Monday, October 27, 2008
Prayer Request
Last night, I was asked to pray for someone. I usually don't go public but, hey, it's my blog. Heather requested prayer for her Granny Ruth. She is dealing with complications from some treatments and procedures and is not quite herself. I've asked God to lift her spirits and return her to her stubborn self, just like her family needs her to be. She is a one-of-a-kind treasure. So, if you see this, please say a prayer for G.R. Trust me, God will know EXACTLY who you're talking about. Thanks.
Some Assembly Required
I was thinking about God, (I know weird, huh?), and I got an image in my head of a child sitting in the floor with a toy train set. All the pieces are strewn about on the floor around him just waiting to be assembled. He takes the first two pieces and, click, they are together. Click, click. Two more join them, adding to the length of the track. This goes on for awhile until soon there is quite a path assembled, winding and twisting, inclining and declining. Some of the pieces are straight, some have quick bends, others have long, sweeping curves. There are some "S" curves that will momentarily change the direction of the train, only to quickly return it to the same direction. There are some steep grades, there are dark tunnels, shortcuts through the mountains, there are bridges to carry the train across the deep gorges. But all the pieces must be in place. The train can only journey until the next piece is there to fill the gap. If the train jumps off the track, He gently places it back on the track at the spot it derailed. But to complete the trip, all the pieces must be there.
Life. Some assembly required.
Click.
Life. Some assembly required.
Click.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hackers
Screwtape to Wormwood: "What we want, if men become Christians at all, is to keep them in the state of mind I call 'Christianity And'. You know - Christianity and the Crisis, Christianity and the New Psychology, Christianity and the New Order, Christianity and Faith Healing, Christianity and Psychical Research, Christianity and Vegetarianism, Christianity and Spelling Reform. If they must be Christians let them at least be Christians with a difference. Substitute for the faith itself some Fashion with a Christian colouring. Work on their horror of the Same Old Thing." C.S.Lewis - The Screwtape Letters
I like it. I like it, alot. This is the church - my church, your church, every church. All congregations have a sect of people that think this way. Let's call them the Improvers. They are always trying to make everything better, or so they think. They are the ones afraid of change but they are also never content. Their discontentment shows in the way they try new things that are really recycled old things. It's usually the same thing with a different name. The solution?
The Hackers. Strip it down, shake it out, back to basics kind of Faith. (Can I get a amen?) Yeah, I think that's us. Those of us who just want it to be real. Real worship, real teaching, real God. One word: rel-e-vant. Not Sunday morning only stuff but a daily, moment-by-moment walk with the Holy One. We don't care what it's called as long as it's real. Chill. I'm not looking for a revolution, I'm talking about a revelation. Him revealed. It's time.
Christianity doesn't need any help. No sideshows, no fireworks, no smoke and mirrors. No "and." God said, "I am." If that's true, then "Christianity is."
I like it. I like it, alot. This is the church - my church, your church, every church. All congregations have a sect of people that think this way. Let's call them the Improvers. They are always trying to make everything better, or so they think. They are the ones afraid of change but they are also never content. Their discontentment shows in the way they try new things that are really recycled old things. It's usually the same thing with a different name. The solution?
The Hackers. Strip it down, shake it out, back to basics kind of Faith. (Can I get a amen?) Yeah, I think that's us. Those of us who just want it to be real. Real worship, real teaching, real God. One word: rel-e-vant. Not Sunday morning only stuff but a daily, moment-by-moment walk with the Holy One. We don't care what it's called as long as it's real. Chill. I'm not looking for a revolution, I'm talking about a revelation. Him revealed. It's time.
Christianity doesn't need any help. No sideshows, no fireworks, no smoke and mirrors. No "and." God said, "I am." If that's true, then "Christianity is."
What Lies Beyond
"I'm tired of feeling on the edge of nothing. I'd rather be on the edge of something." Credit to Heather Mays for the quote of the day.
I started thinking about our church and what edge we are on. Because we have most definitely been on an edge for a while. But we are moving - from the edge of nothing to something. That is all too clear. Tonight was a night where hearts broke, tears fell, relationships mended, and walls fell. Tonight, God showed up. Benji confirmed this by telling me of several other conversations he had. God is doing something.
But it's not the edge that is changing, it is what is over that edge. What lies beyond? Revival? Awakening? Does it matter what it's called? Of course not. What matters is that hearts are changing from within. God is moving, not in programs or methods or guidelines, but in the hearts of the servants. He is changing people on the inside and that certainly changes the outside. What do you do to make an egg stronger? Boil it. The inside changes and the whole darn thing goes from fragile to maddeningly tough. (I sometimes have trouble peeling them. Don't make fun of the slow boy).
So, yeah. Let's boil! If that is what it takes. Strengthen the whole by strengthening the parts. Our part is being strengthened. Why? Because, I think, we are not afraid of what lies beyond the edge. We, the hungry and thirsty ones, welcome it.
I started thinking about our church and what edge we are on. Because we have most definitely been on an edge for a while. But we are moving - from the edge of nothing to something. That is all too clear. Tonight was a night where hearts broke, tears fell, relationships mended, and walls fell. Tonight, God showed up. Benji confirmed this by telling me of several other conversations he had. God is doing something.
But it's not the edge that is changing, it is what is over that edge. What lies beyond? Revival? Awakening? Does it matter what it's called? Of course not. What matters is that hearts are changing from within. God is moving, not in programs or methods or guidelines, but in the hearts of the servants. He is changing people on the inside and that certainly changes the outside. What do you do to make an egg stronger? Boil it. The inside changes and the whole darn thing goes from fragile to maddeningly tough. (I sometimes have trouble peeling them. Don't make fun of the slow boy).
So, yeah. Let's boil! If that is what it takes. Strengthen the whole by strengthening the parts. Our part is being strengthened. Why? Because, I think, we are not afraid of what lies beyond the edge. We, the hungry and thirsty ones, welcome it.
I got dibs
I'm calling dibs on the C.S. Lewis quote of the day before someone else steals it for their blog. (jab for the day).
"Do not let us mistake necessary evils for good."
I like that. It's back to that whole justification thing, I think. We try to convince ourselves that we must do some things, even if we know we shouldn't, and usually because it's easier for us. It keeps us from doing the difficult things and we like that, right? We want a calm sea, a smooth road, and an unwinding path. So we take the way that has the least obstacles. Self-deception is what Spurgeon called it. Making ourselves believe it's right so we don't have to face what's wrong. Because, usually, what's wrong is us. We have followed through with something and now we are stuck. If we believe the evil is good, what could possibly be wrong?
"Do not let us mistake necessary evils for good."
I like that. It's back to that whole justification thing, I think. We try to convince ourselves that we must do some things, even if we know we shouldn't, and usually because it's easier for us. It keeps us from doing the difficult things and we like that, right? We want a calm sea, a smooth road, and an unwinding path. So we take the way that has the least obstacles. Self-deception is what Spurgeon called it. Making ourselves believe it's right so we don't have to face what's wrong. Because, usually, what's wrong is us. We have followed through with something and now we are stuck. If we believe the evil is good, what could possibly be wrong?
Truth
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Christ Jesus. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. (1 Corinthians 3:11-13)
I was thinking about this verse and my life, what my foundation is. I think right now I'm closer to God than I have been in the past and that makes it easier for me to see some of my past mistakes. I see my foolishness and the things I had made myself believe. I see how I had tried to justify my actions and feelings. The big one? Twisting the Scriptures to fit my plan and what I wanted.
The re-defining of our faith. Times when we take everything we believe and all we know about God and start turning it, molding it into something more suitable for us. Something that fits better into our lifestyle and makes us feel better about the choices we are making. What could God possibly detest more? To take His gift, His love, grace, mercy, and compassion and spin it for our own benefit. And for what? To ease our consciences? To avoid facing His conviction? To keep our precious pride intact by never having to admit we're wrong? To allow us to live in ways we shouldn't be living anyway? It's practically laughing off everything He has done for us, including Jesus' sacrifice. A crucifixion that meant nothing - how does that sound?
It's no wonder we encounter hard times because we bring them on ourselves. We leave God no choice but to exercise judgment on us. And then we have the nerve to ask why it's happening. A little awareness and recognition of ourselves wouldn't hurt, would it?
"The truth shall set you free." There is one foundation, one truth. Everything we are and do must fit into the pattern already provided by Him. We can try our best to change His way of doing things but it is unchanging. Only in His ways will we find freedom, joy and happiness. Only on the foundation that has already been laid.
I was thinking about this verse and my life, what my foundation is. I think right now I'm closer to God than I have been in the past and that makes it easier for me to see some of my past mistakes. I see my foolishness and the things I had made myself believe. I see how I had tried to justify my actions and feelings. The big one? Twisting the Scriptures to fit my plan and what I wanted.
The re-defining of our faith. Times when we take everything we believe and all we know about God and start turning it, molding it into something more suitable for us. Something that fits better into our lifestyle and makes us feel better about the choices we are making. What could God possibly detest more? To take His gift, His love, grace, mercy, and compassion and spin it for our own benefit. And for what? To ease our consciences? To avoid facing His conviction? To keep our precious pride intact by never having to admit we're wrong? To allow us to live in ways we shouldn't be living anyway? It's practically laughing off everything He has done for us, including Jesus' sacrifice. A crucifixion that meant nothing - how does that sound?
It's no wonder we encounter hard times because we bring them on ourselves. We leave God no choice but to exercise judgment on us. And then we have the nerve to ask why it's happening. A little awareness and recognition of ourselves wouldn't hurt, would it?
"The truth shall set you free." There is one foundation, one truth. Everything we are and do must fit into the pattern already provided by Him. We can try our best to change His way of doing things but it is unchanging. Only in His ways will we find freedom, joy and happiness. Only on the foundation that has already been laid.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Priori Incantatem
God's will - the great mystery of life, the elusive answer to all of life's struggles. Yeah, no. I don't think so. I used to think this was the key. If I could only discern His will for me then life would be a breeze. Not so much any more. I don't think it's that great of a mystery at all.
Adrian Rogers said:
- The will of God is for your welfare. It is not something you have to do; it is something you get to do.
- The will of God will never take you where the power of God and the grace of God cannot enable and keep you.
- God will not force His will on you. You are free to choose. But you are not free to choose the consequences of your choice.
I tried the whole "convincing everyone I knew God's will for me when really it was just me making my own decisions and disregarding Him completely" thing. Didn't quite work out so well. I think it ticked Him off. He jerked me back from my rebellion and showed me the truth - His truth. I feel like He was saying, "I'm tired of you putting this off on me. I want you to be better and you are nowhere close. Are you going to keep following your road or are you going to choose Mine?" I saw the consequences of my decisions. All the hurt and frustration and disappointment I had caused. My own little priori incantatem - the things I had taken from others because of my own stupid selfishness. Needless to say, I chose to follow His path. And now, I think I'm better, if only better than I was. But it's not about knowing how long the path is or where it ends. It's about following Him today, in this situation, and behaving like He wants me to. It's about seeking His will for what He has brought to me now. If Abraham knew God would spare Isaac, would he have bothered going to the mountain? Seriously, it is a choice. It's called following for a reason. Follow the map - His word - because it's all right there. He has told us how to live and what decisions to make. Make the choices that reflect Him. He made the rules and true joy, true peace, and true contentment are found in following them. He knows what will keep us close to Him and that, in essence, is His will.
Props to Heather
...for God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (1Corinthians 14:33)
God doesn't bring confusion. He isn't a cosmic chess player, He doesn't put us in an invisible labyrinth and leave us to find our way into His will if we're lucky. No. Jesus said it only takes the faith of a child to come to salvation. Why should we think it takes anything more to live the rest of our life following Him. Life is complicated because people are confusing. But He is a God of peace. That means the choices we face and the decisions we make are probably much simpler than we make them. The simplest part of this is that if we live by His word, we will be living in His will.
When Paul wrote this passage, he was talking about strife in the church. God's family should be acting in unity and harmony. He wants peace among His children. Not disorder and self-seeking. I think we should all re-examine our hearts, take a closer look to see if we are part of the confusion-making or the peace-making. As His children we share a common bond that cannot be broken, even by eternity! Is it really so hard to love each other that way?
God doesn't bring confusion. He isn't a cosmic chess player, He doesn't put us in an invisible labyrinth and leave us to find our way into His will if we're lucky. No. Jesus said it only takes the faith of a child to come to salvation. Why should we think it takes anything more to live the rest of our life following Him. Life is complicated because people are confusing. But He is a God of peace. That means the choices we face and the decisions we make are probably much simpler than we make them. The simplest part of this is that if we live by His word, we will be living in His will.
When Paul wrote this passage, he was talking about strife in the church. God's family should be acting in unity and harmony. He wants peace among His children. Not disorder and self-seeking. I think we should all re-examine our hearts, take a closer look to see if we are part of the confusion-making or the peace-making. As His children we share a common bond that cannot be broken, even by eternity! Is it really so hard to love each other that way?
Another Friday night story
We had another gathering tonight at the Fowler's and I couldn't help but notice that there was a different mood in the room. Maybe it was just the weather or a bad week. But something felt different to me. Like last week, I took inventory of those present and felt that same deep appreciation for these people and how very glad I am that these are my likeminded "brethren." I love them all very much and when they discuss their hurts and fears and worries, I find myself hurting and worrying along with them. If someone tells me their day was not so good, I'm sad for them. I want to make it better. I pondered this connection for a while and came up with this explanation:
They aren't just people I go to church with. They are the ones I pray for. Some I have prayed with many times. They pray for me as well. They lift me when I am down and they look to me when they need lifting up. They advise me and listen to my advice. They study the Bible with me. They have the same desires for our church that I do. They want to walk with God just like I want to and they make me feel peaceful when I am around them. And they make me laugh, the real kind. This is the core. These are the ones I miss when they are not there. This is my family.
All of you, again, I love you and I am praying for you this week. As for the mood, I guess someone needs that prayer. And to think I almost didn't even go tonight.
They aren't just people I go to church with. They are the ones I pray for. Some I have prayed with many times. They pray for me as well. They lift me when I am down and they look to me when they need lifting up. They advise me and listen to my advice. They study the Bible with me. They have the same desires for our church that I do. They want to walk with God just like I want to and they make me feel peaceful when I am around them. And they make me laugh, the real kind. This is the core. These are the ones I miss when they are not there. This is my family.
All of you, again, I love you and I am praying for you this week. As for the mood, I guess someone needs that prayer. And to think I almost didn't even go tonight.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Restoration
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Psalm 23:3)
Have you ever sinned? Silly question, isn't it? Because of course you have. King David sinned, too. Maybe He didn't write this particular verse due to his sin but it speaks to me in a certain way.
Sin takes us out of fellowship with God. I confess that my sin-plagued life has been spent probably more out of fellowship than in it. But He restores me. He has restored me many, many times. There were times in my life when, because of my lifestyle of sin, I felt tainted, corrupted, unworthy of His love. I have done so many bad things that at times I still feel I don't have the right to even call His name. Sin does that. It makes us see ourselves in a different light. God wants us to see ourselves in His light, through His eyes. That is a vision of love and purpose, designed for worship and fellowship with Him. He convicts us of our sins so that we will look at ourselves by His standards and seek to rejoin Him in that fellowship.
Here's the point: maybe you feel like you have really messed up. Messed up so bad that you have convinced yourself that you no longer are fit to do what God has planned for you to do. Please hear this! It doesn't matter what you have done. No sin is beyond God's forgiveness and no heart is beyond His love. Whatever mistakes you have made you are not ruined. All it takes is repentance and you will be restored. No matter what hurt you have caused or what morals you have compromised, you are still His beautiful one. He sees beauty and what He wants is your relationship with Him to be restored.
Have you ever sinned? Silly question, isn't it? Because of course you have. King David sinned, too. Maybe He didn't write this particular verse due to his sin but it speaks to me in a certain way.
Sin takes us out of fellowship with God. I confess that my sin-plagued life has been spent probably more out of fellowship than in it. But He restores me. He has restored me many, many times. There were times in my life when, because of my lifestyle of sin, I felt tainted, corrupted, unworthy of His love. I have done so many bad things that at times I still feel I don't have the right to even call His name. Sin does that. It makes us see ourselves in a different light. God wants us to see ourselves in His light, through His eyes. That is a vision of love and purpose, designed for worship and fellowship with Him. He convicts us of our sins so that we will look at ourselves by His standards and seek to rejoin Him in that fellowship.
Here's the point: maybe you feel like you have really messed up. Messed up so bad that you have convinced yourself that you no longer are fit to do what God has planned for you to do. Please hear this! It doesn't matter what you have done. No sin is beyond God's forgiveness and no heart is beyond His love. Whatever mistakes you have made you are not ruined. All it takes is repentance and you will be restored. No matter what hurt you have caused or what morals you have compromised, you are still His beautiful one. He sees beauty and what He wants is your relationship with Him to be restored.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Life Preserver
I love moments like these. Times when everything is going wrong and I can't figure anything out and then God clarifies it all. This happened today.
I'm feeling sort of a push/pull thing right now. I want run but God wants me to stay. I've duked it out with Him for months - futile, by the way - trying to make sense of it all. It's difficult, He knows that. It's depressing, He knows that, too. It's maddening, yeah, that also. "Please let me off the hook, God. You picked the wrong guy." I've prayed that alot. I feel like Jonah, who "rose up to flee from the presence of the Lord." Jonah didn't want to do his job, either. He looked for a way out. He asks to be thrown overboard during a storm, assuring the other sailors that this will calm the seas. I think he maybe saw another way to get away from God there but God isn't swayed quite so easily, trust me. So "the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah." Do you think he was relieved or disappointed? God commanded a fish to be Jonah's rescuer and to deliver him to where God wanted Him. That is divine purpose.
So today I tell God I'm tired of being a Jonah, trying to run from what He wants me to do, and could He please make a little more sense of this for me. Yes, it really was that whiney. I go on with my day and then come home. Then I saw some clouds breaking.
"So you think you are a Jonah?"
"Yes, Lord. I feel like Jonah."
"Interesting."
"What do you mean interesting? How should I feel?"
"Jonah will be along shortly. You're My fish."
I'm feeling sort of a push/pull thing right now. I want run but God wants me to stay. I've duked it out with Him for months - futile, by the way - trying to make sense of it all. It's difficult, He knows that. It's depressing, He knows that, too. It's maddening, yeah, that also. "Please let me off the hook, God. You picked the wrong guy." I've prayed that alot. I feel like Jonah, who "rose up to flee from the presence of the Lord." Jonah didn't want to do his job, either. He looked for a way out. He asks to be thrown overboard during a storm, assuring the other sailors that this will calm the seas. I think he maybe saw another way to get away from God there but God isn't swayed quite so easily, trust me. So "the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah." Do you think he was relieved or disappointed? God commanded a fish to be Jonah's rescuer and to deliver him to where God wanted Him. That is divine purpose.
So today I tell God I'm tired of being a Jonah, trying to run from what He wants me to do, and could He please make a little more sense of this for me. Yes, it really was that whiney. I go on with my day and then come home. Then I saw some clouds breaking.
"So you think you are a Jonah?"
"Yes, Lord. I feel like Jonah."
"Interesting."
"What do you mean interesting? How should I feel?"
"Jonah will be along shortly. You're My fish."
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sharing
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (James 5:16)
I want to be a righteous man. High standards, huh? It's true. I "hunger and thirst after righteousness." I just want to be a better man of God, it's that simple. But, why? Well, I want to please God, of course. But, honestly, that isn't the whole reason. I want my prayers to accomplish much. I want to go before God with my concerns and desires and know that I am telling Him what He wants to hear. I want my concerns and desires to be His concerns and desires. That is praying in accordance with His will. And that is when we see things happen. Being a more righteous person brings us closer to Him, therefore we will know Him better. But this post is really about something else. It's about bearing burdens. Why don't we do more of that? Do we not care enough about the people we love to come around them and help them with their load? I don't mean "thinking of you" cards and prayer lists. No, I'm talking about asking God to lift some of the strain off of them and placing it on our shoulders. Not so willing to actually bear it, are we? Let's face it, I can pray for you from a distance and see God move. No problem there. But I want to see your eyes light up immediately when you feel your burden lift and come over to me. I want to see the tears of sorrow turn to joy in that moment of prayer. Yeah. That's what I'm talking about!
"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
I want to be a righteous man. High standards, huh? It's true. I "hunger and thirst after righteousness." I just want to be a better man of God, it's that simple. But, why? Well, I want to please God, of course. But, honestly, that isn't the whole reason. I want my prayers to accomplish much. I want to go before God with my concerns and desires and know that I am telling Him what He wants to hear. I want my concerns and desires to be His concerns and desires. That is praying in accordance with His will. And that is when we see things happen. Being a more righteous person brings us closer to Him, therefore we will know Him better. But this post is really about something else. It's about bearing burdens. Why don't we do more of that? Do we not care enough about the people we love to come around them and help them with their load? I don't mean "thinking of you" cards and prayer lists. No, I'm talking about asking God to lift some of the strain off of them and placing it on our shoulders. Not so willing to actually bear it, are we? Let's face it, I can pray for you from a distance and see God move. No problem there. But I want to see your eyes light up immediately when you feel your burden lift and come over to me. I want to see the tears of sorrow turn to joy in that moment of prayer. Yeah. That's what I'm talking about!
"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
Remain
Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4,5)
That last part is what I want to stress. We can do nothing without Him. We must stay attached to Him to do anything ... to BE anything. We have been talking alot about abiding, remaining, in Him on Sunday nights. Personally, I want to be fruitful - to the church, my friends, family, those I love the most, and the lost. But fruitful FOR Him. Later, in verse 8, John writes that Jesus said, "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit." I want God to be glorified through my life. Why else would I even bother with this? Earlier tonight, I had an unexpected chance to see God glorified. It was nothing I did, I assure you. But I felt like God was giving me the words to say to someone I care about very, very much. I hope I helped, really don't know much about it. But the important thing is that when the opportunity arose, God showed up so that He would be glorified. I have no doubt that He will be. Remaining in Him at all times allows Him to work through us instantly, spur of the moment, even when we aren't looking for it.
That last part is what I want to stress. We can do nothing without Him. We must stay attached to Him to do anything ... to BE anything. We have been talking alot about abiding, remaining, in Him on Sunday nights. Personally, I want to be fruitful - to the church, my friends, family, those I love the most, and the lost. But fruitful FOR Him. Later, in verse 8, John writes that Jesus said, "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit." I want God to be glorified through my life. Why else would I even bother with this? Earlier tonight, I had an unexpected chance to see God glorified. It was nothing I did, I assure you. But I felt like God was giving me the words to say to someone I care about very, very much. I hope I helped, really don't know much about it. But the important thing is that when the opportunity arose, God showed up so that He would be glorified. I have no doubt that He will be. Remaining in Him at all times allows Him to work through us instantly, spur of the moment, even when we aren't looking for it.
Monday, October 20, 2008
I guess I'm just chatty today
On Friday night, a group of us gathered in what feels like the start of something amazing. If you weren't there, this probably won't mean alot to you. I just feel like sharing about it.
It was the re-launch of SCBC's college ministry. Some of us lucky ones who are older but don't act like it get to be involved as leadership. It just felt good to be around people that sincerely love each other and are willing to remove the communication barriers so we can help each other. And be helped. I walked away from this believing that we will strengthen the whole by strengthening the parts. And we strengthen the parts by strengthening the individuals. It's a simple theory and I do love simplicity. If we are a body, then each individual part must work correctly for the body to function. When one part falters, the others must compensate until the part is healed.
We must pick each other up. All of those who were present are old friends. I am actually the newest to everyone. But for five years I have known these people, you people. A half dozen or so of you read this so let me say that I love each of you dearly. My circle at Stock Creek has become my life's blood. You are the ones that keep me centered, that let me see God when I am having trouble finding Him. I fail you all miserably and often but I seek to be a source of strength for you. I want to be the compensating part for you when you need to rest and heal. We are a family. I have spent so much time with you all and made so many memories with you that I honestly can't remember not knowing you. We agree that SCBC is in a state of transition but that only means that we are on the move - upward. Man, I'm really sappy, huh? Must be the painkillers talking.
When things get out of hand with life, we can draw inward and be restored. That is what the fellowship is all about. I, personally, am available for any of you at anytime. Because I know you are available for me, also. None of us are perfect which makes us good for each other. We will fall away sometimes but it's good to know that we can fall back in to open arms. I'm done, now. I'll just have to be a little extra cynical tomorrow to make up for this.
It was the re-launch of SCBC's college ministry. Some of us lucky ones who are older but don't act like it get to be involved as leadership. It just felt good to be around people that sincerely love each other and are willing to remove the communication barriers so we can help each other. And be helped. I walked away from this believing that we will strengthen the whole by strengthening the parts. And we strengthen the parts by strengthening the individuals. It's a simple theory and I do love simplicity. If we are a body, then each individual part must work correctly for the body to function. When one part falters, the others must compensate until the part is healed.
We must pick each other up. All of those who were present are old friends. I am actually the newest to everyone. But for five years I have known these people, you people. A half dozen or so of you read this so let me say that I love each of you dearly. My circle at Stock Creek has become my life's blood. You are the ones that keep me centered, that let me see God when I am having trouble finding Him. I fail you all miserably and often but I seek to be a source of strength for you. I want to be the compensating part for you when you need to rest and heal. We are a family. I have spent so much time with you all and made so many memories with you that I honestly can't remember not knowing you. We agree that SCBC is in a state of transition but that only means that we are on the move - upward. Man, I'm really sappy, huh? Must be the painkillers talking.
When things get out of hand with life, we can draw inward and be restored. That is what the fellowship is all about. I, personally, am available for any of you at anytime. Because I know you are available for me, also. None of us are perfect which makes us good for each other. We will fall away sometimes but it's good to know that we can fall back in to open arms. I'm done, now. I'll just have to be a little extra cynical tomorrow to make up for this.
Quite possibly the Key to Life
But we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him,"
but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:7-11
God's secret wisdom that is destined for our glory. That excites me. He wants us to have His wisdom! Wouldn't that make life a little easier? If we had God's wisdom to use in our decision-making, in our trials, don't you think we would make better decisions? Wouldn't the trials be a little more joyful? James said, "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (ch.1, v.5) We can receive His wisdom simply by asking for it and believing He will give it. This is not the world's wisdom. Dr. Phil can't give you anything close to this. This is the wisdom of the ages. This is the counsel of God Himself.
Paul also quotes Isaiah here. We cannot begin to imagine the plans God has for us. We try because we want to know. But, as Matthew Henry said, "there are things which sense cannot discover. The great truths of the gospel are things lying out of the sphere of human discovery." They are revealed by His Spirit. The Spirit comprehends the depth of God's nature so He is competent to make these revelations. Only God's Spirit knows the thoughts of God, but they can be revealed to us.
I gotta tell you, I like knowing that I can't imagine what God has in store, for this life and the next. Rev. Fowler is fond of saying that to try to portray Heaven through drama is very near to blasphemy. We can't comprehend how it will be. I like that because I can imagine some pretty wonderful things for myself. To know that God has plans far beyond my imagination is great comfort.
I've been trying to pray for wisdom lately. I honestly can see a difference. I've seen some changes in my behavior that make me more like myself. I mean myself in God, of course. I've felt more peace and I've started acting instead of reacting. I feel more like the old me. There was a time when I walked closer to God and made a difference in the lives of those around me. I want to get there again. All in due time, I suppose. One of these days I'm gonna have to suck it up and write about patience.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him,"
but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:7-11
God's secret wisdom that is destined for our glory. That excites me. He wants us to have His wisdom! Wouldn't that make life a little easier? If we had God's wisdom to use in our decision-making, in our trials, don't you think we would make better decisions? Wouldn't the trials be a little more joyful? James said, "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (ch.1, v.5) We can receive His wisdom simply by asking for it and believing He will give it. This is not the world's wisdom. Dr. Phil can't give you anything close to this. This is the wisdom of the ages. This is the counsel of God Himself.
Paul also quotes Isaiah here. We cannot begin to imagine the plans God has for us. We try because we want to know. But, as Matthew Henry said, "there are things which sense cannot discover. The great truths of the gospel are things lying out of the sphere of human discovery." They are revealed by His Spirit. The Spirit comprehends the depth of God's nature so He is competent to make these revelations. Only God's Spirit knows the thoughts of God, but they can be revealed to us.
I gotta tell you, I like knowing that I can't imagine what God has in store, for this life and the next. Rev. Fowler is fond of saying that to try to portray Heaven through drama is very near to blasphemy. We can't comprehend how it will be. I like that because I can imagine some pretty wonderful things for myself. To know that God has plans far beyond my imagination is great comfort.
I've been trying to pray for wisdom lately. I honestly can see a difference. I've seen some changes in my behavior that make me more like myself. I mean myself in God, of course. I've felt more peace and I've started acting instead of reacting. I feel more like the old me. There was a time when I walked closer to God and made a difference in the lives of those around me. I want to get there again. All in due time, I suppose. One of these days I'm gonna have to suck it up and write about patience.
Humiliating moment of the day #1
This story will probably get out anyway so I'm going to spill it, in advance, just to protect my dignity. I went to an oral surgeon this morning for two, yes two, root canal procedures. Not a fun morning, by my standards. After FINALLY being taken to a room, the surgeon came in and described in disturbing detail what would be going on in my mouth for the next hour and a half. He then proceeded to numb the entire left side of my head from nose to ear. The shots weren't a big deal. They never have been for me. But today, after a few seconds, I started feeling...funny. My skin got clammy and I started sweating like I was running a marathon. My heart rate was around 220, I think, and my vision, which isn't exactly eagle-like anyway, became spotty. The doctor asked if I was okay (duh) to which I replied, "You're kidding, right?" I asked if I could sit up for a minute since my head was declined two yards below my feet. They, he and the hygienist, sat me up and, sure enough, I passed out. Head over right there on his little table of tools. The next thing I remember is being laid back again and the surgeon smacking me on the shoulder, "Mr. Carver? Chuck? Can you hear me?" I slowly regained consciousness and realized what had happened. My pasty white and moist face instantly turned red from embarrassment. I looked over at the hygienist, who was pale and TERRIFIED, and watched her finally take a breath after half a minute or so. "Wow! I've never had anyone black out on me before. I'm really glad we got you back!"
Yeah. Me, too. An oxygen mask and an hour later, I left. Procedure complete. Those of you who know me can confirm that I am the biggest nerd/geek/dork that ever lived and this story is not that surprising to you, I'm sure. Dignity intact.
Yeah. Me, too. An oxygen mask and an hour later, I left. Procedure complete. Those of you who know me can confirm that I am the biggest nerd/geek/dork that ever lived and this story is not that surprising to you, I'm sure. Dignity intact.
Something for Sarah
Proverbs 19:22 - "What a man desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar."
Hmm. That is a quandry. It really didn't make alot of sense at first. This is from the NIV so I went to other translations for help. (I know, I know. The eleventh commandment forbids this but throw me a bone.)
"What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar." NASB
"What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar." NKJV
"The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar." KJV
Now we have something to work with. It seems kindness is a recurring theme, here. I would agree, as a man, that kindness is a desirable quality. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit which means that it comes from God upon salvation. The KJV, in Galatians, calls it gentleness, which sort of re-defines it for me. I've always thought of kindness as the quality that makes charity possible. You know, being a kind person means having a heart for giving, whether through monetary gifts or spending time giving our talents, blah, blah, blah. But gentleness is a different bird altogether. Gentleness, to me, is like humility. It's like having the ability to handle situations or people gently by putting aside our own wants or feelings, (see Philippians 2:3,4).
D.L. Moody said that gentleness is "love in society." That makes sense, I think. It is an open expression of love, observable in public which is exactly what we need if we are going to show Christ in us. Here's Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse:
"It is far better to have a heart to do good and want ability for it than to have ability for it and want a heart to do it. The poor man wishes you well, but can promise you nothing, because he has nothing to be kind with. The liar makes you believe he will do mighty things, but, when it comes to the setting, will do nothing."
The Carver commentary says, in summary, that it's better to be kind and have nothing to be kind with than to say you are kind without actually being that way.
I'm obviously no expert on Scripture, but I hope this helps, Sarah. And anyone else who reads this, pray for my dear friend Sarah who is away at school and I miss terribly. She's my only equal at "Cranium."
Hmm. That is a quandry. It really didn't make alot of sense at first. This is from the NIV so I went to other translations for help. (I know, I know. The eleventh commandment forbids this but throw me a bone.)
"What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar." NASB
"What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar." NKJV
"The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar." KJV
Now we have something to work with. It seems kindness is a recurring theme, here. I would agree, as a man, that kindness is a desirable quality. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit which means that it comes from God upon salvation. The KJV, in Galatians, calls it gentleness, which sort of re-defines it for me. I've always thought of kindness as the quality that makes charity possible. You know, being a kind person means having a heart for giving, whether through monetary gifts or spending time giving our talents, blah, blah, blah. But gentleness is a different bird altogether. Gentleness, to me, is like humility. It's like having the ability to handle situations or people gently by putting aside our own wants or feelings, (see Philippians 2:3,4).
D.L. Moody said that gentleness is "love in society." That makes sense, I think. It is an open expression of love, observable in public which is exactly what we need if we are going to show Christ in us. Here's Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse:
"It is far better to have a heart to do good and want ability for it than to have ability for it and want a heart to do it. The poor man wishes you well, but can promise you nothing, because he has nothing to be kind with. The liar makes you believe he will do mighty things, but, when it comes to the setting, will do nothing."
The Carver commentary says, in summary, that it's better to be kind and have nothing to be kind with than to say you are kind without actually being that way.
I'm obviously no expert on Scripture, but I hope this helps, Sarah. And anyone else who reads this, pray for my dear friend Sarah who is away at school and I miss terribly. She's my only equal at "Cranium."
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Perspective
Luke 15:11-32 tells of Jesus speaking one of my favorite parables in the entire Bible. It is the story of the Prodigal Son, who took his inheritance and left his father's house to go on his own. He soon squandered everything and ended up impoverished to the point of being willing to eat after the pigs just for food. Here's the enlightening part:
When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger. I will get up and go to my father and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight...' "
I guess it didn't take long for him to change his mind when he went from wealthy to poor. The important thing is that he recognized how he had changed. He became aware of where he was, as opposed to where he used to be. The next step was the always difficult "swallowing of pride." If you read on, you will find that his father received him back with open arms, just as God receives us - unconditionally. Honestly, I've been there. God gave me wealth and I squandered it thinking I knew what I was doing.
"...poverty has changed my view of what true riches are."
Impoverished? Yes. But with a different perspective. One that keeps me aware of the riches.
When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger. I will get up and go to my father and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight...' "
I guess it didn't take long for him to change his mind when he went from wealthy to poor. The important thing is that he recognized how he had changed. He became aware of where he was, as opposed to where he used to be. The next step was the always difficult "swallowing of pride." If you read on, you will find that his father received him back with open arms, just as God receives us - unconditionally. Honestly, I've been there. God gave me wealth and I squandered it thinking I knew what I was doing.
"...poverty has changed my view of what true riches are."
Impoverished? Yes. But with a different perspective. One that keeps me aware of the riches.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Approaching the Unapproachable
Well, I am thrilled that I am getting a response to this blog in just a few short weeks. I'm very glad to know that not only do some people like it, I've actually been told it is helpful to them (thanks, Amy). So, with renewed confidence, my latest installment:
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:15, 16
Honestly, this has been one of my favorite verses for a few years. I love the whole book of Esther because it's more of a story like you would find in a bookstore somewhere. Here's some background on her life.
Esther was a Jewish girl, named Hadassah by her parents. She was raised by Mordecai, her cousin, who had taken her as his own daughter when her mother and father died. Mordecai's family had been carried into exile, from Jerusalem, by king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Babylon had since fallen to Persia and Mordecai and Esther now lived in the capital city of Susa. The king decides it is time to find himself a wife so he has all the hotties brought from all over the empire to the royal palace. Each girl received a twelve month beauty make-over, (really, it's in the Bible), and then she was taken to the king for one night. She would not return to him unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name. Lo, and behold, Esther won his favor and approval more than any other girl, and she was made queen.
Now the king had an official named Haman who disliked the Jews and sought to destroy them. He contrived a plan to rid the entire kingdom of all Jews. Mordecai learns of this plot and sends word to Esther asking her to speak with the king and intervene on behalf of her people. Up to this point, she had kept her nationality hidden from everyone. She sends word back to Mordecai that approaching the king without being summoned was against the law and she would be put to death. Mordecai again sends word to her saying, "If you remain silent, deliverance will come from another place, but you and your family will die. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Yeah, he did! He called her out. It is then that Esther calls for a fast, and decides to approach the king even if it means her death. "If I perish, I perish."
OK, let's get real specific. Confrontation. Do you have a hostile audience to confront? Maybe there is a friend or loved one you need to talk to about a delicate subject. Regardless of what the circumstances are, Esther provides an inspiring example of stepping up in the most difficult personal affairs. We can follow this by trusting God, knowing that He has our best interests in mind, and that He will accomplish His purposes. Setting aside our fears and putting our faith in Him will free us to "face the king", so to speak. God knows our human frailties. He is faithful to give us His strength to overcome them and He will go before us, preparing the way and softening the hearts of those we must confront.
Oh, and by the way, the Bible says that when the king saw Queen Esther, he was pleased with her and told her he would give her anything she requested, even up to half of the kingdom. The Jews were saved and Haman was hanged. Man, I love a happy ending.
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:15, 16
Honestly, this has been one of my favorite verses for a few years. I love the whole book of Esther because it's more of a story like you would find in a bookstore somewhere. Here's some background on her life.
Esther was a Jewish girl, named Hadassah by her parents. She was raised by Mordecai, her cousin, who had taken her as his own daughter when her mother and father died. Mordecai's family had been carried into exile, from Jerusalem, by king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Babylon had since fallen to Persia and Mordecai and Esther now lived in the capital city of Susa. The king decides it is time to find himself a wife so he has all the hotties brought from all over the empire to the royal palace. Each girl received a twelve month beauty make-over, (really, it's in the Bible), and then she was taken to the king for one night. She would not return to him unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name. Lo, and behold, Esther won his favor and approval more than any other girl, and she was made queen.
Now the king had an official named Haman who disliked the Jews and sought to destroy them. He contrived a plan to rid the entire kingdom of all Jews. Mordecai learns of this plot and sends word to Esther asking her to speak with the king and intervene on behalf of her people. Up to this point, she had kept her nationality hidden from everyone. She sends word back to Mordecai that approaching the king without being summoned was against the law and she would be put to death. Mordecai again sends word to her saying, "If you remain silent, deliverance will come from another place, but you and your family will die. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Yeah, he did! He called her out. It is then that Esther calls for a fast, and decides to approach the king even if it means her death. "If I perish, I perish."
OK, let's get real specific. Confrontation. Do you have a hostile audience to confront? Maybe there is a friend or loved one you need to talk to about a delicate subject. Regardless of what the circumstances are, Esther provides an inspiring example of stepping up in the most difficult personal affairs. We can follow this by trusting God, knowing that He has our best interests in mind, and that He will accomplish His purposes. Setting aside our fears and putting our faith in Him will free us to "face the king", so to speak. God knows our human frailties. He is faithful to give us His strength to overcome them and He will go before us, preparing the way and softening the hearts of those we must confront.
Oh, and by the way, the Bible says that when the king saw Queen Esther, he was pleased with her and told her he would give her anything she requested, even up to half of the kingdom. The Jews were saved and Haman was hanged. Man, I love a happy ending.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Flocks
Tonight the youth played a game that was cheesy while at the same time very enlightening. It was called "Sheep, Wolves, and Shepherds." Two "wolves" armed to the teeth with foam balls try to attack the blindfolded "sheep" while the two "shepherds" fend them off with their shepherd's hook brooms. The wolves had a very easy time of this usually. I say usually because as long as the shepherd could successfully keep his flock herded together (they are blindfolded, remember) then they could pretty easily keep the wolves away.
In case you don't see where I'm going with this, let me explain. Sheep=us, body of Christ. Wolf=the devil. Shepherd=God. Satan will have a Fourth of July picnic with us if we are divided. He infiltrates the church with little resistance most of the time. But if the church sticks together, unified, then Satan has a harder time finding a weakness.
Individually, we are not as strong as we are with our church family. We are more prone to be led astray by Satan's temptations. "Spiritual drift", as I like to call it, is a reality. It happens more than we like to admit. We drift too much from God, and very quickly. I think our own desires cloud our judgment far too often. All the enemy wants is one little schism to squeeze into.
Stay close to your church family. No group will ever love you more. And they are always there to love you back. Like the Bible says, "if two or more agree."
And, yes. I read "schism" this morning and I've been wanting to use it all day.
In case you don't see where I'm going with this, let me explain. Sheep=us, body of Christ. Wolf=the devil. Shepherd=God. Satan will have a Fourth of July picnic with us if we are divided. He infiltrates the church with little resistance most of the time. But if the church sticks together, unified, then Satan has a harder time finding a weakness.
Individually, we are not as strong as we are with our church family. We are more prone to be led astray by Satan's temptations. "Spiritual drift", as I like to call it, is a reality. It happens more than we like to admit. We drift too much from God, and very quickly. I think our own desires cloud our judgment far too often. All the enemy wants is one little schism to squeeze into.
Stay close to your church family. No group will ever love you more. And they are always there to love you back. Like the Bible says, "if two or more agree."
And, yes. I read "schism" this morning and I've been wanting to use it all day.
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