running...

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (I Corinthians 9: 24-27)

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4: 1-8)

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. (Philippians 3: 12-16)

Several times throughout his letters, Paul creates an analogy in which life in Christ is represented by training and preparing for, then running, and finally winning a race. He creates an image in which endurance, discipline, effort, attitude, rigor, and boundaries set up a "winning combination" that would allow the runner to win the race. What is required of one who is fit to race in a way that is worthy of the One who calls us?

Paul, or Saul as he is called in Acts, demonstrated, throughout his ministry a "Race Running Mentality." In Acts, Luke describes Paul's early days as a Believer, in which he was tested and tried by skeptical Believers and in which he was continuously on the run from those who wished him dead (Acts 9 and II Corinthians 11: 30-33). Not only that, but he also invested his time and education in reforming the theology of new believers and debating Greek-born Jews (Acts 9). Paul demonstrated through his drive and tenacity in spreading the gospel that he was well-trained and well-prepared for the work given him by God.

So what about me? I am also called to run this race, am I not? Then I should be optimizing myself to run to win, yes? (Who would run a race if not with the ambition to finish well?) What is in my life that I can throw off? What hinders me? The more time I spend evaluating the Mission of Jesus, the more I understand that my goals, objectives, and priorities, if anything other than spreading the gospel to the lost are not only secondary, but so small as to seem insignificant in comparison to the prize, which is the perfection to which I have been called heavenward. And in striving toward that prize, the fruit I bear, the light I shine should in no way hinder the running-- in fact, the opposite: these things should optimize my run. Our understanding of aerodynamics and physiology allows a runner to optimize her performance with the right diet, the right equipment. As believers, if we are to adopt the Race Runner's Mentality, should we not be looking to optimize our run? What can we throw off? What can we reevaluate? What should we be doing to train-- Scripture-reading, memorization, prayer, accountability? All of the above. Self-examination, meditation on the Word, witnessing? Yes.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12: 1-3)

again… love

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13)

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.  “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12: 9-21)

love

Some dear friends of mine got married today and I think one of the neatest things about this particular ceremony is that, unlike the majority of weddings we’ve been to, Roger and I are both very good friends with the groom and bride respectively, so we were very blessed to be a  part of the celebration, as their friends and as their brother and sister in Christ.  Marriage is designed by God and functions as a way that man and woman can come together and honor the Lord as a unit.  Marriage also reflects the way Christ views the church—a spotless bride, consecrated in Covenant for devotion, love, and service.  With every wedding I go to with Roger, I am reminded of how thankful I am for him and for the man of God that he is and for the leadership he provides in our household. Neither of us is anything without Christ, and to him we owe our lives, our service and our love.

How deep the fathers love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give his only son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts no power no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

©  1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music

light…

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (II Corinthians 4: 1-6)

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,… (Philippians 2: 14-16)

 

Jesus said “I have come into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in the darkness.” (John 12:46)  According to Paul, we who believe in Jesus reflect that light to the world. 

How well am I reflecting Jesus’ light, the light of the gospel, to the world (to fellow believers, to non-believers)?  Am I truly commending myself to every man’s conscience as Paul says in II Corinthians?  Obviously this is something I must work toward daily and consciously.  The paradox is that it isn’t by MY strength that I am pushing toward this end, but through Christ’s strength. It is through Christ that I glorify Christ; the Holy Spirit is my helper in running the race; without Christ I am  nothing

disconnected…

This past weekend, I attended a graduation ceremony in North Carolina for my younger brother.  It was an excellent time to be with my immediate and extended family as we celebrated his accomplishment, so the purpose of this reflection is absolutely not to say that I felt that my time in NC was mis-spent or mis-placed…  that being said…

All week long, I have lacked focus spiritually. my prayer life hasn’t been the same; i have been less drawn to the Word, and when I HAVE read, have found myself having trouble gleaning meaning from the words on the page.  I feel disconnected.  I think that a huge part of this is because I did not connect with my church body this past Sunday.  Until this past weekend, I did not fully realize the importance and impact of connecting weekly with a body of believers.  I met with a few individuals over the week, but the impact is distinctly not the same.  It isn’t that I didn’t *know* the importance and benefits of fellowship, but the impact of it was noticeable this week, by the opposite effect— by the lack of fellowship. 

I’m hoping that as people read this, that one of three things is true of you:

1. You belong to a church body of which you play an active and meaningful role; therefore you relate to me in that you distinctly miss the fellowship when you can’t be a part of it.

2. You are not currently in a fellowshipping body of believers, but you were at one time; so this reminds you of what you’re missing—of what you need to get back to.

3. You have never been part of a body of believers that shares impactful, meaningful fellowship, and now your wheels are turning—hmm, I should explore what it means to belong to a church family in the real sense of belonging—ownership, participation, contribution, sacrifice, joy: love.

testing…

testing… 1, 2, 3…

I have a new computer.. it’s my little machine, an Acer AspireOne 8.9.”  I have a little program on here that is supposed to make blog-writing easier … I dunno.  But this is me, giving it a whirl.  And speaking of a whirl… I am going to try to be more faithful with the blogging thing in the next few months.  stay tuned….

Christ, our High Priest, wholely frees us who are the Redeemed to live sacrifical lives for the sake of spreading the Gospel.

The following are excerpts from Hebrews as noted by chapter and verse. Occasionally, bits are left out for brevity's sake and are noted by (...).

2:14-18
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason, he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

7: 22, 24-28
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. ... because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our needs-- one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens... For the law appoints as high priest men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

9: 11-15
When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation... he entered the most holy place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blod of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our conscience from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance...

10: 19-27
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

12: 1-3
Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorned its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

13: 15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Creed

Creed
by Steve Turner

We believe in Marxfreudanddarwin
We believe everything is OK
as long as you don't hurt anyone
to the best of your definition of hurt,
and to the best of your knowledge.

We believe in sex before, during, and
after marriage.
We believe in the therapy of sin.
We believe that adultery is fun.
We believe that sodomy’s OK.
We believe that taboos are taboo.

We believe that everything's getting better
despite evidence to the contrary.
The evidence must be investigated
And you can prove anything with evidence.

We believe there's something in horoscopes
UFO's and bent spoons.
Jesus was a good man just like Buddha,
Mohammed, and ourselves.
He was a good moral teacher though we think
His good morals were bad.

We believe that all religions are basically the same-
at least the one that we read was.
They all believe in love and goodness.
They only differ on matters of creation,
sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation.

We believe that after death comes the Nothing
Because when you ask the dead what happens
they say nothing.
If death is not the end, if the dead have lied, then its
compulsory heaven for all
excepting perhaps
Hitler, Stalin, and Genghis Kahn

We believe in Masters and Johnson
What's selected is average.
What's average is normal.
What's normal is good.

We believe in total disarmament.
We believe there are direct links between warfare and
bloodshed.
Americans should beat their guns into tractors .
And the Russians would be sure to follow.

We believe that man is essentially good.
It's only his behavior that lets him down.
This is the fault of society.
Society is the fault of conditions.
Conditions are the fault of society.

We believe that each man must find the truth that
is right for him.
Reality will adapt accordingly.
The universe will readjust.
History will alter.
We believe that there is no absolute truth
excepting the truth
that there is no absolute truth.

We believe in the rejection of creeds,
And the flowering of individual thought.
If chance be the Father of all flesh,
disaster is his rainbow in the sky
and when you hear

State of Emergency!
Sniper Kills Ten!
Troops on Rampage!
Whites go Looting!
Bomb Blasts School!
It is but the sound of man
worshiping his maker.

Steve Turner, (English journalist), "Creed," his satirical poem on the modern mind. Taken from Ravi Zacharias’ book Can Man live Without God? Pages 42-44

in order to fully understand God's grace...

In order to fully understand God's grace, we must fully understand the sin nature from which we have been redeemed. We must absolutely embrace the fact that God has revealed himself to all of humanity through his creation.

We are fallen and sinful and saved by the grace of God. Anyone who has not received Christ is lost in sin. Many people live around us in respectable morality but have no relationship with Christ. It is our job, therefore, to live our lives wholly dedicated to God (Romans 12:1) as our spiritual act of worship. We must then follow God's command to "Go and make disciples" (Matt. 28:19). When will we stop rationalizing our inaction and begin to consider scriptures like Romans 1:18-25?

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator- who is forever praised. Amen.

We have exchanged the glory of God for idols we have constructed, and these are getting in the way of the mission. Of course the world is pursuing idols. Why wouldn't they be? They're lost and seeking hope from all the wrong places. It is time for us to show them hope from the one in whom we hope.

Let all the earth be silent

At our church right now, our pastor is doing a series on Habakkuk-- not a very common topic of study in today's churches, I know, but a very needed look into the Old Testament. The series is entitled "Vision in the Midst of Famine." The series sparked in me a renewed interest in studying the book of Jeremiah. I haven't studied this book since high school, and I'm sure that at that time, I didn't read it properly, nor was I equipped enough to reflect on it adequately. I'm doing this study with a group of several other women. A part of my role is to search for cross-references to enhance our study. While examining Jeremiah 2, and God's discourse on Israel's reliance on idols, I referenced Habakkuk 2:18-20. I heard this passage anew when about 2 months ago, I listened to the message from Ravi Zacharias called "The Lostness of Man." I have referenced this message before because it is packed with close-hitting truths I wish I could fully embody and embrace in my life. But back to Habakkuk: Here is what the verse says:

“What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it,
Or an image, a teacher of falsehood?
For its maker trusts in his own handiwork
When he fashions speechless idols.
“Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’
To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’
And that is your teacher?
Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,
And there is no breath at all inside it.
“But the LORD is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth be silent before Him.”

We are remiss in our treatment of God. We idolize life circumstances, friendships, possessions, and even money yet we expect that God will continue to pour out his blessings on us. But we are like our idols: dead and worthless. Israel worshipped idols by offering sacrifices to them. God calls US to BE a sacrifice unto him (Romans 12:1) as a spiritual act of worship. Worship isn't what we sing during church. Worship is what we DO when we're living life. We either ARE worshiping or we are not. We spend so much time praying, asking God: Do this, do that, help me with this, help my friend in this difficult time. But really what we SHOULD be doing is showing reverence to the Father with our life and trusting that God in His sovereignty is working out more details than we thought to remind Him of. Am I suggesting that we shouldn't pray and ask God for things? No. But what I am saying is that we ask for more than we should and have an over-inflated sense of entitlement in asking when we in fact do not align ourselves with whom we are called to be. And how might we begin to align ourselves with God's call? I think a good place to start is silence.

What's Wrong With the World

I've been listening lately, over and over, to the sermon by Ravi Zacharias entitled "The Lostness of Man." It is aired in two parts and can be found at a link I'll post at the bottom of this post.* The reason I've listened over and over is that I've been compelled by Dr. Zacharias' message to think seriously about how I view myself and my relation to the world. In Dr. Zacharias' presentation, a couple of statements made by philosopher G.K. Chesterton are highlighted. One of them hits me in the forehead every time I hear it:

(Some of the world's prominent thinkers were sent inquiries for the purpose of an article to appear in the NY Times called "What's Wrong With the World." Chesterton's letter to the editor was so short, I'm sure the editor had to read it and re-read it to know it was for real:)

Dear Sir,


I am.


Yours,
G.K. Chesterton**

I have come to the conclusion that if we are honest with ourselves, we will agree with Chesterton. The following statement was made by Ghandi, and though he was a pagan, his statement bears consideration: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." In an age where many Christians look to the modern church or to the government to solve the moral issues in our country, we as Believers should do as Paul commends: "Wake oh Sleeper" (Eph. 5:14) and realize that we in fact are responsible for the world in which we live. I write this not as an accusation but as a challenge: What are we doing in our daily lives to bring unbelievers into the community of the church? What are we doing to hold the church together and uphold our fellow believers as we walk out the Grace we freely received? Rather than continue on in an attempt to bring some new query or thought to light, I'll stop as I am inadequate to the job. Instead, I implore you to give ear to Dr. Zacharias in his message "The Lostness of Man."

* http://www.rzim.org/USA/Resources/Listen/LetMyPeopleThink.aspx?archive=1

** http://www.chesterton.org/qmeister2/wrongtoday.htm

wandering

I teach students of many ability levels. This year, I have taught a couple students whose level of intelligence is actually too low to successfully learn what I'm supposed to teach them (they were simply placed incorrectly, which is a shame). Today as I was walking the halls, I was thinking about one of these students in particular, and I wondered: I think I would feel "Lost" all day long. How would my world be different if I were literally unable to process information in the way I currently do? How would my day be different if simple things were next to impossible? If I could, I would spend a day in this kid's shoes-- experience what it's like to be unable to understand simple instructions or to comprehend a paragraph's worth of knowledge in a text book-- I would probably spend the day wanting to cry from frustration. But I would appreciate the kid's needs more fully. I would probably be a better teacher.

My thoughts have a lot of free time in the afternoons at school-- I have hall duty every other day, and it was during such hall duty that I mulled over the above questions. Then I translated the thought another degree. I can't imagine what it is like to feel intellectually "lost"-- what would it be like to be spiritually Lost; obviously a predicament with mortal significance. How would my life be different: How would my day go if every concern and worry were mine to carry by myself? If I had to plan my life without Guidance? If I received seriously bad news or was told I was unacceptable in my professional or personal life? HOW would I even be able to stand? Could I put one foot in front of the other? I definitely would NOT want to spend a day in this person's shoes.

I am a very "mental" person by nature; it is very easy for me to process such ideas on an intellectual/surface level-- as if analyzing new data in a laboratory. However, my final questions is: If I internalize my SECOND question, HOW WOULD MY LIFE BE DIFFERENT?

"Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Eph. 3:8-12

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love hij, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be confrormed to the likeness of his Son.... What shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us al things? ... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'..." Rom. 8:28-39

What should be the Meaning (of life)?

A student at Georgia Tech asked the following question of Ravi Zaccharias: "You've identified loss of meaning as a problem; so... what should be the meaning?"

His answer (imperfectly transcribed):
"When you're dealing with meaning, I believe meanining needs four components to bring meaning to an individual life...we're living in a postmodernist time where people wonder what "meaning" really means. There are four components to finding meaning in life... (related to childhood) When you are in your years of childhood, the thing that keeps you going is... a sense of wonder about everything you see. But as you get older, you can no longer believe in all the fairy stories; as wonderful as they were, you know they were all figments of people's imaginations. ... In your 20's, the question of Truth becomes supreme, not whether this belief of mine or this experience of mine brings me a sense of wonder, but whether this experience of mine is also based in truth. Truthfulness becomes an important category... Truth in the metaphysical world {must be measured with some logical unit of measurement].... The you come into your 20's and 30's where your commitments are being made and your relationships are being developed, you're looking for love beyond romance, it is a love of relationships... . And finally, you're looking for the concept of security. How do I know that what I believe will ultimately stand the test of time; and is there a life beyond the grave.

What brings meaning is when you can combine a sense of wonder under girded by truth, experiencing the richness of love with the knowledge of security; those four components bring genuine meaning to life. The older you get, the more it takes to fill your heart with wonder; and only God is big enough to fill that heart. ... "


Hear the whole Q & A

now to live the life....

if you're like me --- grew up in church, attended youth group, youth conferences, youth camp-- you probably know myriad praise choruses, some meaningful, some drivel. most were drivel.

i'm not one to support driveling praise choruses but i am caught by the subtle meaning of some that, at first glance, may not appear to be so full-bodied as say, the old hymns. one such song is called "Now to Live the Life" and it isn't very well known, as far as i can tell-- it wasn't widely published on 15644 different praise/worship CD's and definitely never made it onto any of those WOW CD's.

Many are the words we speak
Many are the songs we sing
Many kinds of offerings
But now to live the life

Many are the words we speak
Many are the songs we sing
Many kinds of offerings
But now to live the life

Help us live the life

All we want to do is bring you something real
Bring You something true

Precious are the words we speak
Precious are the songs we sing
Precious all these offerings
But now to live the life

Help us live the life

Now to go the extra mile
Now to turn the other cheek
And to serve You with a life
Let us share your fellowship
Even of your sufferings

Never let the passion die...

Now to live the life...

HOSEA 6.
 1 "Come, let us return to the LORD.
      He has torn us to pieces
      but he will heal us;
      he has injured us
      but he will bind up our wounds. 

2 After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.

3 Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth."

4 "What can I do with you, Ephraim?
What can I do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist,
like the early dew that disappears.

5 Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,
I killed you with the words of my mouth;
my judgments flashed like lightning upon you.

6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

7 Like Adam, they have broken the covenant—
they were unfaithful to me there.

8 Gilead is a city of wicked men,
stained with footprints of blood.

9 As marauders lie in ambush for a man,
so do bands of priests;
they murder on the road to Shechem,
committing shameful crimes.

10 I have seen a horrible thing
in the house of Israel.
There Ephraim is given to prostitution
and Israel is defiled.

11 "Also for you, Judah,
a harvest is appointed.
"Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people,

pure

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

The first two verses of W. Cowper's hymn have filled my head this past week and I have come to this conclusion: If I am to live on Mission daily, I must first embrace the depth and breadth of my own redemption. It is only in this realization that I will view others-- especially those who are clean, tidy, well-behaved "normal" people-- as my mission field.

The dying thief of course refers to the one who hung beside Jesus and asked for salvation, which Jesus granted. What must this thief have done to have received such a miserable punishment as crucifixion? Obviously he was a thief-- how many people's lives did he ruin? How many families did he devastate through his actions? What a horrid wretch! I'm not that bad-- I was a "good kid," I attended church growing up, gave my tithe, helped others in need, and even used my spiritual gifts... But what does the song say? "But there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away." I am depraved and broken, in need of grace every day-- I cannot take any credit for righteous behavior, because any of this behavior is a result of a righteousness that is not my own-- it is granted to me based not on my own virtue or even good fortune, but only through the perfect will and love of the Father-- because of God's supreme sacrifice I am cleansed in the Blood of the One whose sufferings offer redemption to the world.

who me?

I'm currently making my way through the New Testament, but I invariably find myself cross-referencing the Old Testament and tonight was no exception...

I really love reading the book of Jeremiah and my reading of I Corinthians 1 (specifically 26-31) brought me to chapter 9, verses 23-24. Jeremiah ch. 9 is one of several occasions in which God bemoans the ruined state of His people; and after 22 verses of outlining the specific mis-deeds of the Israelites and the subsequent punishment thereof, Jeremiah finally reveals this imperative:

"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches;
But let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me
that I am the Lord who exercises kindness
justice and righteousness on the earth,
for in these I delight."


Paul references this verse in I Corinthians 1:31. This chapter is Paul's opener to the believers at Corinth, and in it, he is encouraging them not to be discouraged by their lack of social prominence but in light of God's purpose to prevail. God intends to use what seems weak or foolish to accomplish his plan.

This past Sunday, we were encouraged through the sermon to be continuously and thoroughly on mission for God-- to allow our daily walk with God (which likely requires first DEVELOPING a daily relationship with Jesus) to mold every other aspect of our lives. The result being that through our witness, we will show others the Way and be vessels for discipleship; in doing this, we will fulfill the "Great Commission." (Matt. 28: 18-20) But how many times have I written off this directive as someone else's job, or missed the mark entirely by being self-absorbed in my "personal relationship with Jesus"? When Jesus spoke to go into the world and make disciples, he was speaking to ME-- to all Believers, but we have mistreated this command. When Jesus spoke the Great Commission, He gave the Church a mission. And we are floundering-- we are in ruin, just as God's people in the time of Jeremiah. We are scattered and we lack vision, but we have a chance to change this: this begins in the heart of individuals and culminates in the collective. When Paul spoke to the Corinthians: "God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise," he was saying: so what if you have no confidence in yourselves? -- all the better for God to use you all-- to use ME-- for his Kingdom.

a vocabulary lesson

Anyone who has known me for 30 minutes knows I slip uncommon words into conversation... I think it comes from having grown up with two parents who are certified word-nerds... Use of language is important to me, probably more important than it should be-- deep down, I am enthralled by our language. So...

Over the last three weeks I have been mulling over the word ORDAINED. the first idea this word evokes is "minister," as in "ordained minister." it may even call to mind the phrase "ordained as sons (daughters) of Christ" as employed by Paul in several of his letters to the scattered church. but what does it MEAN? Ordained means "called," or "appointed." but what lies beyond this simple definition?

Just as a wine connoisseur savors the subtle "textures" in the bouquet, I enjoy delving into the textures of words. So when I delve into ORDAINED, it doesn't just mean called or appointed. It evokes a sense of purpose and design. As in: I am ordained to be part of this body of believers and therefore, specific design and purpose to the calling to which I respond.

"Before you were formed, I knew you. before you were made, I predestined you..."
Jer. 1:1.

get a job

Every year, I teach my students about "cohesion," the ability of a substance to adhere to another substance -- water on glass, for example. And for the vocabulary-impaired students, I always emphasize the "co" part of the word... co-captains, co-workers, etc. Paul refers to cohesion in Romans 12 when he instructs believers that we are all part of one body, all having different functions, and each of these functions being necessary and equal. Obviously within a body of believers there are those who are more prominent or well-known, but in God's perspective, all members of the body function in roles that are equally important. Any one job not being done fully or properly is a detriment to the body of believers.

So what is my job? What is my role or function that is essential to others? I think most of us share the role of simply creating a support network for one another; and how do we best accomplish this? Paul answers this throughout his letters. First of all, in Romans 12, he admonishes us that we are all given a gift which we should use fully and wisely. In Galatians 6, Paul calls us to "bear each other's burdens" which is often taken to mean something like "when someone is going through rough times, you need to be there for that person." True. However, this verse in context means something more like "in whatever your friend is struggling spiritually, be a support and accountability partner." I could make some kind of biology joke about the membranes that hold all a body's tissues and organs in place... or I could simply say that each and every one of us who belongs to a body of believers should perform two functions by default: exercise our gifts as God gives us opportunity, and maintain accountability among our friends.

Beautiful Feet

When I was a kid, from the time I was three (old enough to string together a sentence, but barely), Sandi Patti was my hero-- I used to hold onto the wooden handle of a jump rope in my grandmother's kitchen and belt out the lyrics to her songs. Sandi Patti did a kids' tape once-- back when it was either a tape or a record no CD player was available at that time-- and on the tape was a song called Beautiful Feet. I think there was a cute story to go with the song but all I can remember are the words to the chorus... Beautiful feet. Beautiful feet. Beautiful, beaauuuuttiffuulll feeeeeeet...

Romans 11: 14-16
How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."


Isaiah 52:7.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation
who say to Zion, "Your God reigns."

fourth and goal... intercepted for a touchdown return

the above-named scenario produces two very precise outcomes, each totally different from the other. I'm sure you can imagine: utter elation (obviously it is your team that just ran for the touchdown) or utter despair (your team ALMOST had the touchdown which is probably worse than having no hope of a touchdown at all. ... Whether we have witnessed this in person or seen it on TV, almost everyone can relate to this severe dichotomy of emotions.

Such has been my own experience. Friday ended the fourth week of school, and on Friday, despite a shaky Monday, I came home feeling pretty good-- Finally, I had gotten then hang of the way things were going to be... I'm getting to know the kids, I'm getting in a routine, etc. Touchdown.

Today, my team-teacher skipped out on my 2nd class which sucked b/c these kids are really difficult, and any disruption of the routine is a bad thing. So a kid tried to test the waters and the principal had to be called. Turns out, the teacher decided this morning that he needed to get his car fixed without telling anyone. piss. So then my 3rd class was hellacious during their lab, then in my 4th class, I found out that the team teacher I've had with me in this class since the beginning of the year is no longer going to be with me-- not entirely bad because she was no good-- and that I would have a different lady for half the class only-- this is really bad because THIS teacher is the absolute worst ever-- she mumbles, has bad posture, and perpetually looks like her aunt just died. Interception.

Tonight, I sat down to grade some papers and check my email, at which time I figured out I will have to attend 6 two-hour classes for new teachers in the months of October and November. 4:00-6:00pm. these classes are ones I could probably teach, definitely not going to be beneficial. Touchdown (other team)

Obviously, I have left out a good deal of details, but... you get the point....