01.07.10
Posted in Old Testament at 2:00 am by Administrator
My Bible Study finds me in Genesis 7. This is certainly a familiar story, Noah, flood, animals, ark, you know it well. However, for some reason when I read it this year in the face of all the talk and movies about the end of the world it struck me as haunting and deeply real. Thinking about this small ark, floating alone on this planet. Thinking of Noah and his family sitting down to eat day after day looking at each other wondering, “What is going on out there?” “What is going to happen next?” “Is this really happening?”
It was God’s words to Noah that really hit me. “Go into the ark,…” It is clear that God was in control, events were out of Noah’s control. All Noah could do was respond to God’s word. So in the ark Noah and his family waited, floating, uncertain of what comes next, day after day, night after night, out of control, relying completely on God. Waiting for a new world, a new start, but daily confronted with care for the animals, fixing food, cleaning the place, daily work, small things, but important things while God managed to larger, world issues.
Has much changed? Are we not called to “Go into…” whatever we are called to do? Called to Hong Kong, Michigan, Nebraska, South America, or wherever. Placed there by God to do daily tasks laid before us. Letting God navigate the bigger world issues. Worrying, fretting, complaining will not alert the course of the ark. God will guide the ark, but while on board there is work to do. Service to perform, people to love, hearts to mend, hugs to give.
I don’t think I ever really appreciated Noah as I do today. Wow, what a man, what a family of faith.
What ark are you on and while on that ark are you doing the work before you while you let God guide and direct?
Permalink
Posted in Song at 1:38 am by Administrator
It has been a while since I wrote on the blog. It is not that I have not had thoughts, but I have not taken the time to write them down. I am not really sure where November and December went. Those two months were so full of activities that they days flew by. Wow.
In November I came across a new CD by an up and coming Christian singer. His name is Phil Wickham. He released his third CD late last year and it is a great. (At least I think so) The CD entitled Heaven and Earth has a really grat message. Two powerful song, Eden and Safe are deeply moving. I would recommend this CD to anyone who wants uplifting melodies with deeply thoughtful lyrics. If happen to come across the CD and make a purchase, let me know what you think.
Permalink
10.07.09
Posted in Story at 10:33 am by Administrator
The following is a writing from Charles Spurgeon. It was part of my devotion today and I thought is was really moving and I wanted to share it with others.
He sups with you because you find the house or the heart, and you with him because he brings the provision. He could not sup with you if it were not in your heart; nor could you sup with him if he did not bring the provision with him. Fling wide, then, the portals of your soul. He will come with that love which you long to feel; he will come with that joy into which you cannot work your poor depressed spirit; he will bring the peace which now you have not. Only open the door to him, and he will dwell there forever. Oh, wondrous love, that brings such a guest to dwell in such a heart!
The italics are mine, but these are the parts of the passage that really touched me.
What a great God we have who will make time, has time, is never without time to sup with us and fill us with his presence.
Blessings,
Greg
Permalink
10.05.09
Posted in New Testament at 1:04 am by Administrator
Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish be understand what the Lord’s will is.
I preached on these verses a few weeks back and wow, these verses proved so evident in my life during the month of September. I am not sure where the month went. It really flew by. It is amazing how quickly a month goes in retrospect.
As I look back I realize that I did not keep up the blog as much as I wanted and I do hope to do better in October. I need to carve out time for reflection and communication.
September has to be summarized by one word “warfare”. I felt like I was dropped on the battlefield and spiritual struggles were all around. It is clear that we must make the most of every opportunity to connect people to Jesus, like in Ephesians. However, in the midst of daily routines and work and expectations, when you are just keeping your head above water, other people’s connection issues seem like burdens rather than opportunities.
“I can’t do one more conversation.” “I can’t squeeze one more minute out of my day for another person.” Now don’t get me wrong. It is not that I am that overworked. I work hard, but it is more the small voice inside that says, “You worked hard today. You deserve to go home and shut out the world. Don’t worry about the other people.” I think that summarizes a bit of my September. I was consumed with disconnecting rather than connecting. I certainly did not make the most of every opportunity.
This is where I fall into the arms of Jesus and say, “Forgive me.” “Renew me” Refocus me” “Let me make the most of October”
So this pastor looks back on September 2009 and wishes he had been more faithful to the Lord with few key opportunities that presented themselves, but I was not. Someone else will share the joy of those opportunities. They were lost to me, but certainly not to the Lord.
I enter October 2009. On my knees, praying to be a servant to is ready to respond as the Lord sees fit and not as I see fit.
Blessings,
Greg
Permalink
09.15.09
Posted in CAN Confirmation at 1:48 am by Administrator
Let me know how your confirmation work is going so far. Tell me two things.
1) What is one interesting thing you have learned so far.
2) What is one questions that has come to mind from what you have studied?
Permalink
08.06.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:43 am by Administrator
Well life in Hong Kong is getting into full swing. Our furniture has arrived and the kids and I are living in a place that now looks and feels like home. Praise God!
Today, Thursday, Aug 6, I led a workshop for Elementary teachers that covered different aspects of religious education. It was a good morning. Tomorrow I will lead a similar workshop for Middle and High school teachers.
I came back to my office after the workshop ready to jump into outlining my sermon for Aug 23. I have been working for three hours and have only experienced brain freeze. I take two steps forward and end up three steps backwards. So I guess it is time to write a bit.
The text for the sermon which has my brain frozen is from John.
John 6:41-51 (New International Version)
41At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
43″Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44″No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’[a] Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
This is a difficult text, but rich in ideas. I am just not sure what to unpack from this text.
You can help.
Post a comment telling me what this verse means to you and how it encourages your walk with Jesus.
Thanks in advance. Blessings.
Permalink
07.26.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 3:35 am by Administrator
My most recent sermon is uploaded and ready for listening. Blessings.
Permalink
07.24.09
Posted in Old Testament at 4:46 am by Administrator
These verses in Jeremiah give me great comfort, in an odd way.
“O Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.
Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.
Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed!
Jeremiah cries out for vengeance, then praises the Lord, then curses the day he was born, all within three verses. Have you had days like that? You feel one way one moment, then another, then another, back and forth and back and forth.
I know I have been there. Changing as quickly as Jeremiah in these verses. And the Lord just listens.
Ears open, heart open, arms open, the Lord just listens to our rantings know that he will never leave us nor forsake us. He waits for us to “come to our senses” and then helps us move on.
I am so thankful to have a God who loves me on my good days and bad days. In my moments of victory and defeat. A love that is all encompassing.
Praise God.
Permalink
07.22.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 1:31 am by Administrator
Steven Curtis Chapman has a new song entitled “Yours”. It is a great song. I encourage you to listen to it. The message is spot on.
Permalink
Posted in New Testament at 1:28 am by Administrator
I think this gospel story has to be one of my favorites. It certainly is a recurring theme in my devotions and life.
I preached on this story in July and now it comes up again. I love the fact that the disciples are caught in a storm after the prompting of Jesus to “Let’s cross over to the other side.” It was Jesus’ idea to get in the boat and cross the lake. It was Jesus who devised the plan. Jesus took the lead. And look where it led.
It led to a storm that was swamping the boat and threatening the disciples’ lives, or at least that is what they thought. I am sure they figured if Jesus said to go it will be an easy crossing, after all Jesus suggested it. Then BAMMMM a storm, big waves, strong wind, drenching rain and Jesus sleeping through the whole thing. How unfair is that. It was Jesus idea, we are dying here and he is sleeping as if nothing is wrong. How dare he get us into this!!!!!
Have you ever had that thought???? I am following Jesus plans, seeking God’s will, moving with the prompting of the Holy Spirit and here I am drenched, straining against wind and waves. This is not fair. This was not my plan. I am just following “orders.”
If you are in that situation now listen to Jesus words, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus plans are Jesus plans. With his plans comes his power to see his plan through to the end. In the process we may get a bit wet, our muscles may feel strained, we may be near exhaustion, but we are not forsaken nor forgotten. He is in the boat with us. Quietly present, offering hope, providing peace and assurance.
The disciples cried out to Jesus, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” How fatalistic. Yet, I am sure we have whispered the same thoughts. “Jesus, don’t you care if I am worn down, defeated, overwhelmed?”
For me this story teaches about changing my cry to Jesus. It teaches me to say, “Jesus life is hard right now. I know you are here with me. Please strengthen me.” or if time is short and I don’t have that much sanity at the time I simple cry out, “Jesus help!” NOT “Jesus don’t you care if I die!” BUT “Jesus help!” There is a difference. There is a shift from doubt and despair to courage and peace.
Jesus’ presence in the storms of life always brings courage and peace, even when the wind and waves are crashing about us. For that I am truly thankful.
So the next time Jesus says, “Let’s cross over to the other side.” Don’t we surprised by the wind and waves. Be ready to stand strong side by side with Jesus.
Permalink
« Previous entries Next Page » Next Page »
