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The following post is borrowed from Laban Cook's blog.
Love. It isn’t about rainbows and bunnies. It’s gritty, demanding, difficult, and inconvenient. Jesus said, “…and the second is as great as the first, that you love your neighbor as yourself.” In one simple declaration he made loving your fellow man equal to loving your creator.
It’s simple. But you’ve failed.
You have clipped, trimmed, neutered, and sterilized love into a little valentine. Something given to somebody you like. A hug to your best friend. A smile to someone who’s nice. But it’s more than that. Much, much more. And we’re not talking about the difference between a felon and that bitchy person at church you don’t like. This is more complex. More demanding. It’s a commandment to love every single person that exists.
And though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, I am nothing.
Most likely you’ve spent a great portion of your adult life separating yourself from others. Purifying your life from theirs. Elevating and sanctifying. “I will NOT break bread with you, sir.” You love them so much that you put up huge walls. A nice societal hedgerow that shields you from their crappy existence.
And this is how they will know you, that you love one another.
So as you sail though your clean little evangelical, Anabaptist, or second-Presbyterian-twice-removed world, remember that he did as you ought. Whether the hooker, the cheater, or the traitor, he loved everyone around him. He made everyone better. And he proved it.
Greater love hath no man, than he lay down his life for a friend.
Ironic. This outburst isn’t about love. Nor is it about Jesus. It’s about Christ-ians. It’s about those who subvert the single greatest commandment in a misguided attempt at meeting one thousand nine hundred and forty-seven lesser ones. A grand and grail-like quest of perfection that fails miserably at the throne.
I was hungry and you fed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was in prison and you visited me.
And finally, it’s about hypocrisy. Yours. And mine.
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Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Accurate Representation
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On my first sales call of the day I was informed, in no uncertain terms, that this particular business would NOT do business with my newspaper. When I politely asked why he replied, 'They wouldn't listen to me at a Rescue Squad meeting in the late 70's and I told them I'd never do business with them again.' 'Sir,' I assured him, 'We have an entirely different staff, management and ownership than we did in the 70's.' At this juncture he pointed to the door and demanded I leave. As I approached the door he stated (forcefully), 'My word sticks for the rest of my life'. Those things just happen when you're in sales.
As I pondered this event I wondered how often we betray Christ's message and have a '30 yr (negative) impact' on the gospel in people's life. Later, possibly even years later, someone else attempts to share the good news of Jesus' forgiveness and acceptance with the individual and receives a response similar to the response I received today. Do you accurately represent Christ? Do I? In my words? actions? re-actions? thoughts?
__________________________________________________
On my first sales call of the day I was informed, in no uncertain terms, that this particular business would NOT do business with my newspaper. When I politely asked why he replied, 'They wouldn't listen to me at a Rescue Squad meeting in the late 70's and I told them I'd never do business with them again.' 'Sir,' I assured him, 'We have an entirely different staff, management and ownership than we did in the 70's.' At this juncture he pointed to the door and demanded I leave. As I approached the door he stated (forcefully), 'My word sticks for the rest of my life'. Those things just happen when you're in sales.
As I pondered this event I wondered how often we betray Christ's message and have a '30 yr (negative) impact' on the gospel in people's life. Later, possibly even years later, someone else attempts to share the good news of Jesus' forgiveness and acceptance with the individual and receives a response similar to the response I received today. Do you accurately represent Christ? Do I? In my words? actions? re-actions? thoughts?
__________________________________________________
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Sufficiency of Scripture
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I sat down this morning to hammer out some thoughts on the sufficiency of Scripture because I have recently come to the realization that many of my Christian friends in the OGBBC have never even considered whether or not Scripture is sufficient for life and godliness. I think this is significant, in that, if the thought is never considered then neither is the error of extra-Biblical decisions and traditions ever considered. However, as I began my thoughts I did a quick search and found the following article on the sufficiency of Scripture from John MacArthur. Since he's a much more brilliant man than I am, I'll let John speak. All emphasis is mine, but the article is his.
--------------------------------------------------
Psalm 19:7–9 is the most monumental and concise statement on the sufficiency of Scripture ever made. Penned by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these three verses offer unwavering testimony from God Himself about the sufficiency of His Word for every situation and thereby counter the teaching of those who believe that God’s Word must be augmented with truth gleaned from modern psychology. In this passage David makes six statements, each highlighting a characteristic of Scripture and describing its effect in the life of the one who embraces it. Taken together, these statements paint a beautiful picture of the sufficiency of God’s Word.
Scripture Is Perfect, Restoring the Soul
In the first statement (v. 7), David says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.” This word “perfect” is the translation of a common Hebrew word meaning “whole,” “complete,” or “sufficient.” It conveys the idea of something that is comprehensive, so as to cover all aspects of an issue. Scripture is comprehensive, embodying all that is necessary to one’s spiritual life. David’s implied contrast here is with the imperfect, insufficient, flawed reasoning of men. God’s perfect law, David says, affects people by “restoring the soul” (v. 7). To paraphrase David’s words, Scripture is so powerful and comprehensive that it can convert or transform the entire person, changing someone into precisely the person God wants him to be. God’s Word is sufficient to restore through salvation even the most broken life—a fact to which David himself gave abundant testimony.
Scripture Is Trustworthy, Imparting Wisdom
David further expands the sweep of scriptural sufficiency in Psalm 19:7, writing, “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” David’s use of the word “sure” means that the Lord’s testimony is unwavering, immovable, unmistakable, reliable, and worthy to be trusted. It provides a foundation on which to build one’s life and eternal destiny. God’s sure Word makes the simple wise (v. 7). The Hebrew word translated “simple” comes from an expression meaning “an open door.” It evokes the image of a naive person who doesn’t know to shut his mind to false or impure teaching.
He is undiscerning, ignorant, and gullible, but God’s Word makes him wise. Such a man is skilled in the art of godly living: He submits to Scripture and knows how to apply it to his circumstances. The Word of God thus takes a simple mind with no discernment and makes it skilled in the issues of life.
Scripture Is Right, Causing Joy
In verse 8, David adds a third statement about Scripture’s sufficiency: “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” Rather than simply indicating what is right as opposed to wrong, the word translated “right” has the sense of showing someone the true path. The truths of Scripture lay out the proper path through the difficult maze of life. That brings a wonderful confidence. So many people are distressed or despondent because they lack direction and purpose, and most of them seek answers from the wrong sources. God’s Word not only provides the light to our path (Ps.119:105), but also sets the route before us. Because it steers us through the right course of life, God’s Word brings great joy. If one is depressed, anxious, fearful, or doubting, the solution is found not in self-indulgent pursuits like self-esteem and self-fulfillment. The solution is found in learning to obey God’s counsel and sharing in the resulting delight. Divine truth is the fount of true and lasting joy. ALL other sources are shallow and fleeting.
Scripture Is Pure, Enlightening the Eyes
Psalm 19:8 gives a fourth characteristic of Scripture’s utter sufficiency: “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” This word “pure” could better be translated “clear” or “lucid,” and it indicates that Scripture is not mystifying, confusing, or puzzling. God’s Word reveals truth to make the dark things light, bringing eternity into bright focus. Granted, there are things in Scripture that are hard to understand (2 Pet. 3:16), but taken as a whole, the Bible is not a bewildering book. It is clear and lucid. Because of its absolute clarity, Scripture brings understanding where there is ignorance, order where there is confusion, and light where there is spiritual and moral darkness. It stands in stark contrast to the muddled musings of unredeemed men, who themselves are blind and unable to discern truth or live righteously. God’s Word clearly reveals the blessed, hopeful truths they can never see.
Scripture Is Clean, Enduring Forever
In Psalm 19:9 David uses the term “fear” as a synonym for God’s Word: “The fear of the
Lord is clean, enduring forever.” This “fear” speaks of the reverential awe for God that compels believers to worship Him. Scripture, in this sense, is the divine manual on how to worship the Lord. The Hebrew word “clean” speaks of the absence of impurity, filthiness, defilement, or imperfection. Scripture is without sin, evil, corruption, or error. The truth it conveys is therefore absolutely undefiled and without blemish.
Scripture Is True, Altogether Righteous
Verse 9 provides the final characteristic and effect of God’s all-sufficient Word: “The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.” The word “judgments” in this context refers to ordinances or divine verdicts from the bench of the Supreme Judge of the earth. The Bible is God’s standard for judging the life and eternal destiny of every person. Because Scripture is true, it is “righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:9).
Adapted from John MacArthur, Our Sufficiency in Christ
__________________________________________________
I sat down this morning to hammer out some thoughts on the sufficiency of Scripture because I have recently come to the realization that many of my Christian friends in the OGBBC have never even considered whether or not Scripture is sufficient for life and godliness. I think this is significant, in that, if the thought is never considered then neither is the error of extra-Biblical decisions and traditions ever considered. However, as I began my thoughts I did a quick search and found the following article on the sufficiency of Scripture from John MacArthur. Since he's a much more brilliant man than I am, I'll let John speak. All emphasis is mine, but the article is his.
--------------------------------------------------
Psalm 19:7–9 is the most monumental and concise statement on the sufficiency of Scripture ever made. Penned by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these three verses offer unwavering testimony from God Himself about the sufficiency of His Word for every situation and thereby counter the teaching of those who believe that God’s Word must be augmented with truth gleaned from modern psychology. In this passage David makes six statements, each highlighting a characteristic of Scripture and describing its effect in the life of the one who embraces it. Taken together, these statements paint a beautiful picture of the sufficiency of God’s Word.
Scripture Is Perfect, Restoring the Soul
In the first statement (v. 7), David says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.” This word “perfect” is the translation of a common Hebrew word meaning “whole,” “complete,” or “sufficient.” It conveys the idea of something that is comprehensive, so as to cover all aspects of an issue. Scripture is comprehensive, embodying all that is necessary to one’s spiritual life. David’s implied contrast here is with the imperfect, insufficient, flawed reasoning of men. God’s perfect law, David says, affects people by “restoring the soul” (v. 7). To paraphrase David’s words, Scripture is so powerful and comprehensive that it can convert or transform the entire person, changing someone into precisely the person God wants him to be. God’s Word is sufficient to restore through salvation even the most broken life—a fact to which David himself gave abundant testimony.
Scripture Is Trustworthy, Imparting Wisdom
David further expands the sweep of scriptural sufficiency in Psalm 19:7, writing, “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” David’s use of the word “sure” means that the Lord’s testimony is unwavering, immovable, unmistakable, reliable, and worthy to be trusted. It provides a foundation on which to build one’s life and eternal destiny. God’s sure Word makes the simple wise (v. 7). The Hebrew word translated “simple” comes from an expression meaning “an open door.” It evokes the image of a naive person who doesn’t know to shut his mind to false or impure teaching.
He is undiscerning, ignorant, and gullible, but God’s Word makes him wise. Such a man is skilled in the art of godly living: He submits to Scripture and knows how to apply it to his circumstances. The Word of God thus takes a simple mind with no discernment and makes it skilled in the issues of life.
Scripture Is Right, Causing Joy
In verse 8, David adds a third statement about Scripture’s sufficiency: “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” Rather than simply indicating what is right as opposed to wrong, the word translated “right” has the sense of showing someone the true path. The truths of Scripture lay out the proper path through the difficult maze of life. That brings a wonderful confidence. So many people are distressed or despondent because they lack direction and purpose, and most of them seek answers from the wrong sources. God’s Word not only provides the light to our path (Ps.119:105), but also sets the route before us. Because it steers us through the right course of life, God’s Word brings great joy. If one is depressed, anxious, fearful, or doubting, the solution is found not in self-indulgent pursuits like self-esteem and self-fulfillment. The solution is found in learning to obey God’s counsel and sharing in the resulting delight. Divine truth is the fount of true and lasting joy. ALL other sources are shallow and fleeting.
Scripture Is Pure, Enlightening the Eyes
Psalm 19:8 gives a fourth characteristic of Scripture’s utter sufficiency: “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” This word “pure” could better be translated “clear” or “lucid,” and it indicates that Scripture is not mystifying, confusing, or puzzling. God’s Word reveals truth to make the dark things light, bringing eternity into bright focus. Granted, there are things in Scripture that are hard to understand (2 Pet. 3:16), but taken as a whole, the Bible is not a bewildering book. It is clear and lucid. Because of its absolute clarity, Scripture brings understanding where there is ignorance, order where there is confusion, and light where there is spiritual and moral darkness. It stands in stark contrast to the muddled musings of unredeemed men, who themselves are blind and unable to discern truth or live righteously. God’s Word clearly reveals the blessed, hopeful truths they can never see.
Scripture Is Clean, Enduring Forever
In Psalm 19:9 David uses the term “fear” as a synonym for God’s Word: “The fear of the
Lord is clean, enduring forever.” This “fear” speaks of the reverential awe for God that compels believers to worship Him. Scripture, in this sense, is the divine manual on how to worship the Lord. The Hebrew word “clean” speaks of the absence of impurity, filthiness, defilement, or imperfection. Scripture is without sin, evil, corruption, or error. The truth it conveys is therefore absolutely undefiled and without blemish.
Because it is flawless, Scripture endures forever (Ps. 19:9). Any change or modification could only introduce imperfection. Scripture is eternally and unalterably perfect. It needs no updating, editing, or refining, for it is God’s revelation for every generation.The Bible was written by the omniscient Spirit of God, who is infinitely more sophisticated than anyone who dares stand in judgment on Scripture’s relevancy for our society, and infinitely wiser than all the best philosophers, analysts, and psychologists who pass like a childhood parade into irrelevancy. Scripture has always been and will always be sufficient.
Scripture Is True, Altogether Righteous
Verse 9 provides the final characteristic and effect of God’s all-sufficient Word: “The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.” The word “judgments” in this context refers to ordinances or divine verdicts from the bench of the Supreme Judge of the earth. The Bible is God’s standard for judging the life and eternal destiny of every person. Because Scripture is true, it is “righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:9).
The implication of that phrase is that its truthfulness produces a comprehensive righteousness in those who accept it. Contrary to what many are teaching today, there is no need for additional revelations, visions, words of prophecy, or insights from modern psychology. In contrast to the theories of men, God’s Word is true and absolutely comprehensive. Rather than seeking something more than God’s glorious revelation, Christians need only to study and obey what they already have.Scripture is sufficient.
Adapted from John MacArthur, Our Sufficiency in Christ
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Difficult Nature of Grace
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As Christians we like to flatter ourselves with our ability to theologically understand why God extends grace to us. We also like to give lip-service to the fact that we can easily extend common grace to one another regardless of the violation. Grace isn’t as easy to ‘do’ as it is to ‘say’, however. By its very nature grace is difficult.
For the purpose of this conversation, grace is being defined as a freely given, unmerited favor, blessing or forgiveness, especially in the face of betrayal, rejection or violation. Conversely, mercy is understood as the discretionary power of a person to pardon someone rather than invoke punishment or consequence. Simply put, grace is receiving what is not deserved, i.e. forgiveness, while mercy is not receiving what is deserved, i.e. punishment. These two concepts are simultaneously complimentary and mutually independent.
Often as Christians we confuse mercy and grace thinking grace has been received or extended when in reality mercy is what has been exercised. Perhaps I strain too hard over minute differences, but I think the differences are significant. While I claim that grace is, by nature, a difficult spiritual exercise it seems that mercy requires less resolve to extend.
Consider this. Imagine yourself having been betrayed by a very close friend. This friend is one with which you have shared deep and difficult things. Many times you have withheld no information regarding personal struggles, fears, challenges and even sin. (You know where I’m going.) Now suppose that friend totally and completely betrays your confidence sharing many, if not all, of your secrets with another mutual acquaintance who is less than responsible to protect your integrity. This second friend feels responsible to place your name on as many prayer chains as possible in an attempt to assist you. Suddenly you find that nearly everyone in your social circle knows your deepest, darkest struggle, pain, fear and besetting sin. You have been violated! Once the issues of personal pride and desire to vindicate your reputation are resolved you are faced with a dilemma. How do you respond to these two friends?
My experience has shown (as both the violated and the violator) that mercy (the act of choosing to withhold punishment or consequence) comes with only little difficulty. It is not impossible to ‘do what Jesus would’ and choose to not require restitution. In our desire to be ‘conformed to the image of Christ’ we view our decision as the ‘high road’, especially in contrast to the base nature of the violation. We can actually become quite smug in our ability to ‘rise above’ the situation, inaccurately convincing ourselves that we have been gracious when in fact we have only been merciful, and barely at that!
Genuine grace is the ability to acknowledge the betrayal, acknowledge the pain it caused, acknowledge the desire for self-vindication and restitution yet still forgive and furthermore choose to remain in relationship with the violator! Consider this from a divine paradigm. While we were yet sinners God acknowledged our sin. God acknowledged our attitudes and actions were turned completely against Him. God acknowledged the pain it caused Him to watch us spit in the face of His will for our lives and turn our back on Him. Never once did God minimize the severity of our actions; He gave them full acknowledgment. Yet never once did He demand restitution, rather He offered the very thing required to bring us back into relationship with Himself! We received the one thing we didn’t deserve, relationship with God. Beyond that, we received the only thing that could have initiated that relationship, full payment for our grievances against Him. Further we received the single thing which could have made full payment for our violation of God’s standard; we received, as a pure act of grace from God, a sacrifice for our sin…while we were still acting in complete defiance! Grace, by nature, is never easy or cheap!!
Now consider grace from the opposite perspective. Imagine yourself in the shoes of one of the violating friends in the above scenario. After realizing the depth of betrayal and pain caused to this other friend you become aware that you have been the source of such emotional trauma. However, instead of becoming angry, bitter or demanding this friend not only forgives but also chooses to continue to pursue relationship with you. As you continue to apologize and attempt to repay the damage done you find that your friend has no hard feelings or desire for penance.
Your violation is not ignored, rather it is forgiven! The curious thing about human carnality is the fact that we don’t want to be forgiven. We want to purchase our relationship. Whether that relationship is human or divine, we want to feel like we have paid full price to receive it. When we clearly recognize our error toward another (whether toward God or toward another person) we automatically gravitate toward buying the relationship back from brokenness. Since our Father has already given that which is necessary for our relationship with Him there’s nothing left to accomplish. Similarly, since we have freely received grace (forgiveness and relationship) from God we should freely give grace to one another. However, when we realize that another person is giving us free grace our tendency is to refuse. We will exhibit a variety of reactions, not the least of which is continuing to address the violation, as we spit in the face of the grace given in an attempt to purchase the grace already given!
In conclusion, when I say grace is difficult by nature I’m not only referring to the giving of grace to one another but also to the receiving of grace from others, and ultimately from God. Our human tendency is to desire to work for everything we receive and to a greater degree our tendency is to require work (i.e. penance) from those who have violated us.
Let’s move forward from this point giving grace as freely as we have received it and receiving grace as freely as it is given, not to the point of recklessly ignoring sin, but openly acknowledging error, in ourselves or others, and yet choosing, by God’s grace, to move through the violation into greater relationship with one another and ultimately with the Father, Himself!
__________________________________________________
As Christians we like to flatter ourselves with our ability to theologically understand why God extends grace to us. We also like to give lip-service to the fact that we can easily extend common grace to one another regardless of the violation. Grace isn’t as easy to ‘do’ as it is to ‘say’, however. By its very nature grace is difficult.
For the purpose of this conversation, grace is being defined as a freely given, unmerited favor, blessing or forgiveness, especially in the face of betrayal, rejection or violation. Conversely, mercy is understood as the discretionary power of a person to pardon someone rather than invoke punishment or consequence. Simply put, grace is receiving what is not deserved, i.e. forgiveness, while mercy is not receiving what is deserved, i.e. punishment. These two concepts are simultaneously complimentary and mutually independent.
Often as Christians we confuse mercy and grace thinking grace has been received or extended when in reality mercy is what has been exercised. Perhaps I strain too hard over minute differences, but I think the differences are significant. While I claim that grace is, by nature, a difficult spiritual exercise it seems that mercy requires less resolve to extend.
Consider this. Imagine yourself having been betrayed by a very close friend. This friend is one with which you have shared deep and difficult things. Many times you have withheld no information regarding personal struggles, fears, challenges and even sin. (You know where I’m going.) Now suppose that friend totally and completely betrays your confidence sharing many, if not all, of your secrets with another mutual acquaintance who is less than responsible to protect your integrity. This second friend feels responsible to place your name on as many prayer chains as possible in an attempt to assist you. Suddenly you find that nearly everyone in your social circle knows your deepest, darkest struggle, pain, fear and besetting sin. You have been violated! Once the issues of personal pride and desire to vindicate your reputation are resolved you are faced with a dilemma. How do you respond to these two friends?
My experience has shown (as both the violated and the violator) that mercy (the act of choosing to withhold punishment or consequence) comes with only little difficulty. It is not impossible to ‘do what Jesus would’ and choose to not require restitution. In our desire to be ‘conformed to the image of Christ’ we view our decision as the ‘high road’, especially in contrast to the base nature of the violation. We can actually become quite smug in our ability to ‘rise above’ the situation, inaccurately convincing ourselves that we have been gracious when in fact we have only been merciful, and barely at that!
Genuine grace is the ability to acknowledge the betrayal, acknowledge the pain it caused, acknowledge the desire for self-vindication and restitution yet still forgive and furthermore choose to remain in relationship with the violator! Consider this from a divine paradigm. While we were yet sinners God acknowledged our sin. God acknowledged our attitudes and actions were turned completely against Him. God acknowledged the pain it caused Him to watch us spit in the face of His will for our lives and turn our back on Him. Never once did God minimize the severity of our actions; He gave them full acknowledgment. Yet never once did He demand restitution, rather He offered the very thing required to bring us back into relationship with Himself! We received the one thing we didn’t deserve, relationship with God. Beyond that, we received the only thing that could have initiated that relationship, full payment for our grievances against Him. Further we received the single thing which could have made full payment for our violation of God’s standard; we received, as a pure act of grace from God, a sacrifice for our sin…while we were still acting in complete defiance! Grace, by nature, is never easy or cheap!!
Now consider grace from the opposite perspective. Imagine yourself in the shoes of one of the violating friends in the above scenario. After realizing the depth of betrayal and pain caused to this other friend you become aware that you have been the source of such emotional trauma. However, instead of becoming angry, bitter or demanding this friend not only forgives but also chooses to continue to pursue relationship with you. As you continue to apologize and attempt to repay the damage done you find that your friend has no hard feelings or desire for penance.
Your violation is not ignored, rather it is forgiven! The curious thing about human carnality is the fact that we don’t want to be forgiven. We want to purchase our relationship. Whether that relationship is human or divine, we want to feel like we have paid full price to receive it. When we clearly recognize our error toward another (whether toward God or toward another person) we automatically gravitate toward buying the relationship back from brokenness. Since our Father has already given that which is necessary for our relationship with Him there’s nothing left to accomplish. Similarly, since we have freely received grace (forgiveness and relationship) from God we should freely give grace to one another. However, when we realize that another person is giving us free grace our tendency is to refuse. We will exhibit a variety of reactions, not the least of which is continuing to address the violation, as we spit in the face of the grace given in an attempt to purchase the grace already given!
In conclusion, when I say grace is difficult by nature I’m not only referring to the giving of grace to one another but also to the receiving of grace from others, and ultimately from God. Our human tendency is to desire to work for everything we receive and to a greater degree our tendency is to require work (i.e. penance) from those who have violated us.
Let’s move forward from this point giving grace as freely as we have received it and receiving grace as freely as it is given, not to the point of recklessly ignoring sin, but openly acknowledging error, in ourselves or others, and yet choosing, by God’s grace, to move through the violation into greater relationship with one another and ultimately with the Father, Himself!
__________________________________________________
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Consumed
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Many, many generations ago it was a common torture to punish a political criminal by placing them in an arena with a hungry beast; often a lion. To add to the excitement there were often crowds gathered to cheer against and watch the consumption of the criminal by this lion. This practice was brutal, vicious and gory!
Over the last few weeks I have begun to feel like I am a spectator in the stands of a spiritual arena watching yet another helpless soul be consumed by a lion. I can scream against the beast; I can offer sage advice to the individual; I can cheer the seemingly small victories as this person finds a cleft in the wall to hide in, but ultimately I can do nothing more than watch! Helplessly watch! Cheering the victories doesn't seem to help, crying at the defeats seems equally meaningless, offering advice seems to only assist the beast in his efforts to entirely consume. I feel helpless!
Last night another strategic pounce was calculated and made by the enemy. This time, however, the individual being attacked seemed resigned to defeat. 'Its better this way,' they say. 'Everyone will be better off in the end.' 'No one really cares anyway.' 'There's nothing I can do to stop now.' Screaming from the stands (i.e. praying) seems to have no positive effect at all! Lord, why do these things happen?
Friends, MARRIAGE IS NOT DISPOSABLE!!!
Be sober, be alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
__________________________________________________
Many, many generations ago it was a common torture to punish a political criminal by placing them in an arena with a hungry beast; often a lion. To add to the excitement there were often crowds gathered to cheer against and watch the consumption of the criminal by this lion. This practice was brutal, vicious and gory!
Over the last few weeks I have begun to feel like I am a spectator in the stands of a spiritual arena watching yet another helpless soul be consumed by a lion. I can scream against the beast; I can offer sage advice to the individual; I can cheer the seemingly small victories as this person finds a cleft in the wall to hide in, but ultimately I can do nothing more than watch! Helplessly watch! Cheering the victories doesn't seem to help, crying at the defeats seems equally meaningless, offering advice seems to only assist the beast in his efforts to entirely consume. I feel helpless!
Last night another strategic pounce was calculated and made by the enemy. This time, however, the individual being attacked seemed resigned to defeat. 'Its better this way,' they say. 'Everyone will be better off in the end.' 'No one really cares anyway.' 'There's nothing I can do to stop now.' Screaming from the stands (i.e. praying) seems to have no positive effect at all! Lord, why do these things happen?
Friends, MARRIAGE IS NOT DISPOSABLE!!!
Be sober, be alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
__________________________________________________
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Barabbas Ministries
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The ministry I lead at New Castle Correctional Facility is currently in need of 3-5 additional volunteers. While I understand that everyone is not called to ministry, and many who are don't feel called specifically to prison ministry, I trust the Father to place a calling on hearts to fulfill the needs He presents. Our ministry currently holds 3-4 services per month as follows: 2nd Thursday of every month, 7:00-8:30 pm; 3rd Saturday of every month, 2:00-3:30 pm; 4th Sunday of every month, 2:00-3:30 pm; and 5th Sunday (once every 3-4 months), 2:00-3:30 pm.
The need our ministry currently has is not one of regular speaking, but rather one of interaction and encouragement. Please contact me (or reply to this message) if you feel led/called to participate!
Thank you and God bless you!
__________________________________________________
The ministry I lead at New Castle Correctional Facility is currently in need of 3-5 additional volunteers. While I understand that everyone is not called to ministry, and many who are don't feel called specifically to prison ministry, I trust the Father to place a calling on hearts to fulfill the needs He presents. Our ministry currently holds 3-4 services per month as follows: 2nd Thursday of every month, 7:00-8:30 pm; 3rd Saturday of every month, 2:00-3:30 pm; 4th Sunday of every month, 2:00-3:30 pm; and 5th Sunday (once every 3-4 months), 2:00-3:30 pm.
The need our ministry currently has is not one of regular speaking, but rather one of interaction and encouragement. Please contact me (or reply to this message) if you feel led/called to participate!
Thank you and God bless you!
__________________________________________________
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Voice of Truth
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Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "do not be afraid"
And the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are
-Mark Hall, Casting Crowns
__________________________________________________
Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "do not be afraid"
And the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are
-Mark Hall, Casting Crowns
__________________________________________________
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