Last Tuesday night I had dinner with one of my best friends in Australia and his family. It was a wonderful evening of great fellowship and amazing food. Driving home I thought about how thankful I was for the love and care that family had given me. They basically treat me as is I am one of their own children. What is surprising about that is the fact that they are Lebanese.
I currently work in a church that has a number of families who moved from Lebanon to Australia years ago. At first I was a little bit nervous about befriending these people because of the current political situation in Iraq. It was not afraid that they would hurt me but wondered if it was even possible to develop strong relationships with them.
In my mind the war in Iraq is necessary because the United States was being threatened. But I was worried about the situation there affecting my relationships with these people. It would be very easy for them to avoid me or treat me poorly because of what is happening in the middle east. Thankfully the exact opposite happened.
Instead of rejecting me these people accepted me as if I was one of their own! And along with acceptance they gave me a family structure that I can rely on here. Being around these believers allowed me to learn a lot about the Lebanese culture. What I found was that the most important thing in the world to them is family. Everything revolves around family for them. Shortly after Christmas I was having dinner with a Lebanese family and they talked about having twenty extended family members over for dinner. To them that was not a big deal at all. there were ten people at the house last Tuesday when I ate and it was done regularly.
Different people within this Lebanese church like my friends parents have become sort of an Australian family for me. They go out of their way to look after me and make sure that I am being cared for. This concern is coupled with the love and acceptance that they constantly show. My friends mother actually told me Tuesday night that she wished I was her son. I was flattered by the offer but was afraid I would stand out in the family pictures.
When I arrived in Australia I had a number of different needs. Slowly I met those needs one at a time. But for the first few months I could not meet my emotional needs. This was very frustrating for me since I am a relational person. I can remember becoming very depressed about my lack of friends in Australia last March. In my desperation I asked God to bring me friends. In his mercy God did much more than that, he gave me a family.
There are countless other people who God has used to meet my emotional needs. But my relationship with the Assad family is special because it shows the beauty of the body of Christ. God in his infinite wisdom attached a young man from the southern United States to a family that is from Lebanon. This was something that nobody could have ever planned or expected.
I do miss my physical family from time to time, but God has given me a group of people who can fill that void nicely.So as I drove home with enough food to last me more than a week I thanked God for my Lebanese family. For my Lebanese mother who gives me so much food every time I come visit. For my Lebanese father who always gives me a hug and makes sure that I am doing well. For my Lebanese brother who I can say absolutely anything too, and know I can trust him. And for a God who constantly reminds us that me that we are all one body in Christ.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
A Complicated Relationship
Because I am involved in a teaching ministry I spend time reading books that will help me grow spiritually during the week. Those of you who read my blog know that twice a week I do this at a local coffee shop. But every other day I read at the food court of a shopping center near my house. It is not always easy trying to study with all of the noise. Reading at the coffee shop is especially hard because I am surrounded by people who are laughing and talking with their friends.
My house is less than five minutes from the shopping center. There I could read and meditate on what I am reading in perfect peace. Why then do I choose to study at a food court instead? In January I made a decision to do this because I felt isolated from the lost people of my community.
A number of believers today believe that our goal should be to redeem the culture we live in. This refers to meeting all the physical needs of those around us. While there is a need for the love of Christ to be displayed, redeeming the culture is not the churches main goal. Fulfilling the great commission is. So I feel that those believers are wrong even though they show a great zeal for the work of God.
But there is another group of believers who have a very different relationship with the unsaved. They choose to separate themselves from the world completely. This decision is usually based upon the Scripture passage where Believers are encouraged to, “come out from among them (unsaved) and be separate.1”
I totally agree that we live in a wicked and depraved world. I also believe strongly that God desires for us to be different in the way we live. But this verse does not tell us to isolate ourselves from the world. The context of this passage refers to Christians worshipping with the pagans in Corinth. It can also refer to any relationship that is detrimental to the testimony of a Christian. This would be a situation where a Believer begins to act like the unsaved person he or she is close with.
It is very important that we as Believers interact with the unsaved around us. For one thing we are commanded to be lights to a dark world.2 We are also commanded to have a strong testimony before the lost that will lead them to God.3 It is hard to do either of these things without interacting with the unsaved. This separation from the world actually ends up hurting our testimony.
These people run the risk of becoming part of what I call the “christian bubble”. I actually wrote a post on this subject in December, but those who live in this bubble interact with Christians exclusively. It is a wonderful thing to have fellowship with other Believers. But if we only spend time with other saved people, how will we complete the great commission?
Another risk is taking up what is called the “bunker mentality” as it relates to the unsaved culture. This philosophy is explained in detail in other books.4 The basic point of it is separation from every part of the world (tv, movies, music, etc.). This is usually done to keep a holy relationship that honours God. While a Godly lifestyle should be our goal the bunker mentality completely ignores the command to be lights to the lost world. It is hard to be a light for Christ in the christian bubble. It is impossible if you are in a bunker.
We have been called by God to have a relationship with the unsaved. This is a very complex relationship because much of what they do is sinful in the eyes of God. But at the same time we must be involved with them if they are going to hear the Gospel of Christ. The good part is that it isn't hard starting these complex relationships. Sometimes it can be done by something as simple as where you study during the week.
1II Corinthians 6:14-18
2Matthew 5:14
3Matthew 5:15
4Walt Mueller, Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture, pgs.134-154
My house is less than five minutes from the shopping center. There I could read and meditate on what I am reading in perfect peace. Why then do I choose to study at a food court instead? In January I made a decision to do this because I felt isolated from the lost people of my community.
A number of believers today believe that our goal should be to redeem the culture we live in. This refers to meeting all the physical needs of those around us. While there is a need for the love of Christ to be displayed, redeeming the culture is not the churches main goal. Fulfilling the great commission is. So I feel that those believers are wrong even though they show a great zeal for the work of God.
But there is another group of believers who have a very different relationship with the unsaved. They choose to separate themselves from the world completely. This decision is usually based upon the Scripture passage where Believers are encouraged to, “come out from among them (unsaved) and be separate.1”
I totally agree that we live in a wicked and depraved world. I also believe strongly that God desires for us to be different in the way we live. But this verse does not tell us to isolate ourselves from the world. The context of this passage refers to Christians worshipping with the pagans in Corinth. It can also refer to any relationship that is detrimental to the testimony of a Christian. This would be a situation where a Believer begins to act like the unsaved person he or she is close with.
It is very important that we as Believers interact with the unsaved around us. For one thing we are commanded to be lights to a dark world.2 We are also commanded to have a strong testimony before the lost that will lead them to God.3 It is hard to do either of these things without interacting with the unsaved. This separation from the world actually ends up hurting our testimony.
These people run the risk of becoming part of what I call the “christian bubble”. I actually wrote a post on this subject in December, but those who live in this bubble interact with Christians exclusively. It is a wonderful thing to have fellowship with other Believers. But if we only spend time with other saved people, how will we complete the great commission?
Another risk is taking up what is called the “bunker mentality” as it relates to the unsaved culture. This philosophy is explained in detail in other books.4 The basic point of it is separation from every part of the world (tv, movies, music, etc.). This is usually done to keep a holy relationship that honours God. While a Godly lifestyle should be our goal the bunker mentality completely ignores the command to be lights to the lost world. It is hard to be a light for Christ in the christian bubble. It is impossible if you are in a bunker.
We have been called by God to have a relationship with the unsaved. This is a very complex relationship because much of what they do is sinful in the eyes of God. But at the same time we must be involved with them if they are going to hear the Gospel of Christ. The good part is that it isn't hard starting these complex relationships. Sometimes it can be done by something as simple as where you study during the week.
1II Corinthians 6:14-18
2Matthew 5:14
3Matthew 5:15
4Walt Mueller, Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture, pgs.134-154
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A New Great Comission
Because of my location in Australia I do a lot of travelling. To help pass the time I listen to podcasts while driving. For those of who don't know, podcasts are free audio files that can be downloaded onto an ipod. I enjoy listening to sermons that are downloaded in podcast form. I also listen to other podcasts that can help me grow in my ministry.
As I drove home from a prayer breakfast this morning I was listening to a podcast about Christians being involved with unsaved people. Actually the podcast was advertising a seminar that a group would be holding in New York City. They explained the event as something that could help Believers, “redeem the culture.”
Now I am very interested in reaching out to the unsaved people around me. I am also interested in helping those who are in need. What I have an issue with is the fact that “redeeming the culture” has become the new great commission for many Believers. They focus on ministering to the physical needs of the lost and put very little emphasis on the spiritual needs.
What does it mean to redeem the culture? It means to clothe and feed the poor in our community. It means to help provide medical care for those who are not able to afford it themselves. It means becoming actively involved in aiding the needy of other countries. All of these are excellent ways of displaying the love of Christ. But should feeding and clothing the poor be the main goal of our churches?
What Biblical proof is there that makes redeeming the culture so important? Almost every one of the churches involved in this redemption movement will point to Christ's command that we love others as ourselves.1 I have read books written by individuals who focus completely on this one verse and seem to ignore the great commission.2 In essence that verse is their great commission. It is a new great commission for the postmodern world.
But does this passage deserve to be our new great commission? A simple study of the verses context answers that question. Christ told his disciples in Matthew 22:39 the second greatest commandment was to love one another. Therefore there must be a greater commandment than that one! This is to love God above all other things.3 The passage itself shows that this new great commission is faulty.
So where does this new great commission come from if it is not found in Scripture? In many cases it is an attempt of Believers to gain respectof the unsaved. Many of us have turned a blind eye to the great needs of our culture (poverty, famine, disease, etc.). We have not done much better job taking care of the earth that we live in. These acts have earned us the reputation of people who don't care about social issues (a reputation that most of us deserve). Young pastors and leaders, especially in the emerging church movement, have taken it upon themselves to change that perception.
Should we be known as people who don't care about the poor and needy around us? Of course not. But neither should we respond by going to the opposite extreme and resurrecting the social gospel! The great commission is still bringing souls to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Yes it is much easier to do this after feeding the hungry and clothing the needy. But maybe we should think about redeeming the souls of the lost around us through Christ's death on the cross before we try to redeem their culture.
1Matthew 22:39
2Matthew 28:19-20
3Matthew 22:38
As I drove home from a prayer breakfast this morning I was listening to a podcast about Christians being involved with unsaved people. Actually the podcast was advertising a seminar that a group would be holding in New York City. They explained the event as something that could help Believers, “redeem the culture.”
Now I am very interested in reaching out to the unsaved people around me. I am also interested in helping those who are in need. What I have an issue with is the fact that “redeeming the culture” has become the new great commission for many Believers. They focus on ministering to the physical needs of the lost and put very little emphasis on the spiritual needs.
What does it mean to redeem the culture? It means to clothe and feed the poor in our community. It means to help provide medical care for those who are not able to afford it themselves. It means becoming actively involved in aiding the needy of other countries. All of these are excellent ways of displaying the love of Christ. But should feeding and clothing the poor be the main goal of our churches?
What Biblical proof is there that makes redeeming the culture so important? Almost every one of the churches involved in this redemption movement will point to Christ's command that we love others as ourselves.1 I have read books written by individuals who focus completely on this one verse and seem to ignore the great commission.2 In essence that verse is their great commission. It is a new great commission for the postmodern world.
But does this passage deserve to be our new great commission? A simple study of the verses context answers that question. Christ told his disciples in Matthew 22:39 the second greatest commandment was to love one another. Therefore there must be a greater commandment than that one! This is to love God above all other things.3 The passage itself shows that this new great commission is faulty.
So where does this new great commission come from if it is not found in Scripture? In many cases it is an attempt of Believers to gain respectof the unsaved. Many of us have turned a blind eye to the great needs of our culture (poverty, famine, disease, etc.). We have not done much better job taking care of the earth that we live in. These acts have earned us the reputation of people who don't care about social issues (a reputation that most of us deserve). Young pastors and leaders, especially in the emerging church movement, have taken it upon themselves to change that perception.
Should we be known as people who don't care about the poor and needy around us? Of course not. But neither should we respond by going to the opposite extreme and resurrecting the social gospel! The great commission is still bringing souls to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Yes it is much easier to do this after feeding the hungry and clothing the needy. But maybe we should think about redeeming the souls of the lost around us through Christ's death on the cross before we try to redeem their culture.
1Matthew 22:39
2Matthew 28:19-20
3Matthew 22:38
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Hidden Mercy
Last Monday night I was teaching at a young adults Bible study held at my church. That was the first time we met for this Bible study and I wanted to create a lot of discussion. So I decided to teach on the somewhat controversial question, can God be loving and judgemental at the same time?
Most times during our christian walk we have no problem believing that God is loving and merciful. But then we will experience painful situations that are a result of God's judgement or testing. In those times we find it much harder to believe that we serve a merciful God.
For about ten minutes I taught about the mercy and encouragement that we receive from God. Trying to start discussion I asked the question, “we all believe that God is merciful don't we?” After a seconds a young woman sitting less than three feet from me said, “well no.”
She was not disagreeing with me because of hatred towards God. On the contrary she is saved, and loves God. I asked her to explain what she meant by saying that God is not merciful. She proceeded to talk about a time when one of her family members was very sick. In time this loved one died and the girl was felt in her own words, “all alone.” The memories of that painful experience caused her to question whether or not God was actually showing her mercy at that time.
I did not confront the young woman for what she had said. Actually I respect her for having the guts to say it. For we all have been in her situation at one time or another. Going through a time of great pain and crying out to God for mercy. But the relief that we pray for never comes. In those moments we do not question the existence of God, but a part of us wonders why he did not show us mercy.
After hearing her story many of us in the room began to talk about painful situations God brought us through. There was the story of a teenager who wrecked his car and was scared to drive again. A married man shared how he in the past would step into the shower and cry uncontrollably. A nurse talked about the emotional pain that she experiences in her job. I talked about getting involved in a terrible traffic accident that totalled both my car, and the one that hit me. As depressing as those stories sound hope came through them.
We all shared the pain of those experiences. But we also shared the mercy that we experienced along with the pain. Of how God allowed the teenager to walk away from his wreck without injury. God's giving the married man a wife who was able to help him in his time of need. His giving the nurse emotional strength that she needs in stressful job. And his giving me an incredible peace immediately after destroying my car.
The mercy is there all the time along side our pain. But many times it is hidden. A better way to say that is we are blind to that mercy. We have our definition of mercy that involves God taking away all of the pain that we are experiencing immediately. But there are other forms of mercy. And God in his infinite wisdom gives to us the form of mercy that we need the most at that time.
As the discussion ended I began to think about just how blind many of us are to God's mercy. That is why we all as brothers and sisters in Christ must help one another see that mercy which they may be blind to. And we must ask God to open our blind eyes to see the mercy that seems so hidden.
Most times during our christian walk we have no problem believing that God is loving and merciful. But then we will experience painful situations that are a result of God's judgement or testing. In those times we find it much harder to believe that we serve a merciful God.
For about ten minutes I taught about the mercy and encouragement that we receive from God. Trying to start discussion I asked the question, “we all believe that God is merciful don't we?” After a seconds a young woman sitting less than three feet from me said, “well no.”
She was not disagreeing with me because of hatred towards God. On the contrary she is saved, and loves God. I asked her to explain what she meant by saying that God is not merciful. She proceeded to talk about a time when one of her family members was very sick. In time this loved one died and the girl was felt in her own words, “all alone.” The memories of that painful experience caused her to question whether or not God was actually showing her mercy at that time.
I did not confront the young woman for what she had said. Actually I respect her for having the guts to say it. For we all have been in her situation at one time or another. Going through a time of great pain and crying out to God for mercy. But the relief that we pray for never comes. In those moments we do not question the existence of God, but a part of us wonders why he did not show us mercy.
After hearing her story many of us in the room began to talk about painful situations God brought us through. There was the story of a teenager who wrecked his car and was scared to drive again. A married man shared how he in the past would step into the shower and cry uncontrollably. A nurse talked about the emotional pain that she experiences in her job. I talked about getting involved in a terrible traffic accident that totalled both my car, and the one that hit me. As depressing as those stories sound hope came through them.
We all shared the pain of those experiences. But we also shared the mercy that we experienced along with the pain. Of how God allowed the teenager to walk away from his wreck without injury. God's giving the married man a wife who was able to help him in his time of need. His giving the nurse emotional strength that she needs in stressful job. And his giving me an incredible peace immediately after destroying my car.
The mercy is there all the time along side our pain. But many times it is hidden. A better way to say that is we are blind to that mercy. We have our definition of mercy that involves God taking away all of the pain that we are experiencing immediately. But there are other forms of mercy. And God in his infinite wisdom gives to us the form of mercy that we need the most at that time.
As the discussion ended I began to think about just how blind many of us are to God's mercy. That is why we all as brothers and sisters in Christ must help one another see that mercy which they may be blind to. And we must ask God to open our blind eyes to see the mercy that seems so hidden.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Its Not About the Suit
Last month I received an e-mail from the principal of Victoria Baptist Bible College sharing that I would be teaching a new class in April. Immediately after receiving that e-mail I began to prepare myself for this wonderful teaching opportunity. About a week after the first e-mail I received another one from him. I excitedly opened it wondering if it contained information about the student. Instead it reminded me that I needed to wear a suit when I teach.
I appreciate the fact that VBBC requires lecturers wear a suit when teaching. It shows that professionalism is a very important part of the colleges culture. But as I read that e-mail I was struck by the fact that true professionalism involves much more than just wearing nice clothes. It refers to a way of life that affects the way that people make decisions.
On Wednesday nights I work with the youth group at a local church. There are a lot of young adults at the church so they have a few activities for them each month. I go to as many of them as possible because it allows me to spend time with people my age. Spending time with those young adults has shown me what it really means to be professional.
Most of them are either in management positions or soon will be managers at their jobs. But this is not because they wear a suit or nice clothes to work every day (although it probably helps). It is because they are always trying to do things better than before. And this usually results in their work being better than that of their coworkers. This passion for doing everything with all of their might is the heart of professionalism.
Professionalism is about more than just wearing fancy clothes or making sure your shirt and tie match. While these are important true professionalism comes from an attitude. An attitude that constantly asks the question, “how can I do this better?” This question is not asked so that you can focus on what we are not doing well. It is asked so that you can continue to grow in your development. It is asked so that you will never be satisfied.
For a long time I have had a picture in my mind of what professionalism looks like. It is a person dressed in suit who remains silent and talks very little. He is very serious at all times and never tells jokes. A professional person does not take time to enjoy himself but most work constantly. I am grateful that my friends have shown me what professionalism truly looks like.
Professionalism is a person who gives all of their heart to everything they do. They are extremely organized and driven, but at the same time enjoy having fun. Above all other things the professional person is passionate about doing things better. They refuse to be satisfied with what they did in the past but are constantly looking forward to what they can do in the future.
My suits are pressed and hanging in my closet ready for April. And I look forward to wearing them as I teach. But I pray that people will not be impressed with the clothes I wear. Instead I want them to be impressed with my passion for doing things with excellence.
I appreciate the fact that VBBC requires lecturers wear a suit when teaching. It shows that professionalism is a very important part of the colleges culture. But as I read that e-mail I was struck by the fact that true professionalism involves much more than just wearing nice clothes. It refers to a way of life that affects the way that people make decisions.
On Wednesday nights I work with the youth group at a local church. There are a lot of young adults at the church so they have a few activities for them each month. I go to as many of them as possible because it allows me to spend time with people my age. Spending time with those young adults has shown me what it really means to be professional.
Most of them are either in management positions or soon will be managers at their jobs. But this is not because they wear a suit or nice clothes to work every day (although it probably helps). It is because they are always trying to do things better than before. And this usually results in their work being better than that of their coworkers. This passion for doing everything with all of their might is the heart of professionalism.
Professionalism is about more than just wearing fancy clothes or making sure your shirt and tie match. While these are important true professionalism comes from an attitude. An attitude that constantly asks the question, “how can I do this better?” This question is not asked so that you can focus on what we are not doing well. It is asked so that you can continue to grow in your development. It is asked so that you will never be satisfied.
For a long time I have had a picture in my mind of what professionalism looks like. It is a person dressed in suit who remains silent and talks very little. He is very serious at all times and never tells jokes. A professional person does not take time to enjoy himself but most work constantly. I am grateful that my friends have shown me what professionalism truly looks like.
Professionalism is a person who gives all of their heart to everything they do. They are extremely organized and driven, but at the same time enjoy having fun. Above all other things the professional person is passionate about doing things better. They refuse to be satisfied with what they did in the past but are constantly looking forward to what they can do in the future.
My suits are pressed and hanging in my closet ready for April. And I look forward to wearing them as I teach. But I pray that people will not be impressed with the clothes I wear. Instead I want them to be impressed with my passion for doing things with excellence.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Uncommon
“The truth is that most people have a better chance to be uncommon by effort than by natural gifts. Anyone could give that effort in his or her chosen endeavor, but the typical person doesn't, choosing to do only enough to get by.1”
That paragraph has been running through my mind since I read it Wednesday morning. Actually just the one word “uncommon” sticks out. It is written by Tony Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts professional football team. Today he is one of the most popular and successful coaches in sports. But things were not always that way.
In his book “Quiet Strength” coach Dungy tells the story of his upbringing and how he got to the NFL. Surprisingly he experienced a great deal of adversity while trying to play professional sports. But he did not allow any of those obstacles to keep him from achieving his goal. While telling his story Dungy shares the things that motivated him to keep going when times got hard.
One of his strongest motivations in life came from the words of his College football coach. “Success is uncommon and not be enjoyed by the common man. I'm looking for uncommon people because we want to be successful, not average.2” The rest of the book chronicles coach Dungy's dedication to become someone who is “uncommon”.
In February of 2007 Coach Dungy's Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl. There is no greater accomplishment for a coach in the National Football League. Many of us probably wished we could have been Tony Dungy in that moment. But we did not see the painful road that led him there.
The story of Tony Dungy reminded me of where success comes from 85 to 90% of the time. There are individuals who are exceptionally gifted and are able to become successful because of their talent. But those kind of people are extremely rare. The majority of people who become successful do so not because of their talent, but because they work harder than anybody else.
I am not saying that if we give our all to God he will reward us each with an NFL championship. And I don't believe that he will bless those who work hard with great financial blessing. But I do feel that God has a special blessing for those who decide to work hard and excell even in the midst of difficulty. It seems as if God has so much more for each one of us. And if we would give more of ourselves to the task that he has for us we will experience great blessing.
Every day I have a choice before me. The common average life where I do just enough to get by. Or the uncommon life that is filled with pain and obstacles. More often than not I choose the safe easy road, along with millions of other people. But I can't help but wonder what happen if I walked the uncommon road on a daily basis. While I am not sure what physical blessing it would bring, I do know it will bring me closer to God. And having the reputation of someone who is uncommon will be reward enough.
1Tony Dungy, Quiet Strength, pg.29, par.3, ln.1
2Tony Dungy, Quiet Strength, pg.29, par.1, ln.1
That paragraph has been running through my mind since I read it Wednesday morning. Actually just the one word “uncommon” sticks out. It is written by Tony Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts professional football team. Today he is one of the most popular and successful coaches in sports. But things were not always that way.
In his book “Quiet Strength” coach Dungy tells the story of his upbringing and how he got to the NFL. Surprisingly he experienced a great deal of adversity while trying to play professional sports. But he did not allow any of those obstacles to keep him from achieving his goal. While telling his story Dungy shares the things that motivated him to keep going when times got hard.
One of his strongest motivations in life came from the words of his College football coach. “Success is uncommon and not be enjoyed by the common man. I'm looking for uncommon people because we want to be successful, not average.2” The rest of the book chronicles coach Dungy's dedication to become someone who is “uncommon”.
In February of 2007 Coach Dungy's Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl. There is no greater accomplishment for a coach in the National Football League. Many of us probably wished we could have been Tony Dungy in that moment. But we did not see the painful road that led him there.
The story of Tony Dungy reminded me of where success comes from 85 to 90% of the time. There are individuals who are exceptionally gifted and are able to become successful because of their talent. But those kind of people are extremely rare. The majority of people who become successful do so not because of their talent, but because they work harder than anybody else.
I am not saying that if we give our all to God he will reward us each with an NFL championship. And I don't believe that he will bless those who work hard with great financial blessing. But I do feel that God has a special blessing for those who decide to work hard and excell even in the midst of difficulty. It seems as if God has so much more for each one of us. And if we would give more of ourselves to the task that he has for us we will experience great blessing.
Every day I have a choice before me. The common average life where I do just enough to get by. Or the uncommon life that is filled with pain and obstacles. More often than not I choose the safe easy road, along with millions of other people. But I can't help but wonder what happen if I walked the uncommon road on a daily basis. While I am not sure what physical blessing it would bring, I do know it will bring me closer to God. And having the reputation of someone who is uncommon will be reward enough.
1Tony Dungy, Quiet Strength, pg.29, par.3, ln.1
2Tony Dungy, Quiet Strength, pg.29, par.1, ln.1
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Learned Immaturity
Suffering is a normal part of the Christian life. No matter how much we hate to admit it those who follow God will suffer at some point. We are told clearly in Scripture that the Godly will suffer.1 Christ himself realized that suffering was a necessary part of his ministry on the earth. That was why he willingly went to Jersusalem even though Jesus knew the terrible suffering that he would face there.2
Every Christian knows that they are in a spiritual war and will be attacked by Satan3 But when that time of suffering comes many of us respond with shock and confusion. We react much like Peter who could not fathom that God's plan could possibly include suffering. He along with the other disciples believed that Jesus would simply walk into Jerusalem and overthrow the Roman Government while on the earth. This is why his first response to Christ's message of his death was to reprimand him.4
We don't go as far as to reprimand God when we suffer. But we respond to suffering in other very immature ways. No child gets everything that he or she wants. And when they do not receive what they want most young people respond in an immature fashion. This could be throwing a temper tantrum, becoming bitter, not talking to our parents, and many other things. Amazingly these immature responses many times resurface in the lives of adults during suffering.
As a child I would always have a “pity party” when things didn't go my way. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what a pity party is, basically it consists of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. My pity parties were usually characterised by putting myself down (“I am fat”, “I am stupid”, “I am ugly) and isolating myself from others. The goal of a pity party is to make people feel sorry for me. This resulted in people spending time with me and giving me compliments until my bruised ego had healed.
Within all of us is a learned (habitual) immature response to suffering. This response many times begins without our even knowing it. Looking back I am ashamed that self pity was my response to suffering. Yet I still find myself leaning toward the pity party response whenever times get hard. This is because a part of me (sin nature) wants to isolate myself and overdose on television when experiencing suffering.
We can not face suffering on our own power. Facing painful situations without the help of God will only start the cycle of our immature response. But with the Lord's help we can begin a new cycle. A cycle that involves responding to suffering in a Biblical way as we obey God. Starting a new cycle will not be easy since our old immature response is such a huge part of our lives. Many times that new response begins with one simple act.
By God's grace I am continuing to develop a more mature response to suffering. When I come under attack from Satan I immediately leave the house. From there I will go somewhere and read a christian book, or pray about the situation. This more mature response was used by God to encourage me in a time of loneliness last Thursday (Facebook and Homesickness).
We all have forms of learned immaturity. And if we are not careful those immature responses will be copied by those who close to us. So with the Lords help we must act like adults, even when it hurts.
1II Timothy 3:12
2Matthew 16:21
3Ephesians 6:12
4Matthew 16:22
Every Christian knows that they are in a spiritual war and will be attacked by Satan3 But when that time of suffering comes many of us respond with shock and confusion. We react much like Peter who could not fathom that God's plan could possibly include suffering. He along with the other disciples believed that Jesus would simply walk into Jerusalem and overthrow the Roman Government while on the earth. This is why his first response to Christ's message of his death was to reprimand him.4
We don't go as far as to reprimand God when we suffer. But we respond to suffering in other very immature ways. No child gets everything that he or she wants. And when they do not receive what they want most young people respond in an immature fashion. This could be throwing a temper tantrum, becoming bitter, not talking to our parents, and many other things. Amazingly these immature responses many times resurface in the lives of adults during suffering.
As a child I would always have a “pity party” when things didn't go my way. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what a pity party is, basically it consists of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. My pity parties were usually characterised by putting myself down (“I am fat”, “I am stupid”, “I am ugly) and isolating myself from others. The goal of a pity party is to make people feel sorry for me. This resulted in people spending time with me and giving me compliments until my bruised ego had healed.
Within all of us is a learned (habitual) immature response to suffering. This response many times begins without our even knowing it. Looking back I am ashamed that self pity was my response to suffering. Yet I still find myself leaning toward the pity party response whenever times get hard. This is because a part of me (sin nature) wants to isolate myself and overdose on television when experiencing suffering.
We can not face suffering on our own power. Facing painful situations without the help of God will only start the cycle of our immature response. But with the Lord's help we can begin a new cycle. A cycle that involves responding to suffering in a Biblical way as we obey God. Starting a new cycle will not be easy since our old immature response is such a huge part of our lives. Many times that new response begins with one simple act.
By God's grace I am continuing to develop a more mature response to suffering. When I come under attack from Satan I immediately leave the house. From there I will go somewhere and read a christian book, or pray about the situation. This more mature response was used by God to encourage me in a time of loneliness last Thursday (Facebook and Homesickness).
We all have forms of learned immaturity. And if we are not careful those immature responses will be copied by those who close to us. So with the Lords help we must act like adults, even when it hurts.
1II Timothy 3:12
2Matthew 16:21
3Ephesians 6:12
4Matthew 16:22
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
They Know My Name
Last month I started studying at a local coffee shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It gave me a chance to enjoy a good cup of coffee and interact with some people from the community.
I love going to that coffee shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I would actually study there more than two days a week but that gets hard when a cup of coffee costs $3.50 (I usually spend about $50.00 a month on coffee)! Why do I enjoy going there twice a week? Because the employees go out of their way to make me feel welcome.
It was recently revealed that Starbucks coffee had nine and a half billion dollars of revenue in the 2007 year. This is a four billion dollar increase from their sales in 2004 (five billion). It is doesn't seem possible that a company could make more than nine billion dollars by selling coffee and desserts! But those who work at Starbucks as well as the people who get their coffee there know it sells more than just coffee. It sells what has been referred to as the “Starbucks experience”.
Everything in a Starbucks coffee shop, from the paintings on the wall, to the music is focused on one goal. To help people reconnect with one another. The furniture is made up small circular tables two or three friends can sit and talk with each other easily. The smell of coffee is the first thing you experience upon walking into the shop. It is planned that way because that smell puts people at ease and leads to having casual conversaton. The employees are asked not to wear any kind of perfume or cologne so the smell of coffee is not overpowered.
But the most ingenious thing that Starbucks does is asking for your name when you order a coffee. Actually there are two reasons why they do this. The first is so that you can be called when your coffee is ready. But the other is so they can learn the names of the customers who come regularly.
The coffee shop where I go twice a week is patterned after a Starbucks in almost every way. Right down to asking for your name when you order. One Tuesday morning I came into the coffee house and ordered just like I always had, and then it happened. The girl at the register didn't ask for my name at all instead she just punched some buttons and the name John magically appeared on the screen. As simple as that was the fact that she actually knew my name made me feel good.
A few days later as I left one of the employees called out to me, “see you later John.” Again I became excited that this young man who I didn't even know would call me by name. And this morning when I came in I was greeted with “hey John how are you”. They have called me by name a number of times now, but I still get an adrenaline rush when I hear them say it.
That experience at my local coffee shop has reminded me how we all as individuals crave love and attention. Sometimes we feel as if meeting that craving takes a complex plan and lots of hard work. While many times it does, that need can also be met with something as simple as remembering someones name.
I love going to that coffee shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I would actually study there more than two days a week but that gets hard when a cup of coffee costs $3.50 (I usually spend about $50.00 a month on coffee)! Why do I enjoy going there twice a week? Because the employees go out of their way to make me feel welcome.
It was recently revealed that Starbucks coffee had nine and a half billion dollars of revenue in the 2007 year. This is a four billion dollar increase from their sales in 2004 (five billion). It is doesn't seem possible that a company could make more than nine billion dollars by selling coffee and desserts! But those who work at Starbucks as well as the people who get their coffee there know it sells more than just coffee. It sells what has been referred to as the “Starbucks experience”.
Everything in a Starbucks coffee shop, from the paintings on the wall, to the music is focused on one goal. To help people reconnect with one another. The furniture is made up small circular tables two or three friends can sit and talk with each other easily. The smell of coffee is the first thing you experience upon walking into the shop. It is planned that way because that smell puts people at ease and leads to having casual conversaton. The employees are asked not to wear any kind of perfume or cologne so the smell of coffee is not overpowered.
But the most ingenious thing that Starbucks does is asking for your name when you order a coffee. Actually there are two reasons why they do this. The first is so that you can be called when your coffee is ready. But the other is so they can learn the names of the customers who come regularly.
The coffee shop where I go twice a week is patterned after a Starbucks in almost every way. Right down to asking for your name when you order. One Tuesday morning I came into the coffee house and ordered just like I always had, and then it happened. The girl at the register didn't ask for my name at all instead she just punched some buttons and the name John magically appeared on the screen. As simple as that was the fact that she actually knew my name made me feel good.
A few days later as I left one of the employees called out to me, “see you later John.” Again I became excited that this young man who I didn't even know would call me by name. And this morning when I came in I was greeted with “hey John how are you”. They have called me by name a number of times now, but I still get an adrenaline rush when I hear them say it.
That experience at my local coffee shop has reminded me how we all as individuals crave love and attention. Sometimes we feel as if meeting that craving takes a complex plan and lots of hard work. While many times it does, that need can also be met with something as simple as remembering someones name.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Two Opportunities
Those of you who receive my prayer letter regularly know that I have a great desire to teach God's Word. Last month I asked you to pray that God would allow me to teach one class at Victoria Baptist Bible College in 2008. Since that time God has not only answered your prayers, but given me more than I asked for!
On January 13 I sent out the e-mail that asked you to pray for teaching opportunities. Sixteen days later I was teaching a class! God gave me the opportunity to begin teaching the Doctrine of Salvation to a young man named Tim last Tuesday night. He shows a great desire to know the word of God and study it further. I am praying that he would continue his training with the Bible College curriculm after the first class is finished.
I thank God that I was able to begin discipling Tim last Tuesday. There are many individuals like him in local Baptist Churches who desire to know more about the Word of God. The problem is these Believers are hesitant about receiving training from the Bible College. They feel that the only people who need that training are those who are called to be a pastor or missionary. Please pray that God will help them understand that all Christians need to have a strong understanding of Doctrine.
While I greatly enjoyed working with Tim, a part of me wanted to teach a class on campus. This teaching uses much of the same material as the colleges discipleship courses. The difference is that on campus classes include higher academic standards, and more class work. They are reserved for those who do feel called to full time christian service.
The missionaries who I work with at the Bible College are currently in the states on furlough. On Saturday morning I received an e-mail from them informing me of a new student who would begin on campus classes in April. They also told me I would be teaching at the College on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. In twenty days God gave me not only the opportunity to teach one class, but two!
Last month reminded me of how perfect God's timing is for our lives. If we are patient and wait on him he will provide for our every need. January also showed me that there Australian people interested in receiving training from the Bible College. During February I plan to present the discipleship ministry of Victoria Baptist Bible College to churches in the area. Please pray that if it is God's Will I would be able to find new students interested in discipleship. Also pray that I will be faithful to God's Word as I begin my teaching ministry.
On January 13 I sent out the e-mail that asked you to pray for teaching opportunities. Sixteen days later I was teaching a class! God gave me the opportunity to begin teaching the Doctrine of Salvation to a young man named Tim last Tuesday night. He shows a great desire to know the word of God and study it further. I am praying that he would continue his training with the Bible College curriculm after the first class is finished.
I thank God that I was able to begin discipling Tim last Tuesday. There are many individuals like him in local Baptist Churches who desire to know more about the Word of God. The problem is these Believers are hesitant about receiving training from the Bible College. They feel that the only people who need that training are those who are called to be a pastor or missionary. Please pray that God will help them understand that all Christians need to have a strong understanding of Doctrine.
While I greatly enjoyed working with Tim, a part of me wanted to teach a class on campus. This teaching uses much of the same material as the colleges discipleship courses. The difference is that on campus classes include higher academic standards, and more class work. They are reserved for those who do feel called to full time christian service.
The missionaries who I work with at the Bible College are currently in the states on furlough. On Saturday morning I received an e-mail from them informing me of a new student who would begin on campus classes in April. They also told me I would be teaching at the College on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. In twenty days God gave me not only the opportunity to teach one class, but two!
Last month reminded me of how perfect God's timing is for our lives. If we are patient and wait on him he will provide for our every need. January also showed me that there Australian people interested in receiving training from the Bible College. During February I plan to present the discipleship ministry of Victoria Baptist Bible College to churches in the area. Please pray that if it is God's Will I would be able to find new students interested in discipleship. Also pray that I will be faithful to God's Word as I begin my teaching ministry.
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