GREENER PASTURES

ACT LIKE A MAN

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 18:13:00 +0000

"Church Planter" by Darrin Patrick from Crossway on Vimeo.

CALF PATH

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 05:05:00 +0000

I have gone down a lot of roads in my life journey. Long ago as a senior in college I found the narrow road with a small gate that Jesus says leads to life.

Along the way there have been byways, highways, expressways, and more than a few detours. I have stood at many intersections and pondered which road to take. Sometimes I have felt like the traveler in Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken.”

Currently, I am on the “road to recovery” as I await a stem cell transplant to get a cure from lymphoma. As Willie Nelson sings it, I can’t wait to get "On the Road Again.”

On the road I like the lyrics George Strait sings in “The Road Less Traveled.” The song talks about going against the grain … having no fears … daring to dream … marching to the beat of a different drummer …that it might all come together …living life to one day leave a mark.

The majority of my adult life has centered around serving God through the body of Christ, the church. My greatest satisfaction and fulfillment has come through leading small groups. I led action groups for college and high school students in the early 1970’s with Campus Crusade for Christ, discipleship groups in local church youth ministry in the late 70’s, DISCIPLE Bible Study in the 90’s, and various adult Bible studies in more recent years.

I think the remainder of my years on the pathway will be spent to help organize and lead small groups that seek for people to honor and please God, to experience the presence of the in-dwelling Christ, and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve. Another way I have tried to describe my mission is to:

                          Know the love of God,
                          Grow in the grace of Christ,
                          Show the power of the Holy Spirit.

I plan to spend the coming days, weeks, and months during my stem cell transplant process and recovery to seek God’s direction about how I can be involved in small group ministry with authentic biblical community. I am studying all types of formats and venues such as house churches, cell groups, churches with groups, etc. I hope to be ready to “launch out” this Fall. I will stay active in my current church fellowship unless led by God to do otherwise.

One of the greatest roadblocks along this road is “tradition.” It has been said that the seven last words of the church will be, “We never did it that way before.” The storyteller in “Fiddler on the Roof” reminds me, though, that there are positives with tradition. He decries that tradition gives balance, identity, and clarity of expectations. He sums it up, “without traditions our life would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.”

Poet Sam Walter Foss wrote over one hundred years ago the tendency of people to follow the path that everyone else has taken for centuries. It could be called the “herd mentality” to stay on the rutted road of the old and familiar.

The Calf Path(click the arrow at bottom of each slide to continue)

I have come to the point in my pilgrimage that I do not want simply to follow in the hoof prints. The coming months of exploration will be exciting, even if it involves also the process of going through a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant.

CHURCH PLANTING

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Recently I read several blogs which share some radical but biblical thoughts about church by Vitor Choudhrie. I will share his thoughts at the end of this blog. A cancer surgeon by profession in India, Choudhrie took up a church planting ministry. I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Choudhrie speak while I was on a mission tour to India in1997.

I saw the work of bible distribution, training of church planters, children bible clubs, and literacy training. I travelled by airplane, bus, train, and motorized ricksaw.

I was fascinated to visit Ghandi’s memorial tomb, the Taj Mahal, the Red Fortress, a Hindu temple, and other places rich in Indian culture. But most important was meeting the people. It was fun in Madras to wake up at 5 a.m. and run down to the shore of the Bay of Bengal and make new friends while playing volleyball. In other places I had the opportunity to visit home to home to meet families and pray with them.

I participated in various worship experiences in small church buildings and in the open air. I remember the offering collection including the gift of eggs and other things beside money. At the end of one worship service the children came forward to kneel at the altar to ask me to say a blessing over each one.

Here are Vitor Choudhrie's thoughts about ...

CHANGING FROM TRADITIONAL CHURCH TO NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH -
FIFTEEN ESSENTIAL STEPS

1. Replace professional clergy with Priesthood of all Believers with authority to baptize, break bread and equip fishers of men. (1 Peter 2:9)

2. Replace Church building with "House of Peace." (Luke 10:5-9; Matt. 10:11-13)

3. Replace programmed Sunday service with daily informal gatherings. The Bride of Christ must have intimacy with her Lord every day and not just for a couple of hours a week lest she become unfaithful. (Acts 2:46-47; Hebrew 3:13)

4. Replace tithing with sharing the enormous financial resources and goodwill available in Christian homes. (Deut. 8:17-18; Acts 5:32-34)

5. Replace the "Crumb and Sip" Holy Communion with simple "Community meals" eaten together with gladness from house to house. (Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 11:20-23)

6. Replace loud music with speaking to each other in psalms and spiritual songs making melody in your heart. (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16)

7. Replace the spectator church to participatory, interactive, prophetic and Missionary sending church. (1 Cor 14:26-31; Acts 13:13)

8. Replace organizational and denominational churches with citywide network of house churches. (Romans 16:3-15)

9. Replace barren church with multiplication. The Bride must not remain barren, but reproduce and fill the earth. (Acts 1: 8; 1 Cor 9: 19-30)

10. Replace submitting to one man - by submitting to each other. We must encourage, comfort, exhort, edify and serve one another. (Galatians 5: 13; Eph. 4: 2, 15)

11. Replace purposeless church with a goal oriented mandate to disciple nations. (Romans 15: 20; Matt. 28: 19)

12. Replace powerless and fruitless church with militants who heal the sick, raise the dead, expel the demons, bind the ‘strongman’ and plunder his possessions. (Matt 11:12, 12:29)

13. Replace all presidents, directors, chairman, secretaries and all the other non-biblical titles with apostles, prophets, and the fivefold ministry gifted elders. Change from a dead organization to living organism. (Eph 4:11; Titus 1:5-9)

14. Replace all Sunday schools, Bible schools, and prayer cells and cottage meetings and call them full-fledged churches. So that they can disciple, baptize, break bread, equip and send missionaries. (1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15)

15. Replace all selfish goats who are members for hatching, matching and dispatching with sheep who take care of the hungry, thirsty, naked, strangers, sick and the prisoners. (Matt. 25:31-46)
.

Shema

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:45:00 +0000

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-8)

As I read this scripture, I am reminded how powerful is the Word of God. It is important that I teach and talk about loving God, especially by “using my time twice” when I:

“sit at home” (instead of always sitting in front of the TV or computer),

“walk by the way” (literal walks or when driving in the car),

“lie down” (rest time or preparing for sleep),

“rise up” (ex. Scripture cards on the bathroom mirror to see while getting ready).

I read the following words on a Jewish website …

The mitzvah to place mezuzot on the doorposts of our houses is derived from Deut. 6:4-9, a passage commonly known as the Shema (Heb: Hear, from the first word of the passage). In that passage, G-d commands us to keep His words constantly in our minds and in our hearts by (among other things) writing them on the doorposts of our house. The words of the Shema are written on a tiny scroll of parchment, along with the words of a companion passage, Deut. 11:13-21. On the back of the scroll, a name of G-d is written. The scroll is then rolled up and placed in the case, so that the first letter of the Name (the letter Shin) is visible (or, more commonly, the letter Shin is written on the outside of the case).

The scroll must be handwritten in a special style of writing and must be placed in the case to fulfill the mitzvah. It is commonplace for gift shops to sell cases without scrolls, or with mechanically printed scrolls, because a proper scroll costs more than even an elaborately decorated case ($30-$50 for a valid scroll is quite reasonable). According to traditional authorities, mechanically printed scrolls do not fulfill the mitzvah of the mezuzah, nor does an empty case.

The Shema also commands us to bind the words to our hands and between our eyes. We do this by "laying tefillin," that is, by binding to our arms and foreheads leather pouches containing scrolls of Torah passages.

The word "tefillin" is usually translated "phylacteries," although I don't much care for that term. "Phylacteries" isn't very enlightening if you don't already know what tefillin are, and the word "phylacteries" means "amulet," suggesting that tefillin are some kind of protective charm, which they are not. The word "tefillin," on the other hand, is etymologically related to the word "tefilah" (prayer) and the root Pe-Lamed-Lamed (judgment).

Like the mezuzah, tefillin are meant to remind us of G-d's mitzvot. We bind them to our head and our arm, committing both our intellect and our physical strength to the fulfillment of the mitzvot. At weekday morning services, one case is tied to the arm, with the scrolls at the biceps and leather straps extending down the arm to the hand, then another case is tied to the head, with the case on the forehead and the straps hanging down over the shoulders. Appropriate blessings are recited during this process. The tefillin are removed at the conclusion of the morning services.

Like the scrolls in a mezuzah, the scrolls in tefillin must be hand-written in a special style of writing. A good, valid set of tefillin can cost a few hundred dollars, but if properly cared for they can last for a lifetime.

When I look at the illustration above with the leather straps on the head and wrist and arm, I think of the modern equivalent that I see all the time when people are walking laps or working out … an ipod!!!

As I sit down, walk or drive, rest, or get ready in the morning, I can “scroll” down the ipod screen and select music and teaching to hear. Podcasts with scriptural teaching and praise and worship music are readily available to download on mp3 players. Like the scrolls in tefillin, a good ipod might cost a little bit, but mine has accompanied me to many places for several years.

GRACE

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Some people think of grace only in regard to a moment of salvation. Salvation is not only instantaneous, but also continuous. It is correct to say: I was saved by grace, I am saved by grace, and I will be saved by grace.

Note the past, present, and future tenses of salvation in the words of the Apostle Paul. "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (Romans 5:10)

Marriage is like salvation. I got married. I am married. I will be married. Just as marriage is a life-long experience of grace and love, so is salvation.

All of the Christian life, day by day, is to be lived by grace. The scriptures encourage me to "continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43) and "grow in grace" (II Peter 3:18) and “be strong in grace” (2 Timothy 2:1).

Grace is essential for every moment of my life. God's grace is a “help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16), especially in times of painful duress. "After you have suffered for a little while...the God of all grace...will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you" (I Peter 5:10).

There is no problem too great to be faced that God’s grace will not carry me through the challenge or difficulty. "God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (II Cor. 9:8). I like the words I read somewhere, “As God is illimitable, His action of grace is inexhaustible.”

Grace is a gift from God to develop and improve character. Grace is the power and presence of God to enable me to be and to do that for which I was created. “God is at work in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

When I sin (even the same sin repeatedly), God gives me new grace as I confess and forsake the sin. I know God’s grace is not cheap, and I will not de-value it by my attitudes and actions. I realize God wants to stir, and even shake me up, to follow Christ with my whole heart and mind and strength.

I know grace is not just to solve my problems, meet my personal and family needs, and comfort and serve me. I know the Christian life is one of self-denial. Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” (Mark 8:35)

I realize Jesus taught not only to love my neighbor, but to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44) He gave stern and strong commands. “Do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”(Matthew 5:39-42)

The Apostle Paul declared, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

God gives me the ability, courage, and hope to act as Christ lives in me. The Christian life is not easy. It is difficult and costly. God gives the grace to live it! Philippians 2:12-13 says, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.”

Centuries ago Francis of Assisi wrote a prayer that I adopt for myself:

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

After I wrote this post I read an insightful and informative article, "Spiritual Formation Agenda" by Richard Foster. It has meat for those hungry to grow in grace.

VICTORY OF VICTORIES

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:29:00 +0000

This is one of the most incredible “sports” stories I have ever heard or seen.

By AARON BEARD
AP Sports Writer
Posted: Friday, Jan. 30, 2009

CARY, N.C. So many people wanted to talk about Kay Yow in the days since her death, to tell stories about her coaching success and the courage she showed in her long fight against cancer.

Yet when the time came for her funeral, which she designed with care, North Carolina State's Hall of Fame coach decided not to ask a former player or a fellow coach to speak. Instead, she had a message for them.

"And now I say farewell," Yow said in a video played Friday to mourners gathered at a suburban Raleigh church. "And it's been a wonderful journey, especially since the time I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior."

In the 20-minute tape, Yow thanked the supporters who guided her through her fight against breast cancer and recounted with passion her deep Christian faith.

"It has changed my life," Yow said. "It has changed the life of every person who has accepted him."

Yow's message highlighted a moving 90-minute service that drew more than 1,400 people, many of whom arrived early for a public viewing. Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, one of dozens of college coaches to attend, called Yow's taped message "amazing."

"Obviously I don't think there was a person in that room that wasn't touched and probably affected by her words," Summitt said. "I have never known of a service like this. And it would be just like Kay to be the absolute first."

Yow noted "it's actually sort of eerie" to make the video, but said she first felt compelled to tape a message after doctors diagnosed a recurrence of breast cancer in 2004.

"I don't want you to fret over the fact that I'm not here or question why I'm not here," Yow said. "Because God knows what he's doing. He doesn't make mistakes. ... I have now a place in heaven with him."

Yow won more than 700 games in her career and went on to lead the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team to the gold medal the year after she was first diagnosed with cancer in 1987.

For many, Yow was best known for her unwavering resolve while fighting the disease, which had lingered in the years since its recurrence. She raised awareness and money for research while staying with her team through the debilitating effects of the disease and chemotherapy during an emotional late-season run two seasons ago.

She took a four-game leave in December due to what was described as extremely low energy, then announced shortly after the new year that she would not return this season. She soon entered a hospital for treatment and spent about a week there before she died last weekend. She was 66.

Yow spent 38 seasons as a coach, 34 with N.C. State. She won four ACC tournament championships, earned 20 NCAA tournament bids and reached the Final Four in 1998.

She also served on the board of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was founded by ESPN and her friend and colleague, former N.C. State men's coach Jim Valvano, who died of cancer in 1993.

(See a speech by Jim Valvano at the end of a post about my beloved cancer victor.)

GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:42:00 +0000

On Februrary 1, 2009, George Beverly Shea celebrated his 100th birthday. The beloved gospel singer is known my millions as the soloist on the Billy Graham team.

At the age of 23 he put music to the poem, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” and it became one of his most famous songs. Below he is singing a song he wrote, “The Wonder of It All.”

In 1982 a 20 minute movie was produced about his music and ministry. As I watch the movie, I am so impressed by his personality and humility. Perhaps he is best known for his rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” If you fast forward to the last 4 minutes of the movie, you will hear him discuss and sing the song.

São Borja

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:31:00 +0000

The following is an article I wrote in 1983 about my experience with the Igreja Batista in the city of São Borja in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. The faces and lives of the Brazilians I mention in the article are still clear in my mind.

What do you give a city for its three hundredth birthday? Certainly a city of that age should have just about everything it could need or want. But for São Borja, a city of 80,000 people located in the southernmost state of Brazil, at least one thing was lacking as it prepared to celebrate first tricentennial---it had no Baptist church. The history of how so many Baptists have cooperated to give this city a Baptist church is a fascinating story.

Thirty years ago southern Baptist missionary Harley Smith began making regular visits to São Borja. He managed to baptize a group of people, but due to furlough and other circumstances, the group lacked leadership and soon withered away.

Then in 1976 a young railroad worker named Ezequiel Bravo moved to São Borja. This young man had been grounded in his faith through theological education by extension under the ministry of Southern Baptist missionary Pete Tcherneschoff.

Ezequiel began gathering children under a tree to teach them bible stories. Soon the kids began bringing their parents. Some time later Ezequiel contacted the Baptist state convention headquarters and said he had seven people converted, discipled, and ready to be baptized. Could someone help him?

On the day of the baptismal service, Ezequiel turned to Pastor Wilson Oliveira, the executive-secretary, and asked, “And what now?” Ralph Nelson, missionary of the North American Baptist General Conference, began commuting once a month to assist the new believers, but a permanent resident pastor was needed.

Consequently in late 1979 pastor Gastão Faria was appointed by the Brazilian Home Mission Board to serve as a missionary in São Borja. A joint agreement with the Brazilian Home Mission Board, the Baptist State Convention of Rio Grande do Sul, and the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention supplied the missionary’s salary and housing, rented a meeting place, and bought materials.

Other churches in the same association donated equipment. Southern Baptist missionary Craige Steele coordinated the work of a group of Texas Baptists who came to São Borja to do evangelistic work and help financially. Later the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering helped provide funds for the purchase of property and construction of the beautiful church facilities which were built this year.

When terrible flooding forced the evacuation of several thousand people from their homes in São Borja this winter, Southern Baptists aided with Hunger and Relief Funds. Six hundred families were assisted for three months by the distribution of food, medicine, and 2,500 blankets.

Living in a state with a population of only one Baptist per one thousand people, the residents of the city could hardly fathom why Southern Baptists in the United States would have such compassion.

I personally responded to the flabbergasted mayor, “They love you and want to help in the name of Jesus.” The town newspaper, as yet unaccustomed to our Baptist ways, headlined an article describing me as the “the bishop from the United States.”

Yet the amazing part of the birthday present of a Baptist church to this city is the story of the new births in Christ. A few years ago Neron de Souza drank heavily and even attacked his pregnant wife with a knife. Now he witnesses and preaches at one of the church’s preaching points located next to this house. He is a community leader and helped coordinate the flood relief program.

Pedro Durão is a mathematics teacher awaiting baptism, but he is already enrolled as one of the fourteen students in the theological education extension center located at the church.

Vitor Fernandes is a teenager who discovered that God could not only answer his prayer for a bicycle to help him witness across the city, but also give him a guitar to lead the music in his church youth group.

Osmar Espanivello was a drunk, pill-popping rabble rouser in trouble with the police, who was converted and joined the church in response to the prayers of his wife.

Rubens de Sousa is a young man who received Christ through the church’s youth ministry. He is now preparing for the ministry in our state Baptist seminary.

Vilmar Fernanades and his wife are fruits of the evangelistic work of the church. He serves as president of Baptist Men and she as church treasurer. Together with their small children they walk several miles to all the church activities.

At his job a fellow worker has frequently jeered Vilmar about his Christian commitment, claiming the church only wants his money. After the Southern Baptist relief money had received much media publicity in the city, Vilmar’s friend called him aside. “I owe you an apology,” he said, “your church really does care for people.”

These testimonies are only representative of the 75 people baptized in this growing young church. As a part of the church’s plan to reach all people groups and classes of the city, the church has a goal of 100 members at the end of 1983. In addition to its four preaching points, the church hopes to build and run a medical-dental clinic.

Because Baptists care, the city of São Borja celebrated its three hundredth birthday with the organization of a Baptist church that is clearly and convincingly proclaiming new birth in Jesus Christ.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:11:00 +0000

We live in a “Global Community.” I remember the saying, “Think globally, act locally.” Here is a colorful poster I found that gives me some good ideas for my own world. Many I follow already; some I need to consider; most would be excellent to do.

One thing I know for sure ... people in our culture yearn to have a sense of community --- to have meaningful relationships with friends and neighbors.

Turn off your TV
Leave your house
Know your neighbors
Look up when you are walking
Greet people
Sit on your stoop
Plant flowers
Use your library
Play together
Buy from local merchants
Share what you have
Help a lost dog
Take children to the park
Garden together
Support neighborhood schools
Fix it even if you didn’t break it
Have pot lucks
Honor elders
Pick up litter
Read stories aloud
Dance in the street
Talk to the mail carrier
Listen to the birds
Put up a swing
Help carry something heavy
Barter for your goods
Start a tradition
Ask a question
Hire young people for odd jobs
Organize a block party
Bake extra and share
Ask for help when you need it
Open your shades
Sing together
Share your skills
Take back the night
Turn up the music
Turn down the music
Listen before you react to anger
Mediate a conflict
Seek to understand
Learn from new and uncomfortable angles
Know that no one is silent though many are not heard
Work to change this.

ARE YOU READY?

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:39:00 +0000

Last fall I was on the Atlantic coast in Florida when a hurricane warning was given. The weather was beautiful and the sunset that day was gorgeous. Yet the forecast showed a storm would hit land in the next 24 hours.

Well do I remember in my childhood how hurricanes hit with little warning and took many lives. Thankfully, in this age there are all kinds of tools, such as radar and satellites and computers, that can track a storm and predict its outcome.

In this case there were still unknowns as to how the storm wouldl be directed after it went back out into warm ocean waters and returned to shore. The forecasts showed various possibilities of the path the storm would take and the force it would carry. Predictions varied from tropical storm to hurricane one or stronger.

All the media warned people to be prepared. The basics of being ready mean getting on hand drinking water, batteries, cash, and a full tank of gas in the car. Late in the day I decided to head home well inland before the storm came ashore the next day.

Just as it is important to be physically prepared for emergencies, how much more so, must I follow warnings about my eternal safety and security. Unfortunately, there will come a day when, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.”

SOLO=SOUL LOW

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:06:00 +0000

As I write these words in February, I, like many other people, have a tendency to feel “down” or “blue” or just simply “depressed.” After the colorful leaves of fall season faded, I looked forward to Christmas with its bright lights and festivities. But the hope of peace with God and good will toward family and friends can fall short with disappointments and unmet expectations.

So then I looked forward to a New Year. Some years I make New Year resolutions because I want to change some bad habits or add new habits. Soon I realized the New Year is filled with ... new fears... new bears ... new cares ... new dares ... even new jeers.

Now in February the “winter blues” can settle in. Mental health professionals call it Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a reaction to lack of sunlight in winter.

Many other factors can come into play at any time of year to make me, or anyone, feel “down”: family troubles, financial woes, work challenges, and health issues, to name a few.

The meaning of the SOLO title above is that, when I try to face life alone, I inevitably fail with the result that my thoughts and feelings can fall quite low.

To follow down that road can be dangerous. The route goes like this: Displeasure - Defeat – Discouragement - Disappointment - Depression - Despair – Death!

Depression can be a barren valley in which to settle. Most of us will not sink even deeper to despair and death but many get stuck in "feeling down."

As I have thought about and experienced “feeling down”, I prescribe this remedy for myself and anyone:

REMEDY FOR DEPRESSION

1. TRUST GOD
Meditate on God and His Word. Be honest with God. Express thoughts and emotions. The psalmist wrote, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."

2. THINK RIGHTLY
The danger of thinking by myself about myself is the possibility of twisted thinking. The Apostle Paul gave great direction with these words, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

3. TALK TO OTHERS
Depression feels terribly isolating. If I can not or will not see a professional counselor, then I will talk to a friend or family member or find a support group.

4. TAKE ACTION
List all things I know I have neglected and do them ... no matter how I feel. Know in time my feelings will change. God will give me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as a result, but I must never wait till I feel like it before acting.

Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl,
One was an optimistic soul;
But the other took the gloomy view,
"I shall drown," he cried, "and so will you."
So with a last despairing cry,
He closed his eyes and said, "Goodbye."
But the other frog, with a merry grin,
Said, "I can't get out, but I won't give in!
I'll swim around till my strength is spent.
For having tried, I'll die content."
Bravely he swam until it would seem
His struggles began to churn the cream.
On the top of the butter at last he stopped
And out of the bowl he happily hopped.

5. TOUCH THE LIVES OF OTHERS
Just the simple act of appropriate physical touch can be important. It has been said that touch is the only sense human beings can not live without.

6. REST
Take a break! Get some rest! (This one does not apply to me … I am far too rested! People ask me if I am retired. I respond I need to be “re-tried.”

7. EXERCISE

A tremendous amount of research shows that exercise — particularly strenuous aerobic exercise - elevates mood, relieves anxiety, improves appetite, sleep, sexual interest and functioning, and self-esteem.

OLIVIA'S BAPTISM

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:49:00 +0000

It was a marker moment when my seven year old granddaughter, Olivia Grace Ellington, was baptized. The baptismal service was at North Point Community Church, where her family attends and are members.North Point is unusual to say the least. In November 1995 Andy Stanley cast the vision for a new church. He said, "Atlanta does not need another church. What Atlanta does need is a safe environment where the unchurched can come and hear the life-changing truth that Jesus Christ cares for them and died for their sin."

Currently, North Point Ministries has over 17,000 adults participating in worship at three campuses each Sunday. In addition, over 5,000 children meet in small groups while their parents attend worship.

The baptismal service cranked up with lively music led by a rock band. Flashing colored lights and huge video screens complemented the scene. All of the twenty baptismal candidates at this service were between the ages of six to fourteen.

Just before each candidate was baptized the video screen showed their testimony in their own words of how they became a Christian, why they wanted to be baptized, and their favorite Bible story or verse.

Wow! It was impressive to see and hear the truth flow from the mouths of these kids! I am reminded of the words recorded in Matthew’s account of the Good News of Christ.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:1-5)

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became indignant and said to Him, "Do You hear what these children are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, `OUT OF THE MOUTH OF INFANTS AND NURSING BABIES YOU HAVE PREPARED PRAISE FOR YOURSELF'?" (Matthew 21:15-16) After all the new believers were baptized they came on the stage. Parents and family and friends were invited to scatter over the stage with their newly baptized child and have prayer with them.

Then everyone was invited to a great hall that was decorated with colorful balloons. There was a gift bag for each child. Family and friends could sit at the tables and enjoy cake and punch.

Olivia had her little friends and some grown up neighbors present, as well as her relatives. Her grandparents and great-grandmother from Texas even came for the event. All in all it was a wonderful and joyful celebration of new life!

WELCH REVIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:25:00 +0000

The story of the Welsh Revival of 1904 has made a big impact on my life. In the early 1970's while I was in California, I heard Dr. J. Edwin Orr give a series of lectures on great revivals. He related many of the details of what happened in Wales in 1904.

The Welsh Revival brought in 100,000 new converts in the next year. The movement spread all over the world. Yet that great move of the Spirit had very small beginnings. Various websites reminded me of the facts I share below.

A young teenager, Florrie Evans, in a youth meeting in February 1904, declared publicly that she loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart. With these words the Spirit seemed to fall on the meeting and the fire quickly spread to other young people in the area.

Evan Roberts, a 26 year old former miner preparing for the ministry, returned home in September and became the main spokesman of the revival for the next two years.

People were changed in so many ways. It was reported that the ponies in the mines failed to understand the commands of the born again miners who spoke now without cursing and blasphemy.

Pubs became almost empty. Men and women who used to waste their money in getting drunk were now saving it, giving it to help their churches, buying clothes and food for their families. Stealing and other offenses grew less and less so that often a magistrate came to court and found there were no cases for him.

People who had been careless about paying their bills, or paying back money they had borrowed, paid up all they owed. Those who had not been friends for a long time because of something that had happened in the past, forgot their quarrels and were happy together again.

In fact, Evan Roberts used to say that there could be no blessing on anyone who had unkind thoughts about anyone else.

Besides the stories of changed lives, what I remember most from Dr. Orr’s addresses were the four principles that Evan Roberts shared:

1. Confess all known sin
2. Deal with and get rid of anything ‘doubtful’ in your life
3. Be ready to obey the Holy Spirit instantly

4. Confess Christ publicly

When my third son was born in 1981, I named him Evan, in honor of Evan Roberts, with the hope that my son would be used to stir revival in his lifetime. Interestingly, my Evan is 26 years old as I write this now.

I have repeated the story of the revival in Wales many times over the years. Several years ago in a message I told the congregation that I realized they may have trouble believing some of the elements of the story.

After the message a man told me he well knew the truth of the Wales Revival, for his father had been converted during the revival!

Recently I purchased a DVD that was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Welsh Revival of 1904. Through use of contemporary letters, interviews, and photographs, the DVD examines the revival through the eyes and thoughts of Evan Roberts.

LET IT RAIN

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:56:00 +0000

I have read several books by James A. Stewart, the most recent being, “Invasion of Wales by the Spirit through Evan Roberts.” The long title implies that the Spirit of God, not a man, was the author of the Welsh revival.

The author explains, “When the river of God was at full spate in the latter part of the year 1904 it was found that the Spirit was using for His instruments at least a hundred pastors, evangelists, and so-called ‘lay-people’ for His work.”

When I was reading the book, I was on the beach in Florida. A hurricane was forecast to arrive in several days (instead it turned out to be a tropical storm). I was impressed by the author’s use of language that describes the might of rushing wind and water. Of course, in the Bible as well, these are emblems of the Holy Spirit. Below are some excerpts from the book. I added bold type to note the water references.

The mighty tidal wave swept through the land. The Spirit of God found his own channels …. I have before me, as I write, my cherished copies of some newspapers of that day in which were posted each week a tabulated form of the lists of converts in each town for that week. Over 70,000 names of converts are reported just two months after the lifestreams broke out.

A spiritual cyclone has already swept the town even before the revivalist’s visit. Thirteen hundred newborn souls are rejoicing in their great Redeemer. The service has been going on for three hours without any human leader. Nobody can say who started the service and nobody can say even at this point how the service is going to continue …. Someone suddenly commences a hymn. The scene is suddenly changed. The whole crowd is on its feet now, swayed by intense spiritual enthusiasm, and pouring out its feelings in various ways --- a word of praise, a hymn of spiritual worship, a Bible message from an unknown person.

Visitors who have come from all parts of the world to see this amazing sight and who have never been in a revival meeting cry out, “Hush!” They have come to hear Evan Roberts. But what is the good of saying “Hush”? It would have been as well to say “hush” to the ocean’s swelling tide. The deepest emotions of the people have been liberated and they rush forth like a mighty flood.

Stewart quotes a famous reporter of the London Daily who visited the meetings to describe to the people in London the amazing scenes.

Tier above tier in the crowded aisle to the loftiest gallery sit or stand as necessity dictates, eager hundreds of serious men and thoughtful women, their eyes riveted on the platform or UPON WHATEVER PART OF THE BUILDING IS THE STORM CENTER OF THE MEETING.

Repentance, open confession, intercessory prayer, and above all else this marvelous musical liturgy --- a liturgy unwritten, but heart-felt --- a mighty chorus rising like the thunder of the surge of the rock-bound shore, ever and anon broken by the flute-like note of the singing sisters whose melody is as sweet and as spontaneous as the music of the throstle in the grove or the martin in the skies. And all this vast quivering, throbbing, singing, praying, exultant multitude intensely conscious of the all-pervading influence of some invisible reality --- now for the first time moving palpable though not tangible in their midst. They call it THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

I say and pray, “O, Lord, let it rain!”

ENJOY THE MOMENT

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:42:00 +0000

'Enjoy the moment, but remember what you are doing and where you are going." That is one thought I had after an experience much earlier. “Earlier” in that it was one a.m. and I was driving home after leaving the Atlantic coast of north Florida. I left to beat the downpour of rain expected with the arrival of a tropical storm.

As I cruised through Atlanta I was listening to the music of Huw Priday, a Welsh tenor with a marvelous voice. After hearing the whole CD I kept replaying my favorite selection, “Healer of my Heart.”

Enraptured by the music I finally noticed the sign for the next exit said “Wade Green Road.” I had travelled several miles and several exits too far. I had completely missed ------ never even saw --- the major exit of an interstate leading off another interstate.

Maybe I was too tired … maybe I was too caught up in the music … but for sure I had lost my focus. The experiences serves as a reminder to me for so many situations in life … "enjoy the moment" ... but remember what I am doing and where I am going.

Huw Priday, the vocalist I was listening to when I lost my way on the highway last night, has been instrumental in reviving interest in the Welch Revival of 1904. He sang a song at the centenary celebration that came to be known as the “Love Song” of the revival.

HUMILITY

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +0000

In the Old Testament Moses was known as the most humble person on earth (Numbers 12:3). The Apostle Paul wrote much of the content of the New Testament. He called himself the “least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9) and the “worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). The Apostle Paul described one of the great images of Christ that is to be in us. He wrote:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name. (Philippians 2:3-9).

Thus, the great quality of Moses, Paul,and Jesus is

Looking at the lives of these great leaders, I would define humility as “strength under control.” Each had great power of personality and position, but chose to serve others humbly.

Pride and humility are contrasted in the first ten verses of the fourth chapter of James in the New Testament. The symptoms of pride are cravings, wants, coveting, and desiring pleasure. The effects are conflicts and disputes that make you a murderer and adulterer (not literally). James explains that the disputes among you come from cravings at war within you.

In contrast, the path to humility is to:
- Submit to God
- Draw near to God
- Cleanse your hands (actions)
- Purify your hearts (motives)
- Lament, mourn and weep
- Humble yourself before the Lord

Pride is being full of self and empty of the Spirit of God.

Humility is being empty of self and full of the Holy Spirit.

Humility is yielding all my personal rights and possessions to God. It is a realization that everything that I have is on loan from God. When I yield my rights to God, He returns them for His glory. (“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:10) If He withholds the rights, God is developing in me that which could not be developed otherwise.

I have found, painfully so, that God jealously yearns for His Spirit to have full reign in my life (James 4:5). He will “pull the rug out from under me” if I get too full of myself. Indeed, the way up is down.

Humility is the path that leads to fellowship with God and reconciliation with others.

REGRETS

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:25:00 +0000

I appreciated seeing the movie, Rudy. The fact-based story is about a walk-on for the Notre Dame football team. Rudy gets to dress out for the first time at the last game of his senior season. To his delight he gets to play in the last minute of the game and even sacks the quarterback. The real life moment is here.

The most moving scene of the movie for me is when Rudy almost quits the team. He has a conversation with an employee of the university that causes him to change his mind.

The scene about “regrets” struck a chord with me since I had recently remembered some decisions I made in college. In spite of encouragement by some friends, I did not pursue some possibilities that could have made some good memories for me today. Instead I have regrets for roads I did not follow.

After the movie I had some reflection time as I sat by my fireside looking at the glowing embers of a dying fire. Chances are that I am in the “fourth quarter” of my life. Time is running out to play in the game. I feel like I have been “benched” much of my life, often times because of either my poor performance or superior work of competitors.

I am reminded of a song Frank Sinatra made famous. Unlike the song, I have more than a few regrets that I have often tried stubbornly to do things “my way.”

By God’s grace, I will redeem the time and make the most of who I am and what I can do. May I be able to sing the same song, but changed the key phrase to “God’s way.”

“My Way”

And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I've travelled each and every highway
and more, much more than this
I did it my way

Regrets I've had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each chartered course
Each careful step along the by-way
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

Yes, there were times
I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all
And I stood tall
And did it my way

I've loved, I've laughed, and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
"Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way"

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way

Yes, it was my way

GAÚCHOS

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:07:00 +0000

A big piece of my heart remains in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil. I served as a missionary in the capital city of Porto Alegre for a few years. It is known as the Gaúcho or "Cowboy" state because of the rich heritage of cattle-raising.

There are Gaúcho restaurants in the U.S., like Fogo do Chão (based in Porto Alegre), that serve churrasco --- meat cooked over flames and cut off spits at your table.

The three minute video below shares some of the spiritual needs of the people in this place.

LIFE IN SIX WORDS

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:52:00 +0000

I had an interesting convergence of email messages on the same day with a serendipity effect. Here is the first message.

Can you tell your life story in six words? Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s famous six-word short story ("For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”), that’s what SMITH magazine editors Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser asked their online readers in 2006. They have now collected a number of these six-word autobiographies and published them in the book, Not Quite What I Was Planning (notice the number of words in the title).

Here are some examples from the book:

Brought it to a boil, often. (Mario Batali, chef)
Couldn’t cope, so I wrote songs. (Aimee Mann, singer, songwriter)
Maybe you had to be there. (Roy Blount Jr., humorist)
Cursed with cancer. Blessed by friends. (9 year old Hannah Davies)
Struggled with how the mind works. (Steven J. Pinker, psychologist)
Nobody cared, then they did. Why? (Chuck Klosterman, journalist)
Well, I thought it was funny. (Stephen Colbert, comedian)
Revenge is living well, without you. (Joyce Carol Oates, author)
Woke up. Went back to sleep. (Anonymous)
No wife. No kids. No problems. (Rip Riley)
I still make coffee for two. (Zak Nelson)
Yes, you can edit this biography. (Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia founder)

After reading the email and thinking about the book, I paused for about ten seconds and came up with my statement:
Here I am. There I’ll go ... or an alternative ,,,
I am a pilgrim passing through.
Next I read an email with a video of the song, “If I Die Before You Wake.” Yes, note the six words in the title.
.

90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:32:00 +0000

Don Piper was “killed” in a horrible auto accident almost 20 years ago. He had an encounter… an experience… a vision (who knows the right word!) with heaven that changed his life.

I have heard of such experiences that seemed quite dubious. Yet the story of Don Piper seems genuine and believable. I suspect many folks have some questions running in the back of their minds about heaven. Is there really life after of death? Who gets into heaven? Is heaven really a desirable place?

Don shares his thoughts on those questions and more. You can know more by visiting his website.

Below are two videos to see depending on your time and interest. The first is three minutes, the second 9 minutes.

THE HARVEST

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:22:00 +0000

Over the last ten years I have shown a beautiful 17 minute movie, The Harvest, to a number of groups. I have watched it also various times alone by myself, and each time I am moved emotionally.

The story is set in the farmland of North Dakota. A young family faces a crisis as it races against time at harvest. What happens is a "parable" about community.

When I ordered a new DVD of the movie, I noticed for the first time the name of the executive producer, Chuck Klein.

I remembered a colleague named Chuck Klein when I worked with high school students almost 40 years ago through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. With a little research I realized he is the same Chuck who produced this movie.

In fact, the movie is a true story from Chuck's early childhood. As the website explains … “It is a story about family, about crisis and about community, it encourages and challenges us to come together, put aside our differences for a greater cause, and be involved in changing our world. It is a wonderful picture of caring, of sacrifice, of prayer and of courage.” www.theharvest.com

The DVD came in the mail. I watched both the English and Portuguese tracks. As always it stirred my heart to want to be a part of “the harvest.” I heartily recommend the movie!

DAILY BAPTISM

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:25:00 +0000

Christians down through the centuries have found ways to enliven and refresh a relationship with God. Means of grace are sacred moments where Christ is re-presented, or becomes present to us anew.

Sacraments are sacred moments that Jesus gave us by clear instruction and example. Most Christians recognize two basic sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Various Christians refer to the second sacrament by different names such as Holy Communion, the Eucharist (which means “grateful”), the Divine Liturgy, or the Mass.

Christoper Martin, a guest minister at St. George Episcopal Church on Fort George Island in Florida, gave me some new understanding about these sacraments in a sermon.

He explained how the Old Testament event of the Exodus, when the children of Israel fled Egypt, contained “types” of baptism and Holy Communion to come in the New Testament.

“For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)

Clearly, from these words the Apostle Paul shows that sacraments like baptism and holy communion are not ends in themselves to save and win God’s merit, but are means of grace.

Reverend Martin shared in his message that he grew up in the Lutheran tradition and became an Episcopalian priest. As I sat listening to him, I appreciated how he was helping a former Baptist pastor who became a Methodist to hear a different perspective about these sacraments.

One statement he made caught my attention in particular. He said Martin Luther taught we should have a “daily baptism.” Baptism to me is more of a “one time” event to remember.

I did some research about what Dr. Luther said about “daily baptism.” I remember he ignited the Protestant Reformation. I also realize that at the same time the Anabaptist movement was gaining ground. The Anabaptists taught “believer’s baptism.” They held that even if a person had been baptized as an infant, when they came to faith in Christ, they need to be baptized again.

Luther was so strongly against the practice of re-baptism that he heartily endorsed the drowning of such followers with a “third baptism.” As a matter of fact hundreds of Anabaptists were persecuted and killed, some by drowning.

Nevertheless, while somewhat understanding the context of Luther’s comments, I find his beliefs about baptism most interesting. Below in reddish color are some excerpts of Martin Luther’s writing about baptism. I added the bold type to emphasize his terms for "daily baptism."

We must also know what Baptism signifies, and why God has ordained just such external sign and ceremony for the Sacrament by which we are first received into the Christian Church. But the act or ceremony is this, that we are sunk under the water, which passes over us, and afterwards are drawn out again. These two parts, to be sunk under the water and drawn out again, signify the power and operation of Baptism, which is nothing else than putting to death the old Adam, and after that the resurrection of the new man, both of which must take place in us all our lives, so that a truly Christian life is nothing else than a daily baptism, once begun and ever to be continued….

Therefore our Baptism abides forever; and even though some one should fall from it and sin, nevertheless we always have access thereto, that we may again subdue the old man. But we need not again be sprinkled with water; for though we were put under the water a hundred times, it would nevertheless be only one Baptism, although the operation and signification continue and remain. Repentance, therefore, is nothing else than a return and approach to Baptism, that we repeat and practise what we began before, but abandoned.

This I say lest we fall into the opinion in which we were for a long time, imagining that our Baptism is something past, which we can no longer use after we have fallen again into sin….

For this reason let every one esteem his Baptism as a daily dress in which he is to walk constantly, that he may ever be found in the faith and its fruits, that he suppress the old man and grow up in the new. For if we would be Christians, we must practice the work whereby we are Christians. But if any one fall away from it, let him again come into it. For just as Christ, the Mercy-seat does not recede from us or forbid us to come to Him again, even though we sin, so all His treasure and gifts also remain. If, therefore we have once in Baptism obtained forgiveness of sin, it will remain every day, as long as we live, that is, as long as we carry the old man about our neck.

I am enriched by Luther’s words, written almost 500 years ago, even if I cannot accept or agree with all he wrote. I also read about his defense of infant baptism and why he thought it a folly for someone to be re-baptized after coming to faith as an adult.

Follow these links to read the complete article on baptism and infant baptism from Luther’s Large Catechism.

SHEPHERD OF THE STARS

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:54:00 +0000

How can I get my life together? What holds the world together? Is there something or Someone that can put together my inner person, as well as hold together the objects of the whole universe? Some of the world’s leading scientists are trying to find the answer to at least one of my questions.

One of the most fascinating experiments in history is taking place with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The LHC is a 17-mile ring of powerful magnets constructed at a cost of over $4 billion dollars near the French-Swiss border.

As I understand it, the super-cooled magnets shoot beams of protons in opposite directions at speeds approaching the speed of light. When they have a head-on collision the impacts will simulate conditions in the universe just a split second after the “big bang.”

The hope is that finally scientists will discover evidence of the Higgs boson – known as the “God particle.” This supposed particle gives mass to matter. Confirmation of its existence will help answer the question of what holds together the black mass that composes perhaps 90% of the universe. Thus, our understandings of the tremendously huge and the infinitesimally small will be united.

It would seem to me there is still the question of balance. That is, how is balance maintained between gravity that pulls things together, and the force of the “big bang” that causes the universe to keep expanding? Could the universe implode or explode or simply burn out?

I believe the Bible sheds some light upon these questions. A few years ago I attended a series of lectures by Dr. David Wilkinson, a Britisher who holds doctorates in both theoretical astrophysics and systematic theology. He led the group through a study of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. I cite some of the Bible texts below about the “Christ of the Cosmos.”

"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:16-17)

The Apostle Paul shortly adds some additional inspiration, “… the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:26-27)

A few sentences later he adds, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority” (Colossians 2:8-10).

I believe Christ is the power and the person … the “God particle” or the “Super Glue” … that holds the universe together in addition to making me whole and and holy and healthy.

Reflection on the above passages and the surrounding words of the Apostle Paul describe not only the power of Christ, but also the purposes of God in creation.

It is exciting and wonderful that humanity can probe the vastness of the universe and the minute detail of creation. As a believer in Christ, it causes me to praise God even more for the marvelous miracle of the universe, watched over by the "Shepherd of the stars."

The video is “a journey to the end of the universe."

FATHER'S LOVE LETTER

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:43:00 +0000

Ten years ago Barry Adams, a pastor in Canada, attended a retreat where he had an encounter with God and received a deeper revelation of God's love for him as a Father.

After that experience Barry compiled a paraphrase of scriptures in the form of a l ove le tter from God to you. The message has been translated into 88+ languages. It has been read and seen by millions of people in over 125 nations.

TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Phill Ellington) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:27:00 +0000

My wife had a delightful surprise waiting for me when I got home from a recent trip. Last year she took a special watch to the jewelry store to be repaired for me. It was a watch that my father bought in Switzerland after the end of World War II. When Cissy and I were in Lucerne, Switzerland a few years ago it was interesting to try to trace his steps where he bought this watch and a beautiful music box which I also have now.

The photo above looks just like the watch, except the second hand of mine is black. The receipt shows he bought the watch on April 23, 1946. Click on it to see a larger size.

My father returned home from the war and I was conceived a few months later. During my childhood and into my adult years my father wore this watch every day. Finally it stopped working and he laid it aside. When he passed away five years ago I got the watch as a keepsake.

Finally the antique repair parts were found, and the watch looks great and runs with perfect time. When I wear the watch I feel so honored that I am carrying around a precious memory of my father.

Speaking of time and memories, I am reminded of several songs. One is “Time in a Bottle” recorded in 1972 by Jim Croce. He died at the age of 40 the next year in a plane crash. He recorded the song for his newborn son. Below are the lyrics with a video of him with his son and his song playing in the background.

If I could save time in a bottle
the first thing that I'd like to do
is to save everyday till eternity passes away
just to spend them with you

If I could make days last forever
if words could make wishes come true
I'd save everyday like a treasure and then
again I would spend them with you

But there never seems to be enough time
to do the things you wanna do
once you find them
I looked around enough to know
That you're the one I wanna go through time with

If I had a box just for wishes
and dreams that had never come true
the box would be empty except for the memory of how
they were answered by you

But there never seems to be enough time
to do the things you wanna do
once you find them
I looked around enough to know
that your the one I wanna go thru time with

I am reminded also of a song recorded by Chicago in 1969, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” I like the brassy sound of the group, but the lyrics seem pointless and the final verse somewhat despairing with …

Does anybody really know what time it is
(Care) Does anybody really care (about time)
If so I can't imagine why (Oh no, no)
We've all got time enough to die
Everybody's worrying (I don't) I don't care (about time)
Life is much too short
About time (Oh no, no) I don't care