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By Andy, September 5, 2007 10:08 pm

1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. 2 You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”6 Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded them. 7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.Exodus 7:1-7 (NIV)

Reading through this passage and the following passages in Exodus recently, it occurred to me that if I were Moses, my reaction would probably be similar to his.  “Are you NUTS, God?  You want me to talk to the Pharoah, ask him to release our people, his slaves, while you show him your miracles…but you’re still going to make him NOT release them?  Am I missing something here?”

But what appears to be madness is merely a test of Moses’ obedience, isn’t it?  Moses asks, “Let my people go.” Pharoah says “No.”  God sends a plague.  Pharoah still says, “No.” And the cycle begins anew.

Yet each time, Moses is obedient to God’s instruction.  The entire scene makes no sense to the human eye, yet it makes perfect sense to God.  What appears to be madness is actually a piece of God’s perfect plan for His people and for us.

God consistently puts us in situations that make no sense to us.  Two years ago, I volunteered to teach high school Sunday School.  The last time I had dealt with high school kids prior to that was when I was a high school kid.  What did I know about teaching Sunday School to a bunch of high school kids?  It made no sense to me…but it made perfect sense to God, who knew I would ultimately draw upon my own high school youth group experience to relate to the kids in the class.

Think about the events in your life recently in which things don’t make any sense, especially for that time in your life, but when you take a step back you realize that God was testing your obedience and He was stretching you.  I’d be interested in reading your stories.

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By Andy, July 8, 2007 6:31 am

18″If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

John 15: 18-25 (NIV)

It may have only received 23% of the “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and only 9% of the cream of the crop reviewers, but my family and I still went to see Evan Almighty this weekend. And I must say…of all the “Christian” themed films that I have seen in recent months, it is perhaps the best executed and likely will reach the broadest audience, unlike films such as Facing the Giants or The Chronicles of Narnia.

Admittedly, the film is not without its problems, particularly with regard to the characters’ reactions to the changes in Evan’s physical appearance (and attitude) - these reactions were not sufficiently realistic given the changes he was undergoing. However, I can overlook a flaw such as thing in light of the bigger picture of the film and its thematic content, which can be summarized in 6 words:

Doing God’s Will.

And…

God loves us.

The film is packed with theology - simplified, in some ways - with some punch in others - yet underlying it is the message that in an effort to refine us, God will challenge us, God will take us out of our comfort zone, and God will be persistent in letting us know He has a specific task for us. Such is what He does with Evan’s character in this film, particularly early with the incessant references to “614″ (as in Genesis 6:14). And if that wasn’t enough, God begins to send animals to follow Evan…in pairs.

It gets uncomfortable for Evan, who is just beginning his career as a congressman, focused on his career (and not on his family), aware of the image he must project to his colleagues and the public - and God, of course, will have none of that, telling him that he must build the ark while Evan thinks it’s nuts.

Yet he builds it - exhibits obedience to God in the same way the patriarchs did in the OT. In a very powerful scene, God tells him, “When someone prays for courage, do you think God gives them courage, or does he give them a moment to be courageous? When someone prays for the family to be closer, does he sprinkle around happiness, or does he give them an opportunity to be closer?”

God was reminding Evan that he was refining him to be the man He wants him to be. And in that same line, God was reminding us that He always answers prayer - He just doesn’t always give us the answer WE expect.

See this film - whether in the theaters this summer or on DVD or pay per view or on a pay cable channel this fall. Frankly, I was expecting to be disappointed by this film, figuring I’d enjoy Steve Carell’s antics. But I walked out having enjoyed this film for the joy it gave my family this cool San Francisco afternoon and for the positive characterization of God that it employed.

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By Andy, June 21, 2007 6:44 am

I have had eight employers since I graduated from college 15 years ago.  That’s an average of just under 2 years per employer…not typically what most prospective employers like to see on an individual’s resume.  In fact, that’s even something I look at when reviewing resumes of potential candidates when I have an opening.

33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6: 33-34 (NIV)

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By Andy, June 18, 2007 5:55 am

Definitely not Giants tickets. Not in 2007, anyway.

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By Andy, June 6, 2007 7:01 am

Here I am again in this mean old town
And you’re so far away from me
And where are you when the sun goes down
You’re so far away from me

So far away from me
So far I just can’t see
So far away from me
You’re so far away from me

I’m tired of being in love and being all alone
When you’re so far away from me
I’m tired of making out on the telephone
And you’re so far away from me

So far away from me
So far I just can’t see
So far away from me
You’re so far away from me

I get so tired when I have to explain
When you’re so far away from me
See you been in the sun and Ive been in the rain
And you’re so far away from me

So far away from me
So far I just can’t see
So far away from me
You’re so far away from me

- Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms

It was strange this evening. I was listening to the duet album by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris when the song above hit me - thinking about Knopfler, in particular, brought me back to high school and “Brothers in Arms” - one of the handful of albums that I listened to over and over as a senior.

This song encapsulates my recent feelings about my relationship with God. There was a brief stretch in which He seemed really distant, and I couldn’t hear His Voice. I got nervous with some of my work at the office, I started to procrastinate with some of the work I had committed to at church…and then I got together for a meeting at church with a couple of others late last week.

As we began talking, we realized that each of us had been experiencing the same struggles in recent days, but that in the last couple of days leading up to our meeting God cleared out our plates and made His wishes known to us, helping us through with the ministry that He has us developing.

As we prayed together, He didn’t seem so far away anymore. I began to see…I began to hear.

And I wasn’t alone anymore.

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By Andy, May 2, 2007 6:16 am

Walking into the courtroom, I could feel my heart racing. My name had been called to join this pool of 50 potential jurors on this cool South San Francisco morning, and as I walked into the chamber, I saw the eyes of the DA, the defense attorney, and the defendant watch each miserable potential juror amble into their seats.

We rose as the judge came in to take his seat. With his words of welcome we were introduced to the key players in the case, along with the charges associated with the case. He told us to expect to be on the jury for at least two weeks.

My heart sank. With issues at the office that needed my attention, could I really trust my staff to man the ship for me? What were the odds of me being one of the final 12 on the jury panel?

The clerk called each name on the roll, to ensure the appearance of the jury pool. The variety of voices called out “here” upon the announcement of each name. The words had barely left the clerk’s mouth with my name when I let out a frog-laden “Here.”

Finally, the clerk announced the first 18 people to the jury box…12 jurors and 6 alternates.

I was one of the jurors.

My heart raced faster as I listened to the questions asked of those ahead of me. I was the fourth to be questioned.

Before the question was even finished, I wanted to blurt out, “I usually assume that the defendant is guilty…after all, why would he be there if he didn’t do it?”

Only it didn’t happen that way at all.

::

What really happened was that I was NOT in the initial jury pool of 60 called into the courtroom. I stayed behind in the jury assembly room awaiting a potential release from service or awaiting assignment into that courtroom.

An hour later the jury worker received the call from the judge’s clerk that they would not need any further potential jurors, and we were excused from service for at least 12 months.

I was free.

But I was also baffled…what was God’s purpose for me being there? I didn’t exactly “witness” to anyone that morning, although I’d had a nice conversation with a retiree…an accountant…who was one of the remaining 20 with me after the rest had been called into the courtroom.

He sat two chairs over from me, and undoubtedly had seen me read my Bible this morning, along with my reading of a John Piper book (”What Jesus Demands of the World”). After the others had left the assembly room, I struck up a conversation with him, talking past jury experiences (he had been empaneled, but didn’t serve when a plea deal was reached before the trial began) and talking sports, specifically the NFL draft and the NBA Playoffs (yes, I know the Mavs pulled it out over the W’s tonight). At no point in the conversation did the topic of faith come up, but I can’t help but wonder that God simply had me “witness” by my own solitary actions (reading the Word) while sitting next to this gent.

I will likely never know what, if any, impact God had on this man’s life through this brief meeting with me, but certainly God had a reason for me to be there in that room this morning.

I was excused from jury duty at 10:45 am and was back in the office by 11:30 am.

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By Andy, May 1, 2007 3:47 am

It seems like yesterday.

I was sitting in a jury assembly room, in between court sessions, awaiting my fate as the judge asked prospective jurors questions related to their ability (or inability) to be impartial jurors in a criminal case. On that day, I reflected upon the reason as to why I was sitting there, knowing that assorted papers were beginning to pile on my desk at the start of the company’s annual budgeting process.

It was made clear to me at that time that I was being taught a lesson…a lesson in honesty AND humility, as the previous year I had been excused from appearing for jury duty the night before I was scheduled to appear, but decided to lie to my superiors and “fake” jury duty that day.

Tomorrow I’m scheduled once again to appear. And for the second time, I was NOT excused the evening before, so I am to report to the jury assembly room for another day of waiting and watching. While the timing is never right for jury duty, there are times where it is easier to accept this civil service than others. From a work point of view, I’d prefer not to be there, but I have confidence in my staff (and they have reiterated to me) that the work will be handled, because God has helped me grow with my staff this past year at this firm, developing a level of trust, honesty, humor and friendship that will ensure success, whether I am present or not.

Perhaps this time, God is teaching me to trust Him…that He has a completely different reason for me to be there. I don’t know what He has in store for me, but I need to learn to leave it to Him to show me the path He is laying before me in the jury assembly room.

Man…I so wanted to be snarky and sarcastic about this upcoming jury duty, but those words just couldn’t make their way out.

He’s teaching me something…that’s for sure.

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By Andy, March 9, 2007 7:14 am

Hearing the voice of God isn’t an easy thing. After all, it’s not like He speaks to me the same way that He spoke to Abraham, or Joseph, or Elijah. I don’t have the benefit of this booming voice coming down from the heavens saying, “Andy, I want you to leave Ur and head to Canaan” (although in my case, you could substitute “Pacifica” for “Ur” and I suppose “Santa Cruz” for “Canaan”).

Nor do I get to follow a cloud around the state of California. “Uh, God, do you think you could stick to Interstate 80? My subcompact car needs to stick to the asphalt.”

God doesn’t quite work that way anymore.

These days, hearing His voice entails being cognizant of the character of God, by understanding His nature as described in the 66 books of the Bible. It entails prayer, speaking to Him, asking Him questions, and then listening to the voices of others to hear whether God is answering those prayers.

And then there are those times when you sit in a pew at church, listening to the sermon message, and suddenly you feel a punch in the gut, because YOU have been convicted. I know this past Sunday, I felt like I was punch in the gut with multiple blows with an upper cut to the jaw.

Yeah…God, I’m listening.

So what about you? How do YOU hear His voice?

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By Andy, November 20, 2006 4:36 am

It was bound to happen.

This morning I sat in the church office at 10 am ready to teach my jr high/high school Sunday School class, donuts ready, my well-worn copy of Jesus in the Margins in hand, and my kids in tow (as my wife was asleep after another night shift at the hospital).

At 10:10 am, I sat in the church office ready to teach my jr high/high school Sunday School class, donuts ready, my well-worn copy of Jesus in the Margins in hand, and my kids in tow.

At 10:20 am, I sat in the church office ready to teach my jr high/high school Sunday School class, donuts ready, my well-worn copy of Jesus in the Margins in hand, and my kids in tow.

At 10:25 am, one student, a sophomore, came into class.

Class ends at 10:35 am so that several of us can assist setting up for the service at 11 am.

I said, “Don’t worry about class, it’s over, but how was your week?” I don’t think she caught the facetiousness in my voice.

I was mad. Yes, I had gotten an email from one of the students the other day as her sister is sick, but even when they come, they typically arrive around 10:15 am. When the class is only 35 minutes long, before the worship service, missing 15 minutes is a big deal.

We’ve had a couple of weeks with good attendance, and many more with poor attendance. I discussed this with a couple of my closest friends in the church (one of whom has a daughter who has been attending regularly - except today) and they generally agreed that if this trend continues, I should view it as a sign that perhaps God wants to move me out of this ministry.

I’m in a quandry, because I’m not exactly sure where God is leading me right now. Do I simply give it another week and if there’s poor attendance, cancel the class, take a break and pray for the next teaching ministry opportunity, if that’s what He wants me to do? Or do I plug away, preparing each week for class, hoping that perhaps a couple of students will appear, as I have 6 more chapters to cover?

I would like to teach an adult education class, using one of the many books I’ve read as source material, but I’m not sure if that desire is my own or God’s. In talking with a brother today, he suggested the possibility of us co-teaching an adult ed class, alternating classes, or we offer concurrent classes with one doing a more doctrinal based class while the other does a more relationally focused class.

They’re all good ideas, and perhaps God is leading me down that road after cutting my teeth on youth. While my church does not offer a youth group, most of the kids are attending youth groups at other churches with whom we associate - so the youth group needs are being filled elsewhere in town, and only a few blocks away from our church.

I guess I’m at one of those many crossroads that we experience in our journey.