Bubba-licious

Couldn't have said it better myself...

2008-04-23T13:20:00.001-04:00

Here is an excerpt of a recent article by Chuck Norris on Oprah Winfrey and her recent book endorsement and her 10-week webinar. For the entire article, click here.

Today, a live ten-week webinar hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Eckhart Tolle, author of "A New Earth," will begin on the Internet. Both the book and the online course purport to be able to awaken you and our world to life's grand purpose.

Since Oprah's endorsement of Tolle's book a month ago, 3.5 million copies of his spiritual self-help guide have been sent out to enlighten the minds of people around the globe. And more than 2 million people in 125 countries have already signed up for the worldwide web seminar…

…Like most self-help spiritual texts of this type, it is a blend of half truths and half fabrications. One could easily save the purchase price of "A New Earth" and subsequently avoid misleading remarks by reading a Bible, which gives a much more thorough and accurate picture of life's purpose and methods for overcoming its obstacles…

…The reason Tolle's psychology and spirituality is marketed so easy is that it is an eclectic mix of conventional and unconventional wisdom, and Western and Eastern beliefs, presented in a tolerant, non-threatening, and non-sectarian way. In other words, it's "Religion Light," in which one can be spiritual with "little down and no credit."…

…My battle is not with Oprah – she has her guru (Tolle), and I have mine (Jesus). The real war is between those who espouse to be bearers of the truth, like Tolle and Jesus. And the question is: With contradicting truths, will we believe a mere man or one who claimed to be so much more? As C.S. Lewis, the great Oxford scholar and writer of the "Narnia" series who was once an avid atheist, wrote,

A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a good moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great moral teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

That might not be what Oprah, Tolle or others around the world want to hear on their webinar, but he is everything we all need to obtain peace with God and peace with one another.

Again, the question is: Will we turn from what's easy, what's new, what's popular, what's even "Oprah" and take a step back and rediscover the answers that have been there all along? As C.S. Lewis also said, "We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive."

Please Pray

2008-04-08T09:34:00.003-04:00

This will be a quick one, but I would like to ask that you pray for Wes' brother and family (Samuel, Monica and Ruth) as they are meeting with the consultate today to get their visas to the United States. Also, please pray for his Dad as his meeting with the consulate in India is on Friday, April 11th. Please pray that both interviews go well, by God's grace. Please pray that the paperwork they have is sufficient, and there won't be any complications in getting their visas.

An answered prayer is that I received my visa to go to India. Thank you for your prayers!!

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)

What's so "good" about Good Friday?

2008-03-21T13:17:00.009-04:00

This morning I have been reading Colossians 1. This is a letter from Paul and Timothy to Christians in Colosse, but today I’ve been reading it as a letter from Paul and Timothy to me. I have also been reading it as a letter from me to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I would just like to encourage you to do the same. For if you are in Christ, this letter is to you… and it is also a great example of how we should be encouraging and praying for our fellow brothers and sisters.

However, I've been reading this passage today because of verses 19-22, which says: "For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault."

Each year when Good Friday rolls around, I find myself asking why they call it “good” when as Christians, it is a very sad day to think that Jesus Christ suffered and died a cruel death on the cross. Humanly speaking, it’s anything but “good”. But of course we know that “good” in this sense does not mean happy or cheerful, but it illustrates good in the sense of “holy”; it is observed as a holy day.

Yet in my sadness and reverence, I can’t help but look at Good Friday as a “good” day too, especially after reading Colossians 1:19-22! It is good because, while the fate of the entire world hung in the balance, the price for mankind’s redemption and reconciliation to a loving Father was being paid for by the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For this very reason we can have hope and a future… for this very reason we are considered holy and blameless as we stand before Him without a single fault… this is a very “good” thing!

Paul was very clear in this passage in that He was speaking to those who believed in Christ as their Savior. We can only have this hope if we confess our sins, and believe that Jesus is Lord. If you want to know more, please click here.

Have a GOOD Friday, and a blessed Easter!

Wedding update!

2008-03-19T13:19:00.004-04:00

It's been quite a while since I've updated my blog with anything substantial. I don't know if this post will be deemed worthy of a "substantial post", but I thought I would just share an update on the wedding plans (each paragraph could be its own post of God's faithfulness and provision).

So, if you haven't heard... I'm getting married to Wesley Jeremiah Moses on Saturday, May 24, 2008!

I recently went to Florida for my dress fitting. For those who don't know, my Mom is making my dress (and all the bridemaid's dresses too!). The dress is beautiful... it was such a surreal feeling to put it on and imagine myself on the "big day". I would attach a picture of it, but what fun would that be?!! You'll have to come to the wedding to see the final product!

The invitations are just about ready to be sent... the assembling of the envelopes is all that is left (which by the way, assembling a formal envelope is quite stressful... even with the step by step guide, I still don't understand what order everything goes in... I'll never complain about sending Christmas cards again!!). Hopefully they will be sent tomorrow (in whatever order I feel like putting it in). Please know that each of you have been prayed for as your name has crossed our path... whether it be on our computer screen, through the printer, or as you come to mind.

In the midst of wedding plans, I am also packing up my house. Wes and I were able to find an apartment and he will be moving in it in April. This is a great story of how the Lord provided for us. I will be moving my things (furniture, etc.) sometime in April so that we don't have to worry about moving anything after the wedding. That's another neat story how the Lord provided a mover. Please pray with us that someone else will be moving west so that we can share the moving expenses and keep the cost down.

I recently had the opportunity to correspond with Wes' family and am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family. I look forward to meeting them and knowing them better. Wes' Dad, and two brothers and their families will be able to attend and participate in the wedding for which we are thankful. Unfortunately, Wes' Mom and sister are unable to attend, but we (Wes, I and his Dad) will be flying to India the Tuesday after the wedding for a reception there. I am looking forward to meeting everyone! By the way, if any of you would like to go to the reception in India, you are invited! Let me know!!

Speaking of traveling to India... in order for Wes' Dad to come to the U.S., he will need a visa. Please pray for him as he will be meeting with the consulate soon. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and he is able to get his visa without any complications. Also pray for Wes' brother and family, who live in England, and will also be applying for their visas. Just as they need visas to come the U.S., I need a visa to go to India. My application is being reviewed by the consulate as I type this post. Please pray that I would receive my visa without any complications as well.

Finally, Wes and I have been busy planning the wedding ceremony and putting the program together. It is our prayer that the Lord be glorified and be the center of our wedding. We pray that each aspect of our ceremony will not merely be ritual or routine, but may your eyes be lifted to our Lord, Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. To God be the glory, GREAT THINGS He has done!

And this is my prayer for you this Easter weekend. Christmas is wonderful in that we celebrate our Lord's birth... but the whole reason He was sent is wrapped up in this weekend observance alone. As you meditate on the suffering that He went through on Friday, may you also rejoice in His resurrection on Sunday because it is YOU that He did it for.

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." --Romans 5:8

Save the date!

2008-02-01T19:56:00.000-05:00

Wes and Barb's Wedding

will be on May 24, 2008

in Horseheads, New York

Hope to see you there!

Bring the rain

2007-10-20T22:39:00.000-04:00

So I pray…
Bring me joy, bring me peace, bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings you glory
And I know there’ll be days when this life brings me pain
But if that’s what is takes to praise you
Jesus, bring the rain

This song by MercyMe has become one of my favorite songs. I played it over and over and over… throughout the day today. I love the phrase: BRING ME ANYTHING THAT BRINGS YOU GLORY. Oh, may that be my heart’s prayer! In everything that comes my way, may it draw me closer to God, and may my response bring Him glory.

May I forever sing…
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God almighty!

The Truth Will Set You Free?

2007-10-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

I receive "A Slice of Infinity" each day, and thought I would share today's entry on the blog. Enjoy!

One of my professors divided the class into groups of five and asked us to decide which of the following three individuals had the most freedom:

(1) A person who is not able to sin,
(2) A person who is both able to sin and able not to sin, and
(3) A person who is not able not to sin.

Less than five minutes into the discussion, my group had concluded that the person who was both able to sin and able not to sin (person #2) had the most freedom. We correctly eliminated option #3 since a person who cannot help but sin is really in bondage. But the unanimity of the decision and the ease with which it was arrived at caused us to suspect that something was wrong. Why would we be asked to "discuss" such a "simple" question in a graduate seminar?

We had made two serious errors in our deliberation: we did not take into account the biblical meaning of "freedom" and we did not fully appreciate the nature of sin. Like most people, we thought freedom was the ability to do what one wanted to do--whenever, however, and wherever one chose to do it. Consequently, we reasoned that the person who had the most choices automatically had the most freedom. When I wondered out loud whether we really believed that a person who could sin had more freedom than God, who cannot sin, we found out why we needed some time to discuss the question.

Biblically speaking, freedom is the ability to function the way God designed us to function. This is the reason why freedom and truth are so intertwined; we need to know what our purpose and design are before we can exercise the freedom to fulfill our mission on earth. That is also true of things we ourselves make. A meticulously manufactured Ferrari which, I've been told, is a marvel on the road, is completely useless in the ocean. A hammer functions at its best when it is pounding nails, and a multi-million dollar piece of equipment made for space travel is useless to us unless we know its purpose. Similarly, we function at our best when our lives measure up to our Designer's specifications. It is true that God's purposes can be fulfilled even through people who reject Him, but true freedom is found only in Him.

Misunderstanding the kind of freedom Christ offers leads to a distorted view of the nature of sin. Some find it hard to give a good reason why sin is prohibited by God. Don't God's prohibitions limit our freedom? Wouldn't some acts, at least, be harmlessly enjoyable if God, for some curious reason, did not brand them "sin"? The answer to both questions is no, and the reason is that sin is a serious defect in humanity, not a virtue. It will eventually turn those who relentlessly cling to it into grotesque distortions of God's original intent for them. Anything that impedes our progress towards our true identity and calling diverts us from our journey to freedom, even when no one else finds out.

That is why it is not quite true to tell people that knowing the truth will set them free. That phrase is part of a very instructive discipleship statement in John 8:31-32 which reads, "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" Did you notice the conditional nature of the freedom proclaimed here? Only by holding to the teaching of Christ in the context of purposeful discipleship can true freedom be found. James 1:25 tells us that practicing God's perfect law gives us freedom. Without a clear understanding of our call to freedom in Christ, our thirst for righteousness and passion for the lost will be seriously hindered, for we will secretly think that the requirements of righteousness are really deprivations.

No, I am not advocating works salvation. We are saved by grace through faith alone, but in the process of growth as believers, the light of the gospel must gradually shine on those areas of our lives that hold us back from fulfilling our true calling. When the gospel of Christ begins to chip away at those holdups, we learn what it means to be truly free and why it is prudent to hate sin. John Witherspoon was right. In his sermon on the first Thanksgiving Day called after the war for independence in the US, he declared, "A republic once equally poised must either preserve its virtue or lose its liberty."(1) Whether for an individual or a sovereign nation, truth and virtue are the rails upon which the wheels of freedom roll.

J.M. Njoroge is associate apologist at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

(1) Quoted by Francis Schaeffer, A Christian Manifesto, 33.

Copyright (c) 2007 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM)"A Slice of Infinity" is aimed at reaching into the culture with words of challenge, words of truth, and words of hope. If you know of others who would enjoy receiving "A Slice of Infinity" in their email box each day, tell them they can sign up on our website at http://www.rzim.org/slice/slice.php. If they do not have access to the World Wide Web, please call 1-877-88SLICE (1-877-887-5423).

The LORD sets prisoners free

2007-10-16T10:11:00.000-04:00

My church just finished its week-long missions conference and once again, we had an excellent group of missionaries who came to share with us. Home runs all around! One of the missionaries, Joan Ewan, shared an amazing story of the transforming grace of Jesus Christ! This is what Christ did for all of us-- we were all prisoners at one time, and through the work on the cross, He has set us free! Are you free?

One Stupid Decision

"I deserved punishment for what I did," says Laura. "I felt too guilty to be forgiven. In a moment, one stupid decision cost me my life, my dreams, and my future."

Laura had swallowed seventy plastic capsules filled with pure cocaine in order to smuggle them from Ecuador to Poland. But before she boarded a plane, Laura became violently ill and gratefully went with police to a hospital. For nearly a week, residue of the dangerous narcotic lingered in her system.

As a child in Poland, Laura was taught solid moral principles based on the Catholic faith. While a university student, she traveled to Quito, Ecuador, to study Spanish at the suggestion of her boyfriend. It was he who convinced Laura to smuggle the drugs. "I was ready to break the law and transport drugs, even inside my stomach, for him."

It came as a great shock to her family that Laura was guilty of such a crime. She grieved for them and for her own loss when she received an eight-year sentence at El Inca Women's Prison, where Alliance missionary Joan Ewan has a ministry to inmates.

"Life for inmates at El Inca is hard," says Joan. "They are not afforded any conveniences and 'earn' income to survive through the sale of drugs or personal belongings." There are 630 women and 275 children in the 600- capacity facility.

Laura began attending Joan's Bible studies. "The Holy Spirit was working in me," Laura says, "and gradually, I understood that I am forgiven and God has a purpose for me. Suddenly, [learning about Him] became special and exciting."

Prison administrators recognized the positive example that Laura was setting and recommended parole. Because of Joan's appeal on her behalf, Laura was approved for parole Monday through Thursday with adult supervision but must return to jail Friday through Sunday.

Laura has become a part of the Ewan family and cherishes her time with Joan and and her husband, Don. Laura is a teacher's aide at Alliance Academy International, working to get her degree in biblical education. She also is taking a course in tourism administration but still has three years of her sentence to complete.

In spite of the obstacles of prison life, Laura says she's content. "I realize that happiness is what we're all looking for," she says. "Some look for it in material possessions, some in drugs or the perfect guy. Then I met Jesus, the only perfect Man, who gave me much more than happiness. He gave me joy and peace."

"The LORD sets prisoners free" (Psalm 146:7b).

Laura is just one of many prisoners at El Inca Women's Prison in Ecuador that have given their hearts to Christ and have experienced tremendous change in their lives as a result. Let's join together and pray that they will be free from the bondage and the lies that satan is trying to connive them of, and may they experience freedom in Christ. Living the call together!

Tortured for Christ

2007-06-04T19:27:00.000-04:00

A moving testimony... O, may Christ be formed in me!

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" --Galatians 2:20-21

This one's for the girls!

2007-03-19T00:17:00.000-04:00

Mark 14:3-9 (NIV): “While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.

"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

I was reminded of this Bible story today as I was reading a book called, Lady in Waiting which I believe every girl/woman should read (I highly suggest it to girls in high school). I first read it in high school, and it was one of those books that changed my life. I saw it on my shelf the other day and decided to read it again.

Anyway, back to the passage in Mark about the alabaster jar. When I initially read that story, I thought that the significance was that she gave something very valuable to Jesus, and we all should be willing to make such sacrifices as well. That is true; however, it’s much deeper than that. In Jesus’ day, when a young woman became of an age where she could be married, the family would purchase an alabaster jar and fill it with expensive ointment. This jar became part of the girl’s dowry. When a young man came to ask for her in marriage, the girl would break the jar at his feet. The anointing of his feet showed her honor for this man. So, this woman not only anointed Jesus’ feet to show Him honor, but she gave her all (a dowry is a pretty big thing to a girl!) to the only One she knew was worthy of such honor… to her heavenly Bridegroom.

I started thinking… what would be our alabaster jar today? We don’t really have dowries anymore, so it’s kind of hard to relate to. As women, I guess our alabaster jar might be the hopes and dreams that are instilled in us as young girls as we are playing house with our dolls and dreaming of our prince who will come and then we will live happily ever after. Somehow society, whether they mean to or not, make girls feel as though they must be married in order to be complete (which amazes me when I hear four out of ten marriages end in divorce). I have many single girlfriends whose lives revolve around having a boyfriend, and if they don’t have one, something is missing in their life. But Colossians 2:10 says, “And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” Fulfillment for a woman begins when she makes Christ Lord in every area of her life.

Girls-- a boyfriend, a husband, money, fame, etc. will not bring fullness, but the woman who can rest in Him will be satisfied. If you enter a career or marriage without the understanding that you are complete in Christ, you will be disillusioned and dissatisfied. I don’t just say that because I’m single and it makes me feel better. I say it because I have broken my alabaster jar at the feet of Jesus (and sometimes I have to do it daily), and He is enough. Are you willing to give Christ everything and be satisfied in Him alone?

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” – John Piper

God's Will

2007-02-16T20:41:00.000-05:00

I had a long talk with a friend yesterday who was contemplating life, and she was asking me how I figured out God’s will for my own life! I kind of chuckled at her, thinking to myself, “She’s asking me?!” I have been where she is before, thinking that God has this specific roadmap written out for my life, and for fear that I may make the wrong turn, I become immobilized and don’t do anything… or I just wait for Him to miraculously tell me what I should do through signs and wonders. “OK God, if the phone rings within the next ten minutes, then I’ll know You want me to do this.” Five minutes later, the phone rings and I wonder, “Was that really from the Lord or was it just a coincidence?!” Oh, the foolish games we play (or maybe I’m the only one who has played that game)!

A verse that my friend brought up and shared her frustration with me was, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4). I think we often look at verses like this and Matthew 7:7, which says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”, and think that God is some genie and will give us whatever we want. Yet when He doesn’t, we think that we must be the exception to the rule. Of course that is not true, and what we are missing is the preface of that verse that says, “Delight yourself in the Lord”. So what does it mean to delight yourself in something? According to Roget’s New Millennium Thesaurus, some synonyms for “delight in” are: admire, cherish, feast on, indulge in, revel in, savor… and there were others, but those were my favorites. If I am going to indulge in anything, I am going to put forth all my energy towards that thing, whether it be an activity or a person. To delight in the Lord means I’m going to love on Him, I’m going to indulge in His Word, I’m going to revel in His Spirit, and simply become intimate with Him. When we do this, a funny thing happens. All of the sudden our eyes are no longer fixed on our wants and desires… but they are totally fixed on Him, and all of the sudden the desires of my heart align with His. Therefore, it is not until we are in a state in which we are delighting in Him... that His ways become our ways... that the things that burden Him, burden us.

I also believe that finding God's will for your life is a process, and it is only through constant prayer that we will know whether we are in His will or not. He promises to lead and guide us... but we have to be in communion with Him in order for Him to do that. I think one problem we have when trying to determine God's will is that we think in future tense, but I believe in order to find His will for our lives, we must look at the present. Ultimately God may want something really big out of my life down the road, but to get there, I must stay in His will today. That may require me to simply turn away from a TV program that is not appropriate for me to watch in order to stay pure and holy, it may be that I am to avoid a tempting situation that will compromise my moral beliefs, or it may be me simply choosing to spend the day with a friend that does not know Christ in order to share the Gospel with her. My point is, finding God's will is walking every day in communion with Him, making wise choices, and being obedient. It is TODAY that we need to choose to follow Him... TODAY we need hear His voice and live accordingly.

I will end with this verse taken from the New Living Translation:

"For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go." (Proverbs 2:6-9)

fear not!

2007-01-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

I’m usually excited at the turn of a new year. Two of my favorite times of the year are September and January. September, because school is starting and routine is back after the summer hiatus. Even though it’s been a while since I have gone to school, I still like to buy new office supplies in the fall. There’s nothing like getting a package of brand-new pencils, and I don’t mean those mechanical pencils… I mean the real wooden, Number 2 pencils… and there’s something therapeutic about sharpening them to their sharpest point (OK, I’m weird). Similarly, I enjoy January because it is the start of the New Year… new beginnings… resolutions and fresh starts. However, this year was different. I was dreading the turn of 2007, and my stomach still churns when I think of all the change that is going to take place this year. While I know I am making the right decision to continue my education at Columbia International University, it is overwhelming to think about leaving my job and church, and the people I have come to love. As I was talking to my boss about my future aspirations and decisions, all of the sudden I was stricken with fear and doubts. No one around me is filling my head with these fears. If anything, it’s just the opposite where they are telling me I can accomplish probably more than I really can. But fears and doubts are what I have been struggling with lately… What if I fail? What if I am miserable at CIU? What if no one likes me? What if, what if, what if… To be honest, these thoughts and fears have been paralyzing. I have been trying to pray through them, but my prayer life has been paralyzed. I have tried to talk to friends about it, but again… paralyzed by my thoughts and fears.

I received my brother and sister-in-law’s prayer letter today, and Karen shared how she has struggled with fear and doubt in their new ministry in Paraguay. She mentioned fear is a lack of trust and when we let it creep in our lives, it consumes us to the point where we lose perspective and our sight of God. I realized then that recently as I’ve allowed the fear and doubt creep in my life, my focus obviously, is completely on myself and no longer is it on God or on the things of God. When fear is in my life, I am blinded and it is impossible for me to see the work God is calling me to do. He has been reminding me throughout the day today to not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself (Matthew 6). He still has work for me to do here at “home”. He has put people in my life who need a Savior, and I need to stay focused on that and not allow the doubt and fear of the future get in the way of what He wants me to do today. And when tomorrow does come, I have no doubt that He will continue to show me where He wants me to be. I will be able to enjoy ministry and life not because of where I live, work or go to church, but because I will be serving Him.

I’ve been reading a lot of Paul’s letters lately, and the one theme that seems to call out to me is that no matter what circumstance he was in… whether he was preaching freely or in prison chains, he was content because he had the right perspective. He wanted to know Christ more, and he never lost sight that his mission in life was to preach the gospel so that others would come to know Christ personally. Oh, may I be like Paul…

“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” --Philippians 3:7-14

happy thanksgiving!

2006-11-26T13:38:00.000-05:00

i had a nice visit with my family in montreal. everyone was there except for j, karen and jeffrey. we were able to chat with them for a little bit via video though, so that was nice. i really don't have anything to say... other than i'm thankful for the family and friends that God has given to me. i'm thankful for so much more it's impossible to name them all, but some are God's provision, love, and grace that He shows me every day.

I trust you had a nice Thanksgiving as well, and were able to stop for a moment and reflect on the goodness of God, and His Son Jesus Christ! Happy Thanksgiving!

i'm no betty crocker...

2006-11-18T21:09:00.000-05:00

so, i really like to bake, but for some reason cookies and cakes are about all i can do... anything else intimidates me. but being a person that strives to be domestic like my mom and two sisters (and my bro for that matter!), i signed up to bring a pumpkin pie to the harvest dinner at our church! my friend explained everything to me, gave me suggestions and i went away from her house with such hope... "i can do this!"

she just emailed and asked how my pie turned out. this was my reply to her...

the pie... my crust (pilsbury) went in the dish nicely... no cracks... beautiful! i put the fork indentations in like you suggested... perfecto! the pumpkin filling was so easy and looked great... went in with ease! per the directions on the pie crust box, i put foil around the crust to prevent burning... no problemo! then there was the walk from the kitchen table to the oven... steady... oops... yikes... but it got in the oven with most of the pie filling still in the dish... i thought i'd be ok. THEN... after 15 minutes i took the foil off (per the instructions)... when i did this, some of the crust came with it! grrrr... this made me angry and i tried to fix it with the extra dough, but i was just making it worse... and i was getting more upset to which i realized maybe i'm too much of a perfectionist and i needed to chill out and just leave it alone and let it bake... i just took it out of the oven and the crust is really burnt (not black, but quite dark). i may bake another one tomorrow just to see if i can make it better. (sigh)

CIU here we come!

2006-11-08T22:45:00.000-05:00

so, in about 8 hours i will be boarding a plane with a couple of friends to south carolina to visit columbia international university (www.ciu.edu). if i am able to, i will post our adventure on the blog... what else am i going to do while i travel?!

i am praying that this trip bring clarity to what God is calling me to do. i don't know why this decision is so hard for me... i guess because i have "a lot" to give up (i.e. my job) if i am to go to ciu. i don't want to make a foolish decision. maybe i'm just counting the cost (Luke 14:28-33). maybe i'm just scared. i am confident that God is going to speak to me this weekend. pray that i take the time to listen to Him!

Thursday, November 9th
1:15 - 2:00 PM Tour of campus
2:00 - 2:45 PM Meet with admissions counselor
2:45 - 3:00 PM Meet with student financial services
3:00 - 5:30 PM Nothing - call me! :o)
5:30 PM Meeting with Director of MA Counseling Program
6:30 - 8:00 PM Sit in on Pastoral Counseling Techniques

Friday, November 10th
8:00 * 9:15 AM Sit in on Gospels: God's Way of Providing Redemption
10:50 - 11:40 AM Small Group Chapel with seminary students
Afernoon: Nothing - call me! :o)
6:00 PM Dinner with WB

Saturday, November 11th
Free til flight @ 5:25 PM -- home @ 9:35 PM
Spending the day, checking out the city

it's not about me!

2006-11-06T14:16:00.000-05:00

I started writing highlights of my past month since so much has happened, and it was starting to make me kind of nauseated. God is teaching me a lot lately… mostly slapping me in the face with a lot of issues that I am dealing with and this is my new summary: IT’S NOT ABOUT ME! And if it is (which most of the time it is)… I need to stop right in the midst of what I'm doing and get my life realigned with His.

Very well, Lord-what of this summer?

2006-10-17T18:21:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine shared the following with me & it was just the reminder that I needed as I seek God's will for this next season of my life. It also reminded me of what a GREAT book "In the Shadow of the Almighty" is and I highly recommend it. I got it off the shelf and started reading it again.

"Guidance for Israel in their wandering was unquestionable (Numbers 9). There could be no doubt if God wished them to move. Shall my Father be less definite with me? I cannot believe so. Often I doubt, for I cannot see, but surely the Spirit will lead as definitely as the pillar of a cloud. I must be as willing to remain as to go, for the presense of God determines the whereabouts of His people. 'Where I am, there shall also my servant be.' Very well, Lord-what of this summer. "

(The "summer" is refering to JIM ELLIOT trying to determine the will of God for a particular season of his life...this is an excerpt from his journal in the book "In the shadow of the Almighty")

a sign you're driving too fast!

2006-10-04T14:05:00.000-04:00

I was stopped for speeding the other day.

I thought I could talk my way out of it until the cop saw my dog in the back seat...

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!! have a GREAT day!!

Cross Examination

2006-09-10T14:22:00.000-04:00

Just a plug for Randy Singer, who I first heard speak at a retreat and his words had an impact on my life. He teaches law at Regent Law School, and is an author of several books (I highly recommend his books as well). He is hosting a new radio show that debuts tonight, and I wanted to promote it and encourage you to listen to it if you are able to. It's an interactive call-in show, hosted by Randy, and can be heard Sunday nights at 7:00 PM Eastern over the web by clicking here.

For more info about Randy Singer and this show, click here.

youtube

2006-08-13T09:32:00.000-04:00

I am trying something new. My cousin introduced me to youtube.com where you can upload videos that you've made to your blog or website. since i don't have anything exciting to video at the moment, i thought i'd use a video of one of my incredibly cute nephews for this test. i hope you enjoy.

vacation's over!

2006-08-06T20:56:00.000-04:00

i LOVE summer because the weather is nice, it's a time to see family and friends, and life just seems good! at the same time, i don't like summer because i become LAZY! sure, i still go to work, and i get things done around the house... but by august, my spiritual life always seems to have taken a vacation and i don't like it. this year was no exception... in fact, it may have been my worse summer yet! i am officially taking myself off of "summer vacation" and going to delve into God's word! if you find yourself in the same place as i am, you're more than welcome to study with me. i've decided to study the book of Hebrews. i have set up a separate blog... you can go to: http://christ-in-u.blogspot.com/ as i've noted on the blog, i am no great theologian... just a student who wants to know Christ more.

Como Say What?!

2006-05-30T19:49:00.000-04:00

An article I wrote for my brother's prayer letter...

I recently returned from Costa Rica, where I had the opportunity to visit J, Karen and Jeffrey. I am writing to testify that they really are learning and not just enjoying the good life of the tropics! I enjoyed seeing them in their learning environment, and was impressed with how the Spanish vocabulary spews from their lips... even little Jeffrey is speaking and understanding Spanish! While there, J asked me what was the one thing that stuck out the most in being in a different culture. I didn't even have to think about it... not being able to communicate with people was difficult for me!

I now chuckle at the notion that I thought I would be able to speak Spanish when I arrived in Costa Rica. After all, I took three years of Spanish in high school and I still remembered important phrases such as, "Donde estas el bano?" However, I wasn't even out of the airport before I realized I would not be putting my language "skills" to use any time soon. I was reminded how essential language is in building relationships with people, and how becoming fluent in a language is even more essential in order for missionaries to have an effective ministry with nationals.

One of J & Karen's prayers for their ministry is taken from Colossians 4:3-4, "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." This verse has become more real to me since visiting J & Karen in Costa Rica. Not only is it our desire as Christians to proclaim Christ clearly for others to understand, but how much more so for missionaries who are taking the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world as a testimony to all nations (Matthew 24:14).

As J & Karen finish their last semester of language school, let us lift them up in prayer... may they not only be able to proclaim Christ boldly, but with clarity as well. To God be the glory!

Excuses, excuses...

2006-05-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

OK, so I can't believe I haven't posted in over a month!! Here are a couple of excuses...

First, I was in Costa Rica for ten days visiting my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. They are missionaries with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, and are in language school in Costa Rica. We did lots of things while we were there. The first couple of days we stayed in San Jose where J & Karen live. I was able to go to church with them, and the funniest thing happened there, but I'll let my brother share that story with you some day (keep checking out his blog at www.spurlings.blogspot.com for the story). Later that day, I was able to celebrate Jeffrey's 2nd birthday with his friends. The day after his birthday, we went on a canopy tour, where we zip-lined through the rain forest. I would have pictures to show you, but I was too afraid to have the ability to take pictures and would have dropped my camera for sure! I won the record for going the fastest down the line (I couldn't quite get a grasp on how to slow down). As I would come closer and closer to the end of the line where all the other zip-liners were waiting (on a small tree stand, way up high, may I add!), I could only see fear in their eyes as I came flying their way. They split just like I imagine the red sea did, and I was stopped by the tree... ouch! This happened approximately eight times, but who was counting? After that, which by the way, was a lot of fun despite my speed, we went white-water rafting. This might have been my favorite part of the trip (besides seeing J, Karen & Jeffrey, of course!). At one point, the tour guide had Karen move to the front with J & I, and we went through some FUN rapids. I heard our tour guide say something, so I looked back and he was no longer seated in our boat, but instead was above our boat flying through the air! I thought for sure we lost the tour guide, but he landed safely in our boat... pura vida! We spent three days in Manuel Antonio, which is on the Pacific Ocean. Here we went to a nature park where we saw all kinds of animals, from sloths, to LOTS of iguanas, crabs, white-faced monkeys, and more. I also got to see how they make my favorite drink... COFFEE and brought lots home with me to enjoy (actually, I'm enjoying a cup right now).

After I got back from Costa Rica, I worked that week and then headed off to NYC to bike in the 5 Boro Bike Tour. Two of my friends and I biked the 42-mile tour, but when all was said and done, we biked well over 5o miles that day. It was a GREAT experience... one I hope to do again next year!

So... I guess those are two worthy excuses for not posting anything new to my blog... if anyone even noticed! :o)

Jesus' Finest Hour—His Last

2006-04-14T12:06:00.000-04:00

As a Christian, Easter is THE season in which gives us hope and reason to rejoice. It is the day in which Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, after being beaten and tortured, rose again in order that we (everyone who believes in His name) can live with Him eternally in heaven forever! But today, Good Friday, is a solemn day if you take the time to meditate on what Christ endured for YOU and for ME. Whether you believe in Christ or not, He died for your sins... below is a good account of what Christ did for YOU...

It began Thursday night in the Jewish month of Nisan [April] about a.d. 30. One of Jesus' disciples, Judas Iscariot, planned to betray him for thirty pieces of silver. The deadly signal: a kiss. In the garden of Gethsemane just outside Jerusalem , Jesus knew exactly what was coming, and he was praying. His heart was almost unable to support the weight: “ My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:38). Then the mob appeared with swords and clubs. Judas kissed Jesus, and the mob seized him. The disciples of Jesus fled and left him alone.

The Passion of Jesus Before the Jewish Council
Jesus was taken to the Jewish Council, which was ready to put him on trial in the middle of the night. The decisive charge was blasphemy: The high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. (Mark 14:61-64) “Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, ‘Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you? . . . And the guards received him with blows” (Matthew 26:67-68; Mark 14:65).

Meanwhile in the courtyard nearby, his disciple Peter who had said, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you” (Mark 14:31), denied him three times: “I do not know the man!” (Matthew 26:72). When Jesus looked at him across the court, Peter went out and wept bitterly.

The Passion of Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
Then they delivered Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate, early Friday morning. After interrogation, Pilate sent him to King Herod, who happened to be in town at that time and hoped to see Jesus do a miracle. Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt, put a royal robe on him in mockery, and sent him back to Pilate.

According to a strange custom, Pilate offered to release a prisoner and gave the crowd the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious terrorist “who had committed murder in the insurrection” (Mark 15:7). The crowd chose Barabbas and cried out for Jesus to be crucified. They made him out to be an imperial threat who claimed to be a king. “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar” (John 19:12). Pilate was cornered. Shall he kill an innocent man, or risk the appearance of sedition?

Pilate made his decision. He washed his hands, in a futile attempt to remove his guilt, then freed Barabbas, and handed Jesus over to the soldiers. “I am innocent of this man's blood” he said (Matthew 27:24). What happened in the next several hours is beyond description or depiction. The mere facts do not tell the whole story. But they are crucial.

Jesus was scourged. The word cannot carry the reality of the torture.

Flogging was a legal preliminary to every Roman execution, and only women and Roman senators or soldiers (except in cases of desertion) were exempt. The usual instrument was a short whip (flagrum or flagellum) with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. . . . For scourging, the man was stripped of his clothing, and his hands were tied. . . . The back, buttocks, and legs were flogged either by two soldiers (licitors) or by one who alternated positions. . . . It is not known whether the number of lashes was limited to 39, in accordance with Jewish law. [1]

After the scourging, the entire battalion of soldiers gathered around this faint and bleeding man, put a scarlet robe on him, pressed the weight of a scarlet robe onto his torn shoulders, set a reed in his right hand, knelt down before him, and mocked him, “Hail, King of the Jews.” They struck him with their hands. They spit on him. They wove a crown out of thorns—probably not the kind of thorns you see on rose bushes, but the longer kind that are more like needles. Then they not only put the crown on his head, but hit him over the head—to drive the thorns into his skull (Mark 15:17-19).

The Passion of Jesus on the Cross
They led him away to the hill called Golgotha (Latin: Calvary) outside the city and nailed him to a cross. Martin Hengel has written the authoritative historical study of crucifixion in the ancient world. He cites Lucius Seneca, in the middle of the first century, who wrote about the variety of crucifixions: “ I see crosses there, not just of one kind but made in many different ways: some have their victims with head down to the ground; some impale their private parts; others stretch out their arms on the gibbet.” [2] Hengel quotes another ancient source (Pseudo-Manetho) about the method of crucifixion: “Punished with limbs outstretched, they see the stake as their fate; they are fastened and nailed to it in the most bitter torment, evil food for bird of prey and grim pickings for dogs” [3]In sum, Hengel says, “ It was an utterly offensive affair, ‘obscene' in the original sense of the word.” [4] And among Jews, divine curse was added to human scandal, because the Jewish law, the Torah, said, “A hanged man [on a tree] is cursed by God” (Deuteronomy 21:23).

“It was the third hour when they crucified him” (Mark 15:25 ). That means 9am. Pilate had ordered a sign over his head: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19 ). Passersby ridiculed him, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40). The soldiers mocked him. The chief priests with the scribes and elders added their scorn, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him” (Matthew 27:42). And even the robbers who were crucified with him reviled him.

Jesus drank the cup of suffering unmixed, and refused any pain-deadening anesthetic. “They offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it” (Matthew 27:34). About noon , near the end, he cried out, “‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'” (Matthew 27:46). Amazingly these seemingly hopeless words are the exact words of the beginning of Psalm 22 in the Old Testament, which then resolves into a Psalm of great hope. The poet, who seems to begin with despair, finally exults in God and says, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you” (verse 22). The early church did not miss the connection between Jesus' agonizing words and the final hope of this psalm. They applied these very words of triumph to Christ after his resurrection (Hebrews 2:12 ). Yes, there was a kind of God-forsakenness on the cross, but the abandonment was not final.

After three hours on the cross, Jesus died. His disciples saw the awesome, world-changing moment from different angles, and summed it up in different ways. Matthew said, “Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit” (Matthew 27:50). John wrote, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30 ). Luke, who was not there, and may have gotten his information from Jesus' mother, wrote, “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last” (Luke 23:46 ).

To make sure he was dead, a Roman soldier “pierced his side with a spear” (John 19:34). He was taken down from the cross by his family and friends, and buried in a borrowed, cave-like tomb. Pilate gave orders for the tomb to be sealed and guarded. A great stone was rolled over the mouth of the tomb and guards were stationed. There the body lay until early Sunday morning.

[1] William D. Edwards, et. al., “On the Physical Death of Jesus,” The Journal of the American Medical Association 255 ( 21 March 1986 ), 1457-1458.
[2] Dialogue 6, De consolatione ad Marciam , 20.3, cited by Martin Hengel, Crucifixion (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1977), 25.
[3] Hengel, Crucifixion, 9.
[4] Ibid., 22.

By John Piper. ©Desiring God. Website: http://www.desiringgod.org/. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 888.346.4700.

Costa Rica Countdown!

2006-04-14T11:47:00.000-04:00

One week from today and I get to see this CUTE face...

There's just something about that name...

2006-03-22T21:40:00.000-05:00

I remember singing (or listening to my mom sing) a song that has the phrase, “Jesus… there’s just something about that name.” That was brought to my mind this evening as I was trying to quiet my heart and was listening to some worship music. There were a couple of songs that played in a row that just uttered the name of Jesus over and over… and it truly brought me to tears… there is something about THAT name! How can one name bring forth such power and awe, yet also bring forth such love and humility? It’s because that name is not just a name… it’s a man who, with the JOY set before him, endured the cross and shame for you and me (Hebrews 12:2). It’s because…

“…There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins--that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.

But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners.” (--Isaiah 53)

Did you know that because of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for YOUR sins, you can be counted righteous?! Because He rose again, and is at the right hand of God's throne at this very moment interceding for anyone who believes in His name. Are you one of those people?! You can be! As we are approaching the Easter season, my prayer for you is that you meditate on the name of Jesus… that you realize who He is, and what He did… not for himself, but for YOU! There really is something about THAT NAME!

happy valentine's day!

2006-02-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

ok, so those who know me well, know that i joke around about valentine's day... and in the past i've worn all black to symbolize my mourning on this day... but i haven't been able to do that the past couple of years because i truly LOVE this day! how can i deliberately mourn on a day that God has given to me?! He has blessed me with so MUCH that i cannot even pretend to dislike this day. so, when i say HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY... i really mean it!

if you're still not convinced, maybe you'll look at this day differently once you read the origin of valentine's day... it certainly changed my perspective.

Who was the real Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to history, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine's day is that it commemorates a martyrdom. Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, "Caesar is Lord!" Of course, no Christian would do this.

St. Valentine was put in prison because of his beliefs, but continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death. Just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailor's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love.

It wasn't until the 1300's when Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a poem called, "Parliament of Fouls" that linked Valentine's day with lovers.

Isn't that COOL??!! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Here's my opinion... what's yours?

2006-02-11T13:57:00.000-05:00

I am sure you all have caught the story in the news about Denmark publishing controversial drawings of the prophet Mohammed. While I don’t know the whole story or what these articles portrayed, and I don’t condone the violence that has spread as a result of these drawings, the situation has made me think these last few days. I find it interesting that drawings of the prophet Mohammed can be published and Muslims all over the world stand in protest for such drawings as it is sacrilegious to them. Yet, as a Christian, any time of the day, I can turn on the TV and watch a sit-com or read a newspaper article that makes fun of Jesus Christ and Christianity, and not say a word. It saddens me that we, who are Christians, don’t have the same reaction when people make fun of Jesus Christ as the Muslims have when people portray Mohammed negatively. If you are a Christian reading this blog, it should hurt you to hear people use God’s name in vain, it should anger you to hear people make fun of His statutes, and it should sadden you when people portray Christ as anything other than your Savior. Do you believe He is who He says He is? If you do, you wouldn’t sit and listen to the world make fun of Him, but next time, you’ll stand up for Him… after all, He died for you.

That's my King

2006-02-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews
He's the King of Israel, He's the King of righteousness
He's the King of the Ages, He's the King of Heaven
He's the King of Glory, He's the King of Kings
and He's the Lord of Lords
That's my King!
I wonder do you know Him?

My King is a Sovereign King
No means of measure can define His limitless love
He's enduringly Strong, He's entirely Sincere
He's eternally Steadfast, He's immortally Graceful
He's imperially Powerful, He's impartially Merciful
Do you know Him?

He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world
He's God's Son, He's a sinner's savior
He's the centerpiece of civilization, He's unparalleled
He's unprecedented, He's the loftiest idea in literature
He's the highest personality in philosophy
He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology
He's the only one qualified to be an all-sufficient savior
I wonder if you know Him today?

He supplies strength for the weak
He's available for the tempted and tried
He sympathizes and He saves
He strengthens and sustains, He guards and He guides
He heals the sick, He cleansed the lepers
He forgives sinners, He discharges debtors
He delivers the captive, He defends the feeble
He blesses the young, He serves the unfortunate
He regards the aged, He rewards the diligent
He beautifies the meager
I wonder if you know Him?

He's the key to knowledge, He's the wellspring of wisdom
He's the doorway of deliverance, He's the pathway of peace
He's the roadway of righteousness, He's the highway of holiness
He's the gateway of glory
Do you know Him?

His life is matchless, His goodness is limitless
His mercy is everlasting, His love never changes
His word is enough, His grace is sufficient
His reign is righteous, And His yoke is easy
His burden is light

I wish I could describe Him to you...

He's indescribable, He's incomprehensible
He's invincible, He's irresistible
You can't get Him out of your mind
You can't get Him off of your hand
You can't outlive Him, And you can't live without Him
The pharisees couldn't stand Him
They found out they couldn't stop Him
Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him
Herod couldn't kill Him
Death couldn't handle Him
And the grave couldn't hold Him
That's MY KING!

Go to sermonspice.com to hear the original... it's the greatest!

Prayer

2006-01-22T21:43:00.000-05:00

One thought that got deleted in my last group of blogs is my thought on prayer. I bring it back for myself only, as it is something I want to keep in the forefront of my mind this year. The words are not my words, but words from John Piper's book, Let the Nations Be Glad.

"Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that he will provide the help we need. Prayer humbles us as needy and exalts God as all-sufficient."

I have sometimes struggled with the thought of why it is necessary to pray and ask God for things when He is omniscient. The statement above makes me look at prayer differently. We don’t pray because God needs us to in order for Him to do His work, but we pray because it reflects a heart of humility, admitting that we can’t do it alone, and we need God to intervene. We recognize that all things come from Him and without Him, we can do nothing.