Derby Day and Grace
Seth competed in his first Pinewood Derby today and it was a lot of fun - until he realized he wasn't going to get a trophy. He was disappointed and we're trying to use this as a teachable moment to highlight qualities like good sportsmanship, perseverance, losing gracefully and choosing joy even when you don't get what you want. He's watching a western now and appears to be over it.
We had a great time with simple worship last night at PowerHouse. At first I was tempted to be disappointed with the smallness of it all, but then I realized that God was eager to meet with us, and I'm really learning to enjoy smallness these days. The theme for the evening was "grace" and my whole outlook changed when Shani bravely stood up and sang, "Jesus Loves Me." It was more than cute; it was inspiring. She is a special girl!
We had a productive morning, helping Lisa move - in the rain. The rain didn't dampen our spirits and we enjoyed sweet fellowship with some of our house church family. It only took about an hour and a half and it was powerful when we held hands and prayed for God to bless her time in the new house and to make it a place where many people will come to know Jesus. It was a grace filled moment.
Today's N-Cite: Life is full of disappointment. The sooner we learn to deal with it productively - meaning that we refuse to be miserable or make those around us miserable - and gracefully, the better we will reflect the reality of the joy of the Lord being our strength.
Self Addiction
Donald Miller has a great understanding of the human condition. The term he uses is “self-addiction,” and I think that is incredibly accurate. I’ve heard, and said, that the essence of sin is selfishness, rebellion against God, a desire to be God ourselves.
I’ve also heard that the things we hate most in others are usually our own weaknesses.
One of the things I hate is defining your business, church, self, etc. by comparing with others you perceive to be inferior. I’d rather define myself by who I am, rather than who I’m not. Yet, I’m guilty of doing what I despise, and that really bugs me. I’m grateful for people who love me enough to point out this painful reality. Thanks, Steve, for calling me on it. I’m becoming a better man, a better Christian because of your honesty. Even though the progress may feel like baby steps, it’s still progress.
I understand that it’s always easier to criticize than construct, to define by what we’re not rather than doing the harder work of articulating who we really are. I also realize that with all the new ways of thinking that I’m embracing, I run the huge risk of being critical of anyone who doesn’t see things the way I do – and in the process doing the very thing I despise. Why do we do that? Self-addiction. That’s why I’m desperate for Jesus. He is the only antidote to self-addiction.
Chocolate Cake for the Soul
It’s been a crazy day (good crazy, mostly) and I’m sure I’m going to write too much tonight. I know people are not likely to read a blog that’s too long, but I really need to write. Today I found out my friend got his girlfriend pregnant. He is a new Christian and I’m glad he felt comfortable telling me. I’m glad to be the kind of friend around whom it is safe to tell the truth.
I visited another friend in the hospital and was very impressed with how he has made his hospital stay an opportunity to share Jesus with as many people as he can.
It’s been a long time since I attended a Kiwanis Club meeting, but I went today and was really glad to be there. I received a lot of love from people in our community who are very gracious and kind. BG is an awesome place.
I also heard some disappointing news that hurt my feelings. I like to think I never let things bother me, but the truth is that I do.
I had a job interview of sorts, helped Seth paint a pinewood derby car and shared the evening with some awesome people who love Jesus and like to talk about things that really matter.
I’m discovering how sheltered my life has been up to this point. I think I would even go so far as to say that my first 36 years have been lived in a rather synthetic environment. I enjoyed it very much, but I don’t think it was very realistic. Kind of like a perpetual church camp, minus the bon-fires and making out in the woods.
Now that I’m rubbing shoulders with “the people Jesus died for who don’t know it yet,” I’m learning that we live in an amazingly competitive world – more than I ever imagined. Dog eat dog. Unbridled self-advancement. Pride. Ego. All that stuff. I don’t like it. Someone I really respect told me recently that he thought I was naïve. Even though I didn’t like to hear it, I think he was right. No, I’m sure he was right. I feel like I have to get used to breathing a different kind of air, but God is giving me all the fuel I need in the midst of continuous change and adjustment. All in all, it’s a great place to be.
I started reading a book called Blue Like Jazz and I love it. It’s earthy, honest, real, and very funny. The humor is especially welcome, given the discomfort of learning what life is like outside the “safety” of professional Christianity. My friend Tina was reading it when she visited us last summer, and she recommended it highly. Since my brother had two copies, he gave me one last weekend. Thanks, Eddie!
I shared with the church that met in our house tonight that this book is like chocolate cake for the soul. That comparison came to mind when Julie brought a delicious chocolate cake to celebrate Hope’s birthday tonight. It was almost as good as my mom’s chocolate cake.
I’d like to share one short paragraph that grabbed me. The author, Donald Miller, shares some wise words spoken by his pastor, Rick:
Rick says that I will love God because He first loved me. I will obey God because I love God. But if I cannot accept God’s love, I cannot love Him in return, and I cannot obey Him. Self-discipline will never make us feel righteous or clean; accepting God’s love will. The ability to accept God’s unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return. Accepting God’s kindness and free love is something the devil does not want us to do. If we hear, in our inner ear, a voice saying we are failures, we are losers, we will never amount to anything, this is the voice of Satan trying to convince the bride that the groom does not love her. This is not the voice of God. God woos us with kindness, He changes our character with the passion of His love.
I don’t know Rick, but I can see why people would want to go to his church. He gets it. Christianity I mean. He really gets it. I think I’m getting it, too.
Video Church
Best selling author and pastor Rick Warren (along with other big hitters in American Christianity) are excited about multi-site campuses for their churches that are linked electronically to the mother church. This has been happening for a few years now, and attendance in these churches is growing. He writes:
"There are two things I love about the multiple video/venue approach. First, it allows multiple options in styles and times of services. Second, and more important, it allows the large church to feel smaller. The truth is, pastors are the only people who like huge services. Members put up with the large size because of the teaching, programs, and ministry opportunities offered. If they could find those things in a smaller church, no doubt they would be there, in my view ... We intend to grow through the multiplication of smaller venues on our campus." From the Book - Outside the Box
I love his honesty! “Pastors are the only people who like huge services.” Of course we do! It’s a lot more satisfying to preach to 1,000 than to 10. If we find satisfaction in having the spotlight and showcasing our talents, then the bigger the crowd the better. But is that the purpose of preaching?
I think Warren understands that real community is what people need. He also understands that if you give people what they want, they will come in droves. But is what people are asking for what they really want? And is passively watching a video in a service that is designed to satisfy my preferences a medium that betrays the heart of the gospel message?
I like innovative and creative ideas designed to advance the Kingdom of God. I’m not down on Warren. In fact, I thank God for him. But think he is simply trying to put old wine in a newer version of an old wineskin. As long as the primary ministry of the church must be "on campus," we will be perpetuating the "y'all come" approach rather than fulfilling our calling as the "sent ones."
I agree that smaller churches are ideal. If that’s really true, then I think we should work on a quality small church (house church) and then multiply it. It’s organic. It’s cheap. It’s decentralized. It’s flexible and adaptable. It requires participation. It highlights the little-practiced but highly touted idea of the priesthood of believers. It has limitless growth possibilities. It is reproducible, and universally applicable. And it also happens to be biblical.
Today's N-Cite: Wolfgang Simson says that there are four main approaches to building the Church. We can build our church (flesh building flesh). We can try to build God's Church (flesh building Spirit). We can ask God to build our church (Spirit building flesh). Or we can let God build His Church (Spirit building Spirit). I like the last option best, don't you?
Confirmation
I went to Troy, OH this morning and worshiped with several people who are involved in the organic/simple/house church movement. It's good to know I'm not a freak! We shared a great breakfast (everyone brought something) and enjoyed getting to know each other. The purpose was encouragement and as we discussed what the Spirit is saying to the Church a few things became very clear. God confirmed in a huge way that we truly are hearing from Him. We all believe God is preparing His end times army, it is essential that our lives be pure, we cannot function as God intended without abiding in Christ and living in the power of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual disciplines (particularly fasting) are necessary to increase our intimacy with God and our capacity to discern His voice. I'm already looking forward to our gathering next month.
The fellowship I thought I would miss with other brothers in my former denomination has not been lost. God continues to keep those doors open and is also opening many new doors. How good it is when we live together in unity (Psalm 133)!
On the way home I enjoyed talking with some friends and celebrate the birth of two new house churches this week, one in BG and one in Ney, OH. Small beginnings. Powerful experiences. Shared ideals. Growing passion. Embracing simplicity. What a great way to live.
I look forward to talking with my parents, watching the Steelers and meeting with Cub Scouts later today. And I look forward to taking the real estate finance course this week. I spent some time last night studying for the exam and am growing more confident about taking the test to be licensed.
Today’s N-Cite: The Church is bigger and smaller than I have previously understood it to be. Many are “in” that I may have thought were “out,” and many who appear to be “in” may not be after all. I’m glad God is the One responsible for sorting everything out – and it’s good to know that He is doing so with mercy.
Sweet Communion
We had a great time worshiping with our house church Thursday night. The kids were in and out of the discussion and when it came time for communion we made sure they joined us. There were three children here and when we told them it was time to celebrate communion they threw up their hands and ran toward our living room shouting joyfully, "Communion! Communion!" It was sweet. I think that's the level of excitment and celebration Jesus wants us to have when we receive His body and blood and the unspeakable grace that comes with it.
B & B led us in communion and B read a powerful poem called "Sweet Communion." It talks about an intimate relationship with God, for which all of us are hungry.
I'm at my brother's house tonight (we got to see my nephew play basketball and he had a very good game). We've been really looking forward to this time and the conversation has been rich. God is stretching all of us and the presence of Christ was very evident as we talked. As I told him about our house church gathering this week, my brother recognized "Sweet Communion" as being written by his associate pastor's wife! Amazing. You never know how your obedience in sharing what God gives you is going to bless others. I thank God for what He's given Geri and I thank Geri for what she has given the rest of us.
It's good to have sweet communion with God and with my spiritual family!
New Tricks for an Old Dog
I finished the Real Estate Principles and Practices class today. It was 40 hours of class in 4 days and I learned a lot. Tomorrow will be the last day of Real Estate Law (also a 40 hour class in 4 days). Next week I’ll have 20 hours of Finance and then be ready to take the licensing exam.
One thing that has really surprised me has been how much I’m enjoying the math. I never enjoyed math before, and wasn’t very good at anything beyond budgeting. I don’t want to blame others for that deficiency but to be honest my high school math teacher wasn’t exactly on the top ten list (or 20... or 30) of the best teachers I ever had. In contrast, this instructor has done a great job teaching some important formulas. It really helped when the instructor said, "If you want to make any money it would be a good idea to know how to calculate commissions, acreage, gross monthly rent for investment properties, etc. " That introduced a new level of motivation for me! Although I’m no Albert Einstein, I’m at least gaining some competence and feeling much more confident.
Besides the nuts and bolts of real estate, here are a few of the lessons I’m learning:
- Who the teacher is can make a huge difference in the attitude of the students and consequently, their grasp of the material. My instructor loves real estate and his enthusiasm is contagious. I want my enthusiasm for Jesus to be contagious.
- You just might be able to teach an old dog some new tricks. If I can learn math, all things must really be possible with God!
- Connecting practical application with theory is a great motivator in education.
Today’s N-Cite: When it comes to teaching my children, I want to keeping things practical and set a positive example of being a life-long learner. Have you been learning any new tricks lately?
Common Life, Holy Life
Saturday night we had the first PowerHouse Network Gathering for the purpose of worship (rather than just information and sharing the vision of reaching our neighborhoods with the good news of Jesus). It was amazing to experience such a high level of participation. Testimonies were shared, prayers were offered, confession of sin and great desire to honor God was expressed. The teaching featured a wonderful dialogue complete with questions and answers. Real. Raw. Unfiltered.
We prayed for healing Not everyone we prayed for was healed instantly, but Justin was. He was delivered from the pain of a previously broken elbow. I have lots of questions about healing but I know Jesus did it, his disciples did it and his disciples continue to do it.
We prayed for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, relying on God to fulfill His promise to give us boldness to witness.
We experienced what I believe God intended for His Church to be. It was common people, sharing a common life, with common faith and a common goal. And it was holy.
It was good to start the day Sunday with a 5 mile run. It’s been way too long since I’ve done that. I ran with a friend, and God blessed me with the privilege of sharing two things I love with Kevin – Jesus and running. Common things, running and talking. And holy.
We enjoyed brunch with Dilbones and couldn’t stop talking about God and what He is doing in our lives. We laughed. We ate. We prayed. We learned. We grew. And the Church was edified (that’s a churchy word that means we were stronger in Christ after we met than we were before we got together.) Common. Holy.
Our neighbors came over in the evening to enjoy some of Kim’s homemade pizza and conversation. Our kids played together and we had the privilege of seeing a friendship grow. Common food. Common people. And because of Christ, it was holy.
Today I was back in class. I learned that I feel a lot better at the end of the day if I take walks outside during the breaks. It was nice and sunny and refreshing. It’s hard to sit still that long, but I am enjoying the program. I am growing more excited about this new career in real estate and trust that God’s light will shine through my life. Common job. Common guy. And a holy calling.
Upward basketball practice started tonight and I loved it. The boys had a great time and I’m excited about getting to know my assistant coach better. I’m confident that the exposure he is going to have to the gospel over the next few weeks is going to make a difference in his life. Common games. Holy purposes.
Today’s N-Cite: We must be careful to avoid extremes when it comes to God’s Spirit. At one extreme, we can’t try to control or limit the work of God’s Spirit or we will quench it. At the other extreme, we can’t attempt to contrive a particular experience in the Spirit to meet our preconceived ideas of what He should do. I know that because I’ve been guilty of both extremes. I’m learning that simply seeking God and surrendering to His plan (whenever and however He reveals it) is the way to go, seeing and experiencing His holiness in the most common things of life.
Special Agent Estep
It’s been a great week. Our house church met Thursday and it was awesome. We missed T&B and prayed for them, and it was great for B&B to join us again after missing a couple of weeks.
We had soup/salad, great conversation, heart-felt prayer, and a deep discussion about the body and blood of Christ. Lisa read 1 Corinthians 11 and her young daughter read a section of Isaiah 53. I love how the children are full participants! When we shared the bread and juice, it was a holy time, and much grace was experienced by all of us.
I’ve enjoyed the real estate classes, especially the law classes. (I’m officially at the halfway point in the classes now!) We learned that real estate agents are agents of the broker, and therefore sub-agents of the client. When I am licensed, I will be an agent who represents my broker, and whatever I do will impact how others view him.
That made me think a lot about Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:20, which say that we are Christ’s ambassadors. We are His representatives, given His authority to usher in His kingdom to our part of this planet.
I also learned that there are three levels of authority associated with being an agent. Real estate salespersons are special agents, which means they are given authority to carry out specific transactions. The class enjoyed it when I said my son would be happy to know that his daddy was going to be a special agent!
I like the idea of being God’s special agent, authorized to carry out specific actions that will result in Jesus’ name being exalted. That's a pretty cool identity!
Today’s N-Cite: All Christ-followers are His ambassadors, yet I doubt that most of us realize how much authority we really have. As a special agent/ambassador, what specific actions has God authorized you to carry out in His name?
Law
It was another long day in class (8am-5:30pm). Today’s subject was Real Estate Law and I loved it. When I was about 12 or 13 I really wanted to be an attorney, so I’ve been interested in law for a long time.
One thing we covered today was “36 Ways to Lose Your Real Estate License.” I wonder what Paul Simon could do with that one!
As we discussed the violations of law and ethics that could jeopardize one’s real estate license, I was once again reminded of the power and simplicity of the original Law of God. Don’t steal. Don’t lie. Don’t covet. These standards are not only good for business and job security, they’re good for life and every single level of relationships. I’m grateful that in Christ, all the requirements of the Law have been met for me.
As I develop a business philosophy, I think it’s going to be pretty simple. I hope to model what was always most important to me when I needed to hire staff by demonstrating integrity (character), being a self starter (working hard without needing external motivation), and maintaining a teachable spirit.
Today’s N-Cite: In An Unstoppable Force, Erwin McManus writes that the 10 Commandments provide the basic rules for what it means to live as a decent human being. (That’s a loose paraphrase) Yet, without Christ, fulfilling these important laws are impossible. The only way the Law can be fulfilled is if Jesus does it for me – and He already has!
Education
I spent all day today in a Real Estate Principles and Practices course. The teachers were very good, but it was a tremendous amount of information to absorb – kind of like drinking water from a fire hydrant.
We were told that much of what will be on the state test will not be useful in the everyday business of a real estate career. I really appreciate the instructors’ honesty!
It made me think. It seems like this is a widespread problem with education in many fields. Classes often prepare people for a world that doesn’t exist.
I’m thankful that all of God’s lessons in this classroom of life are taught by a Teacher who is imminently practical. His lessons not only equip us for daily life, but also prepare us for eternity.
Today’s N-Cite: I am challenged to make sure that what I am teaching my children and other Christ followers doesn’t get bogged down in meaningless minutia, but is truly helpful. (Paul was concerned about this and addresses the issue with both Timothy and Titus.) I thank God for people whose teaching has done the same for me.
One Is A Lonely Number
The last few days we’ve had some of the best worship experiences of my life. Friday night our house church feasted on Mexican food, rich fellowship, a stimulating study of Romans 9, and powerful time of prayer. It was everything church should be, and I was very blessed by the widespread participation and distinct lack of a single human leader. We all enjoyed the leadership of the Holy Spirit as we encouraged and instructed one another, ala Romans 15:14 which says, “I myself am confident my brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct one another.” We are learning to hear the voice of God through the voices of His people!
Saturday night we met with some current and future house church leaders and once again shared life. We experienced an overcoming atmosphere as we shared testimonies of God’s grace and fanned the flame of each others’ desire to bring the Kingdom of God into our neighborhoods. Once again, it was a time that was utterly Spirit-led and included 100% participation of everyone present. Mike and Chris, who are on the PowerHouse Apostolic Ministry Team, shared in the time of leading and training and we truly worked as a team.
I contrast that with a conversation I had on Friday with a friend whose church is in midst of a pastoral search. She said, “We’ve interviewed four men that we thought were pretty good, but we only liked certain aspects of each one’s ministry. If we could take the qualities we like in all four and put it into one guy, we would have what we want.”
The Spirit spoke to me clearly and said, “They are looking for more than one person can possibly be. That’s why I’ve given the Church apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers. One human being cannot fulfill all of those roles.”
I am confident that Today’s N-Cite will serve its purpose of inciting people to think:
One reason so many pastors get burned out is that we expect them to do the impossible. I believe the dominant model of a single pastor-led congregation has no real biblical foundation. Rather, in every NT Church we see a ministry team, who were called elders. Before you get angry, understand that I am NOT saying that God doesn't call pastors today. God does call and gift pastors. But He also calls people to other offices that are vitally important. So, I AM saying that the role of pastor alone is insufficient for leading any local expression of the Church, whether that is a house church or a denominational congregation. Before you comment with a quick reaction, please search the Word and offer any biblical evidence to support your position. If I'm wrong, I'm open to learning, so let’s dialogue!
God in a Pharmacy
I met with God in the pharmacy this morning.
It seems that Seth has been misdiagnosed the previous two trips to the doctor. More fiber is not the answer when there is an infection. We got home from the ER this morning at 2:00 am and the ER doc said that he had just read (perfect timing) an article about sub-clinical urinary tract infections in adults. In other words, people are having infections that current tests are not detecting, and we think this may be the cause of Seth’s discomfort. So we got a prescription for an antibiotic and I went to see my friend who is a pharmacist in BG. (We discontinued the antibiotic last week after the tests last Friday said that there was no infection.)
When I got to the pharmacy this morning, I was greeted with a hug, and received words of encouragement from friends who genuinely care about our welfare. (Three of the people who work there are/were part of our church family when I was a pastor.) As I waited for the prescription I felt the very real peace of God in the pharmacy. In fact, it was like being in church. Come to think of it, the employees at the pharmacy are Christ followers, so I was with people who are being the church. No matter what your business is – pharmacist, plumber, secretary – you can usher in the kingdom of God in your workplace.
As I drove away, I had to repent for being angry/frustrated with God for not answering my prayers for Seth’s healing, and my spirit was lifted. I’m grateful for the ways God shows up in the ordinary places of our lives - even in the pharmacy.
Today’s N-Cite: Just as there are sub-clinical infections in the human body, I think there are sub-clinical infections in the Body of Christ. Even though we can’t put our finger on it, we know there is something wrong. I think the “infections” have not been diagnosed because the current tests (defining “success”) are not asking the right questions. What do you think? What kind of questions should we be asking today?
Possibilities
Life is full of possibilities. The trick, I think, is knowing when to take a risk and move into uncharted waters. That's pretty much where we've been living, and I'm learning a lot - especially about myself.
I'm learning that it's tough when the only thing you feel competent to do is no longer what you desire to do. That must be a doorway (however hidden) to new possibilities.
I'm learning that there must be more issues of pride in my life than I had realized, and the only way to get rid of it is often humiliating.
I'm learning that sometimes you just have to make a decision and see what happens. No matter what the decision is, not everyone will agree, and that's OK. So, I'm going to go ahead and go to realtor school. Classes start next week.
I'm learning that it's possible to learn from anyone on this planet.
Life is full of possibilities. I hope I take advantage of the right ones.
Today's N-Cite: C.S. Lewis once said that pain is God's megaphone. I agree, whether that is physical or emotional pain. There is no real spiritual growth without brokenness, and I'm finding that who I am becoming is worth the pain to get here.
Simplicity
It’s been a pretty cool day. As I showered this morning, I offered a prayer that has become pretty routine: Lord, I don’t have any idea what You have in store for me today, but I’m ready to learn, to grow, and to advance Your Kingdom.” What an adventure! And, honestly, what a burden - sometimes.
After taking Zakiya to BGSU, I got a call from a friend who had some work for me to do. God knew I needed that time to hang out with a friend who has been through a lot of stuff with me. I helped Dave & Kevin replace five sliding glass doors at an apartment complex in BG and it felt good to do something visibly productive. Most importantly, the conversation throughout the day was rich and focused on what God is doing these days in our lives and in the Church (not any specific church, but the universal Church).
When I got to the work site this morning, I was in foul mood, which is fortunately not a common thing. I didn’t sleep well last night, and the weight of living with such a high level of daily uncertainty was pressing in. By noon, I had some fresh perspective and chose to enjoy the rest of the day. I’m glad that I’ll be working with them again tomorrow.
One of the Scriptures that grabbed me today was in Acts 15. There was a dispute about the requirements for the new Gentile believers and after getting their heads together, the leaders of the early church decided to keep things as simple as possible. Acts 15:28 says, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements.” Then they gave some guidance about eating food that had been sacrificed to idols and avoiding sexual immorality. I like their idea of keeping it simple. Most of my life has been built around finding out what the rules were and then keeping them (define success for me and then I’ll deliver), and I don’t think that’s what Jesus had in mind when he talked about an abundant life. I’m glad to be learning the beauty of simplicity.
Late this afternoon I got a few minutes to read a few pages in a great book called Houses That Change The World. Here's some food for thought from Wolfgang Simson: "As Agentinian evangelist Juan Carlos Ortiz once remarked,: “There are more than 22,000 denominations in the world. How lucky you are that you happen to be in the one that is right!” [Don’t you love the sarcasm?!] Since then, not only has the number of denominations risen to between 24,000 and 30,000, but many Christians have begun to understand that most problems of today’s churches do not lie outside the system, but inside – inside our inherited, learned, and dear patterns of belief and practice, the way we ‘do church.’
Maybe we all need to learn something from the early leaders who wanted to keep things simple.
More Fiber
Good news today about Seth. It seems that he just needs more fiber in his diet. Say goodbye to all the candy and junkfood and hello to some bran! It is a relief to know that he is going to be fine.
One of the blessings today was receiving calls from Sam, Deb, and Sara (and from my parents last night). They were asking about Seth and letting me know they were praying for him. I don't know what people do without friends and family who know how to pray for them!
I had a great time talking with a couple of new Christians today. Mike and I met for our regular breakfast at Kermit's and shared how thankful we are for God's blessing in our lives. He stepped into a new life in Christ last Spring and it's been fun to see how God has been his rock through a very tough time.
I was privileged to have lunch with my family at McDonald's - a special treat. Seth did not want to go to school today and Kim (wise woman that she is) bribed him by telling him that we would go to McDonald's before his doctor's appointment. It worked! If only they could put more fiber in chicken nuggets!
I was greatly encouraged to hang out with Greg, the guy who does the web site for PowerHouse, this afternoon. We prayed and had a great discussion about Acts 6-10. There is a lot of stuff there about visions and we are both eager for God to speak to us in any way He chooses, including visions. We were impressed with the radical change in Saul, and the testimony of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. It sure is cool to see God's Word come to life like it did for us today.
This afternoon I picked up Zakiya, an international student from Uzbekistan who is staying with us for a couple of days. She is a special girl who arrived at our house at about 12:30 am this morning, and I took her to campus for orientation this morning. She is here to study Business Administration and we look forward to getting to know her better and hope to be her family while she is here. Her English is excellent and I can tell we are going to have a great time.
One of the things I love about BG is the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world and for our children to be exposed to such rich diversity. We look forward to sharing God's love with Zakiya and to learning about life in Uzbekistan - a place where they eat horse meat. I wonder how much fiber is in that!
Thankful and Tested
Thankful and tested. That’s probably how a lot of people are starting 2006.
I have a lot to be thankful for today. I’m thankful for God’s amazing provision for our family and some awesome books I’ve been reading lately. (Bible books of Acts, Romans and Colossians, Organic Church by Neil Cole, Revolution by George Barna, So You Want to Start a House Church? by Frank Viola) I’m thankful for hearing Shani sing “Jesus Loves Me,” the Steelers getting into the playoffs, and growing friendships with my neighbors.
Our faith is being tested as 2006 begins. Kim and I believe wholeheartedly in the ability and will of God to heal, but the last few days Seth has not been well. Yesterday, with tears in his eyes, he said, “If God loves me so much, why won’t He heal me?” That’s a pretty profound question for a seven year old. I assured him that God does love him and that we must not lose hope when God doesn’t answer us as quickly as we would like. When I’ve been tempted to be discouraged, the Holy Spirit has reminded me of those words. It’s easy to get upset and react like a spoiled child when God doesn’t do what I want Him to do when I want Him to do it. Since the fruit of the Spirit is patience, it’s time to let Jesus’ patience sustain us in the middle of our questions.
While I do not understand God’s timing, I do believe the Word of God, which tells us of God’s power and desire to heal – spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally. So, we are keeping the faith and trusting the love of our Father. Romans 8:28 says that He is working all things together for our good. That verse has sustained me and continues to anchor me.
We were successful in taking down and putting away the Christmas decorations today. It was nice to work with Kim. She is an amazing woman and I am very fortunate to be married to her. Through some major changes in our lives in the second half of 2005, she has been unwavering in her love for God and her love for me. As a good friend of ours likes to remind me “She is the bullet in your gun.”
Tonight, Chris and family came over to enjoy some food and Ohio State football. He helped me get this blog up and running and I’m thankful for that. It’s good to share life with someone who is so passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God impact our part of the planet.
Thankful and tested all at the same time. I think as long as we never lose the ability to be thankful, the tests – whatever they are – will be bearable.
First Post
My family celebrated the New Year with a few friends, good food, rich worship and a great sense of expectancy. I look forward to sharing some thoughts, experiences, and insights that I am gaining as I participate in this great adventure of life.
