Tag: forgivenss

Puppet Prayers

I spent last week helping out at Vacation Bible School. But most of the kids didn’t see me “working.” I was behind a curtain, helping with the puppet show. My puppet was a little boy named “JJ.” He was a hand puppet. Hand puppets are pretty simple to operate– you stick your hand inside the puppet, and move its mouth as you talk. There are also “hands” you can operate with your fingers to make the puppet clap or wave, etc. During the course of the week, “JJ” also had one “costume change”– he wore a simple plastic bag poncho, but he put it on backwards. “JJ” was the comic relief of the puppetry team! But his purpose was to expand on the Biblical principles we were teaching throughout the week. “JJ” learned about sin and its effects– often by example– and about God’s forgiveness. And he helped the younger kids review their daily Bible verse.

I have worked with puppets off and on over the years, especially during my time as a youth services librarian. Puppets help tell stories in an entertaining and engaging way. But puppets are merely tools. The same stories can be told using flannel cut-outs, or videos, or illustrated comic books. In fact, everything that “JJ” did was scripted. If he nodded, it was because the script said to nod. If he sang, the song was in the script. And when the puppet show was done for the day, “JJ” rode around in a canvas bag, lifeless and unused.

We use puppets at VBS to teach about Christian principles– but pursuing a Christian life is NOT about being a puppet. Many people reject Christ, because they believe that God is asking them to become puppets. They learn about concepts like the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and it sounds to them as though God will “possess” them, and take away their free will and their ability to live life on “their” terms. But that is not what Jesus taught. Jesus was perfect in Righteousness– yet he clearly CHOSE to follow His Father’s instructions, and he did it using His own unique personality and style. Jesus did not parrot the words of God when He taught. He told stories– parables– that brought God’s laws and commands to life, and helped people understand them better. Jesus was no puppet. And He doesn’t ask us to be puppets, either. Instead, we are witnesses– telling our own stories, living our own lives–SHOWing others how Christ lives THROUGH us. God doesn’t want “tools” or mindless puppets. He wants a relationship with us that gives our unique experiences an eternal and sacred purpose.

Yes, in Christ, we become a “new creation.” (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) We see the world through a different lens; our minds are renewed (see Romans 12:2); we follow Christ’s example and walk in obedience to God. But we do so out of our desire to be closer to God– our desire to pursue the relationship that only God can offer us. The Holy Spirit indwells us; He doesn’t coerce us or take over our mind– rather, He helps us continue in our newness and progress toward greater Godliness!

It was fun to spend a week using “JJ” to help teach the daily lessons. But we had dozens of amazing volunteers who also made VBS memorable, fun, and, hopefully a life-changing week for the kids who came. There were the actors who did a daily skit; the singers who taught the kids vibrant songs and dance moves; the Bible teachers who explained deep issues with wonderful skill; the volunteers who taught science lessons and crafts that tied in with our daily themes; the food staff, who created treats that told a story; the sports team that provided games (and plenty of water on hot days!) and the group leaders, greeters, and security staff that ensured that the kids were welcomed, introduced to others, and kept safe. Each of us lived out the message of the Gospel– God’s love for each of His children!– in our unique ways.

One of the ways we served last week was in prayer. We prayed together as a team. We prayed in our small groups and areas, and we prayed with the kids. And each person’s prayer was unique. Some people get nervous about praying aloud in a group– others are eloquent speakers. But each person’s prayer shows their heart for God and others. In our puppet skit, JJ talked about wanting to pray with his “granny” after the skit. But the puppets never prayed. And I think that is appropriate. Prayer is not about a “script.” Prayer is not about someone else putting words in your mouth. Prayer doesn’t come from a hand or a finger moving us to speak. Prayer comes from the heart. And I hope the kids (and adults) last week were moved more by our prayers than by our puppets!

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Fitting In

(Today, I am revising a post from a couple of years ago.)

Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV via biblegateway.com):

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 â€œBlessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 â€œBlessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

No one likes to feel “left out.” We have a deep desire to be accepted, liked, loved, respected, and needed. We want to “fit in.” But sometimes, acceptance and inclusion are not possible. Sometimes, they are offered, but at a price too steep. Sometimes, we make unhealthy compromises in our efforts to avoid conflict or to win respect.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us at least seven principles/actions that will bring us blessing. But they are in opposition to human nature– NOT designed to help us “fit in” with most of society. Elsewhere in scripture, we are told to stand apart from what others are doing or saying. God wants people who will follow HIM, not the world.

  • People who are poor in spirit— this can be taken at least two ways: those who consider themselves poor in a material sense, and hold their money and possessions lightly; or those who are aware of their spiritual poverty, knowing that they need guidance and wisdom from above. Such people are humble–not pushy, not arrogant, not greedy, not spending time proving how clever or wealthy they are. Such people will “possess” the kingdom of heaven– not by fighting and straining and striving and grasping for sole ownership–it is God’s gracious gift to be shared by all who are poor in spirit.
  • People who mourn–not people who are eternally gloomy and depressed, but those who mourn the loss of innocence, the injustices of the world, the suffering and grief of others. Such people also rejoice at the sight of a glorious sunrise, or laugh to see children playing– but they do not deny or circumvent the realities of a fallen world. They face facts–even when those facts are convicting, grievous, and painful. And they do not react with denial or distraction, with outrage or disinterest. They mourn. Such people will be comforted, even in the midst of mourning, by God’s sovereignty and righteousness.

  • People who are meek –there is a difference between being meek and lacking confidence or being a stooge or a fool. Meek people still have boundaries– and they respect the boundaries of others. They stand up for what is right, but they don’t insist on always being “right.” Such people will not stake a claim on the earth or try to grab their “fair share.” Instead, they will inherit all that God has in store for them! Notice the parallel with those who are “poor in spirit.” Meekness and humility are despised by the proud and the loud. But they are respected and honored by God, and sought out by people of discernment. Some of the greatest leaders are not bombastic and dictatorial, but humble and wise in creating success for everyone around them– not just themselves!
  • People who hunger and thirst for righteousness–hunger and thirst are natural and ongoing processes. There are people who want “justice” or “righteousness.” They want it NOW. They want it to be retroactive. They want it to be a foregone conclusion. And they want it to be eternal. But they don’t long for personal righteousness, and they don’t want to feel hunger or thirst for it. They don’t want to seek after true righteousness; they just want the results. They just want the world to spin righteously all around them. But for those who hunger and thirst– Jesus is both the Living Water and the Bread of Life. He brings a daily portion of all-sufficient Grace, wisdom, and forgiveness to keep us filled.

  • People who are merciful–I was struck as I read this again by the term merciful. We spend a lot of time and energy talking about God’s Grace– the fact that God gives us untold blessings that we don’t deserve. But here, Jesus is talking about the merciful– not giving others the condemnation or punishment they deserve. I find it much easier to be Graceful than to be Merciful. It is easy to bless others; to be charitable, or charming, encouraging, or bountiful. It is much more difficult to bite back an insulting or critical retort, to forgive a debt, to let go of a grudge, or keep from passing on a juicy morsel of gossip. It is easier to focus on the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would like them to do unto you, than to Love your enemies. Jesus asked us to do both– but the blessing here is for those who show Mercy!
  • People who are pure in heart–not just shiny on the surface. I can say all manner of spiritual-sounding things; I can do all kinds of good deeds; I can even write blog entries on scriptural truths– but God looks on my heart, to see if it is pure. And if I haven’t covered my heart in posturing and false rituals, justifications and excuses, denials and rebellion, I should be able to “see” God– to have a clearer picture of who He is, what He is doing in the world around me, what He wants me to do and say and become…And other will be able to see God reflected in my words and actions, as well!
  • People who are peacemakers–not just people who “go along to get along,” but people who are willing to help bring about peace, and who will create an atmosphere of unity and respect–at home, in the workplace, and in their neighborhoods. When we bring peace to a chaotic relationship, or create a peaceful atmosphere, we are doing the work of reconciliation, and we are showing others the nature of our Father.
  • When we cultivate (or allow God’s Spirit to cultivate) these characteristics in our lives, we will not “fit in” with the world around us. We will stand out and stand apart. And that will make us targets for persecution, abuse, misunderstanding, insults, and false accusations. But we can be encouraged, not only because of the blessings Jesus promises in the Beatitudes, but in the reminder that we stand in very good company. We may not fit in at the office; we may be ostracized by our family; we may be targeted in our community– but we fit in with a host of prophets, apostles, saints, and with Christ Himself!

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Praying the Perimeter

I love puzzles–jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, logic puzzles, etc.

This may seem like a strange way to begin a blog on prayer, but stick with me…

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Puzzles can be fun, but they can also be very frustrating, especially if you approach them with no strategy. If you dump 1,000 pieces of a jigsaw puzzle on a table, and begin by trying to find any two pieces that fit, you may be able to eventually solve the puzzle, but it makes more sense to look for the “edge” and “corner” pieces first, and build a framework. Depending on the puzzle picture, you may also be able to work on colors or patterns that stand out– sky/clouds, a patch of red or blue, a dog in the foreground, etc.

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The same is true of word and logic puzzles. There is usually a strategy when you approach each puzzle that can help make it easier and more rewarding. Words have patterns of letters– vowels and consonants; logic puzzles depend on deduction– narrowing down the possible by eliminating the impossible. Sudoku, and its cousin, Kakuro, involve simple math and numbers 1-9 in changing patterns. Start with the strategy, and you will find even the most challenging puzzles a little less challenging.

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Some puzzles seem impossible; and some are beyond my ability to solve, even with the best of strategies. That’s life. We don’t know all the answers, and we can’t always “see” the solution, or make all the pieces fit.

Sometimes, our lives seem like a challenging puzzle. Nothing seems to “fit” a pattern or make sense, and we end up lost and frustrated. Our most basic need is to trust God. But God does not leave us without a strategy. Prayer (along with reading God’s word and keeping in fellowship with other Christians) is part of an excellent strategy. Just like putting the “edge” pieces together in a jigsaw puzzle, praying “the perimeter” of our problems can put them in the proper frame.

What does that mean? Jesus gave us a perfect example in “The Lord’s Prayer.” When His disciples asked Him how they should pray, He started with the “frame.” “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.” God should be at the center of our life and trust, but He also needs to be the “edge” and framework of our life. There is no problem or worry that is outside of His control and awareness, no need that He cannot meet, and no problem that can take Him by surprise or leave Him frustrated and “stumped.”

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“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven.” God already has the right strategy, and solution for our need. We can’t see it; we may not have a clue how to pay our bills, or deal with that devastating diagnosis, or make peace with our enemy–we may never find “the solution” on our own or in our short lifetime. But God sees the entire picture, and He has the power to make all the pieces “fit”– in His time and in His perfect will.

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“Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Sometimes our “puzzles” seem too big because we try to tackle everything at once, or we try to tackle things from the wrong end. God’s strategy is to rest in Him daily, letting tomorrow’s troubles wait for tomorrow, and letting go of yesterday’s struggles. That doesn’t mean that we don’t make plans or budgets, or that we don’t take responsibility for our health, or the mistakes we’ve made. But it means that we stop focusing on what we can’t control, and focus on the present. Instead of worrying, I can be thankful for what I have right now. Instead of focusing on what others think of me, or the threat they pose, I can concentrate on my own attitude and actions, making sure that I am practicing trust and obedience. Instead of getting angry when things don’t make sense, I can rest, knowing that God knows the end from the beginning.

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“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” God is our “Good Shepherd” (See Psalm 23 and John 10). He “leads us beside the still waters” and “makes us lie down in green pastures.” “He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3a) If we let God determine our “edges” and boundaries, we will still have to travel through troubled times and valleys “of the shadow of death.” But we need not fear evil, when we trust that God will deliver us. We need not fear the shadows and uncertainties within the boundaries of God’s will. And even when we have taken the wrong path, and “messed up” the puzzle we are in, God is in the business of redemption and restoration! He will deliver us– if we confess and seek His solution. He will wipe away the “wrong” answers and rearrange the pieces of our life, so that we can find wholeness.

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When we develop the pursuit of prayer– daily meeting with God, acknowledging who He is, and seeking His wisdom and grace– we will meet the challenges of life with the right strategy. We will still face the frustration of not knowing all the answers, or not seeing the whole picture. We will still have to deal with struggles, shadows, grief, and pain. But we will have a stronger “framework” and a God-given strategy to help.

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