Monday, October 3, 2011
Bloodline
John Piper, has a new book coming. Please take a few and watch the this documentary that tackles the issue of race. A much needed look and calling out for Christians in America who still cling to racism!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Blogging Strategy
After many attempts to get this blog really rolling, I am giving it one last shot. I have spent a good deal of time thinking of what will be the best way to manage the blog and make it useful. So I have a few areas that I really desire to write about so I will focus on those. So, I will try and post three times weekly.
So if I don't make a go of it this time, I will give up on blogging!
MC
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Build the fire or sustain it?
Hebrews 12:29 says "Our God is a consuming fire". If you spend much time around church, you have probably heard or even prayed for the "fire of God." This is not a bad desire, as a matter of fact I recall praying for and trying to understand exactly what is the fire of God. Not sure I completely understand what it is, but I do know keeping the fire is more important that just getting, desiring, or even praying for it. Let me illustrate:
I heat my home with fire. It is my primary source of heat. However, I don't just look at the fire place and say "FIRE" and bam there it is. No, the process starts long before I even need the fire. Here is what the process looks like:
1. I spend a great deal of time gathering, cutting, splitting, and stacking wood. Make no mistake, this process is nothing but work. From beginning to end, it is heavy, time consuming, heavy,
2. Storing the wood is major. I can't just leave it lying around wherever. It must be stacked and kept dry. Wet wood does not burn.
3. Time. Some of my friends and I have just finished cutting and splitting my first load of wood for next winter. The wood needs time to dry before it is burned.
4. Once the fire is built, it is huge amount of work to keep it. Every few hours more wood must be added. Ashes must be removed from the fireplace. If too many build up, there is no room for fresh wood.
Now here is how God is teaching about His fire:
1. His "fire" does not just happen. Not going towards works based salvation. I am talking about seeking God and staying faithful. The greatest growth I have experienced in my walk with God is when I am extremely intentional and diligent about it. Seeking God and experiencing His fire is a process.
2. Patience-probably one of my biggest character flaws. I am not a patient person. But, I am learning to be more so. Knowing God and being able to sustain a level relationship with Him forces me to learn patience.
3. Sustain it- If I build a fire in my house and don't maintain it, the fire is useless. When God does bring me to that point of "fire", His desire is for it to be used. It's not just a spiritual high, but a launch pad for more. He wants me to be consumed so He can consume others.
I am sure there is much more to say, but this is just something God is doing in me now. What are your thoughts?
MC
I heat my home with fire. It is my primary source of heat. However, I don't just look at the fire place and say "FIRE" and bam there it is. No, the process starts long before I even need the fire. Here is what the process looks like:
1. I spend a great deal of time gathering, cutting, splitting, and stacking wood. Make no mistake, this process is nothing but work. From beginning to end, it is heavy, time consuming, heavy,
2. Storing the wood is major. I can't just leave it lying around wherever. It must be stacked and kept dry. Wet wood does not burn.
3. Time. Some of my friends and I have just finished cutting and splitting my first load of wood for next winter. The wood needs time to dry before it is burned.
4. Once the fire is built, it is huge amount of work to keep it. Every few hours more wood must be added. Ashes must be removed from the fireplace. If too many build up, there is no room for fresh wood.
Now here is how God is teaching about His fire:
1. His "fire" does not just happen. Not going towards works based salvation. I am talking about seeking God and staying faithful. The greatest growth I have experienced in my walk with God is when I am extremely intentional and diligent about it. Seeking God and experiencing His fire is a process.
2. Patience-probably one of my biggest character flaws. I am not a patient person. But, I am learning to be more so. Knowing God and being able to sustain a level relationship with Him forces me to learn patience.
3. Sustain it- If I build a fire in my house and don't maintain it, the fire is useless. When God does bring me to that point of "fire", His desire is for it to be used. It's not just a spiritual high, but a launch pad for more. He wants me to be consumed so He can consume others.
I am sure there is much more to say, but this is just something God is doing in me now. What are your thoughts?
MC
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Journeys
I have just finished reading through the book of Joshua. Lots to learn from it about leadership, life, and trusting God. But one overall thought that keeps coming up is this:
God calls us to a journey with Him. We may not always no where we are headed or what is next (Joshua was with the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness). Look at some of Joshua's highlights: 1. God promised to give them all the land. 2. Jericho fell just by some trumpets and people shouting. 3. God kept all His promises! 4. God never left Joshua or left Him to lead alone.
All of this points to the journey. All through Joshua's life, he was walking under the directions God gave him. Every new place (31 places conquered while Joshua was leading) God was with Him. Many times the battle plan changed, but God was with Joshua.
Long and short for me is, life changes, God does not! Our economy changes, God does not. God wants us to go on this awesome journey with Him.
Are you ready?
MC
God calls us to a journey with Him. We may not always no where we are headed or what is next (Joshua was with the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness). Look at some of Joshua's highlights: 1. God promised to give them all the land. 2. Jericho fell just by some trumpets and people shouting. 3. God kept all His promises! 4. God never left Joshua or left Him to lead alone.
All of this points to the journey. All through Joshua's life, he was walking under the directions God gave him. Every new place (31 places conquered while Joshua was leading) God was with Him. Many times the battle plan changed, but God was with Joshua.
Long and short for me is, life changes, God does not! Our economy changes, God does not. God wants us to go on this awesome journey with Him.
Are you ready?
MC
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