There comes a point in all our lives where we come to a crossroads. For many people when the time comes to make decisions between two jobs, paths, educational directions, or any other thing, people choose the one that will be more beneficial to them. This makes the most sense for us and for those that we may possibly provide for. While this may be abundantly true in the world, it isn't necessarily true for those who are seeking to follow God's leading for their lives. Sometimes God's leading sends us in the direction that we wouldn't necessarily consider to be the most financially beneficial... the most personally beneficial... or the most obvious.
Why do we do it? Because we seek to follow God and we know that He will, as He always has, provide for us in ways that are far above and beyond our understanding or comprehension. My life has been riddled with this conundrum in the last several weeks. I know that God has called me to seminary... that much I do know. I did not however know where God wanted me to be at as far as a teaching church/job would be as I enter into this seminary journey. Several options have been presented to me in months past, all of which I didn't necessarily feel called to. Lately however, this has changed... and I have been presented the opportunity that I think God has been preparing me for.
It is interesting though, all of the different things that get thought through when you're looking to make a decision like this. I sought a very clear direction from God... an undeniable sign if you will... so that I didn't need to make the decision for myself I guess. Is that right? I don't know that its wrong... but what happens when that doesn't happen?
My thoughts were riddled with verses like:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
James 4:13-15
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
I have also sought the advice of countless others, and had several conversations with my family and even more with my girlfriend... all in an effort to ascertain what it is that God wants me to do! I think though, apart from the logical answers... which I think God puts in place to make decisions easier for our Human minds, some of the best advice that we can receive is some of the easiest... and it came from a very dear friend...
"Sometimes," his parents told him, "in the absence of a clear calling or direction from God, the most reasonable choice is in fact the most reasonable choice... and if God doesn't want you to make that choice, He will make sure that it doesn't happen."
It seems so simple... and is so profound. A special thanks to Tim Hall for that...
God has things in His control... a control the spans time and space.
Matthew 6:25-34 says,
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
It is in light of these things, which I have come to understand as the clarity I was seeking, that I have decided it is time for a move... that God has indeed called me to Overisel Reformed Church... and that, though I am sad to leave South Blendon, I am excited to see what God has in store for the future... for me and for them! South Blendon has been a great place to branch out and to learn... and it will always hold a special place in my heart!
I would like to thank all of you who were praying for me during this time! I would also like to thank my family and especially my girlfriend (who chooses to remain anonymous at this time) for your prayer and patience with me throughout this decision making process... I know I have been trying lately...
God is good! All the Time!! Be excited for that which He has in store for you as well... whether you are set in your everyday schedule, or whether you are preparing for a big change in your life. Trust in His unfailing faithfulness... He will never leave you hanging... but walk with you and carry you every step of the way!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wars and Rumors...
I realized that I have dropped the ball on this blog... I actually started this post several weeks ago, but never finished it... so I will now.
The last few weeks sure have been filled with all sorts of craziness! We've seen Earthquakes and Tsunamis with untold devastation and fears of everything from lost homes to Nuclear Meltdowns (which since I started writing this several weeks ago, has been upgraded to a Chernobyl level disaster). We've been and continue to be witness to unrest and uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East... with violence breaking out, lives being lost, military action, and threats of war yet again. We continue to deal with political disagreements, joblessness, and economic woes that never seem to go away and often times seem to be getting worse. It seems as though things are falling apart...
So what are we to do through all this? How can we reconcile a good, loving God that is in control of this world when it seems that everything is going wrong?
Jesus, speaking to his disciples, addresses this exact subject at roughly this time in His journey towards Jerusalem and the cross.
Matthew 24:4-8 Jesus Says, "Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."
He says roughly the same things in Mark and Luke... knowing full well that things like these would be happening!! He said these things about 2000 years ago and they are happening today... they've been happening since that day.
Now I am certainly not going to make any prophetical predictions about when Jesus is coming, but I think that events like these serve as yet another reminder that, as Jesus said, "I am coming soon." I think this should give us a sense of urgency that time is running short for us and we need to be spreading the good news of the Gospel!
Christianity cannot just be a spectator sport anymore...
Going to Church once a week is not and cannot be enough...
Its time that we Stand up and step out!
Matthew 24:9-14 says, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Times are tough... they have been tough and they will be tough... but we have assurance from our Lord and Savior that if we stand firm through this, we will be saved.
The time has come for us to Stand...
The last few weeks sure have been filled with all sorts of craziness! We've seen Earthquakes and Tsunamis with untold devastation and fears of everything from lost homes to Nuclear Meltdowns (which since I started writing this several weeks ago, has been upgraded to a Chernobyl level disaster). We've been and continue to be witness to unrest and uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East... with violence breaking out, lives being lost, military action, and threats of war yet again. We continue to deal with political disagreements, joblessness, and economic woes that never seem to go away and often times seem to be getting worse. It seems as though things are falling apart...
So what are we to do through all this? How can we reconcile a good, loving God that is in control of this world when it seems that everything is going wrong?
Jesus, speaking to his disciples, addresses this exact subject at roughly this time in His journey towards Jerusalem and the cross.
Matthew 24:4-8 Jesus Says, "Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."
He says roughly the same things in Mark and Luke... knowing full well that things like these would be happening!! He said these things about 2000 years ago and they are happening today... they've been happening since that day.
Now I am certainly not going to make any prophetical predictions about when Jesus is coming, but I think that events like these serve as yet another reminder that, as Jesus said, "I am coming soon." I think this should give us a sense of urgency that time is running short for us and we need to be spreading the good news of the Gospel!
Christianity cannot just be a spectator sport anymore...
Going to Church once a week is not and cannot be enough...
Its time that we Stand up and step out!
Matthew 24:9-14 says, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Times are tough... they have been tough and they will be tough... but we have assurance from our Lord and Savior that if we stand firm through this, we will be saved.
The time has come for us to Stand...
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Great Cloud...
Recently, I had the experience of being able to come before the consistory of my home church, the church that I grew up in, seeking affirmation and support for my decision to enter seminary. This may sound like a rather scary experience for some of you, somewhat of an inquisition type atmosphere where they drill you to see if you're worthy enough for their support... much less seminary.
I have to admit that an atmosphere like that would be rather intimidating and that is in fact something like what I expected. It was, however, quite different that than. Think back, if you have a moment... to your childhood... to all the people that were there, that influenced you, taught you, helped you to grow into the person you are today. Now, years later, as you have grown and matured, you have the opportunity to come before them to show them how God used them and worked in your life to make you the person you have become. You then have an opportunity to say that God has used them in what is now a very real and visible way to impact others as well!!
This is the experience that I had. Yes, there were questions from them. There was also approval and encouragement from them! But ultimately it was for me, the ability to meet with many people that have had a very profound impact on my life to talk with, respond to, be encouraged and prayed for by some of the formative people in my life.
I really think that this is a very physical experience of what the writer of Hebrews was talking about in Hebrews 12:1-3 when He wrote:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
I didn't really realize how grateful I am for my cloud of witnesses... but I am... so grateful it almost moves me to tears. I have been so blessed by those of you, my friends, family, teachers, and mentors, and what God has done for me through you. I only hope that my life and the race that I am running is one that you too can be proud of... and that you can know that God used YOU to impact even just one life.
THANK YOU my friends... for all you have done and all you will do! I covet your prayers in this time of change and transition... and would like to know how I can pray for you too in this time as well.
Grace and Peace...
I have to admit that an atmosphere like that would be rather intimidating and that is in fact something like what I expected. It was, however, quite different that than. Think back, if you have a moment... to your childhood... to all the people that were there, that influenced you, taught you, helped you to grow into the person you are today. Now, years later, as you have grown and matured, you have the opportunity to come before them to show them how God used them and worked in your life to make you the person you have become. You then have an opportunity to say that God has used them in what is now a very real and visible way to impact others as well!!
This is the experience that I had. Yes, there were questions from them. There was also approval and encouragement from them! But ultimately it was for me, the ability to meet with many people that have had a very profound impact on my life to talk with, respond to, be encouraged and prayed for by some of the formative people in my life.
I really think that this is a very physical experience of what the writer of Hebrews was talking about in Hebrews 12:1-3 when He wrote:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
I didn't really realize how grateful I am for my cloud of witnesses... but I am... so grateful it almost moves me to tears. I have been so blessed by those of you, my friends, family, teachers, and mentors, and what God has done for me through you. I only hope that my life and the race that I am running is one that you too can be proud of... and that you can know that God used YOU to impact even just one life.
THANK YOU my friends... for all you have done and all you will do! I covet your prayers in this time of change and transition... and would like to know how I can pray for you too in this time as well.
Grace and Peace...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Decisions...
Two roads diverged in the woods... I chose the road less traveled?
When life presents you with two paths... take the third option?
Sometimes you have to test the waters...
I have found myself, in the last several weeks, faced with many important decisions about the future. Sometimes, when life is going on just like normal, you can become content and thankful for a life that is going so well. Other times we can become apathetic to our situations. This was me in October... finding myself at a church that I had been at for a while, in a job that i had been in for a while, living in fairly the same way that I had been for a while...
I was becoming apathetic.
Fortunately, the Lord is good and faithful! He didn't want me to just be comfortable... and He certainly didn't want to have me being apathetic. So He stirred the pot a bit... and I couldn't be more thankful.
After two job possibilities, one or two internship possibilities, a wonderful new relationship, and a definite direction to seminary in the fall... I have found myself jolted out of my apathy and bring really excited about the future!!
So... I have to ask myself... are these new possibilities all about my getting a new job? Or were they about waking my up from my laziness?
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Though taken out of context, the truth of this verse remains.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
This too is a promise of God... and both of these have rung very true in my mind lately. We cling to these promises in times of uncertainty... knowing that God is God and He has everything under control!! What a wonderful truth and comfort in times of uncertainty!
So what about the future for me? for anyone?
1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Our call is to be faithful to God... obedient to Him... and to be so in a way that is "fully alert." I don't know Greek, nor to I know the Greek word used here, but I think that it signifies intentionality. We aren't supposed to lazily, sleepily, apathetically go through life just being good... we are called to be OBEDIENT and FAITHFUL... we are called to be HOLY because we serve a HOLY GOD. This is not something that can be achieved by apathy.
God brings answers in uncertainty, healing in pain, and light in darkness...
Until the answers come, I wait on the Lord for direction...
...down the road less traveled (or not)
...in the third option (or the first or second)
...in walking on the water!
When life presents you with two paths... take the third option?
Sometimes you have to test the waters...
I have found myself, in the last several weeks, faced with many important decisions about the future. Sometimes, when life is going on just like normal, you can become content and thankful for a life that is going so well. Other times we can become apathetic to our situations. This was me in October... finding myself at a church that I had been at for a while, in a job that i had been in for a while, living in fairly the same way that I had been for a while...
I was becoming apathetic.
Fortunately, the Lord is good and faithful! He didn't want me to just be comfortable... and He certainly didn't want to have me being apathetic. So He stirred the pot a bit... and I couldn't be more thankful.
After two job possibilities, one or two internship possibilities, a wonderful new relationship, and a definite direction to seminary in the fall... I have found myself jolted out of my apathy and bring really excited about the future!!
So... I have to ask myself... are these new possibilities all about my getting a new job? Or were they about waking my up from my laziness?
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Though taken out of context, the truth of this verse remains.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
This too is a promise of God... and both of these have rung very true in my mind lately. We cling to these promises in times of uncertainty... knowing that God is God and He has everything under control!! What a wonderful truth and comfort in times of uncertainty!
So what about the future for me? for anyone?
1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Our call is to be faithful to God... obedient to Him... and to be so in a way that is "fully alert." I don't know Greek, nor to I know the Greek word used here, but I think that it signifies intentionality. We aren't supposed to lazily, sleepily, apathetically go through life just being good... we are called to be OBEDIENT and FAITHFUL... we are called to be HOLY because we serve a HOLY GOD. This is not something that can be achieved by apathy.
God brings answers in uncertainty, healing in pain, and light in darkness...
Until the answers come, I wait on the Lord for direction...
...down the road less traveled (or not)
...in the third option (or the first or second)
...in walking on the water!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Construction...
Its always interesting when I feel inspiration from the Spirit while doing something mundane like... putting together a piece of exercise equipment. While opening the massive package that this elliptical machine, I saw all these different parts and thinking "this part goes here and that goes there."
While I might have had an idea where these particular pieces went, there is really know way I could have known how to put them together without looking at the construction instructions and reading through them carefully. If I didn't understand something, I had to make sure that I read it multiple times, to make sure that I really knew what it was I was supposed to do so as to properly put all these pieces together and make the equipment functional.
Another thing that stuck me is that the instructions specifically said "you cannot do this alone." Well... it actually said that it was a two person job, but I think the point is there.
We cannot just go at life alone. We may think that we know how to put all the things in our life together and that we can handle its construction on our own, but that isn't the way it is. We as Christians have the unique gift of being able to go through life with our guide and help, who is also our creator. God knows what His plans for our life are... and He knows how to put the events of our life together so that we turn out just the way He wants us! Construction with the designer as it were... and we have the promise that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.
I have found this to be very true with my life, this experience being just one more reminder! We don't necessarily know where our lives will take us... I sure didn't... but now that I know and have realized and accepted God's calling on my life, I look back and think about all the time I have "wasted." I have realized that all these things are part of the culmination of who I am now! That this "wasted time" was simply me trying to put my life together by myself. Futile? very... waste? not at all... God continues to use these experiences to help me help others.
Whats more... God has brought me back from these things and has brought me into the light, His calling on my life, and led me towards wonderful things to come! The construction of my life has re-begun (though not nearly close to being finished) and is coming a long quite smoothly! Praise God!
While I might have had an idea where these particular pieces went, there is really know way I could have known how to put them together without looking at the construction instructions and reading through them carefully. If I didn't understand something, I had to make sure that I read it multiple times, to make sure that I really knew what it was I was supposed to do so as to properly put all these pieces together and make the equipment functional.
Another thing that stuck me is that the instructions specifically said "you cannot do this alone." Well... it actually said that it was a two person job, but I think the point is there.
We cannot just go at life alone. We may think that we know how to put all the things in our life together and that we can handle its construction on our own, but that isn't the way it is. We as Christians have the unique gift of being able to go through life with our guide and help, who is also our creator. God knows what His plans for our life are... and He knows how to put the events of our life together so that we turn out just the way He wants us! Construction with the designer as it were... and we have the promise that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.
I have found this to be very true with my life, this experience being just one more reminder! We don't necessarily know where our lives will take us... I sure didn't... but now that I know and have realized and accepted God's calling on my life, I look back and think about all the time I have "wasted." I have realized that all these things are part of the culmination of who I am now! That this "wasted time" was simply me trying to put my life together by myself. Futile? very... waste? not at all... God continues to use these experiences to help me help others.
Whats more... God has brought me back from these things and has brought me into the light, His calling on my life, and led me towards wonderful things to come! The construction of my life has re-begun (though not nearly close to being finished) and is coming a long quite smoothly! Praise God!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
And so it begins... a few years after the beginning...
Well, it seems that the day has finally come. A calling on my life, one that has been there for many years (though often gone ignored by me) has been realized and is beginning to be fulfilled!! I'm very excited to announce that I have been accepted to Western Theological Seminary!!!
Some of my friends and family know that this has been a long time in coming... for other this may come as a surprise. In future posts, I'm sure I'll be able to fully explain the story of this calling and all that went into it. I've been blessed with many people supporting me and praying for me as I have sought (and many times not sought) after God's will for my life.
However, as for this introduction of sorts... it was suggested to me by Dr. Mark Poppen, an Admission's counselor at Kuyper College, suggested that I should keep a record of things that happen, things I learn, struggles, trials, and all that God is and will be teaching me as I embark on this journey into and through seminary. I am hoping to update this blog at least once a week, especially as the time comes for me to start classes and such.
It is my hope that through this, those that have supported me and continue to support me in prayer and other support, will see how God has answered and continues to answer those prayers.
May I take the time now to thank you for reading, for praying, for supporting me through this time. It will undoubtedly be an unbelievably growing experience for me and I know that God has great things in store for me, thanks to the many prayers of my friends and family and those who care about me. Thank You for reading!
Grace and Peace...
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