YOU CAN'T HATE WHAT YOU CREATE

This morning started just like any other weekday, waking up the kids and helping them get ready for school. They were a little grumpy at first, but as they came out of their slumber they started to perk up a bit.

I am NOT a morning person, but I have come to cherish the 20 minutes we have in the car together as we wait in the lines to drop them off at their respective schools. We have about 10 minutes with both Laynie and Bryson, and 10 more minutes with just Bryson as his school is around the corner from Laynie's.

We have some awesome talks, and not just about the petty stuff, but really great times of sharing and teaching. We always pray together, and I am always amazed to see how God brings up something that he wants us to discuss.

This morning we were praying about how God calls everything He made good (See Genesis 1:31), and how He knows us individually and cares for each of us in a special way. That in and of itself is a revolutionary thought for some, that YOU ARE GOOD. I can hear some of you saying to yourself, "No, that can't be right. I am bad. I am a bad person. That's why Jesus had to come and die for me, because I am bad, right?"

However, let's be careful to distinguish the actions apart from the being who does them. God NEVER calls us bad. He NEVER labels us as bad people. Instead it's the sin, or the bad things we do and have done that God hates. GOD DOES NOT HATE US.

Have you ever heard of a painter painting something and then ripping it apart? How about a sculptor molding a figure only to smash it to the ground? Would a builder build a skyscraper for the purpose of smashing it to a pile of rubble with a wrecking ball? Ridiculous notions, huh?

Then why would God make us, humans, only to curse us and treat us as objects of wrath? He wouldn't, and He didn't. In Genesis 1:27, it says that "So God made man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Why would God take so much time to make something that reflected himself only to destroy it?

The fact is that no artist, painter, sculptor, inventor, builder, etc., would ever purposefully set out to make something, only to destroy it, and here's why - because at the end of the day, whatever they have made contains part of and is a reflection of themselves.

I try to illustrate this point to Laynie and Bryson all the time, so that they understand that sin only breaks fellowship NOT relationship. Here's the principle - YOU CAN'T HATE WHAT YOU CREATE. I want them to understand that even though they may do wrong sometimes that it can never erase the fact that God loves them BECAUSE He made them.

The very first thing God did after He made Adam and Eve, was to...........BLESS THEM (Genesis 1:28). Even after they rebelled against God, He never cursed them. Instead He cursed the serpent for deceiving them (Genesis 3:14), and then He cursed the ground (Genesis 3:17). However, God NEVER curses mankind.

Some of us have labeled ourselves BAD for so long that it's hard to understand this concept of goodness. That we as humans are good because of who made us, not because of what we have done. Goodness is determined by the source of our life, God.

I can hear some of you arguing with me now saying, "Stephen you've gone off the deep end. What about sin? Are you saying that everyone goes to Heaven when they die even if they have not accepted the sacrifice of Jesus into their hearts, regardless of their sin?"

No, listen carefully. Sin clearly has a price, and it is death - separation from God (Romans 6:23). Galatians 6:7 reminds us that there is a sowing and reaping principle for every action, a kind of spiritual application of Newton's first law of motion - "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." Paul says it this way, "Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."

My point is not one of rightness or wrongness, but simply perspective. Proverbs 23:7 (NJV) says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Our beliefs lead to thoughts, which lead to actions, which equal the consequences of our decisions. If we start out believing the wrong things about our self, we will ultimately do the wrong things; a self-fulfilling prophecy.

We must begin to see ourselves from God's perspective - He made us, so therefore, we the creation are good. Sin cannot erase that fact. It can, however, alter our eternal destiny. We must choose to believe IN God, not just ABOUT him.

His goal in making us, was to be an object of His affection and a reflection of His glory in the earth. We all at some point, choose to sin (Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23). We've all rejected the label that God put on us as GOOD, and instead bought into Satan's alternative message, "You are bad and you will always be bad, so just go ahead and continue doing bad things anyway, because that's what you ARE and that's what you DESERVE."

God's message to us, has NEVER nor will it ever be one of condemnation. God NEVER accuses us. Instead, Satan is the one who is called, "the accuser of our brothers" (Revelation 12:10). In John 8:44, Jesus calls him, " a liar and the father of all lies." Jesus stands alone as the GATEWAY to truth. He says in John 14:6, " I am THE way, THE Truth, and THE life. No one comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME."

Just about everyone has heard John 3:16, but have you ever looked and really contemplated John 3:17? " For God did NOT send his Son into the world to CONDEMN the world, BUT to SAVE the world THROUGH HIM."

God's message to us has NEVER been about condemnation, BUT instead it has ALWAYS been about LOVE. In Genesis 3:21, God makes a covering for Adam and EVE. In Genesis 6, God preserves Noah and his family through the ark. In Genesis 22:13, God tests Abraham, but spares Isaac by sending a ram into the thicket. Later in Genesis, we learn about Joseph, and how God sent him ahead of his brothers to Egypt. Through some unusual circumstances, God spares Jacob's family from the famine (Genesis 45:5-7).

In Exodus 2:2, we see Moses being hidden by his mother and father to avoid execution by order of the Pharaoh. Later God would use him to deliver all of Israel from slavery. Then what about Joshua, all the judges like Sampson, Deborah, Gideon; the prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, Ezekial, Jonah, and so on?

They all pointed to one person. The only one capable of TRANSCENDING and UNCONDEMNING love - JESUS! The message of the Bible, the message of God is a LOVE LETTER from a Father to His SONS and DAUGHTERS.

God could never hate what He made, because you CAN'T HATE WHAT YOU CREATE!

*All scripture references are taken from the NIV, except where noted.

After All Your Chasing

I just wrote this song this morning, and I was so excited about it that I wanted to share it with all of you. It's called "After All Your Chasing", and it's exactly where I am in life right now...chasing hard after the heart of Jesus. Enjoy!

Verse 1:

Even after all these years and all You've taken me through.

It amazes me that there are still things that draw me away from You.

I used to hide all my faults and build my walls,

But now I bring them to Your light and let them crumble and fall.

Chorus:

Because You alone have searched me and You along have known me and all my anxious thoughts.

Because You alone have sought me and You alone have bought me and shown me the way that I should go.

So Daddy, after all Your chasing me, I'm finally chasing You.

Verse 2:

Even after all my stumblings and all the failures You've forgiven me for.

It still amazes me...the grace that saves me, I can't ignore.

I used to boast of all my victories and show off my awards,

But now I empty myself of vanity, casting off pride, I take up Your sword.

(Repeat Chorus)

Light In The Dark

I wrote this song in October of 2001 just before we moved to Athens. It's kind of a dual love song for Jesus and for my wife, Brandy. Hope you enjoy it

Verse 1:

You are there when the worst in me comes out.

You hear me when my words are full of doubt.

And there are times I just can't feel Your love.

Those are the days that I just have to trust.

Chorus:

You're in my heart, you're in my soul.

You're the one that takes control.

When my whole world falls apart,

You're a light in the dark...for me.

Verse 2:

You are there when all hope seems but lost.

It's in those days that You lead me to Your cross.

And there are times I just don't know where to turn,

But I always find peace in Your Word.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:......for me.

Chorus (2):

Is He in your heart, is He in your soul?

Let His love just take control.

When your whole world falls apart,

He'll be a light in the dark. (Repeat once and then tag) for you, for you, oh...for you.

Who You Are To Me

What a great day of snow! I could not believe my eyes when I saw the big fluffy flakes falling down this morning at church. It looked like pieces of cotton candy as it gathered like a white blanket all over the ground. As silly as it sounds, I was lost in the wonder of it all. What is it about snow that makes the kid in us come out?

The closer I get to Jesus, the more I feel like a kid, too. In comparison to His greatness, knowledge, power, love, etc.; it's hard not to feel small. What child doesn't see their father as larger than life? Why is it any different with Jesus?

There's such a mystery in His love. This great and all-surpassing God who made the heavens and earth still cares for and is intimately involved in the lives if individuals.

Tonight I wanted to post a song I wrote almost a year ago that unpacks some of this mystery. It's called - WHO YOU ARE TO ME. I hope it sparks the wonder in your heart to explore this great mystery - God's love for you and me.

Verse 1:

I wasn't there when You died.

Your precious life they crucified.

Still it shakes me to the core;

A sacrifice I can't ignore.

Extravagance beyond measure;

But You counted it a pleasure,

To let Your blood flow,

So I could know.

Chorus:

Love I can't understand.

Forgiveness I can't comprehend.

Jesus, that's who You are to me.

Mercy that flows from Your hands,

Washes away all my sins.

Jesus, that's who You are to me.

Making all things new in me,

Giving me new eyes to see.

Jesus, that's who You are to me.

Verse 2:

When I close my eyes,

It's then I realize.

The vision in my mind I see,

Was that day Your reality.

For my sin, You could have looked the other way,

Instead You took them anyway.

Washed away in a bloody river,

So my soul could be delivered.

(Repeat Chorus)

JEALOUS LOVER

Today I am posting a song I started writing on my wedding anniversary a few weeks ago, but just finished last night before I went to bed. It explores the journey of my sometimes reluctant relationship with Jesus and the power of his relentless pursuit of my heart and life. Sometimes I know I should run to Him, but in my pride and self-reliance, I end up running away. Over the years His constant and steadfast love for me have made my wanderings fewer and not as far away.  Ultimately it has ended in surrender and devotion to my King. He has always pursued me, but now I feel that I am finally chasing after him just as hard. I hope this song helps you if you are wrestling with God.

Verse 1:

I have felt the waves of life crash over the beach of me,

But there's a hand that guides me that I can't see.

I have felt the fire of desire to claim my life as my own,

But there's a Spirit living inside me that is making itself known.

What is it about Your love that just won't leave me alone?

Chorus:

When all my usual distractions

That keep me from interacting with You fail me

Oh, what am I to do?

But like a jealous lover,

You blow my cover

Every time I run from You.

Relentless Pursuer of My Soul

Come save me...Come take control.

Deliver me from all that's evil,

And the one that steals my affections from You.

Verse 2:

For too long I have traveled through life playing a fool,

But I knew all the while what to do, to make things right with You.

So now I abandon my crumbling fortress for the safety of Yours,

Because I can't stand another minute outside Your doors.

What is it about Your love that I can no longer ignore?

Chorus:

When all my usual distractions

That keep me from interacting with You fail me

Oh, what am I to do?

But like a jealous lover,

You blow my cover

Every time I run from You.

Relentless Pursuer of My Soul

Come save me...Come take control.

Deliver me from all that's evil,

And the one that steals my affections from You.

Bridge:

Now that I understand Your grace,

It's like a kick in the face.

A sudden blast of air rushing over me.

Now that I really get You now,

I just don't see how I missed it for so long...

A sudden inspiration is sweeping over me.

Chorus:

When all my usual distractions

That keep me from interacting with You fail me

Oh, what am I to do?

But like a jealous lover, 

You blow my cover

Every time I run from You.

Relentless Pursuer of My Soul

Come save me...Come take control.

Deliver me from all that's evil,

And the one that steals my affections from You.

Prayer For Rain

Tonight I wanted to post a song that I wrote in the Fall of 2007 called Prayer For Rain (appropriate for the weather tonight, right?). I wrote it right after I finished reading a biography about the famous English slave trader turned hymn writer, preacher, and abolitionist - John Newton (writer of Amazing Grace).

This song was written out of a hunger to understand the mystery of the grace that has saved me. My prayer is that it will spark a thirst in you to be drenched in God's amazing grace.

PRAYER FOR RAIN

Words by Stephen Verner - Wed., November 7, 2007 (1^st 2 lines of 1^st verse & all of the chorus)

Tues., November 13, 2007 – about 12:45pm at home (the rest of the song)

Verse 1:

I am just a wondering soul in a land of Wonder;

Where thirsty souls pray for rain, but only hear the thunder.

I am just a pilgrim in search of the Promised Land;

Where hungry bellies groan for food, but leave with pockets of sand.

Why does the truth seem so elusive to those who are seeking?

Why is it so exclusive, while member's boat's are leaking?

Chorus:

So I pray and I seek and I hope that you see me.

So I pray and I seek and I hope that you see me,

And hear my prayer for Rain.

Verse 2:

I am just a gold digger in a land of plenty;

Where risky players bet it all, but leave without a penny.

I am just a sinner in search of a savior;

Whose tasty words have a flavor, but are never ever savored.

Why does the truth seem so obtrusive to those who are hurting?

It pokes and prods and even nods before the final curtain.

Bridge:

And where it goes no one knows for certain,

But I'm going to keep on searching...

Chorus:

So I pray and I seek and I hope that you see me.

So I pray and I seek and I hope that you see me,

And heard my prayer for Rain.

Make Yourself Known

I wrote this song last month during a time of fasting at our church. For me, it really captured the fact that God's grace and mercy toward humanity is still wrapped in a bit of wonder and mystery that I don't think I will ever fully grasp this side of heaven. I hope the words capture you, too, and set your mind and heart to wandering about the wonder of His grace and mercy towards us all.

MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN

Chorus: (written Sunday 1-18-09 - 7:10pm)

You gave Your life, and I gave you mine.

You laid down Your rights, and I gave up the fight.

No more running, no more hiding,

No more lying, no more trying,

To live this life as if it were my own.

Jesus come make Yourself known,

Jesus come make my heart Your home.

Verse 1: (written Sunday 1-25-09 - 12:50pm)

Your hands measured out the heavens,

Still I can't understand it;

But that's how You planned it - to show Your glory.

Your hands, they measured my salvation,

Still I can't comprehend it;

But that's how You planned it - to tell Your story.

Chorus: (written Sunday 1-18-09 - 7:10pm)

You gave Your life, and I gave you mine.

You laid down Your rights, and I gave up the fight.

No more running, no more hiding,

No more lying, no more trying,

To live this life as if it were my own.

Jesus come make Yourself known,

Jesus come make my heart Your home.

Verse 2: (written Sunday 1-25-09)

Your love stretched out for all to see,

Still I can't take it in,

But that was Your plan - to save humanity.

Your grace given so freely to everyone,

Still I can't grasp it,

But that was how You fashioned it - life from Your Son.

Chorus: (written Sunday 1-18-09 - 7:10pm)

You gave Your life, and I gave you mine.

You laid down Your rights, and I gave up the fight.

No more running, no more hiding,

No more lying, no more trying,

To live this life as if it were my own.

Jesus come make Yourself known,

Jesus come make my heart Your home.

In Pursuit of God

Written Friday 7/28/06 at home in Monroe, GA about 11pm during a period of unemployment.

In all my wanderings, in all my sins, in all my piousness, in all my pride, in all my weakness and humility, in all my joys, in all my sorrows, disappointments, fears, doubt and unbelief……….YOU WERE THERE.

I expected a parade and a speech, loud music and excitement; but somewhere in all my disillusionment you quietly slipped in the backdoor of my life. Unnoticed, you sat on the last pew.

You waited and waited and waited some more. Until I had spent my last effort, last dollar, last fear, last word, last breath. Without much ado, you knelt beside my lifeless body; enveloping me in a grasp that brought security and hope, and restored my faith and strength.

Ironically in all my efforts to find you, you found me. And so where I thought the journey ended, I found that I had just begun….MY PURSUIT OF GOD.