So, I’m working with the youth worship team at church now. The youth pastor has a big vision, which I love, and can’t be everywhere at once. The worship team needs some help, and this is something I can do. It’s great timing. My daughter is the lead vocalist and she is coming into her senior year of high school next year. We love working together. There are two more almost-seniors on the team and everyone else is much younger-almost all freshman. Ah, a new generation of worship leaders! I love it.

I usually had two or three exceptional teenagers on my adult worship team each year the whole time I was leading. (Our current church worship leader was on my team the year before he went to college.) I’m excited to see this new group grow.

The Big Difference

One of the things I am fully convinced of and that I will share with the team at our next worship practice is this:  The difference between good and great is teachability.

It is all about being teachable. We may have natural talent and even if we are able to be “self-taught” and just “pick things up,” we will be much better if we are “other-taught.” We can be good on our own, but if we want to be great, it will take listening, learning and practicing. At first, we will be wrong more than right. We will have to learn technique. It won’t be easy. But it will be worth it, because once a structure is learned, it can support the creativity we want to express.

This goes for any endeavor in life. We always need to be teachable. We always need to be learning more, improving our skills, honing our craft.

A Teachable Spirit

This applies to our spiritual life as well. If we think we’ve “arrived,” we’re in trouble. If we think we’ve “pretty much got it covered,” we have just become the obnoxious musician who thinks he knows everything and you can’t tell him anything—even when it’s obvious to the rest of the team that he’s simply out of tune.

Even if we were saved when we were young, have been in church our whole lives, have been to Bible college and studied the Scriptures, there is always more to learn. And not only on an intellectual level. That is important, but even more important is the heart-level, the character-level, the spiritual-growth-level, the obedience-to-and-love-for-Jesus-level.

More to Explore

This is a relationship. There is always something new to discover about Jesus and there is always some way in which He wants to set us free and make us more like Him. There is always more joy, peace and freedom to be had. There are always more glorious riches in Christ Jesus to experience.

We need to come before the Lord and say, “Teach me, Lord. Make me like You. Use others to speak into my life. Help me avoid foolish pride. I always want to learn at Your feet.”

I know I want to be teachable, ever learning.

What is God trying to teach you right now?

Part of the Sunday school lesson I taught yesterday was from John 18 where Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and when Peter denied the Lord three times–just as Jesus predicted a couple hours before.

I found it fascinating to think about how Peter must have been feeling. He went through quite a change from the Garden to the Courtyard.

Arrested in the Garden

A contingent of soldiers and men sent from the high priest, a crowd carrying torches and weapons, came to arrest Jesus in an olive grove where Jesus and his disciples had been praying. Jesus was not surprised, but fully expected this to happen. The soldiers were ready to seize Jesus and arrest him when Peter pulled out a sword and cut a servant’s ear off!

All four of the Gospels record this, but only John names Peter as the one wielding the sword. Only Luke tells us that Jesus picked up the man’s ear and healed him (which means, reattached it!) Perhaps because Luke was a doctor, this was important for him to note. I’m so glad he did. I like knowing that Jesus healed that servant, even as He put a stop to the violence with his words.

Rebuked by Jesus

Luke also tells us, “When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?” (Luke 22:49). Since when do all the disciples carry swords?! “And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear” (Luke 22:50) Not surprising that Peter was the one to take action. BUT, there’s a problem. “But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this’!” (Luke 22:51)

Jesus said, “No.” Peter was sure he was being brave and loyal, but Jesus said, “No.” Peter was ready for a big, physical fight, but he didn’t understand this battle would be waged in spirit by a different set of rules entirely. Peter still thought Jesus’ kingdom would come through force, by resisting men. Jesus didn’t receive Peter’s act of “bravery” and he rebuked him in front of the disciples and a huge crowd of enemies.

Disillusion Led to Denial

Peter was deflated, defeated and very disillusioned by the time he and John got to the residence of the high priest where Jesus was taken. John went inside. Peter stayed outside in the courtyard. Peter thought he was ready to defend Jesus to the death, but only if he could do it his way, only if he could go down swinging. He was ready to do some damage with a sword, but he wasn’t ready for a servant girl to ask him who he was. He wasn’t ready to identify with Jesus with his words and leave the results up to God. So, Peter denied Jesus three times, calling down curses on himself and declaring in the strongest language that he didn’t even know “the man.”

This is only one step along the way of Peter’s journey and we know that he is later fully restored and becomes a mighty man of God…

God’s Ways, Not Our Ways

But we need to remember that we can’t come to God our own way. He doesn’t need us to defend Him in our flesh. We can’t say we will do what God wants us to do, but we will use our own methods. We must follow the example of Jesus and do the Father’s will the Father’s way, according to His plan and by His strength.

God’s ways and plans are always different (higher!) than ours. We need to learn His ways and then surrender and obey. This is always the way to victory, even if it doesn’t seem so at first.

Is there an area where you are trying to do the right thing for God your own way?

I had a great time at Ladies Retreat this weekend. It’s nice for me because Glacier Bible Camp isn’t far from my home. A quick 25-minute drive and I’m there. I had the privilege of doing worship again this year. I was blessed to have help setting up and tearing down the sound system and all my prayers for “smooth and happy technology” were answered.

I love experiencing the Lord’s Presence in worship and I love the power of His Word. The Word communicator this weekend was Jodi Detrick. (You can find her blog here.) I so enjoyed all she shared with us. The first two sessions, Jodi spoke about the woman at the well in John 4 and her encounter with Jesus.

A Glimpse into God’s Heart

“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water” (John 4:10 NLT). If you only knew… Jodi said Jesus says that over us sometimes. That has stayed with me.

• If you only knew…the gift God has for you.
• If you only knew…the joy Jesus takes in you.
• If you only knew…the answer almost here for you.
• If you only knew…the bright future in store for you.
• If you only knew…how MUCH He loves you.

If we only knew….then we would ask and He would answer. Isn’t that just it? If we could remember Who we are talking to, we would ask and receive. John 16:24 tells us, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” Our joy will be complete when we ask and receive.

Prayer Partnership

God has set up a partnership in prayer with us. This is the way it works:  We ask and He answers–not that God is a vending machine, but that we work in tandem with Him. We ask, He responds and our joy is complete. I think that’s because every time we ask and we see His answer, we are again in awe of the fact that God cares enough to answer our prayers. Every time He intervenes, we are amazed at His love for us. We remember He is real. We are thrilled to see His hand at work. It’s the coolest thing to get to say, “Yeah, that was God. He did that for me!”

Ask Bigger

If we really knew all the good things God wants to give us, how He really feels about us, we would ask…and ask BIG. The Lord put that on my heart recently. I was praying, but He said to “Ask BIGGER.” Huh. I was praying maintenance prayers. I was praying for “just enough” to get by. I wasn’t praying with vision. I wasn’t praying with big enough faith. Lord, enlarge my vision!

I’m still mulling these things over. When Jesus looks at me, what is He saying, “Erica, if you only knew…” about? I need to think about how HE sees me and how HE feels about me. Because…if I can really grasp the gift God has for me, Who it is that speaks with me, I will ask Him and He will give me more Life!

In what area do you need to listen to Jesus and hear His, “If you only knew…”?

It’s so easy for me to get “wound up.” I seem to be wired for “anxious.” And I have my buttons and triggers, just like everyone else, things that make me stressed very quickly. I have dealt with this all my life.

Holding On / Letting Go

It’s not that I don’t trust the Lord in my mind and speaking in faith really keeps me grounded. But often, I hold my stress in my body. Even when I’m actively trying to trust and I’m praying and believing (perhaps even striving) for the answer, I’m holding my breath till God acts on my behalf. (And in His grace and faithfulness, He still comes through for me. He doesn’t berate me for a lack of trust. He just shows me His love again.) But there is an underlying tension that is hard for me to escape. Even if ¾ of my being is trusting, there is a stress factor of “holding on” in the other ¼ instead of “letting go.”

So, what a joy today is when I am experiencing the reality of trusting Jesus in my whole being.

Physical Peace

I have been thinking — He has met my needs before. He has been meeting them right along. He is going to continue to provide all that I need. He is not going to stop now. He won’t abandon me or strand me with no way home. He will help me. He always does. He will show me the way. He will send for me. He will rescue me. He is my peace. Aah, actual physical peace. (Breathe in and out.)

This Time

This time I’m going to trust Him while I wait for Him to show Himself magnificent. This time I’m going to relax and let Him take care of it. This time I will not worry while I wait. I will actually trust while I wait. This time I’m going to breathe and relax. My elevated stress level does not help God in any way. Holding my breath is not doing my part! I don’t need to feel anxious.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6).

That verse shows us the path to peace. Ask God. Give thanks. Trust and wait.

This time, I will trust Him with my whole being while I wait.

Is there something you need to trust God with today?

So, I knew what I wanted to write about after my last post. I wanted to talk about the Resurrection (Big surprise, I know. Good Friday…Easter!) Also, I had just taught on John 11 where Jesus resurrected Lazarus. I was (and always am) excited about how Jesus can make dead things live.

But on Easter Sunday afternoon, I got a fever to go with the sore throat I had all weekend. (Still got to sing in the Easter choir though & teach my class-yea!) Monday I was even more sick and Tuesday was worse than that. Wednesday I called the doctor, but my doctor wasn’t there. I said that was ok. I was too sick to go in anyway! Finally, I turned a corner and felt a tiny bit better. I have improved in small increments—over the last two weeks. Good grief! I laid on the couch and thought, “Yes, the resurrection power of Jesus. That’s what I need!”

Lazarus, Come Out!

I am still excited about His power—because, no matter how dead a part of our heart or life may feel, Jesus can resurrect it. Even if we are sure we have failed or a dream has died, Jesus can bring it back to life in a completely new way.

Jesus stood at Lazarus’ tomb and said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, ever practical, said, “But Lord…he stinketh!” Literally. The King James says, “stinketh!” The NIV says, “…by this time there is a bad odor.” Jesus didn’t change his mind—“Oh, ok Martha, let’s not open the tomb then.” He didn’t say, “You’re right. What was I thinking? Let’s not do this.”

Jesus said to prepare for the glory of God! They took away the stone. Then he prayed out loud for the benefit of everyone standing with them. Then, he said in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus did as Jesus commanded and stood before them in his grave clothes. Everyone must have been stunned and speechless because Jesus finally had to tell them to unwrap Lazarus and let the poor guy go!

Jesus’ Power of Life

If Jesus should stand before us at any point in our lives, in front of any heart closet or any soul basement door and say, “Open up,” (“Take away the stone,”) we need to do it. We must not block the way and protest.

• “But Lord, that’s been dead for years.”
• “Lord, I’ve tried that particular Christian discipline and I can’t do it.”
• “Let’s not look at that, Lord. It didn’t work. I failed.”
• “Lord, that hurt has been long buried. Let’s not stir things up!”

No, no. Open the door. Swing it open wide and let Jesus in. He can bring healing to the hurt, comfort to the despair, life to the dead. Wherever Jesus goes, He brings life. He is the very essence of Life. He is the way, the truth and the life! (John 14:6)

I’m excited for the new life Jesus wants to bring this spring. And as for me, I’m glad to be recovering, up and about, back in the land of the living!

Are you ready for Jesus to bring you new life?

The Reality of This Day

I grew up in San Jose, CA and I’ve gone to big churches most of my life. That means I have been to many Easter productions where “Jesus” actually walks right by your pew, dragging a cross, dripping fake blood. When he finally reaches the platform, they lay him out on the cross and –one of the worst parts ever—they clang the nails “into” his hands. Every blow is so horrific. I can barely take it, even though I know it’s not real—because I know it was real.

Jesus had been up all night, forcibly taken by soldiers from the Garden of Gethsemane the evening prior. He had been brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and the Jewish ruler of Galilee, King Herod. It was a long night.

The Death of God’s Son

Although Pilate found no guilt in Jesus, the Jewish leaders requested he be handed over for crucifixion for claiming to be the Son of God. Yes, Jesus had been telling the people He was God’s Son and He told them over and over that He was speaking the truth.

Jesus’ death bore witness. He was on the cross six hours and darkness covered the land for the last three. When He cried out in a loud voice and gave up His spirit, there was an earthquake, tombs broke open and the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. The Roman centurion, terrified, said, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

The Veil of God’s Presence

The veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. That is one of my favorite demonstrations of God’s power and plan. The veil that separated us from God was torn—from top to bottom. God Himself tore down that veil and now we are allowed access to the very Presence of God because of the blood of Jesus.

What a privilege. What an honor. There are hardly words to convey what Jesus purchased for us that day. His blood covers all our sins. We can now go into the Holy of Holies, covered by the blood of Jesus and we can converse with God. We can daily speak with Him. We can have a living relationship with Him that will last forever.

The Goodness of This Friday

On this day, we pause and remember. We must remember the sacrifice Jesus made, the terrible pain He suffered, the anguish of bearing our sin and the darkness of being separated from His Father while He did it. Truly, Jesus bore all our sorrows. He paid the price.

This is a day for reverence, but it is also a day for solemn rejoicing, for deep gratitude. Jesus made a way into God’s Presence for us. He opened the door for us to have relationship with God the Father and His Son. Jesus paid it all.

It is indeed a Good Friday.

On Our Own?

Sometimes we forget God is with us. We act as if we are “on our own” in this life, surviving by our instincts, thriving by our hard work alone. We think we have to “pull ourselves up by our boot straps” and trudge on through. By the sheer force of our will, we pretend to conquer all.

The only problem is when we don’t conquer and give way to defeat, to despair. Then, we finally look to the heavens and say, “God, where are you?”

By Our Side

With tenderness, He replies, “Right where I’ve always been. Where are you?” It’s like the child looking one direction and crying out for her parent who is standing right by her side. He’s right there.

God is with us. This should be our comfort and confidence booster each day.

What is there to worry about? God is with us.

What is there to fear? God is with us.

Unemployed? Fighting sickness? Worried about the kids? Worried about the future? GOD is with us. Something holding you back from your dreams? Go forth and conquer! Get out there and do it! God is with us!

Got Our Back

And God is FOR us. God looks upon us with love and favor. He wants us to succeed. He fully intends and plans that we will (Jer. 29:11)—when we partner with Him. If we will take His hand, He has the adventure all planned. He is for us. He loves us.

God is for us. He’s on our side. Well, really, we’re on His side. But once that decision is made, we belong to Him. We are His children. He’s got our back. He is our Protector, our Deliverer. He is the One going before us to smooth the path. He is the ultimate “connection” who will “hook you up!” He is the One you want to know, the One to be seen and identified with! Greatness by association.

God is with us. God is for us. Be comforted. Be strong. God is with you and He’s crazy about you.

What can the phrase, “God is with me. God is for me.” give you the confidence to do today?

Basic Conversation: The Mundane Stuff

Sometimes our relationship with the Lord can mirror earthly relationships. We talk to our spouse or kids or best friend about all the mundane things that need to be covered—like the basics on how work is going, whose turn it is to take out the garbage, what time the kids need to be at practice, and (most importantly!) what’s for dinner. But it takes more effort, time and focus to engage in a meaningful conversation with someone about what’s really eating at us, what’s driving us crazy and what we’re worried about.

We do the same thing to the Lord. We cover the basics. “Lord, please keep us safe today.” “Lord, help the kids on their finals.” “Thank You for Your goodness.”

We pray for our friends. “Lord, please let their house sell. Please provide a job. Please bring healing.”

Heart Issues: The Real Stuff

But are we taking the time to sit down and let Him into our real heart issues? Are we receiving His love and assurance that everything will work out OK or are we trying to “tough it out” alone?

He wants to spend time with us. He created us so He could hang out with us. After sin became a wall between us, Jesus died for us so we could come back into His Presence. That’s how much He wants to be a daily part of our life!

When Do We Hold Back?

Some people only run to God when they’re in trouble. When things are fine, they aren’t as motivated to see Him. I’m the opposite. I have a bad habit of only coming to Him if I feel like things are going reasonably well and I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. If I’m struggling, I don’t go as deep. I pull back. It’s like I need to have myself together first. The Lord showed me recently that this is a shame-based response. If I’m embarrassed because I’m not doing the last thing He told me or I just can’t “get it together” in some area, I hide from Him instead of running to Him for strength. (Silly!)

He’s Right There

The great thing is, the moment we turn to Him, He’s there. “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8). So true! If we reach our hand to Him, He is right there to take it. He doesn’t say, “Well… you need to read three chapters in the Bible before we’re straight again…or, let’s see, you haven’t really talked to me in a week, so you need to come to me for a week before you’ll hear my voice.” No. Not at all. (I’m so grateful!)

Praise the Lord—He is amazing! And He loves us. If one of our children needed our help, but kept avoiding us and wouldn’t ask, the moment he was brave enough to talk to us, or the moment he held still long enough for us to get their attention about it, we too would be right there to help. How much more does the Lord love us and want to show us that love!

We need to let Him. We need to “come near” to Him always.

What causes you to pull away from the Lord? Do you need to turn toward Him today?

I held my breath, opened it, read quickly. It was personal, not a form letter. Good sign. Liked it. Well-written, blah, blah, blah…but…no, not quite right for them at this time. More about how hard it is for new authors right now and a word of encouragement. The End.

I was still holding my breath. I didn’t want to react, didn’t want to cry. In a flash, I thought of the people I would need to tell; faithful friends praying for the proposal, writer friends, family. I still didn’t move. In that frozen moment, the Lord spoke to me so clearly. In my heart and mind I heard Him say, “Let Me speak first.” Yes. I could do that. I finally exhaled.

I kept thinking on what the Lord said. “Let Me speak first.” I let that echo in my mind. Those words alone were so amazing, so brilliant. What a great idea/word/concept! Before anyone else could influence me in any way, I would wait on God and hear from Him. Before I even processed my own feelings, I would hear from God and know what to do.

Our God is so tender and caring and full of purpose. He did comfort me and love me and show me the next step. And I have always remembered His words and that moment of truth. Let Him speak first.

Is there an area of your life where you need to listen and “let God speak first” in this New Year?