Just watched an old documentary about Hitler. It makes me nearly sick. How can a man be so filled with hatred that he would murder millions?
Then my mind wandered to "Germany has such deep spiritual roots." ands then I thought "America has such deep spiritual roots."
Makes me wonder if there's any possibility that we, as a nation, could follow suit. On that rabbit trail of thought, what group or nationality would be the hated lot? Could it be Christians?
That would make a great Tim LaHaye book.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Action="Friend of God"
The Creative Church Conference was a huge encouragement/learning experience for me.
The speakers that were there, all men who've pastored churches through strong growth, shared advice about growing a healthy church. Healthy churches should grow. People in healthy churches share Christ, they excitedly invite others to church services and events and then the Holy Spirit does only what He can do: convicts their hearts and some concede to His calling. The church grows.
During the growth process that God has called me to, I have to be evert mindful of His direction. Listening, tuned in and not "bull-dozering" ahead as I am so inclined to do. UGGGH, my personality weaknesses make me crazy sometimes! But then God speaks to me through another staff member, it's so cool...the Church.
At any rate, lots of ideas swirl through my head as I contemplate ministry. Through this, I strive to remember that ideas are great but I believe James said it best in James 2,
"Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone."
The speakers that were there, all men who've pastored churches through strong growth, shared advice about growing a healthy church. Healthy churches should grow. People in healthy churches share Christ, they excitedly invite others to church services and events and then the Holy Spirit does only what He can do: convicts their hearts and some concede to His calling. The church grows.
During the growth process that God has called me to, I have to be evert mindful of His direction. Listening, tuned in and not "bull-dozering" ahead as I am so inclined to do. UGGGH, my personality weaknesses make me crazy sometimes! But then God speaks to me through another staff member, it's so cool...the Church.
At any rate, lots of ideas swirl through my head as I contemplate ministry. Through this, I strive to remember that ideas are great but I believe James said it best in James 2,
"Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone."
Monday, February 15, 2010
Imagine
Fireplace is crackling in the background, just prayed for my son before he went to bed. Theresa hit the hay about an hour ago and Jess is snuggled away in her apartment. My sleep patterns are messed up. I sleep well about every third night and tonight isn't that night. So I took a couple OTC sleeping pills that have made me a little drowsy, which helps an ADHD guy like me focus enough to write.
God is good, all the time. Even when those terrible things happen. I've lived long enough to trust him in tragedy, I've seen "things work together for good".
On occasions like this, I feel his presence in that still, small voice kind of way. It's very comforting to know that He reigns while I sleep and He protects me to the degree that He is glorified. I'm still on the brink of grasping that.
Jeremiah and I discussed heaven the other night and came to the conclusion that we can't fully comprehend it, He doesn't want us to. He wants us to listen to the soothing voice of His spirit and imagine...
I can only imagine. What it will be like, when we walk by His side. Will I stand in is presence or to my knees will I fall, I can only imagine.
And anxiously await the day.
Come quickly Lord.
God is good, all the time. Even when those terrible things happen. I've lived long enough to trust him in tragedy, I've seen "things work together for good".
On occasions like this, I feel his presence in that still, small voice kind of way. It's very comforting to know that He reigns while I sleep and He protects me to the degree that He is glorified. I'm still on the brink of grasping that.
Jeremiah and I discussed heaven the other night and came to the conclusion that we can't fully comprehend it, He doesn't want us to. He wants us to listen to the soothing voice of His spirit and imagine...
I can only imagine. What it will be like, when we walk by His side. Will I stand in is presence or to my knees will I fall, I can only imagine.
And anxiously await the day.
Come quickly Lord.
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