The Thing of the Day

But once again, I say "Amen" ...

2011-10-27T20:08:00.002-04:00

Lately, it seems that the church both Ben & I attend, and where my husband is one of the Pastors, has been caught in the middle of a horrific storm that seems to have no end.

As Ben's Mom shared in the comment area of the "Thing Down" post, the past several months have been overwhelming, to say the least. And when I think of all we have gone through, other words come to mind to describe how we all must be feeling; words like, "shock" and "numb". I say "shock", because all of these incidents seemed to have come like unexpected tidal waves and have taken us all completely by surprise. The word "numb" reflects exactly how I know most of us are feeling; after having to face yet another heavy situation today...

What about you? Have you been here? Can you relate to any of these feelings?

To give you a quick summary, our church has had to deal with several funerals within the past three months. Not to mention the scare when Ben and the other people in his vehicle were in a severe car accident and were blessed to have survived, and with such minor injuries. Before that, we had the incident where a soybean planter crashed into our church and destroyed a couple of our Sunday School classrooms. Even as I write and review these incidents, I find myself taking a slow, deep breath, in an attempt to de-stress and give it back to the Lord. This by no means is easy, but I have realized that it must be done and done often.

And today, we found out another member of our church had passed away, this time because they had been a severe car accident the previous day and suffered life-threatening injuries.

As I was attempting to function throughout my day and especially focus at my job, I found that the the song lyrics, which I posted below, kept coming to mind. I believe it was a blessing from God and something I wanted to share with all of you as a source of encouragement and comfort.

*Verse one really spoke to me, especially where it says, "But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining." The statement that I put in bold is reflective our current situations and yet, what I found the most compelling was the statement which preceded that, where it says ...

"But once again, I say "Amen"...

Powerful.

I will Praise You in this storm, Lord ... I will.

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

[Chorus:]

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to you

And you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2]

Thing Down!

2011-10-13T00:11:00.002-04:00

Hey folks, I currently don't have internet at my house right now... So, I'm working on that, and hoping to figure out a way to get internet on a regular basis (either at my house, or some other way) so that I can get back to posting on a regular basis. So, bear with the technical difficulty. And I'm sorry that I'm lame like that! Thanks for visiting the site :)

Ben ><>

Guest Post: Larry Dentler (Wednesday's Word)

2011-10-06T00:20:00.000-04:00

I'd like to share a devotional that I came across today on Facebook, which was shared by Larry Dentler. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Great lessons learned!

Bermudian Church of the Brethren

WEDNESDAY’s WORD – a midweek thought from Pastor Larry M. Dentler

to share a word of inspiration … encouragement … challenge … a smile … in the middle of your week

October 5, 2011 – #439

OUCH!

I have a “stumper” for you today!

Why would anyone dump a cup of scalding hot water on their head?

That’s what I did yesterday.

No … not because I’ve finally gone off the deep end.

No … not because the stress was getting to me.

No … not because I was hungry for attention.

Give up? OK … let me explain how this bizarre moment happened. It was a beautiful sun shining morning! The sun felt so good. First day in a while with sun shining. It lifted my spirits! I had a full, busy day planned as I came to the office, but was looking forward to the work. A cup of hot tea sounded just perfect as I began my work. I heated the tea water. Bubbly … boiling hot. Placed the hot cup on my desk on my cup warmer. Put in the tea bag – a new licorice-spice flavor I was anxious to try. Three sugar cubes from the glass jar on my desk. Opps! Dropped one of the sugar cubes and it rolled under my desk. No problem … I got down on my hands and knees to retrieve the run away cube. I’m not sure exactly what happened next? Maybe I bumped the desk. Or maybe I rubbed against the cord of the cup warmer. But the cup of scalding hot water came off the desk and over my head. OUCH!

I knew right away I was burned and needed to cool the area so I got cold wet paper towels and began to try to cool my head and ear. As the moments went on I knew I had a serious burn. I couldn’t stop the burning. Since I was in the church alone I began considering my options. I finally decided I just better call 911 and ask the ambulance to come. When the ambulance crew came they wanted to take me to the hospital. They said I had second degree burn open areas on my ear and first degree burn on my scalp. I told them I didn’t really want to go to the hospital if it wasn’t absolutely necessary. They said if not to the hospital then I needed to be seen by my family doctor immediately.

By this time Judy Jarvis & Barb Stern arrived at the church … gotta love those scanners! My Sisters took me to see my doctor who got me in right away. The ear was bandaged and antibiotic burn cream and a precautionary antibiotic were prescribed. Before too long I was back at the church and ready to FINALLY get to work. I never did get to try my new licorice-spice tea!

Later after all the days activities my “in-home” nurse took good care of me helping me clean up and re-bandage the ear. She found another open area of burn on my scalp. I slept fine, not in too much pain, and other than feeling REALLY DUMB, and looking a little silly with my Dumbo-like ear, I’m fine today!

How do you explain … simply … how this happened? “Oh, I just happened to dump a cup of hot tea water over my head!”

But as I replay the events, it is easy to imagine a much more serious outcome. What if the boiling water had hit my face, my eyes, or gone into my ear? Perhaps an angel shielded me from a more serious burn. Thank You Lord, I know this little, dumb accident could have been much worse.

“For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence Him.”

Psalm 34:7 LB

I wonder sometimes … if we are very unaware of a thousand interventions by our God on our behalf everyday? I’ve come to believe that there are very few coincidences in life. As you rush through your day today … pause … say a little “thank you” prayer for the way your Lord watches over you in so many ways each moment, each hour, each day – in many ways you may never fully know!

Burning for the Lord! Pastor Larry <><

STAND FIRM 2011

Lessons from the Refrigerator, Part II

2011-09-29T19:53:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, in part one of learning a lesson from the fridge, I talked about how my food supply won't grow unless I actually take action to make that happen. In the same way, we need to take action to grow in our faith.

Today, I'm going to switch gears from stocking the fridge, to cleaning it. Because, let's face it - My refrigerator is dirty and needs cleaned up a bit. It's not as bad as the one pictured here, but my vegetable chill drawers are a bit icky, and there's some water that needs wiped up, and it really just needs a good cleansing.

But... I hate my sink. My sink only has one hole, and therefore, I can't fill up one side with soap, and have the other side to rinse. (I plan on installing a different sink sometime!) Therefore, when trying to wash something in the sink, I usually make a mess all over the counter. Sometimes it seems like in the process of making something clean, I make a lot of other stuff messy. And so, I struggle to find the motivation to clean the refrigerator, as silly as that sounds.

I think the same is true when it comes to living our faith out for real. If we start taking action in order to grow closer to God, in order for our faith to grow, in order to share the Gospel, sometimes we may encounter situations that aren't really easy. We need to trust however that God can help us through these difficult tasks, and know that even though something might not be easy, it's still worth it if it's glorifying Him. I think of Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Paul recognized that life may not always go smoothly - especially in living out a sold out life for Christ. However, he knew that being a believer would take determination, and an attitude to press forward, toward the goal... And our goal? Eternal life with Christ! 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 reminds us that our troubles on earth are LIGHT and MOMENTARY when compared with the eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So... whatever God's calling you to do might seem difficult - it may be hard for you to get the motivation to accomplish. But... press on, knowing that God will guide you through it... and that a difficult task is well worth it in the end.

-----------------------------------------------------------

... and here's some JACK!!!

"I bet the sparrow looks at the parrot and thinks, yes, you can talk, but listen to yourself!"

--Jack Handey, www.jackhandey.com

Posted by Ben ><>

Lessons from the Refrigerator, Part I

2011-09-28T15:00:00.002-04:00

I haven't gone grocery shopping in quite some time. In fact, I honestly can't remember the last time I went. When I do go, I buy a decent amount of stuff, that should last me for a little while. However... it's been more than a "little while" since I've gone, and I have to say, my food supply is pretty low.

So, I don't have much food. It's never an urgent issue because it's not like I'm starving or anything. Plus, there's nights that my grandma invites me over for supper, or I'm simply not even hungry because of eating a big lunch, or things like that. However, lately I have been home for my suppers, and I truly am exhausting what's left of my food supply. The funny part about this however, is that for some reason, I think my food supply will grow, even without going shopping for more food!

I get home, and I think to myself, "I should eat something." So, I open the fridge, scan my cupboards, and you know what? There's nothing more there than there was the day before when I did the same thing! It's as if I think little elves will stock my shelves and my refrigerator while I'm at work, and I'll suddenly be supplied with plenty to eat. But... it never happens... The refrigerator is still empty, the freezer still has the same items that were in there the day before (you can only eat ravioli so many days in a row). There's no more macaroni in the cupboard, and the three ounces of cereal left in the box are still stale. Oh... and the snack cupboard? Well, that was exhausted months ago!

Now isn't that interesting - in order for my food supply to go back up, in order for me to have something to make for supper, I need to take an action. I need to buy some food! (of course, that's costs money, and I don't like spending money either, haha) Our faith walk truly isn't much different. Here's some words of the apostle Paul to the church at Corinth -

"Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?" --1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Paul reminded the people that they were still "infants in Christ," still feeding on milk and not solid food. In the proper context, they were fighting about who they should follow (Paul or Apollos), getting caught up in things that didn't really matter. They were losing sight of what, rather, WHO mattered, being Jesus Christ and His gospel. The bottom line is that they were not growing in their faith. They were stuck as infants, not maturing, not walking toward Christ, but rather spinning their wheels in the mud as things of the world continued to keep them stuck in the mud.

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Man, I wish I were more faithful," or "I wish I could follow Jesus more closely." Maybe you've said, "I wish I knew my Bible better," or, "I wish I would pray more." These are all good things to desire - but, if they never grow out of desire into action, nothing is going to happen. In the same way my fridge and cupboards will stay bare if I never purchase anything to put into them, our hearts won't grow closer to Christ if we make no effort to do so. Don't get me wrong - we're not saved by our actions (we're saved ONLY by the grace of Christ, bleeding on the cross in our place). However, if we want to get past the start, and live a life that's fully His, we're going to have to work at it. We can't know our Bible if we don't get into it. Praying will not become more natural and easy to us if we never pray. We as humans love to compare ourselves with others. There's probably a person that you're thinking of who is like the "super-star Christian" that you'll never be like - well, stop thinking that way, because you can be a "super-star" too. Of course, I don't mean to act like a Christian, and appear to be a super-star - I mean think about the grace given to us, and live in thankfulness of that grace, with a desire to share it with others, and all of this stuff will come naturally. You can't get to know God better if you don't try.

So, my empty refrigerator reminds me of how empty my heart is sometimes. But, my heart will not grow closer to God if I don't do anything about it. Read. Talk to God. Live less for you and more for Him. It will come. You'll soon be eating solid food, actually living the life that displays thankfulness for His grace. But, you have to get up and move. Let's do it!

Posted by Ben ><>

I'm Alive... Are You?

2011-09-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

"Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD."

--Psalm 150

I had one of those moments again today. One of those moments when I remember - I should be dead. Maybe the use of "should" ought to be replaced with "could" because I know that God still wants me to be alive on earth. I was taking a shower after my softball game tonight, thinking about how badly we got walloped, and for some reason, I thought about the crash I was in, with three of my com-padres, back in late June. I relived it for a moment, and I remembered the rolling, the crashing sounds, the helpless out of control feeling, and the end of the crash... At the end of the crash, there was silence. I knew I was alive, but was everyone else? It didn't take long until I heard noises from each person, and somehow we survived. (I know it was God's protection.) But, I thought about it tonight. I thought about what we went through... I thought about what the truck looked like after the crash. (The picture above makes my truck look like a convertible - but it's actually just that the roof is smashed down) I remembered - I am LUCKY to be alive. I am BLESSED to be breathing. God STILL WANTS ME ON EARTH.

Have you ever gone through a near death experience? Perhaps you can relate? While my injuries were minor, and I never actually felt like I was going to die (because I wasn't hurt badly), I now live with the memory of the accident... and I remember that I should be dead. Any one of us could have died in the accident, but all four of us walked away from it. We are alive. We are not dead.

What does this mean? Well, for one thing, as we can learn from today's text from Psalm 150 - if we have breath, we should be praising the Lord! And how do we praise the Lord? How do we reflect His glory, His honor, His majesty, His supremacy, His awesomeness? Well - the easy answer is to say that we live for Him. That's a simple thought - with some heavy implications... Because there are billions of distractions that pull us away from that easy answer. Financial strife, lack of a spouse, death of loved ones, getting your butt kicked in a softball game... Those are just a few. So, as I washed the dirt off of my arms, hanging my head in defeat - God reminded me that it really didn't matter. Because - I AM ALIVE. And what on earth am I doing for Christ's sake? What are you doing?

If you're reading this, I assume you're alive. Does your life sing praise to God? Does proclaiming the Gospel, and reaching the lost guide your everyday decisions? Or are you living life for yourself - lost in the distractions the world has to offer? If you're alive - which I assume you are - then it's time to remember that it's a blessing. God still wants you on earth. For His glory. For His purpose. I was talking with one of the guys who was in the accident about it this weekend. We again came to the conclusion that it definitely happened for a reason. I still am exploring all the reasons that it happened - but one, I know with all my heart. I am ALIVE. I am alive because of Him. My life is a blessing - and I choose to give it to Him.

Posted by Ben ><>

I Must Decrease

2011-09-23T14:18:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I decided to start reading the devotional entitled, Breakfast with Jesus by Greg Laurie. The concept behind the title is that you, as the reader, focus on spending quality time just getting to know Jesus. Simply Jesus.

I love how in the introduction, Greg Laurie makes it clear that this is not about grasping a physical understanding of Jesus. As fickle humans, we tend to allow the outward appearance become our main focus of not only others, but of ourselves as well. Yet, he points out that John, the beloved disciple, spent hours and upon hours with Jesus but never once brought Jesus' appearance to the forefront of his description of who Jesus was. He, as well as the other disciples, were focusing on getting to know the real Jesus and not simply looking to see if His clothes or overall looks were meeting the latest fashion trends of the day.

I love this concept of seeing beyond physical appearance to the person within. I know many times I am more generous towards others with that concept than I am with myself. In my church growing up, there was an older couple in our congregation who would make it a point to smile and say, "I see Christ in you today." That phrase stuck with me and made me reexamine how often I look past the physical appearance of others and see the person within. It was a reminder to look for Christ in other people, while placing a challenge within myself to make sure others are seeing Christ in me, as often as possible.

Placing Jesus as the focus of the devotional, Laurie points out a key verse to help us understand how to hear and learn from the person of Jesus in Revelation 3:20. "If anyone hearts My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." This is the premise for first section entitled, "The Person of Jesus".

In his first chapter, He Must Increase, he focuses on John the Baptist and his unique mission as the prophet finally sent by God after four hundred some years of silence. John could have used this high position to attract attention to himself but as Laurie put it, "John had no desire to toot his own horn."

It was this part in the devotional that stuck with me all day. Throughout the day, I kept coming back to what Greg Laurie stated as being John's motto for his life, which was "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30) And I had to ask myself, "Is this clearly the motto for my life?"

If there was ever an example of humility, there it was! John displayed humility by putting himself in the correct order behind Jesus and realizing that His role was to prepare the way for Christ and not to promote himself. Without a doubt, for John, it was all about Jesus. And what did Jesus say of this humble servant? "I say to you," Jesus declared, "among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist" (Luke 7:28). Wow! What an honor! This puts me in mind of whenever Jesus later said, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16)

John, who cared very little about physical appearance, knew what was really important, which was simply, Jesus. The goal of knowing Christ and making Him known was his life's ambition. Is it truly mine? Is it yours?
Allow me to close by stating John's motto again...

"He must increase, but I must decrease."

What about you? Has this become your motto?

If no, why not?

If yes, what does it look like in your daily living?

Prayer Stretch

2011-09-21T16:09:00.001-04:00

If you didn't know, back toward the end of June, I was involved in a pretty serious automobile accident. In a complete act of God, myself, and the three others with me were spared not only our lives, but also received practically no injuries. Pretty awesome.

I have to admit though, my back has not been the same since the accident. I waited for a few weeks, because I figured the pain would subside. However, it didn't, and so I finally went to a doctor to see what the troubles might be. He did some neck cracking/back cracking type things, but it didn't really help. The doctor finally concluded that my injury was more soft tissue/muscle damage, which he said sometimes takes longer to heal than bone damage. So, he prescribed some physical therapy for me.

It's been an interesting experience so far, as the kind therapists I'm dealing with are teaching me stretches that I've never done before. Overall, it's a slow process, but my back is feeling better. One of the stretches that they make me do though is called the "prayer stretch." I think it's kind of funny because for one thing, I wonder how many people pray anymore (like what percent of the world's population designates a time to pray, and does it.) And even though I estimate that a small percentage of people pray, this stretch is still called the prayer stretch. In fact, one therapist said to me the other day something about bowing toward Mecca to stretch. So... people recognize that the position the body is in during this stretch does kind of seem like a "prayer position."

At physical therapy today, I thought about this... and how why don't I pray while doing this stretch? After all, there's not much else to do while stretching! Also, I think of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 where Paul urges us to "pray continually." So... we really have chances to pray during most of our daily activities - if not all of them.

Do I take advantage of them? I'll admit that I don't. I'll admit that my prayer life can be pretty poor at times (presently included!). So, it's time to get on the ball... And this prayer stretch reminded me of that. There's something else to be noted about the prayer stretch I think. Go to Bible Gateway and do a search on the word "prostrate." Dictionary.com defines "prostrate" throwing oneself down, flat to the ground, face down, in humility and submission. There were many occurrences in the Bible of people going prostrate before God, in their communication with Him. I like this about the "prayer stretch" position. It's a humbling position (especially in a room full of people)! The prayer stretch doesn't take it far enough though as far as the definition of "prostrate" is concerned... To throw oneself down, face down, flat on the ground shows respect to God. It shows that we know our place compared to Him. I wonder how many of us show Him that anymore. I know I don't.

I'm not telling you to go slam yourself down on the sidewalk, cracking some ribs in the process. But... have we forgotten to pray? Do we pray continually as the day marches on? And how do we pray? Do we say a five second prayer before woofing down our lunch, not even remembering if we prayed by the time we're done swallowing? Or, do we give God some time that is totally between us and Him - pointing to Him as our Creator, our Life, our Savior? As you go about your daily tasks, remember, God wants to talk to us. Show Him that we appreciate the chance we have to talk with Him. Pray continually. Keep in touch with the God of Israel who sent His son to die for our sins. He's there with an open ear.

Posted by Ben ><>

10 Years

2011-09-16T00:36:00.000-04:00

So, I'm a little late. I missed the ten-year anniversary of September 11th by a day or two. I apologize. But, nonetheless, it has been ten years since the insanity that took place in New York City, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93 that crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA. Can you believe it's been ten years? It's hard for me to believe that!

I remember when it all happened. I was in college. (I can't believe ten years ago I was in college!) I was in the beginning of my junior year. I was just going to an art class when someone started telling me about what happened. I looked a little bit at a television someone had set up so we could follow the news. I'll be honest with you, I really wasn't sure what the World Trade Center buildings were. I knew they were two really tall buildings, but I wasn't very familiar at all with them. At that point, only one plane had hit the buildings. I went to class, and nonchalantly told a class mate about it. "Did you hear about NYC? One of the trade centers had a plane hit it!" The guy was like, "What!?!?" and sprinted out to hear about the coverage of the story. I later learned he was from New York City. Long story short, the rest of the day at college ended up being watching TV's during class, and in between class all about what was going on. We had a special prayer service about the whole thing. And then were the moments at home (I was commuting). As soon as I'd get home from school, I'd sit down on the couch, glued to the previously powered up television set. Dan Rather talked to our living room a lot in those days. I kept watching. I couldn't stop. I was shocked at everything I'd hear. In the days after the attack, rescuers continued searching for bodies... and mostly only found body parts. How sad. How historic. How horrible. How insane! Where were you that day? What were you doing?

So, ten years have passed, and what has happened since then with our country? (Life truly was different on September 10th, 2001) We've been in wars, we've built up different defense systems, etc. etc. Sadam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden have been killed. Many lives have been lost. All of this has been the United States' attempt at revenge, and also an attempt to be proactive in keeping our country safe from any further attacks on our nation. I'm not promoting the killing of life... I'm just pointing out that our nation has truly changed in ten years. Not only does the government have different ideas, but the people of the country think differently - Life kind of seemed different before September 11th, 2001. Last Friday night, I watched a special all about that day... It was sad... and it reminded me that there were a lot of people that died that day, in some very sad ways.

Paul said in Romans 12:1-3... "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." When I think about 9/11 and how we as a nation, as a people will never be the same, I think about our walk with God as believers in Christ. Are we living different in this world than anyone else? Are we making choices that reflect a life dependent on Christ for salvation, repentant of sin? Is the music we listen to, the television we watch, the things we do when no one's looking transformed because of the sacrifice made for us? As believers in Christ, our minds should be transformed... Our thoughts should be renewed. Just as September 11th caused people to think different about the world around them, Christ's death on the cross (and our belief in it) shall create a life change in us that is permanent. Not because it's "good to do." Because a real God, came to a real earth. He lived as a real man, living the only perfect life, yet died a real death so that the death we deserve, we do not have to experience. If this doesn't cause us to live differently, nothing will.

Think about what Christ has done. Think about where you were (physically, mentally) when you learned about this. How have you changed since that day? Live differently. Live in the knowledge that He bled for you. For YOU! Praise the Lord!

Posted by Ben ><>

My Savior Died on a Tree...

2011-09-10T00:53:00.003-04:00

"For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." 1 Corinthians 1:21-25 NIV

Christianity is full of paradoxes. The word "para" means beyond, and the word "dox" means belief. Therefore, a paradox is something that seems contradictory, or beyond belief, but in all reality, there is something to be learned from it. For example, dying is gaining. The last are first. In order to be strong, we must be weak. To save our lives, we must lose them. In trivial things lies greatness. In order to become mature, we must become children. And finally (especially appropriate for the Christmas season) in order to receive, we must give. There are more, but my brain can't come up with any more for now, plus I already had help by doing some researching. If you can think of some more, share them in the comments link. Anyway, in being a Christian, there are lots of things that don't seem to make sense, that actually shame the wisdom of the world. In 1 Corinthians 1, we read that the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom. This is so very true. There's a song by Tree63 that says what I'm trying to talk about, called "Foolish Things." Here are some random sections of verses to that song...

What wisdom hangs a man up on a tree
as the only way to end my misery?
A crooked journey down a straight and narrow path...
What wisdom puts a prophet in a desert place
nobody to hear a single word he says?
And what wisdom brings reward from suffering
where if I want to win I have to lose everything?

...The song goes on to say that we're living in God's foolishness. This is true as we realize that the foolishness of God is wiser than any wisdom that we will ever find in this world. Have you ever been made fun of because of your faith? I mean, Noah builds an ark, Jonah lives inside a fish, a donkey talks to Balaam, Daniel isn't eaten by lions, Jesus walks on water? I believe all of these things, and there are so many people that call them "fairy tales" or figurative stories and fables. It saddens me when I hear people saying that the Bible is full of stories and not truth, but my friends, it's the best source of Truth that we have. I don't know about you, but I don't care at all if I'm called a fool by the world. Jesus told his followers that the world will hate them, and although we're still doing pretty good in the United States as far as not being physically persecuted, that day might be coming. However, I don't ever want to be considered a fool by God. I want us to remember to hang onto the foolishness of God, and trust Him. Don't allow others to create Christ crucified as a stumbling block in your life; rather stand on that block, and allow it to proclaim the "foolishness" that saves you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...and here's some JACK!!!!

"One day one of my little nephews came up to me and asked me if the equator was a real line that went around the earth, or just an imaginary one. I had to laugh. Laugh and Laugh...Because I didn't know, and thought that maybe by laughing he would forget what he asked me."
---Jack Handey, www.jackhandey.com

Posted by: Ben
*Originally published December 8, 2007

Who are you?

2011-09-08T13:32:00.003-04:00

"The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are." ~Jim Morrison

A statement like that begs the question, "Who are we?"

Before reading furuther, right out a quick list (mentally or physically) that answers the question of "Who are you?"

Right out everything that you believe defines you as a person and reflects who you are as an individual.

Now, I invite you to click "Read More..."

Many times we like to define who we are. We come up with many definitions, all of which reflect what we see, feel, think and believe. All of which is coming through entirely our own perspective.

When was the last time you asked God who you were and set-aside any preconceived idea or notions as to what He might say?

It is tough for us to set-aside our perspective and based all of who we are on what God says, but that is exactly what He longs for us to do. To see ourselves through His eyes, completely and without question.

So can you do it? Can you lay aside every definition you have come up that has defined who you are and let it all go at the foot of the cross?

If you are unsure what that looks like, check out this awesome list (click here) that I found that was part of a website describing how we should perceive ourselves and thus, claim our identity in Christ.

Now, do me a favor. Go ahead and print that list. Not only will that be good for the following exercise but it would be a great reminder to have every day on your bathroom mirror.

Try this exercise: Go ahead and hold up the list you made earlier about yourself. Now, hold it up beside the list I told you to print out, and compare them.

Do you see any differences? Any similarities?

How can you bring your way of thinking more into line with the list from not only the website, but from the very Word of God?

I encourage you to re-visit those two lists every day. Constantly, evaluate how your perspective is shifting or changing and what is causing it to do so.

Daily making sure that your identity is not based on who you are

but on Whose you are.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

P.S. Taken in this perspective, I definitely agree with the Jim Morrison quote:
"The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are." ~Jim Morrison

Life is Unfair!

2011-09-02T16:16:00.001-04:00

Do you ever feel like all your striving is in vain when it comes to living for God?

Do you ever feel like saying to God, "What's the point? Can't you see those other guys over there who are not even living for You and how blessed and successful they are? Why do bad things always happen to the good people?"

Do you ever feel like it's unfair when you are met with struggle upon struggle, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual and you think to yourself, "Ok God, I don't understand. I know that those other people who are healthy, spunky and seem like they don't have a care in the world have not chosen to imitate Christ in their life or to live for You in anyway... so what gives? Why do they get the blessing and I don't?'

If you find yourself relating to any or all of the above statements, then you may want to check out what the writer of Psalm 73 had to say when they were dealing with the same feelings. Also, I invite you to read my personal commentary/reflections below Psalm 73. (The emphasis added throughout the Psalm are my own and fit with the commentary)

¹ Surely God is good to Israel,
   to those who are pure in heart.
² But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
   I had nearly lost my foothold.
³ For I envied the arrogant
   when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
⁴ They have no struggles;
   their bodies are healthy and strong.
⁵ They are free from common human burdens;
   they are not plagued by human ills.
⁶ Therefore pride is their necklace;
   they clothe themselves with violence.
⁷ From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
   their evil imaginations have no limits.
⁸ They scoff, and speak with malice;
   with arrogance they threaten oppression.
⁹ Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
   and their tongues take possession of the earth.
¹⁰ Therefore their people turn to them
   and drink up waters in abundance.
¹¹ They say, “How would God know?
   Does the Most High know anything?”
¹² This is what the wicked are like—
   always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
¹³ Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
   and have washed my hands in innocence.
¹⁴ All day long I have been afflicted,
   and every morning brings new punishments.
¹⁵ If I had spoken out like that,
   I would have betrayed your children.
¹⁶ When I tried to understand all this,
   it troubled me deeply
¹⁷ till I entered the sanctuary of God;
   then I understood their final destiny.
¹⁸ Surely you place them on slippery ground;
   you cast them down to ruin.
¹⁹ How suddenly are they destroyed,
   completely swept away by terrors!
²⁰ They are like a dream when one awakes;
   when you arise, Lord,
   you will despise them as fantasies.
²¹ When my heart was grieved
   and my spirit embittered,
²² I was senseless and ignorant;
   I was a brute beast before you.
²³ Yet I am always with you;
   you hold me by my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel,
   and afterward you will take me into glory.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
   And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart
   and my portion forever.
²⁷ Those who are far from you will perish;
   you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
²⁸ But as for me, it is good to be near God.
   I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
   I will tell of all your deeds.

My little commentary for while you are reading:

When you begin reading, I encourage you to pay attention to how verse 1 emulates the same kinds of feelings we had expressed above and how quickly a special realization sinks in for the writer (verses 2 and 3).

After that, the writer goes on to vent his frustration (And why not? God already knows what we are thinking...) and works himself through his finite understanding of the frustrating situation(s) around him. He expresses what all our hearts have probably cried at one time or another (verse 13). Finally, he gets to verse sixteen and the writer realizes they have been trying to understand all of this through their own understanding. What does God say in Proverbs 3:5,6? Doesn't He say to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Notice it was not until after the author realized they needed to enter into God's presence (verse 17) and set aside their own understanding that they were able to see with the eyes of heaven and no longer with the eyes of man. And it was after this epiphany that they were able to receive the peace they desperately longed for.

Now, verses 18-20 paint a sad picture, and one that should break our hearts on their behalf, because of what lies ahead for those who choose not to follow God. They are blinded by the earthly pleasures of this world and like we all do at times, they are not seeing life in the light of eternity.

However, the joy comes in the last several verses of the Psalm and are for those of us who do trust in God. Many times we like to think like the character in the cartoon at the beginning of this post, where we expect God to repay us for all our hard work. However, God blesses us with much more than that. He blesses us with a deep seeded joy that comes in knowing that when we were seen as "senseless and ignorant" before God, He still loved us and called us unto Himself. Reminding us that He is ever present and the source of all comfort and strength. ("But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8)

²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

AMEN

Lyrical Thursday

2011-09-01T01:10:00.001-04:00

There are times along the journey that we come across songs that speak to our spirits and seemed to be exactly what we needed at the time. In the Valley by Sovereign Grace has been one of those songs for me in the recent months. I hope you are as blessed as I have been by the lyrics and enjoy listening to the song via the youtube video below.

Based on The Valley of Vision prayer (Puritan Prayer)

“The Valley of Vision”

Words and Music by Bob Kauflin

Verse 1
When You lead me to the valley of vision
I can see You in the heights
And though my humbling wouldn’t be my decision
It’s here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley’s where You make me more like Christ

Chorus
Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley

Verse 2
In the daytime there are stars in the heavens
But they only shine at night
And the deeper that I go into darkness
The more I see their radiant light
So let me learn that my losses are my gain
To be broken is to heal
That the valley’s where Your power is revealed

Prayer... when we feel like?! (Part 2)

2011-08-27T00:00:00.004-04:00

Part 2 of the Who, What, When, Where and Why of Prayer

The When and Where of prayer:

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (HCSB ) it asks us to "Pray constantly." That does not leave much room for not praying. This could be as often as breathing, which we also do constantly. You may be saying that you don't have that kind of "time commitment" but the good news is that prayer can be done anywhere and at anytime. 1 Timothy 2:8 asks for "men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing."

**It is important to note that we are to pray "without anger or disputing". Why? Because we need to remember that if we are living in anger or fighting with others, we most likely have not granted them forgiveness. Remember that when we do not forgive, how can God forgive us? Our unforgiveness and anger towards others hinders not only God forgiving us but also hearing our prayers. (Matthew 6:14,15; Mark 11:25)

^"If I hadcherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened."

Psalm 66:18

"but your iniquities have made a separation
between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
so that he does not hear."

Isaiah 59:2

The Why of prayer:

The Good News: Through Jesus Christ, God's One and Only Son, He has made it possible for us to not only pray, but for God to be able to hear our prayers; once we have truly asked for forgiveness and seek repentance.

Why are we praying? First, we are praying in response to such a great sacrifice. We have come to understand it and are praying for others to do the same. We do this through following Christ's example of intercessory prayer (which He does constantly on our behalf) for others. Secondly, once we have given our lives to Christ, we have a new desire to spend all our time in the presence of such a Holy and Loving God. (Psalm 84)

*Scriptures are taken from the NIV unless otherwise indicated*

Pray...when we feel like it?! (Part 1)

2011-08-26T14:04:00.008-04:00

Wow! What a picture!

When I first saw this picture I was very moved. Nothing else comes close to emphasizing the importance of prayer in our lives than by looking to very One who demonstrates perfect intercessory prayer. Hebrews 7:23-25 (NLT) and Romans 8:34 state that our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, lives forever to intercede with God on our behalf and the picture above displays this in a very concrete and moving way.

What an extraordinary example we have in Jesus Christ, and as Christians we are to be asking ourselves on a daily basis, "What Would Jesus Do?" At times, we may feel unsure about what that looks like, but as always, the scripture can and should be our guide in answering this question.

Today, I want the question of "What Would Jesus Do?" focused on the Who, What, When, Where and Why of prayer. We will find our answers together, through God's wonderful Word.

The Who of prayer:

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

1 Timothy 2:1-6

The What of prayer:

The important thing to realize when you pray for others is that you do not need to make it eloquent or feel that you have to find the exact phrasing or words. As stated below, God knows what is in our hearts and He provides the Holy Spirit to pray for us and through us. The important thing is that we strive to keep a constant dialogue between ourselves and God and allow the Holy Spirit to pray for us and through us on a consistent basis.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."

Romans 8:26,27

All throughout God's Word we are given guidance on what to pray for others, such as strength and knowledge of God's Word and love (Ephesians 3:16-19), wisdom and power (Ephesians 1:18-20), peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9), boldness (Philemon 1:6), discernment (Philippians 1:9-11), and the list could go on and on.

(FYI: You can click on the words listed in the previous paragraph, in order to read the correlating scripture.)

It's important to note, as we see from these scriptures, we can look to how the writers of the New Testament would open and close their letters as an example for how we can pray for those around us.

STAY TUNED: Tomorrow I will be posting about the When, Where and Why of prayer!

*Scriptures are taken from the NIV unless otherwise indicated*

Hammer Holds

2011-08-25T00:50:00.002-04:00

This song is told from the point of view of the piece of steel that became one of the nails used to crucify Jesus. What an interesting thought and compelling song!

When I first heard this song I could not figure out what perspective it was coming from, but once I read what it was about, it took on a much deeper meaning. Here are my reflections from that song:

Like the piece of steel, we are shapeless and in need of "Thee" Blacksmith to

give us our ultimate form and final shape.

Like the piece of steel, we need others to pray, cry, and hurt with us and for us,

until we have reached our journeys end.

Like the piece of steel, we constantly search for the purpose and meaning in our lives.

Like the piece of steel, our sins are what held and even nailed Christ to that cross.

Like the piece of steel, the task before us may seem unclear,

but even that, our Maker holds.

Lyrics (by Bebo Norman):

A shapeless piece of steel, that's all I claim to be
This hammer pounds to give me form, this flame, it melts my dreams
I glow with fire and fury, as I'm twisted like a vine

My final shape, my final form I'm sure I'm bound to find

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain

And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds

And the water, it cools me gray, and the hurt's subdued somehow
I have my shape, this sharpened point, what is my purpose now?

And the question still remains, what am I to be?
Perhaps some perfect piece of art displayed for all to see

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds

The hammer pounds again, but flames I do not feel
This force that drives me, helplessly, through flesh, and wood reveals
A burn that burns much deeper, it's more than I can stand
The reason for my life was to take the life of a guiltless man

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the pain
And hurt a little, hurt for me, my future is so bold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds

This task before me may seem unclear
But it, my maker holds

check out http://bebonorman.com/

What does Jesus look like?/"Speaking the truth in love"

2011-08-20T01:40:00.006-04:00

I came across this video and wanted to share it. It is somewhat long, as the description below says, but it is well worth watching. I am excited to share this with you and to see what your response is to the video. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment area below. The description is from this website:http://amokarts.wordpress.com/2011/08/19/responding-to-controversial-art-part-2/, where I originally saw the video.

"A few days ago I posted what I thought our response should be to controversial art. This video is the story of a young pastor who lived it out. It”s a little long but watching it til the end will give you a real blessing. Please check this out and spread it around. This is a true image of what it means to speak the truth in love and the impact it can have in a world where love can be hard to find. It’s not my own work so I can ask this without hesitation or fear of self promotion… Please, please, please take this video viral.

We often talk about how to deal with people with whom we disagree. While others protested and attacked, this guy shared the Gospel and it made all the difference."

***check out (in the comment area below) the comments made about this post***

The Story of The Jesus Portrait from Resurrection Fellowship on Vimeo.

How Do I Look?

2011-08-19T02:39:00.004-04:00

Lately, I have been watching the show "How Do I Look?" on the style network. I seem to watch these kind of shows only randomly, but when I do, I can find them fascinating.

I mean, what's not exciting about the idea of someone given the opportunity to become a completely new person? We watch in awe, as if the very idea were unbelievable. We are awe-struck and sometimes brought to tears, as each participant marvels at the changes they see in themselves and exclaims, "I am completely transformed! I can't believe it!"

Now, don't get me wrong. I can see the psychological benefits to helping a person improve their self-image through uplifting them and drawing out their physical beauty. However, what bothers me is that the show (and others like it) tend to focus solely on only changing the outer layer of the person. It seems they believe that by doing this, they have somehow made the person not only whole, but completely and utterly brand new. This would be one of the reasons I can only watch this show every once in awhile. After while, the reality of how superficial it all is, becomes way to obvious and as my husband so aptly put while watching the show with me, "When will they get that there is more to life than material things?"

As I was listening to some of the participants state things like, "I am a completely new ... a transformed person", "I am never going to be the same again... I am never going back to my old ways..." I could not help but think about another, even deeper type of transformation. The one I'm talking about is referred to in Romans 12:2...

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

And what worries me is that we, all of us living here on this earth, are more apt to go for the change we see on TV shows like "How do I Look?' then pursue this deeper kind of life transformation, which is described in the scripture above. Take a moment to think, how similar are these two types of transformation? Can you find any similarities? My guess is, probably not.

Now, take a moment to look at the vast difference... starting with the beginning of verse 2, "And do not be conformed to this world...." If that is the case, should our focus be on material things, such as this show would have us believe? Or something much deeper?

What if we all took as much energy into transforming our minds, in order to be more Christ-like, as we did in transforming our physical appearance to match the most recent fads and expectations put upon us from our culture?

What if there was a TV show that stopped to ask the question "How Do I Look?" but didn't refer to physical appearance, but rather the at the heart of the matter, both literally and figuratively.

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7

What if the host of the show was instead Jesus, and we stood and watched as He helped us throw out all those hideous, old, outdated and sinful clothing, which we should never have been wearing in the first place. We continue to watch, in amazement, as we see Him not pour out money, as the TV show would do, but instead pours out Himself as our payment, in order to replace all of our old wardrobe, which was heavily weighed down by sin, and He replaces it all with an amazing, life-transforming, beautiful robe of righteousness, which only He could give?

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

We all desire to be adored, appreciated, seen as beautiful, accepted and so much more, but when we seek for the restoration of our souls and ultimate fulfillment in all the wrong places, such as simply changing our physical appearance to please others or ourselves, we miss out on the ultimate gift, which is Jesus Christ himself.

ALL...

2011-08-15T19:25:00.000-04:00

"May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other. And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” --1 Kings 8:57-61

Yesterday, I had the privilege of preaching at my home church. It's actually a privilege to preach anywhere. If you know me well, you'll know that I'm not always the best at getting the sermon ready weeks in advance (ha), but I do take the job of preaching seriously. It's serious business, because we are in front of a group of people, talking to them about what the Bible says. In some senses, since the Bible is our main source, it's kind of easy. Most topics and whatnot are spelled out pretty clearly in scripture. So, it's an honor, and it sometimes can be kind of fun. Yeah, really!

All this to say that yesterday, we started a "King Series" at church. I did Solomon, next week is Ahab, then David, and then Josiah. We talked about how Solomon was indeed a "wise, foolish king." It sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true. The above text from 1 Kings 8 shows some of the words of Solomon as he dedicated the temple (in prayer, and sacrifice) that he had just built, for the altar of God. The part I want to focus on is the five letter "f-word" near the end of the passage, describing what level our hearts should be commmitted to God - FULLY.

It's ironic that Solomon, who prayed that the people of Israel would have hearts fully commited to God, would end compromising his heart's full committment to God. Perhaps it's more sad than ironic. As Solomon (as we read in 1 Kings 11) gained 700 wives, and 300 concubines (women who worshipped other gods), his heart was turned away from God. He was not fully devoted to God. And, his downfall transpired. If you've read through the books of the Kings and Chronicles in the Old Testament, you know the pattern. There's a king - he's either committed to God, or not, and usually his level of committment to God also correlates with his success. As you read about all of the kings of Israel and Judah, it's easy to think, "What's wrong with these guys!!! Why can't they get it?"

I remember thinking that same thought about eight years ago - when I realized, I was just as dumb. How many times in my life do I let the same sin, or any sin for that matter, take me away from God? How many times do I willingly allow my heart to latch onto something that is NOT God, and moreover is quite contrary to God? How many times I am not FULLY committed to Him? The answer? More often than not. In the past eight years, since I realized I was just like the Kings of Israel and Judah, I've learned a lot. But, I still battle. My heart still isn't always fully committed to God. I pray for strength, and I press on.

Another interesting point in Solomon's prayer is that he prays that God turns their hearts to Him. I think of that, and the times that I pray for God to not let me stumble. That's good and well. However, we need to not continue to pray these things, but continue going down root-covered paths wearing our flip flops. We need to take action as well to become fully devoted to Him... to give Him our ALL.

Are you giving Him your all? Does He have all of your heart? Is it fully His? If not, what else receives your heart's attention? What do you need to let go of today?

We ponder these things. May the Lord give us the strength to let go. My our hearts be FULLY His.

Posted by Ben ><>

Sacred Marriage

2011-08-12T11:09:00.004-04:00

Recently, I was at Borders (at the big blow-out sale... can't believe they are going out of business... sad) and a very interesting book caught my eye entitled, "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas.

To purchase, click here

Not only did the title itself catch my eye, but check out what it says below the title, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?"

What?! The author dares to make this kind of statement in the world we live in today, where everything is made and used for our own personal happiness or fulfillment?

That said, I would (still) highly recommend this book to anyone married or even just considering marriage in the near or very distant future. There would be a great benefit to reading this before seriously considering a future spouse and an enduring commitment to marriage. This book provides a great outline of what marriage should be about before any expectations are set way too high. This way, there can be better preparation on the individual's level, and a better chance for a marriage that seeks after God's heart first, and not their own. However, the need for this reminder is true for whatever stage in a relationship you are in, whether dating, engaged, married for just a few years or married 50 years!

While I have not been able to read the whole book (I just got it a few days ago...), I would like to highlight and share some awesome quotes from the first chapter.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is a book that looks at how we can use the challenges, joys, struggles, and celebrations of marriage to draw closer to God and to grow in Christian character."

"To spiritually benefit from marriage, we have to be honest. We have to look at our disappointments, own up to ugly attitudes, and confront our selfishness. We also have to rid ourselves of the notion that the difficulties of marriage can be overcome if we simply pray harder or learn a few simple principles. Most of us have discovered that these "simple steps" work only on a superficial level. Why is this? Because there's a deeper question that needs to be addressed beyond how we can 'improve' our marriage: What if God didn't design marriage to be 'easier'? ... What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy? "

"But the idea that a marriage can survive on romance alone, or that romantic feelings are more important than any other consideration when choosing a spouse, has wrecked many a marital ship"

"Romantic love has no elasticity to it. It can never be stretched; it simply shatters. Mature love, the kind demanded of a good marriage, must stretch, as the sinful human condition is such that all of us bear conflicting emotions...This is the reality of the human heart, the inevitability of two sinful people pledging to live together, with all their faults, for the rest of their lives... But marriage reminds us of the daily reality of living as sinful human beings in a radically broken world."

"The real transforming work of marriage is the twenty-four-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week commitment. This is the crucible that grinds and shapes us into the character of Jesus Christ."

"Marriage calls us to an entirely new and selfless life."

"The key was that I had to change my view of marriage. If the purpose of marriage was simply to enjoy an infatuation and make me 'happy,' then I'd have to get a 'new' marriage every two or three years. But if I really wanted to see God transform me from the inside out, I'd need to concentrate on changing myself rather than on my changing my spouse."

"But what both of us crave more than anything else is to be intimately close to the God who made us. If that relationship is right, we won't make such severe demands on our marriage, asking each other, expecting each other, to compensate for spiritual emptiness."

"We need to remind ourselves of the ridiculousness of looking for something from other humans that only God can provide."

"I didn't decide to focus on changing myself so that I could have a tension-free marriage or so that I'd be happier or even more content in my marriage. Instead, I adopted the attitude that marriage is one of many life situations that help me to draw my sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment from God."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, what do you think? A lot to think about, that is for sure! I would encourage you to take time to read over the above quotes and maybe even consider purchasing the book. If you click below the picture above, it will take you to where the book is being sold at Amazon.

I strongly urge you to ponder these thoughts, share them with your married and non-married friends who are maybe considering marriage sometime in the distant or not-so-distant future. I believe firmly that it is better to be well-prepared rather than ill-prepared and greatly disappointed.

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

Jude 1:2

"To See the Unseen"

2011-08-11T11:20:00.003-04:00

He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak. Isaiah 40:29

"An example of faith was found on the wall of a concentration camp. On it a prisoner had carved the words:

I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine.

I believe in love, even when it isn't shown.

I believe in God, even when he doesn't speak.

I try to imagine the person who etched those words. I try to envision his skeletal hand gripping the broken glass or stone that cut into the wall. I try to imagine his eyes squinting through the darkness as he carved each letter. What hand could have cut such a conviction? What eyes could have seen good in such horror?

There is only one answer: Eyes that chose to see the unseen."

Excerpt from He Still Moves Stones - Max Lucado

While attending college I had the privilege of hearing a testimony directly from a survivor of the holocaust (click here). The man that shared was Sam Guttesman and you can hear his story, as well as many others, shared in this video documentary done by WQED Pittsburgh (click here). His story reflected a similar kind of faith, even though he too had lost loved ones, was put through many trials, and was probably stretched more than most of us could ever imagine. However, like the one in the story above, he chose to use "eyes that chose to see the unseen."

Are we living with those type of eyes?

It is stories like these that call us away from ourselves and our often busy/cluttered schedules, and demand us to take as closer look at who we are and Who's we are, and if we are living in a way that reflects that realization in our lives.

The other day, the song "Find us Faithful" by Steven Green kept playing through my mind and I kept focusing on these words...

"May those who come behind us, faith us faithful!"

We know for a fact that those I shared about in this post (and many, many more) have gone before us and demonstrated godly lives for us! Think of the ones that you know of and the many that we can read about in God's Word.

Are we doing the same for those that come behind us? Are we living with eternity in our hearts or have we allowed our hearts and minds to become so captured by the culture that surrounds us, that we know longer know what it means to live as those who are/have been faithful...

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. - 1 John 2:15

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

"O may ALL who come behind us, find us faithful!"

"God has not give us a spirit of fear..."

2011-08-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

"God has not given us a spirit of fear,

God has not given us a spirit of fear,

but He has given unto us, a spirit of power,

a spirit of love, and a sound mind!"

These are the words to a simple song that my Grandmother taught me whenever I was younger to help me not only remember 2 Timothy 1:7, but to comfort me whenever I would have terrible nightmares. I do not know why, but as a child I tended to have a lot of nightmares. Even to this day I have issues with crazy dreams, nightmares on occasion, and other sleep issues. I have given it over to God and have learned to speak the Word of God into these situation. I will use scriptures like 2 Timothy 1:7 and/or speak the powerful name of Jesus against those fears, like I talked about in my previous post (click here to read), and at times it does get better. Praise God!

What's really exciting is that I get to share this testimony of how I have been taught to handle the fears in my life with a bunch of kids this weekend at the Dunkard Valley Live Music Festival in York, PA. I know... shameless plug, right? But, I couldn't help it! I am just that excited for what God is going to do through this festival! On both Saturday and Sunday we will be having a Kids Tent that will have crafts and games for any kids that show up at the festival and throughout games and crafts will be laced this theme of 2 Timothy 1:7. Pray that the message will be clear and comforting to the children that receive it!

I am also super excited about the music groups and speakers that are set to share with us, the craft vendors coming, the new sound crew, food, and the prayer tent!! So many exciting things happening this year!

A LOT of hard work and prayer have gone into the planning of this event and if you are in the York area and might be interested in coming and being a part of this exciting time, you can check out our website at www.dunkardvalleylive.com or you can email us dunkardvalleylive@gmail.com. Also, since I (Rhonda) am a member of the planning committee, feel free to post any questions you have here or email me at discipletojc@gmail.com

But most importantly, will you please plan to keep us in your prayers? With any event, and especially one like this, we desperately need it covered in prayer. Please ask God to not only bless the event, but to allow for great opportunities of outreach, where people can be encouraged in their faith or maybe even make a first time commitment. Thank you!

Do we believe it?! Really?!

2011-08-04T01:01:00.002-04:00

"By speaking God's Word, you can reveal wrong thinking and it will lose its power."

- Stormie Omartian from the book, The Power of a Praying Wife

When was the last time you really took God at His Word?

During a recent book study, it was brought to my attention (through the Holy Spirit's conviction while reading) that I tend to discredit the power that is found in God's Word. It could be for many reasons. It could be a lack of faith, trust, a feeling of being out of my comfort zone, a sense of feeling silly/awkward, and the list could go on and on. However, aren't all of those really just excuses?

"The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Do I believe this? Really?

How often do we speak God's Word into not just our own lives, but into our friends and families lives through prayer or even in conversation with them?

Now stop and think about this... If we are not speaking God's Word into our own thoughts, let alone the thoughts of those we love and know, then what is being spoken into our/their hearts and minds?

Things like depression, anger, fear, rejection, loneliness, temptation, evil, and many diseases all begin in the mind. "These things can control your life unless you take control of your mind first. That's why God instructs us not to accept as truth everything we think. 'I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, according to their own thoughts' (Isaiah 65:2). He wants us to share His thoughts. 'We (who believe) have the mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16)." (Stormie Omartian) Do believe this? Really?!

If we do, then we should be praying powerful, faith filled prayers that proclaim the truth of God's Word in the lives of those we know and love and into our own lives as well. We need to pray with power against the workings of evil in our lives by claiming the promises of God with utmost faith and determination to "take every thought captive", just like God has called us to do in His Word (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We need to pray with boldness, proclaiming that there is no room for fear in our lives or in the lives of our loved ones, because "God has not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

We need to believe with all our hearts that we do have a "great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16) That even though "Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13) God still provided such an amazing great high priest to interceded on our behalf!

Do we know this? Have we taken time to get to know everything God has shared with us in His Word, so that we can prayer powerful prayers that reflect the heart of God for our lives?!

BUT, how can we claim these promises if we don't even know what they are because we do not take time to read them...

Here is a statement from Jim Elliot to ponder, which was in response to why he felt so called to mission work in Ecuador rather than in the United States... "I dare not stay home while Quichuas perish. What if the well-filled church in the homeland needs stirring?! They have the Scriptures, Moses, and the prophets, and a whole lot more. Their condemnation is written on their bank books and in the dust on their Bible covers."

Let's not allow the statement above to be true of us, rather, Lord, allow it to be the one below...

"Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word."

William D. Longstaff 1882

The sin of P.I.V.

2011-08-01T16:43:00.005-04:00

Have you ever had a time where God has convicted you of a sin you have been dealing with off and on, but it seems that your short-term memory always kicks in and the ability to recognize or remember that sin and what it looks like in your life seems impossible?

I know I run into this problem occasionally and one of those times happened recently. I can smile as I think back to the stinging conviction now, because I can see the uniqueness of the way God helped me to tackle the issue at hand. I can also see it as another example of how well He knows me, seeing me as one of his unique children that desperately needs His loving discipline and patience in very unique ways.

The conviction God brought to my attention was what I like to call "the sin of P.I.V." P.I.V. standing for Pride. Impatience. Vanity. I don't know about you, but I love to use abbreviations and acronyms to help me better remember important information. However, this was one of the first times God helped me to utilize it in this form, and as I look back on the process, I can see God's humor and love for me in the midst of the conviction. Through this process God brought several scriptures to mind, such as Romans 12:1-3 (to read the whole chapter click here) and the others being from 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (to read the whole chapter click here).

Romans 12: 1- 3

A Living Sacrifice to God

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authorityGod has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us"

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."

The bold and italicized sections were the sections that really jumped out and spoke to me as I was wrestling with "the sin of P.I.V." and as I thought back on those scriptures, I came up with this understanding, by putting those areas in bold in this order... "demolish strongholds... take captive EVERY thought...but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think...Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us... this is truly the way to worship Him... because of all he has done for you."

Did you notice the message? We do need to change the way we think, take every thought captive, etc... but the question is, "Is that done by our own power or strength?" and "What is the motivation behind why we would even try to 'evaluate ourselves honestly'?" The answer: Let's take note of the last part that states, "...because of ALL HE has done for you..."

While I believe it is not good for us to live in condemnation, I do feel that our lives need to be open to conviction. God uses conviction in our lives to help us become more like Christ. Condemnation can drag us down and even separate from the knowledge and power of God's amazing grace and love, and is often a tool that Satan like to use against us.

So, what's your "sin of ___.___.___" that God is trying to help you with? Have you turned it over to Him or have you convinced yourself you can hide it, erase it, or maybe even get rid of it yourself? Or have you possibly allowed Satan to condemn you with it, by continually bringing it to your memory and never fully letting it go?

Friends, don't allow Satan to get a stronghold in your life, but allow Christ to come in and demolish those strongholds that are hindering your faith walk for you. He is the only one that can. He is waiting for you to come and kneel at His feet and turn it all over to Him and find rest for your weary soul. It is only after that action is taken that you can then go in the power of Christ and keep fighting the good fight. Maybe even by coming up with an acronym? haha Who knows... be creative, but most of all, don't do it on your own. It's impossible. And don't live in fear or condemnation. Know that Jesus has already won the battle and is running the race with us, cheering us on the whole way!

Romans 8:1, 2

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set youfree from the law of sin and death."

Great Songs of Faith (Excerpt)

2011-07-30T01:27:00.004-04:00

*Today's post is taken from The One Year: Great Songs of Faith devotional book based on popular hymns that I recently purchased and absolutely love! It is very well done and I would highly recommend it. If you are interested in it, click on the title of this post and it should take you to Amazon, where the book is listed for purchase. I chose this post today because not only was it the devotional for today, but it also seemed to reflect how God has been helping me to better appreciate His handiwork in creation. An example would be the gorgeous sunrises I experienced while on vacation at the beach this week. (Click here to read the post about that experience).

Here is the devotional I chose from the book:

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Henry Van Dyke was serving as a guest preacher at Williams College in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. He was so moved by the beauty of God's creation that he wrote this hymn of joy. The next morning he handed the poem to the college president. "Here is a hymn for you," he said. "Your mountains were my inspiration. It must be sung to the music of Beethoven's 'Hymn to Joy.'" And so it has been ever since.

Van Dyke was a Presbyterian minister; the author of many books, including the best-selling The Other Wise Man; professor of literature at Princeton University; navy chaplain during World War I; and ambassador to Holland and Luxembourg under President Woodrow Wilson.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! ... Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4, 6-7

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,

stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise;

field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,

chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou are giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,

Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are Thine;

Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals join the might chorus, which the morning stars began;

Father love is reigning o'er us, brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife;

Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.

Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)

God's Dwelling Place

2011-07-28T17:49:00.002-04:00

Photo taken by Rhonda Ritenour 7/28/11

This morning I was blessed with the opportunity to experience this beautiful sunrise. At first, Eric (my husband) and I had thought we missed it by just a couple minutes and I had gone back to finish getting ready to go to the grocery store. As I was getting ready, Eric yelled for me to hurry back because we hadn't missed it! Boy, was I thankful! I quickly ran back to the area where we were watching the sunrise and enjoyed every minute of it! However, the picture from above is not from that exact moment... it came later.

Later, as Eric and I returned from our grocery trip, I realized that I had left the CD "Psalms" by Sovereign Grace Ministries in the car . The song, "I Want to Be Where You Are" was playing (based on Psalm 84). (Click on the title of the song (above) to hear a part of it and you can read the lyrics below)

How sweet the place where You dwell, O Lord
My soul longs and faints for You
My heart sings out a loud song of joy
For I have known the living God

I want to be where You are, O Lord
I want to be where You are, O Lord
I’d rather have just one day with You
Than be anywhere else

There’s no good thing that You will withhold
From those who live to follow You
I’d rather be Your servant, O God
Than have the riches of this world

Those who follow You go from strength to strength
Those who trust in You are filled with joy
Those who follow You go from strength to strength
Those who trust in You are filled with joy

When we arrived back at the beach house, I decided to take a walk along the beach and spend some quality quiet time with God. As I was walking, praying, and staring at what you see in the beautiful picture above, the song that had played in the car kept coming back to mind. In my Spirit, I sensed God telling me that I needed to do more then contemplate this song, to do more than simply read the entirety of Psalm 84, but to focus solely on verse 1 of Psalm 84, and to just wait and listen...

"How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!"

As I tried to explain to my Grandmother later in conversation, it was like one of those "Aha!" moments. I mean, I had read Psalm 84 and especially verse 1 before, but I felt like I could never fully grasp it or connect to what God was trying to help me understand through that verse. However, as I was sitting on the sand, with my feet in the water, the beautiful sunset in my view and God's magnificent Word in my lap, I felt like the Holy Spirit allowed me to fully grasp the power within that one verse. My heart began to cry, "How lovely is Your amazing and VAST dwelling place, that is surrounding me right now!"

In response, I read that verse out loud to God and listened as God's dwelling place answered in return, with the crashing of the waves and an amazing rush of wind, and it all seemed to finally sink in.

God's dwelling place is not just within the church walls or wherever else we confine Him to, it is much, much more!

And on top of that, His dwelling place is not just ALL of this earth, which includes what was in the beautiful picture above, but the vast universe, which we cannot even begin to comprehend! All of that, which is surrounding us, above us, beneath us, below us, is His dwelling place! Can we comprehend that?!

Can we grasp how Great of a God this is who allows us to respond in such personal ways to Him? It is unfathomable to comprehend that it is this same God that speaks to our hearts... Psalm 27:8 (NLT)...

⁸ My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

I encourage you to find a quiet place this week that allows you to focus on the grandeur of God, think deeply about what it means to be in the dwelling place of God, and ask yourself if you have responded like in Psalm 27:8 (above) and if your spirit reflects that of verse 2 in Psalm 84:

"I long, yes, I faint with longing
      to enter the courts of the Lord.
   With my whole being, body and soul,
      I will shout joyfully to the living God."

Burden Lifted

2011-07-14T22:34:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it? It's been nearly two months since I posted, and I'm FINALLY posting once again. I hope to get back into the habit of things. We shall see :)

A couple of posts ago, Rhonda shared with you the fact that I was in a pretty horrific accident heading up to Creation in Mount Union, PA. I was driving my truck with three other guys riding along, and hauling a 26 foot trailer full of camping gear, lumber, a 275 gallon water tank, a water heater, propane tanks, fuel tanks, a huge grill, a refrigerator, and many other random items. To make a long story short, we were rear-ended by a tractor trailer on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA76). Obviously, this did not bode well for the trailer, the contents therein, or for my passengers and myself. The trailer jackknifed, my truck was sliding sideways, and then we flipped over a guard rail. Somewhere during the crash, the trailer disconnected, ending up on its roof, facing the direction we came from. We ended up on our roof as well, and three out of four of us crawled out of the truck. The last guy was pinned inside it for about an hour, but ended up with just two stitches on his hand. Check out Rhonda's post from two days ago to see how banged up the truck was - and how much of a miracle it is that we're alive, and really only received minor injuries.

What ended up being almost worse than the accident itself has been dealing with insurance companies. Since I didn't own the trailer, my insurance company has given me a very hard time about what is covered and what isn't. They only gave the owner of the trailer 500 dollars (the trailer is worth around $5,000), and what hurt even worse is that the insurance company did not want to cover the $6,790 bill for cleanup and towing of the trailer, and the storage fee of the trailer and dumpster of garbage from the crash, which ended up being around $1,500. Crazy! While all this was happening, my mind was spinning and going crazy, just trying to figure out how it was going to be paid, and when each number kept being relayed to me, I felt a huge burden building on my shoulders. I didn't know what to do. Fortunately, I'm surrounded by a wonderful church family who wants to share the burden. And share we did. However, the burden became so heavy, and the situation we were thrown into started weighing us all down. As a few of us approached our church, we got the approval to borrow some money, which we will pay back to the church through fundraisers, etc.

The bottom line is that the burden was getting heavy. When the church agreed to help us, the burden became light, in fact, just about gone, and when we finally paid the balance to the towing company (which finally stopped the 120 dollar/day storage fee) we felt quite free. It was wonderful.

I cannot help but think of the burden that sin puts in our lives. In Psalm 38:4 David talks about how heavy the burden of sin is. However, later in Psalm 68:19, David praises the Lord who takes the burden away! And we can praise our Lord Jesus Christ for that same thing. For, while we were yet sinners, Christ still died for us (Romans 5:8). In Matthew 11:30, after Christ pleads for the weary and heavy laden to come to Him, He tells us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. You see, sin causes a heavy burden on our hearts - because Romans 6:23 reminds us that the wages of sin are death. We know that we don't deserve Heaven. We know that we are not worthy of God - and it's true, because sin separates us from Him. However, the beautiful truth is that through Christ, we are saved. In Him we receive salvation. When we believe in His death for our salvation, the burden goes away, and we can walk around in freedom - with no weight on our shoulders. The burden is gone!

You may feel like you've been too bad to get to Heaven. You may feel like God could never love you because of what you've done. However, when you have Christ, and repent, and ask for the forgiveness of those sins, they're gone - and your past can no longer haunt you, or weigh you down. Let Him lift the burden... and stop carrying so much weight around.

Posted by Ben ><>

Thankful (a post-conference reflection...)

2011-07-11T00:52:00.011-04:00

"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings.
Wealth can never buy Your reward in heaven,
nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end."

Upon reflection of the past several weeks, and especially after attending our church conference this past week, I found the verses in the above hymn to be relevant and helpful during this time. I found that at times it may seem easier to focus on the negative and allow ourselves to be caught up in a feeling of despair, and the parts I put in bold reflect that feeling. However, the hope found after the bold parts in the verses and also in the chorus, are a great reminder of how we can re-focus and find the hope and direction we need during these confusing and possibly even depressing times...

Chorus: "Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done!
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

So here we go...

I am thankful for God and all his amazing attributes. The One who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever")

I am thankful for the Word of God, "which is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

I am thankful that this living and active Word is relevant as much today, as it was when it was first written, and that is without any correction, omission, or addition to any of its contents!

I am thankful for a God who is so grand, so completely beyond my comprehension that I could never fathom His greatness or even be worthy to stand in His presence. Yet, at the same time, know and understand that it is this very same God, who created the vast universe, that bids me to come to Him and talk (My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” NLT, Psalm 27:8), to converse with Him in prayer ("Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6) because He cares! He truly does! (Philippians 4:19 ^"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.")

I am thankful for a home church that knows how to preach the Word in truth and love, glory in the cross, and are dedicated to lifting up the banner of truth, which is found only through the careful study of God's Holy Word in it's entirety!

I am thankful for the family of believers who know how to lovingly hold each other accountable to the amazing truths found in God's Word, while keeping in mind that we walk hand in hand as we go to the cross, in a spirit of repentance, seeking forgiveness, turning from our old ways and thus, finding new life in the Spirit that only Jesus can give.

I am thankful for the faithful readers and followers of this blog, who have been more than patient with us here at "The thing of the day" while we are going through different life events that are keeping us from being entirely focused on this blog. I appreciate and covet your prayers as we seek to regain our focus and fulfill what God has called us to do, via this blog.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."
Deuteronomy 6:5-9

God's Protective Hand

2011-06-29T17:12:00.000-04:00

Here at "The Thing of the Day" blog we have a lot to be thankful for, especially in regards to our main writer and founder of the blog, Ben Godfrey. Ben does not know I am writing this, but I thought it would be appropriate to share since the news of what happened late last night has already made it's way onto facebook and many people have been wondering, praying, and praising God for keeping Ben, and the 3 others with him in his truck, safe last night. Here is the summary of what happened, which was sent out via the church email prayer chain:

"Yesterday, on the turnpike near Carlisle, while Ben Godfrey was using his truck to haul a trailer filled with supplies for Creation, a tractor trailer "rear-ended" and demolished the trailer Ben was hauling, as well as Ben's truck. Ben, Ian McKinnell and Alex Bahn were treated at Harrisburg Hospital and released. Ian's friend Ryan is still in Hershey Medical Center with an injury to his hand. Ben's truck and the trailer he was hauling were towed to Harrisburg. This morning several persons from the Creation group went to Harrisburg to salvage any usable supplies. The medics on the scene were surprised that anyone walked away from the accident. Praise: For God's protection of all the travelers. Prayer: For continued physical and emotional healing and for a fair insurance settlement."

Below is a picture of Ben's truck after the incident:

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

God definitely had his hand over them during this time. For those that saw the truck themselves, it was overwhelming to imagine that each of the boys were able to leave the accident with only minor injuries. We do ask for continued prayers for the one boy who did have his hand injured during the accident and for the whole group as the entire crew has decided to still travel tomorrow morning to Creation Festival in Mt. Union, PA.

Below is a picture of where Ben would have been sitting in the driver's seat:

Your thoughts please...

2011-06-22T23:19:00.003-04:00

Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.

Psalm 5:7

Below, I would like to present you with a very interesting and thought-provoking scenario and see what insights you might gleam from it...

This evening I went to a very popular and rather large Chinese Buffet Restaurant. While there, I noticed the decorations that you see gracing the interior design of a typical Chinese Restaurant. The beautiful drawings, decorations, and other displays that not only reflect the culture of the Chinese, but also one of their main religions, Buddhism.

I don't know about you, but I love to look at the art in Chinese Restaurants and I especially love it whenever they have the fish tanks and beautiful water displays with fountains or bridges.

As I was sitting there enjoying dinner, I recognized the music that was playing in the background. Although it definitely sounded like elevator music, it quickly became clear that it was a series of popular Christian worship music that I easily recognized. Songs like "Great is the Lord", "How Great Thou Art", "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" and more.

As I was trying to reconcile the fact that this type of music was being played within a setting that seemed contrary to it's purpose, I decided to ask the people who were with me what they thought and if they knew why this type of music was being played in the background. They told me the following...

Over 20 years ago this particular building use to be a "Jolly Roger" Restaurant and at that time it was a "hot spot" for church meetings, gatherings, etc., and was very much a American-style family restaurant. Thus, it's background music was "church music", the very same music still being used by the Chinese Restaurant today. Why the new owners never decided to change the music, which was apparently left behind, is a mystery... However, it could have been possible that they had decided to buy their own CD with the same type of music, in order to keep the same "atmosphere" because it had served the previous owners so well. Whatever the circumstances were, I am not sure and will most likely never know for sure.

In that moment, I also began to think that it was somewhat ironic that worship music was being played in this setting. But I soon stopped and realized that it could be possible that the owners are Christian, but simply had the typical Buddhist decorations out of respect for their culture. On the other hand, it could be possible that they simply did not recognize the songs that the instrumental CD was playing, and simply accepted it as great background music.

As I was contemplating the last idea I had come up with, I began to think more deeply about how easily, as Christians, we can slip into treating worship music as simply background music, rather than something holy and set apart.

As I sat there hearing the precious worship music being played in the background and treated as nothing more than "elevator music", I couldn't help but feel somewhat offended on behalf of God. I also thought of the fact that there are probably many who wouldn't recognize the songs and the music would mean absolutely nothing to them and thus, these worship songs, that were originally meant for worship of the One True and Most Holy God, become nothing more than background noise, amidst the noise of dinner conversations... On the other hand, I thought... what better music to have playing as you are talking and sharing with others.

This is where my mind strayed as I thought about this interesting situation.. what about yours?

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array."

1 Chronicles 16:29

What we deserve...

2011-06-16T12:22:00.001-04:00

"How many of you have read through the entire Bible, several times, within the past month? I know I have... numerous times."

This was said by Dr. David Menton as one of his beginning statements in his lecture, "Is Genesis Relevant in Today's World?"

When he first asked the question, "How many of you have read through the entire Bible, several times, within the past month?" I wish I could have seen everyone's faces.

I know for myself, it was that mix of... "I should be raising my hand right now, because as a good Christian, that statement should be true of me, although it does seem a little unrealistic, I don't know whether I care to admit that I have not even read the entire Bible within the past year... yikes."

But what came next was even more priceless and would have been an even better time to see the shocked looks on everyone's faces...

Dr. Menton then held up his Bible that he claimed to have read several times over the past month... It was a Bible with only 1 page inside, the rest of which had been taken out...

The shock factor was definitely in place. Everyone's minds racing and thinking, "He can't do that, that's the Holy Bible!"

However, what I loved most was the point he made from the shocking display, which was the following:

"We really only deserve one page of the Bible. We really only deserve the first 3 chapters." (click here to read)

He went on to point out that the reason we only deserve the first 3 chapters is because of how the 3rd chapter of Genesis ends... with the Paradise Lost and God's Judgement. It should have ended there. At that point, God was completely justified in wanting to get rid of these dreadful humans that could not obey one simple command. He could have easily wiped it all away and started all over again some where else, and never given us another chance...

But He, in His amazing love and patience, did not... instead He proceeded give us the rest of the 900 some pages of the Bible, which are the continuing story of how God, in His love for us, has worked to fix our mistakes, and redeem what humans had destroyed.

He went on to point out how essential and important those first 3 chapters are to our understanding of God, our doctrine, theology, views on marriage, sin, death and the Gospel. But many times we skim over or do not even take time to truly study and learn from those beginning chapters and even just the first 11 verses of Chapter 1 (click to read Genesis 1:1-11), which are so essential to understanding who God is and how He made His creation.

I'll leave you with one of the beautiful connections he made between the truth of the Gospel presented in Genesis 3:15 and how it was and will be fulfilled in 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, through the offspring of a woman, Jesus Christ. The Son of God and man, who crushed Satan under His feet at the cross and will deliver the final blow against death, which entered the world through that first sin by Adam & Eve, when He returns.

Genesis 3:15

¹⁵ And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
      and between your offspring and her offspring.
   He will strike your head,
      and you will strike his heel.

1 Corinthians 15:25-26

²⁵ For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.

There is hope... even during the most trying of circumstances.

2011-06-03T21:38:00.000-04:00

My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart
   and my portion forever.   (Psalm 73:26)

Amen and Amen. What an encouragement this scripture is to me right now.

First, allow me to apologize for not getting posts up recently and secondly, may I request your prayers as well? This past month I have been dealing with being consistently sick for all but 5 days out of this past month of May. However, I did finally receive answer whenever I went to the doctor this week and he explained what the problem is and how to go about treating it. Granted, I am thankful for that, however, the medicine he has me on has the effect of making things worse before they get better. Isn't that how it goes though? haha. Needless to say, even as I am typing this, my brain is rather foggy and not able to concentrate very well. I apologize now for any weird typos or random comments made... This would be a prime time to factor in Colossians 3:3^"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

All that was said not to complain (I apologize if it comes across that way) but as a way to share and hopefully relate to any of you readers who have maybe felt the same way before or are maybe currently dealing with sickness in what ever form.

As I was thinking about what I was dealing with, all that kept coming to mind was how I am amazed with others who have much worse sicknesses to deal with, yet seem to have the best attitudes, and I have to admit, probably better than my attitude has been these past several weeks.

This situation has also caused me to think of my Dad a lot and about how he dealt with brain cancer, as well as with seizures, for over 2 years, during which time he did have his down moments, but over all he displayed such child-like faith and truth in God and displayed a an amazing joy that could not have been explained, other than by his new-found faith in the Lord.

It seems like my Dad was able to grasp and relate to James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I cannot wait for the day when all sickness, disease and death will be gone forever and we will be enjoying the glorious peace of God's presence forever, but until then we will face trials of many kinds, but ... what did Jesus say?

   Jesus said "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There is hope, life, truth... in the red letters...

Looking for good scripture memory songs? Not just for kids...

2011-05-27T15:03:00.002-04:00

Recently, to steal the line from Sara Groves song The Word (below), I have been thinking that "it's time I rediscover all the ground that I have covered, like seek ye first what a verse..." and I have begun to remember more and more of the scripture memory songs that my wonderful Grandma Ruby taught me as a child. I cannot tell you how helpful they have been whenever I am going to pray for something or just dwelling on a decision, and all of the sudden God's Word pops into my head via the songs Grandma Ruby taught us, and it helps to give me wisdom and peace for any situation.

Some of you may have your own scripture memory songs, but I just wanted to share the ones that have really helped me, in case you want to learn them for yourself or teach them to your kids or kids you may know! In any case, let's get the Word of God, which is alive and well, out there! Hebrews 4:12...

¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Here is the youtube link to the Scripture Memory Songs I am referring to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvIXHG9HEFU&NR=1

*They may sound a little "old school" but you may be able to just teach the melodies (which are catchy) on their own or find updated versions on the companies website (click here)

Some of my favorites are the following: (each has a link to go to their video on youtube)

"If You Abide in Me", "Romans 8:28", "Fruit of the Spirit (Love, Joy, and Peace), "The Lord is my Light", "If we walk in the light" ,

"The Word" by Sara Groves - great song about the importance of knowing God's Word...

"I've done every devotional
Been every place emotional
Trying to hear a new word from God
And I think it's very odd
That while I attempt to help myself
My Bible sits upon my shelf
With every promise I could ever need

And the Word was
And the Word is
And the Word will be

People are getting fit for truth
Like they're buying a new tailored suit
Does it fit across the shoulders
Does it fade when it get older
We throw ideas that aren't in style
In the Salvation Army pile
And search for something more to meet our needs

I think it's time I rediscover
All the ground that I have covered,
Like seek ye first what a verse
We are pressed but not crushed
Perplexed but don't despair
We are persecuted but not abandoned

We are no longer slaves
We are daughters and sons
And when we are weak we are very strong
And neither death nor life nor present

Nor future nor depth nor height
Can keep us from the love of Christ
And the Word I need is the Word that was
Who put on flesh to dwell with us
In the beginning

The Sun Still Shines

2011-05-23T18:33:00.000-04:00

If you live in South Central Pennsylvania, you know that we have had a lot of rain lately. I mean, we've really had large amounts of drenching, pouring, wet, watery, rain. (Don't ask me what kind of rain isn't watery). As of last Thursday night, we were 9.5 inches above normal in precipitation this year. That's a pretty significant amount! It's especially disheartening for the farmers who have been desperately trying to get out into their fields to plant beans, corn, and what have you.

So, we've had lots of rain, and as you most likely realize, most often when it is raining, it is pretty cloudy. The streaks of days with no sunshine have led to people saying the joke when the sun does come out of "what is that bright yellow thing in the sky?" We actually had a customer come into the butcher shop who lived in Seattle for a while, and they said that this is pretty much what Seattle is like! And I thought, "Man, that would be depressing! No sunshine for days upon days! Seemingly constant rain. How could I live? It was be so gloom!" It's interesting to think about how grim the earth appears when that sun isn't pouring it's light upon it. What's interesting to me though, is that that while the rain pours down, while the clouds cover the sky, the sun is in fact, still shining.

We are eye witnesses to this when we take a flight somewhere and it happens to be a cloudy or rainy day. The plane makes its way into the sky, through the clouds, above the clouds, and what do we see? A bright, sunny, perfect day. I think it's pretty fascinating to go through that transition so quickly in a plane! So, while below, we may be in the mucky glum of another cloudy day, above all that moisture, is the bright sun, still shining. It's pretty faithful.

The same is true with our Lord. No matter what is going on in our lives, He is there. No matter how bright or dim our circumstances seem, God is always shining. Here's a passage from Jeremiah 23:23-24 -

“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD."

God is everywhere. He is always there, and He is always caring. God loves you and cares about every detail of your life - no matter how alone you may feel. The clouds in your life may come, and they may seem overwhelming. But, I assure you, God will continue to shine.

Posted by Ben ><>

Let Your Words fall like rain...

2011-05-20T18:11:00.004-04:00

¹ Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;
   hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.
² Let my teaching fall like rain
   and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
   like abundant rain on tender plants.
³ I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
   Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
⁴ He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
   and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
   upright and just is he.

All I really wanted to share was the scripture itself. I had come across this scripture in a book I was reading this week and it jumped out at me. It was one of those moments where I thought, "How did I not see this before?!" I love how God's Word is always new and exciting and is continually teaching me new things!

Just like the idea of prayer being just as essential to our lives as the daily act of breathing in and out (from yesterdays blog below), I found this analogy about the Words of God falling upon us like rain or dew, to be an amazing and tremendously helpful visual aid in how we perceive and understand the importance of God's Word in our lives and how much a part of us it should be.

I pray that it was encouraging to you and way for you to view the Word of God in a new and exciting way.

One more point I just realized as I read over the scriptures was this... it was not until after the writer listened, I mean really listened and allowed the word's of God to completely saturate their heart like falling rain, were they able to adequately praise and tell about the amazing God they serve (in verses 3,4).

Did you remember to breathe today?

2011-05-19T10:11:00.017-04:00

To you, that may seem like a silly question and a silly reminder (in the picture to the left) but to me, it is one that I have been contemplating a lot lately. I mean, have you ever stopped to think about how essential breathing really is? As a voice teacher, this really hits me while I am reminding my students to consciously think about their breathing while singing. They know that when they are singing, they need to be very aware of how deeply and how often they are breathing. In singing, it becomes a conscious, focused effort, to be concentrating on the very thing that we all take for granted and usually do not think twice about doing.

So, you may be wondering, why the focus on breathing? I think we all understand the most obvious reason of why breathing is so important...

If we cease breathing, we cease to live.

Let's really think about that fact: When we fill up our lungs, we take in a gas called oxygen, which then passes from the air and circulates all throughout our blood and helps sustain our life. We need oxygen so that we can use the energy in the food we eat. It is the oxygen which we breathe in without ceasing, that helps keep us alive.

Hold onto the above statement, we will be returning to it later...

"It is the oxygen, which we breathe in, without ceasing, that helps keep us alive." Breathing without ceasing is something that comes completely natural to us and one we tend to take completely for granted. Stop and take a moment to really think about how often you breathe... Ask the question, "Do you have to constantly tell yourself, 'Now Rhonda, don't forget to breathe... you know it is important..." Well, do you?! No, we just do it! It is such an essential part of how our body functions every day, that we do it without thinking, thus without ceasing.

Wow! Are you beginning to realize how essential breathing is and how often we take it for granted? That it so much a part of us and how we function every day, that we breathe without having to force ourselves to think about it, and that we must do it, without ceasing, in order for us to truly live?

Now, I want you think about this... 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tell us to... Pray without ceasing...

Do you see the connection? Prayer, like breathing, is one of the very things we take for granted. However, we usually forget to do it, because we are not thinking of how essential it is to our daily living, and yet we must do it, without ceasing, in order to truly live...

Now, check out this crazy fact: "A human breathes about 20 times per minute, taking in 13 pints of air during that time."

Prayer should be as much of a natural part of our everyday life as our need to breathe in and out "20 times per minute."

In order for this to be true, it means that we are praying/communing with God, as often as we breathe in and out those "20 times per minute."

This means that we have come to the place where our spirit is so in tune with God (via studying His messages to us in the Bible) that we are breathing in and out the spirit of God at the same rate we are breathing in and out the life-sustaining oxygen in the air around us.

Now, below is the statement I told you we would return to later, changed only slightly...

When we fill up our lungs with the Spirit of God, we take in His presence, called the Holy Spirit, which then passes from the air and circulates all throughout our body and helps sustain our life. We need the Spirit of God so that we can use the energy found in the food we eat (aka "our daily bread"/ Word of God). It is the amazing truths about God, which we breathe in without ceasing, that help keep us alive.

If we cease praying, we cease to live.

What is your message?

2011-05-18T12:36:00.000-04:00

(the picture is just for fun, but might get you thinking a little. It's from 1979, and was created by Tom Shadyac, director of the following movies - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Patch Adams, The Nutty Professor and Evan Almighty)

"Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength."
--1 Corinthians 1:20-25

About a week ago, I was challenged by a fellow brother in Christ about a decision I have made recently in dealing with a situation I've come across in being a licensed minister. (actually, I'm currently not licensed, but in the process of switching my license from Indiana to Pennsylvania, and hoping it works out!) We actually were talking about something else, but it turned to the situation I'm dealing with right now (sorry to be so vague). The bottom line is that my fellow brother in Christ wondered if the decision I made was the right one. He questioned me, saying, "If you are a preacher of the Gospel, is this the right thing to do?" (Again, I'm being vague, but I'll get to the point.) I had to think about what he was saying... And one of the things I couldn't give him an answer of was are the people in the situation I'm working with born again believers? I was ashamed to admit I didn't know for sure... I know they attend church... but are they believers, and are they using that belief (or unbelief) to guide them in the situation we're in? I am good at letting people know what I believe, but I'm not always good at finding out what they believe.

So, I was thankful for my brother to challenge me about this. Because he kept saying, "If you are a preacher of the Gospel..." It caused me to think about the responsibility I have as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ... It's big stuff... And I need to weigh decisions I make carefully, as I am representing the Savior who died for me on the cross. But... not just because I preach from the pulpit sometimes. But, because I am a born again believer. I am a representative of His grace. I am a reflection (or I should be) of His love.

I don't mean that we need to take 4 years to make any decision we have to make. Sometimes decisions can be made quickly. But, do we keep the Gospel in mind as we decide what events we will attend? Do we think of Christ when we put on the clothes we wear? Are we remembering what He did for us when we type in the websites we visit, or the links we click? Are we promoting Christ in the directions we look? The real question is, if we all are preachers of the Gospel (which as born again believers, we should be), what is the message we are preaching?

It caused me to ponder what I'm preaching. Hypocrisy? Favoritism? Selfishness? Or instead, self-sacrifice, love, forgiveness, and grace? What is your message?

Posted by Ben ><>

No Thing this week...

2011-05-14T23:07:00.000-04:00

Well folks, for the first time since September 2007, the Thing has gone an entire week without having any posts. Rhonda has been sick, and I, well, I don't really have any good excuses. I do want you to know that we haven't given up on you. We still are going to run this thing. But, this week was just a bad week (in the sense of getting posts posted). So, bear with us as we reevaluate, start posting again, and get back to running this blog the way it should be run. We apologize for any inconvenience!

We pray that you feel blessed by the Lord, and bask in His grace and glory each day, remembering that it is by His death we are saved. And that is what matters :) Rejoice!

Posted by Ben ><>

7 x 70

2011-05-06T21:49:00.000-04:00

^"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.^"Matthew 18:21-22

(click here to read the lyrics to the song)

I know this song spoke volumes to me whenever I first heard it. It reminded me of my own childhood issues with forgiveness and how easily those we love the most, can be the ones we find the hardest to forgive.

As a child, I always struggled with the fact that I seemed to be at my worst when I was around my family and that always bothered me. Do you ever notice that you are quicker to be short-tempered with immediate family before those outside the family, like friends or distant relatives? I know I have ,and it drove me crazy. What was it about my immediate family that seemed to bring out the worst in me? As I try to think back on that, I believe it came down to the fact that we had spent so much time together and went through some much together, that there were issues of unforgiveness that were simply swept under the rug, left to fester and thus, cause petty issues to become big issues later on. Do you know what I'm talking about? Ya know the times whenever simple issues like leaving something out of place or forgetting to do something, becomes a huge deal, simply because of the built of anger of days gone by that have never really been forgotten... or fully forgiven...

I think we all need to take moments to step back and re-evaluate, even the closest relationships in our lives, and make sure that we are showing absolute love and unconditional forgiveness to even the ones that have hurt us the most. This song is a great reminder of that.

7 x 70 times was never meant to be a literal number ,but as a way to remind us that we are to forgive as Christ has forgiven us, and when we put it into that perspective... there should be no limit to our forgiveness. Let's pull down the forgiveness that Christ offers us and offer it to those around us, even the ones who get the most under our skin for one reason or another. Remember, if you cannot forgive someone else, how can your heavenly father forgive you? (Matthew 6:14 " For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.")

Great scriptures about forgiveness:

"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends." Proverbs 17:9

^"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 18:32-35 (click here to read the full parable of the unmercifiul servant that this is taken from)

Blind

2011-05-04T14:45:00.002-04:00

“Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." Matthew 23:16-26

Today's text comes from a passage of scripture where Jesus is kind of going on a rant about the Pharisees and the hypocrisy that exists in their lives/hearts. In verse 4 of chapter 23, Christ mentions how they like to put heavy loads on peoples' shoulders, but won't lift a finger themselves to do anything. This section is intriguing, because we can definitely see that Christ is fired up about this - and if it's something that he is noticeably fired up about, then I think we should definitely take notice!

It appears in this section that Jesus is focusing on basically the Pharisees telling the people to live one way, while they live the other way. Many times in this passage, Jesus refers to the Pharisees as "blind." If someone said what Christ said about them about you, there's a good chance you may be a bit offended. When he calls them blind guides, I think of what Jesus said elsewhere, that when the blind lead the blind, they end up in a pit. It may seem harsh when he speaks about the Pharisees, but it is true that they were blind. The cause of their blindness was self-righteousness, pride, and basically selfishness. They continually chose themselves over the will of God. They became so hung up on following rules, and thinking that they were good because of it, that they became "better" in their own minds than everyone else.

What about you? Have you ever been blind? I have known some people (and know some presently) who are stuck in these really stinky situations... and most of the time, the solution to get out of the problem is quite easy. However, because they're in the situation, living in it, spinning their wheels while they journey through, it's hard for them to see how simple the solution really is - Perhaps they're involved in something that is clearly outside of the will of God... But, since they've been stuck in it so long, it's hard for them to see. I know that I have experienced this. And you know how I was finally able to see? A dear brother in the Lord talked to me about the dilemma, and forced me to say things out loud about it... and suddenly, I realized how dumb I had been, and how easy it was to go the right way. I was blind when I was stuck in the problem!

So, there is a chance that your friends who are trying to help you out in a situation actually aren't crazy. If they are believers, and genuinely are seeking the best for you, sometimes it's easier for them to see while you're still refusing to take the blindfold off of your face. To think of things a little differently, maybe there's someone you know who is still blind, and you've been avoiding showing them the truth - which will help them to see. It's not always very easy... We might offend them. We might lose them as our friend. But, if we are really a friend to them, we will care enough to help them to see. After we try this (through the assistance of the Holy Spirit, and definitely the Bible!) it's up to them... but if no one helps a blind person to get around, there's a good chance they're going to end up lost.

So, be conscious of the fact that it is possible you are blind... Is what you're doing lining up with scripture? Have you prayed to God and received clear guidance from Him that does not conflict His character or His word? And pray for the opportunities and the strength to help out our friends who are blind. Because I can tell you, when you're living with the blindfold on, sometimes somebody has to yank it off to help you see. Let's let the blind see.

Posted by Ben ><>

Blessings...

2011-05-02T12:27:00.001-04:00

I know we just shared a video for our last post, but I have been so blessed by the words to this song that I had to share it! Let me know your thoughts and how this song rings true in your life... (click here)

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home,
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Lyrical Thursday

2011-04-28T23:09:00.002-04:00

So, I've been pretty slacking basically since the new year on The Thing. And tonight is no exception. So, tonight I'm going to share some lyrics with you. Have you ever heard a song a bunch of times but never really listen to it? This happened with me with Third Day's song "Children of God." I finally actually listened to the words the other day, and they're pretty stinking good. So, here they are!

Third Day - "Children of God"

Praise to the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Our God and our King, to Him we will sing
In His great mercy, He has given us life
Now we can be called the children of God

Great is the Love that the Father has given us
He has delivered us
He has delivered us

Children of God, sing your song and rejoice
For the love that He has given us all
Children of God, by the blood of His Son
We have been redeemed and we can be called
Children of God
Children of God

A mystery is revealed to the universe
The Father above has proven His love
Now we are free from the judgment that we deserve
And so we are called the children of God

Great is the Love that the Father has given us

He has delivered us

Children of God, sing your song and rejoice

For the Love that He has given us all

Children of God, by the blood of His Son

We have been redeemed and we can be called

Children of God

We are the saints
We are the children
We've been redeemed
We've been forgiven
We are the sons and daughters of our God

Children of God, sing your song and rejoice

For the Love that He has given us all

Children of God, by the blood of His Son

We have been redeemed and we can be called

Children of God

Posted by Ben ><>

"Where do we go from here?"

2011-04-26T20:19:00.004-04:00

^"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

What a great Easter weekend! I was truly blessed by our church's Easter sunrise and regular service this past Sunday! He is Alive!

How about you? Do you have any great experiences from Easter weekend that you would like to share? What is something special that your church did that really spoke to you and helped you to think about and appreciate Easter in a new way? (click here to share)

On another note, now that Easter has come and gone, that also means that the Partner to Remember: Philippians has come to a close. The originator of the idea, Timmy Brister, brings up a great point on his blog when he asks, "Where do we go from here?" Let me highlight his encouraging message...

"I know that there are many of you who are still working on finishing the book of Philippians, and I strongly encourage you to press on. The 16-week schedule was employed simply as a guide and template to provide accountability and challenge you to press on in memorizing Scripture. The rewards and dividends of treasuring the Scripture in your heart and life will multiply in the weeks, months, and years to come."

Amen and Amen! I couldn't agree more! He goes on to encourage us to keep reviewing Philippians and to set it aside thinking that it's just one more thing off our check-list! As always, scripture is best understood by studying over and over again the same passage, each time asking God for clarity and guidance from the Holy Spirit to help you read with fresh eyes! It's amazing how you can read the same passage, yet each time you read it, the Lord uses it in different ways! Praise God for His Living Word!

However, Mr. Brister gives us yet another challenge that I am excited about! He would like to know, "Which book of the Bible should P2R seek to undertake?" You can cast your vote by going to his website (click here) and choosing from the following: Galatians, Colossians, 1 John, 1 Peter, Sermon on the Mount. What would you choose?

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:16,17

Good Friday?!

2011-04-22T23:36:00.005-04:00

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,

sorrow and love flow mingled down.

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Did you catch the paradox in the above words?

How about in the term Good Friday?!

How could a day filled with such grief and turmoil possibly be called "Good"?!

On this mournful day we are filled with sadness, yet when we realize that we were shown the depth of God's love for all mankind on this very same day, we are also filled with joy?! How can this be? How can such love and sorrow meet?

On Easter Sunday morning, we will be sharing the song, "The Look" at our church for the sunrise service, and I believe that the final verse to this song, which can come across as being the most confusing, explains the paradox that was displayed on Good Friday...

Thus while His death my sin displays
For all the world to view
Such is the mystery of grace
It seals my pardon too
With pleasing grief and mournful joy
My spirit now is filled
That I should such a life destroy
Yet live by Him I killed

Within that one verse we experience all the emotions that "Good Friday" displays. To explain, let me share what it is that I am thinking when I sing or hear these verses being sung...

SHAME - For my sins, which are the very reason that He, the God of all creation, had to die on the cross. At the cross, every sin that had been, would be, and was currently being committed, was displayed for all the world to view, as Jesus' arms were opened wide and He took on all of them, once and for all, out of His deep love for us and tremendous hatred for sin.

AWE - I am in awe at the mystery of how this very same God can look upon me, and by His Son's sacrificial death, still love me! I am amazed that He would not only die for me, but continues to work in my life by sealing my pardon, forgiving me of all my sins, comforting me with His Holy Spirit, guiding and directing me, and so much more, all for one as unworthy as I!

EMOTIONAL TURMOIL - How can I be pleased yet filled with grief?! What does it mean to have mournful joy?! At the cross, I am face to face with pleasing grief. It pleased God to send His Son yet grieved Him at the same time. I am to respond in the same way. I rejoice in the new life He gives, but that is only part of my response. If I fully understand what He did for me that day on Calvary, than I am more than pleased, I am also sorrowful that my God had to die for my sins. I am filled with mournful joy with the realization that while I can rejoice in my Redeemer, I also mourn at the fact that His sacrifice and nail scarred hands are what had to been done in order to save the world from the darkness of sin.

Finally, in the midst of all this emotional turmoil, I stand torn and humbled at the realization that my sins are what put Him on that tree, while at the same time my spirit is (amazingly) filled with the peace that passes all understanding when I think about how it was His love that kept Him there, rather than calling 10,000 thousands angels, who were waiting at His command.

Below is a recent version of Isaac Watts beloved hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and I believe it contains words that help us to wrestle with the best way to respond to this amazing and complex love that God displayed so willingly at the cross.

Isaac Watts wrote "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" in preparation for a communion service in 1707. What an appropriate response! If you can't watch the video or would simply like to ponder the verses more deeply, they are below the video. This version omits verse 2, but I believe it is just as important to dwell on and pray about it.

1. When I survey the wondrous cross 
 on which the Prince of Glory died; 
 my richest gain I count but loss, 
 and pour contempt on all my pride. 

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, 
 save in the death of Christ, my God; 
 all the vain things that charm me most, 
 I sacrifice them to his blood. 

3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, 
 sorrow and love flow mingled down. 
 Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, 
 or thorns compose so rich a crown. 

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine, 
 that were an offering far too small; 
 love so amazing, so divine, 
 demands my soul, my life, my all.

Great Testimony! Had to share...

2011-04-21T10:24:00.001-04:00

I was made aware of this wonderful woman's testimony and had to share! I don't know about you, but I love listening to the testimonies of those who have lived their lives dedicated to Christ. It's inspiring, because their passion and love for Jesus shines through their very countenance.

I encourage you to take every chance you can get to talk to the older saints around you and ask them about their life journey with God! I guarantee you will be blessed and if they seem uncertain, that opens the door for you to have an encouraging conversation with them about God and even pray and share scripture with them!

I recently asked my Junior high Sunday School class to find an older person in the congregation and ask them 5 "tough" faith questions, all centering around their faith journey with God. I am excited to hear what they have learned!

It is good to remember that each persons testimony, no matter how grand or seemingly "dull" (for lack of a better word) are each a cause for tremendous celebration in the eyes of God! Including yours! Some of us get hung up on the fact that our testimony is not as exciting as others and so we shy away from sharing, but I hope we come to realize that is not true! I have met many an older saint who had a simple story of how they grew up in the church and loved God and nothing really "exciting" happened, but the truth of the matter was, that the most exciting part of all, is that they loved God, with all their hearts, and desired to follow Him! So, be blessed and encouraged by this missionary doctors testimony! The video is long but I encourage you to watch it, maybe at different times and whenever you get the opportunity to do so.

¹⁴ As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

¹⁵ My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
   of your saving acts all day long—
   though I know not how to relate them all.
¹⁶ I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;
   I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
¹⁷ Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
   and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
¹⁸ Even when I am old and gray,
   do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
   your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:14-18

Dumber than Donkeys

2011-04-20T11:39:00.002-04:00

"They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” "I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

--Luke 19:35-44

I know that Palm Sunday was already three days ago, but thinking about it is still fresh in my mind. So, I'm going to post about it. I think with Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, what I forget about most easily is the fact that there was such a dramatic swing in the people's attitudes toward Christ in such a short amount of time. So, let's think about Palm Sunday. What happens in your church? Are there palm branches all over the place? Do the kids do some kind of processional? If so, this imitates what happened when Jesus entered Jerusalem, with people placing cloaks, and palm branches on the road for his limousine, er, DONKEY, to ride over. It was what people did for a king. And the people were acknowledge Jesus Christ as their King - Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! They called Him the son of David (and that's King David, who God promised to keep the kingdom in his family line forever). It was clear that these people loved Christ, that they knew He was something special. The Pharisees were even scared to do something to Christ because as it says later in the chapter, they knew that the people "hung on His every word." Hanging on someone's every word - that sounds like love to me!

However, things change quickly. The people change from worshiping Christ as the King, to condemning Him as a criminal. They end up sending Him to the cross, while releasing an actual criminal in the trial with Pilate (who himself began recognizing there was something special about Christ). It's really pretty mind boggling to think about - the fact that Christ was hailed, and then had his hands and feet nailed. The people exalted Him, and then executed Him. In our church on Sunday, we tried to display this irony as in the start of the service, we had Jesus go down the aisle on a donkey (a fake one! Didn't want any road apples), with palm branches everywhere - while the kids sang a song of praise for Jesus. Although not exactly like it was that day, it gave us all the feel that this Jesus was great, and that He was worthy of praise. Later in the service though, things took a change. We did a skit to a song called "Your Great Name," by Natalie Grant. We looked at the song from the viewpoint of Mary his mother... and we acted out the crucifixion, complete with beating Christ, nailing Him to the cross, and carrying Him out after He died. Naturally, this too was not as gruesome as Christ's actual beatings and death, but again, we got the idea of the change in emotions of the people... and here was our Savior, our King, being nailed to a tree for nothing that He did. I actually was a soldier in the skit, and nailed our Jesus character to the cross... and it affected me a little bit... As I acted, I could feel rage inside of me, hitting the nails hard. Is this what happens when I choose sin over Christ?

I realize that we are not much different than the Jewish people of Christ's day who didn't truly get it. They worshiped Him as their King - and then crucified Him. We're pretty good at having good moments with Christ, whether it's church, personal Bible time, or whatever... but in a snap, we choose sin over God, and throw Jesus out the window so to speak, treating His grace and mercy like a roll of toilet paper. I think that Christ followers do this to Him constantly - and it should not be so. I think it's a conflict of interests... We love Christ - but we don't let go of the things we love more. We need to have Christ increase, and the other muck decrease... until we're muck-less! Praise Christ that in His death on the cross, and in trusting in it for our salvation, we are see muck-free by God... but will we continue kicking Christ to the curb while living on earth? We should not desire to do so.

So, in thinking of Palm Sunday, and the change in the people through Easter Sunday, challenge yourself this week to say "NO!" to whatever sin you want to delve into. Shut the door on Satan, and open the door wide to Christ. Treat Him as your King - in all you do, in all you say, and in all you think about.

Posted by Ben ><>

caNoT COmPuTE!

2011-04-18T19:07:00.000-04:00

Oh, technology. Pretty awesome stuff, right? Let's think about it for a bit. We've got high definition TVs that allow us to see the fans in the background of baseball games picking their noses. Pretty high quality! Then we've got computers. I mean c'mon, when you really think about all they can do, it's pretty mind boggling. Even as you read this post, isn't it remarkable that you're looking at a screen that's producing an image? And... you're on the internet? I mean, how does that even work? It's pretty crazy to think about really. What's even more crazy is how quickly everything is developing. One of those areas of a rapid pace of change is cell phones.

It's difficult to buy a plain old cell phone these days... Like, if you just want to actually make CALLS with your PHONE. (Ironic that phones have really turned into anything but phone conversations) Since I wanted to be able to take video with my phone, the most recent phone I purchased had to be one of these newfangled "smart phones." I don't know what makes it so smart... I mean, don't get me wrong, it can do a lot I guess (it's no iphone) but smart, really? Anyway, I'll admit that it's a cool phone, what with it's touch screen and ability to access the internet and whatnot. I really don't care about all the extras though. I really just need a phone to be able to talk on, and well, I'll admit that I also text a lot. This brings me to the title of today's post. I'm amazed that while these phones are so amazing, and capable of doing so many things, that my phone practically has a conniption when I try to send a text when a text is coming in. The phone almost freezes up, and the sending of the text fails. If I try again right after that, it says "sending error" or something like that. It just cracks me up that this phone which actually can do a lot, can't handle doing two things at once.

So, is all this technology that amazing anyway? What about our God? Let's get back to Genesis.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. (read the rest of Genesis 1 by clicking here).

So, yeah, God created the earth, the universe, and all that jazz, so what? Well, first off, it truly is AMAZING, incredible, and unfathomable that God could create this ball of dirt we live on... What's even better though, is that all He had to do to get the job done was to speak. God spoke the universe into existence. I think that's a bit better than any fancy whosiwhatzit we can buy at a store. The next time you see a sunset, or a flowing river, or a mountain, or some rolling hills, ponder on God... Understand that the God you worship is the One who made all you see... just because He said so. If you live in an area where you experience a drastic difference in the seasons, I feel like this shows even more how cool God is in the creation He has made.

So, sure, be amazed by technology... It does some amazing stuff. But, don't forget about God. And don't treat technology as something that's even more incredible than God speaking the earth and the universe into existence. And then He created us... and then He sent His son to die for us... and this list goes on and on. While technology is limited, God is not.

-----------------------------------------------------------

... here's a quotation from the book, Evolution, A Theory in Crisis

"Molecular biology has shown that even the simplest of all living systems on earth today, bacterial cells, are exceedingly complex. Although the tiniest bacterial cells are incredibly small, weighing less than 10-12gms, each is in effect a veritable micro-miniaturized factory containing thousands of exquisitely designed pieces of intricate molecular machinery, made up altogether of one hundred thousand million atoms, far more complicated than any machine built by man and absolutely without parallel in the nonliving world."

Posted by Ben ><>

Light on a Wall

2011-04-14T17:58:00.002-04:00

A little over three years ago, I posted about finishing drywall on The Thing of the Day. I can't believe it was that long ago, but it was. And even though I posted about it then, I'm going to again now. Because my angle is slightly different... and you don't remember what I wrote then anyway ;)

I've been working in my friend's basement here and there for the past few weeks, trying to help him finish it. A bunch of us helped him frame it up, and then we got together to hang drywall. But, when it comes to finishing the drywall with the drywall mud, well, it seems that people start running away. Okay, so it's not that bad, but finishing drywall is something a lot of people don't have the patience for. So, Alex (former Thing writer) and I did the finish mudding in the basement.

Before when I talked about putting mud on the walls, I referred to how you need to shine a light on the finished product, to see where you need to sand. The light reveals all of the imperfections, and exposes what needs to be smoothed out. I didn't mention before the notion of putting wet mud on the wall, with a light shining while doing it. Since this basement has poor lighting, I was carrying a bright light around, and shining it on the wall, where I was doing my mudding. This proved two things - 1) It forced me to do a better job right away, allowing me to remove the imperfections while the mud was still wet, and 2) It taught me that I'd rather mud without the light, because I'm a perfectionist enough that it took a little bit longer, since I could see all the imperfections.

So, I would have rather mudded without the light. Why? Because it would have been easier. I wouldn't have seen the wrong things I was doing, and I could have been satisfied just moving onto the next seem in the wall. Interesting. I wonder if that's how we try to live our lives sometimes? 1 Corinthians 4:4-6 states, "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." You see, even though the light is not shining, the imperfection is still there... and God knows that it is there.

I think we try to hide our imperfections and the sin that we live in by not allowing LIGHT to shine on us. We don't examine the actions we take, and the choices we make with the Light of Christ shining on us... Which will show us what need smoothed out, what needs removed, and where we may be failing Him. And how can we do this? I think if we bathe our decisions in prayer, if we keep reading the scriptures, and simply stay close to God, the Light will shine... The Spirit living inside us will speak to us, revealing what honors Him and what does not. Let us be not satisfied with living in the dark corners. Shine the Light - not when the deed is already done, but during our action - and before... and when we live, allowing His Light to reveal, we can avoid a lot of self inflicted turmoil. Let Him shine. Let Him lead. Let Him in.

Posted by Ben ><>

Be the Bunny?

2011-04-13T14:31:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend, I went to Dallastown High School's production of the musical "Urinetown." That's right, it is called Urinetown, as in pee. I wasn't sure what to expect of a musical with such a title, but the writers of the musical knew that, and even the first lines of the musical talk about how weird it is to do a musical with "urine" in the title.

The musical takes place in a town that has been experiencing a twenty year drought. Because of the drought, the authorities combined with a company called the "UGC" (Urine Good Company) decided to outlaw private restrooms, forcing everyone to pay to use the "amenities." (Which are public restrooms) Each day, the citizens have to pay for the "privilege to pee." Naturally, the citizens are getting more poor all the time, and can barely afford to go to the bathroom. If caught going to the bathroom anywhere else that is not one of these public amenities, the citizen is promptly arrested, and then sent to "Urinetown." In case you ever see the musical, I won't spoil what "Urinetown" actually is, but needless to say, there is a lot of corruption involved.

So, you've got this poor town, paying to use the bathroom, and as you might expect, the UGC is run by an evil man who is all about making money off of the poor citizens. His company is huge, and he is filthy rich. His name is Caldwell B. Cladwell. In the musical, his kindhearted daughter returns from college, and starts working for his company. Having the good heart she does, she begins questioning whether or not the company is actually a good company. Her dad then sings a song to her called, "Don't be the Bunny."

(Hang with me folks!) The song is all about how Cladwell views people as bunnies. All people are just bunnies, and it really doesn't matter what you do to them. You don't need to feel guilty about it, because they're really just animals. The song is interesting as this villain sings about how much people don't matter, and in one part of the song, he says, "Don't be the bunny. Don't be the shoe. You don't get stepped on - no the one who steps is you!"

I couldn't help but think about Satan, and how I feel like he is constantly trying to step on us. Here we are, living as believers, and he's always trying to throw lies in our face that we're worthless, that we don't matter. He is constantly trying to take us away from God, and trying to crush us... and we allow ourselves to be stepped on too. In some of the choices we make, we allow Satan to keep that shoe on our heads, with the ability to SMASH at any second. But really... does it need to be that way?

I think about some early text in the Bible, from Genesis. "So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspringand hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” When Satan, as the serpent, lied to Adam and Eve, and single handedly caused the fall of man, God cursed him. God told him that he would crawl on his belly, and eat dust. And the offspring of the woman will crush his head. Not only is this literally true (a pretty easy way to crush a snake is to stomp on its head, and they do slither on their bellies), but this is also true in other ways... Jesus Christ is offspring of Eve. In His death on the cross, He crushed the head of Satan forever, so that his tricky ways no longer can separate us from Him forever. When we trust in Christ's death to save us, we are His. We crush the head of Satan, reminding him that he has no power over us.

So, the title may be weird, because in a way, we're bunnies who are constantly at odds of being crushed by Satan. However, our roles reverse when through Christ, we, the bunnies are able to stand up to the crusher, and smash his head through the blood and grace of Christ. That ol' Devil has no power over us. Let us smash his head, and explain to others that they no longer need to be crushed either!

Posted by Ben ><>

seeing with imagination

2011-04-12T14:07:00.003-04:00

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Some days I have lunch duty at school. This basically means that I stand around for 30 minutes and watch teenagers eat. It can get pretty boring.

Sometimes, however, the behavior, actions, and appearance of these teenagers can really be quite interesting. You can probably imagine what I'm talking about. Things that make you smile and others not so much. And sometimes it can really drive me crazy.

There are probably people in your everyday life that drive you crazy, too.

It helps me to try and look at people and ask for God's eyes and thoughts about them. To try and see the potential in people rather than the failures. To see the hidden beauty rather than ugliness. To try and imagine what they might become as they (and me, too) get closer to Jesus.

And to pray and intercede that God's Kingdom would reign in their lives more fully, or even at all.

Steeples - They're Pointy!

2011-04-07T05:46:00.000-04:00

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified youto share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption,the forgiveness of sins." --Colossians 1:10-14

Have you ever looked down on a city and noticed all the steeples that are sticking up into the sky? It's pretty remarkable actually to observe how many steeples are actually there. Naturally, if one sees a steeple, one would assume it is connected to a church. So, if every steeple represents a church, then by golly, there are a lot of churches in certain cities.

While you may be thinking this is the dumbest thing you've read in a while, first, remember that I haven't posted for a while (haha). Secondly, it's interesting to notice that there are so many churches, yet so many people who do not go to church. It makes me wonder what exactly happened. However, that still is not the point of this post. Today, I am going to reflect on what the steeples represent. While I have not gone into deep research on the history of the steeple, I do know that they are intended to point to God, and in a sense, recognize that the church is there to worship God - the steeples point toward Him, extolling His name... Giving Him glory as they reach upward.

While many modern churches do not have steeples anymore, I think that the purpose of the steeple, for the church, and for our hearts, should not be forgotten. In fact, I believe that we can be "living steeples" so to speak. Today's passage talks about living a life that's worthy of the Lord. As we think about a steeple, being on a church, most of the activity in a church is one day a week. However, even so, that steeple is still there, pointing to God, all week long. How about us? Do we really sing to God, pray to Him, and worship Him just once a week? Or, do we point to Him all week long, causing others to think of Him when they see how we live?

So, a steeple is pointy. It is our job to be pointy as well. Let us live a life worthy of the calling we have received - let us not be once a week Christians. Let us shine Christ's light out, so that others know who we're all about... all week long - in whatever "weather" we live through. Point at the Lord - exalt His name! :)

Posted by Ben ><>

Felt led to share...

2011-04-06T16:02:00.002-04:00

Anybody else really need these reminders today? I know I do!

Matthew 11:28 – 30. “Then Jesus said, come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I gave you is light.”

and

Psalm 42:5
⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God.

Love this version of Psalm 42:5

Be encouraged!

a cloudy day (and some worship)

2011-04-05T12:23:00.004-04:00

Today is a very cloudy day. You might even wonder if the sun is even shining at noon.

It is a big contrast to yesterday morning. It was sunny and 70 degrees. Today it is 35 and snowing.

I feel like it is a cloudy day - in my spirit. There has been a battle raging all morning in me. Maybe you know what I'm talking about...a friend of mine once called it 'spiritual static.' It was almost unbearable...until, I sat down with the Lord and told Him how I felt. I told Him how I felt about my current circumstances, about the season of life that we are in as a family, and about what I thought He was doing about it.

I used Psalm 44 as a template for my lament. Especially check out verse 9 and following. The words really fit me today.

He is an amazing God that He would even listen to me, let alone touch my heart in response.

When I consider how I have been discipled as a Christian, I am realizing that I have not been taught well how to deal with cloudy days. My instinct is to want to fix them...and as fast as possible. To not admit the difficult feelings and circumstances, and to not be totally honest before God about it all. To kind of tell Him the truth, but almost as if I don't want to offend Him.

Today I have realized that His ability to help me is somehow linked to the level and depth of my honesty before Him. The more open I am with Him, the more the Holy Spirit can minister to me, and ultimately help me. God, in His grace, responds to us.

Here are a couple of youtube links from my favorite worship leader, Jason Upton. His work sparks creativity, trust, and most importantly, FAITH, in me.

I encourage you to stop and soak in His presence for a few minutes...

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Imitate Me?!

2011-03-31T23:26:00.000-04:00

"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."

Philippians 3:17

When I first read this verse while going over my Partner to Remember Philippians verses this week, it struck me at first as a prideful statement. It almost comes across as Paul being "full of himself" and thinking that everyone should be following him. However, based on the previous chapters, it is clear that even though he is saying we should imitate him, he is actually suggesting something more. This is more clearly understood in one of his other statements found in 1 Corinthians 11:1...

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Imitate me as I imitate Christ... what a thought! I don't know about you, but I was struck by this concept. To be able to make that statement, with such confidence...As I was trying to grasp this kind of confidence, the realization hit me that very few Christians, myself included, actually have this kind of confidence. Most times we shy away from speaking this way because it seems to be taking away from our Christian humility. It can come across as being boastful and full of our own pride. However, if we view Paul as being prideful in regard to these statements, then we are missing the point.

Is it possible that we can make statements like Paul and yet still be humble? I believe it's all part of knowing who we are in Christ. Paul knew what this meant and thus he was able to encourage others to imitate him as he imitated Christ! Do you have that kind of confidence in Christ? Do I? Do we even understand what that means and what it looks like? I believe this type of confidence, which comes from knowing and understanding who we are in Christ, is something that is severely lacking in most Christian hearts today.

Now, take a moment and think about the kind of zeal Paul had as he followed Christ, and then think of your own. Then, take it a step further and think of the passion it took for Christ to die for all the world and the depth of love He had for all of us, and then look at your own imitation of that love. How does it look? Is it a crystal clear reflection or is it contaminated by muddy waters? Has the reflection of Christ in your life become polluted by all the other "stuff" that you have allowed into your heart, mind and soul throughout your every day life? Has it gotten to the point that the picture you are presenting to others of Christ is like a TV station that has lost its signal? Are you even aware of what type of reflection you are presenting?

Do we even know what it means to imitate something?

Imitate: to follow or endeavor to follow as a model or example, to mimic; impersonate, to make a copy of; reproduce closely. To have or assume the appearance of; simulate; resemble.

Is your walk with Christ more like imitation crab meat or is it the real deal?

Do you have confidence in Christ and truly understand what He has done for you? If so, then you are able to say to those around you...

"Follow me... imitate me, as I follow and seek to imitate Christ!"

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

Matthew 4:19

Failure

2011-03-30T15:14:00.002-04:00

I am failing at the blog. Sometime I'll write. Sometime. Stay tuned. Yes, stay tuned.

Ben ><>

this is the church

2011-03-28T15:42:00.004-04:00

This video is of a church in Budapest, Hungary, performing a worship dance (ala flash mob) in the central square of Budapest, on Resurrection (Easter) Sunday, last year. I love this video, for a whole lot of reasons...

watch it first.

I think this shows the church at its best in our day. Here are three short reasons why...

1. It is worship, and worship that is full of life. It shows the people of God in worship...in a public place, in a way that draws people in. That attracts. That is hip, cool, and relevant without being forced. That is artistic, yet accesible. And multi-generational. That is specific about Jesus Christ, and not generic. It is fun!

2. It is witness. I think the best thing we can do to be a witness is to bring the Presence of God into the public places. It tells the resurrection story that tells of freedom and new life. And naturally leads to conversation and conversion.

3. It is intercession. I didn't see this at first, but I think that the man waving the Hungarian flag is not just showing his patriotism-- he is waving the thing, with all of his might, as a gesture of prayer and intercession for his nation. 'Lord, bring new life to Hungary.'

What do you think? Did it inspire you? How can we bring these principles to our local churches?

matt

Be Devout in Prayer

2011-03-25T05:27:00.002-04:00

Is there someone you don’t care for? Someone you really don’t like?

I’m not a fan of our President. I never have been. I disagree with almost everything he stands for, and while I’m not going to get into what it is that I disagree with, all I can say is that I don’t care for him as our President, or as a representation of a nation that doesn’t truly believe what he believes.

At my church (www.blackhawkministries.org ), we’ve been talking about some of the basic instructions that Paul was giving to Timothy when helping build the early church. This week’s verse was the following:

1 Timothy 2

Instructions on Worship

¹ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

So as we read this passage in part of Paul’s instructions to Timothy on Worship… what pops out at you? (well, I made it pop out, but you get the idea) I actually have to pray for our President… he is our President and GOD PUT HIM THERE! Who am I to judge him and decide to dislike him because he’s not doing what is right or wrong?

When Paul wrote this there was a man by the name of Nero who was ruler of the Roman Empire at the time:

Here’s a list of some of the insane stuff he did (Warning, this might be a little graphic)

Executed his mother and stepbrother

Burned down Rome and blamed it on the Christians

While Rome was burning, allegedly spent time entertaining himself singing and playing the violin

Persecuted many Christians

Executed his ex-wife (whom he divorced because of infertility)

Re-married and is rumored to have kicked his then pregnant wife to death

…and that’s probably just to name a few!

…AND Paul asked Timothy to make sure that all Christians prayed for this man.

So then I think about our President and realize that we are blessed to have someone who is not like Nero, or someone like Muammar Gaddafi(President/Dictator of Libya) comes to mind. Yet we still are called to pray for them because God has placed them in power for a reason. No matter what that reason is, and whether or not we want to admit it. This is all a part of God’s plan.

So be devout in prayer…ask God to make an impression on that person’s life who you may or may not like. Ask God to have the Gospel presented to them on a regular basis that maybe they will come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of this world. You might be surprised at what God may encourage YOU to do through the Holy Spirit!

Posted by Joe Godfrey

Don't be a Container

2011-03-24T12:00:00.007-04:00

Last week, I went out with some friends to eat supper. It was a large group (around 15), so we had a whole entire room to ourselves. Things were going smoothly, as the waitress patiently took our drink orders. My friend beside me ordered Pepsi. Nothing out of the ordinary. The drinks came. Straws were passed out. Since I'm pretty mature for my age, I thought it would be fun to blow my straw paper off at somebody else... I was right, it WAS fun. It in fact was so fun, that I had to borrow an unused straw to do it again! It was at that point that the straw was passed, my hands reached, and I knocked over my friend's glass of Pepsi - all over our friend who was sitting across from him. Immediately I felt like an idiot! It not only covered the table, but her phone received a Pepsi bath - as well as the wallet she had bought only a few weeks prior to that. Naturally, we didn't have many napkins, or anything really to wipe it up properly. The waitress brought out some extra napkins though, and we eventually got it all cleaned up. What a mess though!

I was thinking about that glass, and how the Pepsi in it didn't seem like a whole lot of Pepsi until it was spread out all across the table, wallet, and phone. It was interesting to me that the soda, which was contained in the container (the glass) didn't take up as much space, and was restricted by the walls of that glass. This sounds like a silly thing to think about, but I realized why containers have the names they do - because the CONTAIN things. They keep whatever they're containing from getting out - they hold stuff until that stuff is needed.

So, what about us? Are we containers of truth? Let's look at Romans 10.

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” --Romans 10:9-15

In writing to the Roman church, Paul lays out what is necessary for salvation - and that is to confess Jesus as our personal savior, we are saved. All who call on Him are saved. But, what if they don't hear about Him? Are you containing the message of grace from the Gospel, not letting anybody know about it? Who in your life does not know God? Who in your life needs Christ? Do they know? Have you told them?

If we live our life as a "truth container" what good is the truth in us? We need to pour it out to all we come in contact with... We need to let it spill across those who are in our lives. In the same way that soda can spread out all over a table, covering everything it comes in contact with, the good news of the Gospel is able to cover a multitude of sins - and soak into the minds and hearts of those it comes in contact with... That is if is not contained...

So, don't be a container... Be like the little, short, stout teapot, who was leaned over and poured on out. Pray for the strength to know how to spill. This is the kind of spilling that is not only good, not only life changing, but will save lives. Pour it on out brothers and sisters :)

-----------------------------------------------------

... and here's some JACK!!

"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

--Jack Handey

Posted by Ben ><>

Dying

2011-03-23T19:21:00.000-04:00

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." --Matthew 24:36-44

If you don't already know, I've been running a lot lately. What's a lot you say? Well, a lot for me is 68 miles in the past two and a half weeks. I know, I'm out of my mind! I never thought I'd run 68 miles in my LIFETIME let alone in less than 3 weeks. I am actually training for running a marathon. That's another thing I never thought I would do. But, I have a few friends who are doing it, and somehow they bent my arm far enough to think I can actually do this thing. Insanity. Craziness. Sheer STUPIDITY! (I just ran 17 miles, so it's really easy right now to feel like this is a dumb idea, haha)

So, on Saturday, I was doing a 16 mile run. It went well overall, but as odd as it sounds, the first two miles did not go well. In fact, at one point, I had a little bit of pain in my chest. It was real mild, and don't worry, I really wasn't concerned at all, but the slight pain that I had got me thinking, "what if I drop over right here and now... What if this is the end?" (Again, and this message is mostly for my mom, DON'T WORRY, I didn't feel that bad, haha) So, I thought to myself, "Time to pray" and I prayed something about, "Lord Jesus, I want to be with You in Heaven, I've turned from You constantly. Please forgive me for my sins." When I was done praying, I thought about how easy our lives could be if we actually could predict the very moment that we were going to die. If I knew that November 1st, 2070 that I would then die, and know that Jesus wasn't coming back first, I could live a real wild life, not caring at all about God until, say, the last six months or something. Now, I don't think that way, but I bet there are some unbelievers that do. If you knew when you were going, or the very day that Jesus came back, would you behave differently?

I guess what I'm getting at is that instead of waiting until we have a moment that gets us thinking about death, or until we are diagnosed with a cancer that gives us two months to live, why don't we just start living every day, rather, every moment out for Christ? If we give our entire being to our Lord and Savior now, and keep that theme going for the rest of our lives, would we feel the need to quickly turn and repent during those last moments, as if we have twenty minutes to cram before a final exam?

The facts are that one, we have no clue when Christ is returning - even the angels don't know, and two, we also don't know when we're going to die. So, are you ready? Are you prepared for either one to take place before you lie your head down to sleep tonight? Let's not wait for death to approach to get our lives straight - God's grace is waiting for us to grab right now... Let's live in that grace, never taking it for granted... Let's be prepared to meet our maker... Because, we just don't know....

Posted by Ben ><>

encouragement

2011-03-21T21:39:00.005-04:00

You may be going through a difficult season in your life. I know that our family is (but more on that at a later time).

One of the things that we continue to be sure of, even in the midst of hard times, is of the presence of God. He is faithful and present with us. He does care, and He is around.

Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

Psalm 36:5

Be still in the presence of the LORD,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Psalm 37:7

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?

My only hope is in you.

Psalm 39:7

Amen.

Your Body is a Temple

2011-03-18T16:13:00.001-04:00

Confession Time:

A couple days ago I came to a realization about myself. I realized that within the past several weeks, in my attempt to "lose weight", I unknowingly had been hurting myself, more than helping. I don't know if anyone out there has done this or if I am just weird, but for some reason I began to believe that if I ate very little, I mean very little, throughout the day, then I would automatically lose weight. Even though, deep down, I knew better. A good thing is that recently, I began to be convicted about what I was doing whenever our Sunday School class at church began to study a lot about Creation. In those discussions, it was brought up about how we should strive to eat healthier via natural foods, and pay more attention to what we are putting in to our bodies. Keep in mind, this discussion first began over a month ago.

I heard what was talked about and thought that it would be a good idea, but I kept making excuse after excuse. What I was doing to myself didn't dawn on me until yesterday when I happened upon a comment made on a friend's status in regard to their struggle with weight...

"Make sure you are consuming enough calories. Sometimes you can gain/plateau when you don't eat enough! When you eat too little, your body eats muscle and internal organs to get what it needs. Your body wants to keep the fat, since it was made to survive famine. When you finally eat again, it quickly converts that into excess body fat."

Ouch! As I was reading that, I knew I had heard/read that information before, but I had easily forgotten. On top of that, the Lord brought to mind the following verses:

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. - 1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20

I know this is in reference to sexual immorality, and you can click on the scripture to read the whole chapter, but I believe the point is well taken for all aspects of our lives. If our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are not our own; bought at a price, shouldn't we honor that truth in every aspect of our lives?

Thanks for the conviction Lord, I needed it!

Redeeming St. Patricks Day!

2011-03-17T12:40:00.005-04:00

From what I understand, Saint Patrick's Day was originally created to celebrate the life of the beloved man known as Saint Patrick. It seems that, like most holidays, the true meaning of this holiday has been almost completely lost. The truth is, most people have no clue who St. Patrick was and what he did to earn the honor of having a day for celebrating his life. I know this for a fact, because I am one of those people.

Honestly, until today, when I decided to research the history of St. Patrick's Day, I only knew this holiday as a day to celebrate the Irish heritage! I've always thought it was simply an excuse to make everything green, (like eating lots and lots of green eggs & ham...), a day to imagine leprechauns searching endlessly for the gold at the end of the rainbow, watch lots of parades, and a day for everybody to pretend they are Irish! I know I do! I love Ireland, hence the reason my husband and I went there for our honeymoon. I am still jealous that he has more Irish in his ancestry than I do! However, the point right now, is that as usual, we have yet another holiday to redeem, or buy back, and return to it's original purpose or meaning. We need to help it to fulfill it's true purpose, which is to glorify God in the best possible way. And I believe this is something that St. Patrick would have wanted for this special day.

What is generally known about Saint Patrick, is that when he was around 16 years of age, he was captured by Irish raiders from his native home of Britain. He was kept in Ireland as a slave for six years before escaping and returning to his family. However, during his time of captivity in Ireland, he had an encounter with God that completely changed his life. Below, St. Patrick describes, in his own word, how this time in his life brought about a dramatic change...

"And there (referring to his time captive in Ireland) the Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief, in order that, even so late, I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God, who had regard for my insignificance and pitied my youth and ignorance. And he watched over me before I knew him, and before I learned sense or even distinguished between good and evil, and he protected me, and consoled me as a father would his son."

In regard to the same experience...

"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same." "I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."

"The Lord opened the understanding of my unbelieving heart, so that I should recall my sins."

It is in response to this experience that Patrick felt called of God, to return to Ireland...

“I am Patrick, yes a sinner and indeed untaught; yet I am established here in Ireland where I profess myself bishop. I am certain in my heart that "all that I am," I have received from God. So I live among barbarous tribes, a stranger and exile for the love of God... In short, I am a slave in Christ to this faraway people for the indescribable glory of 'everlasting life which is in Jesus Christ our Lord.'

Some of you may even known the hymn that is based on the poem entitled, St. Patrick's Breastplate, but the one part that I love and really sums up how our lives should be, goes as follows:

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,
Christ in the eye of every man that sees me,
Christ in the ear of every man who hears me -

(click here for the hymn)

During this special day of celebration, may we learn from the life of St. Patrick and from his unwavering desire to serve Christ and make Him, his everything. By reminding ourselves of the true meaning of St. Patrick's Day and the story behind the life of this Saint, we remind ourselves of the need to follow Christ more closely and to make Him, our everything. It is also a reminder to know and learn from the saints that have gone before, and find ways to help others do the same. By doing these things, we can "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness" Hebrews 3:13

Sources (click on titles to see websites):
Saint Patrick Quotes & his full testimony!
St. Patrick: Man, Myth & Holiday
Saint Patrick via Wikipedia

The Meaning of the Shamrock

Gotta love Veggietales!

Sorry!

2011-03-17T05:47:00.000-04:00

Hello Thing Readers! I have been unable to post lately as when I go to post, my internet has been on the fritz. So, now that it's morning and I have no time to write, it's working well. I apologize. Please bear with me as I try to catch up on posts. Have a blessed day!

In Christ,
Ben ><>

flu

2011-03-14T10:07:00.002-04:00

Last week, I missed my Monday morning blog post due to the stomach flu. The power of the virus that spread throughout our family was amazing. It was unstoppable and certain in its effect.

One by one, we each caught the bug. One would infect the other. We're not really sure how, but its successful spread was consistently achieved by being in close proximity to the other. And, as much as I hoped I wouldn't catch it, I surely did (the last one in our clan to fall).

It was inevitable. An unstoppable force.

I once heard Pete Greig, author of Red Moon Rising, a great book on the modern day prayer movement, say that true Biblical Christianity is like the flu. It is an all-consuming condition that changes your appetite, your schedule, your whole life. An unstoppable contagious force. If you have it, you will certainly pass it on to others that are near you. And they will catch it. Conversely, if you are not 'infected' with it, not truly in love with Jesus, you are not contagious, and are unable to pass anything to another.

What are people catching from you today?

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:14-16

Call to Prayer!

2011-03-11T17:35:00.002-05:00

As I am sure most of you have heard by now, there has been a terrible earthquake/tsunami hit Japan, and it seems that it is not entirely over. I don't understand all the reports, but it appears that the storm will be continuing across the pacific to other countries.

I urge everyone to take time to pray for all those effected by this disaster!

It's almost overwhelming when I think of all the sad news recently. The family who lost 7 children in the fire (click here) and the flooding I have heard about in Pennsylvania, specifically in regard to the Susquehanna River, along with the flooding in the states surrounding PA (click here). Just a few hours ago, I saw the flood damage myself, as I was traveling along the river. Many homes located along the river were half under water, and my heart went out to those families effected. As I was thinking about all these situations and praying hard for all those concerned, my mind kept returning to the cry,

"Come Lord Jesus, Come... and soon!"

In the midst of my prayer, I drove past a church sign that had a scripture on it and when I looked it up later, I knew it was what I needed to share, as a source of comfort and reassurance, during these turbulant times.

Psalm 46:1-11

1 God is our refuge and strength,
   an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
   and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
   and the mountains quake with their surging.

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
   the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
   God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
   he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

⁸ Come and see what the LORD has done,
   the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
   to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
   he burns the shieldswith fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.”
¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Gift Horse

2011-03-10T19:40:00.000-05:00

"If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,”and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

--2 Peter 2:20-22

A few years back, I was studying the Kings books of the Bible. I remember seeing how each king would worship foreign gods, and forsake the one true God, and I thought to myself, "Why don't they get it? What's wrong with them? How can they keep making the same mistakes over and over?" God convicted me in that moment of pointing my finger that, well, I was just like those kings. I fall into the same pattern of sin it seems.

Peter talked about this phenomenon in 2 Peter. He quotes Solomon from Proverbs in referencing how a dog returns to its vomit. They do too! Have you ever seen this? Pretty nasty, right? And then he also takes it further talking about a washed sow going right back into the mud. We "get clean" we "wash ourselves" we promise to God we won't go back to our folly... and then we do it.

While we can be thankful that our hope in Jesus saves us, I think what it comes down to is how do we handle the gift given? There's an old expression that says, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." What that means is that you can tell how old a horse is by how many teeth it has. If you receive a horse as a gift, just be thankful for the horse rather than right away trying to see how old it is, so as to determine it's "worth." How we handle the gift of grace we receive in Christ is somewhat similar. It's not that we check it out to see what it's worth - I feel like we understand it's worth... But, do we act like it's worth what it's worth?

Peter takes the issue very seriously - as does God. He says that it would have been better for someone to have never known the righteousness of Christ than to have known it and then turned on it. Wow. That kinda hurts, eh? Again, the good news is that when we trust in Him for our salvation, it is ours... But... do we show God our thankfulness for it? Or do we go back to the vomit is still warm?

I don't mean to sound gross. I do mean to cause us to think about what we do with our gift of grace. Pray for strength to overcome the sins we return to. And when we're tempted to return to the vomit, let us turn the other way.

Posted by Ben ><>

Keeping the Pole in Mind

2011-03-09T20:35:00.002-05:00

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph."

--Psalm 77:11-15

The picture in this post is a picture of my humble abode. You may need to click on it to enlarge the image so you can see what I'm going to tell you about. You see my house there on the corner, and in the right part of the picture, you see my truck parked there. In the very far right of the photo, in front of my truck, is a telephone pole. Today's story is going to focus on that pole.

So, it's true confession time once again. Every now and then I'll tell you folks about something dumb that I did, because it usually teaches me a lesson... and often, that lesson that's not necessarily connected to faith, reminds me of how my faith should be. That telephone pole looks innocent enough, right? Well, back on November 3rd, 2010 it was not innocent at all... In fact, it was heartless, vicious, and COLD. I had been at my grandma's house earlier in the day, raking up some leaves. She kindly gave me supper, which was great, except I needed to get home to change in order to get to my softball game. I flew on wheels from her house to mine, and finally arrive home. I always back in my driveway, and that day was no exception. However, being in the hurry that I was in, I also flew back into the parking spot, checking my right side mirror first. Just as I went to look at the left side mirror I heard and felt a horrible BAM!!!!!! I had side swiped the pole. "Great mother of Zambia!" I thought to myself. I pulled forward, backed in without brushing the pole, and hopped out of my truck to inspect the damage. The pole was fine... My truck however inherited around 2,000 bucks of damage.

It was dumb on my part. All it would have took was for me to slow down a bit, keep the pole in mind, and take my time so as to not hit the pole. It probably would have slowed me down 5 seconds tops. However, I was in too much of a hurry for that. I have to tell you though that every single time since then, I have kept that pole in mind as I back up into my garage (inside the doorway, not literally into the garage... haha). Every time I get home, and put my truck into reverse, that pole is on my mind. And there has never been a need to whip into my driveway again like I did that day. It's interesting how something like that has caused me to never forget about that pole.

And so I think about God. Is He on my mind constantly? Do I consider His ways and meditate on His precepts? In today's scripture passage, the psalmist is thinking about God and all the incredible things He did for Israel in the past. In considering these miracles and deeds He has done for His people, the psalmist is encouraged, remember that God is Holy, and that there is no god as great as his God. The same is true today... We know more than this psalmist knew, as we understand what God has done for us in sending Christ to the cross for our sins. We see His love even more as we are able to fathom that our punishment is paid for. Do we think about it much though?

In the same way that I cannot forget about my pole as I back into my driveway, I yearn for our hearts to not be able to forget what Jesus did for us on the cross. I want us to remember how gracious and loving our God is. How can there be a god greater than our God? Nothing, and nobody is greater than our God. Do we keep Him in mind? As we encounter troubles in our life and temptations, let us tattoo God on our hearts - never to be forgotten as we traverse the road of life.

--------------------------------------------------------------

... and here's some JACK!!

"If you saw two guys named Hambone and Flippy, which one would you say liked dolphins most? I'd say Flippy, wouldn't you? You'd be wrong though. It's Hambone." --Jack Handey

Posted by Ben ><>

How About a Huddle?

2011-03-08T18:13:00.000-05:00

"Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”
--Genesis 4:6-7

The rain fell on the cold tundra of Cougar Field in Dallastown, Pennsylvania. As the four on four battle of the pigskin took place, mud flew about, strewn by the thundering cleats of the team members. For the neighborhood surrounding Cougar Field, it probably appeared to be a simple "pick-up" football game. Perhaps they pondered why the young men would desire to play in the rain and the muck. For those involved, every play was a chance to shine - the goal was evident... Losing was no option.

Okay, I got a little dramatic there, haha. On Sunday I played a little bit of mud football with some buddies. We had a great time, and my team happened to win 27-7. Yeah! I think we had the edge in speed, which allowed us to get open more often. I did notice something about our game-plan though... When we had one, it was great... When we didn't, well, not so much.

For example, there were moments that we decided instead of huddling, we would just go out, and run like crazy men until we were open for the quarterback to throw to. Other times, we actually huddled up, and made concrete plans for each of us. I realized that when we didn't have the huddle, we most often didn't do very well. Our receiving routes would conflict with each other, and really, we just weren't working together well when there was no plan. I learned that it is good to have a plan.

I think about Cain and how God warned him that he needed to master his sin instead of letting sin master him. He knew that Cain's sin could get out of control, and maybe lead to something worse - and it did. Is there something in your life that is crouching at your door? Is there something that you allow to control you? Do you simply let it, and are perhaps okay with it? Or do you have a game plan on how to attack it when it attacks you? Do you go through life without a huddle, just waiting to see how it all works out, or are you prepared, ready to take action with an organized plan? Let's be ready for what may come our way. Let us have a plan, and be ready for when the opposition strikes - because it will.

Posted by Ben ><>

The Thing of the Day

But once again, I say "Amen" ...

Thing Down!

Guest Post: Larry Dentler (Wednesday's Word)

Lessons from the Refrigerator, Part II

Lessons from the Refrigerator, Part I

I'm Alive... Are You?

I Must Decrease

Prayer Stretch

10 Years

My Savior Died on a Tree...

Who are you?

Life is Unfair!

Lyrical Thursday

Prayer... when we feel like?! (Part 2)

Pray...when we feel like it?! (Part 1)

Hammer Holds

What does Jesus look like?/"Speaking the truth in love"

How Do I Look?

ALL...

Sacred Marriage

"To See the Unseen"

"God has not give us a spirit of fear..."

Do we believe it?! Really?!

Let's not allow the statement above to be true of us, rather, Lord, allow it to be the one below...

"Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word."

William D. Longstaff 1882

The sin of P.I.V.

Great Songs of Faith (Excerpt)

God's Dwelling Place

Burden Lifted

Thankful (a post-conference reflection...)

God's Protective Hand

Your thoughts please...

What we deserve...

There is hope... even during the most trying of circumstances.

Looking for good scripture memory songs? Not just for kids...

The Sun Still Shines

Let Your Words fall like rain...

Did you remember to breathe today?

What is your message?

No Thing this week...

7 x 70

Blind

Blessings...

Lyrical Thursday

"Where do we go from here?"

Good Friday?!

Great Testimony! Had to share...

Dumber than Donkeys

caNoT COmPuTE!

Light on a Wall

Be the Bunny?

seeing with imagination

Steeples - They're Pointy!

Felt led to share...

a cloudy day (and some worship)

Imitate Me?!

Failure

this is the church

Be Devout in Prayer

1 Timothy 2

Instructions on Worship

Don't be a Container

Dying

encouragement

Your Body is a Temple

Redeeming St. Patricks Day!

Sorry!

flu

Call to Prayer!

Gift Horse

Keeping the Pole in Mind

How About a Huddle?

"Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word."