an arrogant reading of scripture...

I have been reading in 2 Samuel and the Psalms as I work through David's life. I found myself getting a little arrogant as I read of David's struggles in 2 Sam 15. A little background:

His son, Absalom, has been turning the hearts of the people against David. The Bible says in v.12 that the "...conspiracy was strong, for the people increase continually with Absalom...". It was at this point that David tucks tail and runs.

He flees! What in the world is this? Is this not the giant slayer? Is this not the one of whom it was sung, "...Saul has killed his thousands, but David has killed ten thousands...?" Is this not the lion and bear slayer? Is this not the one who has experienced massive victories over the Philistines? Is this not the one to whom God said that He would establish His throne forever? (I could go on and on, but you get the point)

In 2 Samuel 5 we read, "...v.10 and David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him...v.12...and David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel..."

I wanted to bolt upright out of my chair and shout to David in chapter 15, "turn back to chapter 5... read it again!!" and then in that moment I realized that David and i are very much alike.

Oh, I wish I could say that I was like David in his conquests and quick repentance... but I am like him in his swift forgetfulness of the mighty working of God in his life. David's God hadn't changed, but David's perspective of Him did. God no longer could keep David safe - or so David thought. God could no longer be faithful - or so David's actions revealed. God could no longer be trusted - or so David's quick reaction to gather trusted servants and run tells us.

Where have I forgotten the mighty hand of God in my life? Where do I doubt the faithfulness of my God? Where am I trusting in my own understanding, rather than trusting the One who controls everything around me?

My prayer, for me - for you, is that we come back to a quick remembrance of the goodness of God in our life.

David did.

so, what's in your iPod?

Have you seen the commercial for some credit card company where they ask, "what's in your wallet?" It got me to thinking about my iPod... funny isnt it - the connections our minds make?

I thought I would list my podcasts that I currently am listening to & hopefully hear from a few of you on ideas of things to add. Here goes:

• Cornerstone Simi Audio podcasts - Francis Chan
• Desiring God Radio - John Piper
• Mars Hill Bible Church - Rob Bell
• Walk in the Word - James MacDonald
• The Dave Ramsey Show - Dave Ramsey

Piper is my favorite teacher - followed closely by James MacDonald. However, Francis Chan is quickly becoming one of my favs. I wish I could find the time view his video podcast, but its hard to concentrate on the driving when its playing on the iPod. I typically listen to my pcs on my commute back and forth from the church (only 10 miles one way).

I would welcome anyone's suggestions on podcasts - I really enjoy keeping my mind focused on Christ.

So, I must comment on coffee before I wrap this up. But let me ask you, do you have any idols of the heart? What?!?! Idols of the heart. You might not even realize that you have an idol. But let me give you a clue on how to discover your own idol. You discover your idol when you really want something and when you don't get it, you get angry... or frustrated... or disgusted.

Like... like, well, like last Tuesday. Last Tuesday I got up early to get around for the day and was making my coffee. I have this great pot that brews single mugs of joe. These little filters usually do a wonderful job in the process of making coffee. However, last Tuesday I was trying to get the mug made and clean up at the same time when the bottom of the filter broke open... dropping all the grounds into my mug. Umm... can you say "loud sigh!!"?? Not that big of a deal, because I would just run it back through another filter, right? Well, that was the plan... until that filter broke. At this point I went from frustrated to mad.

And God poked me in the chest...

And I just kind of was like, "C'mon God, I haven't even had my caffeine yet and you want to deal with me on my idols?? Seriously, let me have my java first and then deal with me!!!" Well, needless to say, God was dealing with me - and still is - about this idol called caffeine.

I want to put Him first, even before coffee... did you ever think you'd hear me say that?

Happy St.Patrick's Day!

A blessed St. Patrick's day to you!

Tonight we 'celebrated' this unique Irish holiday with a fabulous feast. We had herb roasted leg of lamb, soda bread with brie cheese, cabbage rolls and sparkling grape juice. We typically have corned beef and cabbage, a boiled dinner, but decided to try something different this year.

My wife was not very excited about the lamb, as she had had it before and didn't care for it. She didn't mind the roast though. It turned out pretty good. Lots of garlic!!

Earlier as we shopped for ingredients, I even got a "special" coffee called "kiss me, i'm irish". It was a latte with Irish creme and something else that I can't recall. It was okay, but wasnt very hot when I received it. Instead of giving it back, I just chugged it. (never... never... give coffee back!)

I hope your St. Patrick's day went well and you enjoyed it as you gathered with family and friends! Keep the coffee hot (...irish coffee?...) and the creamer handy!!

God bless!

Misc. Thots:

This is just a short post to let you know what's been happening lately. First of all, if you've tried to go to my podcast - you've noticed that it hasnt been updated in what seems like forever. I apologize for that. I think all the bugs are worked out now, but the funny thing was, none of the problems were of my making. I guess that's the risk you take for working with technology!

Secondly, I am attempting to translate Judges 6 out of the Septuagint. That is something new for me! I have translated 1, 2 and 3 John, part of James - but never tried anything like this before. I have a sermon coming up (March 25) from which I will preach on Judges 6. I do not know Hebrew at all - so while I have Bible software - I am translating the Septuagint.

Speaking of Hebrew, I am contemplating teaching myself this beautiful language. I have some tutorial software and a fellow staff member that can help in the teaching. It seems to be a daunting task - but I think a little at a time will make it easier. The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, right?

This Sunday (March 4) I will be speaking on Numbers 32 - the title of the message: "The Pitfalls of Unfulfilled Responsibilities". I am looking forward to it, as I feel strongly about Christians fulfilling the responsibility that God lays out for them in Scripture. Too many "believers" don't act like one... and I find that hard to figure with what I read in God's Word.

Lastly, I must post about my coffee. I thought I had suspended my account with Gevalia, but only suspended it for a short while. Today I rec'd another package of java from this fine vendor. My cabinet is full of java. I have cut back my consumption quite a bit - but not enough to affect vital caffeine levels! lol. I am learning to drink decaf too - which is for what purpose? I love the taste of coffee - a strong brew especially! Tonight I am drinking some Toraja(?) decaf - an Indian coffee bean I think. It is very good and goes well with my wife's home-made apple danish for dessert!

Well, enough rambling for now. God bless & pass the creamer please....

A month is too long to wait for a new post!

Has it really been just over a month since I last posted on my blog? Yes! Sorry, but other priorities have been pressing in on me.

We continue in our study of the Old Testament as a church congregation, and I must say that I am so excited about this reading!! It seems to be 'new' again - fascinating and fun when we are all in it together.

As we have been wading and perhaps muddling through Leviticus, I find myself drawn to all the times when God commands holiness from His people. It is simply not an option - it is what is expected from an Almighty, holy God. Listen to what is commanded in Leviticus 20:7,8:

'You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. 8 'And you shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you.

Set yourself apart...from what? From any people, any thing that would cause defilement! Similarly, we are to be seperated from any defiling substance in this world...like SIN! How are you doing in your seperation from sin? Are you conciously living life in such a way so as to eradicate sin from your life? A great challenge for all of us to work on! But holiness doesnt stop there. It also requires obedience to and practicing of all that God has commanded us. Seperation to God for service. Its not enough to consider yourself 'clean' from sin when you aren't making any efforts at all to do what God is commanding you. Yes, we are to be seperated from sin...but we are to be seperated to God for service. What are you doing right now that God is asking you to do? What are you not doing that He is asking you to do?

I pray that you will be challenged from the Word of God, whether here or in your own personal study. Feel free to share what you are studying so as to encourage me!
---------------
I am posting this with my newest computer. My old laptop just gave out and finally kicked the bucket. So, I was able to get a new laptop which is very nice, and I pray that I don't work this one too hard! I also rec'd for my birthday, an iPod. I really like it and enjoy listening to podcasts now more than ever!

John Piper is my favorite Biblical teacher so far - perhaps he is tied with James MacDonald from Walk in the Word. Both of these godly men are sold out and passionate in their pursuit of Jesus Christ. I get much from their teachings!

Who is your favorite Bible teacher? Let me know!

Until then, keep the java hot and an extra mug for me in case I drop in!

the first kiss...

Do you recall your "first kiss"? You know the first kiss with the person you absolutely loved!?!? In my reading today in Genesis 29, I came across a first kiss. It didn't seem to turn out quite as expected. You see, I always envision first kisses as romantic adventures during which time stands still and all the world seems to be right.

It didn't quite happen that way with Jacob. He has been instructed by Isaac (his father) to go find a wife - and preferrably not one from Canaan. Isaac further instructs him to go to Rebekah's brother's house (Laban) and find a wife there. So Jacob sets out. It no doubt was a taxing journey - and he undoubtedly experienced many things. He arrives at a well when Rachel - the farm girl - (well, actually scripture calls her a "shepherdess"), shows up. She was drop-dead gorgeous... well, scripture says she was "beautiful of form and face". (that means drop-dead gorgeous to me). Anyway, in verse 11 the Bible says this: "...Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept..." Talk about giving a girl a complex!

Why in the world did Jacob react this way to this tender moment... this "first kiss"? Perhaps he was homesick and missed mom? I could see that, I guess...but he was kissing a beautiful girl! Was he just overwhelmed by the whole thing in finding someone so beautiful, so right that he just couldn't hold it in? I don't know!

What do you think? Drop a line and let me know what you think about this strange "first kiss".

God's word is full of fascinating stories and principles that will absolutely change your life... even your love life! Get in it and search its pages!

God bless, and please pass the creamer...

Lessons from Genesis 24

Genesis 24 was where I was studying earlier today. It is a long chapter detailing the circumstances of how Isaac (Abraham's son) got his wife - Rebekah. For some it is a familiar story - for others, unknown. It is worth a second... or first... look!! It is a great narrative of how God demonstrates His faithfulness, sovereignty and guidance in His children's lives.

Long story - short version here:
Abraham is growing older - he is just now a widower. His wife Sarah has died and he has just buried her. He is concerned for his son, Isaac. He wants Isaac to have a wife from their own people, and so he employs one of his faithful servants with the task of finding a wife for him. Abraham makes the servant swear that he will find a wife from Abraham's people and not from the land from which he originally came. The servant agrees.

As the servant heads out to find a wife for Isaac, he stops at a well to water his camels. He then stops and prays, asking God to specifically identify Isaac's future wife by the way that she would respond to his asking for water. She would not only give him water, but also water the camels. With this short prayer he watches the women come to the well.

He sees Rebekah, who is very beautiful - and he runs over to her asking for a drink. She quickly gives him a drink, and then states that she will also water the camels. She then quickly empties her jar into the trough, runs and refills her jar and then proceeds to make sure the camels have enough water to drink. (I just love the emphasis in scripture on how quickly everybody is moving - its kind of interesting!)

The servant then proceeds to give her some bracelets and rings - basically asking her if she would like to be Isaac's wife - and she runs off to tell her mother these things. He then immediately bows down and worships God, praising Him for all that He has done in response to his prayer. He is invited to Laban's house (Rebekah's brother) and is invited to have dinner with the family.

Before he takes a bite he stops to testify about what has taken place and ask what they think about the prospect of Rebekah becoming Isaac's wife. This of course leads to them asking Rebekah if she wanted this, which she did, and then announcing their blessing on it.

(Okay - so it wasn't the short version! )

What are some lessons that I pulled away from this mornings study? Here they are:

1. Bathe everything in prayer & then act in faith. The servant prayed before interacting with any of the girls at the well. He was dependent on God. I need to have that kind of dependence!
2. Remember to praise God for His answers to prayer. The servant stopped and immediately gave thanks to God for His answer to specific prayer. How often do I demonstrate ungratefulness by not taking time to recognize God's answers to my prayers?
3. Testify of God's goodness & working in my life. The servant recounted the whole story - not leaving any details out - of how God brought him to this point of asking for Rebekah to go back with him to marry Isaac. The people around the table had an opportunity to rejoice in the goodness of God too! I need to proclaim the working of God in my life - so that others are encouraged by His working!

One other thing from the end of Chapter 24. It mentions Isaac going out in the fields in the evening and meditating. The spiritual discipline of meditation is a unused discipline in many Christian's life. I have been challenged lately to increase this discipline - perhaps more next time on how & what that looks like in a believer's life.

Until then, God bless (and keep the java hot!).

El Olam...

El Olam... The Everlasting God.
I came across this wonderful name of God in my reading in Genesis 21 today. In verse 33 it states: "...And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God..."

God's eternality - an interesting concept which I don't quite meditate on near enough. It is very easy to get wrapped up with & consumed with our personal lives and all the little details that go with them. However, we are a tiny blip on the timeline of eternity. Our lives - the vapors - are nothing more than a brief hic-cup... a tick of a clock... a millisecond of eternity. God is eternal. Let your mind try to get around that concept.

How about this reference in Isaiah 40:28: "...Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable..." He is immutable - no changing... everlasting.

Or this out of Psalms 100:5: "...For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, And His faithfulness to all generations..." He is good - always has been, always will be. Faithful - forever.

I have begun writing characteristics of God in the margins of my Bible as I see them played out through Scripture. Things such as: Sovereignty, Faithfulness, Eternal, etc. I suggest you do this as well. What a wonderful picture of God that will develop before your eyes!

My how time flies! I haven't updated this blog since last year... ha ha - I wonder how many other bloggers have used that same line?!? The holiday season was an incredibly busy one for me - and then there was the sickness that came just after Christmas. I have not been that sick for many years, and am so thankful that I live in a country that has wonderful medical technology!

As part of our encouraging our church members to study God's Word this year, our church has a Read through the Bible plan which coincides with the Sunday sermons. It has been an interesting start to the new year! We are reading chronologically through Scripture, and are almost finished with the book of Job. I am amazed at Job's steadfastness, even though God is largely silent towards him much of the time.

I currently have five different studies going right now, and I never seem to have time to do any of them adequately: Chronological reading plan, youth group reading plan, Hebrews study, James study, Anthropology study and misc other things in there like: sermons and youth group lessons! Some days my head spins!

I am working on "new year's resolutions" such as: praying more in individual intercessory prayer, memorizing more scripture, drinking more water and much less pop, less snacking between meals, etc.

Have you made any resolutions? I am finding that this is not a popular thing. I love the new year and the focus it brings, but more and more people that I deal with skip the resolutions. Many feel that failure is imminent so they figure "why try?" I feel that "nothing ventured, nothing gained". May God give you the endurance and perseverance to accomplish what He needs you to do this coming year!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas evening will mark 8 years after I placed my faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to being reminded anew and afresh of the grace of God. I am so grateful that God gave me a second chance!

Titus 3:3-7
For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior
that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

In preparation for a weekly Bible study, I am "way over my head" it seems as I look at this passage in Hebrews 6. We are to be studying Heb.6:4-8. I have just begun to delve into the Greek on this particular set of verses, and am asking for much, much assistance!!

(my Greek knowledge being limited - please assist)

Some interesting things from verse 4 that I will share, and perhaps you will be able to direct me to other observations.

1. All the verbals in this verse are participles, and aorist.
2. Two are passive, and all three are accusative masculine plural.
3. I have personally limited my language / syntax searches to the book of Hebrews - a good idea?

What to do with this limited start?

• The verb 'fwtizw' (sorry, I don't know how to add the Greek font) only appears twice in Hebrews: 6:4 & 10:32.
• This verb 'geuomai' appears just three times: twice in this set of verses (6:4,5) and then in 2:9 as well.

fwtizw - to enlighten, in both passages seem to indicate a conversion experience.

geuomai - to taste, in both passages seem to indicate an experiential experience.

What I am trying to determine, is to answer the all-time conflict found in this passage: is this referring to a loss of salvation, etc or something else. Since I have just begun and really left you not much to work with, I would really appreciate direction.

Having said that, I will continue to wrestle through the text myself and see what I can come up with - fully dependent of course on the Holy Spirit -Who is my Helper.

side note: today was Mocah Gevalia in the pot - strong too! Since it is a chilly day, it was a good thing to warm my mitts on a mug of this joe!

God bless,

Get Your Health Diagnosed!

I just finished reading Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Dr.Donald Whitney. It is an extremely easy read, but very challenging at the same time. I would recommend this book to just about anyone needing a 'shot in the arm' spiritually.

Here are the titles of the 10 chapters:

• Do you thirst for God?
• Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?
• Are you more loving?
• Are you more sensitive to God's presence?
• Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?
• Do you delight in the bride of Christ?
• Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly more important to you?
• Do you still grieve over sin?
• Are you a quick forgiver?
• Do you yearn for Heaven and to be with Jesus?

Just typing those chapter headings up - again, made me re-evaluate where I am spiritually. I guarantee that if you read this book, you will be challenged in your daily walk with Jesus. I know I was.

On another note, I am going deaf. Really. I am finding that it is getting harder and harder to hear things. I find that especially in a crowded room or a room with lots of background noise that I can barely hear at all. This really drives me (and my wife) crazy.

I was just reading Hebrews 5:11 and the author of this epistle speaks to the recipients and says, "...you have become dull of hearing..." Now, that is one type of hearing loss I want to stay away from. I always want to be sensitive to the things of Christ! Here the author states that they have much to say about Christ, but the readers just can't handle it! Oh my! May it never be said about me... about you... that we are not listening to the precious things of our Lord.

Read Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3 and study these things out to see if they are true about you.

Nothing jolts you back to reality like a good challenge from God's Word.

On Caffeine, a Velvet Elvis and a Ford tranny...

Caffeine levels are up today - therefore, I will post.

A lot has happened since the last time we shared a mug o' joe together. I have seen an uncle leave this life for the next. We experienced the loss of a transmission in our 2000 Ford Windstar. My first invoice for dental improvements arrived...at the tune of $2401. I have begun, and finished perhaps 3 or 4 books. There is a light at the end of the Greek Exegesis tunnel - and it is not a train afterall.

I've just finished reading the Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell (pastor of the famed Mars Hill Bible Church located in Michigan). I must admit that I like Rob Bell's style - its fresh and personable. However, some of the things I read in his book really concerned me. I appreciate his passion for Christ-followers to be genuine and loving and unconformed to a religion. It is this passion that misdirects him into rejecting some basic tenets of following Christ; things like: the Way of salvation, the absolute authority of scripture and others. There are good things in his book as well - don't get me wrong. I greatly appreciate his 'out of the box' look at the way the 'church' is 'doing church'. We do have it wrong in some areas - and we do need to change those areas. Its just that we can't ignore the timeless truths as presented in the Bible. In the Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell has left the building of conservative Christ-following.

I spoke earlier of transmission trouble with our primary family vehicle. It just 'all of a sudden' died on the way home from church one night. It required placing a rebuilt tranny in the van - at the cost of about $1935. I just didn't have the extra lying around. This came immediately on the heels of the $2401 in dental work. (which wasn't lying around either). My wife and I have learned from long ago that God fulfills His Word as read in Matthew 6&7. We have continually seen Him provide for our necessities...and beyond. And, true to His timing, He provided miraculously again. Our church, hearing of our need, collected over $3000! God is so good. His grace has extended through His followers once again. Thank you CBC.

With the completion of the last four verses in 1 John 5, I will have translated my first book of the Bible from Greek to English. I consider this a great accomplishment - and have new found respect for any scribe of yesteryear. Thank God for my Bible software (Bibleworks 7.0) - which saves me great amounts of time in the process. And just to put your hearts at ease, I do the work first by myself - and then double check it with the software. There is no easy route to doing things correctly. I have enjoyed this semester - and it is hard to imagine not going to class on Tuesdays and Thursdays after I finish on the 14th of December. Perhaps I will continue in my translating with other books...I don't know.

Well, God bless you for reading my scattered thoughts. Post a comment and let me know what you think of what I've said. I'll be starting another pot o' joe soon, so pull up a chair, bring your favorite mug and let's examine the daily jolt.

Has it really been almost a month since my last post? Incredible. I have been very busy it seems and my blog doesn't get the priority that perhaps it should. And then again, I don't know if anyone even reads it - so - it all balances out in the end.

I have finished the book I was reading by Steve Gallagher (Intoxicated with Babylon) - this is a must read! It is so convicting - it deals with worldliness, and let me say that I have much to work on.

I am currently reading three new books:

• Confessions of a Pastor: Adventures in Dropping the Pose and Getting Real with God - (by Craig Groeschel)
• Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die: or the Eschatology of Bluegrass - (by David Crowder)
• Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church: Understanding a Movement and its Implications - (by D.A. Carson)

On order is Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith. So, what are you reading? Care to share?

Tomorrow (Sunday, 11/19/2006) I am preaching at our church. I am speaking on Psalm 145 and the title of my message is taken from vs. 21 "My Mouth Shall Speak the Praise of the Lord". 5 main points of what we should praise God for come out of this passage (there are doubtless more that you could come up with):

1. Praise God for His Greatness
2. Praise God for His Goodness
3. Praise God for His Governing
4. Praise God for His Giving
5. Praise God for His Grace

Pretty cool aliteration, eh? Come & listen, won't you? May God challenge your heart as He did mine in reference to Gratitude.

Another miscellaneous item, and then I must go. I upgraded my phone with verizon a couple of days ago. I am now the proud owner of the Motorolla Q. Let me say that it is taking some getting used to. I am still not completely comfortable with the Bluetooth, etc - and will probably be talking again with Verizon about it. But it does combine my phone and PDA all in one - which is going to be really helpful.

There really isnt much happening - outside of today is the opening day of deer season... and I am sitting in my living room! That's okay - I should be able to get out sometime. Well, its time to refill the mug of java... Gevalia's costa rica coffee today! Here's to the daily jolt we all should experience!!

God bless,

Short Post:

I just havent had time to post lately. Really working (read 'wrestling' here) with time management. In other words, how I spend my time with God, family & job. I'm afraid I fall short in many areas - at least that is what has been pointed out to me by a number of people lately.

Two books I recommend reading:
1. 10 Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Dr.Whitney
2. Intoxicated with Babylon by Steve Gallagher

More to post later... until then, God bless.

friday the 13th...

are you superstitious?

I find today that it is freezing outside... and inside my office! The heater was repaired at the church last week (when we had nice weather), and the thermostat wire for my office was cut. Evidently it wasn't hooked back up either! Brrrrr!!!

I just joined another website called "shelfari". Its a MySpace kind of idea, except it is a display of your library - the books you read. You interact through looking at people's shelves. You can see part of my library here: Pastor Mark's Library. Its kind of a neat idea.

Speaking of books that I am reading, I am working through Dr.Whitney's Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, but decided to go back and begin again Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor. I think I need to re-read... and finish this time... this book.

If you can, would you pray for Mr.Pope? He is one of my former Criminal Justice instructors from Pensacola Christian College. I hear he is in failing health and not doing well at all. He helped me more than I could ever explain here in a post. My prayers go up for he and his wife during this time. God bless...

the STORM report...

Last night we had an event at our church for our teens called STORM (Sending Teens Out to Reach the Masses). The idea was to get the teens out to invite their friends to come to an event where we had some game time and then a gospel presentation - followed by walking tacos!

We were praying for 100 teens. Bad weather set in, we scrambled to rent a local facility due to our AWANA ministries occupying our own building, and we ended up with 44 kids! Praise the Lord! Of those 44 kids, 9 came to know the Lord as their personal Savior! That is so awesome!

I am very excited that our teens got to witness God moving among them. It was encouraging to me... and made me realize that all the work was worthwhile to see kids get saved. God is truly good all the time.

Our goal now is to follow up on all visitors and hopefully be able to disciple the new Christians. Would you pray that God would enable us to maintain these contacts? Thank you!

Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

misc musings...

today finds nothing of any substance to write about. I am enjoying our new hi-speed internet, a vast improvement over the dial-up situation. (and we're saving $ by having it combined with our phone service... cant beat that!)

the last week, maybe week and a-half, have found me very busy. I dont see much end in sight - my mom is coming tomorrow to visit, and then my sis-in-law on Wednesday. We have a special event for teens happening on Wednesday... throw in a couple of Greek classes, dental appointments, counseling sessions... and my study on top of that - and you have a very busy week.

On a totally different subject: while in Indianapolis this last week, my wife and I ate at the Claddagh Pub downtown. There is a picture Ive added, we sat outdoors on the table that you see there. Click the link to see the menu. We had corned beef & cabbage rolls as an appetizer, I had the trout w/ sun-dried tomatoes and creme brulee for dessert.

Quite possibly the best coffee in a long time from a restaurant as well! I give it 4.5 stars out of 5. The inside was exquisite - dark wood everywhere and lively irish music. We really enjoyed ourselves!

Finally, the verses for our memory work in youth group are 1 Peter 1:15,16: "...but like the Holy One who called you is Holy, be holy also in all your behavior. Because it is written, Be holy for I am holy!" Incredibly simple and convicting verses!

Breaking down the barrier...

Today I read Ephesians 2:14-18 - and paused to meditate on this short passage:

NAS
Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,
16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.
17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

At the cross of Christ an amazing thing happened: the barrier was broken down. What barrier is this a reference to? If you go back to vv.11ff you notice that there was a clear distinction being made of the Gentiles and the Jews. In v.14 Christ is referenced as having made both groups into one. The joining of the Gentiles and the Jews through the work on His cross.

This was radical thinking & we have lost what a jolt this must have been in Jewish society. Society was centered around the Temple in Jerusalem. It was the center of worship. Even if you lived elsewhere in Israel, and visited your synagogue regularly, you knew of the significance of the Temple. You would travel there to observe various religious activities. However, if you were Gentile, you were limited in what you could do at the Temple proper.

Read what Edersheim wrote in his book, The Temple: Its Ministry and Services - (pp.22,23):

"Court of Gentiles:
It was the rule when entering the Temple to pass in by the right, and when leaving it to go out by the left hand. The great Court of the Gentiles, which formed the lowest or outer enclosure of the Sanctuary, was paved with the finest variegated marble. According to Jewish tradition, it formed a square of 750 feet. Its name is derived from the fact that it was open to all - Jews or Gentiles - provided they observed the prescribed rules of decorum and reverence. In this court tradition places eating and sleeping apartments for the Levites, and a synagogue. But, despite pharisaic punctiliousness, the noise, especially on the eve of the Passover, must have been most disturbing. For there the oxen, sheep and doves selected as fit for sacrifices were sold as in a market; and here were those tables of the money-changers which the Lord overthrew when He drove from His Father's house them that bought and sold (Matt.21:12; John 2:14). Within a short distance, in the court, a marble screen 4 1/2 feet high, and beautifully ornamented, bore Greek and Latin inscriptions, warning Gentiles not to proceed, on pain of death."

Gentiles were not allowed the priviledge of close worship as the Jews. This all changed when Jesus died on the cross. Surely He rent the veil separating us from the Holiest of Holies, but He also made it possible for Gentiles to gain access to the Father (v.18).

Not only access, but peace as well. Peace between Gentiles and Jews - between all men and the Law - between all men and God. Every day it seems that I learn more about the precious sacrifice that Christ made on my behalf.

Will you join me today in thanksgiving because of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross?

Thirsting after God...

Here is a quote from a book I started last night:

Knowing Christ well is so spiritually thirst quenching because no person, possession, or experience can produce the spiritual pleasure we can find in Him. Communion with Christ is incomparably satisfying because there is no disappointment in what you find in Him. Moreover, the spiritual gratification you find in Him initially is never ending. On top of these, the Lord in whom this satisfaction is found is an infinite universe of satisfaction in which one may immerse himself to explore and enjoy without limitation. So there is no lack of satisfaction in knowing Christ, but neither has God designed us so that one experience with Christ satiates all future desire for Him.

Taken from Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald S. Whitney. (pp.22)

I just thought that was an incredible quote. Why do we decieve ourselves into believing that the things of this world will satisfy us? I am sure that this is what Paul referred to as the lusts of deceit. Infinite satisfaction. Do you have that? Do I? I must say that I have been challenged over these past few days to delve deeper into my relationship with Jesus Christ. I cannot - neither can you - live on one experience with Him. It must be a continual, repetitive process of drinking long at the fountain of Living Water.

My prayer is that today you may discover anew this thirst quenching / thirst developing relationship with Christ.