Pondering

I thought I might share these thoughts with you. This is from an A.W. Tozer daily devotional that I work through. Given the events that recently transpired in our world these words become timely.

Trials and Pain: Moses' Prayer

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. --Psalm 90:12

A few days after these words appear in print the old year of our Lord will have gone to join the long procession of years and centuries that move on into the shadows of a past that can come no more.

In the year just gone the world has been writing history, not with ink only but with blood and tears; not in the quiet of the study but in violence, terror and death in city streets and along the borders of nations; and other and milder but more significant history has been written by incredible feats of power in sending man-made objects out to circle the moon and the sun....

To each one fortunate enough to live out [this year], God will have given 365 days broken into 8,760 hours. Of these hours, 2,920 will have been spent in sleep, and about the same number at work. An equal number has been given us to spend in reverent preparation for the moment when days and years shall cease and time shall be no more. What prayer could be more spiritually appropriate than that of Moses, the man of God: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). The Warfare of the Spirit, pp. 145-147

Happy New Year.

Thankful

The day after. Presents are all unwrapped. Recycling is in waiting. Meals have been prepared, eaten and enjoyed. A few more days of rest and relaxation. Breaking in new slippers. Re-reading the story of the Incarnation and the birth of the Son. Sitting in my office and contemplating what the meaning of this year’s Christmas means and implies. Wading through all the theological language and meta-physical explanations I take some time to simply reflect. In my mind’s eye I am coming to the stable. The smell of animals and shepherds are beginning to become too much, yet I slowly continue towards the source. It is night yet there seems to be a strange glow surrounding us. It’s almost like the darkness is trying to invade, or crush, this small stable. Yet it cannot. Walking out of its cold and damp clutches I am aware of the simple warmth and quiet joy the light provides. As I draw closer to the place where the child lies I feel compelled to fall on my knees. It’s not like I don’t want to, it’s more that I can’t help myself from doing it. Everything is strangely quiet. Closing my eyes I can’t help but think about how great God is and how thankful I am for what he has done for me. Immanuel. God with us.

The day after. When the hype is fading away and people begin to look ahead at a new year, I want to look ahead and say, “God willing, I wish to do this and that”. The hype may be fading away but the meaning and purpose do not. In a few short months I will again find myself kneeling but that will be at the foot of the cross. And then, just like now, I will be reflecting upon how great God is and how thankful I am for what he has done for me. The bread of life. The light of the world. The good shepherd. The door. The gate. The way, the truth and the life. The resurrection and the life.

So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of the light.”… “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”

What is your viewpoint?

Baby; manger; gifts; angels; faith; peace; joy; hope. Culmination. Beginning.

He has passed through the heavens…

“Let us hold fast our confession” (Hebrews 4:14b) – amidst what? So called tolerance? Which if we’re honest is really a mask for belligerent intolerance. In this pluralistic and relativistic “West Coast” mindset there seems to be enough room for any and all religious and/or philosophical confessions. But mention your confession is of Christ and his life, death, resurrection; suddenly there is no room in the inn. Sound like a Bethlehem scenario? A miracle waiting to happen and people are too busy, too preoccupied and maybe too blind to the reality it brings. And before I sound too pretentious I probably would have responded the same way those townsfolk did, if it were not for the grace of God.

Christ empathizes and sympathizes with human weakness. Never excuses it or allows us to use it as a crutch. In fact, holds us accountable for it. But none the less totally understands our weaknesses and temptations. Don’t people seek out that kind of person for counseling? We want someone who understands and who will be empathetic and sympathetic. Maybe we want someone to excuse ourselves and our behavior because we are weak and frail. “Please give us more self-help steps towards earthly perfection!” Or at least some sort of balance. Of course we would never admit it. Maybe that’s why.

Baby, manger, gifts, faith, peace, joy, hope. All are safe. All are comforting. None hold us accountable. For me, one thing that stands out is the “beginning” aspect. The Son of God (the second person of the Eternal Trinity) coming to Earth to dawn human flesh. The Son coming to earth as the one who will become the one who stands before the throne of God and defends me. And it all had to start in a dirty manger surrounded by domesticated animals, dirty shepherds, fresh newlyweds and angels.

Narnia

We just finished watching Narnia with our eldest daughter. For us it's been our fourth time through the wardrobe and I have have to say - love it! Some of my favorite parts?

Aslan telling the white witch to stop reciting the old magic because Aslan was there when it was written.
Aslan roaring at the white witch's question about his intent on keeping his promise.
The scene that shows Aslan talking with Edmund after his rescue. What was Aslan saying to him?
The surrender and humiliation of Aslan before his death. So powerful.
The epic battle.

There's many more. One thing you might want to consider this Christmas season is to sit down with your family and watch Narnia. Soak it in. Let it permeate into your festive mood. Then contemplate about it's metaphor for your new life.

Merry Christmas

here's your option...

I said that I would leave you an alternate avenue to interact with these upcoming toics. so, if you are afraid to leave your comment on this blog here's an alternate email that you can use.

respondtoheaven@yahoo.ca

Are you looking at going to "The Golden Compass"? check out Al Mohler's response to this new big screen blockbuster.
Should Christians see this movie given the fact that the author of the trilogy, of which this movie is the first, is an atheist and claims that his books are designed to kill God?

Question: Why are atheists, who claim there is no God, work so hard at trying to convince us that there is no God? If they are correct - why spend so much time and energy on trying to convince others?

Why Be Moral?

Some of my research into the validity of the Bible and it's claims has lead me to some very interesting viewpoints. This one I share with you because it stirred me up. I know it will do the same for you. Here is the link and a short quote. Check it out for yourself and ask yourself how you might respond after reading it. Have fun.

http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/richard_carrier/moreland.html

"It should now be clear that the Christian theism that Moreland defends provides no better reasons to be moral than secular humanism, and on many of the very same points as well as others Moreland does not examine, humanism may actually provide more compelling arguments."

See, I told you.

Let's get started

So, you may notice that there's a small survey at your left. That's right I wold really like to hear what you have to say regarding the topics, Heaven & Hell. I will be asking several questions over the next 6-8 weeks to help formulate some of the content for my classes. Yes, you now have the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and fundamental task of speaking about our final destinations. I will be posting an email site that you can access if you want to get more involved. I'm looking forward to the process and the journey that this will be. Hey, why don't you get into it? More later.

Help Me Out...

OK, I'm doing a series of classes on the topics of Heaven and Hell. Tell me one or two things that you might want to know about both locations. (assuming that you subscribe to them - if not tell me why) I am reading other resources but I also want to hear from you. Does anyone out there know how I can create and post a small survey? More on this later.

Responding to Authority

Yesterday as I was traveling with my family to our friend’s house for some good eats, great dessert and even better time of hanging out and talking about our lives, we came across a police road block.

As good citizens we stopped and after some cordial chit-chat I was asked to produce my driver’s license. It turns out the police were checking to make sure that people were driving legally.

OK, that’s nice but what does that have to do with your blog?

Well, it made me think about us Christians. How many times have we had someone come up to us and ask us about our lives? Or even more threatening, when was the last time someone came up to you to talk about visible sin in your life? Ok. Forget about the flesh and blood - What about when God has pointed out something in your life? How do you respond?

Do we respond like many other people responded to the police asking for their driver’s licenses? Do we feel like it is a waste of time? Are we in too much of a hurry to think about how were getting where we’re going? Do we even despise the intrusion? How do you respond to authority? How do you respond to God’s authority over your life?

Maybe next time we’re stopped and asked to give a reason for the direction we’re going, maybe we should think twice about our reaction. There just might be a bigger and deeper meaning behind the situation.

Storms

Storms

Some may think of me as crazy. Some think of me as a true West Coaster. Call me almost anything you want because I like it when it rains. There have been times when I have been able to sit and watch the unfolding of a storm like it was a great concert. Starting small then building to the crescendo. I can still remember the deafening sound of thunder rolling through the sky. There also have been times when I have walked through the pouring rain. No thunder, no lightening, no awe – just getting soaked.

I don’t know what it is about the rain that makes me feel this way. Most people hate it. Some tolerate it. But I like it. Is it because it reminds me of the difference between me and God? My power versus His? Or does it carry with it some deeper meaning?

Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away

 They can come without warning and bring terrible anguish.
Destroying everything in it’s path. Unrelenting and unforgiving. Wielding a raw
unbridled power – they bring terror to even the most seasoned of men…

" On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”" (Mark 4:35-41, NKJV)

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear...And grace my fears relieved...

How precious did that grace appear...The hour I first believed

The idea of a sovereign God isn’t talked about very much these days. It seems that the idea of an all-powerful (omni-potent) Being arises only when we want something or when we want to blame someone. But what about the storms in our lives? Could they be ‘acts of God’ just like those we see around the world? Or are they a product of our poor choices and consumptions? Inner struggles come and go. Sometimes like a storm. Unpredictable. Unrelenting. Unforgiving.

And don’t we cry out like those men in the boat? Don’t you care that I am perishing? Don’t you care that my boat is beginning to fill with water?

I wonder what would happen in our lives if we were to examine more closely the words of Jesus…, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no ( little ) faith?”

One thing I know, when I’m walking in the rain my mind travels to these and many other words that call me to place my faith in someone who’s bigger and more powerful than any storm I encounter. In some sense Jesus can be just as unpredictable and unrelenting but the similarity stops there. Jesus is most-forgiving, most-gracious and the Holy Spirit empowers me to move on. Sometimes its in an ‘exceedingly fearful’ way because I have just witnessed His unbridled power. Peace, be still. Sometimes its in a way that I cannot help but cry. Allowing the rain to mix with the tears. And as the rain washes them away I am filled with a sense of awe towards God. As His word permeates my mind, bubbling up from my heart and my soul, I move forward.

" In that day you will say: “I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”" (Isaiah 12:1-6, NIV)

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now I'm found

Was blind but now I see so clearly

new and improved?

Hey everyone,

I'm sorry that it's been so long since I have posted anything. A lot of it had to do with our privacy filter and my inability to post through it. So I gave up until recently. But now it seems to have been fixed and I am freed to write once again. I'm working through Romans right now and I am particularly transfixed on the aspect of being released from the captivity of one master (sin) only be be placed within the captivity of another (righteousness). Read Romans 6:15-23 to find out what I'm working through. Also, our care group will be begining a "drive by" in the book of Isaiah. I know this will prove to be inspiring as well as convicting. So look for that coming down the lane near you. So, welcome back. It's been a long time. Let's grab some coffee and sit and converse about Faith, Life and Biblical Literacy. Until later...

Hell on the Rise?

There seems to be an increase in activity of discussion and thought regarding the issue of Hell. In a periodical that my denomination publishes it seems that the idea of a place called Hell is alive but not very well.

At the end of one article I am asked a question by it's author. "Is it possible, through study and synthesis of the best of these views [literal, real place of punishment;a non-literal place where one experiences the absence of God; an idea of soul-annihilism] to arrive at a perspective on judgement that is scriptural, logical and praiseworthy?

I felt like saying...I'm sorry but haven't you read the Gospels? Haven't you read Ephesians, Galatians or Romans? What about Jude?

In my opinion this author has it backwards. Don't we have a mandate as Christ-followers to first search the scriptures and see what they have to offer before we turn to any "synthesis" of the best of any ideas?

As for logical, wouldn't it seem logical that if there is a place called Heaven that there would (without sounding like a dualist) be a place called Hell? We have been given the Good News about Jesus Christ, so logically, would there not be a Bad News?

And what about praiseworthy"? While I am not advocating the celebration of anyone going to Hell, can we not praise God that His holiness and righteousness is upheld by judgment? I could think of no other topic more praiseworthy than the the one which deals with my sinful condition, a most Holy God and the exercise of His Holy mercy over me rather than His Holy judgment.

Maybe I missed the point but I liked the way a pastor ended his article on this topic.

"for many years now it's been fashionable to minimize hell and scorn those who pursue salvation as a type of 'fire insurance'. One would hope that those who find Jesus as 'fire insurance' would also discover the blessings and joys of this heavenly relationship. But if the danger of hell is real, then fire insurance is prudent, and hardly to be scorned."

Again, maybe I missed the point - you tell me.

Sola Gratis

you tell me...

What was the main reason for Jesus' death?

But a Breath....

For those who are patiently waiting, or might have given up... Here's my next installment.

Our Bible study group is currently following the pastor's pulpit schedule . That means we're tracking through the Psalms. As I was preparing for our group session on Psalm 62, I came across an interesting rabbit trail.

It starts in verse 9...

"Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity." (KJV)

"Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath." (ESV)

Now you may be wondering where's the rabbit trail? Look closely. The word used by the psalmist for "Breath" and for "Vanity" come from the same root word, "Habel". Which is the same word Eve used to name her second son, Abel.

Now, often in the culture of the Old Testament, parents would wait to give their child a formal name that would suit them and help describe something of their character. We who live in the western world who are used to naming our children right after birth sometimes miss this important nuance.

This discovery lead me to Genesis 4. In the beginning of that chapter we find the account of the birth of Cain and the birth of Abel. Presumably, when the two have reached adulthood, they bring their sacrifices before the Lord and we find that the Lord looks upon Abel's with acceptance and upon Cain's with disapproval. The result? Anger on Cain's part. His younger brother beat him out. Then comes a short verse that peaked my interest.

"Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him."

And herein lies the crux of the rabbit trail. What did those two talk about? Did Eve, waiting to name her son until later in his life (yet it happened before this event), sense some propensity within Abel to be somewhat boastful? Or did she name her son with the thought in mind that their lives were but a breath compared to the life that they forsook in the Garden? We're not sure. In fact, the Bible doesn't tell us. But let's pretend that Abel was given his name deliberately. Further, let's consider that Cain was talking to Abel about the Lord's disapproval ofhis offering. Then in a fashion that would fit the name, Abel began to boast about his seemingly victory over Cain. That somehow the Lord loved Abel more than Cain. You know about sibling rivalry? Mom loves me more than you! Could it be that at that moment, when Abel was telling Cain how much the Lord loved Abel and how the Lord refused Cain's sacrifice, and all the emotional issues that surround our need for acceptance and our value in the eyes of others; could it be at that moment Cain's anger arose with a vengeance that would not be satisfied until Abel's very blood soaked the ground?

"rose up against him...and killed him"


Nice. But what about the end of the trail? Does it leave us here? Maybe. Read on.
Do we have a propensity for looking upon our lives and comparing it to others less fortunate? What about when we look upon those who are "richer" than us? Do we think that God loves someone more than ourselves? Are we envious to the point of anger?

Maybe this trail ends with nothing other to say than Abel, vanity and breath share the same word. Fine. But at the risk of developing something that's not there in the text, let's continue.

Maybe this rabbit trail has a lot to say about how we view ourselves, the poor and the rich. Maybe it's a reminder that when all our lives are placed in the balance they are but a vapor. Maybe it's a reminder that in light of eternity, our place in this world means less than our place before a Holy God. A God that is described in Psalm 62 as the One who is a rock, a fortress, a refuge and the only salvation for our souls.

You tell me.

Deo soli gloria