A Real Family

This article was originally published here, on September 2, 2008 under the title, "Thinking About Adoption."

I am thinking about Pinnochio--the wooden puppet who wanted to be a "real" boy. My mind keeps returning to the phrase "a real boy," and wondering what makes "a real boy," a real boy? I'm not quite sure I know.   Recently, someone referred to adopted child's birth parents as the child's "real" parents.  This caused my mind to begin turning the phrase "real parents" over and over again.  There are some people who believe that a wooden puppet stands a better chance of becoming a real boy, than a family that adopts has of becoming a real family.

When a person refers to biological parents as the "real" parents of a child who was adopted, it reveals a fundamental misunderstanding about the true meaning of adoption. Questions like, "Don't you want any children of your own?", "Have you met the "real" parents?," and "Do you know anything about the 'real' family?", imply that parents who adopt children will not have a "real" family or become "real" parents.  What makes a "real" parent? Is it merely a biological connection that makes one a parent? Is it a set of skills one learns? Is it a disposition of nature or character? What makes a parent real? Can families that adopt children be a "real" family?

Anybody, such as a babysitter, can learn good child-rearing skills without actually becoming a parent. A person who loves animals may have a very nurturing nature, yet without children they are not parents. And many have produced biological offspring only to neglect or abandon them.  Are those the actions of a "real" parent?  If family was merely biological why would Jesus point to a relationship that is higher than biology (see Matt. 10:37 and Matt 12:48). I do not wish to oversimplify the issue, but these verses teach us biological relationships are not the only legitimate family relationships. Jesus' teaching make it clear that it is more important to be in God's family than to maintain biological connections.  Jesus united Jew and Gentile into one family making them one people.  Drawing from that principle, we can conclude that it is indeed possible for parents who adopt can enjoy the experience of being a "real" family.  Although they are not biologically connected, the are bound together by love.

What makes a person a real parent? In a word--love, but not the kind of sentimental drivel people put in greeting cards. Rather, it is the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. It is the kind of love that willingly stays up with a sick child all night long; that willingly prays to the Lord on behalf of its child; that would willingly give its last drop of blood to save its child; that would willing braves the fires of hell to rescue its child; and that would willingly endure all these things without requiring anything in return. As the old saying goes, "Anyone can have a baby--it takes love to be a parent." 

I became a real father on June 25th, 2006 at 3:12 p.m.  That afternoon, I watched a young woman give birth to my first daughter, Ellie Grace, while my wife stood by her side coaching and comforting her. I had met and talked with Ellie's birth mother, but her birth father was unknown. Yet, if you ask me if I know her real parents, and I will tell you I know them intimately, because we are her real parents.  My second daughter, Sophia Hope, was born in Guatemala on July 3rd, 2007.  Her birth father is unknown, and I have only seen a picture of her birth mother. Yet, if you ask me if I know her real parents, and I will tell you I know them intimately, because we are her real parents.  I hold both of these young mothers in high esteem.  Both knew that they would not be able to care for their daughters, so in love, they gave them up for adoption.  It was a heroic act that placed the need of the child over the desire of the mother.  Because of these young women, we have two daughters: Ellie Grace, who has gone on to be with our heavenly Father, and Sophia Hope, who is now home with her real parents. Although we are not biologically related to our children, our family is not any less real.  And we plan to extend our real family by adopting more children in the future. 

We have been blessed to have you all by our sides.  I thank God for your love and your thoughtfulness. We know that we have not mourned alone, but have been lifted to God through your prayers and have been encouraged by your love. We also know that we do not rejoice alone, but that you rejoicing with us. May God bless you.

Confessions

This article was originally published here, on August 28, 2008.

I have a confession to make. Actually, I have a few confessions. First, I have wanted to start a blog for a couple of years now, but I have been reluctant to do it.  Second, I wanted to come up with a name that was witty, clever, or mysterious--a title that caught people's attention and made them curious about the content--however, I have discovered that I am not as witty, mysterious, clever, or cool as I had hoped.

I must also confess that I have wanted to write for as long as I can remember. Of all my childhood dreams and ambitions, being a writer is the only one that has aged with me. It clings to the recesses of my mind and heart unwilling to let go or to be shaken loose.  When it comes to my desire to be a writer, the "want-to" has never died.

In thinking about this project, I was reminded of Jeremiah. The Lord gave Jeremiah something to say, but Jeremiah dreaded the ridicule he faced and vowed not to speak.  However, he found the Word burned within him. He said, "But if I say, 'I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,' his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in, indeed, I cannot" (Jer. 20:9-10, NIV). I do not mean to imply that I am a prophet sent by God to blog. The only revelation I have is the Bible. I simply mean that I, much like Jeremiah, have also felt a fire in my heart from a word unspoken (or in this case unwritten).

The task of writing in intensely personal. It reveals the inward thoughts and feelings. Not only does it bring them to the forefront of the mind, but it brings them out into the public for others to view and dissect. Blogging allows others to interact with the writer's thoughts, which can be good and bad. That interaction has the potential to correct errors, to motivate a shift to a different point of view, or to encourage farther discussion and study; but there is also a potential for rejection. However, I know that no matter how people respond to this blog, I have to write because of the burning word in my heart.

Full Vent Folly

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back" (Prov. 29:11, ESV).

I like to complain. I can be a nit-picker.  I can get easily frustrated with others (and myself), and occasionally indulge in the sinful behavior of complaining. I don't say this to justify myself.  I don't take it lightly.  Well, maybe I take it too lightly.  Who am I that I should complain about supposed weaknesses and sins in the life of others?  I am a sinner, who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ.  I am a man who has no righteousness of his own, but who is being made into the righteousness of Christ. 

This proverb is a powerful corrective for poor attitudes.  We are (at least I am) in constant danger of making our righteousness the standard by which we judge those around us.  Yet, this is precisely what Jesus meant when he said that we should judge others.  He isn't saying that we should ignore the sin in their lives, but rather that we should always view their sin as if it were smaller than the sin in our lives.  Our sin is a "plank" while their sin is a "speck."  We cannot compare our lives to their lives and assume we are better than they are.

Jesus is the standard of perfection.  He alone possess righteousness in and of himself.  His death and resurrection are the only things that secure righteousness.  In our flesh, that is our old natures, no good thing dwells.  We need Christ's righteousness in order to be acceptable to the Father; it is a righteousness granted to us by grace, through faith.

When we give full vent to our spirits, we will do extensive damage.  First, as believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we must remember that we are empowered to live a holy life.  The Spirit is working the process of sanctification in our hearts throughout our Christian lives.  He cleanses the heart, which in turn cleanses the mouth.  When we speak in rage or in some other unworthy manner, we grieve the Spirit. Second, when we vent our thoughts people will be hurt.  Even if they don't hear us speak ill of them, others might.  Those who hear our complaints may pass them on, with or without embellishment.

Thus, we need to learn to confess our unrighteous judgmentalism, our self-righteous attitudes, and our ungodly desire to elevate ourselves through the process of tearing others down.  When we act this way, we are out of sync with the Spirit.  When we give full vent to our spirits we are acting like Satan, who rages against the Lord and his Anointed One, because he knows his time is short.  When Christ was wrongfully accused, unjustly beating, maliciously mocked, and violently crucified; he didn't rage against the crowds.  He prayed for mercy to be extended to them.

Yet, Jesus experienced anger.  He spoke out against injustice.  He called sinners to repentance.  And he commands us to do likewise.  If we are not angry over the things that anger God, something is wrong with us.  It is normal and natural to experience anger over murder, rape, child abuse, etc.  We should be outraged by injustice.  We should be calling sinners to repentance (the abandonment of sin).  However, we should start by preaching these things to ourselves.  Are we practicing things that angers God, like pride?  Are we practicing injustice through our prejudices?  Have we repented of the sin that still exists in our lives?

It is unwise to give full vent to a sinful heart, even one that is in the process of being sanctified.  Because until it is glorified, sin will be present and actively engaged in war with the Spirit.  Thus, our words can be used in the service of sin.  Wisdom dictates we hold our tongue, and keep our more volatile opinions to ourselves.  Don't misunderstand me.  I am not saying that we remain silent in the face of a sinful situation.  If God calls something sin in his Word, then we must call it sin.  We must crucify sin in our lives when the Spirit reveals it to us, and we must warn others of its presence and power.

As believers we are to open our mouths in order to instruct, encourage, and admonish one another, and all of this with the goal of building up each other into the maturity of Christ.  When we allow ourselves to rant and rave about the shortcomings in others, we tear down the bonds of unity and dishonor God.  It tears down unity, because complaining sows seeds of discord.  It dishonors God, because it calls into question his wisdom, his knowledge, and his ability.  When we complain about others, we are acting like Adam, and laying the guilt at God's feet.  Adam said, "Lord, the woman you gave me . . . ."  We say, "Lord, that person you made . . . ."  Either way, we deflect our responsibility and defame God.  God is perfectly wise, and his purposes always prevail. Our words should reflect those truths.  The next time you are tempted to vent think about what you are really saying about God, and hold your tongue.  Pray for me that I would not allow a critical spirit to reign in my heart, but that I would honor the Spirit of Christ who is at work within me to bring about the image of Christ.

Word of Christ

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Col. 2:6, ESV).

The phrase "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" has come to mind several times in the the last couple of days.  The believer is to be so filled with the Word that it guides him, drives him, and transforms him.  Letting the word "dwell" within us means that it is at home in our hearts.  It isn't crowded out by other allegiances that rest in our hearts.  It becomes the very light by which we walk.

The Word of Christ is to dwell within us richly.  In his commentary on Colossians, John MacArthur states, "The Word dwells in us when we hear it (Matt. 13:9), handle it (2Tim. 2:15), hide it (Ps. 119:11), and hold it fast (Phil. 2:16)" (159).  Thus, the Word dwells within us as we study and apply it to our lives.

As the Word dwells within us, we are to teach and admonish each other. Teaching means that we are to show and tell each other the right things to do (as we learn it from the Scriptures).  When you learn something new during your personal study of the Bible, and then share it with another, you are keeping Paul's commandment here.  We are also to admonish each other.  Admonishment is the process of warning someone about the consequences of their sinful behavior.  We are to teach and admonish in all wisdom, that is, to lead others into the path of righteousness.

We are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving in our heart.  Music is a powerful shaping force.  The things we sing are often more easily remembered.  Songs rich in biblical language and truths, help us to lock those truths and that language into our hearts.  It is gratitude that moves us to sing.  As we think about he greatness of God, we lift our voices in praise.  Let us let the word dwell in us richly.

Faithful Are the Wounds

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love.  Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy" (Prov. 27:5-6, ESV).

A recent encounter reminded me of the truthfulness of this passage.  Solomon reminds us that love speaks the truth, even when it is unpleasant.  An open rebuke creates the opportunity for confession and repentance.  It provides a chance to experience cleansing and renewal.  A hidden love remains just that, hidden.

If a friend's words wound because they are true, it is for our benefit.  Rebuke is an important act of love.  When we neglect it we send the wrong message.  If we don't rebuke those we love when they do wrong, we are telling them that they are not doing anything wrong.  With our silence we condemn them to unrighteousness.

 This passage reminds us to be friends who speak the truth in love, who offer rebuke when needed, and who avoid flattery.  These actions are loving actions.  Hidden love, that is unspoken rebuke, is useless.  It does no one any good.  It hurts the one hiding it, because they never get reciprocation.  It hurts the one it is hidden from, because they never get to experience it.  It takes guts to speak hard truths to people in sin, but those truths are best delivered by tender hearts.

Pruning

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit" (John 15:1-2, ESV).

There are four large trees growing in my yard.  Three are oaks; the fourth tree is a beech that suffered great damage during last winter's ice storm.  Today, a crew came and began the process of trimming the trees. At various times today, I would look out and see the workers surrounded by piles of limbs that looked waste deep. In fact, by this time tomorrow, the beech tree will be no more.  The trees that have been trimmed look so naked.  When I saw the first oak fully trimmed, I was a bit alarmed.  But several people I have talked to assure me come spring, the trees will bounce back.

As I thought about the trees, these verses began running through my mind.  I began to ask myself if Jesus is speaking of chastisement when he speaks of pruning.  It seems that Jesus' metaphor is speaking about cleansing.  John 15:3 leads us to believe that cleansing is being suggested.  Thus, Jesus is stating that the fruitless will be cut off, and even the fruitful will require "pruning" to continue to bear fruit.

The passage seems to suggest that those who profess to know Christ, yet live in contradiction to that profession will be cut off and burned up (see John 15:6).  To borrow from John's terminology, those who claim to walk in the light, but live in the darkness are liars (see 1 John 1:5-6).  Those who profess to know Christ and walk in that light will still face cleansing at the hands of the Vinedresser.

When we consider the New Testament emphasis on having joy in difficult situations, I think it is safe to conclude that suffering, through trial or tribulation, persecution or rejection, would constitute as "pruning" (see Roman 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).  We need to endure hardship as chastisement, and remember that the Lord disciplines those he loves (see Heb. 12:5-11).  Thus, pruning, while unpleasant, is ultimately for our benefit, and demonstrates God's love for us.  When God is using a trial to cleanse of some sin, we may feel exposed and barren, but God is really preparing us for a greater harvest.

So as I look out in my office window and see a great expanse of sky where a thick cluster of limbs used be, I can't help but think about my life.  I am thinking about past prunings I have experienced.  I am wondering what kind of prunings the future will hold.  My mind is also thinking about friends of mine who are in the Vinedresser's hand right now.  He is cutting out the dead and decaying parts of their life, shearing away at the overgrowth, thinning out the competing branches.  All of this he does so they will bear more fruit to his glory. It's painful to watch, and the initial results leave you holding your breath, but in time it rightness of the process will be displayed in the fruit it produces.  The Vinedresser always knows what he's doing, we just have to keep trusting him, even when it seems spring is a long way off.

Sermon Recap 10-25-09

Morning: This morning's message came from Psalm 126:5-6.  Last week we looked at Psalm 126:1-4, but were not able to give verses 5-6 a thorough exposition.  So, we returned to these two verses to get a clearer picture of "Sowing in Tears."  This passage reminds us that sowing in tears brings about a joyful harvest.  But we must go out sowing in tears bearing seed to sow.  We cannot hope to see lives changes if we are not spreading the seed of the gospel.

Evening: We enjoyed a beautiful evening hayride.  We also had great food and fellowship.

Happy Birthday to Me

Today I turn 34.  Yes, I know what you are thinking, I DO look incredibly young.  All kidding aside, I am grateful that God has allowed my to celebrate so many anniversaries of my birth.  This birthday will start off like all the others that I can remember--with a song.  Space Captain Zoom, from the moon, will sing me a special birthday song.  My mom played it for me every year on my birthday (I'm so old it was on a 45; several years ago they found it on a CD), until she handed the responsibilities over to Delia when we got married.  I enjoyed in my pre-teen years, hated as a teenager (though I may have secretly loved it), accepted as a young adult, and now I look forward to hearing it each year.  It is a song that was written to make a four year old feel like the most special person on the planet.  It explains why my birthday topped my childhood list of favorite holidays (followed by Halloween and Christmas. Today my favorite holidays are Easter, Christmas, and my birthday; uh, I mean, my anniversary).  Every time I hear Zoom sing, "Randy, It's your birthday (happy birthday), Singing Randy, It's your birthday (happy birthday), Happy birthday...today!", I am reminded of my parents love for me.  For today, I'm special.  Somebody even wrote a song to prove it.  I have been truly blessed in my life, and I pray that the Lord will bless you all as well.

Be Wise of Heart

"My Son, if your heart is wise, my heart will be glad.  My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right" (Prov. 23:15-16, ESV).

As we were driving home today, we heard part of an interview on a Christian radio station.  The host asked his guest, in a joking manner, "What's wrong with you?"  Immediately, Sophia said, "Mommy, what's wrong you?"  Then she said, "Daddy, what's wrong you?" Our laughter encouraged her to keep repeating "wrong you?," wrong you?".  Even though I found it funny, I realize that she is coming into a stage in her life where she is going to repeat the things she hears.

As I read Proverbs 23:15-16 during my devotional time, I found myself applying to the situation above.  These verse are my hearts cry for my child (and hopefully, children).  If Sophia is never famous, that will suit me just fine.  If she is never rich, I can be okay with that.  But if she grows up to be a fool, my heart will break.  I am not suggesting that I think she will not make mistakes.  Folly is not about making mistakes, it's about ignoring the voice of God, and rushing head long into destruction.  The fool is one who knows good, and chooses to reject it.

As a father, I know that I have a responsibility before God to raise my children in the fear and nurture of the Lord.  Children tend to weigh our actions before they believe our words.  A parent who is woefully inconsistent will be found out quickly.  I want my actions and words to match.  I want Sophia to follow in the path of wisdom, because it is what the Lord calls her to and because she has seen her parents walking that path.  My heart will rejoice on the day that Sophia places her faith in Christ.  It is a day for which I have prayed, and will continue to pray, long and hard.

We instruct.  We model.  We lead.  We nurture.  We love.  We must not coerce.  We must not manipulate.  Salvation cannot be forced upon a person.  People may be forced to verbally confess Jesus as their Lord, but unless the Spirit does a work in their hearts it is useless.  My hope and goal as a parent is to see my children come to know the Lord, not only through my teaching (and Delia's), but also through my (our) life.

As I am watching Sophia grow, I am praying that she will grow up into a mature Christian woman who is passionately devoted to Jesus, who will serve him faithfully, and who raises up children of her own that know and serve the Lord.  I do not know what the future may hold for my little Sophia, but I know who holds her future.  And nothing could please me more than to see him draw her to himself, and to display his glory through her life.  When he does, my heart will rejoice in him, and for her.

A Little Laughter Eases the Journey

We had a short unplanned road trip this afternoon. As we drove along through beautiful mountainous terrian of eastern Kentucky, we talked. At some point in the conversation we started to laugh. At about the exact moment we began to laugh Sophia blurted out, "Bo, Bo, guy, guy." She understood our laughter to be an indication that we thought "Bo, Bo, guy, guy," was the world's funniest joke. Taking our laughter as a sign of encouragment she began to repeat "Bo, Bo, guy, guy," over and over again. She would say it loud and soft, high and low; she would even say it with enthusiasm. Each time she said it we would laugh, and the she would laugh, and then we would laugh. For about twenty minutes are car was converted into a laugh factor, complete with our own little comedian.

The sound of her laugh make my heart bubble up with laughter of its own. It causes me to slow down and enjoy the life that God has blessed me with. It also reminds me to pray for the parents in this world who have list their children, or who have had them stolen away, by wicked people. I know the sound of silence can be deafening and maddening, too. It reminds me to pray for those who want to forego children for the pursuit of some supposed "better" life-a life unencumbered by children. But a life without children fiinds its burdens at the end, because there is no one there to help bear them. I am also reminded to pray for those who want children, but haven't been able to. Infertility is a heavy burden to bear. I pray that you all have a child's laugh somewhere in your life, because it is the sound of blessing.

Generocity

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to it" (Prov. 3:27, ESV).  

"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1 John 3:17, ESV).

Sometimes, I feel like an easy mark.  Almost any time I'm in a big city somebody asks me for money.  I must just look generous (and no, I won't give you money if you email me).  I find myself wanting to cling to my money when someone asks me to share it, but I rarely have the same problem when I see stuff I want to buy.  In my heart I know that this is wrong.  Jesus always saw people as more important than stuff.

Jesus didn't die for all of the trinkets mankind so desperately pursues.  He died to redeem mankind and the rest of creation, but not stuff.  Yet, we often treat things as more important than people, and exploit nature in order to have possessions.

It would be more Christlike to be more concerned with people, than things.  Once Jesus stated that he had no where to rest his head.  Which means he didn't have his own house.  In a certain sense, he had to rely on the kindness of strangers.  Many who followed Jesus during his earthly ministry abandoned their families, jobs, and homes in order to be a part of his kingdom.  They were willing to make the sacrifice, because they knew that what they gained would be better than what they lost.

When we give generously to others, we are imitating Christ.  The heart, which loves things, always cries, "What if they misuse it?"  Jesus said, "Give to every one who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back" (Luke 6:30).  Do we trust our stuff more than we trust the Lord?  Can he not provide for our needs?

Why should we question their motives?  Why should we withhold good from them when we have the ability to give?  Why should we hold on this world's goods when we see people in need?  When we cling to our possessions we are say in one of two things: they are more valuable than Jesus or Jesus can't be trusted to provide.  But if we would just seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, the things we need would be added to us.  If only we truly believed Matthew 6:33, maybe we would live it more fully.  We give, because much has been given to us.  God has blessed us, so that we may bless others.

A Bad Experience?

I recently had a bad customer service that left me a little hot under the collar. I hopefully obeyed the command, "Be angry and sin not." I was (am still a little) anger. I feel kind of mislead. But this post isn't a rant about what they did wrong. It's about something that popped into my head while I was thinking about my experience. I couldn't help wondering, "What if people are leaving our church thinking they have been misled?"

Some people get mad at church, because they are offended by the gospel. They are sinners who love their sin, and they don't like the conviction that comes from being confronted by the gospel. Jesus said that people who reject him, the light of the world, do so because they love the darkness. We can't do much for these individuals, except to pray. We need to pray that God would open their eyes and work faith in their heart.

But some have legitimate complaints. They have been promised a simple fix to life by trusting in Jesus. No one told them about the tribulation and persecution they would face. No one informed them about the demands of the gospel: holiness, faithfulness, and obedience. Others were told that church is the family of God, but they have been treated like the black sheep. They are permitted into membership, but they don't really belong. Others have been brought out of the darkness, and are confused by the church members who still revel in the things of the world.

Are we doing enough to ensure we haven't unnecessarily offend people? Do we tell them the truth in love? Are we faithfully loving them to the Lord? Are we presenting the true and complete gospel message or are we offering them a watered down message? We cannot take the sting out of the gospel, but can make it more attractive by living it. We need to show the love of Christ to others, esteeming them better than ourselves. We need to understand, and make sure they understand, in Christ, we are truly family. If people walk away from a church because they reject the gospel, it isn't in our power to change it. If they walk away from church because they have never heard the gospel, or were promised one thing only to receive another, or because the church isn't walking in the light, it is sin, on our part. We need to live what we proclaim, and do so in love with tenderness and compassion.

Receiving Instruction

"Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge" (Prov. 19:27, ESV).

Most people would do well to take a course on listening. Although, the difficulty with such a class is that those taking it would, most likely, lack the skills and ability to listen to there instructor. I am convinced that most of us need to learn how to listen. When I say listen, I do not mean hear. I mean the ability to actually (and accurately) understand what the other person is trying to say. Sometimes, what we hear and what we think we hear are two different things. It's easy to tune someone out, because we don't want to hear what they are saying.

However, Solomon warns us not to tune out. He states, "Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge." Ceasing to hear instruction means that one is not heeding that instruction. The words are perceived by the ear, but not by the will. Unwillingness to learn is a moral problem not intellectual. What is being warned against hear is the rejection of wisdom.

To stray from the words of knowledge is to stray from the truth. It is to stray from life. The path of folly is one that ends in destruction. Foolishness kills those who indulge in it. Thus, the wise are those who forsake foolishness. The wise surround themselves with wise counselors and heed instruction. They look to those who have seen more, who know more. They accept responsibility for their mistakes, and receive rebuke where necessary. Those who walk in the words of knowledge hear instruction. How well do you receive instruction?

Sermon Recap 10-18-09

Morning: The sermon entitled, "Sowing in Tears," looked at Psalm 126:1-6. This Psalm reminds us of the joy of the Lord's salvation. The psalmist is remembering a time of great deliverance, and the accompanying joy, and asking the Lord to do the same thing in his time. His desire is to see joy burst forth in his life, through the glorious presence of the Lord. When joy is present in our worship the world takes notice. The cry is for the Lord to bring life into a dry region. The psalmist concludes by calling his hearers to brokenness. The Lord responds to the brokenness of his people.

Evening: Prayerwalking for the Find It Here campaign.

Finding Satisfaction in the Lord

I have been thinking about something John Piper says frequently. He says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." It reminds me of something King David said, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and do good; and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps. 37:4, ESV). The great reward for God's people isn't stuff, it isn't even crowns of glory. The great reward for God's people is God himself.

If we delight ourselves in the Lord, what will our hearts' desire? Logically, it will be the Lord. Our heart wants what it delights in. In Israel the high priest was to speak (pray) this blessing over the people: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Num. 6:24-26, ESV). Thus, this blessing was meant to bring people into the presence of the Lord with full acceptance. It is a promise (since the priest is commanded by God to pray this) that God will make his people holy and acceptable.

The joyous conclusion of Revelation also suggests that God is our great reward. John writes, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them , and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall their be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Rev. 21:3-4, ESV). It also suggests, the fulfillment of the high priestly blessing. In the New Heaven and New Earth, God will make his face to shine upon his people, he will show them grace and give them peace, through his Son Jesus Christ.

Thus, since God is our great reward, he should be the desire of our heart. We are to delight in him, to look to him as our greatest source of pleasure, and to find pleasure in doing his will. This takes me back to Piper's quote, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." I take it to mean that as we seek to find joy in God we are actually glorifying him. When we don't enjoy him, we dishonor him. We need to move beyond gratitude for the gifts, and grow in love with the Giver.

Joy is erupting all over my life. When I consider how blessed I have been with my family, my church family, my friends, etc., I can't help but to be driven to awe at the glorious grace of the Lord. To borrow from an old hymn, "Who am I that a king should bleed and die for?". Who am I that the Lord of glory would love me and show me such incredible kindness toward me. I am desperately pursuing the callings in my life--husband, father, pastor, teacher, friend--for the glory of the Lord. I want to know that God is pleased with me (not in the sense where I am trying to merit God's love and grace, but in the sense of a child who seeks to please his parents by obedience). I want to hear, "Well done! My good and faithful servant." As we pursue his glory, we experience greater joy.

A Funny Sophia Story

Here is a funny. Every night before I go to bed, I take off my shirt and lay it on the floor next to the bed. Usually, I get up before Sophia does, and usually, I have my shirt on when she gets up. However, a few mornings she has gotten up before I do. A couple of weeks ago, she came into the room and wanted me to "come on." In other words, it was time for daddy to get out of the bed. When I set up and she noticed I wasn't wearing a shirt, she picked my shirt up off the floor, handed it to me, and said, "Pants on." It was early, I was tired and I didn't think anything about it.

Then recently on Saturday mornings, when I usually get to sleep in, she started coming in to wake me up. She would come in and ask for a kiss. When I open my eyes and give her a kiss she turns and runs over to my shirt drawer, pulls out a shirt, and brings it to me saying, "Pants on." Even now, if she sees me without my shirt, she brings me one and promptly tells me, "Pants on."

We can't quite figure out where she got the idea that my tee shirts are pants. She has never seen me without my pants on, and God willing, she never will. She knows what pants are and she knows what shirts are, but for some reason she keeps calling my tee shirts "pants."

A Heart's Delight

I love the sound of Sophia's laugh. It's infectious. Her smile has the power to change a mood and avert trouble. For the most part, she is very easy going. Some mornings start off lazy, with me and Sophia cuddling in my chair or sitting on the couch. She loves to hug and be hugged. Some days are filled with chases. There is almost always time to read, and usually time to watch some cartoons. She even tries to help me with the chores.

I am learning a lot about myself. I have even found myself resetting some of my priorities. It feels like I am becoming a gentler person. The way she says, "Daddy," makes me feel like a king, and makes me want to be a nobler person. Everyday I scrutinize myself more closely, to make sure, as best I can, that I am living what I teach. I want her to know that the Lord is worthy of all honor, praise, and glory. He is worthy of our all, and I want her to see that in my life. I don't want to do anything that would drive her from the Lord.

Quite simply, I love being a daddy. Sophia is a joy, a true blessing from the Lord, so was Ellie. We hope to blessed with more children in the future. Sure there are sleepless nights. There will be spilled drinks, thrown food, vomit and the like. There will be heartaches and headaches, and moments when we don't see eye to eye. But there will also be celebrations and laughter and love.

Mediocrity

Mediocrity is the state of being of moderate or low quality. But how does one come to be in this state? And more importantly, how does one overcome it?

I am wondering if mediocrity is rooted is laziness. Proverbs 21:25 states, "The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuses to labor." In other words, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied" (Prov. 13:4). It just may be that some people are mediocre because they are lazy.

I am wondering if mediocrity is rooted in giftedness. Some people are just naturally more gifted than others. Likewise, some people are more spiritually gifted than others (see 1 Cor. 12:1-11). I have always understood Jesus' words in Matthew 13:25 to mean some bear more fruit than others by design.

May be it is better to focus on the commands that drive us to give our all. The Preacher says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going" (Eccl. 9:10, ESV). Paul states, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17, ESV). Again he states, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim 2:15, ESV).

Actions Speak Louder than Words

"In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground" (Gen. 4:3, ESV).

Genesis 4:1-7 contrasts the two of the sons of Adam, Cain and Abel. We are told that Cain worked the land and Abel was a shepherd. However, the real contrast comes in reference to their worship. The descriptions of their offerings are telling, Cain brought "an offering of the fruit of the ground," while Abel brought "of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions" (see Gen. 4:3-4). Moses records that the Lord regarded Abel's offering, but not Cain's. When Cain becomes angry the Lord questions, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it" (Gen. 4:6-7, ESV).

Many ask the question, "Why did the Lord accept Abel's offering and not Cain's?". Let's look at couple of things before we answer that question. First, although the Law was not in place during the time of Cain and Abel it can still inform us as to what would be an acceptable offering. The Law permits the offering of grain and other fruits of the ground (see Lev. 2:1-16; 5:11-13). Israel was to celebrate the Feast of Firstfruits where they were to "bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of" their harvest (see Lev. 23:9-14). So we can conclude that the the Lord was not opposed to an offering of "the fruit of the ground." Second, the mention of Abel bringing "the firstborn" and "fat portions" seems to place the stress on the quality of Abel's offering over Cain's. Cain brought something, Abel brought his first and best. As to why the Lord regarded Abel's offering, the author of Hebrews says it best, "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commended him by accepting his gifts . . ." (Heb. 11:4, ESV).

Because Abel trusted the Lord, he gave his first and his best. Cain did not truly trust the Lord, and his offering (and attitude) showed it. He, most likely, failed to do well because he did not bring the first and best of his crops. He held out, possibly because he felt he couldn't do without them. He may have reasoned that since it was going to be burnt up, that it wouldn't matter that less desirable crops were offered. Whatever the reasoning, it was a sinful unbelieving heart that made him and his offering unacceptable to the Lord. How do I know? It is the clear teaching of the Scripture (see Heb. 11:4).

The story of Cain and Abel isn't about the nature of the offering, grain or animal, but about the heart offering the sacrifice. The Lord extended both a warning and an opportunity to Cain, in order that he make things right. Cain rejected his warning and spurned the opportunity. If what he offered wasn't good enough for God, he would strike down the opposition. He didn't understand that sin was his real opponent, that it was crouching like an animal ready to pounce and devour him, or that when he yielded to its suggestions he was selling himself over to its mastery. God's words should have driven him to repentance, but he would not heed them. He should have turned from his disbelief, but he would not. And Abel paid the price. As Proverbs 13:19 states, "A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools" (ESV). Cain proved himself a fool.

From this story we can draw an important implication: the nature of our service (offering) expresses the true shape of our heart. Stated more bluntly: actions speak louder than words. Abel demonstrates his trust through obedience. It is difficult to say with any certainty whether Adam and his pre-Covenant decedents were given a moral code, by the Lord, by which they must live, or if they had to figure it out on their own. Although, the narrative seems to suggest that they knew the correct course of action. Either way, Cain was held responsible for both his unrighteous offering, and his brother's murder, even though he had limited revelation from God. The revelation he had was sufficient for him to make the right choice, he rejected it.

We have much more revelation. God has not only revealed himself to us as Creator, but as Covenant-cutter (with both the Old and New Covenants), as Redeemer (through the Son's death and resurrection), and as Sanctifier (through the indwelling of he Spirit). Thus, to whom much is given, much is required. The nature of our offerings (praise, service, our bodies, etc.) still reflect the true shape of our hearts. Are we bringing our first and best to the Lord of glory, our majestic King, the gracious Redeemer or are we giving him what's left over? Are we crying out, from grateful hearts, "Here I am, O God, to do your will!" or are we cry out, from graceless hearts, "O come on, God, what more can you want"?

When we look at the story of Cain and Abel, we are looking at a portrait of all human worship. Human worship either comes, by faith, to God on his terms, or it is unacceptable to him. And if that makes you angry, which brother does that sound like? Even when confronted by God about his sinful anger, Cain never saw himself as the problem. He never saw his lack of faith or obedience. He never saw his innate distrust of God. He never realized that his offering reflected hatred towards God because it failed to acknowledge God's sovereign grace and holiness. He was offended by the demands of God, because he did not deem God worthy of such honor and glory. What are your actions saying about what you truly believe about God?

A New Heart

"Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy" (Prov. 12:20, ESV).

There is a certain sense in which we are all planners. We may not have a day-planner or a ten year plan, but somewhere deep inside of us is a heart that plans. Now the intent of that heart, will be determined largely by the things that fill it. Jesus said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexually immorality, theft, murder, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person" (Mark 7:20-23, ESV).

Jesus' words expand on what Solomon has said here: Deceit is in the heart of the those who devise evil. Evil heart, evil plans. Now, I know you are breathing a sigh of relief right now, thinking that you don't have an evil agenda. However, God's idea of evil and our idea of evil aren't always in the same ballpark. Unless our understanding of evil is informed and controlled by the Word of God, we will be off of the mark.

Notice in Jesus' list that there are somethings we might not find particularly offensive like pride, envy, or foolishness. However, Jesus says these things defile. They pollute. They make a person unholy in the eyes of God. The simple fact is that the human heart is a wile beast. It is subtle and cunning. By the Spirit, Jeremiah wrote, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jer. 17:9, ESV).

Then, who is it that can make plans of peace? Those whom the Spirit regenerates. When the Spirit applies the gospel to the heart, awakening sinners to their need, he gives them a new heart. The Lord said, "I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart" (Jer. 24:7, ESV). Paul express the same truth, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (2 Cor. 5:17, ESV).

This reality, that we are new creations, should move us to work out our new natures. The heart, through faith in Christ, is transformed so that it now desires to do the will of God, where formerly it desired its own sinful desires. The nature of indwelling sin, and the old habits of the heart, lead to a struggle against sin (see Romans 7). And while we may not always succeed in walking in obedience, the desire to obey the Lord is their.

Thus, it is a person whose heart has not been regenerated that habitually allows their heart to generate deceptive schemes. Evil schemes precede from an evil heart, but it means more than simply evil actions. A person of a regenerate heart might tell a lie (which would still be a sin), but they will not habitually live a lie, such as, making themselves out to be holier than they are or more important than they are. The evil schemer is intent on doing evil, it is his desire to satisfy the cravings of his flesh, regardless of what the Law of the Lord says.

But a person whose heart has been transformed by the gospel isn't out to do evil. They don't want to destroy their neighbor, instead they plan peace. They love their neighbors as themselves and pray for those who persecute them. And while they may stumble and struggle, they continue to seek the Lord's forgiveness and guidance. If the driving force in your life is love for the Lord, you can breath a little easier. Your evil heart has been removed, its sins have received their full punishment in Christ's body on the cross. You have been given a new heart, with which you can plan peace to the glory of God.

Sermon Recap 10-11-09

Morning: The sermon, "Thankful for You," came from Philippians 1:3-11. I attempted to use Paul's words to express my love and appreciation toward the congregation at Monticello. Paul expresses gratefulness toward God, joy, confidence that things will work out according to God's plan, and heartfelt love. Like Paul, I thank God for the congregation that I serve. I pray that we will have many more fruitful years together.

Evening: We will be meeting at 5:00 p.m. to begin our Find It Here prayerwalking. We will gather back at the church around 6:00 p.m. to discuss our observations and to pray together.

In Need of a Plan

I read a line today, in Jerry Bridges' The Pursuit of Holiness, that really stuck in my mind. He states, "Discipline toward holiness begins then with the Scriptures--with a disciplined plan for regular intake of the Scriptures and a disciplined plan for applying them to our daily lives" (pg. 100).

This concept is nothing new to me, but I fear that is is a concept widely ignored in many Christians' lives today. It seems that most Christians assume that they will arrive at the destination of holiness, without knowledge of the process. "Holiness happens," seems to be the current mantra of most believers. There is very little intentionality about much discipleship that occurs in churches today. In fact, most churches may not even be making disciples at all.

I'm a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of guy. I realize that my adolescent survival mechanism of living in the moment has left me sort of on autopilot. I was continually hounded by the fear of failure which left me paralyzed emotionally. When a person is unable to think of the future, because they think they'll never be able to achieve any of their dreams, it becomes increasingly difficult to think beyond the moment they are in.

While my fear of failure has diminished, my pattern hasn't changed. I still hate planning for the future. It may be that I still fear failure, and in some ways I still do, but I don't think the fear paralyzes me any more. After all, I have failed countless times without it killing me, and I will, should the Lord allow me to live, fail countless times in the future.

However, I think that I have been unable to break my habitual unintentionalness, because I have never had a disciplined plan that linked the study of Scripture and its application in this area of my life. When I read Bridges' words this morning, that reality gripped me. My habits haven't changed, because I haven't planned to change them. I just assumed it would happen.

While the concept of a disciplined plan wasn't new, I had never connected to my life in this way. In one sense, it has received a fresh application to my life. Now I can see that I have to imagine the outcome, and develop a plan that will help me to get there. Of course, the goal or outcome must be informed and shaped by Scripture, as must be the plan. True change is possible when we study the Word and apply it in our lives.

Square One

My mind is drawn to a phrase from the old hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story." It goes, "I love to tell the story; for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest." The story Katherine Hankey, the hymn writer, loved to tell was the gospel story. The power of the gospel rests not only in its ability to bring life to the unbeliever, but also in its ability to sustain life in the believer.

When we speak of the gospel we are speaking of the good news of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that humanity was created to fellowship with God and to reflect his glory throughout the creation. However, something went terribly wrong. Our original parents, Adam and Eve, rebelled against God's command and ate of the fruit they were commanded not to eat. Sin and death became a natural part of human existence. Now all mankind possesses a sin nature. Paul informs us, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). He informs, "The wages of sin is death . . ." (Rom. 6:23). Thus, man is lost in sin, separated from God, destined to die physically and after this face judgment.

Thus, the bad news is that there is no righteous, no not one (see Rom. 3:10-10-20). All of humanity is broken and in desperate need of rescue. The good news (gospel) is that God had a plan all along. Let us return to Paul's words, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 6:23, ESV). Christ's sinless life, offered as a righteous substitionary sacrifice, atones for sin for those who believe. Christ took the penalty for sin, that is death, for his people. As the Scriptures state, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:13-14).

Therefore, those who turn from their sin and turn to Christ, through trust in his work on the cross and his resurrection, will be rescued from the wrath of God. The good news of Christ teaches us that our standing has changed. Once we were the objects of God's wrath, because of our sin. Now we are the objects of his delight, because we are in Christ, by grace through faith. Once our nature was at war with God. Now we have been given a new nature and are becoming the righteousness of God. Once we were far off, but now we have been brought near.

Now, through Christ, we have the ability to live in a way that pleases God. Now, our whole lives can reflect the glory of God as we humbly submit to his will. So the gospel becomes the starting point for everything else we do and believe. When we truly grasp the gospel in all its richness it radically alters everything in our life. Yet, we never move beyond the gospel, we only move farther into the gospel. As Katherine Hankey put it we are still "hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest."

When we say we want to hear a different story, we are expressing that we don't truly understand the message. When the story no longer captures our affections, we are confessing that our hearts are darker than we could possible imagine. When we say the story has lost its power, then we are demonstrating something about ourselves, not the gospel. The gospel brings life that abides, life that changes, life that looks like Jesus. Do you still love to tell the story?

Where to Begin

Some days it is so difficult to write. There are so many avenues that could be explored or that need to be explored. But where does one start? The thing most needed isn't always the thing most perceived as needed. Or to put it another way, people don't always know what they need.

We often think we have it all figured out. "Things," we tell ourselves, "have a way of working themselves out." We conclude that there is little we can do to alter the course of the events surrounding us, so we give in and go with the flow.

Or we become paralyzed with guilt for all the things we haven't done, so we don't move forward. We sink like a tea bag into the hot waters of regrets, and watch the colors of life bleed out. We lose our flavor, and feel worn out and used up.

We get trapped in traditions. Our effectiveness is narrowed by the parameters set for us by generation long gone. We favor the traditions of men over the Word of God. The refrain comes, "We have always done it this way." But, is it right, is it biblical. The message is still the same, but the way it is to be applied changes with each generation, for each generation faces unique challenges. But the Word remains true and unchanged.

The trick is learning to discover what are real needs are, and once we find them, learning how to meet them. The gospel does both. When we speak of the good news of Jesus Christ (that Jesus, the God-man lived a sinless life, died an atoning death, rose from the dead, and is now King over all), we not only expose the greatest need (redemption from sin), we expose the great solution (the sanctifying presence of the Holy Spirit). Jesus not only saves us from sin, he enables us to become all that he has purposed us to be.

Don't Lose the Crown

"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones" (Prov. 12:4, ESV).

The book of Proverbs ends by answering the question, "An excellent wife who can find?" (see Prov. 31:10-31). I find this to be an interesting fact due to the rather lengthy introduction (Prov. 1-9), which informs the readers that the books goal is to allow them "to know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth" (Prov. 1:2-4). The book fleshes out the practical implications of walking humbly with God in everyday life, so it is no surprise that relationships in general, and marriage, specifically, are addressed.

Heterosexual marriage was designed to be the normal pattern for humanity. Although, there have always been individuals that were destined for singleness, or celibacy. As Jesus responded to the statement that it is better not to marry, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let one who is able to receive this receive it" (Matt. 19:10-12, ESV).

Paul, who was apparently a eunuch for the sake of the kingdom, said, "I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion" (1 Cor. 7:7-9). Paul's reason for advocating celibacy is simple: a person who is married cannot, in good conscience, devote all of their energy to the Lord (see 1 Cor. 7:32-35). However, Paul readily admits that not everyone can be celibate. It is better to be married (and practicing proper conjugal rights, see 1 Cor. 7:1-5), than to commit sexual immorality.

I say all of this for a purpose. While marriage is the norm, singleness is not abnormal. It is perfectly acceptable for a person who is single, and does not struggle with sexual desire, to remain single. However, those who struggle continually with sexual temptation are most likely not called to celibacy. But, they aren't called to make haste either.

Apart from faith in Christ, the choice of one's spouse is one of the most important decisions a person can make. The choice shouldn't be made on the outward appearances, because these will eventually fade. After all, "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion" (Prov. 11:22, ESV). The choice of one's spouse, especially for believers, should be based on pleasing the Lord. It is said, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord" (Prov. 18:22, ESV). Concerning the excellent wife Proverbs concludes, "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Prov. 31:30, ESV).

But what happens if a person chooses foolishly? Proverbs warns, "It is better to live a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife," (Prov. 21:9, 25:24); and "It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman," (Prov. 21:9); and "A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike," (Prov. 27:15). But even more importantly, marrying the "wrong" person is sin. Paul warns against being "unequally yoked" with non-believers, a principle that most certainly applies to marriage (2 Cor. 6:14). Of course, this principle applies to those going into a situation, not those who are already in a situation. Paul clearly teaches that a believer who is already married to an unbeliever must stay so long as the unbeliever consents (see 1 Cor. 7:10-16).

A believer who is single should never go into a situation assuming that their non-believing companion will come to Christ, because they are dating. It is more likely that the believer will be drawn away from obedience, by the non-believer. And it goes deeper than asking the questions: "Do you believe in Jesus?" and "Where do you go to church?". We have to hold up their life to the light of Scripture and say, "This is what the Bible says a Christian should look like. Is this what I see in this person's life?" If a person answers, "no," to that question, then we need he or she needs to move on.

These things are easy for me to say, because I have been crowned with an excellent wife. She is loving and supportive. She believes in me and encourages me. She is my best friend and my lover. She is a wise counselor and good listener. She is beautiful both inside and out. We share a passion for the glory of the Lord.

I understand the dilemma that many singles face. Before I came to know Christ, the world's opinions of meaning shaped my life. I felt lonely and isolated. I wanted someone who could "complete" me. Something was better than nothing. Even as a new believer, these opinions drove me. I continued to feed my flesh, and allowed it to drive me in a relentless pursuit of "fulfillment."

As I grew in Christ, by studying his Word, I began to see that only Jesus could complete me. That gnawing, nagging, gaping hole of desire, could only be truly satisfied by Christ. My life could be radically different than it is had the Lord not changed my course. I do not mean that it has come without difficulty. The flesh is still flesh, even though a man resides within it. Everyday the battle rages. Everyday I have to crucify the flesh continually, and put death its desires. But, I have help. Both the Lord and the wife he has given me help me to carry on.

If you have a spouse who loves the Lord and loves you, be grateful. If you have a spouse that loves you, but doesn't love the Lord, be prayerful. If you don't have spouse, and you love the Lord, be careful. The decision you make will have a greater impact on you than you can imagine. With 700 wives and 300 concubines, Solomon knew a thing or two about marriage (although he didn't apparently know how to say, "no," to his desires). He offers Spirit-inspired warnings against foolish relationships. Life is too important, and too short, to spend it with the wrong person.

Zeal and Knowledge

"I bear them witness that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10:2, ESV).

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines zeal: eager and ardent interest in the pursuit of something. In other words, it is to chase after something with intense passion. Paul states that the Israelites ardently pursued God, but not knowledge. In the end their pursuit failed to find God, because they were ignorant of where to look. They thought that they could find God by doing acts of righteousness. Yet, they needed God's righteousness, which can only be found through faith in Christ, in order to find God.

In this verse, and its immediate context, Paul reveals an important principle. The principle, simply stated, is that it is dangerous to possess zeal without knowledge. It is a marvelous thing to pursue the right thing with all one's passion, but it is a foolish thing thing to put all of one's passion into the wrong thing. In the context of this passage, Paul stresses the fact that these individuals assumed that relationship with God rested in their ability to be righteous. Paul explains that their logic is flawed, because the only true righteousness that God excepts is Christ's righteousness, which he give to believers.

All of their energy was spent on doing the right things and saying the right things, instead of believing the right things. All of their labor was rooted in a misunderstanding in the fundamental character of God. They were pursuing a God they could control, a God whose holiness they could match by their human effort. But they God they pursued was a no-god. He didn't exist.

It is easy for us to judge the people Paul wrote about, but we must be careful not to do so. In actuality, they are not so different from us. If we are not careful, we might find ourselves crafting a God that we can impress (and potentially manipulate by our good deeds). If we are not diligent to search the Scriptures, through faith in Christ, we to may misunderstand God and find ourselves zealous, but ignorant.

Ignorance should never be the norm for believers. Because the Lord had revealed his mind to us through Scripture, and given us the Holy Spirit as an ever-present guide and teacher, we must continually adjust our thinking as we come to understand more and more of the Bible. We must zeal, but it must be accompanied with knowledge. We must be certain that what we pursue with all our passion is indeed the one true and living God. Where ignorant zeal brings death and destruction, informed zeal brings life and liberation.

Ask yourself: "Am I zealous?" and "Is my zeal according to knowledge?". The truth of the gospel compels us to be consumed with zeal for the glory of the Lord. Too high a price was paid for our redemption to allow our passion to be diverted from his righteous glory and gracious mercy. We should be zealous, and that zeal should be informed (and fueled) by the gospel. The crucified Servant is the resurrected King. He has made life possible for us, if we will only believe. And that is something to ardently pursue.

What Are These Among So Many?

I read a story, in Saturday's paper, about the recovery of two women trapped in debris from buildings that collapsed during the earthquake that struck Indonesia. The article goes on to state that there are already 715 confirmed dead and nearly 3,000 missing. As I thought about this and other recent natural disasters, my mind kept returning to these two women, and why their recovery is so important. I must admit that I, like the disciple Andrew, began to ask, "But what are these among so many?" Andrew was speaking about five loaves and two fishes and wondering how so little could feed so many (5000 men plus their wives and children). I was speaking about two survivors among possibly thousands of lives lost. Why would two lives spared mean anything in light of the staggering loss?

I can think of at least three reasons why these two lives mean something: they were created in the image of God, God desires that they not perish, but come to repentance, and they restore hope in a devastating situation.

The Bible states that Adam and Eve were created in the image of God. While this image has been marred by Adam's sin, it has not be erased. The image of God within humanity is what separates us from the animals. Animals are not people, even if they possess personality. Human beings are not animals, even if modern scientific classification wrongly claims they are. Humans are the image-bearers, created to reflect the glorious image of God, through righteous stewardship and kingly dominion. Our king and ancestor, Adam, and his wife, Eve, however, but ruin to our race, humanity, by rebelling against the Creator.

The image of God reveals itself to us in many ways. It may come through as our conscience pointing us to what we ought to do or pointing us away from what we ought not to do. It is seen in the ability to love. It is often seen actions, often labeled heroic by bystanders, but seen as duty by those who do them. We see it when a firefighter or police officer enters into a dangerous situation to rescue someone. We see it when a neighborhood bands together to find a missing child. When fallen people, who are typically out of sync with God, do the very things God expects them to do, for the very reasons God expects them to be done, even without thinking, "Gee, I wonder what God would have me to do?," that is when we see the image of God revealed in man. Because of that image, every person, no matter how big or small, rich or poor, young or old, deserves to be valued and treated with dignity.

The Bible also teaches that God patient toward us "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). The Lord asks, "Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his ways and live?" (Ezek. 18:23, ESV). God sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to redeem the world, and any who come to Christ in faith, for forgiveness and cleansing, will find it.

The question might be asked, "If God doesn't wish any would perish, why were only two survivors found?" I can't answer that question. I can't even say that these two women will ever come to Christ in faith, and thus, find true deliverance from death. All I can say with certainty is that God delights in bringing himself glory through the redemption of sinners. He rejoices when one sinner repents and comes to him.

Thus, the recovery of these two women is analogous to the redemption of mankind. In one sense, these women were lost. They were as good as dead. Death surrounded them on every side. Yet, someone who they could not contact, who they most like didn't expect to find them, burst into their situation and raised them out of death's clutches. Redemption's story is similar to this situation. Humanity was lost. We were dead in our trespasses. Death surrounded us on every side. We had no hope of escape. And then someone we could not contact for help, and certainly didn't expect, burst into our life and pulled us out of death's hands.

Thus, the recovery of these women bring hope to an otherwise hopeless situation. When few thought that any could still be alive, two were found. Others may be out there awaiting recovery. No doubt word of these survivors energized rescue workers. Now as they search frantically through the rubble of their cities, these individuals will keep reminding themselves it happened once, it may happen again. As they uncover victim after victim, their heart will not allow them to give into despair, because the next body just may have a pulse. The rescue workers will press on, is spite of the growing stench and exhaustion that is creeping into their over-labored limbs. They push on because, they can't rest knowing now that their may be survivors.

Again, we can draw a parallel to the Christian life. Believers are called to be search and rescue workers. We must keep plunging into the dark and stench-filled world, seeking survivors buried under the rubble of sin. When someone else is rescued it motivates us to push on. We continue seek the lost, in order to seem them brought from death to life. We can't rest when we might see one more rescued. We must labor on until every rock is overturned, and everyone has had a chance to be rescued.

Ultimately, the rescue of these two women reminds us that life is a gift. We never know which moment will be our last. These two women have been give a new lease on life, I pray that someday, they can rejoice in the Lord for that. Yet, there are many more who could have a new lease of life, if only we tell them about Jesus before it is too late.

Sermon Recap 10-4-2009

Morning: This sermon, like the last several, have been trying to answer the question, "What do we need as a church." Today we saw that we need to remember several things. The sermon entitled, "Remember," came from Philippians 2:12-18. We looked at five things this passage calls us to remember.

First, we are to remember Christ's example. Everything Paul explains in verses 12-18 is rooted in his description of Christ in Philippians 2:5-11.

Next, Paul calls on us to remember our past obedience. By remembering our past obedience, we can spur on our present and future obedience.

Then, he calls us to remember our present task. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We serve with faithfulness, because we do not want to let down their King, nor cause any to disbelieve.

Following the reminder to remember the present task, Paul calls us to remember our present Helper. The Holy Spirit is at work in us bringing about the desire and will to do what God has called us to.

Finally, Paul calls us to remember the goal--the glory of God through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Remembering these things helps us to maintain our focus. It enables us to keep the main thing the main thing.

Evening: Business meeting.

Sophia the Saturday Morning Alarm

It is an incredible thing to be awoken by an energetic and excited little girl. I longed for the days that are here-days that are marked by willing service. As far back as I can remember, I have wanted a family. Now I am living that dream.

When the Lord blessed us with Ellie, I really didn't think I could be a father. I was afraid I didn't have what it took. I found out that the Lord often blesses us with the graces we need most, when we need them most. The moment I saw Ellie enter the world, I fell in love. I knew that I was a father, and no matter what happened I would do whatever was necessary to make sure she was taken care of. I realize now, as I think back on her struggle and passing, that God was stretching my heart. He was teaching me to love with a wider and deeper love than would have otherwise been possible.

When they first told us of Sophia, I was filled with fear, at least initially. "What if? What if?" became a constant refrain in my mind. What if the adoption falls through? What if we can't raise enough money? What if they don't approve us? What if we can't get the paperwork through on time? Then one day the Lord reminded me of his faithfulness. He reminded me of how he watched over Delia and I throughout Ellie's ordeal. The questions did a one-eighty. I started asking, "What if I miss out on the sound of children laughing?" What if we never hear the pitter-patter of little feet running through the house? What if I am never driven from bed on Saturday mornings by energetic and excited children, desperate to play with their daddy? What if I never get the honor of bearing the title, "Daddy?"

I knew in that moment, I would do whatever it took. I began to cry out to my heavenly Father for help and guidance, for wisdom and mercy. He began to open doors and move mountains. We got to spend Sophia's birthday with her. She was declared a Burns over a year ago. She has been with us since December 28, 2008, and here in the States since January of this year. The Lord has enabled us to overcome many obstacles to bring us to this joyous place. And for that we are eternally grateful.

I'm not saying that I the perfect father, but I am a loving father. Every day God stretches my heart and teaches me how to love wider and deeper. When you love, you serve. That is what Jesus did. Even as I lead Sophia, I must serve her. It isn't a burden, but a joy. This morning she came bursting into the bed room and let out a happy, "Dad-dy." It sounded like an eruption of love and joy, and it put a smile on my face. She came over to me, gave me a kiss, and motioning with her little hand she said, "Come on." The time for sleep had come and gone, the time to play had arrived. It's hard to argue with a child's simple logic, especially when you don't want to.

Faith Like a Child

I recently discovered a television station that plays shows I watched as a kid. I have got to watch reruns of a few of my old favorites like, The Hulk, The A-Team, and Knight Rider. Watching these shows has allowed me to stroll down memory lane, and to become reacquainted with some of my former heroes.

These characters have many things in common. They have to hide who they really are. They have a strong since of justice. They are driven to mercy on behalf of others in need. They often put themselves in danger to save others. They think fast on their feet. They are always on the move. Their plans never fail. They never die. And they are always able to elude their would be captors.

I have also been struck by the fact that these shows seemed a lot more plausible when I was seven. I am beginning to wonder if a Swiss army knife and a pack of gum IS all a person really needs to get out of a jam. All kidding aside, I find that the themes of these shows still resonate with me, even though now I can see through the special effects (and occasional overacting).

As I child, I believed there really was "crack commando unit" somewhere out their helping people, while they tried to clear their name of a crime they didn't commit. I felt sorry of David Banner who had to stay on the run, because he turned into the Hulk. I wanted one of those indestructible, totally awesome, speaking cars when I grew up. I wanted to be that guy--the one who helped people in need and whose plans never failed. Yet, none of these things were real.

I can't help but think of Jesus' call to receive the kingdom like a little child. It is easy to believe when you are a child. The power of the gospel is that it is fact. The true God took on true human flesh. He truly walked in obedience to the law, laid down his life as an atoning sacrifice, and truly arose from the dead. The gospel is so compelling that it renews the heart, and makes it like a child's.

The gospel gives us a new identity. It calls us to put the needs of others before our needs. It calls us fight for justice, and compels us to show mercy. The gospel reminds us that we have a greater hero than man can image. The God-man, Jesus, has brought us the ultimate deliverance from all our enemies, even death, by dying in our place on the cross. Those who trust in the Lord will not be ashamed, he will keep his promises. God is not the imagining of man, but the author of life. I am grateful that in his grace God included me in his plan, and with that I say, "I love it when a plan comes together."

Don't Turn Away

"For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them" (Prov. 1:32).

Wisdom voices this warning to all those who would follow after folly. Death and destruction await those who turn from the path of wisdom. Wisdom in one sense is the art or skill of living life in a way that pleases the Lord. Thus, turning from wisdom is a one way ticket to destruction.

The warning hear focuses on simple-mindedness and complacency. The simple, that would be the intellectually immature, turn away from wisdom. They are gullible or naive and easily lead astray by their passions. They have to have what they want when they want it. Wisdom seems to difficult or boring to them so they ignore it, only to pay a high price in the end.

Complacency applies to those who are pleased with themselves. They ignore wisdom, because they can't imagine that they would need improvement. They are satisfied with the way things are. They think change is unnecessary because they are good enough.

However, Wisdom concludes that these mindsets are deadly. Simple-mindedness leads to death. Complacency leads to destruction. She compels the simple-minded to listen to reason. She seeks to shake the complacent from their stupor. Wisdom compels us to forsake simple-mindedness and complacency, and to embrace life.