Under Construction

I should probably be perpetually wearing an "Under Construction" sign, since God will be at work on me for the rest of my life, hopefully forming me into the person He created me to be, that I may become more and more like Him.

He is still developing me in the area of evangelism.   From all appearances, I'm not doing so well at it; but, at least I am making an effort to reach out, praying about it, and being open to learn.  I was also able to forward some resource links to my friend, some that were sent to me, and others of organizations that were known to be good resources as well (e.g. STR, InterVarsity).   The book that I'm reading says that the three things that we should talk about when sharing our faith are:  sin, repentance, and the cross.

He has also shown me where setting my mind on things above would likely help me to better deal with struggles in areas and feelings related to my "thorn".   For example, I can focus more on reading the many Christian books that I have; and to use my "leisure" and "unwinding" time for exercise and "chores".   I would consider this plan to be the wiser path to walk.  And, I would do well to remember not to let the few "sparks" of interest turn into a full "campfire", unless I am sure that that is where God wants me to "set up camp."

May God continue to be at work in me and on my life.  "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in [me] will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."  (Phil 1:6)

Worship

We had a Worship Summit at Church yesterday.  

Morris Chapman was the main guest musician for both the event, as well as for the Sunday morning worship service.  It was so moving, when at the start of rehearsal, in response to being asking to open us in prayer, Morris went to the piano and "sang" his prayer to God.

Dr Ross Jutsum was also a guest pianist at the event.   He reminded us that "Worship is not just for Sunday Morning, it is a way of life."   

And from a video clip on making of "Heart of Worship", it said "Worship is not just how it affects us, but what we give to the LORD."   We should rather not have church than to have one that does not worship; and we should remember that God desires the sacrifices of the heart.

Buddy Owens was the main speaker in the event, and he gave several insights into worship:

• Never confuse style or talent for anointing, which comes from prayer and enters when we are on our knees
• Worship leaders have an obligation to be worshippers themselves as well
• Our expression of love and worship to God shouldn't just be in public
• When we worship, we bring ourselves into subjection to His Glory (in line with the "river of God's grace")
• You can tell how a person worships by the way they live their life
• Psalm 89:15 - learn to "acclaim" the LORD, i.e. be able to welcome Him enthusiastically into worship
• Worship begins by saying "Thank You"; for once we thank Him for what He has done, we will soon praise Him for Who He is
• Before we ask God for more, we should thank Him for what He has already done, so that our requests are really acts of worship
• A resentful heart focuses on what one does not have; a grateful heart appreciates what one does
• Psalm 105 - "Call on the Name of the LORD", i.e. ask God to do what He is able to do because of Who He is, in line with His Character

Repertoire

I just finished memorizing my third piano piece, in meeting my goal of having at least three pieces in my "repertoire".   Unfortunately, I've forgotten all the pieces that I had previously memorized for the Music Guild when I was taking lessons, for it would be nice to have a larger, more varied, "repertoire".

However, I am pleased with these ones that I have now committed to memory, for they are hymns. As mentioned in a previous blog entry, I had memorized "My Jesus I Love Thee" and "I Need Thee Every Hour"; and I have now added "All Hail the Power".  These particular arrangements were all from "Lisa Nelson Hymn Arrangements for Solo Piano".

The words from hymns are often especially meaningful and full of theological content.   And, coupled with beautiful arrangements, this music is truly a gift from God.

Isaiah 61

"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes..." (from Isaiah 61:3)

This passage is where the title of my next Bible Study series, "Beauty for Ashes", comes from, as well as many of the other lesson headings for this series. 

To exemplify the amazing consistency and overall unity in Scripture, Luke 4:16-21 describes Jesus reading the Isaiah 61:1-2a verses and saying "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."; for, He is the Messiah, the "anointed" One, as mentioned in the first verse.  Verse 1 also shows the working of the Trinity, the Father who sends the Spirit to empower the Son, in His "beauty for ashes" type ministry (e.g. good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, comforting the mourners, rebuilding the ruins, etc).

The emphasis is on salvation and restoration.   Even "Beauty for Ashes" is the picture of ashes sprinkled on the head in mourning and sorrow being replaced by a beautiful crown or a victory garland.    Throughout the passage, mourning refers to godly sorrow for sin leading to repentance, and comfort to forgiveness of sin leading to salvation.

We are reminded that all of this is done for God's glory (vs 3) and because of Who He Is (vs 8).   And our natural response should be to PRAISE HIM (vs 10-11).  This is why, as SCC said, even in grief, we can have HOPE.

Messages

There are some messages that just clearly seem to be from God.   No, He doesn't audibly speak to me directly, nor does He show up in front of me in a "burning bush".  But, he does sometimes send me a "note", like from a book or a Bible passage; or gets my attention through something someone says or through a sermon.

In the past few months, He's been telling me to work on the area of evangelism.  Just today, an email from STR shared some reminders when reaching out:
"One, respect people.
Two, begin at their beginning.
Three, don’t push.
Four, use questions.
Five, be clear."

He's also been making me more aware of those who are struggling with feelings of depression; and the devotional I'm using "In the Arms of God" by Dr James Dobson with quotes from "When God Doesn't Make Sense" give encouragement in this area.   There are reminders to submit to the sovereignty of God, that He "works for the good of them who love Him", and that "He is infinitely just and His timing is always perfect". 

One quote that particularly stood out:  "Jehovah didn't explain to Joseph what He was doing through years of heartache.... He was expected, like you and me, to live out each day in something less than complete understanding", especially since "Scripture tells us that we lack the capacity to grasp God's infinite mind or the way He intervenes in our lives."

We are not to be surprised by trials, and we would be less prone to fall into depression if we are expecting them.  Also, during refinement by fire, it is good to remember 2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Il Divo

I came across a PBS special, featuring Il Divo's newest album, "The Promise"; and have been watching videos of their music all week.  I admit to being drawn into becoming one of the millions of fans who have made them the multi-platinum international chart-topping operatic pop vocal group that they are. 

Of their albums, I do like their newest the best, with songs like "Hallelujah (Aleluya)", "Adagio", and "Amazing Grace".  With their classical training, they do have an amazing sound; and add to that likeable personalities, sharp Armani suits, and good looks, it's not a wonder that they have become so popular.

Authentic Communication

I attended a book event and panel discussion yesterday for "Authentic Communication" by Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis.   Dr Lewis has a really good speaking voice that captures one's attention and comes out clearly; and both authors gave good highlights from a couple of the chapters in their book.

While there really weren't any earth-shatteringly new concepts, however, the speakers were able to pull together several communications points and bring it to the forefront, so that we can be more clearly aware of them:

• Communication is important in order for us to be able to effectively engage the world of ideas within the contours of the Christian Worldview, rather than privatizing our faith
• For someone as analytical and mathematical as I am, the theories and models presented, make sense and are easier to remember:

1. Persuasion and Effectiveness can be modeled by the inversely proportional relationship between predictability and information; which, for someone as analytical and mathematical as I am, makes sense and is easy to remember.  So, for example, Jesus was good at speaking in a manner with "low predictability", in that he used expected and different language and techniques; and that resulted in "high information", getting people's attention and getting His point across
2. The Social Judgment Theory and Latitudes of Acceptance chart is another way to model the concept that the road to salvation is a process and each encounter in evangelism can be a step in that process, from Rejection to Non-Commitment to Acceptance
3. Congruity Theory can help remind us to start with shared "beliefs" by looking for congruency; and then expanding upon that
4. The process of coming to Christ follows the pattern of Compliance->Identification->Internalization; and the three modes of persuasion, most effectively used together, are:  Pathos (emotional proof), Logos (empirical evidence, testimony, logic), and Ethos (source credibility, trustworthiness, charisma)

• "Abnormal Communication" in our "Argument Culture" can be effective in breaking the "Communication Spiral" by altering the normal response.   

1. There are examples from Scripture, such as Romans 12:14, 17; and 1 Peter 3:9, where we not only do not "curse" back; but we offer a blessing.
2. Content is meaningless without the relational aspect, so personal narratives can be effective.  In our "bridge building", we do still need to bring them to the point of decision, but be aware that listening and seeking to understand can easily be casualties in our "Argument Culture"
3. There is a difference in adversarial interaction during debate versus personal interaction; so, that we can agree to disagree on a topic but not extend any dislike to the person.  And we can be "quietly blunt" without being overtly combative or condemning
4. There is a difference between guilt (outside in) and conviction (inside out)

Most importantly, with all these communications concepts, tools, and techniques,  we need to trust the work of the Holy Spirit; and remember that God is omniscient and I am not.  God works in ways we may not even be aware of; and we are not expected to know everything.  Besides, for someone else to be "smarter" or even a better communicator, does not change the TRUTH about God.