Is There Gonna be Beer?

We went out on campus at Quad C this week to invite people to REACH--our college ministry Bible study at It's a Grind. We had a great time doing it. It had been a while since being on a college campus so it was refreshing in a lot of ways. Both UNT and Quad C reveal the same desperate needs college students face that I remember from over 10 years ago.

One of the funniest encounters was what seemed to me to be the a-typical response to a Bible study invite from someone on a college campus to my friends humble invite. When he mentioned there would be burgers etc. he asked,

"Is there gonna be beer?"

Okay. Let's assume the best of intentions in this question for a moment. Maybe he felt that beer would be as effective as burgers as a free commodity for a Bible study in the buckle of the Bible-belt hosted by a church to largely under-age students. Maybe he felt it's pointless to invite college students to something without it and this is helpful information. Or maybe he really, really, really likes beer. I get that. I don't have anything against beer. Honest.

But maybe not.

Maybe, just maybe, after 30+ years of Hollywood glamorizing the fullness of the college experience as a 5+ year keg party it still sells tickets for movies in August and makes it's way to the lips of students at times to deflect the idea of pursuing anything of seriousness. Maybe it's still an effective trump card to out-awkward a potential threat to freedom.

Maybe the world, the devil, and the flesh still encourage people to hide behind false images and turn this poor drink into a weak, unfit, and useless god.

No. No beer at the Bible study. But lots and lots of the best vintage wine (Acts 2:13; Eph. 5:18; Matt. 9:17)

Col. 1:15-20 and Jehovah's Witnesses

I recently had the opportunity to preach on Col. 1:15-20 on the supremacy of Christ.

One attribute that Paul highlights about this cosmic Christ is his supreme place as the "first born (1:15)." One thing I tried to share was how Paul's use of this word is unique in distinguishing Christ as the "highest authority" over all creation (as vs. 16 summarizes).

A very good question from a friend in our church was, "The JW's would respond to the verse you quoted from Colossians with "well, God created Jesus first, and then everything else that existed was created through Jesus."

Can you explain how to defeat that argument that Jesus was the agent of creation of everything that he could be the agent of creation for - but not for himself?

Here's my understanding to this very good question...

thanks for asking. the first place I'd go in Colossians is verse 16. Even though a JWs would say he's exalted and created all things, can they agree that all things were created "through him AND for him"? The question they haven't settled in that verse is how all things the Son creates for his praise doesn't compete with the praise of Jehovah. If he's the goal--he puts himself in direct competition with God--unless he is equal with God.

Of course if I'm talking with a JW I'd want to go to John 1 and show that "..and the Word was God" and point to the fact that you cannot make the Word be "a god" as their translation says. The Greek doesn't allow that. It literally says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and 'God was the Word.'" I'd also want to show all the other places Jesus puts himself equal with God (John 14) and the place where he says, "before Abraham was, I am."

As for him not being created himself I'd want to show every place in Scripture where the Son is described as "eternal." The Son took on human flesh and "became" Jesus of Nazareth at a point in time, but the Son's eternality makes his incarnation so glorious. If he's eternal he can't be created--infinity can't have a starting point--and infinity is an attribute only a being who is fully God can have. The Father has ALWAYS existed, but if the Son has ALWAYS existed as well he is fully God--though distinct from the Father--they exist as one God for all of eternity.

Titus 2:13 says, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” In John 10:30 it says, “ I and my Father are one.” Revelation pictures Jesus as eternal throughout. Isiah 9 describes Jesus this way, "for to us a child is born, to us a son is given...and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." How can Jesus be called both "child" and "everlasting Father?" Because of his oneness in essence with the Father, and his eternality.

Tattoos are Talking Points...

From a friend named Nicole--released from the comments...

I found myself in Wal-Mart on Halloween night at 9:30 buying food for our Bible Study group the next day. I pulled into the one of many checkouts open...apparently no one shops on Halloween(all out being scary:). Anyway, the guy working had a HUGE tat of the grim reaper, which was sort of ironic being on Halloween and all. Before I even thought about the words leaving my mouth I was asking him about his tattoo. He told me how it reminds him of how he almost died. He told me the story and I was then able to ask him if he knew where he would go when he did die one day. He looked at me puzzled, I explained the gospel to him and asked him to think about that question every time he looked at his tattoo. I invited him to the college Bible Study and we figured out we knew some common people.
He told me I should get a tattoo, I told him I was too much of a whimp to get one. He advised I should just be intoxicated then it wouldn't hurt as much, I told him that probably wouldn't be a good idea. I have thought about a tattoo, the Hebrew letters for integrity, that is probably what I would get "IF" ever! So, being intoxicated wouldn't really go with that theme :) We laughed and parted ways! I was on a high though, because being in the midst of something God is doing is thrilling! I knew that night I was right where God wanted me to be, and it was peaceful!
So, what started out as a usual run to Wally World turned into a divine appointment...

10 Great Memories on My 10th Anniversary

On the eve of our 10 year anniversary my wife and I decided to write down 10 of our favorite memories over the years. Here are mine in no perfect order.

1. The births of all three of our boys (the walk down the hallway to Sam, the late night run to the hospital for Joeler, the mid-day call that Ash was on his way).

2. The early morning run on my wedding day. Dec. 18th 1999 at 7am I was up running with Joey and Adrian around the campus of SHSU. I was so nervous about the wedding I felt like I could run forever. I couldn't believe I was about to be married to Michelle and even though I was tired from playing video games the night before (sadly) I needed that run.

3. Dancing to Bing Crosby's "White Christmas", Caedmon's Call's "Somewhere North" to my wife on our wedding day. So thankful my mom talked sense into me that I needed to have a dance. I have to throw in Frank Sinatra Christmas CD that we played in Fredricksburg on our honeymoon.

4. Letters and pictures from my girlfriend Michelle Marquart when I was in Indiana preaching bad sermons and she was in California in the summer of '99

5. Watching "Muppet's Christmas" in a Super 8 Motel the night after Samuel was born. Eating fast food on the bed and glowing all over with joy.

6. Being overdressed for a play in Dallas on our second anniversary. We were decked out and everyone was wearing jeans. Expensive tickets. Casual atmosphere. Bad planning. Lots of laughs.

7. Michelle wearing a blue dress and meeting me at the airport after 3 weeks away on an Istanbul study trip. I was so glad to be home and couldn't wait to see her. She made welcome home signs and put them all over our seminary house.

8. Snorkeling down a river in Mexico called "Tres Rios". Laughing at all the misadventures of the trip too many to count (on just one day).

9. Countless encouragements when God has spoken to me through Michelle. I can be so wound up with an issue or discouraged by something it can feel like barbed wire. How many times after talking about it on a date or through prayer, it unravels like cheap yarn?

10. "Robbie there's a roach in the bed!" nuff said.

Can I have another 10?

Why Santa Comes to Our House (this year)

I'm as passionate as Charlie Brown on steroids about the commercializing of Christmas but I thought I'd offer a few lines in the midst of some solid (and very strong) arguments against Santa why (this year) we've decided to include him.

1. Santa is make-believe. We are a house filled with make-believe. Everyday I come home I'm blown up at least a dozen times, downsized to a Lego man, turned in to a monster, then back to a superhero. We act out countless scenarios of good guy/bad guy. Before I kiss them goodnight we talk about how breakfast will be chocolate-covered crickets and squiggly worms. Santa stays in the category of make-believe--the same place where fairy tales and kids stories thrive. Should his bowl full of jelly belly ever eclipse the Savior, it will be toast. Pun intended.

2. Santa is generous. Let's face it. After every whiny kid has peed his pants on cheep red felt telling Santa what he or she wants, Santa just keeps giving. Year after year. Outside of some stale cookies, nobody every thinks to give Santa a gift. Superman comes and goes and hangs out incognito most of the time, but Santa works year round in his giving frenzy (or at least his elves do). Since we're having fun, we'd like to highlight that charity.

3. Santa has potential. Since he's make-believe you can make him into whatever you like. This year our Santa will love Jesus. In fact, he goes around the world at great cost to himself to tell people the good news of the birth of Jesus. He gives everyone gifts to remind them of the greatest gift ever given--the gift of God's Son. Okay, a little hokey--but none of their Playmobile pirates do that (yet).

Great Tattoo...

I've recently had some opportunities to connect with people around their tattoo. It's about the easiest way to engage in conversation with a complete stranger. All you ask is...

"Wow. I like your tattoo. What's the story behind that?" You can launch in to all kinds of topics from there that are all relevant to me.

For instance, "did that stinking hurt?" [big one for me]

"How did you finally choose that one over another one?"

"Will you get another one?" etc.

"What's it mean?" [from here it's pretty easy to cross over from the temporal to the eternal and into the spiritual. Many times a tattoo has real significance]

Yesterday at Legacy Books I was meeting someone to talk about college ministry in our church. We ended up talking with a great guy that works there about his tattoo.

It led into a great conversation about his life, moving to Frisco and his hopes of obtaining a better life here. We were able to talk about the church we're apart of and invite him out. Good conversation.

Leverage the tattoos all around you.

Tell someone today...

Parenting is Incarnational Ministry

One thing that parenting does is allow you glimmers of the glory of God's heart in the incarnation.

We've been gone for a few days on vacation and it's no surprise to us that today has been tough. For one, we usually need a day for everyone to readjust. But all three boys have been sick. Last night I noticed one of my boys had what looked like chicken pox all over his body and his cough hasn't improved in 3 weeks. Moreover, our 1 year old has had a barking cough. So while it snowed in Houston I took our oldest to the doctor for the bumps all over his skin while Michelle took our youngest to another doctor for his cough.

Since my oldest son has had strep throat he's familiar with the "swabbing" that makes him gag. Today he wanted nothing to do with the test.

The nurse cajoled. I encouraged. The doctor demonstrated. Nothing seemed to work.

I had to get down on my knees, look him in the eyes with a cotton swab in my mouth and take the journey of suffering with him. He was able to muster the courage to swab his own throat as he watched me swab mine.

This afternoon the same son struggled desperately with the taste of the cough syrup. It was less than strawberry flavor. Less than pancake friendly. We cajoled. Encouraged. Threatened. Insisted. I even put sugar in it. Nada.

Desperate for him to finish his teaspoon I asked, "it tastes bad doesn't it?" His head nodded. "It tastes gross?" Affirmative. "I'm so sorry. Come sit on my lap and tell me."

He lamented the strawberry vile of despair--he wept with great sadness. But he finished the medicine. When I put my anger to death and quit trying to sell it as "yummy" and just met him in his fear it made all the difference.

Tonight was the same. After celebrating Christmas with family the boys were wired. Didn't want to go to sleep. At. All. I spanked. Stated the case. Commanded.

But tonight I needed to get down on the carpet. Forget the coughing. Forget that they are contagious with strep and I'll probably get it. Forget the tickle when you swallow. I needed to lay in the guest room in the dark and let them hear me breathing. They needed me to be with them--near them--go through it with them. It made all the difference.

Moments like this remind me of my own need--my own restlessness--for God to come down to me--in my helplessness and need. What I'm so often reluctant and unwilling to do God did with no reserve hesitation (John 10:18).

Note the steps of God's journey to us from Philippians 2:6-7.

Though equal with God in resplendent glory and perfect fellowship of joy, Jesus...

"made himself nothing..." [low]

"...taking the form of a servant..." [lower]

"...being born in the likeness of men." [lower]

"And being found in human form," [lower]

"...he humbled himself" [lower]

"...by becoming obedient to the point of death," [still lower]

"...even death on a cross." [lowest]

In the mercy of God salvation comes through the incarnation of the Son. This incarnation displays the eternal glory of God's heart for lost, desperate, and miserable sinners.

Sinners like you and me. Sinners that need a Savior to come down to us. To meet us where we are. A Savior willing to do the unthinkable and be near us--with us. This incarnation looks us in the eyes and makes us come face to face with courage-inducing love.

Parenting gives us plenty of opportunities to incarnate the love we profess to our children--and in so doing remind us of the One who did this perfectly for every time we don't or even won't.

His love can make me thankful for the tickle I feel in my throat.

Who Do You Say I Am?

We are home from our 10 year anniversary celebration in Playa Car, Mexico. We had a blast. One way we were able to join our friends Jeanna and Justin of 11+ years was because my wife found a great deal for a few days if you're willing to sit through a "90 minute" presentation.

If you've sat through a time share pitch or something similar you're familiar with the approach. Great location. Great opportunity. Great deal. Great pressure in the final few minutes.

Ours was a good experience from a man who professed to be a born again Christian of 8 years. He had two couples who were Jehovah's Witnesses buy the plan the day before. I noticed he had a book in his pocket and he later pulled it out to show us "What the Bible Really Says." A gift from the couple he thought were Christians.

Walking past the tanning aged on the way to slurp lemonade with the closers he asked, "okay...you guys are pastors. What's the difference between what these guys believe and others?" He showed the book that was given as a gift.

I said the biggest difference is their understanding of who Jesus is. For Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus--for all his exalted status as the "firstborn" is still a created being. He is not one with the Father. To legitimize this belief they have their own false translation where the "word was a god" rather than what the Greek clearly says (John 1:1). This is what separates them from being Christians.

Justin replied, "it comes down to what Jesus asked, 'who do you say that I am (Matt. 16:15)?'"

LA Fitness Fiasco....

I'm in Houston till tomorrow. We fly out for a few days in Mexico to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

On Thursday morning to prepare for the onslaught of the American feast I went searching for a place to work out. Although I have a membership (till January) at 24 Hour Fitness I went to the LA Fitness down the road to see if they'd let me work out for free.

There were not many people there but the 3 salespeople (2 girls and 1 guy) were there to hear my pitch. I'll spare you of the details but I went in to the situation very sales-like. I have an agenda. I'm going to appeal to their desire to sell. I'm going to present myself as a buyer in the hopes of getting a free pass for a few days.

And that's what I did. I told them I canceled my membership at 24 Hour (true) and I was in town with family (true) and that I'd like to see if they'd give me a pass for a couple days because who knows, maybe I'll become a member of Lifetime in the future (not true). I acted a bit arrogant and pushy. I was wearing clothes that didn't fit.

I justified this language purely from a sales perspective. Even though I know there is no Lifetime even close to our home, I knew it unlikely to get anything free if I went completely honest. Therefore I did what you learn from the world and the American mileau.

"Well...since you don't live in the area...we can only offer a pass for $15 a day." I declined it and said there were plenty of Lifetimes in Dallas. The guy said "Let me look them up for you..." in hopes of probably convincing me that I should buy a plan today etc.

"No thanks...if there's no option to try the gym..I'll go down the road."

And I did. I actually found a 24 Hour down the road and they let me work out for free. Mercy.

However, while I was working out I was convicted about the approach I took. What I thought was a sound, legit approach actually was worldly and dishonest. What I thought was wise was only according to worldly wisdom and didn't reflect the pure honesty of Jesus Christ my Lord. I was reminded that I had wanted to share the gospel with folks in Houston while I'm here, and now the Lord was giving me a chance.

You want to share the gospel? Go back and apologize to those salespeople and tell them why--Jesus is your Lord and you spoke dishonestly.

Gulp.

I work out extra hard when there's something I'm nervous about later in the day and that workout was no exception. Those 20 pound dumbbells took a beating.

I drove back to the LA Fitness. All three salespeople were there. Egads! Breathing heavy from my workout and from nerves...

"Hey...uhh...just wanted to come back and apologize. I'm a Christian and Jesus is my Lord and I think He wanted me to come back and tell you that I spoke dishonestly. It would have been fine to present myself as a buyer if I really was one--but I'm not. I was just trying to get something for fee. I apologize. I should have just asked if you had any free offers."

I noticed as a shared the girls seemed to smile and let their guards down. The guy expressed appreciation. The Lord seemed to be at work. Moreover, I felt power from the Lord where before it was purely flesh.

Thankful for the unexpected opportunity to witness the freedom that Christ brings--from my own unbelief.

Joy...

I hope and pray I can write about a conversation I had with someone today with permission in the future.

Lottie Moon once said "there is no greater joy than the saving of souls"

Spurgeon once said, "it is a joy worth worlds to win souls."

Jesus said, "there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

Tonight I concur.

"It Comes From Yourself"

Last night Michelle and I were on a date. We ended up at at a furniture store to look at some things. We ended up talking to a very nice salesmen who shared his story with us briefly. Having lived in Houston before, Michelle and he talked about the area.

It turns out he's Jewish. He mentioned some tragedies he's experienced and how death doesn't frighten him.

I asked if he has a local synagogue he attends and he said he hasn't been for many years.

At one point he mentioned pursuing happiness.

I asked, "where does happiness come for you?"

As an intro to his answer he said, "well...it comes from yourself."

I Shared the Gospel!

Yesterday I got a call in the middle of the day from a college single in the church.

His first words,

"Rob! I shared the gospel!"

He went on to tell me the details about how the Lord impressed him to share the gospel with a guy he met and how he struggled through his fears until he called him up and shared the good news of salvation through Jesus. It's an amazing story.

I was stoked.

About a half hour later I'm washing my hands in the restroom and noticed a guy who works landscape next to me washing what looked like pears.

I left the restroom and suddenly remembered the story of how God used my friend, and considered the guy still in the restroom. The thought crossed my mind that we had Spanish-written booklets in the office. I could grab one and come back.

So...I did.

I came back to the restroom. There was the guy. There were the pears.

"Do you speak Spanish? [affirmative]

"Hey here's a booklet in Spanish that talks about Jesus." [grateful response]

He went on in broken English to tell me he is from Honduras and spoke favorably about Christianity. He even said that based on my pronunciation of his name and the word "Honduras" that I should consider taking more Spanish because I'm "good" at it.

Thankful for God's work in my friends life. His work with the guy with the pears. His getting me through Spanish 3. His getting me out of what has felt like a dry and weary land.

Pray for Boldness...

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

One thing I'm painfully aware that I should have been painfully aware of the past few weeks in my growing decrease of talking with people about Jesus Christ has been my lack of being with Jesus Christ, asking for what I need most.

You see, it's tough to talk boldly about Someone you're not seeking boldly.

Moreover, it's tough to have the kind of burden that embraces people when you're lacking time in prayer asking God for it.

Yesterday I was in Subway eating a $2.50 turkey sandwich a few feet from a white collar guy with his tie tucked in his shirt. He was a furious eater, but didn't seem like he was too much in a hurry. We're just digging in. Seemed like a ripe opportunity to say...I don't know...something...anything to talk about Jesus.

Here's where I started...

[....................]

And the more I thought about it, I considered saying...

[.....................]

Then on second thought, I wondered about this approach...

[....................]

So, after a while of nothing, I left Subway. That's right. Back to my cozy chair in my sheltered office consoling myself the way you do when you missed an opportunity, "oh...well...better effort next time."

Today I'm aware that what was missing was not a card, a booklet, a catch-phrase, a penetrating question, a mysterious Christian t-shirt, the offer of a minty Testimint, a U2 cross-over, or something ultra-relate-able that would be a Golden Gate Bridge to gospel conversation.

I was missing a boldness that only comes from being with Jesus.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Gloriously and painfully simple.

Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?

Do you remember that song from Sesame Street? Can you answer that question?

Michelle and I are now living in a new neighborhood.

So far we've been here for 2 weeks since the move. With all the activity that goes with a new move, I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to connect with my neighbors and set a good tone. My experience has been that it's much more difficult to reach out to your neighbors after 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, go by and you haven't walked across the street yet.

I once read something challenging in a Willowcreek magazine that basically charged folks to be known on your block as the most compassionate person around as a witness for Christ--to pursue people in such a way that they know they can turn to you in need.

Please send me any suggestions you have that have worked for you, or that you've seen demonstrated in others that incarnate the greatness of Jesus in a neighborhood...

rob@gracechurchfrisco.org

Going Solo in Subway...

Last week I was in Subway attempting to read Your Jesus is too Safe. I am never able to eat and read at the same time. Plus I hate getting honey mustard and smudges on a new book. So, I settled for perusing at best. Stetzer writes a great introduction and I was surprised by the data he collected on what young professing Christians feel unable to affirm strongly--including the resurrection of Jesus.

I noticed two guys sitting next to me that appeared Indian. With little thought (and in reflection almost zero prayer contributing to the progress of the conversation) I decided to ask them if the resurrection of Jesus would matter to them.

"Sorry to interrupt. Just reading a book about the resurrection of Jesus and was curious if you believed in the resurrection of Jesus and if it matters to you."

Both guys were cordial--one guy talked for them. "It doesn't matter. It wouldn't matter."

"So if you knew with certainty Jesus rose from the dead proving himself to be God--basically that Christianity was true--it wouldn't matter?"

He said confidently it would not. He and his friends are Hindus. We talked a little bit about how he believed in many gods and sins are forgiven simply by appealing to the god(s) of your family and saying you're sorry. When I asked him if the many hundreds of gods would compete for your alliance he said, "it doesn't work that way" and said the gods of your family pretty much stay with you. Up until now it was cordial but very cold--with no seeming interest I just felt totally at loss to keep the conversation going. In retrospect I was foolish to go into that flying solo without really pausing to call on God's power and help.

The "this is awkward" part came when I said thanks and was picking up my things to leave. I felt like I couldn't at least invite them to church. When I said I was a pastor and would love to have them come to the church sometime I received an immediate shaking of the head like I was selling a new and exciting business opportunity.

"no. no. uh uh" while heads wagged to say, "never in a million years." I said thanks but turned around licking my wounded pride at the tiny rejection and wondering if anyone in Subway saw the evangelical shoot the air ball.

These moments are good for me. It teaches me about my total need for God's help and dependence on Him. It reminds me that I've got no power on my own and only God's power can deliver. It reminds me that I'm often more concerned about my reputation and the way I look than about people.

Do you have a Church you go to?

One of the easiest ways to bridge to the gospel in a churched culture is to talk about "church." Literally every person you pass by on the street, sit next to at work, or live by as some affiliation--past or present--with a church. Inviting someone to church is one of the easiest ways to potentially get into a conversation about the gospel.

Last night we

Pray for Pacific Islands

Waves 20 feet high have literally swept what is believed to be at least 100 people into eternity yesterday in the Pacific Islands. I got the news from Pete while eating a Smores at their home last night.

God empower your church to reach out in compassion that's stronger than 8.0 in magnitude and higher than 20 foot waves. Shine the light of Christ and him crucified for your glory in the hearts of thousands.

"Let them give the Lord the honor he deserves; let them praise his deeds in the coastlands (Is. 42:12)."

Trying to Cast a Net in Fish Express...

I don't know if I should have gone further or not--but I definitely felt both the tug of the Lord to get out of my comfort zone as well as His grace to greet the lady next to me waiting for her to-go order today at Fish Express.

My mind was busy thinking about other things and I could tell she was in a hurry too.

"Is it slower today than usual?" [legit question--really was slow]

"Yeah...it's very slow today..."

"I sometimes meet people for lunch here--I serve as a pastor in a church and our offices are in the building across the street." [hoping for a door to open in the conversation here]

"yep." [no go. I didn't have much else to say here]

It seemed like all the elements were there for an opportunity for the gospel, but the conversation never really got off the ground. Maybe I should have been more bold, but this is how it goes sometimes.

Leave Myopia

You know what it's like to be nearsighted or myopic?

The other day I found myself in an Autozone picking up some parts. As I walked up to the counter I was aware of my coldness toward the young man at the counter. Well, let's be honest. I was not aware of my coldness at all. I saw a guy that was not like me in many ways--and to be honest--in that moment--I didn't particularly like him. Yep. The Pharisees got nothing on my spiritual maturity (Luke 18:11). There you go. It's the backward forest my heart often retreats to. The caverns of tunnel-vision. The hills of self-preservation and short-sightedness.

Myopia.

In the mercy of God I had to go back to the same shop in less than 30 minutes for a different part. The thought crossed my mind, "is there a second chance here?"

I wish I could say that upon seeing the young man the second time waves of bubbly love swept over my soul like a Journey song but I'd be lying. As I got the part from the young man and went to pay I didn't feel different about him. Nothing seemed to change until I decided to climb what felt like the high dive and could feel my need for God.

"Hey, here's an invitation to our church--we'd love to have you sometime." [wanted to leave it there]

[and for the dive] "...and this booklet talks about what I live to tell people--that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead." [not that clear...a bit choppy]

I'm not sure what happened in the young man's heart, but as he took the lit and thanked me, something happened in me. Suddenly, unexpectedly, and subtly I could see his eyes for the first time. My ears could hear his voice. My mind could think about his family--his sister he mentioned living with nearby. He became a guy with a story complete with his own dreams, hurts, and needs--most of all the need for Jesus.

He suddenly became very much like me.

I want the picture of his eyes to burn off the frost that collects like cataracts on my own. Jesus gave his life away to free me from myself and give me power to walk in His reconciling love and away from joyless self-interest. He lives in me to empower me to leave my kingdom and live for His.

For the eyes of tomorrow--let's exodus Myopia and get on with it...

What is Faith?

Let Peter describe the essence of saving faith...

And though you have not seen him, you love him, and though you do not see him now, but believe in him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9).

There are 3 things Peter describes in these two verses as aspects of the word "faith" and they all relate to the activities of the heart in relation to the invisible King and Savior Jesus.

1. You love him (v. 8)

2. You believe in him (v. 8)

3. You rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory in him (v. 8)

Peter assumes all those activities are involved in some measure in "your faith." No wonder it's a miracle. No wonder only God the Spirit deposited in us can pull this off. No wonder we need to recover this understanding of faith and share with the world that it desperately needs God's own power in them to produce a faith of love, belief, and joy in the living Christ to be saved forever.