On August 25th, I made a case for Humility as the most important character trait. I still feel that way.
Humility also has a foundational role in the discipleship of the believer. First, our interaction with the cross should humble, if that interaction is genuine and heart-level. How can we survey the wondrous cross, looking upon the One who was crucified and know that He did it for me and not be brought low.
Second, I need humility to learn, to accept, to listen, to change. Pride tells me that I am self-sufficient, but humility reminds me that I need help, I need others, I need a Savior.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Discipleship 101 1b
I knew this would happen. I knew that I would get stuck at the cross...
But there is such a depth of crucial information there. Let me pause at just one, substitution. Let me take books of well researched theology and boil it down to once sentence. That should have been me. God's wrath, his rejection, God turning his back, the taunts, the whip, the nails...that should have been me.
So as you sit in church today, and listen to those wonderful songs, hear his word, pray and meditate - think about this...
...that should have been me.
But there is such a depth of crucial information there. Let me pause at just one, substitution. Let me take books of well researched theology and boil it down to once sentence. That should have been me. God's wrath, his rejection, God turning his back, the taunts, the whip, the nails...that should have been me.
So as you sit in church today, and listen to those wonderful songs, hear his word, pray and meditate - think about this...
...that should have been me.
Friday, August 28, 2009
DISCIPLESHIP 101 - 1
In my discipleship process, the place that I would have to start, and end and come back to would be the gospel:
Paul clearly states here that the gospel is of first importance. Jesus ministry of preaching the gospel and his command that it must be preached to all nations (Mark 13:10) is also evidence. Paul's claim that he is set apart for the gospel (Romans 1:1) is not the final evidence, but just another bit of overwhelming evidence that the gospel is the center of god's redeeming plan.
1 Corinthians 15 gives a simple but all encompassing formula. We receive the gospel to become part of God's family. But the gospel is more than 'fire insurance', having done it's job. After receiving we are to stand on the gospel.
Way too much room needed than here, but look at the richness of the phrase, "by which you are being saved". Current, constant and consistent.
The gospel is good news!!
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Corinthians 15 gives a simple but all encompassing formula. We receive the gospel to become part of God's family. But the gospel is more than 'fire insurance', having done it's job. After receiving we are to stand on the gospel.
Way too much room needed than here, but look at the richness of the phrase, "by which you are being saved". Current, constant and consistent.
The gospel is good news!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Time Management
There is no such thing!
You cannot manage time. If you are bossy, a team player or a negotiator, time will pass at 60 seconds per minute, 60 minutes per hour and 24 hours per day. No matter if you are a great time manager or a poor one, each is given 1440 minutes per day. You can try and cheat with less sleep, eating faster or missing devotions, but you are still locked at 1440.
C. J. Mahaney did an excellent set of blogs on time management. I would
defer to him. But let me make two simple points. First, if you were going to do something really important, like head off to your favorite vacation that you had been planning for years, or have an IRS audit - you would think and prepare to make the most of it. Well, at the end of this life, you will be asked to give an account of the life you were given. Spend your time focusing on those things that matter.
Second, it is not time management, but self-management that is really at issue. Laziness makes us drift away from doing hard and unpleasant things. Fear of man makes us drift away from having uncomfortable conversations or making uncomfortable decisions. Sin entices us to focus on the short-term and ignore the long-term.
But there are three things that are eternal - God, the Word of God and the souls of men.
...and time waits for no man
You cannot manage time. If you are bossy, a team player or a negotiator, time will pass at 60 seconds per minute, 60 minutes per hour and 24 hours per day. No matter if you are a great time manager or a poor one, each is given 1440 minutes per day. You can try and cheat with less sleep, eating faster or missing devotions, but you are still locked at 1440.
C. J. Mahaney did an excellent set of blogs on time management. I would
defer to him. But let me make two simple points. First, if you were going to do something really important, like head off to your favorite vacation that you had been planning for years, or have an IRS audit - you would think and prepare to make the most of it. Well, at the end of this life, you will be asked to give an account of the life you were given. Spend your time focusing on those things that matter.Second, it is not time management, but self-management that is really at issue. Laziness makes us drift away from doing hard and unpleasant things. Fear of man makes us drift away from having uncomfortable conversations or making uncomfortable decisions. Sin entices us to focus on the short-term and ignore the long-term.
But there are three things that are eternal - God, the Word of God and the souls of men.
...and time waits for no man
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Humility
I get nervous when people begin their conversation with, there is one thing, or this is the most important thing...and when sermon titles start with The Most Important...
But I was thinking about Pride and Humility this morning. I was wondering if it was not the most important character trait of the bunch. Humility and Pride (as counterpoints) define how you look at yourself and how you look at God. Your level of pride and humility (opposite ends of the gauge like empty and full on the gas gauge) says what you believe about yourself and what you believe about God.
And I agree with A. W. Tozer when he says that what we believe about God is the most important thing about us. And that believe, if held at the heart level, will determine our humility.
But I was thinking about Pride and Humility this morning. I was wondering if it was not the most important character trait of the bunch. Humility and Pride (as counterpoints) define how you look at yourself and how you look at God. Your level of pride and humility (opposite ends of the gauge like empty and full on the gas gauge) says what you believe about yourself and what you believe about God.
And I agree with A. W. Tozer when he says that what we believe about God is the most important thing about us. And that believe, if held at the heart level, will determine our humility.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
DISCIPLESHIP 101
Recently I received a call from a young man who wanted my assistance in discipleship. First, I thought about how God was receiving glory by the young mans desire to pursue Him. What a 
statement this young disciple is making by asking an older brother to help them down the path of holiness, sanctification and service. Praise God!!
So I began to give this a great deal of thought. The problem is that the thoughts began to fly in like the rain drops we have been receiving the last couple of nights. I thought I was going to drown. So I thought back to one of my favorite theologians for help – Winnie-the-Pooh. He reminded me that, like him, I am a bear of “very little brain” and I need to keep things very simple. So I began to list the things that I felt have had the greatest impact on my spiritual growth and would benefit him the most.
Well, step-by-step – here goes…
statement this young disciple is making by asking an older brother to help them down the path of holiness, sanctification and service. Praise God!!So I began to give this a great deal of thought. The problem is that the thoughts began to fly in like the rain drops we have been receiving the last couple of nights. I thought I was going to drown. So I thought back to one of my favorite theologians for help – Winnie-the-Pooh. He reminded me that, like him, I am a bear of “very little brain” and I need to keep things very simple. So I began to list the things that I felt have had the greatest impact on my spiritual growth and would benefit him the most.
Well, step-by-step – here goes…
Friday, August 21, 2009
More Stolen Material
More stolen material. You will be better served by reading this from Ken Sande than anything that I could think of:
What Forgiveness is NOT
What Forgiveness is NOT
To understand what forgiveness is, we must first see what it is not. Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is an act of the will. Forgiveness involves a series of decisions, the first of which is to call on God to change our hearts. As he gives us grace, we must then decide (with our will) not to think or talk about what someone has done to hurt us. God calls us to make these decisions regardless of our feelings--but these decisions can lead to remarkable changes in our feelings.
Second, forgiveness is not forgetting. Forgetting is a passive process in which a matter fades from memory merely with the passing of time. Forgiving is an active process; it involves a conscious choice and a deliberate course of action. To put it another way, when God says that he "remembers your sins no more" (Isa. 43:25), he is not saying that he cannot remember our sins. Rather, he is promising that he will not remember them. When he forgives us, he chooses not to mention, recount, or think about our sins ever again. Similarly, when we forgive, we must draw on God's grace and consciously decide not to think or talk about what others have done to hurt us. This may require a lot of effort, especially when an offense is still fresh in mind. Fortunately, when we decide to forgive someone and stop dwelling on an offense, painful memories usually begin to fade.
Finally, forgiveness is not excusing. Excusing says, "That's okay," and implies, "What you did wasn't really wrong," or "You couldn't help it." Forgiveness is the opposite of excusing. The very fact that forgiveness is needed and granted indicates that what someone did was wrong and inexcusable. Forgiveness says, "We both know that what you did was wrong and without excuse. But since God has forgiven me, I forgive you." Because forgiveness deals honestly with sin, it brings a freedom that no amount of excusing could ever hope to provide.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A New Hero?
I have a new hero (already!?)
It's my daughter. Quickly, my wife and I were going out to dinner with my parents several days ago when my mom became sick. Nothing big, just not feeling well so we took her back to their apt. My daughter's volleyball practice got cancelled so she called and said that she would join us for dinner. I called her back to cancel her out when she said, "why don't I grab something here and then sit with Grandmom while you guys take grandad out for dinner."
Now let's put this in perspective...Sixteen year old girls are only interested in fashion, cell phones and Zac Ephron. Not so here. Instead of having an evening to herself so that she could chill, she wanted to spend it with a senior citizen who was sick.
I gave her several chances to back out, but she wanted to serve.
That is the textbook definition of the grace of God at work in a person. By definition, we are selfish, but she was selfless. That is more encouraging evidence that the grace of God is at work in her.
It's my daughter. Quickly, my wife and I were going out to dinner with my parents several days ago when my mom became sick. Nothing big, just not feeling well so we took her back to their apt. My daughter's volleyball practice got cancelled so she called and said that she would join us for dinner. I called her back to cancel her out when she said, "why don't I grab something here and then sit with Grandmom while you guys take grandad out for dinner."
Now let's put this in perspective...Sixteen year old girls are only interested in fashion, cell phones and Zac Ephron. Not so here. Instead of having an evening to herself so that she could chill, she wanted to spend it with a senior citizen who was sick.
I gave her several chances to back out, but she wanted to serve.
That is the textbook definition of the grace of God at work in a person. By definition, we are selfish, but she was selfless. That is more encouraging evidence that the grace of God is at work in her.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My Hero Jenny Sanford
Hero's are people who do difficult things in difficult times. They do the right thing when others around them do the expedient thing. That is why Jenny Sanford has become my hero. Ms. Sanford is the wife of embarrassed South Carolina Governor Mark Harris who was recently caught in an affair with a Brazilian TV producer.
Gov. Harris has displayed his demons in a very public manner. He has waivered and melted down in TV interviews and proven to the residents of SC that he is not sufficiently balanced to continue to work for them, governing their proud state.
Ms. Harris, on the other hand has been quiet, demure and dignified. She has stood beside her husband thru this ordeal and given him support and grace. She has not, however, been a doormat. She has moved out of the Governor's Mansion and now she has given an interview that show her metal and the basis for her stellar performance in this trial. Here are some excerpts:
On the future of her marriage:
All I can do is forgive. Reconciliation is something else, and that is going to be a harder road. I have put my heart and soul into being a good mother and wife. Now I think it’s up to my husband to do the soul-searching to see if he wants to stay married. The ball is in his court.
On the other woman:
All I can do is pray for her because she made some poor choices. Mark made some poor choices. A lot of people were brought down by this, and I am sure that is not what they wanted.
And these are the words of a hero, who has a hero:
If you don’t forgive, you become angry and bitter. I don’t want to become that. I am not in charge of revenge. That’s not up to me. That’s for the Lord to decide, and it’s important for me to teach that to my boys. All I can do is forgive.
I look at Jenny Sanford with admiration. Then I look past her to the source of her strength.
Gov. Harris has displayed his demons in a very public manner. He has waivered and melted down in TV interviews and proven to the residents of SC that he is not sufficiently balanced to continue to work for them, governing their proud state.
Ms. Harris, on the other hand has been quiet, demure and dignified. She has stood beside her husband thru this ordeal and given him support and grace. She has not, however, been a doormat. She has moved out of the Governor's Mansion and now she has given an interview that show her metal and the basis for her stellar performance in this trial. Here are some excerpts:
On the future of her marriage:
All I can do is forgive. Reconciliation is something else, and that is going to be a harder road. I have put my heart and soul into being a good mother and wife. Now I think it’s up to my husband to do the soul-searching to see if he wants to stay married. The ball is in his court.
On the other woman:
All I can do is pray for her because she made some poor choices. Mark made some poor choices. A lot of people were brought down by this, and I am sure that is not what they wanted.
And these are the words of a hero, who has a hero:
If you don’t forgive, you become angry and bitter. I don’t want to become that. I am not in charge of revenge. That’s not up to me. That’s for the Lord to decide, and it’s important for me to teach that to my boys. All I can do is forgive.
I look at Jenny Sanford with admiration. Then I look past her to the source of her strength.
My Redeemer Lives
For I know that my Redeemer lives,and at the last he will stand upon the
earth.
These are the words of hope that Job spoke to his best friends. Job has lost his entire family, all his wealth, respect in the community - but not his hope. That hope was planted in the unchanging and timeless I AM.
John Wesley commented on this verse:
This is the reason of his confidence in the goodness of his cause, and his willingness to have the matter depending between him and his friends, published and submitted to any trial, because he had a living and powerful Redeemer to plead his cause, and to give sentence for him.
What a great confidence we can have in the valley of dispair - all believers can say, I shall see God.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Trials and Suffering
Maybe it's just because I am getting old, but I think that I am finally getting the book of Job.
I am reading Job thru for devotions. The first thing that I figured out is that the first key to Job is in the first chapter. Verse 8 says, '"the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” ' That is a huge hint to all the dialog that begins between Job and his friends that begins in chapter 3. The counsel that his friends give him is good, wise counsel. We can learn from it and profit from it in various circumstances. But as good as the counsel is, it does not apply to Job at the time because he is, as God himself says, 'blameless and upright'. Repentance is not the issue with Job.
But there is the second key to Job - and that is humility. Job's friends dole out all this great counsel, but they start their counseling with assumptions instead of asking questions. They miss the mark because of their assumptions.
The third key I see in Job is that bad things can happen at any time to anyone. These trials are of the worst kind, but they are not punishment, but tools in the hand of God to glorify Himself. How many times have I thought, 'why me, God', or 'I better not do that or I will receive the punishment of God. But these are not God's angry reaction to my sin. I am not ignoring the consequences of my sin, but I am reminded of the gospel - that all my punishment was meeted out at the cross. The full wrath of a just and righteous God was poured out, to the last drop, so that none was left for me.
Am I now prone to sin since all sin is paid for? No, I am enticed to learn more about this incredible Savior who would love me that much.
Grace, it's still amazing!
I am reading Job thru for devotions. The first thing that I figured out is that the first key to Job is in the first chapter. Verse 8 says, '"the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” ' That is a huge hint to all the dialog that begins between Job and his friends that begins in chapter 3. The counsel that his friends give him is good, wise counsel. We can learn from it and profit from it in various circumstances. But as good as the counsel is, it does not apply to Job at the time because he is, as God himself says, 'blameless and upright'. Repentance is not the issue with Job.
But there is the second key to Job - and that is humility. Job's friends dole out all this great counsel, but they start their counseling with assumptions instead of asking questions. They miss the mark because of their assumptions.The third key I see in Job is that bad things can happen at any time to anyone. These trials are of the worst kind, but they are not punishment, but tools in the hand of God to glorify Himself. How many times have I thought, 'why me, God', or 'I better not do that or I will receive the punishment of God. But these are not God's angry reaction to my sin. I am not ignoring the consequences of my sin, but I am reminded of the gospel - that all my punishment was meeted out at the cross. The full wrath of a just and righteous God was poured out, to the last drop, so that none was left for me.
Am I now prone to sin since all sin is paid for? No, I am enticed to learn more about this incredible Savior who would love me that much.
Grace, it's still amazing!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sing your Song!
About 15 years ago, Martha and I went to a christian retreat. The headliner was a Pastor from North Carolina, but the anointed speaker was his wife. She had gone thru some very difficult situation in her life and marriage. Major health problems, a medical emergency with her child. But what she spoke about was "singing your song". That in our lives, God has given each of us life experiences, and how we lived those out was like performing a song in front of the rest of the world. She encouraged us to sing out our song with passion, with joy and at the top of our lungs.
My song is one of humble gratefulness to God. I am not a billionaire or an astro-physicist. I'm not a movie star, or a rock star, more of a falling star.
However, God has given me so much. I have a roof over my head that gives us room to entertain, host a small group and minister. He has given me a job that challenges me and where I can help other families meet their financial needs. None of this I deserve, and none could not be filled in a heart beat with others more capable or more deserving.
I have been given four children who I adore. Each one a sinner, but each a friend, a confidant and each I just love hanging with. And then God poured blessing upon blessing by giving me the best daughter-in-law, and that is my honest opinion. And to put the cherry on top, I have the honor of being the grandfather of the two cutest little grandchildren. And to all this, I ask the question of God --- why?
But my song is not a solo. My song has become a duet, with a woman who God has selected to perfectly complement me. The harmonies of her voice spiritually and emotionally do not imitate mine, but intertwine with mine to make a unique song that brings glory to God.
But the greatest blessing, and the blessing that makes all of these mingle into a glorious crescendo of praise, it the blessing of the gospel. The gift of salvation is is not free. It carried with it a great and terrible cost - but to me, it is a gift.
So I sing. I sing with passion, I sing with joy and I sing at the top of my lungs!
My song is one of humble gratefulness to God. I am not a billionaire or an astro-physicist. I'm not a movie star, or a rock star, more of a falling star.
However, God has given me so much. I have a roof over my head that gives us room to entertain, host a small group and minister. He has given me a job that challenges me and where I can help other families meet their financial needs. None of this I deserve, and none could not be filled in a heart beat with others more capable or more deserving.
I have been given four children who I adore. Each one a sinner, but each a friend, a confidant and each I just love hanging with. And then God poured blessing upon blessing by giving me the best daughter-in-law, and that is my honest opinion. And to put the cherry on top, I have the honor of being the grandfather of the two cutest little grandchildren. And to all this, I ask the question of God --- why?
But my song is not a solo. My song has become a duet, with a woman who God has selected to perfectly complement me. The harmonies of her voice spiritually and emotionally do not imitate mine, but intertwine with mine to make a unique song that brings glory to God.
But the greatest blessing, and the blessing that makes all of these mingle into a glorious crescendo of praise, it the blessing of the gospel. The gift of salvation is is not free. It carried with it a great and terrible cost - but to me, it is a gift.
So I sing. I sing with passion, I sing with joy and I sing at the top of my lungs!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
29 years, No. 3
I will do some catching up today, after being out of town for several day, but...
I have to return to looking forward to tomorrow - 29 years. For those of you who know us, you will remember that we went thru a big scare last year. Our getting to 29 years was in question. The doctor used the word 'tumor' and the rest of our time was to be measured in months.
God is always good, but he was very gentle with us and answered a lot of prayers. I am reminded of Paul's report on Epaphroditus to the church at Philipi. He said, "Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow." That is what God spared me from - such great heart ache. That makes number 29 all the sweeter.
Mercy - how sweet!
I have to return to looking forward to tomorrow - 29 years. For those of you who know us, you will remember that we went thru a big scare last year. Our getting to 29 years was in question. The doctor used the word 'tumor' and the rest of our time was to be measured in months.
God is always good, but he was very gentle with us and answered a lot of prayers. I am reminded of Paul's report on Epaphroditus to the church at Philipi. He said, "Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow." That is what God spared me from - such great heart ache. That makes number 29 all the sweeter.
Mercy - how sweet!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
29 years, No. 2
This piece of advise goes for everyone, not just the married.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 18:22
As I soon in on our 29th anniversary, I think about all the memories, good times and blessings. We have four children, not a one I can even conceive having lived without. In the second half of our life together, God has added a daughter-in-law who I have
come to love...respect and deeply cherish. I respect her love of Christ and her passion to grow in godliness. And I love her ability to pop out the cutest grandchildren!!! God has also blessed us with two small people who have completely stolen my heart.
But God has taken the last 29 years to knit my heart to a most amazing woman. Over the years we have gone thru some very difficult times - some economic, some medical...but God has been faithful to use each to...to what? it is more than "draw us together", it is more than grow us. Maybe it is this - God has used these difficult times to melt us together until we are one.
God has not called everyone to marry - but he does not want any of us to be alone. If you are married, use each of these trials to grow closer. If you are not married, then who is that person who is allowed to see into your soul. Is there someone who can ask any question, challenge any assumption, or share any thought? That earthly best friend is a compliment to our heavenly Champion
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 18:22
As I soon in on our 29th anniversary, I think about all the memories, good times and blessings. We have four children, not a one I can even conceive having lived without. In the second half of our life together, God has added a daughter-in-law who I have
come to love...respect and deeply cherish. I respect her love of Christ and her passion to grow in godliness. And I love her ability to pop out the cutest grandchildren!!! God has also blessed us with two small people who have completely stolen my heart.But God has taken the last 29 years to knit my heart to a most amazing woman. Over the years we have gone thru some very difficult times - some economic, some medical...but God has been faithful to use each to...to what? it is more than "draw us together", it is more than grow us. Maybe it is this - God has used these difficult times to melt us together until we are one.
God has not called everyone to marry - but he does not want any of us to be alone. If you are married, use each of these trials to grow closer. If you are not married, then who is that person who is allowed to see into your soul. Is there someone who can ask any question, challenge any assumption, or share any thought? That earthly best friend is a compliment to our heavenly Champion
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
29 Years!
Today is August 9th. In just one week my wife and I will celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary. Wow! Twenty-nine years makes a big difference:
More in love than ever
When we met, there were no cell phones
We talked on Sunday night for just 10 minutes
There were no microwaves
We ate barbequed hot dogs
There were no personal computers
We wrote all our letters by hand
There were no catalytic converters
We rode a tandem bicycle into town
There were no children
We had a rabbit named Grete
We didn’t own a house,
We took naps in our hammock out back
I was a fill time student
And you worked at the Toy Maker on Merchant Square
I loved you then
But I love you now more than ever
More in love than ever
When we met, there were no cell phones
We talked on Sunday night for just 10 minutes
There were no microwaves
We ate barbequed hot dogs
There were no personal computers
We wrote all our letters by hand
There were no catalytic converters
We rode a tandem bicycle into town
There were no children
We had a rabbit named Grete
We didn’t own a house,
We took naps in our hammock out back
I was a fill time student
And you worked at the Toy Maker on Merchant Square
I loved you then
But I love you now more than ever
Saturday, August 8, 2009
A God Entranced Vision of All Things
Just finished the Piper/Taylor book, A God Entranced Vision of All Things. This book is a discussion of the legacy of Jonathan Edwards.
One of the best parts of the book was the chapter, written by John Piper’s wife on Sarah Piper. It is an excellent profile of Edwards wife - her bio, her influence and her
legacy. Edwards described his relationship with his wife as an “uncommon union” and much of Jonathan’s productivity and service to us now was a result of Sarah’s sacrifice then.
The purpose if the book was no only to challenge the reader but also to entice us all to read Edwards, not just read about Edwards. And today, this sermons are posted all over the web. Here are the immediate recommendations:
- Growing in God’s Spirit
- Praying Together for True Revival
Reading Jonathan Edwards in by no means Edwards. But I was hooked by the book and have already consumed a couple of works by Edwards. Of particular help to me were
- The Necessity of Self Examination
- God Glorified in Man's Dependence
Have you read anything by Edwards? What was it and how was it helpful?
One of the best parts of the book was the chapter, written by John Piper’s wife on Sarah Piper. It is an excellent profile of Edwards wife - her bio, her influence and her
legacy. Edwards described his relationship with his wife as an “uncommon union” and much of Jonathan’s productivity and service to us now was a result of Sarah’s sacrifice then.The purpose if the book was no only to challenge the reader but also to entice us all to read Edwards, not just read about Edwards. And today, this sermons are posted all over the web. Here are the immediate recommendations:
- Growing in God’s Spirit
- Praying Together for True Revival
Reading Jonathan Edwards in by no means Edwards. But I was hooked by the book and have already consumed a couple of works by Edwards. Of particular help to me were
- The Necessity of Self Examination
- God Glorified in Man's Dependence
Have you read anything by Edwards? What was it and how was it helpful?
Curse God and Die
Are you suffering? Going thru a difficult time? I are facing trials? Curse God and die.
Are you thinking, 'Wow, that's harsh." Well I would agree. But that was the response of Job's wife in Job 2:9. I think that we would seldom if ever give that counsel, but do we practice that? When we are facing a trial, don't we ask, "Why God?!" Don't we question God?
I was meeting with a brother last night and we were discussing where we were doing well and where our faith was being tested. He used a phrase regarding his trials that indicated that he questioned if God was playing a cruel joke on him. I laughed because it sounded just like me when I face tough times. But as Jobe would say:
"Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?"
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).
Friday, August 7, 2009
99 Balloons
A co-worker sent me a youtube link. If you have the courage, watch the story of little Elliot who only lived 99 days. Watch and wonder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0
I want to thank Elliot's father for teaching me how to honor his son. Thank you for reminding me that all things from God's hand are for his glory and for my good. Thank you for doing it without pride or drama, but quietly getting out of the way and putting the spot light on others. Thanks for reminding me that hero's are regular people too.
Thank you for not complaining about what you did not get, but celebrating what others gave.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0
I want to thank Elliot's father for teaching me how to honor his son. Thank you for reminding me that all things from God's hand are for his glory and for my good. Thank you for doing it without pride or drama, but quietly getting out of the way and putting the spot light on others. Thanks for reminding me that hero's are regular people too.
Thank you for not complaining about what you did not get, but celebrating what others gave.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Battling the Drift - 2
Refer to the August 1 entry. This is the second installment in resources that I use to battle the drift from and refresh myself in the Gospel.
Again, no surprises here, but Milton Vincent’s, The Gospel Primer is a great short resource. The book is not long, but it is written in small sections, each stand-alone section is only around a hundred words or so. It is great to end a time of prayer or Bible reading and then to mull the thought over for the rest of the day. This is great when you don’t need a full college course in the gospel, but short, daily meditations.
Let me provide one of the longer sections, but one that uses the infinitely sharp truth of the gospel to expertly remove the dangerous malignancy of pride, self-esteem and arrogance:
Again, no surprises here, but Milton Vincent’s, The Gospel Primer is a great short resource. The book is not long, but it is written in small sections, each stand-alone section is only around a hundred words or so. It is great to end a time of prayer or Bible reading and then to mull the thought over for the rest of the day. This is great when you don’t need a full college course in the gospel, but short, daily meditations.Let me provide one of the longer sections, but one that uses the infinitely sharp truth of the gospel to expertly remove the dangerous malignancy of pride, self-esteem and arrogance:
The Cross also exposes me before the eyes of other people, informing them of the depth of my depravity. If I wanted others to think highly of me, I would conceal the fact that a shameful slaughter of the perfect son of God was required that I might be saved.
But when I stand at the foot of the Cross and am seen by others under the light of that Cross, I am left uncomfortably exposed before their eyes. Indeed, the most humiliating gossip that could ever be whispered about me is blared from Golgotha’s hill; and my self-righteous reputation is left in ruins in the wake of its revelations.
With the worst facts about me thus exposed to the view of others, I find myself feeling that I truly have nothing left to hide.
Thankfully, the more exposed I see that I am by the Cross, the more I find myself opening up to others about ongoing issues of sin in my life. (Why would anyone be shocked to hear of my struggles with past and present sin when the Cross already told them I am a desperately sinful person?)
And the more open I am in confessing my sins to fellow-Christians, the more I enjoy the healing of the Lord in response to their grace-filled counsel and prayer. Experiencing richer levels of Christ’s love in companionship with such saints, I give thanks for the gospel’s role in forcing my hand toward self-disclosure and the freedom that follows.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Cash for Clunkers
SPOILER ALERT - this is political
What does the Cash-for-Clunkers program teach us?
It is a government program that will give us less than we expected and cost us three times more than planned. It is unconstitutional and filled with waste.
The same folks who are running the Cash-for-Clunkers (CFC) program want the chance to provide you medical treatment.
The CFC program was supposed to run thru November but it lasted less than two weeks. We certainly got less than we bargained for. If they take over Health Care, we will get similar treatment. We will get less tests done than we do now and we will wait longer for them.
The $1 billion price tag is now going to be at least $3 billion. Are we willing to bet that these same people are going to be able to save us money? Did they save us money on Social Security? Medicaid? Is the post office or Amtrak running at a profit?
This is HEALTH CARE. Peoples lives rely on it. They can stop Saturday deliver of my mail. I won't die - but this is Health Care.
What does the Cash-for-Clunkers program teach us?
It is a government program that will give us less than we expected and cost us three times more than planned. It is unconstitutional and filled with waste.
The same folks who are running the Cash-for-Clunkers (CFC) program want the chance to provide you medical treatment.The CFC program was supposed to run thru November but it lasted less than two weeks. We certainly got less than we bargained for. If they take over Health Care, we will get similar treatment. We will get less tests done than we do now and we will wait longer for them.
The $1 billion price tag is now going to be at least $3 billion. Are we willing to bet that these same people are going to be able to save us money? Did they save us money on Social Security? Medicaid? Is the post office or Amtrak running at a profit?
This is HEALTH CARE. Peoples lives rely on it. They can stop Saturday deliver of my mail. I won't die - but this is Health Care.
Conflict
I am teaching tonight at the marriage class. The first topic I am covering is conflict resolution. this just gives me another chance to plug Ken Sande's book The Peace Maker. there is a real sense of hope for marriages and all relationships that there is a possibility, better than that, an option for true peace. Would it be too bold to say that in any relationship, it is possible to resolve conflict and find peace if you are armed with the material in this book? I don't think so. If applied diligently, even if your spouse chooses not to resolve, I can live at peace.
And this is not an option. Scripture demands it:
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
Hmmm, am I walking in a manner worthy of my calling? Not close. And I need the Church, others, scriptures, spiritual disciplnes and a growing understanding of the gospel to walk that out.
Application:
1.) Am I persuing accountability relationships at deeper and deeper levels that serve me and where I can serve others to walk in a manner worthy of my calling?
2.) There are passions that make war within me (James 4:1). What war rages the hotest? What is the plan of combat?
And this is not an option. Scripture demands it:
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
Hmmm, am I walking in a manner worthy of my calling? Not close. And I need the Church, others, scriptures, spiritual disciplnes and a growing understanding of the gospel to walk that out.
Application:
1.) Am I persuing accountability relationships at deeper and deeper levels that serve me and where I can serve others to walk in a manner worthy of my calling?
2.) There are passions that make war within me (James 4:1). What war rages the hotest? What is the plan of combat?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Similarities
I’ve been thinking about a number of the headlines and how I should be looking at these thru the lens of the gospel. Her are my thoughts.
I am six feet tall. When I walk thru a mall, I notice, albeit subconsciously, the height of other people. In those circumstances, I feel I have more in common with the person who is six-foot-two than the person who is four-foot-eight. I will also notice skin color. I am white, but a darker shade of white. As I pass people in the mall, I will see some that are lighter skinned than me and some that are much darker. Who do I have more similarities with, a light skinned African-American or a pale Caucasian? Finally, there is gender. I have more similarities with men than I do with women. There are so many ways to sub-divide us and with varying degrees of viability.
There is, however, one dominating criteria for the division of the human race. Romans 5:18 says, “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.”
That first sin led to the condemnation of all men, and united us all into the family of sinners. Judge Sonia Sotomayor is Hispanic, but she is a sinner just like me. Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr is a Harvard Scholar and an African-American, and he is a sinner, just like me. Unless we realize that if we focus on foot size, ice cream preference, skin color or national origin, we will always be divided. However, if we look at our desperate state as sinners, we will be united in our humility. And if we can look upward and outward and depend on Christ as our Savior, we reach a deeper and eternal unity as brothers and sisters in God’s family of the redeemed.
There is only one unifying place. It unifies us, it unifies history and it unifies God and man. That place is the cross.
I am six feet tall. When I walk thru a mall, I notice, albeit subconsciously, the height of other people. In those circumstances, I feel I have more in common with the person who is six-foot-two than the person who is four-foot-eight. I will also notice skin color. I am white, but a darker shade of white. As I pass people in the mall, I will see some that are lighter skinned than me and some that are much darker. Who do I have more similarities with, a light skinned African-American or a pale Caucasian? Finally, there is gender. I have more similarities with men than I do with women. There are so many ways to sub-divide us and with varying degrees of viability.
There is, however, one dominating criteria for the division of the human race. Romans 5:18 says, “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.”That first sin led to the condemnation of all men, and united us all into the family of sinners. Judge Sonia Sotomayor is Hispanic, but she is a sinner just like me. Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr is a Harvard Scholar and an African-American, and he is a sinner, just like me. Unless we realize that if we focus on foot size, ice cream preference, skin color or national origin, we will always be divided. However, if we look at our desperate state as sinners, we will be united in our humility. And if we can look upward and outward and depend on Christ as our Savior, we reach a deeper and eternal unity as brothers and sisters in God’s family of the redeemed.
There is only one unifying place. It unifies us, it unifies history and it unifies God and man. That place is the cross.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Humility 1
If you talk to me long, you will know that one of my hot buttons is the topic of humility. I don’t have it, but I am intently interested in it. Interestingly, the word “humility” is only mentioned
ten times in the ESV, And yet humility is called for above all virtues.
Consider this, humility has a unique position in the spiritual realm. When looking at our heart and discerning sin and growing in grace, we look for things that are either roots or fruits. I believe that humility is uniquely both a root and a fruit. Pride (the absence of humility) is a root heart issue. And humility, as outlined in Colossians 3:12ff is a fruit to “put on”. Pride is part of original sin, it is in our DNA. And humility is something we are called to do.
I encourage you to pursue humility greater than any character trait.
ten times in the ESV, And yet humility is called for above all virtues.Consider this, humility has a unique position in the spiritual realm. When looking at our heart and discerning sin and growing in grace, we look for things that are either roots or fruits. I believe that humility is uniquely both a root and a fruit. Pride (the absence of humility) is a root heart issue. And humility, as outlined in Colossians 3:12ff is a fruit to “put on”. Pride is part of original sin, it is in our DNA. And humility is something we are called to do.
I encourage you to pursue humility greater than any character trait.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Battling the Drift - 1
My Senior Pastor Don Sharpe once said to me “we are always drifting, but we never drift towards the gospel, we always drift away.” So I want to develop methods and plans to battle the drift. One way is to build a small, personal library of materials that have helped me in the past to better understand the gospel. I then revisit these materials on an ongoing basis – sometimes a little in a day, sometimes a larger portion in a week and sometimes a month dedicated to re-reading a book.
I will share some of my list over time. I will start with the expected classics, and then get more personal as the list goes on.. I hope that you will comment and add some of your favorites.
The Cross Centered Life – C. J. Mahaney
Okay, no surprise here, but this book is a staple in any library and certainly in the small stack of resources that refresh me in the gospel. The book itself is only 85 small pages. It can easily be read in a weekend or with chapters of less than 15 pages, each chapter can be read in a devotional time.
If you have never read the book, I encourage you to read the whole thing through the first time. After doing that (actually several times), there are several chapters that I go back to. Chapter 2 – What’s Your Life Centered On? reminds me of why I should measure what I am and what I do against the gospel. Chapter 3 – Breaking the Rules of Legalism gives me a practical definition of Legalism and consistently challenges me to weed it out of my life. Legalism, according to CJ is, seeking to achieve forgiveness from God and acceptance by God through obedience to God.
Have you read it? How did it serve you?
I will share some of my list over time. I will start with the expected classics, and then get more personal as the list goes on.. I hope that you will comment and add some of your favorites.
The Cross Centered Life – C. J. Mahaney
Okay, no surprise here, but this book is a staple in any library and certainly in the small stack of resources that refresh me in the gospel. The book itself is only 85 small pages. It can easily be read in a weekend or with chapters of less than 15 pages, each chapter can be read in a devotional time.
If you have never read the book, I encourage you to read the whole thing through the first time. After doing that (actually several times), there are several chapters that I go back to. Chapter 2 – What’s Your Life Centered On? reminds me of why I should measure what I am and what I do against the gospel. Chapter 3 – Breaking the Rules of Legalism gives me a practical definition of Legalism and consistently challenges me to weed it out of my life. Legalism, according to CJ is, seeking to achieve forgiveness from God and acceptance by God through obedience to God.
Have you read it? How did it serve you?
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