Identity in Christ

A quick glance through the headlines reveals a disturbing number of sexually themed stories.  Web “news” outlets are quick to report on who Justin Bieber was intimate with, how sexually charged Lady Gaga’s stage performance was, etc. Yet it’s not just confined to the celebrity world.  We see school officials arrested on child pornography charges, church leaders caught in scandal and politicians accused of adultery.

The human race has fallen very deeply into the trap and lies of the enemy.  Believing that our sexuality defines us, we buy clothing, makeup and fragrances that promise to improve our sex appeal.  We watch romantic comedies and laugh off the infidelity, or worse yet, long to have such an “exciting” life. We easily grow dissatisfied with our spouse and ache from the monotony of life.    

Trouble comes quickly when we don’t recognize who we are in Christ.  When our job, financial status or sexuality become our labels, we overwrite the truth about who/what God says we are.  While your business card may read Vice President, CEO or Accountant, none of those titles explain who you are.  On the eternal time line, no one will care if you made $100,000 annually.  You certainly wouldn’t introduce yourself to a stranger saying “Hi, I’ve had 3 sexual partners this week.”

Unfortunately, not only do we forget who we are, we also forget Who we should be counting on to meet our needs.  When we look to find fulfillment from our jobs, spouses, children or friends, we burden others with needs that God Himself wants to meet.  The pressure of trying to meet the spiritual needs of your loved one places an incredible stress on the relationship.  No wonder our society is such a mess.

Spend time in God’s Word and begin to explore who He says you are.  Examine the promises that He’s made to meet your needs.  Let these truths begin to reshape your thinking.  If you allowed God to compose and print your business cards, what would they say?  A thought or two for you to ponder.

 

Birga Alden

Daughter of the Most High King

“Redeemed, Forgiven, Made Holy and Cherished”

 

 

When going to work costs you

I've always wanted to be in the movies.  It's a "secret" ambition of mine.  The fantastical, magical process of having the "raw" turned into a story of grand proportion has always fascinated me. 

When it came time to declare a major in college, for a brief moment, I considered Acting.  Being the very logical person that I am, I quickly dissuaded myself, speculating how many acting majors now work at Burger King.  Broadcast, I figured, would be the next best (sensible) choice.  I then set out to become a news anchor. 

Now, 14+ years after having graduated from college, I'm proud to say that I do work in the Broadcast industry.  However, In His infinite wisdom, God didn't allow me to make it to the TV anchor's desk.  Looking back, I can clearly see that had I been given my way, I would have fallen deeply into the trap of chasing fame and fortune.

My professional journey started humbly, and has stayed humble.  I was hired on as Morning Show co-host for AM730 KDAZ, a Christian Talk Station early in 2007.  The audience is not large, the signal is not particularly strong, and the job brings me no popularity.  Now, nearly 7 years later, I'm still at AM730 and consider it my second home.  I love my work "family" and count it an honor to serve among them.

Though I never made it to the "big time", God has taught me so much in these years.  It's not easy working for a Christian station/ministry.  Pay is scarce, and it requires a lot of personal sacrifice.  This isn't wining, just the truth of the matter. 

It would be a lie to say that I've always been satisfied with my position.  I've struggled, prayed, complained and looked at the grass on the other side. It is through these times of struggle that the Lord has confirmed in my heart that I'm right where I need to be. 

These last three weeks I've been involved in a number of work project.  Developing a theme and corresponding documents for our annual banquet have taken much of my time.  "At All Cost" will be the focus of our 30th Anniversary celebration in January.  Based on Matthew 13:45-46, the message is coming out loud and clear: we are entering a time where it may cost us greatly to stand on God's Word and remain faithful to His call.  Are we willing "at all cost" to lay down our comfort to live out what we believe?  I have no doubt that we will all be tested on this in the days to come. 

These sounds like dark and sinister words, but God is always good and always faithful! While the cost to follow Him may be high, His reward(s) are always worth it.  Remember, though the merchant sold all that he had, he did so because he saw the value of that pearl.  It was a calculated move, and one that paid him great dividends. 

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." 

A Sound Mind

Photo credit:Jennie Sanford

 

 

 

Working in radio, I'm constantly being exposed to news stories--most of them negative.  Just today, we've had to talk about/deal with the implementation of Obamacare, earthquakes, terror attacks, religious persecution and the decline of public education.  It's enough to make you crazy.  If you think too far ahead, it's easy to get fearful. 

 

I've often commented that I've had to use scripture as a type of "mantra" to refresh my negative thinking with the truth of God's Word.  I'm not talking about mysticism or eastern religious philosophies, but rather (as Wikipedia puts it) a word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation."

 

I need a mind transformed.  I need thinking that is not of this world.  I need the hope that comes with putting my trust in the King of Kings. 

 

For those that don't share my belief in Christ, this whole blog string probably appears to be silly, superstitious nonsense.  I'm sure there are a growing number of people who now discredit me as being one of those"crazy religious people."  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  I would argue that my faith is logically, factually and historically grounded. 

 

Scripture repeatedly talks about the benefits of being aligned with the wise, fleeing foolishness, avoiding extremes and being of a sound mind.  Admittedly, these directions are easier to quote to others than to live out personally. 

 

The encouragement found in 2 Timothy 1 served as a great refreshment to me today.  You can hear the heart of Paul, pouring out direction and blessing on Timothy, who seems to have needed a kind word. 

Today, you may be like Timothy, needing someone to speak truth into your life, helping you remember the promises of God.  If so, take a moment to read through this first chapter, and replace his name with your own. 

 

If however, you find yourself in a place of strength and stability, be a Paul to someone you come across. Encourage them and equip them to carry on.  This life can make you weary, and we all need a spiritual boost from time to time. 

 

Let us work together as the Body, linking arm in arm, striving to cross that finish line.  Take the time you need to be alone with the Father, seeking a sound mind, grounded in Him. Then, team up with the believers who He has placed in your path.  Be blessed this day to carry on the work that He has called you to do!



Bummer Birthday Party

Over the weekend, my soon to be 12 year-old had a sleepover birthday party.  The expectation of what the night would be like had been built up in her mind for weeks.  When the actual party got underway, it became apparent that it wasn't what she had imagined.  A few of the girls kept to themselves, buried in ipods/ipads and didn't really get into the party "spirit". 


Photo credit: Relevant Magazine.  www.relevantmagazine.com

The next morning afforded me the opportunity to have a conversation with her in regard to what true friendship looks like. Godly friendships are become more rare in our culture, and I really wanted her to have a deep understanding of what it means to be a friend, and what to look for in a friend. 

The disappointment she felt is something that I could easily relate with.  I too have a tendency to create a fantasy in my mind about what an event/relationship/situation will be like, only to find that reality is much less glamorous and far more "human".  The entertainment industry does us a huge disservice when it depicts relationships through the lens of Romanic Comedies, and friendships in the vein of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". 

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. all provide an illusion of friendship and community.  They can be fun and helpful tools, but we have to guard our hearts against the temptation of replacing an often messy relationship based life, with an on-line mirage.

Here are a few verses on friendship worth considering:

"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."  Proverbs 16:28

"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared."  Proverbs 22:24, 25

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4: 9,10

So, whether you or your child are struggling with friendship, I encourage you to seek out examples of what healthy relationships look like (through God's eyes).  Avoid the temptation to escape into the online world of friends and fantasy.  While it may provide a great distraction or (on the positive side) the ability to connect with those outside of your community, it will be hard for any of these relationships to pick you up when you've fallen down.  Seek out and pour yourself into those messy, face to face relationships.  They won't always have a Hollywood hue to them, but they will have profoundly (eternally?)  more value than relationships that can be created or dissolved by the click of a keyboard mouse. 

Job Description

So, I've completed one full week of the new work schedule.  For the most part, it's gone smoothly.  Part of my new duties have included learning how to more effectively utilize Facebook and other social media outlets for the benefit of Son Broadcasting Network.

With the goal of encouraging participation in the Morning Show, I published an opinion piece that dealt with the topic of abortion protesting.  I put it on Facebook, and was hoping for some respectful dialogue either by comment or calls into the radio station.

There were a few comments made, directed at me personally, that really hurt.  Truthfully, I shed some tears over them.  I am tender hearted and it's a struggle for me when people don't understand or attack my position.

Now that the "storm" has passed, I'm able to step back and take a more objective look at what transpired.  While I can't do much about my emotion responses to hurt, I can prepare myself for future conversations that will undoubtedly take place with those who don't agree with my position.

As this world continues to drift away from Biblical values, it is only logical to assume that an ever increasing number of peers/listeners will take up positions that are in direct opposition to my value system.  Will I be able to clearly and respectfully defend my position?  Can I shine the light of Truth into a dark world?

A requirement of my job at the radio station is to stay up with news, and communicate the information effectively to those listening.  I can think of no better mentor from whom to learn this skill than Jesus.  He spoke to his audience the truth of God's Word, using stories that the people would understand. 

I'm no Jesus. I stumble over my words. I make bad analogies.  I sometimes get self focused and speak from the flesh.  But I always want to learn, and put into practice a better way!  Communication may be my degree field and my profession, but shouldn't it be in the "job description" of all believers in Christ?

We are called to be witnesses to the world of the Love and Salvation that comes through Him.  I encourage you to read the full story that unfolds in Acts 4.  I'll close with a few verses that served to be a great encouragement to me today:

Acts 4:26-29
"The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.  Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.  They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. . . "

Our new normal

Many months ago when we were talking through schedules and the school days to come, it became apparent that I needed to be home in the morning hours.  After much prayer, job searching, and fretting (I'm not proud of that part), we have an answer to our family's needs--a different work schedule.
I'm so thankful to my boss(es) who made it possible for me to stay at Son Broadcasting.  While I used to be in the office by 5:45am, I now have the opportunity to get my girls ready for school, and join my co-host Dan for the second hour of the Morning Show, arriving at work just before 8am. 
I can already tell that this is going to require a great deal of adjustment for many.  It's honestly strange to be at home and see the family before I leave for work.  I have to work out a new personal morning schedule that will allow me a quite time to read/pray/think.  I want to be able to exercise, and get ready for the day somewhere in there as well.
The tween drama is rampant at my house, and the early morning hours seem to be a breeding ground for stressful interaction.
Coming into work "late" is also a strange sensation.  This morning, I had to fight the feeling that I just didn't belong anymore. 
God is good, and He will help us all fall into a new rhythm.  There will be different tasks for me to accomplish both at home and at work.
But until the new schedule starts to feel second nature, I will take it a day at a time.  Thanks to all of you who have been praying with/for me as we've strived to seek the Lord's will.

Praying while the world goes mad

We have been "home churching" for about 8 years.  It started as an invitation to join a Sunday morning gathering of a few families who wanted to study, pray and worship in a home rather than a church building.  The group was comprised of a former pastor, stay at home moms, science professionals, laborers, etc.  I loved the people, but couldn't get over the distraction of having my kids within sight/earshot during "church".

Where we have met, how we've dealt with childcare, time of day, even day of the week has changed in the 8 years as our home church has fluctuated.  Needless to say, we found something that worked and continue to gather this way these many years later.

Last night as we met, I marveled at all that had transpired over the years with our group.  There have been births, graduations and a marriage.  There have been personal triumphs and agonies.  New jobs, new homes, new members and new challenges have all been realities these past few years.

One thing that has remained consistent is the madness of the world around us.  We have often discussed the times in which we live, and prayed for those affected by loss and pain.  We have at times donated money or efforts to help a situation.

There have been those in our group who have gone out onto the mission field, ministering to the homeless, desperate and broken.  We've cooked meals, visited the sick and worked on behalf of those who needed our help.

Actions are important, no doubt about it.  However it has been our experience that the power of prayer is real and often has much more impact that a kind gesture ever can.

God has been so faithful to answer prayer.  It hasn't always been immediate, nor has the answer come in the way/form in which we asked. The answers have come though, and they have changes lives.  Sickness and pains have been healed.  Homes have been bought and sold, babies have been conceived, the pain after loss has been comforted and broken relationships have been restored. 

Skeptics may say that time would have taken care of all these things "naturally".  Perhaps, but ask for the specific example from the people whose lives were directly impacted, and they will show you how the fingerprints of God were all over the situation from start to finish.

This morning, as I wake to news of 100 dead in a Chinese earthquake, the capture of the Boston Marathon bomber and the rape of a 5 year old girl, I can make a choice.  I can become overwhelmed with the evil and madness of our time, or I can pray. 

I imagine many will scoff at what they deem to be a foolish waste of time.  I would argue that it is both Biblical and wise to take time praying.  I have seen too many times the evidence of answered prayer to do anything less. 

Our simple prayers to a limitless God are making an impact.  Ask Him for yourself and allow Him the perfect time/way in which to answer.  Expect to be surprised with the end result.