On this road

Hi! I'm Jakob. Join me as I figure out life and faith, and if you disagree - let's have a conversation! We don't even have to agree. I'm not here to change your mind, I'm here to make you think, and to make me think as well.

[unkaglen]

“If feeling really bad over our sins was a cure, we would be practically sinless by now.”

— Glen Fitzjerrell ( @unkaglen )

[stampeede]

I don't deserve salvation. You don't deserve salvation. None of us deserve salvation.

Luckily for us - we don't have to.

Salvation isn't a merit badge or a paycheck that we earn. And we don't have to pay for it after it's given either. You don't put conditions on a gift.

Now, you are free to reject it, but it'll always be available the second you want it.

Because his love doesn't care what you do or don't do. It's not dependent on you, but on who he is. And he is love.

[stampeede]

@thebridgechicago

[stampeede]

Dig where you stand

If you’re searching for a vision for your life, and a clear understanding of what to do with you life, just start small where you are.

Just look around you, and search for opportunities fo improve Your world. And, please, don’t underestimate the power of the small things! Whether it’s holding a door for someone, cutting someones lawn, donating clothes to a homeless ministry or stacking chairs. The key is serving. These things may then also lead to other opportunities, but the prime benefit from them is a shift of focus in you.

Once you get going, you will learn to see the needs and get a habit to try to meet them. And pretty soon you’ll be fulfilling God’s wishes in Matthew 25, and there’s happiness to be collected from that.

And it doesn’t matter if you can’t do this for a living. It still matters for the People you meet, and lives can be different because of you.

So do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

[stampeede]

Unconditional

"Not conditional or limited; absolute; unqualified."(According to Webster's dictionary)

That's the love God has for you.

This means:

- You don't have to try to deserve it.

- You don't have to worry about losing it.

- You can't earn it.

- You can't ruin it.

- You can't change it.

- You CAN relax.

[stampeede]

Be yourself

Just a quick reminder that you are completely loved, just as you are. God has never expected you to be (or act) perfect. That's not why he loves you.

He absolutely knows that the Christian life is impossible, that's the whole reason Jesus took our human imperfection and let it die with him. God now looks at you through Jesus, and sees you only as his child, who's always welcome home. No matter where you've been or what you've done. And what you do in the future won't change that either.

Peel away what you do, how you look, what you may be ashamed of, what others say about you, and what you think you have to be. Take shame and blast it to pieces, because it doesn't help you in anyway.

Shame isn't humility, it's humiliation, and it moves you away from the love that can heal you. Humility is realizing that you can't do it on your own, and going to God for help, and you can do that with your head up, because he'll never use it against you. - Now, people might, but they're probably just masking their own insecurities by pointing at others, so just walk away from those conversations.

Just go all the way inside your soul to the child you once were, and curl up in his arms and ask him to show you how much he loves you.

I believe he will.

[stampeede]

What's my purpose?

We often wonder what we're meant to do with our lives. At least I do, and at times it's really haunted me.

Now, in this post I'm only talking about finding out what plans God has for my life in terms of serving. E

What does he want me to do? The deeper issue of the meaning of life is its own post.

Over the years I've changed my view on these things. As a young man, I assumed I should work in something big and preferably churchy, and once I found it, I would be blissed out for life. I don't think that anymore.

My experience of life and the ways God has led me so far has taught me that it's not a task I find, and then repeat until I retire or die. It's more like an evolution along with my personality, my skills and the situation I'm in.

Following the trails of life, we create meaning together with God as we go. And everything you know can be used to serve. And don't for a second think you have nothing to offer.

We tend to value our tasks based on how many people see it, or how good it presents itself on Instagram, or if you seem super holy. The reasoning being; the more people you impact, the better you are at christianing...

I say, doing what God wants you to do is the key to happiness. He doesn't give a toss about who sees it, he just wants you to focus on him, and he can impact the world through you in more ways than you can imagine. And don't underestimate the small things.

The question to ask is: What do you want me to do today? Then start walking and look for opportunities to serve. We are his hands and feet, and ministry can be done with just a smile, a text, a cup of coffee or a ride to the store. That can then earn you the trust to be asked (key word: asked) about bigger themes, and then you get two cups of coffee and maybe a few donuts.

Maybe you're reminded of a friend going through a hard time and you give them a call, or a cheeseburger. Maybe you have kids who need to spend time with you. Maybe you help with stacking chairs.

These things can often bring joy in themselves, but once you're moving, God can also steer you towards new things. (I actually got a new job after helping out in church with a service. I got to talking with a guy in the group responsible for the service as we planned the practical details, and it turned out he had an opening. I've worked there for nine years now.)

So ask God to show you the next step, and he'll open the doors for you as you go. Don't wait for him to line them up for you to run through all at once. He has a plan, and you are perfect for it, because it's designed for you, so don't try to rush it, just trust him.

Think of it this way:

Your personality and abilities are like a key that fits the lock you are meant to open. Only you fit the right door, and don't worry about how it looks or if it seems small. Working together with God will give you more purpose than any amount of likes you can generate, and you never know where it might take you.

So stay active in some way. Ask God to lead you, and do what you can with what you have where you are. Dig where you stand.

That's always enough.

[stampeede]

Don't worry! You're loved anyway.

Instead of curling up under the covers in remorse - Remind yourself of the freedom, love (unconditional) and grace that Jesus offers, that's what leads to peace.

Go to him right away and be honest. Maybe a prayer like this one:

"So this happened, Jesus. I'm sorry. Show me how much you love me, because I'm not too fond of myself right now. Let me feel your forgiveness and let's move on.

But first: Why did it happen? Where there triggers that you can help me identify next time and break the chain reaction?

Now let's get some coffee and watch a good movie!"

And now what? What steps can i take? Help me focus outside myself and stop beating myself up - because I know that your love doesn't change because of me. You know I'll mess up, and that's exactly why your love is unconditional. Thank you that I don't have to deserve your love, it's your gift to me.

Now let's get some coffee and watch a good movie!"

Or something like that.

[stampeede]

Prayer isn't about having the best words

I often wish I was closer to God, and I want to be more aware of his presence in my life.

Something I often end up with is the realization that I haven't really tried to stay in touch with him. I throw up a prayer when I want or need something, and then I don't call for a while. We all know that's not the way to maintain a friendship...

Two thing I'm learning to be better at:

- Talk to God about everything and anything. Just hang out! From discussing a situation at work I'm thinking about, or my thoughts about a decision I need to make, to crying out in despair or even rage when things go off the rails. Oftentimes, that's when a thought pops up in my head, that helps me get perspective or even get an idea of steps I can take to move forward, or sometimes a different feeling surprises me, and I feel comforted.

- The second lesson is to be specific when I pray about things. It's not easy to see if something happened if my prayer was very general. For example, there's quite a difference between asking to "feel better", and asking for help with a specific problem.

Now, it's important to mention that it's important to give God room to do his thing even when I'm specific. I'll give you an example:

I once prayed about a job I needed to get, and not only did I not get it, things even got worse and I ended up getting worse health issues. I was furious with God, but in the end, I was on sick leave so long that it unlocked resources in our healthcare that allowed me to get another job through the "back door". I worked hard there and got to stay, and have now worked there for eight years, but the job I wanted initially disappeared when that market tanked a couple of years later.

So be open for plans that may not look the same as yours, and believe he hasn't forgotten you, and by the way: It's not up to your faith to produce results, it's about leaning on him and learning to trust he's got your back. That's what faith is.

Jesus asked people; "What can I do for you?", and he's asking you today. Just talk to him, and if you ask - be specific.

[stampeede]

Take a moment and think about what the word unconditional means.

It means nothing can be done to change it, because it doesn't depend on anything in your end. You can't increase it, earn it or ruin it.

- And that's the way Jesus loves you! Just take a deep breath, let your shoulders down, and think about that for a moment.

[stampeede]

It's not about how much sin you can manage to avoid - It's about whether or not you know Jesus and want a relationship with him.

We all have sin, and that won't go away while we're here on earth. (Paul called himself the greatest of sinners, and that was when he was old and wise...) Jesus knows that and that's why he came.

Oh, and by the way: Pointing out the sin in others won't make yours less.

If you want a relationship with Christ - You got it! That's all it takes. Just ask the guy on the cross next to Jesus...

So the answer isn't to run from sin - The answer is running to Jesus.

[thebridgechicago]

“Your weapon is love. Wield it with an unrelenting boldness. Is their ugliness stronger than your love? By no means! This is God’s love you wield, and it never fails.”

— Glen Fitzjerrell ( @unkaglen )

[stampeede]

Strongly and wholeheartedly recommend these guys. Check out their podcast "Say that", one hour with the perfect mix of goofing around and giving straight and sound answers to serious questions.

[stampeede]

Never disqualified

Whatever crap you've done, and still do, that you think will ruin your salvation - It can't, and it won't. It might have consequences, but it doesn't change how Jesus sees you, or whether or not he loves you.

If you beat people with a wet squirrel, you might get arrested, but you're still loved.

None of us measure up to deserve to walk with Jesus because of how we live our life. Your actions can be positive, negative, or just boringly neutral, but when it comes down to his love for you - they don't matter.

If you want a relationship with Christ - You got it! That's all that's needed. Done deal! Really.

The moment you ask him, he's right there, and wants to share life with you.

If someone tells you that you need to clean up your act first, or that if you really love him, you wouldn't sin. Ask them how close they are to deserving Christ's love... And then read about how Jesus treated the people he met. A good example is the thief on the cross next to Jesus. His only action that mattered when it came to his salvation, was that he asked for it. That's it.

None of us are sin-free, and none of us will ever be, as long as we are human. Don't you think Jesus kind of knows that?

Sure! Do try to live a decent life, that's great - but never, ever, EVER, link the success of that walk with whether or not you are saved, or whether or not you are loved.

You are loved unconditionally no matter what you do, and if you want to have a relationship with Christ - You are saved!

That's what Jesus meant when he died and said: "It is finished."

Tickets from then on are free for all, all you have to do is ask, and then start getting to know Jesus. Ask him to walk with you.

[stampeede]

Really?

What’s with all the legalistic Christians on tumblr, so eager to make sure we all know we are sinners? Do they really think people will be saved by being told they are heading for hell!?

(”Just wanted to make sure that you know you’re on fire”...)

To me, the best witness starts with “What’s your life like?”, and is then followed by silence, as we listen to the reply while you pray for the right words to show Gods love to this person. Offer sympathy (with no agenda) for the parts that are tough and hurtful, and please avoid the temptation to try to fix it with christianese quotes.

Walk beside someone and show them they’re not alone, and that things suck in your life too. And when they trust you enough to open up, they’ll ask about your hope.

Here’s the kicker: That question will then be fueled by a genuine interest based on what you’ve already shown them of Gods love, and your response will be backed up by your actions beforehand.

And that’s what Jesus would do.

In fact, that’s what he DID do. Just read for yourself and see how many people he told off before he helped them.

[stampeede]

Sin is not plural

Do you see sin as a list of things to avoid? How’s that going for you? Are your success rate as crappy as mine?

I’ve got some good news and some bad news for you: The bad news is that you won’t ever be succeed. The good news is that God doesn’t expect you to.

The conflict here is our human, sinful, nature and Gods perfect, sinless, being. This human nature is the one that caused rebellion in the first place, because sin is not having a relationship with him, and behaving however nicely won’t ever be enough. You’ll still be human...

Now, there’s a lot of accusing going on, and I would say way to often by Christians who sin differently than you. Ah, yes, the classic legal defense used in courtrooms nowhere: ”At least I’m not as bad as this guy”.

Actually, the devil is described in the bible as the accuser. (Book of Job.) He accuses - but luckily, he’s not the judge.

When it’s time to give account of your life, he’ll do just that. He’s going to present a list of everything crappy in your life, and I know my list will be a long one.

But the only thing that matters is what the judge will say, and here’s where we deviate from the courtroom analogy. You see, he doesn’t care about the list. He already knows you’re human. The accuser will be citing the top 500 of your juiciest offenses, but God only has one question: - Do I know this person?

Some people claim that backsliding can jeopardize your salvation. That’s BS.

God wants to have a relationship with you, and if you want to have one with him, you’re completely welcome, and now you’re saved. Period.

His love is unconditional (no conditions, people!), doesn’t change, and nothing in this or any universe can separate you from it. Period, again. (All in the bible, baby!)

Now, here’s the important part: You won’t stop being human, and the accuser (and others) won’t stop accusing. But instead of you reaching for heaven with the currency of good behavior, God reaches down to you with the currency of forgiveness. (When Jesus died on the cross, he said “It’s done”. That was a legal term meaning that a sentence is fully served, and it included yours.)

Of course, it’s a good thing to be nice and become more like Jesus, but that's never a requirement. However, when you can let your shoulders down and relax in his love, you can be shaped by this love, and maybe that can create some positive things in your life.

So, if you want to accept his love, tell him, and you are saved. - And don’t let the accusers tell you otherwise. It’s all who you know...

[stampeede]

Don't win discussions - Win hearts

There's a lot of focus on the best ways to discuss the Christian faith in a way that's convincing to people. Still it doesn't seem to be the most effective way to bring people to Christ.

Sure, it's good to have discussions about the bible and the faith, but it's sometimes treated like a videogame, where you have to apply a winning strategy to succeed... And because of this, many times the Christian comes off as kind of a jerk.

But what happens if you win? I've seen many discussions where winning basically means you have convinced the person that they're not good enough in themselves.

Now, let's pause a little, and I want you to thing about a person that meant a lot to you growing up. Maybe a teacher, maybe another role model. Then think about why you look up to them?

Was it because that person was effective at conveying to you that what you were wrong? Or did they logically explain how you were supposed to act to be okay?

- Or, was it because that person cared about you, and showed you respect?

I would submit to you that no matter what degree of theology you have, (which in itself is a great thing to have), you already know the best way to lead people to Christ.

It starts with the phrase: "Hi, how are you?", and continues with silence, while you actually listen to the reply.

Ask a person what it's like in their world, and hear them out, while showing respect and compassion, and before you know it, they may very well bring up the subject of faith themselves, if they feel they can trust you.

The big difference, and they key to unlock these conversations, is that now it's them asking you - not you telling them...

[stampeede]

Get grace!

It turned out that I lived many years as a Christian thinking that grace meant that God endured my mess-ups: "Oh, well, all right then..."

That's not what true grace is. Sure, it's forgiveness, and that's handy for anyone with human tendencies, but it doesn't paint a true picture of what God is like. He just sounds like a overly tolerant dude.

What grace really is, is someone who's actively loving. Whenever you turn to him, the response is:

"I love you!"

"But I really blew it, I went.." - "I love you!"

"...and it's the fifteenth t..." - "I love you! Let's leave that behind us now, and just hang out."

"...but my preacher said..." - "Just stick to me and it'll get easier to breathe, and you can lay down your head for a while. Did I mention I love you?"

So let's trade the patient headmaster for the loving father who just wants his kids to come home. The door's always open, and leave your baggage on the porch...