I saw Jesus today

With all the hype going on this weekend about the so called Rapture, David Hayward, otherwise known as the Naked Pastor posted this on Facebook. I thought it was so good, I just had to share.

I DID see Jesus today. He was dressed in rags, smelled like cheap wine, and was asking for handouts.

Thanks David for keeping the important things in perspective.

Review; Called to Worship by Vernon M. Whaley

I’ve had this book on my shelf for some time now, and it was only of recent that I picked it up and re-read it again. Vernon M. Whaley is the Director of The Center for Worship at Liberty University. He writes with authority on what has been a tricky, and sometimes contentious issue. How should we worship? What is the basis for us as created individuals to ascribe worship? Whaley answers these by systematically taking us from ‘the truth that God is the ultimate creator, and it concludes with the hallelujah chorus of the saints in Revelation.’ I suspect the Whaley could have written this with a textbook approach, however he gives it much more character by engaging the reader in a narrative; one that is easy to read, at times humorous, yet always pointing to the practical.

What I enjoyed most about this book is not that we are called to worship just in the here and now, but instead this mortal life lays the foundation for eternal worship. This is a good treatise through each of the books of the Bible, a journey of the spiritual calling for each Christian. Called to Worship sits among the finest of contemporary treatments on this all important subject.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Creativity in Romance

This week Jay and I celebrate 9 years of marriage. A wonderful and amazing milestone, and something that we have worked hard at. We thought the wedding was tough! Three kids, four houses and a few job changes thrown in there have all been wonderful ingredients in strengthening and sustaining our marriage. With God as our strength we have not only survived but grown deeper in love as each day of each year moves us on.

I remember reading something by H. Norman Wright early on in our marriage about using creativity to enhance the romance and relationship with your spouse. I have just recently found it again, and would love to share it here, as it helped keep me grounded, and gave me some insights into this wonderful woman that I married.

1. The element of the unexpected. Anything that is repeated month after month, year after year, can easily become humdrum.

2. The element of dating. Laugh and enjoy each other and be a little crazy.

3. The element of the impractical. Impractical romantic events can create moments to remember.

4. The element of creativity. Discover what delights your partner and then make those delights happen in creative ways.

5. The element of the daily. Romance involves daily acts of care, concern, love, listening and giving each other your personal attention.

6. The element of commitment. If commitment to each other is at the heart of your marriage, romance will thrive.

John Stott is Turning 90

On the 27th of April John Stott is turning 90. A modern hero of the faith, his book The Cross of Christ is a milestone in the landscape of Christian publishing as an exposition on the work of Jesus and the crucifixion. His book, “The Birds, Our Teachers” has also been of great personal value to me.

Christianity Today has a brief article on two knew publications bearing his name. One theme appears throughout the transcripts;

John Stott’s enormous influence on evangelicalism, in England, America, and around the globe, was possible because he prayerfully discerned what God wanted him to do (and not to do), and then he focused on those things (and disciplined himself not to do many other good things).

I look forward to reading the new biography of the man, John Stott.

More information on John Stott Ministries can be found at their website – -JohnStott.org

Wayne Muller on Sabbath Time

Came across this quote on my Facebook feed and identified with it.

“The world seduces us with an artificial urgency that requires us to respond without listening to what is most deeply true. In Sabbath time, we cultivate a sense of eternity where we truly rest, and feel how all things can wait, and turn them gently in the hand until we feel their shape, and know the truth of them.” – Wayne Muller

Balancing The Extremes

Melbourne just suffered through some typically hot summer days. Some places in Victoria had 3 or 4 consecutive days of 40 degrees celcius. Our average summer temperature is somewhere around mid to high 20s. Europe however is suffering a major cold snap, with flights delayed due to snow, storms and blizzards. Two very extreme weather situations – both uncomfortable, both an ‘unnatural’ climate for man. And how often do we meet or recognise in ourselves a reaching for an extreme when it comes to our thinking about God and His ways. When approaching the study of a doctrine or aspect of God and His Word, we must maintain a balance between the spiritual and the intellectual. If we are too spiritual, then we fall further into the mystical. If we become too intellectual, then we meet the extreme of legalism. It is a delicate balance and one that needs careful prayer, study and interpretation. Otherwise, just like the weather, we too will go from one extreme to another.