Our Easter skit at CRC
Please pray that the Lord anoints us and uses this for His glory.
(By the way this is not me : )
Friday, March 14, 2008
Flywheel
I may be way behind the times, but I just discovered this wonderful little movie. Many have heard of "Facing the Giants", but fewer have seen the first film produced by the church from Georgia named, "Flywheel".
Now keep in mind that I am a HUGE football fan, especially of college and high school football, which Facing the Giants was all about. I also must add that I am not especially interested in the business world, which this movie is mostly about. All that to say that I thought Flywheel was a far better movie in several ways. I could see that this movie was based on real life stories and real experiences of faith in the lives of the people involved. Though there were no professional actors, each actor and actress brought a genuine touch of realness by their faith and true sensitivity to God. In many ways this is a "young David" type of movie: one can can see the child-like faith (and humor) that went into this first step of faith. Truly this is a movie like no other that I have ever seen. If you haven't yet seen it, please do!
Learn more here.
I may be way behind the times, but I just discovered this wonderful little movie. Many have heard of "Facing the Giants", but fewer have seen the first film produced by the church from Georgia named, "Flywheel".
Now keep in mind that I am a HUGE football fan, especially of college and high school football, which Facing the Giants was all about. I also must add that I am not especially interested in the business world, which this movie is mostly about. All that to say that I thought Flywheel was a far better movie in several ways. I could see that this movie was based on real life stories and real experiences of faith in the lives of the people involved. Though there were no professional actors, each actor and actress brought a genuine touch of realness by their faith and true sensitivity to God. In many ways this is a "young David" type of movie: one can can see the child-like faith (and humor) that went into this first step of faith. Truly this is a movie like no other that I have ever seen. If you haven't yet seen it, please do!
Learn more here.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Place of Preaching
Watch this very encouraging message by Mark Driscoll. Especially if you are involved in gospel proclamation, (which should be all Christians) you need to hear this.
Watch this very encouraging message by Mark Driscoll. Especially if you are involved in gospel proclamation, (which should be all Christians) you need to hear this.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Follow Your Heart?
Recently I have been reading through Numbers. Without fail every time I read through the O.T. I am blown away by the holiness of God. I never get used to this holy God. He pummels my heart and my nonchalant attitude towards sin, purity and as well as my lack of God-centeredness.
Tonight I was reading through Numbers 15 and came upon some great stuff that hit me between the eyes! (By the way, I don't like to get hit between the eyes normally, but this stuff knocks me down to the floor and on my face! From there God allows me to see the glory of God like I otherwise could not.) The previous section had just referred to the death penalty for those who defiantly sin against God. A defiant Sabbath law breaker is then found and is stoned to death. Then comes this amazing statement: "...remember all the commandments of the LORD, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after." (v. 39b)
How many of us does this condemn? In America, and increasingly in Japan, we often hear the phrase, "Follow your heart," in a manner that is encouraging and comforting. But this is not what God's Word says. God says in Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"
We are not to follow our hearts, but rather the Holy Spirit. We as Christians (including me!) need to begin to develop a closer connection with the Spirit of God by His Word and prayer so that we can be sensitive to His leading over the leading of our sinful hearts. He wants to guide us.
One final tidbit (I won't say it is two cents, because it is worth much more than I can understand!) A few weeks ago when I was reading through Leviticus I came across a blog about a Japanese man who had been at a YWAM camp. There they literally saw what it would be like to have your sin atoned for in the O.T. Reading about animal sacrifice, sometimes it is so detached from our daily life that it doesn't quite hit us as it ought. Not only were these innocent animals, they were precious resources to the people. Having to put your hand on your own innocent goat that followed you everyday in the fields would be so hard! You know that in passing your sin onto the scape-goat that your own sins must be paid for by death. That is the just punishment for your sin. Seeing this innocent goat slaughtered by human hands woke me up to the reality of what our sin cost the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, our Savior and God. (If you cannot handle seeing blood, I would suggest not looking at the pictures on this blog. If you can, and you want to see "first hand", here is the webpage. You need to scroll down some to see the pictures.)
Father, forgive us for killing your Son!
Recently I have been reading through Numbers. Without fail every time I read through the O.T. I am blown away by the holiness of God. I never get used to this holy God. He pummels my heart and my nonchalant attitude towards sin, purity and as well as my lack of God-centeredness.
Tonight I was reading through Numbers 15 and came upon some great stuff that hit me between the eyes! (By the way, I don't like to get hit between the eyes normally, but this stuff knocks me down to the floor and on my face! From there God allows me to see the glory of God like I otherwise could not.) The previous section had just referred to the death penalty for those who defiantly sin against God. A defiant Sabbath law breaker is then found and is stoned to death. Then comes this amazing statement: "...remember all the commandments of the LORD, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after." (v. 39b)
How many of us does this condemn? In America, and increasingly in Japan, we often hear the phrase, "Follow your heart," in a manner that is encouraging and comforting. But this is not what God's Word says. God says in Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"
We are not to follow our hearts, but rather the Holy Spirit. We as Christians (including me!) need to begin to develop a closer connection with the Spirit of God by His Word and prayer so that we can be sensitive to His leading over the leading of our sinful hearts. He wants to guide us.
One final tidbit (I won't say it is two cents, because it is worth much more than I can understand!) A few weeks ago when I was reading through Leviticus I came across a blog about a Japanese man who had been at a YWAM camp. There they literally saw what it would be like to have your sin atoned for in the O.T. Reading about animal sacrifice, sometimes it is so detached from our daily life that it doesn't quite hit us as it ought. Not only were these innocent animals, they were precious resources to the people. Having to put your hand on your own innocent goat that followed you everyday in the fields would be so hard! You know that in passing your sin onto the scape-goat that your own sins must be paid for by death. That is the just punishment for your sin. Seeing this innocent goat slaughtered by human hands woke me up to the reality of what our sin cost the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, our Savior and God. (If you cannot handle seeing blood, I would suggest not looking at the pictures on this blog. If you can, and you want to see "first hand", here is the webpage. You need to scroll down some to see the pictures.)
Father, forgive us for killing your Son!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
神（kami) - or god, in Japanese
Global Prayer Digest, March 4, 2008
Ainu People of Japan and Russia
"From this, we know that they must have traveled far and wide at one
time."
"I can almost understand these people!" thought the Eskimo visitor to
Russia's far eastern Sakhalin Island. He was visiting an Ainu
village. Linguists have recently discovered that the Ainu language
resembles the Eskimo language and also Basque, a language in far-away
Western Europe. Most of the Ainu people live in Japan, on the
northern island of Hokkaido. We know that they must have traveled far
and wide at one time.
Most Ainus worship the sacred bear, but this people group also has a
concept of a high God who is above the sacred bear. The Ainu people
call this high God "Kami," which has roughly the same meaning as the
Eskimo word "Kammi," meaning "the ancient one," or "he who existed at
the time of creation." Such a concept is one step in the right
direction, but it doesn't provide them with a saving faith. Only one
percent of the Ainu people consider themselves Christians, and many
of these so-called Christians don't truly know Jesus as Lord and
Savior."
The oldest written history of Japan is called the Kojiki. In this book the acts of the high kami (God) are recorded in great similarity to the account in the book of Genesis in the Bible. Please pray that God would use this link to help Japanese seek the God of their ancestors, whom they pay homage to. Please pray for salvation to come to our Japanese friends.
Global Prayer Digest, March 4, 2008
Ainu People of Japan and Russia
"From this, we know that they must have traveled far and wide at one
time."
"I can almost understand these people!" thought the Eskimo visitor to
Russia's far eastern Sakhalin Island. He was visiting an Ainu
village. Linguists have recently discovered that the Ainu language
resembles the Eskimo language and also Basque, a language in far-away
Western Europe. Most of the Ainu people live in Japan, on the
northern island of Hokkaido. We know that they must have traveled far
and wide at one time.
Most Ainus worship the sacred bear, but this people group also has a
concept of a high God who is above the sacred bear. The Ainu people
call this high God "Kami," which has roughly the same meaning as the
Eskimo word "Kammi," meaning "the ancient one," or "he who existed at
the time of creation." Such a concept is one step in the right
direction, but it doesn't provide them with a saving faith. Only one
percent of the Ainu people consider themselves Christians, and many
of these so-called Christians don't truly know Jesus as Lord and
Savior."
The oldest written history of Japan is called the Kojiki. In this book the acts of the high kami (God) are recorded in great similarity to the account in the book of Genesis in the Bible. Please pray that God would use this link to help Japanese seek the God of their ancestors, whom they pay homage to. Please pray for salvation to come to our Japanese friends.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Obama: Yes We Can!!! ...murder babies
(HT: Vitamin Z)
The title of this post is not inflammatory rhetoric. Read the article and then tell me what a better title would be. If you are a Christian (or not), please think hard about this one before you vote for Obama this year:Let's be clear about what Obama did, once in 2003 and twice before that. He effectively voted for infanticide. He voted to allow doctors to deny medically appropriate treatment or, worse yet, actively kill a completely delivered living baby. Infanticide - I wonder if he'll add this to the list of changes in his next victory speech and if the crowd will roar: "Yes, we can".
Read the whole article.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
ICM's Missionary Staff
Maki and I feel blessed to be a part of a team of people who love the Lord and are seeking to spread his Name and salvation in the spiritual swamp of Japan. Take a moment to read through the bios of our missionaries and then take a longer moment to pray for us and for our work. We need it, and we need your prayers.
Thank you!
Maki and I feel blessed to be a part of a team of people who love the Lord and are seeking to spread his Name and salvation in the spiritual swamp of Japan. Take a moment to read through the bios of our missionaries and then take a longer moment to pray for us and for our work. We need it, and we need your prayers.
Thank you!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Church of Darwin
The Wall Street Journal, Aug. 16, 1999, No.2
"A Chinese paleontologist lectures around the world saying that recent fossil finds in his country are inconsistent with the Darwinian theory of evolution." His reason?
"The major animal groups appear abruptly in the rocks over a relatively short time, rather than evolving gradually from a common ancestor as Darwin's theory predicts."
When this conclusion upsets American scientists he wryly comments:
"In China we can criticize Darwin but not the government. In America you can criticize the government but not Darwin."
Evolutionists slight of hand with the fossil record:
Take a look at the chart below, taken out of the most recent copy of the Britannica Encyclopedia. All of the light red lines and the dashed lines refer to fossils that have NEVER BEEN FOUND! These lines represent "inferred" fossils! In other words, evolutionists cannot offer a single example of an ancestor of the dinosaurs. Of course there is no chart of ANY animal showing true fossils of missing links. They are ALL missing!
My recommendation: Let us return to the Bible for truth and not to these fables.
The Wall Street Journal, Aug. 16, 1999, No.2
"A Chinese paleontologist lectures around the world saying that recent fossil finds in his country are inconsistent with the Darwinian theory of evolution." His reason?
"The major animal groups appear abruptly in the rocks over a relatively short time, rather than evolving gradually from a common ancestor as Darwin's theory predicts."
When this conclusion upsets American scientists he wryly comments:
"In China we can criticize Darwin but not the government. In America you can criticize the government but not Darwin."
Evolutionists slight of hand with the fossil record:
Take a look at the chart below, taken out of the most recent copy of the Britannica Encyclopedia. All of the light red lines and the dashed lines refer to fossils that have NEVER BEEN FOUND! These lines represent "inferred" fossils! In other words, evolutionists cannot offer a single example of an ancestor of the dinosaurs. Of course there is no chart of ANY animal showing true fossils of missing links. They are ALL missing!
My recommendation: Let us return to the Bible for truth and not to these fables.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Einstein & God (the limits of reason without revelation)
"I'm not an atheist. I don't think I can call myself a pantheist. The problem involved is too vast for our limited minds. We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written these books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is. That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws."
Walter Isaacson, "Einstein and Faith," Time Magazine, April 5, 2007.
"I'm not an atheist. I don't think I can call myself a pantheist. The problem involved is too vast for our limited minds. We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written these books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is. That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws."
Walter Isaacson, "Einstein and Faith," Time Magazine, April 5, 2007.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Calvin the Missionary?
Often times we hear that the reformers, especially Calvin, were not interested in missions or evangelism. Some even go so far as to say that their theology prevented it. This article reaffirmed my disagreement with these ideas. People who are soaked in the Bible, as were Luther and Calvin, cannot help but be deeply concerned with all the nations God has made.
Often times we hear that the reformers, especially Calvin, were not interested in missions or evangelism. Some even go so far as to say that their theology prevented it. This article reaffirmed my disagreement with these ideas. People who are soaked in the Bible, as were Luther and Calvin, cannot help but be deeply concerned with all the nations God has made.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
David & Svea Flood: an amazing missionary story
When we were at a homeschooling conference last November, I asked Brett & Alex Harris (Joshua Harris' brothers) a question about helping kids live with a passion to "Do Hard Things". (Which by the way is the title of their forthcoming book.) How do I raise my son Noah to have a passion for sharing the good news with lost souls when we see so little fruit from such activity here? How do I inspire hope in an often discouraging task? The story Alex told me was something that I believe is worth sharing with you. Please click on the link above to read - and be encouraged! I was!
When we were at a homeschooling conference last November, I asked Brett & Alex Harris (Joshua Harris' brothers) a question about helping kids live with a passion to "Do Hard Things". (Which by the way is the title of their forthcoming book.) How do I raise my son Noah to have a passion for sharing the good news with lost souls when we see so little fruit from such activity here? How do I inspire hope in an often discouraging task? The story Alex told me was something that I believe is worth sharing with you. Please click on the link above to read - and be encouraged! I was!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Exposing Evolution
True stories from the mission field of Japan
From a missionary friend named Bryan:
M is an over-achieving, fourth-year electrical engineering major. During his summer break in September he decided to investigate for himself the single, most nagging problem that bothered him about the Bible – the “preposterous” account of creation found in Genesis. M, just like every other student in Japan, was taught from early childhood that evolutionary theory is scientific fact and that it accurately explains the origin of life and species. So, from morning till night M spent two full weeks scouring the university library as well as the internet for answers to his questions. When his research finally came to an end we met at Starbucks, and here’s a summary of what he told me:
“I can’t believe how many problems there are with the theory of evolution… It takes more faith to believe evolution than it does to believe there’s a Creator… Japanese students aren’t thinking for themselves; we’re being brainwashed by our education system… I want to make a presentation to the entire campus club to share my findings.”
So on the last Friday of January, M gave a one-hour PowerPoint presentation outlining what he thought were the most critical flaws in the theory of evolution. Nearly 30 club members attended and most of them were amazed by what they heard from M. After the presentation we held small group discussions where the students got to share their responses to M’s talk. Most of them were motivated to reconsider their blind trust in the theory of evolution and its atheistic outlook.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Scripture vs. Science?
"Scripture, not science, is the ultimate test of all truth. The further evangelicalism gets from that conviction, the less evangelical and the more humanistic it becomes." - John MacArthur
My own opinion is this: Science, even the best science, changes. Before Einstein no one questioned Newton and his laws of motion. Let us not give up the simple reading of Genesis (nor the rest of the Bible) for ever changing theories and "laws". We need to beware of being sucked in by pop-culture and humanistic philosophy and its view of the world.
"Scripture, not science, is the ultimate test of all truth. The further evangelicalism gets from that conviction, the less evangelical and the more humanistic it becomes." - John MacArthur
My own opinion is this: Science, even the best science, changes. Before Einstein no one questioned Newton and his laws of motion. Let us not give up the simple reading of Genesis (nor the rest of the Bible) for ever changing theories and "laws". We need to beware of being sucked in by pop-culture and humanistic philosophy and its view of the world.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Porn Producer Converted
(from Z's blog)
Listen to this very moving story of a former porn producer that has become a Christian. ThinkChristian.net reports:
I listen to this on the way to work this morning. I recommend it highly. May we rejoice in God's work in this brother's life.“Do you believe in transformation?” That’s the question being asked in this interview with former porn producer Donny Pauling. After a short introductory message by pastor Jake Larson of Arcade Baptist Church, Donny talks about his Christian upbringing, his reasons for rejecting Christianity and his active hatred for Christians, his involvement and life in the porn industry, and finally his spiritual transformation. It’s a riveting (and sometimes disturbing) testimony. There’s a shorter text version of the interview as well.
Pauling now works closely with the XXXChurch team, and writes periodically for a blog about the porn industry at the XXXChurch website. Much of his message focuses on the damage that porn does not just to porn consumers, but to the people working in the industry.
See also Pauling’s personal blog.
Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
All four parts are now here.
Watch this impressive video series. I don't believe we can win the battle for abortion until Christians get back to this message.
All four parts are now here.
Watch this impressive video series. I don't believe we can win the battle for abortion until Christians get back to this message.
David Tyree: His Testimony & His Faith
![[AP_GIANTS_080204_ms.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJm1Zq0sv6NNu-kr3ff8qusrseHsQB2z2T5FEVDnm1XtcQOGu83uknoGbOTwiYM58cKyQYRB81JT1ZE4lZzk0VujF7az8yOSE5Qko68drklMapEHcng5Tkuwq5Hlo5dMn8BkGEg/s1600/AP_GIANTS_080204_ms.jpg)
Remember the amazing "squash the ball against my helmet" catch the David Tyree made in the Super Bowl? Here is an interesting article about David and his transformation since becoming a Christian.
(HT: Brandon Hoops, Z)
Remember the amazing "squash the ball against my helmet" catch the David Tyree made in the Super Bowl? Here is an interesting article about David and his transformation since becoming a Christian.
(HT: Brandon Hoops, Z)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Super Bowl champ Burress: "Give God all the glory"
Plaxico Burress, a wide receiver for the newly-crowned champion team, the New York Giants, told reporters on Sunday that God deserves the glory for his game-winning touchdown catch, reports John Connolly, LifeSiteNews.com.
Burress, who only caught two passes during the whole of the Super Bowl, said he prayed hard when his number came up, with the game on the line and only 35 seconds left to go in the fourth quarter. The Giants had been waiting all game to get Burress into one-on-one coverage against Ellis Hobbs, the Patriots cornerback, and the desired match-up came at the ideal time.
"I gave him a slant fake, he bit it, Eli put it up and I came down with it," said Burress. "I just said, 'God, if you could just get me out of here tonight, based on what I've been through all year with my knee and ankle and the back and everything.' I'm just so grateful for the opportunity and I just told myself [if] I can come out here tonight and compete, I would give God all the glory."
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Meet A Missionary - Update
Some people have not been able to see our recent ministry video.
If you couldn't see our video before, try clicking here.
Some people have not been able to see our recent ministry video.
If you couldn't see our video before, try clicking here.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Snow Camp!
(Jan. 31st)
The elementary kids were so excited to go up into the mountains for snow camp.
One of my students, Kaushik (originally from India) had never seen snow before! (Can you see the look of satisfaction on his face?) He came in from the snow after about an hour and a half saying, "What does it mean if you can't feel your feet?" I don't think he had ever experienced frost-bite before either!
Today it also snowed the most in Kyoto it has for as long as people can remember. I realized that I actually miss the snow we get in Iowa! If it is going to be cold it might as well snow, I think.
(Jan. 31st)
The elementary kids were so excited to go up into the mountains for snow camp.
One of my students, Kaushik (originally from India) had never seen snow before! (Can you see the look of satisfaction on his face?) He came in from the snow after about an hour and a half saying, "What does it mean if you can't feel your feet?" I don't think he had ever experienced frost-bite before either!
Today it also snowed the most in Kyoto it has for as long as people can remember. I realized that I actually miss the snow we get in Iowa! If it is going to be cold it might as well snow, I think.
Noah says, "Hi Daddy"
OK, I admit it. I'm a proud daddy. My son Noah stood by himself for about 10 seconds today by himself and he is not even 8 months yet! Maybe we can go skiing together next winter!
I have been trying to get the perfect video of Noah saying, "Hi Daddy" - His new favorite words. See the progression below. I wish I had some of his cutest moments on video - Aw well, they're all cute anyway!
OK, I admit it. I'm a proud daddy. My son Noah stood by himself for about 10 seconds today by himself and he is not even 8 months yet! Maybe we can go skiing together next winter!
I have been trying to get the perfect video of Noah saying, "Hi Daddy" - His new favorite words. See the progression below. I wish I had some of his cutest moments on video - Aw well, they're all cute anyway!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Meet a Missionary
Rudy Vaughan, a wonderful pilot missionary friend has done it again. For two years Rudy has been working hard at his own commercial piloting job and in his extra free-time he has been visiting and encouraging missionaries around the world. In his extra-extra free-time (whew!) Rudy has been making a great website with videos of missionaries and their stories! We are truly thankful for Rudy and his wife Shelly and their dedicated love for the Lord and for the nations.
I am pleased to show you a 14 minute video of Maki and I and our ministry that Rudy made called, "Meet a Missionary". I pray that it encourages you today also to gain a greater heart for the world that Christ died to save.
(The video may take a couple minutes to download properly.)
Rudy Vaughan, a wonderful pilot missionary friend has done it again. For two years Rudy has been working hard at his own commercial piloting job and in his extra free-time he has been visiting and encouraging missionaries around the world. In his extra-extra free-time (whew!) Rudy has been making a great website with videos of missionaries and their stories! We are truly thankful for Rudy and his wife Shelly and their dedicated love for the Lord and for the nations.
I am pleased to show you a 14 minute video of Maki and I and our ministry that Rudy made called, "Meet a Missionary". I pray that it encourages you today also to gain a greater heart for the world that Christ died to save.
(The video may take a couple minutes to download properly.)
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Mt. McKinley and the demonstration of God's glory
There are other mountains that are taller and bigger, but what makes Mt. McKinley so glorious to people who see it is that it is very close to the ocean.
Viewed from sea level, a 20,000 foot peak, literally jutting out of depths of water, can be KNOWN more fully and the fullness of the beauty of Mt. McKinley can be ENJOYED more fully. I argue (as Paul seems to in Romans 9:22-23) that God's mercy and grace would not be enjoyed properly or adequately if we did not readily know the overwhelming baseness of our sin and the sin of those around us - (if we were not in the ocean of sin, as it were) and the horrible judgment sin brings - both now and in the world to come.
If we didn't have real sinners apart from Christ around us we would fast lose the awareness of the wonders of God's glory in His grace to save us, who are no different minus grace. (I believe our memory of this in heaven will be fresh) As we see the depravity of our own hearts as well as those apart from Christ around us, we are drawn into greater awe at the great mercy and grace of God to save such TOTALLY unworthy clay pots at all. It truly is CRAZY, prodigal love! The preciousness of this love is seen and experienced in the fact that it is a narrow door and a narrow path that leads to life. If all around all we could ever see were Mt. McKinleys, Mt. McKinley would be less valued and cherished and less awe-inspiring. God will not deny His children the HIGHEST pleasure in the universe - the fullness of God Himself seen clearly in the holy display of justice, mercy, wrath and love in contrast with the sin of His creatures. God Himself, displayed in the incarnation of Christ, is the infinite and eternal Mt. McKinley our souls long for.
There are other mountains that are taller and bigger, but what makes Mt. McKinley so glorious to people who see it is that it is very close to the ocean.
Viewed from sea level, a 20,000 foot peak, literally jutting out of depths of water, can be KNOWN more fully and the fullness of the beauty of Mt. McKinley can be ENJOYED more fully. I argue (as Paul seems to in Romans 9:22-23) that God's mercy and grace would not be enjoyed properly or adequately if we did not readily know the overwhelming baseness of our sin and the sin of those around us - (if we were not in the ocean of sin, as it were) and the horrible judgment sin brings - both now and in the world to come.
If we didn't have real sinners apart from Christ around us we would fast lose the awareness of the wonders of God's glory in His grace to save us, who are no different minus grace. (I believe our memory of this in heaven will be fresh) As we see the depravity of our own hearts as well as those apart from Christ around us, we are drawn into greater awe at the great mercy and grace of God to save such TOTALLY unworthy clay pots at all. It truly is CRAZY, prodigal love! The preciousness of this love is seen and experienced in the fact that it is a narrow door and a narrow path that leads to life. If all around all we could ever see were Mt. McKinleys, Mt. McKinley would be less valued and cherished and less awe-inspiring. God will not deny His children the HIGHEST pleasure in the universe - the fullness of God Himself seen clearly in the holy display of justice, mercy, wrath and love in contrast with the sin of His creatures. God Himself, displayed in the incarnation of Christ, is the infinite and eternal Mt. McKinley our souls long for.
Young People: Do Hard Things!
Two wonderful role-models, Alex and Brett Harris (19 year-old twins), recently sat down for an interview. These guys are the real deal. I am was very impressed with them when Maki and I met them at a conference in Japan. Any young person, especially teenagers, will benefit by following these guys!
Look at their website here.
Order their book here.
Two wonderful role-models, Alex and Brett Harris (19 year-old twins), recently sat down for an interview. These guys are the real deal. I am was very impressed with them when Maki and I met them at a conference in Japan. Any young person, especially teenagers, will benefit by following these guys!
Look at their website here.
Order their book here.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Rock of Ages
Augustus Toplady wrote this hymn on a playing card when he found shelter from a storm under a rocky overhang near England's Cheddar Gorge. (See picture) These words moved me today to consider the safety, shelter and salvation that the Lord has magnificently and gratuitously given to me.
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure. Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law's demands. Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling; naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace; foul, I to the Fountain fly. Wash me, Savior, or I die! While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I rise to worlds unknown, and behold Thee on Thy throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee."
Oh what a debt I owe to these great men of God from the past. They seriously stir me to love God.
Augustus Toplady wrote this hymn on a playing card when he found shelter from a storm under a rocky overhang near England's Cheddar Gorge. (See picture) These words moved me today to consider the safety, shelter and salvation that the Lord has magnificently and gratuitously given to me.
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure. Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law's demands. Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling; naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace; foul, I to the Fountain fly. Wash me, Savior, or I die! While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I rise to worlds unknown, and behold Thee on Thy throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee."
Oh what a debt I owe to these great men of God from the past. They seriously stir me to love God.
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