Deliverance

My next Bible Study series will be "God Delivers", a study of the Book of Judges.  We will see the repeated cycles of Israel's disobedience -> God's Judgment -> Israel's misery and crying out to God -> God raising a judge (deliverer).  And then, the people of Israel would make moral compromises and the cycle starts all over again.  In all, there were either 12,13, or 14 judges (depending on whether Abimelech and/or Barak are included) in Judges, not counting Eli and Samuel.  This illustrates the gracious and faithful deliverance of God, over and over again.  Even prior to this, God had delivered Israel from Egypt and brought them to the Promised Land.  And, the end of Judges shows the utter depravity they fall into, pointing to the need for the ultimate deliverance:  Christ through the CROSS.

More Ashes

Allusions to my theme this year seem to be everywhere I turn.  In just reading the back cover for the book "Maine", it asks "Can Love Rise from the Ashes...?", as in introduces the stories of how several people recover from the devastation in the aftermath of the Civil War. 

While I did offer my thorn as a burnt offering to the LORD, I do hope that beauty may rise from the ashes some day.  Amen.

Colossians Summary

Since I've been watching the Olympics so much, as I've been thinking about how to summarize the series in Colossians, I've naturally made analogies between "Being in Christ" and being an athlete.

In the epistle, the apostle Paul showed that being in Christ meant being:

• His Body - one of the athletes reminded us that "it takes a village".  In the same way, we don't walk this Christian life alone, we need to be part of the Body of Christ.  And just as an athlete represents their country; we represent the Christ, the Head of the Body.

• Alive with Him - we are to be connected to the source of our power and life, in the same way that athlete keep connected with what motivates them.  This passage also stated, as is true for athletes,  that we should not let any distractions cheat us of the reward or disqualify us for the prize - we should keep our eyes on the prize

• His Servants - We are to set our hearts and minds on things above, to keep our focus on Who we are really serving, putting off the old self and putting on the new - putting on what we need to "win"; just as athletes set their hearts and minds on the Olympic Gold

• Devoted to Prayer - Just as we've often see athletes crossing themselves or show other ways of appealing to God before entering a competition; we as believers must also offer prayers to God in conjunction with doing our part in the preparation for the "race"

It's neat to see these parallels as a practical analogy illustrating what Paul was teaching in Colossians.

I'm also glad to see that our US Olympic athletes have been doing so well in these Olympic Games.  Many of the athletes that have been projected for Gold have met expectations - Bode Miller, Lindsey Vonn, Apollo Anton Ohno, Evan Lysacek, Shaun White, Shani Davis, etc.   It's wonderful for them to achieve what they have worked so hard for and have dreamed about for so long.

Leadership

I'm starting to read John Maxwell's "Developing the Leader Within You."  I've always felt that I did not have leadership qualities; but, I have been thrown into positions of leadership both in church and at work.   So, I was very happy to read in the book that "Leadership is not an exclusive club for those who were 'born with it.'  The traits that are the raw materials of leadership can be acquired."

Maxwell says that "Leadership is influence."   He quotes the proverb, "He who thinketh he leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk."   True leaders do need to have the ability to obtain followers.  And it was interesting to see him point out the differences between leading and just managing.

As I reflect on my experiences as a leader, I've been told, and can see confirmed, that I have a "quiet leadership" style.   I don't have notable charisma or presence, and I know I have a lot to learn before becoming a really good leader; but, I have been able to "get the job done" and have gained the respect and goodwill of those I lead, without too much fanfare or even assertiveness.  While I am able to stand my ground on what I feel is essential and important, I listen to the opinions and feedback of others and try to make wise decisions based on information gathered.

It is so true that leadership greatly affects those they lead.  However, tying this in with what we studied on Sunday, from the perspective of the follower,.....the president of Hyatt Hotels was quoted as saying that "How [employees] perform is simply a reflection of the one for whom they work."   and in Colossians 3:24b, it says we should view all that we do in light of the fact that "It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Olympic Thoughts

These 2010 Vancouver Olympics have not failed to spur excitement and motivation.  The US won more medals on the opening day of competition than in any other Olympics in our history so far.  And those medals were exciting to watch, while the stories of the athlete's road to winning were motivating to hear:

• Redemption for Hannah Kearney, winning the first US gold, after not even qualifying for the finals in the last Olympics.
• J R Celski winning the bronze in the 1500m short-track, after five months of rehab from a crippling injury
• Apollo Anton Ohno won the silver and tied for the most medals won by an American in Winter Games competition, with a chance to exceed in his upcoming races

In these two weeks, I will continue to be at home, jumping up and down alone in front of the TV, cheering for the US athletes and proudly tearing up with them whenever they hear the National Anthem playing as the flag is raised during a medals ceremony.

When I see the sacrifice and dedication of the athletes; and the acknowledgment that "it takes a village"; I am reminded that I should approach the service of my LORD with that sort of sacrifice and dedication, being supported by the Church Body.  One thing I also recognized this week was how easy it was to be distracted.  Just as the athletes need to focus on their goal and the "prize", in the same way, we need to focus on Christ and our hope for eternity.  Those who become part of my inner "team" circle should only be those who would help me be better and motivate me to keep my eyes on the finish line.

Dealing with Bible Difficulties

I went to an RTB lecture this weekend where Krista Bontrager spoke on "Dealing with Bible Difficulties".  She emphasized that the doctrine of INERRANCY is essential, for if the Bible were not reliable in the test-able facts, then it may bring to question its authority in untest-able areas, such as theology.

One of the best responses to those who claim that the Bible is filled with contradictions is to ask them to give specific examples.  Often, solid examples will not be able to be provided because many of them are either misinformed or just trying to be malicious.  But, when actually dealing with a passage, she suggested the following strategy:

1. State the Problem
2. Propose possible solutions
3. Consult the experts
4. Determine severity of the problem (core belief, secondary belief, or peripheral belief)

This is often employed by scientists in dealing with anomalies - weighing the evidence, considering possible alternatives, and finding the most plausible.

It was also really interesting to break up into groups and address case studies using the above strategy.   By looking at various passages often claimed to have contradictions, we were able to see how we could come up with possible solutions.

Beauty for Ashes

God has a sense of humor.  When I least expect it, He reminds me that He is still working in my life and showing me what He wants me to learn in my area of focus.   I was just casually reading a Christian fiction book, Virginia Hearts, for fun  (I don't typically even buy fiction; but just bought some since it was on clearance); and the main character mentioned the 'Beauty for Ashes' song by Crystal Lewis.  It was so long ago since I had heard her songs, that I had even forgotten that it was the title song of an album she had out by that same name.  The lyrics are once again, as expected based on the title, so well related to my theme:

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

And, in line with the best example of how God raised beauty out of the ashes, the album also has a song entitled "The Beauty of the Cross".   Since God could turn something as horribly devastating as the crucifixion into the beauty of the hope through resurrection, He can surely turn all the brokenness of my life into beauty.

Endings and Beginnings

It's the end of the work week, but the beginning of the much anticipated Winter Olympics in Vancouver.   I always love watching the Olympics, and will especially enjoy watching my favorite sport, Figure Skating.  I look forward to being motivated by the evidence of the dedication and hard work of the athletes, and hopefully, impressed by the sportsmanship of those from all over the world, with peace and goodwill towards one another.  With the Opening Ceremonies tonight, I expect that for the next couple of weeks, I will be "glued" to my television each night watching the Olympics.

However, as I was preparing for Bible Study this week in Colossians 2, I was once again reminded of what is truly worthy of our sacrifice and hard work - for the apostle Paul, it was his ministry, even to those he has never met personally.  The key verse in the passage is:  "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority."  (vs 9).   There is nothing apart from Christ that we need to be spiritually alive.  In HIM, we have been given everything in full.  So true!

Life Unexpected

I like the show "Life Unexpected".   It's quite touching and develops the characters well, on many different levels.   We watch as Cate and Baze learn to become parents, even as they struggle through mistakes.  It also shows how love really is what helps them all make it through.  Sprinkle in the understanding and good advice of characters like Math and Ryan; along with Lux's wit and maturity; it makes for enjoyable watching that is also meaningful.  Just in last night's show, when Math was talking to Lux, he explained to her how good things can come out of really "crappy" circumstances.   And throughout the episode, we see how Baze starts to become more responsible.  It's especially nice to see how they all really care about one another.  While I do have a terrible track record, where most the shows I like end up being cancelled; I hope that this will not be one of those.  Even though there are elements of questionable morality, it is a realistic portrayal of life around us, and has good elements in it.

All the Broken Pieces

I was just listening to Matthew West's album "Something to Say"; and the lyrics to "All the Broken Pieces" just popped out at me because the song was so in line with my theme for this year:
Did you feel, feel it break
From all the weight of your mistake?
You never knew how much it cost
Feels like your innocence is lost
So much for the perfect life
So much for the perfect day
It's like no matter how you try
Perfection's just too far away
So lift them up to Me

All the broken pieces
All the broken pieces of your life
All the broken pieces
All the broken pieces of your life

Did you hear what I said?
Did you read the words I wrote down in red?
I was broken once for you
And no one loves you like I do
And that's the beauty of this grace
It can put the pieces back in place
And shine reflections of forgiveness
In a million different ways

I can take even your greatest mistake
Every scar, every tear, every break
And I can turn it in to something more beautiful
Than you have ever seen
So lift them up to Me 

The "Stop the World" song was also a good reminder to take time to block out the craziness and noise of this world and just listen to God speak.   And, of course, my favorite song on the album is "The Motions".

Listening to this album and allowing the songs to speak to me, reminded me that God is at work teaching me on my area of focus this year.

ITYTBTO

"I'm Too Young to Be This Old!" - I can't believe I'm reading this book.  In fact, I wasn't even sure I wanted to blog about this - admitting that I've been thinking exactly what that title is saying.   But, I decided to go ahead and write anyways, since there are many things in the book worth noting.

One thing the author said was that "God's purposes and plans are not stamped 'past expiration date' once you cross into the second half of life."  No matter what stage of life we are in, we should continually be dreaming God's dreams, ready for "new horizons".   It's an encouraging reminder that God can use us in new ways all the time.  I know that I've been ready for God to bring me into a new area of ministry or serving; or to embark on a something different.  It was also encouraging to read that I'm not alone in "battling the blues" more often, since "emotional swings" are actually normal as we grow older. 

There were also some thought-provoking questions to ponder:

• What do I want to do with the rest of my life?
• How do I find meaning and purpose in the years ahead?
• How have my life experiences equipped me for the future?

And it is good to remember the following:

• Transitions - we will face changes in our lives
• Stress Factors - they will inevitably cause stress
• Resultant Growth - but, hopefully they will also produce growth

I'm looking forward to what additional thoughts and insights the rest of the book will bring.

Proverbs 31

I decided to memorize Proverbs 31:10-30 again.  This passage has actually served as a guideline for me to model after.  This has also provided encouragement to me in light of my "thorn"; for, it shows me that this is what God says, even though I often see a contrasting perspective when I look at the world around me.

Preveza

A  friend and I tried Preveza yesterday.  It's a relatively new restaurant in the area (opened in Sept last year); and we had never been there before.   The atmosphere and decor was nice, though the background music didn't seem to fit so well.  I had the vegetarian plate - the food was pretty good and the prices were okay.   It's a place I would not mind going back to - it's a little nicer than Daphne's and Athens.

Church Growth

This is an exciting time to be part of my church.  We are experiencing growth; and at the Leadership Conference on Saturday, it was neat to be part of the planning process to accommodate this growth with projections for the upcoming years.  There were recurring themes of communication and getting new people assimilated and involved in areas of ministry using their gifts.

Body of Christ

This week's study in Colossians 1 raises the question of what it really means for the Church to be the "Body of Christ".   For one, it establishes that Christ is the Head - He is to be supreme and preeminant in our lives.  And He is worthy, for He is the Creator of all things and it is through His blood that we have reconciliation and peace with God.  It also means that we are His "hands and feet", that Christ works through us.   We are to "live a life worthy of the Lord".  And, our motivation in serving should be "for the sake of His body, which is the church" "so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ".

Ordinary

It was a busy and full weekend; but, as I look back on it, there was nothing really extra-ordinary about it.   Although I was initially disappointed to realize that there was nothing that really stood out, I am thinking that is not such a bad thing.

My pastor mentioned on Sunday, that we all love "epic stories"; and along those lines, I do think that we as a multi-media entertained culture do tend to look for what is grand and exciting.  Maybe it's time I began to appreciate the "ordinary".  This was well-demonstrated in the Hallmark movie I saw this weekend "The Magic of Ordinary Days".   It was a beautiful story of how a well-educated cosmopolitan woman learned to appreciate the love and simplicity of her life in the country with a caring thoughtful farmer.  The true special moments in life are ones in which we spend time with those we love and care about, whether or not we are doing anything extraordinary.

So, that's why this weekend was special, even if there was nothing really spectacular about it:
I was able to have fellowship over dinner with some friends from class.
I was able to help mom put the last piece of furniture in place and add some finishing touches to the newly remodeled room.
I was able to finish up the book of James with my class, and we had good discussion on the study.
I was able to have my friend and her daughters over for dinner; and even enjoyed a mini-recital as they played their piano pieces for me.

So, my pleasant weekend was actually made up of very ordinary things:  fellowshipping with friends, spending time with my parents and helping at their house, jogging, mowing the lawn, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, going to church for worship, teaching Sunday School, interacting with others, watching movies, etc.  There are actually a couple of things I wanted to note.   I had a chance to watch the movie "The Girl" adapted from Catherine Cookson's book.  It was well-done and very engaging; but, does raise some questions about ethics and morality.  The other things was that for dinner with my friend and her daughters, I made enchiladas, corn, cornbread, chips, salsa, guacamole, chilli, asparagus, Mexican rice.  Instead of frying the corn tortillas, I microwaved them before dipping into the enchilada sauce and rolling them up with the filling; otherwise, they would tear or break when rolling.

Actually, my pastor did say something that stood out.  He mentioned that we shouldn't wait for something devastating to happen before it motivates us to do what is really important in life, like, for example, appreciating those we love.  A member of our church passed away last week, leaving behind a wife and two young children.  It is a reminder of how we don't know what our future holds; and that we should always be prepared for His Return.