Living Well

I don't really have any desire to be widely well-known. I don't imagine my funeral will be much of an affair. However, when I read things like the story of Judah's king Jehoram, I realize what I don't want at the end of my earthly life.

Jehoram died of an affliction that could have been ischemic colitis or severe Crohn's disease; the Bible describes his illness as a judgement from God. He was such a scoundrel that "[h]is people made no fire in his honor, as they had for his fathers . . . He passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings." 2 Chronicles 21:20

Decisions about the way we live our lives are so important. I'm trying to help my sons realize that. I'm trying to help them really think about how the things they say and do change other people's perception of them. I don't want them "putting on a show"; instead, I want them to be able to genuinely choose to do the right thing, or the better thing, and to do that in the context of their relationship to Christ.

Jehoram was a disaster: personally, spiritually, politically. His bitter demise is a good lesson for us, and good motivation to pursue integrity, not celebrity.

It's HOLY Love

It's religiously fashionable to say that God is love, and certainly He is. That's right out of Scripture. Indeed, the very song the Israelites used to sing before going to war was about God's love.

After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." 2 Chronicles 20:21

Now check that out - these men praised God "for the splendor of His holiness" by saying "His love endures forever." Hmmmm. I think there's something to be noted here.

As I was saying, it's highly unusual to attend a church service anywhere and NOT hear about the love of God, but I wonder if we always give proper balance, meaning, and context to the love of God by also proclaiming His holiness.

A.W. Tozer has said, "God never changes moods or cools off in His affections or loses enthusiasm. His attitude toward sin is now the same as it was when He drove out the sinful man from the ... garden, and His attitude toward the sinner the same as when He stretched forth His hands and cried, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' "

We must realize that God is angry with sin and sinners just as much as He ever was, while remembering that His love certainly does endure forever for His chosen people, whom he has saved from sin.

Plenty of so-called "churches" (fill in the blank __________) have twisted the love of God into some gooey marshmallow fluff that winks at sin, and that is dangerous, heretical territory.

Tipping the Scales

So, South Carolina governor Mark Sanford has admitted to having an affair, even running off to Buenos Aires over Father's Day weekend for a fling with his mistress. Appropriately, people from all sorts of political persuasions are up in arms over this news. Hopefully, his political career will be over. Hopefully, he can salvage his marriage.

Alrighty then. Now, would someone please explain to me when the outrage will begin over the scores of Washington politicians who happily and eagerly become accomplices to murder every day? Hmmm? How is it that we can be (rightly) astonished and appalled over a man's extramarital affair, yet not be adamantly opposed to the daily killing of unborn children?

Mankind's idea of justice is so lopsided and suited to whimsy.

"...for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." 2 Chronicles 19:7

Proof of Purchase

In Francis Schaeffer's book "The Finished Work of Christ" , he offers a vivid illustration of what it means to be have the "earnest" of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

He says that "In English law, it used to be the custom that when a portion of land was purchased, the person who was selling the land handed . . . a handful of his soil to the person who was buying it. That handful of soil was the "earnest," or promise, that the whole had been purchased. When you and I are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, this is an earnest of the fact that the whole has been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. The earnest is already ours . . . He is the proof that whole has been purchased."

The redemption transaction begun by God through Christ in believers will certainly be completed in its entirety and we have the receipt to prove it!

My Heart Will Always Know

A simple song of worship from the Parachute Band, declaring our need for grace. This vid, incidentally, was shot while the Parachute Band was in Rwanda with World Vision in 2007. There are so many EASY ways to support World Vision . . . might wanna check the link in the sidebar :)

A Heart Like The Father

I think too many children don't know their father's hearts. They know that their dad likes football, roast beef, and the kids to be quiet when he's taking a nap, but what they don't know is what's most important.

Too many children don't know what their father's passion is, what his dreams are, what he weeps over and what his weaknesses are. Perhaps most importantly, they don't know much about their father's heart for God. How can we celebrate the "faith of our fathers" when men don't live it out at home and share it passionately with their kids?

Every young man needs another man to pour passion into his life. He needs another man who is open and honest and is bravely walking with Christ in spite of his own weaknesses.

Tomorrow morning in our congregation I will be doing a dramatic reading of one man's passionate letter to a young man, sharing his heart and encouraging the young man in his walk with God. You can read that letter HERE.

Our heavenly Father never withholds His heart from His own. He loves His children strongly, completely and openly. May we learn to be the kind of father that He is.

Bogota, Colombia

Just for information's sake, and for those friends and family who may be reading and care to know . . .

My son Brayden and I will be travelling to Bogota, Colombia in July (13th-21st) for a short-term missions project with several other teens and adult sponsors (five from our own church!).

We will be a part of school assemblies in the Kennedy area of Bogota, and more school assemblies and ministry to youth in the town of Tocancipa just to the north of Bogota.

What I've found is that these short trips are usually more about changing me than seeing other people changed. As a stranger in a strange land, I am less likely to impact the locals than they are to impact me. That's been my experience as a teen and an adult.

So, we're looking forward to seeing a new part of the planet, briefly splashing around in a new culture, and growing in our world view. Your prayers for us regarding our work would be hugely appreciated, and if you'd like to donate to help defray our expenses, you can do so through the PayPal button in the sidebar on the right.

Undoubtedly, there will be plenty of stories and photos posted here at the end of July. :)