Monday, April 14, 2008

Something's Missing

Something seems amiss in the church at large today. When one considers apologetics invariably we hear: Christianity is different from all other religions because....it's about relationship. But something seems to be seriously missing. And I've often tried to put my finger on it.

At it's core essence, Christianity is about relationship. But instead the church today is full of debate. Bitter feuds. Dissension. Is it sovereignty or free choice? Is it grace only or Lordship? is it Calvin or Hobbes? And from our differing camps we send out our favorite theologian and cheer them into battle.

Yet I continue to wonder where is the relationship that Christianity espouses? As 'believers' do we actually believe we can enter into relevant relationship with Christ. Or is that simply rhetoric and silly cliché?

Have we considered the possibility that we might be missing out on the reality of close intimate fellowship with God because of our "beliefs"? Could being a believer be less about what and more about knowing who we believe? I'm not saying it is completely. Saying that can lead to wrong conclusions. However, I am saying that we tend to hide behind our beliefs and debates — fig leaves which cover a seriously lacking intimacy with an unseen God.

But a deep abiding relationship with Christ is available and offered to everyone who seeks Him. Don't miss out! Don't allow your theology to keep Him distant and uninvolved. Search the scriptures — not to add proof texts to a pet theology, but to find Him. To those who truly seek Him, the scriptures promise that you will. How exciting, and fulfilling is that?

In His presence there is fullness of joy.




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Tuesday, April 8, 2008

On the road.



This past year I took McClay Design and Associates on the road. Over 8,000 Km! Our travels to date have taken us from Winnipeg to New York to Dallas to Calgary. Who will stop the insanity? Me. me. Pick me. Pick me!

Monday, April 7, 2008

I'm pushing 40!

Yep. Sunday I had a birthday. I'm officially an old man.

And here's one of my all time favorites from Mark Lowry. Enjoy!




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Saturday, April 5, 2008

Disappointment—His Appointment

God's goal for us is that we become who He created us to be. Sanctifcation is God's will—His goal—for our life (see 1 Thessalonians 4:3). There are distractions, diversions, disappointments, trials, temptations and traumas that come along to disrupt the process; however, the tribulations we face are actually a means of achieving the supreme goal of conforming to the image of God.
— From Beta, Student Guide, Neil T. Anderson, Freedom in Christ Ministries



Disappointment — His Appointment
By Edith Lillian Young

Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho' it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.

Disappointment — His Appointment
Whose? The Lord, who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, like loving earthly parent,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts, unquestioned,
All that from His wisdom flows.

Disappointment — His Appointment
"No good thing will He withhold,"
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold,
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.

Disappointment — His Appointment
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life's plan in Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining —
"Father, not my will, but Thine."

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Friday, April 4, 2008