Still Alive!

I have read a number of books since I last posted and am in the process of writing up book reviews for them, which I will soon post. Since, however, my last post of any substance was back in February, I wanted to let whatever readers I might have that I am still here and still planning on blogging!

As with most of you, I have been busy with work and family; in addition I must confess that I have been trying to keep up on my Google reader subscriptions and I now have enough of them that it takes me at least 1/2 an hour just to scroll through them even if I don't actually read each article! I think it's time I edited down my list! On top of all this, I have a Facebook account which I am trying to stay active with...I'm thinking I will just have to post on both at the same time! Honestly, the things that should be most important (next to God and my family) are this blog and the work I do for my church library...but both, obviously, have suffered!

So there you have my confession and my apology! Later today I will post a brief study I'm doing on Genesis 1:1-3 and then in the next couple of days I hope to begin posting book reviews too. The study on Genesis is not deep by any means, just some brief thoughts I have. In case some of you did not know, I received an ESV Bible from a Crossway representative I met at the Public Library Association (PLA) conference in Portland last month! I've never owned an ESV and so I decided to begin reading it from the beginning, and of course I was moved by the opening verses of the Word of God! So, of course, my readers get to put up with my ramblings!

God bless!

Let Us Weep for the Lost!

I read one of the most convicting quotes from Charles H. Spurgeon this evening and felt compelled to post it and comment on it. Here's the quote:

"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for."

I have to confess that my heart was pierced as I read these words, thinking of those who I know that don't believe. Do I share with them the words of Scripture regarding their eternal destination? Do I present to them the free offer of God? I don't want to be counted amongst those who relish the thought of someone spending an eternity in hell, I want to be in agony over the thought!

What about it brothers and sisters? Are we wrapping our arms around the knees of those walking to hell? Are we imploring them to turn away from the path of destruction and receive the gift of eternal life by repenting of their sins and submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives? Why not?! As Spurgeon says, if to hell they must go, then let it be over our fallen bodies, over our protests and despite our groans of terror for them! Let us gladly accept the mocking and the accusation of being fools if it means we faithfully proclaim to them the Gospel, the only message they will ever hear that can save them from the fires of hell.

Oh what fools we truly are if we think keeping silent will win us any good will! I don't want the good will of someone determined to go to hell. I want them to think me a Bible thumping fool! I want them to remember that I shared the Truth with them. And o what a joy God uses me as the tool by which He saves even one of these!

Unending Service to Christ

Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Seminary, was asked about John Calvin and what we might learn from him. Here is his reply:

"Calvin was...a teacher and he understood the necessity of the church to be a school. We want the churches to again be the schools of Christ. I want to die like Calvin died, studying and teaching and preaching to the end. Calvin didn't retire; he died."

I love this quote. It reminds me of the John Piper book "Don't Waste Your Life" where Piper contrasts the lives of two separate missionary groups. The one, a couple who reaches middle age and then retires to enjoy the last years of their lives; the other consists of two older ladies, missionary widows whose husbands are long dead...yet they remain in service. As they travel along a mountain road in the country where they serve, their car runs off the road and they are killed. Piper says that the retired couple wasted their lives whereas the old ladies did not. You understand what he means don't you?

He means exactly what Mohler does when he says he wants to die studying and teaching and preaching to the end. Considering that we will spend an eternity serving our Lord then we have to wonder why it is people feel we need "a break" from the study of God's Word. From service to Him. I attended a church many years ago where during the Summer they would not have Sunday school....when my father in law was told it was so that people could take a break, he replied that Satan does not take breaks! :) How very true!

"Calvin didn't retire; he died."

Oh for ministers, missionaries, and laypeople who want to die doing the work which the Father has prepared for them!

When Pride of Learning Exceeds Actual Learning

In the most recent issue of "The Intermountain Christian News" there is a really good review by Dr. Youssef Shared of "The Shack." Most of you who know me well are aware that I am no fan of this book, and so it should be no surprise to you that the article in question is a critique of the book. You will find this review on page 1 of the paper, and it continues on page 5, along with a list of 13 heresies the author finds in the book. As exciting as it would be for me to share these with you, I will let the reader follow the link above and read it for him/herself.

What I want to actually share with you in this post is actually in the letters to the editor section of the paper...found on page 4. Apparently, the article is republished along with a couple of letters regarding it, one of them a positive and one of them a negative letter. Here is the text of the letter I wish to make a comment on:

"It saddens me that you have lost your own bearings. I know you to be educated but I’m pretty sure my theological credentials exceed yours. I have read The Shack twice with a careful attention to the story, the theological underpinnings and the fictional expression of exceptionally difficult but exceedingly critical personal issues.

Your adoption of this shallow (at best) and probably disingenuous critique of The Shack is disappointing and makes me think that you would have been one of the myopic critics of C.S. Lewis as well.

I recommend that you retract your endorsement of Youssef’s spurious and anxious critique as soon as possible lest you find yourself in the company of the Pharisees our Lord had so little regard for. You might discover that you have done a great deal of damage to the Kingdom of God in your zeal.
– John F., Boise, Idaho (Submitted 03/15/09)"

What struck me first about this letter is that in commenting on the article, the writer (who apparently challenges the editor to a war of theological credentials...such humility!) fails to address even one point brought up by Dr. Youseff. There is no "here is why he is wrong..." No, far from it. Instead the letter is filled with attacks that seem determined to make the issue one of opinion rather than facts. For someone bold enough to assert the supremacy of his own knowledge, Mr. John F. fails to demonstrate it through any interaction with the actual content of Dr. Youseff's article.

Furthermore, you'll notice the choice words used throughout..."shallow (at best) and probably disingenuous critique..." Okay, but how is it shallow? The article brings up 13 heresies and the reasons why the author thinks them heresies. Yet our theological warrior here instead says that the article makes him think "that you would have been one of the myopic critics of C.S. Lewis as well." Now how does that address anything in the article? Oh yeah, it doesn't. And what if you disagree with Mr. John F.? Why then you must be, as he says, "in the company of the Pharisees our Lord had so little regard for. You might discover that you have done a great deal of damage to the Kingdom of God in your zeal." Wow...strong words. And all they do is confuse the issue and, yet again, fail to actually have any meaningful dialogue with the content! You disagree with me? Pharisee!!! You dare critique an author I like? You damage the Kingdom of God!

Obviously I dont' know who Mr. John F. is...but I pray whatever lofty school he received those theological credentials from normally does a better job of teaching its students how to properly critique the writings of another person. Maybe he should read Dr. Youseff's article again...'cause that was a good example right there!

A Picture Says It All

I found this picture online...don't remember where so if you know tell me so I can give appropriate credit!

I thought this picture was a good commentary on the surface and simplistic beliefs of too many Christians! God does love us...but it is foolish to give voice to the words in the caption if you don't believe the picture also represents God's will for the lives of some of His followers.

Reputation vs. Character

I was finishing up reading the book "Dominion" a couple of weeks ago when I came across a quote that was pretty profound. Dominion is a Randy Alcorn book (isbn# 1-57673-661-x), so you know it's going to be really really good! :)

I confess that this is the book I like least written by Alcorn, but it is still a good book. In the book, Clarence Abernathy is investigating the murder of his sister and his niece, and when he gets a bit too close to the truth he is set up. He is accused of rape and everyone but his close friends and family believes him to be guilty. There is a powerful scene where Clarence is speaking to his father and he breaks down and tells him all a man has is his reputation...and his has been ruined. His father looks at him and says, (i'm paraphrasing) no son, all a man has is his character, and nobody can take that away.

I was struck by the truth of this statement. The world can believe what it wants of us, but as Christians our worth rests upon our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let the world mock us, let it accuse us falsely of crimes...our true brothers and sisters in Christ will stand by us till the end. And even if not...what does it matter if the Lord is for us?

No matter what befalls us, let us continue to serve Him with zeal. And if we are truly His, then if we ever find ourselves falsely accused we will be ultimately vindicated by our Lord...maybe not in this life, but definitely in the next. That life, dear brethren, is so very real. And you know what? When troubles come our way, those who truly know us...who know our character, they will stand by us.

Praise God!

Galatians 4:16

"Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?"

Not much I want to write about tonight, but I am feeling a little bit melancholy because it seems to me that there are so few people out there who truly hunger after the things of God. I have found it so difficult to have friends within the church because those who I have identified as having a zeal for the Lord turn out to have it...in church. Outside of church, it seems the last thing on the minds of people is to discuss the Word and what we have been learning about it. Even within the building where we gather to worship it seems like one annoys others if you speak of the Bible outside of the Sunday school class or the sanctuary. I remember one time heading towards a group of "friends" at church, among them one who I felt was a true friend, and as I approached one said, "look out, here comes the Bible thumper." All of the others laughed. I responded with some comment or other...don't really remember what it was. But I admit I was hurt. Among them, I felt like an outsider because all they talked about was sports or their jobs. While I love discussing my job (though I confess I detest talking about sports), it seems like among my brothers in Christ there is one thing above all we'd talk about...don't you think?

I don't mean to say we Believers should never speak about anything else. Don't make that assumption. What I am saying is that in church, and among our brethren, we are free to speak without reservation about spiritual things, so it seems to me this is the natural direction in which our conversations head. But alas, this is not the case.

About my header. Along with being called a Bible thumper, I have found that these words of Paul are so on target. It seems like people are willing to share their opinions on spiritual matters, but if you disagree with them, and voice that opinion, then you offend them. You may even become their enemy. I have lost "friends" in this manner before, and it is always a very painful experience.

One thing that keeps me cheerful, however, is the thought that despite all this I would rather have a falling away with anyone and everyone rather than compromise on the teachings of the Word. As Paul said elsewhere, "...let God be true but every man a liar." Romans 3:4

God Bless!

Random Thoughts for Today

Well it's been almost a full week since my last post so I wanted to take some time to let all of you know I'm still alive and kicking! ;-)

I had a good week and there are a number of things I want to share, among them:

1) Unless you live under a rock you are probably aware that in the December 15th, 2008 edition, Newsweek magazine featured an article called "The Religious Case for Gay Marriage." This article, written by a Ms. Lisa Miller, attempted to do exactly what the title suggests, argue that there is not any religious reason for opposing gay marriage. The cover of the issue has a picture of a Bible with a rainbow colored bookmark, ironic enough since there may be some religion which can be used to show support for gay marriage, but Christianity is not the one. In addition to this, using a Bible on the cover is disingenuous for the simple reason that Ms. Miller's premise fails in it's attempt to show a biblical case for gay marriage. Well, I would have much more to say on this issue, except that Citizen magazine has done an excellent job of responding to Newsweek. In its February 2009 issue, Citizen asked a number of sound theologians to rebut the article point by point. Among the men asked to write a rebuttal was Albert Mohler. Please pick up a copy of both these articles and read them!

2) Yesterday I went to a men's breakfast at church and the speaker was the youth leader. My sons are very fond of this young man and I was very impressed by what he had to say. The topic of his talk was "What we Value: Christ." His text was from Matthew 13:44-46. I just want to share one quote from him, which I hope will give you a glimpse into his heart, as it did for me. He said, "My weakness is a serious lack of ability to please God through my works." Just so you understand, he did not mean this as in it is a weakness he wants to remedy, but that in this weakness He can turn to Christ and trust totally in Him. He understands what it means when the Bible says we are "dead in our trespasses and sins"! Ephesians 2:1

3) On a personal note, I began memorizing the book of Ephesians quite some time ago...about a decade ago to be honest! How much have I memorized? 1 1/2 chapters! Pathetic. So remember this and help keep me accountable ok? ;-) And since I know so many always respond in this manner, I want to assure you I am not wanting to memorize Scripture in a legalistic manner, or in a prideful manner. I simply want to have this book in particular in my mind because I love it so much. It's as simple as that.

Well that's it for now. I am eager to finish up a couple of books I've been wanting to review and I should have one of them done within the next few days. My reading is taking so much longer than I thought because there is SO much to read. Not only do I have the books I want to review, but I also have some books I read for work...ones that I present to teens during outreach events. And no, I don't get paid to read so all my reading has to be done during my lunch hour or at home! :-) On top of that, I try to read the newspaper every day and there are a number of blogs that I follow, among my favorites being the Pyromaniacs and the Pulpit magazine blog which has been incorporated into the Shepherd's Fellowship website. Then there are blogs from friends and family that I like to read in order to keep up with what is going on in their lives, spiritually and otherwise. There's something else I like to read...let me see,what is it? Oh yeah, my Bible! ;-) So anyhow, all that to apologize for not posting my book reviews in a more timely manner. Then, of course, I have not posted a Bible study in some time, so I will work on remedying that situation as well.

God bless for now!

Pray Fervently...But Ask Permission First!

I just finished reading from Al Mohler's blog and it left me irked, not at him but at the subject he addresses. Please read it, I'd be interested to know what some of you think. I agree with Dr. Mohler that the implication is pretty ominous. Read it HERE.

My Random Thoughts for Today

Well it is late and my family and I just finished a game of Settlers of Cataan, a wonderful game normally, except for tonight. It was not wonderful this evening because yours truly was shamefully defeated...I actually had the lowest score I've ever had! :(

I listened to two sermons by Al Mohler today. As some of you may know, in 2008 Dr. Mohler started a series on the Apostles Creed, and one of the sermons I listened today was preached on November 11th, 2008, and it was on "The Holy Catholic Church and the Communion of the Saints." As is always the case with his sermons, this one was really really good. You can find it here if you are interested in listening to it. The other one I heard was on Deuteronomy 6. My biggest challenge is in deciding which one I liked best! :)

I was looking over the November 2008 issue of Christianity Today and in their "quotation marks" section found the following quote: "Crusade is a dramatic word, while 'Penn Students for Christ' leaves us to decide what we are about." This quote came from the University of Pennsylvania's chapter leader for the Campus Crusade for Christ group! Apparently a number of chapters throughout the country are changing their name. Makes sense to me. I mean, we don't want people to think we are sold out for Christ do we? Seriously though...since when do WE decide what we are about as Christians? I'm pretty sure that God is in charge of that decision...don't you think? Maybe these chapter members need to actually read their Bibles and stop caring what others think.

This is it for tonight! I hope and pray that this Lord's Day went well for everyone and that you had the opportunity to worship our awesome God, the only One worthy of our devotion.

God Bless!

Dr. Albert Mohler on President-elect Obama

All day I have had different thoughts about what I wanted to say regarding the results of this election and I'd planned on posting on it tonight. I am still doing so, of course, but I took a moment to head over to Dr. Mohler's blog and read his post for today. All I can say is wow. Dr. Mohler is truly a man of God and he has said what was on my mind way much clearer than I could ever hope to do so.

There is one thing I would like to say which he wrote about also, but all day one of the thoughts going through my head has been that despite my wishing he had not won, it is truly amazing to consider that America will have a Black President in January. This is a truly historic event that I honestly did not think I would ever live to witness. And it is definitely true that his election lends credence to the American belief that anyone can be President. For this I am grateful. And as Dr. Mohler states, I will give Obama the allegiance and respect he deserves as my President while opposing any and all measures that I am Biblically commanded to do so. We truly can do no less.

At any rate, I completely stand behind every one of Dr. Mohler's words and I hope that my dear friends and family will read his post, which you can find here.

Finally, I want us to remember that God is always in control. There are some I know who despair over the results of this election. I say why? God has not been cast out of heaven has He? So I leave you, my brethren, with this little gem from Psalm 2 that I love to read over and over. It reminds me always of the fact that God is always the Sovereign...no matter what men may think!

"Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion.”

-Psalm 2:1-6

Teaching Young Men

Today we had the sword-tag group out and it was lots of fun...and even a bit humiliating to realize that at the age of 35 I am having trouble keeping up keeping up with the young teens. ;-)

We had a total of 7 kids today (ranging from 13-16) and spent two hours fighting mighty battles. About halfway through we stopped for our Bible lesson and I taught through the book of Acts, specifically chapters 6-9. I will have to wait until tomorrow evening to post the lesson because I am having problems connecting to the internet on my computer (I am posting these comments on my sister in law's laptop). We had a great time, even with me as the only adult male! A good friend of mine will soon have the weekends open, and when he's able to attend I have promised (threatened?) the teens with some adult vengeance for the sheer humiliation they dealt me today!

Well, I just want to say to my dear friends and family...Happy Reformation Day! It has now been 491 years since that faithful day on which good 'ol Martin Luther went and thought he'd start a debate and instead started the Reformation! I hope I'm around in 2017 when we celebrate the 500th year! It should be fun...but I guess that even if I've gone on to be with my Lord I won't be complaining, right?

Go forth and gather with the saints tomorrow as we join to lift up the name of our King!

Making It Acceptable by Calling it "Christian"

I had an interesting invitation today on my LibraryThing account today that left me just a tad confused. Somebody commented on my profile, saying that they thought I'd enjoy a new group they've started called "Transsexuals for Christ." lol

Now anyone who knows me is free to take a look at my library, and if you can figure out why exactly they were led to believe that I would even consider joining such a group, please share that with me!

The invitation did make me think, however, about how all kinds of groups that lead lifestyles contrary to the teachings of Christ are so set upon claiming His name for themselves. Why is that? Seriously, if you want to take part in such behaviors, that is up to you. But don't try to justify your behavior by pasting the word "Christian" in front of your group name! I know that all of us have some area in our lives that we just don't seem to have complete control over...that challenges us daily even. None of us who call Jesus Lord, however, would try to excuse their behavior by suddenly saying, "hey, it's not really a sin! I'm a "Christian" gambler, or a "Christian" adulterer! ;-)

No, whatever struggles we face, let us strive to defeat them for His glory and through His grace. Don't call it what it is not.

Paul Washer: What is Salvation?

Many of you know from a previous post that I have recently discovered the preaching of Paul Washer. Well I have been going on YouTube and watching many of his sermons which a man named Lane Chaplin (?) has posted. His channel on YouTube is awesome and I highly recommend it.

Anyhow, I just viewed this video below and I was totally wowed by it. Please watch it and ponder his words because this man is truly being used by God in a mighty way. Here is a man who loves the Lord with all his heart and who has a passion for preaching the Word. If six minutes is too long for you to sit and watch a video, then at least focus on what he says between 3:55 and 4:15 to start. Truly Mr. Washer understands the pitfalls of a seeker sensitive church!

If you have even more time, please watch 5:00 through 5:57, where he asks..."what is salvation?" In it he takes on "the little tracks that have been developed by men who do not know theology...[and] the evangelists who hardly study their Bibles...[and] church growth movements that are based on wall street marketing schemes..." Sound familiar to any of you? Recognize your churches here? It is pathetic, isn't it? Sad that so many churches have indeed started relying on the methods of business rather then on the power of the Living God.

Indeed, one of my greatest frustrations is those pesky evengi-cubes! Nothing more clearly reveals how little we think of the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation than this cube. Having problems communicating? Show them a picture! And I would have no problem with this cube if it was used solely in ministering to people whose language you don't speak (though in that case why not let the native speakers do the work?), but when I first saw this thing introduced at my old church it was in the context of witnessing to friends and neighbors. So yeah, let's just tell those we love that we think they are unable to read words in a Bible and now need pictures with arrows and no words! That's definitely guaranteed to soften a hearer to the Gospel right?

But I digress...

Just watch and enjoy the video. Be prepared to be convicted and exhorted all at once! :)

Back to My Blogging!

Well it's been a slow month as far as publishing on my blog! The main reason, to be honest, is that I keep hoping and praying that I will soon be able to publish really really good news! Alas, the Lord reminds me through this whole ordeal that I must learn patience and total reliance upon Him! :-)

At any rate, since my last post I have felt very confident about everything, though in His time I would love to hear from the powers that be about the final resolution. Even so, I have spent so much time in the Word that I keep wondering why it is that we Christians so often need the motivation of hardships in order to be completely immersed in the things of the Lord. Oh well, may the Lord help me to remain as faithful every day from now on as He has already helped me these last few months.

So is there anything new to share? No. But don't worry so much about this because in some ways no news is good news in this situation. And how have I been doing? Surprisingly well. Thanks to the patient love and admonition of God. This time has also helped me to bond with friends I did not realize I truly had. I have a dear neighbor who cried with me when all of this first started, and his love for me and his total trust in the righteousness of my case have humbled me so very much. He has been a shoulder to lean on when others were not there for me. Another neighbor down the street also came to me and expressed his support for me. This man assurred me I could turn to him with any needs. In addition to these fine Christian men, a dear brother from my old church has been helping me to deal with all of this too. He and his family came to us as soon as they knew of my situation and offered us their support, bringing us dinner and opening their home to us as well. Every one of my co-workers who is aware of my situation has expressed their support as well. And finally, what could we do without the love of family? They have given the unconditional love which overwhelms a person. Without all of these people and the loving expressions of trust and support...this would have been a far more difficult journey for my family and I.

All of this has made me realize how important one's witness is. Why have I received such support? Without a doubt it is because these people know me and, praise be to God, they have seen in me the man that God has been shaping me into. I do not say this as a boast...I say it in humble surprise. My whole Christian life I have felt like such a failure in the things of my God. I have not been the best husband or father, and yet somehow He has been working in my life. Working to shape me into the "image of His Son." Can I claim that I have been responsible for any of this? NO! For I know my own heart...I know that often I have wanted to do those things I know I should not do, and that sometimes I have not done that which my God requires of me. So it is not what I have done with my life, but what God has done to my life! This is the only witness I have before the world: That God has worked in me despite myself! How precious indeed then is my salvation! All of it is His work and none is mine.

So my prayer is this: That He continue to work in my life, to mold me and shape me; that I be open to all that He would teach me from His Word; and that my wife and children will forgive me when I fail to be a good father and/or husband. My greatest desire is to see my sons walk with God all the days of their lives, and if I live to see all of them grow to manhood and see them walk with Him, then I will give the credit and the glory where it belongs: God deserves it all!

Sharing a Quick Thought

Today is a good day. Every day when I wake up I thank God for another day to worship Him and learn the valuable lessons He may hold for me, and today has been one in which I have been filled with peace. I still don't know, of course, what is happening with my situation, but as always the knowledge that God is in control helps me to set aside my fears and give it all over to my Lord.

My wife wrote a letter to our extended family and wanted me to look it over before she sent it; I'm glad she did because she shared some really good things from "The Voice of the Martyrs." At the risk of giving it away to those in the family who may read this post, I want to share it too! :) Those of you who are familiar with the magazine mentioned above know that it is all about our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world who are suffering for their faith...and not just suffering like we do in America but painful, physical suffering. Two quotes from the magazine:

"My life is in the hands of the Lord. If it is His will, I will die even if I am not shot. But if it is not His will, not even 1,000 bullets can kill me."

"Faith does not mean that I am not fearful, that I don't cry out or that I won't want to escape. Faith is also to cry, to tremble, but with a strength that keeps you in peace."

Wow. These are my spiritual superiors! These ones who probably don't have access to the tons of books that I own...they are the ones from whom I have much to learn. How dare I compare my suffering to theirs? I cannot. But I can honor their suffering by doing no less through my own trials and tribulations...remaining faithful to my Lord and maintaining complete trust in Him who alone can give us "a strength that keeps [us] in peace."

God bless

It's Not Over...But Much To Praise God About

Hello everyone:

I just want to post a quick update about my challenges. The Lord has answered prayer in a powerful way by opening a door for me and I have been so encouraged by it. Praise the Lord for His lovingkindess and His tender mercies! I have committed to memory Psalm 69:16-17 and it is such a joy to be reminded daily that He loves His people so much and even when He sends challenges our way He does it for our good and with those wonderful tender mercies in mind! I still, honestly, don't know what is in store for me but I feel like the Lord has been testing me and in His infinite wisdom has shown me through a recent event that even in the midst of anxiety, concern, and even occasional despair, that He loves us so much and will not burden us with more than we can possibly bear. How sweet it is to be in His loving care...to know we are the recipients of His lovingkindness....to know that even if the worst should come to pass, that He is my Father.

I have been reading from the Proverbs and I came across this gem in my morning reading:

"Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint."
- Proverbs 25:19

Lucky for all of us who trust in the Lord...He is NOT an unfaithful man. We are unfaithful, and I think of myself here...for how often do I fail to live the life He has called me to live? How often do I choose the easy path of accomodation with the world rather than witnessing boldly of His grace and His love? Too often is my answer. Too often do I find myself reflecting on unworthy thoughts rather than on the precepts of His Word. But praise the Lord indeed that He is the great covenant keeper. If it were up to us we would long ago have doomed ourselves!

Well these are the rambling thoughts of yours truly...it is late but I wanted to give anyone who reads this a quick update. Continue to pray for me, please. And praise God for the wonderful way in which He is working in my life, in the life of my wife, and in the life of my children. The Lord bless you and keep you!

Enoch_Elijah

A Response to the Tired Old Charge Against Calvinism

I was doing my evening survey of blogs when I came across this really cool one devoted to a defense of Calvinism. This website has an article on seven reasons why Calvinists evangelize. Read it! :)

Learning from the Psalms

"I cry out to the LORD with my voice; with my voice to the LORD I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me. Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul. I cried out to You, O LORD: I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name; the righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me.”
- Psalm 142

Despite the melancholy tone of this psalm, it has brought me great joy today as I've spent the better part of the morning contemplating it. Strange how the most unlikely things are the ones that often point us to the heart of what we need from the Lord isn't it? For myself, this passage gave me such a sense of contentment to know that I can cry out to Him in moments of despair. Even today when I am feeling really good and have a very positive outlook on my situation, this passage fills me with even more encouragement.

Why is that?

Well...for one, this passage tells me that I am free to call out to my God. That I am free to make my supplication to the Creator of the universe! Can you imagine such a thing? When my spirit is overwhelmed...I still have the promise from Him that He knows my path! He knows what I am suffering, He knows what I am struggling with! For those of us who are saved, how can this NOT be a comfort? Even in the midst of trials! Indeed, I join the psalmist in shouting from within my soul that He is my refuge!

And do you know what? I know that He will deal bountifully with me. I have no doubt about this. How could I dare to doubt? Does His word not tell me that He is my high tower, my shield? Does His word not tell me that indeed I should be happy because I belong to that people whose God is the Lord? (Psalm 145:15)

Yes it does!

Therefore I will be happy and rejoice for my God is the Lord! What a declaration to be able to make!

Amen?

Being Clay in the Potter's Hand

Well the day is almost over so I want to make sure I post to let my family and friends know how I am doing. I think the title of this post should tell you some of how I'm feeling! :) And indeed it is quite an experience as tomorrow marks the 22nd day since this current dilemma came home to roost for me! I tend to get impatient with circumstances and want everything settled immediately, but then I remind myself that God is in control and nothing will happen to me that He does not allow to happen. This gives me so much comfort that you cannot even begin to imagine! What a consolation it is to know that the Lord of all creation, who made all things, is looking out for me and is in complete control of this situation! What peace! It is truly amazing to realize that we serve such an amazing God.

My reading for today comes from Psalm 119, that classic beauty. This is what gave me the most encouragement today:

"Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul breaks with longing for Your judgments at all times. You rebuke the proud—the cursed, who stray from Your commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies. Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors."
- Psalm 119:17-24

My prayer for today, as I prepare to head to bed, is that God will help me to have the right attitude throughout all of this...that He will help me be a ready and willing piece of clay in His hand, and that His glory come from whatever lies in store for me.

Thanks!