The name speaks for itself - Rhapsodies and Anecdotes. This is the venue in which I share (often ecstatically) personal stories about what God teaches me as I dive into His Word each day. I hope you like what I post and that it challenges you as it does me.

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Whatever you do and for whatever reason you're reading this right now, know this: I'm praying for you, reader. I'm praying that God works in your heart to draw you more and more to Himself.

4.22.2013

Were


The events of the past week or so have been heavy on my heart lately.

Kermit Gosnell. West, Texas. Boston Marathon.

Events, places, and people that we may never have given a second thought but yet are now etched into our minds. We feel hurt and pain for those involved, wishing them speedy recoveries. We begin to label the perpetrators as “loser,” “killer,” “bomber,” or “evil.” Perhaps we even speak hateful things about them.

Yet, in spite of all this, a phrase continues to plague my mind.

“Such were some of you.”

Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his first letter because of some awful things that were going on in the church. Sexual immorality, fighting with one another, suing members of the church. One guy was even sleeping with his father’s wife. It’s bad. In the midst of this, Paul speaks to the issue of suing one another, and he specifically points out that no one is righteous. No one will inherit the kingdom of God because of their own good works. Asking a series of questions, Paul rather pointedly makes his case: everyone in the church is guilty. Everyone deserves death.

Yet he continues with some of the most incredible words:

“Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11

Maybe there was an act of negligence that led to the explosion and resulting deaths in that Texas fertilizer factory.
Maybe the Chechen brothers really were the culprits in such a senseless bombing.
Maybe we haven’t even plumbed the depths of all the horrors Kermit Gosnell inflicted upon women and children in that Pennsylvania clinic.

“Such were some of you.”

The Holy Spirit is reminding and convicting me through Paul’s words that my sins may not be as public, but they are certainly just as damnable. My crimes may never be known, but I am still worthy of condemnation.

So, before you speak, think. Please. Think on your sins. Think on your state before a holy God. Think on the blood of Christ shed for you. Think on the lives of the men and women involved in such terrible events and how desperately in need of Jesus they are.

“Such were some of you.”

And pray. Pray for them to repent. Pray for them to believe. Speak in love and truth, in word and deed, so that all might hear that were it not for grace, you could very well be the Boston bomber. Were it not for God’s merciful hand upon your life, you could be Kermit Gosnell.

We are every bit as worthy of condemnation as these men are. We just haven’t stood trial yet.



That you might know Christ,

4.12.2013

Second Thoughts

"Hey, Daddy. Look what I drew for you."

This is normally a statement that prompts me to walk over to the table where Isabella has been quietly coloring and admire the picture that she has drawn. I "Ooh" and "Aah" over whatever it is that she has created. It could be letters, shapes, or some random combination of objects that makes no apparent sense. Yet, for me it doesn't matter if I can understand what she has drawn (even after her explanation of it) because she drew it, by herself, just for me. I find great joy in knowing that Isabella thinks to draw things for me and that she values my opinion of them. It is an incredible blessing.

One day recently, however, I heard the usual declaration, but from an unusual location: the couch. I got there so fast that in retrospect I think I  actually teleported. Drawing and couches do not mix. What I discovered, though, was the drawing in the picture above.

I had been reading my Bible and journaling before she got up for the day. I left it out to get her breakfast, get ready for the day, etc. And somewhere in the time I was away, Isabella had taken it upon herself to draw her little letters and pictures, even her name, in my Bible. I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't say that I was a little frustrated at first. I mean, it's my Bible! Only I write in it, and very carefully at that. It's special.

But then the humbling realization dawned on me: she's watching. I think so much about my own perspective and my own view on life, but I rarely think twice about what Isabella sees when she wakes each day. I wake up and start my day: quiet time in the Word, journaling, coffee. Normal parts of my life, that I don't give a second thought. Yet, Isabella wakes up and she sees my priorities, good or bad, whatever they are. She goes through her day and she sees me spend time on the things that are important. How many times has she woken up to find me sitting on the couch, drinking my coffee, reading my Bible, making notations in it to myself, writing in my journal. Is it any wonder that she wants to mimic that by drawing her own notes in my Bible?

Harder questions naturally follow this line of thinking. How many times has she seen me love Beth selflessly? Serve the body of Christ? Share my faith with another person?

Whatever I do, whatever I say, she's watching me. With my words I tell Isabella what I want her to know and how I want her to behave. But with my actions, I demonstrate which of those things is actually important enough for me to do as well.

If only we could realize the impact we have when we choose selfish wants over others' needs, prideful argument over humble apology. What we are attempting to teach our kids with each passing day is so incredibly important. Our words matter. But they only really stick, if they see us living it out, daily demonstrating the love we have for God by our obedience to His Word. How you live and how you love is more indicative of your priorities than what you say (or write). You can lie with your lips very easily, but you will find it nearly impossible to lie with your life.

Our kids are watching us. Our family and friends are watching us. It's time we give second (and third and fourth) thoughts to how we live our lives. Intentionally choose to live your life in a way that you would want your kids to emulate. Or your lack of choice will choose for them.


That you might know Christ,

4.05.2013

Burning

In a sermon published after his death, Thomas Hooker wrote:

"When a man will say he hath faith, and in the meantime can be content to be idle and unfruitful in the work of the Lord, can be content to be a dead Christian, let him know that his case is marvelously fearful: For if faith were in him indeed, it would appear, ye cannot keep your good hearts to yourselves, wherever fire is, it will burn, and wherever faith is, it cannot be kept secret."

What a challenge to live a life that truly reflects the faith that we proclaim! May our lives be a bright, hot flame, whose sole purpose is to burn! Burn us up for Your glory, God! Burn us up so that all people may know the hope and saving power of faith in Christ!