"Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." -- Revelation 2:10
So tonight, as part of the CCA, Shirley Jones was here. You know, Mrs. Partridge. Laurie in Oklahoma. Julie Jordan in Carousel. Marian the librarian in The Music Man. Anyway, it was incredible to hear about and think about all that she has been able to accomplish on stage and in film over the years, including an Oscar, and she is not done at 70 years. She continues to tour, and this May will appear in a three month showing of 42nd Street. By anyone's standards, she has made the most of her life as an entertainer and says she will never retire, as though that is a funny concept to her. People would say that she is in love with performing....
As much as I admire her work, though, I would not wish her accomplishments for myself, grand and spectacular as they may be. In a sense, there is a larger, higher dream than the American Dream of glamour and success to which the Christian is called. But she exemplifies a great love for her driving passion and will probably perform until the day she dies, as she collects respect and honor from her admirers. And it is that which I wish to emulate. My one driving passion is Christ and I hope that I may continue to show forth his love and pursue him faithfully by his grace throughout my entire life. Ms. Jones showed that you are not too young to make your start, as she played in Oklahoma at age 18, with almost no experience. Similarly, Christ's power may be made manifest through even the youngest or weakest member of the body, and that is encouraging. It is never too early to begin working for kingdom, and working for it powerfully.
I was reminded today in thought of Matthew 25:23, "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'" It's wonderful to dream big for God. I don't think we can dream big enough about service to God. But at this stage in life it is easy to create the big dreams and forget the everyday things. God will not give us the nations if we are not faithful where we are. How will we tell the world if we are not telling our neighbor?
Ms. Jones' passion for performing will not allow her to stop, for she is so in love with what she does. I think it is tragic in America that once people hit the magical age of 65, they settle for dying on the golf course, when there is still so much life to live, especially for the Christian. Seriously. Where in the Bible does it say that we can stop? So someone gets to that age and decides to stop their current trade. Fine. I have no problem with that. But if our driving passion is the Lord Jesus Christ and he is our King of Kings until we meet him in glory, then age 65 means nothing to us in our pursuit of him and service to him. We think that we deserve to rest after a life of work, but we deserve nothing and yet Christ has granted us his power and love to become ministers unto the Word through suffering and service unto our eternal joy! There is nothing in this life that could compare to the riches of Christ that are to be found in his service- no yacht, no golf course, no lakehouse. I am continually encouraged by stories of saints, past and present, who have passed retirement age but have continued on for the sake of God's glory, going out to live and die in his mission field. What a testimony, especially to us younger ones in the faith. Christ never promised an easy life nor a comfortable life. In fact, he called us to take up our crosses and follow him, realizing that a cross is a place to die. The mission field is not safe. It has never promised to be safe. But what is this life compared to the riches of the life hereafter?
So I want to encourage you not to grasp onto the small pleasures of this life that will never satisfy you. Go to the source of all joy and satisfaction- Jesus Christ, our King. His way is not safe and will ask for your life, but wasn't it he that trod the road to Calvary and laid down his life for you? He will be our strength and our life even in death. So let our lives testify Christ, so that in our death people will say we were in love with our Lord.
"Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever."
-- Martin Luther, from "A Mighty Fortress is Our God"
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Monday, March 08, 2004
Highly Recommended!
I highly recommend this book: Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper. It is very convicting but also encouraging. It challenges us to consider how we spend our lives and what we are willing to die for. Will we buy into the American dream of confort and complacency? It challenges us to find our ultimate comfort in Christ even though the way may be paved in trouble. Choosing Christ is to choose a full life, anything other than Christ is a waste. Quotation from the book:
"Forbid that any, Lord, who reads these words would have to say some day: "I’ve wasted [my life]." But grant, by your almighty Spirit and your piercing Word, that we who name Christ as the Lord would treasure him above our lives, and feel, deep in our souls, that Christ is life and death is gain. And so may we display his worth for all to see. And by our prizing him may he be praised in all the world. May he be magnified in life and death. May every neighborhood and nation see how joy in Jesus frees his people from the power of greed and fear." (p. 189)
It is also a good introduction to reading Piper as some find Desiring God too heavy.
As of today, Piper's book, The Passion of Jesus Christ, (released in January) has sold more than 1,055,378 copies.
"Forbid that any, Lord, who reads these words would have to say some day: "I’ve wasted [my life]." But grant, by your almighty Spirit and your piercing Word, that we who name Christ as the Lord would treasure him above our lives, and feel, deep in our souls, that Christ is life and death is gain. And so may we display his worth for all to see. And by our prizing him may he be praised in all the world. May he be magnified in life and death. May every neighborhood and nation see how joy in Jesus frees his people from the power of greed and fear." (p. 189)
It is also a good introduction to reading Piper as some find Desiring God too heavy.
As of today, Piper's book, The Passion of Jesus Christ, (released in January) has sold more than 1,055,378 copies.
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Bear With Me
Hi, so I am still alive. Doing very well actually. There's nothing too exciting on the menu tonight, but I thought I would let everyone know that there are some good posts in the works for which to be watching, some concerning recent controversies on Hillsdale's campus. I hope they will be challenging and edifying. So bear with me and above all, "May the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. " (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
People of Consequence
Last week, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas came to Hillsdale to teach a seminar on the Constitution. He also participated in an open question-and-answer session, which I attended. In talking of the pettiness of politicians, he said something to the effect that "people of consequence should do things of consequence." And it struck me that Christians should do things "of consequence" and concern themselves with things "of consequence." And why? Because we have been made People of Consequence.
Sure, in our natural state, we are dreadful, selfish beings. The God of the universe lacks nothing and yet deserves all praise and honor from his creation, deserves undivided devotion and service. But we trade our birthrights on a daily basis, committing the ultimate treason against a holy God. Through our actions we often show to the world what our hearts keep secret, that we find more satisfaction in earthly treasures than in the majesty of God. And that is treason. For "who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?" (Psalm 113:5-6)
But there is hope in the Redeemer. Though we have nothing to offer to God, he has given us everything, for "has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading." (1 Peter 1:3-4) There is for those who are in Christ a "eternal weigh of glory beyond all comprehension" (2 Corinthians 4:17) in heaven. Those whom Christ has redeemed have been reconciled to God and made his children and "fellow heirs with Christ." We have put on Christ's righteousness and now live in his power- and that makes us People of Consequence.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) What are we afraid of? Certainly, on our own we have nothing in which to boast, but in Christ we have everything- all power, all wisdom, all patience, all boldness, all love, all JOY. "But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." (Jermiah 9:23-24) We are promised that if we "walk in the way in which he walked" (1 John 2:6) we will be persecuted, but we do not "preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord." (2 Corinthians 4:5) So we should not be surprised at trials nor should we fear them, but we ought to rest in God's provision.
Not only that, God made his children People of Consequence for a mission. In fact, the whole of history attests to God's mission to save his people. Though Christ's work on the cross is finished, the harvest is not yet complete, and God has seen fit for his people to carry on his mission to the nations here on earth. We are People of Consequence who fight not against the flesh, but against the powers of darkness, possessing the power of the Most High to work within and through us. And our calling is neither optional nor to be taken lightly. We are to be a light to the world around, ever testifying to the supremacy and love of our God through our speech and actions through evangelism. We are called to love the church and ever strive to build her up in Christ. And we are called to the great joy of participating in God's mission to the nations, that they may rejoice in his name, whether through support or through actually going to the mission field.
So what are we doing, today, right now, where we are at? Are we living in the reality that we are a people, redeemed by Jesus' blood and called to minister to others in his name? Do we daily consider our actions in light of the gospel and God's mission? Are we throwing off everything in our lives that hinder us from a life of service and devotion to God? What are we living and dying for? Is it Christ?
God has made us People of Consequence, so let us live and die that our lives may be of consequence for his kingdom by his grace. "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ." (Philippians 3:8)
Sure, in our natural state, we are dreadful, selfish beings. The God of the universe lacks nothing and yet deserves all praise and honor from his creation, deserves undivided devotion and service. But we trade our birthrights on a daily basis, committing the ultimate treason against a holy God. Through our actions we often show to the world what our hearts keep secret, that we find more satisfaction in earthly treasures than in the majesty of God. And that is treason. For "who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?" (Psalm 113:5-6)
But there is hope in the Redeemer. Though we have nothing to offer to God, he has given us everything, for "has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading." (1 Peter 1:3-4) There is for those who are in Christ a "eternal weigh of glory beyond all comprehension" (2 Corinthians 4:17) in heaven. Those whom Christ has redeemed have been reconciled to God and made his children and "fellow heirs with Christ." We have put on Christ's righteousness and now live in his power- and that makes us People of Consequence.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) What are we afraid of? Certainly, on our own we have nothing in which to boast, but in Christ we have everything- all power, all wisdom, all patience, all boldness, all love, all JOY. "But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." (Jermiah 9:23-24) We are promised that if we "walk in the way in which he walked" (1 John 2:6) we will be persecuted, but we do not "preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord." (2 Corinthians 4:5) So we should not be surprised at trials nor should we fear them, but we ought to rest in God's provision.
Not only that, God made his children People of Consequence for a mission. In fact, the whole of history attests to God's mission to save his people. Though Christ's work on the cross is finished, the harvest is not yet complete, and God has seen fit for his people to carry on his mission to the nations here on earth. We are People of Consequence who fight not against the flesh, but against the powers of darkness, possessing the power of the Most High to work within and through us. And our calling is neither optional nor to be taken lightly. We are to be a light to the world around, ever testifying to the supremacy and love of our God through our speech and actions through evangelism. We are called to love the church and ever strive to build her up in Christ. And we are called to the great joy of participating in God's mission to the nations, that they may rejoice in his name, whether through support or through actually going to the mission field.
So what are we doing, today, right now, where we are at? Are we living in the reality that we are a people, redeemed by Jesus' blood and called to minister to others in his name? Do we daily consider our actions in light of the gospel and God's mission? Are we throwing off everything in our lives that hinder us from a life of service and devotion to God? What are we living and dying for? Is it Christ?
God has made us People of Consequence, so let us live and die that our lives may be of consequence for his kingdom by his grace. "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ." (Philippians 3:8)
Sunday, February 01, 2004
"This one goes out to the ones I love..."
I was talking with my mom last night and she reminded me that I have some awesome friends. She hasn't met most of you out there, but she has been able to tell by the support I have that you guys are the best. Indeed, I have been blessed with some amazing people in my life. First with my family and then with my Christian brothers and sisters out there who continually challenge me and support. This is a shout out to all of those who have touched my life. You guys are in my heart and I thank God for you all. I look forward to the day in which we will all be praising our Father together for all eternity. Until then:
"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. " Ephesians 1:16-21
"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. " Ephesians 1:16-21
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Bookstore Blunders
For those of you who don't know, Urbana is a student missions conference that takes place ever four years in Urbana, Illinois, at the University of Illinois campus. It is hosted by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, a campus ministry similar to Campus Crusade for Christ. Well, over Christmas break I attended this five day conference with about 20,000 other students. Urbana 03 has caused me to think about so many things that I will try to relate over the next few weeks.
I was especially excited to visit the bookstore that InterVarsity set up at the conference. I love books and I was nervous about bringing my wallet to the bookstore, thinking I was liable to spend more than I ought. I was mistaken as I was tempted to buy only one book. (I bought Operation World by Johnstone and Mandryk. I highly recommend it!) The bookstore disappointed me in some ways. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't for lack of books. They advertised over 20,000 titles. But I was surprised to see that the bookstore wasn't completely devoted to books on missions, but I was greatly astonished to see the lack of discernment in choosing how to fill the other shelves. To my dismay, I saw books by Greg Boyd to name one, a very vocal proponent of Open Theism. And I am not at all opposed to saying that I consider Open Theism heresy. Now, I am not at all for burning books or being the thought police. Open discussion is great and I don't believe in sheltering Christians from other worldviews. However, I knew that there were searching students at the conference who wouldn't know Greg Boyd from anyone else, and would buy such books trusting in the InterVarsity and Urbana labels. This thought alerted me to a problem that perhaps is prevalent among the Christian book industry. Just because the Christian bookstore sells it, doesn't mean that it is Biblical or edifying. I realize that there are many differing beliefs on a variety of doctrines that may be considered orthodox and I am not opposed to bookstores selling them all. But I caution myself and others to be discerning about what books to value, and to value them based upon their agreement with Scripture and not because of who published or sold them. And I would also like to see big publishers like Zondervan and IV Press to be more careful with their endorsements with the knowledge that their name can influence so many people. They are in a position to feed people, so let them feed people with Scripture-saturated, God-exalting food, not settling for anything less than what would cause his people to rejoice in his great reign.
I was especially excited to visit the bookstore that InterVarsity set up at the conference. I love books and I was nervous about bringing my wallet to the bookstore, thinking I was liable to spend more than I ought. I was mistaken as I was tempted to buy only one book. (I bought Operation World by Johnstone and Mandryk. I highly recommend it!) The bookstore disappointed me in some ways. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't for lack of books. They advertised over 20,000 titles. But I was surprised to see that the bookstore wasn't completely devoted to books on missions, but I was greatly astonished to see the lack of discernment in choosing how to fill the other shelves. To my dismay, I saw books by Greg Boyd to name one, a very vocal proponent of Open Theism. And I am not at all opposed to saying that I consider Open Theism heresy. Now, I am not at all for burning books or being the thought police. Open discussion is great and I don't believe in sheltering Christians from other worldviews. However, I knew that there were searching students at the conference who wouldn't know Greg Boyd from anyone else, and would buy such books trusting in the InterVarsity and Urbana labels. This thought alerted me to a problem that perhaps is prevalent among the Christian book industry. Just because the Christian bookstore sells it, doesn't mean that it is Biblical or edifying. I realize that there are many differing beliefs on a variety of doctrines that may be considered orthodox and I am not opposed to bookstores selling them all. But I caution myself and others to be discerning about what books to value, and to value them based upon their agreement with Scripture and not because of who published or sold them. And I would also like to see big publishers like Zondervan and IV Press to be more careful with their endorsements with the knowledge that their name can influence so many people. They are in a position to feed people, so let them feed people with Scripture-saturated, God-exalting food, not settling for anything less than what would cause his people to rejoice in his great reign.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Tonight, I just want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Aaron and Natalia on their engagement. They are two of the coolest people ever. I wish them a God-centered, God-glorifying, joyful life together.
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