The bells chimed all over campus and the familiar hymn seeped into my little dorm room. The tune resonated with something inside me and I stopped for a moment, knowing that I should remember the words. As the title of the hymn floated through my head, a special memory came along with it. Memories of early childhood bath time and my father singing this hymn as he helped dry me off brought a smile to my face. While I only remembered the first six words of the hymn, I was filled with security and encouragement as I listened to the music.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
I was especially glad to be hearing this tune on such a special day.
Happy Birthday to my favorite Daddy!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
dusty
The bow slid crookedly across the strings creating a tone that was less than desirable. It was obvious that the beginning violinist had not mastered his ability to play his instrument, and the look on his face communicated his disapproval. I stood there watching as he attempted to play the scale I had just taught him. As his teacher, my thoughts would normally have been centered around how I could instruct him to hold his hand correctly, or pull the bow straighter in order to create a purer tone… but in this moment, something caught my attention. It seemed to me that he was trapped in his inabilities. I thought about reminding him that the process of learning to play violin is a long one. He wasn’t going to master it overnight. I felt the need to communicate the fact that the place he found himself in was exactly where he should be. He was learning. He was trying. That’s all I could ask him to do. Recognizing the reality that he was in the beginning of a long journey could quiet his feelings of frustration and also create contentment (and even joy) in the moment. The steps could become more important than the arrival.
And then, before I let the words exit my mouth, I stopped to let their truth sink into my own heart.
“For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:14
And then, before I let the words exit my mouth, I stopped to let their truth sink into my own heart.
“For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:14
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
everyday
Throughout my first semester, there were several people, experiences, and books that reminded me of a very important truth. Namely, the importance of the gospel in our daily lives. The gospel isn't something that we believe once and then refer back to every once in a while. It is meant to be reviewed, recited, and lived as often as we breathe.
Let me give an example:
I flossed my teeth last night. Mostly because the dentist told me I would have a "flossing cavity" if I didn't get into the habit. So I did. And as I was doing it I was thinking to myself, "You're just doing this so that you won't have to be ashamed next time you go to the dentist." It was true. I didn't really want a cavity either... but I was mostly motivated by guilt and fear. So then I thought, "Well, whatever it takes to get me to floss... I guess that's okay." I may be motivated by guilt, but at least I'm doing what the dentist wants. Whatever it takes to get a desired result.
That theory works for most things in life... but not for the one thing that matters most: My relationship with Christ. I have to admit, sometimes my daily quiet time is more motivated by guilt and shame than anything else more holy. I am often driven to read my Bible so that I will feel better about myself. So that I won't feel so ashamed. Perhaps some may say, "Well at least you're reading your Bible." (Whatever it takes to get a desired result). But I would have to disagree.
The gospel has set me free from having to measure up to rules and regulations. I no longer have to work my way onto God's good side. I'm already there. And it's not because of anything that I have done.
Today, because of what He has done, he invites me into his presence and pours His grace all over my life. He knows I am a sinner who will continue to sin. He knows I don't deserve one ounce of His mercy. And he knows I don't floss every night. But He still sends the invitation, and patiently awaits my reply.
I need the gospel every. single. day.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us...
Titus 3:5
Let me give an example:
I flossed my teeth last night. Mostly because the dentist told me I would have a "flossing cavity" if I didn't get into the habit. So I did. And as I was doing it I was thinking to myself, "You're just doing this so that you won't have to be ashamed next time you go to the dentist." It was true. I didn't really want a cavity either... but I was mostly motivated by guilt and fear. So then I thought, "Well, whatever it takes to get me to floss... I guess that's okay." I may be motivated by guilt, but at least I'm doing what the dentist wants. Whatever it takes to get a desired result.
That theory works for most things in life... but not for the one thing that matters most: My relationship with Christ. I have to admit, sometimes my daily quiet time is more motivated by guilt and shame than anything else more holy. I am often driven to read my Bible so that I will feel better about myself. So that I won't feel so ashamed. Perhaps some may say, "Well at least you're reading your Bible." (Whatever it takes to get a desired result). But I would have to disagree.
The gospel has set me free from having to measure up to rules and regulations. I no longer have to work my way onto God's good side. I'm already there. And it's not because of anything that I have done.
Today, because of what He has done, he invites me into his presence and pours His grace all over my life. He knows I am a sinner who will continue to sin. He knows I don't deserve one ounce of His mercy. And he knows I don't floss every night. But He still sends the invitation, and patiently awaits my reply.
I need the gospel every. single. day.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us...
Titus 3:5
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Church
One of the most challenging parts of moving to OBU has been finding a church home. The first month of school I visited several different churches with my group of friends. We went to large churches, and small churches. Sometimes, the group of visiting college students nearly doubled the size of the church, and sometimes I felt lost in the sea of people in attendance. Most of the churches I visited (actually, I think all of them) have been Baptist churches. There seem to be an abundance of Baptist congregations in the area.
A couple things have been interesting to me throughout this search. First, I've found that I expect several things of the people in churches. I expect them to be very warm and welcoming when I come through the door. I expect them to greet me and try to include me in their church family. I also expect the people in the church to be involved and working for the good of the body. Whether these are appropriate expectations or not, I'm not sure, but I have noticed them in me as I've walked through this process.
Secondly, I believe that the Church is one of the most important institutions in the life of a Christian. Because of this, I've made it high on my priority list to find somewhere where I can attend regularly and get to know people outside of OBU. Because OBU is a Chirstian school, it can sometimes feel like I live in a church. This is partly true. I live with members of the Church. But I have found that there is something special about being a part of a church body with people of all ages.
One more thing comes to mind as I think about finding a church home. I have struggled somewhat with the purpose of the church in the lives of it's members. I desire to serve the church where I attend, but I also desire to be fed by the teaching and fellowship. Ideally the church would have both of these functions, but in my experience, this is not always true. So the question arises, If the church does not feed me, should I not attend? Or, if there is no opportunity for me to serve the church (and i'm not sure if this is possible), should I keep looking? Is it mandatory to have both of these in order to be a good church? Will I ever find a perfect church in an imperfect world? While I realize that it is more important to be serving than to be served by a church, I also know that spiritual food is very important. Obviously, I am still sorting through this. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any thoughts.
If you are wondering, I have found a church that I have been attending regularly. It's a medium sized Baptist church that I attend with my cousin. I've enjoyed serving them with my violin, and i'm looking forward to being more involved with the college class this next semester.
A couple things have been interesting to me throughout this search. First, I've found that I expect several things of the people in churches. I expect them to be very warm and welcoming when I come through the door. I expect them to greet me and try to include me in their church family. I also expect the people in the church to be involved and working for the good of the body. Whether these are appropriate expectations or not, I'm not sure, but I have noticed them in me as I've walked through this process.
Secondly, I believe that the Church is one of the most important institutions in the life of a Christian. Because of this, I've made it high on my priority list to find somewhere where I can attend regularly and get to know people outside of OBU. Because OBU is a Chirstian school, it can sometimes feel like I live in a church. This is partly true. I live with members of the Church. But I have found that there is something special about being a part of a church body with people of all ages.
One more thing comes to mind as I think about finding a church home. I have struggled somewhat with the purpose of the church in the lives of it's members. I desire to serve the church where I attend, but I also desire to be fed by the teaching and fellowship. Ideally the church would have both of these functions, but in my experience, this is not always true. So the question arises, If the church does not feed me, should I not attend? Or, if there is no opportunity for me to serve the church (and i'm not sure if this is possible), should I keep looking? Is it mandatory to have both of these in order to be a good church? Will I ever find a perfect church in an imperfect world? While I realize that it is more important to be serving than to be served by a church, I also know that spiritual food is very important. Obviously, I am still sorting through this. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any thoughts.
If you are wondering, I have found a church that I have been attending regularly. It's a medium sized Baptist church that I attend with my cousin. I've enjoyed serving them with my violin, and i'm looking forward to being more involved with the college class this next semester.
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