A Bitter Harvest?

    Forgiving is what we are specifically commanded to do by King Jesus. It is an act of faith. A forgiving heart is evidence of your election (2 Peter 3:1-11), of  living a life that is worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27), and of being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:29-30). In short, it is the hallmark of Christian living.

    For more of this, see Paul Tripp's blog at Desiring God :  A Bitter Harvest?. It is helpful and full of practical advice.

I Asked The Lord That I Might Grow

A poem by John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace" :

I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, His face.

’Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”

What You Celebrate as a Church Is Just as Important as What You Believe

    Churches, more often than not, emphasize distinctives. Differences in doctrinal positions, worship style,  leadership structure, cultural engagement, and many others are often cited and celebrated. Because this is emphasized so much today, we look for these things in churches and use it as a basis for making judgment on whether a church is good or not. Meanwhile, we forget that the church is called to celebrate and preach the gospel. This is the unique call of the church, commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 28:18-20). No other institution on this planet is called to do this, except for the church.

    What would happen if the preaching of the gospel and the living-out the gospel is what is celebrated and emphasized above all in churches? Think how this eliminates preferences that arise from self-interests. Think of how many worthless arguments and "church wars" would be avoided. Think about how it makes the church centered on Jesus Christ. Think of how faith, goodness, discipleship, fellowship, brotherly kindness, and love, would strongly manifest in all church activities. Think of a time when all Christians would boast of nothing of themselves but only on the cross.

This blog post from the Gospel Coalition is an excellent reminder on the calling of the church : What You Celebrate as a Church Is Just as Important as What You Believe.

What are you celebrating this Christmas - looking for pageantry and cool Christmas worship services? What are you celebrating in your church? Celebrate the gospel above all.

Diet and Exercise for the Glory of God

    I finally did something that I'd delayed doing for very a long time. I started meeting with a health coach! A healthy lifestyle has been an off and on again commitment for me. I realized that in order to succeed this time, I needed somebody to hold me accountable. He would work with me in setting attainable goals, meet with me regularly to see how I'm doing with meeting those goals, give me the tough message if I do not make the necessary effort to achieve what I committed myself to do, affirm me when I do accomplish them, and help me to raise the bar higher over time.

    So what got me to this point? Several reasons : mid-life, waistline, not liking what I saw in the mirror but ultimately, that Christ would be exalted in my body whether in life or in death (Philippians 1:20). God gave us this physical body that is useful for doing His will here on earth. So maintain it well. I also asked myself, "Would Christ be exalted in my dying if the reason for my death were heart and cardiovascular diseases that could have been prevented if I had paid attention to my health?"

    I will therefore go on a diet and exercise for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), as a means by which I will have the necessary energy and strength to obey him for His pleasure. On the other hand, health and exercise becomes unprofitable if it replaces Jesus Christ as my highest treasure and the foremost affection in my heart. According to Paul, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8)."

     My health coach became excited for me when I explained my reasons for meeting with him. "That is a very strong motivation!" he said. And I pray that he will be receptive to the gospel as a result.

    The first goal is to lose weight. For the next two weeks, I will keep a food journal, walk 15-30 minutes a day, and go to the gym once a week. So far, I've been faithful. Enjoyed walking with my son last weekend and we discovered a pond about a mile and a half away from home. Tonight, I enjoyed walking with my wife around the neighborhood and got to see impressive Christmas lights put up in some homes.

    Live for Christ!