Posted on May 17, 2008 at 8:27am.
The other day some of us were sitting and talking about preaching. The comment was made that 66 books gives you a lot of material to choose from, in fact it can feel like there is too much. The Bible spans thousands of years of history, numerous authors and countless stories of lives all with the single thread of God’s love for mankind (story of redemption). It is diverse, at times confusing but it is all his story.What a privilege we have to be able to pick it up at anytime to read, not because we have to or because it is some “good luck-charm” but simply because we can. So go ahead read a chapter or two or maybe even a whole book?
Posted on May 16, 2008 at 8:02pm.
It has been difficult to listen and watch the news this week about China. I have waited before blogging to see what news we might receive. While the area that has been devastated is further west than where we were it still impacts me. At this point we know of 12 pastors who have been killed and three training centers destroyed. These are movements that we are getting to know, so it makes it hard. In addition it is the staggering number of lives lost and heartache felt that is so hard to imagine. The prayer of our friends there is that the gospel will be heard and the love of God proclaimed. I hope you will join with me in praying for brothers and sisters there on the front lines.
Posted on May 15, 2008 at 6:51am.
A lot of people are thinking about graduation this time of year. Many college’s have already taken place and high school’s are just around the corner. We head to Alabama this weekend for my niece’s graduation from high school. I can remember when she was born and now it is off to the University of “Roll Tide” Alabama. Sunday here will be Senior Sunday and Heath will be speaking. I am so grateful for Heath and Lindsay and the love they have for our students.
I guess this time of year marks for me that life is full of changes. Nieces don’t stay little girls. College students give up the campus life for jobs in the real world. High school senior go off to figure out life on their own and I just feel older. I am reminded of something else though - we serve a God who never changes and is never surprised as to what lies ahead. It is comforting to know that no matter what He is on the throne, He is in control and He will always love me.
Posted on May 14, 2008 at 7:08am.
I really do have a hard time understanding prayer. I know, I know your are saying “But you’re our pastor!” It has always been a struggle. While I don’t understand prayer I fully realize it is important. I also know it my heart’s condition that is equally important. The verses I referred to this past weekend in the sermon from Isaiah 1 are absolutely chilling to me. “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers I will not listen.(1:15)” Why? That feels so extreme on God’s part. It is all because we miss what is on the heart of God. The prophet tells us to stop doing wrong and learn to do right. To learn to do good - the very thing we are capable of in Christ. The stunning reality is I can get all the religious language down pat, do all the “right” church activities and miss what pleases and what grieves the heart of God. Oh that I would learn to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God.
Posted on May 12, 2008 at 5:34am.
Many of you have expressed your appreciation for the series “Hope from Despair”. I am grateful that God used this to stir you in your walk with him. We all have so much to learn about the things which grieve the heart of God but together I am sure we will teach each other. We live in a big world with many complex issues and often I feel overwhelmed. These last few weeks have reminded me and opened my eyes to the reality that we also have a big gospel. A gospel that speaks to the deepest need of the human heart. A gospel that speaks to God’s care for both the physical and spiritual needs of men and women. What a privilege to live the good news in our everyday worlds.
