I don't really remember being bothered by them when I was a kid - but now clowns kind of creep me out. I don't really know why. Those guys at the circus are pretty funny, so what is it about them that bothers me? It isn't like I would run off screaming if I encountered one, but I would definitely tense up - and I haven't even seen any movies or read any books where a clown is a bad guy. (This may be one of the reasons I enjoyed Big Fat Liar so much.) Weird, huh?
Perhaps not so much. I found a post over at Provocative Church blog that reported some information that clowns are universally disliked by kids.
He questions the popularity of "clown ministries" that have been assumed to be effective - when research shows that to a kid they are merely just creepy. He wonders how many other things that the church does in our culture are perhaps not as effective as we think.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Unbelief vs. Faith
Where are you today? Are you, like Abraham, going through all the motions of a person that has real faith, even though faith has long since died in your heart?
Maybe you’re still praying for your spouse to be saved, or a wayward child to return to the Lord, even though you stopped really believing months, or even years, ago. Worse yet is the fact that some of you have even begun to accuse God of being uncaring and even unfair because of the length of time you have been waiting.
Could it be that the unbelief in your own heart has lengthened the process? Sadly, in some cases that may be what has happened.
Wherever you are, however, it’s time for you to be honest with yourself and with God.
If you will only face the reality of your heart’s true condition, God will uproot the unbelief from your heart, so you can begin the process of planting fresh seeds of faith in the soil of your heart. It’s time for you to begin to apply the Word of God to your specific area of need.
As you plant these seeds of faith in your heart through meditating on the Word and verbally confessing it, fresh dynamic faith will begin to grow in your spirit.
This powerful infusion of faith will give you the power you need to fully possess the promises of God.
- Jim Laffoon @ Our Daily Blog
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Finishing Strong
A 1995 publication by Steve Farrar (Multnomah Press, ISBN 0-88070-740-2) bears the title, "Finishing Strong." In addition to finding the title alone compelling enough to purchase the book many years ago, I am very much drawn to the sub-title, as well, "Finding the Power to Go the Distance." [It is easy for me to recommend from among his nearly twenty books, four other works by Dr. Farrer, "Point Man: How A Man Can Lead His Family;" "Standing Tall: How A Man Can Protect His Family;" "Anchor Man: How A Father Can Anchor His Family In Christ for the Next 100 Years," and "King Me: What Every Son Wants and Needs From His Father ."]
Steve is the founder and president of Men's Leadership Ministries (Dallas, TX) and a frequent speaker at local churches, conferences and international events relating to men's issues and ministries.
The premise of "Finishing Strong" is that it is never too late for a Christian man to assume his rightful position of leadership whenever and wherever our Lord provides opportunity. As you might imagine, "family" is the principal arena spoken of in his books listed above. The author suggests that even if a fellow has stumbled, or fallen, even repeatedly, what matters most in his all-important race called "life" is "how you finish." Steve's assertion is that by looking around one discovers that few men, even Christian men are finishing well.
Nope, this is not an advertisement for Brother Farrer - not exactly.
As you, the reader of this Blog must know, our StillWaters community is in the final stages of its corporate life. The remaining two Sunday morning worship services are scheduled for 27 January and 3 February 2008. These will conclude our two-and-a-half year exercise in weekly worship together, and four-year exploit at church planting. There are mixed emotions, surely, however no mixed beliefs. Having sought and received the thoughtful and prayerful wisdom of the brethren over us who are tasked with counsel and accountability, we are convinced that the season for StillWaters is rightly concluding. The large majority will hold this opinion, anyway.
Much valuable ministry in the Name of Christ has been effected; many folks have been blessed; more have been discipled; some have gotten saved; lots have been served; a few have known genuine community like never before; and the community beyond our congregation has been the beneficiary of numerous contacts and gifts over the years. All of these will continue to be precious memories in the months and years ahead.
Nevertheless, the faithful members of the Core Group at StillWaters find themselves embarking on a journey of discovery - a season of transition. Perhaps, better said, transitions.
Questions come to mind:
How will we each engage the days ahead?
What will be our individual and collective story to be told of the adventure now ending?
When will the next chapter in the lives of our people and families become the "new normal?"
Where will the folks who called StillWaters home become vitally involved in other fellowships?
Who will strive to overcome current disappointments and give whole-heartedly among others?
We shall see.
Another very important question is more timely, in my opinion: "How shall we finish strong(ly) now?" The current chapter is still being written so its conclusion is yet unknown. My prayer is that everyone at StillWaters will submit to the counsel of our Elders, receive their counsel and determinations as coming from our Father in Heaven, and move eagerly into the new challenges to become full participants in other church bodies. If any have cherished the value of "knowing and being known, loving and being loved, and serving and being served," then I am confident that numerous new people and fellowships will be blessed by their presence. I pray this.
Dr. Farrer states that studies among large numbers of men in America (touching on family, integrity, faith, practice, stewardship) suggest that about one man in ten is truly finishing strong in our culture these days, and in recent years. I hope ALL the people of StillWaters will bravely and selflessly engage the future our Lord has for them with a strong determination to finish well here and now, and to begin well elsewhere. A mere ten percent would break my heart - and surprise me no end. I have high expectations for the dear people of StillWaters, Salisbury North Carolina. That is because I know them. I trust that I know them well enough to warrant being so shamelessly confident in their Christ-likeness in the coming days.
The finish line is near, dear ones. Our precious StillWaters will soon be footnoted in the annuls of Rowan County and in the chronicles of our Christ's Church, A.D. 2005 - 2008. Each of us will contribute to the epitaph to be written. Make your part memorable for all the right reasons.
Thank you. Thank you, more than you know. Thank you dear people of StillWaters for the privilege of learning alongside you, of knowing, of being known, of loving, of being loved, of serving, of being served, of worshiping and praising our Lord together, of laughing out loud, of crying out loud, of being speechless at times, of being allowed to speak numerous times, of being accepted along with my family, of praying and of being prayed-for, of being forgiven, and of being reminded that "God's Sovereignty is not in Jeopardy due to my Difficulty."
Let's talk face-to-face in the near future, shall we? I want for us to agree on the heritage that Christ has crafted in us and from us during our journey together. Perhaps, we can incarnate the beauty of Brother Farrer's sub-title as we stimulate one another to love and good deeds, because we are "finding the power to go the distance." StillWaters is now a sprint; our lives of faith will be a marathon. Let's finish strong!
Praying all God's very best for each one of the StillWaters family, always
Cameron
Steve is the founder and president of Men's Leadership Ministries (Dallas, TX) and a frequent speaker at local churches, conferences and international events relating to men's issues and ministries.
The premise of "Finishing Strong" is that it is never too late for a Christian man to assume his rightful position of leadership whenever and wherever our Lord provides opportunity. As you might imagine, "family" is the principal arena spoken of in his books listed above. The author suggests that even if a fellow has stumbled, or fallen, even repeatedly, what matters most in his all-important race called "life" is "how you finish." Steve's assertion is that by looking around one discovers that few men, even Christian men are finishing well.
Nope, this is not an advertisement for Brother Farrer - not exactly.
As you, the reader of this Blog must know, our StillWaters community is in the final stages of its corporate life. The remaining two Sunday morning worship services are scheduled for 27 January and 3 February 2008. These will conclude our two-and-a-half year exercise in weekly worship together, and four-year exploit at church planting. There are mixed emotions, surely, however no mixed beliefs. Having sought and received the thoughtful and prayerful wisdom of the brethren over us who are tasked with counsel and accountability, we are convinced that the season for StillWaters is rightly concluding. The large majority will hold this opinion, anyway.
Much valuable ministry in the Name of Christ has been effected; many folks have been blessed; more have been discipled; some have gotten saved; lots have been served; a few have known genuine community like never before; and the community beyond our congregation has been the beneficiary of numerous contacts and gifts over the years. All of these will continue to be precious memories in the months and years ahead.
Nevertheless, the faithful members of the Core Group at StillWaters find themselves embarking on a journey of discovery - a season of transition. Perhaps, better said, transitions.
Questions come to mind:
How will we each engage the days ahead?
What will be our individual and collective story to be told of the adventure now ending?
When will the next chapter in the lives of our people and families become the "new normal?"
Where will the folks who called StillWaters home become vitally involved in other fellowships?
Who will strive to overcome current disappointments and give whole-heartedly among others?
We shall see.
Another very important question is more timely, in my opinion: "How shall we finish strong(ly) now?" The current chapter is still being written so its conclusion is yet unknown. My prayer is that everyone at StillWaters will submit to the counsel of our Elders, receive their counsel and determinations as coming from our Father in Heaven, and move eagerly into the new challenges to become full participants in other church bodies. If any have cherished the value of "knowing and being known, loving and being loved, and serving and being served," then I am confident that numerous new people and fellowships will be blessed by their presence. I pray this.
Dr. Farrer states that studies among large numbers of men in America (touching on family, integrity, faith, practice, stewardship) suggest that about one man in ten is truly finishing strong in our culture these days, and in recent years. I hope ALL the people of StillWaters will bravely and selflessly engage the future our Lord has for them with a strong determination to finish well here and now, and to begin well elsewhere. A mere ten percent would break my heart - and surprise me no end. I have high expectations for the dear people of StillWaters, Salisbury North Carolina. That is because I know them. I trust that I know them well enough to warrant being so shamelessly confident in their Christ-likeness in the coming days.
The finish line is near, dear ones. Our precious StillWaters will soon be footnoted in the annuls of Rowan County and in the chronicles of our Christ's Church, A.D. 2005 - 2008. Each of us will contribute to the epitaph to be written. Make your part memorable for all the right reasons.
Thank you. Thank you, more than you know. Thank you dear people of StillWaters for the privilege of learning alongside you, of knowing, of being known, of loving, of being loved, of serving, of being served, of worshiping and praising our Lord together, of laughing out loud, of crying out loud, of being speechless at times, of being allowed to speak numerous times, of being accepted along with my family, of praying and of being prayed-for, of being forgiven, and of being reminded that "God's Sovereignty is not in Jeopardy due to my Difficulty."
Let's talk face-to-face in the near future, shall we? I want for us to agree on the heritage that Christ has crafted in us and from us during our journey together. Perhaps, we can incarnate the beauty of Brother Farrer's sub-title as we stimulate one another to love and good deeds, because we are "finding the power to go the distance." StillWaters is now a sprint; our lives of faith will be a marathon. Let's finish strong!
Praying all God's very best for each one of the StillWaters family, always
Cameron
Friday, January 18, 2008
What Are Your Favorites?
Over the next 3 weeks the music team wants to do a "Best Of" series. What are your favorite songs done at StillWaters? You can comment here or call Jonathan!
Monday, January 14, 2008
SJB Concert Coming...
StillWaters Jazz Band has a gig on Saturday, February 16, 2008. We'll be playing at Dixie's coffee house on Main Street in China Grove. The time isn't certain yet, but it looks like we'll be there around 1:00 in the afternoon and will probably play for at least an hour. I'll post more details here when I have them. Come on out and check it out if you can. It will be a great opportunity to meet some folks, hear some decent music, and drink coffee. What more could you want?
An Admonition From the Word...
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Sunday, January 13, 2008
And Another
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Our Declaration To The Heavenlies
For God who said , "Let there be light in the darkness," has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. But this precious treasure - this light within us - is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies.
So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be obvious in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but it has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, and so I speak." We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to Himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up.
Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:6-18
If we win, we give God the glory and if we lose we give God the glory...
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15b
So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be obvious in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but it has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, and so I speak." We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to Himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up.
Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:6-18
If we win, we give God the glory and if we lose we give God the glory...
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15b
A Milestone
This is our blog's 100th post - a milestone of sorts. I hope that there will be hundreds more before everything is said and done. We have also recently passed our 1000th page view. There have been visitors to our site from all over the world. I am always amazed when I discover that someone on the other side of the world is reading our blog. Truly the web makes the world a smaller place.
For those of you who have been reading our blog - thank you. We hope that you are blessed by the content that you find here and hope that you find something worthwhile when you come by. That is what we are striving to do.
Our little church is facing some big challenges in the months to come. Your prayers on behalf of our congregation are most welcome. We truly want to impact the people that we encounter every day in a positive way. We want them to know the love of Jesus that we have discovered. Hopefully we will find the anointing and courage that we need to break out of old habits and cultural norms and begin to truly live according to the culture of the Kingdom of God.
May God richly bless you all.
For those of you who have been reading our blog - thank you. We hope that you are blessed by the content that you find here and hope that you find something worthwhile when you come by. That is what we are striving to do.
Our little church is facing some big challenges in the months to come. Your prayers on behalf of our congregation are most welcome. We truly want to impact the people that we encounter every day in a positive way. We want them to know the love of Jesus that we have discovered. Hopefully we will find the anointing and courage that we need to break out of old habits and cultural norms and begin to truly live according to the culture of the Kingdom of God.
May God richly bless you all.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Missing The Point
As I have been reading in Genesis lately I have noticed something that I never did before: when Adam and Eve sinned they weren't afraid because they had broken their covenant with God. They were afraid because they were naked.
Even when God Himself showed up for His regular walk with them they STILL were distracted by the wrong thing.
They totally didn't get the point. It is pretty clear that we're no different today - we're blaming ourselves for things like "Global Warming" when what we're really guilty of is worshiping something other than the one, true God. In the religion of secular humanism, that god is man.
Another thing that I have learned in my recent reading is that sin has a predictable life cycle in a society. From the time that sin takes root in the society to the point that it bears its full fruit of death can take hundreds of years, but, just as surely as a dropped object will fall earthward, sin will bear that fruit if repentance does not come.
In Genesis 15:16 it says:
"After four generations your (Abraham's) descendants will return here to this land, when the sin of the Amorites has run its course. (emphasis mine)
I frankly believe that all of this talk about "Global Warming" is hogwash. However, if any of their data proves true, I believe that we are merely witnessing the ripening of the fruit of our sin - not the fruit of driving to work.
The enemy loves to distract us from the true issue. It has been happening since our forefather Adam and it continues today. If the enemy can get us to feel shame for something other than our sin then he can prevent us from taking the antidote to that sin - repentance. Humble repentance before God can undo much sin.
Notice that the onus is on God's people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways. Sadly, we are the ones who stand in need of repentance all too often. How wonderful that God has made a way for us to be made right with Him.
Let's not be distracted by the enemy's misdirection. Let us recognize our sin for what it is and humbly turn away from it so that our land may know the goodness of God.
1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
Genesis 3:1-7 New Living Translation (emphasis mine)
Even when God Himself showed up for His regular walk with them they STILL were distracted by the wrong thing.
8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
Genesis 3:8-10 New Living Translation (emphasis mine)
They totally didn't get the point. It is pretty clear that we're no different today - we're blaming ourselves for things like "Global Warming" when what we're really guilty of is worshiping something other than the one, true God. In the religion of secular humanism, that god is man.
Another thing that I have learned in my recent reading is that sin has a predictable life cycle in a society. From the time that sin takes root in the society to the point that it bears its full fruit of death can take hundreds of years, but, just as surely as a dropped object will fall earthward, sin will bear that fruit if repentance does not come.
In Genesis 15:16 it says:
"After four generations your (Abraham's) descendants will return here to this land, when the sin of the Amorites has run its course. (emphasis mine)
I frankly believe that all of this talk about "Global Warming" is hogwash. However, if any of their data proves true, I believe that we are merely witnessing the ripening of the fruit of our sin - not the fruit of driving to work.
The enemy loves to distract us from the true issue. It has been happening since our forefather Adam and it continues today. If the enemy can get us to feel shame for something other than our sin then he can prevent us from taking the antidote to that sin - repentance. Humble repentance before God can undo much sin.
13 At times I (God) might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT
Notice that the onus is on God's people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways. Sadly, we are the ones who stand in need of repentance all too often. How wonderful that God has made a way for us to be made right with Him.
Let's not be distracted by the enemy's misdirection. Let us recognize our sin for what it is and humbly turn away from it so that our land may know the goodness of God.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
A New Name...
Whether you realize it or not, God is bringing people into your life on a regular basis to see if you will rename them. From the random encounter, to the friend who pours out his (or her) heart to you, these may well be divine appointments. Yet, this is more than a great privilege; it is also an awesome responsibility.
Paul clearly delineates the awesomeness of our responsibility in Romans 10:14c: “And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
If you do not speak to the people whom God is bringing to you, how will they ever hear the Gospel? As you take a moment to ponder this great opportunity, let the words of John 20:21b-22a settle into your spirit: “'As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' And with that he breathed on them...”
Can you feel your Master’s gentle breath? Can you hear His loving voice? He is not only sending people to you; He is sending you.
Jim Laffoon @ Our Daily Blog
Paul clearly delineates the awesomeness of our responsibility in Romans 10:14c: “And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
If you do not speak to the people whom God is bringing to you, how will they ever hear the Gospel? As you take a moment to ponder this great opportunity, let the words of John 20:21b-22a settle into your spirit: “'As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' And with that he breathed on them...”
Can you feel your Master’s gentle breath? Can you hear His loving voice? He is not only sending people to you; He is sending you.
Jim Laffoon @ Our Daily Blog
Friday, January 4, 2008
A New Beginning
Well, it has begun again. January 1 has rolled around, and I finished my One Year Bible about 30 seconds after the gunfire began to erupt around my parents' house. (I live in a rural area where folks still get excited about making loud, booming noises at 12:00 AM on New Year's Day.) I think someone must have had a cannon going off, because I heard a few eruptions that sounded louder than the typical 12-gauge shotgun! In my opinion, New Year's Day is a pretty ridiculous holiday, but, hey, it is a day off, so who's complaining?
Anyway, as I was saying earlier, I finished up reading through the Bible about 30 seconds after midnight on the 1st. Now I am beginning again all over again. Last year I used the New American Standard version. This year I am planning to use the New Living Translation. I like to switch versions each year because it gives me a little different perspective each time - something that is helpful to someone who doesn't read in the original languages yet. Of course, it makes it hard to find verses using concordances sometimes, because I end up grabbing a word here and there from each version that I have read. It gets very annoying when you can't find a verse that you know good and well is in there!
Each year I also concentrate on one theme as I am reading. That isn't to say that I don't notice other things, but it helps to keep me focused as I am reading. It also helps me to get a good feel for what the Bible says about that topic "globally," which is one of the main keys to correct biblical interpretation.
Last year I payed particular attention to what the Bible says about the nature and character of God. How does God describe Himself in the Bible? What sorts of things will He do? What sorts of things won't He do? What is God like? It was a very good theme and I learned a lot - especially as I was reading through the prophets. This year, I plan to pay special attention to the theme of fear. What causes fear? What are we supposed to fear? What are we not supposed to fear? How can fear be defeated?
I am already a little bit behind, because I forgot to take my NLT Bible with me when my family went to celebrate Christmas (on New Year's Day) with my Grandmother, but it really won't be hard to get caught up. Each reading only takes about 15-30 minutes. I have also gotten a little bogged down meditating on the opening chapters of Genesis. I really love reading the Pentateuch. There is so much great stuff in there. But who am I kidding? There is a lot of great stuff in all of the Bible. The Word of God is truly a treasure. I wish I saw it that way even more than I do now.
If you have never managed to read the Bible through from cover to cover, I would heartily recommend it. The One Year Bible is a great resource. I like it because everything is already set up for you. Each day you get an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a Psalm, and a Proverb. The good thing about that to me is that when I hit a passage that is dry to me or difficult, I know that it is only a little bit of reading until I get to something where the "fruit" is a little more accessible. Of course, if you can't afford one, there are daily Bible reading schedules that will carry you through the Bible in a year too.
Regardless of what method you use, I hope that you will make it a daily discipline to spend time in the Word of God this year. It will bring great dividends!
Happy reading!
Anyway, as I was saying earlier, I finished up reading through the Bible about 30 seconds after midnight on the 1st. Now I am beginning again all over again. Last year I used the New American Standard version. This year I am planning to use the New Living Translation. I like to switch versions each year because it gives me a little different perspective each time - something that is helpful to someone who doesn't read in the original languages yet. Of course, it makes it hard to find verses using concordances sometimes, because I end up grabbing a word here and there from each version that I have read. It gets very annoying when you can't find a verse that you know good and well is in there!
Each year I also concentrate on one theme as I am reading. That isn't to say that I don't notice other things, but it helps to keep me focused as I am reading. It also helps me to get a good feel for what the Bible says about that topic "globally," which is one of the main keys to correct biblical interpretation.
Last year I payed particular attention to what the Bible says about the nature and character of God. How does God describe Himself in the Bible? What sorts of things will He do? What sorts of things won't He do? What is God like? It was a very good theme and I learned a lot - especially as I was reading through the prophets. This year, I plan to pay special attention to the theme of fear. What causes fear? What are we supposed to fear? What are we not supposed to fear? How can fear be defeated?
I am already a little bit behind, because I forgot to take my NLT Bible with me when my family went to celebrate Christmas (on New Year's Day) with my Grandmother, but it really won't be hard to get caught up. Each reading only takes about 15-30 minutes. I have also gotten a little bogged down meditating on the opening chapters of Genesis. I really love reading the Pentateuch. There is so much great stuff in there. But who am I kidding? There is a lot of great stuff in all of the Bible. The Word of God is truly a treasure. I wish I saw it that way even more than I do now.
If you have never managed to read the Bible through from cover to cover, I would heartily recommend it. The One Year Bible is a great resource. I like it because everything is already set up for you. Each day you get an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a Psalm, and a Proverb. The good thing about that to me is that when I hit a passage that is dry to me or difficult, I know that it is only a little bit of reading until I get to something where the "fruit" is a little more accessible. Of course, if you can't afford one, there are daily Bible reading schedules that will carry you through the Bible in a year too.
Regardless of what method you use, I hope that you will make it a daily discipline to spend time in the Word of God this year. It will bring great dividends!
Happy reading!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
He's Alive!!!
"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated"
- Samuel Clemens AKA Mark Twain
Hello, friends. I am sorry that it has been so long since my last posting here. Much has been going on since my last post. As many of you know, I lost my Grandfather on December 21. Between his loss, the business of the holidays, and the intense need to get some much needed studying and work done, I wasn't able to complete my Advent series as hoped and promised. I am sorry for that. Motivating myself to write during that period was more than I had energy to muster.
I do anticipate a much more regular posting here in the new year. We are fast approaching Lent, and I expect that there will be some meditations leading up to our celebration of Christ's resurrection. I doubt that they will be daily posts - that took more out of me than I had expected - but I do expect that there will be some content here to encourage you as you prepare your heart for this very important remembrance and celebration of the Church.
2007 was a very difficult year for many. I, for one, am glad to see it go. I hope and pray that 2008 will be a year of great blessing, breakthrough, and abundance for all who read this post. May God bless you all.
Happy New Year.
I do anticipate a much more regular posting here in the new year. We are fast approaching Lent, and I expect that there will be some meditations leading up to our celebration of Christ's resurrection. I doubt that they will be daily posts - that took more out of me than I had expected - but I do expect that there will be some content here to encourage you as you prepare your heart for this very important remembrance and celebration of the Church.
2007 was a very difficult year for many. I, for one, am glad to see it go. I hope and pray that 2008 will be a year of great blessing, breakthrough, and abundance for all who read this post. May God bless you all.
Happy New Year.
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