So, we had some great friends from Birmingham, AL visit with us this weekend and where else are we gonna take them, that's right, Dollywood! You can tell we haven't lived here long! But I must say there is something about riding rollercoasters that I never seem to get over.
There is the long anticipated arrival of standing in the 'gate' just before loading. Within the first 20 seconds of the ride you get that nauseating feeling when climbing the first hill. At the last click of the climb comes that brief second of "aww man why did I do this again" only to be followed up by a ridiculous girl-like giggle when making the second turn as I am enjoying what in other contexts would be considered cruel or even abuse.
But, as with most things, I signed up for it! And so it goes. Will I get "talked into" going to Dollywood again...probably. Will I ride more rollercoasters...you bet. Will I buy the horrible photo shot of me on the coaster...never! Will I continue to push myself to try new things and position my family for times of fun together...I sure plan to. It's worth the trip.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Reflections...
I am planning a rafting trip for our college ministry this summer and in thinking through the logistics I began to reminisce about my joys of rafting. The fun and excitement of experiencing the fast paced rapids is difficult to overstate. But, I am quickly reminded that it is precisely the fact that these raging trips are both rare and exhilarating, that the anticipation before and the reflection afterwards solidifies the journey.
For a while now I have felt as though I was being pulled behind a speed boat with just one ski and one buttery hand hanging on (sorry, too many water sports illustrations!). I love the fast paced reality of ministry, particularly that of Student Ministry, but I am finding that the much needed time of reflection, both personally and ministerially, is somewhat lacking.
Pastors, maybe our insatiable desire for productivity and the pre-packaged "Western" idea of church (need for speed) in and of itself is why so many are burnt out and doing "business as usual". Perhaps we are in dire need of an oasis, a slow cruise in a mirrored lake of reflection in order to make sure we are charting the right course. And when the pace of the waves picks up, we find ourselves more apt to eagerly paddle against the tide and enjoy the ride!
For a while now I have felt as though I was being pulled behind a speed boat with just one ski and one buttery hand hanging on (sorry, too many water sports illustrations!). I love the fast paced reality of ministry, particularly that of Student Ministry, but I am finding that the much needed time of reflection, both personally and ministerially, is somewhat lacking.
Pastors, maybe our insatiable desire for productivity and the pre-packaged "Western" idea of church (need for speed) in and of itself is why so many are burnt out and doing "business as usual". Perhaps we are in dire need of an oasis, a slow cruise in a mirrored lake of reflection in order to make sure we are charting the right course. And when the pace of the waves picks up, we find ourselves more apt to eagerly paddle against the tide and enjoy the ride!
Monday, May 18, 2009
A God in "Need"?
“Why is there something rather than nothing?” This philosophical question arises quite often in discussions of cosmology, particularly as it relates to macro evolution and intelligent design theories. You come to expect it, and yet with most naturalists we are all still awaiting something that resembles an answer.
In addition, I have been in the company of some in the last few months who have asked, rhetorically mostly, an even more existential question, “Why do we exist?” The immediate answer, as if on cue, has revealed something along the lines of a “need” God has in creating us for the purpose of displaying, experiencing, and even showering His divine love onto and even into His creation. The creation described is none other than what is considered God’s crowning creation, humans, to which He made in His image (Imago Dei) according to Genesis 1:26-28.
I must say that as a Christ-follower I am overjoyed at God’s revealed love and divine purposes in Christ that extend grace (giving me what I don’t deserve) and mercy (not giving me what I do deserve) in spite of my sin and separation from Him. But what is a mere mortal to think of a God that is in “need”. St. Anselm of Canterbury (A.D. 1033-1109) coined a way of rationally viewing God in the sentence, “God is fundamentally that than which no greater can be conceived.” God is a necessary being, in that He is the only one whose existence depends completely upon His own nature and desire as first cause (Creator/Sustainer of everything).
In essence, God is “defined” as the sum of all perfections, in other words, He is lacking in nothing. Wayne Grudem defines God’s independence as “God does not need us or the rest of creation for anything, yet we and the rest of creation can glorify him and bring him joy.” This attribute of God is known as his self-existence (aseity). God in no way needs anything from His creation (Acts 17:24-25; Job 41:11; Ps. 50:10-12).
Concerning God’s “sharing” of His love consider the Lord’s prayer in John 17, particularly verses 5 and 24. Jesus spoke of the eternal love shared with He and the Father “…for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” Within the Godhead (Trinity) is one God in essence and three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Among the Persons of the Trinity there have always existed perfect love, fellowship and communication from all eternity. Grudem further says, “The fact that God is three persons yet one God means that there was no loneliness or lack of personal fellowship on God’s part before creation.”
So, is it possible for me to accept and marvel at the great grace and love of God towards me and my very existence, yet not postulate a finite and even marred theory of my existence upon God? Am I somehow forced to project my human limitations onto a God that supersedes me in all things? Perhaps, to ask it is to answer it. I shall hold fast to my confession that I exist purely, although exhaustibly unexplainable this side of Heaven, for the glory of God. For that I am eternally grateful.
In addition, I have been in the company of some in the last few months who have asked, rhetorically mostly, an even more existential question, “Why do we exist?” The immediate answer, as if on cue, has revealed something along the lines of a “need” God has in creating us for the purpose of displaying, experiencing, and even showering His divine love onto and even into His creation. The creation described is none other than what is considered God’s crowning creation, humans, to which He made in His image (Imago Dei) according to Genesis 1:26-28.
I must say that as a Christ-follower I am overjoyed at God’s revealed love and divine purposes in Christ that extend grace (giving me what I don’t deserve) and mercy (not giving me what I do deserve) in spite of my sin and separation from Him. But what is a mere mortal to think of a God that is in “need”. St. Anselm of Canterbury (A.D. 1033-1109) coined a way of rationally viewing God in the sentence, “God is fundamentally that than which no greater can be conceived.” God is a necessary being, in that He is the only one whose existence depends completely upon His own nature and desire as first cause (Creator/Sustainer of everything).
In essence, God is “defined” as the sum of all perfections, in other words, He is lacking in nothing. Wayne Grudem defines God’s independence as “God does not need us or the rest of creation for anything, yet we and the rest of creation can glorify him and bring him joy.” This attribute of God is known as his self-existence (aseity). God in no way needs anything from His creation (Acts 17:24-25; Job 41:11; Ps. 50:10-12).
Concerning God’s “sharing” of His love consider the Lord’s prayer in John 17, particularly verses 5 and 24. Jesus spoke of the eternal love shared with He and the Father “…for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” Within the Godhead (Trinity) is one God in essence and three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Among the Persons of the Trinity there have always existed perfect love, fellowship and communication from all eternity. Grudem further says, “The fact that God is three persons yet one God means that there was no loneliness or lack of personal fellowship on God’s part before creation.”
So, is it possible for me to accept and marvel at the great grace and love of God towards me and my very existence, yet not postulate a finite and even marred theory of my existence upon God? Am I somehow forced to project my human limitations onto a God that supersedes me in all things? Perhaps, to ask it is to answer it. I shall hold fast to my confession that I exist purely, although exhaustibly unexplainable this side of Heaven, for the glory of God. For that I am eternally grateful.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
and yet another attempt...
I have attempted to blog a few times over the past 2 years and let's just say I have been less than consistent. However, it has occured to me that I NEED an outlet for just such rants, inquiries and discoveries that this Christ-follower encounters on my journey.
So, for the few who endeavor to help me chart through some of these oddly deep waters I welcome any insights, encouragment, and the occasional "what are you thinking" to be openly shared in this much appreciated "FREE" format. As for now I must go and prepare a few kind words for some awesome graduating seniors as to inspire them on their way into the vast land of collegiate wonder! Till next time...
So, for the few who endeavor to help me chart through some of these oddly deep waters I welcome any insights, encouragment, and the occasional "what are you thinking" to be openly shared in this much appreciated "FREE" format. As for now I must go and prepare a few kind words for some awesome graduating seniors as to inspire them on their way into the vast land of collegiate wonder! Till next time...
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