"God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way." - C.S. Lewis
In a word...challenging. Here is a breakdown of the challenges:
1.) Personal stock account down 68% for the year at its lowest point.
2.) Lots of evenings and weekends involved extra work from my job.
3.) Only one vacation day...half of which was spent working.
4.) As if #2 and #3 weren't stressful enough, all of that work resulted in a very poor first quarter performance for my company.
5.) A couple of significant illnesses.
6.) Multiple IRS issues.
7.) Recurring "service engine soon" light in my car that has resulted in two separate trips to the mechanic and extra expenses.
8.) Worse than average weather - snow, ice, cold, rain, tornados - which has a tendency to adversely affect my mood and energy level.
Pretty ugly, huh? Yes, I have perspective. I know my issues pale in comparison relative to others but this blog is about my experiences in an absolute sense. Let's go through these one by one and see where I stand now.
1.) I have been trading stocks for 13 years now and have NEVER lost such a large percentage in such a short time. Not only that, this happened in an UP market. I firmly believe that God was at least partially responsible. I have never experienced so many bad breaks in my life. It was simply too much to be coincidence (referencing the last blog). There were days when the market was up and all 10 of my positions, which should have benefited from an up market, were down on the day. That is practically impossible and it happened multiple times.
So, it was either give up or continue but just completely let the results fall in God's hands while still doing my best. It was challenging at times to balance being a good steward (risk management, researching stocks before taking a position) and yet putting all my faith in God that whether my account doubled or went to zero within the next week, it ultimately didn't matter, because He mattered more. From the low I reached in March, I am up about 65%. But I still have a ways to go to get back to even for the year. Yet, I'm not worrying about it. I do believe it was another lesson in faith and where I place my worth and I think I got a passing grade.
2.) Not much to say here. I am not working extra hours because I find my worth in it or out of pride. I do it because I think it is necessary in order to be good at my job and give my firm the best chance at being successful. I believe it honors God and my employer and offers a good witness.
3.) Again, much like #2, a small company can't afford to have any of its members gone much. I will have more vacation later this year so I have gotten through the worst of it.
4.) Performance has been better in the second quarter. Will we recover enough for me to have any chance at a real bonus? That is a long shot at this point but one day at a time.
5.) I am healthy and thankful. Getting in better shape is a top goal for this year and I am currently working out at the hardest level in over a year.
6.) Not going to elaborate here but let's just say that federal issues are resolved. State is still a work in progress but I am much closer to the end than the beginning.
7.) The light remains on but I am now chalking it up to a sensor issue. The second trip into the shop resulted in an engine flush which has noticeably helped my gas mileage. Thank you Lord.
8.) Weather has definitely turned nicer and outdoors time can once again be an option. It is aiding my health and my workouts.
There have been times in my life when the above list occurring within a four month period would have sent me into a mental and emotional downward spiral. But that never really happened this time around. I rest so much more securely in my relationship with Jesus Christ and who I am because of what He has done for me rather than what I can do for myself. It has made all the difference. I actually feel more optimistic about my life than I have in a long time. I think that's because I know more of what my life is about now and that I am much more sold on a cause that lies outside and above me. These are all temporal issues that ultimately hold no sway over my heart and soul.
This is from a blog that I wrote on 9/18/10:
So, this is what it comes down to and why I struggle. My hope ebbs and flows between heaven and this world...between the eternal and the temporal...between the saving grace of Jesus Christ and my desperate attempt to save myself. I love Paul's phrase, "your endurance inspired by hope". When I start to lose hope my endurance definitely suffers and the temptation to quit looms large. But that is only when my hope is outside of God. I want to eventually get to the point echoed in the verses below. When all earthly hope has been removed...when there is no worldly reason to go on...I will simply look up and know who I am and rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (New American Standard Bible)
17Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
18Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
By the continued grace of God I am getting to that point. More than ever, I look up and know who I am and rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Coincidence?
Two Saturdays ago I joined some friends for a trivia night in order to raise funds for missionary work in Kenya. I am always up for trivia and a God-glorifying cause makes it all the better. We briefly held 2nd place (out of 13) but drifted into a tie for 4th by the end of the night. The highlight of the night wasn't knowing how many stories comprise the Empire State Building or guessing correctly the year that Delaware became a state.
Earlier that day, I had been reading an email and felt convicted by the Spirit to give money to a ministry, which is not something that had been in my budget that month. I don't have a lot of discretionary income these days so it wasn't what I would call an easy financial decision but it was the right spiritual response and so I obeyed with little debate or consternation. The result was peace.
So, back to trivia night. They had both a live and silent auction. As it turned out, I didn't bring enough cash to meet the minimum bids on anything. Besides, nothing really caught my eye except the auction item for 8 1-hour guitar lessons. My parents were quite generous in getting me the gift of an acoustic guitar over three years ago but it has mostly gone unused after my initial efforts led to the quick conclusion that I would need professional help in getting my guitar skills off the ground. Due to financial and time considerations, as well as motivation that came and went, I had not passionately pursued a teacher. Yet, there was the auction sheet in front of me with no one signed up by the end of the night. I felt a bit like I was missing an opportunity. But I didn't have the money and I didn't want to ask anyone for a loan.
Since I wasn't able to financially contribute through the auction items, I decided to buy some 50/50 tickets. For those of you who haven't attended a trivia night, this is a pretty common fundraising technique. You can buy these tickets for $1 apiece and a matching ticket to the one you buy goes into a big jar. At the end of the night, they pick out one winning ticket which gets half of the money that was collected and the other half goes to the charity. Most of the time, the winner ends up giving some or all of his/her winnings back. It is charity after all.
So, the first time I tried to get the attention of the woman collecting the 50/50 money, she turned away and went to another part of the room. I patiently waited for her to come back which she eventually did. I purchased 20 tickets and went on with the night.
They finally got around to reading off the winning ticket, and yes, it happened to be one of the tickets I had purchased. I won $127 and I immediately knew what the money was meant for. There is a story I have heard Francis Chan tell on a couple of occasions. He had been out golfing with some of his friends and one of them was using a new driver which he really wanted. His was older and smaller and he really wanted a club that would allow him to hit the ball farther. But he knew he couldn't really justify it financially. He was having this discussion with God as he was driving to a church the following day for a speaking engagement. After he finishes speaking, a church leader comes up to him and says that they don't have the money to pay him. Francis was just going to say that's fine, no worries. Then this guy says...but we would like to offer you this new driver instead. The club was exactly like the one that Francis wanted. He found it amazing that the God of the universe was so intimately involved in his life and so loving toward him that He would arrange for a golf club to end up in his hands.
I felt the same way that night. God knows my heart and He knew that deep down I really want to learn to play and my disappointment in seeing that auction sheet earlier that evening and not being able to do anything about it. I do believe that God gave me an extra blessing because I was obedient earlier in the day but I also believe that I am blessed by God simply because of who He is and how much He loves me. I am blessed through difficulties that strengthen my faith and I am blessed through moments like this that remind me of how much my heavenly Father cares about me.
There are no coincidences with God. It wasn't a coincidence that the minimum bid for the guitar lessons was the exact same amount I gave earlier in the day. It wasn't a coincidence that I couldn't get the woman's attention the first time she came by. As Pastor Braun said to me many years ago, "Don't call it luck. Call it a blessing." Proverbs 16:33 tells us that even the cast of the die is controlled by the sovereignty of God. Nothing happens outside of the control or allowance of God. That night was a special moment between Him and I. It was good.
Earlier that day, I had been reading an email and felt convicted by the Spirit to give money to a ministry, which is not something that had been in my budget that month. I don't have a lot of discretionary income these days so it wasn't what I would call an easy financial decision but it was the right spiritual response and so I obeyed with little debate or consternation. The result was peace.
So, back to trivia night. They had both a live and silent auction. As it turned out, I didn't bring enough cash to meet the minimum bids on anything. Besides, nothing really caught my eye except the auction item for 8 1-hour guitar lessons. My parents were quite generous in getting me the gift of an acoustic guitar over three years ago but it has mostly gone unused after my initial efforts led to the quick conclusion that I would need professional help in getting my guitar skills off the ground. Due to financial and time considerations, as well as motivation that came and went, I had not passionately pursued a teacher. Yet, there was the auction sheet in front of me with no one signed up by the end of the night. I felt a bit like I was missing an opportunity. But I didn't have the money and I didn't want to ask anyone for a loan.
Since I wasn't able to financially contribute through the auction items, I decided to buy some 50/50 tickets. For those of you who haven't attended a trivia night, this is a pretty common fundraising technique. You can buy these tickets for $1 apiece and a matching ticket to the one you buy goes into a big jar. At the end of the night, they pick out one winning ticket which gets half of the money that was collected and the other half goes to the charity. Most of the time, the winner ends up giving some or all of his/her winnings back. It is charity after all.
So, the first time I tried to get the attention of the woman collecting the 50/50 money, she turned away and went to another part of the room. I patiently waited for her to come back which she eventually did. I purchased 20 tickets and went on with the night.
They finally got around to reading off the winning ticket, and yes, it happened to be one of the tickets I had purchased. I won $127 and I immediately knew what the money was meant for. There is a story I have heard Francis Chan tell on a couple of occasions. He had been out golfing with some of his friends and one of them was using a new driver which he really wanted. His was older and smaller and he really wanted a club that would allow him to hit the ball farther. But he knew he couldn't really justify it financially. He was having this discussion with God as he was driving to a church the following day for a speaking engagement. After he finishes speaking, a church leader comes up to him and says that they don't have the money to pay him. Francis was just going to say that's fine, no worries. Then this guy says...but we would like to offer you this new driver instead. The club was exactly like the one that Francis wanted. He found it amazing that the God of the universe was so intimately involved in his life and so loving toward him that He would arrange for a golf club to end up in his hands.
I felt the same way that night. God knows my heart and He knew that deep down I really want to learn to play and my disappointment in seeing that auction sheet earlier that evening and not being able to do anything about it. I do believe that God gave me an extra blessing because I was obedient earlier in the day but I also believe that I am blessed by God simply because of who He is and how much He loves me. I am blessed through difficulties that strengthen my faith and I am blessed through moments like this that remind me of how much my heavenly Father cares about me.
There are no coincidences with God. It wasn't a coincidence that the minimum bid for the guitar lessons was the exact same amount I gave earlier in the day. It wasn't a coincidence that I couldn't get the woman's attention the first time she came by. As Pastor Braun said to me many years ago, "Don't call it luck. Call it a blessing." Proverbs 16:33 tells us that even the cast of the die is controlled by the sovereignty of God. Nothing happens outside of the control or allowance of God. That night was a special moment between Him and I. It was good.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama
"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles." - Proverbs 23:17
Given my active Twitter feed and constant monitoring of world news for my job, I found out about Osama bin Laden's death as soon as the news hit the wires. I stayed up and watched Obama announce it to the nation. I was a bit surprised at my reaction. I didn't rejoice. I didn't even feel a sense of justice although I certainly believe Osama got what he deserved in human terms. I did feel a lingering sadness. A sadness over a life used by Satan to produce evil and heartache and chaos...a life that most likely ended in eternal torment. I think a few years ago I would have been much more jubilant as the memories from the day of 9/11 remain very much imprinted on my mind. However, my continued spiritual growth and desire to see things more through God's eyes have shifted how I see and process the world around me. This proved to be a reminder of how much God has changed me.
I have included some other Biblically solid sources here that will hopefully help Christians and non-Christians alike process Osama's death and that of others that we deem to be evil.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Vatican’s statement will not jibe with many Americans, but I believe it is right. The Bible says: “As I live, says the Lord GOD, I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in the wicked man’s conversion, that he may live” (Ezekiel 33:11). We should be glad that, as a direct result of his death, global terrorism will be set back (how much no one knows for sure) and global peace will be advanced. But, in accordance with the teaching of Jesus Christ (“You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” [Matt. 5:43-44]) we should not rejoice at his death per se. Nor can we assume that his soul is in hell (though that wouldn’t be surprising), since God alone is Judge.
The Vatican said the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, a man who sowed division and hatred and who caused “innumerable” deaths, should prompt serious reflection about one’s responsibility before God.
A Christian “never rejoices” in the face of a man’s death, the Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said in a brief statement this morning. Here is an English translation of his statement:
Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions for this purpose.
In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." Proverbs 21:15 - tweeted by Rick Warren
And yet, the Christian narrative is one in which we await and long for the complete restoration/reconciliation of all things to God. Any other “solution” to brokenness is second best and a form of brokenness itself.
Bin Laden’s death is one more death in a long chain of violence that began long before his birth and will continue long after his death. I hardly expect anyone in my social setting to sincerely lament his passing. I do not. But celebrating his death (or any death, really) is revealing of a profound misunderstanding of the nature of war, the nature of evil, the nature of violence, the nature of death and, I believe, the heart of God.
Nothing has been won. It is only another loss that can, for now, help some of us to feel better about the losses closer to us. But that’s not a victory. It’s a compromise.
Death ought always be greeted with a sense of sobriety. Because, though it may feel good (and that is fully understandable) death does not heal. Death does not solve. Death does not fix. Every death is a reminder of brokenness. As a Christian, I must hope for and celebrate something better than this.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: "How should Christians react to the death of evil people?"
Answer: With the recent death of Osama bin Laden, many Christians are wondering how they should feel about such an event. Are we to rejoice/celebrate when evil people die / are killed? Interestingly, the authors of the Bible seem to have struggled with this issue as well, with different perspectives being presented in different passages.
First, there is Ezekiel 18:23, “’As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.’” Clearly, God does not take pleasure in the death of evil people. Why is this? Why wouldn’t a holy and righteous God take pleasure in evil people receiving the punishment they deserve? Ultimately, the answer would have to be that God knows the eternal destiny of evil people. God knows how horrible eternity in the lake of fire will be. Similar to Ezekiel 18:23, 2 Peter 3:9 states that God is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” So, in terms of the eternal destiny of evil people, no, we should not rejoice at their eternal demise. Hell is so absolutely horrible that we should never rejoice when someone goes there.
Second, there is Proverbs 11:10, “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.” This seems to be speaking of the death of evil people in an earthly/temporal sense. When there are fewer evil people in the world, the world is a better place. We can rejoice when justice is done, when evil is defeated. A mass murderer being removed from the world is a good thing. God has ordained governments (and the military) as instruments of judgment against evil. When evil people are killed, whether in the judicial system via the death penalty, or whether through military means, it is God’s justice being accomplished (Romans 13:1-7). For justice being done, and for evil people being removed from this world, yes, we can rejoice.
There are many other scriptures that could be discussed (Deuteronomy 32:43; Job 31:29; Psalm 58:10; Proverbs 17:5, 24:17-18; Jeremiah 11:20; Ezekiel 33:11), but Ezekiel 18:23 and Proverbs 11:10 are likely sufficient to help us achieve this difficult biblical balance. Yes, we can rejoice when evil is defeated, even if that includes the death of evil people. Ridding the world of evil people is a good thing. At the same time, we are not to rejoice at the eternal condemnation of evil people. God does not desire that evil people spend eternity in the lake of fire, and He definitely does not rejoice when they go there. Neither should we.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.dennyburk.com/some-thoughts-on-the-death-of-bin-laden/
http://theresurgence.com/2011/05/02/love-your-enemies
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/is-god-glad-osama-bin-ladens-dead
http://www.dougwils.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8626:do-your-soul-some-good&catid=129:obama-nation-building
Given my active Twitter feed and constant monitoring of world news for my job, I found out about Osama bin Laden's death as soon as the news hit the wires. I stayed up and watched Obama announce it to the nation. I was a bit surprised at my reaction. I didn't rejoice. I didn't even feel a sense of justice although I certainly believe Osama got what he deserved in human terms. I did feel a lingering sadness. A sadness over a life used by Satan to produce evil and heartache and chaos...a life that most likely ended in eternal torment. I think a few years ago I would have been much more jubilant as the memories from the day of 9/11 remain very much imprinted on my mind. However, my continued spiritual growth and desire to see things more through God's eyes have shifted how I see and process the world around me. This proved to be a reminder of how much God has changed me.
I have included some other Biblically solid sources here that will hopefully help Christians and non-Christians alike process Osama's death and that of others that we deem to be evil.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Vatican’s statement will not jibe with many Americans, but I believe it is right. The Bible says: “As I live, says the Lord GOD, I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in the wicked man’s conversion, that he may live” (Ezekiel 33:11). We should be glad that, as a direct result of his death, global terrorism will be set back (how much no one knows for sure) and global peace will be advanced. But, in accordance with the teaching of Jesus Christ (“You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” [Matt. 5:43-44]) we should not rejoice at his death per se. Nor can we assume that his soul is in hell (though that wouldn’t be surprising), since God alone is Judge.
The Vatican said the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, a man who sowed division and hatred and who caused “innumerable” deaths, should prompt serious reflection about one’s responsibility before God.
A Christian “never rejoices” in the face of a man’s death, the Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said in a brief statement this morning. Here is an English translation of his statement:
Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions for this purpose.
In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." Proverbs 21:15 - tweeted by Rick Warren
And yet, the Christian narrative is one in which we await and long for the complete restoration/reconciliation of all things to God. Any other “solution” to brokenness is second best and a form of brokenness itself.
Bin Laden’s death is one more death in a long chain of violence that began long before his birth and will continue long after his death. I hardly expect anyone in my social setting to sincerely lament his passing. I do not. But celebrating his death (or any death, really) is revealing of a profound misunderstanding of the nature of war, the nature of evil, the nature of violence, the nature of death and, I believe, the heart of God.
Nothing has been won. It is only another loss that can, for now, help some of us to feel better about the losses closer to us. But that’s not a victory. It’s a compromise.
Death ought always be greeted with a sense of sobriety. Because, though it may feel good (and that is fully understandable) death does not heal. Death does not solve. Death does not fix. Every death is a reminder of brokenness. As a Christian, I must hope for and celebrate something better than this.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: "How should Christians react to the death of evil people?"
Answer: With the recent death of Osama bin Laden, many Christians are wondering how they should feel about such an event. Are we to rejoice/celebrate when evil people die / are killed? Interestingly, the authors of the Bible seem to have struggled with this issue as well, with different perspectives being presented in different passages.
First, there is Ezekiel 18:23, “’As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.’” Clearly, God does not take pleasure in the death of evil people. Why is this? Why wouldn’t a holy and righteous God take pleasure in evil people receiving the punishment they deserve? Ultimately, the answer would have to be that God knows the eternal destiny of evil people. God knows how horrible eternity in the lake of fire will be. Similar to Ezekiel 18:23, 2 Peter 3:9 states that God is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” So, in terms of the eternal destiny of evil people, no, we should not rejoice at their eternal demise. Hell is so absolutely horrible that we should never rejoice when someone goes there.
Second, there is Proverbs 11:10, “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.” This seems to be speaking of the death of evil people in an earthly/temporal sense. When there are fewer evil people in the world, the world is a better place. We can rejoice when justice is done, when evil is defeated. A mass murderer being removed from the world is a good thing. God has ordained governments (and the military) as instruments of judgment against evil. When evil people are killed, whether in the judicial system via the death penalty, or whether through military means, it is God’s justice being accomplished (Romans 13:1-7). For justice being done, and for evil people being removed from this world, yes, we can rejoice.
There are many other scriptures that could be discussed (Deuteronomy 32:43; Job 31:29; Psalm 58:10; Proverbs 17:5, 24:17-18; Jeremiah 11:20; Ezekiel 33:11), but Ezekiel 18:23 and Proverbs 11:10 are likely sufficient to help us achieve this difficult biblical balance. Yes, we can rejoice when evil is defeated, even if that includes the death of evil people. Ridding the world of evil people is a good thing. At the same time, we are not to rejoice at the eternal condemnation of evil people. God does not desire that evil people spend eternity in the lake of fire, and He definitely does not rejoice when they go there. Neither should we.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.dennyburk.com/some-thoughts-on-the-death-of-bin-laden/
http://theresurgence.com/2011/05/02/love-your-enemies
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/is-god-glad-osama-bin-ladens-dead
http://www.dougwils.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8626:do-your-soul-some-good&catid=129:obama-nation-building
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Weekend Thoughts
It has been awhile since I have written a lengthy blog but I have been working on some that are almost ready for publication. Topics include abortion, idols and the first 4 months of this year. So, keep an eye out for those. Today, I just feel the need to share some thoughts on a variety of topics so welcome to my brain.
Donald Trump - It's a testament to how much frustration and angst the majority of Americans feel toward our political leaders that Donald is able to find early traction among some voters. People just want someone who will actually lead and give it to us straight. Donald has done a good job of scratching that itch so far. Yes, he is not terribly nice, nor politically correct and his negotiating style would certainly offend more than it would attract but a lot of people view that as a small trade-off for someone outside the machine. I was never a part of the birther movement as I thought it was a distraction from more important and substantive issues. But he actually gained credibility when Obama finally relented and released his long-form birth certificate. For those of you who still don't believe Obama was born in America and want to keep the conspiracy going, you will appreciate this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eOfYwYyS_c&feature=digest
Chris Norton - He was given a 3% chance to walk again. I assure you, if he never walks again, it won't be due to lack of effort. I wear a bracelet reminding me of his struggle. There are days I take strength in my battles knowing that he is out there fighting even bigger ones. In the latest entry in his online journal, his oldest sister stated that one of his favorite quotes is, "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds it." Amen brother. I might put that quote on my mirror.
Sin - "Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God." - Martin Luther
Every Good Friday I try to find a new way of looking at Christ's death that will lead me to a deeper understanding or a greater appreciation for what was accomplished on the cross. I do this for Christmas and Easter as well. This year, I heard a sermon in which the pastor was describing what God the Father was saying to Jesus as He hung on the cross. God was accusing Jesus of all our sins, one by one. Except they were no longer our sins. They belonged to Jesus now. For over four minutes, the pastor went down the list as the Father told his Son all the ways He had wronged Him. I found myself in the midst of that agreeing with Pilate - THIS MAN IS INNOCENT! Jesus didn't do any of these things. It was all me. It's not right that He hangs there for my sins. It's not fair! It was absolutely heartbreaking. To hear Jesus, the perfect Lamb, being forsaken and punished in such a personal way delivered a big impact. In that moment, it made me stop and think that if my going to hell could have prevented Jesus from enduring that, it would be worth it. Upon further reflection, I realized that is exactly what Jesus was saying about me.
Tornadoes - It's a different kind of heartbreak. Hearing and seeing the stories of those affected by the storms has been difficult. Just over a week ago, St. Louis endured it's worst tornado damage since the 70s but no one perished. Now, after the destruction in Alabama and other southern states it seems like what we had here was a minor event. Today, I saw the story of a man in Alabama who had worked in coal mines all his life. He said that what took him 50 years to accumulate was gone in 30 seconds. Again and again, I have heard people say that they are just thankful to be alive. It's ironic that for so many of us we have to lose everything in order to realize that we have everything.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
Donald Trump - It's a testament to how much frustration and angst the majority of Americans feel toward our political leaders that Donald is able to find early traction among some voters. People just want someone who will actually lead and give it to us straight. Donald has done a good job of scratching that itch so far. Yes, he is not terribly nice, nor politically correct and his negotiating style would certainly offend more than it would attract but a lot of people view that as a small trade-off for someone outside the machine. I was never a part of the birther movement as I thought it was a distraction from more important and substantive issues. But he actually gained credibility when Obama finally relented and released his long-form birth certificate. For those of you who still don't believe Obama was born in America and want to keep the conspiracy going, you will appreciate this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eOfYwYyS_c&feature=digest
Chris Norton - He was given a 3% chance to walk again. I assure you, if he never walks again, it won't be due to lack of effort. I wear a bracelet reminding me of his struggle. There are days I take strength in my battles knowing that he is out there fighting even bigger ones. In the latest entry in his online journal, his oldest sister stated that one of his favorite quotes is, "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds it." Amen brother. I might put that quote on my mirror.
Sin - "Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God." - Martin Luther
Every Good Friday I try to find a new way of looking at Christ's death that will lead me to a deeper understanding or a greater appreciation for what was accomplished on the cross. I do this for Christmas and Easter as well. This year, I heard a sermon in which the pastor was describing what God the Father was saying to Jesus as He hung on the cross. God was accusing Jesus of all our sins, one by one. Except they were no longer our sins. They belonged to Jesus now. For over four minutes, the pastor went down the list as the Father told his Son all the ways He had wronged Him. I found myself in the midst of that agreeing with Pilate - THIS MAN IS INNOCENT! Jesus didn't do any of these things. It was all me. It's not right that He hangs there for my sins. It's not fair! It was absolutely heartbreaking. To hear Jesus, the perfect Lamb, being forsaken and punished in such a personal way delivered a big impact. In that moment, it made me stop and think that if my going to hell could have prevented Jesus from enduring that, it would be worth it. Upon further reflection, I realized that is exactly what Jesus was saying about me.
Tornadoes - It's a different kind of heartbreak. Hearing and seeing the stories of those affected by the storms has been difficult. Just over a week ago, St. Louis endured it's worst tornado damage since the 70s but no one perished. Now, after the destruction in Alabama and other southern states it seems like what we had here was a minor event. Today, I saw the story of a man in Alabama who had worked in coal mines all his life. He said that what took him 50 years to accumulate was gone in 30 seconds. Again and again, I have heard people say that they are just thankful to be alive. It's ironic that for so many of us we have to lose everything in order to realize that we have everything.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tonight's Thought
I am reaching the conclusion that the most important part of a Christian's life is more deeply understanding the words "Lord" and "Savior".
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter
Easter service with Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill:
http://www.marshillchurch.org/easter
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live . . .” — Jesus Christ (John 11:25)
"The resurrection was God's way of stamping PAID IN FULL right across history so that nobody could miss it." - Tim Keller
"The fact of the resurrection of Jesus is what makes the gospel story not merely a great experience to read, but a life-changing power." - Tim Keller
"The happy ending of the Resurrection is so enormous that it swallows up even the sorrow of the Cross." - Tim Keller
From Dan Darling...
I’m writing this as I’m meditating on the most beautiful moment in the history of the world. It is the moment when the risen Jesus says, “Mary.” Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows the names of his sheep. And Mary was a most earnest seeker of Jesus. She had a past to be ashamed of, baggage that would embarrass most of us, things we wouldn’t talk about in polite company.
When Jesus call out to Mary, He was revealing Himself as the risen Savior. Everyone who knew Jesus, who was a witness to His unjust trial, knew that Jesus had died. John was there at the cross and saw the soldier pierce Jesus’ side. The centurions and soldiers knew Jesus was dead—so dead they didn’t have to break his legs to hasten death. The disciples knew Jesus was dead and ran away in fear.
So that’s why Jesus appearance to Mary and the speaking of words to her were and are so profound. It means that Jesus is alive. And if Jesus is alive, it means that the salvation he purchased on the cross for you and me is secure. It means the Father was satisfied by the sacrifice of the Son.
For you and me, it means we have a substitute, Jesus, who pleased God on our behalf. IT means we can now walk with God in peace. It means the wrath of God toward me for my sin was satisfied in Christ.
It also means that I can please God. It means that all of the commandments of God, those things I must to do obey God, I can now do. This is why Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, “without the resurrection, we are of all men most miserable.” Why are we miserable? Because if Jesus stayed dead, then there is no sacrifice for sins, I have no substitute, and I have no way of pleasing God. I’m still under his wrath.
But, because Jesus rose. Because Jesus called Mary’s name (and calls my name and your name), Easter is a moment of grand celebration, the greatest holiday on the calendar. And really Easter should be celebrated every day.
This is why the most important question in your life and mine is this: “What will I do with Jesus.” There is really no other question in the world. This is a question for those who don’t know Jesus and seek him. But it’s also a question for those who do know Jesus and yet seek to follow him faithfully. The gospel message is a call to unbelievers and a call to believers.
So as you work your way through life, filter every life’s question through this important grid: What am I doing with Jesus?
http://www.marshillchurch.org/easter
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live . . .” — Jesus Christ (John 11:25)
"The resurrection was God's way of stamping PAID IN FULL right across history so that nobody could miss it." - Tim Keller
"The fact of the resurrection of Jesus is what makes the gospel story not merely a great experience to read, but a life-changing power." - Tim Keller
"The happy ending of the Resurrection is so enormous that it swallows up even the sorrow of the Cross." - Tim Keller
From Dan Darling...
I’m writing this as I’m meditating on the most beautiful moment in the history of the world. It is the moment when the risen Jesus says, “Mary.” Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows the names of his sheep. And Mary was a most earnest seeker of Jesus. She had a past to be ashamed of, baggage that would embarrass most of us, things we wouldn’t talk about in polite company.
When Jesus call out to Mary, He was revealing Himself as the risen Savior. Everyone who knew Jesus, who was a witness to His unjust trial, knew that Jesus had died. John was there at the cross and saw the soldier pierce Jesus’ side. The centurions and soldiers knew Jesus was dead—so dead they didn’t have to break his legs to hasten death. The disciples knew Jesus was dead and ran away in fear.
So that’s why Jesus appearance to Mary and the speaking of words to her were and are so profound. It means that Jesus is alive. And if Jesus is alive, it means that the salvation he purchased on the cross for you and me is secure. It means the Father was satisfied by the sacrifice of the Son.
For you and me, it means we have a substitute, Jesus, who pleased God on our behalf. IT means we can now walk with God in peace. It means the wrath of God toward me for my sin was satisfied in Christ.
It also means that I can please God. It means that all of the commandments of God, those things I must to do obey God, I can now do. This is why Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, “without the resurrection, we are of all men most miserable.” Why are we miserable? Because if Jesus stayed dead, then there is no sacrifice for sins, I have no substitute, and I have no way of pleasing God. I’m still under his wrath.
But, because Jesus rose. Because Jesus called Mary’s name (and calls my name and your name), Easter is a moment of grand celebration, the greatest holiday on the calendar. And really Easter should be celebrated every day.
This is why the most important question in your life and mine is this: “What will I do with Jesus.” There is really no other question in the world. This is a question for those who don’t know Jesus and seek him. But it’s also a question for those who do know Jesus and yet seek to follow him faithfully. The gospel message is a call to unbelievers and a call to believers.
So as you work your way through life, filter every life’s question through this important grid: What am I doing with Jesus?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
“Christianity is a resurrection religion. The concept of resurrection lies at its heart. Remove it and Christianity is destroyed.” - John R. Stott
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.” - 1 Peter 3:18
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8
I was watching a Tim Keller interview earlier today and he stated that although Christmas is a much bigger holiday in this country than Easter, it is Easter that gives Christmas its credibility. After all, at Christmas we celebrate that God's Son, Jesus, was born into our world - fully God and fully man. Yet, how do we know it was really God's son? The resurrection is our proof.
Thomas Arnold (1795-1842), professor of Modern History at Oxford said, “No one fact in the history of mankind . . . is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort than the fact that Christ died and rose from the dead.”
There has been many an opponent and skeptic of Christianity who having set out to disprove the truth of the resurrection has become a devout follower of Christ through their honest research. Such as:
Dr. F. Morrison, a rationalistic lawyer
Lord Lyndhurst, Attorney General of Great Britain
C.S. Lewis, a literary genius
Dr S. Greenleaf, Royal Professor of Law at Harvard University
What evidence you may ask? What proof do we have?
1.) The Christian Church exists and persists across races, geographies and cultures. There have been numerous individuals claiming to be the Messiah before Jesus came and certainly since He departed. Yet, none of them maintained a following after their death. Jesus prevails primarily because the resurrection is the defining and differentiating fact.
2.) Something incredibly significant must have happened on that Sunday to shift the day of worship from what had been the norm for over a thousand years.
3.) The Empty Tomb. No one in history has come up with any factual evidence to contradict the historical record and testimony of the scriptures. The Roman authorities and Jewish religious leaders had every reason to discredit and erase this story but they could not. There are 10 possible explanations for the empty tomb that have been espoused through the years. Only one takes into account all the facts available and the resultant conclusion is that Jesus Christ supernaturally rose from the dead.
4.) Roman Guard Goes AWOL. The Roman guards fled. They left their place of responsibility. How can their attrition he explained, when Roman military discipline was so exceptional? Justin, in Digest #49, mentions all the offenses that required the death penalty. The fear of their superiors' wrath and the possibility of death meant that they paid close attention to the minutest details of their jobs. One way a guard was put to death was by being stripped of his clothes and then burned alive in a fire started with his garments. If it was not apparent which soldier had failed in his duty, then lots were drawn to see which one would be punished with death for the guard unit's failure. Certainly the entire unit would not have fallen asleep with that kind of threat over their heads. Dr. George Currie, a student of Roman military discipline, wrote that fear of punishment "produced flawless attention to duty, especially in the night watches."
5.) The recorded appearances of Christ. These occurred from the morning of His resurrection until His ascension 40 days later. There are ten distinct appearances recorded to either individuals, to the disciples as a group, or to over 500 people in different places, at different times. This was no hallucination or mere slight of fantasy. The Apostle Paul rested his whole case for his faith on the bodily resurrection of Christ.
These people didn't expect to see Him again! Yet,
He walked with his disciples .
He talked with his disciples ,
He ate with his disciples following the resurrection.
This resulted in them being....
6.) The Changed Disciples. Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will scatter. Upon Jesus' arrest, the disciples fled, denied knowing Him and then locked themselves in a room for fear of the same persecution by religious and Roman authorities. Their Rabbi...their teacher...their friend was dead. Yet, they ended up becoming incredibly bold and confident witnesses for Christ in Jerusalem and numerous other places. They were all martyred, killed for the very commitment to Christ that they had so badly wanted to hide. Paul who had been killing Christians and persecuting the church became just as zealous for God when confronted with the truth about Christ.
7.) The contemporary and personal evidence. If Christ rose from the dead, then He is alive today. He is powerfully able to invade and change people’s hearts and lives as they respond to Him. Millions of people today testify to the life changing power of Jesus Christ in their lives. They come from every nation on the face of the earth, every background, from sympathetic families and nations to hostile ones. Millions testify today to the fact that Christ has revolutionized their lives.
As Canon Westcott said, "There is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Jesus Christ" from the dead.
Can the penalty of sin resting upon all mankind be remitted? Plainly not, if God is to remain God. That penalty of sin was ordained in the law of God, and the law of God was no mere arbitrary and changeable arrangement but an expression of the nature of God Himself. If the penalty of sin were remitted, God would become unrighteous, and that God will not become unrighteous is the most certain thing that can possibly be conceived.
How then can sinful men be saved? In one way only. Only if a substitute is provided who shall pay for them the just penalty of God’s law.
The Bible teaches that such a substitute has a matter of fact been provided. The substitute is Jesus Christ. The law’s demands of penalty must be satisfied. There is no escaping that. But Jesus Christ satisfied those demands for us when He died instead of us on the cross. (The Doctrine of the Atonement: Three Lectures, Machen)
"I am the resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die." - John 11:25
http://audio.sovgracemn.org/2010/04/02/the-fathers-cup-a-crucifixion-narrative/
http://www.danieldarling.com/2011/04/good-friday-meditation-psalm-22/
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.” - 1 Peter 3:18
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8
I was watching a Tim Keller interview earlier today and he stated that although Christmas is a much bigger holiday in this country than Easter, it is Easter that gives Christmas its credibility. After all, at Christmas we celebrate that God's Son, Jesus, was born into our world - fully God and fully man. Yet, how do we know it was really God's son? The resurrection is our proof.
Thomas Arnold (1795-1842), professor of Modern History at Oxford said, “No one fact in the history of mankind . . . is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort than the fact that Christ died and rose from the dead.”
There has been many an opponent and skeptic of Christianity who having set out to disprove the truth of the resurrection has become a devout follower of Christ through their honest research. Such as:
Dr. F. Morrison, a rationalistic lawyer
Lord Lyndhurst, Attorney General of Great Britain
C.S. Lewis, a literary genius
Dr S. Greenleaf, Royal Professor of Law at Harvard University
What evidence you may ask? What proof do we have?
1.) The Christian Church exists and persists across races, geographies and cultures. There have been numerous individuals claiming to be the Messiah before Jesus came and certainly since He departed. Yet, none of them maintained a following after their death. Jesus prevails primarily because the resurrection is the defining and differentiating fact.
2.) Something incredibly significant must have happened on that Sunday to shift the day of worship from what had been the norm for over a thousand years.
3.) The Empty Tomb. No one in history has come up with any factual evidence to contradict the historical record and testimony of the scriptures. The Roman authorities and Jewish religious leaders had every reason to discredit and erase this story but they could not. There are 10 possible explanations for the empty tomb that have been espoused through the years. Only one takes into account all the facts available and the resultant conclusion is that Jesus Christ supernaturally rose from the dead.
4.) Roman Guard Goes AWOL. The Roman guards fled. They left their place of responsibility. How can their attrition he explained, when Roman military discipline was so exceptional? Justin, in Digest #49, mentions all the offenses that required the death penalty. The fear of their superiors' wrath and the possibility of death meant that they paid close attention to the minutest details of their jobs. One way a guard was put to death was by being stripped of his clothes and then burned alive in a fire started with his garments. If it was not apparent which soldier had failed in his duty, then lots were drawn to see which one would be punished with death for the guard unit's failure. Certainly the entire unit would not have fallen asleep with that kind of threat over their heads. Dr. George Currie, a student of Roman military discipline, wrote that fear of punishment "produced flawless attention to duty, especially in the night watches."
5.) The recorded appearances of Christ. These occurred from the morning of His resurrection until His ascension 40 days later. There are ten distinct appearances recorded to either individuals, to the disciples as a group, or to over 500 people in different places, at different times. This was no hallucination or mere slight of fantasy. The Apostle Paul rested his whole case for his faith on the bodily resurrection of Christ.
These people didn't expect to see Him again! Yet,
He walked with his disciples .
He talked with his disciples ,
He ate with his disciples following the resurrection.
This resulted in them being....
6.) The Changed Disciples. Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will scatter. Upon Jesus' arrest, the disciples fled, denied knowing Him and then locked themselves in a room for fear of the same persecution by religious and Roman authorities. Their Rabbi...their teacher...their friend was dead. Yet, they ended up becoming incredibly bold and confident witnesses for Christ in Jerusalem and numerous other places. They were all martyred, killed for the very commitment to Christ that they had so badly wanted to hide. Paul who had been killing Christians and persecuting the church became just as zealous for God when confronted with the truth about Christ.
7.) The contemporary and personal evidence. If Christ rose from the dead, then He is alive today. He is powerfully able to invade and change people’s hearts and lives as they respond to Him. Millions of people today testify to the life changing power of Jesus Christ in their lives. They come from every nation on the face of the earth, every background, from sympathetic families and nations to hostile ones. Millions testify today to the fact that Christ has revolutionized their lives.
As Canon Westcott said, "There is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Jesus Christ" from the dead.
Can the penalty of sin resting upon all mankind be remitted? Plainly not, if God is to remain God. That penalty of sin was ordained in the law of God, and the law of God was no mere arbitrary and changeable arrangement but an expression of the nature of God Himself. If the penalty of sin were remitted, God would become unrighteous, and that God will not become unrighteous is the most certain thing that can possibly be conceived.
How then can sinful men be saved? In one way only. Only if a substitute is provided who shall pay for them the just penalty of God’s law.
The Bible teaches that such a substitute has a matter of fact been provided. The substitute is Jesus Christ. The law’s demands of penalty must be satisfied. There is no escaping that. But Jesus Christ satisfied those demands for us when He died instead of us on the cross. (The Doctrine of the Atonement: Three Lectures, Machen)
"I am the resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die." - John 11:25
http://audio.sovgracemn.org/2010/04/02/the-fathers-cup-a-crucifixion-narrative/
http://www.danieldarling.com/2011/04/good-friday-meditation-psalm-22/
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