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The Winds of Change [also known as the tangents of youth, in my case]

So.
Having posted several "core" compositions on different aspects of "running" in the biblical "race" towards eternity, I want to slightly alter the nature, if not the purpose - of this blog.
My speech class and fitness instructors, as well as friends and relatives, have encouraged me to find an outlet for creative writing.
Watch out world - you guessed it.

It's gonna be here!

Not only that, but I also want to begin posting a few things that have to do with health, caring for our bodies as God desires us to, and fitness/running/etc.

Don't worry; I still plan on posting things similar to what I have in the past, but I also plan on enjoying myself in other ways (::mischievous grin::).

I want to be able to discuss relationships (possibly the easiest topic to have fun with/critique), culture and society, politics (maybe) and hot topics such as abortion and homosexuality - along with questions I've had to deal with or am currently addressing in my own life - such as the place of a Christian witness in a speech or writing class in college. (i.e. a paper I finished last night on "anxiety management", in which I decided to discuss the REAL cause of anxiety and the REAL answer to the problem!)

So, all this to say, you should be prepared to read things slightly different from the norm of this blog - and yet again, hopefully nothing heretical, disturbing, or confusing... but I'm not making any promises!

Always remember to have complete freedom in providing feedback.

Enjoy your weekend!!

Coaches, Counselors, and Communication

In an article I recently read concerning whether or not beginner and/or advanced runners should hire coaches, the author drew attention to several interesting points.

1. “Some coaching programs involve personalized coaching, but more and more combine personal or group coaching with online coaching… That may or may not matter to you, but be sure you know what you are getting… Credentialed coaches are taught about injury prevention, nutrition, hydration, safe training practices and proper training/racing equipment, as well as how many hours a week you should be training.”
2. “…be clear on how often you will communicate with your coach and what the method of communication will be. Sadly, the biggest complaint I hear about some of the best coaches in the world is that they are unreliable with communication or don't get your schedules to you on time. You need to be reasonable about your expectations, but I find it easier to coach an athlete if we have fairly regular communication.”
3. “Once you decide who will do your coaching, you need to trust your coach and stick with their plan. This is huge. I can't tell you how many times an athlete will start with a coach, only to read an article or hear about what a fellow athlete is doing for training and start modifying the training plan sent by their coach to incorporate other training. Don't add workouts, speed up the pace of your run or do any other crazy workouts you read about if they are not in your training plan. If you are tired, sore, or unable to keep the pace your coach is recommending it is your responsibility to tell the coach, and the sooner the better. But if the coach says take a day off, take it. If he or she tells you to slow down on your long runs, trust him/her. Pay your coach on time. And most of all, if you don't stick with the plan, you are not allowed to be disappointed with the result!”
4. ‘Self-Coaching: If you chose this route and you are new to marathoning, I hope are at least going to read a couple of books or subscribe to some running publications. The only trouble with this self-taught method is that there is so much conflicting advice out there! How do you figure out what is best for you? You are going to need to do some of the things a good coach would be doing for you.”

In reading this, my mind of course was making comparisons to our spiritual journey as believers. But before I get to those comparisons – a few thoughts from scripture concerning the “environment” and “society” of the Christian life.

In Jeremiah 17 we are warned concerning the deceitfulness of our hearts. In Romans 12, Paul reminds us that "as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

Some takeaway points from these and other scriptures: First, we should note that a significant premise for our need for involvement in Christian community is our inability to see our own hearts with clarity. I think it was Piper who said “The mind bends reality to justify it's desires.” (my dad quotes it so often that I’m not quite sure who said it anymore!)

The deceitfulness of our human nature should drive us to the realization (and, in fact, the scriptural instruction) that we are all called to be a part of a doctrinally sound, gospel-centered, Christ-seeking, local church; who will keep us accountable in the process and progress of our sanctification and passion for the Savior. The Christian walk, as I’ve mentioned before, is no solo flight. We desperately need other people to help us see our hearts.

We also read that although we are “many members”, we “do not all have the same function”. God has gifted different individuals in unique ways; mirroring the creativity and intricacy of his character and creation. We need others, then, to jointly create a more complete mirror of who God is – and to learn from one another as we grow in grace and becoming more like Christ.

Psalm 73:24 states that the Lord “guide[s us] with [his] counsel, and afterward…will take [us] into glory,” and yet - not only does he accomplish this through his word; he chooses to do this through fellow believers; leaders and teachers/preachers; as well as friends and family (particularly one’s parents and spouse).

[note: I am compelled to say something here to honor the church leadership and lifestyle of Sovereign Grace; the network of churches in which I have had the privilege to be “born, bred, and fed” for all 20 years of my life J - the emphasis on humility, transparency, and regular accountability and fellowship is one I have yet to see matched (sadly) by most Christian/bible-believing churches… oftentimes, the concept of confession of sins and prayer/accountability/fellowship come as a shock to incoming believers used to the “me and God” type of faith; where they restrict their sanctification to personal time in the Word and Sunday teaching…I have been so incredibly, inexpressibly blessed to have received the care and counsel of many wise and mature Christians for many years – faithfully investing in my life and attending to my soul for the purpose of seeing God glorified… this is not something I take for granted. I would not be who I am today were it not for the grace of God ministered not only through a personal relationship with him, but through the input of other believers! Thank you, C.J., Josh, and the pastoral team at CLC and throughout Sovereign Grace Ministries – for modeling this and instilling it in your “flock” for many, many years. The Lord will richly bless you for it, as he has us – through it…]

So – a recap on that. Our hearts are deceitful. God calls us to community. He uses others to shape us into his likeness; assisting us in seeing our sin and encouraging and exhorting us to change and growth in Christ!

Okay- now back to that illustration.

1. “Personal vs. Online coaching”:

Application: it’s become the norm, sadly, for many Christians to walk independently from the counsel of fellow believers and pastors/teachers – seeking advice from magazines, self-help books, online resources, and radio talk shows. They sign up for “life coaches” and “spiritual guidance counseling”; neglecting the immediately and appropriately available means of grace provided in their family, friends, and church community. Churches are not so much about “building” with one another in the “body” of Christ towards the coming of the kingdom of God; they have become a once-a-week resource for “booster shots” of spirituality; a sort of “spoonful of grace” tonic guaranteed to get you through another week of work, school, life… Friends, we need the counsel and teaching and regular input and accountability of individuals in our church community. Knowing the people God has provided for you to learn from, be they a mentor, your spouse, a friend… this is vital to our spiritual growth and the building of God’s Universal Church. I’m not negating the fact that many, many wonderful resources exist for us to draw upon (literature, podcasts, blogs :), etc.) – I just want to highlight God’s emphasis upon our own community; fellow believers – as the primary tool by which His will and work is brought forth in our lives. [It is especially important to seek the wisdom of “credentialed coaches”; those leaders in the church who have been called by God to shepherd his people. They have been “taught” concerning “injury prevention, nutrition, hydration, safe training practices…” for our souls!]

2. (sorry for that long one! I got carried away…)

Communication:

We should all know by now how significant communication is. From the time you were an itsy bitsy whatever-you-are learning the important differences between “no” and “yes”, “hot” and “cold”, “yankees” and “red sox” - to the adolescent years when you begin to realize that during the Babel episode God must have confused the languages of men and women as well as tribes and nations - ;) communication, or should I say, effective communication – is key to peace, happiness, and the all-around co-existence and efficiency of mankind. It’s so easy for us to blame our sin on others in this area, isn’t it? It’s as if we expect people to develop telepathic abilities. They should know what we want, when we want it, and just what to say when we are in need of advice/ counsel/encouragement. But without effective communication on OUR part – transparency; confession of sin, openness, clarity, pursuit of counsel – we cannot expect to receive all that God has for us through the wisdom of our “coaches and counselors”. It takes affirmative action (“seeking after wisdom”, as Proverbs calls it) and humility to get the input we need to “run faster” and more efficiently. Don’t expect a “return” if you won’t invest the time.

3. Trust:

If you place your hope in human effort, it’s true that you’re bound to come out disappointed. But God has called us to trust him in a unique way through the transparency mentioned in #2 – obviously, you want to know who you are trusting (don’t approach a random individual on the street wearing a “Jesus is my Homeboy” t-shirt and begin to confess your sin and temptation to them!) and it takes discernment to know what to share with whom (for instance, it’s best to keep the confession of personal spiritual battles and temptation gender-specific… guys shouldn’t be confessing lust even to godly women of their acquaintance!) but we cannot expect perfection in the people we have fellowship with. (Hey, if they thought that way, they probably wouldn’t talk to you, either!) We need to trust that God uses even the “defects” in others to make us more like him! It takes much greater humility to hear an observation or concern from someone who’s a sinner like you than someone who has it all “down pat”. And – once you’ve sought the Lord and seen who he is calling you to share life with – you have to trust that he will use them, and seek the “unity” called for in the body of Christ by both “being invested in” and “investing back”… it’s a two-way relationship and it’s motivated by real love… which cares for the soul and sanctification of a fellow believer more than their opinion of you or the “comfort” and “ease” of the relationship. (phew! That was one long sentence!) Basically, haphazard transparency isn’t the best idea, but God will direct us to certain people (specifically Christian parents, mentors, pastors, teachers, fellow small-group members, family…) that will need to know us as we really are in order to effectively “coach and counsel” us in the long run. (no pun intended! honest! :))

4. Self-Coaching:

Not recommended! Just as the author of the running article stated, the “trouble with this self-taught method is that there is so much conflicting advice out there!” – and that’s only one downfall! This “method” of the Christian walk may seem the “easiest”, but it only leads to discouragement, confusion, and oftentimes to “static” Christianity; or “complacency”. If you believe what the Bible teaches concerning our lack of ability to see our sin clearly, you won’t get far by approaching your sanctification in this way. I recently made the decision not to attend college full-time. This decision was based upon many different things, but one of them concerned how my time was being consumed by school – leaving me with little opportunity to interact with my “caregroup” and family, friends, leaders in the church… the less I was home or involved in settings with these dear “means of grace” (the term I have been using is most definitely a Sovereign Grace-ism… sorry!) the more sanctified I thought I was! With few people to point out my sin or exhort me to godliness, I became increasingly convinced that I really didn’t have a lot to work on… which made me uneasy. I do know my heart well enough by now to “rest assured” that when I’m “resting assured” there’s a lot below the surface that is going to be revealed – and soon. Sure enough, after finals were over and I went back to being at home more and interacting with those individuals, a whole category of doctrinal confusion was revealed which had begun fueling a hardness of heart in relation to quick conviction/repentance and humility/teachability with others. I’m so grateful to be back in those contexts now, where I can be daily "observed" and have opportunities to “seek wisdom while it may be found”.

I’m hoping this post is clear. I doubt it is… I prefer to pray over and consider this for an extended period of time when I can, but it has been so long since my last post that I managed to throw this together on coffee breaks at work today (I don’t drink coffee, so they are “blog breaks” for me!... although that in fact sounds like some nasty and extremely healthy energy drink…) and can only hope it contains nothing heretical or inherently contradictory! (Of course, in accordance with what I’ve been promoting in this post… if you have observations, questions, or concerns, always let me know!)

Pursue holiness and wisdom, counsel, and insight. Look for the “Coaches and Counselors” God has so graciously provided in your life, and make good use of that “resource”!

Resting in undeserved grace,

-Jen

running well

for lack of time, here is a very interesting and insightful article from Boundless.org which I hope you will find helpful.

(http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001498.cfm)

The Fruit of Immaturity

by Alex Chediak

I never used to RSVP for get-togethers, but would show up at the last minute. My friend Darren once told me that a single man's social life is based on the "last best option." In other words: Never commit, because a better alternative may come along. I had a friend named Chris who dated his girlfriend for quite a while, spending lots of time with her, but never defining their relationship. Only when she asked would he reluctantly start considering his feelings and intentions. Another friend, Bob, was not a member of any church, but he went to three of them. He liked the music at one, the teaching at another, and preferred the social scene at a third. So what did Chris, Bob, and I have in common? A desire to maximize our options. It seemed logical, even wise. It was easy to live this way to the extent that the impact on others was (apparently) negligible. In truth, in disregarding others our attitude was selfish and made it difficult to assume significant, fruitful ministry or professional responsibilities. And I'd suggest it short-circuited the depth of our friendships. The best word for this condition is immaturity. Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways" (I Cor. 13:11). The implication is that there is a certain type of behavior that is appropriate for children, but not for adults. Children need to be told to pick up their toys and reminded to finish the task. Adult behavior is characterized by assuming responsibility (decisiveness) and following through (faithfulness) on commitments. And Christian adult behavior has an added dimension of spiritual maturity — a continual longing to grow into the image of Christ (I Tim. 4:12, 15), which involves consideration for the interest of others (Phil. 2:4-5; Matt. 20:26-28) and a desire to fruitfully steward one's gifts (Matt. 25:14-30). Maturity is an elusive concept. How do we know if we have it? And what does it look like if we don't have it? (While women struggle with immaturity as well, I'm going to write to young men out of my own experience. I invite women to read along and encourage their friends.) A Portrait of Immaturity 1. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness is the inability to take a reasonable risk, to make a decision in a timely manner with limited information. The classic image is the 35-year-old guy who can't commit to marrying his girlfriend of three years, but the pattern generally extends to other areas, like church membership or employment. Commitment involves the cost of investment, the creation of expectations on the part of others who can then be disappointed, and, at least in the case of church membership, lifestyle and even financial implications. Regardless of the context, to make a decision is to intentionally limit oneself from other, potentially good options. As a single guy, it was a challenge to think of marrying the woman God had clearly given me, since I would no longer have the option to pursue the women I might meet someday. An indecisive man is recognizable by a perpetual inability to make and keep commitments — a failure to "swear to his own hurt and not change" (Ps. 15:4). A decisive person, by contrast, can choose what he loves, and later (when the going gets tough) nurture the love he previously chose. Indecisiveness renders significant accomplishment (and the deep joy that often comes with it) out of reach. It hinders our progress in the Christian life, because God calls us to steward our gifts and talents. Non-growth is not an option. 2. Inconsistency My friend Jason was willing to hang out if it involved doing something he really wanted to do, like seeing the latest movie. But if I was going through a hard time and needed some brotherly encouragement, he was nowhere to be found. An inconsistent man will get a job done if it's convenient, but if you ask him to do something that doesn't interest him or is uncomfortable, it will never happen. Such an employee disappoints his boss: "Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him" (Prov. 10:26). And an inconsistent friend is a poor friend: "A friend loves at all times" (Prov. 17:17a). His ambitions and allegiances change. Since measurable growth in a friendship or productivity in a career take both time and effort, inconsistency often short-circuits fruitfulness. I think that's enough. I'm guessing we all struggle to some degree with indecisiveness and inconsistency. So what does it look like to cultivate biblical maturity? A Portrait of Maturity 1. Decisiveness: Recognize Priorities You may have heard the phrase, "Do you want something done? Then give it to a busy person." At first glance, it makes no sense. How are they supposed to find the time to do more? But wait: How did they get to where they are? By assuming responsibility, stewarding this responsibility, and thereby growing this responsibility. It's like the guy who turned the five talents Jesus gave him into 10 (Matt. 25:14-30). Assuming responsibility means embracing risk. Though we can distinguish between "good", "better" and "best," there is no perfect job. Or perfect church. Or perfect marriage. Each will require us to roll up our sleeves and give of our time and energy to make it better. The key is that you're saying "no" to one good so that you can say "yes" to something better - the opposite of indecisiveness. But how can we tell what's best? If we don't pray, it means we think we're self-sufficient. If we don't read our Bible, it's because we think our wisdom is good enough. So prioritization starts with acknowledging our total dependence on God. Paul said that we are to "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Eph. 4:15). Our minds should be on things above, not on things below (Col. 3:1-4). This way we can walk as children of light, trying to discern what pleases God, making the best use of the time (Eph. 5:8,10,16). This world and our fleeting days are but a vapor, so our work, relationships, and use of time and money should reflect the infinite value of God (I Tim. 4:8). This fosters an eternal perspective, which makes the priority of sacrificially giving to church and to missions a joy and not a burden. And just as we worship God by our financial gifts, so our entire lives are meant to be offerings to Him (Rom. 12:1). The opportunity cost of aimless meandering is simply too great in light of who we are in Christ, and the fact that our actions today echo into eternity. 2. Faithfulness: Delay Gratification Christian self-denial is the refusal of a lesser good (or pleasure) for the attaining of a greater good. I had promised to help some friends who were moving. But when my alarm clock went off that morning, I really didn't want to get out of bed. But I was able to say "no" to blowing them off because I truly love them and want to bless them. We recognize the latter as the greater good, and find joy in being a faithful friend (not to mention the love for God that this reflects). Or we choose a job, but after a few months discover that the boss is annoying or the work harder than expected. We can say "no" to feeling dejected or discouraged by reflecting on the reasons we originally chose that position, acknowledging God's sovereignty in the process, and by seeking (in the strength that God supplies) to optimize our witness for Christ in a difficult environment. Through our work, we do far more than just pay the bills; we love our neighbors as ourselves by providing goods and services that benefit their lives. And God cares that we do so cheerfully, so others know that we have a good Father whose commands are not burdensome (Col. 3:17; I John 5:3; Matt. 5:16). Then there is the issue of moral authority. Moral authority is the twin sister of dependability. Most of you men will marry and your wife will be biblically obligated to respect you as her head. But your behavior and attitude can make all the difference in the world as to whether this is a duty to her or a delight. Biblical authority comes with merely being the husband of your wife. You can be a complete jerk, but God still holds you accountable (as the head) for your wife and children. But moral authority is earned by the successful stewardship of assumed responsibility. A Journey to Maturity The journey to maturity, like the process of sanctification, is not easy and it does not happen overnight. In fact, since I first drafted this article my wife has kindly quoted parts of it back to me as I've been tempted to make immature decisions! But it's worth pressing on. Resolving to live with impact, we can fruitfully steward the talents and opportunities with which God has richly blessed us. Let's be decisive and then faithful. In our work, relationships, and church, let's take the long view that turns five talents into 10. By taking responsibility, moral authority will naturally follow. And we will be cultivating an attractive steadfastness and God-directed, channeled strength summed up in a word: maturity.

Hindrances on the run

In the previous post, I quoted the following:

"Lord, help me to gird up the loins of my mind, and may I press forward towards the mark for the prize of my high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

In thinking over what the Lord would have me address (in my once monthly post... !) I felt particularly burdened to consider how "girding the loins of our minds" relates to what we "take in" as runners in this race.

Everyone knows "you are what you eat", right? You live on hamburgers, fries, dumplings and lard, you won't get past your 30th birthday.

And you try to run after eating that type of stuff, you won't get far. What you consume will directly effect your progress in this race.

I returned to an "old friend" (books are friends :)) to help me reconsider the issue of media and entertainment - a book I would readily recommend, entitled "Worldly Amusements" by Wayne A. Wilson. Subtitled, effectively: "restoring the Lordship of Christ to our entertainment choices"...

Wilson classifies "worldly amusements" (those not glorifying to God) into two categories:
1. those amusements which promote an evil message (presenting it as good)
anything which justifies and/or celebrates lying, fornication, adultery... etc.

2. those amusements which use evil methods
those things which justify the means by the message... and force us to wade through a sea
of corruption to identify it as such.

1 John 2:15-17 tell us:

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

Christian culture has digressed miserably from a clear and consistent application of this verse. A shifting standard has not only compromised our culture, but the Christian worldview.

Although the majority of Christians would readily condemn the "obvious" sins, such as illicit sexual practices, illegal drugs, pornography, strip clubs, and drunkenness, the growing "visibility" of these sins in the world at large makes some things comparatively minor.

Wilson states that "The casual acceptance of immorality is one way we try to widen God's narrow way."

Christian standards decline because we measure ourselves next to the worst, which is persistently digressive! Measuring ourselves against the bottom, which grows lower by the day, allows us to assume that

"as long as we are above the most degenerate evils, we feel holy. But if we could look back, we would see that we have fallen, in our moral lives, below the level of many unbelievers when the common culture was governed by a Christian ethic. This is wrong. We need to look up."

Yet of ALL people, we, as God's chosen children, governed by biblical standard, should be consistent and clear - God's standard - a universal decency in modesty, speech, and thought life - should set us apart from the moral degeneracy of our culture.

Romans 16:19 encourages us, in obedience to "be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil", and Phil 4:8, to think upon whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy...

The problem of increasing hardness of conscience to immorality/worldliness and sin in the Christian community is not a new one. Second century theologian Tertullian states the following:

"But if we ought to abominate all that is immodest, on what ground is it right to hear what we must not speak? For all licentiousness of speech, nay, every idle word, is condemned by God. Why, in the same way, is it right to look on what it is disgraceful to do? How is it that the things which defile a man going out of his mouth are not regarded as doing so when they go in at his eyes and ears - when eyes and ears are the immediate attendants on the spirit..."

Is not the increasing lack of sensitivity the result of increasing exposure? Isn't it true that just as the immune system, when exposed to regular, small doses of antigen, will eventually build up immunity to that disease, our souls, when regularly exposed to small doses of things which offend the very nature of our God and Father, will become desensitized to their nulling effect on our conscience and in turn upon our lives?

Entertainment is meant for relaxation. But worldly entertainment (see earlier definition) is the environment in which we should be MORE on guard... if this is true, and "we must be so cautious in the midst of... evil, why are we there in the first place?"

Wilson provides four possible courses of action in response to these thoughts. Avoidance, Silence, Engagement, and High Standards. In order to read up on all of them, you'll have to get the book yourself ;)

I'd like to focus in on a few points he makes in the last two categories which struck me.

In response to the idea of complete freedom (engagement) Wilson states some common objections.

"1. It's against the Bible... the apostle Paul's moral doctrine says, 'it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret' (eph 5:12) If it is shameful to discuss the details of depravity, how much more offensive to decency must it be to pay people to act out such 'details' for our amusement! No matter how sophisticated one wishes to be, the Scripture is still the authority. The Christian's moral conscience owes it's allegiance to God's Word, not to its own flawed moral compass. The Scripture must inform our choices and tastes.

2. It is against the law of love. This view demonstrates a profound lack of consideration for the spiritual well being of the performers in these immoral films. The violation of their modesty alone should make Christians recoil at participation in such amusements. It is impossible to imagine Jesus giving approval for the use of actors in this way.

3. It denies the power of art. This view would claim to have the most respect for the arts, but in truth, it suggests that the immoral content of these films has no effect on the soul. The belief that such displays of sensual corruption for entertainment do not harm the soul directly opposes the teaching of the church from the beginning to the present time. The idea that such entertainment is acceptable is entirely new, and yet the fruit of this new idea has not been increased purity - not by any measure. It has not furthered the cause of Christ for Christians to have shared in worldly and carnal knowledge through film."

The second perspective I would like to draw on which Wilson details is that of High Standards.

In favor of this view, Wilson lists the following.

"1. It avoids legalism. The legalist seeks to go beyond Scripture. The high standards view seeks to apply Scripture accurately, without adding to it or detracting from it.

2. It gives art its due. The high standards view recognizes art's power, both for good and evil. It does not condemn cinema as an inherently irredeemable art form but recognizes the potential danger of its powerful effect on our souls.

3. This view honors the performers... it is typical of our age that we don't consider how we use other people to satisfy our lusts or our moral laziness. We just don't care enough.

4. It honors the Word of God. Scripture does speak to these issues. We do have a responsibility for what we put before our eyes, feed into our hearts, and spend God's money on."

In addition to this, I would submit that this perspective - that of high standards, promotes application of Jeremiah 17:9, and draws in the validity of our need for the conviction of the Holy Spirit as well as community and fellowship. We cannot trust our own perspective of what is good and beneficial for us. As we are told - not all that is permissible is beneficial. This viewpoint recognizes our dependence on the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the need for the Word, and the need for others to help guide us in our choices concerning what we hear, see, and meditate upon (as in reading, thinking, etc.).

Let us, as Christians, hold to a higher, purer standard of behavior, thought, and speech; one which does not deny the fact that we have been "set apart for himself". One which clearly, boldly states that Christ is Lord - over all. That he is enough to satisfy us in the absence of worldly amusement, and that he has provided enough resources, in His sovereign wisdom, for us to honestly, openly evaluate and appreciate, with wisdom and discernment, all that he has provided in the entertainment of this time.

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
-Philippians 1:9-11

brief thoughts + spurgeon

From Spurgeon:

"Running is not everything, there is much in the way which we select: a swift foot over hill and down dale will not keep pace with a slower traveller upon level ground.

How is it with my spiritual journey, am I labouring up the hill of my own works and down into the ravines of my own humiliations and resolutions, or do I run by the plain way of “Believe and live”?

How blessed is it to wait upon the Lord by faith! '

The soul runs without weariness, and walks without fainting, in the way of believing.

Christ Jesus is the way of life, and he is a plain way, a pleasant way, a way suitable for the tottering feet and feeble knees of trembling sinners: am I found in this way, or am I hunting after another track such as priestcraft or metaphysics may promise me?

I read of the way of holiness, that the wayfaring man, though a fool, shall not err therein: have I been delivered from proud reason and been brought as a little child to rest in Jesus’ love and blood? If so, by God’s grace I shall outrun the strongest runner who chooses any other path.

This truth I may remember to my profit in my daily cares and needs. It will be my wisest course to go at once to my God, and not to wander in a roundabout manner to this friend and that. He knows my wants and can relieve them, to whom should I repair but to himself by the direct appeal of prayer, and the plain argument of the promise. “Straightforward makes the best runner.” I will not parlay with the servants, but hasten to their master.

...Lord, help me to gird up the loins of my mind, and may I press forward towards the mark for the prize of my high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

AMEN!

Finding the strength to run...

Heaven is the prize – our rest after a long, hard race.

But our first and most inspirational reason for running this race is God’s call on our lives. And the hope of our inheritance is based upon his promise.

Romans 8:28 is a verse oft-quoted – very well known among Christian communities of various denominations. A common encouragement found on the lips of counselors and teachers, parents and friends: “Don’t worry. Remember, ‘we know that God works all things for the good of those who love him.”

Although the heart here is good – to encourage and give hope to those facing suffering and trial, sorrow and pain – I think two adjustments must be made to this type of counsel. Both have to do with misinterpretation and misuse.

First, this verse is not only often used, but misquoted. We hear “God works all things for the good of those who love him” rather than “IN all things, God works for the good…” etc. This is an important distinction, the implications of which are seen in the other, even more common misuse of the verse...

A fundamental principle of Scripture comes into play here – in order to effectively understand God’s will for our lives, we do not take bits and pieces of the Word and apply them – we use the principle of “systematic theology” – according to Grudem, systematic theology is any study that answers the question, `What does the whole Bible teach us today?' about any given topic

So many people (myself included) tend to think, when facing difficulty, “well, one day, maybe soon (or maybe in heaven), I’ll be able to look back and see that this situation, as bad as it may seem, eventually worked out okay… so I can bear this burden for a time and keep pressing on – knowing it’ll all be fine, since God promises to work it all out for my good.”

What is wrong with this mentality? Well, first off, as previously mentioned – God is not only working the situation for my good, but IN the situation for my good.

How is that possible, and what does it imply? Again, a fundamental truth of scripture applies.

What was I made for?
To bring God glory and enjoy him forever.

Hmmm - okay, and now, as Christians – we know that in order to accomplish this purpose, God has placed us in each situation because THAT is where we can BEST enjoy and glorify him.

[note: this is a helpful reminder... saying to yourself “if God wanted me somewhere else, he would have me there. Since he does not, I can assume that he has placed me where I can best glorify him and find joy in doing so. Let me not miss this opportunity by desiring what my Father does not want for me!”]

Back to Romans 8:28. If you want to accurately grasp what the verse is saying, read the whole passage, or the whole bible, of course – but even reading JUST the beginning of the next verse can radically alter your perspective:

“And we know that IN all things, God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to HIS purpose. For those God foreknew, he also predestined TO BE CONFORMED TO THE LIKENESS OF HIS SON.”

HEREIN lies the life-changing truth. Our GREATEST good and hope do NOT lie in peace and joy found at the END of a difficult road, but actually UPON it – because our goal is not satisfaction and contentment in looking BACK, but in being conformed to the likeness of Christ in the MIDST of trial!

Trials are NOT detours from God’s plan, nor even the devil’s tool to lure us into grief and despair. Yes, those are temptations – but trials are God’s tools to bring about our greatest good - they are a PART of the very same road!

To see God is the promised goal of all our actions and the promised height of all our joys. AUGUSTINE

"Fiery trials make golden Christians"
C.H. Spurgeon

James 1:2-4 makes SO much more sense when we contemplate it in light of the truth of Romans 8:28-29.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete – not lacking in anything!”

I have never been so grateful for my Savior, for the assurance of my salvation, for my knowledge of God as my loving and sovereign Father, than when I am in trial!

Truth is never more precious, grace is never more beautiful, peace never passes understanding to such a degree, as when I am crying out to God for help in time of need!

There IS pure joy there! Because trial is accomplishing my greatest good and JOY – being refined and made more like my wonderful Savior!

Sinclair Furgeson states that “Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves", and Spurgeon states that "Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of; they just turn up some of the ill weeds on to the surface."

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." - Romans 5:1-5

Thy way, not mine, O Lord,
however dark it be!
Lead me by Thine own hand,
choose out the path for me.

Smooth let it be or rough,
it still will be the best;
winding, or straight, it leads
right onward to Thy rest.

I dare not choose my lot;
I would not if I might;
choose Thou for me, my God
so I shall walk aright.

The kingdom that I seek
is Thine, so let the way
that leads to it be Thine,
else I must surely stray.

Take Thou my cup and it
with joy or sorrow fill
as best to Thee may seem;
choose Thou my good and ill.

Choose Thou for me my friends
my sickness or my health;
choose Thou my cares for me,
my poverty or wealth.

Subdue my heart's affections
accord it with Thy will
let truth inform and guide
my every step until

Not mine, not mine the choice,
in things so great or small;
be Thou my Guide, my Strength,
my Wisdom, and my All.

King and Friend, my Savior,
good, when all else fails,
Thy blood, a ransom for me,
demands

truest obedience,
unswerving trust,
boundless love,
persistent faith,
and a life
that mirrors Thy endless grace
with purpose,
hope,
and joy.

So keep running! It takes the falls, breaks, sore muscles, sprains and bruises to make us appreciate the refreshing nourishment of the Word, and to develop the strength to finish well.