Here is a quote from a 100 year old lady in Minnesota that I have found quite encouraging and true. I hope it helps you through the day/week/year/lifetime:
Trust Him when dark days assail thee,
Trust Him when your faith is small,
Trust Him when to only trust Him,
Is the hardest thing of all.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Does not your Heavenly Father care...
Today was one of those days where you fight discouragement from the moment you crawl out of bed. I so wanted to be cheery and rejoicing...I was trying, but it was a fight. So, I got in the car and drove to church as I am prone to do on Sunday.I parked in my normal area of the normal parking lot I use, grabbed Bible and proceeded to exit car, when I noticed what I was walking on. It was a wonderful sea full of multitudinous colors of leaves. (The picture does about 9% of the justice of what really it looked like) My first feeling was "Wow, incredible...incredible that I get to walk on this." Shortly this I was reminded of this truth:
"See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:28b-30 NIV)
It hit me like a brick. Why do I worry, or fear, or not trust? He has clothed this tree in leaves to provide a carpet for my footsteps and yet not one of these leaves touches the ground without His knowing. How much more does he care about me and my every footstep, feeling, heartbeat, and heartache? He knows all my heart holds and all that assails me and cares for me. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:35 NIV)
I hope that have an excellent day and as the advent season is soon upon us join me in praying that the mystery and joy of the incarnation of Jesus Christ in human form will rock your world as never before. Also that we would shine Jesus to others especially during this time of year.
Christopher
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Overhaul requested
If any of y'all (all 3 people that probably look at this...if that) know how to make this thing look better/cooler let me know.
Christopher
And do check out www.twentytwowords.com
Christopher
And do check out www.twentytwowords.com
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Late Night Music
I am just sitting here after studying letting the iTunes shuffle option do its work. Some days are just hard, mixed with awesomeness and not seeing Jesus right and consequent discouragement...no it should not be, but it often is. So I am sitting here letting the music flow and I love music, it hits me like few things can. It hit me that Gods love for us is as (and infinitely more) complex, beautiful and wonderful than this music that surrounds me. How great the Father's love for us.
This probably made no sense, but thats okay...
Christopher
This probably made no sense, but thats okay...
Christopher
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, and Primary Neoplasms
Last night I was studying cadiopathology out of Robbins Basic Pathology and as I was nearing the end of my long stint in this book and read the following sentence:
"Primary cardiac tumors are uncommon; in addition, most primary cardiac tumors are also (thankfully) benign."
Before I go on, I make no claim to know the religious persuasion of any of the authors or editors of this book, other than it is a highly regarded scholarly text...which usually means that it is written in an objective, scientific, somewhat Darwinian style, with often little reference or inference to a higher power. You probably need to re-read that quote up there now after this disclaimer.
I read through it first off with out a hitch and then that word in the parenthesis sat funny with me. Thankfully...seriously, did I just read thankfully, a more literary word than a scientific word in a pathology text book. I mean this word has strong gut emotions. It is tied into the soul. So I thought, heck yeah I would be thankful that a tumor is benign. But who would I be thankful to? As a believer I immediately say: God!! If I had just gotten a pathology report back that says benign, I would start praying and saying thank you as soon as I could come to my senses. But what struck me as odd is not this, because those of us who are believers have a Being to be thankful to. Thankfully if not to God (or rather in the absence of God) make no sense. And this is what I am getting at.
As I said earlier, thankfulness is tied into the soul. We all express (or want to express) some measure of thankfulness at the happening of fortuitous events. I dare say even gang members and criminals express (albeit skewed) happiness at a "benefiting event". But I am getting of topic. If there were no one to thank, from a Darwinian stand, what good would it do to be thankful. If there were no God, why are our souls so insistent on expressing gratitude when faced with a horrible outcome turned favorable. There is no reason, it would be counter productive. It would be thanking an idea of luck, or fortune, or happen stance...of which none of these can respond and say "You are welcome." Kind of like thanking your dinning room table for the bountiful blessing of food sitting upon it.
Even for our fallen selves(believer and non believer alike) I think that thankfulness is rooted deep in our human nature. All of us (believer and non believer) are made...and made for a purpose. Even in the nonbeliever I think that there is a remnant of this Original Man (aka Adam) left in us that wants to thank someone (aka God) for the fortuitous, good, and blessed events of our life. It is back to our original purpose to love and to worship God. Our souls long for a Being to give adoration to. How sad it is indeed when this is given to "the fates" and "chance". When people are thankful and know not why.
Thanksgiving is coming up. Let us not be meager in our thankfulness and knowing who our blessedness comes from...whatever be our situation. Let us fill our hearts full of the joy that comes from knowing that we are beloved children and that as we thank God for his pleasures and joys (or pains and sufferings) upon this earth, that we will be filled even more with the heartfelt pleasure of knowing Him and that He is good.
This was my meager attempt at apologetics and evidence of the Lord upon being thankful. I hope it made sense. Please someone who is more capable in these ways take this and run with it. As I often say the disconnect from the brain to the fingers/mouth are often quite evident. And thank you to all 2 people who read this. Haha...back to studying.
"Primary cardiac tumors are uncommon; in addition, most primary cardiac tumors are also (thankfully) benign."
Before I go on, I make no claim to know the religious persuasion of any of the authors or editors of this book, other than it is a highly regarded scholarly text...which usually means that it is written in an objective, scientific, somewhat Darwinian style, with often little reference or inference to a higher power. You probably need to re-read that quote up there now after this disclaimer.
I read through it first off with out a hitch and then that word in the parenthesis sat funny with me. Thankfully...seriously, did I just read thankfully, a more literary word than a scientific word in a pathology text book. I mean this word has strong gut emotions. It is tied into the soul. So I thought, heck yeah I would be thankful that a tumor is benign. But who would I be thankful to? As a believer I immediately say: God!! If I had just gotten a pathology report back that says benign, I would start praying and saying thank you as soon as I could come to my senses. But what struck me as odd is not this, because those of us who are believers have a Being to be thankful to. Thankfully if not to God (or rather in the absence of God) make no sense. And this is what I am getting at.
As I said earlier, thankfulness is tied into the soul. We all express (or want to express) some measure of thankfulness at the happening of fortuitous events. I dare say even gang members and criminals express (albeit skewed) happiness at a "benefiting event". But I am getting of topic. If there were no one to thank, from a Darwinian stand, what good would it do to be thankful. If there were no God, why are our souls so insistent on expressing gratitude when faced with a horrible outcome turned favorable. There is no reason, it would be counter productive. It would be thanking an idea of luck, or fortune, or happen stance...of which none of these can respond and say "You are welcome." Kind of like thanking your dinning room table for the bountiful blessing of food sitting upon it.
Even for our fallen selves(believer and non believer alike) I think that thankfulness is rooted deep in our human nature. All of us (believer and non believer) are made...and made for a purpose. Even in the nonbeliever I think that there is a remnant of this Original Man (aka Adam) left in us that wants to thank someone (aka God) for the fortuitous, good, and blessed events of our life. It is back to our original purpose to love and to worship God. Our souls long for a Being to give adoration to. How sad it is indeed when this is given to "the fates" and "chance". When people are thankful and know not why.
Thanksgiving is coming up. Let us not be meager in our thankfulness and knowing who our blessedness comes from...whatever be our situation. Let us fill our hearts full of the joy that comes from knowing that we are beloved children and that as we thank God for his pleasures and joys (or pains and sufferings) upon this earth, that we will be filled even more with the heartfelt pleasure of knowing Him and that He is good.
This was my meager attempt at apologetics and evidence of the Lord upon being thankful. I hope it made sense. Please someone who is more capable in these ways take this and run with it. As I often say the disconnect from the brain to the fingers/mouth are often quite evident. And thank you to all 2 people who read this. Haha...back to studying.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
22
Following Abraham Piper's blog model here is my 22:
I know not where all this path may lead,
but it is the way of getting there that is half the point.
-C.
I know not where all this path may lead,
but it is the way of getting there that is half the point.
-C.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Jealousy of Others Ministries
As I start to try to think of how to write this in cohesive words, I'll start by saying that this is coming from my own experiences of jealousy and covetousness, no I'm not perfect although that's coming one day beyond this current life. I desist...
Why do we covet or get jealous of others ministries? I know for me a lot of the time it is "What they are getting to do is sooo cool." (ie: David Crowder Band, Leeland, etc.) It also is in a truly respectful and wanting to be as fruitful as they are the "Look how they lead others to Jesus!" Then it goes sour with anger and jealousy. Why is this so? It should not be so.
Let me pose question number 2: "When one member of the body benefits, do not all?" If I adorn my torso with a cool shirt are my hands any less benefited, or rockin' shoes for my feet are my arms any less blessed? If David Crowder and Leeland are leading others to Christ and helping other Christians be faithful, should we not rejoice greatly?? Should not our joy increase as well. If John Piper or Bob Kauflin inspires others to be more God centered, should be not rejoice that this is occuring? Are not we all benefiting from these ministers being blessed and the peoples being blessed?
I think that God has placed us in strategic places for His purposes. As I would love to travel the country and play music God knows this is no place for me (as much as that hurts to say it), and as much as I love to point others to Jesus, He knows that I am not gifted to be a pastor, writer, and speaker (at the this point in life at least). But again, are we not all members of the same body, members all working for the same goal? How can I be jealous or envious if Christ is central...or rather why do we let ourselves become jealous or envious if Christ is central? Should we not pray for and encourage those who are more prominent than us so that they may be more effective? In the end, while we are being jealous, who are we missing that we have been strategically placed to reach and to minister to?
This is not to say that you should not desire to do great things, or wish for your church to grow, or desire to be a more erudite leader. But it is in a way to say, don't miss the small things, for even one life led to Christ is worth my entire life (wishing it be multitudes). It is to say don't neglect the personal growth in your church for numerical growth in your church. It is to say don't miss your current ministry by always focusing on the future ministry.
As always, I am sure one day I may look back on this with a sense of "Oh my, I was young and green." But I hope that this spurs you on to be the minister you were called to be, whatever that looks like. And to pray for and love those who are prominent, for if they benefit we all do. We are the body of Christ, let us not break out in an autoimmune disease.
Why do we covet or get jealous of others ministries? I know for me a lot of the time it is "What they are getting to do is sooo cool." (ie: David Crowder Band, Leeland, etc.) It also is in a truly respectful and wanting to be as fruitful as they are the "Look how they lead others to Jesus!" Then it goes sour with anger and jealousy. Why is this so? It should not be so.
Let me pose question number 2: "When one member of the body benefits, do not all?" If I adorn my torso with a cool shirt are my hands any less benefited, or rockin' shoes for my feet are my arms any less blessed? If David Crowder and Leeland are leading others to Christ and helping other Christians be faithful, should we not rejoice greatly?? Should not our joy increase as well. If John Piper or Bob Kauflin inspires others to be more God centered, should be not rejoice that this is occuring? Are not we all benefiting from these ministers being blessed and the peoples being blessed?
I think that God has placed us in strategic places for His purposes. As I would love to travel the country and play music God knows this is no place for me (as much as that hurts to say it), and as much as I love to point others to Jesus, He knows that I am not gifted to be a pastor, writer, and speaker (at the this point in life at least). But again, are we not all members of the same body, members all working for the same goal? How can I be jealous or envious if Christ is central...or rather why do we let ourselves become jealous or envious if Christ is central? Should we not pray for and encourage those who are more prominent than us so that they may be more effective? In the end, while we are being jealous, who are we missing that we have been strategically placed to reach and to minister to?
This is not to say that you should not desire to do great things, or wish for your church to grow, or desire to be a more erudite leader. But it is in a way to say, don't miss the small things, for even one life led to Christ is worth my entire life (wishing it be multitudes). It is to say don't neglect the personal growth in your church for numerical growth in your church. It is to say don't miss your current ministry by always focusing on the future ministry.
As always, I am sure one day I may look back on this with a sense of "Oh my, I was young and green." But I hope that this spurs you on to be the minister you were called to be, whatever that looks like. And to pray for and love those who are prominent, for if they benefit we all do. We are the body of Christ, let us not break out in an autoimmune disease.
Nakedness
Yes, the name of the blog is different...I named my current journal "Journey," as I was in one of those dark nights of the soul type times. Silly me thought "Oh this journey will soon come to an end and I will be at the same place for the rest of my life." (Or something about that kind of.) The more I have grown the more and more I realize that this journal and this time was only the fledgling toddler steps to a much greater, harder, and life long journey. Who would have thought...or rather why didn't I know it? But that is the short story of why the name change. Though this still be the place for me to hang all of these hats in my head, it is about the journey as well. Now to the real post:
The following is an excerpt from my journal entitled nakedness:
July 11th 2007,
Maybe I'm the only one who thinks of Jesus actually being naked on the cross. I don't know, but I have to ask the question: Among the horrid brutality of crucifixion and the humility of being nailed up stark naked, is there not an awesome beauty to be seen?
Here is the Son of God (God in flesh) stripped naked for the world to see. Nakedness is most often reserved for intimacy with those we are closest with, wife and husband. Here is the bridegroom of the church laying it out, bearing it all (in both senses of the word). Nakedness screaming out "I love you, I love you!" both to the Father and to us. Trasparent, overt, naked and unashamed love. (Note Genesis when Adam and Eve felt shame when they knew sin...Christ loved perfectly, yet "He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf that in Him we may become the righteousness of God.") Brutal yes, fierce yes, naked yes. But as much as evil was plotted, Righteousness, Love, and Hope were even more brutally, fiercely and nakedly exposed. Beautiful nakedness, that Jesus would stay there stretched out and exposed to proclaim His love and save my soul.
------
So there it is.
Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the thrown of God.
Have a great one,
Christopher
The following is an excerpt from my journal entitled nakedness:
July 11th 2007,
Maybe I'm the only one who thinks of Jesus actually being naked on the cross. I don't know, but I have to ask the question: Among the horrid brutality of crucifixion and the humility of being nailed up stark naked, is there not an awesome beauty to be seen?
Here is the Son of God (God in flesh) stripped naked for the world to see. Nakedness is most often reserved for intimacy with those we are closest with, wife and husband. Here is the bridegroom of the church laying it out, bearing it all (in both senses of the word). Nakedness screaming out "I love you, I love you!" both to the Father and to us. Trasparent, overt, naked and unashamed love. (Note Genesis when Adam and Eve felt shame when they knew sin...Christ loved perfectly, yet "He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf that in Him we may become the righteousness of God.") Brutal yes, fierce yes, naked yes. But as much as evil was plotted, Righteousness, Love, and Hope were even more brutally, fiercely and nakedly exposed. Beautiful nakedness, that Jesus would stay there stretched out and exposed to proclaim His love and save my soul.
------
So there it is.
Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the thrown of God.
Have a great one,
Christopher
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