Today’s Catch is a little different. Today’s Catch is made up of two contributions I received based on yesterday’s Catch, which, if you haven’t read, you should do first. The first is a song from Marc by Derek Webb that in Marc’s words “says it all.” The second is a candid and thoughtful piece of writing by James. It is truly unique how these two pieces compliment each other.
If either of these touches you or better yet, makes you think, write me and tell me how and why. I’d love to hear from you. (I’d especially like to know what you think the new law is.) And if you would like to comment to Marc or James, you can do so through our “Comment” link below.
John
To Let Go…
To let go of all that keeps us from knowing Christ (and fear is a main contributor) requires a depth of faith and understanding which in truth so many people struggle to obtain even though within themselves they can hear God offering counseling.
Through fear we too often choose to ignore what we hear on the basis that it couldn’t have been God and most likely was only our own thoughts, so no action need be taken.
Fear will keep us from knowing all that a loving father wants his children to experience: the joy, the peace, the energy, and the challenges positively embraced in the certainty of reward when Gods ways are believed.
On what authority do I make these comments? As one who even now allows fear to keep him from being the person God has in mind, and whose heart aches and will continue to do so until it’s given absolutely and without fear to its Creator.
James
John Fischer The Catch 
Those are very compelling. And, that’s the first time I’ve listened to Derek Webb. Really like that. One thing non-believers always accuse believers of is “blindly following” what someone has told us. I had a youth director in early HS years who helped us see that we were doing that and that we had to take on our beliefs ourselves and understand what being a Christian meant. That has helped form all the years since for me. Still working at it!
I have struggled with fear throughout my life, even as a Christian, and I believe it is a common problem. I am praying more, worrying less and growing closer to God but it will forever be a process. There have been several Christian theologians that have helped me and also several books, too. I would recommend Identity Crisis: Reclaim the True You by Tamara Buchan. I have recently read this and it really gives a lot of Biblically based help in re-establishing ourselves in God’s light, as God’s adopted member in His family. I benefit from the Catch on a daily basis, as well.
There are a number of bible verses that focus on “fear” and admonishments to trust in the Lord, e.g. Psalm 27:1, Luke 8:50. Fear has many shapes and form, e.g. rejection, isolation, etc. I am sure that God knew this even with Moses when he told him that He would personally accompany Moses and the people of Israel and give them rest and that everything would be fine with them. So the proverb by Solomon is not to be trivialized that says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5). Yep, I believe but Lord help my unbelief…and that’s why I can’t start a day without spending time with Him. This world would easily lead you to believe otherwise.
Love, not until it hurts, but despite the hurt. Just love, that is all He asks of us; and yet that is everything and more.
When I read James’ comment, “through fear we too often choose to ignore what we hear on the basis that it couldn’t have been God and most likely was our own thoughts.” As I always do before beginning my morning devotional, I ask God to bring to mind anyone I need to forgive. Immediately he reminded me of my conversation yesterday with my son. My son told me of 2 people who are saying and doing hurtful things to him. My “mother instinct” flared up and I became angry with those people. So this morning when I asked God to bring to mind anyone who I need to forgive, he reminded me of my anger and that people also hurt his son and he forgave them. My first thought was, “that’s right, those people back then were really mean to Jesus.” Then he gently told me that actually he was thinking about me not forgiving those who are hurting my beloved son but that he still forgives and loves me.
I believe the new law is that we are to love others unconditionally just as God loves us. Not an easy task, and one that I know I’ll need to be reminded of often – maybe even on a daily basis. So this time, James, I chose to listen to God, knowing that it was not my own thoughts.
As a recovering Pharisee to try and provide an answer(s) to this: “(I’d especially like to know what you think the new law is.)” The “new law” is the old one: to love others as myself – also I learned this from my Biz: FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real, so to me and to me alone the new law is also meant to let me be myself and love myself as in who I am and not to be afraid of showing myself and my true feelings and to quit “playing” church.
PS cool video and song! i really liked it… 🙂
Yes, and there are two handles to tackle life with. That of fear that withdraws, or faith that obeys what Jesus says to go out into all the world and make disciples. It’s why I like Derek Webb so much. (You too, John, I haven’t forgotten you.) You both encourage us to do as Jesus did, engage the culture instead of shrinking from it in fear to our own “Christian” subculture.
Webb’s wisdom on the subject.
Putting in “let me off the hook” in the place of “don’t teach me about”. “Give me a new law” with “can’t blame me for failing”. Fear wins when we let it. We are in a battle here. Seek encouragement for all your worth. Even when you think its more than you can handle. Trust that He promised to not let it be. Go in to it and out holding His hand.
Interesting comment but I’m not sure what you mean with the exchanges…
As an older adult, I don’t listen to Christian music because I wasn’t raised with it, and the odd times I’ve heard it, it seemed to be “head-banger” music. That said, I was blown away by the poignant message and video portrayal in Derek Webb’s piece. It reminded me of the scripture to “not be conformed by this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”, something you can’t do with blinders on! And also the reprimand I grew up with “that the world will tell you who you are” if you let it…trust in God and be not afraid. Thanks for this posting and for James’ words of encouragement about meeting your fears. Well done!
Aactually, Derek Webb is a Christian artist (or perhaps I should say an artist who happens to be a Christian). There are some thoughtful Christians making an impact these days.