Theology Snack #6

We've all heard the phrase "Let go and let God." In regards to our spiritual growth, sometimes it's tough to do exactly that. We try to overcome on our own strength. And when we fail, we try harder and harder. Check this out and pay close attention to the words.






Maybe we should let go and let God. Be Blessed!

God's Gift To Us

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

I've been in 1 Peter for a few days now. There's much to think about in the few verses above. What about the great mercy, new birth, and a living hope that all comes through faith?

Let's talk about these things the next few weeks. Any initial thoughts?

A Blessing

Relationships are often taken for granted. Truth is, we don't miss them until they're gone. I lost my Dad a few years ago. We disagreed on some things - many times, things that weren't all that important. But thankfully, the last few years we had the chance to reconcile some misunderstandings. I sure miss him.

If you have your Dad close, you're blessed. If something needs to be said today, don't wait until tomorrow. Listen to the words here and be blessed!




Feel free to share any thoughts.

Theology Snack #5

Words are intriguing. The words we choose to use in conversation or in our writings should be chosen wisely. Some words are used "loosely." For example, how many times have you heard the word "awesome" in the past year? the last week?

Another word that seems to be used frequently is the word "miracle." One might say, "I was driving on fumes for weeks. It was a miracle that I made it that far." Or maybe, "I needed sugar and caffeine bad. I went to the store and grabbed the only soft drink left. It was a miracle!" Oh really? A miracle?

In the New Testament, certain events are called powerful deeds, wonders, and signs. They were manifestations of God through Jesus the Christ. Miracles pointed to the divinity of Jesus.

Throughout the last few centuries, the term "miracle" has been hotly debated. Liberal theologians believed that there was no need to believe in miracles but to simply have faith in the history of the Church. The liberal theologian also believed equating things in Scripture with a miracle was irresponsible if not done with other ancient documents. Of course, the Orthodox had major issues with this thought.

During the last century, the conversation has moved to not whether miracles take place, but the definition of such supernatural events. In other words, does God really intervene for your favorite baseball team to win in the bottom of the ninth, allow you to drive further on fumes because of your failure to plan, or enable your addiction to sugar and caffiene by providing the last soft drink? Probably not. On the other hand, we all know God still intervenes today. Visit with a surgeon some time.

What are your thoughts about miracles? Any stories to share?

Meeting God on a Mountain

Wow! It's been awhile. I helped lead a spiritual retreat for several ladies for the past week. What a great time we had. God is good.

It's good to get away every so often among believers and not be distracted by the world (even the blogosphere). Even though I missed reading some blogs I normally read and learn from, God used these days to refocus my attention on Him. I pray that He did so for the ladies as well. One of my encouragements as we were winding down was, "Continue to allow God to use these few days throughout the rest of your life."

Mountaintop experiences are huge blessings. But God expects us to eventually leave the mountaintop and live among those on the plains and even in the valleys. There are many things in life that crave our attention - some of them good, many of them bad. And diversions are something Satan continues to throw in our path. Our task is to recognize them quickly and overcome them through the power of Christ.

God moved in great ways on the mountain. But I also know He walks with me through the valley (Ps 23) and even on the dusty plains of southeast New Mexico.

Any thoughts?

The Next Generation

Last week, I had a conversation with a lady I've known for years. During the conversation, she stated, "The younger generation just doesn't go to church anymore." I've had a few hours to think about her statement and here's what I've come up with.

Although the statement is a bit over-generalized, I think she's on to something. Based upon the context, I assumed what she meant was the "thirty somethings and younger", when referring to the "younger generation." I've been in churches where that group is well represented and others where the group seems non-existent.

Books that have gained popularity the last few years include titles such as I Love Jesus But Hate the Church, Reimagining Church, and every title you can imagine with the word "organic" included. These are just a few of many that point out issues with the "younger generation" having a problem with the Church or any church structure. Sometimes, there are valid concerns. Other times, it seems the writer can't be a follower. For that reason, they choose to do their own thing (house churches, church plants where they're in control, etc.).

One other thought: It seems to me that there's a greater need for the younger people to feel something (sadly, myself included from time to time). In other words, after attending a church, I've heard friends say, "Wow! Was that awesome or what?" They're referring to a particular song, a dynamic speaker, or something else that sets their emotions "on edge." So if there's nothing to get the hair on the back of one's neck to stand up, they don't see a need to meet.

I think of the mega-church who has the popular music artist leading worship. "The worship team at my church just realeased cd number twenty-four. What does your church do for worship?"

The need for the latest fix seems to be greater and greater. "Whether it's a drama, the number one song on the charts, or a human video, I need something that mooooooves me! And if it doesn't happen, if four out of five people aren't crying by the end, did God really show up?"

So what do you think? Am I totally off-base or is there something to the warm fuzzies? Do people need to see, to touch, and to feel, to sense the power of God? Or does God show up, even if we don't entertain?

Any thoughts?

Theology Snack #4

Today, a quote from theologian Karl Barth. And hopefully, something to think about.

Of all the sciences which stir the head and heart, theology is the fairest. It is closest to human reality, and gives us the clearest view of the truth after which all science quests...It is a landscape, in which distant perspectives are always clear. Theology is a masterpiece, as well-planned and yet as bizarre as the cathedrals of Cologne and Milan.

Theology is not a private subject for theologians only. Nor is it a private subject for professors. Fortunately, there have repeatedly been congregation members, and often whole congregations, who have pursued theology energetically while their pastors were theological infants or barbarians. Theology is a matter for the Church.

Thoughts?