September 17, 2007 by craig.

Would any of us dare hinder the work of Christ? We would almost instinctively say, “no way - not me! I would never keep God from doing all that He desires in my life, my family, or my church.” But, our personal disobedience in the seemingly “small things” can actually be an obstacle to His will from taking place in this world. That is a major consequence for something we may consider just little ol’ daily decisions.

Mark 1:43-45 gives us an interesting exchange between Jesus and a man He had just healed … “Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: ‘See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.’ Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.”

This man whom Jesus healed from leprosy made the choice to disobey the warning and the instructions Christ gave him. That violation of God’s will resulted in others missing out on what could have been. Blessings, teachings, even healings like he himself had experienced!

Even so, we’ve got to note that Christ’s sovereign plans are never thwarted. He still drew the people to Himself and passed on His intended blessings.

“So what,” you may say. “God’s will was still accomplished. Why make such a huge deal out of this one man’s disobedience?” Put yourself in this man’s shoes. Would you want to be remembered throughout all history as the one who was a hindrance to the perfect will of God in this phase of Jesus’s ministry on planet earth? Think before you act; weigh carefully the outcome of your disobedience. When Christ gives you a clear warning or command, your obedience must be complete, exact, and immediate.

Posted in personal ponderings | No Comments »

September 4, 2007 by craig.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. With the college football season underway (how ’bout them Ap State Mountaineers?) and the 2007 NFL season beginning Thursday, I’m very excited! I’m also looking forward to my fantasy football league this year! As a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, I’m greatly anticipating Tony Romo & Terrell Owens hooking up several times for touchdowns this year.

Some might look at each of these scores and see them as passing touchdowns. Others might consider them receiving touchdowns. Will it be viewed as a great on-target pass? Or maybe an amazing pull-it-out-of-the-air “circus catch”? The truth is … you need both to make the play what it needs to be! That is what will have to happen, again and again, for the ‘Boys or [insert your favorite team here] to walk away with a win.

James 2:26 says this: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” It’s clear that we are both spirit and flesh. Until death, our bodies and spirits are inseparable. Even beyond death, they go together. One day, our bodies will be resurrected and reunited with our spirits (John 5:28-29). They were made to be together. That’s God’s perfect design.

Our faith and works are no different than the players in a well-executed pass play. They are made to go together. Otherwise, our spiritual lives are marked with defeat and death. Our doctrine is sound only when it is coupled with our deeds. Our feats are eternally valid only when they are backed with Christ-centered faith.

See ya on the field … of life!

Posted in other stuff | 1 Comment »

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?

Posted in personal ponderings | 1 Comment »

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.

Posted in personal ponderings | No Comments »