The BIG Questions!

Do you have any really BIG questions? 

I loved asking questions as a kid. I remember asking my parents for books about outer space, dinosaurs, biology, and so much more. Today I love my six year old son’s desire to become a scientist. (At least that his plan for the moment!) I think he would stay up all night asking questions if I would let him. There is so much about the universe that we don’t understand, and I think there is something deep within the human spirit that desperately wants to explore.

However, somewhere along the way I stopped asking so many questions. Adults are expected to have the answers, and people can become embarrassed by what they do not know. We tend to focus on the things we do understand and dismiss everything else. Why should we go searching for more? That only leads to trouble.

What if instead of judging people as ignorant, we started cherishing the opportunities we have to learn and grow. This week at Community Lutheran, we are beginning a new sermon series about the BIGGEST questions we have in our faith. What if we allowed our inner child to come out and ask all the creative, silly, or heart wrenching question we may have. That is my hope and prayer for all of us in this season.

Happy questioning!

Brian Ward

An Audacious Prayer

Ask and it will be given to you; 

Seek and you will find; 

Knock and the door will be opened to you.

-Luke 11:9

In Luke chapter 11, Jesus says our prayer should be shameless and audacious… He tells us to pray boldly to God, for God wants to hear everything that is on our hearts. However, I have always thought of being audacious as a bad thing. I don’t like making a big scene, and I don’t like asking for help if I can avoid it. However, Jesus wants us to pour our hearts out. We may not always get the answer we want, but God is listening. If we seek, the Spirit of Christ will guide us.

A week ago, I had the experience of boldly and shamelessly worshiping God at Vacation Bible School. This week long experience brings in kids from the church and the greater community to share in the good news of Jesus Christ. It is always a week filled with joy, love, acceptance, and healing. Kids are given the opportunity to know Christ, and volunteers speak to kids on their level. Bible stories are lifted up in fun and creative ways, and the music gets everybody moving. After reflecting a little bit on all the joy that was shared, I think accepting Christ’s invitation to shamelessly love God is one of the greatest gifts that we have been given. I am in awe of the hope that is found when people feel they can simply turn to Jesus with no strings attached.

Today, I wonder what is holding you back from shamelessly and audaciously turning to Christ. Are you able to let go of any concerns that may be holding you back?  Perhaps you feel that you are not good enough. Perhaps you feel like no one cares about you… least of all God. However, our scripture calls us to ask, seek, and knock. God is listening deeply for you. Although we may not get the answer that we are hoping for, God is present. God’s Love is inviting us into new life each and every day.

Blessings

Brian Ward