Staffblog

Grace and Mercy in Suffering

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:33:40 GMT

If I had to choose a book of the Bible as my favorite, it would be Job. Maybe that is strange to you, but I find so much hope when I read through it because I cannot help but see the tremendous depth of God's grace in allowing mankind to suffer. Lately though, I have also been considering the element of His mercy in the midst of pain. I have found it easier to understand His grace during trial, but His mercy as well? It seems impossible, right?

Since we have to start somewhere, let's start at the beginning. God created the universe and everything in it and when He looked at what He had done, it pleased Him. Man and woman were created in His image and were made to live in perfect unison with Him. That lasted for two whole chapters of the Bible. Despite the unending bliss in which God placed the origins of man, they still chose to disobey His only rule by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And every single one of us continue to make this choice daily. But what we see in God's reaction is the first recorded glimpse of His grace. Rather than killing Adam and Eve, which He said would be the result of their disobedience (Genesis 2:17), He extended grace in letting them live. There are countless examples that mirror this throughout the rest of the Bible, the most prominent of these being the ultimate destruction of sin through the person and works of Jesus Christ. God created, that creation turned away from Him, and He chose to pursue and reconcile its decision through the death of His Son rather than punish it.

Seeing the effects of God's grace are not so terribly difficult. We have no right to life so the very fact that we are still breathing is evidence of His grace. Now, believing He is merciful in our suffering has been a frustrating topic for me to think through. Here is how I consider it:

After chapter two of Genesis, the rest of the story, including the one that continues today, is spent following human hearts that are doing everything they can to return to the perfection of creation by pursuing this world for their satisfaction. We constantly do this today by chasing after sex, careers, money, fame, religion, family, and health to fill us and make us whole. In essence, we rely upon God's creation as an end for our satisfaction when He, the Creator, built it to be a means for His own glory. The point is that God is the only true Good in life and everything we have is supposed to remind us of that and drive us to worship Him for it. Our lives have an eternal need that only the Lord can fill, but we still choose to convince ourselves that there are alternatives for healing our wounds.

I think bearing this in mind is how we see God as beautifully merciful in all of our sufferings. Take the story of Job. Satan comes to the Throne convinced that he can ruin the faith of God's most faithful follower (1:8) by taking every material belonging from him. God gives him the permission to do so and what results is the death and destruction of Job's ten children, his thousands of livestock, his crops, all of his servants, his home, and his health as he becomes covered in boils while sitting in the ashes of his devastated life.

At first glance, this seems terribly cruel, but we have to bear in mind the two important points mentioned earlier: God is the only true Good and we consistently look for it elsewhere. Reading through the rest of the story, Job never discounts God's complete sovereignty in all of his pain and his faith is made even stronger in the end when he hears the Lord's magnificent voice promising His faithfulness to him. The reason I see this as being a story of grace AND mercy is because God knows that we need Him and He allows the pieces of our lives that don't exhibit that same understanding to be pressed, stabbed, and cut off for our own good.

I will be the first to tell you that my immediate reaction to any form of suffering is not always one of joy. I am quick to victimize myself and question God's love for me. The thing that humbles me in those moments is that God knows that He is the only source of Life and His love for us is so deeply profound that He allows suffering, the only circumstance by which we truly understand His life-giving power, to occur in our lives. He allows the idols by which we identify ourselves and rely on for satisfaction (sex, careers, money, fame, religion, family, health, etc) to bleed and die so that we have nothing but the only thing that matters - God. The reality is that if suffering were omitted, God would not be loving and just. Instead, He would be cruel and flawed.

My prayer is that we would walk through life with a greater understanding of God's grace and mercy. His focus is not on our outward appearance or accumulation, but our heart. Scripture promises that we will spend our lives wasting away externally, but internally the Lord renews our hearts and brings them into eternity with Him (2 Corinthians 4:16). Jesus was not concerned about His outward appearance when He was spit upon, punched, slapped, whipped, stabbed, and nailed to a cross. His concern was the heart even in His suffering. May we come to walk in the understanding that God extends His grace daily in giving us life in light of our constant rebellion and His mercy is unending in permitting us to suffer in the areas where we do not trust Him so that we can learn to live more fully in Him - the only source of Life.

"Behold the mercy of our King,
Who takes from death its bitter sting,
And by his blood, and often ours,
Brings triumph out of hostile pow'rs,
And paints, with crimson, earth and soul
...Until the bloody work is whole.
What we have lost God will restore -
That, and himself, forevermore,
When he is finished with his art:
The quiet worship of our heart.
When God creates a humble hush,
And makes Leviathan his brush,
It won't be long before the rod
Becomes the tender kiss of God."

The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God by John Piper

The Depths CD

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:32:26 GMT

As we enter the home stretch of this spiritual journey I am excited and am waiting in expectation for all that will come out of these 35 days. I know that God will bring about deliverance from bondage of sin, reconciliation to broken relationships, physical healing and will move us all more and more in the depths of who He is and the promises of the gospel. Along with all that He is doing, I am excited because as the worship pastor at Hill Country UT, I consider it a privilege to serve you. I believe that as a worship leader, Christian musician, and songwriter for the Church my main role is to serve you and because of that, our worship ministry takes on part of that role. Each week we serve you by leading you in worship through song in order that your desire for, view of, and trust in God’s glory and Christ crucified would be increased.

In light of this, it has been our desire and vision to bless our local church with songs that have been written in response to what God is doing in our individual lives as well as corporately. For the past several months the bands here at Hill Country UT have worked diligently to record a CD for you. The purpose of this CD is for the songs to encourage, exhort, and edify you as you live on mission for our Savior Jesus Christ.

How do I get one of these CD’s you ask? Great question! Because this project was created for you, we will be giving them out for free only once at “React” which is Sunday, Feb. 28, the last day of the journey. Be sure you are there not only to get a free CD, but also to celebrate what God has done throughout the journey. I pray that these 35 days will be life transforming!

Keeping you posted,

Josh

2009 : Books I Read This Year

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:00:34 GMT

I am a seasonal reader; which means some seasons I read a ton and in others not so much. But here's a blurb about books I've read this year. We should always be learning and listening to other voices. I recommend reading many different authors :). And if folks tell you not to read a certain author, I'd go ahead and read them and let the holy spirit guide you. The * are ones I really enjoyed.

*Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret (Hudson's Family): A classic on going-all-in, exegeting your culture and missional living.

Missional Church (Guder): States the theory that inviting folks to join our christian community first will lead to life transformation second.

*Heart of a Servant Leader (Jack Miller): Pastoral letters to missionaries around the world. It drips of gospel sonship.

*Vintage Jesus (Driscoll): Sarcastic and revealing look at who Jesus really was--and is.

Vintage Church (Driscoll): Sarcastic and revealing look at what the church should be.

*The Yankee Years (Joe Torre): Guide to dealing with stress and finding your leadership style.

*Reaching the Campus Tribes (Hines): Why we need to blow-up most college ministry methodology and start over for each of our unique campuses.

**The Unlikely Disciple (Roose): A non-christian college student transfers from Brown to Liberty for a semester and lives to tell the tale.

Idols of the Heart (Fitzpatrick): What happens when you don't believe the gospel.

Serving As a Church Greeter (Parrott): Loving people well the moment they walk through the door of your church..

*I Once Was Lost (Everts): A fascinating look at the '5 thresholds' folks must walk through as they come to faith--it's my story too.

Compelled by Love (Stetzer): What should motivate you to live missionally.

*Practicing Greatness (McNeal): How to lead well.

Off Road Disciplines (Creps): The title got me.. I'll admit.. but it is full of reminders of the disciplines that will keep you walking with Him.

Re:Jesus (Frost): How we should be mini-Jesus's to the world.

The Blueprint (Ma): Helping college students to see themselves as missionaries on the campus.

Sticky Church (Osborne): How to get folks to stick to your church--the right folks.

On the NT, OT, Church Leadership, God (Driscoll): Attempt at being brief and sarcastic while sharing deep truths

**Ordering Your Private World (Macdonald): I read it every year.

*The Shack (Young): I should have read it years ago--don't think too deeply--just enjoy the story. It's fiction remember? :)

*Going Rogue (Sarah Palin Bio): She got screwed by the man.. beware she knows how to handle a gun.. and wild caribou

Irresistible Revolution (Claiborne): Christian Pacifist calls for a new way of living.. in Philly

What should I read next year??? :) Holy spirit on 3!

Home for the Holidays

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:40:40 GMT

I decided to drive home from Texas to Connecticut for the holidays. Yes, it is many states away, and in the heart of winter, but I wanted to bring my dog home and stay awhile with the family. So I packed up the jeep with diet coke, found a friend to tag along, shiner jumped in, and off we went on an adventure.. and yes we hit the 'storm of the decade'!

I haven't lived in Connecticut since the summer of my sophomore year of college- go JMU. Since then, I have lived in Harrisonburg and Vienna, VA; Fort Myers, FL; and Austin, TX. It's been like 14 years since I've spent an extended time at home due to my workaholicness. Since then I've worked for:

Chilis- Server, Cook, Trainer & Corporate Trainer for New Store Openings
Fellowship of Christian Athletes- Summer Camp Staff & College Staff at JMU
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship- College Staff at JMU
Mclean Bible Church- College Ministry Staff
Leesburg Park & Rec.- Pre-k-3rd grade Sports Instructor
The Little Gym- Sports Director, Program Director, New Gym Trainer & Lead Teacher
Southside High School- Women's Basketball & Soccer Coach
Fort Myers Christian School- K- 8th P.E. Teacher, Athletic Director, Men's and Women's Basketball & Soccer Coach
UW Sports Ministry- Head Coach
Hill Country Christian School- K- 8th P.E. Teacher
Hill Country Bible Church UT- Church Plant Core Team, Student Fellowship Director, Associate College Director, College Director & Connections/ Missional Communities Director

Many places, many jobs, and much time away from my family. I've tried to visit 4-5 times a year since. so that's like 60-70 visits, maybe more.. I have loved my work and have felt very useful in these positions and have seen much fruit of the my labor. Not sure why God has chosen to call me out and use me- a sacrcastic, sports loving, single from New England. But his calling has 'kept' me from my family.. and it's very, very hard on me.

Yes, I know my S.H.A.P.E. and am living in the calling and gifting. I have magic powers, and can connect folks to Jesus, His community and His calling on peoples lives, but the head and heart are heavy some days..

So I drove home, unpacked, and am staying awhile.. Shiner likes the snow. I like have Uconn, Yankees, and NY Giants on every sports show and newspaper in town. I like seeing my family everyday. I babysit, run errands, and just be.. with the family. Don't worry, work is getting done via emails, facebook, texts and calls.

Call it a vacation, a sabbath, a holiday. I call it a disconnect and reconnect. Much needed.

The work will be there when I get back.. It always is. :)

Why you should go on a Spring Break Trip..

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:08:18 GMT

If you don’t believe it when I tell you that a spring break trip will change your life, here are some stories that may convince you otherwise. Take a look and come on a trip! You won’t regret it!

:)

Josh Williams:
My trip to Omaha in the Spring of 2009 was momentous. I have a close relationship with almost everyone in our group, and continue to grow alongside them. At Coram Deo, I relearned the gospel. I experienced a group of people who loved Jesus and pursued Him in every aspect of their lives. The learning was non-stop: from the day I got back, I had an insatiable desire to grow and learn more about this God I love.

Stefan Berthelsen:
"You want me to do what? Give up my own break of Spring Semester? And go to... Omaha? You've gotta be kidding me..." That's what I was thinking when I got asked to go on a Spring Break Trip last year, and yet somehow I ended up packing my self and a week's worth of provisions into vans early Saturday morning last Spring Break. How did I end up on van that morning? Well, God slowly removed the petty excuses... I've gotta go home and see my friends. I want a week to myself. That's a lot of money. You name it. God broke it down. He's a provider. He's a God who opens doors of opportunity because when He is in your life he shakes it up and breaks you for the path he wants you to be on... Yeah, I fought it at first. I like my way until God blows it up and shows me how much more beautiful his is. Over and over again.

Not knowing exactly why I signed up in the first place, I went to Omaha and came back with something different. I am not going to tell you I came back a NEW me (we will leave that type of superficial transformation to Extreme Makeover Home Edition), but there was something different. An attitude. A desire. A new family.

In Omaha, the passionate teaching of men who lived and breathed the Gospel to different communities of people woke me up. They taught us about the persistent, continuous, and deafening power of the Gospel in our individual lives in a new way. The same message I have always heard but from a fresh perspective. They taught us by helping us do it. I remember driving around Omaha with a recent college grad volunteer named Bill. Bill liked Kurt Vonnegut; so do I... we hit it off. Our conversations reminded me over and over again of what we had been learning all week. The importance of living with, caring about, and truly loving the people you so desperately desire will find the joy we have found in Christ.

Not only a new perspective, I came back with a new family. The people I shared a hotel room with, cleaned a devastated basement with, and road fourteen hour in a van with were my team, my gang, my chums, (any more 50's group references, anyone?). Not only this group though, but I also felt like Hill Country was now my home. Another community that I was a part of because I knew we all had a common goal: to spur each other on in this race we are running in, to let his redemptive power consume even the foulest parts of my soul, and to reach those at UT who need the Gospel just as much as I do.

Collin Huber:
This past spring break, I went on the trip to Omaha with HCBCUT. Honestly, I had very low expectations going into the week. I mean, how fun could Nebraska really be for spring break? But God cornered my heart during that time. On one hand, He made me vulnerable because I was going to a new place with new people from the church that I did not know all too well. I was forced to be intentional and put my pride on the line for the sake of getting to know others. God also convicted me deeply of the way I use my time. Every reason that I had for not going to Nebraska over spring break was a selfish one. I would not have as much fun there as I would at the beach. It is not as comfortable spending a week with people I don’t know as it would be with people I do know – and so on. He revealed to me how completely trivial my ambitions were towards my life because they were all aimed at how I could improve myself.

When I got to Omaha, I spent a week with the leaders of the church that we were visiting and what I saw from their lives was a deeply convicted obedience to the Gospel that was not a duty, but a sincere delight. This was the greatest lesson that God taught me during my spring break trip – that committing my life to Him brings more joy and fulfillment than anything else my heart could ever desire. Since then, I have been able to pursue that fact alongside the other people who went on the trip with me and God has been true in satisfying my heart as I chase after His purpose for me. Before this past spring break, I would never have believed anyone who told me that I would spend my holiday in Nebraska, but in hindsight I am forever grateful for my time there. God used it to lean on my motives towards life. He rescued me from my ambitions of self satisfaction and encouraged me to live as His son because that is the only thing that brings true satisfaction.

My time in Omaha truly changed my perspective towards life and faith and it taught me the meaning of true joy. I do not plan on returning to the sentiments I had before that trip and I would not have it any other way.

Kaity Harlan:
When I first came to Hill Country, I knew immediately that this was the church for me. I immediately jumped into a freshman bible study at the church and started serving in the worship ministry, but I was still having trouble feeling connected.

I was asked to go on the Spring Break trip to Memphis and I said yes. I still remember being nervous for the first meeting because I literally didn’t know anyone else who was going. Even by the time we were loading up the vans and heading to Memphis, I still didn’t feel like I really knew anyone on the trip. But over the course of the next week, our team grew closer than I ever could have imagined. I not only learned some amazingly practical ways to be missional and the importance of having someone disciple me, but I also made some lasting friendships. I remember coming back from Spring Break feeling really connected because I knew that I had 18 other people in the church that I had grown really close to. I actually met one of my best friends in Austin on that first trip! Honestly, if I hadn’t gone on that first trip I don’t know if I would have stayed at Hill Country because before that I didn’t feel like I had any friends here. Now I’ve been on two trips, led one of them, and am on staff here at the church.

The Spring Break trips changed my life because they changed Hill Country from being this place I go to on Sundays into my home here in Austin where I feel loved, encouraged, and surrounded by friends!

Krissy Cunningham:
My freshman year I was asked to attend the Memphis trip. I was hesitant at first since Spring Break was my time to go home with my family and friends. But I decided to take a risk and go. It has literally changed my experience at college. I learned the importance of discipleship and service through the ministry we partnered with. In addition, I was able to experience fellowship with my church body. This was the biggest benefit. I had built relationships that kept me wanting to serve and be involved with the church after the trip, which was critical in a time that I was searching for my identity in Christ. I was now able to call Hill Country my family away from home (and lets not forget that I also met my future husband...haha).

The second trip was to Omaha and I was one of the student leaders. This was a great time of growth and trust. I had to learn to let the guys take lead and how to support and encourage them. In addition, I learned how to deal with conflict and improvise as the schedule would change. Seeing the team grow and learn was excellent. Furthermore, I learned what a missional community was...Living life on a daily basis for the glory of God. It was really neat to see how the church was reaching a city one action at a time. Most of all, prayer was established. Speaking with him and sharing my joys and fears allowed him to work to the fullest extent.

Nathan Byard:
Honestly, last spring break trip has had a huge impact on my life. It wasn't noticeable to me at the time, but looking back it was the turning point. I had a lot of things going wrong in my life and didn't feel like I was spiritual enough. I didn't feel adequate, I didn't feel like God would use me, I didn't feel like it would change my life like everyone said. But I went anyways cause of that ever so tiny feeling like God might have wanted me to. It was a lot of fun! I made a lot of friends! But I didn't feel a whole lot different. There was no giant hand reaching out of the sky putting me back on track.

Its been almost 9 months, and looking back, that trip really was the turning point. It got me connected to people at church. They loved me and cared, so I started going to church more to see my new awesome friends. Going to church helped me get involved in a missional community. The people in that missional community took time to talk to me, went through scripture together, and helped me work through all those issues in my life that were dragging me down. I have since been reconnected in my faith, a new fire in my soul, and a new passion! I am a completely different person then last year and truly believe it's cause of the spring break trip I went on. And now, I never thought I would, but I am leading one this year. I cannot wait to see what God does this time!

Lola Longe:
I guess spring break in St. Louis opened my eyes to the need of those around the world. But it also reminded me of the need of those who i see everyday around me. In one of the neighborhoods we visited in St. Louis, there was an apparent need of re-structuring in order to create a friendlier, safer, and cleaner environment. There was also a need for safety from the gangs that were present there, and from the police officers who routinely incriminated the innocent. The other neighborhood we visited in St. Louis was a typical suburban town, with nice houses with nice cars residing in their driveways. It was visually more appealing than the other neighborhood, with a seemingly smaller problem of gangs and corrupt policemen. However, the people there keep to themselves, and were not as particularly open to listening to us speak about Jesus, as the first neighborhood had been.

This is one of the most important features of the trip I learned: there is a need for Jesus every where we go, no matter what we appear to need, or think we need. I think that if people in those two different neighborhoods lived a life in which they fully sought God's kingdom, they wouldn't have the problems they had, and even if they did, they would still have joy and love that would get them through difficulties. This was an important lesson to bring back to UT with me. My goal was to recognize that we are all in need of saving, and to bring the truth to those around me. I don't need to go somewhere else to help people, when people around me need help too.

Take a step of faith! Join the Road Trip 09-10
D.R., Omaha, Memphis, Gonzales, Piedras Negras, Fort Myers, Sherman

A church plant for college students???

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:10:45 GMT

Are you nuts? Planting a church for college students who: have no money, are flaky, and over committed; who are only in school maybe 30 weeks a year; who skip out on the weekends & Sunday worship for trips home, to see friends, attend football games, etc. etc; who, if they are Christ- followers, are involved in multiple ministries, and if they don't know Jesus yet, have no interest in our Jesus or our church...

What were we thinking???

Wrong question.. It's who were we thinking of???

Over 50,000 students at UT...
Over 5000 of those are international students..

90% who don't know Jesus..yet...

But take a passion for college students.. A committed staff.. Faithful adults.. A few college students crazy enough to jump on board with us...And the Holy Spirit...Jesus has showed up..

Read about our journey.. The good, bad, and ugly: http://www.hcbcut.com/docs/HCBCUTCaseStudy_2009.pdf

I hope it inspires you and your church to partner with us.. or inspires you to reach your neighborhood college campus..

If we can help you reach your campus in anyway, just let us know!

The Anatomy of a Rebuke

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:24:57 GMT

Lately, I have been thinking about the distinction we, as believers, should have in approaching other believers and non-believers about sin in their lives. The Gospel calls us to love everyone, but those of us who commit to living for Christ are held to a higher standard. The best analogy I can think to use is that of the difference between a teacher and a student.

When a student applies poorly what he has learned it is generally because of a lack of understanding or immature growth into a topic. The answer is to lead and encourage the student with patience until the results reflect more positively. The reaction is different for the teacher though. When he misuses concepts that should be understood, we point out the situation clearly. If a teacher is passing on false information to others, we are sure to make it known because he should know better.

So there is a difference between these two figures (student and teacher). They can both make the exact same mistakes, but they will each receive very different reactions, and rightfully so. This same distinction exists between the lost and the saved. Christians should have a similar approach to those who are believers and those who are not. When we engage those who have not entered into a relationship with Christ, behavioral criticism will do nothing. How can we expect someone who does not know Jesus to act like they do? Our first response must be to love. People respond to that. We live in obedience to the Great Commission when we enter into intentional relationships with others in order to share the Truth of the Gospel in love. God grants us opportunities in that obedience to share the hope that we profess. He allows us to encourage them towards Christ with patience much like we would a student learning a new concept.

I am not saying that God has lower expectations for non-believers than He does for believers because He doesn’t. Romans 2:11 makes it clear that God shows no partiality to mankind. What I am saying is that human beings do not have the ability (or the responsibility) to convert someone to a relationship with Christ. So beating a nonbeliever over the head with the Gospel does nothing but shut doors. That’s why I always cringe when I hear the fire and brimstone evangelicals on the UT campus screaming about how homosexuals and porn addicts and atheists are all going to hell if they do not repent. That message does not speak to the hearts of the lost. Instead, it hijacks the Gospel and turns it into a weapon it was never meant to be. We should not treat the behaviors of someone outside of Christ in a way that assumes they know who He is. We are called to meet them where they are in life and share the Truth in love when given the opportunity – because that’s what Christ did for us. The sick are in need of a Physician (Luke 5:30-32).

On the other hand, our approach to believers living in sin should be different. Of course, we always act in love, but those who claim the name of Christ and do not reflect that with their lifestyle need to be rebuked for that. The situation is different. A believer knows Christ. Therefore, we can treat him as if that is a truth about his life. When we become Christ followers, we cast off what Paul calls “the old self.” Throughout his letters, he describes the attributes of the old self as being things like drunkenness, anger, obscene talk from the mouth, and sexual immorality to list a few. As Christians, we are called to be set apart from the desires of this world because we are no longer a part of them. Those chains belong to our old selves. Now we live in the new self and our pursuit is holiness in Christ. This is a collective responsibility since God calls us to live in community with one another. So when we see a member of the Kingdom of Christ living in a way that is not set apart from the wickedness of our world, we should approach them about it and help them back to the path of righteousness – but always in love.

There is a huge danger in putting this into action though. Often times, we resort to legalism, elevate ourselves to the seat of the Judge, and forget God’s place in the midst of our criticisms of others. Yes, the Bible calls believers to hold other believers accountable, but it also makes it very clear (especially in the first three chapters of Romans) that we are ALL sinners and God is our only hope. So parading around your own perceived moral standing as the standard for everyone else (“I don’t do this so that person is worse than me because he does”) illustrates perfectly the status of a depraved heart. I struggle with this often. I have to consistently remind myself that people will screw up, but Christ is our only hope and God’s kindness and patience is meant to bring us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

The distinction I am making is that much more delicacy must be involved in our interactions with nonbelievers than with believers. Often times, we are too condemning to the lost and too apathetic to the church. I am certainly guilty of this. Let’s consider the message of the Bible. Paul saved his most harsh tones for believers who mistreated their faith (Galatians 3:1-6) and Jesus embraced the whore (John 8:1-11) while He rebuked the religious (Matthew 23:13-36).

As Christians, we are not better than those who are outside of Christ. We should not elevate our faith or think too highly of ourselves because the message of the Gospel is that we are all broken and sinful beings in desperate need of a Savior. Christ is our hope – not our condemnation and His Word is the Good News that we are called to share with others while always speaking in love and patience. Because that is the very thing that Christ did for us.

Tassels

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17:01 GMT

The other day I read a verse in Numbers where God is talking to Moses on Mount Sinai, and he directs him to tell the Israelites to cut three fringes in the corner of their clothing. God tells Moses to do this so that the Israelites will remember to obey his commands and not travel on their own paths. (Numbers 15:37-41) But fringes? Really? Did the Israelites understand this command? Why fringes? Why not shirts with cheesy phrases or WWJD bracelets? Did they really cut fringes in the corners of their clothing? Did any of them stop to ask where the corner of their clothing was?? Overall, pretty strange command if I should say so myself. I thought about it though, and the idea makes sense. The Israelites were prone to stray from their God. Even only a day after not seeing God work in obvious ways, they basically built up idols to cows and other crazy things.

When you think about it, we're not so different. We run around like crazy people, forgetting who God is and the amazing things he has done for us. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my own life and things I have to do that by the end of the day, I get in bed and think, man, did I even thank God that I'm breathing right now? I take everything for granted, even decision-making. I just do whatever I want and makes me feel comfortable. And I'm all about praying and asking for situations to work for my advantage, but did I ever stop to glorify my creator? Sometimes I think we are just missing something. Are we missing what this life is about? Are we missing the big picture of everything because we are too busy filling up our schedules with activities and events that, in even a week, won't be significant at all? I think if we would just take more time to thank God for where we are, for where he has brought us, and for what he is doing, we would understand more of what we were created for: intimacy with him.

So I made a small tassel to pin on the bottom edge of my shirt. It’s white and blue. When I look down at my shirt I normally catch a glimpse of my tassel and remember that God is powerful, majestic, and freaking amazing for substituting his son for my wickedness. As weird as it may sound, this small, strange looking tassel has helped to keep me on my knees. Even the seemingly insignificant prayers of thankfulness keep me focused on what really matters.

An outsider's perspective on Christians... Read this book!

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:52:28 GMT

What do people that don't go to church think about Christians, Christianity, and the church? What do folks from other parts of the country that are unfamiliar with evangelical Christianity think of those that call themselves born again Christians?

We call them non-christians, unbelievers, people that don't know Jesus yet, and other names I don't care to use here.. We are always trying to get them to understand us and the gospel.. to speak their language so they will "taste and see that the Lord is good."

But would we be willing to leave behind the Christian culture and safe world (Christian bubble) we are in and enter into their world, not to convert, but to truly understand their life, morals, faith or lack their of. To be honest learners.. and listeners.. and friends?

I recently finished the book An Unlikely Disciple, by Kevin Roose. It is about a self-described non-christian who decides to enroll at Liberty University (a very conservative Christian university in Lynchburg, VA, founded by the late Jerry Falwell) to learn about evangelical Christianity by totally immersing himself in the culture. He does this not to mock or slam or write the sequel to "Saved" (a great movie by the way). He does it to try to understand this foreign culture to learn and write about it.

Crazy, right? This was my first response. (I think I said, "Are you freaking kidding me??") My second was, "Please, Lord, not Liberty!! Not Jerry Falwell! Not the university with the dress code, curfew, and fines for swearing, touching, and watching R rated movies!! Oh the horror!" (Now I did not go to Liberty, so I apologize for my stereotypical views about the campus. I do, however, have many friends who have gone to Liberty and also heard, like many of you all, Falwell’s comments after 9-11.)

Back to the book..

Kevin was a journalism student at Brown University (a very liberal “pagan” place.. Christians beware!!! :). He grew up in PA not really going to church or with a solid faith. He was your typical college student. Partied, hooked up, wanted to save Darfur, etc., etc. He did not have any folks around him that are like 'us'. Why?

There are just not many Christ-followers in New England. Better put, there are not many conservative evangelical Christians in the Northeast. And like 6 of the top ten non-religious states are in New England. It is a foreign land up there.. very different than the South.. or the country of Texas where I live.

When a journalism assignment brought him to Liberty one weekend, he encountered a few Liberty students in the lobby of Falwell's church, located on the Liberty campus. Not to give too much away, but the encounter freaked him out. Yes, freaked him out.

But it also caused him to wonder who are these people? It was like bumping into tourists from a foreign land... hearing a language you've never heard before. That encounter took him on a semester long journey away from the "safety" of Brown University, away from his loving but non-christian parents and friends, into the lion's den of.... Christianville, USA. (His parents we're scared to death by the way of this idea and pleaded for him not to go!!)

The book is his account of going undercover as a student at Liberty. It is a fascinating, and I believe open and honest look at Christianity. It is hilarious and challenging. It should be read by all. Do I agree with everything he says??.. No.. Not at all. But it's his honest search for understanding that is so amazing, and refreshing to me..

And needing to be heard by Christ-followers.. no matter where you live.

FYI- I grew up in New England. Connecticut by the way.. I am a Yankee true and true! Loud, sarcastic, non-touchy feely, family loving, passionate NY Yankee, NY Giant, and UCONN fan, loyal to a fault, former nominal Catholic not really.

It wasn't until I was a sophomore in college, at James Madison University, a public school in Virginia, where I first encountered "born again Christians". Totally freaked me out by the way... but also made me curious as to who the hell are these people... :) (now there's a good story)

Read this book. It's at Barnes and Nobles.. I don't think its at Lifeway.. sorry.. you'll have to be brave and leave the bubble..

Within the Storm

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:38:51 GMT

I’ve been struggling a lot lately with joy. The Bible speaks repeatedly of the Christian life being marked by joy. It also has a number that speak of suffering and trials. The Christian life is a paradox, apparent contradictories that actually express a truth. It seems as though talks of idolatry are constantly surrounding me, from the book the staff is reading, Idols of the Heart, to Eric’s sermon a couple weeks ago to just random conversations. I am constantly being made aware that my joy is not being found in Jesus. John Piper says, “The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever.” I confess that I fail at that on a consistent basis. My head struggles to understand the truths of God and how they all fit together all the time. Most days I know my salvation rests secure in the hands of Jesus. It’s one of his promises to us. My life has and continues to be transformed by Jesus. Sometimes I seek pleasure in things other than God because I’m a sinner and think they will better satisfy me. Sometimes I can’t figure out how to find my joy in God and sinfully seek to just find some happiness.

The Apostle Peter says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” (1 Peter 1:6) Here is the paradox laid out in one very complex verse. We rejoice (to be glad, to find delight) and we are grieved by various trials. I don’t write this from the other side of the storm looking back and seeing the footsteps where God has carried me. I write this from in the storm trying to grasp for joy. I write this holding fast to the words of the psalmist, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11) I will again praise God, my salvation. I hope that if you find yourself lacking in joy that you hold on to that promise until your heart feels it. You, too, will again praise God.

Reflection: Crazy in Love

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:29:31 GMT

Denny started this sermon with Luke Chapter 7 with the story of a prostitute's encounter with Jesus. While Jesus was dining at Simon's (a Pharisee) house, she came in and with the sight of Jesus, she started to weep and wet Jesus' feet with her tears. She used her hair to wash His feet. Can you imagine this ridiculous scene? This is one of the most sinful people in the city, and she is touching Jesus! When Simon wondered why Jesus, a holy man, would let a prostitute touch him, Jesus tells a parable of a moneylender with two debtors that couldn't pay him. He forgives both the debts, and Jesus asks which one will love him more. Simon says, naturally, the one that owed him more. Jesus says he is correct and the He forgives the woman's sins.

The parable is not about the debt. The greater message Jesus is trying to convey is sometimes we are so engrossed in our own piousness and goodness that we don't even realize that we owe Jesus anything. The woman, who was full of sin that everyone could see, was completely broken in front of Jesus. She understood that she is nothing and has nothing to offer Christ. She recognized that she was full of sin. The only option that she had was to be fully committed to the Christ. We are all as sinful and spiritually bankrupt as the prostitute. Do we see how full of sin we are? Do we rely on Jesus as much as the prostitute? Do we understand we owe Him everything?
I think that sometimes, my relationship with Jesus can be summed up by the fad t-shirt that says "Jesus is my Homeboy!" I write off His gift for me and just think about how being a Christian can be so inconvenient. I think of His death as something irrelevant and auxiliary to my daily life. Oh yeah, that happened like thousands of years ago and, yeah, whatever. I am so concerned about what is happening in my busy life that I forget about Jesus. I act like Simon, so sure that I am better than others that I don't really need Jesus' love.
I am a sinner. In God's eyes, I am completely unfit to be in His presence. There is nothing that I could ever do to make that better. But in His mercy, Jesus died for me so that we could be made new and left blameless by the blood of Christ. Because of that I should give him everything! All these things that I am worried about on a daily basis will disappear and mean nothing when I die. Only the cause of Christ and my relationship with Jesus will remain. I don't want Jesus to become weightless or unimportant in my life, because He is the only thing that really matters at the end of the day. Denny's sermon reminded me that I want Jesus to be King of my life, so that He is central to everything I do, and that I will refuse to serve any other master. Denny put it this way: "The greatest failure is not failing in the things of this world, but failing in the things of eternity."
I encourage you to think about your relationship with the God-Man, and figure out where He is in your life. What do you put in front of Jesus in your priority list? What do you need to give up to Him so that you may serve Him better for His glory?

Seniors... don't waste your year.. or you're life!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:55:41 GMT

It's your senior year.. where did all the time go? Just yesterday you were a wide eyed freshman wondering where your classes were, shopping for a church and ministry; making friends and finding your way.

As a freshman you ran around getting involved in all sorts of activities.. ate way to much mac and cheese and went to every football game.. yeah! You were poured into by upperclassman and adults who cared about your spiritual health. You saw godly people of the opposite sex and got giddy but decided to just be with Jesus..

As a sophomore you dove (or were pushed) into leadership, led folks and served and got overwhelmed but leaned on Jesus.. and still ate way to much mac and cheese in that kitchen you loved in your off campus apartment. You held parties for way to many occasions,and had a blast. You wondered who your future spouse would be..

Junior year you got your rhythm, felt much older and wiser, and began to think, huh.. holy crap I'm a junior! You wished you were a wide eyed freshman who could just sit and soak and listen but knew you had so much to give back so you tried to balance the two. You were asked about summers and internships and jobs and loss some sleep over that.. You think or thought you found your spouse.. and wondered why it was so easy/hard.

Senior year.. yessssss you've arrived. You are legal. You are the leaders of the school, church, life etc. You are tired, yet giddy for this year. You wonder what your place is at church or ministry. You are busy interviewing for jobs, trying to get motivated for classes, trying to not get overwhelmed with future stuff. You feel burned out. but have learned so much and have so much to give.. But don't know how best to balance it all. Did I mention your legal now too :) and planning how to date long distance or get engaged or how you can meet someone before the real world begins..

I hear you! I understand!! I've been there! I came to know the Lord in college.. sat and soaked.. led small groups.. was put in leadership.. felt overwhelmed and burnt out.. then went into ministry full time!!!! I saw all 8 of my roommates get married within their senior year and 2 years after college. I went to more weddings my first 5 years out of college then in my entire life time combined!!! Ha!

Here this:

I want you to have a great senior year!
I want you to love Jesus more!
I want you to find great jobs!
I want you to find a godly spouse and have an amazing marriage!
I want to see Jesus move and transform you and those around you!

But you have been through so much! You do have so much to give to those bright eyed underclassman! But you do need to think through what happens in the next season. You do.

So I have a few nuggets of wisdom for you. For this your senior year.. And the next season of your life! You may disagree with some things.. super.. Just ask the holy spirit what you should hear or not. Holy Spirit on 3!!

Senior Year Nuggets of wisdom:
- Be with Jesus.. However you do your relationship with your savior thing.. do it.. make time for it. Or you just won't.. and you will suffer for it.

- Be careful with your new found freedom. You got wisdom, life experience, time and the law behind you. Just be wise. Don't peak to soon :) Pace yourself with your fun zones ok?

- Give back to those younger than you. Take some freshman through scripture; go on a weekend mission trip and spring break trip; Take some underclassman to HEB or Walmart.

- Serve in the church. Don't be the guy too cool for school. Be a greeter, help plan events, hand out bulletins.. Don't ask to lead, just be a servant!

- Begin to Live missionally in your neighborhood and at your job (if you have one) - this is where your future missional community will be! Get some practice investing in these places!

-Join a community group.. You're not too cool for school. Meet in a small group with other believers each week. After graduation, when all the weekly ministry meetings pass away, this is where your spiritual community will be.. a small group through your church

- Get more involved in your local church. If you've been a para church ministry person during your four years.. fantastic.. but there aren't many para church ministries for folks after college.. Your local church is where the action will be. Get a taste of it now!

Future planning- Life after college.. a few things to think about...

- Find a church and THEN find a job... there is not a good church everywhere.. the salary, insurance, benefits.. its not enough.. your spiritual life is the most important thing... it is.. so before you sign the dotted line.. do a church search.. please please please...

- Before you move somewhere new for a job, grab some friends to go with you. Starting somewhere new is hard.. especially after college where you had great community and were known. How about taking your community with you to that new city.. and start over together?

- Do your homework before you sign up.. Make sure the company is one you want to work for.. one you want to tell others you work for. Are they shady?? Don't be shady :(.

- Make sure you have a life. Work is not life, but a part of your life. Your weekends, hobbies, vacations etc. are important. Make sure this new job allows you to be you.. and not consume you.

- Don't start that new job until July/Aug. Give yourself time to sleep, play, recover, travel, etc before you start a job that gives you two weeks vacation a year. Take a break. You have the rest of your life to work.

- Establish some credit. Get a credit card.. Start buying gum with it. Pay it off every month. It will help you later (car loan, rent, mortgage etc).

- Start saving a bit. Start giving a bit.

- Spend a year volunteering and giving back.. to your campus church or ministry. :) Get a job that pays the bills and be a volunteer campus minister. We need you.

Seniors.. have ONE of the best years of your life!

Is one church and/or one ministry enough? (A college student's question)

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:27:02 GMT

Are you a believer on a campus? Then you're probably in the midst of church/ministry shopping right now, which I applaud you for. You need a community of believers around you. You need to be taught the word, have people praying and care for your soul, use your gifts to build up the body and be held accountable by others. Yes yes yes. If you're not seeking out a church to call home while you're at school, please check your spiritual pulse.

But, alas, some of you have your shopping cart full of churches and ministries-- ready to jump in and be a part of multiple ministries on a weekly basis--2 churches on Sunday--2-3 different Bible studies--serving here and there and everyone--multiple social circles in multiple communities and the list continues.

Yeah, no bueno. While I appreciate your zealousness for heaven points and your desire to find community and not miss out on any opportunities, it is not wise to be a part of multiple ministries and multiple churches at once-- yes, I said it. Committing to less is better, for you and for them.

Why? You just want to know god more. You just want to worship more. You just have so many interests and gifting.

You'll be missing out. They'll be missing out on you :) I know, I know. How can you just pick one church or one ministry and go all in? Why should you?

Well, giddy-up….

1. Consumerism=Bad. The more churches and ministries you are in, the more you consume. Yes, and as you take take take, how much do you give back (with your time, talent, $$, etc.)? You sit at the table and eat and then get up and go somewhere else for another course, leaving your dishes behind, leaving other people to serve you, but you're not serving or investing there.

2. Relational Quota. How many relationships can you maintain well? The more communities, Bible studies, groups, etc. that your in, the more relationships you'll try to maintain. How deep can you go with so many folks vying for your time? Will you really be known, or just be the guy who comes, says “hey” and then leaves to run to the next group? Don't be that guy. :)

3. Serving. Yeah, see # 1. Are you giving back? Are you using your gifts to serve the body or just taking?

4. Do you leave room for margins in your life? Are you so busy running to and from different Christian activities, that you don't have time to stop, reflect, pray and see God at work around you? Hamster-wheel life? Just keep running? Noooooooooo

5. How many people that don't know Jesus yet do you know? Like really know? And how many know you? The more churches and ministries you are involved with, the less ministry you're doing. Yeah--not what Jesus taught. Investing in peoples lives takes time... time…

So one church--one ministry is enough. And best. One small group. One serving team.

Don't be a consumer. Go all in. Be taught. Be cared for. Be known. Be trained and equipped. Be sent out. Be called to worship. One church! One-stop-shopping!

Reflection: Use Somebody

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:35:50 GMT

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "son, your sins are forgiven."" Mark 2:5

Denny spoke on the story of the paralytic whose friends brought him to Jesus for healing. The man's community gathered around him to see to his ailment cured; and what did Christ do, but forgive his sins first, and then his body. This man was carried on a mat, lowered down through a destroyed ceiling, and what does Jesus do? He recognizes the faith that the paralytic and his friends have, and forgives the paralytic's sin. That strikes me in a couple ways:

As Denny said, the fact that Jesus said the man's sins are forgiven is blasphemous. Any Pharisee knows that sins can be covered, but only God Himself can forgive sins.
Did Jesus see "their faith" because of the actions they took? Was it because of the combined effort that this man's sins were forgiven? Look again. In verse 8, it says that Jesus "knew what [the Pharisees] were thinking in their hearts."

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond all cure. Who can understand it? 'I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.'" Jeremiah 17:9-10 God sees into the hearts of his followers, and recognizes our faith. It is not because of the actions we take, because so often our prideful nature motivates us instead of true conviction. It is the spirit in which we move which causes God to smile down upon us. This is why Denny chose conviction as the first characteristic to effectively lead others to Jesus. It takes the conviction from the Holy Spirit to pick up the first corner of the mat. Once the first man acted out of conviction, the second man saw the brokenness of his friend, and acted out of compassion. His heart was weighted with the sight of a dear friend's suffering. And when it came to getting their friend to Jesus, it took creativity to think of digging a hole in the roof. I mean honestly, that's totally MacGyver. In the spirit of cooperation, this community of believers was able to work together to bring their friend to Christ. So, what's it gonna be? When you walk across the campus, around the houses and apartment complexes, and through the PCL, do you see the brokenness? Do you see the disabled souls dragging their sins behind them? The truth will set them free! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth to forgive our sins, and liberate us from death. He desires for all to know him: "How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Romans 10:14-15 It first takes a sower to plant the seeds of the gospel. Bring the good news!

College students- pick a church and go all in

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:38:58 GMT

New campus, new city, new friends, new church ?? I have met with a ton of college students these past few weeks, all shopping for a church to attend while at UT. I welcome thoughtful shopping.. I do. But there comes a time to commit.. Yes the word all students love to hear..

Here are a few suggestions on how to find a church that's your flavor:

1- you hear about Jesus a lot-
gospel, gospel, gospel

2- you like the worship-
if you don't like the music.. Or it's too loud.. Or whatever.. Stop moaning and go somewhere else.

3- the teaching helps you know Jesus better...
Do you leave church thinking wow.. God spoke to me? Again if your complaining or comparing.. Leave

4- getting connected and involved is a simple process..
Simple.

5- you can use your gifts and serve
- you should be able to serve where your gifted, not just where there are needs

6- you are known there..
The shepherd knows his sheep- the church should know and care for it's flock. Which means they should know who walks in and out of there doors.. If your church doesn't know it's people... If someone doesn't know you, your joys and your struggles, leave.

7- they don't just let you sit there
- you come on Sundays, sing, pray, learn, then leave and return next Sunday... Yeah no bueno.. You should get involved.. And the church should pursue you to get involved. If your just sitting there.. And the church let's you do that.. Bad news bears

8- they are reaching folks that don't know Jesus..
And training you to do the same..

9- they don't fill your life with Christian activities-
if it's a Christian country club - that fills your schedule with Christians , there not listening to Jesus

10- they acknowledge they are jacked up and in need of the gospel too

So shop yes, ask questions, but then, pick a church, commit, and go all in.

Side note- being involved in multiple churches and ministries is not wise. Yes I said it. That'll be my next blog.. :)

Reflection: Insane in the Membrane

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:50:33 GMT

Will You Take The Risk?

“You of little faith, he said, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:31

Noah, Abraham, Jonah, David, Peter…names that bring to mind daunting circumstances and seemingly impossible callings. I am almost positive that Noah faced many snickers and underhanded comments as he went about his business building the arc. I imagine Abraham wrestled with some pretty hefty bouts of anger as he lead his only son to his death. And I highly doubt the men of the Israelite army looked David in the eye and assured him that he would return victorious.

Sunday’s sermon reminded me that as sons and daughters of a King we are called to great things that require great faith. It’s inevitable that, like Peter, our faith will be tested by the storms of this world. But in the face of opposition, emotional distress, and blatant criticism we must choose to believe the promise of victory over the possibility of failure.

Throughout our time on this Earth, God is going to call us to do things that will seem utterly insane, and quite honestly, terrifying. But thankfully we live for a God who doesn’t send us to battle on our own. He promises provision and security when we are following his plan for our life. And when we forget these truths and lose our focus he gently, or sometimes not so gently, redirects us back to the purpose he originally set before us.

A wise soul (a.k.a Sarah Tooley) once told me that we are never safer than when we are in the middle of God’s will. So take the risk, answer his call and stand firm in your faith. You won’t regret it!

Thinking About the Things Above

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:30:30 GMT

Colossians 3:1-3

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

As God brought me to this passage this morning, two questions were raised. One, what does it mean to seek the things that are above? And two, what will be tangible results in my life for seeking things above; consequently, what will be tangible results in my life for seeking earthly things?

To answer the first question, we need to look at what it means to seek earthly things. 1 John 2:15,16 sums it up pretty well: “Do not love the world or the things in the world…For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world. So, seeking the things of the world is finding our hope and purpose in pleasing the flesh whether that be different kinds of addictions, fame, power, etc. Seeking earthly things looks like craving what you don’t have and bragging to the whole world what you do have.

So seeking the things that are above are the inverse of earthly things. We find our hope and purpose in Christ. We owe our freedom from addiction, greed, and selfishness to Christ's life-transforming power. We do not crave fame, we do not crave money, we do not crave comfort, we do not crave sexual immorality and drunkeness. When we set our minds on things above our motivation becomes magnifying Christ. We understand more clearly what Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Lastly, what then are some tangible results for seeking the things above versus seeking earthly things? Seeking earthly things will produce selfishness, pride, and no satisfaction. Earthly things might bring instant gratification, but will only lead to death in the end. But, seeking things above will produce a servants heart kind of like Jesus! It will produce humility and endurance to suffer in this life for the sake of Christ. Seeking things above will produce sensitivity to giving God glory in every part of your life. Your desires will grow in lifting up the name of Christ as you fade lower and lower on your knees in the background.

Reflection: You Found Me

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:06:59 GMT

"We should not draw our conclusions of God from our circumstances; we draw our conclusions about or circumstances from what we know about God." - Denny Henderson

Sunday's sermon played right into what I've been learning about recently: God's desire for his children to be "transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory" (2 Cor. 3:18). So in John 11, we learned how Jesus acted in a way quite confounding to Martha, Mary, and the disciples. Jesus waited until Lazarus was completely dead (according to the cultural norm) before healing him. Christ was using this life or death situation to teach his followers to recognize:

God's unique timing
God's unsurpassing love
God's unmatched power
God's unlimited promises

Pursuing a life of belief in these characteristics of God draws us closer to oneness with our Creator. "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). Essentially, this is Christ saying: "when you recognize my everlasting control over everything, you will never be limited by earthly circumstances." Learn about the persona of our Lord almighty. When you see your life through the lens of God's plan for eternity, barriers will crash down, adversaries will cower, and "the glory of God" will shine across all the Earth. Not only will but one man walk from his grave, but entire nations will be blessed and live in salvation by God's grace. And just as "we should not draw our conclusions of God from our [bad] circumstances," do not rejoice in your worldly circumstances, "but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). All of life boils down to our relationship with God, made possible by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Everything we have is a result of God's love for us. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...

Psalm 116

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:55:05 GMT

Gracious is my God—righteous and merciful.

See, my God preserves the simple—the sinful.

When I am brought low, face to the ground, my God lifts me up.

I love the Lord because he hears my fragility—my silent pleas for mercy.

I see his attentive stance- the way he inclines his ear to me. See- he knows my voice.

I have an audience with the God that is above all earthly authorities.

He shows me how to walk tall, start small and release myself from the perpetual bondage call.

Return soul- return to your rest. For our God has not only delivered you from death but he makes a way for you – an over-flowing, overwhelming tide of abundance. The great Provider.

Removing my soul from the immovable path of certain death, delivering my eyes from their tears and my feet from their stumbling….. I now walk in the land of the living. The land of the alive and well, of the show and tell, and the liberty bell. I walk with my Lord.

Psalm 118

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:55:54 GMT

Rejoice-- for our God is Good.

Let our nation say, “His love is secure.” Let our city say, “His love is sure.” Let those who fear the Lord echo, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

Out of my dizzying anxiety—I call on the Lord. He answers with song. An anthem that saves.

The Lord is on my side. I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

Can the World touch me?

Can my enemies even grasp the corner of my garments?

No.

Why do I trust in man when I can take refuge in the Lord?

The Lord is my strength and my song

I cannot be put out, put down or put to death. No- I must live to recount the deeds of the Lord.