I've decided to take it easy on schoolwork for the next 2 days. If I read, it will be light. This means there is more time to write. I forgot to mention a few things earlier today. Have you ever noticed that the summer brings the gnats? They form armies in my room and not even Raid will stop them. The only effective weapon I have is the suction end of the vacuum and even after that they seem to come back with avengeance! Does anyone know of any special tricks to get rid of gnats?
One of the things I forgot to mention about studying is the location. I've tried studying at Starbucks and while it's a good environment, it does happen to be a bit expensive. If you plan to study there, do the iced Green Tea... it's only about $2. After you run out, you can just drink water. I've also studied at my local Panera Bread. It's somewhat reasonable prices ($5-$8) for the quality of food, but the nice part is the unlimited fountain drinks for only $1.50. You can get Raspberry Tea, regular tea, lemonade, fruit punch, and all the other drinks... you can change what drink you get and you get to serve yourself on refills. They also have free wireless internet if that's your need. If I had a laptop, Panera would take priority in my studying. If you are spending a few hours studying this is a good place to go. The environment is similar to Starbucks. However, they close at 9pm. Your studying would have to be done in the morning or afternoon. Since this is not typical of college students to do, I have a third option...
Your other choices are Waffle House, Ihop, or Denny's. It's been a long time since I've been to Waffle House but I hear not all of them are open 24 hours. Ihop is open 24 hours, but they can be rather expensive on food (like $8-$12?). The positive for them is if you only get something like coffee, it's unlimited and you could get by on just that. Some of them also allow you to plug in your computer. My study locale of choice is Denny's... why? 1. Denny's is 24 hours 2. The drinks are unlimited (this includes hot chocolate and cappucino... unlike Ihop) 3. The food is reasonably priced ($6-$9) and the "smothered" cheese fries are a good portion for $5 for you. 4. The people seem to have the "average Joe" type of attitude and aura. It's a comfortable environment in a way because the employees don't put on a show. Some might call this being unprofessional, but I wouldn't say that.
Ok, so I've been helping out my best friend on Wednesday nights at his parents' church watching the 3-5 year olds for a few weeks with him. I decided to do this so I could get more experience with kids. I've never done children's ministry before really and I need to start somewhere. After doing this a few weeks I'm just beginning to build a relationship with the kiddos. It's kinda exciting to see the kids walk in and say, "hey, I remember you" and give me a hug. They even remembered my name! I have their names down for the most part now. I'm noticing the amount of patience I'll need to have with these kids. Last week I was punched in the crotch... I looked at my friend and said, "um, what do I do about this?" It will also surely help me to take charge of situations better.
One thing I'm trying to do is show more love to the most wild kid in the class. Something tells me I should. I've also had the youngest girl in the room repeat scripture after me. She was a good student! This has been pretty fun overall. I love playing with the kids as well. They like being flown around the room in the big red bucket. One thing I wanna do is focus more around the teaching/storytime/lesson of the night or maybe have them memorize scripture. I wonder if we're allowed to deviate from the normal lesson plans or maybe we could expand on them? Tonight I knew my friend would be playing guitar in the youth for the first part of the time so I wanted to try and tell a Bible story or something for the kids. I may be an amatuer at this thing, but I REALLY enjoyed it. Thankfully Christina (my friend's gf) was there to help. I wanted to tell the kids the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. My friend suggested I do an object lesson.. maybe use the puppets in the room. I went to thinking...
So I read through the story shortly before and as they arrived I set the stage. I used 2 knapkins and turned over 2 foam cups to put beside the knapkins. After playtime all the kids sat down at the table. I put a small handful of pretzels on each knapkin and said it was the wood for the altars (the altars being the cups). I got another cup with water to set on the side. I used a small bear puppet to be Elijah and a horse to be a prophet of Baal. I introduced the prophets to the kids and made the intro. Christina began reading the story and I moved the hands of the puppets as appropriate. The Baal prophet's god didn't consume the offering, Elijah taunted him, then Elijah asked them to pour water on his altar 3 times. So I poured the water on the pretzles 3 times. I was considering having a lighter, but it was too late and that might cause more trouble then it was worth. Then Elijah the bear prayed to God and God's fire (my hand) consumed the altar. Christina finished reading the passage and then had them repeat something of a memory verse for the lesson of the story... "'The Lord-He is God! The Lord-He is God!" -1 Kings 18:39. When Johnny came in, they all said the verse for him. We were able to teach them little things along the way, while I wanted to do more... things like wet wood won't catch fire.
Next week I'll review for them briefly and give them the verse reference. Not bad for preparing in like 20 minutes, eh? After hanging around them a few times like this I'm thinking everyone should spend at least some time in children's ministry before they have kids. I am learning all kinds of things already... thanks to Johnny and these experiences.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Studying and Learning
The race is on it seems, as I read the texts of required reading in my class. Hermeneutics online in 8 weeks seems to be as I thought... like drinking water from a fire hydrant. For some reason I'm finding the habit in action that I ran into when I studied for exams. It will take me hours to get through an amount of material that some might say should not take quite as long. I find that my mind wanders some, causing me to re-read a sentence a few times. For the most part, my material is simply a lot of reading and the font is only a medium size. Either way... I've been spending a lot of time studying and certain things stand out to me at different times while other things are unconsciously put in the mental filing cabinet for later use. Something that greatly excites me about this studying is that I actually feel like I'm getting somewhere. None of the topics I study from now until the end of my degree will not be of interest to me because it's all centered around God's Word. What a blessing it is to have homework that you actually look forward to doing! It may be difficult at times, but I praise God for the path on which He has placed me.
I've learned about what is called "The Hermeneutical Spiral" where we all begin to look at a Bible text with some kind, level, or degree of pre-suppositions. Our goal should not be to somehow pretend we are more spiritual than our pre-understandings/suppositions and claim we can come to a text TOTALLY unbiased, but to come being "presuppositionally self-critical." We should recognize that our teaching, life experiences, relationships, and even our flesh will somewhat color and influence our entry to interpretation. The spiral comes into effect when we study the Bible. The Holy Spirit will work with God's Word to mold our pre-suppositions to the Bible rather than them molding the Bible. It is a supernatural work... if we remain humble in our efforts. This is really good stuff.
I'm writing now to alleviate this onslaught of knowledge I'm taking in. A few times already people have asked me advice on something and because I'm so study-focused, I can only give them a "not all there" answer. So I plan to take a break from studying until Saturday. I have about 200 pages and 2 papers to read in the next 2 weeks. Fun stuff!
I'm still going through Romans studying expositionally in my quiet time. I just finished chapter 8 and started on the BIG 9 this morning. It's the 9 that talks about Jacob, Esau, and... election. I'm sure it will be interesting. As I have been studying Romans, I have seen the idea of "adoption" arise. I was encouraged and challenged by this idea. Romans 8:15 says, "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" (NASB) John MacArthur in his commentary gives a very awesome discussion of this term and it's connotations. As I thought about it, I came up with a few things myself... think about this idea that the Bible likens our salvation to adoption. What does adoption carry with it?
1. There is a deep sense of love and compassion involved by the parent(s) . In our case, only one Parent is involved.
2. It places the child in a position of unmerited favor that they were originally not placed in. It removes them from their understood circumstances into (presumably) better circumstances.
3. The family heritage of the child is now meshed with the family of the parents. We are "grafted in" as Gentiles to God's family and chosen people, the Israelites. Romans says this was so His chosen people would become jealous and turn back to Him.
4. Here's the kicker that still has me scratching my head... what else is a key ingredient to the idea of adoption? ...The parent(s) "choose" the child. So, election?
Prayer Request: I'm witnessing to the new Asst. Mgr. at work. He has a Jewish background and has been burned in the past by Christians trying to witness to him. He said Baptist Seminary students have been a bit too forceful with him in the past. God opened the door for me to give him the law in testimonial form, but he wouldn't keep a tract. He asked me a moral question before leaving work that day already. Please pray that God opens the right opportunities and allows me to be sensitive enough to reach this man.
I've learned about what is called "The Hermeneutical Spiral" where we all begin to look at a Bible text with some kind, level, or degree of pre-suppositions. Our goal should not be to somehow pretend we are more spiritual than our pre-understandings/suppositions and claim we can come to a text TOTALLY unbiased, but to come being "presuppositionally self-critical." We should recognize that our teaching, life experiences, relationships, and even our flesh will somewhat color and influence our entry to interpretation. The spiral comes into effect when we study the Bible. The Holy Spirit will work with God's Word to mold our pre-suppositions to the Bible rather than them molding the Bible. It is a supernatural work... if we remain humble in our efforts. This is really good stuff.
I'm writing now to alleviate this onslaught of knowledge I'm taking in. A few times already people have asked me advice on something and because I'm so study-focused, I can only give them a "not all there" answer. So I plan to take a break from studying until Saturday. I have about 200 pages and 2 papers to read in the next 2 weeks. Fun stuff!
I'm still going through Romans studying expositionally in my quiet time. I just finished chapter 8 and started on the BIG 9 this morning. It's the 9 that talks about Jacob, Esau, and... election. I'm sure it will be interesting. As I have been studying Romans, I have seen the idea of "adoption" arise. I was encouraged and challenged by this idea. Romans 8:15 says, "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" (NASB) John MacArthur in his commentary gives a very awesome discussion of this term and it's connotations. As I thought about it, I came up with a few things myself... think about this idea that the Bible likens our salvation to adoption. What does adoption carry with it?
1. There is a deep sense of love and compassion involved by the parent(s) . In our case, only one Parent is involved.
2. It places the child in a position of unmerited favor that they were originally not placed in. It removes them from their understood circumstances into (presumably) better circumstances.
3. The family heritage of the child is now meshed with the family of the parents. We are "grafted in" as Gentiles to God's family and chosen people, the Israelites. Romans says this was so His chosen people would become jealous and turn back to Him.
4. Here's the kicker that still has me scratching my head... what else is a key ingredient to the idea of adoption? ...The parent(s) "choose" the child. So, election?
Prayer Request: I'm witnessing to the new Asst. Mgr. at work. He has a Jewish background and has been burned in the past by Christians trying to witness to him. He said Baptist Seminary students have been a bit too forceful with him in the past. God opened the door for me to give him the law in testimonial form, but he wouldn't keep a tract. He asked me a moral question before leaving work that day already. Please pray that God opens the right opportunities and allows me to be sensitive enough to reach this man.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
A New Hope... and I'm not referring to Star Wars
Well hello...
While I don't have near the time I want to post all that I want on here, I wanted to say I've still really felt the need to write. To "turn over a new leaf" I am starting this blog with the intention of it being about life in general, what I'm learning in Bible College as I go, and just things God teaches me. This doesn't mean I won't talk at all about evangelism I'm sure.
I still go out witnessing each weekend using the principles of "law to the proud, grace to the humble" and don't plan on stopping that anytime soon. The point is that I don't write in an overzealous critical fashion as I tended to do on Xanga. My goal here is certainly not to simply bash the way other Christians are doing things and simply point out everyone else's sins. I've also tried to be more mindful about conscience issues vs. actual biblical sins lately. I've received feedback saying things like, "but you were speaking the truth." While it may have been the truth, there were times when things I said just really weren't necessary. There are A LOT of things that we really just need to keep to ourselves I've noticed. I hope those of you who read will lovingly continue to hold me accountable as I seek God for the balance of speaking the truth in love in a more godly fashion.
God has shown me in very real and practical ways that I must think more before I speak... or write. He's done this through interaction with those close to me and through scripture. I'll share some of that soon. I'm so thankful for God's grace and sanctification. He's been so patient with me. I also took the advice of the woman who commented on my old blog before I shut it down who recommended a booklet called something like "Judging Others: The danger of playing God" from Peacemaker Ministries. I bought it and will read it soon and likley tell you about it.
Please know I still stand for truth. I still desire to be the most godly man I can be and live a life worthy of my Lord. I still desire to passionately preach the gospel in faith and live a life of holiness. I would ask you to continue to pray with me in accomplishing these goals in a way that ackowledges not only the hard truths and high standards of Jesus Christ, but the agape grace and love of Jesus Christ as well.
Thank you and please bear with me... the more I write, the better I will be able to grow in perspective. I am still a work in progress as we all will hopefully and readily admit that we are.
Praise Him always!
While I don't have near the time I want to post all that I want on here, I wanted to say I've still really felt the need to write. To "turn over a new leaf" I am starting this blog with the intention of it being about life in general, what I'm learning in Bible College as I go, and just things God teaches me. This doesn't mean I won't talk at all about evangelism I'm sure.
I still go out witnessing each weekend using the principles of "law to the proud, grace to the humble" and don't plan on stopping that anytime soon. The point is that I don't write in an overzealous critical fashion as I tended to do on Xanga. My goal here is certainly not to simply bash the way other Christians are doing things and simply point out everyone else's sins. I've also tried to be more mindful about conscience issues vs. actual biblical sins lately. I've received feedback saying things like, "but you were speaking the truth." While it may have been the truth, there were times when things I said just really weren't necessary. There are A LOT of things that we really just need to keep to ourselves I've noticed. I hope those of you who read will lovingly continue to hold me accountable as I seek God for the balance of speaking the truth in love in a more godly fashion.
God has shown me in very real and practical ways that I must think more before I speak... or write. He's done this through interaction with those close to me and through scripture. I'll share some of that soon. I'm so thankful for God's grace and sanctification. He's been so patient with me. I also took the advice of the woman who commented on my old blog before I shut it down who recommended a booklet called something like "Judging Others: The danger of playing God" from Peacemaker Ministries. I bought it and will read it soon and likley tell you about it.
Please know I still stand for truth. I still desire to be the most godly man I can be and live a life worthy of my Lord. I still desire to passionately preach the gospel in faith and live a life of holiness. I would ask you to continue to pray with me in accomplishing these goals in a way that ackowledges not only the hard truths and high standards of Jesus Christ, but the agape grace and love of Jesus Christ as well.
Thank you and please bear with me... the more I write, the better I will be able to grow in perspective. I am still a work in progress as we all will hopefully and readily admit that we are.
Praise Him always!
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