Searching for Myself

The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians in chapter 2:
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

God wants us to be encouraged - understanding who we are in Christ, realizing that He can completely fulfill us.  There are all sorts of opportunities to get off track as we search for satisfaction and contentment in this life.   Our true identity is in Christ, and when we recognize who we are in Him and walk in His ways, then we can experience His peace and His joy - true validation comes in our lives as we experience the true riches - the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are found in God.


1st Timothy 6 contrasts the pursuit of the kingdom of God with the search for meaning and fulfillment in the temporal things of this world:
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

The search for meaning and fulfillment in life can take a number of different forms, but true meaning and a sense of purpose can only be found in Christ.   He is the one who can truly satisfy our souls; He brings peace and encouragement as we recognize that in Him, we can experience the assurance that we are loved by God and that He has placed value upon our lives - God, as our Creator, desires to express His nature through us as we unite our hearts with Christ.

1st Corinthians chapter 1 reinforces the concept of our identity in Jesus Christ:
5 For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge-- 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Toronto Sun reports on a group of tourists who were travelling through Iceland on a tour bus and stopped near the volcanic Eldgja canyon Saturday afternoon, according to an Icelandic news organization mbl.is.

One of the women on the bus left to change her clothes and freshen up, and later her busmates thought she had gone missing.  About 50 people joined together to search the terrain by vehicles and on foot.  The coast guard was even getting a helicopter ready.

Turns out the woman had returned to the bus, but the other tourists had not recognized her.  The so-called "missing" woman didn't recognize description - of herself - and joined in the search.   It was called off at about 3 a.m., when it became clear the missing woman was, in fact, accounted for and searching for herself.

How embarrassing!   But, I think there's a principle here that we can connect to our spiritual lives.   I believe that we can find ourselves searching for what we already have - in Christ!    We look for our satisfaction and our validation in the things of this world, the approval of people, and the glory of status and power - but God has already said that we are valued and treasured by Him, He unconditionally loves and approves of us, and we don't have to look to status to reinforce our worth.   As new creatures in Christ, we have a new identity, and our search for meaning in this life ends when we allow Christ to have His way in us.   When we find that we have lost our way, He is the One who rescues us and sets our feet on a firm foundation.   So, if you're drifting today, searching for yourself, sort of speak, Jesus can help you discover true joy and fulfillment - He tells us to stop looking for satisfaction outside of His presence.   If you know Him, what you think you need you already have!

Mindset, Methods, and Message

Balaam was asked to speak a message by the Moabite king Balak, and the king demanded that he pronounce a curse on Israel, which he did not do.  In one of his oracles, found in Numbers 23, he said that: 19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? 20 I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it. 21 "No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The LORD their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them.

The king attempted to lure Balaam over to his side against the people of Israel, but Balaam was intent on speaking in accordance with God's truth.    And, it can be tempting to change the message of the gospel in order to please people, to build better relationships, to do what is socially acceptable.  But, in this day, as in the past, God's way is the best way - even though mindsets may change and methods of reaching and connecting with people may be different, yet the message of God's word never changes.   We can fully rely on the truth of Christ.

The book of Malachi reminds us of the unchanging nature of God in chapter 3:
6 "For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. 7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," Says the Lord of hosts.


It's officially out - the annual Beloit College Mindset List, which is designed to track what college students are experiencing and some of the pop culture components that are part of their lives.  Each August since 1998, Beloit College has released its Mindset List, described as "providing a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college this fall."

Just some examples here:
1.        They should keep their eyes open for Justin Bieber or Dakota Fanning at freshman orientation.

2.        They have always lived in cyberspace, addicted to a new generation of “electronic narcotics.”

3.        The Biblical sources of terms such as “Forbidden Fruit,” “The writing on the wall,” “Good Samaritan,” and “The Promised Land” are unknown to most of them.


5.        If they miss The Daily Show, they can always get their news on YouTube.

6.        Their lives have been measured in the fundamental particles of life: bits, bytes, and bauds.

9.        They have never seen an airplane “ticket.”


26.    Having made the acquaintance of Furby at an early age, they have expected their toy friends to do ever more unpredictable things.

27.    Outdated icons with images of floppy discs for “save,” a telephone for “phone,” and a snail mail envelope for “mail” have oddly decorated their tablets and smart phone screens.

29.    They have had to incessantly remind their parents not to refer to their CDs and DVDs as “tapes.”

35.    Probably the most tribal generation in history, they despise being separated from contact with their similar-aged friends.


46.    Simba has always had trouble waiting to be King.

47.    Before they purchase an assigned textbook, they will investigate whether it is available for rent or purchase as an e-book.

48.    They grew up, somehow, without the benefits of Romper Room.

There are equivalent lists out there from time-to-time, that tell us what's "hot" and what's not, as well as what's "in" and "out".   And, we would do well as believers to pay special attention to the language of the culture, so that we can effectively communicate truth.  

You see, there is a collective mindset, and this poll is tracking some of the common denominators.   The mindset of the culture today is much different than 10, 20, 50, or even 5 years ago.    The pace is fast, the gratification is instant, and the knowledge of God is perhaps waning as the result of a proliferation of stimuli throughout the day.   Today's culture is bombarded with hundreds of stories and thousands of suggestions every single day.   But, above it all, the superiority of God's truth remains.  

Mindsets may change, and what is driving today's young people is different than ever before.  That is why it's important to develop methods that will more effectively connect with the next generation, as well as those of us baby boomers and busters that have found our lifestyles dramatically altered.   But, even as mindsets and methods change, we remember that the life-saving message of salvation through Jesus Christ never changes - He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and the principles of His word are time-honored, time-proven, and foundational, demonstrating the faithfulness of an Almighty, Creator God.

We Need a Hero

The Bible shows us how to develop spiritual readiness, so that we can do the right thing, even at a moment's notice.   The apostle Paul writes in 2nd Timothy chapter 4:
2 ...Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.   When we are following the words of Paul, when he said, "to live is Christ and to die is gain", that portrays a truly selfless attitude.   While we are in these bodies, God gives us a purpose, and he calls us to serve Him and to serve others - and that may involve being willing to lay down our lives physically when others are in danger.   It may involved taking time to minister to someone else when they are in spiritual or emotional danger.   It does entail developing a Spirit-filled mindset, prepared by the Master, so that we will be ready when there is a God-ordained opportunity to display His love.

1st Peter chapter 1 outlines some of the characteristics and mindset of someone who is perhaps poised to be a hero:
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct...


It was the first day of school in Baltimore yesterday, and at Perry Hall High School, students were learning their schedules, reconnecting with one another - until...a 15-year-old student fired a shot, wounding one of his fellow students - and then, a guidance counselor, Jesse Wasmer, stepped in, tackling the gunman until the police arrived.

One student was quoted by CBS Baltimore as saying:  "...Mr. Wasmer saved so many people’s lives".

Youth group leaders call Mr. Wasmer’s actions a light in this dark day.

“It just talks about his character, that he would be willing to put his life in danger to save these guys,” said Stu Sweitzer.

A Facebook page thanking Mr. Wasmer for saving lives already has thousands of followers. Some students plan to wear shirts to school Tuesday saying Team Wasmer.

Wasmer can certainly be labeled a hero, putting the students in the cafeteria at the school first.   You can also attach that label to Leo Johnson, the man who restrained the shooter at the Family Research Council 2 weeks ago, about whom Tony Perkins, FRC head, said:  "I said, 'Leo, I want you to know, you're a hero and that's what we believe you are and that's what Americans all across the country believe you are, a hero, for what you did today..."  Johnson told The Christian Post that he believed that God had placed him in that strategic position and that he was able to talk the alleged shooter out of killing more people.   Johnson has been released from the hospital.

There are multiple characteristics of a hero, but I believe that self-sacrifice is one of those attributes that is at the top of the list.   For the Christian, if we are surrendered to Christ and allowing His love to motivate us, then we will develop a consciousness of the needs of others.   And, as we are less self-centered and more God- and others-centered, and we really make that a hallmark of our lives, then when the pressure hits, when there is a need for someone to step up in the moment, then we will be prepared.   God wants to transform our hearts by His Spirit through His word, to prepare us for the critical moments of life, where He is exalted by our demonstration of courage to do the right thing.

When I Consider...the Moon

Psalm 104 shows us that the Lord, our Creator, is in control, a God full of wonder - and of order:
19 He appointed the moon for seasons; The sun knows its going down. 20 You make darkness, and it is night, In which all the beasts of the forest creep about. 21 The young lions roar after their prey, And seek their food from God. 22 When the sun rises, they gather together And lie down in their dens. 23 Man goes out to his work And to his labor until the evening. 24 O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions--   So we acknowledge the works of an Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth.   He has set the galaxies in motion, and He has placed the earth in just the right place to make it a place where life can be sustained.   The heavens testify to His greatness and His wisdom.   We can be thankful that we have been created by a loving, all-knowing God, and that He doesn't just make us and leave us to our own devices, but He offers us the incredible opportunity to come into a relationship with Him.

Psalm 8 can give us a breathtaking look at the Creator and His creation:
(1b) O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! 2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

Over the weekend, many were paying tribute to the first man who set foot on the surface of the moon - Neil Armstrong, who has died at the age of 82.    While many remember Armstrong's impactful words and the pictures beaming through space, what many do not know is that his colleague Buzz Aldrin had brought along some communion elements and led a short communion service there on the moon's surface.   Eric Metaxas of Breakpoint, in a column 3 years ago, related the words of Aldrin.  He is quoted as saying, after he opened the elements:

Then I read the Scripture, ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. Whosoever abides in me will bring forth much fruit.  Apart from me you can do nothing.’  I had intended to read my communion passage back to earth, but at the last minute [they] had requested that I not do this. NASA was already embroiled in a legal battle with Madelyn Murray O’Hare, the celebrated opponent of religion, over the Apollo 8 crew reading from Genesis while orbiting the moon at Christmas.  I agreed reluctantly.   …I ate the tiny Host and swallowed the wine. I gave thanks for the intelligence and spirit that had brought two young pilots to the Sea of Tranquility. It was interesting for me to think: the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the very first food eaten there, were the communion elements.”

There are many theories about the moon and its significance, and there are those who would want to advance the theory that it broke off the earth in some cosmic collision.   But, the Bible is clear that God created the moon, and its purpose is underscored here by the Institute for Creation Research:

If the moon was much larger or nearer to the earth, the huge tides that would result would overflow onto the lowlands and erode the mountains. If the continents were leveled, it is estimated that water would cover the entire surface to the depth of over a mile! If the earth was not tilted 23° on its axis, but rather was on a 90° angle in reference to the sun, we would not have four seasons.

Without seasons, life would soon not be able to exist on earth—the poles would lie in eternal twilight, and water vapor from the oceans would be carried by the wind towards both the north and south, freezing when it moved close enough to the poles. In time, huge continents of snow and ice would pile up in the polar regions, leaving most of the earth a dry desert. The oceans would eventually disappear, and rainfall would cease. The accumulated weight of ice at the poles would cause the equator to bulge, and, as a result, the earth's rotation would drastically change.

The moon provides evidence of God's design.   And, people will try to explain the origins of the universe, saying that they embrace science, but scientific discoveries are being revealed all the time that are consistent with the Biblical account.   And, indeed, we read accounts of great scientists who were motivated by their devotion to God.   So when people like Bill Nye, the "Science Guy" say:  "Your world just becomes fantastically complicated when you don't believe in evolution," you can respond that the complexities of our world can only be explained by a designer.   How did everything come to be - how does order come from randomness?   If evolution is true, why do we no longer seem to be evolving?   And if there are transition forms, why is there no evidence in the fossil record?    Many want to deny design and certainly do not want to bring their lives under the control of a designer, but man's theories do not make God's word any less true.

A Greater Awareness of God

In Psalm 119, we see the importance of making an awareness of God and His word in our lives a priority:
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. 37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. 38 Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.

I believe that as Christ has redeemed our hearts, that God wants to communicate to us through our senses - for instance what we see, what we hear, even what we touch can be helpful in developing an awareness of God's presence.   And, He has provided for us powerful tools - the wonder of creation, for instance, that calls attention to His majesty, and even the man-made technological tools - radio, Internet, and a variety of other ways by which we can remained focused, connected to the One who has sent His Spirit to be with us.


I am struck by the degree to which God desires for us to have tangible reminders in our lives of His presence and His promises.    This is a principle that has been established through the ages.   It's laid out in Deuteronomy 11:
18 "Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.   Many people travel to the Holy Land to enjoy the experience of walking where Jesus walked and to discover more about the land where our Savior lived.   This is a great example of building our awareness of and enhancing our relationship with God by activating our senses - and people say they are never the same.   There's a new tourist attraction in Israel that attempts to recreate daily life as is was in ancient Israel - it's located near Nazareth, and visitors can wear the same clothes, make the same foods, and ride the same animals as the people who lived there long ago.     And, Kfar Kedem just got a technological upgrade - it has placed Wi-Fi hotspots around the necks of donkeys so tourists can have access to the Internet.
A representative told The Christian Post that if someone "wants to change his profile on Facebook,  for example, in the middle of the riding, now we give the opportunity to do it."

According to the attraction's website, "Kfar Kedem creates a holistic experience using all your senses ... connecting these tangible experiences with the values and spirit of the ages from the time of the Bible and the Mishnah [that's the oral Torah], that are still part of our lives today."

We have to be careful that our faith is not based on an emotional experience, but I believe that our awareness of God can be reinforced as we use the sensory tools that He has provided.   Moses got it, and taught it to the children of Israel.  And, we can utilize various ways to get Scripture into our hearts (such as the ministry of Faith Radio), recognizing that faith comes by hearing God's Word.   Evangelist and pastor Greg Laurie this weekend is using technology to share a message of hope through some 1800 churches who will simulcast the Harvest America crusade from Los Angeles.   Yesterday, Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel leveraged Internet technology to share truth for leaders, and #Catalyst became a trending topic on Twitter.   Intentionally placing visual and audible reminders, even "hands-on" reminders around our lives can be helpful in sustaining and building a greater awareness of the Lord's presence - and as we direct our attention to God's presence, it can shut out the influences of this world that could draw us away from Him.

Are You in the Picture?

Jesus gave Himself - He suffered and died, shedding His own blood for our forgiveness, dying and then triumphing over death so that we might live in victory.   Here are the words of Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

The blood of Jesus is a powerful cleansing agent that can offer to us forgiveness and the promise of a new start as we confess our sins.  The reality of His shed blood offers us a clean conscience, a transformed heart, and the freedom of forgiveness.  And, He equips us, because He is risen from the dead, to live according to the power of the Spirit and experience a new and abundant life.

1st Corinthians 11 reminds us about the significance of the blood and body of Christ, represented by communion, or the Lord's Supper:
(23b) the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper" has been a source of quite a bit of speculation over the years, and now Yahoo! News has a report that British art expert Ross King has said that the noses, beards and hairstyles of two of the apostles standing to the right of Jesus in the portrait - Thomas and James the Lesser - match a portrait of da Vinci that was made several years after he created his masterpiece.

King told The Independent that while historians have long suspected that da Vinci placed images of himself in his works, no one has thoroughly researched "The Last Supper" for such evidence.

Leonardo da Vinci scholar Charles Nicholl supports King's hypothesis, telling the Independent,"Of all the apostles that [Leonardo] would wish to be identified with, I think Doubting Thomas would be top of his list because Leonardo was a great believer in asking questions rather than accepting what people tell you."

I don't know if that was the intent of the artist or not - King himself admits that there is no definitive record of Leonardo's physical appearance.  But, it could lead to some bigger questions for our own spiritual lives.   

In his last supper, the Passover meal that Jesus ate with His disciples, He pointed out that the elements represented the redemption story, of which He was the fulfillment.   Scripture highlights the cup and the bread, which Jesus said represented His blood and His body.   And, when we participate in the sacrament of communion, we remember that Jesus said to do that in remembrance of Him.

So, are you in the picture?   Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?   As a disciple, our appreciation can be expanded and our relationship deepened as we take the cup and the bread.   If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, then we enter into discipleship, and it's important that we are growing in our knowledge and experience of the blood of Jesus, bringing forgiveness of sins, and His body, which was broken, but brought back to life - reminding us that He triumphed over sin and death and gives us new life.   da Vinci may or may not have inserted his image into the picture, but we can know for certain that God has inserted us into the redemption story and invited us to appropriate the blood and body of Jesus to our own lives.

When Words Are Many...

The Psalmist had experienced some difficulty in his life, and desired to know the rest of God in the midst of his travail.   Here are his words in Psalm 116:
7 Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. 8 For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling. 9 I will walk before the Lord In the land of the living. 10 I believed, therefore I spoke, "I am greatly afflicted." 11 I said in my haste, "All men are liars."  
Have you ever said or done something that you wish you could take back - of course you have, I think we all have...and hurtful or careless words or deeds can certainly bring pain to others, as well as ourselves, when we face the consequences of what we've done.   Our souls cry out for rest, to make things right - and in those times, it's important that we lean on God, confess our sin to Him and ask for forgiveness from those we've offended - we can't erase our hasty actions, but we can release God's power when we seek to make things right.

Proverbs 10:19:
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.

There's been a lot of discussion and speculation about the highly offensive comments of Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri, who is contending for a critical seat in the U.S. Senate - despite the fact that a number of conservative and Republican leaders were calling for him to step aside after a controversial comment over the weekend, he has said that he will remain a candidate.  And, the polling data shows that he has a point - one point - the size of his lead over vulnerable incumbent Claire McCaskill.

I have thought a lot about his words and the fallout, and I can't really get a grasp on what he was trying to say, and I really do see the arguments on both sides of the issue of whether or not he should withdraw from the race.  Akin seems to have few friends in the leadership of either party these days.   But, I appreciated what Kirk Cameron had to say on the Today show yesterday:  "Clearly, this is a man who is advocating the sanctity of life through and through. He said he misspoke and he apologized for it. I like to evaluate people based on their entire life, their entire career, all they stand for. He loves his wife, he's got six children. I believe he's a good man. He's now in a very, very difficult spot."

I'm like Kirk - I wouldn't want to be Mr. Akin's political strategist, either.   But, there are some applications for our own lives that this series of events can teach us.

For one thing, when you say the wrong thing, apologize - ask for forgiveness.   That's what Akin did, and it remains to be seen whether or not a significant amount of Missouri voters will.  But, he got out in front of the issue.   And, in order to apologize effectively, we have to recognize when we have said or done the wrong thing.    If we are sloppy saints and are not sensitive to our own words or actions, or if we're not seeing our actions through the eyes of others, then we run the risk of offending people and breaking down relationships without even knowing it.

And, make sure you are known by what you stand for.   Jesus said, "by your fruits you shall know them".   Apparently, Congressman Akin has devoted decades of his life to being a pro-life champion.   He has a reputation of advocating the sanctity of human life, opposing abortion, as well as being a devoted family man.

Finally, realize the power of your words and how sometimes a hastily spoken word or a misspoken phrase or word can serve to negate what you have worked hard to build.   Proverbs reminds us that "where words are many, sin is not absent".    Restraint is a virtue that can be perfected through reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Membership Has Its Privileges

In John 15, Jesus reminds His disciples, including each of us who have accepted Him, that He has chosen us and has called us by a new name:15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.   A sense of belonging - that is what we gain when we lose ourselves and surrender our lives to Jesus.  We have been admitted to membership in the greatest entity on heaven and earth - the body of Christ, the church of the living God.   And, no one is excluded - we meet the conditions for membership not by our human effort - our works - or our human identity, but because of who Christ is and what He did for us on the cross and by rising up from the dead.   So, He calls us now to be adopted into His family and become part of His kingdom, a kingdom marked by love, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.


1st Corinthians chapter 6 reminds us that we are members of the body of Christ - we've been accepted into His family:
17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.   We have a new Lord and a new nature in Christ:  19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.


USA Today reports that for the first time in over three quarters of a century, women will be allowed to become members of the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, site of the annual Masters tournament.   When the club re-opens this fall, former Secretary of State and Alabaman native Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina business executive Darla Moore will be the first female members of the club.

Chairman Billy Payne made the announcement, ending years of debate about admitting women to become members.   He said that, "This is a significant and positive time in our Club's history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family."    

This decision comes almost 10 years after a dust-up with the head of a woman's organization calling for female members, and the chairman at the time said that the club would not change its policies by force.

The announcement has been largely well-received, and can have some great meaning for us about concepts of "belonging" and "voice".   As Christians, we have been invited to join an entity - not an exclusive club, but the church of the living God.   And, the invitation has gone out to "whosoever will".   The barriers to membership in the body of Christ are not physical, but are spiritual in nature - our sin, human pride, dependence on self, resistance to God - these are what keep us out of fellowship with God.   But, once we accept Christ, we're in - we belong to Him.

And, we recognize really the inclusive nature of Christ - He gives a voice, a purpose to all who will receive Him - the only conditions are that we believe in His death and resurrection and confess Him as Lord, which has some enormous implications for our lives.  He doesn't require for us to conquer all sin before we come in, but once we're in, He does call us to submit to His Lordship and allow Him to change us from the inside.   

Today, on The Meeting House, we will be discussing our roles in the body of Christ - members of His church.   Patrick Morley will address how men are to submit to God, which will be expressed in our behavior and the way we lead.  And, Rosalie de Rosset will view a woman's role and her voice, in light of errant cultural messages that suggest to women that they become unduly submissive or overly domineering.   And, Sissy Goff will highlight our roles as Christian parents in raising godly children.

We belong to Christ, and as we are taken in to become members of His family, He brings value to our lives and puts us in a valuable place.

 

Counterfeit Christians?

The prophet Jeremiah shared encouragement to walk in an authentic manner according to God's ways.  In chapter 17, we read:
7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

The indwelling nature of Christ will enable us to walk in a manner pleasing to Him - we can do all the right things, say the right words, and lead people to believe we are holy, when inside, we have not experienced the abundant life that God wants to give us through salvation.   Jesus cautioned the so-called religious leaders of his day about putting on a holy facade.   True holiness and righteousness comes through a right relationship with God and the appropriation of His cleansing power to the areas of our lives that are not in alignment with His plan for us.

Jesus taught about authentic Christianity in Matthew chapter 7:
13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

The space allotted to display the Yahoo!  Trending topic basically revealed enough to show what looked like "counterfeit Christian".     Turns out that the real topic was a confiscation of over 20,000 counterfeit Christian Louboutin (lay-boo-tain) women's shoes over the last month by officials of Long Beach and Los Angeles, footwear with a potential retail value of $18 million, according to federal officials said Thursday, quoted by the Los Angeles Times. 

French designer Louboutin's high-end pumps and high heels feature a distinctive red sole.   During the last fiscal year, officials of Customs and Border Protection have made over 1000 seizures of merchandise at the L.A.-Long Beach port complex - that's an 18% increase from the previous year.

These smugglers and traffickers trick consumers into thinking they have purchased the genuine article - often at a huge discount.  Because of the thirst for profit, these deceivers resort to illegal activities.   And, fraud is prevalent in a number of spheres - just think of the schemes that are prevalent on the Internet.   Recently, there was a report about "food fraud", which could be dangerous to your health.

Back to the topic line I read - remember, I initially thought it said, "counterfeit Christian".   I do believe there is such a thing - someone may call himself or herself a Christian, attend church regularly, maybe even be involved in service, say all the right words, but a transformed heart is not part of the equation.   There may be people who will pose as Christian or at least religious, in order to earn trust, but only with the intent to deceive, and we have to be discerning in those instances.   Or, people may think they are Christian because of cultural definitions, or just doing what appears to be the right thing, but again, if Jesus is not present in their hearts, if they are not saved, they cannot be called a Christian - they are counterfeit. 

We have to be very cautious to live lives that are authentic before God and others.   Sometimes we may display the outward characteristics, but we are attempting to put on a facade, and our hearts are not there - we are going through the motions.   The true Christian life is expressed from the heart, from the inside out, as we allow Christ to live through us.

Outside-In vs. Inside-Out

1st Corinthians 1 gives the contrast between the world's "outside-in" approach and the "inside-out" philosophy embraced by Scripture:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord." There is a prevalent mindset in our world that appearance, material riches, the veneer of the "good life" is what's important - and if we're not careful, we can be ensnared by the desire to make a good impression with worldly tools.   It's driven by the externals - "outside" appearances govern who we are.   But the Bible teaches the opposite - who we are is determined by the status of our relationship with Jesus - if we know Him, we have a regenerated heart and our identity is found in Him, and that is reflected in the way we relate to God and to others, as our character is shaped by the presence of the indwelling Christ.

Jeremiah 9 helps us to fine-tune our perspective on what's important in life:
23 Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the Lord.   The example of Scripture is that when we boast, when we proclaim some sort of accomplishment, even when it's ours, that we give the glory or credit to God.   We are called to be self-less people, and recognize that anything that is good that happens in our lives can be attributed to the hand of God.
There's a new and dangerous sort of boasting that is taking place out there - and I don't endorse or recommend you going to this website, it's just an example of the self-centeredness that we experience in our culture.   It's called the "Rich Kids of Instagram".   And young people are basically encouraged to share their Instagram-enhanced photos on this website, depicting themselves, and friends, enjoying their so-called "riches" - it depicts boasting about status or material possessions - you see fancy cars, flowing alcohol, and even receipts of a lavish vacation or other indulgences.   It feeds on the fleshly desire to be regarded highly because of the externals.   
And, that's the way of the world - outward appearance equals universal acceptance.   But, the ways of God say that inward condition is the important thing. Rebecca Greenfield writes on the Atlantic Wire website:

These postings are emblematic of the entire medium we all use. To be certain, these wealthy kid pix are particularly funny (and also sad) because they showcase a gross variant of entitlement. Preteens posing with helicopters they did nothing to earn and posting the pictures online for others to ogle provides an easy in for commentary on the state of the American dream. (Dead.) While we don't disagree with that reading, it's par for the course on Instagram, a shallow medium all about promoting superficiality that photo takers did little to nothing to earn.

I did a little learning on Instagram today - millions use it, and it provides an opportunity to post enhanced photos, which could be used to distort reality.    Outside-in thinking relishes superficiality, selfishness, and boasting what others can see.   But, the Bible teaches inside-out thinking - emphasizing our identity in Christ, who we really are, enjoying love and displaying His character.   But, if our hearts have a void because Jesus is not present or is not preeminent, then we place the attention in the wrong place - worldly possessions or power do not satisfy, but it's the reality of Christ in us, the hope of glory, that brings us to a level of reality and fulfillment that the world cannot provide.   We can be challenged to boast in the Lord.

Distracted Discipleship

Psalm 57 addresses the topic of being steadfast, giving attention to the things of God:7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn. 9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. 10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

The Bible tells us that the mind that is stayed, or fixed, on the Lord is kept in perfect peace.   Steadfastness is a characteristic that we can put into practice in our spiritual life, as we remain fixed, or anchored on God, His presence, and His ways.   In this age of multi-tasking and multiple distractions, I believe the Lord desires for us to have a single focus, not thinking about or trying to do other activities while we are praying or studying God's Word, and remaining connected to our source of power and wisdom as we execute our daily agendas.

Here are some encouraging words from Psalm 112:
5 A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.
6 Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is established; He will not be afraid,

These is so much to get us off track in our lives - and if we are in a consistent state of distraction or preoccupation, we might miss out on what God has in store for us.   The development of a steadfast heart, and established heart, is so important, I believe, if we are to exhibit the character of Christin and through us.  He is our rock, our anchor, our firm foundation, and He will help us to respond Biblically and not react rashly when we are facing life's interruptions. 
1st Corinthians 15 can be a great word of encouragement to us as we seek not to be "distracted disciples":
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Be careful what you do behind the wheel; take a lesson from the mayor of Toronto

UPI.com reports that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he probably was reading while driving along a city expressway as a Twitter photo indicates, and chalks it up to being a "busy" man.

Toronto police Sgt. Tim Burrows posted on the department's official Facebook page Tuesday afternoon that reading a piece of paper while driving is not a violation of the distracted driving law, but a driver could be charged if "the driving behavior constituted a specific offense."

The officer urged Ford to "please get a driver."

"It is obvious that you are busy enough to require one and no amount of money you are saving by not having one is worth the life of one of your citizens," Burrows wrote.

The CBC reports that the mayor has been accused of other driving miscues, including illegally dialing and talking on his cellphone.

As a public service, I do want to remind you that texting, emailing and instant messaging while driving is now  illegal in Alabama, with violators facing fines and possibly higher insurance rates.  And, law enforcement officers can pull you over for those specific violations, not when you are committing another violation.  Alabama is now one of 39 states to ban texting while driving.   

The Washington Examiner quotes the state Public Safety Department as reporting that distraction from an electronic communication device caused 1,256 accidents in Alabama in 2010, including five deaths. That was 1 percent of the accidents investigated in Alabama in 2010 — the most recent year with statewide statistics available.   Montgomery has an ordinance prohibiting "distracted driving", which also includes talking on a cell phone.

I am sure that many of us think that we can "multi-task" behind the wheel of a car, but consider this:

Research on distracted driving by UAB shows the typical driver looks away from the road for 4.6 seconds while texting. When driving 55 mph, that's enough time to travel the length of a football field.

Well, I firmly believe that some of us might qualify as "distracted disciples", and there are some stiff penalties for that type of activity.   If we are attempting to multi-task in our spiritual lives, then we can find ourselves  less sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we may become more vulnerable to temptation, and we can actually miss out what God has in store for us.   And, I really believe that if have other things on our minds, the process of mind renewal is not nearly effective.   So, we can examine ourselves - when we pray, are our minds really with the Lord or a million miles away, thinking about loads of other things.  As we read God's Word, are we tuned in to His frequency or do we allow the enemy to distract us and we lose sight of what the Lord would teach us?   So, we are challenged to put aside distractions and steadfastly pursue the ways of God.

 

Laying Our Burdens Down

Psalm 37 outlines a prescription for a surrendered, care-free life:
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm.

Fretting - or worrying - will weigh us down, it will hold us back in our progress in spiritual growth.   We can choose to be weighed down by the cares of this life, which Jesus teaches will choke God's Word from our hearts, or we can rest in the Lord, we can relinquish those burdens and experience His restoration.   So often, we try to solve our problems without the wisdom of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we want to be in control, but human devices are not nearly as effective as using the rich spiritual resources available to us in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11 reminds us of the Lord's desire to release us from the burdens that we carry and weigh down our souls:
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

About 25 years ago, a Connecticut woman named Grace Edwards bought a house.   For years, she had received a bill for her electricity, but embedded within the bill was a charge for streetlights near her house, to the tune of 35 dollars a month - seems the previous owner had agreed to pay for the lights.

As she put her house on the market, she discovered the area, went to the power company, who initially refused to reimburse her, but after she contacted a state consumer protection agency, the charges were dropped and Connecticut Light & Power reimbursed her almost $10,500!

It always helps to know what you're paying for when you receive a bill.   For years, Grace bore this small financial burden and didn't even know it.

You know, as Christians we bear burdens that we were never intended to carry.   Jesus died for our sins, to release us from the weight of sin that would hold us down and hold us back.  And, he wants to take the cares of life from us - releasing us from worry and anxiety, that can also provide a strong weight.  Just as Grace Edwards received over $10,000 back from the power company, we have the chance to experience restoration, as we recognize that Christ bore our sin burden on the cross, paying the price so that we may be free.   And, now that we have been set free FROM sin, He desires for us to walk in freedom INTO abundant life.   It's possible as we identify those areas, confess our sins, release our cares, and allow the Lord to provide for us His strength.

Keep Walking

Isaiah 50 paints a picture of determination in the Lord:
7 "For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. 9a Surely the Lord God will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me?

I like that phrase:  "I have set My face like a flint"...this is the mind of Christ that is portrayed for us here, a confidence in God that no matter what, we will keep on walking, keep depending on Him, keep trusting in the strength of God's mighty hand.   We can know that the Lord God will help us.   In our journey in this life, in our walk, we can know the presence of Christ - even when there are hindrances that could get us off the course or even out of the race, God will show Himself faithful.   Even when people who once walked with us are no longer walking with us, we can relish in His companionship.   

Romans 15 talks about endurance and having encouragement as we endure:
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,


This past Saturday, there were over 40 young people from colleges around the country who met in Washington, D.C. to mark the conclusion of their 4 simultaneous pro-life walks across America.   The groups walked from Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose & Los Angeles to Washington to hold a pro-life rally at the Capitol   These energetic and passionate young people walked with a group called Crossroads, who has sponsored these pro-life walks across America every summer since 1995.  Wearing shirts that read "PRO-LIFE" across the front, and passing through 40 states and thousands of towns and cities, they spread the message of Christ and affirmed the sanctity of life with the people they met along the way in their 12-week journey.

"The mainstream media may tell you different, but we can say with authority and through actual experience at the grass-roots level, that America is truly a pro-life country." observed Jim Nolan, National Director of Crossroads Pro-Life.

This display reminds me of our friend, Rick Hagans of Harvest Evangelism, who selects a state each year and walk across it, calling attention to the need for shoes in poverty-stricken areas of Mexico.   And, I'm also reminded of people who will endure some physical sacrifice in order to support a cause or spread a message.  

And, there was an example of determination in the midst of sorrow in this year's Crossroads walks - a young man, Andrew Moore, lost his life as the result of an accident near Indianapolis while he walked.   The participants decided to keep going, and to dedicated their journeys this year to the memory of Andrew.

You know, in our walk through life, there will be those times that could serve to stop our progress or make us want to give up entirely.   But we can take the same attitude as sprinter Manteo Mitchell, who broke his leg during the semifinal round of the men’s Olympic 4 x 400 meter relay on Thursday, he kept on running, even though, he said, “It felt like somebody literally just snapped my leg in half.”   In that race, the U.S. team qualified for the finals and went on to take silver in London.  

Discouragement will come, there will be times of loss and sorrow, and disappointment is one of the false friends of this life.   But, as we keep our hope in Christ, we find that He walks with us and sustains us - even when people we have walked with are walking with us no longer and even when our steps are impeded.   He calls us to rest in His hope and to be determined to continue to go and grow along the path He has prepared.   Keep walking!

Olympic Observations X: Excellence (Aries Merritt)

In Philippians 2, the apostle Paul challenges his readers to do all that it takes to live in an excellent manner before God:
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

It doesn't say "work for" your salvation - because there is nothing that we ourselves can do to achieve salvation, but it does say to "work out" your salvation - this involves using the resources that God has given us to grow spiritually and to live an overcoming life, as we "work out", as someone would do in a gym or a weight room.   God is working in us, so that He might be exalted through us, which pleases Him.   I believe the Lord calls us to do and be our very best, and we have access to His mighty power!

Hebrews 12 gives us the challenge to pursue God's best, to walk lives of excellence:
1b since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.


I was in my hometown yesterday, and adorning the front page of the local paper was a gold medalist who attended one of my rival high schools, then made the journey, like I did, to Knoxville to run track at the University of Tennessee, where he challenged the records of UT great Willie Gault.

His name is Aries Merritt, and his words on Twitter following the gold medal in the 110 meter hurdles caught my attention:

Words can't even explain how I feel right now! Giving God all the glory. Thanks to all that supported and believed in me.

One of those people was his mother, who was quoted by Examiner.com as saying:

 "I said, 'You have that gift, natural gift, of speed, and you can do it. You've got to believe in yourself that, "I can accomplish this." God gave you the gift. So embrace it, and you can go forward, you can really go fast.'" 

Well, Aries' approaching to hurdling can be instructive for us as we determine in our hearts to pursue Christ's best, to grow spiritually, and face face the hurdles of life.    David Epstein of SI.com wrote this:

Sprint hurdlers are like miniature figurine enthusiasts: obsessing over the minutia is part of the gig. So it's no surprise that Aries Merritt found something wrong with his semifinal run of the 110-meter hurdles, which he did in 12.94 seconds, the fastest non-final ever. "There were little technical errors," Merritt said as he walked beneath Olympic stadium. "A collision with someone." The "collision" appeared to be little more than a brushing of arms between men who drifted to the side of their lanes. But when you paint figurines or run the high hurdles, you sweat the small stuff. And sweating the small stuff paid off in gold for Merritt on Wednesday night, when he ran 12.92 in the final for gold -- the first for U.S. men on the track -- ahead of American Jason Richardson (13.04). "I worked really hard for this moment, Merritt said, and yet it was another race he described as imperfect.

He was quoted as saying:  "I don't think the race was perfect," he said afterward. "That's the hurdles, you don't always have the perfect race."

Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz say that God is in the small stuff, and we have to ask ourselves whether or not we are complacent, even sloppy, in our spiritual life.   In our attempt to living lives of victory, do we tolerate or accommodate certain sins in our lives, rather than appropriating spiritual tools in order to experience more of God's overcoming power?    Aries Merritt pursues perfection - should we do any less in our spiritual lives?

Olympic Observations IX: Peace (Kelly Wells)

Philippians chapter 4 contains a verse that might be familiar to many of us, but shows the way the anxiety and peace are polar opposities of one another:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We cannot know God's perfect peace if we are walking in anxiety.   If we are anxious, we are indicating that there is an area or areas in which we have not trusted God or perhaps not relinquished control.   Where anxiety and fear are present, we are demonstrating that we are attempting to exert human effort and reasoning, rather than rely on the abundant power of Almighty God.   Peace comes as we recognize that He is in control, He is upholding everything in His mighty power, and He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond what we ask or think.

In Matthew chapter 6, we see the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount about the danger of worry:
31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

She was the bronze medalist in the women's 100m hurdles, finishing behind her USA teammate Dawn Harper.   Kellie Wells is a believer in Jesus Christ, and she is quoted on the BeyondTheUltimate.com website as saying:

I used to worry a lot about things like, “Am I going to do well (in my sport)? What’s going to happen?” I know now that whatever path I’m on is already set; it’s done. So me worrying or stressing about it isn’t going to make it any different. As long as I keep living right and praying and staying in the Word (the Bible), God will give me all the gifts in my heart that I ask of Him.

She tweeted out following her bronze medal performance:

God has gotten me to this point. he brought me to my coach, my fam, friends, support systems. I am forever astonished by his wonders.

This young lady has the right perspective, and I believe that her care-free attitude was also demonstrated when she was able to lavishly congratulate the gold medalist Sally Pearson.  


Jesus cautioned us against worrying in Matthew chapter 6.   Worry and anxiety, which in a recent survey were rated among the highest sins we commit, can absolutely choke out the abundant life that the Lord has in store for us.   When we hold on to tightly to the things of this world, we are not able to enjoy what He has provided for us.   When we are anxious and fearful, we are not able to experience - or appreciate - the work of God in our lives.   The degree of our worry indicates the extent to which we are relying on the hand of God.

Olympic Observation VIII: Purpose (Dawn Harper)

Psalm 20 gives us some words of encouragement about the purpose for our lives and God's incredible power to bring glory to His name as we walk in His plans:
1b May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; 3 May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah 4 May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose. 5 We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

God has created all of us to enter into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ - He desires for all to be saved, and then to walk in the purposes He has for us.   He has uniquely gifted each of us, and He will reveal His will to us as we spend time in careful study and meditation in His word, and as we attune ourselves to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth, who will show us how we are to live and enable us to walk in a manner glorifying to Christ.

Jeremiah 29 reminds us that God does have a plan for our lives:
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.


She was known as the "What?" girl in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.   Her teammate, Lolo Jones, was favored in the 100 meter hurdles in those Games, and as Dawn Harper crossed the finish line for gold, all she could say was "What?".  

According to a piece on GMC.tv, Dawn recalled, “The first thing they asked me was, ‘Did you see Lolo Jones hit the hurdle?’...And I was thinking, ‘If I saw her, I would hit my hurdle.’ Then they started to ask things like, ‘Where are you from? Who is your coach?’ And I remember one reporter was interviewing me and he looked down at his notebook and there was nothing on the page. So he just said, ‘Tell me about yourself.’ But that’s where I really thanked God because no man can determine my journey. You don’t have to know me because I’ll make your know me.”

On Tuesday, Dawn Harper for a few seconds was apparently wondering if she had won gold again in London, finishing a close second to Australia's Sally Pearson in the 100 meters.    Dawn has a redemption story of coming out of an impoverished background, chasing a hope and dream, fueled by faith.   In fact, she crossed the finish line in Beijing in a pair of borrowed spikes, well-entrenched in the long shadow of the outspoken Jones.   But, she's clear on her purpose, and has continued to work, train, and reach for Olympic glory - and the glory of God.    She told BeliefNet:

My faith was definitely a part of me growing up. I went to church on Sundays, but I knew that God was real in my life. A lot of people start to look towards God when they get hurt, and when I hurt myself as a sophomore and had knee surgery, the doctors told me I would probably never run as fast again. I was only 15 years old and track was what I wanted to do. So when I came back from that, I realized there must be a bigger plan for me. And then, when I had knee surgery before the (2008) Olympics, that just sealed the deal. I was thinking, “There is another plan for me that I may not see for myself. I’m supposed to reach out to other people and show them what God can do because of what He’s done through me.” I knew that it was all about giving God the glory.

It would be easy for Dawn to become discouraged - after all, there has been so much attention given to other Olympians, including her American rival, the gold medal favorite 4 years ago, who led the race until she hit the last hurdle.   But, Dawn has labored in those shadows, and after gold in Beijing, came very close again this year.

Dawn Harper is a great reminder for all of us that we were created for a purpose - He has a plan for us, and it is so important that we seek His face, and allow His Spirit to direct our paths.   There will be distractions along the way, but through determination and dependence on Him, He will fulfill His purposes for us.

Olympic Observations VII: Perseverance (Sanya Richards-Ross)

From Psalm 18:
1b I will love You, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.   Remember the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew chapter 7 - two men, one whose foundation was built on the rock, the other on sand - adversity came, the storms, winds, and rains came, and the house of the man whose foundation was on the rock stood, the other fell...all the circumstances were the same, the only difference was the foundation - so when the trying circumstances of life comes, how will you respond?   If our lives are built on Christ and His Word - that firm foundation - then we can know God's peace, presence, and wisdom, even in the midst of difficulty.    We can give Him glory and thanksgiving, even when life seems to be falling apart, because we can be held together by His strength.

The apostle Paul writes to the church at Corinth in 1st Corinthians chapter 3:
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 
She's referred to as SRR, the Female Athlete of the Decade, the first gold medalist in Track and Field for the United States - in the women's 400 meters.   Her name is Sanya Richards-Ross, who tweeted out following her victory:

I can't thank everyone enough for the love and support! Yesterday I competed for everyone of you and I hope by me facing my fears...and doubts I free you up to do the same! Always believe in yourself and your dreams. God placed them in your heart for a reason. 

What an inspiration who has the eyes of the world upon her right now.   And, she is an example of someone who has faced challenges, yet because of her firm foundation in Christ, she is able to deal with adversity and press forward to achieve.   Consider some of her challenges:

For one thing, she is a married competitor - her husband is NFL player Aaron Ross, formerly of the Giants, now with the Jaguars...there are certainly some family challenges.

And, since both of them are high-profile, you can imagine the challenges of being under seemingly constant scrutiny.

There are the health issues that she has faced.   The diagnosis of Behcets syndrome - a rare, chronic disease that involves the inflammation of blood vessels all over the body, Behcets can cause serious skin problems, arthritis and meningitis: it can also affect memory, speech and movement.   But, another doctor seems to think she doesn't quite fit the profile.

She had a quadriceps injury, as well, that has affected her past performance.

But, she has been able to rebound, and has now won Olympic gold, contending for another medal.   She cites Phillippians 4:13 as her favorite verse, and told About.com:

My faith keeps me grounded. People always ask me how come I'm so good, and even though I try never to overwhelm people with my faith, I always think to myself, how come God is so good. My faith also encourages me to give my best. I know that my talent is God's gift to me, and how I use it is my gift to him.

So what about you?   What has God done and what is He doing in your heart that prepares you for the challenges you may face?   The pressures of a family life.   Perhaps some pressures on the job - or no job at all?   The diagnosis that has come recently, and you're trying to come to terms with it?   The cares of life that can weigh you down?    I think God prepares us for the adversities of life, but we have to be constantly building up our faith, growing in His word, so that when those challenges come - and they will - we have a reservoir of confidence in the Lord and the streams of living water that can sustain us as we walk through the difficult times.   Sanya Richards-Ross is an example of someone who walks upon that firm foundation.

Olympic Observations VI: Grace (Richard Chambers)

Ephesians chapter 2 helps us to recognize some of the dynamics of God's grace:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.   When we think about grace, God's amazing grace, His undeserved favor, the riches of God to which we have access because of Christ's sacrifice, we realize that He has wonderful plans for our lives - He desires for us to be saved and experience the presence of Christ in us, but from that point, He wants us to develop in grace, to live in dependence on Him, to grow according to His will, and to identify those unique abilities that He has given to only you, and to follow Christ's plan for your life. The apostle Paul recognized that the achievements of His life were products of the grace of God that had been bestowed upon him - he wrote in 1st Corinthians 15:
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.


Today, we shift to an athlete from Great Britain named Richard Chambers - he and his brother Peter are two of the four men who won a silver medal last week in rowing, in the event called Men's Lightweight Four Without Coxswain.

According to a piece on the Sports Spectrum website, he said that he developed an interest in rowing essentially because he wasn't too good in anything else:

I was at school (at age 14) and I saw the bigger, taller guys going around and thought that would be quite cool to be one of them. Went down to rowing. I wasn’t really good at cricket, couldn’t throw a ball, couldn’t catch a ball, couldn’t really run very well on the rugby pitch.

Richard, like all of us, was challenged to find his gift, to discover his God-given ability, the area in which God's grace was present.  About his faith journey, he said that he grew up in a Christian home, with Christian parents and Christian grandparents, who were a "massive" influence on his life.   He became a Christian at age 8, and relates:

...as I grew into a teenager, and I’ve grown older, I’ve learned about more of who Jesus Christ is, what He wants me to do, and what it takes to be a follower of Him

He says that being a Christian is difficult, especially in sport, but ",,,I still follow Him. I still try to be the best for Him, but I don’t always achieve that. It’s the price He paid so that I can be where I am today."

So he, like all of us, falls short, but He recognizes that by the grace of God, who sent His son to pay the price for us, he is in the position he is, in order to bring glory to Him.   When you study grace, you realize first and foremost that salvation, as well as our new identity in Christ, are free gifts that we do not deserve, nor can we attempt to attain.    Once we receive God's grace, then we seek to recognize what God wants to do in our lives - the special, unique abilities that He has given to us...that we can give Him credit for.   So, Richard realizes that because of grace, God has placed him in a very unique position.   And, I think it's important that we all realize our place in the Lord, so that we can walk in the very center of His will and follow what He intends for us to do and to be who He has ordained us to be.