Hal McCoy, the Dayton Daily News's Cincinnati Reds beat for 37 years (longest active tenure) has been let go, and will retire at the end of the season. McCoy, known by everyone simply as "Hal" is somebody I have had the privilege of getting to know both in and out of the press box. Simply put, baseball reporting and the DDN are about to lose a huge asset.
Sure, he's a hall-of-famer. Sure, he's got a pair of World Series rings to put up on the mantle (though he likes to wear the ring from '75). Sure, he can rest on his laurels of a wonderful career, successful kids, and a wife and dog at home. But what can never be seen or written about is Hal's true character. He's the kind of reporter who believes press boxes should be filled with cigar smoke and chili dogs. He's the kind of guy who doesn't let blindness slow him down. He's the kind of guy who knows everybody's name who works at Great American Ballpark, from the valet to the cook to Dusty Baker and the basement bunch. He's one of those guys you always wish the best for, and just hate to see things like this happen to.
Hal is respected. Everyone loves him; the fans, the readers, the players, the reporters, everybody. When players won't talk to anybody, they'll talk to Hal. I was able to get more personal interviews with players if I tacked "I'm with Hal" onto the end of my own introduction. Heck even then-Reds General Manager Wayne Krivsky chased Hal down in the parking lot the night Jerry Narron was fired. And you know you've made it when Dr. Tim Kremchek - the Reds' surgeon - performs your knee surgery AND the surgery makes the cover of the sports section, as it did when Hal had his meniscus operated on a few years ago.
On a personal note, Hal, it was a pleasure to work with you. I learned how to conduct myself professionally in a clubhouse and a press box from watching you. I learned how to crank humorous and informative stories out in minutes, just from watching you do it. I learned that work is best when it isn't. But honestly, my favorite memories from working with you were the trips to and from the ballpark. You love baseball, and this isn't going to change that. I hope you can enjoy some games from the seats in retirement.
Read Hal's blog here
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Its Been One Week
Long gone are the moats, fountains, castles and fields of Nantes. Here and now is a 40-hour work week, constant bombardment of (loud) English, and bills for school. Plus, I’ve been trying to figure out if Jeff Hirsch is dead or alive (no, seriously if you can help me out on this one I’d be grateful).
But America isn’t going to beat me. Consumerism and secular humanism isn’t going to win the war. Summer Project did its job, and I continue to find new mercies and joys in the Lord day by day. One of such joys is trying to cram “what I did for six weeks in Nantes…” into one page with pictures for a ministry update letter for my supporters and followers of this blog. It ain’t easy. It’s like trying to describe the way 1 Peter 1:3-9 is currently racking my brain.
Prayer is awesome. I really want to thank everyone who is praying consistently for God’s will to be done on this Earth. I especially want to thank the prayer team from project. You guys gave me so many cool ways to remember to go to the Lord, and filled my heart with so much truth about the power of prayer. I love you all.
For now, I’m working as a medical records clerk at a cardiology/internal medicine practice to try to afford school in the fall. Each day I get an opportunity to pray over those people whose charts I handle and whose papers I file. I also get a ton of time to think about what the Lord is doing in me, and how I can share it with you, the reader.
On a completely random note, B.B. King’s “Sweet Sixteen” (look up the live version on YouTube) and J.S. Bach’s prelude to Cello Suite 1 (check out Yo-Yo Ma) are changing the way I look at music.
I’m definitely going to be more regular with updates, so stay tuned!
But America isn’t going to beat me. Consumerism and secular humanism isn’t going to win the war. Summer Project did its job, and I continue to find new mercies and joys in the Lord day by day. One of such joys is trying to cram “what I did for six weeks in Nantes…” into one page with pictures for a ministry update letter for my supporters and followers of this blog. It ain’t easy. It’s like trying to describe the way 1 Peter 1:3-9 is currently racking my brain.
Prayer is awesome. I really want to thank everyone who is praying consistently for God’s will to be done on this Earth. I especially want to thank the prayer team from project. You guys gave me so many cool ways to remember to go to the Lord, and filled my heart with so much truth about the power of prayer. I love you all.
For now, I’m working as a medical records clerk at a cardiology/internal medicine practice to try to afford school in the fall. Each day I get an opportunity to pray over those people whose charts I handle and whose papers I file. I also get a ton of time to think about what the Lord is doing in me, and how I can share it with you, the reader.
On a completely random note, B.B. King’s “Sweet Sixteen” (look up the live version on YouTube) and J.S. Bach’s prelude to Cello Suite 1 (check out Yo-Yo Ma) are changing the way I look at music.
I’m definitely going to be more regular with updates, so stay tuned!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Isaiah 6:8
I've been in a state of disbelief since Saturday, thinking about how I'll be in Paris at this time next week, done with Nantes. There are so many loose ends. So much more to be done.
I have been tossing around a couple of ideas during these last weeks, including returning for summer project '10, STINTing and other ministry ideas.
As somebody I was talking to on Friday said, "when (French people) say Bretagne (the province Nantes is in) they say rain. It's the same word." And when it rains, it pours. People aren't out and aren't willing to talk. It's not just when it rains. Sometimes, people are apathetic to anything outside of themselves and their own situations. They just don't think about life and don't care about truth. Sometimes, I just want to slam my head (or theirs) on the table.
But for every frustration I have here, I have a conversation, a meal or a rendez-vous with somebody that makes it all worthwhile. It gets to the point where during lunch or a soccer game, I realize that I could hang out with these people and really build into them if I was here for a longer time. There are so many people here who want to know, who have questions and nowhere to take them, who are too afraid to bring up tough questions to friends or family, who know their desperation and brokenness but have no answers. You can see it in them when they talk. You can see the ways the Lord has softened their hearts.
When you see it, you can't help but take the posture that Isaiah assumes in Isaiah 6. "Here am I Lord. Send me into the intellectual fog of doubt and despair in France. Send me to the untouched cities and unrepentent hearts."
It will take months of prayer and conversation with others, but my heart for ministry has grown in the past six weeks. I can't believe that the Lord could possibly use me to further His kingdom. This is going to take some time.
I have been tossing around a couple of ideas during these last weeks, including returning for summer project '10, STINTing and other ministry ideas.
As somebody I was talking to on Friday said, "when (French people) say Bretagne (the province Nantes is in) they say rain. It's the same word." And when it rains, it pours. People aren't out and aren't willing to talk. It's not just when it rains. Sometimes, people are apathetic to anything outside of themselves and their own situations. They just don't think about life and don't care about truth. Sometimes, I just want to slam my head (or theirs) on the table.
But for every frustration I have here, I have a conversation, a meal or a rendez-vous with somebody that makes it all worthwhile. It gets to the point where during lunch or a soccer game, I realize that I could hang out with these people and really build into them if I was here for a longer time. There are so many people here who want to know, who have questions and nowhere to take them, who are too afraid to bring up tough questions to friends or family, who know their desperation and brokenness but have no answers. You can see it in them when they talk. You can see the ways the Lord has softened their hearts.
When you see it, you can't help but take the posture that Isaiah assumes in Isaiah 6. "Here am I Lord. Send me into the intellectual fog of doubt and despair in France. Send me to the untouched cities and unrepentent hearts."
It will take months of prayer and conversation with others, but my heart for ministry has grown in the past six weeks. I can't believe that the Lord could possibly use me to further His kingdom. This is going to take some time.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Rejuvenation
When I get tired of being in the hot sun and talking to people who I can barely understand, some rejuvenation is needed. Here are some good ways I've found to revitalize my body and spirit.
1) Prayer - Whether in the morning before bible study, late at night, in between conversations, or whenever, letting the Lord into my life through confession and letting in grace is an amazing feeling.
2) Walks - I'm in town all day, but people generally only gather in certain spots. It's fun to walk the streets of a city that was around before cars. It's often narrow, cobblestone and windy. The best thing to do is just to get lost, open up the Word, then meditate on scripture as I try to find some tram tracks and figure out how to get back. An iPod is always a plus.
3) Sermons - My go to pastors this summer have been D.A. Carson and John Piper. I love to gain access into the way they view the Lord. I learn something new about Christ. I get convicted of some sin in my life, or I am led to joy.
4) Discussion - Each Sunday, David "Paydirt" Pater and I have been meeting to listen to a sermon, reflect on it, and talk about our lives and our weeks. I've found this to be a great way to finish off the week. David just graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA and is headed to Trinity in Chicago for seminary next year. There, he will study under D.A. Carson and other awesome men of God. It's been a blessing to get to know David and tap into his knowledge and learn about his convictions.
5) Journaling - Sometimes, I don't even realize where my own head is at until I put my thoughts on paper.
6) Napping - Whether in the ile de Versailles japanese garden or in my bed or somewhere else, some shut eye never hurts.
7) Psalms - I love psalm 73, but usually, I just flip through and read a couple. It's amazing what the Lord leads me to.
HOW DO YOU REJUVENATE?
1) Prayer - Whether in the morning before bible study, late at night, in between conversations, or whenever, letting the Lord into my life through confession and letting in grace is an amazing feeling.
2) Walks - I'm in town all day, but people generally only gather in certain spots. It's fun to walk the streets of a city that was around before cars. It's often narrow, cobblestone and windy. The best thing to do is just to get lost, open up the Word, then meditate on scripture as I try to find some tram tracks and figure out how to get back. An iPod is always a plus.
3) Sermons - My go to pastors this summer have been D.A. Carson and John Piper. I love to gain access into the way they view the Lord. I learn something new about Christ. I get convicted of some sin in my life, or I am led to joy.
4) Discussion - Each Sunday, David "Paydirt" Pater and I have been meeting to listen to a sermon, reflect on it, and talk about our lives and our weeks. I've found this to be a great way to finish off the week. David just graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA and is headed to Trinity in Chicago for seminary next year. There, he will study under D.A. Carson and other awesome men of God. It's been a blessing to get to know David and tap into his knowledge and learn about his convictions.
5) Journaling - Sometimes, I don't even realize where my own head is at until I put my thoughts on paper.
6) Napping - Whether in the ile de Versailles japanese garden or in my bed or somewhere else, some shut eye never hurts.
7) Psalms - I love psalm 73, but usually, I just flip through and read a couple. It's amazing what the Lord leads me to.
HOW DO YOU REJUVENATE?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Occipital Overload
I know that I've been talking about objective truth as a basis for faith rather than subjective opinion, but I can't help but share a song. It's woken me up morning after morning either on a run or a tram ride to the church in Nantes. It's a simple message - You're Beautiful. Your cross is beautiful. Your creation is beautiful. Your love is beautiful.
The second verse is my favorite; it's very appropriate to evangelizing a scientifically-minded western country:
I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It’s all proclaiming who You are
You’re beautiful
Check this vid. It's aight.
The second verse is my favorite; it's very appropriate to evangelizing a scientifically-minded western country:
I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It’s all proclaiming who You are
You’re beautiful
Check this vid. It's aight.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Why me?
In talking with non-believers about salvation, and studying salvation, and talking to people about salvation, a couple of questions are raised.
Why are we saved? What is the purpose of our redemption?
-- the answers to these questions have come from an amalgamation of scripture, wise counsel, and sermons from John Piper and Don Carson. To help me write, and help you read, I'm going to try to stay in the past when referring to gospel truths about the person of Christ and His relationship to the Father Jehovah. Feel free to replace any "was/were" with "is/are or will be" --
God does not need us. We are in total need of Him. He doesn't need my praise, my time, my money, my life, my soul. God is the creator of all things and he is not in need of anything from me.
Our salvation is linked only to the Father's love of the Son. In the gospels, Jesus is put into a position of subordination to the Father (John 5:19 ; John 14:28 ; John 6:57). Jesus did only as the Father commanded, and because of that, He lived perfectly. In living a perfect life, Jesus's will aligned perfectly with the will of the Father, and they live in a perfect relationship of love. I'm not saying that the Father and Son were behaving in a "loving" way. The Father and Son were love. They were perfect, and their relationship was perfect.
Jesus wanted us to be reconciled to Himself, as we see in his prayer in John 17. Because of the Father's love for the Son, He answered Jesus's prayer in the way that it lined up with His will (which was also Jesus's will). Therefore, we are saved only because that is a way for the Father to glorify the Son.
Our lives have value. Jesus, fully God, wouldn't give up His life and voluntarily submit Himself to the unmitigated wrath of the Father for garbage. So take heart, Jesus has put a high value on our lives.
Romans 6
We are called to live lives to glorify the Son. It's the only reason we exist, it's the only reason we've been rescued.
Why are we saved? What is the purpose of our redemption?
-- the answers to these questions have come from an amalgamation of scripture, wise counsel, and sermons from John Piper and Don Carson. To help me write, and help you read, I'm going to try to stay in the past when referring to gospel truths about the person of Christ and His relationship to the Father Jehovah. Feel free to replace any "was/were" with "is/are or will be" --
God does not need us. We are in total need of Him. He doesn't need my praise, my time, my money, my life, my soul. God is the creator of all things and he is not in need of anything from me.
Our salvation is linked only to the Father's love of the Son. In the gospels, Jesus is put into a position of subordination to the Father (John 5:19 ; John 14:28 ; John 6:57). Jesus did only as the Father commanded, and because of that, He lived perfectly. In living a perfect life, Jesus's will aligned perfectly with the will of the Father, and they live in a perfect relationship of love. I'm not saying that the Father and Son were behaving in a "loving" way. The Father and Son were love. They were perfect, and their relationship was perfect.
Jesus wanted us to be reconciled to Himself, as we see in his prayer in John 17. Because of the Father's love for the Son, He answered Jesus's prayer in the way that it lined up with His will (which was also Jesus's will). Therefore, we are saved only because that is a way for the Father to glorify the Son.
Our lives have value. Jesus, fully God, wouldn't give up His life and voluntarily submit Himself to the unmitigated wrath of the Father for garbage. So take heart, Jesus has put a high value on our lives.
Romans 6
We are called to live lives to glorify the Son. It's the only reason we exist, it's the only reason we've been rescued.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Top 5 Questions from French non-believers
So, here are some of the most frequently asked questions. I've cross-referenced my own experience with those of the other students on project to come up with this list. I am only going to list the questions. Keep in mind that the conversations that these questions come up in last about an hour, usually. So, if you want to know how I respond to the questions, email me (silverman.gregory@gmail.com) or call me when I get home, and I will be glad to meet up for a coffee and discussion. But for my fellow fans of brevity, I'm not going to answer them here.
1) How can a good God allow injustice, violence, suffering in the world?
2) Aren't all religions the same? Why can't they all just work together and believe the same thing?
3) How reliable is the Bible?
4) How can God/religion affect and influence my/your life?
5) What about evolution/the big bang/chance as arguments against religion?
Bonus question) How do you know that Jesus was God?
Sound familiar? If you are used to sharing on campus in America, they should. The point of this entry is to re-emphasize the fact that French students are just like those in the US. They have the same doubts, arguments and questions. At the end of the day, they still go home and ask themselves "is this all there is? Am I truly alone?" The difference is this: God and the gospel message have been discarded from the general mindset of the population. People don't discuss religion with friends. Faith in France, it seems, is for the uninformed, the naïve, the elder generation. In this country, God is taboo.
1) How can a good God allow injustice, violence, suffering in the world?
2) Aren't all religions the same? Why can't they all just work together and believe the same thing?
3) How reliable is the Bible?
4) How can God/religion affect and influence my/your life?
5) What about evolution/the big bang/chance as arguments against religion?
Bonus question) How do you know that Jesus was God?
Sound familiar? If you are used to sharing on campus in America, they should. The point of this entry is to re-emphasize the fact that French students are just like those in the US. They have the same doubts, arguments and questions. At the end of the day, they still go home and ask themselves "is this all there is? Am I truly alone?" The difference is this: God and the gospel message have been discarded from the general mindset of the population. People don't discuss religion with friends. Faith in France, it seems, is for the uninformed, the naïve, the elder generation. In this country, God is taboo.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Knowing
For project, we're doing an inductive study of 1 John. For those of you who don't know, an inductive study is where you take a book of the bible and study every sentence of it, testing the diction, syntax, context and weight of each word and idea.
Thus far, 1 John, for me, is about confidence. Confidence in the person of Christ. John, an apostle of Christ, has real, objective proof of Jesus. He saw Him and lived with Him for the years that Jesus was teaching. John speaks objectively of what he saw when he begins his epistle.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1-3)
So often we think of the subjective feelings we get as evidence for Christ in our lives. When the worship, prayer and sermon work together in such a way, we get butterflies, goosebumps, a feeling of excitement and fulfillment. We take this subjective feeling and try to turn it into objective truth. What John is saying in this passage is that we don't have to rely on subjectivity. We can believe in and have confidence in a true Christ, who he saw with his eyes and touched with his hands.
It's with this confidence that I have learned to embark on the city of Nantes each day, proclaiming objective truth and the promise of life in Christ.
Thus far, 1 John, for me, is about confidence. Confidence in the person of Christ. John, an apostle of Christ, has real, objective proof of Jesus. He saw Him and lived with Him for the years that Jesus was teaching. John speaks objectively of what he saw when he begins his epistle.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1-3)
So often we think of the subjective feelings we get as evidence for Christ in our lives. When the worship, prayer and sermon work together in such a way, we get butterflies, goosebumps, a feeling of excitement and fulfillment. We take this subjective feeling and try to turn it into objective truth. What John is saying in this passage is that we don't have to rely on subjectivity. We can believe in and have confidence in a true Christ, who he saw with his eyes and touched with his hands.
It's with this confidence that I have learned to embark on the city of Nantes each day, proclaiming objective truth and the promise of life in Christ.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tired
I had no idea how tiring this project was going to be.
For years, I grinded through two-a-days in August sun, but this is something else entirely. The weather here is mild, cool in the mornings and evenings, but during the afternoon, the sun comes out and bakes the city. In many of the places where students gather, you're hard-pressed to find good shade. It's physically taxing walking through the city in the heat.
Concentrating through the conversations, usually for an hour or more at a time, is mentally draining. We're in France. People either speak French or broken English. Either way, it takes a ton of concentration. Plus, we're constantly on the look for windows to the gospel. If I need to answer in French, that takes time and thought. If I need to answer in English, I have to annunciate and choose small, easily understood words. It's a completely different experience.
Finally, it's spiritually exhausting. It's great because your beliefs are challenged every day, and you need to be able to put forth sound reasoning to your truth statements, and be able to challenge theirs. It's an opportunity to constantly rely on God.
I'm looking forward to the French summer project to arrive this week. People who speak French and love Jesus will be a refreshing change of pace. I'm sure we'll all be encouraged by their presence.
I keep reminding myself of Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
For years, I grinded through two-a-days in August sun, but this is something else entirely. The weather here is mild, cool in the mornings and evenings, but during the afternoon, the sun comes out and bakes the city. In many of the places where students gather, you're hard-pressed to find good shade. It's physically taxing walking through the city in the heat.
Concentrating through the conversations, usually for an hour or more at a time, is mentally draining. We're in France. People either speak French or broken English. Either way, it takes a ton of concentration. Plus, we're constantly on the look for windows to the gospel. If I need to answer in French, that takes time and thought. If I need to answer in English, I have to annunciate and choose small, easily understood words. It's a completely different experience.
Finally, it's spiritually exhausting. It's great because your beliefs are challenged every day, and you need to be able to put forth sound reasoning to your truth statements, and be able to challenge theirs. It's an opportunity to constantly rely on God.
I'm looking forward to the French summer project to arrive this week. People who speak French and love Jesus will be a refreshing change of pace. I'm sure we'll all be encouraged by their presence.
I keep reminding myself of Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Weekend Wrapup
So, I wrote this on Saturday evening, but couldn't post until right now.
Today, 1 Corinthians 1-2 was screaming at me.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18 NIV)
People cannot desire what the Spirit desires without the indwelling of the Spirit. Therefore, we shouldn’t judge those without the spirit, or expect them to be able to discern right from wrong, as one with the Spirit. Also, 1 Cor. 2:14.
“When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom … for I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified … so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Cor. 2:1-5 NIV)
Although the Lord gives us spiritual blessings, as Paul writes in Eph. 1:3, we can’t rely on anything or anyone but the Lord to further His kingdom. I’m reading two books of Christian apologetics, but no amount of apologetics can hold a candle to God’s boundlessly given grace.
Therefore, we deserve nothing when we see success in evangelism – Eph 2:8-9 – and we face no remorse for failure. In fact, when cannot even begin to determine success or failure, because we do not know what God is doing in each person’s heart and life. (1 Cor. 2:11-16).
UPDATES
While it’s great to meet new people, I’ve experienced a lot of joy in furthering relationships with three guys I’ve met this week. They came to our soirée on Friday, and basketball on Saturday, and they want to meet again to go out for lunch or a drink sometime in the next week. Please pray for Manni, Alain, and Charles.
The church Aaron Lane and I attend is currently hurting for people to play instruments for worship. Aaron plays the piano, and I said I could learn some of their songs on guitar, and they were happy to hear it. Please pray that Aaron and I can begin to play adequately enough to lead worship in a foreign language!
At church, Aaron and I have been welcomed in extremely lovingly. It’s a small place, and they want to get to know us better. There are a couple of socials next week that we’ll attend, and a couple who speaks english at the church invited us to dinner at their house at some point. The church has been a huge blessing during this trip. I definitely feel like I have two very tight-knit groups for Christian fellowship, which is rare in such a lost city!
Saturday night was the first free night that we really knew the city. I went out with a few guys to check out a part of town that was wildly recommended to us by some French students. It’s called the “Banana district” and it’s an old WWII shipyard turned into a grouping of clubs and bars. We listened a part of a public concert – people who were clearly French, but sand in English. After, we walked to a bar where we could sit outside, and watch the sun set on the Loire river. It was gorgeous, and there was a band playing Gypsy Jazz music, some songs I recognized as Django Reinhartd. Definitely different from the bars I'm used to at OU.
I got to talk to Marie on Skype for the first time since the trip started. I miss her a ton, and seeing her didn’t help! I know that a lot is going on at home, but I’m sure that when I return, it will feel like I never left. Knowing that, it’s important that I make the most of this trip that I can, and put the trappings of home out of my head as much as possible. I can’t wait to get home and meet with all of you personally and share stories from Nantes!
Today, 1 Corinthians 1-2 was screaming at me.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18 NIV)
People cannot desire what the Spirit desires without the indwelling of the Spirit. Therefore, we shouldn’t judge those without the spirit, or expect them to be able to discern right from wrong, as one with the Spirit. Also, 1 Cor. 2:14.
“When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom … for I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified … so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Cor. 2:1-5 NIV)
Although the Lord gives us spiritual blessings, as Paul writes in Eph. 1:3, we can’t rely on anything or anyone but the Lord to further His kingdom. I’m reading two books of Christian apologetics, but no amount of apologetics can hold a candle to God’s boundlessly given grace.
Therefore, we deserve nothing when we see success in evangelism – Eph 2:8-9 – and we face no remorse for failure. In fact, when cannot even begin to determine success or failure, because we do not know what God is doing in each person’s heart and life. (1 Cor. 2:11-16).
UPDATES
While it’s great to meet new people, I’ve experienced a lot of joy in furthering relationships with three guys I’ve met this week. They came to our soirée on Friday, and basketball on Saturday, and they want to meet again to go out for lunch or a drink sometime in the next week. Please pray for Manni, Alain, and Charles.
The church Aaron Lane and I attend is currently hurting for people to play instruments for worship. Aaron plays the piano, and I said I could learn some of their songs on guitar, and they were happy to hear it. Please pray that Aaron and I can begin to play adequately enough to lead worship in a foreign language!
At church, Aaron and I have been welcomed in extremely lovingly. It’s a small place, and they want to get to know us better. There are a couple of socials next week that we’ll attend, and a couple who speaks english at the church invited us to dinner at their house at some point. The church has been a huge blessing during this trip. I definitely feel like I have two very tight-knit groups for Christian fellowship, which is rare in such a lost city!
Saturday night was the first free night that we really knew the city. I went out with a few guys to check out a part of town that was wildly recommended to us by some French students. It’s called the “Banana district” and it’s an old WWII shipyard turned into a grouping of clubs and bars. We listened a part of a public concert – people who were clearly French, but sand in English. After, we walked to a bar where we could sit outside, and watch the sun set on the Loire river. It was gorgeous, and there was a band playing Gypsy Jazz music, some songs I recognized as Django Reinhartd. Definitely different from the bars I'm used to at OU.
I got to talk to Marie on Skype for the first time since the trip started. I miss her a ton, and seeing her didn’t help! I know that a lot is going on at home, but I’m sure that when I return, it will feel like I never left. Knowing that, it’s important that I make the most of this trip that I can, and put the trappings of home out of my head as much as possible. I can’t wait to get home and meet with all of you personally and share stories from Nantes!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Revealing Fissures, Building Bridges
On Wednesday I went sharing with David “Paydirt” Pater. We got invited to lunch with the group we were sharing with, and that gave us a great window in which to share our beliefs. They seemed to believe there was a God, but didn’t realize how Christ could impact somebody's life.
This is so typical in France. People don’t understand their need for a savior. Even if they believe in God, they don’t understand the disconnect between a perfect God and an imperfect people.
1 John 5-6 says “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to follow Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and don’t live by the truth.” God cannot allow an imperfect people to interact with Him and dwell in His kingdom. The Spirit cannot enter an unjustified body.
Dave and I got the same reaction when we met Charles, a really cool guy who loves sports and people – his grandpa was on the French Olympic basketball team that lost to the Americans in 1972. Charles had grown up in the Catholic church, but still didn’t fully understand the gravity of God. The full truth had not been revealed to him. It was a joy to share the gospel story, carefully going through the separation of God and man, and all of our need to repent of our sins, and surrender to the God of the universe.
David and I were talking to each other about the person of Christ, and what it takes to know Him. The French cannot truly understand what forgiveness from Christ means until they understand the need. There has to be a gap before there’s a bridge. The fullness of what this means cannot be grasped in the short hours we have with them, barring some drastic revelation from God.
Once the person sees the need for the bridge, they can fully grasp the person of Christ. At that point, what else is there to do besides glorify God? Our song of praise should be the loudest in all the Earth. In Nantes, I want simply to glorify God by spreading His gospel.
Overall, the day was really amazing. David and I were able to meet some interesting people. Again, both contacts were willing to talk, and talk for a really long time. We invited Charles to play some soccer or basketball sometime, and to come to our party on Friday. We made some facebook contacts, and I hope to see them all again during the five weeks I have left here–which suddenly seems all too short a time.
This is so typical in France. People don’t understand their need for a savior. Even if they believe in God, they don’t understand the disconnect between a perfect God and an imperfect people.
1 John 5-6 says “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to follow Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and don’t live by the truth.” God cannot allow an imperfect people to interact with Him and dwell in His kingdom. The Spirit cannot enter an unjustified body.
Dave and I got the same reaction when we met Charles, a really cool guy who loves sports and people – his grandpa was on the French Olympic basketball team that lost to the Americans in 1972. Charles had grown up in the Catholic church, but still didn’t fully understand the gravity of God. The full truth had not been revealed to him. It was a joy to share the gospel story, carefully going through the separation of God and man, and all of our need to repent of our sins, and surrender to the God of the universe.
David and I were talking to each other about the person of Christ, and what it takes to know Him. The French cannot truly understand what forgiveness from Christ means until they understand the need. There has to be a gap before there’s a bridge. The fullness of what this means cannot be grasped in the short hours we have with them, barring some drastic revelation from God.
Once the person sees the need for the bridge, they can fully grasp the person of Christ. At that point, what else is there to do besides glorify God? Our song of praise should be the loudest in all the Earth. In Nantes, I want simply to glorify God by spreading His gospel.
Overall, the day was really amazing. David and I were able to meet some interesting people. Again, both contacts were willing to talk, and talk for a really long time. We invited Charles to play some soccer or basketball sometime, and to come to our party on Friday. We made some facebook contacts, and I hope to see them all again during the five weeks I have left here–which suddenly seems all too short a time.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Je m'appelle Super-Greg
We've gotten into the swing of things here. Bible study (1 John) in the mornings, outreach in the afternoons and team dinners in the evenings.
At dinner, people have shared some crazy stories about the French hospitality once a relationship is established. One group even had an old lady pile them into her tiny Renault and drive them to church.
The French are open to sitting and conversing over a baguette or a drink. Popular places in Nantes are on the campuses, on the steps in front of the Opéra, around the huge fountain in the city center, in the gardens of the chateau, in one of the many parks, or on the banks of the canal that splits the city.
The conversations have gone really well. They usually start off with some questions about culture, i.e. what is there to do on the weekends, or where do they like to go to get lunch for cheap. That's followed by questions about school or what they do with their time. I've met a couple of pianists from Paris, a professional figure skaters, a renewable resources contractor and a bunch of students from the campus.
The French seem to think about spiritual things every once in a while, but they are seldom discussed. When I meet groups of friends, I ask them if they talk about spirituality ever, and they say no. It's hard to find somebody who even knows another Christian. Most have never been to church, and some come from families where nobody has gone to church in the past few generations. Spirituality is definitely on the backburner.
That being said, they have been eager to talk about God, about purpose and afterlife, about morality, spirituality, Christ, religion, war, politics, sports, anything. They love to talk, and never seem to have anything else to do. Conversations can and have lasted hours.
My French has been effective, though sparse. They don't teach you how to convey the gospel in high school French class. It's been fun to talk to people who speak as much english as I do french. I told one girl my name at the end of our conversation: I said "Je m'appelle Greg." Somehow, she thought I said, "Je m'appelle Super-Greg." Oh man. My French must be horrible. We laughed, and when we left the conversation, I heard her say "au revoir, super-Greg!"
These people I've met; Charles, Julian, Antoinne, Daphne, Pierre, Paulin, Victor, Axelle, Leah, I feel like I know them all so well after a single conversation. They were all strangers at the beginning of the week.
I'm growing used to Nantes. Right now, they have a huge art festival going on. All kinds of modern art in the city. Wooden "creatures" emerging from the canal downtown, a giant wooden modern art assembly in a club, a pack of wolves in the grass by the moat of the chateau, a hydraulic mechanical elephant. We are always surrounded by art – and 800-year old churches that sit empty.
Sunday night, there was a music festival. Bands set up in the streets all over town. Anybody who wanted to play could, if they had space. Professional musicians and hobbyists shared the same stage – the cobblestone street. People ate it up. They danced, laughed, sang. It was an amazing evening.
So, now that I've caught you all up/bored you all to death, I want to iterate how much of a blessing it is to be here. The fact that I need to be a good steward of the resources it took to get me here and keep me here is incredible motivation to be bold in sharing my faith and make the most out of each day. I pray that God is glorified by the way I spend my days in Nantes.
At dinner, people have shared some crazy stories about the French hospitality once a relationship is established. One group even had an old lady pile them into her tiny Renault and drive them to church.
The French are open to sitting and conversing over a baguette or a drink. Popular places in Nantes are on the campuses, on the steps in front of the Opéra, around the huge fountain in the city center, in the gardens of the chateau, in one of the many parks, or on the banks of the canal that splits the city.
The conversations have gone really well. They usually start off with some questions about culture, i.e. what is there to do on the weekends, or where do they like to go to get lunch for cheap. That's followed by questions about school or what they do with their time. I've met a couple of pianists from Paris, a professional figure skaters, a renewable resources contractor and a bunch of students from the campus.
The French seem to think about spiritual things every once in a while, but they are seldom discussed. When I meet groups of friends, I ask them if they talk about spirituality ever, and they say no. It's hard to find somebody who even knows another Christian. Most have never been to church, and some come from families where nobody has gone to church in the past few generations. Spirituality is definitely on the backburner.
That being said, they have been eager to talk about God, about purpose and afterlife, about morality, spirituality, Christ, religion, war, politics, sports, anything. They love to talk, and never seem to have anything else to do. Conversations can and have lasted hours.
My French has been effective, though sparse. They don't teach you how to convey the gospel in high school French class. It's been fun to talk to people who speak as much english as I do french. I told one girl my name at the end of our conversation: I said "Je m'appelle Greg." Somehow, she thought I said, "Je m'appelle Super-Greg." Oh man. My French must be horrible. We laughed, and when we left the conversation, I heard her say "au revoir, super-Greg!"
These people I've met; Charles, Julian, Antoinne, Daphne, Pierre, Paulin, Victor, Axelle, Leah, I feel like I know them all so well after a single conversation. They were all strangers at the beginning of the week.
I'm growing used to Nantes. Right now, they have a huge art festival going on. All kinds of modern art in the city. Wooden "creatures" emerging from the canal downtown, a giant wooden modern art assembly in a club, a pack of wolves in the grass by the moat of the chateau, a hydraulic mechanical elephant. We are always surrounded by art – and 800-year old churches that sit empty.
Sunday night, there was a music festival. Bands set up in the streets all over town. Anybody who wanted to play could, if they had space. Professional musicians and hobbyists shared the same stage – the cobblestone street. People ate it up. They danced, laughed, sang. It was an amazing evening.
So, now that I've caught you all up/bored you all to death, I want to iterate how much of a blessing it is to be here. The fact that I need to be a good steward of the resources it took to get me here and keep me here is incredible motivation to be bold in sharing my faith and make the most out of each day. I pray that God is glorified by the way I spend my days in Nantes.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
First Sunday in Nantes
Just had my first church experience in Nantes. Saturday night, we all split up and formed groups to go to the seven different protestant churches in Nantes. A guy named Aaron and I went to l'Église Protestant Évangélique de Nantes Ouest. I know, it's a mouthful, but regulars call it Protestant Évangélique Ouest.
First, Aaron and I had to find our way there. We boarded a bus at 9:40 (the busses only run at half-hour intervals on Sundays, and this was the first run – it was do or die) with only two people on it, including the driver. As I scanned my ticket, the driver asked "est-ce un biblé?" I answered yes, and he told me that he was protestant. We had a conversation about different churches, and the spiritual condition of the city, and he gave me his name and phone number. The giving of names in France only comes at the end of conversations, if they like you. The giving of phone numbers seldom happens. So, needless to say, I was very encouraged with the first conversation of the day.
When I went to take my seat on the bus (it was about a half-hour trip) Aaron, who doesn't speak any French, was trying to talk to a man who didn't speak much English. It was funny to see their interaction of mainly body language as they ground out a few facts. "Are you Christian?" "Yes" "Protestant?" "Yes" "Where are you going to church?" "PEO" "Moi aussi!!"
Two for two. Thanks, Big Guy.
The service was two hours, with meditation, public prayer, worship, sermon, offering, communion, news, and benediction. The church was small (45-50 people), and very diverse. The sermon was, in short, about keeping Christ our priority, and Christ's priority was the great commission.
The highlight of the service – singing one of my favorite hyms "It is well with my soul" in French.
During most of the service, I journaled – about the experience in the bus, about the day of exploring the sights of Nantes and initiating conversations the previous day, about our vision for the summer, and in prayer.
After the service, I met with about five people. Étienne, a U of Nantes student, Bevis, the youth pastor at the church, Daniel, the senior pastor, and some other members of the congregation. They were all excited to hear about the Project, and excited to hear that they had two American missions students joining them for six weeks.
Bevis invited us to his wedding next Saturday. David invited us to a congregation picnic and coffeehouse next Sunday. Étienne invited us to the Marche pour Jésus, a walk for Jesus (a sort of gathering) in the city.
Better morning than I could have anticipated.
Now, I'm sitting near the river, in the LU cookie company brasserie, one of the only places with free wifi.
I just read about the death of the father of a close friend. It's devastating news, and proof that life on this earth is temporal and precious. The news refines my sense of purpose to share the gospel with the lost on campus and in this city. I will continue to pray for Evan and the rest of the Wray family.
Some verses that are helping me with our purpose in this city:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Joshua 1:9
Philemon 4-7
Matthew 28:18-20
Thank you all for your continued encouragement! I hope this blog is helpful in letting you all know a bit of what is going on during our action-packed days!
First, Aaron and I had to find our way there. We boarded a bus at 9:40 (the busses only run at half-hour intervals on Sundays, and this was the first run – it was do or die) with only two people on it, including the driver. As I scanned my ticket, the driver asked "est-ce un biblé?" I answered yes, and he told me that he was protestant. We had a conversation about different churches, and the spiritual condition of the city, and he gave me his name and phone number. The giving of names in France only comes at the end of conversations, if they like you. The giving of phone numbers seldom happens. So, needless to say, I was very encouraged with the first conversation of the day.
When I went to take my seat on the bus (it was about a half-hour trip) Aaron, who doesn't speak any French, was trying to talk to a man who didn't speak much English. It was funny to see their interaction of mainly body language as they ground out a few facts. "Are you Christian?" "Yes" "Protestant?" "Yes" "Where are you going to church?" "PEO" "Moi aussi!!"
Two for two. Thanks, Big Guy.
The service was two hours, with meditation, public prayer, worship, sermon, offering, communion, news, and benediction. The church was small (45-50 people), and very diverse. The sermon was, in short, about keeping Christ our priority, and Christ's priority was the great commission.
The highlight of the service – singing one of my favorite hyms "It is well with my soul" in French.
During most of the service, I journaled – about the experience in the bus, about the day of exploring the sights of Nantes and initiating conversations the previous day, about our vision for the summer, and in prayer.
After the service, I met with about five people. Étienne, a U of Nantes student, Bevis, the youth pastor at the church, Daniel, the senior pastor, and some other members of the congregation. They were all excited to hear about the Project, and excited to hear that they had two American missions students joining them for six weeks.
Bevis invited us to his wedding next Saturday. David invited us to a congregation picnic and coffeehouse next Sunday. Étienne invited us to the Marche pour Jésus, a walk for Jesus (a sort of gathering) in the city.
Better morning than I could have anticipated.
Now, I'm sitting near the river, in the LU cookie company brasserie, one of the only places with free wifi.
I just read about the death of the father of a close friend. It's devastating news, and proof that life on this earth is temporal and precious. The news refines my sense of purpose to share the gospel with the lost on campus and in this city. I will continue to pray for Evan and the rest of the Wray family.
Some verses that are helping me with our purpose in this city:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Joshua 1:9
Philemon 4-7
Matthew 28:18-20
Thank you all for your continued encouragement! I hope this blog is helpful in letting you all know a bit of what is going on during our action-packed days!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Finally here
pardon the lack of capital letters. i am writing from a french keyboard at an internet cafe while the campground internet is temporarily down.
i will do my best to keep you all updated, but the cheap, fast connectivity i so much took for granted in the states is a luxury i wont have these next 6 weeks.
i want to say how amazing it is, other than the technical difficulty, to be in this city. Nantes is cozy and colorful. Seems the average age is about 35. tons of college students in the area. tonight, ate the first round of crepes near a centuries-old church as a distant saxophonist backgrounded an array of french chatter at the surrounding outdoor cafe tables. it was 75 and sunny, and all was well.
the project team is coming together and gelling wonderfully. aided by cramped quarters, we are definitely going to emerge as a tight-knit group. i am so excited to see what the lord is able to do with such an energized and willing group of followers in nantes!
its 10:35 here, and the sun won't go down for about another hour, but i need to head to bed. my head is spinning from the 30 hour day of sleepless travel.
in him,
greg
i will do my best to keep you all updated, but the cheap, fast connectivity i so much took for granted in the states is a luxury i wont have these next 6 weeks.
i want to say how amazing it is, other than the technical difficulty, to be in this city. Nantes is cozy and colorful. Seems the average age is about 35. tons of college students in the area. tonight, ate the first round of crepes near a centuries-old church as a distant saxophonist backgrounded an array of french chatter at the surrounding outdoor cafe tables. it was 75 and sunny, and all was well.
the project team is coming together and gelling wonderfully. aided by cramped quarters, we are definitely going to emerge as a tight-knit group. i am so excited to see what the lord is able to do with such an energized and willing group of followers in nantes!
its 10:35 here, and the sun won't go down for about another hour, but i need to head to bed. my head is spinning from the 30 hour day of sleepless travel.
in him,
greg
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Checking In
Last night, I was thinking, "hey, it's been a while since I've updated my blog. I should get on that."
Recent things that have happened that didn't get blog coverage, but were either important or cool:
1) Switching major from News Writing/Editing Journalism to Social Studies Education
2) Seeing 60 percent of the financial support for my missions trip to Nantes, France come in.
3) Grassy Knoll Fruit Shooters
4) The Red Sox's continued dominance of the Yankees this season.
5) Moving out of the dorms.
So, long story made into slightly shorter story, I decided to write about a road trip. When I got online to write about my recent adventure to Charleston, WV for a minor-league baseball game, I realized a friend already wrote about it, and included video!
So, after violently shutting my laptop in disgust over being scooped, I walked away, still no update. Sorry, readers, I've dropped the ball.
But today, I came across a verse as a part of a new Bible in a year plan my bible study leader is having me do, and I thought "hmm ... this could be the makings of a new post."
Hosea 13:6
When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.
God convicted me with this passage. I know that not all of you will be, but I think it's a profound message being conveyed here. What do we look like a week after God has granted us a "yes" answer to a prayer? Are we still giving thanks in satisfaction, or are we growing prideful, and forgetting the Lord?
This was a wake-up call that I can glorify God more than I have been. My pride was driving a wedge between the Lord and I. What else is new.
Recent things that have happened that didn't get blog coverage, but were either important or cool:
1) Switching major from News Writing/Editing Journalism to Social Studies Education
2) Seeing 60 percent of the financial support for my missions trip to Nantes, France come in.
3) Grassy Knoll Fruit Shooters
4) The Red Sox's continued dominance of the Yankees this season.
5) Moving out of the dorms.
So, long story made into slightly shorter story, I decided to write about a road trip. When I got online to write about my recent adventure to Charleston, WV for a minor-league baseball game, I realized a friend already wrote about it, and included video!
So, after violently shutting my laptop in disgust over being scooped, I walked away, still no update. Sorry, readers, I've dropped the ball.
But today, I came across a verse as a part of a new Bible in a year plan my bible study leader is having me do, and I thought "hmm ... this could be the makings of a new post."
Hosea 13:6
When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.
God convicted me with this passage. I know that not all of you will be, but I think it's a profound message being conveyed here. What do we look like a week after God has granted us a "yes" answer to a prayer? Are we still giving thanks in satisfaction, or are we growing prideful, and forgetting the Lord?
This was a wake-up call that I can glorify God more than I have been. My pride was driving a wedge between the Lord and I. What else is new.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Treading Water
Support raising is feeling like treading water. I'm working, but not seeing much of a change in scenery.
Whenever people told me that raising support was one of the most trying times they had been through in college, I kind of acknowledged it and shrugged it off. "I'm sure it was," I would say. Now, I have seen and can personally attest to this very fact. And, I'd like to add a few words of my own: it's awesome.
With support raising, I fall into worry every day. I worry I won't raise the money, I worry I'll send Austin over to France as the lone male representative from OU, I worry I'm missing out on an awesome opportunity to glorify God. I worry, I worry, I worry. Then, I pray.
Worry over support causes me to lift my heart and my summer to God each day. It forces me to acknowledge the goodness of God. If I'm going to be in Nantes this summer, it will be because of Him. I see how support in itself is something God uses to make us glorify Him.
I am still a long way from being done with support. Each day I dedicate time to pray for the project, to grow my support team and that all of those students raising to go to Nantes, or anywhere else, can raise their support.
Even before I board a plane, summer project will have made a tremendous impact on my life, and I'm grateful for it.
Whenever people told me that raising support was one of the most trying times they had been through in college, I kind of acknowledged it and shrugged it off. "I'm sure it was," I would say. Now, I have seen and can personally attest to this very fact. And, I'd like to add a few words of my own: it's awesome.
With support raising, I fall into worry every day. I worry I won't raise the money, I worry I'll send Austin over to France as the lone male representative from OU, I worry I'm missing out on an awesome opportunity to glorify God. I worry, I worry, I worry. Then, I pray.
Worry over support causes me to lift my heart and my summer to God each day. It forces me to acknowledge the goodness of God. If I'm going to be in Nantes this summer, it will be because of Him. I see how support in itself is something God uses to make us glorify Him.
I am still a long way from being done with support. Each day I dedicate time to pray for the project, to grow my support team and that all of those students raising to go to Nantes, or anywhere else, can raise their support.
Even before I board a plane, summer project will have made a tremendous impact on my life, and I'm grateful for it.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Love
Sitting in the middle of my boring, mundane Information Gathering class, my eyes wander over my left shoulder, to the window. I see the sun beating down on a beautiful campus, with lush greens and maroon brick roads.
It's so easy to get lost in the day-to-day and not notice the ways God is showing us love. Our eyes venture down, fixing all of our attention on the next step. We block out the peripheral, and we miss the big picture. While we are called to work to fulfill the works that Christ has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), it's important to remember that God wants to give and receive love.
I don't know if it's the same for you, but I can go through a day only focused on the task at hand, with no time to reflect on how my day was glorifying to God. What happens is that I end up at the end of the day feeling empty, that my day was self-fulfilling and without purpose. It's an awful feeling, but one that can be avoided with some time spent with God. Meditate on who He is, and never lose sight of the cross. When we focus on the ultimate act of love, the atoning death of Jesus, we can begin to understand the love that our Father has for us.
"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."
– Psalm 73:23-25
He is our Father, we are His children. How is His love impacting your life today?
It's so easy to get lost in the day-to-day and not notice the ways God is showing us love. Our eyes venture down, fixing all of our attention on the next step. We block out the peripheral, and we miss the big picture. While we are called to work to fulfill the works that Christ has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), it's important to remember that God wants to give and receive love.
I don't know if it's the same for you, but I can go through a day only focused on the task at hand, with no time to reflect on how my day was glorifying to God. What happens is that I end up at the end of the day feeling empty, that my day was self-fulfilling and without purpose. It's an awful feeling, but one that can be avoided with some time spent with God. Meditate on who He is, and never lose sight of the cross. When we focus on the ultimate act of love, the atoning death of Jesus, we can begin to understand the love that our Father has for us.
"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."
– Psalm 73:23-25
He is our Father, we are His children. How is His love impacting your life today?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Encouragement among Men
Tonight, halfway through week seven of the most taxing quarter of my two years here, I made a list of the classwork I have to do.
It's not encouraging.
So, to the word I turn. Would you know it, in a time of need, God responds. He's led me to the book of Job lately. Tonight, I'm dwelling in and drinking in the poetic exaltation that is Job 5. I personally invite you all to read it for yourself. I'm going to give you a much-abridged thematic flow.
"Call if you will, but who will answer you? ... His children are far from safety, crushed in court without a defender ... Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him ... He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away ... So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He wounds but He also binds up; He injures but He also heals ... We have examined this, and it is true. So hear it and apply it to yourself."
I love this chapter. Best of all, it's an emphasis on the need for Christian fellowship. There are few things I enjoy more than talking to my friends about what they are going through, and how the Lord is working and showing them His love in their lives. This entire chapter is Job's friend, Eliphaz encouraging him after a stint in which Job lost most of his family, livestock and health. Job describes the time in chapter 6 by saying:
"if only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas."
It's a time where he needs to know that God is with him. God brings Job this encouragement and backing voice through Eliphaz, a fellow believer.
So, the next time you think about encouraging one of your fellow men, and reconsider because it doesn't sound manly enough, think about the example set in Job by Eliphaz. Even though Job spits in his face, Eliphaz stays strong by his friend. Eliphaz has the courage, the audacity to remain loyal. He's truly a man of God, and he encourages his brothers.
It's not encouraging.
So, to the word I turn. Would you know it, in a time of need, God responds. He's led me to the book of Job lately. Tonight, I'm dwelling in and drinking in the poetic exaltation that is Job 5. I personally invite you all to read it for yourself. I'm going to give you a much-abridged thematic flow.
"Call if you will, but who will answer you? ... His children are far from safety, crushed in court without a defender ... Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him ... He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away ... So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He wounds but He also binds up; He injures but He also heals ... We have examined this, and it is true. So hear it and apply it to yourself."
I love this chapter. Best of all, it's an emphasis on the need for Christian fellowship. There are few things I enjoy more than talking to my friends about what they are going through, and how the Lord is working and showing them His love in their lives. This entire chapter is Job's friend, Eliphaz encouraging him after a stint in which Job lost most of his family, livestock and health. Job describes the time in chapter 6 by saying:
"if only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas."
It's a time where he needs to know that God is with him. God brings Job this encouragement and backing voice through Eliphaz, a fellow believer.
So, the next time you think about encouraging one of your fellow men, and reconsider because it doesn't sound manly enough, think about the example set in Job by Eliphaz. Even though Job spits in his face, Eliphaz stays strong by his friend. Eliphaz has the courage, the audacity to remain loyal. He's truly a man of God, and he encourages his brothers.
The Future
I was talking to a friend the other day whose dad was talking to him about meeting up with some of his old college buddies for a weekend.
Here's what he said: "These guys are the same as they were in college. They have the same passions and the same problems. They have more stuff and more responsibility, but they are all dealing with the same stuff."
It's a scary thought that when I'm 50 I'll be an impatient and (at times) overbearing person. I know we're all flawed beings, but I think we have a chance to make up some ground in those areas. God calls us to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24)
What is it that makes us resist this change, this improvement? How can we end up 30 years down the road, still trying to press out the wrinkles in our spiritual life? I believe if we truly surrender ourselves to the Lord, dedicating ourselves to prayer, to the Word, and to seeking wise counsel, we can truly put off the old self and put on the new self.
Here's what he said: "These guys are the same as they were in college. They have the same passions and the same problems. They have more stuff and more responsibility, but they are all dealing with the same stuff."
It's a scary thought that when I'm 50 I'll be an impatient and (at times) overbearing person. I know we're all flawed beings, but I think we have a chance to make up some ground in those areas. God calls us to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24)
What is it that makes us resist this change, this improvement? How can we end up 30 years down the road, still trying to press out the wrinkles in our spiritual life? I believe if we truly surrender ourselves to the Lord, dedicating ourselves to prayer, to the Word, and to seeking wise counsel, we can truly put off the old self and put on the new self.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Purpose
Just started reading The Call by Os Guinness. I'm only about 20 pages into the book, but I think it'll be a good week's read.
The book discusses three different views on purpose from three different schools of thought.
1) The Eastern View – used in religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, the view of purpose is like the view of everything else. It has no significance in this life or in eternity. The final reality is an impersonal ground of being, or "undifferentiated impersonal." Forget yourself, and forget your purpose. "Seen from this perspective, freedom is not freedom to be individual, but freedom from individuality."
2) The Secularist Answer – used by Atheists, most agnostics, naturalists and humanists. The final reality is chance and there is no God, so purpose is completely up to us. We don't discover it, we decide it.
3) The Biblical Answer – Common to Jews and Christians. Purpose isn't impersonal or chance, but a personal creator God who has a purpose for all of us. Purpose is two-faceted: who we are created to be and who we are called to be. "It gives our lives an inspiration and a dynamism that transforms them into an enterprise beyond any comparison."
What sets Christians and Jews apart in the Biblical Answer, is that we aren't just called, but our Caller is a personal savior. His name is Jesus. His call: "Follow me."
The book discusses three different views on purpose from three different schools of thought.
1) The Eastern View – used in religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, the view of purpose is like the view of everything else. It has no significance in this life or in eternity. The final reality is an impersonal ground of being, or "undifferentiated impersonal." Forget yourself, and forget your purpose. "Seen from this perspective, freedom is not freedom to be individual, but freedom from individuality."
2) The Secularist Answer – used by Atheists, most agnostics, naturalists and humanists. The final reality is chance and there is no God, so purpose is completely up to us. We don't discover it, we decide it.
3) The Biblical Answer – Common to Jews and Christians. Purpose isn't impersonal or chance, but a personal creator God who has a purpose for all of us. Purpose is two-faceted: who we are created to be and who we are called to be. "It gives our lives an inspiration and a dynamism that transforms them into an enterprise beyond any comparison."
What sets Christians and Jews apart in the Biblical Answer, is that we aren't just called, but our Caller is a personal savior. His name is Jesus. His call: "Follow me."
Friday, May 8, 2009
Asking the right questions
As a journalist, I've learned that during an interview, the way to a person's true self is to ask the right questions.
When you're sick, you go to the doctor. The doctor, through a series of questions, makes a quick diagnosis and then finds a way to cure your illness.
Sometimes, I try to find a cure before I've fully diagnosed the spiritual illness. Instead, we need to fully understand what our symptoms are before we can pursue a cure.
Some questions I've found helpful:
Where is your heart in the dark? When you leave the church, when the lights turn low, when the praise music stops, where does your heart turn?
What do you put your hope in? Money? Relationships? School?
Is there something in your life that is distracting or blocking your view of the Lord and His purpose?
Are you representing the Lord in life, or somebody else? Yourself, your family, your company, your school? Who or what are you an ambassador of in this world?
Are you seeing fruit of the spirit's work in your life? (Galatians 5:22-23)
Is your mind clouded by guilt over sin more often than it is by joy in the Lord's grace?
Are you listening to and succumbing to the voice of temptation in your head, or do you turn to the word, prayer and wise counsel for your decision making?
And the final question – taken from a graduation speech given to Stanford by Apple CEO Steve Jobs in 2005 – Look at yourself in the mirror each morning and ask: If today were the last day of your life, would you do what you are about to do today?
Pray about your answers. Consult the Word (not the world) daily. Trust that the Lord will not only point out the iniquities in your thinking, but burn them away so that you may live your life with the unbridled joy that comes only from glorifying the Lord of the universe.
When you're sick, you go to the doctor. The doctor, through a series of questions, makes a quick diagnosis and then finds a way to cure your illness.
Sometimes, I try to find a cure before I've fully diagnosed the spiritual illness. Instead, we need to fully understand what our symptoms are before we can pursue a cure.
Some questions I've found helpful:
Where is your heart in the dark? When you leave the church, when the lights turn low, when the praise music stops, where does your heart turn?
What do you put your hope in? Money? Relationships? School?
Is there something in your life that is distracting or blocking your view of the Lord and His purpose?
Are you representing the Lord in life, or somebody else? Yourself, your family, your company, your school? Who or what are you an ambassador of in this world?
Are you seeing fruit of the spirit's work in your life? (Galatians 5:22-23)
Is your mind clouded by guilt over sin more often than it is by joy in the Lord's grace?
Are you listening to and succumbing to the voice of temptation in your head, or do you turn to the word, prayer and wise counsel for your decision making?
And the final question – taken from a graduation speech given to Stanford by Apple CEO Steve Jobs in 2005 – Look at yourself in the mirror each morning and ask: If today were the last day of your life, would you do what you are about to do today?
Pray about your answers. Consult the Word (not the world) daily. Trust that the Lord will not only point out the iniquities in your thinking, but burn them away so that you may live your life with the unbridled joy that comes only from glorifying the Lord of the universe.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Songs that lull us to sleep
Today, I had the 'ol ipod on shuffle
Some examples:
"Belief is a beautiful armor, but makes for the heaviest sword
like punching underwater, you never can hit who you're trying for
some lead the exhibition, and some have to know they tried
it's the chemical weapon for the war that's raging on inside
oh, everyone believes from emptiness to everything ...
we're never gonna win the world, we're never gonna stop the war
we're never gonna beat this if belief is what we're fighting for"
— "Belief" by John Mayer
"Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today."
— "Imagine" by John Lennon
"Hollywood glamourized my wrath
I'm the young urban psychopath.
I incite murder for your entertainment
'Cause I needed the money.
What's your excuse?
The joke's on you.
Slow motion, See me let go"
— "Slow Motion" by Third Eye Blind
"Very superstitious, wash your face and hands,
Rid me of the problem, do all that you can,
Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong,
You don't wanna save me, sad is my song.
When you believe in things that you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain't the way, yeh, yeh."
— "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
"How she wishes it was different
She prays to God most every night
And though she swears He doesn't listen
There's still a hope in her He might
She says, 'I pray'
Oh but they fall on deaf ears"
— "Grey Street" by The Dave Matthews Band
When I listen to these songs, as melodically beautiful as they may be, they get me down. When I listen to them too much, they affect me. I become anxious, worried, doubtful – everything the songs suggest.
So, where do these songs come into play? Should we ever listen to these songs? If the music begins to affect you, drop it like any other vice that would lead you from the grip of God. I listen to it for the same reason I like to read Ecclesiastes. It's a great barometer for the world, and the need for Christ in the world.
What do I listen to instead? Christian music as a genre is booming. There is plenty of amazing, truth-filled, uplifting music to listen to.
Who am I listening to now?
Chris Rice, Phil Wickham, Needtobreathe, Matt Redman, David Crowder Band
Scripture:
Psalm 100:1-2 ; Psalm 146:2 ; Ephesians 5:18-19
Some examples:
"Belief is a beautiful armor, but makes for the heaviest sword
like punching underwater, you never can hit who you're trying for
some lead the exhibition, and some have to know they tried
it's the chemical weapon for the war that's raging on inside
oh, everyone believes from emptiness to everything ...
we're never gonna win the world, we're never gonna stop the war
we're never gonna beat this if belief is what we're fighting for"
— "Belief" by John Mayer
"Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today."
— "Imagine" by John Lennon
"Hollywood glamourized my wrath
I'm the young urban psychopath.
I incite murder for your entertainment
'Cause I needed the money.
What's your excuse?
The joke's on you.
Slow motion, See me let go"
— "Slow Motion" by Third Eye Blind
"Very superstitious, wash your face and hands,
Rid me of the problem, do all that you can,
Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong,
You don't wanna save me, sad is my song.
When you believe in things that you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain't the way, yeh, yeh."
— "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
"How she wishes it was different
She prays to God most every night
And though she swears He doesn't listen
There's still a hope in her He might
She says, 'I pray'
Oh but they fall on deaf ears"
— "Grey Street" by The Dave Matthews Band
When I listen to these songs, as melodically beautiful as they may be, they get me down. When I listen to them too much, they affect me. I become anxious, worried, doubtful – everything the songs suggest.
So, where do these songs come into play? Should we ever listen to these songs? If the music begins to affect you, drop it like any other vice that would lead you from the grip of God. I listen to it for the same reason I like to read Ecclesiastes. It's a great barometer for the world, and the need for Christ in the world.
What do I listen to instead? Christian music as a genre is booming. There is plenty of amazing, truth-filled, uplifting music to listen to.
Who am I listening to now?
Chris Rice, Phil Wickham, Needtobreathe, Matt Redman, David Crowder Band
Scripture:
Psalm 100:1-2 ; Psalm 146:2 ; Ephesians 5:18-19
Monday, April 27, 2009
Harnessing Anger
Right now, I'm reading three books on leadership. For class: The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes, and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. For d-time: Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Chambers.
Now, obviously, one of these is a book on christian leadership, and the others on general leadership. What I've found, though, is the two are almost identical. They all suggest and go over the same characteristics: discipline, vision, wisdom, decision, courage, humility, integrity, sincerity, humor, etc...
The big surprise came when Chambers advised using anger in leadership. To be perfectly clear, the anger Chambers promotes is a tempered, controlled, holistic anger.
The other books advise to stay clear of anger, and that if anger starts to arise, to leave. The secular authors don't hint at the possibility of controlling anger and using it as a tool. They see it simply as a detriment.
So what's the difference? Is it that Christians are better able to control their anger and their tongues? Psalm 4:4 says, "in your anger, do not sin." That verse implies that anger is there, and that anger can truly exist without crossing into sin. Though, a huge struggle of mine is where to draw that line. So, I'm not even going to suggest how to control anger and harness it as a tool. That is for much better men than I.
So, the question is ... What are the most important characteristics in a leader? How should anger be employed by a Christian leader?
Now, obviously, one of these is a book on christian leadership, and the others on general leadership. What I've found, though, is the two are almost identical. They all suggest and go over the same characteristics: discipline, vision, wisdom, decision, courage, humility, integrity, sincerity, humor, etc...
The big surprise came when Chambers advised using anger in leadership. To be perfectly clear, the anger Chambers promotes is a tempered, controlled, holistic anger.
The other books advise to stay clear of anger, and that if anger starts to arise, to leave. The secular authors don't hint at the possibility of controlling anger and using it as a tool. They see it simply as a detriment.
So what's the difference? Is it that Christians are better able to control their anger and their tongues? Psalm 4:4 says, "in your anger, do not sin." That verse implies that anger is there, and that anger can truly exist without crossing into sin. Though, a huge struggle of mine is where to draw that line. So, I'm not even going to suggest how to control anger and harness it as a tool. That is for much better men than I.
So, the question is ... What are the most important characteristics in a leader? How should anger be employed by a Christian leader?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
What is the Pursuit? Part Two
The pursuit is a following.
When I say following, I don't mean that to be in pursuit, one needs to be a follower of men, or needs to stay away from leadership roles. But, in the end, the point of the pursuit is that you have someone or something that you are actively following, in a drive to attain it. For me, the pursuit is a following of Christ, which includes:
1) Pursuing the character of Christ
2) Pursuing the mission of Christ
Two questions you could have right now are, "What about the pursuit of the salvation of Christ? What about the pursuit of the grace/love/mercy of Christ?"
I no longer have to worry about the pursuit of the grace, love or salvation of Christ. That's a bold statement, but one promised to all those who have faith because of their relationship (or pursuit of one) with the Lord. (1 John 5:11-13)
Moving on, the pursuit of the character of Christ, or sanctification, is where the following really kicks off. To follow Christ is to put restrictions on the freedoms that don't align with his character. Christ is perfect. He lived a perfect life that serves as a model for all those wanting to follow him. If we restrict ourselves and our lives in order to align our character with His, then we are ultimately liberated.
--- For more on truth, freedom, and the liberating power of Christ, I suggest listening to a sermon by Tim Keller based on Galatians 2:4-16, found here.
The pursuit of the mission of Christ is simple. It is a calling delivered by the Son of God to all who believe. The mission: to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the Earth (Matthew 28:12-20). God wants us to live an abundant life, one worthy of His calling, and fitted to His purpose for our lives.
When I say following, I don't mean that to be in pursuit, one needs to be a follower of men, or needs to stay away from leadership roles. But, in the end, the point of the pursuit is that you have someone or something that you are actively following, in a drive to attain it. For me, the pursuit is a following of Christ, which includes:
1) Pursuing the character of Christ
2) Pursuing the mission of Christ
Two questions you could have right now are, "What about the pursuit of the salvation of Christ? What about the pursuit of the grace/love/mercy of Christ?"
I no longer have to worry about the pursuit of the grace, love or salvation of Christ. That's a bold statement, but one promised to all those who have faith because of their relationship (or pursuit of one) with the Lord. (1 John 5:11-13)
Moving on, the pursuit of the character of Christ, or sanctification, is where the following really kicks off. To follow Christ is to put restrictions on the freedoms that don't align with his character. Christ is perfect. He lived a perfect life that serves as a model for all those wanting to follow him. If we restrict ourselves and our lives in order to align our character with His, then we are ultimately liberated.
--- For more on truth, freedom, and the liberating power of Christ, I suggest listening to a sermon by Tim Keller based on Galatians 2:4-16, found here.
The pursuit of the mission of Christ is simple. It is a calling delivered by the Son of God to all who believe. The mission: to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the Earth (Matthew 28:12-20). God wants us to live an abundant life, one worthy of His calling, and fitted to His purpose for our lives.
Friday, April 24, 2009
What is the pursuit? Part One
Pursuit – The act of following or going after; especially a following with haste.
The definition Webster's gives us is saying two things:
1. The pursuit is an act
2. The pursuit is a following
Today, I'm only going to discuss part 1.
I love action. There is something about the James Bond, the Indiana Jones, the Jason Bourne that reaches deep inside of who I am; who God made me. One of my favorite passages of scripture is 2 Timothy 1:7, “For god did not give us a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
There is something integral about the boldness of every character, fictional or not, that keeps fans coming back, reading more books, buying more tickets, wanting more. Humans' love of action goes beyond a love for characters in stories, which are limited to the bound pages of books. Humans want a hero to transcend storybooks, movies, even time and life. While people ceaselessly search for a hero, they overlook the savior. They miss Jesus.
They miss the Jesus who conquered the raging seas that we love to watch toss insane fishermen overboard on the Discovery channel. (Mark 4:35-40)
They miss the Jesus who loved more deeply than any person who walked the Earth, or any character in a Shakespeare play. (John 17:6-26)
They miss the Jesus who fought to defend his house from those who would defile its halls, though we watch war and police movies. (John 2:13-17)
They miss the Jesus who dined with invalids, healed the sick, and used the weak to lead the strong, but revere those who fight for human rights and social justice. (Matthew 9:9-13) (Matthew 4:23) (Matthew 5:5)
Most importantly, they miss the Jesus who created all things, who conquered death, and who will reign as King of kings for all eternity. (John 1:1-5)
The definition Webster's gives us is saying two things:
1. The pursuit is an act
2. The pursuit is a following
Today, I'm only going to discuss part 1.
I love action. There is something about the James Bond, the Indiana Jones, the Jason Bourne that reaches deep inside of who I am; who God made me. One of my favorite passages of scripture is 2 Timothy 1:7, “For god did not give us a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
There is something integral about the boldness of every character, fictional or not, that keeps fans coming back, reading more books, buying more tickets, wanting more. Humans' love of action goes beyond a love for characters in stories, which are limited to the bound pages of books. Humans want a hero to transcend storybooks, movies, even time and life. While people ceaselessly search for a hero, they overlook the savior. They miss Jesus.
They miss the Jesus who conquered the raging seas that we love to watch toss insane fishermen overboard on the Discovery channel. (Mark 4:35-40)
They miss the Jesus who loved more deeply than any person who walked the Earth, or any character in a Shakespeare play. (John 17:6-26)
They miss the Jesus who fought to defend his house from those who would defile its halls, though we watch war and police movies. (John 2:13-17)
They miss the Jesus who dined with invalids, healed the sick, and used the weak to lead the strong, but revere those who fight for human rights and social justice. (Matthew 9:9-13) (Matthew 4:23) (Matthew 5:5)
Most importantly, they miss the Jesus who created all things, who conquered death, and who will reign as King of kings for all eternity. (John 1:1-5)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)