When I think of each of you, I thank my God. B, you have been with me since the early days of my calling and I hope to have you with me at the close of my ministry. You are one of the more thoughtful people I have known and I consider it to be a great privilege to have your respect as you do mine. We don’t see each other as much as I’d like any more, but I hold onto the hope that the promise of the kingdom is more than sentiment, but something that can be taken at face value.
L, what I admire about you is your compassion for those who need your difference and in this regard, Mr. Wright has brought the best out in you as he has encouraged you in your personal walk with Christ. Likewise, you have watched me from a short distance as I have went through some of the biggest changes in my life and I hope that we will still be encouraging each other as life’s curtain draws near its conclusion.
L - If The Bible is God’s word, as I take it to be, I don’t see anything which would indicate that He has changed His stand on the matter. They’re born that way? Sure. We’re all born as sinners. . Psalm 51:5, “For I was born a sinner – yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.“ I don’t believe that the Psalmist was the only one who was born a sinner. Personally I see no reason why anyone would be exempt. So why would God allow us to be born as sinners? I can’t answer that. Let me know if you find the answer. I don’t believe that God loves those who try to do good. I believe that no one does good, and God loves them all. Romans 3:9-18
You don’t have to see it ‘my way’ for me to treasure my relationship with you. Even if you aren’t completely with me on this, I hope that you can appreciate my heart. Both of you have asked me a similar question,
“Can I love, accept a person without judging them?”
By myself, I can’t. Jesus loved (and loves) sinners. In fact, I believe that He was and is the only one ever to do so in its purest sense.
It’s a funny thing about sinners. They actually sin. I know I sound silly, but I’m very serious. For us as human beings, we really have a difficult time loving people who do the things that we know to be wrong. We tend to respond to sin in other people’s lives in one of two ways, a) we condemn the individual or b) we condone the sin. Respectively in our own lives, we tend to either justify the sin or beat up on ourselves.
Follow your gut instinct with me if you will. Think of the question that both of you asked me and think of the dynamics at play within the question. If I call, ‘that thing’ to be a sin, can I love the person? In our hearts, it seems to follow that if we say that a person is sinning, that we are unable to love them. That’s why the way of Jesus is so counter cultural. He neither condones sin, nor condemns the person.
I’ll be honest, I don’t always do that very well. I tend to waffle between the two. Sometimes I laugh or smile at sin. (Literally) Sometimes I throw stones. If I had a preference between the two, I don’t know which it would be. The people who wear, “God hates homosexual” signs at the PRIDE parades are just plain jerks. I suppose the people who say there is nothing wrong with it are at least nice.
About Judging
We’re all familiar with the words where Jesus says in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
The word judge literally means to pass sentence. Please consider the implications as they demonstrate themselves in real life. This weekend’s cover of The London Free Press carries the following headline, “The Verdicts – Guilty”. The first few words in the article share another part of the story as they read, “Tim Best’s fate now moves from the jury to the judge.”
There are two elements at work here which are distinctly separate, which somehow get melded together in our minds and they are the verdict and the sentence. The verdict has been reached by the jury, but he has not been judged yet. The judge has yet to pronounce sentence on Tim Best.
The verdict has to do with answering the question, “Did the person do that thing for which they have been accused?” Having been found guilty, the question that the judge needs to address is different; “What needs to be done about it?” The judgment or the sentence has to do with determining the penalty for the things that have been done.
There is a lot of judging that goes on, both from within and outside of the Christian community, and we are clearly told that it isn’t right. If you follow the news, it doesn’t take long before you uncover stories where people pass sentence. It’s not unusual to hear Christians say that homosexual’s go to hell. It’s not uncommon to hear of people who have been threatened, laughed at, beaten up or bullied. It’s not uncommon to see people who have been subjected to public ridicule. These are all different forms of passing sentence.
I encourage you to read through the passage of the woman brought to Jesus who was caught in adultery. The funny thing was that she was likely a heterosexual. I guess they sin too. He didn’t pat her on the back and say that it was ok, but He did chastise the people who wanted to throw the stones.
Christians aren’t the only people who judge where it isn’t their place. In fact, I’d accuse the London Free Press of subjecting Tim Best to public ridicule. Sure, the story needs to be covered. I get that. Do we need a picture of him on the front cover, standing next to his sobbing wife? Probably not.
There is a place for making moral judgment calls in our own lives as well as within the church regarding discipline. Don’t ask me to go there right now.
What sentence will be pronounced on Tim Best’s life? I don’t know. It’s not our job to know.
You Judge Me
You asked me whether or not I could love someone without judging them. I’ll let you in on my life and I’ll allow you to decide whether or not you think that I am able to do just that. You see, when I talk about these issues, they aren’t arbitrary situations. Just after writing my last post, a friend of mine gave me a call at work. Just so you know, he happens to be gay.
On more than one occasion, J has told me that he has some horrible sins in his past. I haven’t asked him what they were. I have not preached at him. I don’t know if he has ever had sex with another man or not. I don’t even need to know. All I know is that he is tortured in his own conscience. He often says things to me like this;
“I should be shot and pissed on.”
“The world would be a better place if I were dead.”
“I’ve done horrible things.”
“I should kill myself.”
Maybe you think I’ve got it all wrong, but for me, being Jesus’ light to Him means loving him regardless of his past, or even his present condition. When he calls me to talk, he isn’t looking for someone to tell him, “There’s nothing wrong with what you have done.” and the last thing that he needs is for me to say, “You’re right. You should be shot”.
I believe strongly that my place is to say, “Yeah. Sure you’ve done things that aren’t right. We all have. Welcome to humanity. No, the world won’t be better with you dead. No you shouldn’t kill yourself. Yes there is a purpose to your life as part of God’s family and I hope you can find it.”
J has a hard time coming to believe in a God who loves Him even though He has sinned. Don’ think less of him. How many people do you know who are able to love without condemning the person or condoning the sin? That kind of love is an alien love; one which is not common in the world in which we live.
When he called me last week, he told me that I was his, “Good Christian brother.” I responded by asking,
“So you believe that Jesus died for your sins?”
He answered saying, “Yeah. I believe that Jesus died for all of our sins.”
“No.”, I said. “Do you believe that His death on the cross paid the price for your personal sins?” (Whatever they may be)
After a brief pause he responded. “No. They’re too bad.” He still believes that he should be punished and can’t come to fathom the kind of love that would take the punishment on his behalf. The love of our Saviour is so amazing, it defies human logic.
I don’t know where J will spend eternity. That would be judging him and it’s not my job. The issue isn’t whether or not he is sleeping with other men. Turning straight won’t make him right with God either. The issue is whether or not he will be able to place his trust in Christ on this side of life. If you think I stink and you’re willing to walk with him, let me know. Maybe you can help him more than I can. Of course, he doesn’t trust many people, so I would have to ask his permission first.
Homosexuality and Me.
There is one other thing that you need to know, and besides my wife,
this will be news for most of the living world. Not only do you need to know that I love the homosexual people who God brings into my life, I’m not standing entirely outside of the practice myself.
***gasp****
When I was 11, I was staying at my cousin’s house overnight. Don’t ask me the grimy details. All I’ll say is that when you’re 11 years old, you don’t know how to handle those kinds of advances. That evening was probably the single most damaging event in my life. From then on I had struggled with whether or not I was gay. I remember being taught that it was genetic so I figured that maybe there was some medical test which could tell me whether or not I had the gene. Shortly thereafter, my cousin killed himself. It’s rather ironic don’t you think? The word, ‘gay’ used to mean happy. His death often causes me to question whether or not homosexual men really are that happy after all.
A year or two later, a friend of the family also tried to molest me. Fortunately, my sister was with me while he was trying to ‘play his game’, so together we just left the room. Again, don’t ask about the game. To each his own. Right? If it feels good do it. I guess that was the life philosophy of this guy as well as my cousin.
Do I have ‘the gay gene’? I don’t know. I’ve never been tested. I do have a lovely wife and four wonderful children. Maybe I’m over compensating.
The Judgment to Come
I’m not exactly sure how the judgment will unfold. I do however know the verdict which will be called over my life. I also know how I will plead.
“Kevin LeRoy Abell.
You have been accused of lying, gossiping and theft. You have been a fornicator at heart, a practising homosexual and a masturbator. How do you plead?”
“Guilty” (You’re just lucky I left out some of the ugly stuff.)
Before the sentence is proclaimed, I plan on asking for an Advocate. I’m told that I have One and that His name is Jesus. I don’t mind sharing my story with you, because I’ve been washed. I have received the love that refuses to either smile at my sin or condemn me.
So how about it? Do I sound like someone who can love and accept people without judging them? With Christ in me, I think I can love people who sin. Can you?
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Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Is it a sin to be gay?
Do these statements sound like they contradict each other?
1. It is not a sin to be a homosexual.
2. It is a sin for a man to have sexual intercourse with another man.
Explain....
1. It is not a sin to be a homosexual.
2. It is a sin for a man to have sexual intercourse with another man.
Explain....
Monday, January 24, 2011
I'm an Adult Now
A lot of people that I love are well on their way into adult life. Many are getting married and having children. This song might not fit perfectly into this kind of a blog and it's written from a guy's perspective.
I like some of the realities at play in the song. Sooner or later, we all need to grow up. If you're an adult now, enjoy.
I like some of the realities at play in the song. Sooner or later, we all need to grow up. If you're an adult now, enjoy.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Mystery of the Missing Kidney Stone
As we walk through life, we see the kind of things that we want to see. Don’t we? I mean, we all have a look at the same evidence, but come to different conclusions, based on our own worldview. I don’t pretend to write without a bias, but I do hope that I am forthcoming about my bias. I have been persuaded to believe that there is a God who is living and active in the world today; the God who sent His son as the only means to being reconciled back to Him. That’s my bias and it should make it easy for you to discount my conclusions if you don’t agree with them.
My friend’s wife Tonya was scheduled for surgery this past Friday, Jan 21st. She had a kidney stone which was measured to be about 5 mm. I don’t know when she was diagnosed, but my wife and I have known about it for at least a month. When we first heard about it, the pain was intense enough that she had been taking Percocet in order to cope with the pain. My family and I have been praying for her pretty well every day. I’m sad to say, but my wife and children have been more faithful at this than I have been myself. My friend Dave and his wife Tonya have been praying diligently as well. (I haven’t asked, but I assume that they have prayed much more than we have.)
From our end, we have been praying specifically that Tonya wouldn’t become dependent on her pain killers. Percocet pills are highly addictive and I’ve known one individual who has been physically ruined because of her addiction. We have also been praying that the Lord would heal her. My wife met with Tonya briefly on Wednesday. She had told Barb that she was in some pain, but was able to tolerate it and hadn’t had to take the pills.
If you want or need more details, I’ll try and get them for you. What I do know is that on Friday, she was prepped and put under anesthetic. When she woke up, her caregiver told her that the stone wasn’t there anymore. I didn’t ask how they knew without cutting her open. I figure they did an ultra sound. She was told that she had likely passed the stone.
I don’t know the mechanics of the female anatomy, but when I ponder the possibility of passing a 5mm kidney stone, I almost pass out. In speaking to my wife, Tonya describes it this way – “There is no way that I could pass a 5 mm kidney stone without knowing it. God healed me. I can feel it.”
From my end of the story, I give God the glory. I do however often have a hard time being faithful in my prayers. I get discouraged sometimes when I consider some of the people who have died or others who continue to suffer. I have a friend whose son is sick and so many people keep praying, but the road is still tough.
I guess it’s like we’re living in this sin infested world and there is absolutely no way to live through life without being brought down by the curse of death. That is a reality which we cannot escape. He does however choose to demonstrate His power above the curse, sometimes by providing the strength amidst the adversity, while in others demonstrating his power over the adversity itself.
Of course, knowing my bias….you knew I would say something like that.
By the way, if you agree with the diagnosis of the doctor, try peeing out a small marble. Let me know how it feels. (You’re right. That was a bit much. But I had fun with it.)
My friend’s wife Tonya was scheduled for surgery this past Friday, Jan 21st. She had a kidney stone which was measured to be about 5 mm. I don’t know when she was diagnosed, but my wife and I have known about it for at least a month. When we first heard about it, the pain was intense enough that she had been taking Percocet in order to cope with the pain. My family and I have been praying for her pretty well every day. I’m sad to say, but my wife and children have been more faithful at this than I have been myself. My friend Dave and his wife Tonya have been praying diligently as well. (I haven’t asked, but I assume that they have prayed much more than we have.)
From our end, we have been praying specifically that Tonya wouldn’t become dependent on her pain killers. Percocet pills are highly addictive and I’ve known one individual who has been physically ruined because of her addiction. We have also been praying that the Lord would heal her. My wife met with Tonya briefly on Wednesday. She had told Barb that she was in some pain, but was able to tolerate it and hadn’t had to take the pills.
If you want or need more details, I’ll try and get them for you. What I do know is that on Friday, she was prepped and put under anesthetic. When she woke up, her caregiver told her that the stone wasn’t there anymore. I didn’t ask how they knew without cutting her open. I figure they did an ultra sound. She was told that she had likely passed the stone.
I don’t know the mechanics of the female anatomy, but when I ponder the possibility of passing a 5mm kidney stone, I almost pass out. In speaking to my wife, Tonya describes it this way – “There is no way that I could pass a 5 mm kidney stone without knowing it. God healed me. I can feel it.”
From my end of the story, I give God the glory. I do however often have a hard time being faithful in my prayers. I get discouraged sometimes when I consider some of the people who have died or others who continue to suffer. I have a friend whose son is sick and so many people keep praying, but the road is still tough.
I guess it’s like we’re living in this sin infested world and there is absolutely no way to live through life without being brought down by the curse of death. That is a reality which we cannot escape. He does however choose to demonstrate His power above the curse, sometimes by providing the strength amidst the adversity, while in others demonstrating his power over the adversity itself.
Of course, knowing my bias….you knew I would say something like that.
By the way, if you agree with the diagnosis of the doctor, try peeing out a small marble. Let me know how it feels. (You’re right. That was a bit much. But I had fun with it.)
The Next Two Thursdays..
Well, technically speaking, I'm ready for my next two Thursdays. When I say, 'technically', I mean I've done all that I can personally do to prepare. I've read my passages, I've looked at my available study notes. I've considered how these chapters relate to the rest of scripture.
The rest is up to God. From here all I can do is to meditate, pray and hope that enough of the word has been or will be written on my heart.
Here are the links for both studies.
Revelation 11:19 --> 13:10
Revelation 13:11 --> 15:4
I suppose if I were one to write out the text of the message it would be more helpful wouldn't it? Are we still friends?
The rest is up to God. From here all I can do is to meditate, pray and hope that enough of the word has been or will be written on my heart.
Here are the links for both studies.
Revelation 11:19 --> 13:10
Revelation 13:11 --> 15:4
I suppose if I were one to write out the text of the message it would be more helpful wouldn't it? Are we still friends?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A Task For Each of Us.
What is your life’s objective? Does it have anything to do with seeking after the Kingdom of God? On any given day, if you are to ask me, ‘Kevin, how can I pray for you?’, I’ll probably respond by saying that I need the Lord’s guidance. If any of you have walked closely with me for the past several years, is that not a fair statement?
You’ve likely heard me say on more than one occasion that not all believers are called to foreign missions work, street evangelism, teaching or any other area of spiritual gifting. What I have never addressed in my posts is this question, “What are all believers supposed to be doing?” If you were to ask that question and if I were to answer, I would say something such as;
All believers are called to obedience.
(Notice I didn't say 'believe'. I'm not talking about salvation here.)
I sometimes have a difficult time nailing down what obedience looks like. Being obedient to Christ tends to sound rather vague. There are many imitations. 1. We can use the scriptures as a sports rule book. We carry with us a mental list of the kinds of things that we need to abstain from. 2. Or, through our studies, we might also carry a mental list of the kinds of things that God’s people are supposed to do. 3. For the more cunning, you might even study the life of Christ, His work and His ministry and live your life playing a game of copy cat. My King James study notes say that Jesus was likely home schooled. I guess we all have to be homeschooled now. Sorry folks. King James’ study notes never lie. You’re right. Maybe Rome was more than happy to use Judean taxes towards public education for the Jews.
There are likely more ways to live out a counterfeit walk, but I hope that these three are enough for our time here together tonight. I would also like to add that it’s possible, perhaps even common to live out an authentic faith in Christ, yet live a form of obedience that I have just mentioned. If you were to label me, for much of my life with Jesus, I’d likely fall into the first. Just stay away from that demon liquor and all will be well with your soul.
True obedience is impossible to live out without possessing genuine faith. Let us face it. If you don’t really believe in Christ, how can you do what He says? Sure, you can stay away from beer, you can invite in the homeless, you can even minister to the outcast. (because that’s what Jesus did.) Is it possible to abstain from sin, stand for social justice and copy Jesus, all the while living out an empty walk? Yeah. It’s possible to live out that sort of life, all the while believing that Jesus is little more than a character in one of the world’s greatest story books.
In order to obey anyone, be it Jesus, your parents or your supervisor, the person that we are obedient to actually has to be alive. I hope that doesn’t blow you mind. If you are in Christ, I hope to remind you that we serve a God who is in fact alive and who is able to guide us as we seek after His kingdom. Do you believe that? Really? Would you like me to answer my own question? Sure.
Sometime I believe that I can trust God to articulate to me the things that He wants me to do. Sometimes I do not.
I hope you realize, I’m not speaking on the life issues that are clearly outlined in scripture. I’m talking about knowing and doing the things that Jesus wants us to do. Does Jesus want you to hand out scriptures at the fair? Or does he want you being an advocate for Compassion? Does He want you helping drug addicts? Does He want you in Africa? Do all of these things need to be done? Yes. Can you do all of those things effectively? No you can’t.
You’ve likely heard me say on more than one occasion that not all believers are called to foreign missions work, street evangelism, teaching or any other area of spiritual gifting. What I have never addressed in my posts is this question, “What are all believers supposed to be doing?” If you were to ask that question and if I were to answer, I would say something such as;
All believers are called to obedience.
(Notice I didn't say 'believe'. I'm not talking about salvation here.)
I sometimes have a difficult time nailing down what obedience looks like. Being obedient to Christ tends to sound rather vague. There are many imitations. 1. We can use the scriptures as a sports rule book. We carry with us a mental list of the kinds of things that we need to abstain from. 2. Or, through our studies, we might also carry a mental list of the kinds of things that God’s people are supposed to do. 3. For the more cunning, you might even study the life of Christ, His work and His ministry and live your life playing a game of copy cat. My King James study notes say that Jesus was likely home schooled. I guess we all have to be homeschooled now. Sorry folks. King James’ study notes never lie. You’re right. Maybe Rome was more than happy to use Judean taxes towards public education for the Jews.
There are likely more ways to live out a counterfeit walk, but I hope that these three are enough for our time here together tonight. I would also like to add that it’s possible, perhaps even common to live out an authentic faith in Christ, yet live a form of obedience that I have just mentioned. If you were to label me, for much of my life with Jesus, I’d likely fall into the first. Just stay away from that demon liquor and all will be well with your soul.
True obedience is impossible to live out without possessing genuine faith. Let us face it. If you don’t really believe in Christ, how can you do what He says? Sure, you can stay away from beer, you can invite in the homeless, you can even minister to the outcast. (because that’s what Jesus did.) Is it possible to abstain from sin, stand for social justice and copy Jesus, all the while living out an empty walk? Yeah. It’s possible to live out that sort of life, all the while believing that Jesus is little more than a character in one of the world’s greatest story books.
In order to obey anyone, be it Jesus, your parents or your supervisor, the person that we are obedient to actually has to be alive. I hope that doesn’t blow you mind. If you are in Christ, I hope to remind you that we serve a God who is in fact alive and who is able to guide us as we seek after His kingdom. Do you believe that? Really? Would you like me to answer my own question? Sure.
Sometime I believe that I can trust God to articulate to me the things that He wants me to do. Sometimes I do not.
I hope you realize, I’m not speaking on the life issues that are clearly outlined in scripture. I’m talking about knowing and doing the things that Jesus wants us to do. Does Jesus want you to hand out scriptures at the fair? Or does he want you being an advocate for Compassion? Does He want you helping drug addicts? Does He want you in Africa? Do all of these things need to be done? Yes. Can you do all of those things effectively? No you can’t.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
My Time With The Guys
Hi everyone! I spent the afternoon preparing for my teaching time at men's group. If you're interested in taking a peek, here are the point form notes that I'll be speaking from. If you are a guy and you would like to come,I will be speaking for the last Thursday in January and the first Thursday in February. This should give you enough ammunition if you want to challenge me.
If this is a waste of your time, just let me know. I'll make sure that I don't post things like this in the future. God bless! Enjoy our Canadian winter!
Revelation 11:19 13:10
Revelation 11:19 – God’s Temple Opened
Perspective?
Revelation 12:1 – 6 The Woman, her ‘Child’ and the Dragon
Vs 1 – Woman – Israel
Sun, Moon – Genesis 37:9
12 Stars – Sons of Jacob, 12 Tribes
Not Mary – Salvation is from the Jews, John 4:22
Vs 3 Dragon – devil (slanderer) & Satan (adversary)
The vision in verse 4?
What did these events look like from our perspective?
Q – Why does life on earth look different when we’re looking through God’s vantage point?
Vs 5 The male Child – One who is to rule
Snatched away – the ascension
Q - What importance would this passage have in John’s day? Our day? For futurists?
Revelation 12:7-17 Implications of the Man Child
Q – What did Christ’s birth and ascension accomplish?
Satan and angels defeated
No longer any place for the devil and his followers in heaven
The promise of Genesis 3:15 fulfilled
Vs 12 – Life after Satan’s defeat
John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11 prince of this world
Why isn’t it a compliment to be called ‘worldly’?
The Context for life on earth in the AD
Satan’s last stand
Entrenched on this ‘tiny dot’ (illustrate?)
Spirit of air? Ephesians 2:2
War with Woman & the rest of her offspring
Holocaust, Rome, persecution today?
Revelation 13:1-10 The Beast of the Sea
The powers that be?
Characteristics of ‘The Beast’
Authority vs 1
Blasphemous vs 1,5,6
Qualities of a bear, lion, leopard vs 2
Receives power and throne from Satan vs 2
Mortally wounded, yet lives vs 3
Wages war against the saints vs 7
Worshipped by the people of the ‘world’ vs 8
Q – What would people in John’s day call the beast?
Can ideology be a beast?
What do you think of the following?
“Only capitalism can save us.”
“From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.”
Is Communism dead? Fascism?
Q - How is the cause of Christ really doing under Western Democracy?
One world government?
Q-What if Capitalism, Fascism, Democracy, Communism and Tribalism are all different forms of the same beast? (different forms of the world system)
Are any of them really compatible with Christ?
Vs. 9 – If anyone has an ear....
If this is a waste of your time, just let me know. I'll make sure that I don't post things like this in the future. God bless! Enjoy our Canadian winter!
Revelation 11:19 13:10
Revelation 11:19 – God’s Temple Opened
Perspective?
Revelation 12:1 – 6 The Woman, her ‘Child’ and the Dragon
Vs 1 – Woman – Israel
Sun, Moon – Genesis 37:9
12 Stars – Sons of Jacob, 12 Tribes
Not Mary – Salvation is from the Jews, John 4:22
Vs 3 Dragon – devil (slanderer) & Satan (adversary)
The vision in verse 4?
What did these events look like from our perspective?
Q – Why does life on earth look different when we’re looking through God’s vantage point?
Vs 5 The male Child – One who is to rule
Snatched away – the ascension
Q - What importance would this passage have in John’s day? Our day? For futurists?
Revelation 12:7-17 Implications of the Man Child
Q – What did Christ’s birth and ascension accomplish?
Satan and angels defeated
No longer any place for the devil and his followers in heaven
The promise of Genesis 3:15 fulfilled
Vs 12 – Life after Satan’s defeat
John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11 prince of this world
Why isn’t it a compliment to be called ‘worldly’?
The Context for life on earth in the AD
Satan’s last stand
Entrenched on this ‘tiny dot’ (illustrate?)
Spirit of air? Ephesians 2:2
War with Woman & the rest of her offspring
Holocaust, Rome, persecution today?
Revelation 13:1-10 The Beast of the Sea
The powers that be?
Characteristics of ‘The Beast’
Authority vs 1
Blasphemous vs 1,5,6
Qualities of a bear, lion, leopard vs 2
Receives power and throne from Satan vs 2
Mortally wounded, yet lives vs 3
Wages war against the saints vs 7
Worshipped by the people of the ‘world’ vs 8
Q – What would people in John’s day call the beast?
Can ideology be a beast?
What do you think of the following?
“Only capitalism can save us.”
“From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.”
Is Communism dead? Fascism?
Q - How is the cause of Christ really doing under Western Democracy?
One world government?
Q-What if Capitalism, Fascism, Democracy, Communism and Tribalism are all different forms of the same beast? (different forms of the world system)
Are any of them really compatible with Christ?
Vs. 9 – If anyone has an ear....
Friday, January 14, 2011
Late High School Start Urged (TVDSB)
Seeing as I don’t have my children in the public school system, I really shouldn’t even be writing about what I read in the London Free Press this week. Apparently the Thames Valley District School board is considering delaying start times for high school aged children. Teenagers are tired in the mornings and it’s difficult to get them up in time for school.
I was very glad to see that the article addressed people who might label teenagers as being lazy. They might have been thinking of me. Again, not that it’s my concern as a parent. I really don’t care if other people have a hard time getting up their teenager for school. I’m not sure if this is a news flash, but getting up for school never has been easy. I slept through many of my own high school classes. (And several university classes as well.)
I don’t know about you, but as I walk through life, I have found that many of the things that I need to do are difficult. Getting up in the morning is still difficult for me. In fact, I slept in just this morning. There are many tasks in the workplace which aren’t all that glorious; tasks such as washing the toilet bowl and cleaning the gutter. They are tasks which nobody likes to do, but they need to be done.
Perhaps it is the trade that I work in, but we find very few individuals who are willing to do these ‘less worthy’ tasks. I believe that high school students would get better grades if they could sleep in longer. I don’t doubt that. What lessons are we are handing down with respect to work ethic? I’m not saying that my generation has an outstanding work ethic either. This is not a, 'kids these days' rant. I’m just saying, that if getting up when you are tired is too much of a burden, how will you handle the pressures of life in the real world? What if you end up having to do shift work someday? Are you going to tell Toyota to delay your start time? For those of you are living in the work force, did life get easier after you left high school?
I don’t care when other people’s children start school, but if they don’t have the internal resolve to get up for 8:00am classes, please make sure that kind of information is clearly placed on the individual’s resume.
I was very glad to see that the article addressed people who might label teenagers as being lazy. They might have been thinking of me. Again, not that it’s my concern as a parent. I really don’t care if other people have a hard time getting up their teenager for school. I’m not sure if this is a news flash, but getting up for school never has been easy. I slept through many of my own high school classes. (And several university classes as well.)
I don’t know about you, but as I walk through life, I have found that many of the things that I need to do are difficult. Getting up in the morning is still difficult for me. In fact, I slept in just this morning. There are many tasks in the workplace which aren’t all that glorious; tasks such as washing the toilet bowl and cleaning the gutter. They are tasks which nobody likes to do, but they need to be done.
Perhaps it is the trade that I work in, but we find very few individuals who are willing to do these ‘less worthy’ tasks. I believe that high school students would get better grades if they could sleep in longer. I don’t doubt that. What lessons are we are handing down with respect to work ethic? I’m not saying that my generation has an outstanding work ethic either. This is not a, 'kids these days' rant. I’m just saying, that if getting up when you are tired is too much of a burden, how will you handle the pressures of life in the real world? What if you end up having to do shift work someday? Are you going to tell Toyota to delay your start time? For those of you are living in the work force, did life get easier after you left high school?
I don’t care when other people’s children start school, but if they don’t have the internal resolve to get up for 8:00am classes, please make sure that kind of information is clearly placed on the individual’s resume.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
What I Really Think of Non-Christians...
I don’t pretend to know a whole lot about evangelism. Having gone to public school, you would think that I would be more engaging. Wouldn’t you? There are however some things that I do know, and one such truth was brought to mind this evening in my reading.
“…if someone asks you about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” 1Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
I have never been one to say that all believers have to be on the streets witnessing for Jesus. Some do. I am adamant however that each of us needs to be honest about our relationship with Him. If we have received in full measure the very promises of God, unless we live life as a hermit, there will be times in life where people will ask about what we think and what we believe.
If you aren’t a believer and you are reading this, I want you to know that I would like very much to be able to call you my brother or sister in Christ. If there was a formula to follow, I wish I knew what it was. In all honesty, if there was a way to manipulate or trick you into believing in Jesus, I’d probably try it, although it doesn’t quite work that way. I hope you can forgive me this sin.
It isn’t that I want to ruin your fun. Moreover, I really believe that I have received eternal life through what Jesus has done for me on the cross. That is my hope. Label me a quack if it makes you feel better, but I believe it through and through and I would like the same for you. If that’s offensive, then think of the alternative. You wouldn’t much like it if I wanted you to suffer and die now would you?
Personally, I believe that the best witness for Christ is a faith that is lived openly and honestly before the lives that it touches. Maintaining a decent witness has to do with actually living the life to which we have been called . Few things, if any, ruin our witness as much as when we fall into blatant sin.
I have a friend who posts a lot of verses on his Facebook page. Does that count? I know someone else who likes to post links to John MacArthur. Does that count? How about writing a blog? Does that count? What about my friend who will sometimes give a person on the street some food along with a gospel tract? Does that count? What about offering to pray for a coworker, whether they believe or not? What about inviting someone to church?
I hope that there is at least one non-Christian reading this so that you can either correct or validate what I’m saying. Non-believers aren’t necessarily looking for us to have a chili cook-off, community barbeque, a movie night, or a pizza party. They would however like it if you would care enough to ask about their life, rejoice at their successes and walk with them through life’s valleys. Perhaps, if we can accomplish at least these simple tasks, we’ll be given the opportunity to share the hope that we have found in Jesus.
PS - Forwarding a link to Blue Collar Christianity is always an effective outreach tool. Works every time. ;-)
“…if someone asks you about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” 1Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
I have never been one to say that all believers have to be on the streets witnessing for Jesus. Some do. I am adamant however that each of us needs to be honest about our relationship with Him. If we have received in full measure the very promises of God, unless we live life as a hermit, there will be times in life where people will ask about what we think and what we believe.
If you aren’t a believer and you are reading this, I want you to know that I would like very much to be able to call you my brother or sister in Christ. If there was a formula to follow, I wish I knew what it was. In all honesty, if there was a way to manipulate or trick you into believing in Jesus, I’d probably try it, although it doesn’t quite work that way. I hope you can forgive me this sin.
It isn’t that I want to ruin your fun. Moreover, I really believe that I have received eternal life through what Jesus has done for me on the cross. That is my hope. Label me a quack if it makes you feel better, but I believe it through and through and I would like the same for you. If that’s offensive, then think of the alternative. You wouldn’t much like it if I wanted you to suffer and die now would you?
Personally, I believe that the best witness for Christ is a faith that is lived openly and honestly before the lives that it touches. Maintaining a decent witness has to do with actually living the life to which we have been called . Few things, if any, ruin our witness as much as when we fall into blatant sin.
I have a friend who posts a lot of verses on his Facebook page. Does that count? I know someone else who likes to post links to John MacArthur. Does that count? How about writing a blog? Does that count? What about my friend who will sometimes give a person on the street some food along with a gospel tract? Does that count? What about offering to pray for a coworker, whether they believe or not? What about inviting someone to church?
I hope that there is at least one non-Christian reading this so that you can either correct or validate what I’m saying. Non-believers aren’t necessarily looking for us to have a chili cook-off, community barbeque, a movie night, or a pizza party. They would however like it if you would care enough to ask about their life, rejoice at their successes and walk with them through life’s valleys. Perhaps, if we can accomplish at least these simple tasks, we’ll be given the opportunity to share the hope that we have found in Jesus.
PS - Forwarding a link to Blue Collar Christianity is always an effective outreach tool. Works every time. ;-)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Time For Change
Some people advocate change, for change’s sake.
Other’s resist change because it is different.
There are a few who realize that change in and of itself is neither good nor bad, but depending on the type of change will prove itself to be one or the other.
If however, you can convince others that you are the change that they need, you have won them, if only for a moment.
Other’s resist change because it is different.
There are a few who realize that change in and of itself is neither good nor bad, but depending on the type of change will prove itself to be one or the other.
If however, you can convince others that you are the change that they need, you have won them, if only for a moment.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Stuck Where I Belong
I always enjoy finding the exceptions to the norm. In November, I wrote a post on work life where I spoke on how most of the time, when people hate their jobs, their employers aren’t all that pleased with them either. I had the amazing privilege of speaking with a man who clearly does NOT fit into that generalization.
His name is Ricky Bobby. Bobby’s parents grew up in Northern Ireland and moved to Canada. Ricky went to university and became a shoe salesman at one of North America’s largest shoe retailers. Just so you know. Ricky doesn’t like his job. He especially dislikes his job around Christmas time as the traffic in the store and the demands of his customers can take their toll, so much so in fact, that this past Christmas, one of his coworkers broke down in tears while on the job. No joke.
Ricky Bobby has often tried to find a way out. He has pondered the possibility of pursuing a teaching career, paid Christian ministry, or opening his own shoe store, but every door that he explores seems to be shut. What do you do when you find yourself in such a place? You’re ‘stuck’ in a job that doesn’t seem to have an outlet for ‘your’ abilities or talents. Do you lament your life? Do you chalk it up to the poor choices that you made earlier in life? Do you assume that a post secondary education would have afforded you a different life?
This past year, Ricky received a call from head office.
“Hello Ricky. This is Mr. Bigwig from headquarters.”
“Gee Mr. Big Wig. What would prompt you to call me on this fine morning?”
“Ricky, I’m calling you to tell you that you are among the ten most valued shoe salespeople in our company, nationwide. We’d like to ask you some questions about how you see yourself in the profession so that we can produce some training materials for the other slacker shoe salespeople in the company.”
Ricky’s performance isn’t based strictly on sales. His value has been appraised on many facets of his work; from customer satisfaction to his participation as part of the team. You might know a thousand Ricky Bobby’s – people who can’t stand their job, yet who manage to live out an exemplary work ethic. As for me, I only know one such individual. That would be Ricky.
Ricky is a very humble individual and he likely won’t tell you his story. He may not have told me, had he not have read my post. If you talk to Ricky, and if he tells you his story, he might share something like this, “Even though I don’t like my job, I know that it’s where God wants me for the moment. I have determined to press through and find contentment in that.”
1. Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Ephesians 6:4-6 (in Context) Ephesians 6 (Whole Chapter)
2. Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
The word slavery leaves a very bad aftertaste when it comes from our mouth, as it should. In spite of this, Paul shares similar words for both the believers in Colosse and in Ephesus. Slaves are told to obey their masters. Do you suppose that slaves enjoy obeying their masters? Did they enjoy it in Paul’s time? How many of you like doing what you are told to do?
While few, if any, who read this have been literally purchased as a slave, our work lives aren’t always so different. Employees are slaves to their employers. Business owners are slaves to the realities of the market place. Sales professionals are slaves to their customers. Many of us at one time or another find ourselves thinking, ‘There should be more to life. I don’t find my work fulfilling. I don’t think that I can get out of this path that I’m on. If I found a career that fit my talents, THEN I would be content.’
Well, maybe you don’t. I do. I spend a great deal of my time looking for the open door to some different line of work. It’s not that I hate my work. Please Mr. Mufflerman – don’t get rid of me. If you want my opinion on the matter, (and if you are reading this, I suppose you value it, at least a little bit.) as believers, the questions we are meant to ask are not, ‘Do I like my job? Does this work make the best use of my gifts?’, but more like this –
“Is this where God wants me to be?”
As I said, that’s where I stand. Do what you want with the question. Discontent is not always an indication that God has something else in store for us, although at times, it is. Likewise, our contentment doesn’t always indicate that we are where He wants us, be it at work or in any other area of our lives.
This past week, God has blessed me and shown me that, at least for this moment, I am where He wants me. I had the pleasure of meeting up with an old schoolmate from East Elgin Secondary School, who also went to university with me. He mentioned how he had watched me on television, which helped me to discover that he had become a believer since high school. I was so encouraged to meet up with him and I hope that he was encouraged by his time with me. I know that not all such encounters indicate our standing before The Father, but from that brief meeting, I just have such a peace about my place for the time being.
At the end of the day, we need to do something in order to buy groceries, put a roof over our head, heat the place and pay for our cell phone contract. You caught me. The cell phone isn’t always a necessity. Neither is my NES. Whatever profession we have found which accomplishes those ends, I pray that we are able to live out our faith in a way which brings glory to God.
I’ll leave you with these comforting words….
God used to kill His people when they complained about the way He chose to provide for them. So suck it up princess.
His name is Ricky Bobby. Bobby’s parents grew up in Northern Ireland and moved to Canada. Ricky went to university and became a shoe salesman at one of North America’s largest shoe retailers. Just so you know. Ricky doesn’t like his job. He especially dislikes his job around Christmas time as the traffic in the store and the demands of his customers can take their toll, so much so in fact, that this past Christmas, one of his coworkers broke down in tears while on the job. No joke.
Ricky Bobby has often tried to find a way out. He has pondered the possibility of pursuing a teaching career, paid Christian ministry, or opening his own shoe store, but every door that he explores seems to be shut. What do you do when you find yourself in such a place? You’re ‘stuck’ in a job that doesn’t seem to have an outlet for ‘your’ abilities or talents. Do you lament your life? Do you chalk it up to the poor choices that you made earlier in life? Do you assume that a post secondary education would have afforded you a different life?
This past year, Ricky received a call from head office.
“Hello Ricky. This is Mr. Bigwig from headquarters.”
“Gee Mr. Big Wig. What would prompt you to call me on this fine morning?”
“Ricky, I’m calling you to tell you that you are among the ten most valued shoe salespeople in our company, nationwide. We’d like to ask you some questions about how you see yourself in the profession so that we can produce some training materials for the other slacker shoe salespeople in the company.”
Ricky’s performance isn’t based strictly on sales. His value has been appraised on many facets of his work; from customer satisfaction to his participation as part of the team. You might know a thousand Ricky Bobby’s – people who can’t stand their job, yet who manage to live out an exemplary work ethic. As for me, I only know one such individual. That would be Ricky.
Ricky is a very humble individual and he likely won’t tell you his story. He may not have told me, had he not have read my post. If you talk to Ricky, and if he tells you his story, he might share something like this, “Even though I don’t like my job, I know that it’s where God wants me for the moment. I have determined to press through and find contentment in that.”
1. Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Ephesians 6:4-6 (in Context) Ephesians 6 (Whole Chapter)
2. Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
The word slavery leaves a very bad aftertaste when it comes from our mouth, as it should. In spite of this, Paul shares similar words for both the believers in Colosse and in Ephesus. Slaves are told to obey their masters. Do you suppose that slaves enjoy obeying their masters? Did they enjoy it in Paul’s time? How many of you like doing what you are told to do?
While few, if any, who read this have been literally purchased as a slave, our work lives aren’t always so different. Employees are slaves to their employers. Business owners are slaves to the realities of the market place. Sales professionals are slaves to their customers. Many of us at one time or another find ourselves thinking, ‘There should be more to life. I don’t find my work fulfilling. I don’t think that I can get out of this path that I’m on. If I found a career that fit my talents, THEN I would be content.’
Well, maybe you don’t. I do. I spend a great deal of my time looking for the open door to some different line of work. It’s not that I hate my work. Please Mr. Mufflerman – don’t get rid of me. If you want my opinion on the matter, (and if you are reading this, I suppose you value it, at least a little bit.) as believers, the questions we are meant to ask are not, ‘Do I like my job? Does this work make the best use of my gifts?’, but more like this –
“Is this where God wants me to be?”
As I said, that’s where I stand. Do what you want with the question. Discontent is not always an indication that God has something else in store for us, although at times, it is. Likewise, our contentment doesn’t always indicate that we are where He wants us, be it at work or in any other area of our lives.
This past week, God has blessed me and shown me that, at least for this moment, I am where He wants me. I had the pleasure of meeting up with an old schoolmate from East Elgin Secondary School, who also went to university with me. He mentioned how he had watched me on television, which helped me to discover that he had become a believer since high school. I was so encouraged to meet up with him and I hope that he was encouraged by his time with me. I know that not all such encounters indicate our standing before The Father, but from that brief meeting, I just have such a peace about my place for the time being.
At the end of the day, we need to do something in order to buy groceries, put a roof over our head, heat the place and pay for our cell phone contract. You caught me. The cell phone isn’t always a necessity. Neither is my NES. Whatever profession we have found which accomplishes those ends, I pray that we are able to live out our faith in a way which brings glory to God.
I’ll leave you with these comforting words….
God used to kill His people when they complained about the way He chose to provide for them. So suck it up princess.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Opinion Poll
How many Christians do you know who you would describe as being, “peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others?” James 3:17
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Pagan Thinking Christian
I don’t know how much you are interested in our decision to purchase another vehicle or to produce solar electricity. My latest OPA application didn’t go through again. I’m positive that I submitted it properly. At the moment, I don’t feel that it’s worth the effort. So much for earning my green arm patch. And the truck – if we get one, it likely won’t be brand new. It’s a longish story, and I don’t think it’s important enough to tell.
Today however, I was asked a question which has bigger implications,
“Kevin, do you think that you will be publishing your second manuscript?”
My first response was, “Yes. I intend to publish it, but haven’t settled on a publisher just yet.” After giving that response, I’ve seriously been questioning the whole venture. I won’t bore you with the areas of the work which are deficient in my opinion. I just don’t have peace about the matter, and neither can I tell you what exactly would give me that assurance.
Sometimes I question what separates me from being a literal pagan. When making my decisions, I spend much of my time looking for ‘signs’. When the venture is difficult I’ll wonder, ‘Maybe this is God saying no.’ As one reader commented on my last post, sometimes difficulties are merely obstacles which test our resolve. I rarely know the difference.
Looking for signs doesn’t resemble the life of simple faith to which we are called in Christ. We’re called to seek His will in all honesty and entrust the matter into His care. Rather than seeking and trusting, I find myself looking to see what kind of hand I am dealt. I might as well buy a set of Tarot cards, because that is in fact the very manner of thinking that I default to.
Rather than looking for ‘signs’, I am intentionally doing two other things at the moment. I’m going to pray and I’m going to wait. I don’t know how long I will do these two things. That’s why I’m doing them to begin with.
Today however, I was asked a question which has bigger implications,
“Kevin, do you think that you will be publishing your second manuscript?”
My first response was, “Yes. I intend to publish it, but haven’t settled on a publisher just yet.” After giving that response, I’ve seriously been questioning the whole venture. I won’t bore you with the areas of the work which are deficient in my opinion. I just don’t have peace about the matter, and neither can I tell you what exactly would give me that assurance.
Sometimes I question what separates me from being a literal pagan. When making my decisions, I spend much of my time looking for ‘signs’. When the venture is difficult I’ll wonder, ‘Maybe this is God saying no.’ As one reader commented on my last post, sometimes difficulties are merely obstacles which test our resolve. I rarely know the difference.
Looking for signs doesn’t resemble the life of simple faith to which we are called in Christ. We’re called to seek His will in all honesty and entrust the matter into His care. Rather than seeking and trusting, I find myself looking to see what kind of hand I am dealt. I might as well buy a set of Tarot cards, because that is in fact the very manner of thinking that I default to.
Rather than looking for ‘signs’, I am intentionally doing two other things at the moment. I’m going to pray and I’m going to wait. I don’t know how long I will do these two things. That’s why I’m doing them to begin with.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Marginal Material
There seem to be certain areas of our lives that just don’t fit into our faith. Oh. I’m not blaming anyone. In fact, part of the problem lies within my own thinking. To be a little more specific, there are certain areas of my life that don’t have the feel of something that I should include here in this Christian-blog-space.
There are two such life issues that currently remain at the forefront of my thought life which fall into such a category. The first of which is our family vehicle. The second issue has to do with our farm business.
The Truck
With regards to our family vehicle, our truck is getting on in years and in mileage. We’ve never been stranded in it yet, but when the alternator died last month, Barb barely made it back from Rebecca’s appointment at the orthodontist. We weren’t inconvenienced all that badly, but I’m beginning to lose confidence in the vehicle.
If you want to throw some doctrine at me. I’m ready. Go ahead. It should sound something like this...
We’re supposed to place our trust in God, not in our vehicle. Some trust in trucks (chariots) – we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
As we consider purchasing something else, buying a brand new vehicle doesn’t seem to have the ‘Jesus feel’ to it, even if it really is on sale. What do you think? Are Christians allowed to buy new vehicles? Isn’t there a law somewhere that says we should drive a beater and join an auto club?
I really do believe that God is concerned with every aspect of our lives, even the vehicles that we purchase and maintain. It would just be so much simpler if He would send an e-mail with a link to Autotrader’s website saying, “Hello Kevin. This is God. This is the vehicle I want you to buy.”
The Farm
Barb and I have been mulling over the possibility of putting up a set of solar panels on our farm. I’m thinking that if I do, I will have earned my environmentalist stripes. Want my serious personal opinion on that? Honestly. No attitude. I don’t think that environmentalism has much to do with being a responsible steward of the earth. I think that it has more to do with waving a banner.
We have looked into different equipment and financing options. We have even applied for a contract with the Ontario Power Authority. All along we’ve wondered whether or not God wants us to pursue the venture.
A funny thing happened today. I went online to check out the progress of my application, and my password was no longer working. When I finally managed to get a new password for the site, I was told that I had not completed the application. So I just finished the application AGAIN, about 20 minutes ago.
Since I’m running into these peculiar obstacles, does that mean that God doesn’t want it? That is the litmus test for life is it not? If it is difficult, then give up.
For some reason, when people used to come to me asking about how to find direction from God, I felt like I had all of the answers for them. Why is it then, that when it’s my turn to know which way to go that it seems so cloudy?
These aren’t big life problems, but they are decisions which need to be made nonetheless. They don’t have that Jesus flavour to them, but I’m certain that He does care about issues, even such as these. May His will be done in my life.
....But please dear Jesus, don’t make me drive a Dodge.
There are two such life issues that currently remain at the forefront of my thought life which fall into such a category. The first of which is our family vehicle. The second issue has to do with our farm business.
The Truck
With regards to our family vehicle, our truck is getting on in years and in mileage. We’ve never been stranded in it yet, but when the alternator died last month, Barb barely made it back from Rebecca’s appointment at the orthodontist. We weren’t inconvenienced all that badly, but I’m beginning to lose confidence in the vehicle.
If you want to throw some doctrine at me. I’m ready. Go ahead. It should sound something like this...
We’re supposed to place our trust in God, not in our vehicle. Some trust in trucks (chariots) – we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
As we consider purchasing something else, buying a brand new vehicle doesn’t seem to have the ‘Jesus feel’ to it, even if it really is on sale. What do you think? Are Christians allowed to buy new vehicles? Isn’t there a law somewhere that says we should drive a beater and join an auto club?
I really do believe that God is concerned with every aspect of our lives, even the vehicles that we purchase and maintain. It would just be so much simpler if He would send an e-mail with a link to Autotrader’s website saying, “Hello Kevin. This is God. This is the vehicle I want you to buy.”
The Farm
Barb and I have been mulling over the possibility of putting up a set of solar panels on our farm. I’m thinking that if I do, I will have earned my environmentalist stripes. Want my serious personal opinion on that? Honestly. No attitude. I don’t think that environmentalism has much to do with being a responsible steward of the earth. I think that it has more to do with waving a banner.
We have looked into different equipment and financing options. We have even applied for a contract with the Ontario Power Authority. All along we’ve wondered whether or not God wants us to pursue the venture.
A funny thing happened today. I went online to check out the progress of my application, and my password was no longer working. When I finally managed to get a new password for the site, I was told that I had not completed the application. So I just finished the application AGAIN, about 20 minutes ago.
Since I’m running into these peculiar obstacles, does that mean that God doesn’t want it? That is the litmus test for life is it not? If it is difficult, then give up.
For some reason, when people used to come to me asking about how to find direction from God, I felt like I had all of the answers for them. Why is it then, that when it’s my turn to know which way to go that it seems so cloudy?
These aren’t big life problems, but they are decisions which need to be made nonetheless. They don’t have that Jesus flavour to them, but I’m certain that He does care about issues, even such as these. May His will be done in my life.
....But please dear Jesus, don’t make me drive a Dodge.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
What do you know for sure?
I’ve been sitting here in front of my laptop for what seems like half an hour. It isn’t like you need to know that piece of information. I’m just stalling. I’m waiting for that perfect word to come to me; that word which will satisfy your hungry mind and prompt you to respond saying,
‘Thanks Kev! That’s exactly what I needed to hear.’
Or –
‘Well Said Kevin. Everyone needs to read this post’
Or-
“What insight. I’ve never thought of that.”
Or –
“What a creative way to express yourself!”
I suppose the reason why I have no idea of where to begin, is that there is just so much set before me.
I think of my past.
In particular, there is a big difference between the kind of Christian that I am today compared to the kind of person I was when I first believed. I prefer to think that the difference lies in a certain maturity that has come with time, but I can’t say for sure. Sometimes I dearly miss the infant stages of my walk with Christ. I miss the sheer innocence of those days. For some strange reason, I thought myself to be the answer man. I took pleasure in thinking that I could wade through any topic, find the answers and structure a lesson plan which clearly outlined the limits to what we could and could not do.
Now, in my current state, I am becoming more and more aware of how much I don’t know. In some ways, I miss being the answer man. In fact, in some ways I wonder if I know enough anymore to be able to speak or write intelligently on any matter at all.
I think of you.
I’ve been thinking of several of you. I think on some of your comments here in blog space and what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I think of Lesley’s words and how Christ spent more time talking about being a neighbour than he did on being an evangelist. I think of Margaret and how she has brought certain people to mind. I think on Chuck’s words and the ways in which I have attempted to live out my faith in anonymity.
I think of friends. I think of the ways in which God has demonstrated His goodness towards the people in my life. Some He has blessed with good health. For others, He has chosen to bless them by being their strength in the midst of adversity. I think of the man who was told that his father only had hours to live. He’s alive. I think of several people who have had their struggles with cancer and other health problems. I think of some of the hardships that you have faced.
I think of the future.
What lies ahead for the next year? I’m often led to believe that The Christian Dream has been mingled with the American Dream. If we’re faithful in our calling, then the future should carry with it a successful book or a growing church. What does a ‘successful ministry’ look like to you in your setting? Would your church pay off the building fund? Would you find a commercial publisher? Would your blog traffic increase?
In my setting, I often ponder the possibility of entering into career ministry and wonder whether or not this is the year. I’ve wondered that for the past 10 years or more. For the moment, I remain at The Mufflerman and have found it conducive for accomplishing the tasks prepared for me by my Lord Jesus Christ. Being a tent maker isn’t so bad.
What I know for sure.
Of all of the things that I am unsure about, there is one that I continue to stand on.
2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
I know Who I believe in. I know that for sure. I have also been persuaded that He is able to keep me in His care. That is what grounds me both in days of joy and in days of great trial.
What is your anchor? What do you know for sure? Where do you turn when the floor falls out from under you?
No matter what this year has in store for you, whether good or bad, I hope your anchor holds. Some people choose an anchor which brings them to ruin. As for me, I choose Christ. He has held me in His care thus far. I assume He will continue to do so.
‘Thanks Kev! That’s exactly what I needed to hear.’
Or –
‘Well Said Kevin. Everyone needs to read this post’
Or-
“What insight. I’ve never thought of that.”
Or –
“What a creative way to express yourself!”
I suppose the reason why I have no idea of where to begin, is that there is just so much set before me.
I think of my past.
In particular, there is a big difference between the kind of Christian that I am today compared to the kind of person I was when I first believed. I prefer to think that the difference lies in a certain maturity that has come with time, but I can’t say for sure. Sometimes I dearly miss the infant stages of my walk with Christ. I miss the sheer innocence of those days. For some strange reason, I thought myself to be the answer man. I took pleasure in thinking that I could wade through any topic, find the answers and structure a lesson plan which clearly outlined the limits to what we could and could not do.
Now, in my current state, I am becoming more and more aware of how much I don’t know. In some ways, I miss being the answer man. In fact, in some ways I wonder if I know enough anymore to be able to speak or write intelligently on any matter at all.
I think of you.
I’ve been thinking of several of you. I think on some of your comments here in blog space and what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I think of Lesley’s words and how Christ spent more time talking about being a neighbour than he did on being an evangelist. I think of Margaret and how she has brought certain people to mind. I think on Chuck’s words and the ways in which I have attempted to live out my faith in anonymity.
I think of friends. I think of the ways in which God has demonstrated His goodness towards the people in my life. Some He has blessed with good health. For others, He has chosen to bless them by being their strength in the midst of adversity. I think of the man who was told that his father only had hours to live. He’s alive. I think of several people who have had their struggles with cancer and other health problems. I think of some of the hardships that you have faced.
I think of the future.
What lies ahead for the next year? I’m often led to believe that The Christian Dream has been mingled with the American Dream. If we’re faithful in our calling, then the future should carry with it a successful book or a growing church. What does a ‘successful ministry’ look like to you in your setting? Would your church pay off the building fund? Would you find a commercial publisher? Would your blog traffic increase?
In my setting, I often ponder the possibility of entering into career ministry and wonder whether or not this is the year. I’ve wondered that for the past 10 years or more. For the moment, I remain at The Mufflerman and have found it conducive for accomplishing the tasks prepared for me by my Lord Jesus Christ. Being a tent maker isn’t so bad.
What I know for sure.
Of all of the things that I am unsure about, there is one that I continue to stand on.
2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
I know Who I believe in. I know that for sure. I have also been persuaded that He is able to keep me in His care. That is what grounds me both in days of joy and in days of great trial.
What is your anchor? What do you know for sure? Where do you turn when the floor falls out from under you?
No matter what this year has in store for you, whether good or bad, I hope your anchor holds. Some people choose an anchor which brings them to ruin. As for me, I choose Christ. He has held me in His care thus far. I assume He will continue to do so.
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