knowing our weakness

Around this time last year, I dove into the sport's realm (sorry 4thanddone.com for stealing your thunder). I talked about David Robinson's hall-of-fame acceptance speech because it was drastically different from the attitudes of most athletes today. It was gospel-centered in its delivery and message. I was in full support.

Earlier this week, I stumble upon this article featuring Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. For those unaware he is a recovered alcoholic/drug addict who gave his life over to Christ when he reached the bottom. Since then, he uses his platform as an opportunity to declare the transforming power of the gospel. He has done numerous interviews and documentaries, which I would encourage anyone to seek out.

He looks like the stereotypical ex-con with tattoos just about everywhere. Some he has gotten since coming to Christ while others were the results of his lifestyle. The latter, he says, are daily reminders of where he's been and what he wants desperately to stay away from. One of the more recent tattoos has a list of items numbered by their importance. First is God followed by family with baseball being the fifth of five items. Under the list is an asterisk which says something to the effect of number five being impossible without one through four staying in their correct order. He understands his talents and skills as gifts from God, and he wants nothing more than to please Him with them.

The reason I bring this particular article up in because last year for one night Josh Hamilton fell back into his old lifestyle. Pictures were posted of him at a bar over consuming on alcohol and behaving as such. The media quickly ripped him up given his outspoken message. However, they quickly found out Hamilton had already confessed to his wife, children, friends, coaches, and teammates about the incident the day after it happened. He humbly admitted taking his eyes off Christ as he pursued his glory. His most recent decision reaffirms his commitment to the gospel. It should also be an encouragement to those of us who struggle with an assortment of sins. The Bible says to "resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Josh Hamilton gave a great example of how to resist well and experience the blessings that come.

lacking knowledge

There is a serious problem in 21st century, western Christianity. It is a problem Israel faced as well. In their case, God intervened for the purpose of discipline and reproof, but eventually took more drastic measures to drive His point home (see Babylonian captivity). Hopefully, we will embrace the humility to heed God's discipline and warning.

When speaking to Israel through Hosea, God said, "there is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land...my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...and a people without understanding shall come to ruin. (Hosea 4:1,6, 14)

Of course knowledge has the ability to "puff up" (1 Corinthians 8:1) those who pursue it for the sole purpose of looking better than those around them. Puffing up is a problem in certain places, but I don't see it as rampant as the other end of the spectrum. As we seek out knowledge and understanding, we do need to maintain an attitude of humility or be at risk of the opposition of God (James 4:6).

Simply put, western Christianity lacks knowledge. We don't know God (at least not the one clearly revealed in Scripture). We like to add and take away from Him based on our own experiences and preferences. Israel did the same. They acknowledged His power, love, grace, and mercy while ignoring His holiness, wrath, and supremacy. This gave them the "freedom" to follow other gods, bend God's laws, and take advantage of His grace. Sadly, I see the same thing happening due to our lack of knowledge of God.

Obviously, application is an important part of knowledge. Knowing about God is not enough. We need to take what we know and use it to grow in intimacy and service. However, we try to grow in these areas without having any foundational knowledge. The book of Proverbs speaks over and over again about the importance of knowledge in the life of a child of the Father. It starts with the fear of the Lord (1:7), and reaches farther still.

~1:6 let the wise hear and increase learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance

~1:22, 28-29 fools hate knowledge...then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord

~2:3-5 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God

~7:4 call insight your intimate friend

~8:14 I have insight; I have strength

~9:10 and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight

~10:14 the wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near

~18:2 a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion

~19:2 desire without knowledge is not good

~22:12 the eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge

~24:4-5 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches, a man of knowledge enhances his might

The Bible is clear about the blessings of knowledge and the consequences of ignorance. Contrary to popular belief, ignorance and relativism are not displays of humility. They demonstrate a lack of knowledge, which Solomon likened to foolishness. In his second letter, Peter encourages his readers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (3:18). Why? Because Jesus told us to know Him is to know the Father (John 14:9). The more we know the less likely we are to follow the ear-pleasing sounds around us. We will run after God's Word because it is the supreme source of all the knowledge we need.

This all comes back to my recent musings and readings about the church. A lot of struggles western Christianity has with people abandoning church, the faith, and everything else Christian rests with two parties: the individual and the church. We are not responsible for the individual, but the church is on us. Are we preaching, living, and sharing the knowledge of God? If we are, we should be encouraged to keep pushing forward. If not, we need to stop trying to please men and focus on pleasing our Father. True, one day, "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord" (Isaiah 11:9). What are we doing to lend the earth a hand now?

golden girl

Today is the golden birthday of my younger sister. She turns 21. My golden day was less significant because 11 is rarely surrounded by any hoop-la because eleven year-olds are typically looking forward to 13.

It's hard to believe my sister is already 21, but I tend to forget my own age too. For anyone who reads my musings, I have stated how I am rather fond of my little sister. She is a real treat to spend time with. Unfortunately, my life tends to declare my disdain for her given my trend to move wherever she is not (or at least that's how it's been recently). I do think the limited time we spent last year will be beneficial to our relationship in the years to come. She still asks questions, and I am slowly learning to be humble enough to do the same. She is insightful, brutally honest, and compassionate. And I could definitely use a little of each in my own life. I am eagerly waiting to see what God has planned for her as she continues to grow in her love of and trust in Him.

Happy Birthday Rach-rach!

(even though you like to mimic my napping skills)

above all others

I can't recall the exact title of this painting. It is located in the Vatican Museum. It is painted on one of the room ceilings as you make your way to the infamous Sistine Chapel. The title said something along the lines of Jesus crushing the heretics/false gods. I love the depiction of all other gods shattering before the cross of Christ. Before I took the picture, I remember telling Jordan, "that's awesome!"

I love the cross! What is more, I love how it stands alone. No other faith can claim their god coming to earth for the goal of dying to save those who want nothing to do with Him. Every Sunday morning I am reminded of this wonderful truth. I sing it's promises while listening to the reality of its effects. I enter fellowship with brother and sisters who encourage me to daily pursue the cross. Throughout the week, God's Word reminds me of the necessity and beauty of the cross. More brothers and sisters come along side to reiterate its purpose. Everything we do as followers of Christ points to His sovereign reign and rule over all other gods. Let all doubt drive us back to the reality of this beautiful painting!

the battlefront

Ever since I graduated Messiah my readings frequently come back to the church. What should it look like? How should it function? Are we doing it right? Are we missing something? Why does everyone seem to have a serious critique? Am I over analyzing or being nit-picky?

None of the books I read answered any of those questions directly. However, many have taken an honest look at areas where the church should be praised (a lot more than what some would want us to believe) as well as those where repentance is needed. My current reading selection, Why we love the church, is one of these reads. While the main goal is to provide glimpses of hope for the body of Christ as she stands today, the authors aren't afraid to admit the errors where the body has failed. However, they are emphatically unwilling to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" as many in the "Christian" sphere are more than excited to do.

The authors, pastor Kevin DeYoung and church layman Ted Kluck, each take turns writing the different chapters. DeYoung's are more pastoral, while Kluck's more practical. The balance makes the reading more enjoyable and, at times, humorous. The same goes with their first book, Why we're not emergent by two guys who should be. They are both honest, but unapologetic when it comes what really matters.

The following quote took me off guard when I first read it:

Church, while a place of fellowship and friendship, is also the place we go to train and prepare for war...Church, to us, should be as relevant as the gym is to the boxer, or as basic training is to the soldier.

At first I saw images of youth being drilled militantly in Bible passages about the corruptness of this world and the depravity of man (both of which are true), which could be used to scream on street corners. Unfortunately for some, they interpret the Bible's verses about war as being fought in this manner. It's not violent, but it can get there.

Our training and preparing for war revolves around knowing the Scriptures, and, more importantly, the author behind them. Church is the avenue by which we learn these through the means of expository preaching and fellowship with other believers. If we saw daily life as an active battlefield, I believer church would be a more significant priority. We wouldn't be quick to lower it on the list, fill the slot with sports and activities, or make excuses for why it's not working out. We would understand it's necessity for our survival. We would love to be under the teaching of God's Word. We would strive for unity with our brothers and sisters. We would be more effective in preaching the gospel through transformed words and lives.

As a conclusion to this point, Kluck includes a challenge from A.W. Tozer to those of us who ignore the battle raging on around us or those who fail to see the church as the God-ordained resource that it is.

You live on year after year as if there was no battle to be fought with sin, the world, and the devil. Oh, careless churchman...awake to see eternal realities in their true light.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

~John 15:1-11

During my brief stint in Italy, I saw many fruit trees/plants. Each time I did this passage was brought to mind. I saw a lot of fruitless branches in addition to those abounding with produce. I didn't take pictures of those because they are useless and ugly. I pray those two adjectives never be used to describe my or any brother/sister's life.

Simply put, abide in Him.

united we stand

The memory of that day remains fresh in my mind nine years later. The sacrificial response of the numerous fire, rescue, and police forces continues to be the standard of heroism.

United We Stand became the slogan of the American spirit, but, as expected, faded as normalcy returned. In a day where political affiliations ruin relationships, other religious texts are desired for kindling, and standing up for truth (biblical) is synonymous with violence and self-righteous anger (unbiblical) the body of Christ needs to adopt this slogan as their own. Not necessarily as a statement of our oneness through Christ (which we are), but as a commitment to follow in His footsteps.

You have heard it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy,' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust ~Matthew 5:43-45

The Holy Spirit, through James, declared faith without works dead faith. Loving our enemies is one of the many works which proves our faith is alive. It also gives validation to our standing as sons of the Father. Why? As sons we are to imitate our Father who made us sons because of His love for His enemies.

For if while we still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us...For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. ~Romans 5:6,8,10

Ashamed, I have failed to live as a faithful son. I can't think of the last time I genuinely prayed for my enemies: personal or spiritual. Thankfully it's not too late to start pleading for our enemies before the Throne of Grace. On a day where hate and bitterness come easy, what better way can we demonstrate the love, mercy, and grace of our God?

"Then you will know...

...that I am the LORD."

This phrase is repeated over and over again throughout the book of Ezekiel. God explains what He is doing in the midst of Israel and the surrounding nations to prove His reign as Creator, Sustainer, and Author of life.

Not that I should need proof, but God graciously demonstrated his Lordship over the entire process of my leaving education and moving toward ministry.

I found out on Tuesday that Friday would be my last day with the students. They had found my replacement and wanted to transition her in as soon as possible. Part of my struggle with the entire issue was wondering whether or not my hanging around was God's way of telling me the decision I made wasn't right. Plus, I grew more and more concerned about who would fill my place in the room. It's not that I think that highly of myself, but I want someone in there who will love those children as much as Christ loves them.

Tuesday night God revealed himself in all of my concerns. It was back-to-school night, and my job was to spill my secret to all present parties. In general the response was pretty positive about my decision, and I was able to share aspects of the gospel with the parents. Afterwards I was conversing with my replacement and one of the mothers about how I came about to my decision.

I told them the "quick" version of the story, but the timing of my decision really drew their interest. Apparently when I officially decided to leave (around August 3/4) my replacement talked with her husband about a desire to come back to full-time teaching. They decided to pray (yup, she loves Jesus too), asking God to provide an opportunity for her to get back into the classroom. When she to the in-service days before school, she heard about my position and applied. At this I was rejoicing inside to know God was working in someone else's heart as he was doing work in mine. However, the rejoicing took a step further when the mother of a student adding to the conversation.

She expressed how she had a hard year prior at the school. They were considering moving their daughter to a local Christian school. Unfortunately, they couldn't afford the cost even with both parents working. Instead, they prayed (yup, they love Jesus too) for God to provide a teacher who would love and push their daughter in the ways she needed. Well, the replacement goes to the same church as that family. Her daughter already knows the teacher and feels very comfortable with her as both a challenger and comforter.

As I sat and listened, I probably said "praise God" and "that's awesome" more than a dozen times. I even sang on the car ride home without the assistance of any radio because there was no other response I could think of that would do the entire evening justice. I love our God and the way He works and moves in the lives of His people.

"Then you will know that I am the LORD."

here we go again

Some of you might remember one of my earliest posts where I mentioned the uncertainty surrounding my car. For the second year in a row, she couldn't handle to long trek to Keuka Lake. This time, unfortunately, we had to turn back in order to guarantee my sleeping in a bed rather than the side of the road.

To appease any car buffs who may frequent my musings here is the short-story. First, she overheated while traveling through Selinsgrove to the point where she stalled right in the middle of the road. By God's grace, the very spot I stopped moving at was across the street from an Auto Zone. They gave refilled my antifreeze, replaced a blown fuse, and revealed secret paths to avoid traffic. This worked for about ten miles where I noticed the heat gauge on the car starting to spike towards overheating once more. I quickly pulled into a shopping mall complex to get in park and cooling off. At this point I decided to eat something in order to allow for more time. To my disdain, "the Golden Arches" was the only food arena within safe walking distance. I ate a light meal, and I still feel like my insides are rotting because of it.

As I ate, I noticed another Auto Zone within safe walking distance, so I headed over there to possibly gain more insight. The man suggested I rewire something to get my cooling fan running (it stopped the first time, but the other guys said I would make it alright...I think they underestimated the heat my car can produce). I headed back with no clue how to avoid constantly making pit stops to let my car cool off when I noticed a large greenish puddle underneath my front right tire. I'm no car whiz, but I am pretty sure a puddle of that size was not just the leftovers from the first overheating dripping down. At this point I called the closest thing I have to a car guy on my list of friends: Jordan Novak.

Jordan is a straight shooter, and he simply told me to turn around and head home. He feared the worse as I told him the dilemma. We both share an attention to our old cars (90 Accord and 86 Supra), so he understand the pain I felt. As I was talking on the phone a white truck pulled up to eat their dinner in peace and quiet. I couldn't help but notice the man had a "mechanic" look to him, but I didn't want to stereotype. After listening for roughly ten minutes (I think he had heard enough rambling) he offered to take a look. When he stepped out of the truck, he was in his full garage gear with a name patch and all. His suggestion was the same as the Auto Zone guy, so he sent me back to pick up some wire, antifreeze, and a toggle switch.

While I was gone, he refilled my radiator while his wife threw wood chips over the increasing puddle under my car. I brought the supplies, and he quickly went to work. Basically, he ran a separate connect directly from my battery to the cooling fan because the wiring wasn't working. The toggle switch would allow me to turn it off when I got home and not waste my battery. He also looked at the leaking antifreeze, but grimaced the more he studied it. He said I should be fine to drive the hour back home, and that my car needed to have the leak checked out. In his words, "I don't like where that is leaking from." As far as I know any leak is bad, but he seemed to think this one was worse.

Anyhow, he got the new system running and gave me some quarts of water should I need to pull over for cooling down purposes. I thanked him immensely though he refused the offer to pay him for his efforts. He wished me good luck and got back to his whatever his Friday evening entailed. I got in the car and headed back home, praying I would make it without needing to stop. To make a long story short (this is short?), my car was fine until the last 20 minutes of the trip. However, each stop light was green so I reached the moment before overheating just as I pulled into my driveway. Now I am here while most of my family is at the lake and friends are off on other journeys. I am not sure why God had this happen now, but I am already seeing how He is going to take this weekend and make it useful in working at me. I guess with nowhere to go, God finally has me where He wants me.