During a family vacation a few years back we found The Magic House a fun family experience in St Louis. Each room of the house revealed a new theme with hands on activities. One of the most memorable experiences was the shadow room. We walked into an empty, darkened room where every five seconds a pulse of light would burst leaving human shadow impressions on a light sensitive wall. It only took seconds before the whole family was jumping and twisting in order to make odd shape outlines appear. We were able to create strange designs by manipulating the shadows. Although we were focused on the shadows, it was truly the light that created the outlines by a bright pulse while captured light displayed the shapes on the glowing wall. 

In thinking about shadow and light I asked Jonathan, who enjoys art, about his sketches, “What do you think about when you are filling in shadow?” He said, “I think about where the light isn’t… Well first I think of where the light is, where it touches the object and then I shade where the light isn’t.” There is a sermon in those words.

Even the sharpest shadow doesn’t begin to express the essence of what truly exists in the light. Shadows invariably distort even the shape of what is. When our minds begin to focus on a negative perspective- on doubts, on fears, on sin, on what hasn’t been accomplished- we are fumbling about in the shadows and our perspective becomes distorted. Shadows never tell the truth.

Church planting begins with a vision of what God can do when light shines into darkness. The shadows of discouragement and difficulties pull our attention towards what is missing or distorted and away from the one who is our Light. Speaking the truth in love refocuses our hearts, letting us see by the light of truth.  

 ><>  Joye

John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ESV

I recently read a quote that said, “Don’t try to stop a train with your bare hands.” I thought this was hysterical. Okay, so I do have an odd sense of humor but I love the image and the message…to know what you are up against before you throw yourself up against it.

I love my garden. It isn’t the biggest or prettiest or best producing garden, but it is my place just to be me. God and I sort out my troubles and the world’s woes while planting or pulling weeds. Unfortunately my Rottweiler neighbor also likes my little garden. It makes a soft landing place as he launches himself over the chain link fence to get reacquainted with our little Westie or deposit gifts in the back yard. I’ve tried several approaches to my dilemma, talking to the neighbor, setting up extra barriers; nothing has worked and my tomato bushes have paid a heavy price.

One morning I saw the large hairy beast parading across my yard once again. Something within me welled up and I found myself chasing after him, I wanted him out- NOW! When I caught up to him I found him bounding around in the garden, but now the barriers that were supposed to keep him out were keeping him in. I (unwisely) decided to grab for his collar in order to drag him home.  It wasn’t until I felt my hands close in around the muscular roll of his neck that I realized he wasn’t wearing a collar. Yikes! Now I had a Rottweiler by the neck and I was a little afraid to let go. He looked every bit as stunned as I was. I yelled one final, “OUT!” Then I let go and stepped back to look as large as possible, pointing authoritatively across the fence. He propelled himself over both barrier and fence and has completely avoided looking at me since.

Every church plant has its own weeds and an occasional big, hairy, slobbery Rottweiler.   Do not attempt to stop a train, or a Rottweiler for that matter, with your bare hands. First, someone (a person with proper authority) needs to assess the situation. Next, use the correct tools (a breaking system, a leash and collar, scriptural church discipline) to get a handle on the situation before action is taken. Then, if the proper people take appropriate action disaster can be averted.

Plants need a little time and attention to recover and bear fruit. The extra effort required makes them more precious to all.

><>  Joye

2 John 1: 8-9 (NIV) “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”

Trudging across a field to watch my son practice baseball, a friend came to sit with me. I was a little perturbed because I wanted to finish a gardening book. My friend is going through a rough time right now. Her husband’s job is in peril and they are facing a move. I tried to be understanding as I slid my book back into my purse.

She talked on about this and that and mentioned that she had received an email about a plant called plantain. This is not the fruit that looks like a green banana but a weed that can be used to treat insect bites, rashes and scrapes. It is its own little free green pharmacy. I looked up its picture on the web and found that it is edible, anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory and a host of other great anti-things.

Remarkably this plant grows in the tough soil of pathways. Well, I had to find this little wonder. I searched around my yard but didn’t find even one of these common weeds. Back at the ball field again I began to tread dutifully to my spot on the sidelines. Halfway across the battered field I looked down to see hundreds of plantain spread across the field. The constant crush of feet is perfect place for this people-healer to be ready to live out its purpose. I hadn’t recognized it, not the plant or its purpose. Only after searching for insight and gaining a picture did I discover the truth was literally under my feet the whole time.

I could sense God nudging me. Is God’s spirit exhibited through me in the same way? Where was God shining in me? Right there in the crush of life, when I care enough to listen and pray for a hurting friend, God loves her through me. It is amazing that even while God is still working on me, He can work through me as well.

Church planting is tough. It is difficult when things aren’t going as you expected and it is difficult when things are going great. You need to continually pull away to search out the truth that God is pressing into your heart, to get an accurate picture in focus and to find the right place to live out truth. Then live it so that God can love through you.

Colossians 1:27
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.