August 29, 2007 by craig.

I admit it. I’m a child of the 80’s (and some of the 70’s!). If that’s you, too, or if you ever even surfed through late night TV on Saturdays, you probably remember the rock-band-roadie wannabes who had their own cable show (how did THAT ever happen, by the way?) on SNL named Wayne Campbell & Garth Algar. After observing their quirky behavior in many sketches and in two motion pictures, we expected to hear certain catchphrases or see certain gestures from these guys. When they met up with a band or musician or actor they idolized, they would always respond with the chant “we’re not worthy!” accompanied with the repeated “falling prostrate” position offered before their admirees.

While that should also be our response in light of who receives the glory in life, I wonder, is that your response in thinking about the rewards of God? There is nothing wrong with thinking that God will reward us for living lives that glorify Him and expand His Kingdom here on earth. It’s not prideful to think about such things. We may be too “humble” or “shy” to think God would ever do anything like that. But very clearly in Scripture, He has a heart geared to rewarding you!

The Bible gives us a preview of Christ’s mindset when He appears at the end of time: “Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done.” - Rev 22:12 (HCSB) Wow! He is concerned with you and bringing rewards of blessing with Him. Not just any reward, but (did you notice?) His reward! A Jesus-sized payoff.

You’re ultimately right, Mr. Campbell and Mr. Algar. You’re not worthy. But God is generous. Remember, there’s a big difference between self-aggrandizing pride and putting high expectations on Him! Which are you about today?

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August 16, 2007 by craig.

This is it!  Welcome to the new blog. It seems that we are obsessed with the idea of newness. Think about it … the draw of a new store or a new neighborhood, how a new song on the radio by an artist is all the rage (and dropped completely from the rotation months later!), and of course, that new car smell!

How interesting to note that God gets that obsession. Actually, He doesn’t just get it. He created it and built it into every one of us. For it is a passion that originated with Him! As he showed a glimpse of the culmination of time, Jesus said to his dear friend John in Revelation 21:5 “Look! I am making everything new!”

Our Lord’s heart is excited and driven by newness. It is what He freely offers to you and me in the possibility of our becoming a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17) — to not just enjoy new things and experiences, but to be new and live out the newness!

I’m looking forward to adding new posts. For the time being, enjoy that new blog smell.

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