Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Dear Heavenly Father please hear my prayer. As I study your Word, please clear my mind and help me to focus on this passage. Please remove any distraction so I may understand what You desire to teach us. Please Lord cast me aside and show me Your wisdom. I love you Lord. I am nothing without you. You deserve all the glory. In Your Son’s name, I pray. Amen.
The New Testament book of Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul between 51 and 57 to the churches in the Roman province of Galatia. Paul wrote the book in response to the Judaizers, Jewish Christians, who were forcing the Gentiles to adhere to certain Old Testament teachings specifically circumcision.
In verse two, we are instructed to “bear one another’s burden.” The phrase in Greek is allelon ho baros bastazo or carry mutually each other’s heavy trouble. Paul teaches that we should help ourselves and our neighbors with difficulties. We carry each other to “fulfill the law of Christ.” The Greek word used for fulfill is anapleroo which means to supply or to complete. The law of Christ or the Greek word nomos is the moral instruction given by Christ. In summary, we mutually carry each other’s burdens to complete God’s plan.
What do I have a burden for? The word “burden” is derived from the Old English byrthen or beran which means to carry or to bear. “Burden” is defined as something that is carried, something oppressive or worrisome, the bearing of the load, or something that is borne with difficulty. As believers in Christ, the Holy Spirit continuously convicts us to complete God’s plan. This conviction brings about heaviness in our lives. This conviction compels us to help God complete his mission, “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”
Depending on God’s plan for your life, this burden could simply be helping once a month with the children’s ministry or inviting someone to church. Do not think that your burden will be only one thing and will not change. Fellow Christian, you need to expect that you will always be burdened and the burdens will change, “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Again I ask myself, what do I have a burden for? Seeing the popularity of Harry Potter and the Twilight books, I am burdened for the young readers. Where is Christ? I fear that many will follow the way of vampires and witches. They will be led astray.
What am I going to do about it? I am by no means a great writer. However, this burden to write is very heavy. In 2007, I started writing late at night. By the end of 2008, I had finished my first draft. I sent out queries to the multitudes and was rejected. I’ve been told that my writing skills still need quite a bit of honing. The burden is still heavy. Let me be clear on one point, I do not want to gimmick His Word, but I want to teach it in a creative way to reach the lost. If just one person believes in Christ, all the countless hours was worth it. This book project is not for my glory, but for God’s glory. So, I plan to spend next year editing the first book making sure it is tight, crisp, and has a good pace. Once the editing is complete, I plan to self publish it through eBooks and sell it for as cheap as I am allowed.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
W.O.R.D. - Inductive Bible Study
Excerpt from Riddle of Cornerstone
Belle had to endure another lecture from this frumpy old man. She did not like Scriptures class. Studying make-believe stories and ancient myths was for people who were weak. She wasn’t weak. This class was structured to make you one of them. She had decided to keep her mouth shut, head down, and give the teacher what he wanted. She hoped by doing that she would keep her sanity.
Dr. Tallis Rowentree stroked his dark gray hair back and fitted his dark blue beret upon his head. He tried to smooth out his rumpled trench coat and spoke, “A text can never mean what it never meant.”
Now that makes sense, Belle sarcastically thought to herself. It’s going to be a long class.
Dr. Rowentree wrote the word “Exegesis” on the board. Placing the chalk down, he rambled on, “As teachers, our job is to impart knowledge or skills. We are to instruct or tell you the meaning of things.” He raised his eyebrows and scanned the room, “What if I told you, I was not going to teach you, but you would, in a way, teach yourself?”
“Then, I’m in a heap of trouble, mate,” Xerxes shouted out as he slouched in his chair. The class laughed and so did Dr. Rowentree.
“Mr. Xerxes,” Dr. Rowentree held up his tattered brown leather Bible. “This is all you need for Scriptures class. God’s Truth.” He shook his head, “Do not put your trust and faith in the teaching and words of men. You will be disappointed.”
Dr. Rowentree carefully placed the Bible on his desk. Underlining “Exegesis” on the board, he continued, “If you unload what you have been told about the Bible and let it speak at face value, God will teach you.”
He started to use his hands as he talked, “God will teach you through His words, His truth. Don’t make the Bible say what you want it to say.” He pointed to his head, “Don’t let people put ideas into your head. Let the Bible speak to you. Read it for yourself.”
What? Belle could not believe this rubbish. She used every bit of her strength of will to stop from exploding. This was lunacy.
Dr. Rowentree looked at the board, “Exegesis is from the Greek word ‘to lead out.’” He swept his hands straight back toward his body, “To draw the meaning out of the given text of the Bible. You do not give your interpretation of the text, you extract the meaning out.”
Dr. Rowentree could see the confused looks of the class, “Let me give you an example. Let’s say you go to a swimming pool and the sign reads:
When lifeguards are not present, children cannot use the pool unless accompanied by an adult.
You’ve come with your friends and no lifeguard is present.” Dr. Rowentree twirled a finger, “You don’t consider yourself a child, so you figure you must be an adult.” He made a broad motion with his arms, “You and your friends decide to use the pool.”
Dr. Rowentree shuffled his short and squat body to the front of his desk. Leaning against it, he asked “So, did you follow the rule?”
The class responded, “No.”
“Why?” Dr. Rowentree asked.
Chloe raised her hand. Dr. Rowentree called on her, “Ms. Silkwood?”
“Well, we might not think we are kids, but we are definitely not adults. So, we shouldn’t use the pool.”
Dr. Rowentree cocked an eyebrow, “So did the people in this example ‘draw the meaning out’ of the rule or introduce their own ideas into the rule?”
Kaden blatantly answered, “They presented their own ideas. They considered themselves as adults.”
“Very good, so can someone define children and adult for me?”
Firenze Kettle offered a definition, “Children would be kids less than 12 years of age.”
A girl in the first row added, “And adults would be someone who had graduated High School, like 18 years old.”
Firenze offered, “I’ve seen those signs before and they aren’t that vague.”
“You’re right, Ms. Firenze. Why do you think they are more prescriptive in the pool rules?” Dr. Rowentree kept on his questioning.
“So people don’t interpret the rule to their desires?” Firenze guessed.
Dr. Rowentree smiled and leaned toward the class, “Exactly. That is what too many people do when reading the Bible.” Dr. Rowentree stood and walked to the left side of the classroom, “They take the parts they like in the Bible, and throw away the parts they don’t like. That’s very dangerous, much like swimming alone without an adult.”
Dr. Rowentree walked back to the center of the room, “I will teach you to read the Bible from the exegesis perspective. You will learn to ‘draw out’ the meaning of the text.” He put his hands in his trenchcoat pockets, “Especially, you will learn to understand the meaning of the verse by understanding the verses around it, its context.”
West Ackland raised his hand, Dr. Rowentree acknowledged him, “Go ahead, West.”
West spoke with bewilderment in his voice, “Help me out here, please. How can I learn by this exejesus thing?”
Dr. Rowentree chuckled to himself, “It’s exegesis, West. Of course, I will help you out.”
Dr. Rowentree picked up a piece of chalk and went to the board. He wrote “WORD” in bold letters then listed four steps,
1. Worship
2. Observe
3. Reveal
4. Determine
Pointing to random areas of room with the chalk, Dr. Rowentree taught, “Exegesis study examines the details of Scripture to understand its context.” He walked fervently back and forth in front of the class, “In practice, we will first prepare our thoughts and minds for study. We will Worship God in prayer. Pray that God will open your eyes, cast away your preconceived notions, and will eliminate distractions. Pray that you will seek Jesus, not yourself.”
Dr. Rowentree began walking amongst the tables in the classroom, “Second, Observe what the Scripture says. List the facts in the passage: people, events, places, etcetera. Ask questions about the text. Who wrote it? When was it written? Where does it occur? How? Why? What? Examine the Scripture carefully and objectively. Is it poetry, like Psalms? Does the scripture tell a story or provide guidance for our lives?”
Belle was frustrated, “That’s an awful lot of work and we haven’t even got to the other steps? How much time is this going to take? What does it matter anyway? You are portraying the Bible as fact!”
The class grew silent; they sensed the hostility. Dr. Rowentree didn’t act surprised or get angry, “I will be with you each step of the way, Ms. Belle. We will take our journey slowly so no one is left behind. I assure you. If you read the Bible objectively and not use the lenses of the world, you might be surprised on what you discover.”
That didn’t satisfy Belle in the least. When was this class going to end? She yelled in her mind.
Dr. Rowentree continued, “Thirdly, taking your observations, facts, and evidence, you will expose the relevance of the passage, you will Reveal what the text means. You will learn to examine the context of the passage; the immediate, chapter, book, testament, and Biblical context. With the help of your Greek class, we will examine word meanings and grammar. All in an effort to interpret or ‘draw out’ the meaning of the text.”
“Finally, you will Determine how the text applies to your life. You will find wisdom. Through class exercises and homework (personal Bible study), I will teach you the tools and skills to observe the Scripture, reveal or dig out its meaning, and determine how your life should change because of the wisdom found. The Bible is its best interpreter and teacher.”
The end of class chimes stopped Belle’s torment.
Belle had to endure another lecture from this frumpy old man. She did not like Scriptures class. Studying make-believe stories and ancient myths was for people who were weak. She wasn’t weak. This class was structured to make you one of them. She had decided to keep her mouth shut, head down, and give the teacher what he wanted. She hoped by doing that she would keep her sanity.
Dr. Tallis Rowentree stroked his dark gray hair back and fitted his dark blue beret upon his head. He tried to smooth out his rumpled trench coat and spoke, “A text can never mean what it never meant.”
Now that makes sense, Belle sarcastically thought to herself. It’s going to be a long class.
Dr. Rowentree wrote the word “Exegesis” on the board. Placing the chalk down, he rambled on, “As teachers, our job is to impart knowledge or skills. We are to instruct or tell you the meaning of things.” He raised his eyebrows and scanned the room, “What if I told you, I was not going to teach you, but you would, in a way, teach yourself?”
“Then, I’m in a heap of trouble, mate,” Xerxes shouted out as he slouched in his chair. The class laughed and so did Dr. Rowentree.
“Mr. Xerxes,” Dr. Rowentree held up his tattered brown leather Bible. “This is all you need for Scriptures class. God’s Truth.” He shook his head, “Do not put your trust and faith in the teaching and words of men. You will be disappointed.”
Dr. Rowentree carefully placed the Bible on his desk. Underlining “Exegesis” on the board, he continued, “If you unload what you have been told about the Bible and let it speak at face value, God will teach you.”
He started to use his hands as he talked, “God will teach you through His words, His truth. Don’t make the Bible say what you want it to say.” He pointed to his head, “Don’t let people put ideas into your head. Let the Bible speak to you. Read it for yourself.”
What? Belle could not believe this rubbish. She used every bit of her strength of will to stop from exploding. This was lunacy.
Dr. Rowentree looked at the board, “Exegesis is from the Greek word ‘to lead out.’” He swept his hands straight back toward his body, “To draw the meaning out of the given text of the Bible. You do not give your interpretation of the text, you extract the meaning out.”
Dr. Rowentree could see the confused looks of the class, “Let me give you an example. Let’s say you go to a swimming pool and the sign reads:
When lifeguards are not present, children cannot use the pool unless accompanied by an adult.
You’ve come with your friends and no lifeguard is present.” Dr. Rowentree twirled a finger, “You don’t consider yourself a child, so you figure you must be an adult.” He made a broad motion with his arms, “You and your friends decide to use the pool.”
Dr. Rowentree shuffled his short and squat body to the front of his desk. Leaning against it, he asked “So, did you follow the rule?”
The class responded, “No.”
“Why?” Dr. Rowentree asked.
Chloe raised her hand. Dr. Rowentree called on her, “Ms. Silkwood?”
“Well, we might not think we are kids, but we are definitely not adults. So, we shouldn’t use the pool.”
Dr. Rowentree cocked an eyebrow, “So did the people in this example ‘draw the meaning out’ of the rule or introduce their own ideas into the rule?”
Kaden blatantly answered, “They presented their own ideas. They considered themselves as adults.”
“Very good, so can someone define children and adult for me?”
Firenze Kettle offered a definition, “Children would be kids less than 12 years of age.”
A girl in the first row added, “And adults would be someone who had graduated High School, like 18 years old.”
Firenze offered, “I’ve seen those signs before and they aren’t that vague.”
“You’re right, Ms. Firenze. Why do you think they are more prescriptive in the pool rules?” Dr. Rowentree kept on his questioning.
“So people don’t interpret the rule to their desires?” Firenze guessed.
Dr. Rowentree smiled and leaned toward the class, “Exactly. That is what too many people do when reading the Bible.” Dr. Rowentree stood and walked to the left side of the classroom, “They take the parts they like in the Bible, and throw away the parts they don’t like. That’s very dangerous, much like swimming alone without an adult.”
Dr. Rowentree walked back to the center of the room, “I will teach you to read the Bible from the exegesis perspective. You will learn to ‘draw out’ the meaning of the text.” He put his hands in his trenchcoat pockets, “Especially, you will learn to understand the meaning of the verse by understanding the verses around it, its context.”
West Ackland raised his hand, Dr. Rowentree acknowledged him, “Go ahead, West.”
West spoke with bewilderment in his voice, “Help me out here, please. How can I learn by this exejesus thing?”
Dr. Rowentree chuckled to himself, “It’s exegesis, West. Of course, I will help you out.”
Dr. Rowentree picked up a piece of chalk and went to the board. He wrote “WORD” in bold letters then listed four steps,
1. Worship
2. Observe
3. Reveal
4. Determine
Pointing to random areas of room with the chalk, Dr. Rowentree taught, “Exegesis study examines the details of Scripture to understand its context.” He walked fervently back and forth in front of the class, “In practice, we will first prepare our thoughts and minds for study. We will Worship God in prayer. Pray that God will open your eyes, cast away your preconceived notions, and will eliminate distractions. Pray that you will seek Jesus, not yourself.”
Dr. Rowentree began walking amongst the tables in the classroom, “Second, Observe what the Scripture says. List the facts in the passage: people, events, places, etcetera. Ask questions about the text. Who wrote it? When was it written? Where does it occur? How? Why? What? Examine the Scripture carefully and objectively. Is it poetry, like Psalms? Does the scripture tell a story or provide guidance for our lives?”
Belle was frustrated, “That’s an awful lot of work and we haven’t even got to the other steps? How much time is this going to take? What does it matter anyway? You are portraying the Bible as fact!”
The class grew silent; they sensed the hostility. Dr. Rowentree didn’t act surprised or get angry, “I will be with you each step of the way, Ms. Belle. We will take our journey slowly so no one is left behind. I assure you. If you read the Bible objectively and not use the lenses of the world, you might be surprised on what you discover.”
That didn’t satisfy Belle in the least. When was this class going to end? She yelled in her mind.
Dr. Rowentree continued, “Thirdly, taking your observations, facts, and evidence, you will expose the relevance of the passage, you will Reveal what the text means. You will learn to examine the context of the passage; the immediate, chapter, book, testament, and Biblical context. With the help of your Greek class, we will examine word meanings and grammar. All in an effort to interpret or ‘draw out’ the meaning of the text.”
“Finally, you will Determine how the text applies to your life. You will find wisdom. Through class exercises and homework (personal Bible study), I will teach you the tools and skills to observe the Scripture, reveal or dig out its meaning, and determine how your life should change because of the wisdom found. The Bible is its best interpreter and teacher.”
The end of class chimes stopped Belle’s torment.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Mission and Vision and the activities to get there
My life's mission is to be a man of God. My vision to become a man of God is to lead like Christ, walk with Christ, and to love my wife and children in a way that they understand. To accomplish this vision, I need to look at my daily schedule and activities. I need to exhibit my vision in everything that I do. Therefore, for every hour of the day, I need to lead like Christ, walk with Christ, and love my wife and children (Please see an example schedule on MediaFire here). For example, at work, I must lead like Christ or be serving, humble, courageous, mentoring, compassionate, and decisive.
As 2010 approaches, I will be developing other improvement projects to help me realize my vision. I will share them with you through this blog.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Love my wife and children in a way that they understand
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love
Ephesians 5:1-2a
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her
Ephesians 5:25
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
One night traveling for work, I was listening to a sermon on the radio. I don’t remember the Pastor who was talking that night, but the message was about his goals for his life. The goal that caught my attention was “Love my wife and children in a way that they understand.” The preacher stressed that what a man considers to be showing love might be entirely different from what a child or a wife expects for love.
So, a man may think that he is showing love to his wife by providing for her and bringing her gifts but he may not be showing the love she desires. Each woman’s idea of love is different and there are multiple books on the subject (e.g. The Five Love Languages). The preacher related how he always strives to understand his wife and show affection that is meaningful to her. I’ve found a main component of showing love is spending time with your wife. The same could be said of your children. The saying goes, “Children spell love T.I.M.E.”
What is love? To discover the meaning of love, let’s use our source of Truth, the Bible. Love is used in reference to children in Proverbs 13:24, “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” The Hebrew word for “love” in this verse is “ahab.” Ahab conveys intense unconditional tender affection between parents and children, husbands and wives. In this verse, God instructs us to discipline or correct or admonish children when they do wrong. If a parent does not teach their children the correct way to go, they do not love their children. Ephesians 6:4 further instructs us on how to teach our children, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” For children, it takes “time” to train them up in the Lord. To love children in a way they understand, you must spend time with them, answer their questions, teach them about right and wrong, and mentor them through play.
The Greek word that is translated the same way as the Hebrew word, “ahab,” is “agape.” The Greek word, agape, is used in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Jesus sacrificed Himself for us on the cross showing His intense unconditional tender affection toward us. We husbands must sacrifice our interests and jobs and make sure to spend time with our wives. We must make sure we listen to both our children and our wives. We must at all times be there for them. A man will be defined by his family - how he leads, loves, and sacrifices for them. My vision statement for myself concludes “Love my wife and children in a way that they understand.”
Ephesians 5:1-2a
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her
Ephesians 5:25
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
One night traveling for work, I was listening to a sermon on the radio. I don’t remember the Pastor who was talking that night, but the message was about his goals for his life. The goal that caught my attention was “Love my wife and children in a way that they understand.” The preacher stressed that what a man considers to be showing love might be entirely different from what a child or a wife expects for love.
So, a man may think that he is showing love to his wife by providing for her and bringing her gifts but he may not be showing the love she desires. Each woman’s idea of love is different and there are multiple books on the subject (e.g. The Five Love Languages). The preacher related how he always strives to understand his wife and show affection that is meaningful to her. I’ve found a main component of showing love is spending time with your wife. The same could be said of your children. The saying goes, “Children spell love T.I.M.E.”
What is love? To discover the meaning of love, let’s use our source of Truth, the Bible. Love is used in reference to children in Proverbs 13:24, “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” The Hebrew word for “love” in this verse is “ahab.” Ahab conveys intense unconditional tender affection between parents and children, husbands and wives. In this verse, God instructs us to discipline or correct or admonish children when they do wrong. If a parent does not teach their children the correct way to go, they do not love their children. Ephesians 6:4 further instructs us on how to teach our children, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” For children, it takes “time” to train them up in the Lord. To love children in a way they understand, you must spend time with them, answer their questions, teach them about right and wrong, and mentor them through play.
The Greek word that is translated the same way as the Hebrew word, “ahab,” is “agape.” The Greek word, agape, is used in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Jesus sacrificed Himself for us on the cross showing His intense unconditional tender affection toward us. We husbands must sacrifice our interests and jobs and make sure to spend time with our wives. We must make sure we listen to both our children and our wives. We must at all times be there for them. A man will be defined by his family - how he leads, loves, and sacrifices for them. My vision statement for myself concludes “Love my wife and children in a way that they understand.”
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Walk with Christ
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:5-7
No different than any another institution, business, or organization, the prison system evolved over time to what it is today. During those changes, some of the prison's words became part of our culture and the English language. The Auburn, New York penal method was very cutting age during the 19th century. That system was the first to dress inmates in the striped uniforms. Another new concept was the method used to move prisoners around the facility. The prisoners marched in unison with each prisoner interlocking their right arm with the prisoner in front of them. They stared away from the guards and fellow prisoners. This type of marching was called “lockstep” and was also used as a form of punishment.
Today, lockstep is defined as either “A way of marching in which the marchers follow each other as closely as possible” or “A standardized procedure that is closely, often mindlessly followed.” Another dictionary expands on the definition, “in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison.” When we Christians say “Walk with Christ” - since the world believes that we are intolerant, I believe the world hears “Lockstep with Christ.”
Romans 8:28-30 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Between justification (Being forgiven and saved) and glorification (being with God), we Christians go through a process to become the likeness of God. This process is called “sanctification.”
John 17:16-17 says “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Jesus prayed these words for His disciples asking God to set them apart from the world by His truth or His Word, the Bible. When you believe in Jesus, believe that He died for your sins, believe that the only way to be with God is through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, your sins are forgiven and you are saved from eternal separation from God. But you can still sin. Your life has changed and now you begin your discipleship where you learn more about God and how to live. This learning will never end. It is a lifelong journey to be sanctified.
Therefore, when I say my personal vision is to “Walk with Christ,” I want to daily learn how I’m supposed to live but more importantly - live how I’m supposed to live. I do not walk in mindless conformity. I walk a separate way from the world. I walk set apart. I can only accomplish this walk through Him. I cannot do this on my own. He must carry me.
How do I go along this sanctification journey? I pray. I study His Word. I join a Bible-teaching church to help me with my discipleship. I seek fellowship of other believers to aid me on my journey. I share the Good News. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
1 John 1:5-7
No different than any another institution, business, or organization, the prison system evolved over time to what it is today. During those changes, some of the prison's words became part of our culture and the English language. The Auburn, New York penal method was very cutting age during the 19th century. That system was the first to dress inmates in the striped uniforms. Another new concept was the method used to move prisoners around the facility. The prisoners marched in unison with each prisoner interlocking their right arm with the prisoner in front of them. They stared away from the guards and fellow prisoners. This type of marching was called “lockstep” and was also used as a form of punishment.
Today, lockstep is defined as either “A way of marching in which the marchers follow each other as closely as possible” or “A standardized procedure that is closely, often mindlessly followed.” Another dictionary expands on the definition, “in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison.” When we Christians say “Walk with Christ” - since the world believes that we are intolerant, I believe the world hears “Lockstep with Christ.”
Romans 8:28-30 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Between justification (Being forgiven and saved) and glorification (being with God), we Christians go through a process to become the likeness of God. This process is called “sanctification.”
John 17:16-17 says “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Jesus prayed these words for His disciples asking God to set them apart from the world by His truth or His Word, the Bible. When you believe in Jesus, believe that He died for your sins, believe that the only way to be with God is through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, your sins are forgiven and you are saved from eternal separation from God. But you can still sin. Your life has changed and now you begin your discipleship where you learn more about God and how to live. This learning will never end. It is a lifelong journey to be sanctified.
Therefore, when I say my personal vision is to “Walk with Christ,” I want to daily learn how I’m supposed to live but more importantly - live how I’m supposed to live. I do not walk in mindless conformity. I walk a separate way from the world. I walk set apart. I can only accomplish this walk through Him. I cannot do this on my own. He must carry me.
How do I go along this sanctification journey? I pray. I study His Word. I join a Bible-teaching church to help me with my discipleship. I seek fellowship of other believers to aid me on my journey. I share the Good News. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Rally Cats and Mitch
Back in 1988 when I was a lowly freshman, I joined “Rally Cats.” It was attempt to meet more people than just engineers. My dorm floor was crawling with them. Engineers aren’t bad, but there is more to life than studying and mathematics. Rally Cats was a student spirit group for the University of Cincinnati (UC) Bearcats. The organization tried to raise support for school athletics which at the time were not that good.
The group would host pre-game events and would get preferential seating at games - although there were plenty of seats to be had. Our basketball team was okay when I started school. Going to those games, blowing plastic big red horns at free throws was a blast.
Football games were a different story. UC was one of a few college schools to actually serve beer at games. It didn’t help. Attendance at the games was pathetic and unfortunately the team didn’t fare any better. I don’t fault the team or the coaches. It’s just that UC has always been a “basketball” school, the home of Oscar Robertson. It also didn’t help that half the stadium was condemned, unsafe to use.
Some students took it upon themselves to force change. They posted a sign over on the condemned half of the stadium during a game. It read something along the lines of “Fire the Football Coach!” The two students happened to be members of the Rally Cats. As a response, the school disbanded Rally Cats. I’m happy to say that Rally Cats was re-started a year or two after and exists today.
Through my college years, the football team continued to sputter. Now, you probably can’t get a ticket to the game. The stadium has been repaired and is no longer condemned. The Football Bearcats may even be more popular than the Reds or the Bengals. In 2008, UC went to the Orange Bowl. As of October 19, 2009, the team is ranked in the top five, but this success is not why I’m proud of my University and its football team. What has me so excited? When I watch them on TV, some of them have Bible references written with marker on their biceps such as John 14:6. What has me so excited? They behave responsibly and honor the game. What has me so excited? The team filled their last roster space with Mitch, a 12 year old boy recovering from a brain tumor. Even as the players and the team grow in notoriety, they never fail to flood Mitch with e-mails, texts, and phone calls of support as he struggles to recover. These college kids are learning to “Lead like Christ.”
Please read about Mitch and UC at Pete Thamel’s BLOG - http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/cincys-secret-weapon/.
Video of Mitch's Story
Friday, October 16, 2009
Lead like Christ
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:34-35
Lead like Christ. This goal is a tenant of my vision, part of the path to “be a man of God.” When I composed this aspiration, I tried to choose my words carefully. Let’s dissect the phrase to see if I did.
The word “lead” is from the Middle English, leden, which means to guide, to direct, to serve. If you search through synonyms, you’ll find “lead” could also mean to command, to govern, to have authority over someone or something. The word “like” is from Old English, akin, which is defined as the same form, similar, bearing resemblance. “Christ” is from the Greek, Christos, which means literally anointed, the Messiah, Jesus. Therefore, “Lead like Christ” can be re-written as to direct, to serve with authority bearing the resemblance of the anointed Messiah, Jesus.
One could argue that the phrase “Lead like Christ” is really just being a Christian, because there are many who believe the word “Christian” means “little Christ.” However, if you examine the words etymology, Christian is Greek for Christianos. During the time of Jesus, the suffix ianos was popularly used as “slave of.” Therefore, Christianos means “slaves of Christ.” This does not match up entirely with my vision tenant. This tenant is to define my actions as father, husband, co-worker, and friend. When I’m confronted with daily life, I should consider What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) or What Did Jesus Do? (WDJD). I should “Lead like Christ.”
What are the components of leading like Christ? I can think of a few traits such as serving, humble, courageous, mentoring, compassionate, and decisive. I’ll research this in further blogs, but before becoming this leader you must deny yourself, humble yourself, and give glory for anything to the rightful place – give the glory to God.
Lead like Christ. This goal is a tenant of my vision, part of the path to “be a man of God.” When I composed this aspiration, I tried to choose my words carefully. Let’s dissect the phrase to see if I did.
The word “lead” is from the Middle English, leden, which means to guide, to direct, to serve. If you search through synonyms, you’ll find “lead” could also mean to command, to govern, to have authority over someone or something. The word “like” is from Old English, akin, which is defined as the same form, similar, bearing resemblance. “Christ” is from the Greek, Christos, which means literally anointed, the Messiah, Jesus. Therefore, “Lead like Christ” can be re-written as to direct, to serve with authority bearing the resemblance of the anointed Messiah, Jesus.
One could argue that the phrase “Lead like Christ” is really just being a Christian, because there are many who believe the word “Christian” means “little Christ.” However, if you examine the words etymology, Christian is Greek for Christianos. During the time of Jesus, the suffix ianos was popularly used as “slave of.” Therefore, Christianos means “slaves of Christ.” This does not match up entirely with my vision tenant. This tenant is to define my actions as father, husband, co-worker, and friend. When I’m confronted with daily life, I should consider What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) or What Did Jesus Do? (WDJD). I should “Lead like Christ.”
What are the components of leading like Christ? I can think of a few traits such as serving, humble, courageous, mentoring, compassionate, and decisive. I’ll research this in further blogs, but before becoming this leader you must deny yourself, humble yourself, and give glory for anything to the rightful place – give the glory to God.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Why am I here?
Back in High School, I asked one of my friends, “What is the meaning of life?” Expecting some tired answer from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe (Remember “42”), my friend answered differently. He replied, “Have Fun.” At the time, I found the answer actually insightful and very surprising considering the source. But after much reflection, his response was actually hollow. Really, think about. We have been placed on this earth for the only expressed purpose to “have fun.” If this answer is true, by what I see of the world, there isn’t much fun about it - at least not 24 hours a day, seven days of week. Whose definition of “fun” are we using? There must be more, so let’s re-phrase the question.
Why am I here? In posing this question, I have to consider whether the response would be universal for everyone or would only be applicable to me. Furthermore, where would I even look for an answer to this? To help answer this question for myself, I’ve decided to use the mission-vision approach.
What is a Mission? Companies use mission statements to explain the reason that the business exists. For example, Microsoft’s mission is that “We work to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential.” Nike’s mission is “Innovate for a better world.” Disney’s mission is “To make people happy.” Arby’s mission is “Quality Food, Fast and Friendly.” 3M’s mission is “To solve unsolved problems innovatively.”
So, if I apply this technique, my mission would be the overall purpose for my life. The statement should resonate with me and inspire me. My mission should help guide me and prioritize what I do each and every day.
What is a Vision? Companies use vision statements to describe the desired outcome of the business and the plan to achieve it. The statements can be one sentence or multiple paragraphs. Microsoft’s vision is “Create experiences that combine the magic of software with the power of Internet services across a world of devices.” Nike’s vision is “To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” Disney’s vision is “To be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information, using its portfolio of brands to differentiate its content, services and consumer products.” Arby’s vision is “To provide an exceptional dining experience that satisfies our guests' grown-up tastes by being ‘Cut-Above’ in everything we do.” 3M’s vision is “3M is committed to actively contributing to sustainable development through environmental protection, social responsibility and economic progress.”
Again, by applying this technique, my personal vision is what I want to become. The vision tells me how I should behave and how I will accomplish my mission. Together, mission and vision statements remind me of why I even exist, my purpose, and how I intend to accomplish that purpose. With that said, in conclusion, please find below my mission and vision answering "Why am I here?."
Mission - Be a man of God
Vision - Lead like Christ, Walk with Christ, Love my wife and children in a way that they understand
Why am I here? In posing this question, I have to consider whether the response would be universal for everyone or would only be applicable to me. Furthermore, where would I even look for an answer to this? To help answer this question for myself, I’ve decided to use the mission-vision approach.
What is a Mission? Companies use mission statements to explain the reason that the business exists. For example, Microsoft’s mission is that “We work to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential.” Nike’s mission is “Innovate for a better world.” Disney’s mission is “To make people happy.” Arby’s mission is “Quality Food, Fast and Friendly.” 3M’s mission is “To solve unsolved problems innovatively.”
So, if I apply this technique, my mission would be the overall purpose for my life. The statement should resonate with me and inspire me. My mission should help guide me and prioritize what I do each and every day.
What is a Vision? Companies use vision statements to describe the desired outcome of the business and the plan to achieve it. The statements can be one sentence or multiple paragraphs. Microsoft’s vision is “Create experiences that combine the magic of software with the power of Internet services across a world of devices.” Nike’s vision is “To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” Disney’s vision is “To be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information, using its portfolio of brands to differentiate its content, services and consumer products.” Arby’s vision is “To provide an exceptional dining experience that satisfies our guests' grown-up tastes by being ‘Cut-Above’ in everything we do.” 3M’s vision is “3M is committed to actively contributing to sustainable development through environmental protection, social responsibility and economic progress.”
Again, by applying this technique, my personal vision is what I want to become. The vision tells me how I should behave and how I will accomplish my mission. Together, mission and vision statements remind me of why I even exist, my purpose, and how I intend to accomplish that purpose. With that said, in conclusion, please find below my mission and vision answering "Why am I here?."
Mission - Be a man of God
Vision - Lead like Christ, Walk with Christ, Love my wife and children in a way that they understand
Monday, October 12, 2009
be a man of God
A few years back, I took a management class that asked us what we would want chiseled on our tombstone. The instructor was trying to inspire us to consider how we would be remembered. In a round about way, the instructor wanted us to craft our own personal mission statement. I had difficulty determining my desired epitaph until I read 1 Timothy 6:11, “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” My life’s pursuit is to “be a man of God.”
In the Bible, a “man of God” was used to describe Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, and Timothy. While I would never put myself in their company, as a Christian, I must lead a life without compromise based on the six virtues listed in the verse. My life should be in accordance with God’s values, should visibly demonstrate the values by my works, should show my belief in Jesus, should demonstrate unconditional love, should show my endurance to never quit against opposition to the Gospel, and should always encourage the unbeliever.
The World always looks for Christians to fail. We are held to a higher standard. We are always on an interview. Show them Jesus and “fight the good fight of faith.”
In the Bible, a “man of God” was used to describe Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, and Timothy. While I would never put myself in their company, as a Christian, I must lead a life without compromise based on the six virtues listed in the verse. My life should be in accordance with God’s values, should visibly demonstrate the values by my works, should show my belief in Jesus, should demonstrate unconditional love, should show my endurance to never quit against opposition to the Gospel, and should always encourage the unbeliever.
The World always looks for Christians to fail. We are held to a higher standard. We are always on an interview. Show them Jesus and “fight the good fight of faith.”
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