Up the Sunbeam

-- WWJD?   Widely recognized initials symbolizing the question "What would Jesus do?" Many believers wear it on bracelets, carry it on Bible covers, put it on their key chains, anyplace that will frequently remind them to check their actions against what they think Jesus might do. It's a good question to ask ourselves. Maybe there's another question.  Maybe there's more to it than knowing how Jesus might behave in a given situation.  Maybe that's the end and maybe there's a beginning I need to find first. Maybe it's less about what Jesus would do and more about who Jesus IS. Jesus, the great I Am who confined Himself to helpless infant. Jesus, the King of kings breathing sawdust as a carpenter. Jesus, the Christ wrapped in the frailty of human flesh. Jesus, the Creator of all becoming the servant of all. Jesus, the very Son of God choosing to call Himself the Son of Man. Jesus, the sinless God-man crushed beneath the weight of all humanity's ...

-- If you'd like, you're welcome to read Part 1 and Part 2 first.  =) Welcome (or welcome back) to my ongoing conversation on the popular Christian concept of brokenness . I am so glad you're here and look forward to your reflections and input!  I hope you will look up the scriptures I have linked to throughout this post so you can further your own exploration of what I have to share here! I have continued to study and pray and contemplate many things I have heard and read. It is a challenge to pin down a clear and particular definition and application of brokenness .  It is a word much-used by modern Christians and theologians, many with renowned names you would readily recognize with respect, but it isn't a word I've been able to find frequently in Scripture, and certainly not with all the meanings it wears now! This word bothers me . . . at least some uses of it bother me. Am I being rebellious? Stubborn? Obtuse? Unspiritual? Foolish? I hope not. ...

-- In Part 1 I posed some questions about brokenness .  I related the fact that I have some concerns about the concept of brokenness, which has recently become extremely popular in some Christian circles.  Let me say here that it is not at all my intention to step on any toes or to be critical in any way of what others have said or written on the subject.  I started this series because I was troubled by some of the trends I've been seeing and I wanted to study it out myself before following or rejecting those trends.  My only purpose is to seek a clearer understanding of what the Bible really says and to get a better handle on what brokenness is and isn't.  I pray that we can, together, follow the example set by the Bereans who "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11 NIV One of the verses most used as the basis for ideas about brokenness is this: "The sacrifices of God are a   br...

Parakletos. Greek word meaning one called alongside another . It is translated comforter, counselor, advocate, helper, intercessor, strengthener, and standby. This is the word Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit whom He promised would be sent to be with His disciples and followers. "But the one who is coming to stand by you, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will be your teacher and will bring to your minds all that I have said to you." John 14:26 (Phi) The "alongside One." It is a much-taught, well-worn truth, but it seems the best known, most fundamental truths can be the easiest to brush past. Well, not today. Today He went on my walk with me . . . and I noticed. When I finish a blog post, I immediately begin looking toward the next one, asking God what He wants me to know--what He wants me to share with you. Usually I have a batch of ideas and thoughts scrambling over one another like unruly teenagers volunteering ...