Desiring God Pastors Conference

Matt Chandler at SBTS

Words, Words... they're Good for Your Heart... (or are they?)

First, apologies to those who regularly read this blog (believe it or not, there are a few)... I have been missing in action. My plate is overflowing with work (praise God!): photography, graphic/web design, copywriting, proposals... on & on. All that to say that I am going to schedule to post at least once a week on Crimson on White. What can I say... I'm committed. If I can post more, I will.

Now that that is out of the way, here is the stuff:


Words, Words... they're good for your heart... (or are they?)

Words, words... they're good for your heart, the more you use them, the more you... are likely to sin, or say something totally inappropriate, or 'stick your foot in your mouth,' or brag, or 'blow smoke,' etc. You get the point; they can be damaging. Or, they can be incredible, life-giving & edifying, like a 'breath of fresh air.' I guess what matters is what words you use & when you use them. WORD!

One of the pastors, Craig Cooper, at CCK preached a sermon titled "Encourage One Another Toward Godliness" & he emphasized the power, purpose, & potential of our words. I want to recap some of his points as well as add some of my thoughts on the subject. As a heads up, the good & profound points were likely stated by him not me!

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as it good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29

Here's the point: Our words should promote joy in/toward others.

Craig offered this definition of Biblical Encouragement: Biblical encouragement is that which instills courage/hope in the heart of the believer in the fight of faith.

Scripture offers a clear contrast on the power of our words:

• Words can either be corrupting or good for up-building
• Words can be damaging or edifying
• Words can either promote strife/trouble or peace/unity
• Our words matter to God & they affect those around us

I paraphrase CJ Mahaney who encourages believers to be "...wisely forbidding any & all speech detrimental to others." As another author said, "Incivility is storming the gates." Wouldn't you agree? It is all too common for us to hear words of incivility that are laced with bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, false report, maliciousness... words that lessens another's esteem or reputation (Eph 4:31). Often we justify our behavior by a 'passive resistance' towards this type of conversation. We refuse to step in & say, "I'm sorry friend, but have you discussed this with _____, I think it would serve you both to speak with him about this." Or, "It sounds to me that you are holding on to some real bitterness in your heart towards _____. You should talk with him privately." Rather, we often are guilty by association or guilty by participation. Gossip & such feeds our ego & spirit of superiority over others. We feel like we now own something over them if we have evidence of their misbehavior, sin, or character deficiencies. It's like a drug.

Yet it doesn't have to be this way. We learn from Scripture the character of God who is One who always speaks in a way fitting for the moment, whose words encourage & build & promotes joy in others. God gives grace to those who hear His voice. As JC Ryle speaks of one whom you'd be "...warmed by their company as though your soul warmed by fire." God's words warm our souls. And our words can do the same.
A few questions for reflection might be:

• What are others most aware of in me?
• Are you more aware of my encouragement or criticism?
  

Every single conversation we have has the potential to give grace to those who hear. What a wonderful & awesome potential we steward! It makes me think twice about what kind of conversations I regular.

Craig offered some clarification as to what biblical encouragement is not; I found this extremely helpful. Biblical encouragement is not flattery, compliments, or kind/polite words. We are thankful for all those things but they are not biblical encouragement. Rather, biblical encouragement is imparting/instilling courage/hope in the heart of the believer in the fight of faith. It is God-centered, revealing God's character, & saturated with Scripture... so that... the person we interact with receives grace. We should point out where God is at work in others. In essence, we can see a spark of God's activity in others & fuel that flame by speaking God's character over that person's life.

Last points of application.

1. Look for God's activity in others' lives.
2. When you see it, communicate it specifically.

I hope that these words give grace to you & encourage you in the fight of faith. Lord bless & keep you, make His face shine on you, the Lord lift up His countenance on you & give you peace.

Two Ways of Reading & Interpreting Scripture

Wednesday morning in our men's group this topic came up again & it compelled me to remind myself of this important principle. I'm sure I have even blogged about this before. But, it seems clear to me that there are two very distinct ways to read & interpret the Bible: man-centered vs. God-centered. The distinction may seem quite subtle but it is not. One way is quite dangerous for the reader & hearer. In fact, I can already hear a rebuttal... "well at least they are reading the Bible." In many respects I agree & if you would've asked me three years ago, I wouldn't have discerned the difference very well. There is a big difference between the two. May I offer an example.

[I would compel you to listen to this wonderful sermon example of a God-centered perspective in preaching, listen to David Prince's "David & Goliath We Never Knew You: The Good News that the Bible Is Not All About You." The below example is revised from Prince's sermon.]

Scripture passage: 1 Samuel 17 | David & Goliath

Man-centered interpretation & application: David is a faithful warrior that I need to emulate. Goliath is any enemy or trial in my life that is difficult. I need to be more like David. I need to face the trials & battles in my life by mustering up enough courage to fight. Rise above the mentality of the weak Israelites.

God-centered interpretation & application: David represents Christ. Goliath is not trials or battles in my life but is the enemy, our adversary, Satan. I am helpless against sin like the Israelites were against Goliath. I have no chance against Goliath; I will never have enough courage or ability. I need Christ to fight for on my behalf; He is the only Salvation.

Do you see the difference? One mind-set immediately begins applying the passage to what "I need to do." This can never be understood correctly until we understand our depravity & the extent of the Gospel. This is just a small preview of what I mean by two ways of reading & interpreting scripture. I strongly encourage you to listen to Prince's sermon as it sheds light on this. I pray that we would begin to see our errors in our reading Scripture. I'll end with this quote by Prince:

"You do realize that you can come to the Bible & just keep saying things that are true & lead someone to Hell. You do realize that don't you! Let's say someone says: 'don't commit adultery... God doesn't want you to commit adultery... it's bad. Don't steal... God doesn't want you to steal... it's bad. Give, give alot, it's good.' And we could go on & on & on. And by the way everything I said is true but everything I said was meant by God to be understood in the context of Jesus & His gospel. And if it's all you say as if Jesus & the gospel doesn't exist, it's damning... it's going to lead you in the opposite direction of where it is supposed to lead you... only when I understand how this story testifies about Jesus... only when I understand that can I make the application to my own life."

Until next week!

Bliss Series at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville

The past 7 weeks we have had the privilege to sit under the current teaching series at CCK, "Bliss." I can sometimes be skeptical about topical sermon series due to things I have heard in the past (at various locations) such as, "How to Have a Winning Team" or "9 Steps to Deal with Depression," as if the content of these messages even hinted at the gospel. I generally walked away saddened at how cheap the Gospel must sound to the hearers. It sounded more pop-psychological rather than gospel truth.

Yet, I knew the pastors at CCK would not disappoint when it came to content... they've yet to do so. I have been utterly humbled following each message as they pointed me back towards my source of 'bliss,' the presence of God. We have been reminded, "There is no lasting joy in this life but for the grace of God," Bill Kittrell said. And I believe it; God's word & my experience have confirmed it over & over again. This past week we studied out of Ecclesiastes concerning the life of Solomon. Solomon exposes all of his vain attempts to find pleasure only to realize that what he thought would bring him joy only led to despair. "God will curse all those things that you believe will bring you joy." And thank God for His continual care & His leading us back to the source of bliss, namely, Himself.

Check out the sermon titles from the series:

• Bliss: Treasure in a Field
• Bliss: Fight for Bliss
• Bliss: In Trials
• Bliss: Friendships
  
• Bliss: When You Coming' Home Son (Parenting)
  
• Bliss: Joy on the Job
  
• Bliss: Nothing New Under the Sun
  

If you would like to check out the audio & pdf downloads from the Bliss series, click here. Click on the Media/Links tab & look under sermons. I believe it will be a means of grace in your life.

The Theater of God Conference

John Calvin may be one of the most highly misunderstood & under appreciated men of our time. I suppose that those who misunderstand him, highly misunderstand him & fail to realize the impact he has made upon their lives. I imagine that many who would staunchly rebuttal against Calvin have rarely read his pages. In his day, even those whom disagreed with John Calvin held him in highest esteem. It is said that Jacob Arminius believed Calvin to be the greatest expositor of the Word to have ever lived. I personally have developed a tremendous amount of affection towards his work & ministry... mainly because he encourages me to love Christ more dearly & helps me understand my Lord more fully.

The Desiring God 2009 National Conference was titled, "With Calvin in the Theater of God." I would encourage you to listen to the excellent sessions from the conference. Click on the image below for access to the audio/video sessions.

Cover Designs Submitted for Rick Warren's New Book

For several days now I have been meaning to tell everyone that I jumped at the opportunity to submit a cover design for Pastor Rick Warren's new book, The Hope You Need. Rick Warren decided to use 99 Designs to host a cover design contest open to the public. As you may imagine, this is a wonderful opportunity for everyone... especially for those of us who have been highly influenced by Pastor Warren. I found out about the contest 1.5 days before the contest end, so I rushed like crazy to submit some of my artwork & photography. I am really interested in seeing how this contest turns out due to the submission requirements & the sheer number of entries... 3189 at submission end. In particular to the contest rules was that no stock photography could be used, only original artwork & photography. I am not sure how they will be able to sort through the stock photos but we will wait & see. But from my end, I thought it was a wonderful way to showcase some of my photos that I thought would make great book cover designs. Can you imagine being able to see one of your photos on the cover? Very cool. So... If you would like to see my portfolio at 99 designs, click here. Otherwise, here are some of my favorite submissions to the contest.

(And... bear in mind... I am trying not to get my hopes up because there were some wonderfully talented designers who submitted cover designs as well. Regardless of what happens, it was a fun project.)

Don't Boast but Boast

"... we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." | Romans 5:11

In essence, Paul is saying, "Boast in God." He even uses the word kauchaomai, "boast." Stott says, "It is identical with the Jewish attitude which Paul has condemned in Romans 2:17... 'You... brag about you relationship to God' (Stott 147). Is Paul saying "don't boast, but boast?" Emphatically, yes!

But here is the difference: Boasting in God (humility) is distinct from boasting in God (pride). One boast is from a heart of humility, the other from a heart of pride. Let me explain.

Paul had a problem with the Jewish persons who boasted in God (pride) as though He were their 'exclusive property'... as if to say 'they had a monopoly interest in him.' Their lives were not centered on God but rather themselves (although it appeared otherwise). Yet what Paul is saying in v.11 is antithetical to their prideful boast in God.

Rather, Paul is suggesting an exultation in Christ birthed from a heart of humility. A major fruit of the person who has been justified by faith through grace is that they have joy in God himself. As pastor Bill Kittrell said several weeks ago, "lack of joy is not right for a Christian... it is common, but it isn't right." Rather than boast as though we exclusively own God, rather we boast in amazement that He would even own us.

I must conclude with John Stott's most excellent summary statement:

"Christian exultation in God begins with the shamefaced recognition that we have no claim on him (G0d) at all, continues with wondering worship that while we were still sinners and enemies Christ died for us, and ends with the humble confidence that he will complete the work he has begun. So to exult in God is to rejoice not in our privileges but in his mercies, not in our possession of him but in his of us." (Romans, 147-8)

Song Spotlight: "All I Have is Christ" by Jordan Kauflin

I've been meaning to do this more often... to spotlight some of my favorite tunes/hymns/etc. Today I wanted to draw attention to the song "All I Have is Christ" by Jordan Kauflin, recorded by the Na Band (New Attitude). Check out these lyrics:

I once was lost in darkest night Yet thought I knew the way The sin that promised joy & life Had led me to the grave I had no hope that You would own A rebel to Your will And if You had not love me first I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell bound race Indifferent to the cost You looked upon my helpless state And led me to the cross And I beheld God's love displayed You suffered in my place You bore the wrath reserved for me Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.

Now Lord I would be Yours alone And live so all might see The strength to follow Your commands Could never come from me Oh Father use my ransomed life In any way You choose And let my song forever be My only boast is You

The Sovereign Grace link has free guitar chord/lead sheets as well as the option to download the song: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/Search.aspx?Keyword=all+i+have+is+christ
The iTunes link is: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=280701875&id=280701491&s=143441

Living Water International

In the past our family experienced such pleasure in the opportunity to give to Living Water International. They are very grateful & have called us personally numerous times to express their gratitude towards our giving. I am pleased to share this video with you & hopefully encourage & compel you towards good works. I am quickly sobered & humbled. For more info, go to: http://www.water.cc/. The website is unequaled in informative & inspiring content.

Trials & Suffering | A Context that reveals God's Love

"If you live long enough, you will suffer" - DA Carson

I imagine it sounds sort of masochistic ("the sickness of finding pleasure in pain") to many to say that we should rejoice in our sufferings (Romans 5:3-8). But as the topic of suffering/trials/"pressure" (GK: thlipseis) seems to find its way into my readings (& yesterday's sermon) as of late, I have had to face the topic head on. Specifically I have been studying justification by faith in Christ & its results. And Romans tells us that as a result of our justification ("Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have..."), "we rejoice in our sufferings" (v.3).

But it is not masochism... "It is rather the recognition that there is a divine rationale behind suffering" (Stott, 141).

Stott offers 3 "reasons" or "divine rationale" behind suffering:

1. Suffering is the one and only path to glory. It was so for Christ; it is so for Christians.
2. If suffering leads to glory in the end, it leads to maturity meanwhile. Suffering can be productive (to conform us to the image of Christ), if we respond to it positively.
   
3. Suffering is the best context in which to become assured of God's love.
   

Yet as I read & hear this I must ask, "How does suffering reveal God's love & care for my life?" I will attempt briefly to help bring insight to this difficult question.

I am reminded throughout Scripture that God is near to the broken-hearted... to the broken & contrite in Spirit, He has yet to refuse. Suffering ought to lead to humility. And humility is a soil in which God produces wonderful fruit. In desperation, we find that God is near. Suffering quickly sobers us to what is important in this life. And anything that leads us to gain Christ is a good thing.

As one of our pastors, Walt Alexander, stated yesterday (my paraphrase), "Trials are not deviations in God's purposes, rather are integral to His plans for our joy & His glory."

Yet we can only have this mindset if we trust God & His character. If we do not believe in the goodness of God on our behalf, we may sink to despair. Yet, God has proved His love for us in several ways. Consider the ways that He proves His love:

1. "He has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (5b).
2. He has proved His love by Christ's death on the cross (Romans 5:8).
   

Christ died for sinners (enemies of God). Many would die for a friend, yet rarely would one die for an enemy. Sanday & Headlam state, "We infer that the natural explanation of the passages which speak of enmity & reconciliation between God & man is that they are not on one side only, but are mutual" (S&H, 130). Hodges added, "There is not only a wicked opposition of the sinner to God, but a holy opposition of God to the sinner" ( Hodges, 138). Hence, Christ died for those whom God's wrath was pointed toward.

What does this have to do with suffering? Well, it reminds us of the character of God. We can trust God; He alone is trustworthy. God does not waste our time & uses (& orchestrates) events in our lives to mature, care, & shepherd us. I am reminded of Brennan Manning's quote, "Whatever God does not protect us from, He will use to perfect us through." All suffering in a believer's life is for their good (conformity to the image of Christ) & for His glory (us being conformed to the image of Christ).

And, we must conclude as Stott says, "Objectively in history & subjectively in experience, God has given us good grounds for believing in his love. The integration of the historical ministry of God's Son (on the cross) with the contemporary ministry of his Spirit (in our hearts) is one of the most wholesome and satisfying features of the gospel" (Stott, 146).

Recommended Resources:

• Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by John Piper and Justin Taylor (Paperback - Sep 13, 2006)
• The God I Love: A Lifetime of Walking with Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada (Hardcover - Aug 1, 2003)
• http://www.monergism.com/directory/search.php?action=search_links_simple&search_kind=and&phrase=suffering&B1.x=0&B1.y=0&B1=Search
  

The Most Compelling Sermon on Missions I've Heard (... maybe)

Monday evening as I drove home from Scottsboro, AL from a photo shoot I was reminded of a sermon I have listened to countless times (I mean... dozens of times!). The name of it is: "A Mission Only the Church Could Stop" by David Platt (The Church at Brook Hills | Birmingham, AL). It has fundamentally impacted my life... so much so that I believe it is the most compelling sermons on missions I've heard... maybe. Hence, I wanted to share it with you. Access the media files (audio & video) by clicking on above image or watch the sermon below.

Our son loots our dog's bed!

Brennan (our son) looted our dog's (Bailey's) bed. Next thing I knew he was making himself at home in it. Bailey did not think it was cool :( So we decided to turn it into a sled that Daddy pulls around the house. Quite fun... quite hilarious = good times!

Welcome Benjamin Knox Finch!

Our newest member of the family, Benjamin Knox Finch, arrived on Tuesday [8/25] at 9:35 pm weighing 8.1 lbs & 20.5 inches long. Joy had such a pleasant experience during delivery & is recovering quite nicely. We had wonderful support from family/friends & are very thankful for all the love directed towards us. We were able to leave the hospital last night around 7 pm & introduce Knox to his new home. Our dog Bailey greeted him with a warm kiss & Brennan was super-excited to see his lil' bro. Now we are taking time to rest, enjoy hot potato soup, & be thankful. Living the dream!

Plenty of Pics to see at: http://benfinchphotography.blogspot.com

The Campus Initiative

An announcement was made at church on Sunday to host The Campus Initiative conference on December 17-19, 2009 at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville. Here are the details from the website:

The Campus Initiative Conference is a strategic conference held in order to encourage Christ-centered, church-based college ministry. The Campus Initiative Conference seeks to equip leaders and students to more effectively proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on college campuses and to encourage college students to faithfully be involved in a healthy, local church.

The Campus Initiative Conference is featuring guest speakers: Dr. D. A. Carson, Randy Newman, and Bill Kittrell. Dr. Carson has a heart for college ministry and is an active guest lecturer in academic and church settings around the world. Randy Newman has served with Campus Crusade for Christ for almost 30 years and has written books specifically on evangelism. Bill Kittrell is the Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church of Knoxville and has been involved in campus ministry for over 25 years.

You can register online at the site, http://campusinitiativeconference.com/. If you register by November 30, the cost is $50. If registered afterward, $75.

If you are coming into town for the conference, let me know... I'd be glad to meet up with you!

I am so excited; I can't wait!!!

The Fear of Death... or Nothingness

For years I feared death. Or was it that I feared nothingness? I don't really know. I remember as a child lying sleepless in my bed as I contemplated & sometimes shuttered as I thought about death & non-existence. I think what I feared most was the uncertainty that accompanied death. I occasionally asked myself, "What happens when I die?"

I think that is a valid question. I imagine we have all asked it if we were to be honest about it.

For much of my life, we were fairly nominal in church attendance & I don't recall this question being brought up much in our church. I don't know if it addressed or not. Maybe I wasn't listening. If you knew me back then, you would probably say that I wasn't listening very well... you'd probably be right. But, of all places, I figure this is the place to find answers.

Yet, I can't say that I actively pursued an answer to that question, even in church. If anything, I tried to avoid it. But, there were a few times that I was sobered up with the reality of death. I've lost plenty of loved ones. We've all lost loved ones. As one guy said, "If you've lived 30 years, you know that life is full of wonderful pleasure but also excruciating pain." He was right.

Many try to cover up their insecurities about death. Woody Allen said, "Its not that I'm afraid to die, I just don't want to be there when it happens."

A theologian, John Stott said, "Nothing baffles us human beings more than nothingness & death. We dread nothingness & death is the one even that we have absolutely no control over; we cannot escape." Wow... sobering.

Yet, is there any hope many have asked? Most of us hope in life after death. But what does that mean & how do I know?

For me, things changed concerning my outlook of death when I heard the Gospel. The Gospel says that God is the creator of life & that out of nothingness (ex nihilo), He created all things. It also says that God is sovereign over life & death. In short, I was told (& later realized the Bible states) that those who would place their faith in Jesus Christ shouldn't fear death... for they could have life after death. When someone places their faith in Jesus Christ, God regenerates their hearts. They are made alive in Christ. You see, God's son, Jesus, lived a perfect life on earth yet was murdered. He was crucified, was dead & buried. Yet, through God's power, he was raised from the dead. He beat death so that we wouldn't have to fear it.

I found great comfort in Stott's statement, "But nothingness & death are no problem to God. On the contrary, it is out of nothing that he created the universe, & out of death that He raised Jesus."

Fear of death is subdued when we come to realization of who God is.

We ought to consider death; I think it is healthy to do so. It should, however, be an avenue that leads us to Jesus. As well, it ought to compel us to beg for God's influence over our own souls & the souls of others. Wonderful confidence can be found in the Gospel!


If you have questions or fears about death or life, or God, the Gospel, etc., you are welcome to contact me. To some extent, I understand your concern about such matters & will try to gracefully listen & do my best to offer biblical advice. Also, feel free to link this article to friends & family who may be struggling with similar questions about death.

Closet Bed: One man's quest to turn a closet into a fort!

It wasn't the first time that I received odd looks & half-hearted smiles, but when I mentioned that I was going to turn our hall closet into a bedroom/reading "nook"/fort for the boys, I was greeted with an awkward moment of silence. I typically love awkward moments of silence, but this was directed towards me... how dare they! "I'm a visionary," I thought to myself... "they just don't understand the awesome factor this will bring to our hall!"

So... after searching for affirmation from family & friends, I decided to go for it in spite of their "looks". Well, kind of. Here are the steps: First, I painted it. Second, I took measurements, drew out a blueprint, talked to some buddies of mine at the mattress store, & had them cover a big piece of bed foam. Then I shamelessly asked my dad to built a custom platform for the bed. Next, I built a few bookshelves for the room. And, voila! Dull hall closet morphed into closet bed/fort.

I asked Joy afterward, "Does this mean that we now have a 3.5 bedroom house? If so, that rocks!"

But... there is much missing in there. The fun, "fort" factor is in place, but it definitely needs some design inspiration like some photos on the wall or a big wall-sized chalkboard. I have several photos I am narrowing down to make their appearance. Stay tuned my friends... I am committed to making it the sweetest closet bedroom ever (it could be the only closet bedroom ever, but that is what helps make it the coolest!). So... here are a few pics. Brennan loves it!!! What do ya think?

Mute Math: Need I say more?

Mute Math... by far the best live concert I have ever seen... ever... I mean... ever! Btw: New album, "Armistice" available on August 18.

Ben Finch | A personal update.

Here lately I haven't had much to say, or rather, I did not know what I could add to the conversation. This season of my life has been very different for me personally & professionally. For one, this is the first quarter (4 months) in the last 8 years or so that I haven't been on staff at a church. Our family is now attending Cornerstone Church of Knoxville; it is wonderful. But... I often find myself in conversations such as:
"So, you are leading worship at this new church!" someone says...
"Actually, no," I reply.
"Well, are you getting a chance to teach very often?"
"Not really, sometimes I am speaking at different retreats & conferences, but not at our church." I say.
"Huh, what's the matter?" they say.
"Nothing that I know of, we are just learning once again what it means to be affectionate towards the Lord Jesus & His church."

These types of conversations are quite common these days; it is quite humbling really. I didn't realize how I was so closely associated to my performance: singing/playing, teaching, leading, etc. It led me to consider my identity in Christ. I wondered how much I was leaning upon my personal ability/talent rather than finding my identity in the Gospel. Plus, it seems that many measure our relationship to God with what they see in our performance for God. I understand how this could be a tempting measuring tool.

Here's what I am learning though...

I am coming to realize how important it is lead my family spiritually. Rather than lead worship on a big stage, I am finding myself trying to lead my family in worship & prayer in my living room. Which, by the way, it is much more difficult to keep their attention than large audiences! Rather than teach at my church, I am learning to receive teaching & attempt to instruct my family. Rather than plan the curriculum, I am learning to study my material for the "Exploring Cornerstone" class & be a diligent student. I am learning that in order to be someone worth following, you must first be willing to follow.

God is being so kind to us right now. I shutter to think of where I would be currently if the Lord wouldn't have led me to pause. Even more, I am jealous for others to experience the same.

Thankful!

I want to see this...

What is the Gospel?

David Prince Quote

I am sitting here in the office listening to a sermon by David Prince; I am struck by the profundity of the message. I am listening to, "David & Goliath: We Never Knew You." The guys in small group pointed me toward him this morning as we were in weekly "sharpening" session.

What is so striking to me is the broad application the message caries. It exposes our Biblical hermeneutical errors as we approach the text. I listened to the following statement several times so that I could journal it, I was compelled to share it:

"You do realize that you can come to the Bible & just keep saying things that are true & lead someone to Hell. You do realize that don't you! Let's say someone says: 'don't commit adultery... God doesn't want you to commit adultery... it's bad. Don't steal... God doesn't want you to steal... it's bad. Give, give alot, it's good.' And we could go on & on & on. And by the way everything I said is true but everything I said was meant by God to be understood in the context of Jesus & His gospel. And if it's all you say as if Jesus & the gospel doesn't exist, it's damning... it's going to lead you in the opposite direction of where it is supposed to lead you... only when I understand how this story testifies about Jesus... only when I understand that can I make the application to my own life."

via Justin Taylor: Click Here!

Don't Waste Your Life by Lecrae

Album Cover Game (You Won't Believe My Results!)

My results were way too funny not to post! TKenny found this idea at the CMD+Shift Design blog via twitter and thought I would give it a go. First, what is the ‘Your Album Cover’ game? Instructions below:

• Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
  The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
• Go to http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
  The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.
• Go to http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
  Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
• Use Photoshop (or something else!) to put it all together.
• Post a link to it and share with your friends!

Ladies & Gentlemen, I present to you: Barbu | Never Know When You're Finished

Leave it to Mike to...

Leave it to Mike (Simmons that is!) to provide a resource this morning in our men's accountability group that leveled me with conviction. Available online at: http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/A203 is an article, "Marriage As It Was Meant to Be" (adapted from John MacArthur's Different by Design. Within this article is a section titled, "Purifying Love." I was humbled by the following:

| Love wants only the best for the one it loves, & it cannot bear for a loved one to be corrupted or misled by anything evil or harmful. If you really love your wife, you'll do everything in your power to maintain her holiness, virtue, & purity every day you live.
That obviously means doing nothing to defile her. Don't expose her to or let her indulge in anything that would bring impurity into her life. Don't tempt her to sin by, say, inducing an argument out of her on a subject you know is sensitive to her. Love always seeks to purify. |

Stott on "The Means of our Justification: Faith"

I have found the following excerpts from Stott's commentary on Romans especially fitting & beneficial as I continually delve deeper into the subject of justification by faith.

"When we say that salvation is 'by faith, not by works', we are not substituting one kind of merit ('faith') for another ('works'). Nor is salvation a sort of cooperative enterprise between God & us, in which he contributes the cross & we contribute faith. No, grace is non-contributory, & faith is the opposite of self-regarding. The value of faith is not to be found in itself, but entirely & exclusively in its object, namely Jesus Christ & him crucified." p.117

As Richard Hooker... "God justifies the believer--not because of the worthiness of his belief, but because of his (sc. Christ's) worthiness who is believed." p.118

"Christianity, by contrast, is not in its essence a religion at all; it is a gospel, the gospel, good news that God's grace has turned away his wrath, that God's Son has died our death & borne our judgment, that God has mercy on the undeserving & that there is nothing left for us to do, or even contribute. Faith's only function is to receive what grace offers." p.118

"Non-Christian systems think of 'the self-movement of man' towards God. Luther called speculation 'climbing up the majesty on high'. Similarly, mysticism imagines that the human spirit can 'soar aloft towards God'. So does moralism. So does philosophy. Very similar is 'the self-confident optimism of all non-Christian religion'. None of these has seen or felt the gulf which yawns between the holy God & sinful, guilty human beings. Only when we have glimpsed this do we grasp the necessity of what the gospel proclaims, namely 'the self-movement of God', his free initiative of grace, his 'descent', his amazing 'act of condescension'. To stand on the rim of the abyss, to despair utterly of ever crossing over, this is the indespensable 'antechamber of faith'." p.118


A few additional resources on justification (as cited by Stott):

• Luther, Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Galatians (1531; James Clarke, 1953).
• Hooker, "Definition of Justification", being chapter xxxili of his Ecclesiastical Polity (1593).
• Emil Brunner, The Mediator (1927; Westminster, 1947), pp.291ff.
  

New Design for thevisiblegroup.net

I wanted to fill you in on the new site design draft I have been working on for www.thevisiblegroup.net. I have been playing with this design for a few weeks now & have found that it is sometimes difficult to be really simple. I would love to know your thoughts about our new design... so comment away!!! The new design isn't scheduled to go live for a few more weeks, but for now, check out the draft:

CJ Mahaney at CCK this weekend! And next!

I am getting very excited about this (& next) weekend at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville. I have admired the ministry & writings of CJ Mahaney for some time now & for the first time I get to hear him teach in person. I look forward to this opportunity & hope you will download the audio after this weekend if you are unable to attend. For those who would like to visit, feel free to email me & I can make sure to meet you. Click here for audio link!

Google Classic

Gotta love this!!!
Link to source.

Pastor Dad: Free eBook

RE:LIT is offering Mark Driscoll's latest mini-book, Pastor Dad, available in eBook form for free. For those of us who are learning daily what it means to love God & lead our family, I especially think we would be served by this book. May we take a lesson in humility & open ourselves to counsel & insight from others.

Here's the link: http://relit.org/pastordad/

Good for your heart... have tissue ready!

On Romans 3:20

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20

You would likely agree that this statement is pregnant with theological content. This blisters any hope of favor before God based upon merit or privilege. Instead of commented on this, I would like to offer a few of my favorite commentators thoughts on summarizing the above passage.

on 3:19 | hupodikos: held accountable, to bring under the cognizance of... "someone who is guilty in the sense of having offended against the law & so made hiimself liable to prosecution & punishment." | Cranfield

on 3:20 | "Salvation by 'works of the law' bolstered pride & privilege; salvation by faith abolished them." | John Stott

"The principle point... of the law... is to make men not better but worse; that is to say, it sheweth unto them their sin, that by their knowledge thereof they may be humbled, terrified, bruised & broken, & by this means may be driven to seek grace, & so come to that blessed Seed (sc. Christ)." | Martin Luther

"Our first response to Paul's indictment, then should be to make it as certain as we possibly can that we have ourselves accepted this divine diagnosis of our human condition as true, & that we have fled from the just judgment of God on our sins to the only refuge there is, namely Jesus Christ who died for our sins. For we have no merit to plead & no excuse to make... Secondly, these chapters challenge us to share Christ with others. We cannot monopolize the good news. All around us are men & women who know enough of God's glory & holiness to make their rejection of him inexcusable. They too, like us, stand condemned. Their knowledge, their religion & their righteousness cannot save them. Only Christ can. Their mouth is closed in guilt; let our mouth be opened in testimony." | Stott

New Elephant Video

The Mentoring Project - Elephant Musth Cycle from The Mentoring Project on Vimeo.

"Knowledge is Never Sufficient"

I am choosing to quote a snippet from Dallas Willard's Knowing Christ Today. I am a bit apprehensive to do this since I cannot provide the full context. Oh well, you will just have to read it for yourself!! I can't wait to read the next chapter based upon Hosea 4:6, "Exactly How We Perish for Lack of Knowledge," since the first few chap's have been so rich in content! Good readin'! Please take the time to read this thoroughly.

"Knowledge alone is never enough for human life, of course. That is itself one part of the genuine Christian knowledge. And by itself, apart from some adequate moral teaching & discipline (based of course, upon knowledge), it always 'puffs one up'--as the apostle Paul in his profound knowledge of knowledge pointed out (1 Cor. 8:1). Knowledge alone sets us up for a fall. It gives a sense of substance & fulfillment to the self & to society that is an illusion. Under this illusion of substance & sufficiency, it forgets, as that wise man Paul also pointed out, that we only know "in part" (1 Cor. 8:1-3; 13:8-12) & that, as the poet Alexander Pope said, 'A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.' Christians know that our knowledge is always little. We rarely even have any idea of how much it leaves out. (It is this knowledge of knowledge that, along with genuine love of neighbor, enables one to avoid intolerance.) In applying what we know or think we know, the 'law of unintended effects' comes into play. When we act with even the best of available knowledge, we really don't know what the consequences will be."

I love this! It just furthers my realization of my inability to be God & it humbles me under the mighty wisdom of an all knowing God. Complete knowledge knows the consequences of every action. Who can measure this but God!?!?

Psalm 36:1 | Romans 3:18

"Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes." Psalm 36:1

"There is no fear of God before their eyes." Romans 3:18

These verses have proved pivotal to me in my understanding of sin, ungodliness & on the other hand, grace. As of late, I have been slowly & carefully making my way through Romans. As I approach chapter 3, I see how the "playing field" is leveled. In chapter 3 we see Paul's case further unfold as "there is no distinction: for all have sinned & fall short of the glory of God." This includes Jew & Greek. Yet, what I can't seem to skip over is all people's moral failure & inability to be righteous within ourselves. I see so much arrogance & pride in the heart's of men as though we have achieved sanctification or the goal. It is such a great reminder of our need for the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no room for arrogance next to the cross. (I am preaching to myself here!). 

The above verses made me think twice. What is the fear of God? And, does it really influence my actions? 

Sanday commented on 3:18. He said, "The fear of God supplies no standard for their actions." This makes me wonder, "Are my actions altered because of my honoring & fear of God? Or, do I assume that God will not discipline sin? 

I hear people say quite often, "You just have to trust your heart." Well, I get what they are saying, but what if your heart is a big part of the problem. You see, there is a major difference between the unregenerate heart & the regenerate heart. Jeremiah says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, & desperately sick; who can understand it? (17:9)" Further, there is a great chasm between the heart that consistently intakes the gospel verses the heart that is passive towards God. What many people mean when they say, "Go with your heart" is "Trust your feelings." My friends, if I trusted my feelings all the time, I would be in a heap of trouble. Word? 

What I am getting at saying is: we must preach the gospel to ourselves. Otherwise, the fear of God will have little bearing (if any) upon our actions. We are way too forgetful. 

I am praying for you; I am praying for me. I am asking that God help give me a greater desire for Him. I don't feel guilty or condemned, I just don't want to miss out on Him. He is shown me countless times that He is the treasure. 

"Sovereign Grace & the Glorious Mystery of Election"

Nothing like opening a can of worms on this beautiful Tuesday!

So... I just finished reading a short booklet produced by Sovereign Grace Ministries called, "Sovereign Grace & the Glorious Mystery of Election" by CJ Mahaney. It is one in the "Perspectives" series: "Reflections on Doctrine & Practice in the Local Church." I found it incredibly encouraging & insightful.

First, I don't presume that anyone can understand the full mind of God. I am only offering insight into something that has made a major impact upon me personally; my view of God has drastically increased & my view of self is slowly diminishing.

As CJ states, "as soon as we encounter it (election), we must all acknowledge we that we are in way over our heads." For those unfamiliar with the doctrine of election, the issue that needs clarification is how to reconcile the role of God's sovereignty with human responsibility in salvation.

There are many reasons why this doctrine is important. Without going into too much detail, I will explain how I was brought to my conclusion. For my first several years after conversion, I was convinced that I played a major role in my coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Essentially, I believed that I chose to follow Christ based upon my excellent ability to make the wise choice. The fruit of this was pride & a spirit of superiority in my life. And why not? Clearly, those who are 'saved' are superior & make wise decisions... hmmm. Wrong!

As I have grown in understanding of who God is, I have been humbled by my depravity & lack of discipline to be morally, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, & physically perfect. My pride has taken a hit! I now better understand that I am quite insignificant in the grand scheme of things. There is no room for arrogance in the Gospel.

I began to grapple with my role in salvation a few years ago. I wondered to myself, "Christians say we are saved by grace through faith & that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God (see Ephesians 2)." But there is an awfully large amount of emphasis put on 'making a decision,' 'getting right with God,' & etc. I think I realized that many of us would say we are saved through faith but not realize the source of our faith, God. Because, if it were our faith (or our prayer or realization), that too would be a 'work.' Yet, I have heard countless times taught by well-meaning teachers a theology of salvation through works.

And the terminology throughout Scripture clarifies that we are 'dead in sin.' I don't think that dead people can make themselves alive. Further, I don't know of any who can make themselves 'born again.' And we know that no one can come unto the Father except by the Holy Spirit's drawing. As you can see, my view of self in salvation is diminishing. I began to realize that the theological roads I was traveling eventually led to unbiblical thought. For example, I concluded that Christ's atoning work on the cross was sufficient for all mankind, but clearly it wasn't efficient for all man. It is only efficient for those who trust & believe. Otherwise, we would be universalists.

I am quite certain that if Christ had not chosen me, I wouldn't have chosen Him. I am reminded, "there are none who seek God, no not one." I imagine this is tough for those who grew up in the church who have always been around 'the things of God.' But, I need reminding too, in my sin I was "actively & arrogantly hostile & opposed" to God.

All this to say... I had no merit in my salvation.

One of the pastors (Matthew Lindsey) at my church taught on the doctrine of election the other day in a small group. I think his illustration was wise:
Every month, he takes each individual daughter out on a daddy/daughter date. He always knows where the date is going to end... with ice cream! After dinner, he asks his daughter, "What do you want to do now?" Without hesitation she responds as usual, "Let's get ice cream." So... they head over to get ice cream. Without fail, his daughter always gets her favorite flavor & all is well & good. But... what his daughter doesn't know is that he has already made provisions for the entire date night. He planned the restaurant, the ice cream, etc. He worked the job that paid for the date, arranged the child care so they could go out, made sure the restaurant & ice cream shop were open, etc. Yet, the daughter thinks it was her idea to have ice cream! She doesn't realize all of the details that go into arranging for her to have ice cream. All she knows is that she loves the ice cream that her daddy gets her.

Don't you sometimes think that this is how God calls us to faith? I find great assurance that "He chose us in him before the foundation of the world." Friends, I imagine that there is so much behind the scenes that led me to initial faith in Christ; it produces an awe in me! "God intentially designed salvation so that no man could boast of it... he planned it so that boasting would be absolutely excluded," says Mark Webb.

To ask the question, "who is God's elect" is to miss the point. Mahaney states, "Election is an after-the-experience explanation of your conversion." It should produce in us a holy gratefulness & worship to/of God. "Knowing that our salvation was fundamentally accomplished by God rather than ourselves," says Mahaney, "fuels our confidence & builds our faith to see others regenerated."

I would hope that this brief snippet would prove insightful to some. I am not trying to sell my perspective or view but simply testify of what I personally believe the Lord Jesus has taught me. Therefore, I welcome your comments, insight, rebuttal, etc. My high view of self is constantly being challenged & I am thankful. Thank God for His being infinitely more glorious than I imagnine!

The Mentoring Project

Final Father's Day Campaign Video from The Mentoring Project on Vimeo.

Advance '09

This morning has been quite refreshing as I am finishing up on a few design projects, so I went to the Desiring God website & have been listening to the audio from Advance '09. I thought it to benefit you if you went & listened as well.

Here is the link: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/45/

So far, I have been particularly convicted & informed by Mark Driscoll's message, Ministry Idolatry. As well, Bryan Chapell's message on Communicating the Gospel through Preaching was enlightening as he spoke to several common errors when approaching the text. He outlines several purposes of Scripture all pointing to the perfect One, Jesus. It will cause you to reevaluate your study or give you desire to study. And, Matt Chandler's candid message should sober the proud.

Do yourself great service & go listen.

You Don't Know the Half of It

It is well-known that in his writings in table conversation [Martin] Luther would often refer to visits from the Devil, how the Devil would come to him and whisper in his ear, accusing him of all manner of filthy sin: "Martin, you are a liar, greedy, lecherous, a blasphemer, a hypocrite. You cannot stand before God." To which Luther would respond: "Well, yes, I am. And, indeed, Satan, you do not know the half of it. I have done much worse than that and if you care to give me your full list, I can no doubt add to it and help make it more complete. But you know what? My Saviour has died for all my sins - those you mention, those I could add and, indeed, those I have committed but am so wicked that I am unaware of having done so. It does not change the fact that Christ has died for all of them; his blood is sufficient; and on the Day of Judgment I shall be exonerated because he has taken all my sins on himself and clothed me in his own perfect righteousness." (From Carl Trueman in http://www.reformation21.org/counterpoints/wages-of-spin/thank-god-for-bandit-country.php)

via Jim Boling

A Reminder: The Difference b/n Principle & Practice

We were reminded yesterday of the importance of knowing how to distinguish between principle & practice. Thanks to Jeff Hodgson for his insight. I know I have mentioned this before, but it is a great personal reminder.

Principle says, "this is the way it ought to be."
Practice says, "there are a number of ways to carry out the principle."

In our corporate worship service, we are exploring together the letters written to the church at Corinth. Currently we are in Chapter 7:17-ff. Yet this section can be difficult if not taken into perspective. I would like to offer some insight.

In verse 32, Paul begins an argument for celibacy. It is his preference that those who are unmarried would remain single, so that they be "concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord" (v. 32). His motive bursts forth in v. 35, "This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate & to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord."

Here is where we see that the principle of being devoted to the Lord leads Paul to adopt the practice & preference of celibacy. But, we must be reminded that he points out their liberty towards practice, "but if you marry, you have not sinned" (v. 28). Paul attempts to help us avoid overemphasizing practice & reminds us to look at the principle.

A few quotes worth mentioning: (my paraphrase)

• "Jesus has inaugurated an eternal kingdom & it should be at the forefront of our minds."
  
• "Nothing should take precedence over that which is of utmost importance--the gospel."
• "Everything is different because of the gospel; everything should be viewed through the lens of the gospel."
  
• "We shouldn't try to find heaven in anything other than Him" (e.g. marriage, money, success, jobs)
• "This life should not be allowed to be the supreme thing in our lives."

This is another reminder to those of us who are recovering legalists who tend to emphasize the practice over the principle. Whether you homeschool & believe it is the only way to educate your children, or your wife stays at home as the homemaker, or you avoid restaurants that serve alcohol, or you listen only to worship music, or you don't "braid your hair, wear gold jewelry, or put on dresses" (note: men, I hope none of you are putting on dresses!), or you are careful to be present at church on every day that ends in "y" being careful not to "forsake the assembling," or you boycott Disney & reality television................ remember the principle.

And, the guiding principle should always be "to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord."

Ouch!

via Timmy Brister

Questions for the Couples

Last night Joy & I attended our first care group at the church (www.cornerstonechurchofknoxville.com) we've been visiting for the last few months. Mike & Kay Simmons were gracious enough to serve us by keeping our little man, Brennan. David & Emilee Stanley welcomed us into their home along with several other couples who regularly attend the care group. Apparently last night's format was slightly different than normal, but it was very encouraging & quite humorous to say the least. Most of the couples were able to attend the marriage conference led by Gary & Betsy Ricucci, authors of Love that Lasts. Last night's care group was an opportunity to lead us into practice what we learned from the seminar. There was great discussion & I thought I would offer the questions that were discussed. I believe it would benefit any couples out there to consider these questions with your spouse, but do so through the lens of the gospel.

• What is one area of conflict in your marriage that is unresolved and/or continues to come up time and again?
• Where am I harboring bitterness/resentment towards my spouse for past sin/disappointments?
• Where would I be more aware of sin in my spouse than of grace?
• What is one sin that I’ve not asked my spouse for forgiveness? What is keeping me from asking forgiveness right now?
• Ask your spouse—What is one area you would like me to grow in this season of life?
  

It the past I think these questions would've led to anger/bitterness, etc. in our marriage. Yet, last night as we discussed them prior to the care group, it seems that we both have grown significantly as we are learning how to view each other in the light of our sinfulness & the grace extended to us through Christ. He who has been forgiven much, loves much!

A Wonderful Surprise!

When my wife asked what I wanted for Christmas this past year, I gave her a list of several books that I have been wanting. On the list was Dallas Willard's new book, Knowing Christ Today: Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge. Well, I didn't receive it for Christmas but just figured it was because we were on such a strict budget. Until... last Wednesday we were headed to lunch with my dad & stopped at the mailbox & to my surprise was a package for Joy. She opened it & it was the book. Apparently it had not been released yet & Amazon shipped it when it came in stock.

So... I have read only 2 chapters but they have been great! I do warn you that this is not a devotional book. Willard states, "it will require considerable mental effort to understand." He was right. May I let you in on a few things that stood out to me during the Introduction.

The thesis of the book is stated in the introduction: "This book is about knowledge & about claims to knowledge in relationship to life & the Christian faith. It is concerned, more precisely, with the trivialization of faith apart from knowledge & with the disastrous effects of a repositioning of faith in Jesus Christ, & of life as his students, outside the category of knowledge" (1).

Willard's argument via my paraphrase is this: Christians have gone to church but left their minds at the door. He states, "This means that Christian teachers are left in the position of trying to coax & wheedle people into professing things & doing things by some means other than providing them knowledge of reality--hoping, perhaps, for "divine lightning" to strick their souls & bring them around" (2).

I especially benefit from Willard's argument that Christianity expresses a coherent philosophical system & intransigent historical claims. "A life of steadfast discipleship to Jesus Christ," Willard states," can be supported only upon assured knowledge of how things are, of the realities in terms of which that life is lived" (7).

He ends his introduction with a wonderfully fitting quote by C.S. Lewis,
"God has room for people with very little sense, but He wants everyone to use what sense they have. The proper motto is not 'Be good, sweet maid, & let who can be clever,' but 'Be good, sweet maid, & don't forget that this involves being as clever as you can.' God is no fonder of intellectual slackers than of any other slackers. If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains & all... One reason why it needs no special education to be a Christian is that Christianity is an education itself" (11).

So far I have been highly encouraged by this book as it calls each of us to a higher level of pursuit of God. Willard seems to well support the Lord's claim in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

Stay tuned as I delve deeper into Knowing Christ Today.

Who is the Enemy?

I was never taught this. If I had, it would've saved much heartache. Rather, I made some poor choices & often blamed the "enemy." The enemy got way too much credit.

Here's what I mean: I fear that often we ascribe too much credit to the "enemy." In my circumstance & in many of yours this person/being would be the Adversary, the Devil, the anti-Christ, Satan, the Prince of this World.

Here is what I see happening: For example, I see a believer make a choice to pursue something. This may be a business venture, a new profession, a girl/guy, a path, etc. With some prayer they set out on the journey. But then sometimes conflict or opposition or uneasiness or realized mistakes surface & who is to blame now? Well of course, the "enemy." I hear it often, "The enemy is really attacking us. He sees how important our mission is & he doesn't like it, so he is fighting it."
I hear what your saying & the Bible says that the adversary is seeking to kill & destroy. But, sometimes I think that we give him credit simply because we didn't think things through or because God may be revealing sin in our hearts & He wants us to repent before we move forward.

Mike & I talked about this the other day & it seems to reveal much pride in the person who thinks or says "how important is my mission."

It is simply a matter of perspective. One perspective blames the "enemy" for our discomfort; this perspective is an outward view--it doesn't take responsibility. The other perspective sees "indwelling sin" as the enemy & takes responsibility over personal sin.

Now, I already here the rebuttals & don't have time to address them all--a brother's gotta work! But, just hear me out when I say that maybe the source of conflict is God-sent & instead of blaming the "enemy", ask God to reveal indwelling sin & to grant you repentance. It is often a war of the desires of the Spirit vs. the desires of the flesh. Because, let's face it--each of us have a dangerous companion that is at home within us. Often the war is within not without.

I should've waged war against indwelling sin a long time ago. You can either blame everyone else for your defeat or you can repent, walk in the light, & have fellowship with one another & God Almighty.

Comments?

When Vacations Go Awry

awry: away from the appropriate, planned, or expected.

Yep... that pretty much sums it up.

Joy, Brennan, & I had plans to leave for vacation last Saturday. Well, the night before we were to leave, we were awakened unexpectedly at 12:30 am with Brennan crying. No big deal, right? Although being practically unconscious, I hear Joy & Brennan in the guest bathroom. And the water is running. Oh no! I ran in there to see her taking off his vomit-soaked pajamas. She said, "He threw up everwhere!" I quickly pivoted & walked in Brennan's room to see vomit all over his bed, crib, blanket, sheets, dry-clean only crib padding thing, floor, rug, etc. You get the point. It was bad; it was real bad. I am certain I set a record for holding my breath as I cleaned up this mess, replaced his sheets & blanket. I thought the worst was over as I reasoned to myself, "He has never done this before, everything should be fine."

It wasn't.

To our alarm, the same occurred 3 more times throughout the night. As we woke from our fragmented periods of rest, we were exhausted. But, we were about to get in the car for a 5 hour drive to go on vacation. 5 hour drive + sick baby = vomit in car seat 3 times. Oh no!

Well, without drawing out this story too much, here are the details. We arrived at Joy's parents' house to celebrate Brennan's 1st b-day but he was too sick to eat any cake. Joy's sister & her kids were there too which exposed them to the sickness. Brennan felt much better later that day so Joy & I stuck to our plans, left him with Papa & Nana, & drove down to Santa Rosa Beach, FL. We drove through storms the whole way down but were able to find about half an hour of dryness in Seaside where we ate. As we made it back to our rental house, The Green Gecko, Joy began to feel bad.

You got it! Vomitting in the night!! She was out of commission the our first day... no beach, no food, lots of sleep. Day 2: Joy is feeling much better. But... you got it! Ben is sick... no beach, no food, lots of sleep. Joy calls her parents to check on them. Update: Joy's dad is sick, Joy's mom is feeling like she may be getting sick, Joy's sister & her daughter are sick. Day 3 (our last day at the beach): Well, finally feeling better, we pack up & go have some breakfast. Immediately following, we spent 2 hours on the beach trying to do what we wanted to do the whole time. After that, we had lunch, played a round of putt-putt, & drove 3 hours north to Joy's parents' house. Vacation over.

We arrived at our house last night officially exhausted. A year's worth of planning & vacation savings down the tube. Sometimes vacations go awry, sometimes they don't. I am hoping that we have sensed God's hand in this too. I can't quite give you some super-sprititual explanation or extra-godly insight as to why I feel okay about all this, I just do.

Now, I ponder how to surprise Joy with a day or two (or three, four) of rest & vacation before the next baby comes. Any ideas are welcome. But... let's keep it much closer to home this time.

Back in the saddle & lovin' it!

Below Ground:

You may want to set aside 15 minutes to watch this. It is moving, gripping, & sad. It will evoke pity for those less fortunate & bring appreciation to your circumstance. Hopefully, you will put yourself in their situation & sober up. I find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign, even under the streets in Romania. See for yourself.

click!

Is a Beer just a Beer?

What a great topic to stir up some discussion!! In this month's Leadership Journal there is an article titled, "Trouble Brewing: Is a relaxed attitude toward alcohol among clergy leading to a new battle over prohibition." You can access the article by clicking on the article title. I just finished the article & thought to myself, "I have to blog about this & see what others have to say."  

One Southern Baptist pastor from Mississippi stated, "I am not too pleased with our alcohol position, not because I am a champion for serving beer at Wednesday night dinner, but rather because of the convoluted way we reach this much-beloved stance. Our position on alcohol is one of recent historic origin, not scriptural." 

And consider this quote from historian Mark Noll, "Some evangelicals have made opinion on liquor more important for fellowship & cooperation... than attitudes toward the person of Christ or the nature of salvation." 

So, let me ask you, "Is a beer just a beer?" 

Love that Lasts, Part 2

Here are a few impressions from last weekend's marriage conference, Love that Lasts. In this post, I will pull from the first part of Session 1: Why Communicate? 

Effective Communication Leads to Fellowship

1. Why communicate?

• For the Glory of God: 1 Cor 10:31, Gen 1:27
• It is not good to be Alone: Gen 2:18, Rom 12:5, Eph 4:16, Heb 3:13, Prov 18:1
• To become One: Gen 2:18-25
• To reflect Christ & the Church: Eph 5:32
• To serve the other: Eph 4:29
• To be conformed to the image of Christ: Rom 8:29, Eph 4:15

"Communication is not an end in itself. The goal of communication is fellowship... with God, our spouses, & others." 

"God's intention for marriage is companionship, intimacy, & growth in godliness for His glory."

"Just because someone communicates with ease does not mean that they are effective communicators." 

"If my marriage is not about something that is greater than me, it will end up being all about me." 

"When I speak to my wife in a sinful manner, I am presenting to our children & others a distorted view of Christ & His Church." 

"Pursue communication as a means of walking in the light, growing in godliness & helping your spouse to mature in Christ as you are becoming one." 

"Honesty has been used as an excuse for recklessness!"

One thing that really stuck out to me is asking my wife, "Joy, when I said ______, what did you hear? I need some objectivity in my life & I want to make sure what I am intending to communicate is really being communicated."