Psalm Saturday: Psalm 13

Psalm 13

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him,"
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
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This Psalm follows a very similar pattern to several of David's previous Psalms in that he cries out to God to answer him in his distress and save him from the wicked people around him. I'm not going to continue to belabor that point, but I would like to focus on one particular line in this Psalm.

David asks God to "light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death."

How many of us wander around with eyes of darkness? We live life with no joy, lacking peace, and showing no excitement or passion in our eyes for who God is and what he has done in our lives. When people see us, we look more like dead people than we do live ones.

Why do we act so defeated? Why do we look so downcast? I love what David says in Psalm 42, when he asks that same question, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

God is in control, and that should bring joy to our hearts. Our eyes and our countenance should be shining the peace that only God can give.

We are not dead. We are very much alive. Psalm 115 describes it perfectly. "The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!"

Are you dead or alive?

What do your eyes say to that?

On Speed Limits

***I'll be at a conference today and tomorrow and am not sure if I'll have the chance to post on Friday. So, if you don't see something from me then, forgive me and look for Saturday's "Psalm Saturday." Thanks for reading!***
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Let me begin by saying that I don't always follow the speed limit. I am human, and I get in a hurry sometimes. OK.....a lot of the time. Nevertheless, I try my best to follow it when I can or when I'm thinking about it.

I notice that I'm not alone in this. Most people don't follow speed limits. I mean sure, we all go relatively close to the speed limit (most of the time). For instance, I hardly ever go more than 5 mph over the posted limit. However, how many of us actually fully obey the speed limit signs that we see posted along the highway?

Speed limits are posted by the government to help us out. They're not there to inconvenience us or to cause us deliberate frustration (although you might tend to disagree sometimes). The speed limits are set in place for safety reasons, to reduce accidents.

I'm not going to get into a discussion about whether or not it's a sin to go 57 in a 55 mph zone, but I do want to make a connection between our driving habits and our heart habits.

We treat God's commandments like we treat speed limits.

How? Speed limits are not suggestions. They are the law. They are commandments. If you speed, then you're breaking that law. However, we believe that driving a little bit faster than the speed limit is OK. After all, we're in a hurry. Nothing will happen to us. We have a good reason. Or, we just don't care because the speed limit is an inconvenience.

Similarly, we treat God's commandments like suggestions, too. "God, I know you told me to love my neighbor, but I just can't love THAT person....God, I know you told me to give you my entire heart, but you'll take 50% won't you? I mean, I really can't miss my TV show.....God, I know you told me to go and make disciples of all nations, but I know you're just talking to missionaries. You really can't expect me to make a difference in another country, right?......" And so the list goes on.

God's commandments are not suggestions. They are commandments. They are not set in place to inconvenience us or too keep us from enjoying life. They are there for our safety, for our benefit, and ultimately for our greater joy. We would do well to abide by them and save ourselves some nasty consequences.

Speeding tickets are terrible, but disobeying God's commandments have a much greater consequence.

On Dead Rats

A couple of weeks ago I saw a small mouse in the youth room at church. He ran back and forth between the two couches a couple of times, but I could never catch him. I'm too civil to get a mouse trap, so I just decided to let him be. After all, there's no food in there or anything. So, I thought he'd just leave eventually.

Well, it turns out I was right and wrong at the same time. He did leave. He left his earthly body, that is, and left us with a dead rat. The method of finding him, though, is quite funny.

Our pastor came in earlier this afternoon to see me, and he kept wrinkling his nose and asking what that smell was. I didn't really smell it in the youth room, but I really smelled it in the hallway. Either way, we never could find anything. Then, when the youth showed up, one of them sat down on the couch, causing the cushion to rise up a little bit on the side. Well, when the cushion rose up a little bit, it revealed a dead mouse. Yep, one of my youth sat on a dead rat. Of course, chaos ensued with screaming girls and teenagers running around the room while one of my redneck boys grabbed it by the tail and threw it outside.

Yeah, it was pretty great.

Like my youth room, sometimes our hearts get "rats" in them. We notice something early on in our hearts that isn't right, something that shouldn't be there. But, we don't feel like fooling around long enough to chase it out, and we let it stay there. The sin "rat" eventually makes its home in our hearts, causing it to spiritually stink. It fouls up our entire life to the point that people around us notice it, too.

I learned a lesson today. If you see a rat running around in your house, don't let it stay there, no matter how cute and fuzzy it may be. You have to get rid of the thing, otherwise it will stink up your whole house.

Don't let sin do the same thing to your heart.

On Word Processors

Have you really ever thought about how easy word processing is today? I mean, barely 15 to 20 years ago typewriters were still a mainframe in the business/office world. Now, we just hop on our computers and type away with programs like Microsoft Word (or your own word processing preference).

Most word processing programs today are WYSIWYG programs: What You See Is What You Get. Basically, what you see typed on your computer screen is pretty much what you see when you print it out. It's quite nice. Not too long ago, these features were not available, and you had to work something up, print it, fix it, print it, fix it again, and then maybe the 3rd time you printed it, it looked how you wanted it. But no longer. Now, we can throw pictures, text, graphics, and anything else we want on there and make it look exactly how we want it on the screen. Pretty neat.

Scripture tells in Matthew 12:34 that "out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." In other words, what is present in our hearts will be evident in what we say. If our hearts are pure and righteous, then what we say will be complimentary to that. However, if our hearts are evil and wicked, then our speech will resemble that. Not only do our words reflect the condition of our hearts, but also our actions. Basically, with our hearts, WYSIWYG. What we do and say is a true depiction of what are hearts are like.

When you print something out that has an error, you don't scratch through it with a pen and call it fixed. You have to go back to the computer and fix it in the word processor so that you can print out a new copy.

Likewise, as Christians, we cannot become "better Christians" by trying to talk better or act better. It's a condition of the heart, and we must fix the problem at the source. We must change our hearts before we can truly change what we say and do. Otherwise, we'll just keep spitting out errors in our lifestyle.

Never thought word processing could be so spiritual, did you?

On Engraved Name Tags

Our two kitties at the house both have collars with name tags. They don't really like them at all, though. Especially when they first got them, they scratched at them as much as they could trying to get them to come off to no avail.

They need them, though, for several reasons. First of all, the name tags provide identity for our cats. They have the kitties' names on them. Everyone can look at the name tag and see who exactly that feline terror is that they're staring in the face.

Secondly, the name tags provide information regarding the cats' owners. They have our home address and contact information. That way, whenever people see the name tag, they know that that cat is claimed. It has an owner. It has been adopted into a family. They know to whom the cat belongs.

We as people also have name tags of sorts, in more ways than one. First of all, we're created in God's image, and his name is written all over us. Whether people realize it or not, in the words of Steven Curtis Chapman, we can see "the fingerprints of God" whenever we see the people around us.

Secondly, God's name is written upon our hearts. When we accept him as our Lord and Savior we are claimed. We are his, and he pours his spirit inside of us. We are given a spiritual brand of sorts. We have been adopted into his family.

At the same time, God writes our names upon himself. I love the passage in Isaiah where God tells us that our names are "engraved in the palm of his hand." God carves our names there so that everyone can see who we belong too. It's such a beautiful image.

Sometimes, like my cats, though, we don't like this name tag. It can be annoying or even embarrassing to us at times. However, it is there for our good, and we would do well to appreciate the love that God shows us by claiming us as his own.

After all, he wrote our names on his hands. We should be proud to display his name in our hearts and lives.

Day of Thanks, 01.25.09

This week, I am thankful for:

1. Going home: I got to go home for a couple of days this week to see my folks. It was really nice. I got to relax a good bit (never really left the house except to play golf with my dad) and spend some quality time with my family. I don't get to go home too much, and when I do it's always a short trip, so I enjoy any chance I get to go. I love my family and am very thankful for them. Thank you, God, for my family. Thank you for getting me home and back again safely. Thanks for the time spent with my parents and my sister, and thank you for giving me such a great family.

2. Preaching: I got to preach in our evening service tonight for our youth-led service. I teach Sunday School and our Wednesday night youth Bible studies, but I still always enjoy getting to preach in a congregational setting. Tonight, I preached on Jonah and some lessons that we can all learn relating to how we treat the Gospel today. Thank you, God, for the opportunity to preach. Thank you for calling me to ministry, and thank you for filling my heart with your words. Please help me to be a good steward of the gifts that you've given me, and may I always continue to preach the Word in season and out of season.

3. Life: As many of you read about on Thursday, I witnessed a pretty bad incident that day involving the death of a 19 year old college student. Ever since then, I have been very thankful for the fact that God has blessed me with life. I am able to live, breathe, and most importantly have a relationship with God and people. He has allowed me to live and serve him for 23 years, and not everyone has that chance. Thank you, God, for giving me life. Thank you for creating me, for forming me, and for sustaining me. Thank you for knowing exactly how many days I will live and for keeping me for every single one of them. Thank you for your love and for the opportunity to experience a relationship with you.

4. Missions Opportunities: I've had a few missions opportunities present themselves to me over the past few weeks. I'm not really going to delve into a lot of details right now, but I'm thankful that God is opening up some doors to allow me to spread the Gospel to all nations. I'll fill you in more on details as I find them out. Thank you, God, for opening up my eyes to the need to serve you around the world. Thank you for giving me opportunities to take your Word to other nations. Please continue to open doors that you want me to go through, and give me wisdom as I make decisions as to where I will go.

5. Conclave: At the end of this next week, I will be going to Conclave, an annual youth ministers conference in Atlanta. I'm really excited about the opportunity for training, networking, and corporate worship amongst some of my minister peers. Plus, it will be an opportunity to see the Dresdows for a little while (they are being generous enough to allow me to stay with them for a couple of days so that I don't have to stay at a hotel!). Thank you, God, for Conclave. Thank you for allowing me to go to the conference this week. Thank you for the chance to meet some fellow youth ministers, to learn more about ministry, and to fellowship and worship with people from around the state.

Thank you, God, for these blessings, both significant and trivial. You are God, and you are good.

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 12

Psalm 12

Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone;
for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
the tongue that makes great boasts,
those who say, "With our tongue we will prevail,
our lips are with us; who is master over us?"

"Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,
I will now arise," says the Lord;
"I will place him in the safety for which he longs."
The words of the Lord are pure words,
like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.

You, O Lord, will keep them;
you will guard us from this generation forever.
On every side the wicked prowl,
as vileness is exalted among the children of man.
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Sometimes I feel like David. There are times when I feel like all the good people are gone from the world, and only wickedness prevails.

We cannot lost hope, though. We cannot be so short-sighted to believe that we are the only ones left who love God and care about his purposes. Like Elijah, we often say that we are the only ones left, but God reminds us that we are one of many who still have a heart for him.

Unfortunately, the world does not often reflect this truth. Like Jesus said, in the end times "the love of most people will grow cold." I can't think of a better description of our modern world. However, we are called to remain faithful to the end.

Why? Because God is in control. He will guard us and keep us in the midst of wickedness. He will rescue the poor and needy. He is true. His words are better than purest silver.

We are not alone. The faithful have not vanished. And even in our darkest hour, we can realize that God is ultimately with us.

Just like he always has been.

On Following Through

I played golf with my dad today. I'm pretty terrible at golf, but I enjoy getting out there and playing. I say I enjoy it. Sometimes I get really mad and frustrated at myself because I hit a lot of bad shots, but overall, I enjoy it.

I'd love to tell you about how I got a hole-in-one, but that would be a lie. Instead, I'd like to talk about form. Although I'm pretty terrible at golf, I know a little bit about technique (I just have a hard time implementing it in my game).

One of the most important things you have to do in golf is follow through. You can't just hit the ball and then stop. Following through provides direction and increased power for the ball. Not to mention the fact that following through is the natural motion produced by the swing.

When you don't follow through, bad things happen. The ball slices really badly. The shot ends up going nowhere. You end up on the other fairway and saying bad words to yourself. However, when you follow through correctly, the ball (usually) goes where it needs to, and the results are productive.

Following through is vital to discipleship. We are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations. This is a lengthy process; however, many people treat it as a say-a-prayer, get baptized kind of thing and that's it. Many times our evangelistic efforts end up leading people to a false and worthless religion because they have no clue what a relationship with Jesus is all about. Nevertheless, we feel like our job is done because we "led them to Christ," now they can take care of themselves.

Not true.

When we share the Gospel with people, we have to follow through by discipling them. We have to give them guidance and direction. We have to help them understand what a relationship with Christ is really about. We need to help them keep traveling forward instead of stopping dead in their tracks.

If we don't follow through with people, bad things happen. And discipleship is a lot more serious than hitting a little white ball could ever be.

On Getting Hit

I was in Columbus today doing an interview at the Columbus State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry when something tragic happened. A 19 year old pedestrian college student was hit by a car right outside the building I was in.

It was terrible. The woman driving the car was hysterical. The young man was badly injured, and I'm almost certain that he either died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital or shortly thereafter.

It was almost like the world ground to a halt for about half an hour. We obviously stopped the interview, because the guy who was interviewing me was my BCM campus minister, who went outside to minister to the people involved in the accident. We had to complete the interview this morning though because it had to be turned in today, but both of us were not really focused on the interview, though. It just wasn't important anymore.

I couldn't stop thinking about what happened. It was so crazy but so real at the same time. Something so tragic happening mere feet from where I was sitting. Someone so alive having that suddenly snatched from them.

I starting thinking about the fragility of life. That guy never knew when he woke up that day that this would happen. His parents never dreamed that they would get the phone call that they received this morning. No one knew this would happen, but it did. That guy got hit by a car going 45 miles an hour, and now he's probably dead.

And we don't have a clue whether or not he had a relationship with Jesus.

We cannot take evangelism likely. We don't know when the people around us might breathe their last breath. We have to share the love and truth of Jesus with the people around us with fervency and urgency. There is nothing more important. It is our responsibility.

A young man got hit by a car this morning. Pray for his family and those involved.

I, on the other hand, got hit by the truth.

On Doing It To Get It Done

Tonight, I am not very motivated to do this blog. It's late. I'm tired. It's been a long day. Don't get me wrong, I've had several things go on this week that I really want to talk about, several lessons that I learned that I feel are worthy to be passed on to you, but right now I honestly am just not in the writing mood.

Don't we do that all the time with the Lord?

"God, I know I need to read your Word, but it's late, and I'm really exhausted. I know you have something to day to me, but I'm just not in the mood right now."

Or "God, I know that you want me to go out and serve the needy in my community, but I'm just so busy. I don't really have time to go and do anything, and it would really be inconvenient for me. I'm really just not in the serving mood right now."

Sometimes we don't feel like doing what we know we need to do. That's life. But it's during those times that we have to push through. The writer of Hebrews reminds us to "strengthen our hanging hands and weak knees" and press on even when we don't feel like it. A life of faith isn't easy, but it's totally worth it to persevere.

When we do go ahead and do what we know we should, we often find that it's quite enjoyable. It just took a little prodding to get us out of our feeling of laziness, apathy, or weariness.

So keep forging ahead, even when you don't feel like it. I'm sure there were times when Jesus didn't feel like doing his ministry, but aren't we glad he kept going?

On Inaugurations

Like many people around the world, I watched the 44th Presidential Inauguration today. Barack Obama was sworn into office (however awkwardly) in front of thousands of people in Washington D.C. even though it was freezing cold. People were cheering, laughing, crying, screaming, waving flags, waving hats, waving babies even.....all in the name of the arrival of a new president.

I watched as people from all races, all ages, all genders, and all walks of life gathered on the mall in Washington to watch the ceremony. Whether you voted for our new President or not, you have to admit it was a pretty cool spectacle (except for the fact that the mall was completely trashed after the ceremony...thank you lazy Americans).

As I sat there watching the ceremony unfold over CNN.com, I was reminded of the fact that one day in the future, a similar celebration will occur--at the inauguration of Jesus Christ as King of the world.

People from all over the world, every tribe, nation, and culture will gather together in one accord to celebrate change. There will be singing, joyful shouting, raising of hands, and untamed enthusiasm. Everyone will join together to celebrate the fact that our new King has arrived. Jesus will have come and established his kindgom on the earth.

Today, not everyone in the world was there to see President Obama be sworn in. However, when Jesus comes into power, everyone will be there. Everyone may not like President Obama, and that is their choice. However, when Jesus comes every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord.

Today was pretty neat. I really appreciate the significance of today's events.

The coming of the King, however, will truly be amazing.

On Church Clean-Ups

This morning, I took advantage of my youth being out of school and made...I mean "encouraged" them to come up to the church today to do some work around our facilities. We didn't do anything too crazy, mainly cleaning up some storage rooms and closets, installing some new light bulbs, and stuff like that. The most arduous task of the day was cleaning all the brush off of the fence next to a small outdoor basketball court/play area that we have. Part of a tree and a bunch of vines had blown over onto the fence, so we cleaned that off.

All in all, it wasn't too much work; however, it was needed. The jobs that we did today were things that have needed to be done for several weeks (or months), but no one has gotten around to doing them. So, it was a pretty productive today.

As we cleaned up the church building, I began to wonder about the state of the church (as in the body of Christ), both at East Vernon Baptist Church and globally. How much cleaning do we need to do inside the church itself so that we can function better? What are some things that need to be done so that we can do a better job of glorifying Christ by making disciples of all nations?

I don't have the answers for the church as a whole. I can think of a few specific things, but at this point, I am not in the right position to diagnose the ailments of the global church. However, I am in the perfect spot to be able to see what needs to be cleaned up inside my own heart.

As a member of the body of Christ, I know that I need to be doing some cleaning up in my life. There are bad habits that need to be cut back, closets of sin that need to be cleaned out, lights of the Gospel that need to be brightened, and seeds of love and compassion that need to be planted. I've got some serious maintenance to do if I want to reach my full potential.

The church clean-up day went very well this morning. Hopefully, I'll have the same result in my heart.

Day of Thanks, 01.18.09

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Going home this week: I'm going to get to go home for a few days at the end of this next week. I can't wait to be with my family for a couple of days, and I might even be able to catch one of my sister's swim meets next weekend, too. That would be nice. God, thank you for the opportunity to go home this week. Thank you for a loving family who supports me. Thank you for freeing up my schedule to have the time to get away from things here in LaGrange to get home for a little while.

2. Book club: The book club is starting back up again (that would be Nate, Chuck, and me. We miss you, Ryan). We used to do this a year or so ago, reading a book every month or two and getting together to discuss it. It was always very encouraging, and it was a good way to keep each other accountable about reading and studying. Anyway, we're kicking it back up again, and this time we'll be going through some of C.S. Lewis science fiction stuff. I'm excited about it. Than you, God, for the book club starting back up. Thank you for books and for giving us the desire to learn. Thanks for Chuck and Nate and the opportunity to learn with them.

3. Saturday's dinner: On Saturday night, I spent the evening hanging out with some friends of mine from church. They had me and some other guests over to their new home for a meal and some hang-out time. It was really fun. We had some great food, and then we played charades. I had a great time and was able to meet some new people, too. All in all, it was a very nice evening. Thank you, God, for Chris and Krystle. Thank you for allowing me to go over to their house. Thank you for new friends and old friends. Thank you for their friendship and for Krystle's help with the youth.

4. Nate and Katie getting back: As most of you who read this blog know, I live with Nate and Katie. They've been out of town this weekend visiting Nate's brother in Alabama, and they'll be getting home in a little bit. I've got the cats to keep me company around the house, but when Nate and Katie are both gone, I realize how much I enjoy their company. I'm glad they're coming back tonight and hope they have a safe trip. Thank you, God, for Nate and Katie. Thank you again for their hospitality and for providing me a place to live. I pray that you give them safe travel back from Alabama. Bless them and their home.

5. Chuck: I have an older brother whom I love dearly. I really appreciate him and all that he does for me. Thankfully he lives here in LaGrange with me, so I get to see him a good bit. We both work at the college together, and we're both youth ministers, so we have a lot in common. He's a great brother, and I think the world of him. I'm very thankful to have him in my life. Thank you, God, for Chuck. Thank you for the relationship that we have. I know that there are many brothers in the world who can't stand each other. Thank you for him, his wife Noelle, and for their friendship. Thank you for his ministry. I pray that you bless him and all that he does.

Thank you, God, for these blessings, both significant and trivial. You are God, and you are good.

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 11

**I took a break from my blog yesterday. I figure that God took a day of rest, so I could take a day off from my blog. There was no particular reason. Nothing really came to mind during the day, and I figured rather than force something, I'd just wait 'til next time. I don't think anyone minded (expect perhaps my mom...she probably clicked all day long waiting to see what I wrote, and for that I thank love her and thank her). Forgive me if this pause in my blogging routine upset anyone in any way or caused your world to turn upside down. I didn't know my blog had such far-reaching consequences. I'm sure all 8 of my usual readers hardly missed a beat.
But enough of that. Here's this week's Psalm Saturday.**
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Psalm 11

In the Lord I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
"Flee like a bird to your mountain,
for behold, the wicked bend the bow;
they have fitted their arrow to the string
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
if the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?"

The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test, the children of man.
The Lord tests the righteous,
but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
Let him rain coals on the wicked;
fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
For the Lord is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.
__________________________

Here we see a common theme that runs throughout the Psalms. David seems to be facing some sort of wicked adversary, and in response, David turns to God for help and comfort. In this Psalm there are two main subjects, the present and the future, and each of these topics has the sub-theme of the wicked and the righteous.

We'll begin with the present. David (the righteous person) is in trouble. He is in a situation where he needs the refuge of God for protection. The circumstances around this event are unclear, but one thing is certain: God is testing David. Verse 5 tells us that God "tests the righteous," and sometimes this means placing us in difficult situations. It is often when we are at our wits end and we feel like there is no hope in the situation that God is often the most present. Verse 4 reminds us that he is still on his throne, and he is in control of what's going on.

Now we switch to the present situation of the wicked one. He has cornered the righteous man and is oppressing him. He has attacked David physically and spiritually, and it seems like wickedness will triumph over righteousness. In our present time, this situation is all too common. Wickedness prevails over holiness. Doing right is shunned in the name of a person's best interests. We must bear in mind that just as God is presently on the throne watching and testing the righteous man, he is also currently on his throne watching the wicked. God is in control here, no matter how much power the evil man thinks he holds, which leads us into the future.

The second theme we see in this Psalm is the future. While the righteous man is in a dire situation in the present, he looks to the future to see what God will do. According to verse 7, God loves righteousness and righteous deeds, and if we live righteously, we will be rewarded by seeing the face of God. I am reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 5:8, when he said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Although our present times might seem difficult and unfruitful, our righteousness will be rewarded by being in the presence of the Lord, and nothing in the world could be better than that.

On the contrary, the wicked man's future is condemned. Coals of fire and sulfur will rain down upon his head. I know this sounds harsh, but it is the fate of wicked people. Hellfire and brimstone is a common joke, but it's also a real thing. Yes, God is merciful, but he cannot tolerate wickedness, and those who disobey him by living an evil life will reap their due justice on the day of judgment.

God is sovereign. We must bear this in mind. He sees everything we do, and we must understand that our present circumstances are not the reward that he promises us. We must keep our eyes heavenward on the ultimate goal of being with the Lord forever.

That will get us through any situation that we may face.

On Acquired Tastes

Remember when your parents told you to try something when you were little and you absolutely hated it? Maybe it was turnip greens or spinach. Or perhaps you always hated coffee unless it had enough milk and sugar in it to make it look and taste like a caramel. When we had these moments, our parents would always tell us, "You'll like it one day. It's an acquired taste."

That's turned out true in my case with a lot of things. I used to despise tomatoes. Absolutely hated them. Now, I really like them. Same thing with hot tea. A few years ago, I thought it was the most awful thing you could put in your mouth. Why not just go suck on a hot leaf? (No this is not a plug for marijuana usage) But now, I really enjoy drinking hot tea without any sugar.

Acquired tastes aren't limited to just food, though. Our tastes mature in music, art, clothing styles, and even who we choose to hang out with. It's just part of growing up. As we grow older, we always seem to acquire tastes for things we once hated.

Unfortunately, the same scenario often applies to our faith. I remember when I first gave my heart to the Lord. I loved his Word, and I hated sin. Any sinful part of my life I couldn't stand, and I would do whatever it took to stay away from things that disobeyed God. However, as I have "matured" in my faith, I have lost a little bit of that sharp eye I used to have. In the name of acceptance and gentleness, I have acquired a taste for tolerance. There are certain things that I do now or have done recently that I never would have done when I was younger.

Jesus tells us that we're supposed to come to him like little children. The thing about little children is that they love eagerly and they hate strongly. With our faith, it should be the same way. We should love the Lord with all our hearts, as strong a love as we can muster. And we should hate sin equally fervently.

Acquiring tastes for things that are good for you is good. I'm glad I like tomatoes now. They're good for my heart.

Acquiring a taste for sin is not.

On Power Supply Upgrades

I recently bought a new video card for the computer I use up at the church, which will enable me to use the computer along with my projector and have an extended display setup. For those of you who aren't very techno-savvy, it basically means I can display videos and song lyrics on the projector without letting the whole world see what you're doing on the computer.

Anyway, when I found the the video card that I wanted, I noticed that it required a power supply of 450 Watts, where my current power supply for my computer was only 250W. Yeah. So, I had a decision to make. I could settle for a cheaper video card which wouldn't do as good of a job, or I could upgrade my power supply. For once in my life, I didn't go with the cheaper option, and I went ahead and upgraded the power supply too so that I could get the good video card. After installation of both products, I'm very happy with my choice.

As I installed the video card and power supply into my computer, I drew an interesting parallel between my computer and my heart. Sometimes, I feel like I could have a higher productivity in my spiritual life. I feel like there are things I could be doing better or more of. However, in order for me to upgrade to better effectiveness in my ministry, I require a stronger source of power. In other words, I don't gain enough strength from time spent in the Word and in prayer to sustain a higher amount of ministry.

Consequently, I'm faced with a decision. I can spend the same amount of time with Lord, drawing the same amount of sustenance that I receive now, and live the same mediocre lifestyle that I live now, or I can upgrade my "power supply" of time spent with the Lord so that I can also upgrade my effectiveness as a disciple and minister.

So many times, whether consciously or not, we don't feel like boosting up our devotional life will be worth it. We don't feel like the sacrifice of time and effort will give us enough rewards to warrant spending more time with the Lord. And we are sadly mistaken.

To be effective for the Lord, I mean truly effective, we must be close to his heart. And to be close to his heart, we must spend time reading his Word and praying. We must constantly be seeking his heart.

And if we don't, we won't be able to sustain an effective lifestyle of fulfilling the Great Commission like we need to.

On Buzzer Beaters

As an assistant sports information director, part of my job responsibility is keeping statistics for our college basketball games. Last night, we had a great game as our guys' team defeated visiting Covenant College 76-74. It was a tie game with six seconds left, when one of our players made a shot with half a second left to give us the victory. It was pretty awesome.

I remember one time in my life when I made a buzzer beater shot. I was 10. We were playing the Pacers. I remember specifically because they had a boy that looked like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Don't laugh. This is serious stuff. It was double overtime, and I was at the wing when the ball got passed to me. I took a shot over T-Rex boy and made the winning basket. My coach picked me up on his shoulders, and we celebrated the victory. It was any 10 year old's dream.

As I saw the game-winning shot last night and reminisced about my one moment of glory, I thought about how much people pay attention to the person who had the game-winning goal. It's that way in any sport, really. Crowds of fans, teammates, and the press flock to whoever scored the last goal.

When you think about it, though, isn't every shot just as important as the last one? I mean, after all, if someone didn't make a shot 5 minutes into the game, then the score wouldn't be set up for the game-winner. We would've lost. So, essentially, every basket made is equally important in the final outcome.

What we do in life is much the same way. Certain deeds that we do are famously celebrated or hailed as being great, like giving a lot of money to the church, or starting an amazing ministry. Many of us long to be able to have that moment where we do something "great" for the Kingdom of God. However, in God's eyes, as long as we're working for him faithfully, our deeds are all equal. We are cautioned by Paul in Colossians not to compare our works to other believers, but instead, we are to compare what we do to the requirements set forth by Scripture.

Similarly, Jesus strictly warns us not to seek men's praise for what we do for God. He scolded the Pharisees for praying on street corners or giving a bunch of money in front of a lot of people. If we seek the praise of men, we might get it, but we will lose the reward of pleasing God.

So don't seek glory. Buzzer beaters are nice, but everyone forgets them by next week. Instead, work steadily and faithfully for the Lord. Earning his appreciation and pleasure is the greatest satisfaction we could ever receive.

It's even better than beating the Pacers.

On Missing a Day

It's really late, and I haven't posted today. I just didn't make time, and I kind of forgot until I had something to do, and now it's past midnight.

We're the same way with our spiritual lives. We put it off and put if off until when we finally think about reading our Bible our spending time in prayer, it's too late, and we go to bed.

I'm not going to try to double up tomorrow or make tomorrow's post extra packed with stuff to make up for today. I don't think that's what you or me want. Instead, I'm just going to pick up tomorrow on my normal schedule and enjoy blogging.

I think God is the same way. He's not waiting to judge us on missing a day with him. He doesn't require us to read double the amount of Scripture or spend twice as much time in prayer the next day to make up for our missed time with him. Yes, it hurts him that we didn't come to him, but he forgives. There are consequences for not abiding in the Word, but it's not like God kicks us out of the Jesus club because we didn't pay our dues that day. He just wants to spend time with us today.

So, have a good night, and we'll pick back up like normal tomorrow.

Day of Thanks, 01.11.08

Today, I am thankful for:

1. A new Bible: Today, a lady at church gave me a surprise gift, a new study Bible. It's got a lot of notes and maps and stuff, but the coolest part is that it has a lot of illustrations throughout the book that aid in the understanding of certain passages. I'm really excited about having it to help me in my study! Thank you, God, for my new Bible. Thank you for Mrs. LaVelle and her generosity. Thank you, most of all, for your Word, which you have given to us. May I never cease to read it, study it, cherish it, follow it, and hide it in my heart.

2. Tonight's church service: Tonight we had a really good service at church. Ronnie's message was very good and very encouraging. Although we had a very small amount of people there, the presence of God was evident, and we all left feeling refreshed for having spent time with the Lord in corporate worship and Bible study. Thank you, God, for EVBC, and thank you for the service tonight. Thank you for allowing us to worship you even when we don't deserve it. Thank you for the preaching of your Word, and thank you for a place in which to worship you and study your commandments.

3. A fellow youth minister: I hung out with a fellow youth minister on Thursday night for a little while and got to know him a little better. We're going to try to start meeting weekly to hang out, encourage one another, and lift one another up to the Lord. I'm excited about the companionship and the accountability. Thank you, God, for allowing me and Nick to get together this week. Thanks for helping us to arrange future meetings, and thank you for providing encouragement for both of us.

4. My senses: I know it sounds weird, but I'm thankful for the senses God gives us. We have the ability to see beauty, taste good things, smell pleasant aromas, hear music, and feel softness and warmth. God created us to enjoy life! Thank you, God, for giving the human body senses. Thank you for how they take care of us and help us live out or lives, but thank you also for how they help us to enjoy life. Through the senses you give us, we are able to truly experience all that you are and all that you created. May we never fail to thank you for the little things.

5. Nate and Katie: I was reminded again this week of how blessed I am to be able to live with Nate and Katie. Yes, it's very economical for me, but on top of that, they really take great care of me. And most importantly, they're great friends, and I really enjoy hanging out with them. God, thank you for Nate and Katie. Thank you for their generosity and for them opening up their home to me for this long. Thank you for working things out for me to be able to stay here. Forgive me if I have taken advantage of them in any way, and help me to always be truly thankful for the hospitality they show. Thank you also for their friendship.

Thank you, God, for these blessings, both significant and trivial. You are God, and you are good.

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 10

Psalm 10

Why, O Lord, do you stand afar off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, "There is no God."
His ways prosper at all times;
your judgments are on high, out of his sight;
as for all his foes, he puffs at them.
He says in his heart, "I shall not be moved;
throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity."
His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;
under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
He sits in ambush in the villages;
in hiding places he murders the innocent.
His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;
he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket;
he lurks that he may seize the poor;
he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.
The helpless are crushed, sink down,
and fall by his might.
He says in his heart, "God has forgotten,
he has hidden his face, he will never see it."

Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, "You will not call to account"?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none.

The Lord is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
____________________

At many times throughout the book of Psalms, David seems to ask the question, "O God, where are you now?". If we're honest with ourselves, I think we have to admit that there have been many times that we've asked ourselves the same question. Where is God when our loved ones die tragically? Where was God on September 11? Where is God when thousands of girls are forced into sex slavery? Where is God when sin is rampant and holiness is scarce?

For David, his specific "where is God" concern centers upon the poor and needy. In David's time, there were many rich, arrogant, wicked people who preyed upon the poor and needy. They would tax the poor, place them in cycles of debt, and work them as if they were slaves. On top of that, the rich lived extravagant lives of luxury and excess while the poor thirsted and starved on the streets, begging for drops of water and morsels of food. And for David, God seemed to just sit there and do nothing about it.

Where was this "God of the poor"? Where was the Lord of the lowly, the One who brought the slaves out of Egypt? Had he forgotten his promise? Had he turned his back on the world, allowing sin and wickedness to reign freely? Were the poor and broken to be forgotten forever?

Our situation today is almost an exact replica of David's time. The same things happen, and we ask the same questions David did. Why does God allow wickedness to prevail.

Well, the good news is that he won't. Verse 16 states that "The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land." God is forever. The world is not. Holiness is forever. Wickedness is not. One day, one glorious day, wickedness will cease, and we will live in holiness in the presence of our God. He will ultimately prevail.

However, for our present time, we must live in this world of sin that mankind has created. We must suffer the consequences of the fall from grace. And as long as we live on this earth, wickedness will exist and seem to be too strong for goodness and mercy. But wickedness won't win, and we shouldn't lose heart. God is still the God of the lowly and oppressed, the God of the meek, and the God of the pure in heart. Even in the darkest of hours, holiness will light up the darkness.

Don't lose heart. The battle is not yet over. Be comforted by Jesus' words in Matthew 5:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

On Eye Black Evangelism

Last night, I watched the NCAA football BCS Championship game. I like college football, but I definitely don't get into it like I used to (I personally think it has become one of the biggest idols in America, but I'll save that for another post). It's only the second game I've watched all year. Nevertheless, a new friend of mine called and asked me to come over and watch the game with him, so I did.

I guess I "pulled" for Florida last night. If nothing else, I was pulling for Tim Tebow. I like the man. He's passionate about what he does, and more importantly, he's passionate about his walk with Jesus.

Last night, Tebow wore some eye black stickers that said "John" under the right eye and "3:16" under the left eye. When I first saw them, my first reaction was along the lines of "Wow. That's a little cheesy." However, I was immediately convicted of something. Although millions of people quote John 3:16 without really understanding it or living it out, Tim Tebow isn't like that. People know where he stands, and he uses whatever method he can to share that to people. He obviously knew that, being the biggest television event of college football, there were going to be a lot of closeups on his face, and he wanted to make the most of it. So he did. He couldn't very well write out an entire evangelistic message on his face, so he did the best he could by showing one of the most concise evangelistic verses in the Bible.

I often find myself wondering why God hasn't given me a bigger platform from which to share the Gospel. I've always wanted to make as big a difference as possible, sharing Christ with thousands of people, you know, kind of like Tim Tebow. However, at this point in my life, God has not given me that opportunity yet. Perhaps it's because of my pride. I admit, if I were to be famous or working at a huge church, it would probably go to my head. But I think the most important reason is that I haven't been faithful in sharing Christ on the small stage. After all, if I can't do a good job sharing the Gospel on a small scale, how could I effectively evangelize on a large scale?

So, props to you, Tim Tebow, for doing everything you could last night to bring glory to God (except for the time you got an unsportsmanlike penalty called on you for taunting another player....I guess you are human after all). As for me, I probably won't ever put John 3:16 on eye black, since I'm not a famous football player.

However, I will do everything I can to share Jesus on every platform that God puts me on, no matter how big or small.

On Posting Tomorrow

It's late. It's after midnight, and I've technically missed my deadline for posting today. Nevertheless, I wanted to post really quick before I head off to bed.
I didn't post today because I was busy. Simple as that. I worked, I got stuff done around the house, I had dinner with friends, and I went over to a new friend's house to watch the BCS Championship game with him and talk some. It was a good day, just busy, and I didn't make time to post. So, on the way home, I decided, well, I'm just going to go to bed, and I'll make a good post tomorrow.

How many times do we do that in our walk with the, Lord?

Most of our days often go like this: "God, I've been really busy today, you know, hanging out with my friends, watching TV, doing schoolwork, working, and all that stuff. I just didn't have time to hang out with you. I promise I'll spend time with you tomorrow, but right now I'm tired and I'm going to go to bed."

Sound familiar?

That's my attitude a lot of the time, but the truth is, God doesn't want to talk to us tomorrow. He wants to spend time with us today. So don't miss the opportunity. We're not guaranteed that tomorrow.

And with that, I'm off to bed.

On Being Washed Up

I used to be pretty good at basketball. Don't get me wrong, I was no Michael Jordan, but I could hold my own against most of my peers. I played recreation league ball until I was 14. I never played for my school, but in high school I would play often during P.E. class or up at our church during the week with some other guys.

Once I got to college, I played a good bit my freshman year with some folks from school. Then, in my sophomore year, I tore my ACL (thank you Jesse Pilkenton), and all my athletic endeavors came to a grinding halt for that year. I recovered from the injury, but I never really played basketball much anymore.

Well, the other day I decided I was going to get back in shape by playing with some older guys that come up here to the college where I work three times a week during lunch. Me and some guys whose age probably averages 50+....should be pretty easy, right?

Absolutely not. I was TERRIBLE, and they were pretty stinking amazing. I got dominated by these guys. It was so bad, my teammates stopped passing me the ball after awhile because I was missing some pretty easy shots. I guess that's what I get for not playing much in 3 years.

During the 2 days afterward, in which I nursed my bruises, sore muscles, and injured pride, I was reminded of my faith. Like basketball, if we want to be good at living our Christian life, we must practice it continually. We can't take a 3 year hiatus and then expect to be as fresh as a summer peach.

The guys that I played with the other day have been playing 3 times a week since 1975. Yeah. They're seasoned veterans. Old or not, they've been playing awhile, and it shows. That's discipline, being able to continue something like that for 30 some odd years. It would've been so easy for them to give up once they got older and sit around being lazy, thinking of the "good ole days" when they were good at basketball. But they've kept at it.

God wants us to be the same way. He wants us to be spiritually disciplined to the point that we continue practicing and living out our faith every day as long as we're alive. He doesn't want washed up Christians who reminisce about the old days. He wants sharp instruments, people who spend time with him daily in the Word and in prayer and people who are willing to do whatever it takes to bring him glory by making disciples of all nations.

I don't want to be a washed up Christian. It's bad enough in basketball, but the consequences for my faith can be a lot more injurious.

On Writer's Block

Tonight, I must admit, I'm having a hard time figuring out a subject on which to post. Most days, posting comes pretty easily. Today, however, has been a different matter. So, when all else fails and you don't know what to write about, you write about not being able to write. Problem solved.

Ideas are funny things. Sometimes we have these great epiphanies regarding what we should do or say, and at other times, our minds seem completely void of any good thoughts whatsoever. Ideas ebb and flow. Sometimes we just seem to know exactly what to do, and at other times we have to sit and wait for something to come to us.

Sometimes life feels the same way. At times, we know exactly what we need to do. God's leading voice comes to us as clear as a bell, and we have a well-defined sense of the direction in which we should go. However, there are many instances in our lives when the directions just aren't clear. The answers don't come. The ideas of what should come next never pop into our heads or our hearts.

It is during these moments that we must do the same thing that we do when we have writer's block......we wait.

God promises us that he will guide us. Sometimes this guidance is easy to follow, and at others it's just not. That's life. That's faith. That's when we have to truly depend on the sovereignty of God and wait.

Writer's block is no fun. Neither is being unsure of what we should do in life. However, waiting for God's guidance is much more rewarding than the alternative of running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

However, one final note of warning: Just like with writer's block, there is a difference between waiting and procrastinating. Waiting is good, as long as we are actively waiting.

Then, when the direction comes, we'll be ready to act.

On Waking Up Earlier Than You Wanted

This morning, I woke up randomly at 5:11. I was not happy. I do not usually wake up at 5:11.

Now I'm sure there are some of you reading this who are saying, "Hush your mouth, Matt. You're a lazy bum. I get up that early every day! You deserve to have to wake up that early every once in awhile!" I hear your voices, and I agree. I should probably get up a little earlier than I am now, but that is not what I wish to discuss.

Anyway, as I sat there this morning at 5:11, I was wide awake. This was not one of your wake up, look at the clock drowsily, roll back over and go to sleep moments. I was fully awake. Consequently, I could not go back to sleep. It was such a frustrating feeling.

The clock gradually crept forward minute by minute as I lay there on my bed. Then a thought hit me. I figured since I was already up, I may as well go ahead and get out of bed, read my Bible for awhile, and spend a good amount of time in prayer. After all, my morning routine is usually pretty rushed and I often do not spend a lot of time doing these things before I start my day.

So, here was my dilemma. I could sit there for another 2 hours, doing nothing but daydreaming and trying to go back to sleep, or I could get up. Hmmmm..... I settled on laying there doing nothing. Eventually, at about 6:00 or so, I finally drifted off into a fitful sleep which lasted until my alarm went off at 7:20.

As a result, I truly believe I missed out on something this morning.

I know that I should've gone ahead and gotten up, but the excuses kept pouring into my head. "You need the rest...You'll be tired all day...You can do those things later...You're practically asleep already..." All these things kept running through my mind until I eventually forgot that God wanted me to spend time with him.

Sometimes, God wakes us up in the middle of the night to share his thoughts with us. I think of the story of Samuel, whom God woke up 3 times to speak to. What would've happened if Samuel had just gone back to sleep instead of listening to the voice of the Lord? Perhaps he never would've become one of the greatest prophets Israel ever knew.

When God speaks, we must listen. When he gives directions, we must follow. I'm reminded of James' words to his readers when he said "it is a sin to know what you should do and then not do it."

I think I fit that bill pretty well this morning.

Day of Thanks, 01.04.09

Today, I am thankful for:

1. A New Year: I really almost wrote '08 on the date in my title, but I caught myself. It's 2009, a new year, new opportunities for ministry ans service. I'm really excited about what God has in store for me and my ministry this year. At the same time, I'm not jumping ahead, but instead, taking things a day at a time, trying my best to follow him day to day. Thank you, God, for a new year. Thank you for allowing me to experience 23 years of living, and thank you for giving me one more. It is truly a gift that I shouldn't take for granted. Help me to glorify you this year as I have never done before. Give me opportunities to serve you, and may I find my identity and contentment in you and you alone.

2. Old friends: On Saturday, I was able to go back over to my hometown of Thomaston and meet up with 3 of my best friends from high school: Kenny, J.W., and Philip. We used to meet regularly and keep each other accountable while we were in school together, but after we all went to college, we kind of lost touch. Saturday was the first time in several years that we were all able to get together, and it was wonderful. We were able to reminisce a little, laugh a lot, and more than anything, encourage one another and spur one another on towards good things. Thank you, God, for allowing me to go meet up with Kenny, J.W., and Phil on Saturday. Thanks for bringing us together again. Thank you for their encouragement and their prayers. May you bless them in their separate endeavors and in our corporate seeking of you. Help us to keep in touch better and to continue to lift one another up to you.

3. YEC I took my youth from church to Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC) in Macon, Ga. on Sunday and Monday. We had 4 kids accept Christ that weekend! On top of that, we were able to join in worship along with thousands of other students throughout Georgia and seek the Lord there together. It was a great conference, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the aftermath of it in our group. Thank you, God, for YEC. Thank you for allowing us to go this year. Thank you for the 21 people that went from our church, and thank you for all the decisions that were made. I pray that you would continue to move in the hearts and lives of my students, and help them to live out what they learned here at home.

4. My cousins While I was over in Thomaston this week, I was able to meet up with my cousins for the evening. I enjoyed hanging out with them, catching up on things, eating a meal together, and playing the Wii with them. I lived with them for a few months awhile back, so I've always had a close connection with them. It was great to see them again. Thank you, God, for Uncle Johnny, Aunt Karen, Tyler, Tory, Tatum, Trudy, and Titus (for my readers, yes there are 5 children). Thanks for allowing me to visit with them on Saturday. Thank you for their hospitality and their generosity toward me. Please bless their family and all that they do.

5. God's Word This week, I have really been reminded of the presence of God in his Word. He truly speaks to us through his Scriptures, and it is vitally important for us as believers to stay in the Word in study and in prayer. Thank you, God, for your Word. Thank you for the everlasting truth that you give us in it. Thank you for the hope, joy, peace, comfort, and encouragement that your Word brings. Thank you for convicting us when we need to be convicted. Your Word is a lamp which guides our path, and may I never cease to seek you through your written Word.

Thank you, God, for these blessings, both significant and trivial. You are God, and you are good.

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 9

Psalm 9

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

When my enemies turn back,
they stumble and perish before your presence.
For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
their cities you rooted out;
the very memory of them has perished.

But the Lord sits enthroned forever;
he has established his throne for justice,
and he judges the world with righteousness;
he judges the peoples with uprightness.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!
Tell among the peoples his deeds!
For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

Be gracious to me, O Lord!
See my affliction from those who hate me,
O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
that I may recount all your praises,
that in the gates of the daughter of Zion
I may rejoice in your salvation.

The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;
in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.
The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment;
the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.
Higgaion. Selah.

The wicked shall return to Sheol,
all the nations that forget God.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail;
let the nations be judged before you!
Put them in fear, O Lord!
Let the nations know that they are but men!
Selah.
__________________________

In this Psalm we see a striking contrast between God and man.

First, God is portrayed as having several distinct characteristics. He does wonderful deeds. He is righteous. He alone is able to pass judgment. He blots out the memory of evil. He is a fortress for the poor, needy, and oppressed. He saves those in trouble. And in the end, God will destroy the wicked and those who have forgotten him.

On the other hand, man is portrayed quite differently. Man is finite. We are often wicked. We oppress the poor and needy. We will be judged for our deeds one day.

Although this contrast is quite stark, it also brings to light the grace of God as seen in the last few verses. Despite the fact that we as people are dirty, despicable, and totally unworthy of mercy, God passes on his wonderful deeds to us in that he saves us from our situation.

God does not forget people in our times of need, most significantly, our need for salvation. Our hope need not perish. The Lord will rise up and save the righteous. Wickedness shall not prevail. The nations will all one realized the fact that God is Lord, and he demands righteousness. I am reminded of Paul's words in Philippians that one day "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:10-11).

In light of this, we as people are called to be righteous, too. We should exhibit the same kind of love as our Father. We should literally live like God, pouring out love. This should particularly done for the poor and oppressed. God has a special place in his heart for the poor, and so should we. He will not forget them, and we shouldn't either.

God is righteous, and one day, we will all see the glory and righteousness of God. However, it is up to us to determine how we will see it: with a feeling of thankfulness and gratitude because of our love for him and our righteousness through him, or a feeling of despair, guilt, and hopelessness because we forsook the gift that God offered us.

On Being Carried to the Table

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about David's kindness toward Mephibosheth (1 Samuel 9). In summary, David has just been annointed King of Israel, succeeding Saul. Saul's line had been broken off after Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle (as foretold by the Lord). In appreciation of his friendship with Jonathan, David wanted to honor him by finding any of Jonathan's relatives and showing them kindness. It turns out that Jonathan has one son left alive, and his name is Mephibosheth.

Mephibosheth, however, was not robust and kingly like his father. He was a cripple, broken since birth. Nevertheless, David summons Mephibosheth into his court, where he then gives Mephibosheth a place of honor at the king's table.

This may not sound like much of a story, but we must understand a few things. Imagine what Mephibosheth was thinking. First off, he was a relative of the old king. Whenever a new king came to power, they often killed off all of the old king's line to wipe out any threats of usurpation. Secondly, he was a cripple. He couldn't stand or walk, and he was an outcast of society. In Mephibosheth's mind, the only reason he could think of for being summoned by the king was to be killed. He couldn't escape or runaway. This was to be his fate. Or so he thought.

Instead, Mephibosheth was blessed with a position of honor at the table of the king. He was granted land, money, a title, and complete immunity. He was treated as one of the king's sons. And best of all, when he sat at the table of the king, no one could see his crippled state. He was on equal ground with everyone else.

We are just like Mephibosheth.

We are broken people, crippled by the world and by sin. We are outcasts from heaven, unable to enter into his presence by our own accord. The only thing we deserve is death, and that was to be our fate. But, we have received an invitation to dine with the King of kings. He has called us up out of our state of depravity and brokenness and lifted us up to a place of honor. He has granted us a position at the table of the King, where we can dine and commune with him. We did nothing to deserve this at all, but he lifts us up anyway. And best of all, when we sit at the King's table, he doesn't see our brokenness anymore.

We are viewed as being whole, all because we were picked up and carried to the table of the Lord.

For a beautiful depiction of this story and of God's grace toward us, please take a look at the song "Carried to the Table" by Leeland.

On Thinking Arby's

This evening, I went to Arby's with Joey and Travis, a couple of my youth. We usually would go to Chick-Fil-A to hang out and discuss the week's events, but tonight Chick-Fil-A was closed. So, we had to come up with another option. I like Arby's, but I hadn't been in a really long time. Tonight, though, when thinking of dinner options, the fast food restaurant just came to mind. I guess I was "thinking Arby's," as the commercials say.

Anyway, the night was very enjoyable. The food was good, there was hardly anyone there, it was really clean, and it was quiet, so we were able to have a good conversation without having to yell. On top of that, Arby's was definitely where we needed to be that night for two other reasons.

First of all, I ran into a youth minister peer of mine here in LaGrange whom I've had brief conversations with over the past couple of weeks. I guess he was thinking Arby's, too. I've really been praying that God would send someone my way with whom I can converse on a weekly basis and have as an accountability partner in my ministry. We talked for a few minutes about ministry and church stuff, and after our conversation, we agreed to meet together more often. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a great relationship.

Secondly, I was talking with Travis and Joey about how I was really enjoying Arby's because I felt like we could use it as our new weekly meeting spot due to it's many positive aspects. I was particularly excited about the possibility of getting to know some of the employees and build relationships with them as a result of our weekly get-togethers. As I finished uttering these words, one of the workers came and asked us if we had some jumper cables to jump off a car out in the parking lot. Long story short, we were able to help a lady start her car, serve some people in need, and open the door to meet some of the employees at the restaurant.

I guess God really does give us what we ask for, huh? Tonight, I thought I was going to a weekly routine of dinner at Chick-Fil-A. However, because of a change in circumstances, I was able to meet some new people, serve those in need, establish some potential contacts for ministry, and perhaps find a new meeting spot.

I guess God was thinking Arby's, too.