Monday, February 23, 2009
Things I've Done This Weekend
1. Participated as an usher in my brother's wedding
2. Put over 600 miles and counting on the rental car
3. Wore a tux for the first time since my wedding
4. Rode in a stretch suburban
5. Shoveled snow (we've had about 9 inches since I've been here)
6. Had a little jam session with my cousin Anneke who plays guitar
7. Reconnected with lots of family members, especially those I'm staying with
8. Didn't go to church (or get up at 5am) on Sunday morning.
9. Hung out at a family gathering
10. Eaten some REALLY GOOD glutton free apple pie.
On tap for today: Lunch with Mom and Dad, Movie with Mom and Dad, drop my cousin at the (teeny tiny) airport, maybe a stop by my alma mater, and dinner with some old family friends.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Committees
"Committees are an invention of man in the 20th century that should never have crept into the church."
Agree? Disagree?
Agree? Disagree?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Seeing Your Father
I play a game with my 6 month old Aidan where I sit on the floor and do half-summer-saults while holding him in my hands or on my lap. He loves it and gives me this big smile as I say, "Wheee!!" I always have him facing me, but a couple days ago I did it once where he was facing out and could not see my face as I rocked him way back and then forward.
Anne was watching and noticed that when he was facing away, he almost started crying--you know, when the eyes get big and then the lower lip comes out and starts to quiver. I turned him around facing me and did it again, and the big smile returned.
I was always holding on to him, but he couldn't see me. When God starts giving us tumultuous times, whether they be big or small, I think having faith like a child involves seeing Him and trusting him in our circumstance. When we're not in control, knowing that He's got us, fixing our eyes on Him, may help us to move closer to the kind of faith that can say when life is a bit crazy, "Wheee!!!"
Anne was watching and noticed that when he was facing away, he almost started crying--you know, when the eyes get big and then the lower lip comes out and starts to quiver. I turned him around facing me and did it again, and the big smile returned.
I was always holding on to him, but he couldn't see me. When God starts giving us tumultuous times, whether they be big or small, I think having faith like a child involves seeing Him and trusting him in our circumstance. When we're not in control, knowing that He's got us, fixing our eyes on Him, may help us to move closer to the kind of faith that can say when life is a bit crazy, "Wheee!!!"
Chew on This
Thoughts from this morning's CLC group:
--"You can't fake being faithful." Agree? Disagree?
--"In order to be holy (1 Peter 1:13-16), we must seek out fresh encounters with Christ."
--"when you fall, what is your soft place to land?"
--I found myself also noting the correlation as we studied 1 Peter 5:5-7, then directly afterward studied 1 Cor. 9:6-10. Do you see a correlation there?
--"You can't fake being faithful." Agree? Disagree?
--"In order to be holy (1 Peter 1:13-16), we must seek out fresh encounters with Christ."
--"when you fall, what is your soft place to land?"
--I found myself also noting the correlation as we studied 1 Peter 5:5-7, then directly afterward studied 1 Cor. 9:6-10. Do you see a correlation there?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
"They" to "we"
Acts 16:9-10 is the first of three texts in Acts where the writer/narrator goes from speaking in 3rd person plural to 2nd person plural--"they" to "we." The physician Luke was an educated man and someone whom Paul considered to be one of his closer co-laborers in the work of the ministry.
This transition makes one simple point--at some point, we must get in on the "we" part of serving Jesus. We can't just notice and take in all the things that other people are doing for Jesus and not participate ourselves. The timing of this in a believer's life looks different for each person, but let me assure you, its not years and years after becoming one.
Luke became a "companion." When you decide to invest in the lives of other people, to sacrifice your time and efforts, to take up your cross (as Jesus referred to it), you become more connected with the community of people around you who are doing the same. You develop friendships and bonds around following Jesus hard and seeking to build his church. Together, you move forward and see lives changed, people healed, relationships restored, sins forgiven. It's worth every bit of the sacrifice.
This transition makes one simple point--at some point, we must get in on the "we" part of serving Jesus. We can't just notice and take in all the things that other people are doing for Jesus and not participate ourselves. The timing of this in a believer's life looks different for each person, but let me assure you, its not years and years after becoming one.
Luke became a "companion." When you decide to invest in the lives of other people, to sacrifice your time and efforts, to take up your cross (as Jesus referred to it), you become more connected with the community of people around you who are doing the same. You develop friendships and bonds around following Jesus hard and seeking to build his church. Together, you move forward and see lives changed, people healed, relationships restored, sins forgiven. It's worth every bit of the sacrifice.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Do What It Says
On what standard or basis do we live our lives as Christians day to day? The answer that anyone who has been doing church for a while is "The Bible." Of course, that is the right answer, but do we sometimes just have the right answer but not live it out? How many people in churches today read the Bible on a regular basis, and look to God in His Word for sustenance, wisdom, truth, and practical instruction? I know some of you readers do exactly that. Sadly, some Christians haven't opened a Bible except on Sunday mornings in a long time.
I confess, daily devotions have always been a struggle for me. It was always about "doing devotions" and feeling tremendously guilty when I failed to do them. I disappointed God by neglecting Him and his Word. But guilt in this circumstance needs to lead to desire, a desire for God and his Word. A desire to live the life that he has for me. Lately that desire has rekindled. It started when I read Luke over Christmas break. I started into Acts and I'm only halfway through. But the more I dig in and read and study, I'm finding my relationship with God growing.
Do you feel disconnected from God? Do you need an answer? Do you feel something missing in your life? Try reading his Word. Then try doing what it says.
I confess, daily devotions have always been a struggle for me. It was always about "doing devotions" and feeling tremendously guilty when I failed to do them. I disappointed God by neglecting Him and his Word. But guilt in this circumstance needs to lead to desire, a desire for God and his Word. A desire to live the life that he has for me. Lately that desire has rekindled. It started when I read Luke over Christmas break. I started into Acts and I'm only halfway through. But the more I dig in and read and study, I'm finding my relationship with God growing.
Do you feel disconnected from God? Do you need an answer? Do you feel something missing in your life? Try reading his Word. Then try doing what it says.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Cinemology, Part Eight
I watched Evan Almighty last night, and while most of you probably have seen it, here's are just a couple of the ideas that hit me:
1. Evan says, "With great power comes great responsibility….Please help me change the world." He's an honest man who's spent his life in the game of politics and building his neat little suburban life with the rich and famous. In a moment of clarity as he realizes this next step in his life, he prays this prayer. As Christians, we have the greatest power in the world, we have Holy Spirit. How often do we pray a prayer as big as "help me change the world"?
2. Do we ask God to do things and then completely ignore His answers, or even get mad about His answers to our prayers?
3. One of the themes of Genesis 6-8 that is depicted well here is the culture of unbelief and selfishness present in Noah's day. Nearly everyone was living their lives without regard for God. They were seeking their own comfortable lives, believing that they were in control of their destiny. God had a little lesson for them about faith.
4. In the movie (unlike Genesis 6-8), at the last minute, when everyone realizes the impending doom, Evan encourages them all on the boat. Even before the flood comes, he pleads with them to get on the ark, but they refuse. 1) We are called to plead with people to avoid the impending doom 2) Some will realize and turn their lives over right away, others will not do it until it's staring them right in the face 3) some will never see their doom until it is too late.
5. A GREAT lesson on how God answers prayer:
1. Evan says, "With great power comes great responsibility….Please help me change the world." He's an honest man who's spent his life in the game of politics and building his neat little suburban life with the rich and famous. In a moment of clarity as he realizes this next step in his life, he prays this prayer. As Christians, we have the greatest power in the world, we have Holy Spirit. How often do we pray a prayer as big as "help me change the world"?
2. Do we ask God to do things and then completely ignore His answers, or even get mad about His answers to our prayers?
3. One of the themes of Genesis 6-8 that is depicted well here is the culture of unbelief and selfishness present in Noah's day. Nearly everyone was living their lives without regard for God. They were seeking their own comfortable lives, believing that they were in control of their destiny. God had a little lesson for them about faith.
4. In the movie (unlike Genesis 6-8), at the last minute, when everyone realizes the impending doom, Evan encourages them all on the boat. Even before the flood comes, he pleads with them to get on the ark, but they refuse. 1) We are called to plead with people to avoid the impending doom 2) Some will realize and turn their lives over right away, others will not do it until it's staring them right in the face 3) some will never see their doom until it is too late.
5. A GREAT lesson on how God answers prayer:
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
My 25 Things
Some people in my life think these are super lame. I think it's a fun way to get to know others, sort of like ice-breaker games. Here goes:
1. I have a slight hearing loss. Along with being born with CLP (warning: slightly graphic photo), I had over 10 sets of tubes put in my ears growing up.
2. Hence, I constantly say, "What?" or "say again?" Because I usually don't hear the first couple words unless you really get my attention. Please humor me.
3. I had never been to the Amway Arena in the 7 and a half years I've lived here---until Monday night. We left when the Magic were down by 20 with 5 mins left in the game.
4. I have around 60 long lost foster brothers out there somewhere. I've tried looking up a few on Facebook, never really found them. If I did, not sure I would friend any of them.
5. I once made the front page of section C in the newspaper.
6. I've spent 4 hrs in Europe--a layover in Amsterdam--we went to the Corrie Ten-Boom home.
Correction: See #9.
7. The remaining leg of the trip was to Tel Aviv for a week long tour of Israel.
8. This was the first time I had ever flown.
9. The plane out of Schipol airport had an engine fire so we landed back in and spent the night. Flew out the next morning on a 747.
10. I grew up camping and trout fishing in Michigan and I really miss it.
11. I've moved more times than I can count--around 15.
12. I didn't have a "real job" until I moved to Florida. Before that, I worked with family doing auto detailing and repair, building homes and home repair, and then worked at Reformed Bible College (now Kuyper) in the kitchen.
13. My first job after that was in the meat department at Publix. I put myself through a good part of Seminary this way.
14. I was not going to do this for fear of being labeled a narcissist, but if I am, then so are many of my friends on Facebook. What if we're not narcissists, we just want to be known?
15. I am almost always behind the times on stuff, including music. I love jam band stuff and many of my friends don't.
16. I just realized most of the people who fill these out are women. hmmmmmm...
17. I have quite cheap taste on food. I love Totino's pizzas, much to the annoyance of my wife.
18. I don't consider myself to be creative.
19. I can be self-deprecating at times.
20. I tend to drive "with purpose." I don't follow the rest of the sheep in the lane going 10 mph if there's a perfectly good lane going 30mph. If I-4 is a mess, I will take all sorts of back roads to get home. It's crazy. I'll have to map it out for you some time.
View Larger Map
21. I've never taken a guitar lesson in my life, but I've been playing about 12 years. Most people think I'm good, I think I'm average (see #19). I do miss having a djembe.
22. My first concert of the "non-Christian" sort was Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge in Seattle, WA. I was 23 y.o. Flew from Orlando to there and spent the weekend hanging out with Clint. One of the best trips of my life.
23. My wife was the first girl I ever kissed.
24. Our son Aidan's birth was the craziest, most chaotic, and most glorious moment of my life. Second to our wedding.
25. I'm a helpless sinner saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
BONUS: 26. I LOVE my job at Grace and am so excited I get to be part of seeing people build relationship with Jesus.
P.S. : If you want a few more, scroll down here.
1. I have a slight hearing loss. Along with being born with CLP (warning: slightly graphic photo), I had over 10 sets of tubes put in my ears growing up.
2. Hence, I constantly say, "What?" or "say again?" Because I usually don't hear the first couple words unless you really get my attention. Please humor me.
3. I had never been to the Amway Arena in the 7 and a half years I've lived here---until Monday night. We left when the Magic were down by 20 with 5 mins left in the game.
4. I have around 60 long lost foster brothers out there somewhere. I've tried looking up a few on Facebook, never really found them. If I did, not sure I would friend any of them.
5. I once made the front page of section C in the newspaper.
6. I've spent 4 hrs in Europe--a layover in Amsterdam--we went to the Corrie Ten-Boom home.
Correction: See #9.
7. The remaining leg of the trip was to Tel Aviv for a week long tour of Israel.
8. This was the first time I had ever flown.
9. The plane out of Schipol airport had an engine fire so we landed back in and spent the night. Flew out the next morning on a 747.
10. I grew up camping and trout fishing in Michigan and I really miss it.
11. I've moved more times than I can count--around 15.
12. I didn't have a "real job" until I moved to Florida. Before that, I worked with family doing auto detailing and repair, building homes and home repair, and then worked at Reformed Bible College (now Kuyper) in the kitchen.
13. My first job after that was in the meat department at Publix. I put myself through a good part of Seminary this way.
14. I was not going to do this for fear of being labeled a narcissist, but if I am, then so are many of my friends on Facebook. What if we're not narcissists, we just want to be known?
15. I am almost always behind the times on stuff, including music. I love jam band stuff and many of my friends don't.
16. I just realized most of the people who fill these out are women. hmmmmmm...
17. I have quite cheap taste on food. I love Totino's pizzas, much to the annoyance of my wife.
18. I don't consider myself to be creative.
19. I can be self-deprecating at times.
20. I tend to drive "with purpose." I don't follow the rest of the sheep in the lane going 10 mph if there's a perfectly good lane going 30mph. If I-4 is a mess, I will take all sorts of back roads to get home. It's crazy. I'll have to map it out for you some time.
View Larger Map
21. I've never taken a guitar lesson in my life, but I've been playing about 12 years. Most people think I'm good, I think I'm average (see #19). I do miss having a djembe.
22. My first concert of the "non-Christian" sort was Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge in Seattle, WA. I was 23 y.o. Flew from Orlando to there and spent the weekend hanging out with Clint. One of the best trips of my life.
23. My wife was the first girl I ever kissed.
24. Our son Aidan's birth was the craziest, most chaotic, and most glorious moment of my life. Second to our wedding.
25. I'm a helpless sinner saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
BONUS: 26. I LOVE my job at Grace and am so excited I get to be part of seeing people build relationship with Jesus.
P.S. : If you want a few more, scroll down here.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Lord's hand was with Them
Reading this morning included Acts 11, an important chapter from a church history perspective. It is here that the church of Antioch was established, which became home base for the early church, the place from which many mission efforts flowed.
A repeated theme in Acts can be found in 11:20-21 and verse 24. "....telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."
Three immediate observations:
1. The Lord's hand, the presence and working of Holy Spirit is essential in people coming to know Jesus.
2. God uses men like Barnabas, Peter, Paul, Stephen--people who are not perfect, but who love Jesus with all their heart and strive to see lives changed--to bring people into his family.
3. While there are other factors involved, the combination of 1 and 2 lead not once but twice, and all over Acts, to "great numbers" of people coming to the Lord. So many that Paul and Barnabas stayed for a year to preach and organize this whole movement, this community of people who found life by believing in Jesus.
Perry Noble talked once about those of us who do ministry--staff, volunteers, everyone--being in charge of the natural, and God being in charge of the supernatural. My questions: 1. What are the other factors that might have contributed to such a "Great number?" 2. How do the "other factors" in our time support and complement the activity of Holy Spirit in us?
A repeated theme in Acts can be found in 11:20-21 and verse 24. "....telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."
Three immediate observations:
1. The Lord's hand, the presence and working of Holy Spirit is essential in people coming to know Jesus.
2. God uses men like Barnabas, Peter, Paul, Stephen--people who are not perfect, but who love Jesus with all their heart and strive to see lives changed--to bring people into his family.
3. While there are other factors involved, the combination of 1 and 2 lead not once but twice, and all over Acts, to "great numbers" of people coming to the Lord. So many that Paul and Barnabas stayed for a year to preach and organize this whole movement, this community of people who found life by believing in Jesus.
Perry Noble talked once about those of us who do ministry--staff, volunteers, everyone--being in charge of the natural, and God being in charge of the supernatural. My questions: 1. What are the other factors that might have contributed to such a "Great number?" 2. How do the "other factors" in our time support and complement the activity of Holy Spirit in us?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)