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I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything.
John 15:5

It’s good to be back. My own bed, my own shower. Back to normal routines.

It’s also a shame to have to get back to the daily grind. My connection to something bigger feels so much more real on these work trips. While this shouldn’t be lost upon return, I don’t think there is any doubt that “real life” can get in the way of our connection to God and the work he has commissioned us all as believers to do: Love one another.

The theme verse for the week was John 15:5, used to help explore our connections to one another and to Jesus Christ. Late one night I had a conversation with one youth who is clearly struggling with his connections to his family, his friends, and God. I pray that those struggles continue to be signs of growth, that he build in the faith and find his unique connection to this world.

At the end of the week, I asked each youth to describe their relationship with God in one word. Responses varied from “hope” to “forced” to “inconsistent” to “growing” to “scorched” to “frustrating.” All of these are honest responses from a group of young adults clearly progressing through a faith journey. Weeks like this help put the focus on where they are on that journey.

How do you connect? What one word describes your relationship with God?

Be God’s — every day.

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.
John 6:27

Jesus makes this statement not long after a whole group of people — 5,000 — witnessed the miracle of being fed by what should only have fed a few. There is a whole walking on water incident in between… But needless to say being fed is still fresh in people’s minds.

Jesus recognizes that he is attracting crowds fueled by their own self-interest: be fed, be healed, see a miracle. Everyone’s expectations are set to “now” — what will this Jesus do today? His words are his way to re-direct expectations to what really matters.

What are your expectations of Jesus? Is he supposed to make everything perfect for you today? Do your prayers ask for short-term gain?

Sure, there are things that we need. The people Jesus fed certainly needed to eat. But it’s not about eating. It’s not about right now. Expect bigger things.

Be God’s — every day.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

These statements are made by Jesus to his disciples when he knows he will be arrested and crucified. He gives a sermon of sorts sharing all kinds of wisdom. He offers peace. He teaches that He is in the Father and the way to the Father. He preaches about the vine and the branches.

What would your parting words be?

On a few occasions I’ve thought about this. The day/night after the original 9/11 I happened to be traveling, and in a rental car with near strangers we talked about who we’d call and what we would say. Surely my answer is different now.

Perhaps this blog captures in some way the legacy of wisdom I’d like to share upon my departure some day. Then I can just refer people to it… Would be efficient. Then I could focus on making sure I say I love you to those who need to hear it.

A somber topic… But one that stimulates some interesting thoughts. Give it a shot.

Be God’s — every day.

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:29

Ok… I believe in Jesus and his resurrection from the dead to save us all. As a reader of these notes, you probably have a better view of how strong or weak my faith is. So lets start there…

Along with the random verse this week (which happens to have been a them for Youth Sunday just a week ago) came this commentary from a Pastor in New York:

“Thomas, one of Jesus disciples, was the constant skeptic. He always saw the worst case scenario. Yet when Thomas stated that he wouldn’t believe in the resurrection until he saw and felt the wounds of the cross, Jesus humbly came to this skeptic and granted Thomas’ request. Jesus then makes this famous statement. The resurrection is the most chronicled event of ancient history.. What more do you need to see in order to believe?”

With all due respect to the author of that commentary, I have to disagree a bit with how he ends. I also think the viewpoint of “duh, it says it right there in the Bible” is what keeps a lot of skeptical people from interacting on faith questions.

I am fully aware that there are a handful on ancient writings that corroborate the gospel. I also recognize that they, too, have unclear origins and can be subject to interpretation. They are also just obscure enough that most people have never heard of them. So calling the resurrection the most documented event in ancient history over-states things a bit.

People will doubt the resurrection. Even believers. It’s an unbelievable story — miraculous, and as such hard to swallow. Just like wrestling with a tough scripture (like yesterday), wrestling with faith can be a good thing. We don’t have to just accept things as dogma just because. Study… Debate… The testing of your faith will strengthen it. Showing non-believers that the church is open to doubt and debate also opens our doors to a generation that isn’t hard-wired to just believe.

So please do not get me wrong here — I believe. I just think we all need to recognize the natural doubt among us, and ensure we accept doubt as part of a growing body of Christ.

Be God’s — every day.

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote-Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
John 1:45-46

Nazareth was not the home of kings. It was a poor, working village of Jewish people, far from the majestic cities or wealthy elite.

It’s a big part of God’s story that he does great things with the ordinary. Or rather, that the perceived “ordinary” are actually extraordinary. A carpenter from Nazareth raises the king of kings. Who knows what God can do with a consultant from Villa Park, or an insurance guy from Elmhurst, or mother from Yorkfield.

God uses all of us in surprising ways. Our roots and societal status are nothing to him. We are all part of his extraordinary plan.

Be God’s — every day.

I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
John 17:14-15

Notice that in this prayer Jesus is not making the hate of the world go away.. He’s also not removing his followers from the situation.

This is no accident. As Christians, we are here to engage the world to share the gospel and serve those in need. We are not promised that this will always be easy and well-received. Jesus doesn’t pray for that. Rather, while we are doing is work, he wants to be sure we are safe.

The difficulties of being a Christian can be very real. Being a Christian teen is rough in a society that sensationalizes things inconsistent with a life of faith. Being a Christian at work can be tough when the demands of modern corporate America want to distract you and challenge your priorities. Just being a Christian neighbor can be hard when others seem less considerate or even spiteful.

Jesus wants us to see those challenges and persevere through them, showing the world that his truth matters despite their sneers and stares. We all share the ultimate victory of the cross, and can press on knowing that. It won’t always be easy. But it is what we are called to do.

Be God’s — every day.

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.
John 12:16

Today begins the season when we remember Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us, and the amazing things that happened leading up to it.

That is what Lent is about… Right?

We can get carried away with the common “give this up for Lent” thing. Sure, such a commitment can be a reminder of the temptation Christ endured — without sin. But we all need to keep that perspective. It isn’t about us conquering chocolate or proving that Facebook isn’t that important. It’s not about our power. It’s about remembering who he was and what he did.

The disciples saw this story play out in real time. We have the benefit of history, and can now see the importance of Christ’s actions leading up to the crucifixion. May we all reflect on that this season.

Be God’s — every day.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

I learned yesterday that this verse will be the theme for the summer mission trip I will be attending with the youth group I lead. This verse will support the broader mission theme of “Connected,” I suspect touching on our connections to one another and our connections to the Lord.

This verse describes the importance of how we are rooted. To remain spiritually alive, we must stay connected to Christ. Without that connection, we cannot effectively connect to others and bear fruit.

Consider your connections, the fruit you have bourne, and the fruit you hope to bear. Where is it rooted?

Be God’s — every day.