The Power of Sympathy
Great encouragement came this morning by meditating on a remark in Hebrew 4:15 that Christ "sympathizes with our weaknesses". Calvin, and others, comment that weaknesses include the feelings of the soul, such as fear, sorrow, dread, and similar things.
Calvin adds:
"Whenever we labor under the infirmities of our flesh, let us remember that the Son of God experienced the same, in order that he might by his power raise us up, so that we may not be overwhelmed by them."
"These infirmities Christ of his own accord undertook, and he willingly contended with them, not only that he might attain a victory over them for us, but also that we may feel assured that he is present with us whenever we are tried by them."
In my weaknesses, Christ raises me up, attains victory over them for me, and is present with me through them! I rejoice to be under the care of one too tender to crush, too kind to injure, too powerful to leave me to wallow in my weaknesses.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Monday, March 22, 2004
Maledictory Monday
Jesus' maledictions often worry me when I reflect on discipling my family.
Are we going to great lengths ("crossing sea and land") to homeschool our children, only to make them twice as much children of hell as they would otherwise be? Am I tying-up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and laying them on my wife's shoulders without lifting a finger to help? What if, having driven one unclean spirit from my house, seven others enter in and dwell here?
These are fears of the future. When the seeds that I'm planting now sprout, what will they be? Thorns & Thistles!?!
How I need the gospel! God is proactively out for my good. His promises are for me and my children, "the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children!. (Ps 103:17)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits!" (Ps 103:2)
Jesus' maledictions often worry me when I reflect on discipling my family.
Are we going to great lengths ("crossing sea and land") to homeschool our children, only to make them twice as much children of hell as they would otherwise be? Am I tying-up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and laying them on my wife's shoulders without lifting a finger to help? What if, having driven one unclean spirit from my house, seven others enter in and dwell here?
These are fears of the future. When the seeds that I'm planting now sprout, what will they be? Thorns & Thistles!?!
How I need the gospel! God is proactively out for my good. His promises are for me and my children, "the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children!. (Ps 103:17)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits!" (Ps 103:2)
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Half-Berean
Our senior pastor is out of town, so our new assistant pastor has this week's teaching and preaching responsibilities. On Wednesday he taught on "the unbiblical idea of seeking God's will". Even before he introduced his first point someone objected. And after his lesson more emotive objections were voiced.
Public rejection of teaching is sometimes necessary. But I've been in many churches where the rejection is often premature. Most of the time it takes place in a small group setting where submission to an authority's teaching is intentionally minimized or even ridiculed. This attitude is often justified as being "Berean".
The Bereans were commended for two reasons. We all know the part about "examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were correct." But it seems we have collective-amnesia, forgetting that first they, "received the word with all eagerness." (Acts 17:11)
When listening to the teaching of a God-ordained authority is my attitude full of eagerness in what I am receiving? True, there are times when I'm hungry for bread, but I get a stone instead. But how many times have I been offered bread, yet was too skeptical to receive it? The truth is that, at best, many of us are only half-Berean.
Our senior pastor is out of town, so our new assistant pastor has this week's teaching and preaching responsibilities. On Wednesday he taught on "the unbiblical idea of seeking God's will". Even before he introduced his first point someone objected. And after his lesson more emotive objections were voiced.
Public rejection of teaching is sometimes necessary. But I've been in many churches where the rejection is often premature. Most of the time it takes place in a small group setting where submission to an authority's teaching is intentionally minimized or even ridiculed. This attitude is often justified as being "Berean".
The Bereans were commended for two reasons. We all know the part about "examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were correct." But it seems we have collective-amnesia, forgetting that first they, "received the word with all eagerness." (Acts 17:11)
When listening to the teaching of a God-ordained authority is my attitude full of eagerness in what I am receiving? True, there are times when I'm hungry for bread, but I get a stone instead. But how many times have I been offered bread, yet was too skeptical to receive it? The truth is that, at best, many of us are only half-Berean.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Adventures in Babysitting
Our babysitter is a nice, quiet, homeschooled girl with 7 siblings. But despite all she's seen in her household, she's adding some stunning experiences thanks to our children:
Tonight at the park our 4-yr old slid down a slide so fast it made her poop in her pants. A first for daughter.
Last time, my 20 month old son planted his head in the sand after falling off the top of said slide. A first for youngest son.
Also last time, they all got locked out of our house. A first for this house.
A previous time our dog drew blood from my 6 year old's arm through an overly playful nip. A first for dog and son.
Hmmm...it's a wonder she comes back. It's scary that we still leave.
Our babysitter is a nice, quiet, homeschooled girl with 7 siblings. But despite all she's seen in her household, she's adding some stunning experiences thanks to our children:
Tonight at the park our 4-yr old slid down a slide so fast it made her poop in her pants. A first for daughter.
Last time, my 20 month old son planted his head in the sand after falling off the top of said slide. A first for youngest son.
Also last time, they all got locked out of our house. A first for this house.
A previous time our dog drew blood from my 6 year old's arm through an overly playful nip. A first for dog and son.
Hmmm...it's a wonder she comes back. It's scary that we still leave.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
A Mess in the Manger
Reading Proverbs to Eli last night, we read,
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest" (14:4)
Here's a choice for my family. Do we want a clean manger or an abundant harvest?
Or, in other words, do we want a comfortable, easy lifestyle, or one with Kingdom purpose? I used to think both were possible. Our home, car, clothes, etc could look like magazine-covers, and we'd have faithful children, too. In our affluent culture the wealth comes easy enough. But the comforts of wealth lead many to fail on the faithful family part. Isn't this reminiscent of the "personal peace and affluence" trap that Schaeffer described?
I'll stick with the abundant harvest. Raising godly children doesn't come easily; there's hard ground to plow and messes in the manger. We'll have to give up on the perfectly appointed dream-home, the BMW roadster, etc. But if our treasure is in Christ, we won't miss them.
Reading Proverbs to Eli last night, we read,
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest" (14:4)
Here's a choice for my family. Do we want a clean manger or an abundant harvest?
Or, in other words, do we want a comfortable, easy lifestyle, or one with Kingdom purpose? I used to think both were possible. Our home, car, clothes, etc could look like magazine-covers, and we'd have faithful children, too. In our affluent culture the wealth comes easy enough. But the comforts of wealth lead many to fail on the faithful family part. Isn't this reminiscent of the "personal peace and affluence" trap that Schaeffer described?
I'll stick with the abundant harvest. Raising godly children doesn't come easily; there's hard ground to plow and messes in the manger. We'll have to give up on the perfectly appointed dream-home, the BMW roadster, etc. But if our treasure is in Christ, we won't miss them.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Rest in Peace
Our house is cursed. By that I mean the effects of the Fall are felt here. I've mentioned before that we struggle with anger. We get frustrated at our children easily, try harder not to, and then a little later, we get really frustrated! We've proven true that line, "if we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing". My pastor calls this "gutting it out", instead of believing the gospel.
Not that God promises us that our 6-year old will peacefully cooperate with his mother during his studies. Nor that he will get along with his sister. Peace is a big need in our home.
But thankfully, part of the gospel is a promise of peace. God is at peace with us because of who Christ is and what He has done, I don't want to minimize that. But the promise of peace doesn't end there. God also promises peace in our life that we're unable to generate ourselves. It's a fruit of the Spirit. The best we can do is trust and rest in His promise of peace to us.
Christ is faithful. He will finish the job, in us and in our children. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...you were called to peace" (Col 3:15).
Our house is cursed. By that I mean the effects of the Fall are felt here. I've mentioned before that we struggle with anger. We get frustrated at our children easily, try harder not to, and then a little later, we get really frustrated! We've proven true that line, "if we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing". My pastor calls this "gutting it out", instead of believing the gospel.
Not that God promises us that our 6-year old will peacefully cooperate with his mother during his studies. Nor that he will get along with his sister. Peace is a big need in our home.
But thankfully, part of the gospel is a promise of peace. God is at peace with us because of who Christ is and what He has done, I don't want to minimize that. But the promise of peace doesn't end there. God also promises peace in our life that we're unable to generate ourselves. It's a fruit of the Spirit. The best we can do is trust and rest in His promise of peace to us.
Christ is faithful. He will finish the job, in us and in our children. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...you were called to peace" (Col 3:15).
Sunday, March 14, 2004
A Song of Ascents for Lord's Day Morning
I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go up to the house of the Lord!"
We are going to the house of prayer,
pour upon us a spirit of grace and supplication.
We are going to the house of praise,
awaken in us every grateful and cheerful emotion.
For the Lord has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place, saying:
"Here will I dwell, for I have desired it;
I will satisfy her poor with bread."
Let Israel now say:
"Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!"
(A harmony from the Psalms and Valley of Vision)
I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go up to the house of the Lord!"
We are going to the house of prayer,
pour upon us a spirit of grace and supplication.
We are going to the house of praise,
awaken in us every grateful and cheerful emotion.
For the Lord has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place, saying:
"Here will I dwell, for I have desired it;
I will satisfy her poor with bread."
Let Israel now say:
"Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!"
(A harmony from the Psalms and Valley of Vision)
Friday, March 12, 2004
Reforming a Church
The church we recently joined is about 15 years old. For approximately the first 13 years it was as "contemporary" as one can be; I'm told it didn't even have an order of worship. About two years ago, just before it was about to bankrupt, the Session called a new pastor, purportedly without knowing him too well.
The Session was open to change. Man, did they get it. A prescribed Order of Worship. Redemptive-Historical preaching. Weekly Lord's Supper. But most of all, the fetters that had held back the fullness of the gospel were unbound. Like the proverbial iceberg, the application of the gospel gradually got bigger and bigger.
I've been listening to recordings of the first sermons the pastor preached here. The nervousness in the congregation can be subtly detected. I get the sense they weren't sure what to think; it was all so different. But they must have been pleased that so many new people were showing up. Still, I'm told some complained, "why preach about the gospel so much to Christians?"
I'd like to say I was wiser than that. But months later when we found the church, I wondered why this reformed pastor didn't take some action about the way the teen-agers dressed, the women-dominated committees, the American flag in the sanctuary, etc, etc. If I were pastor, I would have convinced the Session to correct all the things I saw at once.
But now I see that lasting change comes by teaching the congregation to bring the gospel to bear on all areas of their life; not by a coerced mandate from the Session. When Christians sit under the preached Word and Sacraments we are gradually tranformed into what God created us to be. As our church realizes the fullness of the gospel we're also developing a greater desire for it. Reformation is coming.
The church we recently joined is about 15 years old. For approximately the first 13 years it was as "contemporary" as one can be; I'm told it didn't even have an order of worship. About two years ago, just before it was about to bankrupt, the Session called a new pastor, purportedly without knowing him too well.
The Session was open to change. Man, did they get it. A prescribed Order of Worship. Redemptive-Historical preaching. Weekly Lord's Supper. But most of all, the fetters that had held back the fullness of the gospel were unbound. Like the proverbial iceberg, the application of the gospel gradually got bigger and bigger.
I've been listening to recordings of the first sermons the pastor preached here. The nervousness in the congregation can be subtly detected. I get the sense they weren't sure what to think; it was all so different. But they must have been pleased that so many new people were showing up. Still, I'm told some complained, "why preach about the gospel so much to Christians?"
I'd like to say I was wiser than that. But months later when we found the church, I wondered why this reformed pastor didn't take some action about the way the teen-agers dressed, the women-dominated committees, the American flag in the sanctuary, etc, etc. If I were pastor, I would have convinced the Session to correct all the things I saw at once.
But now I see that lasting change comes by teaching the congregation to bring the gospel to bear on all areas of their life; not by a coerced mandate from the Session. When Christians sit under the preached Word and Sacraments we are gradually tranformed into what God created us to be. As our church realizes the fullness of the gospel we're also developing a greater desire for it. Reformation is coming.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
A Complaint
While reading Exodus this morning it stood out that when the Israelites in the wilderness complain about their situation to their leaders they are actually complaining against the Lord (Ex 16:2,7).
Where has complaining ever gotten me? A recent sermon point stuck with me. Complaining betrays a lack of belief that God cares for me and is in-control. But prayer is its photo-negative. Prayer shows that I believe God actually cares for me and has made promises that He'll keep.
Rather than grumble, murmur, and gripe to myself and my leaders, I should believe the gospel, pray, and wait.
While reading Exodus this morning it stood out that when the Israelites in the wilderness complain about their situation to their leaders they are actually complaining against the Lord (Ex 16:2,7).
Where has complaining ever gotten me? A recent sermon point stuck with me. Complaining betrays a lack of belief that God cares for me and is in-control. But prayer is its photo-negative. Prayer shows that I believe God actually cares for me and has made promises that He'll keep.
Rather than grumble, murmur, and gripe to myself and my leaders, I should believe the gospel, pray, and wait.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
To my wife, on her birthday
You're not the kind to make a big deal out of your birthday. You don't want folks to "make much of you". Still, I expect you may have mixed feelings about your new age. 32--you've caught up with me again.
I'm not old enough for people to view me as wise and no longer young enough to be admired as youthful. It's easier to judge the growth of my bald spot than detect any progress in wisdom. I suspect you may also struggle to see the benefits that attend another birthday. As the one charged to tend to your maturity, there are a few things I'd like to point out.
You want the gospel more now than ever since I've known you. You are moved by the preached Word like never before; you have discovered sublime satisfaction in the Supper. You are bringing the gospel to bear in all areas of your life. To God be the glory.
You deny being a beautiful woman. But if beauty is a gentle and quiet spirit, you have no defense against my claim to the contrary. In fact, not only has beauty attended you all along, but each year it envelopes you more. To God be the praise.
The past year of your life has been more difficult than we anticipated. Being a stay-at-home mom is tough. Homeschooling young children while safeguarding a toddler is tougher still. Struggles with debilitating sickness, disrespect, disobedience, and doubts have worn you down. But wisdom says this is good. You please God more now than before, because you have been forced to rely more on His grace and not on your many strengths. You have always been intelligent and industrious, now you have been made wise. To God be thanks.
Celebrate your birthday for what He has done in your life. It's only going to get better!
You're not the kind to make a big deal out of your birthday. You don't want folks to "make much of you". Still, I expect you may have mixed feelings about your new age. 32--you've caught up with me again.
I'm not old enough for people to view me as wise and no longer young enough to be admired as youthful. It's easier to judge the growth of my bald spot than detect any progress in wisdom. I suspect you may also struggle to see the benefits that attend another birthday. As the one charged to tend to your maturity, there are a few things I'd like to point out.
You want the gospel more now than ever since I've known you. You are moved by the preached Word like never before; you have discovered sublime satisfaction in the Supper. You are bringing the gospel to bear in all areas of your life. To God be the glory.
You deny being a beautiful woman. But if beauty is a gentle and quiet spirit, you have no defense against my claim to the contrary. In fact, not only has beauty attended you all along, but each year it envelopes you more. To God be the praise.
The past year of your life has been more difficult than we anticipated. Being a stay-at-home mom is tough. Homeschooling young children while safeguarding a toddler is tougher still. Struggles with debilitating sickness, disrespect, disobedience, and doubts have worn you down. But wisdom says this is good. You please God more now than before, because you have been forced to rely more on His grace and not on your many strengths. You have always been intelligent and industrious, now you have been made wise. To God be thanks.
Celebrate your birthday for what He has done in your life. It's only going to get better!
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Mission Conference 2004
This weekend was our church's annual missions conference. A couple of things are worth pointing out:
1. 23 churches in 3 months. The couple that we spent the most time with is supported by 23 churches plus other individuals. Their missions organization allots them 3 months furlough every three years. Of course they spend much of that time visiting supporters. There's got to be a better way.
2. Military to Missionary. We thought Kristin's diabetes would keep us off the mission field after my military career is over. But this weekend we realized that even in our situation the military is great preparation for missions. To meet our medical needs we could do our mission work near any overseas US military installation. For example, we could church-plant among Muslims in London, Spain, Germany, etc. Anywhere there's a decent US military hospital. Also, the frequent moves that are part of the military lifestyle are providing us with a network of churches and friends that could be potential supporters. Plus, we're used to a transitory lifestyle. What's another move or two? The last point I'll mention is that the retirement pay would help offset the support needed.
For years I've wondered what I should do after the military. Kristin and I are excited to think that missions may be right for us.
This weekend was our church's annual missions conference. A couple of things are worth pointing out:
1. 23 churches in 3 months. The couple that we spent the most time with is supported by 23 churches plus other individuals. Their missions organization allots them 3 months furlough every three years. Of course they spend much of that time visiting supporters. There's got to be a better way.
2. Military to Missionary. We thought Kristin's diabetes would keep us off the mission field after my military career is over. But this weekend we realized that even in our situation the military is great preparation for missions. To meet our medical needs we could do our mission work near any overseas US military installation. For example, we could church-plant among Muslims in London, Spain, Germany, etc. Anywhere there's a decent US military hospital. Also, the frequent moves that are part of the military lifestyle are providing us with a network of churches and friends that could be potential supporters. Plus, we're used to a transitory lifestyle. What's another move or two? The last point I'll mention is that the retirement pay would help offset the support needed.
For years I've wondered what I should do after the military. Kristin and I are excited to think that missions may be right for us.
Saturday, March 06, 2004
The Death of the Protestant Work Ethic?
This week there were several challenges in doing my job with excellence, i.e. unto the Lord. As a supervisor it isn't enough that I do my work with excellence, I also need to enforce a standard of excellence from those that work for me. This isn't always possible with a few of my notorious folks. So when my boss exhorted me to work on their poor performance I was strongly tempted to get upset; but just before I completely lost my head, I realized that part of doing my job with excellence is agreeing that there are improvements to be made. "He who hates reproof is stupid." (Prov 12:1b, ESV)
Also this week a previous employee said that I was the best supervisor he'd ever had, and that, "you got more work out of me than anybody". I returned his compliment with praise to God who does all things well.
There's a significant need for Christians today to develop a strong work ethic. Doing their work unto the Lord, means in part, doing it with excellence. I remember several years ago Kristin and I went to a Ragamuffin concert; it was their first tour after Rich Mullins died. They didn't know the lyrics to several of the songs they played and, overall, gave a poor performance. They showed no shame for their sub-standard act; it didn't seem to matter to them. I think many Christians have a similar view towards their work. They fail to do it with excellence and therefore fail to reflect God's excellencies to those they serve.
This week there were several challenges in doing my job with excellence, i.e. unto the Lord. As a supervisor it isn't enough that I do my work with excellence, I also need to enforce a standard of excellence from those that work for me. This isn't always possible with a few of my notorious folks. So when my boss exhorted me to work on their poor performance I was strongly tempted to get upset; but just before I completely lost my head, I realized that part of doing my job with excellence is agreeing that there are improvements to be made. "He who hates reproof is stupid." (Prov 12:1b, ESV)
Also this week a previous employee said that I was the best supervisor he'd ever had, and that, "you got more work out of me than anybody". I returned his compliment with praise to God who does all things well.
There's a significant need for Christians today to develop a strong work ethic. Doing their work unto the Lord, means in part, doing it with excellence. I remember several years ago Kristin and I went to a Ragamuffin concert; it was their first tour after Rich Mullins died. They didn't know the lyrics to several of the songs they played and, overall, gave a poor performance. They showed no shame for their sub-standard act; it didn't seem to matter to them. I think many Christians have a similar view towards their work. They fail to do it with excellence and therefore fail to reflect God's excellencies to those they serve.
Follow-Ups
Some updates from earlier posts:
1. The rodeo was a great time. Saw the latest in cowboy fashion. The night after we attended a bull jumped 6 feet vertically into the stands after bucking the cowboy. Ten people were injured; most by the stampede of fleeing spectators. It took 15 minutes to get the bull down. Guess there were no real cowboys in the stands.
2. I ate the meatloaf. Still alive; still don't like it. But I didn't hide any in my glass of milk like I used to.
3. Some old neighbors were back in town for a visit yesterday. Their base house down the street is still empty, and their son wanted to know if his toads were still there. Eli stretched his arm down into a hole and pulled out three hibernating toads. The boys were ecstatic; the frogs were not.
Some updates from earlier posts:
1. The rodeo was a great time. Saw the latest in cowboy fashion. The night after we attended a bull jumped 6 feet vertically into the stands after bucking the cowboy. Ten people were injured; most by the stampede of fleeing spectators. It took 15 minutes to get the bull down. Guess there were no real cowboys in the stands.
2. I ate the meatloaf. Still alive; still don't like it. But I didn't hide any in my glass of milk like I used to.
3. Some old neighbors were back in town for a visit yesterday. Their base house down the street is still empty, and their son wanted to know if his toads were still there. Eli stretched his arm down into a hole and pulled out three hibernating toads. The boys were ecstatic; the frogs were not.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Chocolate Bunnies and Ju-Ju Beans
An Apology for Skipping "The Movie"
Many people I respect have seen Passion. It's important to note that I consider them more mature in the faith than me. I've enjoyed their reviews of the movie. It's obviously a reverent and powerful film. At the same time, I don't think it'd be beneficial to me. Here are my reasons for skipping "The Movie":
#1. Chocolate Bunnies. I can hardly read the book of Daniel without thinking of dancing chocolate bunnies. This mental residue is left over from watching the VeggieTale video Rack, Shack and Benny. And Goliath is a giant pickle. The image associations I'd pick up from Passion probably wouldn't be so ludicrous, but when I read of the death of Christ I'd rather not think of a movie.
#2. Ju-Ju Beans. Have you heard the vintage Bill Cosby tale about how as a boy he'd get so scared at movies that he'd slide out of his seat and hide on the theater floor? At the end of the movie someone would have to pick the black Ju-Ju beans off his back, because we all know that no one eats the black ones! Besides making some scared, the Passion story is also sacred. Isn't it irreverent to chomp on popcorn and slurp your Big Gulp while watching the sufferings and death of an innocent Man? If I went to the movie, I'm afraid the folks around me wouldn't think so. A sacred story deserves a more sacred setting.
These may just be my strange hang-ups. But when I learned from the current Mars Hill Audio Journal that the average American college student has seen nearly 100 movies for every book he has read, perhaps my hang-ups aren't so bad.
An Apology for Skipping "The Movie"
Many people I respect have seen Passion. It's important to note that I consider them more mature in the faith than me. I've enjoyed their reviews of the movie. It's obviously a reverent and powerful film. At the same time, I don't think it'd be beneficial to me. Here are my reasons for skipping "The Movie":
#1. Chocolate Bunnies. I can hardly read the book of Daniel without thinking of dancing chocolate bunnies. This mental residue is left over from watching the VeggieTale video Rack, Shack and Benny. And Goliath is a giant pickle. The image associations I'd pick up from Passion probably wouldn't be so ludicrous, but when I read of the death of Christ I'd rather not think of a movie.
#2. Ju-Ju Beans. Have you heard the vintage Bill Cosby tale about how as a boy he'd get so scared at movies that he'd slide out of his seat and hide on the theater floor? At the end of the movie someone would have to pick the black Ju-Ju beans off his back, because we all know that no one eats the black ones! Besides making some scared, the Passion story is also sacred. Isn't it irreverent to chomp on popcorn and slurp your Big Gulp while watching the sufferings and death of an innocent Man? If I went to the movie, I'm afraid the folks around me wouldn't think so. A sacred story deserves a more sacred setting.
These may just be my strange hang-ups. But when I learned from the current Mars Hill Audio Journal that the average American college student has seen nearly 100 movies for every book he has read, perhaps my hang-ups aren't so bad.
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
The High Cost of Discipleship!
Church is tonight. I dread it. At least the dinner part. Meat Loaf! Yuck, yuck, yuck! For over 20 years I've successfully averted all meals involving this ketchup-slathered concoction.
But if I want to learn about tonight's topic, the joys of the New Earth (and I really do), then I'll have to choke-down a little sorrow from this old one. Oh, the high cost of discipleship!
Church is tonight. I dread it. At least the dinner part. Meat Loaf! Yuck, yuck, yuck! For over 20 years I've successfully averted all meals involving this ketchup-slathered concoction.
But if I want to learn about tonight's topic, the joys of the New Earth (and I really do), then I'll have to choke-down a little sorrow from this old one. Oh, the high cost of discipleship!
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Monday, March 01, 2004
Repairing the Ruins
During a men's dinner this weekend I saw God's covenantal faithfulness to multiple generations. One man there was a sixth generation Christian. His family Bible is a second edition King James printed in 1633! I'd like to start a tradition like this in my family, but the mass-produced Bibles of today don't seem like heirloom material.
Another man, our host, is a young father with Covenanters' blood on both sides of the family. As might be expected, he is passionate about the church. He takes seriously his parents' expectation to build upon the faith passed down to him. It's good to see God's faithfulness to His promises. Yet, there is much to be done.
I think it was a Basement Tape that pointed out that our parents' generation just didn't see the danger in sending covenant children to government schools. Thankfully, many of their grown children have seen that error and taken action. But I wonder...what blind spots of ours will our children see and fix?
We labor today to regain what was lost in 1973 when abortion restrictions were struck down. Thirty years from now, will our children single-out 2004 as the year that marriage was struck down?
During a men's dinner this weekend I saw God's covenantal faithfulness to multiple generations. One man there was a sixth generation Christian. His family Bible is a second edition King James printed in 1633! I'd like to start a tradition like this in my family, but the mass-produced Bibles of today don't seem like heirloom material.
Another man, our host, is a young father with Covenanters' blood on both sides of the family. As might be expected, he is passionate about the church. He takes seriously his parents' expectation to build upon the faith passed down to him. It's good to see God's faithfulness to His promises. Yet, there is much to be done.
I think it was a Basement Tape that pointed out that our parents' generation just didn't see the danger in sending covenant children to government schools. Thankfully, many of their grown children have seen that error and taken action. But I wonder...what blind spots of ours will our children see and fix?
We labor today to regain what was lost in 1973 when abortion restrictions were struck down. Thirty years from now, will our children single-out 2004 as the year that marriage was struck down?
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Enjoying the Beauty of Two Books
I've heard that Puritans thought of creation and revelation as two books to know God by. The past two Sundays we've enjoyed both together. Two beauty-filled redemptive-historical sermons on Isaac and Rebekah combined with balmy afternoons at the sand-filled park across the street have been doubly-nice.
Even beauty contained in something as commonplace as pine trees is worth trying to capture in words. Pines here are about 4-stories tall. The bottom 3-stories are long branchless trunks, thin and straight as arrows. They are capped by a few scraggly branches. A close-knit group of pines will frightenly bend and sway in the wind like a wheat field ripe for harvest.
At night, our neighborhood is so dark that moonlight is only lightly screened through their thin layer of needles. I can almost read by it. Tonight there is a glowing half-moon. And every clear night, the star field is crisp and gleaming.
"Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." Psalm 19:2
I've heard that Puritans thought of creation and revelation as two books to know God by. The past two Sundays we've enjoyed both together. Two beauty-filled redemptive-historical sermons on Isaac and Rebekah combined with balmy afternoons at the sand-filled park across the street have been doubly-nice.
Even beauty contained in something as commonplace as pine trees is worth trying to capture in words. Pines here are about 4-stories tall. The bottom 3-stories are long branchless trunks, thin and straight as arrows. They are capped by a few scraggly branches. A close-knit group of pines will frightenly bend and sway in the wind like a wheat field ripe for harvest.
At night, our neighborhood is so dark that moonlight is only lightly screened through their thin layer of needles. I can almost read by it. Tonight there is a glowing half-moon. And every clear night, the star field is crisp and gleaming.
"Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." Psalm 19:2
Saturday, February 28, 2004
The Songs We Sing
My dad played piano by ear, a little. I remember he liked the tune to Old Danny Boy. Besides that the only music I remember was from an old paint-specked, mono radio. He'd listen to the country music of that day, like Conway Twitty, while he built our house on the farm. I'd usually spend the day playing in the dirt, or practicing hammering a nail straight.
I enjoy the memories of my childhood. At the same time I'm hoping to leave indelible marks on my children by the songs we sing. So far our young group can belt out the first verse of the following songs from memory:
Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (and other Christmas Carols)
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Be Thou My Vision
O Worship the King
Rejoice the Lord is King
Come Christians, Join to Sing
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Holy, Holy, Holy
A Might Fortress is Our God
My dad played piano by ear, a little. I remember he liked the tune to Old Danny Boy. Besides that the only music I remember was from an old paint-specked, mono radio. He'd listen to the country music of that day, like Conway Twitty, while he built our house on the farm. I'd usually spend the day playing in the dirt, or practicing hammering a nail straight.
I enjoy the memories of my childhood. At the same time I'm hoping to leave indelible marks on my children by the songs we sing. So far our young group can belt out the first verse of the following songs from memory:
Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (and other Christmas Carols)
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Be Thou My Vision
O Worship the King
Rejoice the Lord is King
Come Christians, Join to Sing
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Holy, Holy, Holy
A Might Fortress is Our God
Friday, February 27, 2004
Is it sinful...
...for parents to send their children to public school?
...for Dad to stay at home with the children so Mom can work?
...if a married couple decides not to have children?
In a sense everything we do is tainted with sin, for our righteousness is as filthy rags. However, I see issues like those above as wisdom and glory issues, not as scandalous sin. Sending your children to government schools shows a lack of wisdom. A stay-at-home Dad and a working mom reflect God's glory poorly, as do most married couples that decide against children. These are generalizations, there can be exceptions, but they are not the rule.
Some say that churches should restrict the privileges of members who do such things. However, seems to me punitive actions are to be reserved for scandalous sin (such as adultery, divorce, etc). I'd rather the elders model a wise and God-glorifying lifestyle, let their convictions be known in all the church, and leave room for their sheep to follow over time.
...for parents to send their children to public school?
...for Dad to stay at home with the children so Mom can work?
...if a married couple decides not to have children?
In a sense everything we do is tainted with sin, for our righteousness is as filthy rags. However, I see issues like those above as wisdom and glory issues, not as scandalous sin. Sending your children to government schools shows a lack of wisdom. A stay-at-home Dad and a working mom reflect God's glory poorly, as do most married couples that decide against children. These are generalizations, there can be exceptions, but they are not the rule.
Some say that churches should restrict the privileges of members who do such things. However, seems to me punitive actions are to be reserved for scandalous sin (such as adultery, divorce, etc). I'd rather the elders model a wise and God-glorifying lifestyle, let their convictions be known in all the church, and leave room for their sheep to follow over time.
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