“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ.
“Wherever the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved and to be steady on all the battlefield besides is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that one point.”
Martin Luther
This is quite a quote! What do you think?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Will to Win When Weary
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Movie Comment: Jesus Save Us From Your Followers
Just had the privilege to view the documentary in selected theaters, "Jesus Save Us From Your Followers." I had an inside source allow me to see a DVD of it and have had some time to view it in sections.
Very clever movie and very impressive in terms of the visual presentation and trendy graphics.
The documentary explores the polarization of American culture over issues of faith and asks a great question: What is wrong? Why is there so much venom over such a beautiful message- the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Dan Merchant presents an excellent exploration of this caustic culture in these important areas.
I found the movie helpful in some points, but too silent on two large aspects of this issue.
First: We have lost civil dialogue in this culture. Disagreement usually means 'war'. Instead of honest debate- we hurl soundbites over the internet or through talking heads. I agree that we have lost humility and love in the message. The section of the movie (inspired by Blue Like Jazz) of Christian confession was very powerful.
Second: We are ignorant of opposing worldviews and uneducated in the trends of mainstream culture. The culture war mantra has made these issue oriented debates instead of human relationships.
I agree with these premises and, sadly, am guilty as charged.
But there are two other major problems in our presentation of the gospel.
1) We need to be more tender to the 'world' - but we have lost accountability inside the church. There is no discernible difference inside the American church and outside the American church today. We are guilty of loving the world. We have the same consumerist tendencies- we have the same divorce rate- we have the same pattern of addiction and cynicism. Our lips love Jesus, but our hearts love the world.
This problem stems from a lack of seeing sin as serious. We have preached the watered down gospel. To quote Niebur, "A God without wrath brought men without sin into a Kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a Cross." The bad news is not bad... so the good news is not good.
We also stand as the most biblically illiterate generation in America. Our reading comprehension slowly dwindles and the light of the Word is dimming. I recently read a handout from C.S. Lewis to my freshman Bible class- when I finished a student said, "I didn't understand a word he said."
The purity of the church is diminishing because God's word is being eclipsed in our midst.
We should be tender to others and tough on ourselves. We need God's Spirit to convict us of sin. We need to stop posing and come clean in our sin- but we also need to move toward repentance and holiness.
One final comment- the Gospel of Christ will be offensive. Granted, it should be the only offensive part of our life as we seek to love, serve, in humility live above reproach. But if we ever think that we will live in harmony with the world.... don't be gullible.
So I come away from the movie conflicted... I want to stand for righteousness and preach forgiveness. That means drawing hard lines which will make me appear intolerant and offensive. I need to love sinners, but I cannot ignore sin.
Sin destroys.. the gospel heals. Help me Lord find the balance- help me walk in the truth. Anyone else seen this documentary? Comments? I won't be offended if you disagree!
Very clever movie and very impressive in terms of the visual presentation and trendy graphics.
The documentary explores the polarization of American culture over issues of faith and asks a great question: What is wrong? Why is there so much venom over such a beautiful message- the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Dan Merchant presents an excellent exploration of this caustic culture in these important areas.
I found the movie helpful in some points, but too silent on two large aspects of this issue.
First: We have lost civil dialogue in this culture. Disagreement usually means 'war'. Instead of honest debate- we hurl soundbites over the internet or through talking heads. I agree that we have lost humility and love in the message. The section of the movie (inspired by Blue Like Jazz) of Christian confession was very powerful.
Second: We are ignorant of opposing worldviews and uneducated in the trends of mainstream culture. The culture war mantra has made these issue oriented debates instead of human relationships.
I agree with these premises and, sadly, am guilty as charged.
But there are two other major problems in our presentation of the gospel.
1) We need to be more tender to the 'world' - but we have lost accountability inside the church. There is no discernible difference inside the American church and outside the American church today. We are guilty of loving the world. We have the same consumerist tendencies- we have the same divorce rate- we have the same pattern of addiction and cynicism. Our lips love Jesus, but our hearts love the world.
This problem stems from a lack of seeing sin as serious. We have preached the watered down gospel. To quote Niebur, "A God without wrath brought men without sin into a Kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a Cross." The bad news is not bad... so the good news is not good.
We also stand as the most biblically illiterate generation in America. Our reading comprehension slowly dwindles and the light of the Word is dimming. I recently read a handout from C.S. Lewis to my freshman Bible class- when I finished a student said, "I didn't understand a word he said."
The purity of the church is diminishing because God's word is being eclipsed in our midst.
We should be tender to others and tough on ourselves. We need God's Spirit to convict us of sin. We need to stop posing and come clean in our sin- but we also need to move toward repentance and holiness.
One final comment- the Gospel of Christ will be offensive. Granted, it should be the only offensive part of our life as we seek to love, serve, in humility live above reproach. But if we ever think that we will live in harmony with the world.... don't be gullible.
So I come away from the movie conflicted... I want to stand for righteousness and preach forgiveness. That means drawing hard lines which will make me appear intolerant and offensive. I need to love sinners, but I cannot ignore sin.
Sin destroys.. the gospel heals. Help me Lord find the balance- help me walk in the truth. Anyone else seen this documentary? Comments? I won't be offended if you disagree!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Great Days and Special Memories- Fishin and Football
Talk about a blessed man!
It started last Sunday morning. The 'work' of hard fishing conditions of wind and choppy waters subsided and turned the Mississippi Delta into a pristine lake.
As we went out into the reeds, it was as beautiful a sunrise as I had ever seen.
And the redfish were hungry!
All I can say is that we caught fish from 7Am until 1:30 PM - we pulled one in about 3 or 4 casts. Every spot produced some kind of nice catch. A lot of reds, but we also caught a big speck, a founder, a blue fish, a freshwater cat, and two monster Jack-cavelles.
I still cannot express the fun of having a redfish attack your lure- they hit it hard- they come to put a hurt on you!
But as sweet as that was... I still find unbelievable satisfaction in coaching my football team. My team really picked me up this week- we had fun practices in the mud and it paid off with a very special win at DCA last night.
We have beaten our #1 rival now 5 years in a row... and it never gets old. We just played really well and pushed a close halftime game into a relatively comfortable 4th quarter win.
I received so many texts, e-mails, and phone calls about how proud people are in our effort.
I am so happy and so thankful.
The Lord is good!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Hunt for Redfish and Perseverence
I wanted to mention a few more things about our fishing trip to the Mississippi Delta.
Saturday was a big disappointment.
It was a beautiful day- and amazing sunrise- and perfect temps. We could tell the wind was going to be up, but still confident in landing redfish early and often.
On about my third cast in open ocean (about 3 ft deep) I hit a big one. The technique is fun. I threw a nice spin cast rod and reel with 50 lb braided line. I had a plastic jig tied on just below a large cork. Once you hit the water you begin a retrieve and POP technique.
I popped, reeled, popped, reeled, popped BOOM! When a redfish hits, you know it ain't no catfish. But I thought I missed him, my line went limp and I paused..... bad mistake- the cork was still under and the big red was running right at me.
Mike Frenette yelled at me, "REEL!"
I began to try and catch up and then he went in reverse- the power is hard to describe on that light tackle- but oh my! did he pull and then... SNAP... line broke.
Mike's stinging commentary, "You let him wrap the line around the cork. That was a big fish you just missed." (Thanks for telling me).
Unfortunately, that was the last big redfish hit I had that day ( I did get a small one 2 or 3 lbs). We did nothing.... yeah, we caught about 50 catfish, Bill even caught a nice largemouth bass. But the redfish were not eating... we saw them but did not catch them. Bill caught about a 7 lb. redfish late in the day.
Mike last comment- "This was the worst outing I have had in three years.".
But we knew we had another day. We just had to keep after it- and Sunday will be a memory for the ages.
Before I tell that story though- it just reminded me to hang tough... sooner or later the tide has to turn.And when it does hold on... it is one good ride! Sunday story to follow....
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Musings in the Mississippi Delta
My good friend, Bill Hawkins, picked me up on a rainy, Nashville Friday and we began a trip that I will remember for a long time.
I had never done anything like this before. So I was extremely thankful and excited as we boarded the plane, got to New Orleans before we could even eat our peanuts, and headed south to Venice, LA- about as far south on land a person can go.
I had no clue how blessed I was going to be. It started when I learned that we were fishing with Mike Frenette. Over 20 years experience has earned Mike Frenette world wide recognition as the very best charter captain in South Louisiana.
Mike currently has his own television show ``Outdoor Adventures With Mike Frenette", which airs in the New Orleans area, and a fishing segment each Thursday on WVUE Channel 8. He has also appeared on ESPN's ``Salt Water Journal" with host Mark Sosin, and on TNN's ``Great American Outdoors" with Ron Shearer, along with other guest appearances.
Mike has a great set-up- right on the delta. His boat is on the water, his lodge right over it, so all we did was eat, sleep, and fish.
The eating was about as good as it gets. Mike has his own cook, Gloria, who had authentic Cajun cuisine waiting after each day of fishing. Her dishes included grilled redfish, creole pasta, and shrimp jambalaya.
I also have to mention the unusual beauty of the Mississippi delta. It is a place of resurgence following the devastation of Katrina. As we skimmed the shallow waters of the brackish water, it was surreal to see new structures and destroyed structures in the foreground of God's beauty.
There were rusted out barges being overtaken by dazzling vegetation and brand new buildings going up on the shore. There were the amazing engineering of the gas and oil plants scattered in acres of high reeds and alligator water.
It was like something out of a James Bond movie as we stormed through the reeds into open water. The no wake zone looked like a scene from water world and the environment constantly changed from unmarked natural marsh, to open ocean, to unexpected natural gas pumps dotting the landscape.
The water depth would always range from 3 to 6 feet. We anchored in some places that looked like a vast ocean only to realize that for miles the water was no more than 3 1/2 feet deep.
I'll write later about the fishing part and the amazing redfish that we stalked. But there is something about being there that makes a person feel so alive. It was a therapeutic escape and an experience I will always treasure.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The 'Secret' We Have Forgotten
In 1923 J Gresham Machen published the now famous Christianity and Liberalism.
I have put just a little of the introduction in this blog. Read with care the following quotations and ask yourself- When and where will we find the next group of great men to fight these battles of our very existence?
In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.
Inevitably the question arises whether the opinions of such men can ever be normative for men of the present day; in other words, whether first-century religion can ever stand in company with twentieth-century science.
The truth is that the materialistic paternalism of the present day, if allowed to go on unchecked, will rapidly make of America one huge "Main Street," where spiritual adventure will be discouraged and democracy will be regarded as consisting in the reduction of all mankind to the proportions of the narrowest and least gifted of the citizens. God grant that there may come a reaction, and that the great principles of Anglo-Saxon liberty may be rediscovered before it is too late! But whatever solution be found for the educational and social problems of our own country, a lamentable condition must be detected in the world at large. It cannot be denied that great men are few or nonexistent, and that there has been a general contracting of the area of personal life. Material betterment has gone hand in hand with spiritual decline.
Such a condition of the world ought to cause the choice between modernism and traditionalism, liberalism and conservatism, to be approached without any of the prejudice which is too often displayed. In view of the lamentable defects of modern life, a type of religion certainly should not be commended simply because it is modern or condemned simply because it is old. On the contrary, the condition of mankind is such that one may well ask what it is that made the men of past generations so great and the men of the present generation so small. In the midst of all the material achievements of modern life, one may well ask the question whether in gaining the whole world we have not lost our own soul. Are we forever condemned to live the sordid life of utilitarianism? Or is there some lost secret which if rediscovered will restore to mankind something of the glories of the past?
Such a secret the writer of this little book would discover in the Christian religion. But the Christian religion which is meant is certainly not the religion of the modern liberal Church, but a message of divine grace, almost forgotten now, as it was in the middle ages, but destined to burst forth once more in God's good time, in a new Reformation, and bring light and freedom to mankind. What that message is can be made clear, as is the case with all definition, only by way of exclusion, by way of contrast. In setting forth the current liberalism, now almost dominant in the Church, over against Christianity, we are animated, therefore, by no merely negative or polemic purpose; on the contrary, by showing what Christianity is not we hope to be able to show what Christianity is, in order that men may be led to turn from the weak and beggarly elements and have recourse again to the grace of God.
I have put just a little of the introduction in this blog. Read with care the following quotations and ask yourself- When and where will we find the next group of great men to fight these battles of our very existence?
In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.
Inevitably the question arises whether the opinions of such men can ever be normative for men of the present day; in other words, whether first-century religion can ever stand in company with twentieth-century science.
Place the lives of children in their formative years, despite the convictions of their parents, under the intimate control of experts appointed by the state, force them then to attend schools where the higher aspirations of humanity are crushed out, and where the mind is filled with the materialism of the day, and it is difficult to see how even the remnants of liberty can subsist. Such a tyranny, supported as it is by a perverse technique used as the instrument in destroying human souls, is certainly far more dangerous than the crude tyrannies of the past, which despite their weapons of fire and sword permitted thought at least to be free.
The truth is that the materialistic paternalism of the present day, if allowed to go on unchecked, will rapidly make of America one huge "Main Street," where spiritual adventure will be discouraged and democracy will be regarded as consisting in the reduction of all mankind to the proportions of the narrowest and least gifted of the citizens. God grant that there may come a reaction, and that the great principles of Anglo-Saxon liberty may be rediscovered before it is too late! But whatever solution be found for the educational and social problems of our own country, a lamentable condition must be detected in the world at large. It cannot be denied that great men are few or nonexistent, and that there has been a general contracting of the area of personal life. Material betterment has gone hand in hand with spiritual decline.
Such a condition of the world ought to cause the choice between modernism and traditionalism, liberalism and conservatism, to be approached without any of the prejudice which is too often displayed. In view of the lamentable defects of modern life, a type of religion certainly should not be commended simply because it is modern or condemned simply because it is old. On the contrary, the condition of mankind is such that one may well ask what it is that made the men of past generations so great and the men of the present generation so small. In the midst of all the material achievements of modern life, one may well ask the question whether in gaining the whole world we have not lost our own soul. Are we forever condemned to live the sordid life of utilitarianism? Or is there some lost secret which if rediscovered will restore to mankind something of the glories of the past?
Such a secret the writer of this little book would discover in the Christian religion. But the Christian religion which is meant is certainly not the religion of the modern liberal Church, but a message of divine grace, almost forgotten now, as it was in the middle ages, but destined to burst forth once more in God's good time, in a new Reformation, and bring light and freedom to mankind. What that message is can be made clear, as is the case with all definition, only by way of exclusion, by way of contrast. In setting forth the current liberalism, now almost dominant in the Church, over against Christianity, we are animated, therefore, by no merely negative or polemic purpose; on the contrary, by showing what Christianity is not we hope to be able to show what Christianity is, in order that men may be led to turn from the weak and beggarly elements and have recourse again to the grace of God.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
How Worship Washes Pain Away
"Without worship we shrink"
Went into a little Methodist church in Huntsville, AL today. As much as I enjoyed seeing my mother-in-law and getting away with my wife and children, I walked in weighed down and heavy.
Life does that sometimes. Hurting hearts tend to overwhelm us and color all of life a dark gray.
The offertory hymn was Charles Wesley- each line began to wash away my pain:
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; (my heart needed this tuning)
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise. (how can I be sad- Jesus died for me and offers grace)
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above. (the fire I am going through is for my good)
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love. (see cross- it changes everything)
Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin, (this world will remain tough throughout my life)
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin; ( I will praise God in all circumstances)
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home. (This world is not my home)
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well. (What a story! What a Savior!
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, (yes... all too easy- all too soon)
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
Well- I guess you can imagine... all the clouds of despair were blasted by God's grace and power. I'm ready to roll- what have I to cry about?
Arch Bishop of Canterbury- William Temple said it well:
“Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God.
It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, nourishment of mind by His truth, purifying of imagination by His beauty, opening of the heart to His love, and submission of will to His purpose.And all this gathered up in adoration is the greatest of human expressions of which we are capable.”
Thank-you Lord for worship.... How can we live without you?
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Going for Two- Deja Vous
I am still in disbelief at what has happened the last two weeks.
We are 0-3 with the last two defeats being 1 point short. The latest is an overtime loss in an important region game.
This was a back and forth game- typical of a high school game, the momentum swings usually turned around mistakes and turnovers.
This one hurt.
Just like last week, we scored at the end. East Lit had just scored on their first overtime possession and made their extra point. We scored and all in our huddle liked the call to go.
The biggest complication is our struggling PAT team. We have a brand new kicker, he has gotten a lot better, but it is a lot to put on him. We missed a PAT on our last score of regulation.
So we went for it. We lined up, I burned my last timeout (you get one in overtime) and we called a good play.
They made the play ..... and we were tackled short.
The hurt in our players and coaches was deep- the jubilation on the other side was explosive.
So think and pray for us. We will take a long weekend off and will have to regroup late on Monday. Another tough opponent- Goodpasture- comes to our field on Friday.
There are no gimees in this league- we will have to show up and fight every week.
We are 0-3 with the last two defeats being 1 point short. The latest is an overtime loss in an important region game.
This was a back and forth game- typical of a high school game, the momentum swings usually turned around mistakes and turnovers.
This one hurt.
Just like last week, we scored at the end. East Lit had just scored on their first overtime possession and made their extra point. We scored and all in our huddle liked the call to go.
The biggest complication is our struggling PAT team. We have a brand new kicker, he has gotten a lot better, but it is a lot to put on him. We missed a PAT on our last score of regulation.
So we went for it. We lined up, I burned my last timeout (you get one in overtime) and we called a good play.
They made the play ..... and we were tackled short.
The hurt in our players and coaches was deep- the jubilation on the other side was explosive.
So think and pray for us. We will take a long weekend off and will have to regroup late on Monday. Another tough opponent- Goodpasture- comes to our field on Friday.
There are no gimees in this league- we will have to show up and fight every week.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
A Biblical Apologetic of Evil and Existence of God
A Biblical Apologetic of Evil and Existence of God
NEHEMIAH 9:6 You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.ISAIAH 55:6,7 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;call upon him while he is near;7 let the wicked forsake his way,and the unrighteous man his thoughts;let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
There has to be majesty and mystery if there is a true God.
IS 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts than your thoughts.
The very definition of ‘God’ means a transcendent being beyond us.
If you can understand everything about your God- maybe that is a god made in your image.
Origin of evil came as a result of real freedom in the garden.
Genesis 3:2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
The growth and pervasive nature of evil is now a product of our bondage to sin.
EPHESIANS 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sinsROMANS 7:15-25 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
God is not the author of evil, but he channels it to His good purposes. The cross is the greatest example of man's intended evil and God's intended good.
GENESIS 50:19-21But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Evil still exists because of God's patience.
II PETER 3:8-12 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
The day of evil will close but also the day of mercy with it.
ACTS 17:30-31 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.
Evil is goodness spoiled- you can have good without evil- you cannot have evil without good.
The existence of evil actually points to the existence of God. Bad things happen to all on this earth- it points not only to God’s existence, but the need for salvation.
The existence of evil actually points to the existence of God. Bad things happen to all on this earth- it points not only to God’s existence, but the need for salvation.
LUKE 13:1-5 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Jesus endured hell for us- to turn Him away is the height of offensiveness, foolishness, and perversion.
HEBREWS 4:14-16 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We are limited in mind and feeble of spirit- yet accuse God of wrongdoing and injustice.
ROMANS 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?
Do we want justice or mercy?
ROMANS 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
We are as blind as the bear in the bear trap analogy. We see only in part.
II CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
The gospel overcomes all evil.
ROMANS 3:21-24 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
Our sufferings are momentary and light....
II CORINTHIANS 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
EVIL WILL BE ABOLISHED
REVELATION 21:1-3 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
We know God exists- but we suppress the truth.
Romans 1:18-22 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
The Bible does not debate the existence of God.
Psalm 14:The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.
There are eyewitness reports of the truth of Jesus. These men died for this testimony.
I JOHN 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Assuming God is reasonable, but reasons alone are unsatisfactory- not because of our head... but because of our heart.
I CORINTHIANS 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
II CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Stop hiding from God - and experience His love and mercy.
JOHN 10:10-11 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.JOHN 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
It is life changing......
JOHN 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
The boss is in his office- you know he is there.
JOHN 20:28-29 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”JOHN 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me
You will meet Him at the right time.
JOHN 14:1-6 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you saw Him now as He is.... you would be rent in two.
HABAKKUK 2:14 For the earth will be filledwith the knowledge of the glory of the Lordas the waters cover the sea.ZEPHANIAH 3: 17 The Lord your God is in your midst,a mighty one who will save;he will rejoice over you with gladness;he will quiet you by his love;he will exult over you with loud singing.ROMANS 8:31-39 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Finally, I believe in God because I have experienced Him- there is nothing wrong with this defense.
JOHN 9:24-25 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
But beyond this, the arguments for God’s existence that have weighed the most helpful in my heart are:
1) The design of the fine tuned universe and existence of life. Information and design came from a designer- Life from life. Not only that order exists, but also it is discoverable. The basic equations of the universe are able to be understood and communicated. We were placed in a world of discovery and accomplishment from the hand of God.
2) The moral argument- we have a deep sense of ‘ought ness’- even if the substance or details of our moral laws vary- we judge fairness and justice according to an unseen force of moral law. There is a moral lawgiver, and we are made in His image.
3) My desires point to God. I need relationship, security, and significance. My God is the Great Thirst Quencher- I need Him!
4) The testimony of the gospel and the triumph of the church. The spread of the gospel is the greatest phenomenon in the history of the world. Men and nations have been conquered through a story of love and sacrifice. The story of creation, fall, redemption captures us in movies, literature, art, and music in ways that I know this gospel story is grounded in reality… in truth.
5) The Bible. It is too unified and uncanny in predicting, explaining, and comforting to be the words of man. This is a supernatural experience. When I want to spend time with God, I just sit down and open His word!
II TIMOTHY 3:14-16 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.HEBREWS 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
ROMANS 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.I CORINTHIANS 2:2-5 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.II CORINTHIANS 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Going for Two and the Providence of God
Which one do you choose?
We ran into our second strong team in game two. Well coached and brimming with veteran play makers, Lexington Christian really took it to us in the first half.
We limped into our locker room down 28-6.
You have to realize the significance of this. Last year, we had a similar experience against Father Ryan. We were stuffed and stymied and I stood outside our locker room and did something very out-of-character for me. I said to our coaches, "it will be a miracle if we get back in this". We went out the 2nd half that game and gave a very lackluster performance and was pummeled.
A couple of my coaches were not happy with my lack of fight and finish, and they were right. I was their leader and showed a lot of doubt and weakness in that situation.
After that night- I vowed to never seem so hopeless ever again.
Fast forward to last night. I thought about that as I walked toward the locker room.
Now believe me when I say that a lot of times, we all give 'coach talk' that is somewhat cliche' and you wonder if it even sinks in.
I looked at our players- we were pretty roughed up. We had icebags and long faces everywhere.
I basically said that we had two choices- we could do like most people did, go out and lay down, get drummed and start over next week- OR we could decide to go out swinging with everything we had.
We chose option B-
I love the way we picked it up and played opportunistic in the 2nd half.
Two good punts flipped the field twice- two big turnovers, and a blocked punt later- we pulled it to 28-21 with about 6 minutes left.
We still struggled and had to punt, but pushed them deep with about 4 minutes to go. 3 and out... they punted and we started at midfield with 3:25 left.
We drove it down, overcoming two 4th down conversions and pushed it across the goal line with 31 seconds remaining.
Now my decision- go for 1 or 2?
I chose option B.
There are a couple of reasons I made that call, and it would not be appropriate to address it all here.
But.... the pass fell short.... game over.... 28-27.
It hurts to lose those. I mean a deeeep huurt! I spent a good part of that evening reviewing the call and the communication. There are a couple of things I definitely would have done differently- but I still would go for 2 knowing why I made that decision.
Where does God's sovereignty fit in that picture? Theologians have been debating this issue for centuries.
I do know this- when I look at my response 1 year ago vs Father Ryan and my response last evening in a similar circumstance- I know this... God is changing me. He uses the hard road and pain as a teacher. I am even better after last night because of some lessons I learned.
Finally, I am still so proud of my team. They have fought like warriors the last two weeks.
The team we lost to last week was ahead 50-0 at halftime last night against a 5A Tennessee team..
We lost to the likely A and AA Kentucky state champions the last two weeks- it's time to move into our region play and see what we have.
All I can say is... I am very confident...we will be ready.
We ran into our second strong team in game two. Well coached and brimming with veteran play makers, Lexington Christian really took it to us in the first half.
We limped into our locker room down 28-6.
You have to realize the significance of this. Last year, we had a similar experience against Father Ryan. We were stuffed and stymied and I stood outside our locker room and did something very out-of-character for me. I said to our coaches, "it will be a miracle if we get back in this". We went out the 2nd half that game and gave a very lackluster performance and was pummeled.
A couple of my coaches were not happy with my lack of fight and finish, and they were right. I was their leader and showed a lot of doubt and weakness in that situation.
After that night- I vowed to never seem so hopeless ever again.
Fast forward to last night. I thought about that as I walked toward the locker room.
Now believe me when I say that a lot of times, we all give 'coach talk' that is somewhat cliche' and you wonder if it even sinks in.
I looked at our players- we were pretty roughed up. We had icebags and long faces everywhere.
I basically said that we had two choices- we could do like most people did, go out and lay down, get drummed and start over next week- OR we could decide to go out swinging with everything we had.
We chose option B-
I love the way we picked it up and played opportunistic in the 2nd half.
Two good punts flipped the field twice- two big turnovers, and a blocked punt later- we pulled it to 28-21 with about 6 minutes left.
We still struggled and had to punt, but pushed them deep with about 4 minutes to go. 3 and out... they punted and we started at midfield with 3:25 left.
We drove it down, overcoming two 4th down conversions and pushed it across the goal line with 31 seconds remaining.
Now my decision- go for 1 or 2?
I chose option B.
There are a couple of reasons I made that call, and it would not be appropriate to address it all here.
But.... the pass fell short.... game over.... 28-27.
It hurts to lose those. I mean a deeeep huurt! I spent a good part of that evening reviewing the call and the communication. There are a couple of things I definitely would have done differently- but I still would go for 2 knowing why I made that decision.
Where does God's sovereignty fit in that picture? Theologians have been debating this issue for centuries.
I do know this- when I look at my response 1 year ago vs Father Ryan and my response last evening in a similar circumstance- I know this... God is changing me. He uses the hard road and pain as a teacher. I am even better after last night because of some lessons I learned.
Finally, I am still so proud of my team. They have fought like warriors the last two weeks.
The team we lost to last week was ahead 50-0 at halftime last night against a 5A Tennessee team..
We lost to the likely A and AA Kentucky state champions the last two weeks- it's time to move into our region play and see what we have.
All I can say is... I am very confident...we will be ready.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Lock-down, Beat-down, Break-down- A Day to Remember
Our first game of the season produced an amazing day of events. We loaded our buses and were about to pull out when we received word of a police enacted 'lock-down' of our campus. There were some criminals eluding police who happened to end up in the woods next to our school.
I was on a bus with our team watching police helicopters, swat, and uniformed officers setting up a perimeter which included us.
Fortunately, they let us go. Unfortunately, everyone in our building had to stay put for almost 2 hours. I heard that our people did great in the circumstances- but it was the start of a wild day.
They caught the bad guys- I hope they get the book thrown at them.
Our next stop was at the airborne museum at Ft Campbell. It was an amazing display of heroism and tradition.
The game was a beat down, Ft Campbell is the back-to-back- AA Kentucky state champion and they played very well. We started slow, they started fast, and it was too much of a storm to overcome. Two turnovers in the 2nd half pushed the game out of reach. End game 55-26.
We ended up with 23 first downs- 377 yds of offense. But their All-American Qb Antonio Williams had 153 yds passing and 202 rushing.
Our team demonstrated courage and class- we will live to fight again. But we made too many errors and missed too may tackles to beat a team like that.
Then, of all things, the bus broke down on the way home.
Life is like that sometime... lock-down,beat-down, break-down.
What did the apostle Paul say about these things?
I was on a bus with our team watching police helicopters, swat, and uniformed officers setting up a perimeter which included us.
Fortunately, they let us go. Unfortunately, everyone in our building had to stay put for almost 2 hours. I heard that our people did great in the circumstances- but it was the start of a wild day.
They caught the bad guys- I hope they get the book thrown at them.
Our next stop was at the airborne museum at Ft Campbell. It was an amazing display of heroism and tradition.
The game was a beat down, Ft Campbell is the back-to-back- AA Kentucky state champion and they played very well. We started slow, they started fast, and it was too much of a storm to overcome. Two turnovers in the 2nd half pushed the game out of reach. End game 55-26.
We ended up with 23 first downs- 377 yds of offense. But their All-American Qb Antonio Williams had 153 yds passing and 202 rushing.
Our team demonstrated courage and class- we will live to fight again. But we made too many errors and missed too may tackles to beat a team like that.
Then, of all things, the bus broke down on the way home.
Life is like that sometime... lock-down,beat-down, break-down.
What did the apostle Paul say about these things?
II Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
So in the end, I still hear Staff Sgt. Ken Weichert calling out in that great army cadence- "Are you gonna quit?"
And I hear our team say, "NEVER".
Next week we play Lexington Christian at home.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Labels
Recently, I had my Senior Apologetics class label themselves. We all hate labels, but they are a reality. In fact, 'sloganeering' is a huge aspect of postmodernism.
As I think back, I would have not written anything creative- but these students came up with some great lines!
They also wrote some very personal journals about where they are. They were so real and honest- please pray for me to never violate that sacred trust I have with them.
Also, as expected, they are all across the board in their walk with God- as we all are. Please pray also that God would sweep them up in His arms and love them through these tender days.
Here are some 'labels' written by current high school seniors:
'Christian'- was the most common
investigator, thinker, struggling, non denominational, seeker, believer and follower of Jesus Christ, Psalmist, stuck, believer with some issues, the spark in my group, dreamer, aspiring-christian, thrill-seeker, distracted, inappropriately content, frustrated, hurting, romantic, rule bender, analyzer, normal,passionate, and ready.
This should be an exciting year!
As I think back, I would have not written anything creative- but these students came up with some great lines!
They also wrote some very personal journals about where they are. They were so real and honest- please pray for me to never violate that sacred trust I have with them.
Also, as expected, they are all across the board in their walk with God- as we all are. Please pray also that God would sweep them up in His arms and love them through these tender days.
Here are some 'labels' written by current high school seniors:
'Christian'- was the most common
investigator, thinker, struggling, non denominational, seeker, believer and follower of Jesus Christ, Psalmist, stuck, believer with some issues, the spark in my group, dreamer, aspiring-christian, thrill-seeker, distracted, inappropriately content, frustrated, hurting, romantic, rule bender, analyzer, normal,passionate, and ready.
This should be an exciting year!
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Juggling Gas-filled Water Balloons
Coaching in 2009 is an amazing process.
First, let me say again and again that I get to work in one of the top high school football jobs in the country. I have supportive parents, good facilities, committed players... etc.
However, I would be lying if I told you that day to day is easy.
Anytime you have hard charging human beings in competition.... there are dynamics that never stop flying at you. Most of my job is keeping a goal in mind and maneuvering, inspiring, correcting, compromising and evaluating a group of people through the process.
I would guess that any job involving people and relationships is this delicate and it is very similar to running a family.
So if you think about it- pray for me. I feel like I am juggling gas filled water balloons with flames all around me. Without God's mercy and help, I am doomed.
Every now and then I drop one and it doesn't break. Whew!
And now back to the show.......
First, let me say again and again that I get to work in one of the top high school football jobs in the country. I have supportive parents, good facilities, committed players... etc.
However, I would be lying if I told you that day to day is easy.
Anytime you have hard charging human beings in competition.... there are dynamics that never stop flying at you. Most of my job is keeping a goal in mind and maneuvering, inspiring, correcting, compromising and evaluating a group of people through the process.
I would guess that any job involving people and relationships is this delicate and it is very similar to running a family.
So if you think about it- pray for me. I feel like I am juggling gas filled water balloons with flames all around me. Without God's mercy and help, I am doomed.
Every now and then I drop one and it doesn't break. Whew!
And now back to the show.......
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
It Begins.....
Yes- it is 4:12 AM.
Up thinking about a new campaign of high school football.
My 18th year as a coach and my 6th as a head coach.
No clue as how it will go.
I honestly believe though, that this is my shape. It is what my Father wants me to do.
Starting Monday, there will be at least 14 consecutive weeks of planning, practice, evaluations, adjustments, and competition. If it goes really well, it might go 5 more after that.
It is impossible to describe the ride. I have included a little journal I kept one week in a recent season that represents the inner life... what is spinning in my brain.
I get real quiet when I am away from the team during these times... but inside, my brain is in overdrive.
If you think about it, please pray for all football coaches everywhere... the madness is about to begin.
QUESTIONS:
Is this serving the Lord or a convenient distraction?
Am I sacrificing my family for my obsession?
Have I misplaced priorities?
Can someone help me?
Am I just a typical idolater?
Up thinking about a new campaign of high school football.
My 18th year as a coach and my 6th as a head coach.
No clue as how it will go.
I honestly believe though, that this is my shape. It is what my Father wants me to do.
Starting Monday, there will be at least 14 consecutive weeks of planning, practice, evaluations, adjustments, and competition. If it goes really well, it might go 5 more after that.
It is impossible to describe the ride. I have included a little journal I kept one week in a recent season that represents the inner life... what is spinning in my brain.
I get real quiet when I am away from the team during these times... but inside, my brain is in overdrive.
If you think about it, please pray for all football coaches everywhere... the madness is about to begin.
MY INNER LIFE DURING FOOTBALL SEASON
A Journal....
A Journal....
I wanted this AM to record what seems to be the annual recurring haunting of my mind during football season.
I think about football almost every day…year round. It’s hard not to, my life is shaped like a football. I developed an early passion for it, I have a lifetime of memories, both good and bad within my football life.
I have been coaching since 1991 and the inner experience has been almost identical each year. I spend an enormous amount of inner energy rehearsing the game in my mind. I rehearse plays, formations, motions, scenarios, injuries, per game talks, post game talks, play parent conversations, pray, anxious thoughts.
My wife points out every season how quiet I am. Inside, though, it is a screaming madness. I love my family and friends, but during the rigors of a week to week football schedule, they seem to me like I am underwater and they are on the surface calling out to me.
I wish for my brain to turn off sometimes. I find that flipping channels on TV gives me some relief. Eating gives me relief too, but it is not good for my weight or health.
About 2 weeks into the season, I get flickers in my eyelids. It is like the film I watch burns a shadow image on my eyelids. I close my eyes and still see the faint outlines of plays, wide angle, in motion.
My week starts on a Friday night- it is after the game and I am about to watch the film of the event that I have worked for all week. After a win, it is the most satisfying feeling in all the world. When we lose, I am anxious to see all the breakdowns.
I am so keyed up on a Friday night that I will usually not get to sleep before 2 AM. I lay in bed and the rehearsal goes on and on. I see it over and over. I hear it. And I start thinking about adjustments for the next game. What about our depth? Who will center if ______- gets hurt? ______ looked sad after the game. I hate that _____is hurt.
Saturday morning I am up early, I am anxious to read about our game and all the other games. I usually swap film with the next week’s team. College football only fuels my mind. I constantly look at what the innovators are doing. I like that blocking scheme for dart.
There are other things to be done, Grass cutting, kid’s activities, social appointments, girls soccer, occasional youth football game I need to attend… Saturday night, I am in meltdown. I yearn for my bed with an enormous longing. I usually crash hard, unless the game that night is really good.
Sunday morning, I actually think about the Lord… Church today, and I am excited, Worship is a release. I do catch myself thinking football plays during lulls in the service, but I am usually caught up in the reality of my sin and the grandeur of God. I thank Him over and over.
I love teaching Sunday School during football season, it forces me to keep in the Word and prayer. It is an accountability measure. I love the fellowship. When we win, I get a lot of fun conversations. When we lose, I get some encouragement- but I am also surprised how some people run from me. Maybe it is awkward for them?… not sure.
Sunday afternoon, my freest day! A nap is welcomed! I feel human again. My family is not separated by water! I eat and rest. Football is on, but the pro game does not interest my imagination- I am a passive fan. I do love the Titans, because I love Jeff Fisher and Mike Reinfeldt!
Sunday night, let me forget football…but if it is a big game, forget it. The bigger the game, the faster the haunting begins. I just hope for sleep.
Monday morning- swamped with anxiousness. I work in a frenzy- I have to get the game plan started. I have to watch the opponent. I have to draft the practice schedules. Travel? Weather? Injuries? Back-up plans? School week- and yes, I am expected to do very well as a classroom teacher....
Monday afternoon/evening:- team meeting- recap of Friday- Good/bad/ugly- watch film- teach-teach-teach- lift weights-introduced the new opponent- conditioning- kicking game- 7 on 7. Coaches meetings- go over each player- how are we doing? What are challenges? What are tweaks? How do we size up the opponent? Phone calls. A parent is not happy with me and another is thrilled.
I wrap the day up between 7 and 8PM. All the way home, my mind is scheming. I play scenarios over and over. How do they see us? What will they be thinking? What might be their plans? What do we need to rep? Monday night football helps- Bill O’Reily is an excellent distraction. He is provocative and it shuts off my brain. I close my eyes. The flicker is there. I pray. I feel so sorry for my wife, she needs more of me. But I am possessed. Lord, keep it together until the season is over. Help me take advantage of breaks and opportunities. I love my wife and children more than football. It is hard to prove that right now.
Tuesday morning- I got about 7 hours sleep unless it is a big game. If it is a big game, when I wake up- I am up. I hope is is 5:45, but sometimes it is 4:30 or 4 or sadly, sometimes 3:30. I toss and turn, pray, think, and get up.
Last time to really get opponent down- I watch the film again- who are their danger guys? Where are the weaknesses? What are the tendencies? Do they see them? How does the match ups work?
Tuesday Afternoon- BIG DAY/WORK DAY- Meetings and weights- install the plan- teach/teach/teach- Are we focused? Full pads- long, hard practice…tempo tempo- Lord, please keep us healthy-
6:30- practice ends. Usually I feel really good or bad right now. Good practice is a must! It is darker now- we are all tired. I love the laughter in the locker room- great spirit! Coaches laughing- such a great time! Thank you lord!
Tuesday night- I re-engage with the kids- so good to see them! How was the day (and I usually mean 2 days)- I look at my wife- thank you Lord for such a good woman. No words can relate the love I have for my wife of 21 years- see just can’t see it much during the haunting.
Wednesday morning- Deadlines- Scouting report finished- SS finished- playcards have to be finished, printed, laminated, distributed, I spend most of Wednesday on School and Sunday School- grading- recording- planning-
Wednesday afternoon- shorter practice- rehearsal- last reps- sometimes we review Tuesday practice tape- last weightlifting day- usually a fun practice- over at 6PM- church dinner- assistant coaches start painting the game field.
Wednesday night- I start calling the game in my head- 1st and 10- 2nd and long- 2nd and short- good runs- good passes- 1st play- kickoff or receive?- I study the weather map and forecast- big games I start to get nervous- my stomach feels queasy-
Thursday morning- I’m pumped- it’s Thursday! Thursdays are good. I rehearse the game plan. I’m getting a mental rhythm. Time to call next week’s coach and arrange a film swap. I will sometimes take a sneak peek at the next opponent.
Thursday afternoon- quick meeting- walk thru- team devotion- get them out of here ASAP- feel good- Hay’s in the barn.
Thursday evening- I like a good college game or middle school game. Hopefully I will sleep. I work hard to have no caffeine after lunch. Good family time- End of the week is here. If I lay down and fall asleep quickly- YEAH!- If I start playing the game mentally, it may be a long night. Please don’t wake up before 5:00.
Friday morning- I’m juiced! No tie day- YES!- Quick look at weather and our equipment. Were headsets plugged in? Mom’s prayer group list…DONE! Thank you for those prayers! Good to see our team in ties- I don’t feel badly at all to be in a golf shirt- LUNCH WITH BOOSTERS- fun,light- have to hurry back to class-
3:00 Coaches devotion- the most spiritually intense hour of my week. We lay it out to the Lord- a great time of fellowship- I love my coaches!
4:30 Players arrive- food arrives- I don’t want to eat, but if it is good- I do- I usually feel heavy pressure and adrenaline- I pray- I pee a hundred times from 3-7- I sometimes feel sick- The first few games I feel out of breath because I am not used to the adrenaline. Later in the year, I handle it better- pre game- I look at the other team- they look a lot better in person- I watch my team- are we focused? Smooth?
Meet with officials- I give them captains- I give them information and go through my checklist- and study their faces- is this crew going to be good to us? For some strange reason, I never feel nervous after the official’s meeting- I guess I’m fully now in the combat zone.
The locker room before the game is cool. I always pray very earnestly, Lord I can’t do this without you.
We go out and the game is always a blur. It is never predictable. Highs and lows and a roller coaster of emotional shifts in momentum. I have gotten a lot better about thinking well during the game and cutting mental mistakes down.
Nothing is more thrilling than a big win. It is the ultimate coming together of plan, work, brotherhood, and fight! Nothing wounds more than a heartbreaking loss.
After the game, I go around and hug a lot. I love seeing our players and fans happy. I see my wife and girls. They soothe me well in the losses. Thank you for being here!
And the film turns on. More flickers are burned.
When the season is over, my body totally shuts down and I get sick for about three days. A few days after that the flicker is gone and the madness is over…until next season.
QUESTIONS:
Is this serving the Lord or a convenient distraction?
Am I sacrificing my family for my obsession?
Have I misplaced priorities?
Can someone help me?
Am I just a typical idolater?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
An Important Book- DKG
Just finished a three week study of John Frame's book, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God.
1987- P&R Publishing
It may be the most important theology book I have ever read.
I want to say first of all, how impressed I am with John Frame. He deserves to be ranked up there with the greatest of the great. He reminds me of Calvin in that you admire his humble heart more than his intellect. This is a man who loves and bears with people to the glory of God.
Secondly, though- I would love to see John Frame debate the so called anti-christian experts of today. Oh my goodness... it would be a slaughter! I imagine Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, or Christopher Hitchens coming out totally exposed in their psuedo-scientific rants and circular prejudices.
My favorite part of John Frame, however, is his ability to evaluate both christian and non-christian pre-suppositions in a fair light. The man is a genius in the application of philosophy and world-view. At the same time, though, he writes in a way to be understood.
Frame is not seeking to subdue the reader with his intellect- his goal is persuasion and change - and it shows.
I would give anything to see a generation of young people fall in love with thinking, articulation, reading, and persuasive defense of the faith and, more than defense,- a targeted offensive against the fruitless shield of post-modern speculation in which men continue to hide from a Holy God.
We need a new outpouring of God's Spirit- yes- but I get worried that we have missed the boat in Christian education as well. We build our structures on the cracked foundations of the enlightenment and continue to spin into philosophies of learning that add a lot of red tape and weary warriors.
I call on all christian educators to spend a few weeks in this book and see if your view of education is impacted.
I ask that we read it and ask ourselves honest questions regarding where we are letting the next generation down.
My last point... this book explains what my growing frustration has been with education in general these last 20 years. Not that we aren't doing good stuff... I just hate 'good' when 'great' is still in our grasp!
1987- P&R Publishing
It may be the most important theology book I have ever read.
I want to say first of all, how impressed I am with John Frame. He deserves to be ranked up there with the greatest of the great. He reminds me of Calvin in that you admire his humble heart more than his intellect. This is a man who loves and bears with people to the glory of God.
Secondly, though- I would love to see John Frame debate the so called anti-christian experts of today. Oh my goodness... it would be a slaughter! I imagine Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, or Christopher Hitchens coming out totally exposed in their psuedo-scientific rants and circular prejudices.
My favorite part of John Frame, however, is his ability to evaluate both christian and non-christian pre-suppositions in a fair light. The man is a genius in the application of philosophy and world-view. At the same time, though, he writes in a way to be understood.
Frame is not seeking to subdue the reader with his intellect- his goal is persuasion and change - and it shows.
I would give anything to see a generation of young people fall in love with thinking, articulation, reading, and persuasive defense of the faith and, more than defense,- a targeted offensive against the fruitless shield of post-modern speculation in which men continue to hide from a Holy God.
We need a new outpouring of God's Spirit- yes- but I get worried that we have missed the boat in Christian education as well. We build our structures on the cracked foundations of the enlightenment and continue to spin into philosophies of learning that add a lot of red tape and weary warriors.
I call on all christian educators to spend a few weeks in this book and see if your view of education is impacted.
I ask that we read it and ask ourselves honest questions regarding where we are letting the next generation down.
My last point... this book explains what my growing frustration has been with education in general these last 20 years. Not that we aren't doing good stuff... I just hate 'good' when 'great' is still in our grasp!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
7 Lbs is Too Heavy a Load for a Man- Re-post
'this is an upload from my blog www.jayopsis.blogspot.com'
With the DVD out in mass right now, I wanted to re-visit my thoughts on the Will Smith movie.
The original post was 12/30/08
'Went to the 10 PM showing of "7 Pounds" with my oldest daughter and good friend, Ron Smith.
Stayed awake...
Came home thinking about penance, mistakes, and the problem of evil, which is a bigger problem with the absence of God.
I know, I know.... it's only a movie.
(This will contain spoilers)
When a person makes a tragic mistake, you have to keep the sovereignty of God in the picture. God can bear the weight of tragedy. We do make mistakes, but He allows them. And He controls them. He can even make our mistakes work for good (Rom 8:28)
Though we are forgiven, we still experience consequences, even major life changes- years of pain and regret.
But the message of hope in God is that we do not have to do penance. We cannot pay for our debt ourselves. We can't give marrow, and liver, and heart, and money, and eyes and undo the damage or mistakes.
And self-murder is never an answer...... a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Will Smith's character goes looking for those who deserve his gifts. He looks for 'good' people.
The gospel of grace is so much better- it says we do not have to be worthy or good to receive the gift.
In the end, the main character breaks under the weight of the regret- giving his life so that others may live. It is a noble task... one that the Bible recognizes.
"One may die for a good man"
But again the gospel is better..... "But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"
In the end... the problem of pain exists whether we put God in the story or not. It is an easier weight to carry when He is present. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Christ has borne the load already.
Do you really believe that God can bear the weight of your mistakes?
Another empty tale, another Hollywood moment, another unnecessary sex scene..... (ever experience sitting next to your 15 year old daughter in those moments?)
We did have a good chat on the way home...
Clever movie- it had post-modern multiple layers of 7 pounds. And the number 7 is a very significant Biblical number. I also think of Shylock and the 'pound of flesh'.
I am off to bed now, thanking God for the gift of forgiveness...
and I do promise to not text and drive.
With the DVD out in mass right now, I wanted to re-visit my thoughts on the Will Smith movie.
The original post was 12/30/08
'Went to the 10 PM showing of "7 Pounds" with my oldest daughter and good friend, Ron Smith.
Stayed awake...
Came home thinking about penance, mistakes, and the problem of evil, which is a bigger problem with the absence of God.
I know, I know.... it's only a movie.
(This will contain spoilers)
When a person makes a tragic mistake, you have to keep the sovereignty of God in the picture. God can bear the weight of tragedy. We do make mistakes, but He allows them. And He controls them. He can even make our mistakes work for good (Rom 8:28)
Though we are forgiven, we still experience consequences, even major life changes- years of pain and regret.
But the message of hope in God is that we do not have to do penance. We cannot pay for our debt ourselves. We can't give marrow, and liver, and heart, and money, and eyes and undo the damage or mistakes.
And self-murder is never an answer...... a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Will Smith's character goes looking for those who deserve his gifts. He looks for 'good' people.
The gospel of grace is so much better- it says we do not have to be worthy or good to receive the gift.
In the end, the main character breaks under the weight of the regret- giving his life so that others may live. It is a noble task... one that the Bible recognizes.
"One may die for a good man"
But again the gospel is better..... "But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"
In the end... the problem of pain exists whether we put God in the story or not. It is an easier weight to carry when He is present. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Christ has borne the load already.
Do you really believe that God can bear the weight of your mistakes?
Another empty tale, another Hollywood moment, another unnecessary sex scene..... (ever experience sitting next to your 15 year old daughter in those moments?)
We did have a good chat on the way home...
Clever movie- it had post-modern multiple layers of 7 pounds. And the number 7 is a very significant Biblical number. I also think of Shylock and the 'pound of flesh'.
I am off to bed now, thanking God for the gift of forgiveness...
and I do promise to not text and drive.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
30th and Final Post on Romans
Thanks for putting up with my 'Run Through Romans'. This is in prep for a new class I will be teaching THIS FALL (thought it was going to be Spring) at CPA called Romans and Revelations. We will spend 9 weeks in the Book of Romans and 9 weeks in the Book of Revelation. The students will be reading, discussing, charting, reading commentaries, and even have some intro to New Testament Greek.
Both books have been part of about a 3 year study. I have 35 lessons on Revelation that will soon be a part of our church's website and hope to eventually provide the same for Romans.
I would love prayer as I seek to honor God in the teaching of His word at our school. The last 5 years have been amazing... the spiritual warfare involved in being an everyday Bible teacher at a Christian school is like nothing else I have ever encountered. It is a full frontal assault on both student and teacher. Please pray for me if you ever think about it.
In Romans 1-8 Paul presents the glorious picture and explanation of the good news of Christ. There is a righteousness that comes from God that swallows up our sin. This was accomplished by Christ and is received as a gift through faith. It is from Him, by Him, and through Him that we can find freedom and peace with God.
In Romans 9-11, Paul gives us his personal presentation- I almost see this as his sermons in the synagogues of Asia.
Finally, in Chapters 12-16- he presents a 'To Do' list that encompasses how Jewish and Gentile believers ought to be unified in their service and love in the church. These things are not to make us righteous, these things are in response to the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I listed these "To Do's" in the following way.
1) Lower your view of yourself...true Biblical humility. I no longer have to compare and compete. I am who I am because God knows me, made me, chose me, and loves me. I do not feel shame or condemnation. I am free! I see my strengths and my weaknesses.. it is who I am. True humility is not throwing aspersions at yourself.. it is not thinking less of yourself... it is thinking of yourself less. I can get out of my little self and start living.
2) Find my shape and use my gift. God made you good at something.. find it and use it for Him. The happiest people in the world are those who act in accordance with their heart desires to serve others to God's glory not worrying about what others think.
3) Love... I didn't cover this in full- but I Corinthians 13 is the checklist here. This is huge and one that I am still an infant in. But this includes enemies...Please pray that my love will not grow cold.
4) Submit... yuck. We think only kids and teens are rebellious. Hah! When an authority tells you to do something that you don't want to do... how do you feel? What do you do?
5) Live soberly and simply, in expectancy of Christ's return. Be moderate and careful... BTW- Today could be judgment day for us individually. We have to always be ready to meet our Maker.
6) Learn to choose in light of the 'weaker brother'- don't flaunt freedoms. I may come back to this down the road. This is huge... especially in the 'Christ-haunted' south.
7) Choose peace over criticism and condemnation. Seek unity with other believers.
8) Proclaim the gospel to all in word and deed. This was the sum of Paul's life.
9) Live joyous lives... have fun... embrace your circumstances and dance.
10) All of this together is........ WORSHIP
I can't say enough what this journey has been like. If you have never done it, I encourage you to go deep with a book in the Bible sometime. Read it several times. Pray. Begin reading good commentaries, articles, and listening to sermons on that Book.There are more good (and bad) resources on the web that ever before in history. Remember that I recommend the info at www.monergism.com. Chart it and start taking notes. Then start at the beginning and begin applying it to your life.
When you finish- you will be amazed at the growth. God's Word is that good!
As you may know football is fast approaching- between teaching and coaching my life gets super crazy. I will post as time allows, but today I am already going to start on our 7 on 7 playbook for July. Will see you down the road... Soli Deo Gloria!
Both books have been part of about a 3 year study. I have 35 lessons on Revelation that will soon be a part of our church's website and hope to eventually provide the same for Romans.
I would love prayer as I seek to honor God in the teaching of His word at our school. The last 5 years have been amazing... the spiritual warfare involved in being an everyday Bible teacher at a Christian school is like nothing else I have ever encountered. It is a full frontal assault on both student and teacher. Please pray for me if you ever think about it.
In Romans 1-8 Paul presents the glorious picture and explanation of the good news of Christ. There is a righteousness that comes from God that swallows up our sin. This was accomplished by Christ and is received as a gift through faith. It is from Him, by Him, and through Him that we can find freedom and peace with God.
In Romans 9-11, Paul gives us his personal presentation- I almost see this as his sermons in the synagogues of Asia.
Finally, in Chapters 12-16- he presents a 'To Do' list that encompasses how Jewish and Gentile believers ought to be unified in their service and love in the church. These things are not to make us righteous, these things are in response to the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I listed these "To Do's" in the following way.
1) Lower your view of yourself...true Biblical humility. I no longer have to compare and compete. I am who I am because God knows me, made me, chose me, and loves me. I do not feel shame or condemnation. I am free! I see my strengths and my weaknesses.. it is who I am. True humility is not throwing aspersions at yourself.. it is not thinking less of yourself... it is thinking of yourself less. I can get out of my little self and start living.
2) Find my shape and use my gift. God made you good at something.. find it and use it for Him. The happiest people in the world are those who act in accordance with their heart desires to serve others to God's glory not worrying about what others think.
3) Love... I didn't cover this in full- but I Corinthians 13 is the checklist here. This is huge and one that I am still an infant in. But this includes enemies...Please pray that my love will not grow cold.
4) Submit... yuck. We think only kids and teens are rebellious. Hah! When an authority tells you to do something that you don't want to do... how do you feel? What do you do?
5) Live soberly and simply, in expectancy of Christ's return. Be moderate and careful... BTW- Today could be judgment day for us individually. We have to always be ready to meet our Maker.
6) Learn to choose in light of the 'weaker brother'- don't flaunt freedoms. I may come back to this down the road. This is huge... especially in the 'Christ-haunted' south.
7) Choose peace over criticism and condemnation. Seek unity with other believers.
8) Proclaim the gospel to all in word and deed. This was the sum of Paul's life.
9) Live joyous lives... have fun... embrace your circumstances and dance.
10) All of this together is........ WORSHIP
I can't say enough what this journey has been like. If you have never done it, I encourage you to go deep with a book in the Bible sometime. Read it several times. Pray. Begin reading good commentaries, articles, and listening to sermons on that Book.There are more good (and bad) resources on the web that ever before in history. Remember that I recommend the info at www.monergism.com. Chart it and start taking notes. Then start at the beginning and begin applying it to your life.
When you finish- you will be amazed at the growth. God's Word is that good!
As you may know football is fast approaching- between teaching and coaching my life gets super crazy. I will post as time allows, but today I am already going to start on our 7 on 7 playbook for July. Will see you down the road... Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, July 06, 2009
"Yes Sir" is Hard- A Romans 'To Do' List
Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
I don't know of any more difficult 'to do' than submission to authority. The older I get, the harder it is.
I also believe that 90% of our fragmentation and lack of unity comes from this very principle.
The principle of submission is a very interesting study. I think I could write an entire book about it and this blog will not do it justice at all.
The basic premise is this: God is the sovereign King. I owe my allegiance to Him.He is in charge of my circumstances and has put His ordained authority over me. My duty is to obey, even if I don't feel like it or agree with it. In fact, I am to obey it in such a way as to make the decision successful. I serve those in authority like I am serving the Lord.
And my grade for this principle: D- at best.
There was a time I was a little better at this- and then I became head of a household and a head coach- so I love to lead, but really hate to follow. But I also know how crucial it is in my leadership positions to have loyal followers.
A couple of stories:
I was a youth pastor 'in charge' of a trip to Colorado. It was MY trip. We had done it a few times and it was successful. Our staff wanted to do a few different things and one activity in particular was, in my opinion, just dumb. They vetoed me and went with the idea anyway. My attitude went from bad to worse as I wanted the activity to fail. I wanted to be right, more than have the event succeed. So I offered no help, even when I saw a flaw in the materials and organization of this activity.
As expected, the scheme went south and we ended up with a lot of hurt feelings. I sat with my arms crossed, halfway between gloating and the worse case of 'I told you so' I had ever had. But there were tears and frustrations- and it soon was being directed at me. And it suddenly dawned on me- I was a huge part of this failure. My selfishness caused a lot of problems. I could have helped it be better, maybe even a success- but I let my team down. Fortunately, we all forgave each other and moved on.
I was even worse towards my bosses in my early days. If my boss agreed with me, I was his best friend. But if they ever went against me, they all were morons!
Are you beginning to see the drift?
A big change in that happened as I became an assistant football coach. God began to show me that it is better to submit and work to make it work. Even if I did not agree with the decision, my responsibility became to submit and obey with a great attitude.
One time our head coach made a personnel change that all the assistants hated. We thought he was doing something very foolish. But God allowed me to work hard to make his wishes work. I took a great attitude into that situation. And that player helped us win a championship. I helped make his decision work- our head coach looked like a genius- and who cared? He was right! We won!
That one change allowed me to become one heck of an assistant football coach.
But past success does not mean future success. My default pattern is to push back and complain.
I have had, within this past year, to work on this again and have had some small victories.
This principle also involves serving, loving, and lifting up those in authority over us. Have you been nice to your boss lately? Try it- it is not sucking up- it is obeying the Lord.
By the way, this does not make me a big pile of spineless jelly.
During the decision time I fight hard for what I believe in, but if the decision goes against me- I submit according to Romans 13.
But think of all the areas this means: Driving the speed limit, fulfilling all my job duties, paying attention to God's Law- even in minor things. It means supporting our nation when the government seems to be going in a wrong direction.
Two last balancing points:
Is there a time to disobey? The answer is 'yes'- but it must be done very soberly, with counsel and prayer. The disobedience should be done 'out in the open' with explanation. And, I must be willing to accept the consequences of disobedience.
And finally, the Trinity is a picture of mutual submission. The Father/Son/ and Holy Spirit all mutually give way when the other's role become prominent. It creates that bond of unity and love.
My prayer is that we would all become less abrasive, less critical, less negative and willingly submit. Build up our leaders and pray for them.
When it is time to vote- vote. When it is time to debate- debate. But when the decisions are final- see them straight from the Lord and yield. May we become great followers to our rulers in both church and state. This pleases the Lord!
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