Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Resolve.
Welcome to 2008! It is the New Year... and with the New Year comes New Year's Resolutions!
So, the other morning, I asked myself what it is that most people resolve to do in the New Year. Here are the top 3 things I can think of:
There are certainly others that probably rank in the top 5 resolutions, but those are the three that seem most prevalent to me. With that, let me pose a question to you:
If God told you that you could have any one thing that you wanted, what would you ask for? This is hypothetical, but if God were like a genie-in-a-bottle, and you got one wish, what would it be?
With your answer in mind (and quite possibly, with a list of New Year's Resolutions on your desk), let's look at an interesting story from a king...
Read Proverbs 2:1-6. Here is an excerpt:
The world would do anything for money - people will sacrifice their spouse, their family, their relationship with God... anything for money. Kids get murdered over a pair of shoes all the time. But, how does Solomon, the author of Proverbs, say we should seek wisdom? If we want to know God better, then we must seek for him as the world seeks for money. This is the core of a walk with God. In fact, Job 22:25 says that God will be our silver and gold.
I haven't seen the newest installment of National Treasure yet, but I don't have to - every movie about hidden treasure is the same: Good guys find location of treasure. Bad guys learn that the good guys know location of said treasure. Bad guys follow good guys to treasure and wait in ambush. Fighting ensues, people die, and either a) the good guys walk off with the treasure or b) nobody gets the treasure, but the good guys get the moral victory because they keep the bad guys from it and/or all of the bad guys die in some sort of cave-in of the secret treasure location. Sorry if I ruined the movie for you.
But, Solomon says that we must seek wisdom and understanding like the world would seek for hidden treasure. Give everything you have in order to know God more and more.
Does this mean that we can only seek for God and can't desire money or health or anything like that? No. In fact, Solomon, in Proverbs 3:13-18, notes that there is much to gain by wisdom. Long life and riches very well may come from wisdom and understanding.
How would Solomon know this?
He knows because he may be the only person in history whom God asked, "You can have anything one thing that you ask for. What do you want?" (see 1 Kings 3:5) Solomon's response is amazing:
God was pretty excited about Solomon's answer, so he "granted his wish." He made Solomon wise and gave him a discerning heart (the deep well from which Proverbs is written). Then, God gives him what he never asked for:
What do you think most people would have asked for if they were given the same green light by God? What would you ask for? God knew what most people would ask for: health and wealth! That's why He said, in 1 Kings 3:11-12, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself... behold I have done according to your words."
Though this took place thousands of years ago, it hits the nail on the head for those of us living in 2008. Our New Year's Resolutions often reflect one wish that we want granted. That's why people usually give up by February... because they realize that to keep a New Year's Resolution, you must have resolve. After a month of dieting, chewing Nicorette, and putting in overtime, we realize that the effort isn't worth it and we quit. If we could only have one wish granted!
Solomon had the chance for this freebie and, though everyone (including God, it seems) would have expected him to choose long life and riches, he asked for wisdom and discernment.
Our Resolutions show that we are asking the right questions, but coming up with the wrong solutions. We ask, What will make my life in 2008 better than it was in 2007? Great question. However, the answer is too often misguided and empty. Fifteen less pounds will make my 2008-life better than my 2007-life. Or A few thousand more dollars will make my 2008-life better than my 2007-life.
I'm not against making money and I'm not against good health - in fact, I'm a huge advocate for both. However, our New Year's Resolutions (mine included) should reflect proper priorities and an understanding of that which is most important in life.
This reminds me of another story from the Bible.
Two of the disciples, Peter and John, were headed to the temple to pray and there was a lame man sitting outside begging for alms. This was a normal occurrence... so, when they told the lame man to look at them, he expected they were about to give him money. But, their next sentence would forever change this man's life:
He thought his most pressing needs were money... but God knew what it was that this man truly needed. He needed what only Jesus could provide.
I haven't made any New Year's Resolutions yet... but I've been thinking through whether or not I should make any, and if so, what they should be. My starting point, and yours, needs to be to first look at what it is that we truly need. I agree with Solomon and Peter and John and Jesus - the silver and gold and long life may come, but there may be a more appropriate answer if we were given one wish.
So, the other morning, I asked myself what it is that most people resolve to do in the New Year. Here are the top 3 things I can think of:
1) Make more money/have a "prosperous" year.
2) Lose weight/go on a diet.
3) Stop smoking.
There are certainly others that probably rank in the top 5 resolutions, but those are the three that seem most prevalent to me. With that, let me pose a question to you:
If God told you that you could have any one thing that you wanted, what would you ask for? This is hypothetical, but if God were like a genie-in-a-bottle, and you got one wish, what would it be?
With your answer in mind (and quite possibly, with a list of New Year's Resolutions on your desk), let's look at an interesting story from a king...
Read Proverbs 2:1-6. Here is an excerpt:
...Lift your voice for understanding: If you seek her [her = wisdom/understanding] as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and understanding...
The world would do anything for money - people will sacrifice their spouse, their family, their relationship with God... anything for money. Kids get murdered over a pair of shoes all the time. But, how does Solomon, the author of Proverbs, say we should seek wisdom? If we want to know God better, then we must seek for him as the world seeks for money. This is the core of a walk with God. In fact, Job 22:25 says that God will be our silver and gold.
I haven't seen the newest installment of National Treasure yet, but I don't have to - every movie about hidden treasure is the same: Good guys find location of treasure. Bad guys learn that the good guys know location of said treasure. Bad guys follow good guys to treasure and wait in ambush. Fighting ensues, people die, and either a) the good guys walk off with the treasure or b) nobody gets the treasure, but the good guys get the moral victory because they keep the bad guys from it and/or all of the bad guys die in some sort of cave-in of the secret treasure location. Sorry if I ruined the movie for you.
But, Solomon says that we must seek wisdom and understanding like the world would seek for hidden treasure. Give everything you have in order to know God more and more.
Does this mean that we can only seek for God and can't desire money or health or anything like that? No. In fact, Solomon, in Proverbs 3:13-18, notes that there is much to gain by wisdom. Long life and riches very well may come from wisdom and understanding.
How would Solomon know this?
He knows because he may be the only person in history whom God asked, "You can have anything one thing that you ask for. What do you want?" (see 1 Kings 3:5) Solomon's response is amazing:
Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil...
- 1 Kings 3:8-9
God was pretty excited about Solomon's answer, so he "granted his wish." He made Solomon wise and gave him a discerning heart (the deep well from which Proverbs is written). Then, God gives him what he never asked for:
I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days.
- 1 Kings 3:13-14 (see also 1 Kings 10:23-24)
What do you think most people would have asked for if they were given the same green light by God? What would you ask for? God knew what most people would ask for: health and wealth! That's why He said, in 1 Kings 3:11-12, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself... behold I have done according to your words."
Though this took place thousands of years ago, it hits the nail on the head for those of us living in 2008. Our New Year's Resolutions often reflect one wish that we want granted. That's why people usually give up by February... because they realize that to keep a New Year's Resolution, you must have resolve. After a month of dieting, chewing Nicorette, and putting in overtime, we realize that the effort isn't worth it and we quit. If we could only have one wish granted!
Solomon had the chance for this freebie and, though everyone (including God, it seems) would have expected him to choose long life and riches, he asked for wisdom and discernment.
Our Resolutions show that we are asking the right questions, but coming up with the wrong solutions. We ask, What will make my life in 2008 better than it was in 2007? Great question. However, the answer is too often misguided and empty. Fifteen less pounds will make my 2008-life better than my 2007-life. Or A few thousand more dollars will make my 2008-life better than my 2007-life.
I'm not against making money and I'm not against good health - in fact, I'm a huge advocate for both. However, our New Year's Resolutions (mine included) should reflect proper priorities and an understanding of that which is most important in life.
This reminds me of another story from the Bible.
Two of the disciples, Peter and John, were headed to the temple to pray and there was a lame man sitting outside begging for alms. This was a normal occurrence... so, when they told the lame man to look at them, he expected they were about to give him money. But, their next sentence would forever change this man's life:
I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: 'In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene - walk!'
He thought his most pressing needs were money... but God knew what it was that this man truly needed. He needed what only Jesus could provide.
I haven't made any New Year's Resolutions yet... but I've been thinking through whether or not I should make any, and if so, what they should be. My starting point, and yours, needs to be to first look at what it is that we truly need. I agree with Solomon and Peter and John and Jesus - the silver and gold and long life may come, but there may be a more appropriate answer if we were given one wish.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
-Jesus, in Matthew 6:33
Saturday, December 22, 2007
My Favorite Christmas Hymn
I didn't really have a favorite Christmas song until a couple of years ago. Like many others, I would listen to music ("Christmas" or other) in a very shallow way. A line or two might jump out at me, but overall, I would just "like it" or not based on virtually no evaluation of the lyrics, music, etc. As soon as I got out of that funk, O Holy Night became my favorite Christmas Hymn.
This song is deep - it has great theology and it paints an incredible picture of what it might have been like to be there for the birth of Christ. The repeated references to fall on your knees and bow are powerfully accurate. Around Christmas, I love to reflect on what it might have been like to be there for the birth of Jesus. My favorite passage to read and to teach from is Luke 2 for this very reason. It captures the fear, confusion, adrenaline rush, comfort, and joy that those present were feeling. Imagine being one of those shepherds in the field when that angel appeared. One of the reasons this fails to strike a chord with us is that we have a cruddy view of angels and what they are capable of. When we think angel, we think of a cute, fat, rosie-cheeked baby with a harp. Nothing could be further from the truth! When these shepherds saw this angel, they thought it was the last they were ever going to see. They feared for their lives.
Then, the angel comforted them:
With that, here are the words to O Holy Night:
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
I did a YouTube search for different videos of artists singing O Holy Night and was pleasantly shocked by what I turned up. You could easily spend an hour watching different people sing this song on YouTube. Below, I will link some of my favorites (I will embed my favorite 4 and link some others at the bottom).
Probably my vote for #1 is Mariah's. Not many can hit the notes in this song (which is why almost all of these links will be from women... I'd have to be eunuch to get that high)...
My second favorite is probably from Celtic Woman with Chloe Agnew. The line in the song that says "Hear the angel voices" finds a home with these women like no other version I've heard. Amazing...
I'm not a huge Celine Dion fan, but she nails this song... so, I'm giving her my #3 spot...
#4 goes to a version I can't even understand by Jussi Bjorling. He's from Sweden... if this version were in English, it might be #1 because his voice is absolutely powerful.
There are also versions on YouTube by Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Sarah Brightman, Martina McBride, NSync, Luciano Pavarotti, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and a little diddy with clips from various artist called "Battle of the Diva."
Last, and most certainly least, I'm going to link a "version" of this song by a pop-culture icon. It seems odd (and sac-religious?) to do so, but I'm linking it for the following reasons: (1) When you search O Holy Night from YouTube's front page, this is the first version that comes up. There's a reason for that. (2) He replaces some words to this incredible hymn... but when he does it is very telling of how our culture sees Christmas. As shocking/appalling as you may (or may not) be from his tinkering with this song, let it serve as a rebuke to how we have come to view Christmas - as a day when we "get presents."
This song is deep - it has great theology and it paints an incredible picture of what it might have been like to be there for the birth of Christ. The repeated references to fall on your knees and bow are powerfully accurate. Around Christmas, I love to reflect on what it might have been like to be there for the birth of Jesus. My favorite passage to read and to teach from is Luke 2 for this very reason. It captures the fear, confusion, adrenaline rush, comfort, and joy that those present were feeling. Imagine being one of those shepherds in the field when that angel appeared. One of the reasons this fails to strike a chord with us is that we have a cruddy view of angels and what they are capable of. When we think angel, we think of a cute, fat, rosie-cheeked baby with a harp. Nothing could be further from the truth! When these shepherds saw this angel, they thought it was the last they were ever going to see. They feared for their lives.
Then, the angel comforted them:
Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people...I love what he didn't say. Note: he doesn't say "Don't be afraid - I'm really not that aggressive... I couldn't kill you even if I wanted - there's nothing to fear about me." No, he's still a frightening angel, but the reason he wants them to not be afraid is because of the Good News he is about to tell them: they now have a Savior. The reason they should be comforted and have joy and no longer fear has nothing to do with the physical death they were focusing on. Rather, their comfort and joy comes though knowing the good news of great joy for all the people... Incredible.
With that, here are the words to O Holy Night:
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
I did a YouTube search for different videos of artists singing O Holy Night and was pleasantly shocked by what I turned up. You could easily spend an hour watching different people sing this song on YouTube. Below, I will link some of my favorites (I will embed my favorite 4 and link some others at the bottom).
Probably my vote for #1 is Mariah's. Not many can hit the notes in this song (which is why almost all of these links will be from women... I'd have to be eunuch to get that high)...
My second favorite is probably from Celtic Woman with Chloe Agnew. The line in the song that says "Hear the angel voices" finds a home with these women like no other version I've heard. Amazing...
I'm not a huge Celine Dion fan, but she nails this song... so, I'm giving her my #3 spot...
#4 goes to a version I can't even understand by Jussi Bjorling. He's from Sweden... if this version were in English, it might be #1 because his voice is absolutely powerful.
There are also versions on YouTube by Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Sarah Brightman, Martina McBride, NSync, Luciano Pavarotti, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and a little diddy with clips from various artist called "Battle of the Diva."
Last, and most certainly least, I'm going to link a "version" of this song by a pop-culture icon. It seems odd (and sac-religious?) to do so, but I'm linking it for the following reasons: (1) When you search O Holy Night from YouTube's front page, this is the first version that comes up. There's a reason for that. (2) He replaces some words to this incredible hymn... but when he does it is very telling of how our culture sees Christmas. As shocking/appalling as you may (or may not) be from his tinkering with this song, let it serve as a rebuke to how we have come to view Christmas - as a day when we "get presents."
Friday, December 14, 2007
NO EXCUSES!!!
Google/Blogger has now made it possible to post comments to a blog even if you don't have an account with Google or Blogspot. You will be able to use your accounts from AIM/AOL, Wordpress, etc.
So... now there are NO EXCUSES for reading one of our blogs and NOT leaving a comment! C'mon - we know you're reading - we can see my meter at the bottom going up. Leave me some comments (good, bad, or indifferent)!
So... now there are NO EXCUSES for reading one of our blogs and NOT leaving a comment! C'mon - we know you're reading - we can see my meter at the bottom going up. Leave me some comments (good, bad, or indifferent)!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Huckabee Moves Ahead of Romney...
Politics have not been touched on this website for a long time, however it's about that time again. Though short I just wanted to link the new Rasmussen Report (click below) that shows Huckabee climbing ahead of Romney. The significance of this will flesh itself out in the upcoming weeks.
I am unflinchingly in support of Governor Mike Huckabee to become the next President of the United States. He is the best man for the job and I would encourage you to check him out at www.explorehuckabee.com
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
I am unflinchingly in support of Governor Mike Huckabee to become the next President of the United States. He is the best man for the job and I would encourage you to check him out at www.explorehuckabee.com
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
Friday, October 12, 2007
Perception of Beauty
Dove, as a part of their Campaign for Real Beauty, has come out with some great videos on the distorted view of beauty in our culture that is portrayed in media. The first video is called "Evolution" and the second one is called "Onslaught."
As a sidenote, here is a funny parody of the Evolution video:
Any thoughts on this out there? (More on the first two videos than the last!) What is beauty? What are the effects that media has on how we view beauty? How does this affect you personally? What impact does this have on the Church? What is the Church doing about it, if anything? What are somet things that we CAN do?
As a sidenote, here is a funny parody of the Evolution video:
Any thoughts on this out there? (More on the first two videos than the last!) What is beauty? What are the effects that media has on how we view beauty? How does this affect you personally? What impact does this have on the Church? What is the Church doing about it, if anything? What are somet things that we CAN do?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Elmcroft Assisted Living Center
Yesterday was the first time I have ever been inside a nursing home…it was very interesting. I must admit that my time around the elderly has been limited and, like with children, I need to have time to learn how to interact with them, though I currently like kids (case by case of course). I was asked by my church to give the messages during two small services. The first was to a “rowdy” group of Alzheimer patients. This was a dream for my rather repetitive preaching style…I credit Reverend John Stott and Chris Sarver for this influence.
The first talk was centered around Romans 8:31 as was the second. It is quite something to have someone shout in mid-sentence “someone turn the fan off, it’s too cold!!!” or prior to speaking having one of the patients point to a nurse and say “I don’t think she knows what the hell is going on!” It was something. However, I will say that it simply gave me more courage to put my trust in the Holy Spirit and his ability to sear hearts…thank God for his Word that does not and will not return void.
The second service was in the assisted living building. This crowd was larger and much more engaging. The oldest was 95, Maxine, and I must say that the smiles and head knods were quite encouraging during my time up front. We began the time by singing My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less and transitioned into the Martin Luther classic A Mighty Fortress is Our God. From here I was given a generous and optimistic introduction to the group, which of course heightened expectations. After cracking an “age” joke I then began hammering away at Romans 8:31, “What then shall we say? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
In the middle of my preaching I couldn’t help but survey the crowd and say to God, “Lord, this is a waste of time…two people asleep, one on a respirator and a few clamoring for me to “speak up!”…Lord, this is a waste of time.” The Lord was gracious in reminding me of the Gospel and the manner in which we see God…through His Word.
From here it was decided that I would preach Christ crucified and that, Lord-willing, the severity and beauty of the Cross would be seen by all in the room. God was gracious and it was a wonderful success. We all saw beauty that morning through God’s Word and saw the Gospel for what it really is…good news.
I retell this story to emphasize and corporately glory in God and his promises…Isaiah 55:11 gives me courage in preaching/teaching, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
This points me to Christ in several ways:
1) Gives me courage to glorify him by walking in light of “the hope of glory, Christ in you.” – Colossians 1:27
2) It has me take refuge in his sovereign call and irresistible grace that draws people to himself, not by self-will or exertion, but by Him saying “Let there be light” in the hearts of men.
3) Gives me freedom to depend on God and not be a “convincing” teacher.
4) Assures me that God will not be mocked nor His mission be thwarted.
5) It encourages me towards evangelism and to be grounded in His Word.
6) Tells me there is purpose in what God does.
7) It solidly puts all the glory to God…soli deo gloria.
There are many, many more ways if I were to think about it longer, but, I have to get going.
Also, quickly, I just received this email from my friend and disciple Andrea…an Italian student that I met with this past summer. This gives me further courage to be faithful in studying His Word and pointing others to it.
-------------------------
Ciao Mike,
How are you? I am at the university trying to find some dates of my exames.
I have decided to stay here in Italy [and not go to Holland], because I would not to be like Giona...but i I have decided to stay here and attend the Agape (Crusade in Europe) with Brian (CCC international staff) and learn everything I have to learn to work in the future with Agape.
Big hug,
Andrea
-------------------------
Giona means Jonah in Italian. Plain and simple we studied Jonah for an afternoon and Andrea kept returning to this to see what it looks like to walk with God in the midst of obedience and disobedience. Once again, this gives me courage to preach God’s Word faithfully. Be blessed, be encouraged.
The first talk was centered around Romans 8:31 as was the second. It is quite something to have someone shout in mid-sentence “someone turn the fan off, it’s too cold!!!” or prior to speaking having one of the patients point to a nurse and say “I don’t think she knows what the hell is going on!” It was something. However, I will say that it simply gave me more courage to put my trust in the Holy Spirit and his ability to sear hearts…thank God for his Word that does not and will not return void.
The second service was in the assisted living building. This crowd was larger and much more engaging. The oldest was 95, Maxine, and I must say that the smiles and head knods were quite encouraging during my time up front. We began the time by singing My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less and transitioned into the Martin Luther classic A Mighty Fortress is Our God. From here I was given a generous and optimistic introduction to the group, which of course heightened expectations. After cracking an “age” joke I then began hammering away at Romans 8:31, “What then shall we say? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
In the middle of my preaching I couldn’t help but survey the crowd and say to God, “Lord, this is a waste of time…two people asleep, one on a respirator and a few clamoring for me to “speak up!”…Lord, this is a waste of time.” The Lord was gracious in reminding me of the Gospel and the manner in which we see God…through His Word.
From here it was decided that I would preach Christ crucified and that, Lord-willing, the severity and beauty of the Cross would be seen by all in the room. God was gracious and it was a wonderful success. We all saw beauty that morning through God’s Word and saw the Gospel for what it really is…good news.
I retell this story to emphasize and corporately glory in God and his promises…Isaiah 55:11 gives me courage in preaching/teaching, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
This points me to Christ in several ways:
1) Gives me courage to glorify him by walking in light of “the hope of glory, Christ in you.” – Colossians 1:27
2) It has me take refuge in his sovereign call and irresistible grace that draws people to himself, not by self-will or exertion, but by Him saying “Let there be light” in the hearts of men.
3) Gives me freedom to depend on God and not be a “convincing” teacher.
4) Assures me that God will not be mocked nor His mission be thwarted.
5) It encourages me towards evangelism and to be grounded in His Word.
6) Tells me there is purpose in what God does.
7) It solidly puts all the glory to God…soli deo gloria.
There are many, many more ways if I were to think about it longer, but, I have to get going.
Also, quickly, I just received this email from my friend and disciple Andrea…an Italian student that I met with this past summer. This gives me further courage to be faithful in studying His Word and pointing others to it.
-------------------------
Ciao Mike,
How are you? I am at the university trying to find some dates of my exames.
I have decided to stay here in Italy [and not go to Holland], because I would not to be like Giona...but i I have decided to stay here and attend the Agape (Crusade in Europe) with Brian (CCC international staff) and learn everything I have to learn to work in the future with Agape.
Big hug,
Andrea
-------------------------
Giona means Jonah in Italian. Plain and simple we studied Jonah for an afternoon and Andrea kept returning to this to see what it looks like to walk with God in the midst of obedience and disobedience. Once again, this gives me courage to preach God’s Word faithfully. Be blessed, be encouraged.
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