2 with my abundance of things. First, as I am reading about the birth of Jesus in Luke and reflecting on God’s humble beginnings I am amazed. With our own little baby on the way I am even more sensitive to the God’s choices to become a baby. I have been feeling the movements of our little one over the past weeks and marveling at how that must have felt for Mary to feel God move in her womb. And how about the other elements of this radical story? You know like the peasant girl factor (Mary, who needed savior herself read Luke 1:47), the donkey, the musty manger, the announcement to not so highly esteemed shepherds, etc. Just think about the fact that God chose to come at a time in the world when medical technology was at a bare minimum. He could have come and been born in a hospital in the year 2006, with the comforts and luxury of America, but no! He was born in third world circumstances in Israel. He was God, just think about the choices he made. Amazing. Then think about his life: what he owned and where he lived. How much money did Jesus store up in the bank? Nothing. And did he worry and fear God wouldn’t provide food and clothes for him? No. He lived simply day-by-day and trusted God. So, just looking at all those socks piled up on the table the other night reminded me at how much I/we truly have in this country. We have access to anything and everything we want and in most cases we get (or buy) all of our needs (and almost all of our wants) met. So what should my/our response be if we truly want to be like Jesus Christ? I leave that question with you and pray that your Christmas season involves some time to reflect on this topic. It’s a messy journey that requires humility and simplicity. I am right there with you.

Tony


12/17 This Sunday: After Sunday at 6 in the Fireside room is CHRISTMAS CAROLING, APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS WITH THE 50PLUS MINISTRY! Come join us for an intergenerational night of celebration.

12/19 Tuesday 7pm
Meet at PCC to make Christmas cookies and gifts for our homeless friends. Then come down to Menlo Park for Christmas Caroling. Fireside room 7pm. Email jodi210@hotmail.com

12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com to RSVP. Bring $5 for stuff.

12/29 Friday MEN'S NIGHT OUT 8pm Pizza @ BJ's in Foster City and Broomball 9:30-11:30pm
more info tba.

12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6. Karaoke, comedy, food, etc.

January 5-7
Winter Retreat in Twain Harte. Brochures will be available this week. See the literature rack in PCC’s worship center. Sign up now for $65 before the price goes up.