There Is Always A Way To Be Productive

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One of the questions I hear often is, "How do I, as an average person who works a 9-5 job, serve God more fully?  How do I go and 'make disciples' when all I do is __________________ (fill in the blank - 'run a business', 'clean offices', 'live as a stay-at-home mom', 'program computers')?"  Ephesians 5:16 tells us to redeem the time, but to this point - how do we do this?  How do we redeem the time?

It's a fair question, and I often hear a follow-up comment as people say that this is easy for me (Tim) since I work in ministry "full-time".

Here are 3 quick thoughts.

First, we are all in full-time ministry, period.  It's just that some of us have it as both a calling and a form of employment.

Secondly, we must not think that 'making disciples' = evangelism = preaching and having people, in response to a message, pray the 'I accept Jesus' prayer.  Making disciples is a process of helping people become whole-hearted followers and students of Jesus Christ.  That said, we can all help people move forward in this process by...

Third - prayer.  We can always redeem the time and play a role in making disciples by praying for people.
Over the past few months I have had the chance to read several biographies of Christians who have made a significant impact on the world (Hudson Taylor, George Muller, etc.).  One of the most powerful truths I have gleaned from these books is the power of prayer.  It is not something that some special prayer warriors do - it is a calling for every person who names the Name of  Jesus Christ.  Thus, if you want to redeem the time but don't know how - pray for people you know.  Pray for those who don't yet know Jesus.  Pray for those who do know Him.  Redeem the time.

- tC  

Mental Health, Prayer in School, Assault Weapons, and The Gospel

(My old reflecting pool from when we lived in Nottingham)

If you had a chance to read my last post, you may recall that I spoke about the notion of 'trite answers'.  Our culture specializes in short, trite, and oftentimes overly-simplistic answers.  If you aren't sure about this consider the following: the number of bumper stickers you see expressing political and religious views, the reality of that each 1/2 hour show on television is almost half made up of commercials (how does one expect to have meaningful dialogue in snippets between advertisements), and that Twitter by its very nature makes its users to share in only 140 characters.  Now before you avid Tweeters and bumper sticker-stickerers get all up in arms, I'm not saying that all of this is bad.  What I am saying that when addressing a monumental issue like the Sandy Hook shooting, we cannot think that we can summarize or even start to deal with it in a few moments.

Is Sandy Hook about mental health?  Certainly.
Was a firearm used in this massacre?  Clearly.
Does our culture (and perhaps most cultures throughout history) glorify violence? Yes.
Are broken families and broken communities playing some role in these mass killings? Again - yes.
Do we need to research why it is that young males from often upper-middle class families are the perpetrators?  Of course.

Does the Gospel speak into this situation?  Undoubtedly.

As I have listened to the pundits and politicians speak, I came back to the same refrain again and again in my head, "Well, yes...sort of...".  Many shared truths, but most shared incomplete truths.  And I do not attempt here to offer the whole picture of how to think about Sandy Hook - no person in his or her right mind would attempt that.  What I can offer, however, is a Gospel-centered worldview response to the tragedy.

While I realize that many who read this blog are not followers of Christ, I would be remiss to not be clear on not only my, but the stance given by the Bible: people, concepts, laws, health care - change in all of these areas fall short of what we need which is a life that is internally transformed by the saving grace of Christ.    We can pass laws to make the world safer, and  we likely do need to consider legislation in dealing with education, violence, firearms, and assistance for those with mental health issues.  Consider, however, that changing the external does not necessarily change the internal.  Consider that Martin Luther once noted he needed no scantily-clad woman to lust - his imagination was enough.  Consider the words of D.L. Moody that "If a man is stealing railroad ties, and we put him into prison and educate him, when he gets out - he will steal the entire railroad."  Laws that allow prayer in school or laws that keep prayer out of school - these do not fundamentally change things.  The Gospel of Christ changes things.

Changing legislation may help, but it is a band-aid on a gaping wound, the wound of a darkness that lurks within not only the heart of mass murderers, but in the heart of every human.  Many will read this and smirk or roll their eyes, but truth bears witness over time.  When people give themselves as whole-hearted, Spirit-led, transformed Christ followers, they become different people.  Not because Christianity is 'America's religion', but because a gracious God comes to abide within anyone humble enough to say, "God, I don't just need help - I need to be changed by You."

This transformation is exactly what our world often avoids because it is costly, time-consuming, and it does not happen overnight.  It is not trite, it cannot be wrapped up in a sound-byte, and I cannot be Tweeted, but it can and does bring lasting change in the lives of those who bow with the once Doubting Thomas and say to Christ, "My Lord and my God."

- tC

Another School Shooting: What Do We Say? What Can We Learn?

 

(Photo from Bela Kiefer - FreeDigitalPhotos.net) 

I can recall where I was when I heard about the Columbine shooting many years ago.  I can recall where I was when I once said to a group of college students that the Columbine shooting was a watershed moment in our generation's collective psyche.  But the reality is that there have been so many shootings like this in recent years that I can't keep track of them all.

It's the understood role of all the media to share information with the public, and when situations like this occur, they not only pass on the details, but they offer us analysis and reflections.  If I may do so humbly, I feel that in a moment like this, it's imperative that someone share a Christian perspective.  Here are my thoughts - take them for any good they might offer.

1. We must mourn with those who mourn.  Romans 12:15 tells us to do just that.  I heard Dr. Timothy Keller say the other day that the job of the Christian in moments like this is to listen and to speak when spoken to.  I also think it is the job of the Christian to weep with and pray for those who suffer so deeply in situations like this.  I sat staring at my computer screen for quite some time before I began to write this post because I didn't want to be 'that person' who is offering advice and direction (i.e. "What you need to understand is that...") when all that is needed is presence.  God, grant me the grace to share just barely enough to encourage those who need it today.

2. We must ask questions and not seek trite answers.  In the aftermath of these tragedies, many will post things on the blessed/cursed reality known as Facebook, posts like, "And people say we DON'T need gun control" or "IF there was a person with a gun in this school, we could have stopped this killer" or "This is what happens when you take prayer out of schools."  There may be truth in many of the statements that you read, but we are wise to speak only after much prayer, thought, and research, because the responses that often cause more harm are those that essentialize and  minimize all the dynamics of such a situation.  We must look past the sound-byte culture in which we live and dig into the hows and whys of this shooting, but let us not think that answers some in some quick, downloadable form - they will not.

3. We must offer grace.  We must offer grace to those who are angry, for there is, in the heart of every human, some form of a God-given desire for justice.  We must offer grace to those who are grieving, because they are in need of supernatural care.  We must offer grace to all who speak out about this day even when they say things that seem innane or inaccurate - very few see clearly in the fog of war, in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.

4. We must ask for help from God to trust that He is not distant from or callous toward suffering.  Psalm 34:18 tells us that God is near the brokenhearted.  These are moments when people sometimes choose to abandon God.  The clear and even understandable response to a tragedy like what happened in Connecticut today is, "I cannot believe  in a God that could allow this kind of evil."  Many Christians jump back at such a comment, and then follow up with a barrage of apologetic reasons why we can believe in God.  There is certainly a place for apologetics, but if I may - in the immediate aftermath - the only response I dare offer is this: Somehow, God understands our suffering and weeps with us.  Somehow God can bring hope from death.  The Cross is the example I see, and to the Cross I cling in moments like these.

- tC

Make Disciples - Food for Thought

- tC

You Should Save Up Your Treasure

                                                                            

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If you've read the Bible much, you'll know that Jesus has been known to made some pretty radical claims.  But just the other day I was listening to a speaker who set me up for a HUGE fall as he taught about Jesus and His view on money.  He noted that Jesus doesn't say, "Don't store up your treasure."  At first, I thought, "Wait, what is going on here?"  Didn't Jesus tell that one young ruler to go and sell all he had, give it to the poor, and THEN to come follow Him (Mark 10:17-31)?  Isn't this the Jesus who commends the woman who gives away her last penny (Luke 21:1-4)?  Yes it is, but look more closely at what Jesus tells His followers.

In Matthew 6:19, Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures...", but then in verse 20 He says, "But store up for yourselves treasures...".

The key difference?  The location of the treasure.

Don't store it up here, but (as Randy Alcorn says) send it ahead.  I've heard it called the ultimate investment plan.  Jesus tells us to invest wisely, not here on earth where it can be stolen or lose value, but invest in eternal treasure which has an eternal return and where it cannot be lost.

Every dollar we spend shows what we think about our true home and whether eternity is real.

Store up treasure...in eternity.

- tC
  

Have A Plan

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If you read the Bible, it's easy to grab a hold of certain verses because they just make sense.  Philippians 4:13 and Luke 1:37 are two popular ones - reminding us that God is able.  As I was thinking about today's post, I thought that Proverbs 15:22 is probably a well-liked verse - "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."  It's true - you seek out wise people, you look to others who know more, and your plans are more likely to work out.  However, I want to just point out the base-level assumption within this verse - the assumption that the individual has a plan of some sort.

In my life, I have found that I have to lean into the sovereignty of God more and more.  As a thinker, planner, and Type-A personality, that can be challenging.  But the more I live, the more I see how small I am in the grand scheme of all things.  However, I also see that I can use the idea of 'leaning into God's sovereignty' as an excuse for having no plan.  On a day when I don't have to work or don't have a ton of goals to accomplish, I an waste the entire day away and then, as I roll into bed at night, I think, "There is a day I can never get back."

My encouragement to you is to to have a plan.  I am of the mindset that we need personal mission statements for our lives overall (of course, written in pencil since yes, He is in charge of all things and can change what my plans might be).  But even in our day-to-day living, we need a plan.  What will I strive toward today for the Kingdom of God?  What will I do to make myself more of an asset to God's work in the world.  Or, as Paul remind us (since it is the ultimate end of all things),"Who might God want me to love today?"

Have a plan.  Write it in pencil, but have a plan.

- tC  

3 Ways to bless your pastor

 

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I cannot tell a lie - part of me is posting this because I want to express the frustration felt by myself and many other pastors as we try to walk the line of humble leadership.  But my own frustrations aside, I truly do believe that these are three ways you can really and truly be a blessing to your pastor.

1. Assume the best.  When something comes up that you find strange or questionable at your local church, assume the best.  Assume that your leaders are making decisions will hearts fully desiring the best for the congregation and for God's glory.  When something strange comes up, don't jump to the assumption that all doctrine has gone out the window and that the church is on the slippery-slope.

2. Ask the source.  If you have found something in, for example, a church communication that you find questionable, first assume the best and then secondly, go to the source.  E-mail your pastor or his administrative assistant with a humble attitude that is seeking clarity, not one that says, "I'm here to straighten you out."  If you have questions, ask the source.

3.  Lastly, don't talk to anyone until you talk to the source.  And I mean that - don't talk to anyone.  Because what happens is that you tell 'just one friend' and then he or she tells...'just one friend', and then next thing you know, there is a rumor weed that is taking over the church body.  Don't share it, just pray about it, and then go to the source.

If you will take these truths to heart, you will be a blessing to the leaders of your church body.
- tC

Most of all, unity

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Consider the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians 2.  As he starts this passage, he says,

"Therefore if you have any encouragement with being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."

As I studied this passage last night, I thought to myself, "Do we, do I value unity as much as Paul did?"  Too often, we let our own preferences get in the way of what God speaks to so clearly in this passage - unity.   Here's a quote that might also summarize a Christian perspective on unity: in essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity.

I once heard Dr. Ravi Zacharias say that in our discussions we need to work on creating more light than heat.  If the Body of Christ were to truly value one another and this notion of growing, learning, and (as noted above) 'the creation of light', I sense that we might look at fellow believers and realize that we are all wounded, all broken, and all seeking out truth by God's grace alone.  When we disagreed, we would offer grace and patience with an attitude that says, "Only God sees perfectly".  We would be slow to think that all the conclusions we have come to are without flaws.  And all this would drive us to the Savior without whom there is no hope for humanity, both in the life to come and in this life.

How have we as the Church today caused division over non-essential issues?  And better yet - how do we define essential issues?  I would state it this way: if the doctrine over which we disagree will not condemn one to Hell or mislead one from Heaven, let us be slow to stand our ground and find out we are standing on another brother or sister.
Above all, be like minded.

 - tC

Avoiding Pain, Maximizing Pleasure

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While it's not something most of us will admit, when we reflect on it we have to affirm that much of what we do in life is to avoid pain and to maximize pleasure.  We might not use such polarizing terms, terms that describe the opposite ends of the spectrum - but it's generally true. 

I was speaking with a pastor the other day who shared with me that the reason people become apathetic or bored in their walk with God is usually connected to the spiritual disciplines.  As I probed a bit, he said, "The disciplines force us into a place that is not easy.  Sure, we 'like' talking with God in prayer or reading the Bible, but if I had to choose between eating ice cream or reading my Bible as to which one brought the easiest pleasure with the least amount of energy, the ice cream wins." 

But the irony is that while the immediate pleasure has to be denied in order that we grow in our walk with God (i.e. I want to sleep in  but I get up to read my Bible), the outcome of the discipline is the greatest pleasure we can find - knowing and being known by God. 

Consider your life as I consider mine.  Do I seek temporary pleasure, immediate  pleasure at the cost of greater, lasting pleasure.  C.S. Lewis described it like this:


“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

- tC

Doing What Matters

We will all breathe our last breath someday.  Will we be able, at that point, to say that we redeemed the time we were given for a greater cause than just fun and safety?

- tC

The Words We Speak

If you have ever been in a verbal confrontation with someone, you know that truths can easily be over-stated.  We often say things like, "You always..." or "How come you never...".  The truth is (and most of us know this) that comments that essentialize or over-state a reality are neither true nor helpful.         

But there are times when those kinds of (if you will) extreme and dramatic words are needed.  One of those situations is when Paul writes to the Church at Ephesus and in the 4th chapter says this:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your moths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Paul uses a very strong word when he says 'any'.  Here's my modern-day translation of Paul's writing: Do not let any unwholesome talk come from you, but instead your words should be all about building others up.  And in case you were wondering how God feels about unwholesome talk - it grieves Him.

Are my words defined by encouragement and edification?  Do I give myself leeway to say 'just a few' unwholesome or unhelpful things a day?  Paul doesn't give us that option.  And yet what he does tell us is that we have been given the opportunity  to bless and encourage others with our words.

Is my life characterized by words that build others up?  God, please help it to be so.

- tC  

My First Love

In preparation for the end of our church's "Read The Bible For Life" year-long reading experience, I was looking into the Book of Revelation today.  I am always intrigued by the seven letters John pens on behalf of Jesus as He speaks to seven real churches from that day.  Many argue about whether these churches are symbols of our churches today, and while it's worth discussing, the greater image and call of these letters is clear: be like the churches that do it well, don't be like the ones that fail.  
The one church I was most struck by today was the Church at Ephesus.  Interesting (to me at least) that I am leading a Bible study on the  Book of Ephesians right now with a great group of young adults, and that before I even made the connection, I was struck by this church's failures more than those of any of the other churches.  The charge from Jesus is this: you have lost your first love.

It's such a simple phrase but such a profound one as well.  The One you loved, the One who was your burning desire, the One who was constantly in your thoughts and heart - this One - He is no longer what He once was to you.  The passage doesn't read like they have completely forgotten their roots, but perhaps that is the scariest part.  It may be easier to hear something like, "You have totally forgotten Me, so come back" than it is to hear, "You are so busy doing for Me that you forgot Me."

In the hectic world in which we live, love is a hard thing to find.  We see all too often that other things either crowd out or kill love.  But the hard reality is this: love is not as often killed as much as we allow it die.  It is hard work to love, but there is nothing like it.  Jesus says in John 13 that we are blessed when we serve, when we humble ourselves, when we give ourselves for the sake of others.  This is love.  But it is also a deep sense within us that says, "You are my passion - I desire You."

May we forsake all other things - even those that are 'good' - and burn with loving passion for the One who made us for Himself.

- tC

Living A Life of Faith

Take 5 minutes and watch this.
Take heart - our God is able.




- tC

The Church is...

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As a young church worker, it can be easy to approach church with an attitude something akin to John Lennon's "All You Need Is Love".  We can think, "If I just love people and preach the Word and pray, it'll all work out."

Don't get me wrong, the centrality of love (1 Cor. 13, Galatians 5), the Word (Deuteronomy 6, John 4), and prayer (Ephesians 5:18-20) is vital.  But we live in a fallen world, a world where people don't pray sometimes, where people aren't interested in knowing, loving, and living according to God's Word.  And in light of this, we need to realize that the church is both (as one of my pastor's says) an organism and and organization.  We need to live with a view that we are the Body of Christ (a living entity) and also realize that when the widows were not being fed in Acts 6, the apostles made a strategic and organized AND Spirit-led decision to put Stephen (a man "full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom") in charge of reconciling the issue.

I think in the last 50 years, we have swung the pendulum toward organizing too much, toward planning and toward the strategic.  But even so, we can't toss out all organization in favor of just hoping for the best and shooting blindly.

The church has to be Spirit-led, and the Spirit will often lead us to organize and be strategic.  It doesn't have to be an either-or, it can be both-and.

- tC

Another Reason Theology Matters

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Perhaps the greatest reason that theology is worth our time is that it gives us a more clear and more grand view of God.  Theology proper - the study of God - presses us into thinking about God in a way that clarifies who He is, who we are, and also how little we know about and understand Him.  Just last night I was listening to a lecture on God and Creation from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and throughout the lecture, I was repeatedly struck by how much knowledge there is in the world.  August, Aquinas, Anselm - these are just a few of the great minds who have influenced our view of God today.  To study even the works of these three man would take more than a lifetime.  And then to think of others like Calvin, Luther, Taylor, Lewis, and more - all this just shows us how small we truly are.  And consider that even if we could grasp fully all that these men had written and said in their lifetimes, it would still be but less than a single grain of sand on the shores of God's wisdom.

As you ponder the greatness of God, the vastness of His power and of His mind, we can see why Paul would end Romans 11 like this:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God.

How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths tracing out.

'Who has know the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been His counselor?'

'Who has ever given to God that God should repay them?'

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things.

To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

- tC

Why Theology Matters

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In recent weeks, I have been reading more theology than usual.  While I love it (and I realize most people don't), the nature of my work is that much of my reading is usually about leadership, discipleship, and other very 'hands on' topics.  But that, I find, is just the problem with people's perception of theology.  They see it as esoteric, disconnected from the day-to-day life of most humans, and often tainted with hints of intellectual snobbery (picture the ivory tower).  And while theology can be misused as means to look down on those who don't study in this field, it is of vital importance.  Let me explain why I think so.

Theology is the study of God, and as J.I. Packer notes He is the ultimate end of all things, the cause of all things, and the greatest subject of investigation that any person (not just seminary professors) can undertake.
If we are followers of Christ, if we study the Bible, then we are - by the literal definition - theologians.  So let us not relegate theology to just those who are pastors and professors - let us all see that we are all called to study and know God.

Additionally, good theology informs a well-lived life.  Don't be misled into the notion that what we think, believe, and understand doesn't matter.  The overflow of the heart leads to our actions, but the overflow of the heart is rooted in how we think.  "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is" Solomon tells us (Proverbs 23:7).  Good theology leads to good thinking.  Good thinking gives us the greatest potential to live a good life.

Lastly, the call of the Christian is to be a disciple-maker (Matthew 28).  That being said, the Christian, as he or she engages with skeptics, friends, and family - the Christian cannot run to the pastor or professor every time a theological question is raised.  We are called to be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15), and so we must work at becoming more and more prepared.

Theology matters because thinking accurately about God matters.

Perseverance Showing Salvation

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I have recently been reading the various versions of The Parable of the Sower, and was struck by Luke's telling of this story found in Luke 8. At the end of the passage, after Jesus has explained what the three 'dead' soils represent, He says that the one good soil will produce fruit.  But there is a subtle truth slipped into His description of the good soil.  In verse 15 Jesus tells us that the good soil produces a crop by persevering.

If we don't read carefully, that concept of perseverance might bring up the idea of salvation by works, making is think that if we really gut it out and stick with Jesus, we will bear fruit and be saved.  But certainly Jesus is not teaching such a notion - we know from reading all over the Gospels that Jesus teaches salvation is by grace alone through His work on the Cross.  But what this parable does tell us is that He expects His followers to produce fruit, and that a fruitless life must make us question for ourselves or (graciously and humbly) for others if a person has truly been made new in Christ.  Thus we conclude that true followers are fruit-bearing followers.

That said, we should also note that the idea of perseverance speaks to a long-lasting faith.  This, for me, was a challenge years ago when I was involved in a great deal of outreach and evangelism.  There is a reality that occurs in the life of the person who truly is born again where the Spirit of God indwells such a person and (according to Paul and Peter in various locations in the Bible) a person with the Spirit will never be lost to God.  As a young evangelist, I was always trying to people to cross that line and make a true profession of faith.  But this parable shows that many appear to have true faith at first, but the mark of a truly regenerate individual is to not only bear fruit but to persevere.  Paul tells Timothy that he has "kept the faith", and so I think it more appropriate to ask not if a person (or if we ourselves) have prayed 'the prayer', but instead if we are persevering and producing fruit, thus showing we are truly His.  Legitimate salvation and conversion is often difficult to judge.

In the end, Jesus wants fruit-bearing disciples who persevere to the end.  If we are truly His, we will persevere not by human effort but by God's grace.

(Click HERE to look at Luke 8).

- tC     

Known By God

Soon after we consider the 2 cautions I discussed in the last post, we are moved by Packer to another wonderful concept - we are known by God.  To many, this is petrifying, and rightfully so.  We all should initially feel a sense of fear when we think that God knows us completely.  I reflect back to a song by Caedmon's Call where the group sings, "No one would love me if they knew all the things I hide."  I recall sharing that line with my father many years ago when I first heard it and he just shook his head in humble agreement.

But the beauty of God is that He loves is in spite of the mess we are.  He knows us fully - all the mess, all the pain, all the facade - and He still looks at us with a deep paternal love.  He looks at us and says, "I know it all - and I love you just the same."  This is truly a miracle.

I recall a few years ago praying before teaching a class at the church building one night.  I prayed, "God please let me..." and then I stopped and re-started, "God, glorify Yourself in tonight's class."  And then I stopped again and laughed.  I started for a third time, "God, you know that I was going to pray for You to help me to not look stupid tonight, but then I stopped because it didn't sound good.  But since You know everything, I pray both these prayers - help me to do well, to not look stupid AND to glorify You even if it means I DO look foolish."

In all the ego and self-absorption of that moment, God loved me no more or less than the moment before.
He knows us and loves us.  Thanks be to God.

- tC

Knowing God: 2 Cautions

Packer offers what I believe are two essential challenges to knowing God.  At first blush, one could read these and think, "Yeah, what a shame that some other people are dealing with that issue..." but we must be cautious and examine our own lives before we look to anyone else. 

The first challenge is to realize that there is a difference between knowing ABOUT God and truly knowing Him.  I certainly know a lot about Rickey Henderson, my favorite baseball player from when I was young, but I would never say I know him.  Likewise, the Bible tells us in James that event the demons believe in God, and they shudder, but they still don't do the things God asks of His creatures. James even subtly implies that at least the demons have enough sense to shudder - we often don't even do that.

The second challenge is to realize that knowing about godliness and knowing God are different. We can know how to act, but knowing God will change how we act, for He changes who we are.

The other day I shared one of the challenges I face in my walk with God - I love to serve Him, but I want to serve Him because I love Him.  To know Him and let that be the core of my life and service - this is my desire.

- tC

A New Series: Knowing God

If you have been around any Christian bookstores in your life, you'll probably recognize this book as a classic.  Knowing God by J.I. Packer is one of the most well-known devotional/spiritual formation books in publication.  It was originally written in 1973 and while the times have changed, much of the content doesn't need to.  So over the next few weeks, I am going to be reading it and offering some reflections on what strikes me the most.

 

So far, I am just part way into Chapter 1, but already I was struck by this one fact: Packer says that those who know God pray with great frequency and fervency.  I believe this to be true and whenever I am in seasons of quiteness with God, I often find I am not making time for prayer.  So if Packer is correct I ask you - is your prayer life marked by passion?  If so, he'd say you are likely to know God and not just know about Him.

- tC

Think On Such Things

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"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

- Philippians 4:8

I can clearly recall back in 7th grade when Mrs. Linville visited our biology class.  She was the Thinking Skills teacher who came from class to class over the year, and on one occasion she taught us the word metacognition.  It means to think about thinking.  Today, we will do just that.

What do you think about most?  I have been pondering this because last week I was asked a question by a student about if the lyrics to songs matter?  My response could best be summed up in this verse from Paul to the Church at Philippi.  If we hear lyrics that are drawing us closer to Christ, we will likely think about these things.  But more broadly than just addressing music, this verse addresses our overall thought life.  It's easy to say that one should avoid thinking about things like pornography because it puts unreal and distorted images into a person's mind about sex.  But for many people, it is less about the overtly immoral thought life and much more about the subtle ways in which we have programmed our brains to think on things that may or may not be Christ-exalting.

So here is a test for us all. 
- When you drive in the car and your mind wanders, to what does it wander?
- When you have some free time, what is your initial thought about how you will spend it?
- When you wake up in the morning, how long before you think about the things of God?
- When you think about having time alone with God in prayer, His Word, or another form, how do you respond at a gut-level?
Food for...thought.

- tC 

Life of Valor

On Saturday, 2 great buddies and I went to see Act of Valor.  As modern military buffs, we loved it.  Before the movie actually started, I turned to my friend Andy and said, "The movie hasn't even started yet but I already think it might be my favorite movie of all time." 

It was excellent - great action, thought-provoking message, and more.  Part of that 'more' is that it got me to thinking about the life of faith in Christ.  I thought about who I would call a spiritual Navy SEAL, and who (if anyone) might call me that.  At first I thought, "Maybe some are not called or capable of this", but then I recalled Paul's words in Philippians 3 when he writes that he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength.  And I also recalled Peter's words from 2 Peter 1 where he said that we have all we need for a godly life. 

So why?  Why am I not a spiritual Navy SEAL?  The only reason I can come up with is something I heard shared by Peter Kreeft a few years ago.  When commenting on why Christians weren't more 'saintly' (not as in being made a saint by the church, but as in living a more Christ-like life), Kreeft said that it was because we chose not to. 

I think he's right.  The reason my life doesn't look more like the Apostle Paul or John Wesley or others like this is because I choose, day-by-day, to not live that way.  It can't be an excuse like "I can't do it" because I can do anything through Christ.  And God desires me to bear much fruit for the glory of the Father (John 15), so I have to look into my own life and say, "Me - I am the reason I am not a spiritual Navy SEAL."

May this kind of apathy end tonight.

- tC

Why Whitney Houston's Passing Matters

(Celebrific)

The other day on the radio I heard a talk show host say something along the lines of "So she died - I don't really care."  I believe Whitney Houston's passing is important for a variety of reasons - here are a few.

1. If you listened to Kevin Costner speak at her funeral, the theme that ran through all that he shared was how deeply insecure she was.  Despite all her fame and success, all her money and influence, she was always asking, "Am I good enough?"  From this I conclude a few things.  First, Solomon was right - when we acquire and succeed without God, we are left with a void.  Secondly, it is a stern warning to parent, family, and adults that when you are around a young person, you must be aware of how powerful your words are.  We cannot forget to tell our children and students and the young people in our lives, "No matter WHAT you do or accomplish, your worth is not found in what you do - it's found in your innate beauty because you were made by God."

2. There are results to our decisions even if we know Christ.  Just today a co-worker told me that he had heard a few days before she passed away, Houston was talking about Jesus and singing "Jesus, He Loves Me."  I pray that Houston did know Jesus before she died.  But the larger point is that even when a person has a relationship with Jesus, we live in a fallen world where there are ramifications from sin and bad choices.  My hope, as I thought about Houston, was that at some point she would get back to her roots and get on the path to recovery and walking in the Spirit.  But this will never be.  The take-away: make wise decisions because the impacts of poor decisions may be enormous. 

While there are many other reason's why I think Whitney Houston's passing matters, here is one final one.

It is better to go to a house of mourning
   than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of everyone;
   the living should take this to heart.
- Ecclesiastes 7:2  

We will all meet the same end. Rich, poor, white, black, male, female - we will all one day breathe our final breath.  May we be ready for that day.

- tC