Home is where the heart is

This morning I was reflecting on the region where I've grown up. I was born in Washington D.C. and for the majority of my years I have really lived in and around that city. However, my heart really lies north of that city. For the past 20+ years I've predominately lived in what is termed "western Maryland" - but that is really a mis-representation. I will not go into that, but essentially if you are not from around Baltimore, or the shore, than you are from "western Maryland". Don't get me started... :D Anyway, one day when I was flying back from a National Guard AT (2 week training), the C-130 we were flying in landed in Frederick, MD. My unit was 'nestled' in the mountain range near Ft. Ritchie (a now closed army post) in a very dilapitated 'compound' (6 of 8 buldings were condemned, and the remaining 2 were considered 'essential, so...). Anyway, I digress. The bus headed north out of Frederick and I was just struck by how much this region felt like home. Not just the Frederick area, but Braddock Mountain, South Mountain, the Cumberland Gap, the Shanendoah Valley... it is like God has wrapped His arms around me through this region. I have enjoyed studying the history (predominantly the Civil War history), and I have learned that the paternal part of my family tree can trace it's migratory routes initiating from Jamestown, VA throughout Virginia (including a lot of what is now West Virginia), down into Kentucky and Tennessee, but even closer to my bloodline on up through what is the eastern panhandle of WV, Cumberland, on into Ohio. I have had the pleasure of some travel (usually through the Guard), but this region is where God has helped me feel like I am at home - at least until I am called to my permenant home. How my mind drifted to this point this morning was that I was thinking and praying about a church plant that is about to take place in Frederick, MD. I had lived in that city for six years, and I distinctly remember feeling called to that city to help plant a church there. There are a lot of churches already there, but I felt that God really wanted to bring a Sovereign Grace church to that area. S.G. ministries really has a heart for sharing the gospel, extolling Biblicval principles, and developing local churches. Well, two years ago I was still struglling to get more deeply involved with my church. My family was just too far away (at the time we were driving to Gaithersburg, MD - a 35 min. drive each way - for corporate meetings) and I wanted my children to be involved with me. I could not afford moving closer to the church - as anyone who lives in Montgomery County knows, housing is expensive. So I prayed about it and one thing led to another and I moved my family to where we are today. We no longer attend a Sovereign Grace church, but I know God is using the church where we are at now to develop us into the image of His Son. I rejoiced when I learned that S.G. ministries would be planting a local church in Frederick, MD. C.J. Mahaney, Robin Boisvert, John Loftness, Joe Lee, Kenneth Maresco, Gary Riccuci, Grant Laymen, Bob Kauflin, and Chris Silard have been men that have had a deep impact upon my life. As a brand new Christian I remember being introduced to C.J. and I felt kind of ackward (he was at lunch with his family, sorry C.J. for the interuption), but he was very kind. Grant and Kenneth were men who discipled me early on. Gary was the one who baptised me (what an awesome day that was!). I was just getting to know Joe and Chris when I moved away. Bob's worship and preaching moved me in many ways, and not just emotionally. It did not matter which man preached on any given Sunday - there was always word for me. I doubt many of these men would know my name if I were to walk up to them out of the blue. Though I am sure I would be surprised that more than I would have expected would know my name - but it is not because of me, it was because they each took their job as a pastor seriously and were geniuenly intrested in those that God had brought to them. If any of these men were to read this I would want them to know how deeply greatful I am to them for what God has done through them in my life. I am the man, husband, father, and small group leader because of their faithfulness in being men of God and godly examples. I doubt they will ever read this humble little blog, but thank you very much - words cannot fully express my greatfulness. I believe God is well pleased in what they have done, are doing, and will be about in the future. Verse for today: Psalm 139:1-12, esv O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

Interaction with my children

Well, I have been wondering what to post about today - nothing new, eh? Anyway my oldest has been trying to get ready for our visit to his cousins in Texas next month. Last year his cousins gave him their cast off "Yu Gi Oh" cards and since then he has drawn his younger brother into the fray. They've spent some of their money (birthday, allowance, etc.) on more cards. Even once asking me to order some for them on-line, etc. Well they are both pretty intrested in having me play games with them. I've just never gotten into the game. So one day my oldest asks me, "well what card game would you like to play"? I told him I'd look around and see. Well I cam e upon a now out of print game called "Netrunner". Now for me, a geek, Netrunner is an ideal game. :) Since then I've sought out some cards here and there and now we play about once a week. It's a pretty fun game and I know that the latest and greatest cards are not just waiting to be bought, and the company is not going to be releasing any new suppliments any time soon so I am safe there. The overview is essentially each player takes up the role of either a corporation trying to move forward 'agendas', or a 'runner' that is trying to 'liberate' (i.e. steal) them. There is a trend among games like this. Collectable card games (Yu Gi Oh, Pokemon, etc.), and even collectable miniature games (Mech Warrior, a Baseball one, etc.) where companies create games that are not too expensive to get into - maybe $10-$30 will get the 'basic' set - but they will also sell "booster" sets. These are usually about 25-50% of the basic set. The catch is these booster will always have more powerful cards or whatever. And if you and your friends have even one of these the competitive juices will always want to get the latest and greatest. And oh course the game companies will continually release new items and make the older ones obsolete. An endless cycle. It's sort of like why I stopped playing another table top wargame once upon a time. Warhammer 40,000. This game is a sci-fi table top miniatures game. Well, I used to really enjoy this game, but once they released the 3rd edition of the rules, and obsoleting yet another set of miniatures, I decided to not play anymore. I don't really have a point in all of this. But these 'hobbies' had become money pits. I enjoy wargaming (essentially complicated versions of chess), I like the miniatures, I like painting and 'customizing' them. But as I've gotten older I am less intrested in spending money on them to get the biggest or best. I just want to enjoy them for what they are supposed to be. A temporary diversion. Verse for today: Psalm 44:4-8, esv You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob! Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah

Continued frustrations

I am not really sure what to post about today. Work is crazy busy today. A major region of the network I work on decided to up and change their IP addressing scheme and insert a new firewall over the weekend. Needless to say the phones have been very busy today - and I am the tier 3 support! :) Yesterday afternoon we received a phone call from the autistic specialist at my son's school basically telling us there was to be a meeting this morning with her and the school's vice-principle (turned out to be the principle). It was basically a miscommunication thing between the state and the school's autisim specialists. It stemmed from my wife's frustrations with trying to reach the school specialist and their apparent attempts to remove my son from the main stream (by their actions of late, and more than a couple of comments) - which is not what is best for him. He has to learn how to cope and be a member of his peer group, and by them sending him home and moving his desk so he is no longer with the other kids only removes him and prevents him from learning. My wife and I do try and work with him, but we are not with him at school. This is not a case of parental indifference. We have suspected there was things that needed to be addressed with my son from a young age. He would have problems with too much external stimulation (loud/confusing noises, etc.). And the time he got into a fight with one of our pastor's sons in pre-school at church! It has really afffected my beloved. She is struggling with how he will grow up. If he will ever get married. Will he be able to support himself. Things like that. For me, I am concerned with these things as well. But maybe I am more short sighted. I am just concerned with getting him things that he needs today - today. Well, that is all I have for today. It was a crazy weekend for me, but it ended well - by the grace, and to the glory of, God. I hope you all had a great and grace filled weekend as well. Verse for today: Matthew 6:25-34, esv “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [7] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Breaking the rules of Legalism

Note: This is sort of an on-going personal review of the book, The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney. For example the title of my post today is taken from chapter 3 in his book. I will be quoting from his book, and I hope to be thorough in my noting of such. This review is primarily for my own on going sanctification and understanding of God's grace in my life, of His work on my behalf. I share this here for the benefit of whom God bring to this little blog. I invite people to share their thoughts and questions. In doing so we can all grow in our understanding of THE most important event in all of history. On to the task at hand... :) An item near the top of the list of things to fall into as a Christian has got to be legalism. It seems that human nature just moves us towards feeling like we need to perform some action in order to achieve everything - including our salvation. A very concise, and helpful, definition of legalism that C.J. has shared has been (1):

Legalism is seeking to achieve forgiveness from God and acceptance by God through obedience to God.

Legalism is also a hinderence to our witness as Christians. How many times have we heard about too many rules. That Christianity is a religion od "thou shall not". When in reality what the cross accomplishes is actually the exact opposite. I think the warning by Thomas Schreiner, as quoted by CJ is also helpful, and a little sobering (2):

"legalism has in its origin in self-worship. If people are justified through their obedience to the law, then they merit praise, honor, and glory. Legalism, in other words, means that the glory goes to people rather than God."

What more dangerous ground can there be when we are looking to ourselves to accomplish only what God can, and in doing so essentially claim that the death of Christ on the cross was either unnecessary or insufficent. (3) C.J. then goes on to give the example of spinning plates. As we work on 'perfecting' our walk we will begin 'spinning plates'. (4) Study the scriptures, check. Quiet times every day, check. Memorize verses, check. Visit the prison/elderly, check. Witness to family/friends, check. And the list could go on and on. Each task becomes yet another 'spinning plate'. The problem is the plates don't sustain themselves. Innevitably a plate will 'plate' will start to wabble, maybe even fall crashing to the ground. The result, when we look to these things to fulfill what only Christ can (our acceptance before God) we will then start to base our relationship with Him based on our success or failures. When we accomplish these things we easily begin to feel that we are more acceptable to Him. It is easier to come in prayer and worship before the Throne of Heaven - but when we fail, woe is me. We are more like the man in Luke 18:13 than those pictured around the throne in Revelations. I myself tend to fall more to the side of 'license' than to legalism, but that can be a serious slope in and of itself. We as Christians really need to find that "narrow road", but realize Who has placed our feet on that path. That our works are a result of His accomplished work, and not a means to accomplish what only God can (and has). Two terms that C.J. seeks to expound upon and to make us more familiar with are justification (pg. 30) and sanctification (pg. 31). Once we have accepted Christ we are justified. "It is finished" was our Savior's cry (Jn 19:30). C.J. quotes William Plumer (5):

"Justification is an act. It is not a work, or a series of acts. It is not progressive. The weakest believer and the strongest saint are alike equally justified. Justification admits no degrees. A man is either wholly justified or wholly condemned in the sight of God."

Sanctification is the process by which God transforms our lives, our minds. For me Romans 8:28-30 demonstrates this, but there are many other verses. Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians are all excellent books to see these two things in perspectives towards the other. C.J. also uses some side by side comparrisons that are very helpful (6):

* Justification is being declared righteous. Sanctification is being made righteous - being conformed to the image of Christ. * Justification is our position before God. Sanctification is our practice. You don't practice justification! It happens once for all, upon conversion. * Justification is obective - Christ's work for us. Sanctification is subjective - Christ's work within us. * Justification is immediate and complete upon conversion. You will never be more justified than you are the first moment you trust in the Person and finished work of Christ. sanctification is a process. You will be more sanctified as you continue in grace-motivated obedience.

"Understanding the differences between justification and sanctification is vital to defeating legalism." (7) C.J. reminded me that no one can add to what Christ accomplished. To say that anyone can is to say that what He accomplished on our behalf was incomplete. As C.J. puts it, "Our work is motivated by the grace God has poured out in our lives."(8) I will wrap this post up by quoting a prayer that C.J. placed in his book as an example (9):

"Lord, I ask for Your grace and strength as I seek to serve You today, I thank You that all Your blessings flow to me from you Son's work on my behalf. I am justified by Your grace alone. None of my efforts to obey You and grow in sanctification add to Your finished work at the cross."

Let us boast in nothing but the cross of Christ, as we set about the works that the Lord has laid before us since before the creation of universe. (1) pg. 25 from his book The Cross Centered Life (2) pg. 25 ; originally - Thomas R. Schreiner, The Law & Its Fulfilment: A Pauline Theology of Law (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1993), 15. (3) pg.25 (4) pg. 26-30 (5) pg. 33; orginally - William S. Plumer, The Grace of Christ (Keyser: Odem Publications, 1853), 195. (6) pg. 32-33 (7) pg. 32, C.J. Mahaney (8) pg. 34 (9) pg. 35 Verse for today: Galatians 6:12-15, esv It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which [2] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Oh what to write about...

I am at a loss as to what to write about today... With gas running near $3.00 (US) a gallon I am so thankful that I bought a Toyota Echo back in 2000. Back then I was commuting in excess of 100 miles a day, but I am still very satisfied with the car now that I am doing less than 20 round trip. Where I live there is a general consensus that as Americans we should buy American cars. Well, for all of the conspiracy theroies out there I am surprised more people are not up in arms about the American auto industry. I acknowledge that they are power houses in the gross national product, but when I was looking for a minivan for my family I refused to buy an American automobile. I had not know one owner of a Ford, Chevy, or Chrysler minivan that had not replaced an engine, or a transmission, or at the very least had some form of blue smoke coming from the exhaust by 100,000 miles. Now I don't know about you all, but I need a car to last more than five or six years. Even when I buy it used. I have close to 80,000 miles on my little Echo and it is still going strong. I am averaging right around 40 mpg. And my Japanese minivan has close to 180,000 (we bought it used in '99 with just over 60,000) and it is running great. So I am very happy with my purchases. If others want to think me un-American let them. I need to be a faithful steward of what I have been entrusted - especially when we are currently a single income, family of 5. America needs to regain its pride in its products, but we also need to come to a happy level of cooperation between corporations and their employees, and the employees need to take a greater pride in their work. Get it in their minds that they do not need to be given things, but take pride in that they earned the things. Ok, off my tangent and rant... If you are still reading I have posted yet another entry on my short story blog site... Verse for today: Luke 12:13-21, esv Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

The vastness of nothing

Well, I'd like to pretend that this entry will be about some deep thing I have thought about, but it really refers to the notion that there really is not much going on up in the old brain this morning. It's kind of funny, but true. There are just times that a man's brain just 'idles' and he is running on essentially instinct. Scary, I know. ;) Funny story - on my last drill weekend I waited until the last minute to wash my uniform and so it was going to have to be ironed. Well, the load of laundry was not done in time and I didn't want to wait up on the night before. So I set the alarm for 4 AM (only 30 minutes early) so that I could iron it in the morning before I left. So I got up, took my shower, shaved, and ironed my uniform. I made sure I had all the accoutrements in place. Then I went up stairs and go tmy PT uniform for the APFT we were going to take as well as some Max Headroom DVD's to watch that night. I drive all the way into my unit (80 miles) and realize I had left my freshly washed and ironed uniform on the ironing board! Sometimes the empty brain syndrom is a bad thing! Oh, before I go I wanted to say that I was generally pleased with the Panthers draft this weekend. The picked up a running back, DeAngelo Williams in the first round. Now I am not a follower of college football so I know only what the so called experts report, but it seems like he is a solid player. Maybe more of a Barry Sanders type of runner (speed and manouver) than a John Riggins (bowl the defenders over and carry them five yards). The Carolina Panthers have not had too much of a track record with running backs. Stephen Davis was their biggest name RB, but Biakabatuka is the one that holds all of the career records - and he was not able to put a complete season due to injuries. For Mr. Williams I am praying for him to be healthy and that God would grant him a long career. I am concerned about DeShaun Foster, the current starter at this position. He too has had some injury problems so I am pretty sure DeAngelo will be starting at some point this year. You just can't pay someone that kind of money and not feel the preasure to start him. Geuax Panthers! Verse for today: Proverbs 3:1-10, esv My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success [1] in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh [2] and refreshment [3] to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Change of plans

Well, I was going to do a review of Chapter 3 in The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney today, but for a variety of reasons I will be moving those to the last day of the week (usually a Friday for me) because too many things come up during the weekend! :) Saturday I went to an Army buddy's 30th surprise birthday party. He's a nice guy. Not a Christian, and I've only come close to being able to talk to him about my faith on a few occasions. He knows where I stand though. Anyway, I was able to see another Army buddy from my one activation - we were roommates. He's been doing well, but his daughters are almost all college age now. It's a shame I don't live closer to these guys (I had to drive 90+ minutes to get to the party). Sunday was my sister's wedding. The weather was very nice. The vows were - interesting (none of my immediate family share my views on Christ) - and I think they did a very good job keeping things moving along, but not so much so that they were overwhelmed. I think I could have done a better job on my hotel room though. I spent over $160 on a one night stay that was no better than a Holiday Inn. I'm still glad that I stayed though. The reception did not end until 10PM, and it would have been another 2 hours to drive home. Instead it was a nice mini-vacation with the kids - who behaved very well IMO. My daughter loves to dance with her daddy. :) One or two more random thoughts for today. I was able to get real quiet time on Saturday. I know I should make this more of a priority in my life but anyway... I awoke with Matthew 7:21-23 running through my mind. "“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" (esv) This has actually been a reoccuring theme in my meditations of late. I have been working on knowing, and by God's mercy, I hope to be known by my Lord in my life. While reading and trying to remember where the above verse was I came upon the story of the rich young ruler that came to Jesus... "And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, looking at him with sadness, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! "" (Luke 18:18-24, esv) I came upon these verses (this encounter is also mentioned in Matthew 19 and Mark 10) while I was also contemplating Jesus' claims of being God (for another day perhaps). Anyway to make this shorter... I noticed that Jesus pretty much recites the commandments to this young man - except for the first 3 commandments. In rough outline those are not having any other gods before Him. The young man stated that he kept all of the others, and when Jesus says that he still lacked one thing he either could not, or would not, give it up. his money. His money had become another God. He worshiped it, he essentially bowed down to it and would not give it up! Even though Jesus clearly answers that he lacked one thing to attain eternal life! These two verses concern me as a Christian in America today. There are many, many people in America calling themselves Christians today. Going around doing good deeds in the name of Christ, but the idols so readily available in America prevents a real relationship with Christ. Personally I am concerned for my own soul first and foremost. What idols are in my life that I will not give up. I walk and talk a good witness for Christ, but I have a hard time actually taking even 15 minutes a day to get a lone and spend with my Savior! This is a serious thing IMO. Verse for today: Ephesians 2:1-10, esv And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.