Christian Ninja

The Path is Slow

2011-07-08T17:01:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post today. I am reading through the book of Jeremiah. In chapter 4 God tells us to...

"Break up your fallow ground, and sow not aomng thorns, Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of our hearts,"

While the first phrase (the last part of verse 3) sounds like farming instrutctions, I believe, based upon the next phrase, God is talking to us about being a light in our community. We are called to share the gospel both in word and deed in areas that are open to the gospel. Those places can be the most receptive person in your family, the person in your neighborhood willing to go to a church program with you, a group of kids on the softball team you daughter plays on, or a group of people in another state or country that seem open to the gospel. Those who are obviouly not interested in the gospel we should leave alone for the time being.

The second part of the verse or the first part of verse 4, is about your relationship with our Abba Father. It is about reminding us we are really different now. That difference is not only visible in how we love one another (members of the Christian family) and those in need. That is how we are circumcised. But it is different in how we respond to our Father. Remembering His sacrificial love for us. Causing us to repent and worship Him. That is removing the foreskin of your heart.

Just one of the many gifts you can receive when you spend time with our Father everyday.

I am slowly getting back into the swing of things. Pastor Mike and the Session of DaySpring are allowing me to preach the next two Sundays. I am preaching on Deuteronomy 8. Pretty cool chapter. If you are near by stop in and join us.

I continue to walk all over the place (Arundel Mills on Wednesday, Thursday near the Panera in Catonsville, Catonsville High on Friday, Rockburn Branch Park on Saturday). Hoping that will help my heart. Contact me if you would like to join in the walking fun. I'm up to 20 minutes and that is about all I can do. Like I stated the path is slow.

Seeking to know Jesus better,

What happened during that time out?

2011-07-01T15:43:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the delay in getting information about my situation distributed, but since May (more likely since the summer of 2010), I have been struggling with a diseased heart and it has had a major impact on my daily activities.

In case you do not know, on May 2nd I went to the doctor to address some swelling I had in my legs. I was hoping they would prescribe some sort of medication and send me home. The exact opposite happened. They sent me directly to the hospital and I stayed there for next two
weeks. One week at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center the following week at University of Maryland Medical Center.

After a series of tests the medical teams told me I had Congestive Heart Failure. What is Congestive Heart Failure? It is a conditionwhen your heart is not able to pump the needed amount of blood throughout your body. The body responds by allowing fluids to collect
where ever it can. In my case I was collecting fluids from my feet all the way up to my lungs (some days up into my neck). Over the course of my stay, the medical teams removed over 50 pounds of fluid that had built up in my body. After performing a heart catheterization, where
they discovered the arteries going to my heart were healthy, I was released to return home.

Once released I had to change my diet, start a limited exercise program, take way to many medications, and slow down. All things I do not do well. I hate taking medications. The hope is over time, I will lose a great deal of weight and my heart will recover and pump my
blood more efficiently.

Today, like most days is a fight to stick to the diet, take the medication, get a limited yet growing amount of exercise and a good amount of rest. The folks at DaySpring, a few folks from City of Hope, and those that know of my condition at Chapelgate have been wonderful. Meeting to walk with me during the week. Sending me notes of encouragement just when I seem to need them most. The body of Christ is best experienced during struggle.

My greatest issue is dealing with me. Most days I feel very good, thus I feel free to return to my old ways (eating in between normal times, not stopping to eat at designated times, skipping exercise). It is on those days, I need to remember the doctors telling me that my
heart function was not at 85% - 70% (normal) but a measly 20% - 15% and focus on sticking to the diet and a limited schedule.

It is amazing how quickly I forget how I could not walk for 15 minutes without having to stop and rest. But then, I come from a long line of forgetful people. I think of the nation of Israel forgetting all that God had done when He released them from Egypt.

Thank goodness the Holy Spirit continues to bring family, friends, and a whole cloud of witnesses to remind me of His love and desire to see me whole again!

Seeking to know Jesus better,

Dwayne

And were back....

2011-04-09T16:38:00.000-04:00

Happy New Years! Martin Luther King Jr Day! Ground Hog Day! Valentines Day! Presidents Day! Shrove Tuesday! Ash Wednesday! Saint Patrick's Day! and The First Day of Spring!

I think those are all the major holidays we have celebrated since my last post. I hope each holiday gave you a moment to take time out from a hectic paced life and enjoy family and friends.

Why the delay? Some of the delay have been caused by a lingering physical illness that just seems to pull all the energy out from me. I was able to meet most of my public obligations, but many of my personal obligations fell by the way. Some of the delay has been centered around a sense of Spiritual exhaustion. I have not been able to find the spiritual courage to share some of the challenging truths God has placed before me through the His Word and by those He is using to hold me accountable. Some just because I am a procrastinator at heart. More about that in future posts.

Along with providing you with narrative on what has been going on, I also want to hear how you are doing with your walk with Christ. As a Christian Ninja, you are always being trained (sanctified) by our Master Teacher Christ. I look forward to hearing how He continues to prepare and use you to share the gospel with your family, your community, and your friends with the gifts you already possess.

Lunar Eclipses, Winter Solstice, and Christmas Eve...

2010-12-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

Last night I was up at 2:30AM to look at and ponder the spectical of the Lunar Eclipses. After pulling on three layers of pants and shirts, a sweater, hat, gloves and winter coat, I walked out the front door and began to search the sky. The sky was clear, so clear I could see a great number of stars and planets even with strong street lights. Then I spotted her. I almost missed her draped in a burnt orange handkerchief. The way the light hit the moon it looked more three dimensional than usual.

I sat down on the front steps and thought about the last time people of this continent looked up and saw the moon appear the way it looks tonight. I imagine those folks ran from home to home calling people out to witness the event. I imagine the people going to the leadership of the community looking for guidence. They might have even spent time praying together as a community concerned what this sign might mean.

Last night, the neighborhood was quite. The sound of traffic was diminished but still audible. What a difference 372 years make.

Today is the Winter Solstice (the longest night of the year), are you doing anything special to mark this night?

Come join me and the folks at DaySpring Christmas Eve, December 24th. We get together at 5PM to read the story together and sing songs of the season.

Are You really Free?

2010-12-09T12:49:00.001-05:00

Today's chapter in the Westminster Confession is entitled Of Free Will. I grew up, I believing "Free Will" was my autonomous ability to make decisions on my own. I decided when to love, to hate, to obey the law, or to break the law. In other words I interpreted "Free Will" as life without the need for God.

This chapter reminds us that the only time we really had "Free Will" was before the first sin. When Adam and Eve where able to walk, run, and skip through the garden with no cares or concerns because God had provided everything they needed. That was when they, experienced true "Free Will". That was the only time when they were able to make an intentional decision to do anything to please God. "Free Will" was not living without God, "Free Will" was only found when they were totally dependence upon Him.

Amazing how that is still true for us today...

Praying for our leaders....

2010-11-23T13:45:00.000-05:00

Chapter 23 of the Westminster Confession of Faith address the way we interact with our public officials. Reminding us the folks serving in public office are there because God selected them, calling us to obey the civil law as long as it doesn't conflict with God's law, and to pray for them. (23.4). Paul reminds Timothy of is...

Looking at the Lincoln Memorial from the WWII Memorial

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. [3] This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV)

If you have a moment today, pray for your County Executive and Council, The Governor and State Legislature, the President, and Congress. The days ahead are going to be difficult, it is good to remember God is over all.

God's Might seen through our Might...

2010-11-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

At the end of today's reading in 1 Chronicles 14 we read the following verse 17... And the fame of David went out into the all the lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.

The United States has been called a "Christian" nation. Often referring to how often God is referred to in our founding documents. Maybe it is because nations that have a recognized state religion, see Christianity as the closest thing to a state religion here.

No matter where you fall in this discussion; the verse above made me wonder how often has God used the military might and economic influence of the United States to bring a healthy fear of God to the nations around us? I know much of the mission work in Japan and Eastern Europe was made possible because those nations recognized how the teaching found in the Bible influenced our culture.

Do you see God using the might or this nation to bring the Gospel to the rest of the world?

Are "Good Works" always Good?

2010-11-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

One of my goals is to spend time reviewing and reflecting on the Larger & Shorter Catechism and the Westminster Confession of Faith. The review is to prepare for my Licencure exam. Today I'm reviewing chapter 16 - Of Good Works. These are the themes that caused me to pause:

Life out of the dying..

A good work is something we do in accord with God's will
Good works or series of great works are only dirty rags to God
All the acts of kindness I do in accord to God's will cannot save me
Any works performed by a non believer are not good in the eyes of God.
While God is the final arbitrator of what work is good or bad, we are encouraged as Christians to make every to do good work.

What do you think about these definitions of "Good Works"?

God is excited about the boring too....

2010-11-15T10:29:00.000-05:00

In the reading today (1 Chronicles 5-6), God spends a lot of time on the names of the families of Israel. It is interesting at how much time God devotes to recording administrative information. It is also interesting how often my eyes glaze over while reading these reports.

For some reason God thought it was important for His people to keep good records. Those records where not only good for the nation of Israel but for you, me and every Christian throughout history. So next time, your friend, your spouse, or your church deacons, begin to review the budget, membership roles, expenses, regular maintenance on the home, car, or computer, remember our God finds these things important and of interest.

My preaching dates have changed. I am preaching on November 28 & December 26.

A Prayer for You....

2010-11-05T17:20:00.000-04:00

The Bible Reading plan brought me to the book of Philemon. A short personal letter Paul sent to his friend Philemon. The letter adresses slavery, friendship, forgiveness, unconditional love and relationships, thank you Pastor Scott for pointing all that out. The letter also contains the prayer below...

4] I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, [5] because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, [6] and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. [7] For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
(Philemon 1:4-7 ESV)

Ditto...

Remembering my dad today....

Voter Fatigue...

2010-11-03T17:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Election Day (Did you vote?). My sister and I decided to be part of the process this year. We were book judges. These are the folks that greet you and check to see if you are eligible to vote at that polling station. Hard to do when you cannot ask for proof of ID.

Being an election judge is not a job for everyone. The day was long, 10.5 hours were we served. You feel cut off (no electronic communication, no entertainment, only non political conversation with mostly strangers) from the rest of the world.

Voter turn out was disappointing (888 out of a possible 1872). The attitude of the other judges was more disappointing (could not wait for the day to end, frustrated by voters coming early or late). When did it become such a hardship to help our country do what over a 1 billion people in countries around the world only dream about.

Be Ready in Season and Out of Season...

2010-11-01T18:36:00.000-04:00

[4:1] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: [2] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [3] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. [5] As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
(2 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV)

On this first Monday after Reformation Sunday, part of the daily Bible reading is about being ready to preach. One of the many reforms the Reformers wanted to see happen in the Catholic Church of their day was a return to preaching and teaching God's Word as contained in the 66 books of the Bible. Today, we are blessed with many churches preaching from the Bible it almost feels like we can claim mission accomplished! But as the passage above reminds us this is not a one and done thing, it on going.

It is with that in mind, that the Christian Ninja blog page offers two Bible reading plans in the calendar section, a weekly memory verse at the top of the page, daily postings from the Westminster Confession and the Larger and Shorter or Children's Catechism (hard to imagine kids memorized that document), and links on the topics prayer along with ministry resources.

It is my hope you will find the information helpful in keeping you prepared in and out of season to share the love of Christ with those around you.

Thank you for praying for my preaching on Sunday. God provided a group of friends along with an already supportive congregation to encourage me Sunday morning. If so moved, please remember to pray for me on the following Sundays.

26 November
12 December
26 December

Seeking to know Jesus better,

Dwayne

Christian Ninja Blog

Strengh in the Lord....

2010-10-20T08:01:00.000-04:00

2 Kings 1; 1 Thessalonians 1; (Daniel 5; Psalm 46-47),

The reading today was all about being faithful to the Lord and witnessing His love and protection. In Kings and Daniel we watch two great servants of God go and stand before men that could have ordered them killed on the spot, and tell them horrible news. Elijah tells king Ahaziah that he will not recover from the injuries he sustained after a fall. In this account we read how king Ahaziah sent 153 men in groups of 51 to Elijah to have him stand before the king and give him the bad news in person. 102 of those men where consumed by fire from heaven. Just before the fire consumed the soldiers Elijah spoke the following words, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty." Now that is confirmation that he was a man of God. This is also the chapter where we see why the folks in the New Testament thought John the Baptist could have been the return of Elijah.

But the part of the account that jumped out at me was in 2 Kings 1:15 Then the angel of the Lord said to Elijah, "Go down with him (the last group of 51 soldiers); do not be afraid of him." What would Elijah be afraid of? He just watch God burn 102 soldiers, did he still struggle with trusting God? We have the power of the resurrection within us, yet we like Elijah are often afraid.

The account in Daniel is just as amazing. God writes on the wall and king Belshazzar offers the third highest office in the land to anyone who could read it and interpret for him. Here is the first miracle to me. No one could read it or interpret. Now I'm not sure about you, but there have been times in my life that pretending to know more than I did was not beyond my action. Most of the time it is in an effort to impress someone. Now, if you are one of the many enchanters and astrologers called to interpret, what would you have to lose by making up a reading and then a false interpretation? Who would know if you where right or wrong. But no one did. God prevented everyone of these men, from doing what would have been a natural option. Now that is a powerful God.

Lord, continue to change us by showing our weakness and Your strength.

Thank you for your continued prayers for me. The economy has had an impact on those giving toward my internship and slowed my progress toward the degree. But God is faithful and I will continue working toward completion.

The preaching schedule is out for the rest of the year. Below please find the dates. While you are welcome to join the DaySpring Church family for worship any Sunday at 11:00 AM, it would be great to see you on one of the following Sundays:

October 31
November 21
December 12
December 26

Seeking to know Jesus better,

Dwayne

Thoughts on today's reading....

2010-09-13T09:55:00.000-04:00

Spending time with the one you love is important to do as often as possible. My hope is to spend time with Jesus, whom I love, every morning. Below are some of the things He brought to mind.

What did your time with the ones you love bring to mind today?

2 Samuel 8-9:

David defeats all the nations around him
The chapter ends with the following phrase "And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went" Is that what Jesus is offering me today?
David continues to honor the family of Saul by caring for Mephibosheth - once again showing the power of the Holy Spirit to give us the ability to love those we could justify hating. Now that is a powerful Spirit

2 Corinthians 2:

Paul knows his communication with this church has caused pain
Paul reverts to the gospel and what living for Christ means

Forgive others
Victory in Christ

Ezekiel 16:

God through Ezekiel reminds the people that He loved them before they were even formed
He loved them before others would have found them desirable
They were the ones to seek other gods
They became prostitutes only unlike a prostitute who offers sex only after receiving payment, the nation offered sex before and without payment.
God will love them and restore them again

John 17:

Jesus links His struggle to His relationship with God
Jesus states again and again, that being one with Christ will cause us trouble and pain
Jesus reminds us that He will not leave us to endure the trouble alone

Update on the Journey...

2010-07-21T20:58:00.003-04:00

I am almost at the half way point of the planned journey. As some of you know, last August I felt called to pursue the completion of my seminary education and complete the needed testing and internship to be eligible for ordination in the PCA. While the path has been challenging, God has been gracious in both practical and prayer support all along the way.

Over the next few weeks, I plan on listing the ways God has confirmed my call. But today I just want to let you know what God has on my plate right now.

I have six more classes to take at RTS virtual - I am working to complete all class work by the end of 2010
I am working as an internship at DaySpring (preaching on a regular basis, putting together a plan to reach the Linthicum/Northern Anne Arundel County with the Gospel through mercy, some worship service planning, and worship leading.)
I am beginning to study for the three licensure exams (Exam 1: "Basic knowledge of Biblical doctrine as outlined in the Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church in America" Exam 2: "Practical knowledge of Bible content" Exam 3: "Basic knowledge of the government of the Presbyterian Church in America as defined by the Book of Church Order) Each exam has a written and oral component. I meet with my Mentor pastor Jeff Rickett to map out a realistic plan for accomplishment tomorrow.
My internship is not funded by DaySpring, so I must raise my support. That is something new to me and requires a lot of time and prayer.
Coordinating and administering Auto Care Saturday four times a year.
Leading a men's group on Thursday mornings.

I am stating all this because I often ask for your prayers without providing the detail. How can you pray for me if you do not know what God is doing in my life? I hope this gives you a little picture of what God has placed on my plate. It looks like a lot. It is a lot. But I can do all the things He wants me to do or a Paul penned it,

[13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13 ESV)

In addition God has provided friends and family like you to encourage me along the way.

Seeking to know Jesus better,

Dwayne

There would be a test?

2010-07-20T08:16:00.002-04:00

(This blog post is in response to the July 20 Robert Morris Cheyne Bible in one year Reading Plan. Check out the blog for more information about this reading plan.)

In the Judges, it states plainly that God left certain nations (5 to be precise), in the land to test His chosen people (Judges 3:1-2):

Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. It was only in order that the generations of people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before.

Friends, in a world where we work very hard to protect ourselves, spouse, and children from experiencing struggle, God the best lover of my soul desires me to experience struggle and suffering. Why would a loving God do such a thing? Because it is that very struggle and suffering that will force us to turn back to Jesus. We see that in the account of Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). As soon as Peter understands the peril of the situation, he turns to Jesus. Often the most receptive hears of the Gospel are those most desperate enough to trust and turn to Him. The first part of T.U.L.I.P. is about how God opened our eyes to just how totally depraved we are in life. We have no choice but to turn to Him.

What struggle do you believe God has placed in your life as part of your personal sanctification plan? What about your family? What about your church? What about your community?

In Acts, Stephen tells the story of Israel and their rejection of Christ. Again, God tells us the story of Israel. There is something important about remembering all Christ has done for each of us. Here is a challenge. Every time you pass a McDonald's or hear a commercial about McDonald's tell some part of your story to yourself or the person next to you. Let me know what happens.

Seeking to know Jesus better,

How do you remember?

2010-07-19T08:20:00.001-04:00

I hope you had a restful sabbath. Our Westminster Confession encourages us to do the following:

This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs before-hand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations, but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. Chapter 21 - 8;

As I prepare for Licensure (BCO Chapter 19) , I will be adding items from the confession and BCO when appropriate.

In Judges we read about the people falling away from God. First they stopped listening to God's voice. Next they did not know or remember the Lord and His work for the people. Finally, the people did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. They abandoned the Lord who had brought them out of Egypt.

Soon raiding parties where attacking and taking food and resources. When they went to battle they would lose. Finally, the whole nation was in distress. Then they would turn towards God and ask for help. God in His grace and mercy would send a judge to save them from the enemy, but the people would not repent and God would grow frustrated and angry.

Do you think this reflects the way we live today as a person, family, and church? As we watch the previous generation die, we are quick to abandon many of the ways they attempted to remember the deeds and works of God. Then we are free to do whatever we think is right?

In the Westminster Confession, our modern church fathers encouraged us to take a day off from worldly employments and recreations. What does that mean to you today? What does that mean to your church? Do you see the current church struggling to know our Jesus well because we have grown slack in observing the sabbath in this manner?

Once again thank you for all your prayer support. If you have not had the chance, check out the video "A Proposed Strategic Plan for the Future of the PCA" at the bottom of my blog page. It is good to know what God has placed on the hearts of the leaders of our denomination.

Whatever God Ordains...

2010-07-18T07:29:00.003-04:00

The readings today (Judges 1; Acts 5; Jeremiah 14; & Matthew 28) demonstrate what the song "Whatever My God Ordains is Right" is about. God doesn't always work along paths that make sense to us. Give me the courage to hold on to Him even them. Below please find the lyrics. Hope you have a great day celebrating Jesus and resting with the family of Christ.

Whatever my God ordains is right
In His love I am abiding
I will be still in all He does
And follow where He is guiding
He is my God, though dark my road
He holds me that I shall not fall
And so to Him I leave it all

Whatever my God ordains is right
He never will deceive me
He leads me by the proper path
I know He will not leave me
I take content, what He has sent
His hand can turn my griefs away
And patiently I wait His day

Whatever my God ordains is right
Here shall my stand be taken
Though sorrow, or need, or death be mine
Yet I am not forsaken
My Father’s care circles me there
He holds me that I shall not fall
And so to Him I leave it all

Nothing like a good slap to the back of the head....

2010-07-07T09:25:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite television shows is NCIS, short for Naval Criminal Investigation Service. The show is centered around a team of 6 people solving crimes committed by or against members of the United States Navy and Marine Corp.

The leader of the team, Jethro Gibbs, is an ex Marine Sargent who walks quietly but carries a big stick. He is determined, driven, acts based upon his own convictions (summed up in 51 rules) and will fiercely defend and protect the members of his team. The rest of the members has a love / fear relationship with him. It is that relationship that drives the team to take professional and personal risks with the goal to succeed and solve the crime.

During the course of the each show, a member of the team will get off track. They will begin to talk about stuff not related to solving the case or personal life stuff will begin to have an impact on the performance of the team. One of the ways the "Gibbs" corrects the individual is to give that member a slap on the back of their head. It is a playful yet effective way to get the member team to focus on what is important right now.

Psalm 141:5 we see that God can and does give you the needed "head slap" correction.

Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it.

In this verse, God uses the "head slap" of a righteous man. To help us focus on what is important right now. Who is a righteous man? In 2 Corinthians 5:21 we read

For our sake He (God) made Him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him (Jesus) we (Christians) might become the righteousness of God.

Those in spiritual authority and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ would be righteous people in our lives. People the Holy Spirit will use to get us focused on what God tells us is important.

Who has God placed in your life to give you the needed "head slap". In my life I have a group of guys I hang with on Thursday mornings, long time Christian friends and family. Many a time, God has used them to not so gently get me back on course. On course to finish my degree, on course to forgive those I feel wronged me, on course to see God's Word from the position of grace and love.

If you have a good "head slapper" in your life, drop them a note and thanking them for all the blessings (kindness and oil) you have received through them.

A few weeks ago, I preached for the first time at DaySpring Presbyterian Church. The sermon is now available on line. Click here to listen. If you feel God is calling you to be my "head slapper" in this circumstance, send me an e-mail or comment below.

Thanks for all your practical and spiritual support!

After Freedom...

2010-07-02T11:59:00.004-04:00

(This blog post is in response to the July 2 Robert Morris Cheyne Bible in one year Reading Plan. Check out the blog for more information about this reading plan.)

In the first reading, the nation of Israel completes crossing the Jordan River. God tell the people through Joshua to build a "sign" a memorial. God goes on to tell the nation what the "sign" should cause them to remember.

vs 6 -7 When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

vs 21 - 24 And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

I do not want to get into the discussion of whether the United States is or was a Christian nation. But I do want to discuss what are we doing to remember how God has acted in our nation's past? The 4th of July is two days away. What are you prepared to show and tell your children? In the verses above, the children ask in response to seeing the stones. On national holidays are we taking our children places where they would even have a chance to ask the question? What does this memorial mean to you? What an opportunity to share how the Savior we worship is active in our personal lives and the history of our nations as well. We can tell how God directed a people with limited military force, resources, and public support to defeated the greatest military in the world. Or how God used the United States to humble the mighty British Empire.

The other passage that had an impact on me is Matthew 12:43-45, the teaching on the unclean spirit. This passage more than any other reminds me why the body of Christ needs to help (disciple) new members and those recently freed from an addictive sin. When we are freed from sin, whatever the sin might be, we will suddenly have more time. If your sin is working to much, once free from that master, you will have the time you once spent working to do.... that is the question. If those of us more experienced in our walk with Jesus do not help the new believer know what to do with this time, this passage states, (and I think we all can agree), the time gets filled with something. In this example, maybe the time gets filled with pornography, shopping, gambling, withdrawing from family, etc...). These sins, while no worse in the eyes of God, have as great if not greater impact on our relationship with God, family, and friends.

As we see God identifying more members of the family, let us be ready to share with them our habits of corporate and small group worship, our practice of corporate and personal prayer, our discipline of small group and personal study and devotions. In other words, be ready to disciple them.

If you are struggling in these areas, contact your pastor, elder, small group leaders, or me and ask us for help. As Christ continues empty our heart of sin, we will need to fill your empty house (heart), that is swept and in order, with the God Word, prayer, and the fellowship of the saints.

Do you know God is in action?

2010-07-01T13:36:00.004-04:00

Because God is in action all around us, we should live like we know Him. Sounds simple, but something we fail to do. In the Robert Morris Cheyne Reading Plan for today, we see that God is faithful to act in ways we can remember and acknowledge Him, that we need to acknowledge that anything done is done with God, that God can harden our hearts, and that we should be afraid when are hearts are hardened and we forget to acknowledge God.

In Joshua, God is acting in a visible way so the people will remember who He is, trust Him and worship Him before other gods. Amazing how our Lord continues to show us who He is even when He knows we will walk away from Him.

The Psalmist reminds us that unless God is part of the actions in our lives, our actions are in vain. When I look back at all the ministries I have attempted to build, I wonder how many times I attempted to build without God? Then Psalm 128 begins with the following line:

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!

Then we read in Isaiah 63:17

O Lord, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Return for the sake of your servants.

vs 19

We have become like those over whom you (God) have never ruled, Like those who are not called by your name.

This is one of the points Bryan Chapell made in his video presentation. The people in our churches are not living like people whom God has ever saved.

Finally in Matthew vs 11:20

Then he (Jesus) began to denounce the cities where most of his (Jesus) mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.

Brothers, do you think God is working to humble our nation, humble your community, humble your church, humble your family, humble you and I? Are you actively acknowledging God and His might work? Do you think God is hardening our hearts, preventing us to see His mighty acts and fear and worship Him?

If you believe the later, are we ready to pray like the prophet Isaiah and tell God we have become like those who never knew God? Please soften our hearts and help us learn to fear Him?

I will post the rest of the PCA presentation to my blog page later today. I encourage you to watch it. Then if you attend a PCA church talk to your elder and pray about some of the issues presented.

Seeking to know Jesus better,

Dwayne

http://christian-ninja.blogspot.com

Plans for the Future.....

2010-06-30T07:36:00.002-04:00

Here is the first of 5 video presentations by the Presbyterian Church in America. Bryan Chapell, president of Covenant Seminary, explains where the recognized leadership of the denomination see our faults, gifts, and mission moving forward.

I post this because, this is the denomination under whose authority I serve. So these issues are important to me and many who follow my path to pastor. What do you think about the presentation? What do you think God is telling our denomination?

Seeking to know Jesus better,

Dwayne

The Curse and Hope

2010-06-23T07:07:00.002-04:00

This entry is based upon the Robert Morris Cheyne Bible Reading plan for June 23 (Deuteronomy 28; Psalm 119:25-48; Isaiah 55; Matthew 3). - check out the blog calender for daily readings.

Friends ,

In Deuteronomy, we read about the blessings God will give us if we obey. Note that obedience doesn't mean perfect living, it means living, knowing the law and that knowledge will drive us to repent and restore your relationship with God. Then God goes on to tell us the consequences of not living in that manor. The list is long and the curse is great. You can understand why the Pharisees created rules that would prevent one from sinning. But we know any such law or rule only leads to a false hope and self righteousness.

Psalm 119 continues to tell us to know, love, and meditate on God's law. When you think about it, is there really anything more important then knowing what God has told us to do. Then we come to Isaiah 55, one of the best chapters in the Old Testament. We are told again and again what God has to offer cannot be purchased. The food and drink God is offering is not practical but spiritual food. Seek this refreshment now while Jesus can be found. Praise God, Jesus can still be found.

Finally, the reading in Matthew paints a picture of the previous three readings. We have John the Baptist, calling the people to repent of their sins. Then come the religious leaders of the people, representing the wrong way to live. They also claim to love the law, but they do not call you to repent. Friends we have just finished reading the laws of God. It is impossible to live life without the need to repent. Then we have Jesus (who loves God and knows the law), the one man who doesn't need to repent, shows us, examples for us, how to live and love. The chapter ends with God telling us He is pleased.

Friends, true joy can only be found in trusting in Jesus and following Him. What does that look like? Psalm 119 is painting a good picture. Revelations 3:19 does a good job as well.

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

Pray for me, I am preaching at DaySpring on Sunday June 27th. Passage Isaiah 35.

Jesus is Everywhere....

2010-06-20T08:47:00.002-04:00

Happy Sabbath and Father's Day! How do you celebrate this day in your home? Is it breakfast in bed? Does your family take you out to dinner? If you are the orchestrator of the Father's day celebration, thanks you. Whatever you do this day, I hope it brings you great joy!

The readings today seem to all remind me of Christ. I know every part of scripture points to Jesus, but when I read these passages this morning, Jesus just seemed to jump out at me. In the Deuteronomy we read about what happens to those accused of a crime. Fast forward to what happened to Jesus. Pilate found him without guilt, yet Pilate punished Jesus with 40 lashes. The greatest punishment a guilty party could be given. Then the Psalm is full of how Jesus responds to my cry for salvation and responds with amazing love. In Isaiah, we see Jesus as the Good News and we respond in song. Later in the chapter we read how Jesus would be beaten and treated as less than a human for me. Finally, in Revelation we read about what a sin free creation will look like and how everyday we will be spending time with Jesus, someone who loved us when we where ugly and dead in our sin. Can you imagine spending time with someone who loves you and you find amazing. That is what I think spending time with Jesus will be like. We will be working with Jesus enjoying Him in the mist of that work. We will be resting with Jesus and enjoying Him as we recline and enjoy food, drink, and entertainment. We will be worshiping Jesus and standing in awe of Him.

Looking forward to that day!

Dwayne

Tomorrow is the first day of summer. So that means I get to shave off my mustache and start reading the New Testament from the beginning. If you do not have a reading partner. Join this blog and we will read this book of love and salvation together.

Love Often Comes when I'm Vulnerable and Humbled...

2010-06-01T17:06:00.005-04:00

I hope each of you had time to rest over the weekend. At some point we should discuss what sabbath rest means to us. In Deuteronomy, the sabbath rest is something we can invite others to be part of. So I guess it might not be napping in my room. Anyway, just something dancing around in my brain.

Psalm 88 is one of the few psalms that only discuss being in a dark place. There is little hope seen in this Psalm. What an honest expression of what we feel at times. The Word is so willing to be honest and up front. I hope you are that honest with God and with a few other members of the body of Christ.

There is a verse in Revelation, I wanted to bring to your attention.

Revelations 3:19. Those whom I (Jesus) love, I (Jesus) reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

First, the part where Jesus shows His love for us by reproving and disciplining us. Part of God loving us is by His discipline. Growing up I never liked that phrase or idea. But those who love us, will take the time to express concern (tag sticking up, bad breath, drinking to much, etc.) and if in a position of authority discipline. All those expressions are for my good and when it comes from one I love or I know loves me, it doesn't hurt as much. For me that discipline comes in the form of a painful back and sore knees linked to walking around with so much extra weight. So often I pray that God would stop the physical pain without asking for Him to address the sin that drives me to that idol.

When our sin is revealed, a work of the Holy Spirit in combination with the law, and our eyes are opened to what harm it has caused. How are we to respond? The rest of the verse... become zealous, having great enthusiasm in the pursuit of repentance. I am not one who gets excited about going to God or others concerning the ways I have sinned against them. So I do not have a tool or plan to help address this struggle. But is seems when we are aggressive in this area, we will see the Holy Spirit work all the more clearly?

Praying you will see God's discipline as the expression of love He intends it to be. Rejoice in how that disciple is used by the Holy Spirit to grow the family of Christ.

We are All Equal and Free to Love...

2010-05-10T08:52:00.002-04:00

I had the opportunity to spend time with my mother and the rest of the immediate family. It was a good time of remembering past events and enjoying each other. As I drove my mother home, we discussed the events of the day and the relationship we share with my siblings her children. I pray we will continue to have opportunities to share both the moments of victory and struggle.

If you have not read Numbers 17, take a moment today to do so. It is the chapter concerning the budding of Arron's staff. That staff was then placed in the Ark of the Covenant. If God felt the staff was that important an object to place in the Ark (along with the Ten Commandments and manna), it is something we should know about.

I liked today's reading in the Psalms. David again encourages us to trust in the God who created everything and has the power to forgive all our sin. But you know I am a faith and works guy so I am loving the readings in James. In this chapter, the Holy Spirit reminds us NOT to treat people differently based upon their outward appearance, wealth, or power. But to treat all men as sinners like you and me. I know we have heard this before, but if we believe that anyone's standing in the community is a reflection of God working in the community not the fruit of living a better or more holy life (Job, Abraham, David), then we should be free to love everyone equally. The question, is how do we express love (respect, honor, making time for) to those in our lives?

In the reading, we see that one of the ways the community James is addressing directly expresses love is through hospitality. What are some of the ways we honor people for the wealth or power God has given them, instead of honoring the God who gave it to them?

I spent some time with the session of Day Spring on Saturday (two hours plus). I had a great opportunity to share where I have been gifted and they confirmed areas of their communities gifting. I think they have a great deal to offer me in the area of relational ministry. Pray for me as I consider and seek guidance in this decision.

Real Life Conflict

2010-05-05T08:02:00.002-04:00

So much good stuff in the readings today. Don't know where to start. Do I start with God standing up for Moses? How about the courage it took for Moses to let the group report about the promised land. I know as a leader, I would have wanted to hear the report and then determined what would be reported to the people. Yes I still struggle with being a control freak. Maybe, I should highlight the Psalm. When you read it, tell me if it doesn't remind you of Solomon's writings in Ecclesiastics? The chapter in Isaiah calls us to the hope of what the earth will be like when Christ returns to rule. He also paints a very vivid picture of a what a culture / community looks like when it is focused on everything. Finally, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we serve a Saviour who redeemed us for all the sin we committed before we had any knowledge of sin and all the more horrible sins we commit with knowledge of our sin.

I guess I will leave you with this thought. God will never leave you nor forsake you. Everyone of the readings today showed us that our lives will not be without conflict. That conflict might come from outside of ourselves (Numbers, Psalms, & Isaiah) or from within our sinful flesh (Psalms & Hebrews). But Christ is always there to intercede for us already having paid the price for our sin. Praise be to God!

I met with the Pastor of DaySpring PCA Church, yesterday. It is a church of about 90 people with a session of 2. It was wonderful to hear how the Holy Spirit is using this congregation to reach people from many different ethic backgrounds. It sounded like this body of believers has become a place for people to gather and heal after difficult interactions at other churches. We spent at least 2 hours just talking about what we believe and how that showed in our actions. I hope to meet with their session in the near future. I was encouraged and frustrated. Encouraged, because it was great to hear how the Holy Spirit is working in a body of believers. Frustrated because I see how my own sin often prevents me from engaging in that kind of relationships with those I love. So thank you for your prayers concerning the meeting the Holy Spirit was discernibly at work.

Please continue to pray for me as I am scheduled to meet with the Chesapeake Presbytery Christian Education Committee on Thursday at 8 PM. This is a public meeting so if you want to come and see who the God is raising up to be a voice for Him in our community stop by. The meeting is at Liberty Presbyterian Church. Not sure when it starts all I know is I need to be there by 8 PM.

Praying you will find your assurance in Christ today.

Seeking to know Jesus better,

Caring is a God given burden....

2010-05-04T07:54:00.003-04:00

It has been awhile since last time I sent you a reflection on the daily reading. I have been keeping up, just did not spend the needed time to write down my thoughts. If you have a chance check out Numbers 6 and the desire to be a Nazirite. I think it is pretty neat how God gave both men and woman a way to express a greater devotion to Him for a short time of their life. Can you name some famous Nazirites?

Today's readings (check the calendar for today on my Christian Ninja blog page) remind me just how dangerous our Lord and Saviour can be. In Numbers, we read how the anger of God consumed people living on the edge of the camp. While I am confident the people consumed by the fire, knew they were challenging the God who had saved them from horror of Egypt, I am equally sure the people were surprised by God's response. Are we surprised when God acts in a physically destructive manor?

Next we see God sending the Holy Spirit (the Spirit that gives Moses the strong desire to teach and care for the people) onto many of the recognized elders of the people. The Holy Spirit was even shared with men who should have been at the gathering but did not attend. Adds new meaning to the statement "Those who miss the meeting are given the most difficult tasks". Two points I wanted to highlight.

First, that God is the one who sends the Holy Spirit and its concern for the people onto the elders. So while all of us should strive to live like an elder (Titus), the elder is someone we (the church) agree the Holy Spirit has gifted and burden with the concerns of the people. The other point is the elders response to the Holy Spirit resting on them. They prophesied (Numbers 11:25).

One idea my seminary professors continue to drive home, is that when one prophesies, they are not forecasting the future, they are speaking for God. That could be telling the people about a vision of the future like Daniel. It could be telling the people about God's law, something Moses has been doing throughout the book of Numbers. Today, we would say our pastors and ruling elders speak prophesies to us as they read and teach us from the Bible (our only inerrant source of God's revelation). These are the men who we believe God through the Holy Spirit has placed a concern for the flock (us) as confirmed by there ability to preach, teach, and live out what God tells us in the Bible.

Pray for these men. It is a great burden they carry.

Know that I continue to pray for you. Pray for me, I meet with the Presbytery Education Committee on Thursday to look at my progress in ordination process. Finally, I am working on my next resource building letter and updating my blog page.

In the mist of these struggles, continue to faithfully turn to God's Word. It is the only place to find stability in an ever changing world.

Seeking to know Jesus better,

Dwayne

Redemption - Debt Free Living

2010-04-21T20:22:00.006-04:00

Before the idea jumps out of my mind, I want you to read the second part of Leviticus chapter 25 starting with verse 23. I will wait. See how often the words redemption or redeem is used. It is how members of the community who had to give up status, property, and freedom regained what they had lost.

Now hold on to that picture and read the following passages in the New Testament (Galatians 3:13, 4:5; Romans 3:24, 8:23; Colossians 1:14). Does this help you understand why the idea of redemption was so important to the New Testament Church. Most of its members where the poor or marginalized of the community (women, children, or slaves). The idea of redemption or being redeemed would mean the end forced servitude. It would mean they were part of the larger community part of the fellowship.

Today we are redeemed by the blood of Christ. God has canceled the record of our debt (Colossians 2:14). Christ has restored us and made us whole again. Now that is Good News...

Does God really need to tell us that?

2010-04-16T17:01:00.005-04:00

Please, take some time and read the Bible passages for today (check out the calender in the middle of the blog). Leviticus focuses on proper sexual relations, not to call on evil spirits, and not to sacrifice your children to an idol. It is hard to believe that God had to tell any people not to sacrifice their children to an idol, But He did. Could life be so hard, that the idea of killing of your child seems like the best course of action? Then I hear stories like the young couple in Baltimore beating their child to death and I think yes WE do. I think about the priests in the catholic church or teachers in our schools molesting children entrusted to them and I understand why God needed to tell His people not to do this. I hope all of us have the opportunity to hear a sermon on this chapter. Apparently, there are many in our mist in need of hearing it.

Psalms is a great passage for those of us struggling with staying on the path God has before us. Ecclesiastes again reminding us just because we are God's children doesn't mean we will not experience all the struggles or joys of man.

Finally, the passage in Timothy reminds me that as our fellowship grows, we will need to remind the new members what we mean by widow, what honoring and loving each other means in our community. That showing love for others speaks so much louder than any word.

I hope you have a great weekend, spend some time expressing your love for Christ and love for someone else.

Trust and Action...

2010-04-13T07:44:00.005-04:00

It has been a long while since I have sent you my thoughts about the daily Bible reading (schedule can be found on the calender on this site). Today, the Leviticus passage and the Psalms passage pricked my mind and soul. In the Leviticus reading, we see God through Moses telling the people again and again not to drink blood. It is such an important law, God states He will set His face against the person who drinks blood. God will cut them off from the community. I believe many laws are created to confront an activity already being committed or known to be harmful to the person or community. I wonder if the drinking of blood was a common practice in Israel or the people groups living around Israel?

Because this is one of those laws I bet most of the people knew during Jesus' earthly ministry, at the last supper, when Jesus said "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin." (Matthew 26:27-28) I wonder what was going through the disciples' minds? Should we do this? Do we believe and trust this Jesus the Christ? Some of the questions I think we ask everyday.

Psalms 20 is just an encouraging psalm. If you have a chance today read it or have someone read it for you. Either way, I think you will be encouraged.

Below please find my academic plan for the rest of the month. Thanks for praying for me.

Today - Midterm - Church History
April 20 - Review Presbytery Ordination requirements (rough draft of paper)
April 27 - Final - Church History - Register for next class

Its not the Staff, Its God....

2010-03-11T19:34:00.005-05:00

Reading the account of Israel working its way through the wilderness, this thought came to mind. Moses had one wicked staff. It parted the Red Sea, it became a snake, it turned water turn to blood, it made water come from a rock, it made the untrained and poorly organized men of Israel into a dynamic fighting force. Wow! That staff is powerful! And that quickly, we turned an object of no power into an object to be feared and worshiped.

As worshipers of Christ, how many objects or means do we give that kind of honor and power? Maybe it is the comfort we get from taking a drink or consuming that candy bar? At times when God is providing joy or comfort after a stressful event, a drink is in our hand or we were sitting enjoying some chocolate. Maybe it is our wealth. At the times God is providing the resources needed to make, an emergency car repair, arrange transportation home, or take the family out for dinner after a stressful week, the money is there to provide of comfort or relief. Maybe it is education? When God opened doors for advancement or put us in positions of influence, people praised us for our intellect. How quickly we forget God is the provider, not means He uses to provide for us.

God is on a Mission

2010-02-26T10:49:00.002-05:00

As I read the Exodus story I am reminded just how determined God is to complete His mission. There is nothing Pharaoh (hardening his heart, his realization that God is powerful and should be feared) or Moses (thinking he lacks talent, his record of murder in Egypt, no standing in the community) can do to stop God from freeing His people. A brother in Christ reminded me that as Christ was approaching the Cross, Pilate also attempted to stop Christ from freeing us from the power of sin. When Pilate was asking Jesus to defend himself, Pilate wasn't giving Jesus away out, he was attempting to stop Him from completing what God was determined to do. Praise God, Jesus did not allow the weakness of our flesh to stop the conflict or the victory.

What are you called to do? Love God. Love your family, friends, and neighbors. What ways are you being hindered in completing that mission? Is it someone or something offering you a false escape? Is it your love of another god? Praying that the Holy Spirit will choose today and get you fired up to Love Him and others. Rejoicing that God will never stop working to remind me he has freed me from slavery to sin and empowered me to follow my Savior.

Why all the names?

2010-02-13T07:26:00.003-05:00

Two of today's readings (Genesis 46 and Romans 16) contain lists of names. These "lists" drive me crazy. While I recognize some of the names, most mean nothing to me and I often wonder why they are included in the Bible. What is the Holy Spirit trying to tell me? After some thought, I came up with the following responses:

It is important to remember those in our Christian family
In listing the names of folks, we often remember acts of God
It reminds us that Gods works are not limited to our understanding of the law or man's best practices

In Genesis 46, we see that the nation of Israel was started by people from many different races. What made them Hebrew was their believe in Yahweh and their understood public expressions of their beliefs (circumcision of the male, the worship of the One True God - not described in Genesis). That helps us understand where Paul gets the "unequally yoked in marriage" (1 Corinthians 6:14).

The list of names in Romans 16 is a great testimony of the Holy Spirit filling and using, men, women, young, old, wealthy, poor, Jew and Gentile to share the Gospel with the world and build the kingdom of God. Hope you are looking forward to joining those saints in worship tomorrow!

Riding Off into the Sunset, A Civil Rights Movement, and Family Drama...

2010-01-28T11:03:00.003-05:00

No, this is not the line-up on PBS tonight. It is what we are reading in the Robert Morris Cheyne Bible in a year plan. See calender below and join in.

Today we got to the end of two books, Matthew and Acts. In Matthew we hear Christ giving the disciples the great commission. The end of Acts we witness Paul completing the great commission, reaching Rome and from there the Gospel would spread throughout the known world. Esther continues to work "the plan" and Jacob works 14 years to marry and "know" the woman he loves.

The Jacob story is what I want to highlight today. As the chapter comes to a close, we see the result of Jacob's union with Leah. She gives birth to Ruben (Jacob "see a son"), Simeon (The Lord has "heard" my hearts cry that Jacob hates me), Levi (Jacob will be "attached" love to me), and Judah (I will "praise" the Lord). All this happened even though Jacob's feelings for his wife did not change. The world outside the Jacob family must have thought things were great! They had lots of kids, they were well connected and they were doing well financially. Yet we know that was not true, Leah still questioned Jacob's love for her. What a hard place to be. Providing her husband with the most treasured thing, boys to carry on the family name, and to still question his love.

Sometimes, I live the life of Leah. I think God loves others more than He loves me. They have bigger homes, more resources, a wife and children. So I attempt to give God more. More time in prayer, more time reading the Bible, more free time "doing" ministry, and more time living by the Law. Hoping I will get more of what I WANT from him. Often, I am left disappointed.

At the end of the chapter we read that after Leah gave birth to Judah, she was finally continent to praise God and she stopped hoping to find love from Jacob. At that point, it seems that God not longer needed to show love for Leah through a open womb and closed it. Father, please continue to soften my heart so I can praise You not for what You provide, but that You DO provide. Help me rejoice in the fact your care is not dependent on what I bring, but what you do.

Some thoughts from Daily Reading....

2010-01-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

Today, I was struck by what a horrible place Sodom must have been. If men went around at night looking for new people to rape, why would anyone stay? Why would Lot stay? He had a rich uncle just a few miles away. Lot had his own wealth, he could have left on his own accord. Then when the angels say it is time to go, Lot lingers Genesis 19:16. In my mind I am thinking he must be crazy. Men of God are telling to go, you were just willing to give your daughters to a sex crazed mob running around your city. GET OUT! But then I think about the many crazy things I do, just to stay in a place that is familiar and comfortable. Father, open our eyes to this kind of blindness. Help us embrace the freedom You provided on the cross and the empty tomb.

Then the lesson on forgiveness. I wonder if the Holy Spirit put this chapter together so we could see the need to love Jesus the way child does, then remember children are often tempted and sin, that sin cause us to hide from the ones that love us, but the One who loves us will seek us out not to punish us, but to love us. The chapter doesn't stop their, it moves on to state we are then to go and forgive others, why because we have been forgiven much and for no other reason than God desired to do so.

New Trainers for the New Year!

2010-01-11T18:43:00.007-05:00

I finished my first mini marathon. I finished in the top 89 percent, not bad for returning academic. Thanks again to training team of Donald Guthrie (author of New Testament - Introduction), George Eldon Ladd (author of A Theology of the New Testament) and Professor Knox Chamblin. All three men helped me see the four Gospels and Acts as yet another way the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, use the life of Jesus to help me understand just how much the LORD loves me.

My next class is the Pauline Epistles or the Letters of Paul. Coach Chamblin is back and to help me improve my finish, he has changed the coaching staff. D.A. Carson, Douglas J. Moo, and Leon Morris, have pooled their training "know how" into An Introduction to the New Testament. Besides training for three longer runs, I get to write a literary analysis of 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians and 2 Timothy. I guess you could look at these as extended stretching and strength training. Need to add some muscle to this head knowledge.

I hope you are keeping up with some form of Bible reading plan for 2010. If you are reading along with me, then you just witness Abram and Lot split, Jesus teach on the sabbath, Nehemiah getting help from the King, and Peter walking out of jail. If you are reading the Bible chronologically, then you are with Job and his friends. Check the top of the page for this weeks memory verse. Check out the calender for daily Bible reading info. Off to hang with Carson, Moo, and Morris...they just cannot get enough of me (photos to the left).

Changes to the Workout

2010-01-04T07:10:00.003-05:00

Happy 1st Monday of the New Year!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season. As you know I am always looking for ways improve my spiritual workout routine. This year, I am following the Robert Murray Cheyne Reading Plan. A plan created by a pastor from the 1800's. It is a little longer than the Chronological Reading Plan, but should provide me with a different perspective of God's Word. I will continue to keep the Chronological Reading Plan up to date on my blog page calendar, so you can continue to follow that plan. If you want to join me on this reading adventure, click on the link above.

What does the rest of my spiritual workout include?

Memory/Meditation Verse for each week (Sunday - Saturday) - This week 1 Corinthians 5:17
Weekly time in prayer with others
Weekly Corporate worship / Celebration
Weekly Small Group Accountability / Study
Daily personal prayer

What is your plan for 2010? What is your church doing to help with your "training"?

First Day of Winter, Christmas, and Preaching...

2009-12-23T12:06:00.004-05:00

First, I want to apologize for not posting in a long while. I just did not know what to share. But that last few days, God has opened my eyes to many topics and I want to get your input. Look for more posts in the near future.

Second, I wanted to recognize the start of Winter. It started on December 21 at 12:47 PM. Throughout history, Winter Solstice has been marked with celebration! In honor of tradition, I am going to refrain from shaving until the start of Spring or March 2o, 2010. I know I know it sounds like just an excuse to stop shaving in the morning, and yes part of that is true. But a good beard is great for keeping my face warm in the winter, helps me look wise and distinguished, and helps me look younger when I shave it off in the Spring. Check our my before picture to the right.

Third, Christmas is fast approaching and I will be preparing the meal with my sister. This is our second attempt at Christmas Dinner. I'm looking forward to the left overs already!

Finally, please come and worship with me on Sunday December 27. I am preaching and would love to worship with you and get your feed back on the sermon. OK, I would not "love" the second part but welcome it.

Just in case I do not post before Friday, Merry Christmas!

The Anger of Love.....

2009-10-30T15:09:00.004-04:00

In the 4th grade during outdoor recess, I was talking with friends. Out of the blue, one of my friends made a comment about my mother. I remember asking him to repeat it, just to make sure I heard it correctly. He confirmed the hurtful words. My response was quick, powerful, and passionate. I picked him up by his arms and pinned him against the brick wall of the building. After hanging suspended for a few moments, he recanted his statements and I allowed him to stand on his feet.
I have often wondered why Moses would get so angry at the People of Israel. Didn't Moses know God could take care of the grumblers and complainers? Then I read Exodus 33:11, thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Moses loved God the way we love those special people in our lives. Friends and loved ones we defend passionately and sometimes in anger. Do I love the Savior of my life with that kind of passion? How often is my passionate anger saved for the important idols of my life?

Training is Exhausting....

2009-10-16T17:34:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago, I introduced you to my new training partners, Donald Guthrie (author of New Testament - Introduction) and George Eldon Ladd (author of A Theology of the New Testament). They are working my eyeballs off. These two authors exposed me to various criticisms of the synoptic gospels. In other words they helped me read Matthew, Mark, and Luke with different eyes. They did this by explaining how the background of the author, the targeted early church audience, the historical time period, the original language, and classification of literature impact how we should interpret each gospel. I just wish they could have explained it with fewer words. My head trainer is Professor Knox Chamberlin. A pleasant voiced southerner who has a love for teaching/lecturing about the smallest detail in each Gospel. The three of them, worked to get me ready for my first long run, a test on Tuesday. Not sure how I did, but I was not surprised by the course. With the first long run behind me, I get to tackle the Gospel According to John. What is that coach Chamberlin? My break is over? 100 more pages and 50 min of lecture, right now? OK! pray for me.....

Let the Fun Begin...

2009-10-02T17:03:00.005-04:00

This week, I began to feel the impact of the decision to run this race. I received the books and lectures for my first class, The Gospels and Acts - a New Testament Theology Class. Over the next 60 days it my goal to read over 1500 pages, listen to 48 lectures, learn a bunch of new theological terms, drink a good share of coffee or tea, learn about the men used by the Holy Spirit to write the Gospels and Acts, and Jesus and His Kingdom. The culmination, a series of tests or long training runs. This is like finding new training partners who are going to challenge me. They are going to expand my vocabulary, my reading and note taking skills. Not sure I'm going to like these guys (check the photo, yes they are as scary as they look).

While more of my days will be spent reading and studying Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts, the early mornings spent with my current training team will remain special (photo below and right). This is the time where I remember just how deep the Father's love is for me. Where I see how that love was expressed in both word and deed 2000 years ago. And the Holy Spirit will help me see how that love is expressed today. Its never to late to join that morning run.

Just Running a Little Each Day...

2009-09-28T19:25:00.004-04:00

The post last Friday dealt with my first steps on the path to pastor. Thank you for your words of encouragement, I will treasure them during the days and weeks ahead. The goal of most of my postings will be to encourage you (and by doing so me) in the training for your race.

In the marathon video, each competitor starts by running. Some go on to run with a partner or a group, but most of the time it is getting up three to four times a week and running to building up stamina and condition the body.

Reading the Bible everyday is kinda like that. It gives you a chance to remember how Jesus loves you personally and unconditionally. It is where you begin to build spiritual stamina for difficult times. Starting today the daily reading, outlined on this blog page, begins to walk through the New Testament. Starting with how John the Baptist is the fulfillment of the last verse of Malachi and the wonder of Elizabeth's and Mary's faith. Jump in today and get those legs moving...

My Marathon is Ordination....

2009-09-25T12:28:00.004-04:00

Twenty-four months from now, I plan on standing for ordination. To get there I have done the following:

Stood before the sessions of Chapelgate Presbyterian Church and City of Hope Presbyterian Church and found to be a good candidate for full time gospel ministry
Stood before Credentials Committee and found to be a good candidate for full time gospel ministry
Stood before Chesapeake Presbytery and found to be a good candidate for full time gospel ministry

I am a student of Reformed Theological Seminary for my academic training. That will start in earnest tomorrow when the books arrive. I have a mentor to hold me accountable for my academic and practical training. Next week I will share some of the daily changes required to run the race.

Just a Hard Day...

2009-09-18T21:59:00.005-04:00

Today is the day before Auto Care Saturday. A day that pulls at every string in my patience and often breaks each one of them. On the way home to sleep for a 5 AM wake up call, I listened to the following song "O Wondrous Love" . This song reminds me that Jesus loves me even when my love for him fails. Over the next 18 hours, I will be resting in that wondrous love.

Verse 1

O wondrous love
That will not let me go
I cling to You
With all my strength and soul
Yet if my hold should ever fail
This wondrous love will never let me go

Verse 2

O wondrous love
That's come to dwell in me
Lord who am I
That I should come to know
Your tender voice assuring me
Your wondrous love will never let me go

Misc 1

(BRIDGE)
I'm resting in the everlasting arms
In the ever faithful heart
The Shepherd of my life
You'll carry me
On Your mighty wings of grace
Keeping me until the day
I look into Your eyes

Verse 3

O wondrous love
That sings of Calvary
The sweetest sound
This sinner's ever known
The song of Your redeeming Son
Whose wondrous love
Will never let me go

Verse 4

O wondrous love
That rushes over me
I can't escape
This river's glorious flow
You overwhelm my days with good
Your wondrous love
That will not let me go

This song reminds me that Jesus loves me even when my love for him fails. Over the next 18 hours, I will be resting in that Wondrous love.

Your Training Reflects Your Race...

2009-09-11T12:11:00.007-04:00

As Christians, we have experienced the intentional sharing of the Gospel (the running of the race). We have experienced resurrection from spiritual death (Philippians 3:11) to knowing real LIFE! A life that can only be found in Christ. Now we train to share with others.

In Galatians 1 we see the kind of training Paul went through to run his race. Over the next 24 months, I plan to describe the kind of training I will experience to run my race, the race of pastor.

But your race is not Paul's nor mine. What race are you called to run? Every marathon runner must run, stretch, eat a different diet, and journal. In our race all of us must pray, mediate on God's Word, Bible Study, and fasting. Are you ready to train to race?

What is the Difference?

2009-09-03T12:14:00.005-04:00

OK, we know what the Paul means by running the race, it is sharing and proclaiming the Gospel. So what is the difference between running the race and training to run the race? Aren't we sharing the Gospel just living? Everyday we are a light for the Gospel to those around us. Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world" That light is not something we manufacture, but the light of Christ dwelling in us (Romans 8:9). So everyday living (shopping, driving, etc.) we share the Gospel whether we know it or not.

As Christians, we should not be satisfied with haphazard sharing (1 Corinthians 9:26). When we commit to training (spiritual discipline, small group, etc) and an intentionally exercise of our gifts to share the Gospel (the Race), that is when we have the greatest opportunity to witness the power of Christ bringing the spiritual dead to life. What race are you preparing to run? Maybe it is the holiday meal with unbelieving family members. Maybe it is preparing to live on one income so your spouse can be home. What race are you training to run?

What did the Holy Spirit Reveal to You Sunday?

2009-08-31T15:09:00.008-04:00

It is my hope to hear what the Holy Spirit left with you from Sunday's Worship Service or Celebration. Maybe something from the sermon, song, hymn, prayer, or creed. Identify the church, pastor, worship leader, worship team, or author depending what you remember.

I was part of the crowd cheering on a runner in the marathon. In the last two blogs, I have talked about preparing to run the race, to proclaim and share the gospel. This Sunday, City of Hope Church, invited missionary Matt Edelen to preach the sermon. I was jotting down thoughts centered on the sermon when suddenly I realized we were listening to the marathon press conference. Matt was telling us what happened during the last race and what he is doing to prepare for the next. He shared with us how God did amazing things in the lives of of Matt, his family, and the Bayono Tribe of Papua Indonesia as the gospel was faithfully presented in common words, acts of kindness, and living life examples. All I could do was bow in awe of our Lord and cry out in my heart, Father continue to train me for the race.

What is the Race....

2009-08-27T11:25:00.005-04:00

Based upon some of the feed back I have received from the previous post, there needs to be some clarification of what "race" everyone is called to run. Is it life? In Ecclesiastes 9:11, I think Solomon is comparing the race to life. The entire chapter is about human life and how death comes to all. But that is not the race Paul is talking about. In his letter to the Galatians (2:2) running the race is directly linked to his sharing the gospel. In Philippians 2:16-17 Paul compares his labor, his running to his proclaiming the gospel thankful it would not be in vain. It seems clear "The Race" is sharing and proclaiming the gospel of Christ.

Remember the day you joined the race. The day the power of the gospel raised you from the dead and breathed life into you. What was your response? In the documentary the decision to marathon caused the the competitors to run. Not aimlessly, but with discipline and purpose. That decision to train will have a greater impact the life of the runner and the lives around them than the marathon event. Are you ready to witness the power of the gospel? Train to Race

All Called to Run the Race.....

2009-07-27T22:08:00.007-04:00

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ”Do you not know that in a race, all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercise self-control in all things”

Last month I watched a documentary entitled "Spirit of the Marathon" (video on page). The film follows seven competitors, two professional and five amateurs as they prepared for the Chicago Marathon. Each runner (independent trainer, novice single mother, professional male international, senior grandfather, young couple new parents, and professional female) has different reasons to run a marathon but two things remain constant:

Every one's life is changed by running the race
Everyone must train to run in the race

When Paul compares our life with Christ to running a race, I think he was attempting to paint this picture for us. All of us are called to follow Christ no matter the life situation. Following Christ will have an impact on our life and those around us. Everyone must train to compete to receive the prize. Over the next few weeks, I hope to look at how these seven stories illustrate the different ways we share in this goal...to run the race and follow Christ.

What did the Holy Spirit reveal to you Sunday......

2009-07-19T22:27:00.007-04:00

It is my hope to hear what the Holy Spirit left with you from Sunday's Worship Services and Celebrations. It can be something from the sermon, song, hymn, prayer, or creed. Please identify the church, pastor, worship leader, worship team, or author depending what you remember.

This Sunday at City of Hope Church in Columbia, MD. Pastor Ince preached from the Job 28:12-28 focusing on finding the wisdom in suffering. While Pastor Ince made several great points (check out his sermon ) he made two points that stuck with me. 1) When people suffer and we can link it to their actions (smoking - lung cancer, over drinking - liver disease), we tend to be less gracious even state they are getting what they deserve. 2)When people suffer and we cannot link it to a direct sin, we are left with God doing something unimaginable or the person must be hiding a sin. In John 9 the disciples have this same question. Jesus responds by telling them "... that the works of God might be displayed in him (the blind man)." What works is God displaying through your suffering?

Hiding is No Big Deal...Right?

2009-06-25T11:25:00.005-04:00

Last Sunday was Father's Day. This is the 2nd Father's Day without my dad. As I thought about my relationship with him, I realized just how much of my life was spent hiding my youthful transgressions to curry praise from him. That in turn prevented me from experiencing the unconditional love he offered and expressed at those times I could not hide the error of my ways. I wonder just how much I missed by hiding mistakes and struggles with my dad.

As I learn more about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, I am seeing a God who knows me better than my dad (continual sin and all) and loves me whether I share (repent) those transgressions, mistakes, or struggles with Him. While my "hiding" prevented my dad from having more opportunities to share grace/love/discipline with me. My hiding, not sharing, not repenting, doesn't prevent God showing His grace/love/discipline for me, it prevents me from seeing it and in turn Praising Him for it. As I continue to prepare for seminary this fall, I plan to bring all my concerns to Him and watch in wonder as He meets every need, forgives every sin, and graciously calls me into account. Free to hide no more!

What are You Doing to Excercise Your Faith....

2009-06-19T10:10:00.009-04:00

At my mens small group meeting, one of the guys talked about his retired marine friend, who talks to young people about the benefits of joining the United States Marines. He talks to both men and women in the local WalMart, Home Depot, or Giant Food, not as a paid recruiter, but as marine just wanting to let them know they have an opportunity to consider the corp and a better life. That caused the group to ask the question why don't we naturally approach people about the benefits of knowing Christ?

So we began to talk about what we know about the people in Military Service and what makes some of them so passionate.
* We talked about how every solider knows the history of their service, unit, and platoon.
* How every solider or sailor goes through a common basic training. A training that teaches them skills they will need to care for their fellow solider/sailor and endure difficult situations
* How every solider/sailor then practices, in planned exercises and combat zone situation, helping each member and see how the training works in practical situations.

As we continue our training to be a Christian Ninja, (mature christian) what in our schedule is intentionally designed to help us see the fruit of God's training in practical use. When do we make time to practice serving the poor and needy. When do we make time to sit with the lonely or friendless. When do we schedule time to pray with others and look to see God's faithful response?

Check out the calendar for times I will attempt to intentionally use the skills the Holy Spirit is developing in me in practical situations. Please feel free to join in on the practice and post some of your intentional exercises...

What do you Remember from Sunday.....

2009-06-15T20:22:00.002-04:00

Hey Fans,

It is my hope to hear what the Holy Spirit left with you from Sunday's Worship Services and Celebrations. It can be something from the sermon, song, hymn, prayer, or creed. Please identify the church, pastor, worship leader, worship team, or author depending what you remember.

This week I was at City of Hope Church, Columbia, MD. Pastor Irwyn Ince was preaching on 2 Timothy 3:10-17. He reminded me that Paul's reward for preaching and living the Gospel was prison, stoning, rejection by the religious establishment, and death at the hands of the Romans. Am I really called to preaching this gospel? Are you called to live this gospel?

What do you Remember from Sunday....

2009-06-08T21:11:00.003-04:00

Hey,

It is my hope to hear what the Holy Spirit left with you from Sunday's Worship Services and Celebrations. It can be something from the sermon, song, hymn, prayer, or creed. Please identify the church, pastor, worship leader, worship team, or author depending what you remember.

What I remember comes from the Sunday Worship Service at Chapelgate. Pastor Mike Khandjian was preaching from Galatians 2:1-10 and the freedom we have in Christ. Through his preaching on this passage, I realized I am free from any tradition that doesn't help me see the awesomeness of God. I am free to follow Christ with no expectations. I am free to love unconditionally. Free to understand that what we do cannot not change what God will do, but it does have an impact on who I am and how I see the world the the God who created it.

What do you remember?

Why a Ninja....

2009-06-06T23:47:00.007-04:00

Whether a knight, a samurai, a ninja, or a special forces sergeant, all posses a combination of practical skills and a vast knowledge of law and history. That combination creates a religious like commitment to a leader or idea.

As I start my directed path toward full time gospel ministry, the journey will involve both exhaustive study of God's Law in seminary and the development of practical skills via a Presbytery Internship. This combination will hopefully help me see just how faithful Christ has been and will be in the future.

How does being a ninja fit into this journey? At this point, my thinking is that as my knowledge grows and skills improve, I will be called serve in very different and difficult situations depending on God's faith.

It is my hope that as I walk this path, you will come along. You to can be part of falling in love with God's Law as I share the ideas from professors, pastors, and mentors. You can be exposed to much of the practical training I will receive from counselors, small group leaders, community leaders and pastors.

I hope this will not be one way but you will add through your comments on blogs and posted links. Together we will testify how the freedom found only in the Holy Spirit allow us to love with no expectations and share the Gospel in both word and deed.

Come along and discover the faith God provided for us to become a mature (ninja like) Christ Follower...