Child's Play

I meant to take time to write about this two weeks ago, but once again, time got away from me.

Final exams seem to cause chaos at college. For about a week, NGU witnessed 2500 students cramming, staying up late, and stressing out about tests that were an astronomical portion of their final grade. So what did my friends decide to do Saturday night? ...Take a study break. Most of us had only one exam left, so we gathered together in Admin to watch a movie and blow off some steam. And from there, the most spontaneous adventure of the fall semester began.

It just took two people to decide that they wanted to slide down the hallway in their socks. That started a conversation, and it snowballed into ideas about how to slide down hills. Well, after an alarmingly short amount of time, we were all in a car headed to Dollar General to find cardboard boxes that would become makeshift snowless sleds.

After commandeering a few spare boxes, we were soon *trying* to ride them like bobsleds down rough, dew-covered hills. Much bruising and laughter followed. Then someone got the bright idea to duct-tape a small whiteboard to the bottom of one of the boxes.... I know that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light, but I gave it a real good run for its money.

So we spent the evening laughing our stress away and taking some time for a much-needed break. In the end, we went back to finish watching the movie and warm our borderline frozen bodies with hot chocolate.

What's the point? There really isn't a big one. Just to remember that sometimes a good, laughable bout of child's play can be exactly what we need to make the rest of our lives bearable. Memories are indeed priceless.

Captive Thoughts

^"3 For though we live in the body,^[b] we do not wage war in an unspiritual way,^[c] 4 since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly,^[d] but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments ⁵ and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 (Emphasis added). 

Sorry it's been so long! I'm back. 

The end of the semester is approaching. Between studying, completing projects, and trying to cram in last-minute hang out time sessions, life has really picked up the pace. I noticed something this week, though, that really bothers me. Whenever I get busy with life, I tend to let my spiritual guard down. 

A specific event jarred me to this realization. A couple of days ago, I was going along just fine. Suddenly, out of "nowhere" I had a flood of very unloving thoughts about a specific brother in Christ. At first, I relented and allowed my mind to devour these thoughts, like a glutton stuffing his face into a poisoned pie. Quickly, though, Christ shook me to my senses with a What-In-The-World-Are-You-Doing sense of conviction. There was no reason for these thoughts. This wasn't righteous anger or passion for justice. This was annoyance that escalated dangerously fast. It was scary. 

In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul was speaking about defending the gospel message against "high-minded" arguments and taking thoughts captive for Christ. However, in this case, it was my own selfish thoughts that needed capturing. If I let my natural flesh run free, I would run out of the boundaries that the King established for my own good. I would run out of the safety zone and right into the hands of an enemy that seeks to devour. All because I let one little thought out of the protective limits of Christ. 

Praise God for mercy, grace, and forgiveness! God is faithful and just to forgive those that seek forgiveness through faith in Christ. That relationship changes us forever, and it is powerful even to change the thoughts that would otherwise ruin our relationship with God. 

God has been teaching me a lot about love lately. (1 John 3:18-20. It's challenging, but the true love of God is deeply satisfying). Whenever I experienced firsthand the misery of hate, even for just a moment, I was pointed to the freedom found in the love of Christ. It's the ultimate juxtaposition: Hate vs. Love. The depravity of the one highlights the peace and fulfillment of the other. Hallelujah that God is Love! Take every thought captive for Christ. It's worth the price.  

   

The Final Fight

Journal #10

            Ephesians 6:10-12 says: “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.”

Ephesians six has long been one of my favorite passages of scripture, because it always comes to mind when I need it most. Spiritual warfare is real, and it is a constant challenge in my walk with Christ. Particularly, I feel the effects of spiritual warfare when I am entering a period of spiritual growth. Satan hates to see God win, and he will fight the hardest whenever it seems that he is losing a foothold in my life. He will come from every angle—spiritual, physical, and emotional—to try to destroy, and I cannot resist him on my own. I get frustrated, confused, and distressed, and two questions always come to mind: Why is spiritual warfare so difficult, and how do I win? Pointing to the Savior and His strength in the spiritual realm, Ephesians chapter six answers both of these questions.

First, verse 12 provides insight into the difficulty of the battle. The reason that spiritual struggles seem impossible to overcome is that we are fighting beings against whom we have no human defense against. They are “the rulers…authorities…the world powers of this darkness…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” (Verse 12). We men may know how to handle the local bully, a rival business, or a hostile government, but we cannot fight these evil spiritual beings because we do not even really know what they are. Without the help of a stronger Spiritual Being, we will fall every time. Also, spiritual struggles are not on our battlefield. While the effects of spiritual warfare can be seen on earth, it is truly being played out “in the heavens,” which is a place we cannot see or understand. Once again, our only hope is in the Lord, who is perpetually present and authoritative in the heavens.

If the battle is against beings we cannot fight and on a plain we cannot access, then how can we hope to gain the victory? The answer is provided in verse 10: “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.” Our victory will come from God’s might, not our own. Too often I think I know the best plan of attack or defense, and I commit to carry it out without surrendering to the One who is the master strategist. However, by having faith in Christ and cultivating my relationship with Him, I will have victory in His strength. Further, we have been charged to be prepared. God will provide the strength, so we are expected to turn every area of our lives over to Him, taking time to “Put on the full armor of God” (Verse 11). Quiet time and striving to be Christ-like will prepare us for the battle by ensuring that we are protected from every area of assault, as explained in verses 14-17. We cannot be prepared just with a belt of truth, for we also need a helmet of salvation, breast-plate of righteousness, sandals of readiness, a shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, all of which come from God. Finally, to gain the victory we must “Stand” (Verse 14). To stand takes courage, and to stand takes strength. We cannot win by giving in and running away from evil, because then our backs are turned and we are defenseless. Instead, we are to have hope in the Lord, take the strength He offers, face evil, and fight with all of our might. Like a boxer in the final round, we may be exhausted and wounded, but the victory will one day be ours. Just as He already defeated death and Hell, Christ will inevitably defeat evil once and for all. When that happens, those who follow Him will follow Him to victory.   

             

            

God's Fireworks

Journal #9

            As autumn intensifies, the mountains become God’s fireworks. Blanketing peaks, valleys, and ridges, the trees of upstate South Carolina are transforming from their summer green to the explosive colors of fall. Red, orange, and yellow leaves mimic fire-engines and jack-o-lanterns, and their brilliance leaves me awestruck. Unlike the lively beauty of spring, though, the splendor of autumn leaves comes from a passing, not a growth. Though striking and admirable, the leaves that highlight our fall skies are dying.

            I was studying in the library when my mind captured the thought. Through the window, I could see the leaves quivering in the wind, and occasionally one would lose strength and fall from its source of life. How stirring, I thought. Beauty was the result of death. For the tree to survive, it was shedding its worn clothes and preparing for a new season of growth. What would happen if the tree refused to discard its worn-out leaves, or if it didn’t rest during the winter months of stress? It would die. Without change, the tree would never live and fulfill its purpose. Death was necessary for life.

            Like a tree, some things in our lives must change in order to be who God desires us to be. Why do we cling to the things of old, continually cherishing them as if they help us live? Our vices—and even our virtues—will kill us if we refuse to give them to God. God knows the ins and the outs of change. He sees the great spring in the end, and He knows exactly what needs to die so that the fruits of the Spirit can live. We cannot have both. I often find myself refusing to allow an old, useless leaf of my soul to die, and then I wonder why I cannot seem to grow. I can’t grow during these times because the old is in the way of the new. Like Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” Even if we do not know what those new things are, Christ has promised that they will come. If we give our lives to God, He will grow us into the new creations that He intends us to be, and as our flesh passes away, it will be more beautiful and stirring than a mere tree will ever be.  

            A tree doesn’t lose its leaves in a day. It gradually changes until the job is complete. For a time it is barren, and then the new growth blossoms into spring. We cannot become discouraged during times of change. Old passes away and new is birthed, but it will not be in an instant. Our seasons may be long and wearisome, and our souls will likely long for the months of spiritual winter to be finished. One day, though, the preparations will be complete. Our souls will be ready, and our new will light up our lives. Until then, though, we must be encouraged by the beauty in every season. Whether in growth or in refinement, God has made a way for our lives to be transformed into pleasing vessels of grace, fellowship, and worship.    

God through the Grief

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort..."

     Death brings pain. It brings suffering, grief, and a sense of overwhelming loss. To know that someone I love has lost someone they love... it hurts. I grieve for them and with them, because death is a sting that can only be overcome by the One who has power to overcome it. Even though I know that death for a Christian is the gateway to life, it's difficult to accept that they will no longer be with us for a while. It's difficult, and it is dismaying. But God is the God of all comfort. Comfort through persecution, comfort through uncertainty, and comfort through loss. It's not our strength that will prevail; it's His. It's not we who know the secret to comfort; it's Him. He's the only one who can sustain through times of loss because He's the only one who truly knows what it is like to lose someone unjustly. For us, death is the wages of sin. When God, though, gave his son to death on the cross, it was not the wages of His sin. It was the wages of our sin. God handed His son over to sin. Jesus was lashed, humiliated, tortured, and killed for something someone else had done-- for something everyone else had done. That is loss.
     It was for a reason, though. Three days later, God worked the most miraculous, joyous, and glorious miracle that has ever been done on the face of the earth. He conquered sin with His power, He put it to shame with His might. No longer was the loss of Jesus a catastrophe; it was transformed into a tool by which the sins of the world were paid for, and man could be restored to God through faith in Christ. The story didn't end with death. It ended with life.
     For Christians, death doesn't just signal the end of an era, it signals a beginning. Grieving is acceptable and even good. It is a chance for us to vent our pain and suffering, and it shows the extent of our love. However, grieving isn't to last forever. Just as Christ's resurrection changed the course of the world and gave the disciples new hope, so our lives must continue after loss and grief, even if it is different. In fact, it will never be the same. That is the very reason why we are able to live a life of fulfillment and peace after losing someone to death's grip; "He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." Loss is excruciating and maddening, but with Christ the loss will turn to growth. We are filled with the life of Christ. Hang on. Hold on to hope. Trust in the Lord. Grieve, be saddened, but be not paralyzed. Yahweh is here.

A Taste of Apologetics

Journal #7

Apologetics: having an explanation for what we believe. Over the weekend, I went to one of the most renowned apologetics conferences in the nation. The speaker lineup included Josh McDowell, Dinesh D’Souza, Hank Hanegraaff, JP Moreland, Gary Habermas, and many other highly intelligent Christian leaders. In just two days, I was able to watch as teachers presented rational explanations for topics such as faith, the resurrection, the existence of the soul, the accuracy of the Gospels, and the divine inspiration of scripture. It was comforting and challenging to hear these arguments spelled out. Comforting, because questions I had pondered for a long time were finally resolved. Challenging, because the truth has been revealed, yet our culture does not believe. Learning about the rational arguments for our faith does the Kingdom very little good if we don’t take the truth into the world and use it to share the love of Christ. 

I will briefly explain one of the most profound evidences I encountered. In one session, Michael Licona answered the question “Do the Gospels Contradict?” The simplest answer is “no.” There are differences, he explained, but not contradictions. Contradictions are incompatible, but differences are compatible. Often, Licona stated, witnesses state simultaneously true aspects of the same story. Take, for example, the women at the tomb. Mathew, Mark, and Luke, clearly explain that multiple women went down to the tomb on the third day. John, however, only specifically mentions Mary Magdalene. While this is a difference, it is not an incompatible difference. Importantly, the next verse records that Mary said “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!” Licona points out that she said “we don’t know where they have put Him!” In this passage, Mary is implying that there were in fact others with her when she discovered that Jesus’s tomb was empty. 
So why are these differences there? Licona goes on to describe the literary genre of the gospels; they are Greco-Roman biographies. Unlike the biographies of modern times, ancient Greco-Roman biographies were not as focused on details. Yes, they had “some intent” to report history, but there was not a heavy emphasis on minute details. Instead, writers of the 1st century AD were more concerned with conveying the character and nature of their subjects. In other words, the person was more important than the event. This does not mean, however, that the Gospels (or other Greco-Roman biographies of the time) are inaccurate or unhistorical. Instead, it means that 1st Century writers were allowed to employ techniques such as time compression and narrative flow. Time compression allowed for stories to be condensed, and narrative flow is the rearranging of events out of chronological order. Both of these literary techniques were used so that the overall story flows smoothly and more effectively presents the character of the individual being described. 
Through the Gospels, the character of Jesus Christ the Messiah is presented to the world. There are differences between Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John, but they are literary differences resulting from their nature as Greco-Roman biographies. They are still inspired, accurate works which present the truth of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 
   

Puzzle Pieces

Journal #6

                I remember my family putting together a puzzle once. I was young and easily distracted, so it was difficult for me to sit still long enough to make any headway on that frustrating task. The pieces were scattered out all over the living room floor, the mass of tangled pieces didn’t look anything like the box, and I would have given up if my parents hadn’t been there to help me. Slowly, though, over the course of several weeks, the puzzle came together piece-by-piece to form the picture of a scarlet, rustic barn that was printed on the box. As we put the last straggling piece in place, I rejoiced and celebrated. The picture was complete; we had won.

                Sometimes my inability to see the box-top of my life overwhelms me. It seems that my talents, my interests, my experiences, my calling, my personality, my desires, et cetera have no hope of coming together to form a coherent plan. I get frustrated by a missing piece and try to fix it by my own power, cramming together unfitting areas and neglecting areas that are actually part of the design. Since I cannot yet see the big picture of my life, I try to create my own picture, and all I end up with is a mix-matched pile of uselessness.

                The Great Creator, however, knows full and well what my box-top looks like. He designed it, and He is orchestrating it moment-by-moment. He knows my scattered talents and desires, my gifts and my weaknesses, and He will one day bring them together into a whole. Right now, I see only in part but, one day I will “see not in part but in whole,” and I will “know fully as I am known.” That day is my goal and my desire, but until then I have a job to do. I plan and I try, but my assurance comes from the knowledge of the power and love of God. As His child, He is with me, and He expects me to work through my confusion and to focus on Him. If I strive to align my desires to His will, to seek after His heart, then I have no need to worry. No, I can’t see the future. But He does, and that is all I need to know.   

Simple Love

Journal #5

            Life needn't be complex to be enjoyed. The ordinary has just as much to offer as the extraordinary.

            I have a close connection to home, but I don’t get to go there as often as I would like. This weekend, though, I didn’t have to. Home came to me.

            Mom, Dad, Nana, and Grandpa made the 7-hour trek to Tigerville, SC to watch their son/grandson march the first halftime show of his college career. I was flattered and excited, but more so I was grateful just to have 47 hours to be with them. I was busy with school and marching band for much of that time, but Saturday morning we, together with my cousin Hannah, needed to find something to do. Normally, my mind and spirit associate “fun” with adventure. Hiking, kayaking, running, flying, exploring and the like are among my favorites. I don’t consider a day complete if my muscles aren’t sore and my mind thoroughly worked out. This weekend, though, was different. All we did was shop at three stores: Wal-Mart, Pecknel’s Music, and REI. Wandering through the endless aisles of goods, I found myself satisfied simply to be with them. That’s all. At that moment, I was having just as much fun as I would have had I been conquering the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Love is worth more than any adrenaline-induced moment of elation.   

            Walking back from the Café on Sunday evening, I noticed the sun gently highlighting the mountain-sloped horizon. There were no bright, fluffy clouds. The sun hadn’t even thrown out its fiery-red rays of glory. All that was left of the day was a cool, reminiscent glow. What a perfect way to end the weekend, I thought. It was beautiful. It was beautifully simple.  

             

Of Visions and Daydreams

Journal #4

                 A chapel speaker recently said something like this: “There is a difference between having a vision for God and daydreaming for God.”

                I tend to mix the two up. A vision is from God, but a daydream is from man. A vision glorifies God, but a daydream glorifies man. A vision involves an intimate, growing relationship with God, but a daydream is merely obsessing over an accomplishment. God doesn’t want men to daydream about being a Christian ‘success’. He wants us to reach out to the world with a vision of His love, grace, power, and salvation. But how? How do we envision rather than daydream? How do we reach out to the world with God’s message of forgiveness? I wish there was a cookie-cutter explanation, but there’s not.  I don’t know the answer. But I do know that God reveals His will step-by-step, in a steady trickle of grace.

                God has been teaching me that the first step towards discovering my vision is to become closer to its Source. I don’t have to know exactly where the future leads, but I do have to be make an intentional effort to draw closer to Christ every single day. If I don’t focus on what God would have me do today, why should He ever show me what to do tomorrow? Most of life is working hard, clinging in faith to the promise that God will complete the work He began in us. We do not live in moments of inspiration; we experience moments of inspiration. We live in moments of exhaustion. Trusting God, though, we will endure to the end, when our work is complete and we can rest in His presence. Then we will praise His Name, rest in His grace, and have an unhindered relationship with Him forevermore. Until that day comes, it is our duty to do all we can to draw closer to Him, battle the spiritual forces of evil, complete the tasks He has given us, and above all rely on Him to get us through. I anticipate the day when I can look back and see what God has done through me, but until then I will do what I can to discover His will day by day.     

                 

                  

Going Home

            One thing I’ve learned in college: there really is no place like home.         

Three weeks of studying, writing, practicing, and agonizing over homework had already left this only child wearied, stressed, and a bit homesick. So when Labor Day weekend came, I headed home like a sailor off the gangway. Restlessly, I drove home full of anticipation and taunted by subconscious memories of my tree-climbing, LEGO-playing childhood. I could almost feel the familiar aura of my home waiting to soothe my spirit.  The smell of my mama’s fresh-baked, delicious muffins seemed to disguise itself with the car’s air-conditioning, and my Dad’s playful, excited call of “He’s home! He’s home!” was already resounding in my ears. My grandparents would be sitting anxiously on the couch, ready to discuss the route I chose, what the traffic was like, and what I could do next time to make the journey easier. Papa would be fired up about something political or theological, and Grandpa would be eager to discuss the Friday night Pierce County football game. I could see Granny and Nana’s eager faces, waiting to hear all about my friends and adventures, and Mom would be hugging my neck and hanging on to every word I said. Dad, of course, would also be planning just how much fun we could pack into the next two days. My aunts, uncles, and cousins would come to visit too, and we would congregate on the front porch for an evening of rustic fellowship, like our pioneering ancestors of old. Oh, home, sweet, home…

As I rounded the final corner of my voyage home, the full moon was rising gracefully in its tiger-orange attire. The purple and red remnants of the sunset were hovering mystically to the West, and at the bend of our lonely country lane, my front yard’s conspicuous pine-trees were pointing to the heavens. Suddenly, I noticed something slightly odd: there was a person meandering down the right-hand side of the road. Five seconds later, I recognized that slightly crooked walk: it was my Dad! Home just couldn’t wait any longer; it had to send out an emissary of love to escort its son right up to its welcoming doorstep. Dad in tow, I drove the remaining 200 yards, clambered out of the vehicle, and climbed into the arms of my eagerly waiting family. My soul was relieved, and I felt peace like the tide wash over college’s burdensome stress. Here I was. I was loved. I was wanted. I was home.   

             

Friendly Mistakes

 Journal #2

Perfectionism is a detriment rather than a virtue. I suppose that is why I’m always a touch afraid of meeting groups of people- I can’t control what all of them think. Last Friday, I found out firsthand that a mistake can sometimes be the best thing that can happen.

     A group of students had decided to take a hike. After another week of soporific lectures, agonizing homework, and shocking pop quizzes, the 45 minute car ride to Caesar's Head State Park felt like a crawl through the Himalayas. As people clambered out of the car and the tattered bed of a pickup truck, I began to sense myself developing a sly sense of apprehension. I didn’t know most of these people. There were only six of us going on the “less strenuous” trail, and the only one I had met before was the only other guy in the group. The rest were girls. For someone who struggles with impressions, being with a group of girls complicated the plan to have a calm, relaxing evening.

      Along the trail, we chatted, we played, we rested, and we encouraged each other, but-although I was enjoying their company- I still had this silent, nagging fear of their impressions of me. Based on prior experiences, I knew that until I overcame that social hesitation I would not be able to relax and truly let myself have a good time. I soon found out, though, that one small moment of mistake can lead to one huge moment of release.

     We stopped at a small waterfall, and it was just big enough to play in but small enough to be safe. It was a toddler waterfall. The other guy (Daniel) and I decided to whet our appetite for adventure by literally hopping right in. We set our feet free from their tennis-shoe shackles and splashed like little kids in the stream. Of course, we had to burn off our adrenaline, so we proceeded to put our imaginations into high gear. We took up sticks as our armament and commenced in an epic duel, and the damsels on the bank cheered wildly for their favorite knight. Alas, I was defeated, and as Daniel raised his stick-sword in victory, he made a foolish decision that brought friendships into existence. He proudly cast his stick into the stream, and water as frigid as the Bering Sea splashed up, up, and straight onto the nearest girl in the group. We stared. She stared. Then she glared. I had no idea what to do. We were out together in the wilds of the Blue Ridge, and we had a ticked off female to deal with for the next couple of hours. How, oh how, was this going to turn out alright? It seemed my fear would be confirmed: that my reputation, along with the girl’s shoes, would have to be hung out to dry. After an intense 10 seconds, however, her demeanor instantly changed. She quickly snatched off her shoes, leaped into the stream, and playfully tried to chunk us into the water along with Daniel’s stick. We all climbed and splashed, and from that one moment of stupidity all pretenses were gone. The ice had been broken. Friendship had been born.   

    Mistakes do not necessarily lead to disaster. Whether a frigid splash leads to friendship or a botched essay leads to better writing, an honest mistake can and often will enlighten me in brand new ways. I do not have to be a perfect person to make a friend. I do not have to be a perfect writer to become a successful student. I do not have to be a perfect Christian to make a difference in someone’s life. I want to become a better friend, writer, and Christian, but I cannot be paralyzed in fear of petty mistakes. If I am afraid to make mistakes, I will be afraid to try. If I’m afraid to try, I will never accomplish anything. Friday reminded me that perfectionism does not lead to perfection. However, learning from mistakes-or even making a few- will certainly lead to success.   

Seeing A Little Different...

     This is a journal entry for my Composition and Rhetoric class. The prompt is "What I'm learning," and it can be either based on classroom experiences or personal wanderings of the mind. I will probably post all of my entries over the next few months. You will know them by their label Journal #__.  

Journal #1

     I have heard a lot about worldview lately. Over the summer, I read the book Freshman 15 by Travis Agnew. By clearly and thoroughly explaining what a worldview truly is, Agnew challenges Christians to truly live out what they say they believe by viewing the world through a biblical perspective. Viewing the world as God does will lead to changes in our lives, Agnew explains, and those changes are a step towards becoming the people God would have us to be. For me, the challenge to become more grounded in a Christian worldview was exactly the push I needed at this time in my life. As I am preparing to answer God’s call to the mission field, I must first strive to see people, situations, or ideas as God does, or I will utterly waste the educational opportunity that God has provided me. Intellectual growth is great. As a missionary, it will be helpful to understand complex theological concepts. Being able to linguistically analyze a language will be useful, and I may even find myself in a situation where an understanding of chemistry could allow me to avoid great harm. If I do not view the lost with the love of God, though, it will all be in vain. Christians are, as our name implies, followers of Christ, seeking to point everyone in our paths to salvation through Jesus Christ. How can I do that if I do not see them as God does? It can’t be done. Thus, to think, feel, and act like Christ is to be primary goal of my time here at North Greenville University, and I have been learning that sometimes that means changing my initial perspectives about certain situations.  

                Take, for example, the news about Iran I recently heard. Apparently, they had an “earthquake” (or perhaps a failed nuclear test) in a remote region of the nation. Immediately, I humanly associated Iranians with the human rights atrocities that I so often hear of. I thought of the impending nuclear crisis that seems to be looming on the horizon, and I thought of the extreme hatred and persecution of Christian men, women, and children that I have read about in recent days. It was hard to feel sympathy at that moment. However, God has a habit of piercing the callous of my soul right when I think I can’t be moved, and from that wound poured the warm compassion of the Holy Spirit. God is a gracious God, always changing His children and revealing the true way of the cross. I glanced over the pictures, and my heart broke for those grieving, devastated, and misled people. I saw the photos of the lifeless loved. I saw the man hold his child for the last time. I saw the woman screaming at the heavens, devastated at the loss of a precious person in her life. I saw the brutal, sickening effects of a fallen world, and I hated it. The villagers were not who I hated. I hated the forces of darkness that were holding them captive, and I longed for them to be set free. Jesus overcame the forces of evil, and He conquered sin and death. Seeing those people lost and without hope, I pleaded with God to use me-to use all of His children- to reach the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. That natural disaster reminded me that the sin of the world, the sin of Christians, and my own personal sin has devastating consequences, consequences that I sometimes forget. Sin can only be beaten by God. Suddenly, I had an even deeper desire for God to give me more a compassionate heart, and to see the lost not as people I have to reach but as people that I want to reach. Jesus isn’t just for the lost that do not hate or the lost that do not harm. Jesus is for all the lost. He saved me, He saved every Christian, and He will save whoever has faith in Him. Praise God that Jesus saves!       

Tonight's Random Ramblings...

Today, I just want to write. I'm not even sure what about. I just do. So here we go...

      Well, tonight's service was soothingly simple. One guitar, one leader, and a church house full of sincere worshipers. It doesn't get more honest than that. The worship tonight was beautiful. Sometimes I think that today's church can become sidetracked by everything that we feel we must "do." Not that there is anything wrong with doing or keeping up with the times, just that we don't have constantly "do" in order to be what God wants us to be. The praise band is great, I love it and I love being a part of it. But we do not have to do it all the time. Like Chris said today, sometimes we need to just "keep it simple." My Ecuadorian friends worship in a cement-block house. Our Chinese brothers and sisters are persecuted, so they simply worship behind closed doors. And windows. And curtains. Peter, Paul, and others throughout the history of the church- they simply worshiped in prison. Even the chains slowly peeling the skin off of their wrists didn't stop them from lifting up God's name in thanksgiving and in praise. And we like complain because the church is too cold, too hot, or the songs aren't our style or the music isn't fast enough. I wonder if God ever gets sick of any American "worshiping." Mind you, I'm not just out bashing every church in America. I believe that for the most part our spiritual leaders are truly seeking to please God and glorify His name, and that the congregations are generally sincere. I'm just out to point out that sometimes conveniences can be more of a hindrance than a catalyst for worship. But praise God that we have a grace that covers all, and that He can work in spite of our sometimes less than perfect attitudes. He truly is in control.

It seems that my body is informing my mind that I should get some rest now. With my evening rambling done and the hour getting late, I end with a simple prayer. God, thank You for being You!

Cachos

(Just as a preface, this has been typed very fast, so please ignore any typos. Thanks!)

            

         Today was an amazing, exciting, and miraculous day, because God once again proved that He really does answer prayer! For months, our team members and prayer partners have been praying that the villages would be receptive to the Gospel, and that God would be glorified. Well in the small village of Cochas, God is waging a heavenly war against the forces of spiritual darkness. And soon, I believe, He is going to bring the victory.

                Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” The people of Cochas have been enslaved to darkness for so long that Satan probably believes the place invincible. For God, however, nothing is impossible. Our visit today started at the community school, a small place teeming with teeming with laughing, excited children. And from there, our groups went out, and the results are encouraging and exciting!

                On particular group had a wonderful experience, so I’ll nickname it group 1. Group 1 included: Jill Dowling, Mom, Maria,  andPablo.

                                Together, Mrs. Jill and Mom were able (With the help of Pablo the translator) to spend the time before lunch engaging all of the children of the school. They played duck-duck goose, sang songs, and built up relationships so that they could share the light of Jesus Christ. After gaining the children’s trust and endearment, group 1 was able to give every child a bible and a tract and explain the Word of God. Many had never seen a non-Catholic bible before, and most were very interested and excited. From that point on, children could be seen throughout the community reading the bibles or analyzing the tracts. Hopefully seeds have been planted, and God will give the growth!

                After lunch, group 1 went prayer-walking throughout the community, and the results were amazing. God answered three distinct, independent prayers through that one time of ministry. Group 1 had decided to go to a cluster of houses in one direction, but a girl was walking home from school in a different direction. They decided to ask if they could go visit her house and she agreed. Once they arrived there, they found out that the girl’s grandmother had been saved for 5 years, and the mother had been saved for 1 year but just got baptized last week. Together, they had been praying that God would make them and their household a light for God in the community of 218 families, but they did not know how to be that light. So recently, they had been waking up at midnight (YES, 12:00 AM) to prayer-walk their village. Praise the Lord! So once the group arrived and shared with them Gabriel’s (the local missionary we are working with) desire to start a bible study, they eagerly desired their home to be the host. So right there, that’s two prayers answered: the native’s prayer to be a light and our team and prayer partners’ prayers that a person of peace willing to host a bible study would be found. Glory be to God, for through those women God may be bringing a revival to the village of Cochas! The third prayer is that Mom and Mrs. Jill have been praying that they would be able to experience another worship service with a group of local believers. Near the end of the time of visit, the people wanted to sing songs and worship God together. So group 1 and the local believers sang ‘Open the eyes of my heart’ together in Spanish, and the believers there were so excited that they ran and got a notepad and wrote down the lyrics. God is so good, and He brings together believers of every nation, tribe, and tongue! Please pray for those women specifically, because they will need much strength in the coming days to carry God’s word to people who are possibly hostile or resistant to it. Pray that God will work and guide them, and that He will receive the Glory!

                Group 1’s experience is extremely exciting, and my group (Myself, Sarah, Mr. Greg, and Alfredo) had an experience that demonstrates that God is working in Cachos, although the situation needs a lot of specific prayer. We met a woman named Margarita who was very interested in the Gospel. She has been pondering and yearning, and she said that she wants to become a Christian. However, there is a hindrance. Margarita owns a small store, and it provides enough income for her to live. Unfortunately, one of the main sources of income in the store is the alcohol. Although she knows that she could become a Christian, she also knows that entering into that relationship with Christ means that she will be changed and could no longer sell the alcohol with a clear heart. She is scared. Scared, because turning to God means giving up her security and her livelihood. Our group was able to pray with/for her, and Mr. Greg explained that, like Abraham, she may have to take the step of faith before God shows her the blessing of His provision. Please join with us in prayer for Margarita, that God will soften her heart and show her that He will be her protector and provider. Oh God, be with her!

     The last group (Scotty and Jadison Hayes, Patricia, and Gabriel) also had a number of good visits. Although the spiritual darkness has caused confusion (One person refused to take the bible because it wasn’t catholic, another thought they were Jehova’s Witnesses), God is beginning to shed His light on the place. Gabriel was able to connect with several families, and there was a definite openness to the Gospel and the possibility of a bible study beginning soon. In fact, Gabriel has said that one day he would like to build a church in the village. So please, remember the village of Cochas in your prayers. God is moving their, and I am excited to see the growth that He will bring!

Christ in Yera Cruz

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, ² keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”

Today was an awesome day in the Andes Mountains. Our team traveled about an hour up to a little village nested on top of a mountain 10,600 feet above sea level: Yera Cruz. From there, our team split up into groups to prayer-walk the village and offer bibles to anyone who would accept one. And man, God is working in that place! The first time the local missionaries tried to reach the village for Christ, they were driven away with sticks and stones. Literally. But through Gabriel’s work with plants and animals, a door was opened so that the Gospel could be shared. However, the cultural catholic influence is strong. There is one man in Yera Cruz who was a believer before today, and he faces persecution. One of our groups encountered an old woman who explained that the villagers believe that the Virgin Mary is punishing the entire village because the one man turned away from Catholicism. (This belief stems from a high level of rain this year that is causing minor mud slides). Our group, though, was able to explain that Mary is not God and should not be worshiped. Nevertheless, Satan still is trying to prevent the people of Yera Cruz from hearing the true Word of God. However, Christ will not be stopped. Soon, a bible study is to begin in the village, and there is a great interest. Please pray that our brother in Christ will be able to effectively teach the Word of God to the people there, and that salvation will come to that place.

                Today, as the team prayerwalked, 4 people accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Amen! Also, because a bible study is soon to begin, those 4 people may very well be able to reach those around them for Christ, and He will be glorified. Gloria! There are other team members who had awesome experiences, but I will relate just a couple of mine. Before lunch, we were prayer-walking on the very top of the mountain, and after a couple of house visits my group came to the house of the first believer in Yera Cruz. There we were able to fellowship with him, encourage him, and pray for him. He is a man of such faith and strength, and I pray that God will use him in a mighty way. After lunch, my group came upon several children, and Mrs. Jill and I were able to share Christ with them using a Gospel-color soccer ball and a translator. It was very exciting and nerve-wracking, all at the same time! Finally, we came up to a house, and while Gabriel spoke to the adults I engaged (or tried to) the children in conversation. They all wanted bibles, and I was very excited that they understood most of what I was trying to tell them. They were curious and interested, but there was one girl who was particularly attentive. I pray that God will speak to her heart through His word, and that she will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal lord and savior. The hearts of children are amazing, Oh God shine in them!

                So the first day was awesome. Thank you all for your prayers, and God Bless! Keep the prayer coming! Gloria a Dios!  

Another quicky...

It's been a hectic week.

Graduation. Followed by a steady string of things to do, including: baseball games, jam sessions, fixing (or trying to) a car, a graduation celebration, bowling, a movie date, canoing, and work. And to top it all off, I have to be packed for Ecuador by tomorrow. By 6:00 AM.

All of this is fun of course, but exhausting. I already feel like I need a break from vacation. There is one lesson, though, that stuck out to me from my experiences this week. I'm glad all of this is not what I live for. Bowling with friends, movies, hanging out- it's all great, but I don't see how anybody finds any true peace in it. If I based my life on what I was going to do next, I wouldn't be a very happy person at all. I love to do stuff and have adventures, but only through/with the peace of Jesus Christ. In Him I find true contentment, and in Him I find my rest. And thank God for that!

I should probably be packing, so I'm soon to go. And I'm ready to go, because Ecuador is a place teeming with the movement of the Spirit, and I'm eager to see how God is working in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Praise the Lord, because He is the ultimate peace and comfort!

Wandering Thoughts...

Today was the last Friday that I'll ever spend in a classroom at PCHS. Can you say weird?

Driving home from school, I was pondering about all that's happened. All I've learned. The life lessons that I'll never forget. The friends I made. The trips I took. The failures I survived. The successes that I celebrated.

I haven't graduated yet, but it won't be long now. And when that day comes, A whole new chapter of my life will begin. I'm excited and nervous, and I'm confident and frightened. Whatever happens, wherever I end up, I know that my life will be forever safe in the arms of Christ.  \

When I look back over my high school career, I often wonder if I really made an impact. I wasn't perfect, and I made many mistakes. But then, I know that I have to trust God with whatever happened. Worrying won't do any good, and I know that I have striven to live in a way that points others to Christ. I can only hope that one day, maybe the seeds that were planted will be watered and will grow into a living, freed-by-grace soul. To live a life with Christ is the greatest adventure ever, and I truly hope that one day my life will be spent somehow teaching others about the God of love. I trust, and I hang on for the ride. The ride of my life.

Disappointments

     If life stands or if it falls, Christ is Lord of all.

     Disappointments seem to be part of life. Haunting us like an diabolic shadow, disappointments often tear down our carefully constructed walls of confidence and comfort. Exposed and vulnerable, we are tempted to lay down and hide, but we should instead rally together and fight. Whenever the battle turns against us, fleeing will only result in failure and death.  However, instead of vainly ignoring the reality, it is at our weakest that we rely on the genious of the greatest general who has ever lived. Satan is scheming, scheming against our lives and souls, but alas! Our God is a step ahead of him, warning and preparing us to meet our foes. Paul instructs us in Ephesians 6 to "Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. ¹² For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. ¹³ This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand."
      Rely on God, and the Light will drive back the dark. Hold onto Christ, and nothing will shred your soul. You may be torn apart, confused, and helpless, but God will come out on top. It will be no other way. Have faith in the Spirit, and the truth will guide you; in it you will be made free. Life is hard to combat sometimes. But faith will hold us through the fray.

A Quick Thought...

      "And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive with Him and forgave us all trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross."
     Why do I find myself so often dwelling in my sins? Of course I can't get past them. It's humanly impossible. But God has made a way by nailing our debt to the cross- right through the very hands of Christ. We are covered by His blood, set free by His perfect sacrifice. Give up, and find that life with Christ is truly worth the living.

A Laugh and a Sigh

     Sometimes even the littlest things can tickle the funny bone. Yesterday,-strange though it may seem- it was a bible passage. Here it goes:

     "In Lystra, a man without strength in his feet, lame from birth, and who had never walked, sat and heard Paul speaking. After observing him closely and seeing that he had faith to be healed, Paul said in a loud voice, 'Stand up straight on your feet!' And he jumped up and started to walk around When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voiced, saying in the Lycaonian language, 'The gods have come down to us in the form of men!' And they started to call Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the main speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was outside the town, brought oxen and garlands to the gates. He, with the crowds, intended to offer sacrifice." Acts 14:8-13

    'What's so funny?' you may ask. Well, here were Paul and Barnabas, having just got kicked out of both Antioch and Iconium. They were relying boldly on the Lord, and He was working through them to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in places it had never been before. The Holy Spirit was filling their lives, and signs and wonders were being done because God 'testified to the message of His grace" through the apostles... and then this happens.
     It's just so typical. To put what we want in place of what really Is. Paul and Barnabas were just trying to do the work of the Lord, and the people are just messing it all up! Instead of listening to what the apostles were trying to tell them, the crowd started a pagan-party. A lame man was just healed, so should we listen to the men who called for it to happen? ...Naaahhh. Because that would mean giving up what we're comfortable with. That would mean actually having to acknowledge that we may just be in the wrong. That would mean changing.
     Seeing that the Lystrians were obviously sadly confused, Paul and Barnabas become distraught, passionately arguing the truth of God against worthless idolatry. But to no avail. "Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them." And then what happened? Paul and Barnabas were kicked out of the city. Again.
     As I read this passage, the image of Paul and Barnabas actually having to explain that they were not gods just cracked me up. The silliness of it all! But then my laughter faded, and I slowly began to realize that, really, the Lystrians are no different than we often are today.
     How often do we ignore God's will and replace it in our conscience with our own? I don't mean just the big things. What job to apply for, or whether or not to become a full-time minister. I mean things like 'Hey, that kid looks lonely. Should I talk to him? ...Naaahhh. Give up some time to help someone fold the clothes? ...Naaahhh.' The mistake of the crowds of Lystria may seem foolish to us, but the small acts of rebellion are more dangerous than the big ones. If a ship is missing its sail, something obviously needs to be fixed. But a subtle leak? Oh, that'll be fine. Until it sinks the ship.
     All who have been washed by the blood of Christ have the Spirit in them. But oh, how easy it is to ignore the gentle proddings. The quiet whispers of the soul. Oh God, speak to us always. Never let us forget. You are God of all. Our whole lives; the big and the little. The good and the bad. Draw us to your side. Never let us go. Hold us, change us, love us.
     Let's not be the fools. We may not mistake His work for Zeus or Hermes, but we do tend to see things our way. And that is a dangerous mistake to make.  
    

      

"All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

A person is only a person. But a person is a person indeed. We have been endowed by our Creator with the ability to cause change. We have only to use it.

And They Call Themselves Reporters...

 

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/73258.html

      Definitely the most biased "news" article I have ever read. Yes, reporters from all ends of the spectrum are occasionally guilty of allowing their political beliefs to influence their reporting, but this is just ridiculous.

      And I'm not even a huge Romney fan...

 

A majority  of the "flubs" highlighted by the article are not really flubs. Most of them are statements of fact, simply portrayed by the liberal media as mess-ups. Such thinly veiled attacks against Republican character sicken my stomach.

 

    Take, for instance, the Cadillac comment. Why in the world is Romney being scorned for owning American-made cars? As successful as he is, Romney could very well own any foreign-luxury car he desired. Also, the Cadillacs quoted are not super high-end cars. Many "working-class" men and women do not hesitate to purchase nice things they cannot afford, and often those items are just as expensive than a $35,000-$45,000 car. Ever seen anyone driving an RV? What about a sailboat? Or the average small-engine aircraft owner? Right or wrong, lack of funds rarely stops most working-class citizens from getting what they want. They just get into debt up to their eyeballs. So why should a man be villainized for actually affording what he owns?

 

It was mentioned in the article about corporate profits. If corporations don't make money, how in the world do people expect to get jobs? Are people just going to hand everybody money just for the fun of it? Somebody, somewhere, risked everything in order to start the businesses that drive our economy. If you are jealous, then start your own business. Problem solved.

 

I am appalled by the main-stream media's demonization of conservative values. We are the ones who believe that everyday citizens have the responsibility and integrity needed to save America. We are the ones who believe in equal opportunity for all. We are the ones who believe that hard work deserves to be rewarded with success. And we are the ones who believe in the true freedom of America, and we will fight against those who would enslave America to hand-outs and strip away the harvest of our hard-earned endeavors.

 

We are the true heart of America.

A Quick Word...

"Therefore, since we have a Great High Priest who has gone through the heavens- Jesus, the Son of God- let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we don't have a high priest who can't sympathize with our weakness, but we have One who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive grace and find mercy to help us at the proper time" Hebrews 4:14-16

     Jesus Christ can and does understand what we go through. God isn't a far-away, pitiless being who mundanely directs the going-ons of the universe. He directs it with care and compassion, and loves each of His children intimately. Through the perfect blood of Christ, we can have a freeing, everlasting relationship with Him who knows all of us fully. He cared enough to come. And He cares enough to save!

I suppose it's time for another post.

My Christmas break was gently relaxing, lazy, and a time of rest and peace. However, I did have one very unexpected adventure. It went a little something like this:

     At 400 feet and dropping, the flying tin can was handling nicely. It was like a skater on the ice; calm, soothing, with only the slightest atmospheric feather-ruffles to remind us that, yes, we were still functioning in reality, and no, we couldn't stay in the heavens forever. No wonder the beasts of the air are intoxicated with life, dancing lazily above the world of those ever-burdened men.

"71 fox turning final, runway 3-6"

     Dad's call rang through my headset with that distant, metallic tone that I only hear while traveling as the birds. As we neared ground-level, the plane jerked and shifted, like a grumpy sleeper tossing in the rays of the morning sun. But for fuel, I would've been content to hit the snooze and drift as the clouds a little longer yet.

"Aaron, you know we're missing our right brake."

     My mind processed Dad's comment. He wasn't worried. He was in control. During pre-flight, I wasn't anxious either. Who needs a brake in the air? But traveling at 100 miles per hour in a mass of aluminum skin, steel cables and electrical avionics, I was slammed with the reality that at some point, I would like to get off the ride, please. I prayed we wouldn't make the next day's headlines.

     As the plane glided over the runway, a river of gray asphalt rushed violently below my feet. The plane seemed to hover, like a diver hung in the suspense of an ocean. Then, suddenly and smoothly, touchdown. Rolling to a stop, i breathed a sigh of relief. Dad was right. Nothing to worry about. There would be a tomorrow, after all.

But it wasn't over yet.

Skillfully guiding the Cessna-172 down the taxi-way, dad made an interesting discovery. Our trusty eagle stubbornly refused to turn to the right. We were stuck.

"You'll have to get out and swing the tail to the left. Just push down and walk. It's not heavy, son."

Okay, I thought. Nothing to it. Just push down and walk.

     As I clambered out of the cramped quarters of the plane, the wind from the prop blasted me in the face. Strangely, I felt a moment of elated idealism; this, I thought, is what it feels like to be free. My hair was blowing about wildly, my breath taken away. The first pioneer aviators were heroes, I thought, heroes whose hearts were contented not with the complacency of land-dwelling but with the lonesome freedom of the air. The same wind that was blowing my spirit into wonder blew theirs into passion. Oh, the joy of the adventurous unknown.

I walked around to the tail, and -one, two, three- pushed with all my might!
It didn't budge.

    Now what? I thought. So -one, two, three- PUSH!!!
Nothing doing. That plane wasn't moving.

   Panicky, I scampered around to the pilot-side window. Dad's face was concerned but not desperate, like a lion watching his young miss his first kill. Sheepishly embarrassed, I just pointed gave a half-hearted shrug. There was nothing else I could do.

    With a sputter and a cough, our grounded eagle lost the spark of life. Dad clambered out of the pilot's seat, jogged around to the rear, and in one deft motion spun the whole plane around. It took him 20 seconds what I had tried to accomplish in twice that time. Now I was just plain humiliated.

Climbing back into our seats, I gave dad a sideways glance of clumsy shame. I had no idea what he would say.

But I had no need to worry. He just looked me in the eye, grinned, and said, "That is what happens when you only way 130 pounds. Get some meat on ya, boy."


And that is the end of my Christmas-break moment of excitement. We parked the plane without further incident, and learned that perhaps a missing break is a show-stopper, after all.

The air is still my soul-calming palace of endless dreams.