The Jesus Journals

On Squirrels in the Attic and the Holy Spirit

2009-11-25T16:39:00.000-05:00

When was the last time you went in your attic? (I know…that sounds like a pest-control commercial, but hang with me…). If you’re like me, you hardly have a clue what’s up there. Who knows? You might even be housing a family of small, baby squirrels somewhere between your Christmas decorations and old tee-ball trophies.

I spent the day cleaning out my grandmother’s attic—something that obviously hasn’t been done in years. I tried hard to get out of it, but to no avail. You’d think after my brother and I broke four separate glass items that my mother would’ve just asked us to stop, but that didn’t work…

It’s amazing how much junk you can accumulate over time. There was stuff in that attic from over 50 years ago, most of it completely useless, evidenced by the avalanche of trash out by the street.

However, every once in awhile, we would open up a box and find a treasure. We found a box of old “LIFE” magazines from the ‘60s. We uncovered some of my grandfathers childhood pictures. There was even an old Nazi Germany dagger in one of the boxes.

The treasures were there all along. They were just covered up by years of neglect. To get to these treasures, though, we had to dig. We had to sort through piles of worthless old stuff to find what really mattered.

I think we’ve done the same thing with the Holy Spirit. We’re told in 1 Peter 1 that upon our salvation, we are given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” through the Holy Spirit. In other words, we are given a great treasure. However, as time passes, we cover that treasure up with junk until we forget that it’s even there. We don’t feel it anymore. We don’t hear it anymore. And we certainly don’t follow it anymore.

But what would happen if we uncovered it? What would happen if we dug it out and starting using it again?

Where have you placed the Holy Spirit in your life? What’s covering it up?

Maybe it’s time to move those “Christmas decorations” out of the way so that you can rediscover the treasure that’s inside of you.

[Note: I must thank Francis Chan for making me aware of this dilemma. Please check out his latest book “Forgotten God” for more on this subject.]

On Haircuts

2009-09-21T21:36:00.001-04:00

Imagine that you are a sheep. Baaaaah. As a little ewe lamb you wander around, munching on grass and clover until your plump little belly is satisfied. You lie down on soft patches of moss, watching cute little bunny rabbits frolic around in the surrounding pasture. You spend all year long growing a beautiful, plush coat of soft, fluffy wool. All the other little ewe lambs are jealous of your fine follicles of soft goodness.

Then along comes an ugly, old shepherd dude with a rusty pair of shears and whacks it all off. Gone is your outer garment of beauty, and you are left with nothing but naked shame.

That describes my life exactly. OK, maybe not EXACTLY, but I had a similar experience.

I got my hair cut after going 3 months without a single trim (yes, I know most of you noticed that a long time ago…). Now suddenly it looks like my grass does when I forget to put the lawnmower blade on level 4 instead of level 1.

Don’t get me wrong, the lady who cut it did a good job, and I really like her. It’s just that I haven’t had short hair in a long time. And in reality it’s not even that short. It’s no shorter than it was the last time I got a haircut. It’s just that it looks like a drastic change to me. I’d gotten so used to my long hair, I’d forgotten what it was like to have short hair.

The same phenomenon tends to occur in my spiritual life. I get into a pattern of holiness and spiritual discipline, being diligent in my walk with the Lord, and then I allow sin to start growing in my heart. Before long, it’s grown so much that I don’t look anything like I did before it grew out.

But I don’t even realize it…because it happens so slowly. I get so used to a lifestyle filled with sin, I forgot what holiness looks like. On top of that, when I do realize my need to “cut” my sinfulness, I’m hesitant to do it because I’ve kind of gotten attached to the rugged, “good-looks” of my growing sin problem.

I’m pretty sure there are better ways to describe sin than by discussing the process of whacking off hair. Nevertheless, it reminds me of my need to stay pure and the ease at which I allow sin to grow in my life.

In conclusion, I want to be spiritually bald for 2 reasons. For one, I’d even more closely resemble the physique of Mr. Clean than I already do. And secondly, I wouldn’t let sin grow in my life at all.

If only…

On Unfaithfulness

2009-09-19T18:22:00.001-04:00

There are two things that I know for sure:

1. I can’t fly. Tried that one before…

2. I am a terrible blogger.

It’s been awhile since my last post and even longer since I did a true post according to my usual blogging style. Why the wait?

Laziness. Plain and simple.

My blogging pattern closely resembles that of every other aspect of my life: a pattern of unfaithfulness. I lack discipline. I lack motivation. And consequently, I lack faithfulness and the ability to see things through.

This is not a new development. It hasn’t just sprung up in the last couple of years. Looking back on my life, there are very few things that I’ve been faithful in seeing through to completion. I always seemed to get my schoolwork done or finish projects at work, but if there was no immediate consequence for not seeing something through, then it often did not get done.

Examples: I stopped working out after about 3 months of doing it faithfully (I know, my bodily physique defies that fact).

I never did learn Spanish.

I quit swim team as a child because I looked too good in a Speedo and was a temptation to the girls around me…or because I just didn’t want to do it anymore.

Time after time I start something and don’t follow through. This has never been more evident than in my spiritual life. Lack of discipline has led to many a failed attempt at quiet time routines, Scripture memorization, or simply being holy when faced with temptations.

Praise the Lord that he is faithful. His love never fails even when I fail miserably. Great is his faithfulness.

So, what to do about my unfaithfulness? Work at it, try harder, do better? I guess those are all noble goals. However, first I must understand and appreciate the grace that God shows me. Then, I must seek him. It is only by the grace of God that I can approach him, much less be faithful in following him.

May his grace sustain me, and may that grace help me to be faithful.

No promises for better blogging habits—just letting you know about my problem.

What are you unfaithful in?

East Asia Excerpts - 07/08/09 - Being Sick and Being Patient

2009-08-31T09:05:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/08/09:
Large City #1, China -11:02 a.m.

Being sick:
I'm laying here at the hotel while everyone else is working. How frustrating! Since last night I've had an upset stomach, so I'm laying here resting, hoping to be back on my feet soon enough.

I hate being sick. It's even worse when I'm away from home--not having the luxuries of my own bed or family to take care of me. On top of that, we're in another country, so I don't even have the usual conveniences that I have when I'm sick in the States....

It's times like this that make me wonder "why?" Why would God let me get sick so that I can't work? What good can come out of this?

Then I look at Job. God brought him bodily harm (much worse than what I'm going through so that he could test him and teach him. I don't have to know the extent of God's plan here. I don't have to know why I'm sick. I just need to remain faithful.

Lord, help me to bring you glory, even while I'm laying here. May you teach me what I need to know. Teach me patience, to not be anxious about this (or any other ailment) and to wait on you to move. Teach me faith, to trust that you are in control at all times, and you make all things work together for our good.

Teach me humility, to know that I am nothing without you, that I can have nothing (including health) apart from you, and that I can do nothing (including work for you) without your guidance and blessing. Teach me to be joyful in all things, in all places, at all times, and in all circumstances (including this one). Teach me to be thankful for what I do have and not to complain about what I don't have.

Lord, teach me during this time. Sometimes you have to break me and stop me before you can use me. Perhaps this is one of those times. Do whatever you have to do for your glory.
____________

Morning thoughts:
I read about Stephen this morning in Acts. It's neat how his speech tied in with the story of Moses which I read some last night and this morning (I love how your Word ties everything together, Lord). He also talked about Abraham, and one verse in particular stood out for me. Verse 7:5 says that God gave Abraham no inheritance in the promised land--not even a foot's length--but instead promised it to his offspring (of which he had none at the time).

I think this has significance for me in two ways. First, today, I am unable to take part in our work. God has brought us here to work for him, but I can't really do anything today. Instead, my teammates are working. Today, I am not receiving the blessing of our work here, and I need to be OK with that. Secondly, and more importantly, I may not see the promised land here. I may not see one person come to Christ while we're here. God has promised to move here, but I may not necessarily be around to see the results. And I need to be OK with that. May God do everything for his glory and not my own. May the harvest be reaped here, even if I am not to be one of the harvesters. Help me to know and play my role in your plan here, Lord. Use me as you need to.

For your glory.
____________

Large City #1, China -5:44 p.m.

Patience!:
It seems as though more than anything, the Lord is teaching me to be patient. I am not a very patient man, but every circumstance on this trip, from the long flight to long periods of waiting on jobs, from clothes taking all day to dry, to days going by with no evidence of spiritual fruit, from days of sickness to days of uncertainty, it seems that patience is being required.

For God to do his work here among these people, it is going to take more than a day, a week, or the month that I'm here. It will take years for the harvest to be reaped.

does this give reason to be slack? By all means NO! Scripture is very clear on the fact that we need to seize the day while it is still today. God is not being slack (2 Peter 3:9) concerning reaching these people or the rest of the world for that matter. He is patient for our benefit. May I learn to be patient for his.

I may never know why exactly I am here in China or what good my presence here accomplished. This I do know, however, that God's ways are higher than mine, and his Word will not return void. May he do a work here among these people, and may I be patient and prayerful, trusting his Spirit to change lives for the kingdom.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts - 07/07/09 - Dinner and Singing on the Streets

2009-08-20T21:43:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/07/09:
Large City #1, China -7:54 a.m.

Morning thoughts:
We've officially been gone for a week. This has now become the longest trip I've been on. It's kind of weird being gone for a month. I'll admit, part of me is ready to go back home for a variety of reasons, mainly comfort and routine. However, I know that right now my place is here for the next few weeks, and that is OK with me. May I continue to be broken for these people and have a joy in serving them.

I read this morning in Acts 5 about Ananias and Saphhira. God, help me not to be as them. May I not grieve the Spirit or lie to it. Help me to keep my word. I committed to serving you here for a month. May I fulfill that commitment with joy, passion, and zeal. You don't require me to change the world. You just want me to be willing and obedient, giving to you what I am called to give.

I am struck at how the church grew in this chapter as a result of 2 things: discipline and persecution. After the deaths of Ananias and Saphhira, many people were afraid, but the church grew by leaps and bounds. Why? Because they recognized the holiness of God and didn't allow win in their fellowship. Secondly, when the church was persecuted, people joined. Why? Because they felt joyful and honored to suffer for Christ.

Both of these things are lacking in the American church. We can't do too much about bringing persecution--we're not supposed to go looking for it--, but we can do something about discipline.

Lord, I pray for an awakening of your church in America. May we become what you've called us to be and not lie to you anymore. I see how the church here thrives under both discipline and persecution. I wish we were the same way.

May I take what I'm learning here and flesh it out back home. I want to see the church glorify you. You love the church and died for it. It is your bride. May we be faithfulto you so you can bring honor to your name.

For your glory.
____________

Large City #1, China -7:54 a.m.

Willingness:
We spent the morning doing much of the same thing that we've been doing the last few days. It seems to be working, though. By being a living billboard, they've had a great sign up for the English classes. We'll start them tomorrow.

We got word today that another group of Americans will be coming in next week, so we're only going to e working with this school group for the rest of this week. I hate that we're not going to be with Trinity and the rest of the girls anymore, but such is missions. We must be willing to go wherever we're needed and do whatever we're called to do.

Lord, may I stay willing to do whatever you have in store for me. Continue to give me patience and humility in serving you so that I can do whatever you want, regardless of how significant I think it might be. As we go from day to day, please energize my body and spirit. Give me all the strength I need to perform what you've called me to.

Lord, please straighten up my digestive system. I don't want it to be a hindrance. May I not worry about it. Your grace is sufficient in my weakness. Help me to bring you glory in all situations. Use me.

For your glory.
___________

Large City #1, China -9:30 p.m.

Dinner:
God continues to provide for us. This evening we went over to Trinity's house for dinner. I've felt sick to my stomach all day, and the cab ride over there didn't help matters. She cooked up a great meal, but all I was able to eat was just a little bit of rice. Throughout the evening, though, I felt a little better. I'm still not 100%. I don't know what's going on. I just can't seem to get my digestive system in order. Lord, please heal my body. I don't want this to get in the way of you and your glory here. I don't want to be hindered by poor health. Please give me energy and health for your glory. I don't want it just for my comfort. I don't want to be sick feeling so that I'm unable to perform my duties.
____________

Singing on the Street Corner:
After dinner, we went and set up a table on the street corner to pass out flyers. Trinity happened to have a guitar at her house which she told me to take with us for tomorrow. Little did I know I would use it tonight.

As we were walking down the street, I just started playing "God of This City" as a prayer over Large City #1. When we set up the table I continued to play. For the next 2 hours, I played, worshiped, and prayed over the people of Large City #1, standing on a street corner with a guitar. It worked beautifully. Me playing music brought attention, and people would wander over to our table where we then told them about the English classes. It was advertisement and prayer at the same time. No one had a clue what I was singing about. They just knew some American was banging a guitar on the street corner, and that was intriguing. Little did they know I and some of the guys were singing and praying for their city. It was really neat.

God has really blessed us so far. Tomorrow we start teaching in the classes. I'm not sure what that holds for us or exactly how we're going to go about it, but I know that God is in control, and he will use us for his glory just like he has every day so far.

Lord, continue to use us. Give us opportunities to shine for your glory. Strengthen and revive us.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts - 07/06/09 - Being Bait and Dancing

2009-08-18T11:45:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/06/09:
Large City #1, China -1:48 p.m.

Being Bait:
We spent the morning playing 4 Square--by ourselves. Seriously. And then we played the "signs" game and makeshift basketball--again, by ourselves.

After reading Acts 4 this morning, it was a little anticlimactic. Nevertheless, there was actually a purpose to what we were doing. As we sat there this morning, all sweaty after playing around, Trinity came up to us with some encouraging words. She said that we were doing a great job. Really. All they wanted us to do was be American and draw attention, which we did quite well. As a result of us being here doing that, they've had a lot of students register for class that otherwise wouldn't have.

She then told us that there are several Christian teachers who will be sharing the Gospel with the children. We don't have to say anything. We just stand there and draw a crowd.

After this morning, that was encouraging. Yes, we're called to share the Gospel and do it openly. But at this point, I may not be the one that is supposed to speak. I'm supposed to draw the crowd so that someone else can speak and Jesus can be glorified.

May that happen over the next few weeks.

For your glory.
____________

Large City #1, China -9:55 p.m.

Testimonies:
This evening we went to the local University, to do some shopping, to dinner, and to the bridge for some dancing (yes, dancing). It was a pretty uneventful evening for the most part.

Dinner, however, was really good. We got to share our testimonies with two of the girls we're working with: Kelly and Jillian. We're praying for their salvation. Trinity has been talking with them too, so we are very hopeful. May the Lord continue to work in their hearts and the Spirit move them toward salvation.
____________

Dancing and Community:
After dinner, we went down to the bridge to pass out some flyers to the people dancing there. The dancing was beautiful--very smooth and elegant. I even hopped in there for a few minutes.

The culture here is amazing. Families enjoy life together. Communities are very strong. I wish life in America was this way. Families just don't seem to get it in America like they do here.

I'm not sure, what the future holds as far as me and China go. I'd love to come back and do ministry here again. There's such a need here. It wouldn't be easy at all, but I would be willing if the Lord called me.
____________

Prayer:
We spent a good deal of time in prayer tonight, praying specifically for several people and for different groups. May we continue to see the importance of prayer, and may we be intentional in spending time with you each day. Continue to speak to our hearts and lead us in your will. We want to bring you glory, however that may happen. Guide us. Keep us sensitive to your Spirit. Give us wisdom. Give us boldness. We want to see people come to Christ here, whether it be now or in the future.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts - 07/05/09 - Timidity, Testimonies, Tim, and the Nations

2009-08-13T17:05:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/05/09:
Large City #1, China - 7:45 a.m.

Morning thoughts:
It is Sunday. I'm not sure what we'll be doing today, but I'm quite sure it won't be like any Sunday back home. There will be no choir, no sermon, no Sunday School. I doubt we'll go to any house church meetings while we're here--it would be too dangerous for the people there.

I keep thinking about fear and the presentation of the Gospel in the midst of the rules and regulations here. We are called to be unashamed in presenting the Gospel. The Bible is very clear on that. At the same time, we don't want to jeopardize the organization here....

Lord give me discernment. Help me to be bold...and wise. The Gospel must be preached.

May we do what you want us to in every situation.

For your glory.
____________

Large City #1, China - 8:58 p.m.

Sharing testimonies with teachers:
What an encouraging day. Your Spirit, Lord, has truly refreshed me. I am content in You.

This morning we went (me and Catfish) to the park with some of the girls to pass out flyers. It was fun to play with the kids, but the most encouraging time came afterward as we talked with "Kimmy," "Fawn," and "Carol." It was great to have spiritual conversations with them, particularly in sharing some with Fawn and Kimmy. However, talking to Carol about the resurrection, her husband and family, and Christ in prayer was also very encouraging. Tracey and Alex were also able to have similar conversations with them throughout the day.

The more we interact with them, the more I see that as one of our main purposes for being here. I know that we're here to work with children some, but I feel like you have placed us with these girls for a reason. May we live out Colossians 4:2-6 with them. May our conversations always be seasoned with salt and grace. Continue to open doors for your word to reach them.
____________

Tim:
This afternoon we went back to the sports complex to do more of the same thing. We played a little badminton and did some games with some more kids. Lord, help me not to be so competitive. I'm tired of being so proud. Help me to have a spirit of humility in everything I do.

After we played games, we were standing by the gym when a family approached us about enrolling the girl in English class. I struck up a conversation (thank you Lord!) with a young man named Tim who was the girl's cousin. Tim works with his father in a business that makes artificial Christmas trees and sells them all around the world. We talked about various things, but I tried to steer the conversation toward Christ; however, the door was not open. Nevertheless, he was very open for future conversations, and he even invited us over for a tour of his factory and to spend some time with him.

Lord, I pray for Tim. I pray that the Gospel reaches him. Please open up the door for continued conversations with him, whether it be with me or not. I pray that something I said today will stick in his mind. May I be a living testimony of your grace. I pray for his salvation.
____________

Thankfulness:
Thank you again for this team of guys. They are truly an encouragement to me. Thank you for their examples. I pray for them, that you encourage and strengthen their hearts. It was neat to see them interact with everyone today.
____________

Dinner and fellowship:
Thank you for a good dinner tonight. It was encouraging and refreshing to enjoy food and fellowship. I was reminded of the way Jesus did the same thing in the upper room with his disciples. I pray that I will help provide that atmosphere whenever I get back home. Burn that in my mind. Help me to be hospitable.

You have been so good to us, Lord. I pray for greater things these next few days. I pray for an outpouring of your spirit. May your glory be magnified in this plce, and may the Gospel be shared. You love these people. Help us to love them too, with an unconditional love.
____________

Praying for the nations:
I pray for your work in other places. Thank you for moving in [another city] with the team there. Continue to bless them and what they're doing.

You are in Thailand with the team there. Thank you for Stuart. Bless him and use him.

You are in the Philippines with Leigh Anna. Thank you for her. I pray that you use her in a mighty way over these next few weeks for your glory.

You are Lord in all these nations and all other nations. May your glory be increased in all of these places. Continue to open my eyes to the global church and your fame worldwide.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts 07/04/09 - Independence Day, Buddhist Temple, Worship, and Advertisement

2009-08-11T16:24:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/04/09:
Large City #1, China - 7:33 a.m.

Morning thoughts:
Psalm 67: "May the Lord be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God. Let all the peoples praise you!"

This is my prayer. May God's name, way, and salvation be known here among these people.
____________

Independence Day:
Today is Independence Day in the States. It's ironic that I sit in a country that is held in bondage both politically and spiritually. My prayer is that God would use me to share freedom here among the people.

As I read Acts 2 this morning, I was encouraged by this truth: God can communicate through us despite the language barrier. Peter was able to preach a clear concise Gospel to foreigners, and multitudes were saved. May God use us in the same manner. May he speak through our words, actions, attitudes, and our translators.

I am thankful for the privilege of being counted worthy to share the Gospel here. I pray that we do it boldly, without fear or shame.

For your glory.
____________

Large City #1, China - 7:45 p.m.

Buddhist Temple:
What a day! It seemed like it was non-stop. It was a good, busy day.

We started the day with an unexpected trip to a local tourist attraction: the Thousand Buddha Temple (or something like that). Basically it was a Buddhist temple/shrine--over 1700 years old. I guess it was a pretty cool historical thing to visit, but the whole experience was a somber one. People paying money, sticking prayers on a wall, and hoping that a false-god in the form of a fat man will meet their needs--it broke my heart. As we exited the temple, I saw a man yank off a dead branch from a palm tree, and my heart immediately recalled John 15:6 where the branches that are not grafted into the Vine of Christ wither and are thrown into the fire and burned. What a sad thing that these people believe that all roads lead to the same thing. They're drowning in false religions and paltry offerings.

It was depressing to think about all the people out there, worshiping false gods. On top of that, you look at the billions of people in China who don't know Christ and it's overwhelming. How could I or anyone else possibly make a dent in that? How can such a stronghold of the enemy be toppled?

Then all of a sudden, a song popped in my head:
"Everyone needs compassion, a love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations
Savior, he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save. He is mighty to save.
Forever, author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light, and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King"

Jesus is King, and he is mighty to save the people here. May I not lose hope. You are Lord, and you are at work. You are moving in the hearts of a few people here, and your glory will increase. You conquered the grave, and you can conquer China. This land is yours. It is only temporarily in the enemy's hands. May you bring this nation to yourself for your glory.
____________

Lunch and worship:
We spent lunchtime and the early afternoon at DM's with his family. We had an American lunch (which was a nice change), and we spent a good bit of time just singing songs together. It was very encouraging and uplifting to sing praises together. I miss that as much as anything from home.
____________

Afternoon advertisements:
The afternoon was spent working with "Trudy" and the girls spreading the word about English classes. We walked around passing out flyers. A couple of times we stopped at locations and played some games with some of the children. At first I was a little apprehensive, but by the end of the day, I was acting out the characteristics of a pig after I lost Duck-Duck-Goose.

It's funny how we can be so proud. God, may I never consider my image to be more important than yours. Your fame is more significant than the way people view me. May I always be mindful of that.
____________

Great team:
Thank you, God, for the great team you've assembled here. You know what you're doing. Thank you for these guys, their hearts, and their passion for serving you. Continue to mold us, shape us, and form us into the vessel that can bring you the most glory.

We want to see these people come to you, Lord. I pray that will happen. Use us toward that end.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts 07/03/09

2009-08-10T15:09:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/03/09:
Large City #1, China - 6:53 a.m.

Morning thoughts:
I was able to sleep for about 8 hours straight last night. How refreshing! Thank you, Lord, for a restful night. Allow us to get over this jet lag.

It is a beautiful morning here in Large City #1. We're staying at a hotel here--what nice accommodations! I hardly feel like I'm on a missions trip. Thank you, Lord, for beds, a shower, an actual toilet, electricity, air conditioning, and internet access. You are so good.

I wonder what you have in store for today? I don't know details--and probably won't know details for the entire trip. Help me to be OK with that....

Help me not to worry so much about where we'll go, what we'll do, what we'll eat, or anything else. Help me simply to trust in you and serve you, knowing that you are in control. You are sovereign, and your purpose for me is to spread your Word. Whether it be in joy or pain, sorrow or suffering, good or bad circumstances, help me to glorify you.

Shave away my selfish desires and mold my heart. May I seek you, fear you, and serve you.

For your glory.
_______________
Large City #1, China - 4:36 p.m.

Rural evangelism:
We went to another city today to meet up with another team there. It was nice to fellowship with some fellow believers and get some advice from people who've been here longer than us.

The drive there and back was beautiful: rolling mountains on both sides, valleys full of rice patties, banana trees, and rural villages. It was truly breathtaking landscape.

It made me wonder about the salvation of people in these remote areas. Most missions teams focus on ministry in cities as they should. You tend to get more bang for your buck there. But what about the rural areas? Aren't their souls just as valuable as those of their urban counterparts? I wonder at the best way of reaching them. There are so many people here in China--billions of people with little or no access to the gospel, and very few people are taking it to them.

I guess that's why it's so important for us and other missionaries to equip the locals here with the Gospel. They are here permanently and can make long-term impacts for the Kingdom.
___________

Evangelism/Relationships/Change:
We've been told that Large City #1 is one of the strictest cities in the area as far as sharing Christ goes. Everywhere else it is not much of an issue, but here in Large City #1, you are carefully watched.

I wonder what it would be like if I were a local believer. How would I react to such conditions? I guess that's why relational ministry is so important--both here and around the world.

We had some good conversation on the van ride today about such things. What is ministry/missions supposed to look like? Are we doing it correctly? Will IMB survive? Will BCM survive? Will the SBC survive? So many conversations like this tend to bash the church. May it not be so. Christ loved the church, and so should we. But the church must change so that it can better function as the body of Christ. I'm not sure exactly how that will happen, either locally or globally, but change is in the air for sure. I just hope the church can be what Christ intended it to be.
____________

Shame and Offense:
We had lunch at a vegetarian place today. The food was interesting--lots of tofu. It wasn't bad. I didn't eat a lot, though. My stomach still feels a bit weird.
I'll never forget the principal who took us out though. Our table didn't eat all of the food (some didn't like it very much). The principal closed the door to the room and said, "I am so sorry that you did not enjoy your meal." He was so shamed that we didn't eat what was offered.

I honestly feel like I did my part. I ate until I was full. But many did not. May I not forget this moment. May I be grateful for what is offered to me, even if it is not appealing....I don't want to be a stumbling block to anyone.

May we stay flexible and faithful as we wait on your direction these next few days. Help us take advantage of the opportunities that you put in front of us.

This is for your glory.
_______________
Large City #1, China - 10:21 p.m.

Testimonies and Taekwondo:
We spent the evening with "Lonnie," a local translator with "DM's" company. We enjoyed a GREAT meal today at our driver's sister's place. I'm so grateful to have eaten a full meal again. I think it's my first since Moultrie.

We got to hear Lonnie's testimony. I am so humbled by the authenticity of the faith of the believers here. Lonnie was so humble, honest, and sincere.

We went to a Taekwondo leader's place for the evening for tea and conversation. He was so kind (although I'll admit, I grew very tired during the videos he showed us).

The believers here are so happy. They are full of joy. It's not the temporary good feeling or fake smile that we tend to put on. These people are truly joyful about their faith, and it shows.

Our attitudes are often the bait that starts converstaions about Christ or the repellant that drives people away. Lord, help me to have a joyful spirit. May my smile, cheer, and good attitude be a light for the people here.

Lord, help us to be patient these next few days. As we wait on our official duties to begin, help us be mindful of opportunities to serve you where we are. May we walk with open eyes to the needs of the people around us.

Continue to stir my heart for these people as you already are doing. May I love them as you love them, and may that love spur me onward towards sharing Christ with them.

This is for your glory.

On This and That

2009-08-10T15:05:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the absence. I was on a missions trip with my youth the end of last week and couldn't blog.

While I was gone, I decided to do something different. I'm going to keep posting up journal entries from my China trip, but I'm also going to try to resume my regular blogging style of daily musings if I am able. I'm not going to make any promises, but I'm going to do my best.

Just thought I'd keep you guys that actually read this in the loop.

East Asia Excerpts 07/02/09

2009-08-03T10:25:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 07/02/09:
Large City #1, China - 3:25 p.m.

"What a first day. From the time we left the ATL airport to now, it has been a total of 36 hours (?I think?). 4 1/2 hour flight from ATL to LA. 2 1/2 hour layover. 15 hour flight from LA to China. 2 hour delay in flight departure and getting off the plane due to swine flu scare. 1 hour at airport customs and security. 6 hours of riding a bus to our city. And an hour or two of in-between time in the middle of those things.

Longest day of my life [**Editorial note: that would be the longest day until the day we went home...even longer**].

I got sick on the bus ride. I threw up for an hour or two. I think it was a combination of no sleep, McDonalds at the airport, and a bumpy crowded bus driving crazily through city streets.

I hate getting sick. As I sat there puking, I wondered how in the world God could get glory from that. Lord, why would you let me get sick, knowing that would hamper me in working today?

I don't know.

I do know this, though. My attitude sucked. I complained and didn't look for any good in that opportunity. When you cursed Job, he blessed you. When Hudson Taylor got sick to the point of death, he didn't falter.

Lord, give me that strength. Help me to work despite my physical condition. Help me to sieze the moment, however sickening it might be (so long as I don't throw up on people....).

Thank you for blessing us with a friendly group of folks to work with. Thank you for getting us here safely. Thank you for our team.

Continue to tear apart my heart this week. Break it for these people and for the Gospel here. Rid me of this fear, apprehension, apathy, and gloom. Excite my heart and fill me with a passion for your name.

I'm not sure exactly why I am here-- (I can't believe I'm in China!). But you know. You have sent us here, me included, to further your glory.

May we do just that.

Burn down barriers that separate me from these people: culture, language, appearance, customs, etc. Help me communicate the Gospel with them clearly, precisely, and effectively. Put your words in my mouth, and may I be bold to speak them.

You are God here in China--they just haven't recognized you on your throne here. May we help cause that, even if we don't see the results.

May this all be for your glory."

East Asia Excerpts 06/30

2009-08-02T16:00:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 06/30/09:
Somewhere over the GA/AL line - 7:54 p.m.

"And our journey begins. We just took off from the Atlanta airport. We're flying westward toward Los Angeles, toward the setting sun, and toward China.

It's always a neat feeling to me--flying, that is. Being this high up in the air really puts a perspective on things. As I look down at the world beneath me, I'm reminded of just how small and insignificant I really am in the whole scheme of things. I am just one man among billions--yet you love me, and you love each person that we're going to encounter over the next few weeks.

I am amazed at the detail of your will. You have everything mapped out so beautifully, and you plan everything accordingly. Who am I that you are mindful of me? I am so small--how can you use me? Then I realize the way you work--the way Jesus worked. Sharing the Gospel works as each of us interact with the people around us. You have placed me in the situations I encounter to reach the people there for Christ. May I be faithful in that endeavor--wherever that takes me [***Editorial note: This would be a recurrent theme that God taught me throughout my trip--understanding his will for me in every situation***].

May I spread your Word in all places, in all situations.

For your glory.

East Asia Excerpts 06/29

2009-08-01T16:20:00.002-04:00

Excerpts taken from my journal from 06/29/09:
Moultrie, Ga. - 11:03 p.m.

"Tonight is my last night in Moultrie before leaving for China. Many thoughts fill my head. I'm still trying to convince myself that in 24 hours I'm going to be on a plane heading over there.

I'll admit--right now I'm anxious. I'm worried that I'll get sick, like I tend to do (**Editorial note: it's funny I said this, because I spent the first couple of weeks not feeling well. Prophetic?**). I'm worried that I've done a poor job packing. I'm worried that I didn't do everything right in preparation for our trip.

All this worry--all for nothing.

God is in control. Why worry? Matthew 6:25-33 reminds me that my worry produces nothing. I shouldn't be anxious about tomorrow, the next few weeks, or any coming day for that matter.

Lord, prepare me for this journey. Give me strength and courage. Calm my heart. Focus my heart on you, your glory, and your mission for me. May I not be distracted by my concerns or fears.

Keep me humble on this trip. May I listen before I speak. May I not try to take charge or voice my opinion. May I be submissive and serving to the people around me. I don't want this trip to be about me. I want it to be about you and your glory. May I not get in the way of that.

I am yours, Lord. Use me on this trip. Do what is necessary with me to bring yourself glory. I am yours to use as you wish.

Bless our team, Lord. Equip us with the spiritual armor we need. Supply us with what we need to glorify you. Mold our hearts and unite our visions for you. Protect us from the evil one and his schemes. We desperately need you.

I am excited for what you are going to do. You have prepared me for such a time as this. May your glory be manifested in what we do these next few weeks.

May the Gospel be preached in China. May you use us however you need for that to happen--even if we never see the harvest.

Help us to be faithful. May we be sensitive to your leading.

Help me to stay pure in body, mind, and spirit so that you can use me more.

I claim your promise of greater things than I could ever imagine (Eph. 3:14-21).

Go before us, God, and shine in China.

All this is for your glory."

On Being Back from East Asia

2009-07-31T10:35:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm back from China. We landed in Atlanta just before 7 a.m. Wednesday morning and I got back to Moultrie later that afternoon. Unfortunately, my bag didn't make it to Atlanta with me (still waiting on it to show up...that's always fun).

I'm still a little jet-lagged and have been waking up at 6 a.m. every morning after fitful nights of tossing and turning. Other than that, though, all is well, and I'm happy to be back home. It's good to be back with friends and family here, and I'm excited about getting back into working with the great church at FBC Moultrie.

I'm also excited about getting back into blogging (assuming I still have any readers after my month-long hiatus). I apologize that I wasn't able to update my blog until now. We ended up having internet, but the government shut down access to Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger, so I was limited to a few emails throughout the month (thanks, sis, for updating Twitter for me).

I'm sure many of you are wondering how my trip went. It was amazing; so much so, it would be impossible for me to adequately describe perhaps the best month of my life in one blog post. Consequently, I'm going to be giving you guys a special treat: for the next couple of weeks, my blog posts will be excerpts from my journal entries throughout my trip. I figure that will be the best way of sharing with you guys about the trip, and that way you can kind of get a feel for the day-to-day events that occurred each week in some detail.

I won't be able to share exact cities, names, or any other information like that in my posts. So, in the infamous words of Dragnet, "Ladies and gentlemen: the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent." You'll understand that I have to do this so that our brothers and sisters overseas aren't compromised in their efforts of reaching that country for the Lord.

Before I start sharing details, though, I want to say "thanks" for all of your prayers, support, and encouragement throughout the past month. Your prayers proved to be powerful and effective, and the Lord used us in some incredible ways, as I hope to share with you over the coming weeks.

I'm going to be sharing in detail about my trip at FBC Moultrie at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 16th, for those of you who might be able to make it.

However, if you can't join us that night, I hope that my blogs will give you a little taste of what my time in China was like. I'll begin posting excerpts tomorrow.

Thanks for reading. It's good to be back!

On Leaving on a Jet Plane

2009-06-29T15:02:00.002-04:00

No, I'm not going to sing the song, because you probably were already humming it in your head anyway.

Yes, as many of you know, tomorrow I shall be flying out of the country for a month-long mission trip to East Asia. I'm really excited. Bags are packed. I'm ready to go. (Well kind of....my bags aren't exactly packed....but they're getting there)

Over the last few days I've gotten a lot of questions from people concerning my trip: "Where are you going?....Who exactly are you going with?....What will you be doing?....What are you supposed to pack?....Will you be able to have contact with us?....etc."

And I just have to tell people the truth--I don't know.

I don't know exactly where we'll be going. I know where I'm flying into, but that's it. I don't know exact cities, much less where I'll be working or laying my head at night. I don't know exactly who I'm going with. I know their names, but with the exception of one of the guys, I've only talked to them a grand total of about 3 or 4 times. I don't know what we'll be doing there. Our job hasn't specifically been detailed to us. I don't know how to pack or if there's anything specific I should take. I have no clue if I'll have any communication with people back in the States or not.

I just don't know.

When I tell people this (imagine being my parents....) they usually are taken aback. How in the world could I be going on a month-long trip to a foreign country without knowing these things?

Honestly, I completely understand them. Trust me, I'm the kind of guy who likes having everything ironed out. I like knowing exactly what's going on. I like minute details. I like feeling prepared.

So why am I not freaking out about this trip? Because I know God is in control.

I know that sounds trite, but it's true. God knows where we're going to be, and that's good enough for me. I just want to be willing to hop on a plane, bus, taxi, or my own two feet and go wherever he wants me. After all, his travel itinerary is better than anything I could come up with. God knows the team that he's put together, and he has put all 4 of us together for a reason. I know that we'll mesh well, and I trust that we'll develop a close-knit friendship over the next month. God knows what we'll be doing when we get there. He has jobs and purposes for us going over there, I'm sure. Otherwise, I wouldn't be going.

There is one thing I do know, however, and that is why we are going:

TO BRING GOD GLORY AMONG THE NATIONS.

Nothing else matters. I just need to be willing to glorify God by making disciples in all nations, specifically in the one that I am traveling to. As long as I keep this focus in mind, everything else will fall into place. God will take care of all the other details, and I don't have to worry. He will be glorified.

There's a freedom in that. I know that regardless of where we are, what we're doing, who we're with, or whether or not we're considered "in danger," one thing is for sure--God is sovereign, and he has us in that exact moment for such a time as that.

I don't know exactly what to expect over these next few weeks. I've never done anything like this before. But I am certain, that God will be glorified somehow, some way, as long as I am humble and willing.

Pray for us as we go. Pray that God would be glorified through our trip. Pray that people would be brought to salvation through Christ. Pray for effective communication between us and the people to whom we're ministering. Pray for open doors for the Gospel to be presented.

I can't wait to see what God has in store. May he be glorified.

**Obviously, since I'll be out of the country for the next 30 days, I won't be able to maintain my blog regularly. However, if I am able to get internet access for any length of time, I'll do my best to post updates on here as much as I can. Thank you for reading, and most of all, thanks for your prayers and support!**

On Television (from John Piper)

2009-06-25T23:58:00.000-04:00

I read an interesting article by John Piper this morning about television and its effects on our faith. Understand, I'm not hyper-critical of TV, but I think Piper raises some good questions.
If you want to go the actual page, here is the link.
However, for your viewing pleasure, I've copied the article and pasted it below.

Why I Don’t Have a Television and Rarely Go to Movies

By John Piper June 25, 2009

Now that the video of the Q&A at Advance 09 is available, I can look at it and feel bad all over again. Here’s what I regret, indeed what I have apologized for to the person who asked the question.

The first question to me and Mark Driscoll was, “Piper says get rid of my TV, and Driscoll says buy extra DVRs. How do you reconcile this difference?”

I responded, “Get your sources right. . . . I never said that in my life.”

Almost as soon as it was out of my mouth, I felt: “What a jerk, Piper!” A jerk is a person who nitpicks about the way a question is worded rather than taking the opportunity to address the issue in a serious way. I blew it at multiple levels.

So I was very glad when the person who asked the question wrote to me. I wrote back,

Be totally relieved that YOU did not ask a bad question. I gave a useless and unhelpful, and I think snide, answer and missed a GOLDEN opportunity to make plain the dangers of the triviality you referred to. . . . I don’t know why I snapped about the wording of the question instead of using it for what it was intended for. It was foolish and I think sinful.

So let me see if I can do better now. I can’t give an answer for what Mark means by “buy extra DVRs,” but I can tell you why my advice sounds different. I suspect that Mark and I would not agree on the degree to which the average pastor needs to be movie-savvy in order to be relevant, and the degree to which we should expose ourselves to the world’s entertainment.

I think relevance in preaching hangs very little on watching movies, and I think that much exposure to sensuality, banality, and God-absent entertainment does more to deaden our capacities for joy in Jesus than it does to make us spiritually powerful in the lives of the living dead. Sources of spiritual power—which are what we desperately need—are not in the cinema. You will not want your biographer to write: Prick him and he bleeds movies.

If you want to be relevant, say, for prostitutes, don’t watch a movie with a lot of tumbles in a brothel. Immerse yourself in the gospel, which is tailor-made for prostitutes; then watch Jesus deal with them in the Bible; then go find a prostitute and talk to her. Listen to her, not the movie. Being entertained by sin does not increase compassion for sinners.

There are, perhaps, a few extraordinary men who can watch action-packed, suspenseful, sexually explicit films and come away more godly. But there are not many. And I am certainly not one of them.

I have a high tolerance for violence, high tolerance for bad language, and zero tolerance for nudity. There is a reason for these differences. The violence is make-believe. They don’t really mean those bad words. But that lady is really naked, and I am really watching. And somewhere she has a brokenhearted father.

I’ll put it bluntly. The only nude female body a guy should ever lay his eyes on is his wife’s. The few exceptions include doctors, morticians, and fathers changing diapers. “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?” (Job 31:1). What the eyes see really matters. “Everyone who looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Better to gouge your eye than go to hell (verse 29).

Brothers, that is serious. Really serious. Jesus is violent about this. What we do with our eyes can damn us. One reason is that it is virtually impossible to transition from being entertained by nudity to an act of “beholding the glory of the Lord.” But this means the entire Christian life is threatened by the deadening effects of sexual titillation.

All Christ-exalting transformation comes from “beholding the glory of Christ.” “Beholding the glory of the Lord, [we] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Whatever dulls the eyes of our mind from seeing Christ powerfully and purely is destroying us. There is not one man in a thousand whose spiritual eyes are more readily moved by the beauty of Christ because he has just seen a bare breast with his buddies.

But leave sex aside (as if that were possible for fifteen minutes on TV). It’s the unremitting triviality that makes television so deadly. What we desperately need is help to enlarge our capacities to be moved by the immeasurable glories of Christ. Television takes us almost constantly in the opposite direction, lowering, shrinking, and deadening our capacities for worshiping Christ.

One more smaller concern with TV (besides its addictive tendencies, trivialization of life, and deadening effects): It takes time. I have so many things I want to accomplish in this one short life. Don’t waste your life is not a catchphrase for me; it’s a cliff I walk beside every day with trembling.

TV consumes more and more time for those who get used to watching it. You start to feel like it belongs. You wonder how you could get along without it. I am jealous for my evenings. There are so many things in life I want to accomplish. I simply could not do what I do if I watched television. So we have never had a TV in 40 years of marriage (except in Germany, to help learn the language). I don’t regret it.

Sorry again, for the bad answer. I hope this helps.

Pastor John

On (Dead) Animal Crossings

2009-06-24T21:53:00.002-04:00

About a week ago, I was driving down the road, headed into town from my house. All of a sudden I see this fox squirrel run out in the middle of the road. He kind of sits there in the road, as I approach him. Then, another care comes around the curve, headed towards us. So there sits the squirrel in the middle of the road as both cars bear down on him. He turns left, no right, no left again, hesitates for a second, then darts left--only to get hit by the other car.

Fast-forward a couple of days.

I'm driving down the same stretch of road, when I see a buzzard in the distance, sitting right on the yellow line in the middle of the road. As I approach, he doesn't move. There's another care coming towards him from the other direction. He still doesn't move. Then right before the other car got to him, he finally flew off to the left--right into the bumper of the oncoming car.

Weird, huh? I'm thinking that if I were that buzzard, I'd see that squirrel sitting there and think to myself, "You know, that squirrel is pretty fast, and it got its brains splattered on the road because it was too stupid to move. Perhaps I shouldn't go out there on that dangerous road." The buzzard obviously was thinking differently. Whatever he was eating in the middle of the road was just too good to pass up.

How similar are we? We stand by and watch our family, friends, peers, and mentors fall into traps of sin and get crushed by it. However, instead of getting away, we find ourselves standing at the same intersections in life, trying to get as close as we can to sinful things without getting hit. After all, that temptation may affect them, but it surely won't affect us.

Pride is a dangerous thing.

We are reminded by Paul in 1 Corinthians that we should be careful: "Let him who stands take heed before he falls."

We ought to take a lesson from the people around us. We are too weak to stand that close to sin and not get burned. We ought to run as far away from temptation as we can. Don't stand near it. Flee.

Otherwise, you'll just end up as spiritual roadkill.

On Pumping Too Much Gas

2009-06-22T16:12:00.002-04:00

The other day I was at the gas station filling up my truck. I went about the routine process, starting to pump the gas and clicking on the automatic holder that keeps the gas flowing while you walk away. I then went up to the front of my truck and leaned inside for something (I think it was to clean out some trash---which should be a surprise because my truck never gets trashy......ahem.....).

Suddenly, I started hearing this splashing noise, and my feet started feeling sprinkles. Could it be raining? Nope....blue skies. Perhaps someone had emptied a bucket of water. No, because no water smelled like this, not to mention there was no one around me. Then, I poked my head back out of the truck to see a dismal sight.

To my shock and horror, gas was spouting out of my gas tank like Old Faithful. A river of unleaded fuel was pouring down the pavement onto my feet. I was just waiting on the serial killer to light the match that would send me up in smoke, when I realized that it was just the handle's automatic shut-off obviously not working. I quickly shut off the pump and assessed the damage.

Other than gasoline all over my feet, a dollar of wasted money, and a little bit of embarrassment, everything was OK. I started to curse the pump like Jesus cursed the barren fig tree, but I figured that the people next to me would probably find that a little awkward. So, I just drove off.

How many times had I pumped gas before and had it stop exactly when it needed to? Several hundred at least. I'd done it so many times before, I thought I knew what I was getting.

I was wrong. I got more than I expected. Then it hit me.....

What if God wants to do the same thing?

How many times do we go to church or spend time in prayer, expecting a set amount of God. OK, God, we want 15 gallons of you this week, and that should fill me up. Or, God, I'm pretty full this week, so why don't you just give me about 3 gallons?

Imagine this, though. What if God doesn't just want to fill up the spot you've offered him? What if he wants you to have so much of him that you overflow, drowning in the goodness of his presence?

I know. It's not what we expect. Most of the time it's not convenient. It will cost more than we're used to paying. It will cause us to have a certain "odor" about us that might be a little different. And it could even mean that you're in danger of catching on fire....

David said in Psalm 23 that God had given him so much that his "cup overflows." That's what I want.

Not so much for my gas tank as for my heart, but still. Whatever it takes to get the point, right?

On Fixing Leaks with Band-Aids

2009-06-19T13:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I took my youth group to Wild Adventures. As we were heading back to the bus that evening, it started pouring down rain, so much so that one of the windows on our church bus started leaking around the top seal. Being that our bus is pretty old, I wasn't too surprised, however my seventh graders sitting in the seat next to the window weren't too excited about having water drip on them.

So, what to do? How do you fix a leaky window on a giant bus with no tools, no tape, and no mechanical skills?

That's when I kicked into MacGyver mode.

I looked around the bus until I found the only adhesive available--a box of band-aids that looked to be 20 years old. No worries. They were still sticky. Then I snatched an empty cup from one of my youth.

Time was ticking. We could all die at any minute. The lives of these little seventh graders was in my hands, along with an empty Coke cup and some band-aids. So I hurriedly taped together about 15 band-aids, forming a strip of "tape" slapped that cup against the window to catch the dripping, and tacked on a couple of extra band-aids to the top to help hold the cup up.

Just in time. Because it stopped raining about 5 seconds after I taped up my makeshift contraption.

As I looked at my device, I was pretty proud of what I had accomplished (if you know my mechanical skills, you'll understand why...). After all, I had stopped a damaging leak without having the "proper" tools.

Sometimes you might feel that way when faced with many of the situations you encounter throughout life. You feel like you just don't have what it takes to accomplish the task that God has put in front of you. You may feel inadequate or ill-equipped.

Never fear. God never puts you in a situation without giving you exactly what you need to bring him glory in that situation. In simple terms, God calls you to do what you can with what you have for his glory, nothing less and nothing more.

Gideon defeated an army with 300 men. David felled a giant with a rock. Jesus fed 5000 people with 2 fish and some bread. None of these men sat there and questioned God about his supplies for the job at hand. They didn't wait until more came along. They used what God provided them to accomplish his will.

Stop saying you'll serve God when you have more money, more time, more education, more experience, or more stuff. God has put you exactly where he wants you, right now, with exactly what you need to accomplish your task.

Go put MacGyver to shame.

On Swimming

2009-06-17T21:39:00.002-04:00

I went swimming this evening for the first time in awhile. We had a youth event at one of my student's house, and they happened to have a pool, so most of us went swimming after dinner and Bible study.

I'm not that big a fan of swimming, honestly. It's not that I'm not a good swimmer. I was on swim team for several years and even lifeguarded for 3 years during high school and college. It's just that now that I've gotten a little older, swimming doesn't appeal to me that much.

I took my swimming stuff tonight just in case I decided to hop in, which I ended up doing after several of the youth got in. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time. It's just that if none of the youth wanted to swim, I definitely wouldn't have been the first person in the pool.

I think it's rooted in laziness honestly. I know that if I get in the pool, it will require me first of all to change clothes. Then, after I swim, I'll have to dry off from getting wet. Then I'll have to put on some dry clothes after I get out so that I don't soak my truck on the way home. Then when I get home, I'll want to shower to get the feel of the pool water off of me. Aahhh, it's just not worth it to me.....

But whenever I actually do go swimming, I realize that it's fun, and that it really is worth the trouble. I have a great time hanging out with friends, and it's definitely good exercise.

It's just so hard to get myself to see the benefits instead of the consequences.

I do the same thing with prayer (which we just happened to discuss tonight in Bible study). I get lazy and don't want to do it. I know that I'll have to put aside time, then I'll probably get convicted of some stuff in my life that I'll have to change, not to mention I really don't like to hear the sound of my voice when I pray outside by myself....

But then I spend time in prayer, and it's great. The fellowship and communion with God is wonderful--totally worth any consequence of "lost" time or uncomfortable feelings.

If you're like me, sometimes it's hard convincing yourself to spend concentrated time in prayer. Sometimes, though, you just have to ignore those voices and jump in anyway.

Come on in. The water's perfect.

On Automatic Bathroom Air Fresheners

2009-06-16T17:38:00.002-04:00

They hate me. I've decided that.

Every time I walk in the bathroom at church, as soon as I walk around the corner, I get blasted by one of those automatic air fresheners. It's infuriating.

Today, I even tried to fake it out. I thought that maybe it was the lights that caused the thing to shoot super-concentrated-smell-good-scentiness into the air. So I flipped on the lights, waited a second, then walked around the corner, only to be shot in the side of the head by the air freshener (whoever put it right at ear-level is beyond me....).

So, if not light activated, maybe it's motion activated. So, I went back outside, came back in, and stuck my arm around the corner, waving it like crazy. Nothing. So I figured I was safe. Bad assumption. I rounded the corner and got my second dose of "essence of springtime" or whatever the scent is called.

Air fresheners are stupid. OK, I'm biased because of this vendetta that a certain air freshener has taken out on me. However, I still think they're a waste of money, energy, and space.

Why? They're nothing but a cover up. They're shady. It's not like they truly get rid of odor. They just disguise it. They cover it up with overly powerful not-so-terrible smells and fool you into thinking the foul odors are gone. They trick you. The odor of Billy-Bob's handiwork is still in the air, you just have been duped by this air freshener into believing that it's gone.

Crafty little devils.

However, they're a lot like us. When we sin, we often try to simply cover it up rather than addressing the sin itself. How? We often cover up our sin by trying to replace it with good deeds. For instance, if I slipped up and cussed this morning, I would give a few extra encouraging words throughout the day to try and make up for it. Or if I was extra sinful today, I'd pray an extra-long blessing to counteract my disobedience.

But it's just a mask. My sin is still there. Good deeds, hard work, extra prayer time, or super-spiritual experiences can never truly rid our hearts of sin. It's still there, just shrouded in a nice-smelling mist of spirituality.

The only thing that can rid our hearts of sin is repentance through Jesus Christ. Jesus forgives us of our sins and offers us freedom from them. This freedom is not a cover up. Romans 8 says that the Spirit of Christ "puts to death the misdeeds of the body" so that we can live in freedom (Rom. 8:13). Our sins are no longer there. They're not just scented over by good feelings. They're truly gone. Praise be to God!

So next time you get sprayed by an air freshener (grrr........), think about your heart. Have you truly been freed from your sin, or are you still holding on, refusing to repent and truly get rid of the root of your problem?

Don't mask your sin. It'll still be there, and it will eventually continue to reek, no matter how much you try to cover it up. Not to mention, God says your good deeds appear like Billy-Bob's 'handiwork" to him anyway.

When I stand before God, I don't want him to be holding his nose. Do you?

On Vaccinations

2009-06-15T12:29:00.003-04:00

I got all my vaccinations last week in preparation for my upcoming East Asia trip. The shots included Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, and some pills for preventing malaria (which I started taking this morning--the pill was the size of a small mammal).

Getting shots is never fun, but it's a necessary evil if you're going to go overseas, particularly to a part of the world which is very prone to diseases. So I paid $300 to sit in a doctor's office for 4 hours so that they could stick me in the arms with needles and inject me with diseases. Fun, fun. But enough ranting. There is a point to this discussion.

If you're unfamiliar with how vaccines work, here's a short synopsis of the process: You get a shot of some sort which contains a small amount of a weakened form of the disease that you want to be defended against. Once you are injected with the disease, your body reacts, forming antibodies against that disease so that when you encounter the real form of the disease, your body is already prepared to fight against it. Got it? Good.

Vaccines are good for our bodies, but exposing our spirits to small, weakened forms of spiritual "diseases" doesn't work out too well for us. You see, small doses of sin don't protect us against the "larger" sins. Unlike a vaccination, they weaken our defenses, leaving us vulnerable to a full attack.

The process of temptation starts out very similar to the process of vaccination. The Enemy often works in the following manner: we are exposed to some sort of temptation which seems very trivial, i.e. looking at a scantily-clad woman on a shampoo commercial. Soon, we don't see anything wrong with the trivial temptation. We're not affected by it anymore. So, he tempts us with the next level of temptation, such as viewing a sex-scene in a movie. After all, it's not "true" pornography, so it can't be that bad. And so the process continues until before very long, we have gotten so used to sin we longer see it as being that bad.

Satan very rarely tempts us with the full, ugly form of sin in the very beginning. Most of the time, he works us up to it with things that we deem as being "not that bad." However, every small temptation that we give in to leads on a slippery slope to sin.

James describes the process of sin this way: "Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." (James 1:14-15)

Get your shots for school and trips. We don't want you getting sick if you can help it! However, don't expose yourself to "weakened" forms of temptation. Sin is sin, and it all leads to death.

On Getting Updates

2009-06-08T21:14:00.002-04:00

As you start your computer up, you notice that it's running a little slower than usual. It creeps along in the loading process, taking so long you think that your desktop background is going to change seasons. You mutter under your breath, waiting on the thing to finish loading so that you can get done what you intended to do. Then you notice this little shield thing in your toolbar. It is yellow and obnoxious. And it's slowing your computer down.

Your computer is getting updates. And it's ruining your day.

At this point, you fall into one of two camps. Camp #1 includes the people who encourage the updates. Your thoughts might include the following: "This update is a good thing. It helps my computer. It keeps things secure from hackers, spyware, and viruses. Sure, it might be inconvenient, but it's helpful. I might actually get some more updates....."

If you're in Camp #2, you don't even get this far. You've already turned off the computer and restarted it, bypassing the whole updating process.

This whole update thing is oddly similar to our spiritual walk. Just like our computers, we need updates, too. We must get the information and strength we need to function correctly. And like our computers, we need these updates very often.

Our reactions to our spiritual "updates" are often pretty similar to our computer-based reactions. We often view our time with the Lord as a "necessary inconvenience" so that we can get on with the rest of our day. Or we might even just forsake these updates altogether in exchange for moving ahead with our other business.

If you fail to update your computer, you may not immediately notice much difference. However, over time, your computer will slow down, it will become unsafe, and it could ultimately crash and fail.

Our spirits have the same outlook. Without daily time spent with the Lord, we are destined to become ineffective and on the brink of crashing.

Sure, it takes time. But the benefits far outweigh the cost.

It's time to get excited about updating your spirit. I can't say that much about your computer, but you get the idea...

On Going to IMPACT

2009-05-30T11:25:00.003-04:00

I'm headed out of town today for an entire week to take my youth to a camp called IMPACT, put on by the good folks at the Ga. Baptist Convention.

Hence, I probably won't be updating my blog next week. I might throw on some quick blurbs just to keep you guys posted on what's happening, but we'll see. To say it will be a busy week is quite the understatement.

Just wanted to keep you guys up to speed (since I get several remarks that my last blogging hiatus was unappreciated).

Thanks for reading.

On Crashing

2009-05-29T09:14:00.003-04:00

No not that kind of crashing--don't worry. There was no wreck. I'm talking about being really tired and going to sleep.

Yesterday, I just didn't feel like I had much energy. I felt tired all day. I'm not really sure why. It's not like I do anything at work.....(just kidding). Maybe it was because it was my first full week at my new job. Perhaps I was getting sick. Who knows. Anyway, I left the office, drove home, threw my bag down on my bed, and instantly proceeded to fall asleep. I don't think I'd done that so quickly in my life.

The nap didn't last for very long. I had a meeting last night at 6:30, so I only slept for about 45 minutes or so. Still, it was very nice.

Sometimes I just get that way. Things pile up, I get busy, I don't get enough rest at night, and I find myself feeling very overwhelmed and tired. Then at some point, my body just says, "enough," I'm going to go to sleep now.

I feel our spirits are very similar. So many times we don't allow our spirits to rest with the Lord. We overwork ourselves with worry, business, and sin. This stretches out our spirit to the point that we feel tired inside, almost depressed even.

That's when we have to find rest in the Lord. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

This doesn't mean that Jesus will make life a cakewalk for us. He said many times that life would be difficult. However, he reminds us in these verses that we don't have to do this on our own strength. We need the peace that only the Lord can provide to get us through our difficult times.

So trade that tired sigh for a shout of joy. Turn that frown into a smile. Go find rest in God and in his Word. He'll rejuvenate you so you can get going again.

On Bugs and Prayer

2009-05-27T15:43:00.000-04:00

I love to ride with my windows down in my truck. I don't have a nice car with a convertible top, so to "ride with the wind in my hair" I have to do the best I can with the windows.

If you join me in the open-air-driving club, then you've probably experienced what I'm about to describe: You're riding down the road, enjoying the breeze on your skin and in your hair, singing your cares away with the radio turned up to Celine Dion (ahem....or some other appropriate musician....). Perhaps you've even got your hand out the window going up and down on a virtual wind-ridden roller coaster.....

Then out of nowhere.....THWAP! A giant bug hits your hand. It does not feel pleasant. It stings your skin. It spills guts on you and leaves behind a funny odor. It angers you. It ruined your Celine Dion moment. It might just have done this to you on purpose. It makes you want to purchase more stock in fly swatters. It causes you to curse the posterity of all flying insects and swear to wipe out their kind to the ends of the earth.

Sound familiar? Ok, does the premise at least sound familiar? Good. Now why in the world would I describe this horrible scene?

Because prayer is just like this. What? No, I'm not crazy. I promise. Here's why:

When we pray, it is very refreshing. We enjoy the feeling of the presence of God surrounding us. It is a comforting feeling, a feeling of security. It is our source of peace, as we dwell in God's mercy and grace. We share our needs with him and spread out our hands in worship of his glory, praising his name and majesty....

Then out of nowhere....THWAP! We git hit with something, and quite often, that "something" is the truth about our hearts. Whether it be a sinful habit, an unrighteous thought, or a missed opportunity, God often convicts us when we're praying.

You see, prayer isn't just our chance to rest in the presence of God. It's a chance for God to tell us what we need to hear, and that isn't always sweet words of comfort. A lot of times it stings. Does that mean we shouldn't pray? Of course not; however, we need to understand that prayer is not a one-way street. God wants to speak to us, too, and God is a God of truth. He convicts us when we need to draw closer to him.

I still love riding with the windows down. It's refreshing. Prayer is the same way. Just be prepared to get hit every once in awhile. It'll do you some good.

On Getting Rusty

2009-05-26T17:02:00.003-04:00

Have you ever gone to use something that you haven't used in awhile and then it doesn't work correctly anymore?

Yeah, me too.

As I continue to get situated in my office at my new church, I have been met with a few small challenges. Today, I went to print something from my office printer (which is conveniently stuck UNDER my desk--perhaps it would be wise to move it to a more convenient location....hmmm.....). Anyway, as I looked at my printed sheet of paper, I was greeted by a hideous arrangement of random blotches and lines instead of my nice, clean printout.

What to do? Well, over the next 30 minutes I commenced a major cleaning project of the heads of my ink cartridges in an attempt to restore the functionality of the printer. Lest I fool you into thinking that I'm Mr. Handyman, all it took was calibrating the device electronically (ok, I just pressed OK a few times in the self-cleaning tutorial).

I don't know exactly why my printer was so jacked up, but I'm guessing it's because it hadn't been used in awhile (either that, or it had some sort of internal ink explosion due to a hacking attempt--but I'm still going with my lack-of-use theory). If so, then this printer is not much different from everything else that we have, be it those rusty old pliers, that old car on blocks in your backyard, or that old fishing rod & reel combo in the corner of your garage.

It's also not much different from your faith. If you don't use it, it gets rusty and doesn't work correctly.

When was the last time you spent time in prayer? When was the last time you meditated on God's Word? When was the last time you truly worshiped God in spirit and truth? When was the last time you actually shared your faith with someone?

It's kind of hard to work with rusty tools. They just can't perform at their full potential. Likewise, it's hard for God to use us effectively if we're spiritually rusty. We just can't perform at our full potential.

How do we fix that? Well, we clean up the condition of the tool. In the case of our hearts, we ask for forgiveness and seek the cleansing spirit of God's mercy. As we are cleansed, we are restored to a right fellowship with the Lord, and we become useful in his hands, capable of doing great and mighty things for the glory of the Lord. There is no person beyond the cleansing power of God's grace.

What's holding you back? What's forming rust in your heart?

Get clean, and stay sharp. You'll be surprised at how well you can perform in God's hands.

On Being Back

2009-05-25T21:01:00.002-04:00

You thought I was done.

You thought I probably wasn't going to post again, that I had gone the way of many people before me, falling off the blogging bandwagon after a few weeks of typing my thoughts. Admit it: you had given up on me.

Well here I am again, sharing my musings on your computer screen. I understand that it's been 20 days since my last post, and for that I'm sorry to anyone who actually cares that I wasn't updating you during that time. Not to make excuses, but taking a new job and moving has caused me to be a little busy lately. I'll admit that I may not have made this a priority, but now that I'm settled in at FBC Moultrie, it'll be a lot easier to get back on some sort of blogging schedule.

I'm not making any promises, though. There will be a lot going on this summer that will force me to be away. Nevertheless, I'm going to do my best.

There is someone who did make a promise to be back, though: Jesus. He promised he would return to earth.

Unfortunately, there are many who respond to Jesus' return like they would my blog--with doubt. Whether we intend to or not, there are many of us who really don't think that Jesus is going to return anytime soon. We think that he's done, for now anyway. Regardless of whether or not our thoughts actually echo that statement, our actions definitely don't portray any confidence in his promised return.

I don't intend to be one of these impending doom prophets or someone pins dates and times on Christ's return; however, Jesus instructed us to be ready. He told us to live as though each day would be our last. We can't become complacent. We can't be slack. We must be ready.

What does that mean? It means we seek the Lord. It means we love people. It means we share the Gospel with urgency. It means we don't seek earthly riches. It means we don't indulge in worldly pleasures.

It means we should live like the kingdom of God is imminent.

Because it is.

On Being Safe

2009-05-05T10:12:00.002-04:00

If I asked you to list the top 5 things that you most often pray for, I wonder what the response would be. Blessings for food would be up there probably. I mean, most people reading this blog at least ask the blessing for the food. Other than that, you would probably list praying for sick friends/relatives. I guarantee you, though, on just about everybody's top 5 prayer requests is a plea for God to keep you safe during _________.

Keep me safe while I travel. Keep me safe while I play this softball game. Keep me safe tonight while I sleep ("watch and guard me through the night," if you will...). Keep me safe on this mission trip. Etc., etc.

Just about all of us pray for safety. That's not a bad thing. Many times in the Bible people prayed for safety, and God delivered. Many times in history people prayed for safety, and God provided. If you look at all the times David prayed for protection, they are quite numerous.

Praying for safety is not wrong, but it is not always good.

What!?! Am I crazy? Am I off my rocker? Why would we not want to pray for safety? After all, if David, "a man after God's own heart," prayed for safety, why can't we?

I want to pose a question to you. What do you desire more: safety and protection or bringing glory to God?

At first thought, most of us would say bringing glory to God, of course. However, what does your prayer life say? If I recorded all of my prayers, I would probably find that I tend to pray for what I want (i.e. blessings and safety) more than what God wants (i.e. glory).

Instead of praying, "God keep me safe," what if we started praying, "God use me regardless of the cost"? What if our prayers were not focused on our health and wants but on the glorification of the name of God?

What if the cost of bringing God more glory was that you were not safe? Are you willing to pay that price?

Don't get me wrong, I think it's biblical to pray for safety. However, every time you see someone pray for safety, it is not for selfish reasons. It is so that they can glorify God more (I refer you to Ezra 8:21-23).

Our ultimate aim should be God's glory, not our comfort. Jesus said that if we were to be his disciples it would come at the cost of carrying our crosses, or in other words, being willing to die. Have you counted that cost? Are you willing to suffer or even die if it means bringing God glory?

Jesus was. We should be too.

On Sitting in Traffic

2009-05-01T19:07:00.002-04:00

I went up to Atlanta yesterday to attend a meeting to plan for a summer camp called IMPACT. It was a good meeting, but the trip up took FOREVER....(flash back to "The Sandlot": Fooorreeevvveeerrrr.....).

Yeah, that's about how I felt. If you've driven on I-85 between LaGrange and Atlanta within the past year, you've noticed that there is a lot of road construction going on. I'm not talking about just a few miles. For about 30 miles or so, there is road construction. And wherever there's road construction (especially if it shuts down lanes), you know what that means: traffic.

I hate traffic. I'm going to be honest. It frustrates me more than probably anything else in the world. Sitting there on a stretch of interstate, going absolutely nowhere when you should be traveling 55mph+ (ahem...or a lot faster)---it grates me to no end.

The traffic had it's benefits, though. Although it almost made me late and wasted a bunch of my gas, it did give me some time to make some phone calls to some friends with whom I hadn't talked in awhile. Overall, it provided me some good time to catch up with people and spend some time in good conversation without worrying about cars driving around me at 75 mph.

As I looked back at my time in traffic, I realized that life treats us the same way. We often run around like crazy people, constantly trying to get stuff done, staying so busy that we barely even notice what's going on around us. Then...BAM. We get stuck. Something happens and forces us to slow down. Most of the time our reaction is much like mine was yesterday. We start muttering about how frustrating it is, and we sit there all antsy, waiting to get going again.

Sometimes, though, I think God wants us just to stop for a little while, to quit scurrying around trying to do things so that we can actually spend some time with him. Unfortunately for us, this often takes God intervening in our lives to the point that he has to throw some sort of road block completely in front of us to slow us down.

So next time you get stuck in traffic, think of the good that can come out of it. Spend some time calling old friends. Take time to look around you and notice the beauty of creation (as best you can in the midst of the concrete). Or spend some time in prayer. And next time you get a "traffic jam" in your life that stops you dead in your tracks, enjoy the pause in the business of life to seek the Lord.

Perhaps that's the whole reason you're stopped in the first place.

On Watching Baseball

2009-04-29T08:55:00.002-04:00

I went to a local high school baseball game last night to see one of my youth guys. I took my friend Robby along with me so that I didn't have to go sit in the stands and watch the game by myself. After all, I didn't want to look like that creepy 23 year old college guy who likes to hang out at high school events for one reason or another....

As soon as we got to the field and sat down to watch the game, we immediately did what I'm sure thousands of other people do when they attend such games: reminisce. Oh yeah. We sat down and immediate I said, "I actually played on this field once.....," and the conversation went from there. We proceeded to talk about the "glory days" of when we played baseball for several minutes, not even really paying attention to the game at hand.

It was a pretty sloppy game. There were a lot of errors, and it just wasn't very pretty. I enjoyed watching the game, but I found myself evaluating everything and almost judging the plays to see what the players were doing wrong rather than simply watching the game for pleasure.

I then realized that I committed a fault that many Christians run into in their spiritual lives: the sin of judging. Watching the game, criticizing plays and errors, thinking I could do things better than the kids that were out there....Haha. It's so foolish, I laugh at myself right now. There I was, Old Man Peek up in the stands, harkening back to the glory days of when we used to play baseball the right way, thinking that I could do it better than the kids on the field.

We do the same thing with our faith. We look back at the way we did things and judge the way that our contemporaries do them. But here's the thing: at least they're doing something. As I was sitting in the stands, I wasn't on the field. I wasn't fielding those balls or swinging at those pitches. Who was I to think I could do it better then them? Yet we do the same thing to our brothers and sisters in Christ, judging them for doing things "wrong" in church or in their spiritual lives. At least they're doing something! Too many times we sit there and judge the way our fellow Christians operate while we are doing nothing except glorying in the past.

We cannot continue to do this. The Lord does not call us to hold up our trophies of our past accomplishments and judge those who are living out their faith right now. He wants us to continue working hard for him, growing in our relationship with him, and encouraging the people around us to do the same thing.

And we can't do that when we're just sitting there criticizing people.

On Taking a New Job

2009-04-23T09:17:00.003-04:00

It is now official: I have accepted a job as the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Moultrie, Ga.

Boy, is it good to finally say that publicly.

Let me start by saying that I'm really excited about this opportunity. God has really been moving in that local church throughout this past year, and it's an exciting time to hop on board with them. I'm really looking forward to what God is going to do.

It's really neat how he's worked this out. When I first got a phone call asking for my resume for the open position, I was very hesitant (to put it mildly). I wasn't looking for a new church. I was very content at East Vernon in LaGrange, working at a smaller church for pretty small pay. These things were not an issue. God was working at EVBC, and I really felt like he wanted me there. For those of you who know my whole story, you know that I stepped out on faith a year ago to stay at East Vernon another year, even though I didn't know how in the world I was going to do it (thanks Nate and Katie for giving me a place to stay, and thanks to the church for giving me a raise to enable me to stay).

God, however, would not let my heart rest in regards to this position at Moultrie. Consequently, I put in my resume.

I remained very apprehensive early in the process. I had a lot of questions: How could God be calling me away from a youth group in which he had been moving so obviously? How could he call me away from students who had such need (most of you know that I 90% of my students are in broken homes and have little-to-no parent involvement in their lives, much less the church)? How could he call me away from such a loving and supportive church?

Then I realized something very important: it's not about me. God never needed me in the first place. I am just an instrument in his hands, and he can do whatever he wants with me. I just need to be willing to follow him wherever he wants, regardless of the cost (Matt. 16:24-27).

Over the several months that this whole process took, God slowly worked things out, both on my end and on the part of the search committee at FBC Moultrie. He opened doors for me there and shut doors on the other applicants for the position until I was the only one left.

It's quite humbling, honestly. I never thought that at the age of 23, with no seminary experience yet, and having never had a full-time job at a church that I would even be considered for the job at FBC. However, God never calls us where he doesn't equip us. I'm just glad that FBC had the faith to follow the direction that God led them in: toward me.

To an outside observer, it would be very easy to assume that I took this position for several reasons: It's where my parents live. It's a bigger church with better monetary benefits. It's a "step up the ladder" as one of my church members told me. But please understand that NONE of these reasons had ANY influence on this decision. I can say that with 100% honesty. You can ask my parents and close friends in whom I confided for wisdom during this process. The only reason I am going to Moultrie is because that's where the Lord is leading me.

Sure, it'll be nice being with my family. And sure, being taken care of financially is definitely a blessing. However, these are just additional blessings on top of the fact that I get the opportunity to serve the Lord in youth ministry. Hands down. If this job was on the other side of the planet and paid diddly squat, I would still take it. I can say that with all honesty. I have come to the point in my life where I will follow the Lord wherever he leads, trying my best to live out what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

Yes, it's going to be hard stepping away from my place at East Vernon. I've grown to love that church dearly, and I would give my life for any of the students under my watch. I told the church last night, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to say to anyone. It's not going to be easy, but I know that it's necessary.

I don't know how everything's going to turn out. I don't know what's going to happen at East Vernon, but I know the Lord will provide. I don't know how God's going to use me at FBC Moultrie, but I'm sure he's going to and that he'll provide me with everything I need to effectively serve him there as long as I remain humble enough to seek him faithfully. I do know, however, that God is sovereign and that his ways are higher than our ways.

My last day in LaGrange is May 17. Then, I'll be heading down to Moultrie that week so that I can start at FBC Moultrie on Sunday, May 24.

It's an exciting time. It's going to be a big change, but I'm highly enthusiastic about what God has in store. Please continue to pray for me, East Vernon, and FBC Moultrie as we all make this transition together.

To God be the glory, honor, and praise for all that he has done and all that he is going to do.

All praise to God.

On Wearing Prom Clothes to Worship

2009-04-20T14:39:00.003-04:00

No, I did not go to the prom this weekend, do not worry. I am not the 23 year old weirdo that hangs out at the local high school prom....

However, my sister did go to her senior prom this weekend. At her high school, they do this thing called the "Grand March" where every single person that goes to prom lines up at the football field and walkes through this little archway with their dates while everyone oohs and aahs and takes pictures.

Well, I went to the Grand March this year with my parents to watch my sister. I'll be honest: it took foroever. She goes to a really big high school. After waiting about 45 minutes, my sister finally came through the arch for her 15 seconds of fame.

As I sat there watching everybody going through the archway, decked out in their prom best (or worst--depending on the outfit), I thought it was pretty representative of how we treat worship. No, I'm not talking about the way we dress--not at all. Instead, I'm referring to the condition of our hearts.

Let me explain.

Before prom, everyone goes and spends tons of money on these expensive outfits so that they can dress up really nice for the big event. Some families drop over $1000 on this thing. I just don't get it, but that's beside the point. All this money goes into the outfits and everything, and what's the result? Most of the kids don't wear the thing for more than a few hours. Why? Because it's not really them.

I remember when I went to prom, most of the guys took their coats, ties, and vests off immediately after they got their picture taken. They could care less about the tux. They just wore it because they felt like they had to. Most of the girls take their shoes and fancy jewelry off after awhile for the same reason. Then, as soon as they leave the dance, they change into something more comfortable.

How does that relate to worship? In worship, we put on this show of everything being nice and in order, and then a few hours later, we turn into different people. We want everyone to see us looking good while we "walk throught the arch" of publich worship, so to speak, but then as soon as the main event is finished, we drop the facade and we go back to living a completely unholy life.

Sure, some people take worship seriously. But most of us just put on the front while we're in front of people.

God hates that. He doesn't care what we look like on the outside. He doesn't care about the presentation that we put on for the people around us. He's concerned with our hearts, with the innermost parts of our being. Our glam and flashiness don't impress him. He just wants us to be genuine.

And I'd much rather have God's approval than anyone else's.

On Playing with Kittens

2009-04-14T21:30:00.003-04:00

We've got a couple of cats at the house, one of which is about half a year old. His name is Corporal Nobby Nobbs (I call him Nobster). Don't ask about the name--I didn't name him. My housemates did.

Anyway, ole' Nobster is pretty cool. He's a rambunctious little fellow, always running around biting stuff. I was laying in the floor earlier this evening, playing around with him using a little keychain clip that I have. It's one of those things that has the little cord that extends and retracts. Nobster likes to chomp down on the clasp and pull it out until he lets go, so that it shoots back up into the coil. Then he grabs it again, and the cycle continues.

Watching Nobster, I'm amazed at how enamored he can get with the simplest of things. His eyes get big and black (almost like a great white shark's), and he focuses so intently on whatever toy he has decided to play with--be it a rubber band, a toy mouse, a sock (boy does he love socks...)a piece of string, or just a scrap of paper. It doesn't matter to him. Once he finds his toy, he's sticking with it.

I wish I was the same way with God.

I want to be infatuated with him, desiring him above all things, not letting go no matter how hard something tries to pull me away. Yet so many times, as I attempt to seek God, I get distracted by other things and immediately lose interest. There is no passion in my attempt to seek him. I do not become fixated on the Lord and his Word. I prefer to have my God in small doses whenever I want him, and when something "better" comes along, I go that direction.

How fickle I am! How unfaithful!

I'm reminded of the third verse of one of my favorite hymns, which always encourages me in my times of infidelity:

Oh to grace, how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be.
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.

I want to be enamored with God, like a kitten with a toy. I want to desire God above all things. I don't want to wander around aimlessly, flitting with various worldly things.

Here's my heart, Lord. Take it, seal it, make it yours.

May I always be captivated by you.

On Being Prodded

2009-04-13T10:11:00.005-04:00

It's been awhile since my last post. Between orientation weekend for my East Asia mission trip (woohoo!), a mission trip to New Orleans, going to Secret Church at Brook Hills (7 hours with David Platt teaching--it was phenomenal), and Easter, I've been spread a little thin. But I'm back now, trying to get back into blogging. I got my computer fixed, I'm back into a somewhat normal schedule, and I'm ready to rejoin the blogging world.

It's kind of weird getting back into something from which you've taken a break. For instance, a friend of mine and I started working out just over a month ago. Because of spring break and all that, we weren't able to work out during last week. Today, we're going to start back up, and I'll be honest---I'm dreading it. I guess it's laziness. I just cannot get myself psyched back up to work out today.

That's why I have a work out partner. If I had tried to work out on my own for the past month, I probably wouldn't have made it a week before stopping. Thankfully, though, Robby has helped push me. It's nice having a work out buddy. Not only do we keep each other accountable for showing up to work out, we push each other in the gym. It's very beneficial.

How many times do we try to work out on our own spiritually and fail? How many times do we attempt to start reading our Bible more, or begin a journal, or schedule a regular quiet time only to stop doing it after about a week?

There are a variety of reasons why we cannot fulfill our spiritual commitments, primarily stemming from laziness, apathy, selfishness, and lack of discipline. However, I've found that one of the best ways to persevere in spiritual disciplines is with the help of a spiritual partner. We all need accountability and encouragement. We were never meant to walk this spiritual journey on our own.

We each have our own responsibilities and relationships with the Lord. Sometimes, though, we just need a little prodding to keep us moving in the right direction.

Encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ to faithfully continue their spiritual journey, and be willing to be prodded when they call you out on something, too.

Keeping up an effective spiritual discipline "work out" isn't always easy or comfortable, but it is necessary, and we need to do whatever it takes to maintain it, even if that requires a kick in the pants every now and then.

On Spring Cleaning

2009-04-01T11:16:00.002-04:00

I started cleaning out my closet the other day (no, not in the Eminem sense....). You know--going through clothes, getting rid of junk, trying to clean out stuff that you don't really need or use.

As I started going through clothing and random items, I realized that I've got a lot of stuff that I don't need. I mean seriuosly--how many pairs of khaki pants do I actually need? So, I started putting stuff in a box to give to Goodwill. My giveaway pile has grown quite large over the past day or two.

I accumulate a lot of junk. I do tend to save things that I'll never need. I don't know why. Perhaps it's the human condition. It's just hard for me to let go of things, I guess.

My heart is often the same way. I keep a lot of things inside that shouldn't be there: grudges, pride, sinful habits, etc. For some reason, I just have a hard time letting go of these things. I know that they're just cluttering up my spirit and dragging me down, but I just can't seem to part ways with it.

It's kind of my like my Frodo complex. You remember in Lord of the Rings when Frodo stands at Mount Doom, ready to cast the ring of power into the fiery lava and destroy Sauron's strength forever? Remember how he just couldn't let go of it because it just had too much of a hold on his life? Yeah, I have a lot of those things in my life as well.

We are not called to live a life that is cluttered by the things of this world. We are not called to have a spirit that is choked out by sinful things. We are called to a life of freedom. Jesus wanted for us to be free indeed--free from everything in this world. Free to live, free to love, free to grow, free to be joyful, free to serve, and free to glorify him without anything else dragging us down.

To get that freedom, though, we've got to do some cleaning, even if it means throwing something away that we really want to hold on to.

Kind of like that Hawaiian shirt in my closet....

On Nightmares

2009-03-30T11:23:00.003-04:00

The other night I had a bad dream. It was probably the worst dream I've had in a long time. Why, you might ask?

I had a dream that I was getting chased by Michael Jackson.

No kidding. It was terrible. For some reason, I was in my old neighborhood in Thomaston (where I grew up), and I remember running down the street because Michael Jackson was chasing me.

I don't remember too much else about the dream (unfortunately). As I woke up, though, I was petrified. Who wouldn't be if Michael Jackson was chasing them down the street?

I really wish I had Joseph's abilities to interpret dreams. Perhaps God was telling me that I'm in danger. Or maybe I am running away from my problems. Perhaps I'm having an identity crisis....Who knows.

This I do know, however: I have no reason to be afraid in this world. My identity does not rest here. My faith does not rest here. My hope does not rest here. My security does not rest here. My joy does not rest here. My future does not rest here.

Why? My identity is in Christ. My faith, hope, security, joy, and future are in Christ. And last time I read Scripture, I remember Jesus saying that though we might have trouble in this world, we can have the peace of Christ because "neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39).

It doesn't matter what happens here. I could lose my health, my wealth (or lack of it...), my home, my family, my friends, my job, or even my life, but these things cannot separate me from Christ. I am secure in him.

I don't even have to worry about deranged psychopaths chasing me down the street, no matter how ugly they might be....

P.S. I'd love to hear your dream interpretations for this one.

On God's Provision

2009-03-24T10:13:00.002-04:00

As many of you know, we had a BBQ fundraiser on Saturday to raise money for our youth to go to IMPACT this summer. If you read last week's posts, you might remember that I was struggling with having the faith that God was in control and would give us what we needed.

Well, he did.

We sold all 350 plates and even had to turn people away at the end. With donations and some extra dessert sales, we ended up making over $1600 for our youth ministry. Praise the Lord! Now our kids will be able to afford to go to camp this summer. I'm super excited.

The funny thing about all this is that before the BBQ officially started that day, I knew it was going to be a good day. We needed to sell about 150 plates from people just stopping by the church and buying--not including pre-sold tickets. Before 11 a.m. (when we started), we had already sold over 20 plates. Go figure.

As the day unfolded and we had a successful day, I praised the Lord for his provision. He knew our needs all along. As much as I thought I was in control, God truly was in charge. I was not, and he showed me that very quickly.

I still hate doing fundraisers. I'll be honest. However, I know that through a variety of means, God gives us what we need when we need it. We have to keep in mind, though, that just because we want something, it doesn't necessarily mean that God wants it for us too. His ways are higher than our own, and we must trust his will.

As one of my friends reminded me the other day, whether God gives us what we think we need or not, it is our responsibility to praise him nevertheless. After all, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

May I never again doubt his provision.

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 17

2009-03-21T19:44:00.002-04:00

Psalm 17

Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry!
Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
From your presence let my vindication come!
Let your eyes behold the right!

You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,
you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
from the wicked who do me violence,
my deadly enemies who surround me.

They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
They have now surrounded our steps;
they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
He is like a lion eager to tear,
as a young lion lurking in ambush.

Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him!
Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
from men by your hand, O LORD,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life
You fill their womb with treasure;
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
____________________

What a beautiful picture of love.

Earlier in this Psalm, David describes how the Lord views him as the apple of his eye. David is God's prized possession, the thing for which God's heart beats and longs for. God comforts him and hides him in his presence as a mother does with her young.

But the men around David are trying to pry him from that place. They tempt him with things and an earthly lifestyle.

So many people in this world get wooed away from the Lord by earthly things. We get distracted by stuff. We fill our "wombs with treasure." We are satisfied with friends and family. We long to be successful and well-off enough to leave a nice inheritance for our posterity. While none of these things are inherently evil, I believe they rob us of the complete satisfaction that can be found in Christ.

David exhibits this satisfaction in the last line of this Psalm. Nothing else matters to David except seeing the face of God. He longs for this moment. Every time he opens his eyes he longs to see the face of the Lord, and every day makes him want that more.

When was the last time you desired God that much? When was the last time you sought him to that degree? If you're like me, you've lost a little of that love. You do not reciprocate the feeling of being the apple of God's eye.

Let us return to our first love and desire him above all things. He alone can satisfy.

On Students and No Faith (Vol. 2 of me having no faith)

2009-03-20T09:28:00.002-04:00

First of all, thank you all for the encouragement with the BBQ. I am trusting that the Lord will provide all that we need tomorrow. He is the Lord, and he is sovereign (even if we don't sell all of our tickets). With that being said, please stop by East Vernon and get a BBQ plate if you're in town!

But of enough of that.

Wednesday night at church was phenomenal. Absolutely wonderful. One of my youth accepted Christ as Lord and Savior during our youth discipleship time! I'm so excited for her. Let's just say that she was not very receptive to things when she first starting coming to church a few weeks ago. She could care less about worship, Bible study, or anything else. The only reason she came was because some of my students kept inviting her. But the Holy Spirit has truly been working in her heart lately, and she surrendered to Christ Wednesday night. Praise the Lord for his unfailing love!

On top of that, we had several breakthrough conversations with some of our students. Some guys that haven't really talked much have started talking. Our small groups are really clicking and getting along well. Relationships are being formed between students and leaders alike. It's truly been awesome. There is no other explanation than the work of the Holy Spirit.

As we celebrated the moving of the Lord Wednesday night after church, the Lord really floored me, a couple of my students, and my leaders with this thought: why don't we expect the same results every week?

I am ashamed to tell you that there are many weeks when I don't expect the Spirit to move in the hearts of my students like it did Wednesday night. Although I would tell you that I wanted God to move and would pray those exact words, I had no faith. There were many students who would walk in the door to youth that night, and I lacked the faith to believe that God could break through their hardened hearts. And now that that has happened, I act surprised that God actually did what we wanted him to do all along.

I was once just like the worst of my kids--lost, hopeless, careless about what the Lord wanted for me, disobedient, wicked in my ways, arrogant, selfish, full of lust, and full of malice. But when the kindness of my Lord and Savior appeared to me, he broke my heart and gave me a new one and gave me an inheritance as his son through Jesus Christ.

Woe be me if I ever deny that same grace to anyone else. Woe be me if I ever fail to believe that the Holy Spirit is not capable of working in the hardest of hearts. Woe be me if I ever cease to preach the Gospel of Jesus faithfully and effectively to the people under my charge. Woe be me if I do not lift up my students in prayer, asking that the Spirit break their hearts. Woe be me if I consider any student a lost cause, a person beyond redemption, because I was once that person too.

Thank you, Lord, for what you do. Thank you for being much bigger than my puny faith. Help me to continue to trust in you. May you alone be glorified for what is done in the hearts of my students.

On BBQ Tickets and No Faith

2009-03-17T09:12:00.004-04:00

**I know this post is quite lengthy, but I'm making up for not posting the last few days. :) Please read the whole thing. I'd love to know what you think.**

We're having a BBQ fundraiser this Saturday at the church to raise money for our youth to go to camp this summer (and this is free advertisement!....not really. It's more of me spilling my heart).

Let me begin by saying that, like most youth ministers, I really hate fundraisers! However, we have a lot of low-income students whom we're trying to send to IMPACT in June, and we just don't have the money to provide all of their ways. Our church is small, and while they can provide a few scholarships for some of our poorest kids, they just don't have the money to fund all of our students.

So, we're selling BBQ.

It's a lot of work trying to sell a bunch of BBQ tickets, particularly the way the economy is now. Businesses just aren't as willing to let go of a few dollars to give away this year. We're still getting some individual sales, but overall, we're having a lot more difficulty selling tickets this year than we did last year. For instance, last year we sold about 60 tickets at a couple of car dealerships. This year, we've sold 1. 1 ticket. Talk about frustrating!

I've been doing a lot of wrestling with God on several issues throughout this whole fundraiser deal. First of all, should we even do a fundraiser? I hate going around begging people for money. Part of me feels like we're not trusting God to provide for our needs. I don't know. I don't necessarily think that fundraisers are wrong. I've seen God bless fundraisers immensely and provide for them in ways that only he could receive the glory. I just don't know if we should have done one right now.

I was reading a story the other day about a man who had been doing ministry for over 60 years, and every time they needed money, all he did was post a note on their bulletin board about it, and their staff would pray about it until the need was met. Part of me thinks that's foolish, but most of me thinks that's true faith. Why don't I believe like that?

Aside from wrestling with that question, I've been doubting a lot that we will sell the 350 plates that we've committed to buying from the BBQ company. Without the car dealerships and big businesses buying, we're losing a lot of our big-ticket places. Things are really going to have to step up this week, or we're going to be stuck with a whole lot of BBQ and very little money raised.

As I think about all of this, I realize that my faith is very week. First of all, I doubted that God would provide for our needs and felt compelled to do a fundraiser (although you might disagree with me here....I'd love your feedback). Secondly, and more importantly, I have a hard time believing that we're going to sell 350 plates of BBQ. Right now, I've only got cash-in-hand for less than half of that, and the BBQ is this Saturday!

I admit that I'm struggling with trusting in God to provide for us.

I'll finish with this thought: I was reading yesterday about Gideon. If you're familiar with the story (Judges 6-8), you'll note that from a worldly standpoint, Gideon had no chance of defeating a vast army with only 300 men. God had taken away the majority of his numerical strength, and there was NO WAY Gideon could win the battle. It was too big of a task for him and his men.

But God provided, so that the LORD could be glorified.

I'm not saying this BBQ fundraiser is our battle against the Midianites, but we sure are in a similar situation. Our numbers aren't adding up to be successful right now, and for this thing to work, we're going to need the LORD to step in and provide for us, not so we can boast, but so that the LORD may be glorified and our students be brought closer to him.

May we have faith to trust in his provision.

Day of Thanks, 03.15.09

2009-03-15T21:34:00.003-04:00

This week, I am thankful for:

1. Family: My family came into town this weekend. Amy had to play the piano for a scholarship audition at the college, so they all came up to visit. It was great seeing them all. Plus, we got to hang out with my brother and his wife the whole weekend, so for the first time in a very long time, the whole family was together for a few days. Plus, Mama's birthday is tomorrow, so that made it all the more fun. Thank you, God, for my family. Thanks for allowing them to come up and visit this weekend. Thanks for giving them safe travel here and back home. Thank you for their love and for the encouragement that they bring me.

2. Small group leaders: I'm very thankful for my volunteers that help me out at church. Without Robby, Krystle, and Mrs. Nancy, I'd really have a hard time effectively discipling my students. They all do a wonderful job and are always there to lend a helping hand. My volunteers always give me their time and full support in all that we do. I couldn't do my job without them. Thank you, God, for all the people that help me out in the youth group. Thank you for my small group leaders. Thank you for their willingness to serve and the hard work that they put in for the kingdom.

3. Working out: I started working out this week with Robby. It's the first time I've ever really gotten into the whole weights thing, but I'm giving it a shot. I've been ridiculously sore the past few days, but it's felt kind of good to be sore. I hope that we're able to keep it up. I enjoy the activity, but I also enjoy the fellowship. Thank you, God, for letting me be able to work out. Thanks for giving me the physical capacity to do so. Thank you for Robby, our friendship, and his accountability. I pray that you help us to keep this commitment.

4. East Asia itinerary: I got some details regarding our East Asia trip the other day. We got our plane tickets. I got my passport. I'm ready to go! The trip is 2 1/2 months away, but I'm still excited. I'm ready to see what God has in store for us over there, and I can't wait to serve him overseas. At the same time, certain anxieties are already starting to creep inside my head....Thank you, God, for the East Asia mission trip. Thank you again for the opportunity to go. May you continue to pave the way and provide for us to go. Please ease my fears about the trip, and help me to trust in you and your sovereignty.

5. Rain: The rain has been very peaceful these past couple of days. Not to mention the fact that it waters the earth (and knocks all the pollen off the trees...). I always have enjoyed rainy weather. Thank you, God, for the rain. Thank you for giving us what we truly need. Thank you for your grace, which falls down on us like the rain outside. Thank you for your mercy toward us.

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

On Being Worth It

2009-03-10T11:01:00.002-04:00

If you have kept up with my blogging life at all, then you've heard me discuss my computer woes. It seems as though my computer is slowly dying. First it was the LCD, then it was the fan, then it was the LCD again, then it was my adapters, and now it's my power jack.

The power jack on the back of the computer is broken, and I cannot power my computer. As of right now, I have about an hour left of juice in my battery--just enough to go and save all my stuff and transfer it to my work computer before I can't get to it.

Now you're probably sitting there (especially if you are computer savvy) saying, "Just get it repaired." I've considered it. I've looked around for pricing, and most people charge $100 to $150 to repair the power jack. It doesn't sound like a lot of money, but when you're computer is 4 1/2 years old, you just get tired of putting money into it.

So here's my dilemma. Do I just man up and pay the money to fix a computer on which something else will probably break in the near future? Or do I forsake the computer, sell it for parts, and go without a laptop for awhile until I can afford a new computer? Decisions, decisions.

Sitting here in this position makes me think about how God views us. He invests a lot in us, pouring love and compassion into our lives, ultimately sacrificing his Son for our sakes. Instead of faithfully serving him though, we fail time and time again. We just keep on breaking. But God, in his faithfulness, keeps fixing us. He keeps forgiving and keeps on loving.

If I was God, I would stop investing in people. We just aren't faithful. We're not dependable. We're destined to break. However, God counts us as being completely worth it. He never gives up on us. He sees us with compassion and unyielding love and wants us to love him in return. He is truly good.

Too bad I don't see my computer that way.

On the Changing of Clocks

2009-03-09T10:31:00.003-04:00

Yesterday marked the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, and consequently, everyone turned their clocks ahead as we all spring forward one hour.

As cheery as this sounds, usually everyone is a little grumpy about the time change. Ever since yesterday morning, all I seem to hear are complaints about how people aren't adapting well to the time change. They can't go to bed at night. They can't get up in the morning. They don't like how it's so dark early in the morning now.

As it turns out, the biological clock doesn't change as easily as the clock hanging from the wall. Our bodies just don't adapt well to change.

Unfortunately, our spirits are often the same way. We get settled into daily or weekly routines, and we just don't like to break them. Whenever we think about change or hear the dreaded words "We've never done this before, but...." we automatically start freaking out.

Change is very healthy, though, I think. We are reminded that the Apostle Paul became "all things to all people, so that by all means he might save some." I don't think Paul fulfilled this description by refusing to change. On the contrary, it appears that Paul did a lot of changing in an effort to better reach people.

I don't necessarily think we should change just for the sake of change; however, change for the sake of better following the two greatest commandments of loving the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength and loving our neighbors as our selves is very warranted.

One thing does not change, though, and that is the Gospel. We should never water it down, try to spruce it up, or twist it so that it is more palatteable. The Gospel never changes. It is always sharp, always humbling, always free, always relevant, and always true. We, however, are none of those things, and as such, we must change sometimes to better present the Gospel.

Refusing to turn your clocks ahead one hour would be a really foolish thing to do. The rest of the world would just move on without you, and you'd be an hour behind.

Likewise, if we refuse to change spiritually, we become just as disconnected.

Day of Thanks, 03.08.09

2009-03-08T21:53:00.002-04:00

This week, I am thankful for:

1. Travis preaching: Travis preached tonight at church. It was his first sermon, and he did a great job. I was really proud of him and am glad that he had the opportunity. I'm hoping that he'll continue to get some experience and continue preaching the Word. It was really encouraging. Thank you, God, for Travis being able to preach tonight. Thanks for giving him a message, and thanks for giving him peace. Thanks for an encouraging congregation for him during his first sermon.

2. BCM: BCM was really good Thursday night. We spent the evening discussing prayer, and at the end, we spent a good deal of time praying for each other and for the school. It was a really encouraging night for everyone. Thank you, God, for BCM. Thanks for Cory and his leadership. Thanks for hearing our prayers when we don't even deserve to talk to you. Thank you for encouraging brothers with which to pray.

3. Snow day: We got the day off from work Monday because of all the snow that we had last Sunday. So, I got to sleep in for a little while, and I got to take the day and catch up on a few things. It was really nice. Thank you, God, for the day off. Thank you for the opportunity to take a small rest. Thanks for letting me catch up on some things.

4. East Asia details: I found out the other day that we're going to be going to an UNREACHED AREA in East Asia! I'm so excited. We're going to be teaching English at a local elementary school for a couple of weeks, then we're going to be doing some ministry in the city. I'm really, really excited. Thank you, God, for the opportunity to go to East Asia. Thank you for continuing to work out the details for the trip. I can't wait to go.

5. Forgiveness: God's love is so amazing. I truly do not deserve it. I was reminded of that a lot this week. God reached out to us when we weren't even interested in him. We did not merit salvation. It is a free gift, a gift I did not deserve. Yet, God still loves me, even when I stray. Even when I am a prodigal son, he welcomes me with open arms. Thank you, God, for that. Thank you for your unfailing love.

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

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 16

2009-03-07T14:00:00.002-05:00

Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you."

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
____________________

One thing comes to mind when reading this Psalm: peace.

If anyone had reason to fear or be shaken, it was David. He was a king who faced many problems throughout his tenure as the leader of Israel. In addition to the usual warfare, economic strife, and political turmoil that most rulers faced, David was victim to several personal attacks against his life and an attempted usurpation of power by his own son. He had every reason in the world to fear and to doubt, but he didn't.

David found assurance in the Lord. Indeed, David said that through the Lord, things had fallen into place wonderfully, and he was confident of a "beautiful inheritance." Things may not be the easiest at the moment, but David's trust in the Lord never faltered.

I think there is an important lesson here for us. Although we may not face the easiest circumstances in life, we can have eternal hope in the Lord. There is security there that cannot be found anywhere else. Althought it might be tempting to go and live a life of sin and temporary pleasure, David reminds us here that those things do not last. While that lifestyle might be temporarily gratifying, the sorrows of that lifestyle will quickly multiply.

Instead, we need to keep the Lord always before us. This serves a dual purpose: the Lord guides us and he encourages us. Paul reminds us of this fact as he exhorts the church in the book of Philippians to "keep your eyes of Christ Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." In the same book, Paul tells us that when we do this, our present troubles will fade away, and we will be given a "peace that passes all understanding."

That is complete joy, not temporary pleasure. That is eternal good.

That is a satisfied and abundant life that God offers to each of us.

On the Pursuit

2009-03-05T10:42:00.002-05:00

Last night I was talking with a couple of my friends/fellow youth workers, reminiscing a little bit about past relationships. As we discussed former girlfriends/boyfriends (one of these people was a girl), we exchanged a lot of stories and a lot of laughs.

As I thought about some of those things, it got me thinking about how we act toward people in whom we are interested. If you're like me, whenever you find someone that you're attracted to, you do everything you can to be with or around that person. You try to associate with them as much as possible in an effort to further your relationship.

It is a pursuit. You are chasing the person that you adore.

Our relationship with God is much the same way. It should be a pursuit, a constant longing for God which results in following hard after him.

I was talking to a new friend today about one of my favorite books, A.W. Tozer's "Pursuit of God." I love the image that Tozer describes in this book of desperately longing for the Lord, not just wandering aimlessly in your faith.

When you pursue something, you chase after it relentlessly, almost like a hunter chasing its prey, or a police officer chasing after a fugitive. It is non-stop. When a cop chases the fugitive, he doesn't spend five minutes chasing him and then wait for the next day to roll around so he can spend five more minutes chasing him again.

So why do we do this with God?

Yes, the pursuit can get wearisome. Yes, we can feel tired or unsure of what is going on. But if we are truly pursuing God, we will do whatever it takes to get as close to him as possible. We don't seek glory, we don't seek riches, we don't seek popularity.

We seek God.

And when we drop everything we have to chase after the God that gave up everything for us, we begin to better know and understand him.

That is the pursuit.

On Being Willing

2009-03-03T19:01:00.002-05:00

I love how the Lord speaks to us through music. I don't usually write a lot about songs or lyrics, but I experienced the Lord through a song today, and I'd like to share the experience with you.

I've been wrestling a lot lately with being willing to go wherever God wants me to go, doing whatever he wants me to do, and not only going and doing it, but being joyful in it.

I was driving down the road thinking about such things, when this song by Ross King came on my iPod. It was truly a message from God.

Like many times, whenever a song comes on that I know fairly well, I start singing. I am unashamed of the fact that I sing in the car. However, I often sing without really understanding what I'm saying (sound familiar?). Then I started listening to these words:

Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Whatever you desire, I won't say "No"
Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Wherever you call me, I'll gladly go.

I was singing this, but was I really praying it? Was this what I meant?

And I realized that my answer, unlike the song says, was "No." I wasn't willing to go wherever God wanted or do whatever he asked of me. I'm too busy preparing things the way that I want. I'm unwilling to drop what I'm currently doing to seek the will of the Lord elsewhere.

I don't want to be like that anymore. I want my answer to be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord." I want to go wherever he calls me. I want to be willing, and I want to be joyful, even in the midst of giving up my current circumstances.

I'll leave you with the lyrics to "Whatever You Ask" by Ross King. May they encourage you like they encouraged me today.
____________________

Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Whatever you desire, I won't say "No"
Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Wherever you call me, I'll gladly go.

The fields are ripe for harvest
Few workers can be found
But you're worth more than this life is
So I'll gladly lay mine down

Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Whatever you desire, I won't say "No"
Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Wherever you call me, I'll gladly go.

Your glory, Lord, compels me
And causes me to rise
I'll follow where you lead me
Even if it costs my life

Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Whatever you desire, I won't say "No"
Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Wherever you call me, I'll gladly go.

It's your life
It's your life
It's not my life anymore

Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Whatever you desire, I won't say "No"
Whatever you ask of me, my answer will be "Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord."
Wherever you call me, I'll gladly go.

On Snow

2009-03-02T19:19:00.003-05:00

It snowed this weekend, as I'm sure everyone is aware.

It was really awesome, playing around in the snow, throwing snowballs at my brother, building a snowman (and a snow-cat), and watching the cats play around in the snow. I even had the opportunity to help a person in a stranded vehicle out in front of the house.

One of the things that struck me most about the snowy Sunday was the sheer beauty of it all. The snow fell so heavily and so quickly, it was amazing. It covered everything in white, blanketing the entire city. It was pretty awesome.

As I looked at the snow (and played around in it), I was reminded of God's love towards us. David tells us in Psalm 51 that though our sins might be as red as scarlet, God's love washes us as white as snow. And like the snow outside, it completely covers us. There is no trace of what was there before. Our sins are erased by the love of God.

However, there is one difference between the snow and God's love. Today, the snow is all but gone. There are only a few remnants of it on the shady sides of some rooftops, but that's about it. With God, though, his love never disappears. It never melts. It never fades.

His love endures forever.

His forgiveness endures forever, too. It will never go away, leaving us vulnerable to our sins. Our old nature will never be seen by him again. Sure, we can sin and run away from him, but his love for us will never wear off. He removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west.

Praise the Lord.

Too bad the snow isn't the same way.

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 15

2009-02-28T22:50:00.002-05:00

Psalm 15

O Lord, who shall dwell in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart;
who does not slander with his tongue
and does no evil to his neighbor,
nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put money out at interest
and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.
____________________

This one is pretty straightforward.

Honor the Lord, and walk righteously. Then, you will dwell in the presence of the Lord and you won't be moved.

I love that image of being solid--like a rock, or a fortress. I think it's worth noting that in this Psalm, it is not God who changes and moves from us; instead, it is we who change and move away from God.

According to David, God is on his holy hill, and we can enter into that presence. If we live a life of sin and wickedness, we cannot enter into that presence, and we depart from the presence of God. Consequently, we live a life of turbulence and discord. We have no rock on which to stand. There is no fortress on which to depend in our times of need, because we have left the place of our refuge.

However, if we walk according to the ways of the Lord, we may enter into his presence, and there we can stay. God is never going to move us. He is never going to run us out. We leave on our own accord whenever we allow sin to control. If we stay in the presence of the Lord, though, we cannot be snatched from the palm of his hand. He is faithful. He is strong. He is good to us.

We never have to leave that security, but we do so often. What's more important: temporary pleasure or eternal security?

Me? I choose to not be moved.

On Being Broken

2009-02-26T21:54:00.002-05:00

I'm tired of not caring.

I'm tired of not living with urgency.

I'm tired of not seeking the glory of the Lord in my life.

I'm tired of acting like I know what I'm doing.

I'm tired of wanting what's best for me not what's best for the Lord.

I'm tired of not being a good steward of the Gospel.

I'm tired of not telling people about Jesus.

I'm tired of being proud and arrogant.

I'm tired of offering up watered down, comfortable truths.

I'm tired of not fulfilling the work of an evangelist.

I'm tired of not preaching with passion.

I'm tired of feeling satisfied.

I'm tired of not being broken for the Lord and for people.

I don't want things to stay the same. I don't want to coast through life like I've been doing. I don't want to be the guy that the little old ladies pat on the back on the way out of the church building on Sunday morning, telling me how wonderful I am.

I'm not wonderful. I'm far from what God has called me to be.

I'm not broken for people. I'm not broken for the Lord. I'm not broken for his Word and for His truth.

God, break my heart for you and for the people around me. Give me your eyes so that I can see the hurt inside people and so I can see how much it hurts you when I sin against you. Give me a sense of urgency for the Gospel and for the lost who are walking on a path straight to hell and eternity apart from you. I don't want to coast anymore. I want to live my life for you and for your glory, not for me and my comfort.

Break my heart. I'm giving up my facade of intelligence and wisdom. I have none. I need you. I truly need you.

Break me, and make me the man you want me to be.

On Awaiting Christ's Return (this is big)

2009-02-24T18:50:00.002-05:00

I've been out of town the past couple of days at a state Evangelism Conference (hence my absence). It was a really good conference, and I learned a lot there. Obviously, the focus of the conference was evangelism, and we were encouraged to evaluate our current evangelical situation and discuss ways that we could more effectively reach the people around us who have no relationship with Christ.

During this afternoon's session, after being challenged to make more intentional efforts in personal evangelism, we had a short musical worship time.

As soon as we started the first song a simple, but profound thought hit me.

I don't even know what the song was, just that it was an older hymn about the Second Coming of Christ. It was something along the lines of "I can't wait until Jesus comes back so that we can live with him forever." I honestly can't remember which one it was, but all I know was that I sat there looking at the words, and then I got floored by a truth:

How can we sit there singing about how we can't wait for Jesus to come back when we haven't been sharing the Gospel with the people around us?

As that thought hit me, I sat down and wept.

Don't we realize that while the return of Christ is a joyous occasion for us as believers, it is the impending doom of people who do not know him in as Lord and Savior? In other words, while we get to spend eternity in heaven with our Lord, there are millions of people who would spend eternity without him.

I don't think there's anything wrong with looking forward to going to heaven. I don't think there's anything wrong with looking forward to Jesus' return (which he promised us and told us to look forward to). However, there is something wrong with looking forward to the return of Christ when we haven't been sharing the Gospel.

How can we sit there, comfortable in our salvation, awaiting the return of our King when we haven't shared the truth with those around us? It's so selfish. It's so lazy. It's so arrogant.

Jesus wants us to love him and look forward to spending eternity with him, but until that happens, he's left us here on the earth for a purpose: to bring him glory by making disciples of all nations. And that starts by telling the people around us about Jesus.

Yes, let's look forward to the return of Christ. But let that thought encourage us to get urgent in sharing our faith, not complacent in the security of eternity.

Day of Thanks, 02.22.09

2009-02-22T22:13:00.002-05:00

This week, I am thankful for:

1. Time at home: I got to go home for a couple of days this week. It was really nice just relaxing at home. I had a couple of places I had to go while I was down there, but I really enjoyed just getting to sit at the house for awhile with my family. It's always nice to go home. Thank you, God, for allowing me to go home this week. Thanks for my family, and thank you for letting me spend some time with them. Thank you for keeping me safe on the road.

2. Justin's recovery: As I mentioned in Thursday's post, one of my youth had a seizure at church on Wednesday. Justin has recovered well, except for some lingering soreness. I'm truly grateful that he's doing a lot better. Wednesday was pretty rough. Thank you, God, for taking care of Justin Wednesday night. Thank you for watching out for him and keeping him safe during his episode. Thank you for being in control. Thanks for giving him such a speedy recovery, and continue to heal and bless him.

3. Girls' small group: Yes, I said girls' small group. Our high school girls' small group at EVBC went extremely well Wednesday night. The girls really opened up to my small group leader/volunteer, and they kind of had a breakthrough night as far as their discussion went. I'm hoping that these results continue. Thank you, God, for what you did on Wednesday with our high school girls. Thanks for really breaking through to them. Thanks for Krystle and her leadership. Please continue to touch those girls' hearts. Show them their need for you. Help them to see that you love them and that we love them, too.

4. Not burning down the house: I actually did a bit of cooking this weekend while Nate and Katie were out of town. I cooked a full dinner on Saturday and baked some cookies this afternoon. For my first real weekend cooking in the kitchen by myself, I don't think I did too terribly. At least I didn't burn anything down or contract food poisoning yet. Thank you, God, for providing for me. Thank you for Nate and Katie, and thank you that Katie is a lot better cook than me! Thanks for their hospitality, but thanks for giving me what I need while they're away, too.

5. Thomaston friends: I went to Thomaston on Monday for a funeral visitation. Someone from my church in Thomaston had passed away. The circumstances for my visit were sad, but it was really good to see some old friends from my home church. I got to see a lot of people that I hardly ever get the chance to see, and that was really encouraging. Thank you, God, for allowing me to see everybody in Thomaston the other day. Thanks for giving me the chance to catch back up with some old friends. Please continue to be with Mrs. Artie and her family after the death of Mr. Doug. Thank you for taking him home, but please give Mrs. Artie peace and comfort in you. Take care of her in her time of loss.

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

On Being Helpless

2009-02-19T22:15:00.003-05:00

Sorry I didn't blog yesterday. Here's why:

One of my youth had a seizure. It happened at about 8:45 or so last night while we were at the church. He was in a solid seizure for about 45 minutes or so before the EMT's were able to get it under control. There were only 4 people up at the church when it happened--me, Robby (my friend and youth volunteer), Kendal (one of my youth), and Justin (the guy who had the seizure).

Justin is all right now. He spent a few hours in the hospital before coming home.

It was pretty crazy, sitting there watching him shake like crazy while we could sit there and do nothing. Watching him suffer like that until the EMT's showed up was terrible. It was the most helpless feeling in the world. When someone goes through a seizure like that, you can't really do anything but let them go. You just have to make sure they keep breathing, and that's about it.

Sometimes life leaves us helpless. We see the world around us going crazy, and we have no idea what to do. We start panicking and fretting about the troubles around us, feeling like we can't do a thing to fix our problems.

And that's where God comes in.

In reality, we really are helpless. Yes, we get to make decisions in life, but we are not in control. God is in control. He is sovereign. He is Lord. And while we feel utterly helpless, God is never absent. He is never far away. He is never too busy for us or too preoccupied to hear our distress.

So when our world goes crazy and we feel helpless, remember that God is there, and he is in control.

Feel better, Justin.

On Being a Day Late and a Dollar Short

2009-02-17T10:53:00.001-05:00

As several of you reminded me, I did not get to post every day last week, and for that I apologize. I'm still experiencing computer difficulties, and it is hard to post when you don't have a computer that works.

I worried several days last week about not posting. Here are some samples of my thoughts: "What if I get out of the habit and stop blogging?......What if people stop reading my blog because I haven't posted in a couple of days?......People are probably thinking that I'm just lazy and unwilling to commit to this......What are people going to say?......."

Seriously, I was really worried about losing readers because of not faithfully executing my daily blogging duties. Then I realized something. This is not a duty. It's not a chore. If I don't blog every day, so what? It doesn't matter. I don't have to prove my worth to people by posting random thoughts every day.

Then I realized, I do the same thing with God almost every day. I worry that if I don't do my quiet time that morning, that God will reject me. I am afraid that if I don't spend enough time in prayer, then God will stop listening to me. He won't accept me if I don't seek and serve him hard enough.

That is not true. We are free in Christ. We are free from the sin, free from death, and free from the law that chokes us.

I was joyfully reminded of the fact that we are already justified before the Lord. We cannot earn our salvation. We cannot make God love us more by following daily routines or checking off spiritual disciplines. Yes, those things are wonderful, but they do not earn our justification. We are justified through faith in Christ, and God sees us that way all the time.

Yes, discipline is good, and yes we need to seek God faithfully every day. But we do this out of love and not obligation.

And if we're a day late and a dollar short of perfectly seeking God, he doesn't see it that way. Yes, he wants us to be faithful, but he loves us beyond our imperfections.

As long as I can keep my computer charged up, I'll keep blogging every day; however, if I miss a day, that's alright, too. Blogging doesn't justify me in the eyes of people or in the eyes of God, because we are free.

On Small Amounts

2009-02-16T22:40:00.002-05:00

I don't have a computer charger here at the house, and my laptop has exactly 1 minute left of power, so today's post will be quick.

Just like this post doesn't have to be long, we don't have to spend hours of time with God every day to make him "happy." He just wants us to be in constant communion and fellowship with him.

Famous preacher Charles Spurgeon once stated the following: "I can probably count on one hand the number of times in my life I've prayed for more than an hour; however, I can probably count on the other hand the number of times I've gone an hour without praying."

The Lord wants quality time, not quantity. Let's meet with him constantly, even if it's only for just a minute.

I guess this means that Katie B's blog is more spiritual than mine....

And all this in one minute!

Day of Thanks, 02.15.09

2009-02-15T21:38:00.002-05:00

This week, I am thankful for:

1. The chance to preach. I got to preach tonight at church. I didn't get asked to preach until this morning (yeah, not a lot of preparation), but I was glad to get the chance to. I preached out of 1 Corinthians 4. The sermon went really well, I thought. It was encouraging and challenging to me, anyway. Thank you, God, for letting me preach tonight. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. Thank you for giving me a message this afternoon, and thank you for giving me the words to say in such a short amount of time. I give you all the glory. May you use the preaching of your Word to further your kingdom.

2. Valentine's banquet. The youth hosted a Valentine's banquet for the senior adults at our church this past Friday. We had a great turnout, the food was good, and we had a great time. The youth served dinner, and we played Family Feud for entertainment. It was really fun. The youth did a good job, and the adults were very appreciative. All in all, it was a great night. Thank you, God, for the Valentine's banquet the other night. Thank you for helping me get everything together. Thank you for the help of my volunteers, and thank you for how smooth everything went.

3. East Asia. As I posted on Monday, I'm going to East Asia in July on a mission trip. I'm so excited. I'm really thrilled about the opportunity and truly grateful for the chance to go. Thank you, God, for allowing me to go to East Asia. Thank you for giving me the chance to take your name to the other side of the world. Thank you for working everything out so that I could go. Please be preparing my heart to do your work. Please already be working to open up doors for us to share your name.

4. Going home. I'm going home this Thursday. I'm looking forward to seeing my family again and hopefully getting together with a couple of my friends. I always enjoy the chance to get home, even if it's only for a couple of days. Thank you, God, for letting me head home for a couple of days this coming week. Thanks for letting me see my family again. I pray that you will give me safe travel and that you give me a productive trip home.

5. Cory. I've gotten to know Cory a lot better over the past couple of weeks. He's the BCM campus minister at LaGrange College. We've gotten to talk some and hang out a bit, and I really enjoy his company. We've talked a lot about ministry and about the workings of the Lord, and he's truly been an encouragement to me. Thank you, God, for Cory. Thank you for allowing us to meet each other and get to know each other better over the past several weeks. I truly appreciate the encouragement that he is to me, and I am grateful for his friendship.

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

On My Absence

2009-02-14T23:59:00.000-05:00

I have not posted in several days. I am not going to make excuses, but it has been one of the busiest weeks I've had in a long time. On top of having to plan to teach 3 Bible studies this week (I found out I have a 4th one this afternoon...), I had to plan a Valentine's Banquet for our Senior Adults at church. Plus it was the busiest week of the year as far as college athletic events go, so I was doing that all week too.

On top of my business, I don't have a computer charger that works at the house, so my laptop's been dead for a few days, and I haven't had it to be able to post when I get home at night.

Consequently, I have been absent for a few days. I'm sorry to my few and faithful readers. :)

But, starting tomorrow I'll be back on a regular schedule. In the meantime, understand this:

God never gets to busy for us. He is never absent. He is never too occupied to hear us or speak to us. Why don't you spend some time with him today?

On East Asia vs. LaGrange

2009-02-10T20:47:00.003-05:00

As you read in yesterday's blog, I am officially going to East Asia in July on a mission trip. I can't wait. I wish I could go tomorrow. I'm just really excited about this opportunity.

However, as I was driving down the road today, thinking of my upcoming trip, I realized something. I'm so excited about going to the other side of the world to reach people for Christ, but how passionate am I about reaching the people that are around me?

Yes, it's good for me to get excited about East Asia. After all, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's not costing me hardly anything. I get the firsthand chance to literally make disciples of other nations by stepping foot in another country. I get to preach the Gospel to people that may never have even heard the name of Jesus before. All, those things are great.

BUT, I can do the same thing here. We get the chance of a lifetime here to share the Gospel. God has blessed us with the freedom, gifts, and resources to share his name and glory to all kinds of people around us. It doesn't cost us much at all to share the Gospel here in America (despite the alarmingly large church budgets that we see nowadays). We get to preach Jesus to people that have never really heard the truth about him--yes, even here in America. And, we can make disciples of all nations here by reaching people of other people groups than our own and equipping people to take the Gospel around the world.

Why don't we get excited about that? We get the opportunity to share Jesus every day, and we don't do it!

Right before he ascended back into heaven, Jesus instructed his disciples to reach the people in their own city before they went off to other nations. We are just as responsible, if not more so, for reaching our immediate area than we are on the other side of the world.

Please don't get me wrong, I am very passionate about sharing Jesus around the world. We are ALL called to do this. But, we are also called to make disciples here.

I can't wait for East Asia, and that is good. However, I need to be just as passionate about reaching LaGrange, Ga.

I'm going to East Asia!

2009-02-09T10:16:00.002-05:00

I'm breaking from my usual format for some very important news.

The word is out, and I am officially going to East Asia this summer on a mission trip! I'm so excited. I'll be heading out on July 1 and returning on July 30. Woohoo!

Where in East Asia, you might ask? Well, due to safety reasons and protection for myself and fellow missionaries, I cannot tell you the exact location of our trip, but we will be in a REALLY, REALLY big and HIGHLY populated country in East Asia. Use your deductive reasoning and put all those things together (plus the fact that I have to be secretive about it), and you should figure out where I'm going. We just can't broadcast publicly where we're going.

That being said, I'll spend the month of July backpacking around the interior of this large country, helping local pastors meet needs in the area, building relationships, teaching some English, possibly doing some sports camps, and more than anything sharing the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people that we meet. I'll be traveling over there with 2 other college students from Georgia and my good friend and former BCM campus minister, Tracey.It's going to be awesome.

Here's what I need you to be doing: PRAY! Seriously, be praying for me and the group that's going. Pray for safety traveling, protection while we're there (remember, it's a closed country to the Gospel), and the strength and perseverance to endure some difficult circumstances. Pray for the people that we're going to minister to, that they would be open and receptive to the Gospel. Pray that our efforts would last beyond our short term there and would help build the Kingdom of Christ in that country for years to come.

I'm so excited about this trip. I'm also humbled. I don't deserve this opportunity to go, but I'm truly grateful to have the chance to literally make disciples of other nations by actually going there. I am honored to be able to take the Gospel to people on the other side of the world who may never have heard the name of Jesus.

God is good. I can't wait to see what he's going to do there. Again, please be praying. I'll keep you posted on more details as the time draws closer.

Glory to God!

Day of Thanks, 02.08.09

2009-02-08T20:09:00.003-05:00

This week, I am thankful for:

1. Scholarship weekend: My sister competed at a scholarship competition at my alma mater this past weekend. It looks like she'll definitely be coming to LaGrange. I'm glad that she was able to go and earn some scholarships, and I'm hoping that she might even earn the full scholarship (and for all my Dresdow friends, I hope Todd gets it too). Thank you, God, for allowing Amy to go to the scholarship competition this past weekend. Thank you for already giving her some scholarship money so that she can come to LaGrange. Please work things out as you see fit for her.

2. Warm weather: The weather here the past few days has been particularly nice. I've really enjoyed getting outside some and doing some things such as playing tennis. Thank you, God, for the great weather lately. Thank you for blessing us with life and taking care of such little things like the weather patterns. Thank you for making creation beautiful, and thank you for allowing me to take some time to enjoy it this week.

3. BCM Summer Missions weekend: I spent the weekend up in Temple, Ga. where I participated in the Baptist Collegiate Ministries Summer Missions interview weekend. College students from throughout the state came together to seek out missions opportunities and get placements for the summer. I'm really excited about next summer (more to come on this tomorrow!). Plus, the weekend was a great opportunity to see a few good friends of mine and hang out with them, particularly some of my old campus ministers and my good friend Stuart. Thank you, God, for allowing me to go to interview weekend this weekend. Thank you for letting me meet up with some old friends. Thanks for the encouragement of fellow believers my age, and thank you for giving me opportunities to serve you.

4. Stuart: As mentioned above, I got to hang out with my friend Stuart for a couple of days at BCM interview weekend. It had been awhile since we'd really hung out, and it was wonderful getting to catch up with him, and I'm very glad for his friendship. We talked about a lot and prayed for each other, too. It was really nice. Thank you, God, for Stuart. Thank you for allowing me to see him this weekend. Thank you for his friendship, and thank you for his encouragement. Please bless him and his ministry up in Athens.

5. Kaleo Conference: I sent a couple of my youth (Joey and Travis) with my friend Robby to a conference in Alabama this weekend. They really seemed to get a lot out of it and enjoyed the trip (how could you not enjoy a conference where David Platt speaks?). Either way, I'm glad that they got the experience of going and hearing what God had to say to them. I can't wait to see the results. Thank you, God, for letting the guys go to Kaleo this weekend. I pray that you continue to speak to them and use them in awesome ways in their campuses and in our church.

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

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 14

2009-02-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 14

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.

Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
who eat up my people as they eat bread
and do not call upon the Lord?

There they are in great terror,
for God is with the generation of the righteous.

You would shame the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is his refuge.

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
____________________

Have you ever done something wrong because you didn't think anyone would see you? I think most of us have been in that situation at some point.

Psalm 14 reminds us that God is constantly looking down on us, seeing our every move. David says that he looks at us to see if there are any of us who are wise enough to seek after God instead of living a life of sin.

The findings of David are pretty bleak. He states that "they have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one." Sounds a lot like today, doesn't it? I'm not one to say that our world is getting worse and worse, but I do know that sin is rampant in today's culture (just like it was 100 years ago). People just don't seem to care about God anymore. In fact, I know a lot of so-called Christians who could care less about God, too.

It's time that we realized that God is there, and that he cares about what we do. According to David, he is seeking a generation of the righteous, a people that will follow him. It is true that none of us are righteous, as David said in the previous verse. However, God gives us grace through the blood of Christ. We are counted as righteous, we are seen as being clean. But, so many times we reject that gift and try to live life of our own accord, doing our own thing.

Salvation cannot be found in this world. It cannot be found in its pleasures, either. Salvation can only come from the Lord, and the Lord requires righteousness, not as a prerequisite to grace, but as a result of it.

It's time we started living like God's watching us.

On #100

2009-02-06T15:08:00.002-05:00

This is my 100th daily post.

That seems like a lot, but when you really think about it, it's not. There are a lot of people who have been blogging a lot longer than me who I'm sure are up in the thousands. Nevertheless, 100 is a milestone worthy of noting, I think.

People like to celebrate monumental events. We throw parties for birthdays, anniversaries, sporting events, weddings, and holidays. However, we reserve special celebrations for those really significant things, such as the 40th birthday or the 25th anniversary (or the 100th blog post!). Some days or events just seem a lot more important than others. They seem to garner more praise and celebration than just the ordinary things.

However, when you get really technical, doesn't the day of the 25th anniversary, or the 40th birthday, or the 100th blog post have the exact amount of time as the other ones? Doesn't the sun rise and set, the day begin and pass away, and time come and go just like the other days?

Don't get me wrong, I am not discrediting monumental events. Some days and events are truly worth celebrating. But, we are called to celebrate every day like it's something special. Paul said in Philippians 4 to rejoice in the Lord always. Always. Every day. Regardless of the significance or insignificance, celebrate. If it's good or bad, celebrate. If it's sunny or rainy, celebrate.

Why? Becuase every day is a gift from God. Every moment is an opportunity to thank him and serve him. He blesses us with so many things, and we should put just as much joy and celebration into the "normal" days that we do for celebrating other things. After all, Jesus died and rose again so we could live with him forever! That's worthy of a celebration.

So, here's to #100. But at the same time, I'm going to be just as joyful and thankful to post #101, #102, and however many more God allows me to.

On Having a Low Battery

2009-02-05T21:47:00.003-05:00

My computer has a low battery right now, and my charger doesn't work. So, as of right now, I have about 5-10 minutes to finish and post this blog before my computer quits working. "Start your engines..."

I've had this computer for about 5 years now. It's served me faithfully. Although, I have had to replace the LCD, the original batter, and the original battery charger, not to mention the fact that I had to completely reformat it a few months ago. That being said, it still works and still gets the job done.

My charger, however, is another story. It's the third charger that I've bought for this computer and it's the third one to conk out on me. It's so frustrating! And what makes it worse, it stopped working about a week after the 30 day warranty expired. Thank you Dell for your wonderful service. And now, my computer won't charge unless I take it up to the church where I have semi-functional charger that only works if it's in just the right position and the wind isn't blowing too hard that day (don't ask).

This post, however it may appear, is not intended to be a rant. Instead, I wish to make a point (I'm down to 4 minutes...hurry!).

Our hearts are a lot like a battery in the fact that if we don't recharge, we die out. Our zeal and passion for God can only last for so long without being plugged back into our power source. Think about the last time you experienced a "spiritual high," such as going to a conference, or attending a really awesome worship service, or having some great time spent in the Word (yeah, when was the last time that happened?). How long after that moment, did the passion start to dwindle? What's your passion level now?

God wants us to stay plugged into his word and his Spirit. This sounds SO cliche, but it's also very true. Yes, it's possible to be a Christian and not read your Bible or spend time communing with the Lord through prayer.

But, it's also possible to be a computer and not have any power in your battery.

It doesn't make you not a Christian. It just makes you pretty ineffective.

On Haircuts

2009-02-04T23:59:00.000-05:00

I got a haircut the other day. It had been a really long time since my last one, and I desparately needed to get a trim. I usually wait about 2 months or longer before I get a haircut. I'm cheap, and if my hair looks unkempt it's OK because I'm saving money.

Whenever I get a haircut, there's always this small part of me that wants to do something different. Like the other day, I really toyed around with the idea of cutting my hair really short again, of just completely doing the buzz cut. I mentioned this notion to a few of my friends. Most of the guys responded with "Heck yeah, man. Go for it!" while the girls typically responded with "No! You're hair looks better longer!"

So, being the gentleman that I am, I listened to the girls, and just got a trim instead of doing the buzz. OK, it wasn't just that I was listening to the girls. It was based a lot more on the fact that I just don't branch out very much.

When it comes to everyday life, there are a lot of times where a small part of me also wants to do something different. It tells me I need to branch out from the ordinary, to stop comforming to cultural norms anymore, to stop caring about what people think about me, and to be more like the "aliens and strangers in this world" that Peter talked about.

But so many times, I just can't make myself do it. I'm worried about what will happen when I break my routine.

There's a song by Leeland, one of my favorite bands, called "Opposite Way" which really fits my thinking. Check out the entire song, but the first verse goes like this:

Living in the same town for all these years
Doing the same old things
Hanging with the same crowd and it’s starting to get crippling
You’ve never felt in place and you tell yourself it’s all okay
But something’s different today
You want to run the opposite way

Anybody else feel like that sometimes? I think God calls us to. We are not supposed to comform to this world (Romans 12:1-2). Instead, we are to be different.

My friend Nate has a mohawk, for which he almost got fired from his job. Maybe I'll go for that next time.....

On Groundhogs

2009-02-03T11:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Groundhog Day. I almost forgot about it until last night. It turns out that old Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and forecasted another 6 weeks of winter. Down here in Georgia, though, we have our own groundhog, General Beauregard Lee. Gen. Lee did not see his shadow yesterday, signifying an early spring.

Hmm. Differing opinions. Who do we believe?

Honestly, I don't really care. I will not base my hopes upon a groundhog (as cute and fuzzy as it might be). But, it's still a neat tradition I guess. If nothing else, it's really funny to see a man lift up a fat groundhog in front of a bunch of people who are screaming and hollering. People go crazy at those things, clamoring for a chance just to see a large rodent.

However, when the people leave the event, most of them probably don't even remember what his prediction was. They just wanted to see the show, get a good laugh, and possibly get the chance to get on television. The groundhog really doesn't matter to them. He's just the entertainment. After all, he sits there 364 other days in the year, and no one cares about him.

Many of us often treat God the same way. God has a message for us everyday, but we don't really care about the message. We just want a show. We want entertainment. We just want to enjoy a good time that's centered around God, but God doesn't really matter.

Kind of sounds like a lot of church services doesn't it? Everyong gets together once a year (or once a week), hears what God has to say, cheers a little bit and might get excited, then they go home and forget what happened. We're terrible about that.

So which groundhog do we listen to, Phil or Lee? It doesn't really matter. A groundhog's prediction is completely worthless, yes.

God's message to us, however, is not.

On Rebuilding (from Laura)

2009-02-02T18:53:00.000-05:00

My friend Laura provides some really good thoughts on the process of rebuilding that I'd like to share with you today.

I decided that her insights are better than what I intended to say today and might relate to some of you better, too. So, why compete?

Please follow the link to Laura's blog, and have a great day in the Lord.

Day of Thanks, 02.01.09

2009-02-01T22:54:00.000-05:00

This week, I am thankful for:

1. Conclave: This week, I went to Southeast Conclave, an annual training conference for youth ministers and volunteers. I spent 3 days in Atlanta, talking with fellow youth ministers and networking with them. Additionally, I picked up a lot of great ideas for my youth ministry that I can't wait to implement. It was a great few days. Thank you, God, for Conclave. Thank you for the SBC putting it on, and thank you for allowing me to attend. I am grateful for the knowledge that I gained and the friendships I was able to make.

2. The Dresdows: Instead of staying at a hotel during the conference, I stayed with the Katie's family, about 15-20 minutes from the conference center. It really helped me out a lot by being able to save a couple hundred dollars on a hotel room. They were very hospitable, and I really enjoyed staying with them. I got to hang out with them a couple of times throughout those few days, and had some really good conversations with them. Thank you, God, for the Dresdows. Thank you for allowing me to stay with them, and thank you for their generosity and hospitality. Please bless them for their giving hearts and their willingness to serve those around them.

3. Tax refund: Last year, I got slammed with a major bill for taxes. Long story short, one of my workplaces didn't take out enough taxes in the year, and I had some school financial aid that added more tax on top of what I already owed. This year, though, it looks like I won't owe anything and will hopefully be getting a refund! Thank you, God, for working my financial situations out. You always take care of my needs and never leave me lacking. Thank you for sustaining me as you see fit, and may I never seek worldly riches above the treasure of knowing you.

4. Lunch with Phil: I was able to meet up with a Phil, a good friend of mine, for lunch the other day on my way back from Atlanta. It had been a month or so since I'd seen him last, so it was good to catch up with him again. We were able to talk a good bit about life and how God was moving in our lives. It was a great encouragement to me. Thank you, God, for Phil. Thanks for letting us get together the other day. Thank you for the encouragement and accountability that he brings to me. I pray that we will be able to get together again soon at some point.

5. Worship: We get to worship God. What a privilege! It is not something that we can do on our own accord. Neither do we merit the opportunity. God allows us to enter into his presence and give him honor and praise, and that is truly wonderful. Thank you, God, for allowing us to worship you. Thank you for letting us even mention your name, much less directly praise you. You are truly glorious, and we do not deserve to stand before your throne, but because of your grace we can worship you. May we never cease to praise you with all that we are.

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

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 13

2009-01-31T20:41:00.002-05:00

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.
____________________

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

2009-01-29T19:20:00.000-05:00

***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!***
___________________________

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

2009-01-28T22:08:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-27T10:17:00.004-05:00

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

2009-01-26T21:42:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-25T23:05:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-24T21:05:00.002-05:00

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.
____________________

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

2009-01-23T20:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-22T21:51:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-21T22:18:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-20T22:26:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-19T16:54:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-18T20:24:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-17T18:00:00.003-05:00

**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.**
_________________________

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

2009-01-15T21:24:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-14T21:30:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-13T17:40:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-13T01:00:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-11T20:57:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-10T22:08:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-09T11:45:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-09T00:06:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-07T11:45:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-06T21:55:00.006-05:00

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

2009-01-05T11:06:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-04T21:01:00.005-05:00

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

2009-01-03T18:30:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-02T17:53:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-01T23:01:00.002-05:00

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.

On Going Out with a Bang

2008-12-31T19:14:00.004-05:00

Tonight is New Year's Eve. I thought about discussing New Year's resolutions, but I figured everybody and their brother talks about that this time of year, so I decided to examine a different New Year's topic: fireworks.

Fireworks and New Year's Eve have a strong relationship, only superseded perhaps by the 4th of July. People crawl out of the woodwork on New Year's Eve to go to their local firework supplier to load up for the night's festivities. Some people even drive all the way out of state to purchase the flying combustibles due to certain state restrictions (like here in GA). The holiday rush for fireworks is so strong, most fireworks retailers rake in about 75% of their annual yield on New Year's Eve and the 4th of July.

When you consider this statistic, it's kind of mind boggling. Most fireworks stores are open most of the day 7 days a week, and on many of those days, customers may never walk into the store. When you add things up, that's a lot of time and effort put into 360 days of the year for very meager sales. However, on the 4 or 5 days surrounding New Year's and the 4th of July, everybody suddenly wants to buy fireworks, and the stores are packed.

This phenomenon is eerily similar to our spiritual lives. Our Father is present 24/7, waiting on us to come and share communion with him. However, most of us settle on reaching our spiritual "quota" by meeting with God on just a few days out of the year. Some of us are the twice-a-year folks who only attend church on Christmas and Easter. Others may go once every month or so.

You might be sitting there thinking, "Hey, I go to church every Sunday, so quit badgering me!" Is that good enough? Can we really experience all that God has to offer on one day out of the week? I think not. God sits there all the time, waiting to here from us, but we choose to show up only on Sundays or other special times.

Imagine if every night we shot off fireworks. That would be pretty amazing. However, most people are satisfied by shooting them off twice a year. Similarly, most Christians are satisfied with the "bang" provided by an occasional meeting with God, whether it be through a worship service, a prayer time, or even more seldom, a random hour spent in God's Word. But, imagine what life would be like if we experienced God like that all the time, every day?

Tonight, the old year will go out with a bang, and fireworks won't be shot off in full swing again until 07/04/2009.

Let's not let the same thing happen in our hearts.

A Pause

2008-12-30T19:47:00.002-05:00

Today I'd like to pause from my usual blogging style to mention a couple of pieces of information:

1. Sorry for the absence of blogs the last 2 days. I was in Macon, Ga. at Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC) on Sunday and Monday and I didn't have my computer with me. When I got back Monday night, I was exhausted and just didn't post. Forgive my laziness, but I think the couple of days off was good for me. Hence, point 2...

2. I feel like I kind of got stuck in a rut there for awhile with my blog. Stuff didn't seem fresh. I felt like I was forcing ideas the past few days, and that kind of made blogging seem more like a chore than anything. But, after having had a couple of days to recharge and get my head right, I think I'm back on track. Hence, point 3...

3. A lot of times, I tend to teach or share things that are from me without putting much prayer or thought into it. You may think "It's no big deal, Matt. It's just a blog." But for me, it's not. For me, this is an opportunity to reveal the evidence of God on our lives and to share what he has been teaching me. Consequently, I can't just throw something together last minute and be faithful in this task. Now point 4...

4. So, from now on, I'm going to try to put a little more depth into this (not necessarily making it longer, just making it a little more concentrated, I guess). More than anything, I want God to be glorified through my words. The format of the blog will remain the same. I think I have a good balance here, but at the same time, I want to make it a little less watered down. I'm not exactly sure what that means as far as details go, but that's fine. We'll take it a day at a time.

I leave you with a passage of Scripture which has challenged me and encouraged me in my evaluation of this blog--

Lamentations 3:40 - "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!"

So, here we go.

Psalm Saturday: Psalm 8

2008-12-27T21:53:00.003-05:00

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
_____________________

This has always been one of my favorite Psalms.

I love David's descriptions here, and I think there are a few key points we must realize after reading this Psalm.

First of all, God is the majestic Creator of everything. He made the earth, moon, sun, stars, and everything else in the entire universe. Anything that is, God made it. That is truly an awesome thought to behold! He is strong, powerful, and wonderful, and that leads us to our second thought.

God is so powerful and awesome, he didn't have to make us. He didn't need us. He definitely didn't have to love us, much less even think of us. We are mere specks of dust upon the great landscape of all creation. Yet, God loves us so much that he sent his Son to die for us, first of all. On top of that, he cares for us. He speaks to us. He guides us, and He nurtures us. We didn't deserve it, but God gave us these blessings. Praise be to Him!

Finally, we must understand that we are all without excuse. God's handiwork is evident in creation. When we look at the stars or the earth, we see evidence of God. We must understand that there is an authority who made everything and that authority created us and loves us. God reveals signs of his glory everywhere. We just have to open up our eyes and realize it. But more than that, we have to tell everyone we can about the Creator God of the Universe.

For he is truly worthy of all the praise that we and everyone else on earth can give.