Monday, September 22, 2008

God's Reputation

Last week, my son Max commented about the number of beer bottles (they were cans/cases) in a neighbors garage. Because he seemed so put off by it, I tried to calm him down a little. Sure, drinking can be or make people get stupid, but God gives them the free choice to do that. I think Max wants everyone to live like we do.

Friday I finally sorted through a growing stack of various papers, things that made me think, "I-like-that-but-I-don't-want-to-or-know-where-to-file-it-right-now." So the stack grew. One piece was an April e-devotion from Daniel Henderson of Strategic Renewal and the title was "God's Reputation -- Our Resolve".

He started by writing about how non-believers attack God, His name, His book, and so on. What I really liked were his first two key ideas regarding this. Idea #1 - God is able to protect His own reputation. "Idea #2 - He is more concerned with how his own people dishonor His name than with how unbelievers mock Him."

I've seen too many adult believers get worked up about things they have no control of and things that, frankly, don't really matter. I tell our youth team to look past the annoying/unwise/goofy behavior of teens and worry about their hearts. I hope we're not expecting unbelievers to act like believers. I think getting worked up about people blowing God off or disrespecting Him is appropriate, but shouldn't be allowed to be a distraction. It shouldn't lead to condemnation either, because I was (and am) in the same 'I'll-run-my-own-life-my-own-way' boat.

One day, I'll learn how to embed the links but, until then, if you'd like to read Henderson's article, click here: http://www.strategicrenewal.com/media/1716/god's%20reputation,%20our%20resolve,%20april%2015,%202008.pdf
or here: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Daily_Renewal/Article.asp?article_id=1815

Friday, September 19, 2008

Free of Charge

For quite awhile, I've been wanting to read a book by Miroslav Volf, Free of Charge. I don't know what drew me to it: the cover? the subtitle (Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stirpped of Grace)? the author? I really don't know. But I found a used copy while we were on vacation, and I snatched it right up. Although I'm not immersed in it, I am enjoying what I read. I think this paragraph on page 21 (which made it's way into a recent sermon) is eloquent, simple and very true.

'There is God. And there are images of God. And some people don't see any difference between the two.'

I look forward to reading and sharing more of the book as time allows.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Friday Funny #2

Thanks to my brother Daniel for passing along this interesting high-rise.



Vacation's gone:(

Our vacation was good. It was more staycation than vacation but that was fine.
Norma and I went to dinner by ourselves at J. Alexander's. It's not a place we'd normally go but someone had given us a giftcard. It was tasty! And the portions were to big to finish. Although the rest of the night didn't go real smoothly, it was nice to be alone with my bride.

Our first Sunday we spent in Detroit. I really like visiting other churches so my family allowed me the indulgence. We went to Northridge Church in Plymouth. I've become friends with a small groups pastor there and was able to connect with him. The kids loved it and were ready to go back! We went out to eat and did some shopping. Our second Sunday we stayed home and didn't go anywhere. I thought it would be good for us. Turns out, the family was way more 'good with it' than I was. They said I was edgy that morning. Sorry fam!

Later that week we went to Grand Rapids and enjoyed four things: the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, staying with the Emery's, the Van Andel Public Museum (70 foot whale skeleton!) and Baker Book Store.

Near the end of the vacation, we spent a few hours at a nearby waterpark.

Vacations are good. And we should have more of them. I wonder if fewer commitments to things would make more of life feel like a vacation? We're so busy trying to enjoy all that life has to offer that life becomes less enjoyable. Well, it's back to school and that's a post for another time.