Salt and Light
October 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
If you haven’t seen this article on how the church in Portland is trying to reach out and serve the city, check it out. I was encouraged, and I am confident you will be as well.
Seeking greater Shalom,
Joe
Finding Yourself
October 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
“Your real, new self (which is Christ’s and also yours, and yours just because it is His) will not come as long as you are looking for it. It will come when you are looking for Him. Does that sound strange? The same principle holds, you know, for more everyday matters. Even in social life you will never make a good impression on other people until you stop thinking about what sort of impression you are making. Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it. The principle runs through all life from top to bottom. Give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Lose your life and you will save it.”
- C.S. Lewis
Bad Good Times
October 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
You will appreciate this challenging post from John Piper.
Could we also say that “The worst of all times is the best of all times for witness and sanctification.” (?)
Longing to think clearly,
Joe
Psalm 119:71
October 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
In the ESV, Psalm 119:71 reads,
“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”
It proved helpful for me to change one word this morning.
“It is good for me that I was inconvenienced, that I might learn your statutes.”
I trust I am not alone. After all, if we are thinking rightly, God does a wonderful sanctifying work through the normal inconveniences of life. Nothing fancy really. The computer doesn’t work as it ought. Ants won’t die despite your best efforts. Your child is struggling to obey. You lose a game you should have won. Take your pick. I am sure you can imagine something.
Whatever it is, so much of life falls into the category of inconveniences. Afflictions might be too strong a word for them. For we are not really suffering. We are just inconvenienced. And oftentimes it is difficult (at least for me) to trust in the Lord during those mundane, inconvenient, normal things of life. But if I can value the learning of God’s Word more than my present comfort and ease, the normal inconveniences of life become my friends. Rather than resist them and complain about them, I will welcome them. Embrace them. Give thanks for them (as I am commanded). And I will be all the more joyful for doing so.
Giving thanks for the normal inconveniences of life (at least right now),
Joe
16 Straight
October 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
This is now my 16th straight post brother. And you have officially been missing from blog nation for over a month! Your last post was a great one actually. In fact, on September 25th, we had 3 posts. But since then, during the past month, only 16. It’s time to get back into blog rhythm. If anyone agrees with me here, please don’t be shy with your comments. I for one miss Larry! Yes, I realize that you just had baby #2. A perfectly legitimate excuse. But I am still inclined to believe you can check in now and again!
Interestingly enough, on my end, I still feel like I am in a time of transition. And during any time of transition, I have to reassess the various activities I engage in. One of those activities is of course blogging. So as of late, it has been helpful for me to remember why I continue to write on this blog. Three things come to mind…
1) It’s a good way to keep in touch with Lar and to sharpen him and be sharpened by him.
2) It’s a great way to learn. For I don’t think I really know what I know until I am forced to write it down.
3) I am hopeful it does and will continue to bless others.
There are probably more reasons, but those are the three most central or foundational ones. Thoughts are sharpened in the context of community. And a small blog community can be formed here (though obviously a limited one). Writing is an essential component of learning. And there is joy in blessing others with what you are learning (or at least trying to!).
Thankful for blogging,
Joe
In Pursuit of Shalom
October 23, 2008 | 3 Comments
Lar,
I think we have posted this quote two other times, but I am reading Plantinga’s Not the Way it is Supposed to Be, and therefore, cannot help but post it again.
“The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight is what the Hebrew prophets call shalom. We call it peace, but it means far more than mere peace of mind or a cease-fire between enemies. In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight–a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.”
There is so much more to say, of course, but that is a wonderful summery and worthy of meditation. In fact, I think this book goes on my ‘must read’ list (even though I haven’t finished it). But the concept of Shalom is one that I believe every Christian should become intimately acquainted with. We need to talk like this. We need to ask ourselves: Am I contributing to the shalom of the city by the way in which I drive? Am I contributing to the shalom of my family by my attitude today? Am I seeking the shalom of my body by the way in which I eat? Am I contributing to the shalom of my workplace by the way in which I work?
In fact, I believe such talk should become commonplace in our homes. And I am aiming to do just that in mine. If Abigail is having a difficult time walking in immediate obedience, we will often ask her, “Are you contributing to the Shalom of the home today?” Essentially, are your attitudes and actions helping both yourself and others to flourish? She knows the concept well enough to answer appropriately. And so should we.
Such questions could be asked about every sphere of life. Because our actions in every sphere of life are important to every other sphere. A sound understanding of the way things ought to be is a powerful motivation to do all we can to make things as they ought to be by the power of the Spirit to the glory of God. I encourage you then brother, to make sure those under you in ministry understand well the concept of Shalom.
Seeking the well-being of the world (however imperfectly),
Joe
Well-Rounded People
October 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
I look forward to seeing a picture of the little Lazarus soon. Until then, here’s a quote I agree with from Leland Ryken’s Work and Leisure in Christian Perspective.
“One of the best tests of whether people are generously educated is what they do in their leisure time. One of the foremost obligations of education is to educate people for leisure, not simply in the sense of introducing them to recreational opportunities but in fostering well-rounded people who can enjoy excellence in a wide range of cultural activities.”
If that is the case (and I believe it is), I ask you: what sort of implications are involved for the Church? After all, the local Church is certainly involved in the education of its members. Indeed, if things are going as they ought to be, the local Church is highly involved in the education of its members. For adults in particular, the local Church might be the only real source of education for many.
Are local Churches doing a good job of educating their members, particularly when it comes to the topics of work and leisure? Ryken didn’t think so 20 years ago (when this book was written, though he has revised it). And I am inclined to think that we still are not being faithful in this regard today?
Longing for Christians to be excellent in their work and leisure,
Joe
Congratulations Daddy Laz
October 21, 2008 | 3 Comments
Lar,
Just wanted to say congratulations to you on the birth of your second child, Felicity Michelle. I am excited for you brother and praying the Lord’s continued blessings on your home. May the Lord grant you the grace to lead her well Lar. I am confident He will.
Until tomorrow,
Joe
p.s. I would have included a picture, but, well…maybe you can help me out there. I won’t mention why I haven’t seen one!
Serving Through Playing
October 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
Last week I quoted Leland Ryken’s Work and Leisure in Christian Perspective.
“…if a person’s work does not contribute to the needs of society, it is not fulfilling its God-intended purpose.”
And I definitely agreed with this statement in context. Then I asked: As a professional basketball, what need of society am I contributing to? The need for diversion? For leisure? For entertainment? For play?
It is a question I have often asked myself over the years. Well last night we played at home against a very good basketball team. And we won in an entertaining match 105-91. We were in control throughout the game, but it was still very intense and very enjoyable. Afterwards, a friend of mine send me a text message and said, “Thanks for the good show.” It hit me, as Ryken makes plain throughout his book, there is a legitimate human ‘need’ (loosely defined) for leisure. And interestingly enough, my job is (among other things) to provide people with a legitimate form of leisure. For watching a good basketball game can definitely be a good leisure experience. It isn’t always for every man, but it definitely can be.
I was encouraged and still am encouraged, even if that means I am technically more or less an entertainer. But you know the way I like to play that I don’t mind that designation.
Serving others while shooting some hoops,
Joe
Why Obama Isn’t Cool
October 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Randy Alcorn tells us that because the killing of unborn children isn’t cool, Obama isn’t cool. And certainly not worthy of an evangelical’s vote. I agree.
It’s a long one, but well worth the read. Note especially Alcorn’s contention that abortion is the most important social issue of our day. If that is the case, we should probably be devoting more time and energy to it than we should.
Reading 15 Minutes Per Day
October 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
Here is an interesting post on reading. One thing in particular stood out.
- If you read 15 minutes a day, every day, for one year, you can complete 20 books!
For most Christians, I don’t think there is any excuse for failing to read 15 minutes per day. At the very least, I believe every Christian should be reading at least one book per month and thus, 12 per year. Imagine a local congregation full of such people (provided they are reading great stuff of course!). That’s a good place to be. I know that it is impossible for some people, but if you are reading this blog right now, it is probably not you!
I am thankful that over the past year, you have been much more diligent with your reading Lar. I exhort you to keep it going and to spread the word. (But make sure you still leave a few minutes to blog!)
Thankful for good books,
Joe
PG-13?
October 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
I would like to talk more about the post I made yesterday, but I wanted to offer some brief reflections on the rating of PG-13. These thoughts were triggered by a movie you might have seen: Enemy of the State.
Well, I was in a bus for a while yesterday and decided to watch it again, as I remembered enjoying it the first time. In its most basic sense, a PG-13 rating means that parental guidance is suggested (not mandatory) for children under 13, because some material may not be suitable for children under 13. You can find detailed descriptions about movie ratings here.
Anyway, what this means is that according to the people who rate these movies, it is societally acceptable for a children 14 years old (or whatever teenage age) to view the movie I watched yesterday. Now consider a few things about this movie and ask yourself how you would feel about your 14 year-old viewing the movie alongside of you.
First, there were very clear scenes of violence, including one in which two groups of men gunned each other down within a 8 foot radius. Another in which a guy got run over by a firetruck. Another where a man was killed with a toxin of some sort.
Second, though sexual acts were not shown, one was more than hinted at–in an adulterous context nonetheless.
Third, in one scene, numerous women were shown in underwear that was, to put it mildly, anything but conservative.
Fourth, the F-word was thrown around more than I hear it in my locker room.
There is more, but that should be enough. The fact that such a film (and numerous others like it) passes for PG-13 says a great deal about the direction our society is headed. For we have to ask ourselves, how have we reached the point where such material is deemed acceptable for a child 14 years of age? I mean, I had a hard time with it and I am almost 30.
Sure, some might label an overly conservative Christian. But first, remember, I like movies. I really do. And secondly, don’t we have to entertain the possibility that we have seen so much of this stuff that we have been hardened to the possibility that it should bother us? Naturally, I think so.
I could say more (as always), but that is enough for now.
Enjoying movies, but longing for a day in which I can enjoy the whole film,
Joe
Serving the Needs of Society
October 15, 2008 | 4 Comments
Lar,
First of all, I now have Internet at the house, so it is time for us to get back to some serious blogging. We have been slacking for far too long. 5-10 minutes per day is all that is necessary right? Along with some creativity of course. I am confident we can make that happen. Let’s do so again.
Secondly, I read the following in Leland Ryken’s Work and Leisure in Christian Perspective.
“…if a person’s work does not contribute to the needs of society, it is not fulfilling its God-intended purpose.”
I agree with that statement, but also find it to be a difficult one (and one that I have struggled with) because I can’t help but ask myself: As a professional basketball, what need of society am I contributing to? The need for diversion? For leisure? For entertainment? For play?
In the end, I am not exactly sure and would appreciate your thoughts. I don’t like the word ‘need’ but that is the one Ryken uses in his book, so let’s go with it. Is their a legitimate, societal need for professional athletics?
I look forward to your response and to some consistent blogging again.
Joe
Family-Driven Faith
October 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
You may have seen that I was reading this book by Voddie Baucham a few weeks ago. I would like to write more at some point, but for now I wanted to point out that this should be required reading for every single husband and father in the Church. And that is not an exaggeration. If you haven’t read it, I would encourage you to do so and to spread the word.
Baucham’s heart flows from the pages. He has a clarity of vision for the home and is willing to say the difficult things necessary to stir up men to their God-given call.
Check it out brother…
Joe
Repent in Front of the Kids
October 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment
How can our kids learn how to repent if we don’t show them how it’s done? Needless to say, all of us have plenty of opportunities.
I say this not only because I had to do so yesterday, but because every single time I do, good things come. The joy of the home inevitably increases.
Getting on your knees in prayer to do so as a family is also a very helpful practice. Of course, in order for this to be truly effective, family prayer needs to happen every single day.
Thankful that I can repent,
Joe
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