well, we're staying here in crawfordsville until the end of june. i've been asking the Lord constantly for direction and provision, and i got my answer for now. not what i was expecting...but it was His answer. so we are here to help Rock Point church as best as we can through this transition.
really, it's been a blessing. we love it here, and we love the people. and thinking about having judah here (beginning of june) around our friends and church family is awesome...as well as the benefit of not having to find a new doctor to deliver. so, although this wasn't what we were planning, the Lord has been taking care of us, and we're excited to be sticking around for a little while longer.
yesterday was spent organizing and prioritizing. i want to be effective with my time...and really, i know it will fly by. and then today we've been hit with yet another snow storm...postponing events and meetings for another day. oh well. the snow is beautiful. and God is good.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
stunned by sovereignty
the past couple months have just been a whirlwind. so much has and is happening, but i guess that's just life. there haven't been too many times where life really slows down for me, but in all the craziness lately the issue of God's sovereignty keeps coming up. i feel like i've had to explore it and explain it to more people in the last couple weeks than i have in my whole ministry experience (which is just 4 months shy of 4 years). obviously questions revolving around the issue of sovereignty arise out of circumstances that are tough to understand and explain. why are these things happening? why does God allow this? what's His purpose in this?
but i have to admit that, even though we have faced some challenging circumstances that still leave me a bit puzzled, i'm more assured of God's sovereignty than ever before.
i've been reminded of the 2 different forms of "God's will": His planative will & His decretive will. His planative will is His overall plan. God has A plan...not a plan B or plan C. He is in control. nothing surprises Him or catches Him off guard. He is omnipotent and omniscient, and He is infinite. unfortunately i am finite and limited in my understanding...which means i am incapable of knowing & understanding His planative will. but i don't need to.
i need to know His decretive will. and the best part is, i CAN know His decretive will! His decretive will is His decrees or His commands. those He has clearly spelled out for me in His authoritative and sufficient Word.
so, i don't have to know "WHY?". because i know "WHO!"
i know God. i know Him through His Word...His revelation. which is an act of love. i have a relationship with Him. and it's through Christ...proof of His love.
understanding the balance between God's sovereignty and man's free will is an age-old theological & philosophical battle ground littered with the thoughts and lives of godly men who have gone before me. though the two positions seem polarizing and incongruent, i believe they do not cancel each other out. because i believe that in God's sovereign will He has decreed man's free will. and somehow in His infinite purpose those 2 truths are not in conflict.
loved A.W. Tozer's work on this subject in chapter 22 of The Knowledge of the Holy. his illustration of the ocean liner with a predetermined course filled with passengers free to roam about the ship as they pleased was helpful in my mind. although even that illustration is hinged upon the unforeseen (for us) knowledge of God's planative will...whether that ocean liner really will reach its predetermined destination or not. so it's not a sufficient picture. but we're trying to wrap our minds around an infinite God which is in itself contradictory to say.
so as i've been writing curriculum, responding to theological questions, researching and reading i've been encouraged that this quest to understand God's will and sovereignty is not in vain because it leads me back to a quiet starting point: trust. that is the issue. will i question WHO He is? questioning God is the oldest trick in the book (genesis 3), which leads to not trusting and rebellion. so do i question Him? or will i trust Him and seek to live my life in obedience to His decretive will for His ultimate glory?
oh to have faith like a child.
but i have to admit that, even though we have faced some challenging circumstances that still leave me a bit puzzled, i'm more assured of God's sovereignty than ever before.
i've been reminded of the 2 different forms of "God's will": His planative will & His decretive will. His planative will is His overall plan. God has A plan...not a plan B or plan C. He is in control. nothing surprises Him or catches Him off guard. He is omnipotent and omniscient, and He is infinite. unfortunately i am finite and limited in my understanding...which means i am incapable of knowing & understanding His planative will. but i don't need to.
i need to know His decretive will. and the best part is, i CAN know His decretive will! His decretive will is His decrees or His commands. those He has clearly spelled out for me in His authoritative and sufficient Word.
so, i don't have to know "WHY?". because i know "WHO!"
i know God. i know Him through His Word...His revelation. which is an act of love. i have a relationship with Him. and it's through Christ...proof of His love.
understanding the balance between God's sovereignty and man's free will is an age-old theological & philosophical battle ground littered with the thoughts and lives of godly men who have gone before me. though the two positions seem polarizing and incongruent, i believe they do not cancel each other out. because i believe that in God's sovereign will He has decreed man's free will. and somehow in His infinite purpose those 2 truths are not in conflict.
loved A.W. Tozer's work on this subject in chapter 22 of The Knowledge of the Holy. his illustration of the ocean liner with a predetermined course filled with passengers free to roam about the ship as they pleased was helpful in my mind. although even that illustration is hinged upon the unforeseen (for us) knowledge of God's planative will...whether that ocean liner really will reach its predetermined destination or not. so it's not a sufficient picture. but we're trying to wrap our minds around an infinite God which is in itself contradictory to say.
so as i've been writing curriculum, responding to theological questions, researching and reading i've been encouraged that this quest to understand God's will and sovereignty is not in vain because it leads me back to a quiet starting point: trust. that is the issue. will i question WHO He is? questioning God is the oldest trick in the book (genesis 3), which leads to not trusting and rebellion. so do i question Him? or will i trust Him and seek to live my life in obedience to His decretive will for His ultimate glory?
oh to have faith like a child.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
anticipating robin hood
i have to admit my excitement here...ridley scott and russell crowe are teaming up again (previous projects: gladiator, a good year, and american gangster) to bring us a retelling of ROBIN HOOD! (currently set to arrive in theaters on may 14, 2010) i cannot always endorse scott's movies, but i can't help admitting that gladiator is one of my all-time favorite movies (if not my top choice for fav movie). what he and crowe were able to capture of the glory of the roman empire in gladiator was spectacular and inspiring! and it sounds like his intentions are to attempt to harness that same grandeur for the historical kingdom of england in this new film.
i'm aware that another installment in the robin hood films genre is unnecessary. but i believe the duo of scott and crowe can accomplish for robin hood lore what christopher nolan and christian bale have successfully added to the legend of batman. which means, robin hood has the potential to break into my top favorite movies of all-time!
there, that's plenty of hype for me...now i just hope they deliver!
i'm aware that another installment in the robin hood films genre is unnecessary. but i believe the duo of scott and crowe can accomplish for robin hood lore what christopher nolan and christian bale have successfully added to the legend of batman. which means, robin hood has the potential to break into my top favorite movies of all-time!
there, that's plenty of hype for me...now i just hope they deliver!
sin of the tongue
made a really stupid comment last night in our deacons meeting. it was in the context of joking around, and it was just untimely and inappropriate under the circumstances. one of those moments where you just blurt something out before really thinking about it, and then you realize...wow, that was really dumb. ever have one of those moments?
well, it just revealed to me my lack of self-control with my words. and when i rid myself of vague and fancy terminology to explain and diminish my actions, it boils down to one word: sin. i've sought forgiveness from the LORD and from those in the meeting last night for my words. it may not have seemed like a big deal to some...but it's a gross sin to spout off without restraint revealing the carelessness of my heart.
i often come back to proverbs 10:19 which simply says, "when words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." LORD, i want to be a prov. 10:19 man! i had to admit to myself this morning that i'm unfortunately not very good with humor. i love to laugh, and i love to joke around...but too often my humor ends up with my foot in my mouth...or worse, hurting someone. how i long to be able to joke around and have a good time with people in a way that is truly pleasing to the LORD. i want Him to be chuckling with me...not forced to prick my heart because of sin with my careless tongue.
well, it just revealed to me my lack of self-control with my words. and when i rid myself of vague and fancy terminology to explain and diminish my actions, it boils down to one word: sin. i've sought forgiveness from the LORD and from those in the meeting last night for my words. it may not have seemed like a big deal to some...but it's a gross sin to spout off without restraint revealing the carelessness of my heart.
i often come back to proverbs 10:19 which simply says, "when words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." LORD, i want to be a prov. 10:19 man! i had to admit to myself this morning that i'm unfortunately not very good with humor. i love to laugh, and i love to joke around...but too often my humor ends up with my foot in my mouth...or worse, hurting someone. how i long to be able to joke around and have a good time with people in a way that is truly pleasing to the LORD. i want Him to be chuckling with me...not forced to prick my heart because of sin with my careless tongue.
Monday, February 1, 2010
blessings @ the friendship kitchen
had an incredible weekend! saturday morning was our flock's turn to serve at the "friendship kitchen" (our local soup kitchen). i can't tell you how fun it was to see the body of Christ at work! some had prepared food, some were serving, some were doing dishes, some were just talking with people...each using their gifts and serving as a collective body to minister to people! praise God!
i was personally blessed by all the people i was able to talk to. you know, sometimes you reach out to people and try to give a listening ear and it's hard not to just feel sorry for them. it's also hard for me to see potential in their lives. what a horrible thought...i'm completely ashamed of it! i wish i had better faith and vision. and i wish i could see God's perspective. my criteria that i usually look for in people to see their potential for effective ministry is so worldly. forgive me, LORD! they are people. and they have stories. sometimes those stories are tragic. sometimes you can visually see the trail of sinful habits and consequences they have/are living with. i have a story. and it's no different. i am a recipient of the grace of God! LORD, teach me to share that hope in your grace. let me be a trophy of grace! keep my heart close to You, daily reminded of your mercy and grace!
i was touched by their stories. because they're human like mine...they're not just "the poor people". they are people. and some of them are hurting, and they need God to work in their lives. maybe He was using me. some of them are being used of God to minister to others! LORD, give me the clarity to see how You are working. that you don't just work through the sophisticated and the seemingly-have-it-all-together, middle class Christians. You work through broken vessels...trophies of Your grace!
then i was touched in our flock meeting last night by the excitement from all our flock members because of the chance to serve together. it was encouraging to see how each of us are wired and gifted differently by God, and how He can use us as we serve together.
so i hope we were a blessing to those we served @ the friendship kitchen...because i was certainly blessed by them and by our flock. thank You, LORD!
i was personally blessed by all the people i was able to talk to. you know, sometimes you reach out to people and try to give a listening ear and it's hard not to just feel sorry for them. it's also hard for me to see potential in their lives. what a horrible thought...i'm completely ashamed of it! i wish i had better faith and vision. and i wish i could see God's perspective. my criteria that i usually look for in people to see their potential for effective ministry is so worldly. forgive me, LORD! they are people. and they have stories. sometimes those stories are tragic. sometimes you can visually see the trail of sinful habits and consequences they have/are living with. i have a story. and it's no different. i am a recipient of the grace of God! LORD, teach me to share that hope in your grace. let me be a trophy of grace! keep my heart close to You, daily reminded of your mercy and grace!
i was touched by their stories. because they're human like mine...they're not just "the poor people". they are people. and some of them are hurting, and they need God to work in their lives. maybe He was using me. some of them are being used of God to minister to others! LORD, give me the clarity to see how You are working. that you don't just work through the sophisticated and the seemingly-have-it-all-together, middle class Christians. You work through broken vessels...trophies of Your grace!
then i was touched in our flock meeting last night by the excitement from all our flock members because of the chance to serve together. it was encouraging to see how each of us are wired and gifted differently by God, and how He can use us as we serve together.
so i hope we were a blessing to those we served @ the friendship kitchen...because i was certainly blessed by them and by our flock. thank You, LORD!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
just the motivation i needed!
feeling a little tired this morning and needed some motivation to get my mind in gear and keep my seat in my seat. working on the curriculum for our "systematic theology" course for B.I.L.T. (Bible institute for leadership training) @ our church. well, i got my motivation. don't know why i keep getting drawn to book reviews on The Shack, but this morning's was from dr. mohler @ southern. i pay attention to his stuff because he speaks with a bold, clear, Biblical voice on issues involving Christ's Church and our culture. and his review of this pulp-fiction/theology book was inspiring! seriously, take a couple minutes and read it: albertmohler.com
he argues that the overwhelming response of so many Christians embracing The Shack may reveal that "theological discernment is now a lost art among American evangelicals." obviously there are theological questions that The Shack raises (and should raise the alarm in our minds and hearts as believers in Biblical theology). his conclusion: "our real task is to reacquaint evangelicals with the Bible's teachings on these very questions and to foster a doctrinal rearmament of Christian believers."
that's my task today, and gets me excited to develop this curriculum...and excited to pursue further education in theology studies. what an important endeavor. my generation must rise to the occasion and grab the torch from those who have gone before us holding fast to the truth of God's Word and boldly proclaiming Biblical theology! we must continue to teach Christ's Church that we are called to be discerning. and as dr. mohler so wisely put it, "discernment cannot survive without doctrine."
he argues that the overwhelming response of so many Christians embracing The Shack may reveal that "theological discernment is now a lost art among American evangelicals." obviously there are theological questions that The Shack raises (and should raise the alarm in our minds and hearts as believers in Biblical theology). his conclusion: "our real task is to reacquaint evangelicals with the Bible's teachings on these very questions and to foster a doctrinal rearmament of Christian believers."
that's my task today, and gets me excited to develop this curriculum...and excited to pursue further education in theology studies. what an important endeavor. my generation must rise to the occasion and grab the torch from those who have gone before us holding fast to the truth of God's Word and boldly proclaiming Biblical theology! we must continue to teach Christ's Church that we are called to be discerning. and as dr. mohler so wisely put it, "discernment cannot survive without doctrine."
Monday, January 25, 2010
pastor to parents meeting
had a great opportunity to talk to some of our parents at church about how to help their children handle death. great to see parents who really care and want to encourage their kids through difficult times in life!
started with the reality of spiritual warfare, and our enemy who is the father of lies. he wants us to think UNtruth, which leads to worries and fears and ultimately not trusting in God. we combat worry and fear with TRUTH! and Philippians 4:4-9 tells us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving...then think about truth. not the "what if's" or "what might's", but "what IS". what is true!
and what is true is that God is in control and He is good (read Psalm 135:6 and then 119:68...awesome!) and those 2 truths are never in conflict with one another. incredible to think about and trust in.
truth is what our church needs. truth is what our families need. truth is what i need. Your Word is wonderful LORD! help me strap on my belt of truth and use the sword of the Spirit!
started with the reality of spiritual warfare, and our enemy who is the father of lies. he wants us to think UNtruth, which leads to worries and fears and ultimately not trusting in God. we combat worry and fear with TRUTH! and Philippians 4:4-9 tells us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving...then think about truth. not the "what if's" or "what might's", but "what IS". what is true!
and what is true is that God is in control and He is good (read Psalm 135:6 and then 119:68...awesome!) and those 2 truths are never in conflict with one another. incredible to think about and trust in.
truth is what our church needs. truth is what our families need. truth is what i need. Your Word is wonderful LORD! help me strap on my belt of truth and use the sword of the Spirit!
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