Monday, December 31, 2007

Journaling through the book of Job, part 4

Thoughts on Chapters 25-31

Chapter 25
Bildad continues to pile up words.
25:4a How can man be righteous before God

Chapter 26
Job responds to Bildad.
Job 26:4 With whose help have you uttered words, and whose breath has come out from you?

Chapters 27 & 28
Job maintains his innocence. God does as He pleases and the Godless will eventually face His wrath. Man does great exploits in pursuit of the riches of silver, gold, and fine jewels but he searches not for wisdom - because he does not realize it’s worth.
Certainly God knows where it (wisdom) is hidden:
Job 28:23 "God understands the way to it, and he knows its place.
Job 28:28 And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"

Chapter 29 & 30
Job summarizes his defense.
Men used to have respect for me and listen to my words before all this tragedy came upon me.
Now they only mock and torment me.
God has done this:
Job 30:19 God has cast me into the mire, and I have become like dust and ashes.
Job 30:20 I cry to you for help and you do not answer me; I stand, and you only look at me.

Chapter 31
Job insists, “I’m innocent“. Oh that there were balances to weigh me out and confirm my innocence. If I had sinned I would and should bear just punishment if I exchanged the glory of God for idols, then I would deserve all this.
Job 31:24 "If I have made gold my trust or called fine gold my confidence, 31:25 if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant or because my hand had found much, 31:26 if I have looked at the sun when it shone, or the moon moving in splendor, 31:27 and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my mouth has kissed my hand, 31:28 this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have been false to God above.

If I sinned I deserve all this and more, but I maintain my innocence before God and before you all.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Thoughts after a night shift

Tired... home at 6:30 a.m.

Naiveté often flees as age comes. Years ago, as a teenager, I remember thinking the world certainly has a long way to go in order to reach the awful state of the days of Noah again.
Luke 17:26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
Mat 24:37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

I don't think that anymore. It was only shortly after beginning this job that my naivety began to encounter more reality. The state of decline in our society and world is to me astounding. On this night shift, 8p-6a, my partner and I investigated an incident where an irritated man shot his neighbor's dog, the family beagle whom the victim got for his son's birthday 2 years ago.

Shortly after that incident, during a traffic stop for a simple traffic violation in Benton Harbor we arrested the driver for CCW (carrying a concealed weapon - handgun). The 22 year old South Bend resident was headed to a party and said he was only carrying it "just in case." During my contact with South Bend PD to obtain further information on this suspect and the gun, I was informed that South Bend PD was investigating 3 shootings that occurred this night. I wonder how many of those shootings involved people who also were carrying "just in case." My thoughts quickly turned to my long time friend, who was working for SBPD tonight, and who only 8 months ago was involved in a shooting himself in which his partner and the suspect were killed.

I've stopped watching the news because of it's severely depressing content. I still catch headlines in the internet news sites which abound with sad and horrific events. Discussions have occurred with my wife regarding the wisdom (if any) in keeping the tv and allowing our family to be exposed to it's increasingly depraved content.

Noah's days were undoubtedly rough. Ours are very rough as well and are no doubt heading ever more rapidly in that direction.

Total Depravity...

The recent lessons from my journaling through the book of Job are helpful to me today; God has purposes in allowing such evil. He knows what He is doing, He is never out of control, the vision of Him seen more clearly through this darkness that He allows will be well worth the suffering that we experience on this journey called life.

I am very thankful for hope. Thankful for hope to one day see the glory of Jesus' face. Thankful for hope to one day to be separated from the pain and joined to the eternal satisfaction of God. I am thankful that though I am a sinner, Christ is a great Savior. I am full of hope in the midst of this dark world because God became Man and lived in the midst of this very same darkness and then died to bear the punishment for His people, in order that they might enjoy Him for eternity. Thank God for hope...

My heart has been saddened to be exposed to this darkness, but my heart is full of joy in knowing that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life. There is a lifeboat in this down pouring rain which will no doubt result in a flood to cover the earth in filth and wretchedness. That lifeboat is Jesus and my hope is in Him.

2nd Corinthians 6:10
"Sorrowful yet always rejoicing"

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Journaling through the book of Job, part 3

Thoughts on chapters 16-24 in the book of Job

Job replies to Eliphaz:
16:2 “miserable comforters are you all”
Job continues his reply to his would be comforters now turned tormentors. He obviously struggles to maintain hope while under the weight of his affliction.

Bildad again acts as a mouthpiece for the enemy of our souls;
18:5 Indeed, the light of the wicked is put out, and the flame of his fire does not shine.
18:21 Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous, such is the place of him who knows not God."


Job responds to Bildad;
Job 19:2 "How long will you torment me and break me in pieces with words? Job 19:21 Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! Job 19:25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.

Zophar, apparently not satisfied that his message has sunk in to Job’s head yet, sounds the same note:
Suffering comes for the wicked...
Job 20:24 He will flee from an iron weapon; a bronze arrow will strike him through. Job 20:25 It is drawn forth and comes out of his body; the glittering point comes out of his gallbladder; errors come upon him. Job 20:26 Utter darkness is laid up for his treasures; a fire not fanned will devour him; what is left in his tent will be consumed. Job 20:27 The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. Job 20:28 The possessions of his house will be carried away, dragged off in the day of God's wrath. Job 20:29 This is the wicked man's portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God.

Job confronts Zophar with his error;
Don’t you have eyes to see that the wicked are prospering all around us?
Job 21:7 Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? Job 21:13 They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to Sheol. Job 21:14 They say to God, 'Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of your ways. Job 21:15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit do we get if we pray to him?'
Job 21:34 How then will you comfort me with empty nothings? There is nothing left of your answers but falsehood."


Eliphaz comes armed well for this conflict;
Job 22:4 Is it for your fear of him that he reproves you and enters into judgment with you? Job 22:5 Is not your evil abundant? There is no end to your iniquities.
Cutting words and accusation are flung from Eliphaz like darts at the already wounded and miserable Job.
Job 22:10 Therefore snares are all around you, and sudden terror overwhelms you, Job 22:11 or darkness, so that you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you.
Surely Job, you suffer because you have not yet repented. Turn from your wickedness and turn to God then all will be well.
Job 22:23 If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents,

Job deflects the assault of Eliphaz and maintains his innocence and God's sovereignty;
Turn back to God?
Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23:11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. Job 23:13 But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. Job 23:14 For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.

Again, Eliphaz, can you not see that the wicked all around regularly get away with their vileness? It is all around us. If the wicked prosper in their wickedness, then your statement that God only punishes the wicked is clearly false - because they remain thus far unpunished.

Friday, December 28, 2007

"Love one another as I have loved you."

It is very likely that we've all heard the phrase, "Dynamite comes in small packages." This phrase is exemplified in the little word "as" which is sandwiched in the middle of a command given by Jesus twice in the Gospel of John (13:34 & 15:12). This little word "AS" is jam-packed with a depth and power very much yet unmined.

Considering the "AS" Jesus loved us - will give us the example and will enable us to do what He commands. If He commands it, then it can be done. He said "as I have loved you" this is not only an example, but such an example as that which enables. The beholding of Him changes us. The beholding and considering of the ways in which He loved/loves us (there are many more ways than we can imagine) is what empowers us to love with His love. There will be no loving as Jesus loves without considering and contemplating the manner(s) in which He imparts His love toward us.

Challenge:
Write down 20 ways in which Jesus loves you (the more the better, if you can do more than do!). Now you have something a little practical to look at to see if you are loving others in those ways. If you are not loving others in those ways then simply repent and ask for help - and thank God for one more example of how He loves you though you often blow it. Then ask God to show you His love for you more clearly so that you might be enabled more to love others as He does.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

John 15:12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Awesome Worship Album

This is one of my favorite worship albums. Jason Upton has been a great blessing to me through his first album entitled faith. I recently stumbled onto this album again while trying to decide what songs to purchase with my new itunes gift card, which I received for Christmas. Several years ago I listened to this album repeatedly, usually while on my commute to work. During our few recent moves the CD was damaged and then misplaced. Listening to the segments at itunes was enough to prompt my re-order of this wonderful album (I found the best price for the download @ amazon). Listen to a few samples and you too might get hooked.
His heart for God is amazingly displayed in this very authentic worship.

Enjoy!

Monday, December 24, 2007

A Gracious Christmas

Light has dawned the King’s grace to see
So all in the world from sin now may flee
To taste of His goodness and look on His face
Is all that a heart needs and comes but by grace

Would you have unspeakable joy
Or would you not and rather have toys
Would you delight to see this great King
Or would it be gifts that makes your heart sing

That God became Man and died on a tree
To bear my reproach and give pardon to me
Is all I can take, my heart longs for no more
I’m satisfied here because He is my door
To bring me to God and take me from sin
This the greatest gift that could ever been given

Glories unseen and pleasure divine
Is all I can handle, and this would be mine?
My heart overflows with divine satisfaction
He would give you this gift, but will you see the transaction
That took place on the cross where He died in your place
All this for you free, and this comes but by grace

Oh do you see the reason He came down
To bear God’s great wrath and to lay down His crown
For God’s people to free and His grace so to see
This is why there is Christmas and why He loves you and me



A.B. Seal
12-22-2007

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Journaling through the book of Job, part 2

Thoughts on chapters 6-15 in the book of Job

Job Chapters 6-15 comprise the conversations between Job and his friends who loved him enough to come and try to comfort him, but who end up bringing more accusation than consolation.

Accusing comforters?

Job replies to Eliphaz, who was the first of his friends to speak. Job remains in anguish and feels that he is standing on the very edge of the grave.

Job’s second friend, Bildad, enters the conversation and joins in the accusation:
Job you’re full of hot air. Maybe your kids died because of their own sin. Job, friend, what you need is to repent and plead for mercy that God might relent.

Job replies to Bildad. Who can contend with God. How can my feeble words diminish His wrath. He is God, He is powerful and I am not.

Job pours out his complaint to God before his friends:
Job 10:1 "I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. Job 10:2 I will say to God, Do not condemn me; let me know why you contend against me.

Zophar, friend #3, chimes in.
Job 11:14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents.

Job replies to Zophar, "I’m innocent." This is God’s doing, is it not plain for all to see? Job continues his rebuttal:
Job 13:4 As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all. Job 13:5 Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!

Job 13:15a “Though He slay me yet will I hope in Him
This is probably one of the most potent demonstrations of hope in the completely sovereign God in the Bible. Job clearly saw that it was God's arrows that were lodged in his heart and yet magnificently Job says that his hope remains in God. Job saw in God, obviously from his knowing of Him before this unspeakable suffering, His goodness, mercy, and sovereignty. Job's knowing of God was the foundation of his hope in God.

Job does question God as to the reasons for his intense suffering. Would you bring such questions if you were in Job's place? I cannot imagine that I would do otherwise than he. Why God? Why this? Why me? Why oh Lord would you bend your bow in my direction?

Eliphaz regroups and returns for his counter attack at Job. More arrows of accusation, aimed at the heart of Job, flung sharply from the mouth of Eliphaz:
Job 15:12 Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash, Job 15:13 that you turn your spirit against God and bring such words out of your mouth?

Friends & attempts to comfort
Lessons to be learned remain written here in the responses of Job's friends who saw not the God who reigns supreme over absolutely everything. Oh attempt not to comfort those sitting in the seat of much suffering with judgment and accusations of "surely you brought this upon yourself" or "this must be your fault."

Rather the God-loving and God-fearing friends will hold the tongue of accusation and exchange it for a loving and Scripture-sharing encouragement:
Psalm 42:11
Why cast down, oh my (your) soul, and why are you in turmoil within me (you)? Hope in God: for I (you) shall again praise Him, my (your) salvation and my (your) God.


Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

The God whom we serve is able to sustain you through whatever you may face. And more than that He can even make it ultimately work out for your good. Our God is the God who can make good come from much trouble, much sickness, and much suffering.

This vision of the God who is completely sovereign, who is good, and who never makes mistakes (even if we don't understand what it is that He is doing) is that which we must bring to our ailing acquaintances if we are to be of any aid.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Journaling through the book of Job

Thoughts on chapters 1-5 in the book of Job:

Worship, a result of suffering?

In one day Job’s wealth, friends, and family were devastated:
1) Attacking Sabeans stole away 500 donkeys and 500 yoke of oxen (1,000 oxen) and then killed the servants who cared for those animals.
2) Fire destroyed Job's enormous flock of 7,000 sheep and a the servants who cared for those animals.
3) Chaldean raiding parties stole away his herd of 3,000 camels
4) A mighty wind demolished his son’s home which was filled with all 10 of his children who all died as a result of this calamity.

Yet Job responds with worship…
Job 1:20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. Job 1:21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."


More pain
As if all this were not enough, more truckloads of suffering are lined up and on a collision course with the already battered and tragedy torn Job:
Satan gains permission from God to afflict Job’s body.
Job 2:4 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. Job 2:5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face." Job 2:6 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life."

Interesting to note that previously Satan did not have permission to do this:
Job 1:12 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand."

Physical malady is the next in line awaiting it‘s appointment with the miserable Job. Job is afflicted over his entire body with painful sores.
His wife, who is as affected by these tragedies as Job, becomes a mouthpiece for Satan himself when she tempts him to forsake his God.
Job 2:9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die."


Friends
Job has three good friends who come to his aid. Three loving friends who care so much for Job that they sit with him in mourning for a week without speaking. This is love. When words fail, love is still seen in the silent companionship of those who will accompany Job along his pathway of pain.
Accusation tears through the air as arrows in flight. Jobs first friend fires at him. Surely Job you would not be suffering like this if you had done no wrong.
Job 4:7 "Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off? Job 4:8 As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.

Job 4:13-16 is a chilling description of what appears to be a demon planting seeds of accusing thoughts in this friend of Job. Those seeds grew and bore the fruit of cutting accusation.


Sovereignty
In the background of this story of Job’s suffering is another deeper and profound telling of the Sovereignty of God over suffering. Satan came before God and it is God who highlights the righteousness of Job. Satan mocks God’s reference to Job saying that Job merely holds to God because God has been so good to him by protecting him and blessing him.

God first grants Satan permission to go after Job, but this leash only goes so far. Satan tears away Job’s possessions and his loved ones. After further relation with God about Job, Satan gains more permission, more length to his leash, but again is limited in not being allowed to take Job’s life.

God allows suffering for His reasons. He knows what He is doing. The seeing of who God is, is much more valuable than the maintaining of Job’s protection and blessing. Job’s astounding suffering enabled us (& God’s people throughout history) to see a tremendous display of God being in absolute control over suffering.

God grants beauty for ashes - a glimpse of who God is came through a taste of pain. Some would say that this is not fair. And that would be correct, but things are not exactly as they might perceive them. They might say that Job’s suffering was not fair because he did not deserve to suffer like that. Others (including me) would say that it (beauty for ashes) was not fair because God is so immensely valuable that the seeing of Him is well worth any and every suffering. God is so glorious and magnificent that Job’s suffering was a bargain, a good deal, a steal… because the priceless can never be purchased. It was by grace that Job suffered, so that he might see more of God and so that God’s people throughout history might also see more of God through Job’s amazingly painful ordeal.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Enjoyable and Informative reading:


Here is one of the books I'm currently reading. This is a fairly recent release by Dr. Alister McGrath. It is a history of the church from the protestant reformation forward, highlighting the last 500 years of protestantism. McGrath was recently interviewed by the Resurgence regarding this book.

Apart from the Scriptures I have not previously read much church history. I am finding this book both informative and very enjoyable. This has been a great book for me to begin to look into the history of God's people/the church (a good book will develop your interest in its subject, this one does this well). Though I'm just barely half-way through reading this, it has already given me more motivation to look further into church history.

I look forward to reading more of McGrath. Even though I have not finished the book yet, I gladly recommend this as very beneficial and heart stirring reading.

Enjoy!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

A striking example of depravity

While working the night shift recently I encountered three young people from the inner city. Two out of three of these young people have been charged with multiple felony home invasion charges, and the third will be charged at a later date.

Three police departments working together while investigating five felonious crimes developed these three suspects, interviewed them, and solved those five crimes which occurred on five different nights. Four home invasions and one burglary of a business were among the crimes that these young people were involved in. Thirteen, fourteen, and seventeen were their ages. The oldest currently sits in the county jail facing all these charges as an adult. The youngest and probably hardest of the three sits in the county juvenile center and faces the possibility of being charged as an adult. The fourteen year old awaits some of the very same charges to come at a later date.

These three demonstrated a hardness which is increasingly more common. Lies and disrespect riddled their behavior while in contact with several investigating officers.

The youngest, however, displayed a hardness of heart, mind, and life which have rarely been seen in people many years older than he. Absolute depravity is what came to mind. The fallen nature of mankind will fall to the lowest point possible given an absence from graces which otherwise restrain such living. Granted this young one lived in circumstances absent many such graces like a solid family unit, discipline, instillation of wisdom, and shielding from much exposure to the evils of our society.

Proverbs 29:15-18
The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.

I watched as no less than 6 well trained and seasoned officers attempted to interview these three. Partial confessions were gained but officers were unable to obtain any information regarding the two handguns taken during these crimes. For a thirteen year old to defiantly lie, change his story, and restrain from telling the truth when confronted with such as these officers is still shocking to me, even after seven plus years in this line of work. Hardness of heart permeated their language and attitude. Most shocking was the fact that these officers were seasoned with a combined total of well over 100 years of law enforcement experience and these kids remained very much unshaken from so many lies. Experience tells me otherwise that it is usually not terribly difficult to obtain complete confessions from children of such ages.

For children such as these to so value more being “hard” as they call it, turns the stomachs of officers who all too often deal with this wickedness. Why police officers often become cynical with many such experiences is not difficult to see.

My finger points not at these children, who in many ways are products of our society’s state of deprivation, though this does not shirk them of their responsibility in such matters nor the consequences thereof. The judgment rather points out the condition of heart that so gravitates toward the pit and the grave. This fallen-ness lay not only in the hearts of criminals, but in yours and mine as well.

That the battle with sin in our own lives rages is proof enough. That there remains in our hearts desires which rival our desires for God is more evidence still. That your heart and mine would, only once (though we are all guilty of many more such offences), choose something over Him is nothing less than high treason and as such convicts us as guilty. The very same depravity lurking in the heart of that hardened thirteen year old, creeps around in the corners of our hearts as well. If as you read this you think, “my heart is not as bad as that.” Then you remain in the very dangerous place of not seeing your sin for the atrocity that it is. So great and terrible is sin that it took God in the flesh to unfetter our lives so desperately bound in it. It took the sacrifice of the God-Man, Christ Jesus, who endured our deserved punishment because of the outrage of sin. That He should suffer and die is the ultimate evidence that sin is atrocious, horrific, despicable, and vile.

Convicted as guilty we are, whether we see it or not. Yet there remains an answer for the sin in our hearts and in our world. It is the good news that Jesus died in order to save sinners like hardened thirteen year olds and like me.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Do not disdain...

When kept behind providentially closed doors, do not disdain
Would His loving best you endeavor to restrain
The hand of God would guide you to gain
His ways are all planned and never in vain
Through you must often withstand and endure all the rain
His will is sure and His plan is unstained
That He may be seen on your pathway of pain
Is well worth it all and then more again

He will your heart’s satisfaction be
If you would but wait and trust and see
He is all you need and then more
Yet would you run and still play the whore

Oh bend the knee and do not flee
From all the good He has for thee
To share in His pain is never in vain
A cup from Him why would you disdain
Rewards unimagined awaiting thy clasp
His loving hands never failing to grasp
Your life held dear your love held fast
Oh for an eternity the enjoying of Him shall last

His path for you is likely other than expected
May His glory be treasured and His faithfulness respected
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things
May your fight give you patience and this plight grant you wings



A.B. Seal
12-18-2007

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

A diverse body

How successful could a football team be which was comprised only of linemen, or only of quarterbacks, or only of wide receivers, or only of kickers. The idea that such a team would even exist is quite foolish. The success of a football team depends on the existence of and embracing of the different talents, giftings, and expertise of it's diverse members.

How could a body function if it consisted of only a bunch of hands, or only a bunch of eyes, or only collection of brains, or only abundance of mouths?

The Apostle Paul used such an example when referring to the diverse body of believers in 1st Corinthians 12.

1Corinthians 12:14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 12:15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. 12:16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 12:18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 12:19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 12:20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 12:21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."

Keep this in mind the next time you may be tempted to think you're not quite like the others (I'm writing to myself here also), the next time you think that they are not quite like you, the next time you find yourself or others not quite fitting into the molds that you or others have fit into.

The diversity displayed in all creation highlights the Lord's delight in diversity. Snow flake differs from snow flake, fingerprint differs from fingerprint, and God's people differ from each other in personality, giftings, experience, and expertise.

I am very grateful for the diverseness within the body of Christ. Many people, dissimilar though they may be, have strengthened, encouraged, and otherwise helped me to grow in Christ.

Enjoy God's creativity as displayed in the diversity of His people.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Remember...

When is the last time you considered those who are currently suffering for their faith? There are countless who suffer intensely for believing in Jesus.

In our comfort and ease we all to often forget those who are suffering for Christ. I'll admit I'm guilty of this.

Hebrews 13:3
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

I have been helped to remember those who are suffering by the ministry of Voice of the Martyrs. V.O.M. maintains much information about many severely persecuted Christians. For an example click here. You can sign up to receive regular updates of those imprisoned or otherwise suffering for their faith. These updates provide basic information which is an aid to equip and enable prayer for our suffering family in Christ.

I have also found the Jesus Freaks series of books, sponsored by D.C. Talk, to be excellent reminders of the sufferings which those who follow Christ experience. These books are collections of heart-rending, inspiring, and Christ exalting testimonies by those and about those who have suffered and do suffer for faith in His Name. This series contains the accounts of the deaths of the Apostles and many more throughout history including numerous contemporary Christians. This series has been called a modern day Foxes Book of Martyrs.

May the Lord help His people to pray for one another and to bear each other's burdens.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

A favorite portion of Scripture

Jeremiah 2:11-13
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

In this great passage of Scripture, the Lord speaks through the prophet Jeremiah. The Lord uses other pagan nations as an example when He says, "Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods?" Even the pagan nations did not commit adultery on their non-gods. Then the Lord shows the adulterous heart of His people, "But my people have changed their glory (He is their glory) for that which does not profit." This statement displays the treasonous transaction that takes place when God's people choose something else over and above Him.

The Lord specifies the abominations of His people when He says, "my people (remember these are God's people) have committed two evils:
(1) "they have forsaken me, the Fountain of Living Waters" Here the Lord compares Himself to a Fountain of waters that are alive and give life. He said His people have turned away from Him, all-satisfying though He may be.

"and (2) hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water." God's people attempted to make for themselves sources of sustaining water. But the cisterns (water containers) that His people have made are broken, they cannot hold any water. The idea is that many try to fill their bottomless void of desire to be happy, to be satisfied. The problem is that no matter what you put in your bottomless heart, nothing can truly fill it. These broken cisterns cannot satisfy.
What are you trying to fulfill your life with?
Are you trying to slake your thirst with broken cisterns or are you gloriously satisfied by drinking deeply from the Fountain of Living Waters?

Friday, December 14, 2007

Highlighting Missions - Vision Outreach International

My uncle Jim recently returned from his first ever mission trip. He went to Nicaragua on a short-term trip with Vision Outreach International. I'm looking forward to hearing from him regarding the details. VOI does medical missions to many third world countries.

My mom has been privileged to go on many mission trips with VOI to places like Honduras and Indonesia. The photos and stories she brings back are priceless.










I had the honor of being able to go along with VOI on one of their mission trips to Honduras in 2006. It was a very moving experience to say the least. While in Honduras on this short-term trip I felt inspired to write a poem. (A first for me - except for a few poetry assignments in school.) Here is the poem:

Blind

Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes which cannot behold the sun and the stars,
Or those which cannot behold Your glory?
The eyes that cannot see all the beauty of creation,
Or those that cannot see that You have created it?

Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes that will never look upon a father’s face,
Or those that will never look upon You as Father?
The eyes which cannot see a loved one,
Or those which cannot see how much we are loved by you?

Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes which cannot see to read,
Or those which cannot see that You are the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us?
The eyes that cannot see fresh bread, hot from the oven,
Or those that cannot see that man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of the Lord?

Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes that do not see to find the way,
Or those that do not see that you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
The eyes which will never see the beauty of many pearls,
Or those which will never see that You are the pearl of greatest price?


A. B. Seal
02-11-06
Vision Outreach International - Mission Trip to Honduras

The misery of Job and the mercy of God, a recommendation


This book by John Piper has had a very significant impact on my understanding of suffering. Piper very skillfully overviews the book of Job in 4 beautiful and sequential poems.

The incredible thing is that this book is available to read for free via the internet and (the best part) the audio is also available to listen to and/or download for free (audio approx. 45 min.)! I would highly recommend the audio version - very powerful. I have benefited from listening to it many times. I have also found this very helpful to give, as a resource, to people who are experiencing suffering in its various forms.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

George Mueller referenced this verse after the loss of his wife. He concluded that IF it would have been good for him for his wife to remain with him then that is what would have happened. However, this is not what happened, she died. Mueller rested in the thoroughly Scriptural concept of the sovereignty of God. Mueller was very aware that God always knows what is best for us, He sees all things, nothing remains out of His control - despite what circumstances may seem, He absolutely never makes mistakes, and He is always good.

The sovereign God is our rock, our fortress, our stability in
unstable and difficult times. Oh to rest in Him and all that He is has been an immovable and unbreakable foundation for His people throughout history. The Psalms abound with references to God as our Rock.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

China to open world's largest Bible production plant

"China will open the largest Bible production factory in the world early next year, according The Times.
Amity Printing, China’s only authorised Christian publisher, plans to open the new plant on the edge of the eastern city of Nanjing to meet the country’s heavy demands for Bibles.
The new factory will be the world’s single-biggest producer of Bibles with the capacity to print 1 million Bibles a month – increasing the current output by a third."

This is amazing, especially considering the history of China's intolerance of the Bible. Many have suffered much for even possessing a Bible there.


For the complete article:
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/china.to.open.worlds.largest.bible.production.plant/15432.htm

Dazed & Confused

Today while at work I was speaking with an officer that I encounter on a fairly regular basis. This officer was showing off his video ipod type gadget. He showed me his family photos and then a brief part of a video of a popular pastor of a very large church with televised services. In vain I attempted to restrain my discontent with this famous tele-preacher. The officer questioned my disdain. I paused, doubting that he was legitimately seeking information, due to his unusual combination of excessive worldliness and verbal Christianity.

The officer then asked well who do you like? Again, I declined an answer for the same reason, pondering an appropriate reply. A few moments later this officer attempted to show me some pornographic video on his new-fangled gadget. I declined his offer and thought to myself this is a perfect example of why I do not approve of nor listen to this highly popular tele-personality who carries a Bible.

Because of the twice-fatal disease of sin, with which I am affected, I am in need of much stronger medicine than that which he prescribes. I need the nourishment of healthy meals not a candy-coated haze of nothingness.

I would like an opportunity to discuss further with this officer, however, it seems that this was a case of sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. I do anticipate further discussion with him.

How unfortunate that so many choose to nibble at the ever so dainty appetizers, and forsake the lavish and abundantly satisfying feasts at the table of God's Word.

Oh the travesty that so very many miss out on enjoying the value of the treasure hidden in the field. Truly it is a hidden treasure. May I/we endeavor to bring our acquaintances to see this great and priceless treasure for who He is.

Bread crumbs or the Bread of Life.
Dainty morsels or something that satisfies.
Broken cisterns or the Fountain of Living Waters.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Battleground



That this world is a playground instead of a battleground has now been accepted by the vast majority of fundamentalist Christians.
- A.W. Tozer
It is well that we accept the hard truth now: The man who would know God must give time to Him. He must count no time wasted which is spent in the cultivation of His acquaintance. He must give himself to meditation and prayer hours on end. So did the saints of old, the glorious company of the apostles, the Godly fellowship of the prophets and the believing members of the holy church in all generations. And so must we if we would follow in their train.
- A.W. Tozer, The pursuit of man


Saturday, December 8, 2007

Team Hoyt


Check out this amazing video of Team Hoyt, a father and son team who compete in many endurance races. The only unusual thing about this team is that the son is severely handicapped and the father pushes, pulls, and carries his son throughout these races.

Every time I see this father and son duo I am reminded of our heavenly Father who pushes, pulls, and carries His children through the endurance race called life.

Oh yeah, the last time I checked, the father in this team was 66 years old and his son was 44.

Video link (about 4 min.):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uulmhtAeGI

Friday, December 7, 2007

Blog Rookies: 1st blog post


Rookies... That's me. I've never blogged before, but I'm finally jumping on the bandwagon. Having enjoyed many blogs, I shall now attempt what I thought previously not to.

"Cubby." That is what they call troopers fresh out of the academy. "Hey cub" was heard repeatedly as I endeavored to complete the 17 week FTO (field training officer) program. The term became as unwelcome as the attitudes through which it was slung at me. Looking back on the term later, however, brings back fond memories of training officers and laughable experiences that happen to rookies or cubbies in their first weeks and months on the job.

I had another rookie experience within this last week: speaking, in a ministry context, to many inmates at the local county jail. I invited myself to go along with a friend, who arranged for me to share my testimony with the inmates. We both spoke with them and quite enjoyed sharing the good news with people hungry for something (though admittedly many not sure what it is that they are hungry for). This experience was very enjoyable to me.

As providence would have it, an unknown man led the small jail group in John Newton's famous hymm, Amazing Grace. I later shared with the group Newton's famous statement: The men of this world are children, offer a child an apple or a banknote and he will doubtless chose the apple.

This statement has become one of my favorite quotes, and I endeavored to unpack it's meaning for the group. The gist is that we all to often succumb to the temptation to try to satisfy ourselves with finite, temporary, and ultimately unsatisfying things when the Infinite and all-satisfying treasure is passed over. Like the child in Newton's statement settles for the apple because he does not understand the value of the banknote, so also we much too often settle for the broken cisterns (Jer. 2) and mud puddles of this world because we can not or do not comprehend the priceless value of the Infinitely Holy, Eternally Glorious, and All-Satisfying God.