Melissa and I had a great weekend. We had a birthing class on Saturday and Sunday which really made it feel like it's time for "Tulip" to be here. We practiced breathing techniques and poses, and learned exactly what is happening to the body during birth. It was a very pleasant experience. We had Hohu Pan from Duke as our instructor. She was really nice, and made everybody feel very comfortable and confident about birth (I felt anyways).
Saturday night a couple from our small group hosted a party for our marriage mentors. The party morphed into a separate guy/gal Q&A time with our mentors. It was nice for them to be able to see where we are a year after marriage, and as always, it was nice for us to be able to ask those "difficult" questions. I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it, I'm so glad we have the people in our lives that we do.
That's all I have for now. I'm super tired from all my husband coaching this weekend, so I'm off to bed.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
What Was to Be Was That 2 Became 3
In less than a month I will be the proud father of a baby girl. I can hardly wait. I feel like I was slack for so long, now the seasons of life are coming quick so I can catch up. Married in September, bought a house in November, pregnant in December. It's great. I'm feel so fortunate to have the life I have. My wife is amazingly strong and persistent. Her perseverance through our relationship has been inspiring to say the least. I am not scared that we will fail at being parents. Not that I want to be arrogant about it, because I know I don't really know anything about child raising yet, but I am just confident that we can make it through. Like some cheesy lyrics to a love song, we can make it through anything. Not only do we have each other, we have strong support from family and friends. Thanks to everybody that has helped us along the way. The three of us will see you soon!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
3 Biblical Reasons To Do The Laundry
Ugghhh, cleaning house. How many more things I would rather do. Play Nintendo, hang out with friends, read, watch Youtube. Why should I clean this house, and, is it possible to find joy and honor God while scrubbing a toilet? I have found it is much easier to do, and even something to be excited for when you change your perspective into a Biblical perspective. Here are some points I've come up with that help me to change my perspective of cleaning house from a drudgery to an act of worship.
1. It's not your house anyways, because everything you own belongs to God.
Genesis 1:28 tells us that God gave human beings dominion over the Earth. First, He gave it to us. We didn't create it, it is a gift that we borrow. We are reminded of this at funerals when we look at the body and there's that gut wrenching moment when we realize we can't take anything with us. Our parents teach us that when we borrow something like a lawn mover, we return it full of gas and oil. Return whatever you borrow in even better condition than when we borrowed it. How much more should we take care of the things that the creator of the universe and the God of our salvation allows us to have? Most people think about stewardship when dealing with money, but we are stewards of much more than that. "And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the Earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the Earth." (Gen 1:28) Take care of what God gives you.
2. An act of service towards your wife
Ephesians 5 is obviously a main passage on marriage, reminding us that we should "love our wives, as Christ loved the church, and gave Himself up for her." How is cleaning related to this? Well, Looking at Philippians 2 we see that "...Christ Jesus, who, though He was born in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil 2:6-8) By humbling our self, and following Christ's example of servant hood, we are leading and serving our wives. Should we ever think, "I don't need to do that, that's my wife's job." Absolutely not. That is exactly the way of thinking that non-Christians sometimes see from the outside, and thus adds ammunition to their argument on the hypocrisy of our lives. When the disciples were disputing over who was the greatest, Christ says "Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the one who serves." (Luke 22:26) Serve your wife, and your family, and do the dishes.
3. In order to serve the Church, you have to first serve your household.
In Timothy, Paul is gives instruction on how to choose leaders. Among the qualifications, he says "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" (1 Tim 3:4-6) Of course this is obvious for dealing with people, as we know all good managers must manage people well, but I also believe this to charge us with cleanliness and a manageable household. Keep things orderly, and running well in the house that the Lord has blessed you with.
When I think about these things, it is much easier for me to fold the laundry, or wash the dishes, or sweep the floors, water the plants, etc. It's God's stuff anyways, I'm only a steward. I want to serve my wife and family. I want to serve in the Church, so I must first manage my household well.
1. It's not your house anyways, because everything you own belongs to God.
Genesis 1:28 tells us that God gave human beings dominion over the Earth. First, He gave it to us. We didn't create it, it is a gift that we borrow. We are reminded of this at funerals when we look at the body and there's that gut wrenching moment when we realize we can't take anything with us. Our parents teach us that when we borrow something like a lawn mover, we return it full of gas and oil. Return whatever you borrow in even better condition than when we borrowed it. How much more should we take care of the things that the creator of the universe and the God of our salvation allows us to have? Most people think about stewardship when dealing with money, but we are stewards of much more than that. "And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the Earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the Earth." (Gen 1:28) Take care of what God gives you.
2. An act of service towards your wife
Ephesians 5 is obviously a main passage on marriage, reminding us that we should "love our wives, as Christ loved the church, and gave Himself up for her." How is cleaning related to this? Well, Looking at Philippians 2 we see that "...Christ Jesus, who, though He was born in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil 2:6-8) By humbling our self, and following Christ's example of servant hood, we are leading and serving our wives. Should we ever think, "I don't need to do that, that's my wife's job." Absolutely not. That is exactly the way of thinking that non-Christians sometimes see from the outside, and thus adds ammunition to their argument on the hypocrisy of our lives. When the disciples were disputing over who was the greatest, Christ says "Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the one who serves." (Luke 22:26) Serve your wife, and your family, and do the dishes.
3. In order to serve the Church, you have to first serve your household.
In Timothy, Paul is gives instruction on how to choose leaders. Among the qualifications, he says "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" (1 Tim 3:4-6) Of course this is obvious for dealing with people, as we know all good managers must manage people well, but I also believe this to charge us with cleanliness and a manageable household. Keep things orderly, and running well in the house that the Lord has blessed you with.
When I think about these things, it is much easier for me to fold the laundry, or wash the dishes, or sweep the floors, water the plants, etc. It's God's stuff anyways, I'm only a steward. I want to serve my wife and family. I want to serve in the Church, so I must first manage my household well.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
9 Marks of a Healthy Church - Mark Dever
I'm currently reading through this great book. It has been a great read for me because it puts into words the goals of Christ with His church. If somebody asks you why join a church, or what does the church have to do with ______, it's good to have a response. Here's a brief rundown of the 9 marks...
1. Expositional Preaching
It's sometimes easier for pastors to simply pick a topic they want to preach on, then find verses that can support their topic. This is topical preaching. Expositional preaching allows everyone, including the pastor, to look at God's word and learn from it. God continuously reveals things to us through the reading of His word. He speaks to us with instruction, and the good news that we are reconciled to Him through Christ Jesus. The Bible is important. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 - "And the Word became fleash, and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John1:14)
2. Biblical Theology
Through our reading of scripture, we form a Biblical theology. Why do we believe what we believe? What do we believe? Know who we are in light of knowing who God is. We don't just form our own opinions about who God is from what we think is good. God is who the Bible tells us He is.
3. The Gospel
The The good news is not simply that we are ok, that God is love, that Jesus is our friend, and that we should live right. The Gospel is knowing that because of our sin, we were separated from God, and only through our Savior Jesus Christ are we reconciled to God. We are dead to sin, and alive to God through Christ. (Romans 6)
4. A Biblical Understanding of Conversion
Is change needed? Is it possible? What change is needed? How are we changed? It's not simply saying the "sinners prayer." It's recognizing the Gospel, and asking God to soften your heart, to transform your life, and live in you. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)
5. A Biblical Understanding of Evangelism
Who should evangelize? How should we do it? What is evangelism, and why should we do it? This chapter really hit home with me. I'm terrible at evangelism. I don't even know where to begin sometimes. I forget that it's not me that converts someone, it's God. it's not my eloquent speech, or my awesome knowledge of church practices or different theologies. It's not my testimony. It's presenting the Gospel and it's message, and allowing God to do the work. I am nothing but a tool.
6. A Biblical Understanding of Church Membership
This chapter deals with questions like why join a church? What is the churches purpose, and where do believers fit in that. It also defines the church, and the commitment Christians make when joining.
7. Biblical Church Discipline
What is church discipline, and what does the Bible say about it. How have Christians in the past dealt with church discipline, and why should we practice it?
8. A Concern for Discipleship and Growth
What is a Biblical theology of growth? How should churches grow, and why is it important? This chapter is important to me because of the explosive growth of The Summit. I pray that we continue to grow in a Biblical way, and continue encouraging others in Christ, and presenting a clear, true, Gospel.
9. Biblical Church Leadership
this chapter basically deals with the structure of the church, qualifications for certain areas of leadership, and others areas. Of course there are many references to Timothy and Titus. (which happen to be two of my favorites)
I would highly recommend this book, especially for those interested in church leadership or ministry. There is a ton of scripture references, and truth about God's plan for His church. It's about 250 pages long, so it's not an incredibly tough read. It clearly maps out the objectives at the beginning of each chapter.If you've read it, let me know what you think......
1. Expositional Preaching
It's sometimes easier for pastors to simply pick a topic they want to preach on, then find verses that can support their topic. This is topical preaching. Expositional preaching allows everyone, including the pastor, to look at God's word and learn from it. God continuously reveals things to us through the reading of His word. He speaks to us with instruction, and the good news that we are reconciled to Him through Christ Jesus. The Bible is important. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 - "And the Word became fleash, and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John1:14)
2. Biblical Theology
Through our reading of scripture, we form a Biblical theology. Why do we believe what we believe? What do we believe? Know who we are in light of knowing who God is. We don't just form our own opinions about who God is from what we think is good. God is who the Bible tells us He is.
3. The Gospel
The The good news is not simply that we are ok, that God is love, that Jesus is our friend, and that we should live right. The Gospel is knowing that because of our sin, we were separated from God, and only through our Savior Jesus Christ are we reconciled to God. We are dead to sin, and alive to God through Christ. (Romans 6)
4. A Biblical Understanding of Conversion
Is change needed? Is it possible? What change is needed? How are we changed? It's not simply saying the "sinners prayer." It's recognizing the Gospel, and asking God to soften your heart, to transform your life, and live in you. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)
5. A Biblical Understanding of Evangelism
Who should evangelize? How should we do it? What is evangelism, and why should we do it? This chapter really hit home with me. I'm terrible at evangelism. I don't even know where to begin sometimes. I forget that it's not me that converts someone, it's God. it's not my eloquent speech, or my awesome knowledge of church practices or different theologies. It's not my testimony. It's presenting the Gospel and it's message, and allowing God to do the work. I am nothing but a tool.
6. A Biblical Understanding of Church Membership
This chapter deals with questions like why join a church? What is the churches purpose, and where do believers fit in that. It also defines the church, and the commitment Christians make when joining.
7. Biblical Church Discipline
What is church discipline, and what does the Bible say about it. How have Christians in the past dealt with church discipline, and why should we practice it?
8. A Concern for Discipleship and Growth
What is a Biblical theology of growth? How should churches grow, and why is it important? This chapter is important to me because of the explosive growth of The Summit. I pray that we continue to grow in a Biblical way, and continue encouraging others in Christ, and presenting a clear, true, Gospel.
9. Biblical Church Leadership
this chapter basically deals with the structure of the church, qualifications for certain areas of leadership, and others areas. Of course there are many references to Timothy and Titus. (which happen to be two of my favorites)
I would highly recommend this book, especially for those interested in church leadership or ministry. There is a ton of scripture references, and truth about God's plan for His church. It's about 250 pages long, so it's not an incredibly tough read. It clearly maps out the objectives at the beginning of each chapter.If you've read it, let me know what you think......
Friday, January 29, 2010
Train Yourself For Godliness
I love going to the gym. I go 5-6 days a week, every day at 6 AM. It's not even a question. If I don't go, I feel terrible all day. I am diligent in my routine, and I'm always looking for new ways to train. I spend money on supplements, and a monthly gym membership. Whatever you spend your money on, you are investing in, and your heart usually follows.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 says, "Have nothing to do with irreverent or silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
This passage raises the question for me, "Do I spend more time and money on my spiritual training?" I spend somewhere around 40 minutes a day with bodily training, and it's always on my mind. When I eat, I always think how what I'm putting in my body will effect my training. So, how can start the habit of focusing more on spiritual training? Here are some tips for creating spiritual habits that I've found effective.
1. Remember the passage above. If you can memorize this passage, it will be in your mind.
2. Listen to sermon podcast at the gym while working out.
3. Melissa and I are beginning to read a proverb chapter a day every morning during breakfast.
4. Set time aside every day for prayer and scripture reading.
5. Read before bedtime. Melissa and I always try and read before we go to sleep.
These have worked for me so far. Hopefully I can keep up the habits.
P.S.
Men, we are charged with the responsibility to lead our wives spiritually, provide for them, and support their emotional needs. Remember that when we are faced with the option to watch TV, or read scripture. When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, God came to the garden and called out Adam. (Genesis 3:9) Adam was responsible. God wanted to know where he was, and why he wasn't leading.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 says, "Have nothing to do with irreverent or silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
This passage raises the question for me, "Do I spend more time and money on my spiritual training?" I spend somewhere around 40 minutes a day with bodily training, and it's always on my mind. When I eat, I always think how what I'm putting in my body will effect my training. So, how can start the habit of focusing more on spiritual training? Here are some tips for creating spiritual habits that I've found effective.
1. Remember the passage above. If you can memorize this passage, it will be in your mind.
2. Listen to sermon podcast at the gym while working out.
3. Melissa and I are beginning to read a proverb chapter a day every morning during breakfast.
4. Set time aside every day for prayer and scripture reading.
5. Read before bedtime. Melissa and I always try and read before we go to sleep.
These have worked for me so far. Hopefully I can keep up the habits.
P.S.
Men, we are charged with the responsibility to lead our wives spiritually, provide for them, and support their emotional needs. Remember that when we are faced with the option to watch TV, or read scripture. When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, God came to the garden and called out Adam. (Genesis 3:9) Adam was responsible. God wanted to know where he was, and why he wasn't leading.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Prosperity Gospel
Sometimes I watch videos, and do a little research on pastors, and churches outside my little box. I think it does me well to see things from a nonbelievers point of view. Thanks to false messages from prosperity gospel preachers, it's no wonder nonbelievers view Christians as ignorant, hypocritical, contradictory, lemmings.
I once heard a Donald Miller speech called "Free Market Jesus," where he discussed how the misconception is that as soon as we accept Jesus, all of our problems will be over. We as believers know that is isn't the case. While an eternity of worship with our Lord is guaranteed, our Earthly problems aren't magically "poofed" away. I don't think that just because you're a believer, God will allow you to prosper with earthly possessions. Knowing that you have already been given life in Christ's death, that is all the prosperity you will ever need.
I feel like prosperity preachers aren't giving the right message. Christians don't act the way they do just because they want to be blessed by God. Christ's life through death is our greatest blessing. We don't strive for prosperity, because we have it in Christ.
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
- Philippians 1:20-21
To live is Christ, and to die is gain. It doesn't say, "To live is to prosper." It seems to me the purpose driven life is one that revolves 100% around Christ. Your purpose is to try and follow Christ's example. What a gift it is that we even have the opportunity to worship God? What's the good news, that God will give us health and wealth if we believe in Christ, or that we are prosperous already because Christ conquered death, and defeated sin, therefore bridging the gap between man and God?
We all have our purposes for the Kingdom of God, and I think He knows our purpose. It may not always be revealed to us, but there is a purpose. Trusting, and following God will allow you to "prosper," simply because God makes the rules for the world he created. A silly, yet accurate, metaphor would be someone using an advanced computer program. There are instructions on how to use it, which were probably written by the programmer. Now, doesn't it make sense that they would follow the patterns given by the creator of the program? Things would run much more smoothly. Is it more prosperous to know how to properly work the program, or that you have the program to begin with? I don't know if that makes sense, but it does to me at this moment, so I'm posting.
I once heard a Donald Miller speech called "Free Market Jesus," where he discussed how the misconception is that as soon as we accept Jesus, all of our problems will be over. We as believers know that is isn't the case. While an eternity of worship with our Lord is guaranteed, our Earthly problems aren't magically "poofed" away. I don't think that just because you're a believer, God will allow you to prosper with earthly possessions. Knowing that you have already been given life in Christ's death, that is all the prosperity you will ever need.
I feel like prosperity preachers aren't giving the right message. Christians don't act the way they do just because they want to be blessed by God. Christ's life through death is our greatest blessing. We don't strive for prosperity, because we have it in Christ.
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
- Philippians 1:20-21
To live is Christ, and to die is gain. It doesn't say, "To live is to prosper." It seems to me the purpose driven life is one that revolves 100% around Christ. Your purpose is to try and follow Christ's example. What a gift it is that we even have the opportunity to worship God? What's the good news, that God will give us health and wealth if we believe in Christ, or that we are prosperous already because Christ conquered death, and defeated sin, therefore bridging the gap between man and God?
We all have our purposes for the Kingdom of God, and I think He knows our purpose. It may not always be revealed to us, but there is a purpose. Trusting, and following God will allow you to "prosper," simply because God makes the rules for the world he created. A silly, yet accurate, metaphor would be someone using an advanced computer program. There are instructions on how to use it, which were probably written by the programmer. Now, doesn't it make sense that they would follow the patterns given by the creator of the program? Things would run much more smoothly. Is it more prosperous to know how to properly work the program, or that you have the program to begin with? I don't know if that makes sense, but it does to me at this moment, so I'm posting.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Dead Sea Scrolls
A couple of nights ago, Melissa and I had the amazing opportunity to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. They are on display at the Raleigh museum. The event was for donors to NPR from their past fundraiser. Apparently it had to have been a very generous donation, since the guests list was small, however, Mel and I were given the tickets by her employers. What a gift huh?
It started with a meet and greet segment, where we just stood around, drank wine, and talked about how excited we were. Then came dinner. We sat at a table with physicians, Executive Directors, and other people with interesting jobs. I was the youngest person by about 6 years, and managing a toy store isn't exactly the most complicated, and interesting job there is. Trying not to sound pretentious, I listened to their conversations, and tried to add what little bit I could. It was very interesting though, and the food was great. Turns out my short stint in Carrboro helped me slide into conversations here and there, as everyone at the table lived in Carrboro.
After dinner, we were escorted into the exhibit. How amazing it was to see pots, money, and other artifacts that were centuries old. I learned about the scrolls, and the cities near where they were found. Then it was on to the scrolls, and yes, I read Genesis off of a 1000 year old piece of paper. Well, I couldn't read it, but I saw it. ^_^
As powerful as the experience was, Melissa pointed out a lady who was so amazed at the scrolls, it seemed they just slammed home the validity of Christianity for her. As I overheard her conversations, I smiled as I heard her say things like, "Hey, why aren't we doing what these scrolls say?" I really feel like the experience made a huge impact on her, and her faith.
It was a one of a kind experience, and I will surely never forget it.
It started with a meet and greet segment, where we just stood around, drank wine, and talked about how excited we were. Then came dinner. We sat at a table with physicians, Executive Directors, and other people with interesting jobs. I was the youngest person by about 6 years, and managing a toy store isn't exactly the most complicated, and interesting job there is. Trying not to sound pretentious, I listened to their conversations, and tried to add what little bit I could. It was very interesting though, and the food was great. Turns out my short stint in Carrboro helped me slide into conversations here and there, as everyone at the table lived in Carrboro.
After dinner, we were escorted into the exhibit. How amazing it was to see pots, money, and other artifacts that were centuries old. I learned about the scrolls, and the cities near where they were found. Then it was on to the scrolls, and yes, I read Genesis off of a 1000 year old piece of paper. Well, I couldn't read it, but I saw it. ^_^
As powerful as the experience was, Melissa pointed out a lady who was so amazed at the scrolls, it seemed they just slammed home the validity of Christianity for her. As I overheard her conversations, I smiled as I heard her say things like, "Hey, why aren't we doing what these scrolls say?" I really feel like the experience made a huge impact on her, and her faith.
It was a one of a kind experience, and I will surely never forget it.
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