Author: Wick

I woke up this morning from a crazy dream. A dream where me and some cross between “indiana jones-james bond-sean connery-and my wife’s dad” were driving in an old 57 Chevy across country investigating (we were like spies or something) a giant museum that had just been opened in honor of our new President, Mr. Obama.

I think my sub-conscious agrees with my conscious. All of the congrats/celebration concerning our new President (who I’m excited about too) has crossed a line in many cases. He has done some good things in his life. Having elected him is a proud moment for the American people, given his background. But as far as what he has accomplished AS President? So far what he’s given many people is hope. And while hope is a good thing, hope can be nothing.

I think of words I’ve read by great writers. The words about God’s plan for His people found throughout the OT and NT. Jurgen Moltmann speaking about our Christian hope, as compared to the hope offered in the world. NT Wright’s book “Surprised by Hope”.

We have a hope that is real. Based on something already begun. Anchored in words spoken by God Himself.

It’s a good thing to remember in a day like today, where you have to say is “I offer hope”, and you can get a mass audience fairly quick. May we as the Church proclaim, and live lives resourced in that True hope. May creation continue to be tranformed as the reason for that hope continues to reveal Itself.

And may I keep having really cool spy-type dreams. Cause that was pretty sweet.

I’m a youth pastor, and because of this my mind naturally searches for any sources of illustration. Any way that God could be speaking. Not so much that he “causes” these things to happen specifically so that I hear a certain message (although it’s certainly possible). But rather, “here is what is happening, how could God be revealed through this?”.

An important reminder in a life of searching for these revelations is one given by Jeremiah Bolich last weekend to all the teens at FROSTBITE. There will be times in life where I wonder, “Is this God speaking to me?” And sometimes it may even seem REALLY REALLY strongly that He is. When that happens, we need to go to the Scriptures. Because no matter how much we may “really feel” God speaking a certain word to us – the Word of God is 100% always His Word for our lives.

Once we’ve taken the “life lesson” to scripture to be sure it matches up with the known character of God – we can shout it. 🙂

So here it is:

Sophie was in the tub last night. I put her in before I even started the water. Usually when I do this, she crawls around all excited, and climbs around enjoying the empty tub. But last night, she just sat there looking up at me. Looking at the faucet, expectantly. Waiting for the water she knew should be coming.

Are we expectant?

Do we come to church and church activities actually expecting the Spirit of God to show up and do something? Or are we content to play around in our empty tub? Has it all become so routine/cynical that our hope rests simply on enjoying one or two of the songs in an emotional way, and go home “blessed” from that?

I want to look to the Father, expectantly. I want to stare into the veil, expectant of His Spirit to rip right through it, transforming His people together. Not because the speaker is that great. Not because the music was any good. Not even because there was an altar call. But because it’s the nature of the God we serve (Acts 1:8).