Our 12th Anniversary

This is the eve of the anniversary of the day I began a journey. It was a I journey I had long dreamed of, but feared I would never really take. On June 5th, 1999, I married the love of my life. She was my best friend before we got married, and I couldn't imagine loving her more than I did at that moment. I was young and naive. I didn't know the ways in which the human heart could expand,or that love had a way of multiplying.

I remember my wedding day. I had breakfast with my family. We got dressed. I had to wait what felt like an eternity for my bride to be revealed. I remember the way my heart pounded in my chest. I remember how "right" it felt. I remember losing my breath when my stunning bride began marching toward me. I don't remember much of what the preacher said, only that I committed to love Delia with all I am and would be, and that I meant it with every fiber of my being.

Twelve years have unfolded in a matter of moments. I love Delia more today, than I ever could have imagined 12 years ago. I'm grateful to God for granting me this journey, and until he calls one of us home, the journey continues. I love you, Delia.

I decided to show this video in honor of our anniversary.

Thursday Humor: Tim Hawkins on Dangerous Toys, Part 2

I thought this was kind of funny. I hope you like it.

You Got a Friend

There are times in life in which we need encouragement. In his last letter, John writes to a friend who appears to be struggling through difficult circumstances. In 3 John 1:1-4, John offers his friend a reminder of his affection and appreciation. This passage reminds us that we need to pray for and encourage one another.  Here are a few things we can learn from John's example.

• We need to reach out to those in need. Third John is a letter to John's "dear friend" or "beloved" Gaius. John's friend appeared to be in hot water with Diotrephes, a church leader, because he helped some missionaries. John reaches out to encourage him.

• We need to let others know that we are praying for them to remain strong. John acknowledges Gaius' strength and prays that God would continue to bless him. John wanted the spiritual fruit he witnessed in his friend to fill all of his life.

• We need to rejoice in their faithfulness. John had gotten word that Gaius was remain faithful to sound doctrine and sound living. He believed the truth, and lived it. When we see others holding to the faith and walking in it, we should rejoice also.

• We need to tell them how important they are to us. John says that Gaius' faithfulness is the source of his highest joy. These are words of encouragement. He wants Gaius to know that he sees the importance of what Gaius is doing. 

Implications:

• Pray holistically--pray for the spiritual life, as well as the physical life.
• Pray hopefully--pray for what you would like to see in their life.
• Keep an ear open to hear people praising others.
• Speak the praise of others.
• Rejoice when others are believing and living the truth.
• Live and believe the truth.

Spiritual Songs: "This Is Your Life" by Switchfoot

Some songs force you to stop and think. They drive you to consider your life, and ask hard questions. This song by Switchfoot is one of those. The chorus strikes out, "This is your life. Are you who you want to be?" Well, are you. Life isn't something that we can live in reverse. We have to seize the moments given to us, and make the most of our situation. "This Is Your Life," resonates with me for that reason.

I couldn't find the original video, so I picked a simple one with the lyrics. I hope you enjoy.

FAQs Mondays: "How do we get saved?"

Last week, we finished looking at the 10 Commandments by answering the question, "What do we do with the 10 Commandments?". You can read that post here. That post also finished part two of the catechism. Now, we turn our attention to part three of the catechism which deals with the subject of salvation. In this week's post we will begin answering the big question, "How do we get saved?".

What is a covenant?

A covenant is an agreement between two or more persons.

What is the covenant of grace?

It is the agreement God made with his elect people to save them from their sins.

How does God save people?

The Lord Jesus Christ became a man to rescue us from our sins.

When Jesus became a man, did he ever sin?

No; he obeyed God's law perfectly.

Why did Jesus die?

Jesus died on the cross, in our place, to take the punishment which we deserve.


From these questions and answers, we learn that salvation begins with God. God has determined to save us from our sin. To that end, Jesus came into the world to bear our punishment and bring us life. Next week, we will see how he brings us life when we answer, "What does Jesus' death accomplish?" Feel free to leave a comment. I enjoy hearing from you.

Sunday Recap 5-29-11

Morning: The message, "Teach Your Children Well," explored Proverbs 22:6.  Solomon explains that the direction we set for our child is the direction they will most likely follow throughout the course of life. Some believe that Solomon is suggesting we should shape our instruction to fit each individual child. Some believe that he is suggesting that our instruction should be on the level of a child. Others, perhaps the majority, suggest he is telling us to direct our children's path. Each possibility has merit. Parents are given the responsibility of shaping their children.

Evening: In VBS clinic, we looked at Day 4: Connect with Others. During Discipleship Training, we looked at John 4:1-42. This passage relates the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. That story gives us a glimpse at how Jesus evangelized. Concerning this passage, Robert E. Coleman in his book, The Master's Plan of Personal Evangelism, offers 10 observations. Here are some of them:

1. There are no racial or cultural barriers to the gospel.

2. We should not hesitate to acknowledge our need for help, even if only for a drink of water.

3. A conversation is sure to get attention when we start at the point of the other person's concern.

4. The simplest things of ordinary experience can be turned into spiritual object lessons, making theological truth easier to grasp.

5. Listening to people brings their gratitude and affection.

6. In talking to people, it is well to anticipate response and plan ahead how to answer.

7. Marginal issues should be avoided.

8. One person excited about Jesus is the best advertisement for the gospel.

Thursday Humor: Tim Hawkins and Others "On Teenagers"

I thought this was a funny clip. I hope you enjoy it.