tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57738307783280017362024-03-13T22:32:52.537-04:00in all things...God's gloryhelp us only to realize it-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.comBlogger447125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-51716197462430998272012-08-08T20:10:00.001-04:002012-08-08T20:10:24.763-04:0010 daysI will be married in 10 days. Next Saturday I will no longer be single. Sarah, my fiance, will no longer live by herself.
Instead, we will both enter into the holiest of covenants between men. Marriage is a remarkable statement of the nature of God in salvation. I hope that Sarah and I bring him much glory in how we live out the covenant.
To God be the glory,
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-53788550313970447912012-01-05T19:07:00.000-05:002012-01-05T19:07:07.308-05:00daily meditation: salt to taste<blockquote>
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.<br />
<b>Colossians 4:6</b></blockquote>
Have you ever tried something that lacked salt and seemed bland, then added a dash to bring the flavor out? In the same way, don't make your life and words flavorless.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-70684120036031112202012-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T06:00:01.031-05:00daily meditation: real famine<blockquote>
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord G<span style="font-size: x-small;">OD</span>,<br />
“when I will send a famine on the land—<br />
not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,<br />
but of hearing the words of the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span>.<br />
They shall wander from sea to sea,<br />
and from north to east;<br />
they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span>,<br />
but they shall not find it.<br />
<b>Amos 8:11-12</b></blockquote>
<br />
A great famine has come. Will we be the storehouses of Egypt or the barren wasteland of Canaan? Store up the Word for yourselves so that when the hungry come, you can dispense freely.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-14835330261340212382012-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:002012-01-03T06:00:05.992-05:00daily meditation: hardly a prophet<blockquote>
Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span> took me from following the flock, and the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span> said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'<br />
<b>Amos 7:14-15</b></blockquote>
Untrained and outmatched, yet speaking truth. It is the foolish in the world who are chosen to shame the wise. The Spirit is the only maker of prophets.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-11183022796333225742012-01-02T12:36:00.000-05:002012-01-02T12:36:41.616-05:00daily meditation: mercy for the remnant<blockquote>
Hate evil, and love good,<br />
and establish justice in the gate;<br />
it may be that the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span>, the God of hosts,<br />
will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
<br />
<b>Amos 5:15</b></blockquote>
What shall bring mercy to the remnant (those faithful sheep)? Hate evil. Love good. Establish justice. Make it true of the Church, both local and global.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-66389849321352913092011-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:002011-11-23T09:00:02.409-05:00daily meditation: blessed are the peacemakers<blockquote>
<i>"Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,<br /> but those who <b>plan peace</b> have joy."<br />Proverbs 12:20</i></blockquote>
<br />
We have been given the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors of Christ. As one of my pastors, Larry McCall, has often said, Christians must "wage peace."<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-41635113540870751342011-11-22T08:30:00.000-05:002011-11-22T08:30:01.091-05:00daily meditation: change the heart, change the man<br />
<blockquote>
<i>"A wise man's heart inclines him to the right,<br /> but a fool's heart to the left."<br />Ecclesiastes 10:2</i></blockquote>
<br />
How are Christians able to make godly decisions in times of distress, pressure, and myriad of choices? God has given them a new heart. That new heart is wise.<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-75911846677774780592011-11-21T16:39:00.001-05:002011-11-21T16:45:53.129-05:00daily meditation: he keeps us<blockquote>
<i>"I am the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span>, I have called you in righteousness;</i><br />
<i> I will take you by the hand and keep you;</i><br />
<i>I will give you as a covenant for the people,</i><br />
<i> a light for the nations"</i><br />
<i>Isaiah 42:6</i></blockquote>
He keeps us from falling away from grace for a reason; we are to be a light to the nations. He calls us in righteousness so that we may live to make his holiness known.
<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-42342948402597710512011-10-25T12:11:00.000-04:002011-10-25T12:11:02.804-04:00daily meditation: the bread and wineProverbs 9:4-6
<blockquote>"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!"<br> To him who lacks sense she says,<br>"Come, eat of my bread<br> and drink of the wine I have mixed.<br>Leave your simple ways, and live,<br> and walk in the way of insight."</blockquote>
<p>If we are called to eat of the bread and drink of the wine that wisdom has prepared in order that we may live, then let us go get it from the one who gave it. Namely, Jesus. He is the bread. He is the wine.</p>
<p>James says if anyone lacks wisdom he should ask for it and it will be given. I assure you, it is given. Wisdom, in all its greatness, is wrapped up in the person and works of Jesus Christ. Eat of him. Drink of him. And, then, live.</p><p>-joe</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-34529827891489418162011-10-24T22:50:00.000-04:002011-10-24T22:50:45.080-04:00daily meditation: slow seduction and a quick fallProverbs 7:21-23
<blockquote>"With much seductive speech she persuades him;<br>
with her smooth talk she compels him.<br>
All at once he follows her,<br>
as an ox goes to the slaughter,<br>
or as a stag is caught fast<br>
till an arrow pierces its liver;<br>
as a bird rushes into a snare;<br>
he does not know that it will cost him his life.</blockquote><p>
Too often we think that temptation happens only in the instant before our sin. In reality, temptation seduces us slowly, feeding us small lies and empty promises over days, weeks, months, and years. It is this slow seduction that makes our fall seem so sudden.</p>
<p>Beware the steady voice of the adulteress. She calls daily in the streets. Shut your ears to her words so that none of them can get it. Fill yourself, instead, with sweet Gospel truths so that you can "say no to ungodliness and worldly passion."</p>
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-16163200363706959812011-10-20T18:29:00.000-04:002011-10-20T18:29:56.106-04:00big-bellied promisesGod has made promises which, in the end, will stand tall and erect over all the commands he has given us. He will not allow his word to fail. And this...this (in the words of John Bunyan) is one of the absolute, will-not-fail, big-bellied promises of God. It contains within its belly all the conditional promises based on our obedience. It holds them because Christ accomplished them for us so that this one mighty covenant would stand:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>"<b>All that the Father gives me will come to me</b>, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. <b>And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day</b>. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”<br />
(John 6:37-40 ESV)</blockquote><br />
My constant failures cause me to doubt, but this gives me hope. <br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-15259459826130532222011-02-25T14:19:00.000-05:002011-02-25T14:19:18.956-05:00daily meditation: by the blood"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."<br />
<br />
Those that deny the necessity of Christ's blood have misunderstood the Gospel. He shed his blood so that we could be reconciled to God. Without it we don't get to be called sons and daughters of God. Don't gloss over it.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-4326819364962882712011-02-24T09:59:00.000-05:002011-02-24T09:59:15.371-05:00daily meditation: new heartThe gospel in the book of Ezekiel:<br />
<br />
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."<br />
<br />
And he does that when we believe. Rips it out. Replaces it. By his death and resurrection we die and rise again.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-16612556781905014592011-02-23T10:50:00.000-05:002011-02-23T10:50:50.604-05:00daily meditation: the crucifixionFrom John's account:<br />
<br />
"After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said ( to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."<br />
<br />
It is finished, my friends. Completed and done. Rest in the finished work of Christ.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-83306196402900711862011-02-22T08:47:00.000-05:002011-02-22T08:47:30.784-05:00daily meditation: Christ's deathTo quote one of my favorite bands, "redemptive ends through tragic means," is a short summary of the good news of the gospel. Christ's death is nothing less than tragic. But, it was necessary and good and gives us much in the way of hope.<br />
<br />
"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?"<br />
<br />
Of the many things that Christ's death accomplished, here is one to think on today: You died, too. Your old self is dead. Your sinful, fleshly, worldly, hard-hearted, disobedient self is no longer. Christ's death accomplished your death.<br />
<br />
When you feel the presses of sin welling up, remind yourself that you were baptized into death. That stuff is gone. Reckon it to be true and live with newness of life today.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-82028530486869363042011-02-21T12:31:00.000-05:002011-02-21T12:31:12.875-05:00predicting the argumentArgument starters:<br />
<br />
Predestination.<br />
<br />
Free-will.<br />
<br />
Creation.<br />
<br />
Evolution.<br />
<br />
Baptism.<br />
<br />
Roman Catholicism.<br />
<br />
Abortion.<br />
<br />
You mention any of those things in mixed company (mixed being those of varying political, religious and social leanings) and you will inevitably find yourself embroiled in a tasty little debate.<br />
<br />
I am, unfortunately, one of the worst culprits of this disease. By God's grace, I am beginning to win the battle more and more and someday, hopefully, I will no longer engage in fruitless debates.<br />
<br />
More and more I continue to turn the conversation back to the realities of Scripture and the truth of the Gospel. It's not that I don't have thoughts about the truths of predestination, the goodness of creation, the abuses of the Roman church and the horrors of abortion. I have lots of things to say about them. But not in a barely coherent "conversation" about such things. No one ever goes away from those things renewed in the Gospel.<br />
<br />
I saw the inklings of one yesterday and attempted to calm the breaches by encouraging the folks to turn to Scripture and the church fathers for their opinions rather than simply stating that God could "never" do this or that. Some of those things are stated clearly in Scripture as something God <i>does</i>, in fact, do. <br />
<br />
The discussion bore on past the comment and my advice will likely be unheeded. But, for their sake, I hope they do spend more time in the Word than in arguments. I know what it has done to me and I hope it does the same for them and you.<br />
<br />
Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-49339324338835905402011-02-21T10:11:00.000-05:002011-02-21T10:11:06.850-05:00daily meditation: the resurrectionA few weeks ago my life group leader, Josh, gave me a short book, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Primer-Christians-Learning-Glories/dp/1885904673?ie=UTF8&tag=joehelt-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969"><i>A Gospel Primer</i></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=joehelt-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1885904673" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />, and assured me that it was one of the better books out there. And, though there is nothing especially "great" about it, I had to agree. It's simple. It's concise. And, it is convicting.<br />
<br />
It is those things because it is just the Gospel, spelled out in three different ways. It urges those who read it to daily meditate on the Gospel and so here I have decided to provide short, daily meditations on different aspects of the Gospel so that we might better live in light of it. (It will also force me to be disciplined in my own daily meditations.)<br />
<br />
So, without any further ado, today's meditation on the resurrection:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ."</blockquote><br />
The implications and good news that result from the fact of Christ's resurrection are far-reaching but perhaps the two greatest things that come from it are that Christ is now seated at the right hand of God and we have been given newness of life.<br />
<br />
Christ finished the work and conquered death so completely that he rose again and lived. He came alive to show us the image of our own deaths and resurrections in him. He sat down to give us a view of the rest of God that we will one day enter. <br />
<br />
We are alive, together with Christ, and the same spirit that raised him is at work in us. That is an unbelievable thing. The same exact spirit that had the power to raise the Son of God is working in us to live lives worthy of the gospel. <br />
<br />
The resurrection is essential because death without life would be useless. But, Christ has been raised and we have been raised with him. Rejoice in this today. Live in light of it and look to the risen Savior today.<br />
<br />
-joe<br />
<br />
<a imageanchor="1" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Primer-Christians-Learning-Glories/dp/1885904673?ie=UTF8&tag=joehelt-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969"><img alt="A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1885904673&tag=joehelt-20" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=joehelt-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1885904673" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-91568062848591786272011-02-17T02:00:00.001-05:002011-02-17T02:00:10.163-05:00our complacency towards Scripture is solved by..."In the beginning was the Word..."<br />
<br />
Christ, the magnificent word of God.<br />
<br />
The complacency towards Scripture in the church is unsettling to me (actually, it is frightening) and that small snippet of the Word (about the Word) makes my case.<br />
<br />
The Bible is the written word of God, recorded for us so that we can know God to the fullest extent possible on this side of eternity. And yet, we spend so little time with it. We spend so little time reading and meditating and praying through it that our vision of Christ cannot be a very big one. <br />
<br />
I lump myself in this mess. It scares me how little I cherish my time in the Scriptures. And it makes me nervous that the Word doesn't make me tremble in awe more often. <br />
<br />
When people saw a vision of God, as recorded in the Bible, they were terrified. They were awestruck. And yet, here we sit with a perfect portrait of Christ in our little, sinful hands and we barely even glimpse at it.<br />
<br />
What is the solution? What is the answer to our dilemma? <br />
<br />
The most obvious is to read and study and pray the Word more often. But me saying that doesn't do as much as me quoting this:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>The law of the LORD is perfect,<br />
refreshing the soul.<br />
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,<br />
making wise the simple.<br />
The precepts of the LORD are right,<br />
giving joy to the heart.<br />
The commands of the LORD are radiant,<br />
giving light to the eyes.<br />
The fear of the LORD is pure,<br />
enduring forever.<br />
The decrees of the LORD are firm,<br />
and all of them are righteous.<br />
<br />
They are more precious than gold,<br />
than much pure gold;<br />
they are sweeter than honey,<br />
than honey from the honeycomb.<br />
By them your servant is warned;<br />
in keeping them there is great reward.<br />
But who can discern their own errors?<br />
Forgive my hidden faults.<br />
Keep your servant also from willful sins;<br />
may they not rule over me.<br />
Then I will be blameless,<br />
innocent of great transgression.<br />
<br />
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart<br />
be pleasing in your sight,<br />
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. </blockquote><br />
The answer is more than simply telling ourselves (and others) to read more. Much of the answer lies in our speaking the Word into each others lives. So, this week, make it a goal to speak Scripture to each other. <br />
<br />
It doesn't even matter how much you know. You might only know a tiny part of John 3:16 or the 23rd Psalm. You know what? Those are part of the definition of God. Speak them. Speak them often.<br />
<br />
And, hopefully, our speaking the Word, which pierces to the soul and spirit, will do more for us than any amount of do-better-ism that we can muster. <br />
<br />
And so, I urge you to consider how you can urge one another on toward love and good deeds by speaking the living and active Word (which is Christ in written form) to one another.<br />
<br />
In Christ who sustains,<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-38802951491871750842011-02-15T21:11:00.000-05:002011-02-15T21:11:50.445-05:00a new computer meansI finally broke down and bought a cheap little netbook so that I could get back into writing (and to prepare for finishing up my degree via WGU.)<br />
<br />
That means that I will be back to regular blogging with all sorts of craziness from the road and from the Bible. Be prepared.<br />
<br />
Odds are that it could get real crazy.<br />
<br />
(Oh, and my friend Andrew Jones has a weird new blog that I found humorous: <a href="http://expandedvocabulary.wordpress.com/">Expanded Vocabulary</a>)<br />
<br />
Merry February.<br />
<br />
-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-639782791370102912010-10-15T18:14:00.001-04:002010-10-15T18:14:52.217-04:00the lessons of JonahMy immediate response to my latest driving assignment led me to some serious repentance. Man, God is always pushing for that. <br /><br />You see, technically my training on the road ends today. I should have no more time with my trainer and I should have two days off until I have to return to take final tests and paperwork.<br /><br />These two days were very precious to me. I wanted very badly to attend the wedding of a friend tomorrow. He is a stout believer and I love to see friends unite under the headship of Christ. (I was also supposed to usher, so there's a broken promise.)<br /><br />Secondly, I want to see my church. I want to talk to my church family and encourage and be encouraged at a gathering of believers. I wanted to shake hands and smile and laugh and find out all the ways God has been active in their lives. <br /><br />And, I really wanted to see my family. Especially my nephew. Man, I miss that kid like crazy. <br /><br />None of that is going to happen now. I will miss the wedding, miss church and miss my family. <br /><br />My first lightning bolt response was intense anger. I had spent the last few days in prayer about the weekend because it was looking oddly like it wouldn't happen. Last night I was nearly convinced of it and spent a lot of time petitioning God to be merciful to me. Then, at noonish today, I was informed that I would be spending the weekend driving to Lansing, Michigan. Most of that time would be spent sitting at a truckstop (36 of the 48 hours.)<br /><br />I instantly shot up a prayer that sounded something like this: "Why would you deprive me of these joys? Am I being unreasonable to demand them? Have you no pity? What is a job, anyway?"<br /><br />God's solemn answer came like a train wreck. Jonah had a shade tree grow and whither and he cursed God for it. What is a job other than a shade tree? What are these small joys but fruit from that tree? God had graciously provided the job and I became insolent as soon as it didn't provide the fruit I wanted. And so God answered me with a question, "Do you do well to be angry?" And I immediately saw my atrocious sin. <br /><br />My trainer is not a believer. He, like Nineveh, is an unrepentant city. I have felt little compassion for him and have at times thought that he didn't even deserve the offer of grace. That's twisted and ugly, but it is the truth. <br /><br />God withered my tree so that I would be aware of my sin and perhaps repent and preach the Gospel. I ask that you would pray for me these next 48 hours and also for the soul of my trainer, the Ninevite. May God be merciful to us both. <br /><br />-joe<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-10316865266814716802010-09-25T22:22:00.001-04:002010-09-25T22:22:48.274-04:00selfishnessWithout a doubt, selfishness abounds in the world of trucking. It is ever present. It has been in every single conversation I have had this past week. <br /><br />The thoughts go something like this:<br /><br />"Well, dispatch is screwing us over again. We've been sitting here for hours with nothing." <br /><br />"Did you see that car/truck/van? How dare they cut me off."<br /><br />"I'm only getting 2500 miles a week, so I put in my two weeks." <br /><br />All of these and more give evidence to the most important person: self. If you listen carefully you hear folks saying that the road and the job and everything around them is meant to make their life easier. And the temptation to join the conversation is becoming greater. <br /><br />In recognizing this overwhelming sin this week I have given myself to memorizing Phillipians 2 in hopes that the Spirit will bring it sharply to my mind so that I will be evidently different from the world around me. In doing so, I pray that some would see that and wonder at the calm and patient demeanor and that a door for the Gospel will be sprung. <br /><br />It's probably the same with you. I'm sure wherever you are in life that certain sins are prevalent around you. Identify them and be aware that they will be some of your greatest temptations and snares. Pray for God to protect you especially from them and shine light into darkness with the hopes of leading some to Christ. <br /><br />In Christ who sustains,<br /><br />-joe<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-90740518258983216172010-09-19T19:58:00.000-04:002010-09-23T23:22:21.303-04:00and so it beginsYesterday, through the words of the Spirit in Luke 18 where Jesus tells of the Pharisee, I was crushed. Let me tell you about it. <br /><br />Saturday night I met my trainer (I've started driving semi truck through an odd series of events that may be detailed later) and we took off on our first run on Sunday. I was quickly made aware that this man was not spiritually inclined in any way. He tends to exaggerate and doesn't like to talk about anything deeper than the Food Network. <br /><br />Almost instantly I felt disdain for him. He lied, smoked, cussed and was generally crabby. I wanted to call up my company and request a new trainer. I thought, "how can anyone stand to hang out with this guy?"<br /><br />Then I read Luke 18 and God put my pride in check. What do I have on this guy that Jesus would save me? That I don't smoke? That I don't make up colleges and degrees? That my language is fairly clean? That I'm generally in a good mood? Who am I kidding with that list?<br /><br />Well, I succeeded in kidding myself for several days until God decided he'd seen enough of that nastiness. I heard him ask these questions and I felt the weight of the answer. <br /><br />The answer that I'm a wicked man. That I don't deserve grace. And that I needed to see this man not as a pitiful human being, but as a sinner in need of a Savior. <br /><br />That was a whallup that I desperately needed. If I'm going to be out here for a year I can't look at myself as better than anyone else, that's not going to adorn the Gospel at all. I need to bring the good news of Jesus to the dying men and women around me in humility. <br /><br />So, where have you seen this attitude creep in to your life? With that co-worker? That parent? That kid? That grown-up?<br /><br />I assure you friends, no list will ever elevate you to a place where God will accept your righteousness. Repent of that attitude and begin praying for that person and telling them of the God who came to save sinners. <br /><br />And pray for me. <br /><br />-joe<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-82036463052838049492010-06-28T00:08:00.001-04:002010-06-28T00:08:46.385-04:00a Bible studyYes, I know I have been absent. I'll blame it on the play that I was in (and that ended with a final performance today.) And now, I've been up way past my bedtime thinking and praying about what to do with all this new free time. <br /><br />I've decided to begin a weekly Bible study at my apartment on Monday nights from 6-7:30 (but you are more than welcome to come early and stay late.) I'd love for any in town to come and join me. <br /><br />Since resigning in December I have become increasingly restless without a regular teaching opportunity. I'm sure my family and friends will agree that my attitude has not been too joyous lately. My lackluster emotion has been from a sense of uselessness for the Lord. Hopefully, this will restore some of my joy in serving until I am able to find someplace to serve God more fully. <br /><br />Speaking of finding a place, I covet your prayers for two interviews that will be happening in coming weeks. One is for a pastor's college and the other for a ministry position.<br /><br />I hope to see some of you soon. The first meeting will be July 5th. If you need directions please call or email me. <br /><br />-joe<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-52841211200776000052010-05-03T19:13:00.001-04:002010-05-03T19:13:46.718-04:00collegeSince (essentially) flunking out of Butler in 2006 I have continuously struggled with what to do. To return and take classes without scholarship would be absurd due to tuition rates. Transferring out solves the cost, but stretches the time to 2 years as a full-time student. <br /><br />I have heard from many on the subject. Most of them have urged me (scolded me?) to finish my degree. A few have pushed for the exact opposite.<br /><br />A small non-acredited school in southern Indiana would give me the opportunity to be trained as a pastor without the prerequisite of a bachelor's degree. I have struggled with the idea. Can I live with the knowledge that I never completed my college degree? <br /><br />I think I've finally been persuaded that I could. Tomorrow I'm officially applying to the pasotor's college in Bloomington. What pushed me over the edge, you ask?<br /><br />A biography on Charles Spurgeon. <br /><br />Spurgeon was only 19 when he became the pastor of New Park Street Church and he quickly told the deacons that he was uneducated. Here is their response. <br /><br />"But [the deacons] had heard so many college graduates and had been wearied with their preaching that they replied 'That is to us a special recommendation, for you would not have much savour or unction if you came from college' "<br /><br />It is my belief that the congregation that God calls me to will have much the same thought. <br /><br />(Now pray that I would get in to the school in Bloomington and not further delay my service to God.)<br /><br />-joe<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773830778328001736.post-60695224665910753592010-04-29T12:07:00.001-04:002010-04-29T12:07:56.852-04:00for wilmaI know a great lady in this little town. I saw her a few weeks ago and promised her a post. So, Wilma, this one's for you.<br />
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I thought a small update was in order.<br />
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First, I am seriously considering applying for a small <a href="http://www.clearnotefellowship.org/Training/">pastor's college in Bloomington, IN</a>. (Thanks to <a href="http://spurgeondreamer.blogspot.com/">Alex</a> for telling me about it.) I visited this last weekend and am nearly positive that I'll be throwing my hat into the pool of applicants. Lord willing, I'll get some much needed discipleship and training.<br />
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Second, I'm loving my new church, <a href="http://christscovenant.org/">CCC</a>. So are my parents. It's fantastic. Christ-exalting fellowship is always a good thing.<br />
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Third, I'll be back to regular blogging next Monday. I've been slowly working on some posts for the last month, hoping to get enough ready that I won't have to physically think of and write something every day. With that will come, sporadically, the rest of my series on Grounding Election.<br />
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And now, on to more excellent matters.<br />
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I've been reading and studying Hebrews for years now. I love that book. And, I think it has officially passed Ephesians as my favorite. That's saying a lot. Ephesians held that place for over 6 years.<br />
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Here's a taste (from chapter 2):<br />
<blockquote>Therefore he <b>had to</b> be made like his brothers in every respect, <i>so that</i> he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.</blockquote><br />
Jesus HAD to be made like us. Had to. Think about that. It was a necessary part of the Gospel. God could not save us without this. Jesus had to become a man. He had to have bones and blood. He had to experience pain. Physical and emotional. He had to know what it meant to cry. He had to feel the tempting spirit of Satan. He had to get calluses and skin his knees. He had to grow up from an infant, needing his mother to feed him and change him. He had to.<br />
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What else though? Just before that portion we read:<br />
<blockquote>For it was fitting that he, <b>for whom and by whom all things exist</b>, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. </blockquote><br />
It fits that Jesus, FOR whom and BY whom all things exist, should have to do those things. It makes sense that the God of the universe had to humble himself to the point of death, even death on a cross, for his creation. The majestic Word of God that spoke into creation all things and that still holds them together. That God. The one that is eternal. All-powerful. All-wise. All-knowing. All-loving. Perfectly Holy. That Lord.<br />
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Meditate on that for awhile today. <br />
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How good is our Heavenly Father?<br />
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So good that He sent his Son.<br />
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Amen.<br />
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-joe<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br />Facebook users may need to click "View Original Post."<br /></div>-joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10790230046425439946noreply@blogger.com0