by Kevin Tillman | Jun 28, 2023 | Thoughts
It’s a little after midnight as I type this blog post. In today’s local news, the Gulf of Mexico claimed another drown victim. Down here in the Panhandle of Florida, we’ve had somewhere near 20 drownings in the past two weeks. It does make the news, and it is reported, but the casualties continue to pile up. It’s almost a daily occurrence now. The culprit? a rip current. A rip current is: “a fast, narrow moving channels of water that will pull you out away from the shore. The speeds rip currents move can be up to eight feet per second.” What’s really dangerous about rip currents is they are almost undetectable. There are things to watch for, but for the average beach-goer or vacationer, they are virtually invisible. Once caught in the current, it’s force is too strong. While the current can move someone 8 feet per second, the average Olympic swimmer moves at about 4 feet per second. Fighting against the power of the water is a losing battle.
Before you quit reading, I’m headed somewhere with this posting. The comparisons of our current culture in the church and in society have flooded my mind tonight (not sure “flooded” is the best word choice, but you get what I mean). To be clear the rip current is deadly. It has taken around 20 lives in two weeks around here. But, day after day, people continue to defy the red flag warning system that is in place. They “wink at” the danger. They think “it couldn’t happen to me or my family”, or “I’m a strong swimmer”, or “it doesn’t look that bad”. But, the silent assassin sits just below the water level, waiting for the next victim.
Could it be that we have rip currents pervading our society and even the church? Could it be that the rip current is taking people out one at a time? All the while, we “wink at” the danger. We think it can’t happen to me. I’m here to raise the double red flag (that’s the system for those non-beach people … double red, means DON’T GET IN THE WATER). We have a rip current that is taking out the church. I know many are already thinking this is yet another blog post about the evils in the world. And yes, there are evils in the world. Drugs, sex, perversion, pornography, and on and on. We live in evil times. But, this blog post isn’t about the “big bad evils in the world”. This is more about the hidden current in the church. What do I mean?
I believe Satan has many schemes, but two in my opinion are prominent. First, it’s the oldest of them all, deception and a fear of missing out. Way back in the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, the first lie was “Did God really say?”. For Adam and Eve there was a fear of missing out. They had everything, yet, they were deceived to believe that God was holding out on them. It’s nothing new, but I believe the current is stronger today then it’s ever been. For many Christians, there is a feeling of “am I missing out”. There’s a fear of giving control to God. To do that, means potentially missing out on all the things this world offers. As a reminder, Adam and Eve HAD EVERYTHING …. EVERYTHING. They were in paradise walking with God. We have the same, we have EVERYTHING. Yet, the current tries to pull us out. The second strong current used by Satan is “divide and conquer”. In my lifetime, I’m not sure I have ever seen the church as divided as it is now. Of course we live in a society that is offended by everything, and that has now crept into the church. How did we get to the place we are in? Why is everyone so upset and hurt and offended … EVEN IN THE CHURCH? To be clear there are stands we must take. There are things we cannot allow, and we cannot compromise on. But, there is so much we can agree on. I have friends that are more reformed then John Calvin himself. I have friends that are the “hair on fire jump the pews Pentecostals”. I know quite a few mainline Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterians. I’ve even got Catholic friends that love Jesus with all their heart. But then there is this rip current of division that just keeps coming back. It’s taking Christians out one by one. Fighting, grumbling, murmuring, and gossiping. It’s killing us! I mean even as I’m typing this my blood pressure is rising. IT IS KILLING US!! I for one have had enough of both of the currents. Jesus is all we need. There isn’t a fear of missing something else. This sounds like old school preaching, but if you have Jesus, you really do have everything. And second, this bickering within the body has to stop. I promise I’m going to do my part.
Alright, back to the rip current. It is deadly. It’s claimed many people that didn’t see it coming. But, it’s survivable. The way to survived a rip current is to not fight it. The key is to swim not back against the current, because you’ll lose. The secret is to swim parallel to the shore just enough to get out of the current, then you can safely get back to shore. Here’s my take: we can’t fight against the deception and gossip. We don’t push back, we avoid. We get out of there as quickly as possible. Oh boy, this is just a free flow type session here, but I’m hearing it now …. Let me be clear: If we are fighting back the deception we are losing. If we are participating in the gossip, we are losing. Get away, don’t be a part of it. You want the life that God has for you? Don’t stay in the rip current and fight. NO! Get out. Flee!
This blog post was truly free flow of thoughts (as many are). I don’t check for spelling and grammar (which might be obvious 🙂 … The rip current is in the church. It’s unseen, but it’s deadly. If you find yourself in the currents of deception or gossip, it’s time to quit “winking at” the problem.
by Shannon Tillman | Jun 26, 2023 | Theology
My grandmother and I were sitting in a doctor’s office when I saw Jesus. I did not actually witness Jesus dressed in a white robe and wearing some cool sandals, although I did see a lady wearing rope sandals which I could not imagine how they could be comfortable. No, the “Jesus” I saw was a woman wearing non-flattering scrubs with tennis shoes. But she did remind me of Jesus.
It all began when an elderly lady was wheeled from a nursing home van into the lobby. She looked to be well over a hundred, wearing her Mumu and sporting comfortable slippers (I wish I knew the woman’s age. I would like to find out when I can wear slippers out of the house and no one thinks it is out of place.) She was brought in and set in a space that would accommodate her wheelchair. She just sat with her eyes closed, not making a sound. The worker from the nursing home went to sign her in and complete paper work. Upon finishing the tasks, the nursing home attendant went and sat by the elderly lady in the wheelchair. The worker gently put her hand on the woman’s arm. The woman in the wheelchair blinded by age, smiled and said, “I did not know anyone was with me.” She seemed so appreciative to have someone nearby and asked, “Who are you?” The worker in the scrubs and tennis shoes simply answered, “It’s me, Sam.” The elderly adult smiled and responded, “Oh, Sam.” And then she began to chat happily with the attendant she obviously knew well.
Tears came to my eyes at the tender exchange. My mind flooded to times in my life when I felt alone, physically unwell, confused, disoriented. But suddenly my heart would feel a gentle touch followed by inaudible words, “It’s me, Jesus.” As I am reminded by His presence I can smile and share my heart, my burdens with Him for I am not alone. No, I cannot actually see Him, but just like the woman in the wheelchair, to know someone who cares for you is with you, it makes the difficult circumstances easier to bear.
He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you…
Hebrews 13:5b
I have heard this verse so often that I forget the wonder of it all. The Lord God Himself is with me. He encourages, strengthens, comforts, rejoices, mourns with me. I am not alone. This verse is quoted without context so often that we may forget the purpose of why it was shared with us. Jesus wants us to know that He is always with us so
…that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?
Hebrews 13:6
A woman in a wheelchair had confidence in facing the doctor because Sam was with her. We have confidence to face any situation, whatever it may be, for the Lord who will not forsake us, will also help us. His presence and His power are constant variables in our lives.
As I sat there in the doctors’ office, facing some new circumstances in regards to my grandparent’s health, Jesus gave me a vivid picture of His encouraging presence as I navigate through this difficult time. “It’s Jesus. I am with you. I will not leave you. I will help you.” He is my confidence and He let a sweet nurse attendant remind me of this in a vivid way.
by Kevin Tillman | Jun 19, 2023 | Theology
“Many Christians have what we might call a “cultural holiness.” They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.”
Jerry Bridges
Comparison is so dangerous. I sometimes wish I could live out the Billy Madison movie. If I could go back to elementary school now I would be a rock star. Playground time would be dominated by this guy! Oh, and just try and take my milk money away. I’d be “the man”, because, well, I am a man. On the other end of the spectrum, I’m not sure I would fair so well with a group of Marines fresh out of boot camp. Actually, that’s a prideful understatement. I KNOW I wouldn’t fair too well. I would be completely owned in that scenario. I’m the same person, I’m just in two different contexts. I think this might be the struggle that we are seeing today. Our standard has dropped. We are in the game of comparison. Thoughts such as, “well, I know it’s not right, but compared to many of my other Christian friends I’m not so bad.” Or, how about, “well at least I didn’t ….”. The standard of holiness has never changed, it remains the same. Sure, we will never completely live up to that standard, but isn’t that the goal still? Yes, we live under grace and we are forgiven, but does that negate holiness? Yes, our holiness is only completed in the saving work of the cross, but don’t we have a responsibility to live holy lives? I say yes. It’s a fight everyday, I get that, but it’s a fight we need to stay in. At the very least we should make sure we are comparing ourselves to the right standard.
by Shannon Tillman | Jun 12, 2023 | Thoughts
I finally could not take it anymore. My fatigue issues just lasted too long. It has been since childhood, something hereditary, cursed genes from my maternal side. Poor thing, she alone can relate to the struggle. Usually after my mom and I discuss our frustrations with this unresolved medical issue, we both just want to take a nap! After years of dealing with being tired, I took matters into my own hands.
The decision was perfectly understandable (at least in my not so humble opinion). The doctor said there was no more she could do; she had tried everything she could. Not only that, I have friends in my sphere who live like jack rabbits on heroine which adds to my frustrations because they make me tired just talking to them, much less trying to keep their pace. My life may be taking a new direction which will involve energy, a lot of energy, too much energy. I wish I could take a nap right now since I am worn out from thinking about it. So, I did the only logical course considering my situation: I drank caffeine.
Side note here: I am allergic to caffeine. That’s right, you coffee-addicts, I can’t even stand to be within blocks of a Starbucks for the smell itself makes me nauseated. I could never do that cool thing of hanging at a coffee house listening to music for it would make me sick, literally, and my quaint flavored water just did not help me stay awake.
Out of desperation, I put the water down and tried something new. I was tired of being tired. I prayed for healing. I sought medical help. I read articles. I tried some strange herbs and other alternative methods. (Some of them were weird, weird, weird. Did I mention weird?) Nothing worked. So, I decided to try what 99.9% of other Americans do to give themselves a “pick-me up”. I turned to caffeine.
I wanted to make the caffeine leap with baby steps so I did not drink coffee. It was an all–natural tea, seemingly nothing to worry about. That is until about twenty minutes after consumption. My head began throbbing. My arms began shaking. My stomach did flip-flops. I went into all-out food poisoning and spent hours regretting that one small glass of caffeinated tea. (If the tea is so natural, then why is my body acting so unnaturally?)
As the food poisoning took its course, the bathroom became my habitat. I was miserable. I was not only in bad condition physically but emotionally as well. I just wanted to feel normal. I desired to have one day to not be overwhelmed to finish tasks, to get work done without a needed nap, to start and finish a whole project, to… You get the picture. Instead, I was hanging in my bathroom.
While bonding with the porcelain throne, God spoke to me. I am amazed He speaks but much less when I am in the bathroom. I guess He knew He had my undivided attention at that moment. I felt Him say, “Why don’t you just accept your limitations?” Tears came to my eyes, while a verse flooded my heart:
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
(2 Corinthians 12:9b)
Then, I began to speak to myself in third person. Why? I have no idea, but sometimes it helps me process. Plus, who else can you process with when you are in the bathroom? Shannon, why don’t you just accept your fatigue? Why are you trying to fix it? God has allowed that into your life. He ordained it for you. Maybe, like Paul, the weakness is for your good:
To keep me from becoming conceited…there was given me a thorn in my flesh a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
(2 Corinthians 12:7a, c)
Could it be that the weakness, the one thing I hate, the one part of me physically that has plagued me from childhood, which has seemed to limit me so much in terms of “accomplishments”, may be the one thing that has saved me? Is it possible that fatigue protected me from the worse part of myself? What if it were not given to me? What if I had been a jackrabbit on heroine myself? Would my energized to-do lists actually only have served to drive me away from God instead of to Him? Paul understood that the weakness left, the weakness not removed, actually enabled him to gain, not lose, life.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest in me. That is why, for Christi’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:9b-10)
In the bathroom, I realized my fatigue was not an issue in need of a remedy but a place to find grace. That grace mixes with my weakness and produces the power of God at work in and through me. I had tried to settle with so much less with my caffeinated tea mix (which tasted horribly, by the way). In my desire for a solution, I had missed the grace.
Weaknesses can come in multiple ways: physically, emotionally, intellectually, relationally, or circumstantially. What is that part of your life you wish you could change? How have you been attempting to “fix” it? Could it be that God is saying, “Why don’t you just accept your limitations?” He wants to extend grace, right there, to that weakness. We may never know how that weakness possibly saved us. However, we can know His power in that place. For with Him, our weakness becomes the place of grace. Caffeine cannot make that kind of promise! And neither can any of your “so-called” solutions. Accept the weakness. Accept the grace, even if it is found in the bathroom!
by Kevin Tillman | Jun 5, 2023 | Bible Study
Ever played that old kids game hot or cold? You know where you have an object in the room that you need to find. Someone else gives you the hints: “you’re warmer”, “oh you’re colder now”, “you are freezing”, “oh you are on fire, you are burning up”. So many Christians are living in the “getting warmer” stage. They are on the right path, but just not “there” yet.
Maybe you feel like that. You’ve tried so many times before. You’ve read the latest book. You’ve attended Bible Study and church faithfully. You’ve even experienced some change. But, then old ways creep back in. You start to feel like you can never change. Over time, you become frustrated and almost feel like giving up.
The apostle Paul can relate. In Romans 7:15-18 he says,
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
Paul admitted that complete victory was eluding him. He said “I have the desire, but I can’t carry it out.” I know you can relate to this. The problem isn’t, and never has been knowing WHAT to do. The problem lies in knowing HOW to do it. For those that have been around the church for any period of time, you’ve likely heard numerous messages on taking the next step. We love this, because it gives us practical steps to take. So, the mindset becomes, if I DO this, I will be on the right track.
Please don’t misunderstand me here. I believe these steps can be very helpful, especially for those new to the faith. It gives a very tangible thing to do. Here’s the problem though, these steps are most often will power focused. We are told to repent from our sins. That’s a good thing to do! We are taught to read our Bible daily. Once again, that’s good as well. Now pray daily. Cool, got it! Now also abstain from evil…. OK, that’s sounds obvious, but getting harder. Now, pray for those that persecute you. Love your neighbor. Love your enemy. Give your time. Give your money. Go to church. Disciple your kids. Spend more time with your wife. Volunteer at the soup kitchen. Stack chairs after church 🙂 … this list just keeps getting bigger and longer. Why? because we love the lists. When we start our journey with our list, we feel like the list is what will keep us going. Problem is, no one does it, at least not all of it. And even those that do, it’s only temporary. We don’t have the will power or stamina to live all of this out.
So, what’s the answer, because that sounds kind of depressing? Well, there is no “I” in TEAM, but there are two “I’s” in SPIRIT…. That actually has nothing to do with it, I just wanted to type that. Actually, it kind of does. It’s about the Spirit in us. The Spirit of God is the HOW we do it.
Listen to Paul in Romans 8:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit, Spirit … that’s what I see in that passage. I think I counted nine references to the Spirit of God. I love the last line: “Live by the flesh, you die. Live by the Spirit, you live”. Sure that’s my paraphrase, but that’s what it says. Christians often think that “living by the flesh” means “living for the flesh”, but it’s not just that. Living by the flesh doesn’t necessarily mean we are doing the big bad sins. It could mean living under your own power, or depending on yourself. If there is one thing I have definitely learned in my lifetime, it is that I am undependable. Oh sure, others wouldn’t say that. I mean, I show up when I’m supposed to. I do my job. I keep my commitments. That’s not what I’m talking about. I mean I’m undependable when I try and fix myself. My flesh, my will power just never finishes the job. I’m not alone here. No one is capable of this. God wired us this way. He made us NEED the Spirit.
So, maybe you’ve been crawling around your whole life as a Christian worm. You’ve been working hard at becoming a Christian butterfly. You know you are supposed to fly, but you just can’t ever seem to get off the ground. I leave you with this advice: Give up! Quit trying! Go back on the ground (maybe even on your knees) and ask for God’s Spirit to overtake you. Ask Him to help you fly. The problem has never been knowing WHAT to do, it’s always been knowing HOW to do it.
You’ll fail again at some point, because that’s what messy Christians do, but don’t fear, God’s Spirit will keep you flying. He’ll give you butterfly kisses and little white flowers all up in your hair (sorry couldn’t resist a little Bob Carlisle reference).
