I turned the big twenty-four today and it was a great birthday. I woke up to a big surprise when I opened a new ipod which was from Sara, my parents, and my in-laws collaboratively. I think I was more shocked than anything. I have been drooling over ipods for the past year so I'm excited to finally wipe off the drool and get busy playing with my new toy! Thanks to all the parties involved in such a great surprise.
It's going to be tough to top considering everything I've experienced this past year but I look forward to experiencing all this next year has to offer as I work my way up to twenty-five. Then next year, just because, maybe I'll go rent a car!
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Monday, July 26, 2004
One Year and Counting...
Wonderfully Wedded Bliss! No, I'm not trying to make anyone sick to their stomachs. I'm just both happy and thankful to celebrate our one year anniversary today. As far as I'm concerned I'm the luckiest man alive. I love Sara and wouldn't wish to spend my life with anyone else. She is a blessing beyond measure...or in a familiar commercial's words...Priceless!
We had a wonderful time celebrating our first year of marriage over the weekend in Austin. We stayed right along the river so the view was great. On friday night after we arrived, my wonderful wife took me to a local japanese restaurant so I could indulge myself in some fabulous sushi. It was definitely close to heaven. For all you non-sushi people, you are really missing out. I can't explain what's so great about it, I just know it is. Did I mention my wife is wonderful?
On Saturday, we drove down to San Marcos and did some shopping. We ate lunch at centerpointe station which boasts that they have the best hamburgers and milkshakes in Texas. I would at least agree that they have a good argument but I'm not sure if they win outright. Then we came back and went to the pool and relaxed for a while. We ate dinner at another local place called Zax and then came the main event (at least from my perspective, probably not Sara's!). We got to witness the world's largest urban bat colony right there in Austin under the Congress "Bat" Bridge which was next to our hotel. We saw masses of people lining the bridge railing around dusk on Friday night from our room window and couldn't figure out what was causing all the commotion (one fleeting thought was that it could be a mass bridge jump...I'm glad I was wrong). Once we learned of the bats I had to check them out the next night so we found ourselves lining the bridge railing with the rest of the crazy tourists waiting for sundown. Sure enough, as the sun set hundreds upon hundreds of bats left in exodus out from underneath the bridge. The line of bats just kept going for twenty minutes and we could still see them far off in the distance. Strange.
Later we decided to walk through downtown to a coffee shop about eight blocks away. The coffee shop, Halcyon, was a pretty unique little coffee shop with good atmosphere and since I didn't have coffee I can at least speak to their great desserts. Of course the walk back to the hotel seemed much longer.
Sunday morning we got to go for a great bike ride on a trail around the lake and then came back and ordered room service for breakfast. The best part was it was free! The concierge had given us a free in-room breakfast for two so we got to order anything we wanted for free which as far as I'm concerned is the only way to do room service. It was a great end to a great weekend.
Throughout the weekend we spent time reflecting on the many memories we have already shared together and talked about our future as a family. I'm encouraged and strengthened to know I have a partner like Sara to walk beside me hand in hand through this journey of life. I look forward to the laughs, the cries, the good times, the difficult ones, and most importantly the joy of growing in relationship with Sara as we seek to live for God's glory. May he keep our paths straight as we endeavor to serve him!
Did I mention my wife is wonderful?
We had a wonderful time celebrating our first year of marriage over the weekend in Austin. We stayed right along the river so the view was great. On friday night after we arrived, my wonderful wife took me to a local japanese restaurant so I could indulge myself in some fabulous sushi. It was definitely close to heaven. For all you non-sushi people, you are really missing out. I can't explain what's so great about it, I just know it is. Did I mention my wife is wonderful?
On Saturday, we drove down to San Marcos and did some shopping. We ate lunch at centerpointe station which boasts that they have the best hamburgers and milkshakes in Texas. I would at least agree that they have a good argument but I'm not sure if they win outright. Then we came back and went to the pool and relaxed for a while. We ate dinner at another local place called Zax and then came the main event (at least from my perspective, probably not Sara's!). We got to witness the world's largest urban bat colony right there in Austin under the Congress "Bat" Bridge which was next to our hotel. We saw masses of people lining the bridge railing around dusk on Friday night from our room window and couldn't figure out what was causing all the commotion (one fleeting thought was that it could be a mass bridge jump...I'm glad I was wrong). Once we learned of the bats I had to check them out the next night so we found ourselves lining the bridge railing with the rest of the crazy tourists waiting for sundown. Sure enough, as the sun set hundreds upon hundreds of bats left in exodus out from underneath the bridge. The line of bats just kept going for twenty minutes and we could still see them far off in the distance. Strange.
Later we decided to walk through downtown to a coffee shop about eight blocks away. The coffee shop, Halcyon, was a pretty unique little coffee shop with good atmosphere and since I didn't have coffee I can at least speak to their great desserts. Of course the walk back to the hotel seemed much longer.
Sunday morning we got to go for a great bike ride on a trail around the lake and then came back and ordered room service for breakfast. The best part was it was free! The concierge had given us a free in-room breakfast for two so we got to order anything we wanted for free which as far as I'm concerned is the only way to do room service. It was a great end to a great weekend.
Throughout the weekend we spent time reflecting on the many memories we have already shared together and talked about our future as a family. I'm encouraged and strengthened to know I have a partner like Sara to walk beside me hand in hand through this journey of life. I look forward to the laughs, the cries, the good times, the difficult ones, and most importantly the joy of growing in relationship with Sara as we seek to live for God's glory. May he keep our paths straight as we endeavor to serve him!
Did I mention my wife is wonderful?
Friday, July 23, 2004
Sneak Peek
Sara and I head out today for a little weekend getaway to celebrate our one year anniversary. It's been a great first year and I look forward to a great weekend in Austin. Sara is such a blessing in my life. I can't imagine sharing it with anyone else. As I mentioned earlier, here is a little sneak peek into the sermon I preached last weekend on Real Life Grace:
What does grace in real life look like? I think 1 Peter provides us with ways in which the grace of God can be “fleshed” out in our daily lives. We participate in and become dispensers of the grace of God when we pray with and for people, when we love each other deeply, when we offer hospitality without grumbling, and when we use our gifts that God has given us to serve others. However, by no means are those intended to limit the abundant and overflowing grace of God. Real Life Grace takes many forms.
Grace in real life might be a family caring for a one year old with a catheter and double diapering during his six week recovery from surgery because his pregnant 24 year old mother has only been out of prison a few months and lives several hours from the hospital. It’s sharing life with a loving spouse who is patient and understanding even when you feel undeserving. Grace is experiencing the miracle of birth or looking down in response to the tugging on your pant leg only to find the huge grin of a child and the words “I love you daddy” or “I love you mommy.” It’s loving people…regardless of situation or circumstance, regardless of background, race or economic status.
In reality, we receive and dispense the grace of God in so many ways, more ways than we can count. To live as a people marked by the grace of God means that we are called to pour out that same life giving grace into the lives of others on a daily basis—in our words and in our actions. As Christians, it’s who we are. We can’t separate life in Christ from living out the grace of God because by his very grace we are given new life in Christ! To live as the redeemed is to break forth into a fallen world with the message of redeeming grace.
Have a Blessed weekend!
What does grace in real life look like? I think 1 Peter provides us with ways in which the grace of God can be “fleshed” out in our daily lives. We participate in and become dispensers of the grace of God when we pray with and for people, when we love each other deeply, when we offer hospitality without grumbling, and when we use our gifts that God has given us to serve others. However, by no means are those intended to limit the abundant and overflowing grace of God. Real Life Grace takes many forms.
Grace in real life might be a family caring for a one year old with a catheter and double diapering during his six week recovery from surgery because his pregnant 24 year old mother has only been out of prison a few months and lives several hours from the hospital. It’s sharing life with a loving spouse who is patient and understanding even when you feel undeserving. Grace is experiencing the miracle of birth or looking down in response to the tugging on your pant leg only to find the huge grin of a child and the words “I love you daddy” or “I love you mommy.” It’s loving people…regardless of situation or circumstance, regardless of background, race or economic status.
In reality, we receive and dispense the grace of God in so many ways, more ways than we can count. To live as a people marked by the grace of God means that we are called to pour out that same life giving grace into the lives of others on a daily basis—in our words and in our actions. As Christians, it’s who we are. We can’t separate life in Christ from living out the grace of God because by his very grace we are given new life in Christ! To live as the redeemed is to break forth into a fallen world with the message of redeeming grace.
Have a Blessed weekend!
Monday, July 19, 2004
Another Day, Another Year Older
At least spiritually speaking, happy re-birthday to me! It was twelve years ago, July 19, 1992 that I was buried with Christ and raised again to new life. I thank God for the transformation he has brought throughout my life. I guess it's not like I was ever really a heathen but how glorious to put off the old to be clothed with the new. Thank you Jesus. I grew up in the church, in a godly family. I began the journey long before that summer day in 1992 but that moment became a marker, a spiritual pillar which proclaims my commitment to God, my belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior, my acceptance of his grace, my openness to receive his Spirit, and my statement of the truth that life can only be found in Him. Of course, my journey did not end in that moment either for God continues to mold and shape me into his image, into his likeness each new day. It is kind of like going up to that wall in the house where there are lines representing how much you have grown each year. Today I look at those lines and am reminded of how much I have grown...how far I have come because of who He is and who I am in Him. Praise God for new beginnings and for love and grace that is never ending! I look forward to the next twelve years (and beyond) of life in relationship with Him.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
On the Edge of Exhaustion
What a busy week. VBS wrapped up on Wednesday night and overall it went fairly well after the few hiccups the first night. Sara and I had a great time with our 3rd graders and already look forward to working with VBS next year. This summer's experience was different from those I've been involved with in the past though. I guess I just expected more. I thought since it was a big congregation that there would be more resources to put on more of a production. I don't want to be negative though. I think it was effective, I just had different expectations. It was a blessing and such an encouragement to work with those who were involved.
Well, beyond VBS I still had a lot of other things to occupy my time this week. I had to take advantage of any spare moments all week to prepare for teaching and preaching this past Sunday. So that kept me very busy Thursday and Friday. But more on Sunday's outcome in a minute.
Friday night we were invited over for dinner with the Wiggins (a family from our small group). It was a refreshing blessing after a busy week to visit with them and be entertained by their little bundle of energy (their daughter Kennedy). We shared some good fellowship along with some great ribs! On the way home (on our bicycles) we decided to ride over to campus and catch the end of a Kadesh camp devotional. Sometimes there is just nothing quite like the sound of a couple hundred teenagers singing their hearts out to God in praise! Even if it was just for those few minutes, that was a moment to remember. Makes me want to be a camp counselor again.
On Saturday, Sara and I had decided to go to Dallas mainly to go to the Texas Ranger game that night because ACU was hosting some Alumni event. During the day though we got to have lunch with a friend of mine, Daniel, who was in town from Orlando. After lunch Daniel and I went to go see the new movie King Arthur while Sara happily went on her way to do some shopping. I thought King Arthur was a pretty good film and some of the parts that were most interesting to me involved the tension between religion and war and Arthur's desire to serve God even in battle. Thus, there were plenty of thought-provoking scenes and lines. Later that evening the ball game was great fun. For some reason summer and baseball just go well together. The horrible part was the long drive back to Abilene after the game putting us home around 12:30am. The older I get the more I realize that late nights and long drives simply don't go well together.
Then, today was a great but long and tiring day. We drove out to Maryneal Church of Christ which is about an hour west of Abilene. We had a full house of about 12 people but both the class and the sermon went well at least from my point of view. I spoke on Grace and maybe I'll post some excerpts later. The people were very gracious and after church we went over to the George's for lunch and to spend the afternoon with them. We were blessed with a great home-cooked meal of which I will never complain. I did have one surprise though. Later in the afternoon Sara asked what time we were supposed to be back at church. They answered saying, "we have class at 5:00pm." Sara then asked, "well who is teaching class?" They both pointed at me. The problem with this was that I was told I had the class and sermon in the morning and then a short devotional talk at 6:00pm Sunday night. I didn't know about evening class and guess what time this conversation took place? Yep, 4:30pm! I had 20 minutes to put together something for class. Thankfully it all worked out okay but it probably only helped that I had spoken on grace just that morning! Even though everything went great, by the time I finished I was sure ready to get home. Four talks in one day is enough to wear anyone out!
I just pray that in all things God was glorified! Now I think I'll get some rest...
Blessings
Well, beyond VBS I still had a lot of other things to occupy my time this week. I had to take advantage of any spare moments all week to prepare for teaching and preaching this past Sunday. So that kept me very busy Thursday and Friday. But more on Sunday's outcome in a minute.
Friday night we were invited over for dinner with the Wiggins (a family from our small group). It was a refreshing blessing after a busy week to visit with them and be entertained by their little bundle of energy (their daughter Kennedy). We shared some good fellowship along with some great ribs! On the way home (on our bicycles) we decided to ride over to campus and catch the end of a Kadesh camp devotional. Sometimes there is just nothing quite like the sound of a couple hundred teenagers singing their hearts out to God in praise! Even if it was just for those few minutes, that was a moment to remember. Makes me want to be a camp counselor again.
On Saturday, Sara and I had decided to go to Dallas mainly to go to the Texas Ranger game that night because ACU was hosting some Alumni event. During the day though we got to have lunch with a friend of mine, Daniel, who was in town from Orlando. After lunch Daniel and I went to go see the new movie King Arthur while Sara happily went on her way to do some shopping. I thought King Arthur was a pretty good film and some of the parts that were most interesting to me involved the tension between religion and war and Arthur's desire to serve God even in battle. Thus, there were plenty of thought-provoking scenes and lines. Later that evening the ball game was great fun. For some reason summer and baseball just go well together. The horrible part was the long drive back to Abilene after the game putting us home around 12:30am. The older I get the more I realize that late nights and long drives simply don't go well together.
Then, today was a great but long and tiring day. We drove out to Maryneal Church of Christ which is about an hour west of Abilene. We had a full house of about 12 people but both the class and the sermon went well at least from my point of view. I spoke on Grace and maybe I'll post some excerpts later. The people were very gracious and after church we went over to the George's for lunch and to spend the afternoon with them. We were blessed with a great home-cooked meal of which I will never complain. I did have one surprise though. Later in the afternoon Sara asked what time we were supposed to be back at church. They answered saying, "we have class at 5:00pm." Sara then asked, "well who is teaching class?" They both pointed at me. The problem with this was that I was told I had the class and sermon in the morning and then a short devotional talk at 6:00pm Sunday night. I didn't know about evening class and guess what time this conversation took place? Yep, 4:30pm! I had 20 minutes to put together something for class. Thankfully it all worked out okay but it probably only helped that I had spoken on grace just that morning! Even though everything went great, by the time I finished I was sure ready to get home. Four talks in one day is enough to wear anyone out!
I just pray that in all things God was glorified! Now I think I'll get some rest...
Blessings
Monday, July 12, 2004
Open the VBS Floodgates
VBS at Highland kicked off last night and the theme is Son Games. Sara and I are 3rd grade team guides which has already been a lot of fun but crazy at the same time since we had over 180 kids after having only 90 signed up the day before. Hopefully tonight some of the kinks will be worked out and any confusion will be kept to a minimum. I'll just continue to do my best to keep my eyes on our 30 little green name tags and hold on for dear life. After last night, I am reaffirmed in thinking that 3rd grade is one of those stages in life when everyone can be diagnosed as A.D.D. I'm sure it's just my turn to try to manage the energy I dished out as a former rambunctious VBS kid!
In all seriousness, VBS has been one of my most favorite activities to participate in over the years. I have so many fond memories of being a kid myself and working with the kids as I've gotten older. There's just something special about watching children experience the message of the gospel in fun and exciting ways. And, sometimes even more than the verbal messages, VBS provides us with opportunities to display tangible reflections of the love of God in Christ. For some kids it may be the only time and place that this life-giving message can be received. So, let the children come--and in the meantime maybe I can try to maintain at least half the energy they unleash!
Thank you God for the awesome responsibility of raising up children to love and glorify you! One day, may my children love you as many of these little ones do.
In all seriousness, VBS has been one of my most favorite activities to participate in over the years. I have so many fond memories of being a kid myself and working with the kids as I've gotten older. There's just something special about watching children experience the message of the gospel in fun and exciting ways. And, sometimes even more than the verbal messages, VBS provides us with opportunities to display tangible reflections of the love of God in Christ. For some kids it may be the only time and place that this life-giving message can be received. So, let the children come--and in the meantime maybe I can try to maintain at least half the energy they unleash!
Thank you God for the awesome responsibility of raising up children to love and glorify you! One day, may my children love you as many of these little ones do.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Human Tendency
It seems as though I have been coming across a recurring theme as of late. In the past few weeks I have been reading over Judges and I am continually amazed at the pattern of participation on the part of the people of God in these texts. Basically, the people are evil in the eyes of the Lord and God raises up a judge to rule over his people and bring them back to him. Once the people return to God and live for him, a period of provision and prosperity ensues. However, once the judge is gone the people return to their wicked ways and do evil in the sight of the Lord. My first thoughts are to say, "what are they thinking?" They have tasted the goodness of the Lord and enjoyed living in his presence but as soon as they have their own say in the matter they succumb to their fleshly desires and sacrifice relationship with God. To me, the ridiculousness seems so obvious.
Then came the story of Elijah found in 1 Kings 16:29-19:21 as I was searching for something to teach class on at Cottonwood this past week. If you haven't read this sequence of events recently I would highly recommend it. Elijah is called by God to be a prophet to the people of Israel. Throughout his journey God does amazing and miraculous things using Elijah as a vehicle of his glory. God provides food and water to Elijah in the midst of a drought and famine. He provides an unending supply of food for Elijah, a widow and her son from the small remains of oil and flour. Then later, when the son suddenly dies he miraculously brings the son back to life in answer to Elijah's prayer. But there is more. God is with Elijah on Mt. Carmel for the contest between the prophets of Baal and proves his power and might by lighting a water-drenched sacrifice on fire. It was obvious to everyone Elijah encountered that he was a man of God and that God was with him, so surely he was aware of it himself. He was faithful, a man who knew no doubt, a man who trusted God. However, Jezebel threatens his life and he flees and tells God he has had enough. No more. His faith crumbled as doubt crept in. We are left to wonder is this the same man about whom the widow proclaimed, "now I know you are surely a man of God and the Lord speaks through you?" He experienced God in ways few others had before. What reason did he have to fear, to doubt?
What about the disciples of Jesus? These are people who walked with Jesus on a daily basis. They saw firsthand the healings performed. They saw lives ultimately transformed. They gave up their own way of life and all they had to follow him yet Jesus continually confronts them saying, "you still don't get it--oh you of little faith." Peter denied Jesus three times. Their confidence shattered when faced with his death. And, although the Resurrection quickly strengthened momentary weakness the tendency to give into humanity could not be escaped. I can't imagine what it must take to bring mountain top faith down to the very valley depths of denial and despair. They feasted with Christ. How could they fear? Why would they doubt?
But, before I question their experience am I ready to come face to face with my own reflection? The mirror quickly becomes something to fear. There are times when I cling to the mountain moving power of faith. And then there are others when all I can do is stumble through the clouded unknown. History seems to portray that life is full of ups and downs. I believe it is less than what God intended yet the reality is that it is a tendency of humanity. Still, in all things God is faithful and remains true to what he has promised. He knows what's best for our lives but it can be so hard to let go. We want to have control. We want to be in the know.
Maybe if we could only experience tangible reflections of his promise as in the days of old. Maybe if the evidence of his miraculous hand was prevalent day in and day out. Maybe if we had walked with Christ in someone else's shoes. Or maybe if we had only witnessed the life-changing power of the resurrection. Then, maybe our faith could be strengthened and all fear could be cast out. Then, maybe we could be rid of our tendency to doubt.
The truth is that God offers us the power of the resurrection in our daily lives. He calls us to commune with him, to trust his goodness, to rest in his faithfulness. We may experience times of weakness, of despair, and times when we are simply down and out, but rest assured because we live in relationship with one whose strength far outweighs any human tendency to doubt. So, take hold of his promise and be reminded that in a world in which we live through our share of roller coaster ups and downs we can be thankful that for a faith to move mountains--something as small as a mustard seed is all that is required!
Then came the story of Elijah found in 1 Kings 16:29-19:21 as I was searching for something to teach class on at Cottonwood this past week. If you haven't read this sequence of events recently I would highly recommend it. Elijah is called by God to be a prophet to the people of Israel. Throughout his journey God does amazing and miraculous things using Elijah as a vehicle of his glory. God provides food and water to Elijah in the midst of a drought and famine. He provides an unending supply of food for Elijah, a widow and her son from the small remains of oil and flour. Then later, when the son suddenly dies he miraculously brings the son back to life in answer to Elijah's prayer. But there is more. God is with Elijah on Mt. Carmel for the contest between the prophets of Baal and proves his power and might by lighting a water-drenched sacrifice on fire. It was obvious to everyone Elijah encountered that he was a man of God and that God was with him, so surely he was aware of it himself. He was faithful, a man who knew no doubt, a man who trusted God. However, Jezebel threatens his life and he flees and tells God he has had enough. No more. His faith crumbled as doubt crept in. We are left to wonder is this the same man about whom the widow proclaimed, "now I know you are surely a man of God and the Lord speaks through you?" He experienced God in ways few others had before. What reason did he have to fear, to doubt?
What about the disciples of Jesus? These are people who walked with Jesus on a daily basis. They saw firsthand the healings performed. They saw lives ultimately transformed. They gave up their own way of life and all they had to follow him yet Jesus continually confronts them saying, "you still don't get it--oh you of little faith." Peter denied Jesus three times. Their confidence shattered when faced with his death. And, although the Resurrection quickly strengthened momentary weakness the tendency to give into humanity could not be escaped. I can't imagine what it must take to bring mountain top faith down to the very valley depths of denial and despair. They feasted with Christ. How could they fear? Why would they doubt?
But, before I question their experience am I ready to come face to face with my own reflection? The mirror quickly becomes something to fear. There are times when I cling to the mountain moving power of faith. And then there are others when all I can do is stumble through the clouded unknown. History seems to portray that life is full of ups and downs. I believe it is less than what God intended yet the reality is that it is a tendency of humanity. Still, in all things God is faithful and remains true to what he has promised. He knows what's best for our lives but it can be so hard to let go. We want to have control. We want to be in the know.
Maybe if we could only experience tangible reflections of his promise as in the days of old. Maybe if the evidence of his miraculous hand was prevalent day in and day out. Maybe if we had walked with Christ in someone else's shoes. Or maybe if we had only witnessed the life-changing power of the resurrection. Then, maybe our faith could be strengthened and all fear could be cast out. Then, maybe we could be rid of our tendency to doubt.
The truth is that God offers us the power of the resurrection in our daily lives. He calls us to commune with him, to trust his goodness, to rest in his faithfulness. We may experience times of weakness, of despair, and times when we are simply down and out, but rest assured because we live in relationship with one whose strength far outweighs any human tendency to doubt. So, take hold of his promise and be reminded that in a world in which we live through our share of roller coaster ups and downs we can be thankful that for a faith to move mountains--something as small as a mustard seed is all that is required!
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Real Life Grace
We all experience grace in remarkable ways but what does grace look like in real life?
Grace looks like a small group of caring families who have come to pray over your illness. Grace looks like wonderful meals brought over at the drop of a hat when life suddenly gets a little chaotic. Grace is when a loving couple spends 5 hours in the emergency room with you and your wife providing comfort and friendship as you await a diagnosis. Grace is when people graciously give in a time of need knowing that God has blessed them to bless you. Grace is resting in the knowledge that many people are lifting you up in prayer. Grace is knowing that I am loved and a child of God! I know beyond a doubt that grace encompasses so much more than these few simple things but this is how the grace of God showered down on my wife and I this past week. It is vital for us to realize that we participate in something powerful and life changing when we live out our daily lives as tangible reflections of the abundant and overflowing grace of God!
What does real life grace look like to you?
Grace looks like a small group of caring families who have come to pray over your illness. Grace looks like wonderful meals brought over at the drop of a hat when life suddenly gets a little chaotic. Grace is when a loving couple spends 5 hours in the emergency room with you and your wife providing comfort and friendship as you await a diagnosis. Grace is when people graciously give in a time of need knowing that God has blessed them to bless you. Grace is resting in the knowledge that many people are lifting you up in prayer. Grace is knowing that I am loved and a child of God! I know beyond a doubt that grace encompasses so much more than these few simple things but this is how the grace of God showered down on my wife and I this past week. It is vital for us to realize that we participate in something powerful and life changing when we live out our daily lives as tangible reflections of the abundant and overflowing grace of God!
What does real life grace look like to you?
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Thankful to Be a Citizen
We had a wonderful time with the family at Cottonwood Church of Christ this morning. It was a great experience and it is obvious that they are a very loving and caring congregation. One of the ladies even graciously invited us to have some lunch with her after church at Subway over in Cross Plains (in which she is a part owner). Now, though I find myself very worn out as today probably required the most excitement and energy I've had to give the last few days. For those interested, the following is basically what I shared in the service this morning:
I don’t know about you but I am thankful to be a citizen. I believe that in my short twenty-four years of life I’ve had a fair share of opportunities to experience other countries and other cultures, at least enough to realize that I am grateful to live in America. I’ve spent some time in Mexico and I’ve been to parts of Africa where it’s evident they don’t have the same opportunities nor the same access to the choices we have available to us each and every day. It’s a different way of life in those places. They are places in which poverty and persecution prevail. By no means is it life lived on easy street. Yet it is a way of life they are used to and for some reason, at least with the majority of people that I have encountered in these places, they don’t let the challenge of lesser circumstances get them down.
Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to grow up in a different country and culture. What would my life look like? What kind of person would I be today if I had grown up in Thailand, Kenya, China, London, Brazil or any other place for that matter? What kind of limitations would I have had to face or what obstacles might I have had to overcome? Would I have grown up in the streets with hands outstretched hoping for just a meager handout that I might have something to feed my family? Would I have found myself caught in the cycle of poverty and sub-standard living reaching up in failed attempts to break through the ceiling to a future of prosperity? Would I be persecuted for my beliefs and scoffed at for the priority of my allegiances? At this point I guess I’ll probably never know. For, it is a world and a way of life that is completely foreign to me and I would imagine completely foreign to the majority of us.
However, it is in these moments of reflection on what could have been that I am humbly reminded of the blessings we have in America. There really is something to the gift of freedom we have been given. I am not trying to say that these other areas throughout the world are not good places to live or that it is impossible to experience a positive and fruitful way of life. Nor am I attempting to elevate America or our status as Americans over and above any other human beings throughout the world. I realize that in some ways there are conditions here in America which parallel those in other countries. But, my point thus far is simply that we cannot escape that life in other circumstances would be different.
So we come to a day such as today, known to us as Independence Day. I have many fond memories of celebrating the Fourth of July with my family and friends. From barbecue cookouts and picnics to sparklers and the big red, white and blue, July 4th has always been a celebration. But it’s taken me to this point in life to really begin to appreciate the meaning behind the celebration. I’ve lived a simple, sheltered life and as I get older I realize that I am called to so much more as a citizen. There is more to Independence Day than the ooh’s and awh’s in response to the orchestra of fireworks in the night sky. It is a day in which we remember and recognize that the freedom we have been given did not come without a price. Many people have sacrificed as much as their lives that we might live, work, and worship in freedom. In fact, you or your relatives or other loved ones may have already given their lives in the pursuit of freedom. It may be that you have family members right now who are committed to serving our country and protecting our freedom that we so gratefully cherish and I pray God’s guidance and blessing upon them all.
Yet with all the thoughts and emotions that arise on a day like today it seems hard to ignore the words of Paul in Philippians chapter 3. He offers more than a passing suggestion and does more than simply whisper in our ears. Instead he boldly proclaims that his identity is found in something greater than his heritage as a Jew. Not that I am any less grateful to be American but I must consider to what and to whom I ultimately pledge my allegiance. Much like Paul, we must question the source of our own identity. We do not boast in the fact that we are Hebrew or Gentile, Brazilian, Mexican, African or even American. For our citizenship is defined on an other-worldly level. The goal of our existence is that in effect we consider our status as Americans rubbish to knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. I believe we want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, participate in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that we have already obtained all of this but one thing we do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.
In verse 15 of chapter 3 we catch the tail end of Paul’s challenge to and vision for the Philippians as we too seek to follow his example:
These statements from Paul do not deny the nationality found on our passports, if you will, whether it be American, Kenyan, Brazilian, German or any one of many others, but it does suggest that as Christians our most recent and everlasting identity is stamped with the seal of the Kingdom. You see, our purpose is not to live to be Americans but to live to imitate Christ as we seek to lay claim to our heavenly citizenship. Here, we revisit a common theme for us as Christians that we live in the world but not of the world. According to Paul our focus should not be on earthly things and what we might obtain in the present but our focus is grounded in the fact that we are representatives and citizens of the Kingdom here on this earth, filled with the desire to not only image Christ ourselves, but together with all the Saints call others to do the same.
In Paul’s writing to the Philippians he does not intend to discredit the legitimacy of the people’s common Roman citizenship but he does emphasize that they are first and foremost followers of Christ and citizens of heaven. He seems to suggest something more along the lines of dual citizenship. They are to live in Rome not simply as subjects of Caesar but as servants of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As American citizens we participate in the traditions and history of our country in which we exemplify what we envision as life in America but above and beyond our commitment to our country we are committed to exemplifying the life and message of Jesus Christ while we live as Americans.
The simplicity of Paul’s message yet at the same time the challenge is that we are to be a counter-cultural people. In order to accomplish that goal it might very well mean that we are to place less priority and standing on our identity as Americans and greater priority on our ultimate identity as Kingdom people. We are members of a greater society; we belong to heaven both now and forevermore.
Consider these words from Abraham Lincoln, a man who was a major contributor to and influence on the history of our own nation:
Today, as on every other Independence Day let us celebrate and recognize those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Let us take pride in our heritage and history. Let us sit back and enjoy the wide expanse of a firework filled night sky! Yet above all let us remember that our true identity is found in the One who gave his life as a sacrifice for mankind once and for all providing us with the ultimate gift of freedom. To him we owe our allegiance. In him we place our hope.
I appreciate this rewording of the same passage in Philippians 3:
There’s more to life for us who are in Christ Jesus. Throughout the journey, may we run the race together, united in the same goal, as we eagerly await the arrival of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I don’t know about you but I am thankful to be a citizen—that is first and foremost a citizen of the Kingdom!
I don’t know about you but I am thankful to be a citizen. I believe that in my short twenty-four years of life I’ve had a fair share of opportunities to experience other countries and other cultures, at least enough to realize that I am grateful to live in America. I’ve spent some time in Mexico and I’ve been to parts of Africa where it’s evident they don’t have the same opportunities nor the same access to the choices we have available to us each and every day. It’s a different way of life in those places. They are places in which poverty and persecution prevail. By no means is it life lived on easy street. Yet it is a way of life they are used to and for some reason, at least with the majority of people that I have encountered in these places, they don’t let the challenge of lesser circumstances get them down.
Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to grow up in a different country and culture. What would my life look like? What kind of person would I be today if I had grown up in Thailand, Kenya, China, London, Brazil or any other place for that matter? What kind of limitations would I have had to face or what obstacles might I have had to overcome? Would I have grown up in the streets with hands outstretched hoping for just a meager handout that I might have something to feed my family? Would I have found myself caught in the cycle of poverty and sub-standard living reaching up in failed attempts to break through the ceiling to a future of prosperity? Would I be persecuted for my beliefs and scoffed at for the priority of my allegiances? At this point I guess I’ll probably never know. For, it is a world and a way of life that is completely foreign to me and I would imagine completely foreign to the majority of us.
However, it is in these moments of reflection on what could have been that I am humbly reminded of the blessings we have in America. There really is something to the gift of freedom we have been given. I am not trying to say that these other areas throughout the world are not good places to live or that it is impossible to experience a positive and fruitful way of life. Nor am I attempting to elevate America or our status as Americans over and above any other human beings throughout the world. I realize that in some ways there are conditions here in America which parallel those in other countries. But, my point thus far is simply that we cannot escape that life in other circumstances would be different.
So we come to a day such as today, known to us as Independence Day. I have many fond memories of celebrating the Fourth of July with my family and friends. From barbecue cookouts and picnics to sparklers and the big red, white and blue, July 4th has always been a celebration. But it’s taken me to this point in life to really begin to appreciate the meaning behind the celebration. I’ve lived a simple, sheltered life and as I get older I realize that I am called to so much more as a citizen. There is more to Independence Day than the ooh’s and awh’s in response to the orchestra of fireworks in the night sky. It is a day in which we remember and recognize that the freedom we have been given did not come without a price. Many people have sacrificed as much as their lives that we might live, work, and worship in freedom. In fact, you or your relatives or other loved ones may have already given their lives in the pursuit of freedom. It may be that you have family members right now who are committed to serving our country and protecting our freedom that we so gratefully cherish and I pray God’s guidance and blessing upon them all.
Yet with all the thoughts and emotions that arise on a day like today it seems hard to ignore the words of Paul in Philippians chapter 3. He offers more than a passing suggestion and does more than simply whisper in our ears. Instead he boldly proclaims that his identity is found in something greater than his heritage as a Jew. Not that I am any less grateful to be American but I must consider to what and to whom I ultimately pledge my allegiance. Much like Paul, we must question the source of our own identity. We do not boast in the fact that we are Hebrew or Gentile, Brazilian, Mexican, African or even American. For our citizenship is defined on an other-worldly level. The goal of our existence is that in effect we consider our status as Americans rubbish to knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. I believe we want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, participate in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that we have already obtained all of this but one thing we do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.
In verse 15 of chapter 3 we catch the tail end of Paul’s challenge to and vision for the Philippians as we too seek to follow his example:
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
These statements from Paul do not deny the nationality found on our passports, if you will, whether it be American, Kenyan, Brazilian, German or any one of many others, but it does suggest that as Christians our most recent and everlasting identity is stamped with the seal of the Kingdom. You see, our purpose is not to live to be Americans but to live to imitate Christ as we seek to lay claim to our heavenly citizenship. Here, we revisit a common theme for us as Christians that we live in the world but not of the world. According to Paul our focus should not be on earthly things and what we might obtain in the present but our focus is grounded in the fact that we are representatives and citizens of the Kingdom here on this earth, filled with the desire to not only image Christ ourselves, but together with all the Saints call others to do the same.
In Paul’s writing to the Philippians he does not intend to discredit the legitimacy of the people’s common Roman citizenship but he does emphasize that they are first and foremost followers of Christ and citizens of heaven. He seems to suggest something more along the lines of dual citizenship. They are to live in Rome not simply as subjects of Caesar but as servants of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As American citizens we participate in the traditions and history of our country in which we exemplify what we envision as life in America but above and beyond our commitment to our country we are committed to exemplifying the life and message of Jesus Christ while we live as Americans.
The simplicity of Paul’s message yet at the same time the challenge is that we are to be a counter-cultural people. In order to accomplish that goal it might very well mean that we are to place less priority and standing on our identity as Americans and greater priority on our ultimate identity as Kingdom people. We are members of a greater society; we belong to heaven both now and forevermore.
Consider these words from Abraham Lincoln, a man who was a major contributor to and influence on the history of our own nation:
"It is the duty of nations, as well of men, to own their dependence upon God and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord."
Today, as on every other Independence Day let us celebrate and recognize those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Let us take pride in our heritage and history. Let us sit back and enjoy the wide expanse of a firework filled night sky! Yet above all let us remember that our true identity is found in the One who gave his life as a sacrifice for mankind once and for all providing us with the ultimate gift of freedom. To him we owe our allegiance. In him we place our hope.
I appreciate this rewording of the same passage in Philippians 3:
Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthly bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
There’s more to life for us who are in Christ Jesus. Throughout the journey, may we run the race together, united in the same goal, as we eagerly await the arrival of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I don’t know about you but I am thankful to be a citizen—that is first and foremost a citizen of the Kingdom!
Friday, July 02, 2004
A "Colored People"
As I lay here on the couch with my feet elevated, recuperating from the drama which occurred yesterday and preparing for a sermon I am preaching on Sunday I came across something I wrote back in January on our differences as the people of God as we live and come together for times of corporate worship. I thought that it kind of paralleled my post the other day about each of us created as anomalies of God...
We all have our differences. For some the distance of difference may be wider than others. We lead different lives, pursue different programs, teach different disciplines, perform different occupations, and come out of different backgrounds--all of which could potentially drive us away from each other. We are a "colored" people in more ways than just the pigment of our skin. However, the most vivid, vibrant color of our lives is that of the blood of Christ. Through Christ we participate in our identity as the redeemed.
But our differences or rather our uniquenesses derive from divine intent. We are created to be unique but we are also created very similar. Ultimately, we are created to participate in relationship by God who exists in relationship.
This is just a moment of participation in the reality of our redemption. Let us commune together now and every day giving glory to God who created us for community--to love Him and to love others. May our uniqueness serve to point to our distinctiveness that is community through salvation in Christ.
We all have our differences. For some the distance of difference may be wider than others. We lead different lives, pursue different programs, teach different disciplines, perform different occupations, and come out of different backgrounds--all of which could potentially drive us away from each other. We are a "colored" people in more ways than just the pigment of our skin. However, the most vivid, vibrant color of our lives is that of the blood of Christ. Through Christ we participate in our identity as the redeemed.
Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:23-29
But our differences or rather our uniquenesses derive from divine intent. We are created to be unique but we are also created very similar. Ultimately, we are created to participate in relationship by God who exists in relationship.
This is just a moment of participation in the reality of our redemption. Let us commune together now and every day giving glory to God who created us for community--to love Him and to love others. May our uniqueness serve to point to our distinctiveness that is community through salvation in Christ.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Revenge of the "Naked Gown"
With all that I have already been through in my life I've often wondered if I would make a good candidate for a program with the slogan, "Space: The Final Frontier." After all, once again I have gone where no man has gone before. It seems I rarely hesitate to take advantage of opportunities to plunge ahead into the unknown and yesterday was just another example of the frontiersman in me. The situation with my ankles was not progressing toward healing as we hoped so yesterday afternoon we made a visit to the ER at Hendrick hospital (Kevin, if you are reading I was close to calling a chaplain to come visit me but they didn't have to amputate my leg after all :-) ) There they proceeded to run a multitude of tests in order to rule out things such as cellulitis, blood clots, problems with blood ciruclation and plenty of other long technical terms with which I about found myself tongue-tied trying to repeat. My biggest fear throughout the whole traumatic adventure though was having to put on the dreaded hospital gown and for a while I thought I might escape such a horror. However, the nurses just made me to believe I wouldn't have to go down that road and then wham--the "naked gown" struck with full force. I was told I had to put it on because they had to perform some doppler test on me but I wasn't sure what the weather had to do with anything.
Thankfully throughout the process I was blessed with the presence of my very supportive and loving wife as well as a wonderful couple in our small group--we'll just call them Mark and Debbie in order to protect their privacy. It quickly became obvious that if we weren't close to this couple before we sure are now as they were present for all kinds of inside information which I'm sure they now regret with great embarassment. I was encouraged by something Debbie had to say to me though ( I guess you could call it encouraging) when it came time to experience the combination of my bobo (translation backside or tush, whichever you prefer) and a shot of steroids because she was quick to point out I had a nice "target" for the nurse to place a rather long, sharp and menacing needle. Of course this encouragment came from a former nurse who in her prime (of nursing that is) was used to sticking, as far as I understand plenty of old men with needles in the backside which consisted of much more glutimus minimus than maximus. I guess I can consider that coment about my "target" a complement. In the end they diagnosed me with an acute flare-up of my arthritis combined with some form of altaneous vasculitis (be my guest to interpret that foreign language) so I've got some meds and hope to be feeling much better by the end of the weekend although now I have to find some kind of treatment for the rather large hole in my right back pocket. All in all we were there for about five hours which I guess is fairly reasonable for an ER visit and based on my experience I would recommend a visit to your local ER for anyone looking for a day of fun, entertainment, and adventure. I would just suggest avoiding the "naked gown" at all costs. I'm sure there is plenty more of the "great frontier" for me to experience but in the future I think I'll be a little more hesitant to "Go west young man!"
Keep us in your prayers and blessings to all
Thankfully throughout the process I was blessed with the presence of my very supportive and loving wife as well as a wonderful couple in our small group--we'll just call them Mark and Debbie in order to protect their privacy. It quickly became obvious that if we weren't close to this couple before we sure are now as they were present for all kinds of inside information which I'm sure they now regret with great embarassment. I was encouraged by something Debbie had to say to me though ( I guess you could call it encouraging) when it came time to experience the combination of my bobo (translation backside or tush, whichever you prefer) and a shot of steroids because she was quick to point out I had a nice "target" for the nurse to place a rather long, sharp and menacing needle. Of course this encouragment came from a former nurse who in her prime (of nursing that is) was used to sticking, as far as I understand plenty of old men with needles in the backside which consisted of much more glutimus minimus than maximus. I guess I can consider that coment about my "target" a complement. In the end they diagnosed me with an acute flare-up of my arthritis combined with some form of altaneous vasculitis (be my guest to interpret that foreign language) so I've got some meds and hope to be feeling much better by the end of the weekend although now I have to find some kind of treatment for the rather large hole in my right back pocket. All in all we were there for about five hours which I guess is fairly reasonable for an ER visit and based on my experience I would recommend a visit to your local ER for anyone looking for a day of fun, entertainment, and adventure. I would just suggest avoiding the "naked gown" at all costs. I'm sure there is plenty more of the "great frontier" for me to experience but in the future I think I'll be a little more hesitant to "Go west young man!"
Keep us in your prayers and blessings to all
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
