Now that I have had the chance to digest a little bit of this past weekends events, I thought I would share my findings with you all. Admittedly, I did not believe that we would see any new faces on Sunday. In fact, I was so convinced of it that I had already come to terms that nobody would show and my only hope was that others would not become discouraged as a result. When new faces came through the door I was actually caught off guard! I didn’t know how to react since I had never thought it a possibility. This may be a bit twisted, but I enjoy being wrong. I enjoy God revealing my lack of faith through His faithfulness. The only thing that I don’t enjoy is the regularity in which it happens.
So in light of this I have more to praise God for then just new people who attended one of our services. I am thankful for this; but I am equally thankful for the people who stepped up and gave God something to work with. God is so powerful that if we didn’t share His message, He could bring life to stones and they would proclaim His goodness…but He doesn’t. The reason He doesn’t is because that was never part of the plan. God always wanted to use us, and He did. All of you in some form or another were the hands of God. Three months ago you were presented with a vision and a direction; we were going to step out and we would all have to step up. That happened in a big way. So having already given much thanks to God, in no particular order I would now like to also thank all of you.
To the set-up team who through the strength of their own backs wake up early to ensure we have seats and all the equipment we need. To the sound guy’s who bring that equipment to life. To the musicians who use that equipment to lead us to higher ground and to all the voices that join in to praise our Lord. To the coffee lady and the men who follow her every bidding. I can’t encourage the coffee, but I do appreciate people staying awake while I preach, now that we are a morning service and all. Thanks to all of the people who are friendlier then I am; which may be all of you. I barely had a chance to welcome our guests because there were so many who were already making them feel welcome. To ALL of those who watch my children and the children of many. Thanks for teaching them and freeing me up to do what I need to do. And thank you to anyone who helped or brought food. This is always at the top of my personal list. It took a little longer then I wanted, but I finally got my barbeque!! To the media team who made a believer out of me. We’re not done yet, so keep up the good work. To those who passed out the literature; it’s not as easy as it looks…well done!
And finally to all of those who for years have invested in this church through service and prayer. This event stretches much father back then one day. It is a culmination of years of preparation and cultivation. So to all of those who have or still do call The Summit ‘my church’, thank you. And the best part of all, and I truly mean this, is that we are just getting started. I cannot wait to se what happens next. Like I say, I always enjoy God surpassing my own doubts and I look forward to seeing Him do it again in the near future.
So let me leave you with one final thought of encouragement and warning. Taking time to praise God is always the first step following an event like this. The second and almost simultaneous step is to once again prepare for battle. If we bask too long we will find ourselves speaking of past victories instead of future glories. In light of this I want to remind you of Paul’s words to the church of Ephesus:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
God bless,
Rob
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Quick Glance Away
On Monday of this past week I was forced to do what many of us absolutely detest, yet know its value: I went to the dentist. If you find yourself feeling good, like perhaps just maybe things are finally on the upswing, do not go to the dentist; they will only make you feel bad. After going to the dentist I have no idea how my congregation can stomach looking at my hideous mouth while I preach. If I could only draw a picture of my mouth based off of the description given by the dentist I assure you, no crow would ever try to steal corn from me again! Alas I digress. To any who may have read this meaningless rant and are somehow involved in dental hygiene, I apologize. But might I add that the human soul is a fragile thing, treat it with care.
I went in to the dental office for my regular (and sometimes not so regular) cleaning. While the dental assistant was cleaning my teeth I noticed she would do something that troubled me. In one hand she held some form of electric suction straw. The purpose of this as many of you know is to make sure we don’t drown ourselves. This was not the problem. The problem was that in the other hand she held a mechanical pick which scraps all of the junk off of your teeth. This too would not be a problem if I did not notice that from time to time while holding this moving pick in my mouth she would look away. Now I had a problem! In that short second she choose to look anywhere other than where the pick was a catastrophe could have taken place. I grew uneasy with every drifting glance knowing what may be in store for my already hideous mouth in the near future. The way I look at it is this; how long does it take a carpenter to look away from his table saw while cutting wood before something goes wrong? It only takes a second before things can go really bad.
Where this gets tricky is when it comes to Christianity and Christian living. We spend our lives trying to figure out virtually everything. At length we examine how to live better, how to love better, how to serve better; but all of this can change with just a quick glance away. If Christ is the focal point, than anything that is contrary to Christ becomes a stumbling block. Within just a short period of time of not being focused on Christ, lives can be altered, relationships are shattered and scars are formed. All of us have experienced this at some level or another and none of us can walk this earth scar free. What we need to do however is learn from those scars and therefore reduce the scaring that could take place in the future. I have only one answer in regards to accomplishing this; keep your eyes focused on the only one who can protect you. Even glances in another direction have the ability to cause us pain and regret. The path is not easy, it is not short and we do not walk it alone. Allow yourself to be led by our great protector and saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.
I went in to the dental office for my regular (and sometimes not so regular) cleaning. While the dental assistant was cleaning my teeth I noticed she would do something that troubled me. In one hand she held some form of electric suction straw. The purpose of this as many of you know is to make sure we don’t drown ourselves. This was not the problem. The problem was that in the other hand she held a mechanical pick which scraps all of the junk off of your teeth. This too would not be a problem if I did not notice that from time to time while holding this moving pick in my mouth she would look away. Now I had a problem! In that short second she choose to look anywhere other than where the pick was a catastrophe could have taken place. I grew uneasy with every drifting glance knowing what may be in store for my already hideous mouth in the near future. The way I look at it is this; how long does it take a carpenter to look away from his table saw while cutting wood before something goes wrong? It only takes a second before things can go really bad.
Where this gets tricky is when it comes to Christianity and Christian living. We spend our lives trying to figure out virtually everything. At length we examine how to live better, how to love better, how to serve better; but all of this can change with just a quick glance away. If Christ is the focal point, than anything that is contrary to Christ becomes a stumbling block. Within just a short period of time of not being focused on Christ, lives can be altered, relationships are shattered and scars are formed. All of us have experienced this at some level or another and none of us can walk this earth scar free. What we need to do however is learn from those scars and therefore reduce the scaring that could take place in the future. I have only one answer in regards to accomplishing this; keep your eyes focused on the only one who can protect you. Even glances in another direction have the ability to cause us pain and regret. The path is not easy, it is not short and we do not walk it alone. Allow yourself to be led by our great protector and saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Ice Cream
Admittedly it has been some time since I have posted my last blog. It seems that my mind works much like the weather. When it is sunny and bright so is my mind and I am able to think as clearly as the sky (Ha!). But alas, we do live in Canada and I am stuck in my winter rut like so many others I know. In light of this, if my thoughts are not coherent or productive, assume it is the weather controlling my weekend state.
As a young minister I have had to think about how to approach the issue of tithing and/or giving to the church. It is a less than pleasurable topic and seems almost as if I am seeking some kind of personal gain through teaching it. After much thought and wrestling about the matter, I would like to make a comparison that I hope will find useful.
There is a commercial on television right now for "Europe's Best" where a family sits down to dessert. They are a well off, distinguished, proper family who seem to practice appropriate table manners. With classical music playing in the background the family begin to eat their bowls of ice cream and fruit. The son dives into the bowl eating only the fruit as the parents watch on horrified. After finishing all his fruit the boy plays with his spoon, poking at the ice cream with an obvious expression of distaste for the treat. After a moment of watching this silently, his mother says quite sternly, "Max, eat your ice cream".
You will hear many try and tell you that it is your responsibility to give to the local church. They will say that it is a command from God. I would agree, however, I think that we may have unintentionally diverted our focus from what is truly important. For a preacher to try and tell you that it is your responsibility to give freely to the church is like the mother telling her son that he must eat his ice cream. It simply makes no sense! It may be our responsibility to give, but clearly the focus must be shifted. God has asked us to give and this is a privilege, not a burden. It is freeing, not restricting. It must be done with joy and adulation, not with pain and suffering.
In the old testament there were occasions when the Israelites would be asked to give, often in regards to building, re-building or repairing the temple. There were times when the leadership of the day would have to ask the people to stop giving. They had exceeded what was asked of them. Your money and your gifts do not simply go into the pocket of the minister. It does not go into elaborate building plans and expanded parking lots. The money you give is used to advance the kingdom of God, to feed the hungry, to teach our children, to spread the gospel and to support the church God has blessed you with. I will not tell you to eat ice cream and I will not tell you to give your money. I will however say I have tasted ice cream and it is delicious. Delight in what you give and rejoice that God has chosen to use your gifts to spread His Good News.
As a young minister I have had to think about how to approach the issue of tithing and/or giving to the church. It is a less than pleasurable topic and seems almost as if I am seeking some kind of personal gain through teaching it. After much thought and wrestling about the matter, I would like to make a comparison that I hope will find useful.
There is a commercial on television right now for "Europe's Best" where a family sits down to dessert. They are a well off, distinguished, proper family who seem to practice appropriate table manners. With classical music playing in the background the family begin to eat their bowls of ice cream and fruit. The son dives into the bowl eating only the fruit as the parents watch on horrified. After finishing all his fruit the boy plays with his spoon, poking at the ice cream with an obvious expression of distaste for the treat. After a moment of watching this silently, his mother says quite sternly, "Max, eat your ice cream".
You will hear many try and tell you that it is your responsibility to give to the local church. They will say that it is a command from God. I would agree, however, I think that we may have unintentionally diverted our focus from what is truly important. For a preacher to try and tell you that it is your responsibility to give freely to the church is like the mother telling her son that he must eat his ice cream. It simply makes no sense! It may be our responsibility to give, but clearly the focus must be shifted. God has asked us to give and this is a privilege, not a burden. It is freeing, not restricting. It must be done with joy and adulation, not with pain and suffering.
In the old testament there were occasions when the Israelites would be asked to give, often in regards to building, re-building or repairing the temple. There were times when the leadership of the day would have to ask the people to stop giving. They had exceeded what was asked of them. Your money and your gifts do not simply go into the pocket of the minister. It does not go into elaborate building plans and expanded parking lots. The money you give is used to advance the kingdom of God, to feed the hungry, to teach our children, to spread the gospel and to support the church God has blessed you with. I will not tell you to eat ice cream and I will not tell you to give your money. I will however say I have tasted ice cream and it is delicious. Delight in what you give and rejoice that God has chosen to use your gifts to spread His Good News.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Resolution
Every year around this time people decide that the time has come to make some form of New Years resolution which they will attempt to carry out for a full 365 days. As we all know, more often than not, that same resolution is made the following January in hope that this year may somehow be different from the last. This year I will make a new resolution; a resolution which I hope you can all be a part of.
This year I resolve to apologize more. I will try my best to remove my personal pride and replace it with grace and humility. I will also apologize more because I resolve to make more mistakes. I'm not talking about those little mistakes that no one cares about either; I'm talking about those mistakes that become legendary. I resolve to fail more simply because I resolve to try more. Too long I have said this is the way it should be and never battled to see it take place. Mistakes will be made, apologies will be given and Lord willing somewhere along the way God will be glorified in it.
I resolve to look up more than I look across. I will look to the author of all that is good and give praise where praise is truly deserved. I resolve to encourage my brothers and sisters, not inflate them. I will look to see what God has done through and in spite of them and not look to what they have done on their own strength. I resolve to acknowledge and take joy in the fact that we are weak and that through that weakness God is glorified.
This year I resolve to make the theoretical practical. I will act when prompted and reflect the remainder of the time. I will use my youth to push us as a church and seek the wisdom of the elders to balance that youthful zeal; but change will come. The kingdom is near and the kingdom is here and I resolve to live in such a manner as to reflect this truth.
Rob
This year I resolve to apologize more. I will try my best to remove my personal pride and replace it with grace and humility. I will also apologize more because I resolve to make more mistakes. I'm not talking about those little mistakes that no one cares about either; I'm talking about those mistakes that become legendary. I resolve to fail more simply because I resolve to try more. Too long I have said this is the way it should be and never battled to see it take place. Mistakes will be made, apologies will be given and Lord willing somewhere along the way God will be glorified in it.
I resolve to look up more than I look across. I will look to the author of all that is good and give praise where praise is truly deserved. I resolve to encourage my brothers and sisters, not inflate them. I will look to see what God has done through and in spite of them and not look to what they have done on their own strength. I resolve to acknowledge and take joy in the fact that we are weak and that through that weakness God is glorified.
This year I resolve to make the theoretical practical. I will act when prompted and reflect the remainder of the time. I will use my youth to push us as a church and seek the wisdom of the elders to balance that youthful zeal; but change will come. The kingdom is near and the kingdom is here and I resolve to live in such a manner as to reflect this truth.
Rob
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Redeemer
Admittedly, I struggle with Christmas. Not all aspects of Christmas, just what we have done to it. As a result I may have inadvertently avoided the subject altogether. But as I reflect on what the birth of Christ meant to a lost and depraved generation I can't help but marvel at the event that took place some 2000 years ago and what He still means to us today; a lost and depraved generation.
It was not long ago that I had my third child; a daughter. I remember the overwhelming feeling of anticipation and excitement while we waited for her arrival. I remember the long sleepless night right before we went into the hospital knowing that the next day we would have a new member added to our family. And when Charlotte finally came into the world, I remember very well the feeling of joy and hope that she brought with her. Right now she is sitting in her exersaucer across from me and I still see that same hope and joy in her face today and I celebrate her being in my life.
When Jesus Christ was brought into this world, born of a virgin and conceived of the Holy Spirit, it was an anticipation that was shared by all of creation; and when He finally arrived the heavens and earth rejoiced. They rejoiced because they had been waiting so long for the fulfillment of Gods simple promise, to send a redeemer; and now that redeemer had arrived in the form of a child. That child represented hope and joy like no other before or after. It is a joy and hope that we can still see if we know the one who was sent of God.
We are now in a similar situation as we look to the day when that same Redeemer will restore the earth. We live in the age of grace, forgiven and justified through Jesus Christ, and now we look to the day when perfection comes. That glorious and dreadful day of the Lord. Will we be like the shepherds who were able to witness one of the greatest moments in all of history, or will we resemble the religious leaders who missed their messiah because they were more focused on being religious than being saved from their own iniquities? The choice is yours to make. At this time of year, let us look to the one who was sent to redeem and not to the Jesus we have used as an excuse for our own commercialism, materialism and religiosity.
Rob
It was not long ago that I had my third child; a daughter. I remember the overwhelming feeling of anticipation and excitement while we waited for her arrival. I remember the long sleepless night right before we went into the hospital knowing that the next day we would have a new member added to our family. And when Charlotte finally came into the world, I remember very well the feeling of joy and hope that she brought with her. Right now she is sitting in her exersaucer across from me and I still see that same hope and joy in her face today and I celebrate her being in my life.
When Jesus Christ was brought into this world, born of a virgin and conceived of the Holy Spirit, it was an anticipation that was shared by all of creation; and when He finally arrived the heavens and earth rejoiced. They rejoiced because they had been waiting so long for the fulfillment of Gods simple promise, to send a redeemer; and now that redeemer had arrived in the form of a child. That child represented hope and joy like no other before or after. It is a joy and hope that we can still see if we know the one who was sent of God.
We are now in a similar situation as we look to the day when that same Redeemer will restore the earth. We live in the age of grace, forgiven and justified through Jesus Christ, and now we look to the day when perfection comes. That glorious and dreadful day of the Lord. Will we be like the shepherds who were able to witness one of the greatest moments in all of history, or will we resemble the religious leaders who missed their messiah because they were more focused on being religious than being saved from their own iniquities? The choice is yours to make. At this time of year, let us look to the one who was sent to redeem and not to the Jesus we have used as an excuse for our own commercialism, materialism and religiosity.
Rob
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Poor Among Us
Living downtown Toronto, I find it easy enough to go and be of some help to those in need, namely the homeless that so often fill our parks and streets. I find it a simple enough task to take a few minutes of my day and buy someone a coffee or donut from Tim Horton’s. In fact, if you try it yourself, you’ll probably find it’s not even that hard to sit and have a chat with one of these people. Maybe not even about anything special, but it’s amazing how meaningful it is to show someone that they matter, and that someone does care.
To me, living here and experiencing this sort of thing is commonplace.
But can I tell you what is really hard for me? (The hard thing, which I don’t like to think about because it makes me uncomfortable just to picture it)
Doing more…yikes! Those are scary words. To do more- To go back the next day and spend another few minutes with the same guy; to give more time; to find out what is really going on and try to help; to give more than food or clothing; to take someone out for a nice dinner, knowing people will look at you funny. To make them feel loved no matter what it takes.
“But no, I can’t give too much of myself; especially not today.”
Why not today?
“But I’ve already done so much to help.”
Maybe so, but can you do more?
“But it is so inconvenient; so uncomfortable; so tough; so tiresome; so frightening...”
So what?
For me, when say I stop to say hello to someone on the street, the initial small talk is easy enough. But then there is that pause- you know, the one where you usually say “well, it was really nice talking to you, I have to be on my way”- and then you head on to that place you really don’t have to be on your way too in any real hurry.
But the challenge as Christians is that God doesn’t want us to just cross to the other side of the road, or to take the easy road as it were. He calls us to something greater. It’s as if he says to us:
‘What if instead of leaving, you just stayed. Just sit there in the silence, and maybe after a moment, or perhaps even a long while, conversation might carry on. Or maybe it won’t, who knows? (Here, I usually wince with that face that says ‘oh no’, and try everything I can to get the thought out of my head- but it’s too late. I know as long as I don’t do it, the feeling won’t go away.)
We often try to justify our reasons for getting out while it’s still safe, but we all know what we really need to do in those situations. It’s just a matter of if we actually follow through.
But man, it’s not easy. I can tell you this from the too few times I’ve actually tried it. It is not glamorous like you picture it being when you hear heroic tales of such things.
I don’t know about you, but the music in the background of movies gets me going, especially ones like ‘Brave Heart’- Bagpipes playing and William Wallace fearlessly leading his army of common men- there is nothing more heroic and inspiring in my eyes. I feel like I could change the world…
But in all reality, when you wake up and head out the door in the morning, there is no music, and definitely no William Wallace by your side.
But what we do have is this: A great hope in a God who so intimately relates to the same struggles, and promises to be with us as we go out into the world; a God who is indeed alive in us. And in Him, there is great comfort in knowing the victory is ours. Because if God is for us, then who can be against us? (I think we need remind ourselves that even William Wallace will fall at the feet of God in awe on that great day.)
So when it comes to actually making a difference in someone’s life, I’ve had to realize it is not as easy as people make it out to be in movies. In fact, it can be quite uncomfortable. What if, for example, it is raining outside, or if it’s cold, or you’re hungry, thirsty, tired, angry, or whatever. Maybe the person smells. Maybe you smell. It is usually not very convenient.
But to stay anyways…wow! Now that is a real challenge. Have you ever tried it? To stick it out and take what is really but a fraction of your life to have a meaningful time with someone who surely would appreciate it. To do as Jesus did and meet people as they are, with an agenda formed only of love and compassion, and not personal gain: To ‘seek and save that which is lost’; to love your neighbour as you love yourself; to not just give a small portion of your time, money, love, etc…, but to give your all to show the world there is a God who loves them. And most importantly, to remember and pray continually for those whom you seek to serve.
Like I said before, it’s easy enough for me to meet people in need on the street, even just out my front door. But loving our neighbour is much more than just helping the poor man on the street, though that is a part. Our needy neighbours are those in our communities, our workplaces, our schools, and even our Churches. The single parents for example, the troubled youth, and the lonely widows, just to name a few. It’s a matter of praying for the opportunity and opening our eyes to the real needs of peoples’ hearts. Everyone is just a person, and every person hurts.
It’s something to think about, something to pray about, and something to do.
Andrew
To me, living here and experiencing this sort of thing is commonplace.
But can I tell you what is really hard for me? (The hard thing, which I don’t like to think about because it makes me uncomfortable just to picture it)
Doing more…yikes! Those are scary words. To do more- To go back the next day and spend another few minutes with the same guy; to give more time; to find out what is really going on and try to help; to give more than food or clothing; to take someone out for a nice dinner, knowing people will look at you funny. To make them feel loved no matter what it takes.
“But no, I can’t give too much of myself; especially not today.”
Why not today?
“But I’ve already done so much to help.”
Maybe so, but can you do more?
“But it is so inconvenient; so uncomfortable; so tough; so tiresome; so frightening...”
So what?
For me, when say I stop to say hello to someone on the street, the initial small talk is easy enough. But then there is that pause- you know, the one where you usually say “well, it was really nice talking to you, I have to be on my way”- and then you head on to that place you really don’t have to be on your way too in any real hurry.
But the challenge as Christians is that God doesn’t want us to just cross to the other side of the road, or to take the easy road as it were. He calls us to something greater. It’s as if he says to us:
‘What if instead of leaving, you just stayed. Just sit there in the silence, and maybe after a moment, or perhaps even a long while, conversation might carry on. Or maybe it won’t, who knows? (Here, I usually wince with that face that says ‘oh no’, and try everything I can to get the thought out of my head- but it’s too late. I know as long as I don’t do it, the feeling won’t go away.)
We often try to justify our reasons for getting out while it’s still safe, but we all know what we really need to do in those situations. It’s just a matter of if we actually follow through.
But man, it’s not easy. I can tell you this from the too few times I’ve actually tried it. It is not glamorous like you picture it being when you hear heroic tales of such things.
I don’t know about you, but the music in the background of movies gets me going, especially ones like ‘Brave Heart’- Bagpipes playing and William Wallace fearlessly leading his army of common men- there is nothing more heroic and inspiring in my eyes. I feel like I could change the world…
But in all reality, when you wake up and head out the door in the morning, there is no music, and definitely no William Wallace by your side.
But what we do have is this: A great hope in a God who so intimately relates to the same struggles, and promises to be with us as we go out into the world; a God who is indeed alive in us. And in Him, there is great comfort in knowing the victory is ours. Because if God is for us, then who can be against us? (I think we need remind ourselves that even William Wallace will fall at the feet of God in awe on that great day.)
So when it comes to actually making a difference in someone’s life, I’ve had to realize it is not as easy as people make it out to be in movies. In fact, it can be quite uncomfortable. What if, for example, it is raining outside, or if it’s cold, or you’re hungry, thirsty, tired, angry, or whatever. Maybe the person smells. Maybe you smell. It is usually not very convenient.
But to stay anyways…wow! Now that is a real challenge. Have you ever tried it? To stick it out and take what is really but a fraction of your life to have a meaningful time with someone who surely would appreciate it. To do as Jesus did and meet people as they are, with an agenda formed only of love and compassion, and not personal gain: To ‘seek and save that which is lost’; to love your neighbour as you love yourself; to not just give a small portion of your time, money, love, etc…, but to give your all to show the world there is a God who loves them. And most importantly, to remember and pray continually for those whom you seek to serve.
Like I said before, it’s easy enough for me to meet people in need on the street, even just out my front door. But loving our neighbour is much more than just helping the poor man on the street, though that is a part. Our needy neighbours are those in our communities, our workplaces, our schools, and even our Churches. The single parents for example, the troubled youth, and the lonely widows, just to name a few. It’s a matter of praying for the opportunity and opening our eyes to the real needs of peoples’ hearts. Everyone is just a person, and every person hurts.
It’s something to think about, something to pray about, and something to do.
Andrew
Monday, November 17, 2008
Brain Swelling
I have taken a bit of a break from writing my blog during a time of intense brain swelling. For the past three or more months I have been studying hard for my ordination interview which took place two weeks ago. Since then I have been allowing myself time to decompress and allow the swelling in my brain to go down. Writing anything more than my child-like signature became a task and I seemed to be exhausted over the tiniest of thought interruptions. I know for many, you know exactly what I am talking about.
This past Friday Becky and I took possession of our new home. We were very excited to get in and begin the work needed to make the home into our own and something we could enjoy living in. As a result, we very much needed to gut and replace both the bathroom and the kitchen. On Saturday morning when I arrived at the house, Dieter, our Summit Church Picasso when it comes to home renovations, was already hard at work taking my bathroom apart. My job in assisting him was to remove the garbage that he was taking down and put into the bin. He warned me not to take too much at one time so that I would not hurt or strain myself since this is not what I do for a living and my body is not used to this kind of labour. He was right. The next day I attempted to put on my wedding ring and it did not fit. My fingers had swelled and it was not until mid day that I was finally able to get it back on.
Preachers, like myself, tell their listeners that they are to read their bible and pray everyday and that the study they choose to do should be somewhat substantial. What we inadvertently do is swelling peoples brains; so much so that at times they are unable to carry on the next day. So here is my encouragement to you; if you are new to the discipline of reading your bible or any spiritual discipline for that fact, pace yourself! Take time to get used to the discipline of study to better ensure that you don't suffer from brain swelling, which is sure to lead to discouragement and failure. Don't allow the discipline of studying your bible take away from the joy of spending time in the word, and before you know you will have adjusted to this new lifestyle and will be ready to move on to new challenges, that once again may cause the unexpected swelling of the brain.
This past Friday Becky and I took possession of our new home. We were very excited to get in and begin the work needed to make the home into our own and something we could enjoy living in. As a result, we very much needed to gut and replace both the bathroom and the kitchen. On Saturday morning when I arrived at the house, Dieter, our Summit Church Picasso when it comes to home renovations, was already hard at work taking my bathroom apart. My job in assisting him was to remove the garbage that he was taking down and put into the bin. He warned me not to take too much at one time so that I would not hurt or strain myself since this is not what I do for a living and my body is not used to this kind of labour. He was right. The next day I attempted to put on my wedding ring and it did not fit. My fingers had swelled and it was not until mid day that I was finally able to get it back on.
Preachers, like myself, tell their listeners that they are to read their bible and pray everyday and that the study they choose to do should be somewhat substantial. What we inadvertently do is swelling peoples brains; so much so that at times they are unable to carry on the next day. So here is my encouragement to you; if you are new to the discipline of reading your bible or any spiritual discipline for that fact, pace yourself! Take time to get used to the discipline of study to better ensure that you don't suffer from brain swelling, which is sure to lead to discouragement and failure. Don't allow the discipline of studying your bible take away from the joy of spending time in the word, and before you know you will have adjusted to this new lifestyle and will be ready to move on to new challenges, that once again may cause the unexpected swelling of the brain.
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