Perspectives

I've been talking to Mandy about the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course, and figured I'd put in a little plug to anyone out there in cyberspace:

Q: Should I take Perspectives?

A: First off, pray about it. If it seems like something you are interested in, are willing to put time into, and God leads you that direction, then I definitely encourage it. I haven't taken the course yet, but I've heard about it from a number of sources, and I've heard nothing but good things. I just finished up a similar course on Islam, and man, as I reflect on the class and the material, it's good stuff. It just doesn't get any better than to hear stories of people living for Christ, go to class with people searching after God's will, to discuss faith issues, and contemplate what's really important in life. The course is offered in a number of cities throughout the USA. Check it out.

Great Commission or Great Commandment

My homework tonight asked this question: "Which is more significant, obeying the Great Commission (making disciples) or the Great Commandment (loving God and your neighbor)?"

Something about this question intrigues me. I'm typically bad at answering "either or" questions (mainly because I'm indecisive. Ok, that needs a qualifier: extremely indecisive.) Of course, both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment are extremely significant, so perhaps it's not right to judge one over the other. But for the sake of answering the question, here's the answer I came up with:

"I think the Great Commandment is more significant because by loving God and our neighbors, we are being a light of Christ to those around us, which can open doors and pathways to make disciples through these acts of service. Both are important, but the Great Commandment is a heart-matter. We need to change inwardly and have the right motives before we can be truly effective in our outward expressions and activities to make disciples."

If anyone has an answer or reasoning for the other viewpoint, I'd be interested in hearing it.

Sara Groves

Went to a Sara Groves concert this weekend. Went by myself because I absolutely love Sara Groves' music, and I didn't know anyone who could come with me. Events of the evening:

- Sat next to a lady who was also sitting alone. Turns out she owns a Christian bookstore in Vienna, VA. We had a nice little chat and instead of being alone, I made a friend for the evening. Little Miss Introvert can learn to branch out!

- Sara played her songs on the piano. Just piano. It was absolutely amazing. Made me miss Betsy and her amazing piano skills.

- The concert benefited Young Life's Capernaum for children with special needs. Very moving.

Monkeying Around

Who says party favors are only for the kids?




Along with Thanksgiving, we celebrated my brother's birthday and the twins birthday over the holiday weekend. My, my, time flies.


In other monkeying around business, go to Colin's website and comment on his insightful Jerry MacGuire observation. Derek, thanks for the "prank". It's good to joke around with the old gang again, even if it has to be via the Internet these days.


Here's some interesting Chinese research. "The ant and ladybug appeared fine after 30 minutes of levitation, although the fish did not fare as well, due to the inadequate water supply, the scientists report."


And finally, I got my blood donor card today and found out I'm A positive. Got this reply from my brother: "I wouldn't expect anything but A+ blood coming from you... Man, you can't even get a B in a blood test, good job!" ;)

Suffering Again

After thinking about some comments on my last post, I decided to write a follow-up post. This was written mainly for my own benefit, but pull up a chair and read awhile if you're so inclined. Warning: This is long. That's what happens when you get me on a topic that's interesting.

I generally try to avoid generalizations, but sometimes they are useful for the sake of argument or analysis. So bear with me as I generalize "society". I've been considering what claims the typical American society might make concerning how American Christians suffer. Along with that is my response to why those things aren't really suffering.

Some may claim getting up early on Sunday mornings for church is suffering. This is not suffering. It is a joy when your heart is in the right place.

Some may claim spending time in Bible study is suffering and consumes too much time. This is an investment and a necessity, not a waste of time, and it's far from suffering.

Some may claim tithing and giving money to charities is suffering because then you can't afford things like big-screen TVs. My response would be that eventually TV and material possessions will lose their appeal, especially when you realize that money can go to better use elsewhere. Perhaps it's a result of placing too much emphasis on stuff when I was younger and over the years realizing that stuff can never satisfy. I'm far from perfect, and I still revert to my greedy self who wants to cling to my stuff and have all the latest gadgets and gizmos, but with prayer and the right perspective, it's easy to realize we don't really need half of the things we think we do.

Some may claim spending vacation time on mission trips is suffering. Again, not suffering. A week on a mission trip is what motivates me to get through the rest of the year. Need to start praying about where God wants me this year, right now I have no clue.

Some may claim throwing in the towel on society's view of dating is suffering. Ok, so being single certainly involves a suffering of its own kind, but it's nothing compared to the pain of society's twisted view on relationships. That much I know first hand unfortunately. And in His timing, God will provide what I need and what fits His will, either contentment with being single or a relationship that He gets all the credit for. [Commercial break sponsored by Derek : Sacred Singles Video]

Some may claim leaving the comforts of family and friends is suffering. To that I say it isn't easy, but decisions should not ruled by money or comfort level. And as Camille said, "sometimes God leads us one place so that He can lead us to the next place He has in store for us."

So, our society might look at the lives of American Christians and claim we are suffering. But as a whole, we aren't anywhere close to suffering, especially when viewed from a global perspective. Let me caveat that by saying I'm certain there are many who genuinely suffer for Christ in America, but it's in ways far more extreme and important than the trivialities I listed above. It's the people whose stories bring tears to your eyes, causes your jaw to drop, and makes you instantly ask yourself "How did they find the strength to get through that or accomplish that? Through Christ alone."

My source of conflict arises when considering if I should "suffer for Christ" or "accept His blessings". Often times, those two things seem mutually exclusive to me. But I must remind myself that suffering for Christ does not mean rejecting His blessings. And accepting His blessings does not mean a person isn't struggling with hardships and isn't relying on Christ. I guess the goal is to have both, appreciate all the blessings He lavishes on us, while recognizing the source of those blessings and being ready and willing to follow Him, regardless of the cost. SO MUCH easier said than done. Zach's right though, the one who tries to hold on to their own definition of life, the one who builds castles in the sand, really loses out on Christ's definition of life and the true joy experienced from living for Christ.

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." (John Piper) This is most certainly true. If your earthly father knows how to give good gifts to his children, how much more will your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? God wants us to be satisfied in Him. God wants to give us blessings. God wants to give us the desires of our heart, when our heart is in the right place and when it glorifies Him. But sometimes suffering is involved so that we realize that we can only be satisfied in Christ. Other times suffering is involved to demonstrate the all-surpassing power and peace found in Christ. The problem is that we're sinful and don't get our priorities right and we start thinking about ourself and our "needs" instead of God. So, how do we determine if something is a blessing from God or a desire of the flesh? How about measuring things by the fruit of the Spirit? A blessing from God will result in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God might bless us with a good job so we can give to others. This is good. Or we might desire a good job because we are greedy, jealous, selfish. This is bad.

We are Christian. We are living in America. As Besty said in her comment, why are we here with a good life when there's a woman of great faith in Africa without hands? That question can only be answered by God. All I know is that God calls us to grow where we are put; He's in the driver's seat and will lead the way if only we would stop grabbing the wheel. Someday God might call us to go to Africa. Someday God might call us to go down the street and help at the soup kitchen. The key is realizing that God is calling us and has great plans for us, if only we would listen.

Suffering for Christ

I love Thanksgiving. It's always good to count one's blessings and thank the Lord for all the ways He provides for us. And to sit around with family and friends, realizing how special they are. Shouldn't everyday be Thanksgiving?

So, after a few days of relaxation, peace, and giving thanks, I'm confronted again with the concept of suffering for Christ. One of the questions brought up in my class was "Most Muslim-background believers in Christ suffer for their faith, and some have given their lives. What does "suffering for Christ" mean to you and your community?" For some reason, I haven't been able to come up with a good answer for this question.

This summer, a friend gave a talk about suffering and quoted John Piper saying "It's hard to be a Christian in America. The psychological benefits, the relational benefits, the prosperity benefits, the health benefits, etc. of believing in Jesus make a pretty good life. Such that if it is wrong in the end, well, who cares, we still lived a pretty good life." And that's so different from the New Testament church and the examples of faith that we have.

I've been thinking about this stuff for a while, and nothing has settled in my head yet. When living "the American dream" where we are free to worship and proclaim Christ when, where, and however we want, do we "suffer for Christ"? If so, what does that look like? Insight anyone?

Chris Rice

Pulled out an old Chris Rice CD driving this weekend. Haven't listened to Chris Rice in a while, but he really has a way with words. Liked the chorus of this song:

Why does the past always seem safer?
Maybe because at least we know we made it.
And why do we worry about the future?
When every day will come just the way the Lord ordained it.

Writing

For the past week, I've been thinking about books. Mainly wondering what kind of book I'd want to write if I ever wrote one. When I was little, I used to want to write textbooks. Yeah, call me crazy, wouldn't be the first time. The appeal of textbooks has since worn off, don't worry. I'm not sure I have any good book ideas, but then I heard from the rumor mill that OJ Simpson is writing a book called If I Did It. (shaking head) Sounds like we need some good book ideas out there...

Second, a friend sent me this link to Dr. Gates Yell Practice speech last week. "I got degrees from 3 other universities, but for the rest of my life, I will always be an Aggie. Y'all are blessed to go here, and I have only one request of you as Aggies: and that is to never forget the importance of duty and honor and country. I love you. I'll miss you. God bless Texas A&M, God bless you, and God bless America." Gotta love it.

Third, last Sunday in church with Sara and Gottfried, I was flipping through the hymnal and came across this hymn. After reading through the lyrics again, I just love it:

If you but trust in God to guide you
And place your confidence in Him
You’ll find Him always there beside you
To give you hope and strength within
For those who trust God’s changeless love
Build on the rock that will not move

What gain is there in futile weeping
In helpless anger and distress?
If you are in His care and keeping
In sorrow will He love you less?
For He who took for you a cross
Will bring you safe through every loss

In patient trust await His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whate’er your Father’s pleasure
And all discerning love have sent
Doubt not your inmost wants are known
To Him who chose you for His own

Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving
Offer your service faithfully
And trust His word though undeserving
You’ll find His promise true to be
God never will forsake in need
The soul that trusts in Him indeed

Foxtrot

Got to visit Molecular Man, his awesome wife, and his cool trick bird this weekend in North Carolina!! Yay fun. :-) He told me about this recent comic:

Computer Joke

I've gotta get back in the habit of reading Foxtrot again...

ChAnGe

I was doing my "homework" tonight, and had to answer this question:
"How should Christians respond to change in the culture around them?" Coupled with Betsy's recent post, I decided to blog some thoughts:

Change is the only constant in life. Winston Churchill had a number of quotes on change, some that relate more to the topic of this post than others :)
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."
"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction."

As Christians, we must learn how to address cultural change, especially as society becomes seemingly more and more immoral. Christ was often found with sinners and tax-collectors. He did not participate in their sin, but he did not shun them because they were sinful. He met them where they were, by embracing who they were and sharing the truth. So my question, would Christ be hanging out in movie theaters today? Would he watch the filth that is plastered across the big screen? To be fair, I don't think it's an important question because it only addresses the activity, not the motivation. If Christ could use going to a bad movie with someone as an opportunity to share the truth with them, I'd think he would be there in a heartbeat. So the question becomes, can we use the elements in this changing society to share the truth with others around us? There's two approaches I can think of:
(1) Take an an existing element and point out Biblical truths (or lack thereof) in it. That was the reasoning behind my movie Bible study (scroll down to summer 2005) last year.
(2) Take an existing element that and inject Biblical truths into it. That was the reasoning behind my Christian music Bible study (scroll down to Fall 2004) a few years ago.

The tricky part is not becoming so wrapped up in society and catering to society's demands that the Biblial truths get lost or washed over. Both approaches must be done with care; both require conscious effort and prayer. And honestly I'm no good at either one. I have found that I either shun society and ignore it, or brainlessly participate in what society has to offer, siphoning off the entertainment factor and discarding the rest. But I can't help but think of what an impact we could all make if we engaged in society like Jesus did and thought about how to point people to Christ in the midst of our changing culture.

Temple

Imagine this: You're driving around the lovely, traffic-filled Capital Beltway(that's I-495 for those out of the loop), enjoying the beautiful scenery of trees and autumn leaves that make Maryland what it is. When all of the sudden, just beyond the trees, out of nowhere, rises a gleaming white, massive structure. "What in the world?" you wonder, as you slam on the brakes and try to get a better look. That, my friends, is the Washington DC Mormon Temple. This thing is crazy, especially at night when it is lit up and almost looks like it is floating. Definitely something to Google Sightsee for a better image, but here's my attempt to capture a picture of it while driving the other night:




I won't get into the topic of Mormons, but it really gets me thinking about church buildings. A church building is a place people gather, fellowship, and worship the Lord. Many old cathedrals are beautiful and ornate, signifying respect and honor in a holy place. Many new church building consist of multi-purpose rooms full of activities, signifying life and joyful fellowship. And keep in mind, some churches don't even have a building. But each type of church building and each type of church has a place in history, and each meets a need. The important part: that all glory and honor is given to *Christ Jesus*, our SAVIOR, the only way to salvation.

Aggie Network

Aggie Network in the Pentagon - it goes all the way to the top! Any other Aggies out there want to hop on the bandwagon and head to DC?

In a statement posted on the university's Web site today, Gates said he was "deeply honored" to be appointed defense secretary, "but also deeply saddened" to be leaving College Station, Texas. "I love Texas A&M deeply, but I love our country more and, like the many Aggies in uniform, I am obligated to do my duty," he said. "And so I must go."

Press Conference
News Story
Gates "Rising in the Ranks" Photos

Comfort

Mandy pointed out that I have my own line of comforters at
Bed Bath and Beyond. Apparently I'm exclusively theirs!

Not sure what I think about the pattern, but I'll go with the "fun and fresh" description. Watch out for those Stefani shams though! Haha.

Water

Heard about this at a Derek Webb concert awhile back. Ran across it again recently:

The bad news: Millions of Africans lack access to clean water, including those living with HIV/AIDS. Countless women and children walk up to ten miles a day to get water.

The good news: One dollar provides one year of clean water for an African.

Blood:Water Mission's 1,000 Wells Project is building 1,000 wells and clean water projects in 1,000 African communities. Find out how to donate your dollar—and hopefully do even more—at www.bloodwatermission.com.

Politics

Comment from a high school friend:
---------------------
"You study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. And if you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
-Sen. John Kerry on the Campaign trail, 30OCT06 @ Pasadena City College in Pasadena, CA.

Dear friends, this is what I like to call crap. I defend this man's right to say such comments, my soldiers are prepared to die for this very ideal. Surprisingly enough I'm not writing this in an outrage. This man is entitled to say comments exactly like this, I'm writing this because this is a perfect opportunity to discuss politician’s behavior, in this situation we have a politician who is trying to capitalize on 'anti-war' sentiment in order to turn out votes. Just as opposing politicians are trying to capitalize on security issues.
Unfortunately that's the real problem; we have a lack of statesmen and an abundance of politicians. What's the difference you might ask? A statesman is concerned about the generation after him while the politician is concerned about capturing the next election. It's actually disgusting how much ignorance is flying around out there (what I call VDI or Vulgar Display of Ignorance). Again this comment is a prime example, here's some quick facts you can take to the bank...
-Enlistee's have a higher education rate than the US general public
-Most colleges approve military occupational specialty training for credit
-99% of the Military has a High School/GED/College degree
-95% of the Officer Corps has AT LEAST a Bachelor's degree
-A majority of Senior Officers (Major and Above) have Master's degrees.
-Our military is the most educated and technical military force in the world

Just to be clear again I'm not specifically trying to slam Sen. Kerry. I am, however, attempting to point out that words just get thrown around to beat the band. On all sides. So what I'm asking you all as voters to do is quite simply, pay attention and be skeptical of all politicians. Not right or left, but every last one them. And above all vote! Don't let anyone tell you who to vote for, discuss the options 'ad nausea' if you like... Just make your own choice and be responsible enough to do some research before you vote a 'straight ticket'- be choosey. The future is in the hands of your ballot...
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A picture to close out the post.

Wise Words

Words from a wise friend:
-----------------------------
"Things will come with time. Despite the world's trying to convince us that instant gratification is the course of all things, that is really not the case. The Scripture reminds us that to the Lord a day is as a thousand years.

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this." Psalm
37:5

I used to think that verse had everything to do with me - you know, the
committing and trusting part - and I strove really hard to do just that.
The only thing was, in making it about me, I confused the "do" in this
verse. I thought it was all about me doing. So, you know what happened
- I missed the good part about His doing. The verse reads, "He will do
this." And the verses that follow verse 5 read as follows: "He will
make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause
like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for
him." It is really pretty clear, isn't it? God is the doer - "He will
do" - "He will make." As I think about those verses these days, my
committing and trusting revolves more around what He is already doing,
not what I think I should do. So, I try to see, "What is God doing that
I can commit to and trust in?" What is He already doing around me of
which I simply need to be aware, or pray to understand, not to change,
AND TO WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM."
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A few days later, my pastor made the following points in his sermon:
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Christ gives us freedom from the sin of self-centeredness, the addiction of immediacy, and the tyranny of our senses. We are given freedom to cultivate Christ-centered relationships, character, and discipleship. Sometimes the Lord teaches us and calls us to wait. But He is never content where we are; the Christian life is about growth and adventure.
------------------------------

I *know* all these things in my head, but sometimes life makes it hard to remember them. That's why God surrounds us with Christian examples and encouragers to challenge us and keep us walking with Christ.

Time... is on my side?

I don't think I'll ever be able to wrap my head around the concept of time. I complain about not having enough time, but when I really think about it, I realize that I waste too much time. And then there's the repetitious things in life you have to do, like laundry, cleaning, driving, sleeping, that consume a lot of time. How are we ever supposed to get everything thing done that we're supposed to do each day? And even if we do, by the time we wake up the next morning, there's more to do again. Read this devotion a few days ago:

"It was Ernest Hemingway who once said "Time is the least thing we have of." And he was right. How quickly time passes - and how often we lament this. If only we could tack an extra twenty-five or thirty years on to the usual span. There is so much more we want to see, to celebrate, to do. So many places to go, so much to enjoy, to feel, to read, to talk about, to participate in, to encounter. Yet, for each of us, this thing called time is in such short supply..

Our frustration is only compounded by the numerous unimportant, dumb things that seal our minutes and siphon the signifcance out of our hours. You know what I mean. Stuff like getting gas or a haircut, standing in the eternal line at the DMV, doing laundry, washing all the dishes after every meal, mowing the lawn, and a dozen other time-consuming things that have to be done but keep you from doing the things that make life so invigorating and fulfilling.

Since "time is the least thing we have of" and since there is no way we're going to escape all the stupid time-traps that accompany our earthly existence, seems to me that we're left with two choices: Either we can fuss and whine about not having enough time, or we can take the time we've got left and spend it wisely. I mean REALLY wisely, with our priorities in the right order.

Speaking of that, what are you doing with the rest of your life? I'm talking about cultivating relationships, building memories that will help lift the load of future trials, and the deliberate pursuit of activities that will yield eternal dividends.

Do you have a family? Rather than leaving them the leftovers and crumbs and giving your job your best hours and your most creative ideas, how about rethinking the value of strengthening those ties? And while we're at it, let's not leave out necessary time for quietness, for personal reflection and refreshment.

You say you don't have time to add another week to your squirrel-cage lifestyle. Don't kid yourself. You keep blowin' and goin' like you've been doing most of your adult life, and you'll wind up mumbling to yourself in the twilight years, wondering how you could have stayed so busy yet accomplished so little.

Hey, maybe Hemingway wasn't right after all. You and I have more time than we realize once we get our priority ducks in a row."

Movies, Society, Sin

A friend's post pointed me to the article Escalating Depravity by Gene Edward Veith. It basically talks about how movies these days are getting worse and worse because people are becoming desensitized to the things they are seeing.

One of my friends used to say she can't wait until there's a moral revolution, where people get sick of where society is headed, start standing up for what's morally right, and put pressure on the TV and movie industry to stop the downward spiral they are in. I see her point, but sadly I just don't know if it will ever happen. Although, I suppose it starts one person at a time... This said a week after I went to see The Departed... What can I say? Growing up with my brother, I developed a taste for action/adventure/thriller movies. This article had the following comments about "The Departed": "Directed by Martin Scorsese from a gritty, witty William Monahan script, has no redeeming social value except one: It brilliantly depicts the depravity of man and the consequences of immorality. It is thus a more moral film than those that gloss over life without God."

I might have to limit myself to my other favorite movie genre from now on: Pixar!

In other news, here's an interesting game for the kids.

Urbana

Found out about the Urbana conference a while back, and keep hearing about it at random times. Not sure if I can take off work, but maybe if I work hard. Plus, I'd get to hang out in St. Louis, with the super-awesome Kruegers! All you folks out there with time on your hands after Christmas should think about it.

Kurds

We had a guest speaker tonight from Christar, an organization that reaches out to the "least-reached" people around the world. Cherie amazed me. She's probably in her mid-30s, is single, and has an amazing heart for Kurds. Her confidence and assurance in the fact that God is doing mighty things, even though only a small percentage of Kurds are believers, and her dedication to the tasks the Lord has given her made a definite impression on me. She was very down-to-earth, reminding us that "God does not call us to convert people. He only calls us to share the Gospel truth, and the Holy Spirit works on the heart." She talked about summer trips to Iraq, classes to take to learn more, and a number of other things that I simply don't have time to do now that I've got a real full-time job. I left this evening's class kind of depressed wondering "But what can I do? What is God calling me to do?" Given some time and prayer, I'm a bit more at peace and settled down. For one, I can pray. For two, I can look for opportunities to build relationships with people I encounter. And for three, God gives us each our own gifts and talents and opportunities to impact His kingdom. God gifted Cherie with the heart and personality she needs to reach out to Kurds. It is her calling. God created me for a specific purpose. Whether that involves computers or college ministry or cookies or koosh balls, I'm really not sure. I'm still trying to figure out what His purpose is, but I'm confident that He's leading me somewhere. If Cherie and I switched places, she would not be equipped to deal with my daily tasks and opportunities, nor would I be equipped to handle hers.

Amongst all the handouts we got, there was a video that provides a basic overview on why some Muslims are peaceful and others are extremist, the difference between fundamentalist and modernists. If you have 12 minutes and are interested, it's here.