Archives For jolson

The Lord’s “Short” Prayer

Jeff Olson —  May 20, 2013 — 1 Comment

Early on in His earthly ministry, Jesus delivered one of His most well-known and compelling “sermons.” In the middle of this great discourse, He took up the topic of prayer.

Jesus taught the large crowd who had gathered below him on a Galilean mountainside not to try to impress others with their eloquent prayers (Matthew 6:5). He also said they shouldn’t try to employ lots of words to manipulate their Heavenly Father into hearing their prayers. After all, their Heavenly Father knows what they need before they ask (Matthew 6:7-8).

He then gave the people a practical example of what He was describing—which many have dubbed “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13).

First, He demonstrated a worshipful and reverent prayer by simply starting with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9). And then in just a few short words that would nearly fit into a single “tweet,” Jesus showed how to meaningfully pray for God’s kingdom to reign on earth as in heaven, daily needs, forgiveness, and deliverance from the evil one’s influence (Matthew 6:10-13).

Urgent times may call for longer prayers, like the time my friend’s grandmother boldly entered the throne of the Almighty on behalf of her grandson whose life hung by a thread. My point here is that we should not confuse quantity with quality. Long does not equal better.

On the eve of His crucifixion, the gospel accounts record Jesus praying long and hard in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 36:42). But it’s interesting to note that even there the record shows His words were few:

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done” (Matthew 26:42).

Even as Jesus hung suffering on a cross, the prayers He uttered out loud were brief.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

“Eli, Eli,lema sabachthani?” [which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”] (Matthew 27:46).

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46)

Here’s the point to consider: Our prayers don’t have to be long and drawn out to be authentic, heartfelt, and effective.

In Prayer & Worship
 permalink

Everyday Compassion

Jeff Olson —  April 29, 2013 — Leave a comment

boston-marathon-explosionNo one in the crowd near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon could have predicted the horrible bombings that took place last week.

At first, the explosions sent people scattering and ducking for cover. But almost as quickly as it happened, people started rushing back to the sight of the explosions to help the injured.

It was an amazing thing to witness—strangers, mostly, selflessly rushing in to do whatever they could for their fellowman in dire need.

We’ve seen this before at the sight of other tragedies, natural and man-made. In the past week, my hometown experienced historic flooding. And once again, strangers from the surrounding areas showed up to unselfishly help strangers.

In the face of great tragedy, the courageous urge to jump in and help rises up—as it should. But what about everyday life? Does the urge to help others rise up in us there?

It may not be as dramatic, but we can be just as compassionate in our everyday relationships as we seek (with the Spirit’s help) to imitate the other-minded attitude of Christ that the apostle Paul admonished his readers to adopt: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

May the courageous compassion that shines through in tragedy inspire us to be looking out for the interest of others every day.

In Relationships , , , ,
 permalink

The Bible

Jeff Olson —  March 26, 2013 — Leave a comment

Earlier this month the Discovery Channel began airing the mini-series simply titled The Bible. Even though reviews have been lukewarm, the series has become a big hit with viewers.

To the surprise of some, it’s been the most watched Sunday night show on television. It’s estimated that over 68 million viewers have tuned in since it premiered on March 3, 2013.

Why the high ratings? I don’t think it’s because of the series’ pinpoint biblical accuracy. It is an “adaptation of bible stories” that “endeavors to stay true to the spirit of the book.”

As far as we know, Sarah did not race up Mt. Moriah pleading for Isaac’s life. I seriously doubt there was a Ninja style fight in the city of Sodom. And for the life of me, I don’t understand why Hollywood can’t get the story of the wise men right. There weren’t three of them nor did they visit Jesus the night of his birth. (Read Matthew 2:1-12 for the true version of events.)

It could be argued that the stunning graphics and special effects may have something to do with how many people are watching. The opening scene of Noah’s ark is quite compelling. And the depiction of the Red Sea crossing would make Cecil B. DeMille (of The Ten Commandments) proud.

But when it comes right down to it, the main reason the series has attracted so many viewers is simply the topic itself. Perhaps it goes to show that both in the culture at large and within the church, there is a strong hunger to know the larger the story of the Bible.

When told—from cover to cover—and understood properly, the larger story the Bible tells is one that deeply resonates within us. It helps us better understand who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we are going. It’s an epic story that ultimately shapes and gives meaning to our lives.

As the producer of the series Mark Burnett said, “There’s a reason the Bible is the most widely read book in the world.”

So whether you tune in and watch The Bible or not, feed your hunger. Make it your goal to get a better grasp of the grand narrative of the Bible—from beginning to end.

It tells the best story ever!

In Bible & Bible Study, Faith In Crisis, God, Jesus Christ , , , ,
 permalink

Surrender: The Place to Start with Our Addictions

Jeff Olson —  February 27, 2013 — 5 Comments

Several years ago, I remember how I first reacted after learning the controversial news that there was a possible link between the overexposure to aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease.

As it turns out, further studies have not been able to confirm this link.

At the time, however, the news grabbed my attention. My doc had told me that I was already at risk for this disease (because I suffered a severe concussion as a young child). So once I understood the potential risks, it was relatively easy to cut out aluminum.

I didn’t care how well it kept my body odor from stinking up the joint, there would be no more deodorant containing aluminum for me.

Oh, that it would be that easy when it comes to stopping an addiction! But anyone who has ever battled an addiction knows that it’s never that easy.

One of the maddening things I’ve noticed about addictions is that we can’t seem to resist them, even when we know that they threaten to ruin us (and others). And it’s one reason why we absolutely need Divine help.

Over the years, I’ve noticed something else. Most of us start seeking God’s help for an addiction by asking Him to take away the urges. But what if that’s not the best place to start?

When the urges come, what if it’s best to start with the simple, yet profound, recognition that we can’t resist them without Him (John 15:5)?

Humbly surrendering to God and admitting our own powerlessness as a starting point keeps up from going down the well-worn path of trying to resist our addictions in our own strength. Ironically, the more we struggle to break free on our own, the more entangled we become. But as we stop trying so hard and accept that, in and of ourselves, we lack the power to resist—well, that is when we start to tap into God’s power to resist.

Perhaps this is what Paul was getting at in his own life when he wrote: “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (Romans 7:19).

When we come to this point of appropriate helplessness, that’s when we see how much we really need Jesus’ help (Romans 7:25). Or, as Paul would put it in another place, it is when we acknowledge our weaknesses that Jesus is strongest in our lives (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

There is much more involved in walking away from an addiction, but we won’t get very far until we first surrender.

In addiction, Alcohol & Drugs, gambling, Pornography, Sexual Promiscuity , , , , , ,
 permalink

October Baby

Jeff Olson —  January 31, 2013 — Leave a comment

Over the weekend I watched the film October Baby. It tells the story of a college-aged girl named Hannah whose world is turned upside down after she discovers she is the adopted survivor of a failed abortion.

This story about a girl whose life almost wasn’t is a powerful film on forgiveness. Hannah had to wrestle through strong bitter feelings and forgive several people before she could move on with her life.

The film’s grace-filled, non-condemning treatment of Hannah’s biological mother, who had attempted to abort her, was also a surprising breath of fresh air. Women who suffer the heartache of having had an abortion may find watching this film to be a very healing experience.

Something Hannah’s adoptive dad shared with her near the end of the movie also stuck with me. Hannah’s discovery and search for her birth mother caused a lot of tension between the two of them, which he often didn’t handle well. As they stood next to each other at the graveside of the twin brother Hannah never knew she had, her dad confessed,

“It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s that I’m trying honestly to learn to trust God again.”

Leaving things we care about in God’s capable and loving hands is a most important lesson for us all to learn.

In Anger, Doubts, Emotions, Faith In Crisis, Grief & Loss, Guilt, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Relationships, Shame & Contempt, Suffering , , , ,
 permalink

Holiday Blues

Jeff Olson —  December 20, 2012 — Leave a comment

The holiday season is normally my favorite time of the year, but not so much this season. While much of the world celebrates the “most wonderful time of the year,” I’m often feeling blue, hurting inside over losing both of my parents this past year.

What I’m finding as I go through this first holiday season without Mom and Dad is that the things I’ve loved my entire life (Christmas music, decorations, family gatherings) are often painful triggers that remind me that my parents are gone.

Thanksgiving was rough. I cried as we drove over to a family member’s house for dinner and felt down throughout the day.

Christmas won’t be any easier. There will be no phone calls wishing each other Merry Christmas. No gifts to exchange. No “I love you’s.”

And when I’ve caught myself feeling festive and enjoying the season, I sometimes feel guilty. It feels “wrong” to be happy and to celebrate when they are not here.

Guilt tells me I should just be sad.

The truth is I am sad—for good reason. But I’m also happy. Though there are times I may need to feel one more than the other, God has been teaching me that it’s okay to feel both. Both can coexist in me.

There are no exact rules to follow as we grieve the loss of those we love, let alone go through the first holiday season without them. We each have to figure out our own way. For me, giving myself permission to experience both sadness and joy has been a part of finding my way through this season of grief.

In Emotions , , , , ,
 permalink

Palm Trees

Jeff Olson —  October 12, 2012 — 4 Comments

One of the things the State of Florida is known for are its palm trees. You know you’re in the Sunshine State when you start to spot its unmistakable canopy of evergreen leaves sprouting out of the top of its long, branchless trunk

As I was returning home from a recent trip to Florida, it dawned on me that I didn’t remember noticing palm trees. Normally, these tropical icons are one of my favorite things to see in Florida. But on this recent trip, I didn’t “see” them.

The palm trees were there. I just wasn’t.

On this most recent trip, I had traveled down to my parent’s house in Florida to help sort through their belongings and settle their estate. (Earlier this year, both of them unexpectedly passed away).

This trip was another one of those emotionally taxing, but necessary tasks that adult orphans find themselves having to do.

This trip also reminded me of the fact that when you’re grieving the loss of someone close, you are not yourself. Things that used to be important don’t seem to matter as much. For a period of time, (sometimes a very long period of time), you often lose the desire and freedom to appreciate the things of life that you once enjoyed.

But unlike the ones that we love that are gone, our capacity to enjoy and appreciate things, even little things like palm trees, can return. It takes time. Sometimes it can take a few years. But eventually the fog of grief will start to lift, and our desire and freedom to enjoy life can slowly come back.

While future trips to Florida will never be the same without my parents, a time will come again when God will lift my heart to enjoy the majestic beauty of a palm tree.

In Emotions
 permalink

My Mom

Jeff Olson —  May 11, 2012 — 6 Comments

This Sunday I will celebrate my first Mother’s Day without a mother. After a year-long illness, my dear mom recently passed on to be with Jesus.

Mom was eighty.

Not only will I miss mom terribly, I found myself feeling sad over all the things she was never able to enjoy in this vast and amazing world. There were so many activities mom was never able to do, places she was never able to see, and experiences she did not have—partly because she willingly sacrificed so much for the seven of us kids and our families; partly because she simply ran out time.

As I felt sad for all that mom has missed out on, the hope of a renewed earth brought me great comfort. While I am fully convinced that Jesus died on a cross to save us from our sins, I do not see in the Bible that Jesus came to save us from the earth.

Instead, I read that Jesus also came to liberate, restore and reclaim this world that we have so fouled up (Romans 8:21).

I read that when God finally comes back to dwell with us forever and death will be no more, He will bring heaven to earth (Revelation 21:2-4).

I read that it has been God’s plan all along to “bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:10).

The Bible reassures me that someday mom (and anyone who has died in the Lord) is coming back to this earth to reign with Jesus (Revelation 5:9-10). When Jesus returns, mom’s going to be a co-steward of God’s new creation as He originally meant His image bearers to be (Genesis 1:28). And she, having been redeemed by Jesus, will have the rest of eternity to experience all the things she missed out on (and so much more) in the new heaven and earth.

As I celebrate my first Mother’s Day without mom, I am so grateful for the Jesus legacy she passed on to her children. And I can only imagine all that she has to look forward to in Him.

In Marriage & Family , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
 permalink

“Recalculating”

Jeff Olson —  April 12, 2012 — 4 Comments

A comedian once mused that he wished someone made a GPS for husbands. It went something like this:

GPS: “Compliment your wife on her appearance.”
Comedian: “Hey honey, you look really good tonight.”

GPS: “Ask her about her day.”
Comedian: “How was your day, sweetheart?”

GPS: “Pretend to be listening.”
Comedian: “Oh…yep…really…”

GPS: “Compliment your wife’s hair.”
Comedian: “Uhmm…Hey, your hair doesn’t look as gray as it did yesterday.”

GPS: “Recalculating.”

The Bible is far, far more than a GPS, but it records Jesus dropping “GPS like” directives to help us “recalculate” how relationships are to work now that He had come.

Here are just few:

“Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31, NLT).

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37, NLT).

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, NLT).

“There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent” (Luke 24:47, NLT).

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus birthed a new way of doing relationship with others and with God. The fallen way of selfishness and revenge and pride is now being replaced with His Kingdom way of love and reconciliation and humility.

As theologian NT Wright puts it, “It’s a way nobody’s ever tried before, a way that is as unthinkable to most human beings and societies as—well, as resurrection itself. Precisely. That’s the point. Welcome to Jesus’ new world!”

In Relationships , , , , ,
 permalink

Emotions–Good or Bad?

Jeff Olson —  February 23, 2012 — 6 Comments

In his book Beautiful Outlaw, John Eldredge points out that it was “God who gave us a sense of humor.” He goes on to ask, “Do you really think Jesus came to take it away?”

Of course, the answer is no way! Jesus was hardly dry and humorless. But Eldredge’s question got me to thinking about emotions in general – are they good or are they bad.

Emotions often get a bad rap, but the fact that Jesus was deeply moved by a close friend’s death show that He didn’t come to take them away (John 11:33-36). Emotions are a legitimate part of being made in the image of a God who feels emotions –“The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” –Genesis 6:6.

As God’s image bearers, it is good and right for us to feel the full range of emotions. In fact, it is a mistake to bottle up one’s emotions. This is a form of denial that can keep us from learning important things about ourselves from what we feel.

Strong emotions can be a signal that something inside of us needs serious attention—maybe a need for love and comfort or something unholy in us that must be owned and confessed.

So pay attention to your feelings.

God might be using them to show you something important!

In Emotions , , , , , , , , ,
 permalink