When I graduated from Tarrant County College, I think I remember my best friends' father saying something like congratulations... to which I replied, "It's only the beginning..." As I plan ahead (and I always do), I find that God's grace and strength will be the only things that carry me through. I'm learning so much and growing so much, but as Pastor James Ford said in chapel around 2 hours ago to the young men of the student body, we aren't here to study the Bible... we're here to know Him. Looking in front of me I have a list of prayers for the mornings. There are about 10 things and people to pray about at the moment. I've been able to read the Word in the mornings. One thing I miss is my own time of worship before God. I rememebr the sweet mornings of no class until 10am at TCC when I could spend 45 minutes praising and worshipping God in song each morning.
David Livingstone was one the most known pioneer missionaries to Africa. He was trained as a preacher. When he got up to preach for the first time, we're told he opened up the Scripture and began reading his passage. While reading he abruptly stops and says, "Friends, I have forgotten all I had to say" and leaves.
I have moments like that more than most people know. As I watch my own development as a preacher, I currently struggle with one thing particular. I notice that when it comes to preaching the gospel on the frontlines of the streets where common people stand... the intensity and urgency in my voice are clear. However, as I stand to the pulpit and teach believers... I am conversational and calm. I look at preachers like John Hagee (while I don't agree with him on all he teaches) and so many others, I desire to preach with an intensity like that to God's people. I am searching for the wall between or how to bridge the gap between my evangelistic preaching and the teaching of the Word. In that vain, I've begun to pray that God would grow me in His wisdom as a preacher and teacher. It seemed like novel idea.
Next semester's schedule has changed. Here's the new one...
Old Testament Survey (Lecture) TuTh 11:00AM - 12:50PM TBA W. Marty 4.00
Greek Grammar I (Lecture) MTuWF 1:00PM - 1:50PM TBA E. Gray 4.00
Introduction to Disciplemaking (Lecture) MW 9:00AM - 9:50AM TBA C. Craigen 2.00
Christian Missions (Lecture) MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM TBA S. Naaman 3.00
Communication of Biblical Truth (Lecture) TuTh 8:00AM - 9:15AM TBA J. Koessler 3.00
Interpretation: EEEEEKKK!
This summer will prove to be busy itself. My current plan: Work 40 hours a week and possibly pick up a second job, read the Old Testament to prep for the class in Fall, begin to study Greek to prep for Fall, look at and do observations for my fall sermons at the retirement home. I'm reminded of the proverb that says, "if you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength."
In light of all I've written just now and the time I've used, I say... "LET'S DO THIS!"
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
We come to a close... already!?
It's hard to believe we have less than a month before semester finals. Where did the time go? I've built friendships, learned more of how to study the Word of God and present the clear doctrines of the Bible even clearer, not to mention had the opportunity to minister in more ways than one: Street preaching (of course), teaching and preaching in leading a worship service with a team, helping a guy on the floor with classwork, and (hopefully) being a good brother to the ladies on our sister floor... while I can joke a bit too far at times. What was it the Bible said about the tongue? Oh yeah, it's "set on fire by hell" (James 3:6).
I'm planning (if they let me) to go with the same practical ministry next semester. I got to check out a few others and visit their booths yesterday though. A few of the groups stood out to me for one reason or another. The ones I was considering were the 1. Male prostitution outreach or 2. The Juvenile Detention center ministry to teens. Sound scary? AMEN! Their eternity and the lack of influence in their lives sounds more scary to me. I'm continuing to pray also about the idea of Missions Pastor. I've yet to have any clear direction, but don't expect to at this time. Then again, since when does God act based upon our expectations? Anyway, I've been picking up the flyers and info from church planting and missions organizations that visit the school as I'm able. I'm continuing to pray for God's will to be done. As life unfolds His will is revealed and I can only praise Him because I was not asking for my own will.
It's been a challenge to maintain a job and schoolwork and while I wish I'd have done better on the quizzes, I think things are working out alright. It's strange to think I only took 6 hours of classes in community college while the working the same amount of hours because I thought it was too much. I suppose I was leading a campus ministry and doing street ministry each week, but somethign tells me I could have stepped it up. Now I take 15 hours of classes, work about 22 hours a week, prepare and teach every Sunday morning, and occasionally go out street preachign with the team. It's interesting what we can do through the strength of Christ and our willingness to serve Him. In chapel recently a man who I later found out was a fellow street preacher in essence told his hearers to "stop being babies" and called it endureology. It was a convicting message to say the least. On another note, because my roommate is leaving this semester and getting married... one of the other Pastoral majors and fellow street proclaimer has offered to room with me. We'll be able to move the "Pastoral Studies" sign to our new door.
I'm excited about next semester as well. I'm amping up my credits and planning to get some of the work done for Old Testament over the summer. That should free up enough time to balance things out... hopefully. I already called my job back home and they said I have a job waiting for me when I return for summer. I'm still considering taking up a waiter job with that or something.
prayer:
-Missions Pastor?
-Retirement home ministry
-The Roman Catholic lay minister who stopped to hear my entire message on the street
-Homework and Endurance
-Continued Financial Provision
-Setting aside a meaningful amount of personal time with God in Bible college
I'm planning (if they let me) to go with the same practical ministry next semester. I got to check out a few others and visit their booths yesterday though. A few of the groups stood out to me for one reason or another. The ones I was considering were the 1. Male prostitution outreach or 2. The Juvenile Detention center ministry to teens. Sound scary? AMEN! Their eternity and the lack of influence in their lives sounds more scary to me. I'm continuing to pray also about the idea of Missions Pastor. I've yet to have any clear direction, but don't expect to at this time. Then again, since when does God act based upon our expectations? Anyway, I've been picking up the flyers and info from church planting and missions organizations that visit the school as I'm able. I'm continuing to pray for God's will to be done. As life unfolds His will is revealed and I can only praise Him because I was not asking for my own will.
It's been a challenge to maintain a job and schoolwork and while I wish I'd have done better on the quizzes, I think things are working out alright. It's strange to think I only took 6 hours of classes in community college while the working the same amount of hours because I thought it was too much. I suppose I was leading a campus ministry and doing street ministry each week, but somethign tells me I could have stepped it up. Now I take 15 hours of classes, work about 22 hours a week, prepare and teach every Sunday morning, and occasionally go out street preachign with the team. It's interesting what we can do through the strength of Christ and our willingness to serve Him. In chapel recently a man who I later found out was a fellow street preacher in essence told his hearers to "stop being babies" and called it endureology. It was a convicting message to say the least. On another note, because my roommate is leaving this semester and getting married... one of the other Pastoral majors and fellow street proclaimer has offered to room with me. We'll be able to move the "Pastoral Studies" sign to our new door.
I'm excited about next semester as well. I'm amping up my credits and planning to get some of the work done for Old Testament over the summer. That should free up enough time to balance things out... hopefully. I already called my job back home and they said I have a job waiting for me when I return for summer. I'm still considering taking up a waiter job with that or something.
prayer:
-Missions Pastor?
-Retirement home ministry
-The Roman Catholic lay minister who stopped to hear my entire message on the street
-Homework and Endurance
-Continued Financial Provision
-Setting aside a meaningful amount of personal time with God in Bible college
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tongues, Hermeneutics, and Calling
I'm on the tail end of my break here in Texas. I'll get a good number of hours in due to a few tragedies. My job rehired me in 10 minutes and I worked the same day, thanks to God. The tendency or temptation would be to say "look how good I am, they wanted me back and took me back in no time!" No, the glory and provision goes to God. He wanted me back here for a reason. One thing I was able to do was cover a good amount of spiritual ground with most of the newer deli employees. That itself might have been God's purpose. Since I left I've wanted to witness to the guy who is a former Mormon in practice, but still is one in doctrine. He could be affectionately called a "backslidden Mormon." I also have had the opportunity to do some evangelism in the area and get some reading and study done for classes.
I preached at my old park and a guy from Albertsons I used to work with was there jogging to hear the gospel. Another day at the park, two Mormon missionaries (ages 20 and 21) were there. As I walked by with my Bible one of them came after me on his bike to talk. His immediate response to my Bible was that they believe it AND the Book of Mormon was the Word of God. We all three sat down at a bench and had a civil conversation. I admitted that would probably not read their testament and pray to see if it's true (I already know the God of truth and His written Word). I did say I had some questions however. They told me salvation is by faith in the sacrifice of Christ after all that we can do. I read to them Ephesians 2:8-9. They didn't know how to harmonize works and faith, but just said they work together somehow. We ended on a friendly note and I told them this discussion of faith and works for salvation has eternal ramifications and made it clear that we disagreed on that. They however told me that I had the Holy Spirit just as they did. They said my demeanor showed them I was saved. They said all churches have some of the truth... the Mormons just have the rest of it. Afterward I thought "wow, at least the JW's have the eternal punishment and judgment side of things right!" It almost seems as if even the Mormons are becoming somewhat postmodern!!
The Lord also gave me the courage to preach to the kids at the skate park again. I haven't done that in over a year. It was rather full too. I preached th entire message. Of course, kids were kids though. They cussed a lot and mocked a little. One of them lit up a cigarette. I ended saying that I would lay a small stack of my business cards on the slab of sidewalk I was standing (just outside the fence of the park). They could email any questions they may have and I'd answer them more clearly than I would in person. I also said I would sit on the nearby bench for the following 10 minutes to talk individually if they wanted. I did these things and afterward realized that they convey an important message that motivates me to consider this principle more. By putting the cards out in the open on the OTHER SIDE of the fence... the kids would have to walk out and around to pick up a card in front of all the rest of their friends and skateboarders. Furthermore, if they wanted to talk to me in person, they would have had to walk even further out in the open and in front of everyone. They would have had to risk the humuliation of their peers. Needless to say pride or fear prevented anyone from talk with me, but one kid did take a card. Pray for him. I could hear them talking as I sat there. Some were saying "go ask him _____." Others were saying "are you defending him?!" Please pray for those kids.
I also got to preach in good ole downtown ft. worth. I used the springboard "Where did the soul come from?" and discussed some of the things I was learning in school. I have video of part of the preaching that I'll upload to youtube soon. A woman actually got up on my stool partially drunk to spout her prideful ramblings of why she didn't believe in God. I allowed her to make a fool of herself and just continued preaching. Romans 1 didn't lie when it spoke of humanity. My plan is to go back downtown once or twice before I leave Easter Sunday night.
So I was talking to Travis Friday night and we talked about Tongues and if it was used legitimately today. He told a story that I think I was impressed with. He said he visited a church once where the worship leader "spoke in tongues" and afterward something very interesting and unusual happened. The pastor came up and pointed this out, only to say "here we want to do things biblically" and asked the congregation if anyone had an interpretation. When no one did he turned to the worship leader in love without a hint of anything else and politely asked him to not to do that. Does this suggest the pastor was familiar with it being done biblically? I don't know. I wonder if the pastor was reprimanded for that? I will admit that this is the closest thing I've seen to a biblical representation of the gift of tongues, while it was not done evangelistically as I think Acts suggests. Call me an open Cessationalist... from what I can see... the gift is not normative for today. On the other hand, I would certainly be interested in studying modern churches or observing if the gift was actually practiced biblically.
Last night I was the on the phone with a friend discussing a movie. He thought a major problem in the movie would have been solved if the main character just did one thing. He said he thought the villian was after something and he would stop his attack if he only had that something. I reasoned that the storyline didn't seem to give us that impression or reveal that to us and in fact the clues were somewhat against that theory. I began to put pieces together that made a case that the point of the villian's attack was simply to destroy the main character. This morning it hit me... my friend was interpreting the motive behind the villians' actions and based upon the context of the story and the pieces of the narrative, I interpreted it otherwise. I asked myself this morning... am I observing life the same way I'm observing the Bible? Is all that I'm learning now leaking into my life as I travel through day-to-day events and come across differences of opinion? I tell you... I love Bible college! Thank you Lord for my growth as an expositor and the ready memory of the principles I'm learning!
Finally I wanted to say that I've been praying (if I haven't said already) about if the Lord may want me to be a pastor... but not just that, a missions pastor? I spoke briefly with a professor of mine who was a missions pastor for 9 years. It never occurred to me that one could pastor a flock and in a way be a missionary as well. He said people in other countries have a lot less tools to study the Word than we do here and someone who has had a formal Bible education would have a significant advantage and a significant amount to bring to a people of another country. Immediately my mind dreamed into a future of teaching Hermeneutics and how to study the Bible to people who don't even have a concordance. I could imagine my heart being warmed when they grasp the basic principles of interpretation and Theology and soak up the spiritual milk and meat of the Word. I've always loved to see new believers learn and grow in Christ. Please be with me in prayer as I consider this and seek God's will.
Prayer requests:
-Mormons at the park and Mormon at work
-The seeds sown over break in the hearts of the others at work
-Missions pastor?
-Efficiency and diligence in reading for the remainder of the break
I preached at my old park and a guy from Albertsons I used to work with was there jogging to hear the gospel. Another day at the park, two Mormon missionaries (ages 20 and 21) were there. As I walked by with my Bible one of them came after me on his bike to talk. His immediate response to my Bible was that they believe it AND the Book of Mormon was the Word of God. We all three sat down at a bench and had a civil conversation. I admitted that would probably not read their testament and pray to see if it's true (I already know the God of truth and His written Word). I did say I had some questions however. They told me salvation is by faith in the sacrifice of Christ after all that we can do. I read to them Ephesians 2:8-9. They didn't know how to harmonize works and faith, but just said they work together somehow. We ended on a friendly note and I told them this discussion of faith and works for salvation has eternal ramifications and made it clear that we disagreed on that. They however told me that I had the Holy Spirit just as they did. They said my demeanor showed them I was saved. They said all churches have some of the truth... the Mormons just have the rest of it. Afterward I thought "wow, at least the JW's have the eternal punishment and judgment side of things right!" It almost seems as if even the Mormons are becoming somewhat postmodern!!
The Lord also gave me the courage to preach to the kids at the skate park again. I haven't done that in over a year. It was rather full too. I preached th entire message. Of course, kids were kids though. They cussed a lot and mocked a little. One of them lit up a cigarette. I ended saying that I would lay a small stack of my business cards on the slab of sidewalk I was standing (just outside the fence of the park). They could email any questions they may have and I'd answer them more clearly than I would in person. I also said I would sit on the nearby bench for the following 10 minutes to talk individually if they wanted. I did these things and afterward realized that they convey an important message that motivates me to consider this principle more. By putting the cards out in the open on the OTHER SIDE of the fence... the kids would have to walk out and around to pick up a card in front of all the rest of their friends and skateboarders. Furthermore, if they wanted to talk to me in person, they would have had to walk even further out in the open and in front of everyone. They would have had to risk the humuliation of their peers. Needless to say pride or fear prevented anyone from talk with me, but one kid did take a card. Pray for him. I could hear them talking as I sat there. Some were saying "go ask him _____." Others were saying "are you defending him?!" Please pray for those kids.
I also got to preach in good ole downtown ft. worth. I used the springboard "Where did the soul come from?" and discussed some of the things I was learning in school. I have video of part of the preaching that I'll upload to youtube soon. A woman actually got up on my stool partially drunk to spout her prideful ramblings of why she didn't believe in God. I allowed her to make a fool of herself and just continued preaching. Romans 1 didn't lie when it spoke of humanity. My plan is to go back downtown once or twice before I leave Easter Sunday night.
So I was talking to Travis Friday night and we talked about Tongues and if it was used legitimately today. He told a story that I think I was impressed with. He said he visited a church once where the worship leader "spoke in tongues" and afterward something very interesting and unusual happened. The pastor came up and pointed this out, only to say "here we want to do things biblically" and asked the congregation if anyone had an interpretation. When no one did he turned to the worship leader in love without a hint of anything else and politely asked him to not to do that. Does this suggest the pastor was familiar with it being done biblically? I don't know. I wonder if the pastor was reprimanded for that? I will admit that this is the closest thing I've seen to a biblical representation of the gift of tongues, while it was not done evangelistically as I think Acts suggests. Call me an open Cessationalist... from what I can see... the gift is not normative for today. On the other hand, I would certainly be interested in studying modern churches or observing if the gift was actually practiced biblically.
Last night I was the on the phone with a friend discussing a movie. He thought a major problem in the movie would have been solved if the main character just did one thing. He said he thought the villian was after something and he would stop his attack if he only had that something. I reasoned that the storyline didn't seem to give us that impression or reveal that to us and in fact the clues were somewhat against that theory. I began to put pieces together that made a case that the point of the villian's attack was simply to destroy the main character. This morning it hit me... my friend was interpreting the motive behind the villians' actions and based upon the context of the story and the pieces of the narrative, I interpreted it otherwise. I asked myself this morning... am I observing life the same way I'm observing the Bible? Is all that I'm learning now leaking into my life as I travel through day-to-day events and come across differences of opinion? I tell you... I love Bible college! Thank you Lord for my growth as an expositor and the ready memory of the principles I'm learning!
Finally I wanted to say that I've been praying (if I haven't said already) about if the Lord may want me to be a pastor... but not just that, a missions pastor? I spoke briefly with a professor of mine who was a missions pastor for 9 years. It never occurred to me that one could pastor a flock and in a way be a missionary as well. He said people in other countries have a lot less tools to study the Word than we do here and someone who has had a formal Bible education would have a significant advantage and a significant amount to bring to a people of another country. Immediately my mind dreamed into a future of teaching Hermeneutics and how to study the Bible to people who don't even have a concordance. I could imagine my heart being warmed when they grasp the basic principles of interpretation and Theology and soak up the spiritual milk and meat of the Word. I've always loved to see new believers learn and grow in Christ. Please be with me in prayer as I consider this and seek God's will.
Prayer requests:
-Mormons at the park and Mormon at work
-The seeds sown over break in the hearts of the others at work
-Missions pastor?
-Efficiency and diligence in reading for the remainder of the break
Monday, February 25, 2008
Old Attraction and The Elusive Dollar
So I was at my PCM Sunday... I can't believe I spent about 10 hours studying to teach! But that will make it easier on me this week I think. As the folks were leaving, I stood by the door to shake hands and say bye. One lady in particular bounced up to me, poked my chest, and said "you're the one I've been looking for!" I oblviously said, "oh yeah?" For someone reason I had pure thoughts like, "maybe she heard about our service or wanted prayer...) I wasn't that lucky. Her friend pulled her arm and they left. It later occurred to me that her intentions were prolly not spiritual in any way! And this is a retirement home! Why is it that I seem to attract the strangest people!? That one goes right next to that Transvestite that winked at me in the mall years ago and the gay guys in the grocery store checkout lines that give those looks. I'm scared... truly.
I've been still struggling with finding work. However I'm glad to say I've been trusting God more. If he wants me here, I'll stay and it will all work out. I've sent out 5 resumes just today. One of which contacted me back and it was a money laundering employer with a Swiss bank account. I emailed them back and asked their company name and website. It seems a bit too good to be true for someone to just send you large amounts of money and tell you to take a cut out of it and send it somewhere else through Western Union. Sounds a bit fishy, eh? they wrote back with a copy/paste of the first email only to add "we don't yet have a website." ...yeah... riiiiiight. So the search continues! I just stay constant in prayer and hit the interent each day in search. I trust something turns up soon, because I still dunno where I'll be for Spring Break and it's less than 2 weeks away. Lord, please provide!!!
I'm also in prayer for the Lord's protection with the rest of the student outreach team that does street ministry here in the subway tunnels. The police have been harassing us like nobody's business every single night we go out. I haven't experienced this much opposition before. We even tried to get permits and they're either changing policies or just making it difficult for us. We can't even work within their own system to cooperate when we don't even legally have to!!! It's getting ridiculous. A buddy and I wasted a good chunk of time today only to be turned away because we didn't have Illinois licenses and it was 12 minutes past the time they preferred. It was rather frustrating. One of our guys is taking the legal route so we can get this resolved once and for all... we hope. I suppose I was naive in thinking I wouldn't have to pray this fervently about legitimate persecution. May I not get a martyr complex! May I stay humble and continue serving the Lord!
I've been still struggling with finding work. However I'm glad to say I've been trusting God more. If he wants me here, I'll stay and it will all work out. I've sent out 5 resumes just today. One of which contacted me back and it was a money laundering employer with a Swiss bank account. I emailed them back and asked their company name and website. It seems a bit too good to be true for someone to just send you large amounts of money and tell you to take a cut out of it and send it somewhere else through Western Union. Sounds a bit fishy, eh? they wrote back with a copy/paste of the first email only to add "we don't yet have a website." ...yeah... riiiiiight. So the search continues! I just stay constant in prayer and hit the interent each day in search. I trust something turns up soon, because I still dunno where I'll be for Spring Break and it's less than 2 weeks away. Lord, please provide!!!
I'm also in prayer for the Lord's protection with the rest of the student outreach team that does street ministry here in the subway tunnels. The police have been harassing us like nobody's business every single night we go out. I haven't experienced this much opposition before. We even tried to get permits and they're either changing policies or just making it difficult for us. We can't even work within their own system to cooperate when we don't even legally have to!!! It's getting ridiculous. A buddy and I wasted a good chunk of time today only to be turned away because we didn't have Illinois licenses and it was 12 minutes past the time they preferred. It was rather frustrating. One of our guys is taking the legal route so we can get this resolved once and for all... we hope. I suppose I was naive in thinking I wouldn't have to pray this fervently about legitimate persecution. May I not get a martyr complex! May I stay humble and continue serving the Lord!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Life, Confrontation, and Ministry
Time flies, doesn't it? It's amazing to think it's nearly Midterm time. My time here thus far has been rewarding and yet busy. I know it will only get busier. Yet through it all, God is good and worthy of all praise. Recently we had the annual Lipsync. Apparently it was earlier this year and as a result there weren't as many performances. I was planning not to go due to the workload I had and the fact that there was a small fee this year. That didn't stop a few of the girls from our sister floor from calling me up and offering to pay my way. Needless to say... I'm a wimp. So it was a good show and didn't last the full amount of time scheduled, which still allowed me to only be up till about 1:30am finishing a massive paper. The guy who won 2nd place was on our floor. I thought he shoulda got first. Among other songs, he did Billy Jean and was an awesome dancer. He even dressed the part real well. (Apparently, we're allowed to dance at the Lipsync as long as we're lipsyncing).
I'm still searching for a job. The 2 interviews I've had wouldn't yield stable income. Frankly, I'm getting to the point where it doesn't matter what kind of income it would yield. I've been checking Craigslist every day and have sent out resumes to multiple places. I also have an application in process with the facilities crew here on campus. I got a call last night for a Cashier position at a nearby University that will pay less than I want, but would be stable. We're still setting up an interview. Also another grocery store chain listed openings in Deli and Produce yesterday. That almost seemed like divine intervention when I saw it. We'll see where that goes. I truly think God has been testing my faith in this. I've struggled so much in the past month by walking by sight and not by faith to the degree I should. I'm coming to the place I was before I got here... "Lord, if you want me here, you'll provide... if you don't, you won't" and then just keep truckin with the simple faith of a child.
All of that also determines what I'm doing for Spring Break. The deadline was yesterday to turn in the paperwork to stay on campus over break, but it would cost around $150 + food to stay unless I have a campus job. Furthermore, you can't stay at all unless you prove you have some kind of job here. So I decided I'll now do one of two things: 1. Go home and attempt to setup work there with Tom Thumb again or 2. Stay with someone who lives nearby here and commute to whatever job I get here during break. The problem is with the commute, I might have to pay a bit more for extra transportation, which would be almost the same amount as staying on campus. So my decisions in the coming weeks will be a difficult one. I would get cheaper plane tickets than normal I went home though...?
I'm glad to be learning so much as well. My two favorite classes are Studying and Teaching the Bible and The Church and its Doctrines. They are entry level classes, yet they are filling in the gaps for me. If there were aspects of the Trinity I was confused about... those are clearer, if there was something I was overlooking in my reading of the Bible... I'm more prone to see it now. Our basic Theology textbook is "A Faith For All Seasons" By Ted Dorman. It's one of the books I'm sure I'll keep and use in the future... even if part of it accidentally fell in the toilet (it was clean I assure you).
-I've been enjoying my practical ministry as well. It seems each week I become more and more confident and plow new ground in Bible Exposition. I'm also trying to get to know the residents better. Part of me wishes we had more time with them. It's so difficult to lead a ministry only once a week and try to be active in people's lives. More than that, to encourage and get to know your team. I've been trying to cultivate an atmosphere like that and thankfully God is working among us on both fronts... although I wish it was more. True ministry is hardly done once a week. Along those lines and because of my struggles in trusting God, I decided to make an extra effort to go out with Student Outreach this past week and continue preaching the precious gospel of salvation. I've had a such a burden to continue doing this and I find that when times are tough spiritually... the best thing to do is amp up our service to the Lord because it's in those times that walk the opposite direction of the flesh. What happens when trials come? We not only trust God and continue, we step further. May God use those 2 days for His glory and may my focus be where it needs to be. Consequently, it also gave me a taste of what working would be like. That was a good 6 hours out of my week, which will be nothing compared to the 15-20 I'll work when I get a job.
The team enjoyed my company and called me "an asset." Oh Lord keep me humble! It's not about me... it's about YOU! I told the people at Concord Place Sunday morning that when they say I did a good job, I've reached a place where I can say thank you and not feel prideful inside, but I'm still not there yet. My internal and external should say, "To God be the glory forever and ever... amen." Being outside so much last week, I also got a 2 day taste of a little flu as well. One of the Student Outreach leaders picked up the same kinda thing. I felt like a zombie yesterday. So I've been praying about the PCM ministries I'm involved in... which should I choose for next semester? The one I need more practice in, but requires more prep.? Or the other one for which I also have a passion? If I plan to take Greek Grammar and OT Survey both next semester, will I be able to set aside about 6 hours or more to prepare a sermon each week? God help me! I want to teach and I want to preach, which should I do?
Another burden rising up in me is one that is not so public just yet... at least until I hit the "publish post" button. That's alright though, I can't always be shy about my opinions these days. I've always desired for my journal to be an open book. Take it as you please and discuss it with me as you wish... but it's coming out of my mind today! Another burden I've had recently is in that of the evangelistic perspective here... in the PCM office and perhaps the school itself in some ways. I understand these views are common and I consider all of this in light of my "holy crusader" past when I would charge at people who did anything "wrong" in my opinion. I consider all that as I mention what I do today and continue to pray for God's guidance and the tender spirit of speaking the truth in love. I've noticed the common thread of not only the fringes of the modern gospel (not it... what surrounds it), but an emphasis on unintentional evangelism. In fact, the core class textbook is titled, "Permission Evangelism." I can say little else about it or the class until I've taken it however. I wouldn't wanna throw stones at it if the evidence hasn't even been reviewed, nor would I want to come off as a rash new student who just wants to ignorantly fight his cause.
I don't intend to start a revolution and the Braveheart of a small representation of the student body, but merely ask "have you considered this?" "please pray about this..." If that's as far as it goes, then I've done my part and been obedient to the burden laid on me. I must also use constructive criticism, however. I cannot forget this! We can't criticize a model without suggestions. This only leads to it falling on deaf ears or changes that miss the point and/or that we end up still complaining about. What I can rejoice in, is that the street team here is full of leadership who believe in biblical evangelism... more specifically, who believe in the (I believe) most effectively biblical form of sharing the message of eternal life... the preparation of the heart through the law of God. Their tracts are biblical and they teach the principles to the team before going out. They recently were asked to teach the Graduate students the principles and take them out as well. What a blessing! I wish I could've gone! Other ideas from the influence of the Student Outreach team are also turning in the minds of those leading it. More than that, we have some professors who understand and have a more biblical perspective!
Recently, the Intro To Ministry class led by the PCM dept. held a day where the class split up as they wanted... and learned "how to lead an (adult, teen, child) to Christ." I saw this and rolled my eyes. My immediate thought was, "the Holy Spirit leads people to Christ... we only share the message... we don't have to 'close the deal'." I almost decided to skip class that day. Instead I chose to go to the one I was least acquainted with how to approach... children. Apparently they called in a guy from Child Evangelism Fellowship to teach the group. I was very impressed with his presentation and perspective. Afterward we talked about it. I thanked him greatly for his presentation and we exchanged business cards. I introduced him to Way of The Master, although he had already used it based on the same principles. Isn't it wonderful that it's based around the Word of God and not Ray Comfort? So much so that believers have figured it out already? I praise God for the power of His Word. So we have these strands of influence in biblical evangelism throughout the school and associated with the school already. But how do we harmonize all of this? How do we get on the same page? This is fundamental question.
Dr. Easley, the school's President made a good point today as well about Gratitude. He asked the students questions like, "do you realize how blessed you are that some little old lady is selling bonds and giving to the school because she met 2 godly women from Moody Bible Institute and wants to help them get through school?" I was so thankful for that. Since I've been here I've heard all kinds of complaints and immature jokes about the Student Dining Room or that the Diversity chapel wasn't a good representation of diversity or whatever else and I'm frankly sick of them! I would echo Dr. Easley who said, "If you don't like it, leave... because there are four more students that are ready to take your place." These aren't theological concerns. They aren't moral concerns. They are STUPID COMPLAINTS! As I sat to eat breakfast this morning it aggrivated me to tolerate the immature words of those behind me as they made themselves out to be high school kids with their comments and murmuring. Even outside that I've heard Moody students using profanity. I've heard vulgar jokes of sexual innuendo. I hear racist jokes. Then I must take a breath and remember two things: 1. Sanctification is a process and 2. Just because a person is at Bible college does not mean they know the Lord. I can see myself standing up on a cafeteria table and yelling, "Students of Moody, Listen! Are you here to serve, know, and grow or because your parents wanted you to be here!?" As I mentally place one foot on the table, God taps me on the shoulder. We need not pull out the tares among the wheat... God will take precious care of that.
I suppose I've been on my written soapbox long enough.
Current prayer list:
-Gus, as he considers joining the Orthodox Presbyterian Church
-Johnny and Christina
-Dustin and his paper
-Earl: possible cancer
-Finding some income (job)
-Encouraging my roommate in priorities and a holy life
-What should I do for PCM next semester?
-How, if, and when should I approach the PCM office/possibly the school about evangelism?
-Ministering to the residents at Concord Place
I'm still searching for a job. The 2 interviews I've had wouldn't yield stable income. Frankly, I'm getting to the point where it doesn't matter what kind of income it would yield. I've been checking Craigslist every day and have sent out resumes to multiple places. I also have an application in process with the facilities crew here on campus. I got a call last night for a Cashier position at a nearby University that will pay less than I want, but would be stable. We're still setting up an interview. Also another grocery store chain listed openings in Deli and Produce yesterday. That almost seemed like divine intervention when I saw it. We'll see where that goes. I truly think God has been testing my faith in this. I've struggled so much in the past month by walking by sight and not by faith to the degree I should. I'm coming to the place I was before I got here... "Lord, if you want me here, you'll provide... if you don't, you won't" and then just keep truckin with the simple faith of a child.
All of that also determines what I'm doing for Spring Break. The deadline was yesterday to turn in the paperwork to stay on campus over break, but it would cost around $150 + food to stay unless I have a campus job. Furthermore, you can't stay at all unless you prove you have some kind of job here. So I decided I'll now do one of two things: 1. Go home and attempt to setup work there with Tom Thumb again or 2. Stay with someone who lives nearby here and commute to whatever job I get here during break. The problem is with the commute, I might have to pay a bit more for extra transportation, which would be almost the same amount as staying on campus. So my decisions in the coming weeks will be a difficult one. I would get cheaper plane tickets than normal I went home though...?
I'm glad to be learning so much as well. My two favorite classes are Studying and Teaching the Bible and The Church and its Doctrines. They are entry level classes, yet they are filling in the gaps for me. If there were aspects of the Trinity I was confused about... those are clearer, if there was something I was overlooking in my reading of the Bible... I'm more prone to see it now. Our basic Theology textbook is "A Faith For All Seasons" By Ted Dorman. It's one of the books I'm sure I'll keep and use in the future... even if part of it accidentally fell in the toilet (it was clean I assure you).
-I've been enjoying my practical ministry as well. It seems each week I become more and more confident and plow new ground in Bible Exposition. I'm also trying to get to know the residents better. Part of me wishes we had more time with them. It's so difficult to lead a ministry only once a week and try to be active in people's lives. More than that, to encourage and get to know your team. I've been trying to cultivate an atmosphere like that and thankfully God is working among us on both fronts... although I wish it was more. True ministry is hardly done once a week. Along those lines and because of my struggles in trusting God, I decided to make an extra effort to go out with Student Outreach this past week and continue preaching the precious gospel of salvation. I've had a such a burden to continue doing this and I find that when times are tough spiritually... the best thing to do is amp up our service to the Lord because it's in those times that walk the opposite direction of the flesh. What happens when trials come? We not only trust God and continue, we step further. May God use those 2 days for His glory and may my focus be where it needs to be. Consequently, it also gave me a taste of what working would be like. That was a good 6 hours out of my week, which will be nothing compared to the 15-20 I'll work when I get a job.
The team enjoyed my company and called me "an asset." Oh Lord keep me humble! It's not about me... it's about YOU! I told the people at Concord Place Sunday morning that when they say I did a good job, I've reached a place where I can say thank you and not feel prideful inside, but I'm still not there yet. My internal and external should say, "To God be the glory forever and ever... amen." Being outside so much last week, I also got a 2 day taste of a little flu as well. One of the Student Outreach leaders picked up the same kinda thing. I felt like a zombie yesterday. So I've been praying about the PCM ministries I'm involved in... which should I choose for next semester? The one I need more practice in, but requires more prep.? Or the other one for which I also have a passion? If I plan to take Greek Grammar and OT Survey both next semester, will I be able to set aside about 6 hours or more to prepare a sermon each week? God help me! I want to teach and I want to preach, which should I do?
Another burden rising up in me is one that is not so public just yet... at least until I hit the "publish post" button. That's alright though, I can't always be shy about my opinions these days. I've always desired for my journal to be an open book. Take it as you please and discuss it with me as you wish... but it's coming out of my mind today! Another burden I've had recently is in that of the evangelistic perspective here... in the PCM office and perhaps the school itself in some ways. I understand these views are common and I consider all of this in light of my "holy crusader" past when I would charge at people who did anything "wrong" in my opinion. I consider all that as I mention what I do today and continue to pray for God's guidance and the tender spirit of speaking the truth in love. I've noticed the common thread of not only the fringes of the modern gospel (not it... what surrounds it), but an emphasis on unintentional evangelism. In fact, the core class textbook is titled, "Permission Evangelism." I can say little else about it or the class until I've taken it however. I wouldn't wanna throw stones at it if the evidence hasn't even been reviewed, nor would I want to come off as a rash new student who just wants to ignorantly fight his cause.
I don't intend to start a revolution and the Braveheart of a small representation of the student body, but merely ask "have you considered this?" "please pray about this..." If that's as far as it goes, then I've done my part and been obedient to the burden laid on me. I must also use constructive criticism, however. I cannot forget this! We can't criticize a model without suggestions. This only leads to it falling on deaf ears or changes that miss the point and/or that we end up still complaining about. What I can rejoice in, is that the street team here is full of leadership who believe in biblical evangelism... more specifically, who believe in the (I believe) most effectively biblical form of sharing the message of eternal life... the preparation of the heart through the law of God. Their tracts are biblical and they teach the principles to the team before going out. They recently were asked to teach the Graduate students the principles and take them out as well. What a blessing! I wish I could've gone! Other ideas from the influence of the Student Outreach team are also turning in the minds of those leading it. More than that, we have some professors who understand and have a more biblical perspective!
Recently, the Intro To Ministry class led by the PCM dept. held a day where the class split up as they wanted... and learned "how to lead an (adult, teen, child) to Christ." I saw this and rolled my eyes. My immediate thought was, "the Holy Spirit leads people to Christ... we only share the message... we don't have to 'close the deal'." I almost decided to skip class that day. Instead I chose to go to the one I was least acquainted with how to approach... children. Apparently they called in a guy from Child Evangelism Fellowship to teach the group. I was very impressed with his presentation and perspective. Afterward we talked about it. I thanked him greatly for his presentation and we exchanged business cards. I introduced him to Way of The Master, although he had already used it based on the same principles. Isn't it wonderful that it's based around the Word of God and not Ray Comfort? So much so that believers have figured it out already? I praise God for the power of His Word. So we have these strands of influence in biblical evangelism throughout the school and associated with the school already. But how do we harmonize all of this? How do we get on the same page? This is fundamental question.
Dr. Easley, the school's President made a good point today as well about Gratitude. He asked the students questions like, "do you realize how blessed you are that some little old lady is selling bonds and giving to the school because she met 2 godly women from Moody Bible Institute and wants to help them get through school?" I was so thankful for that. Since I've been here I've heard all kinds of complaints and immature jokes about the Student Dining Room or that the Diversity chapel wasn't a good representation of diversity or whatever else and I'm frankly sick of them! I would echo Dr. Easley who said, "If you don't like it, leave... because there are four more students that are ready to take your place." These aren't theological concerns. They aren't moral concerns. They are STUPID COMPLAINTS! As I sat to eat breakfast this morning it aggrivated me to tolerate the immature words of those behind me as they made themselves out to be high school kids with their comments and murmuring. Even outside that I've heard Moody students using profanity. I've heard vulgar jokes of sexual innuendo. I hear racist jokes. Then I must take a breath and remember two things: 1. Sanctification is a process and 2. Just because a person is at Bible college does not mean they know the Lord. I can see myself standing up on a cafeteria table and yelling, "Students of Moody, Listen! Are you here to serve, know, and grow or because your parents wanted you to be here!?" As I mentally place one foot on the table, God taps me on the shoulder. We need not pull out the tares among the wheat... God will take precious care of that.
I suppose I've been on my written soapbox long enough.
Current prayer list:
-Gus, as he considers joining the Orthodox Presbyterian Church
-Johnny and Christina
-Dustin and his paper
-Earl: possible cancer
-Finding some income (job)
-Encouraging my roommate in priorities and a holy life
-What should I do for PCM next semester?
-How, if, and when should I approach the PCM office/possibly the school about evangelism?
-Ministering to the residents at Concord Place
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