Sunday Afternoon Thoughts

What if we believed together that God not only loves us, but really likes us? 

"When the imitation of Christ does not mean to live a life like Christ, but to live your life as authentically as Christ lived his, then there are many ways and forms in which a man can be a Christian." - Henri Nouwen (*as found in The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning)

I have been thinking about India a lot lately. 

The BBC is featuring a photo gallery about the (Sikh) Golden Temple in Punjab.

Also, The Lakers won tonight.

"Missions" and myself part 1

Do you ever get to the point where your mind is focusing on so many different things that it is difficult to express any one of them in detail?

That is the mindset behind today's blog. 

And so I begin... not really knowing what will come out.

"Missionary" "Field Worker" "The Field"

Words most often used when referring to those serving overseas.

We know in our hearts that we have the same task "here" that we do "there"... so why do the terms still go on? What is it that makes the two places different, in our mindset, our words, our awareness and our dependence on the Lord?

In chapel yesterday, Dr. Mooney talked about the "decentralization" that happens when we become followers of Jesus Christ.

There are times when I get into a "rut." I find it difficult to be genuine with the people I love most. My head spins in circles until I become paralyzed at my current situation or circumstance.

When I accepted Christ and began to grow in the knowledge of and in relationship with him, the biggest desire of my heart was to know him deeper in a real way. 

When the cross is in view, I have found it impossible to think much of myself in the context of anything other than immense gratitude.

When I lose sight of it...

Everything becomes overwhelming. Suddenly life is "me" centered again, and the process of being overwhelmed begins all over again.

And yet I have found this to be ONE of the reasons I lose confidence and intentionality "here" that I had "there."

Quote for today:

"Discipleship means adherence to Christ...

Discipleship without Jesus Christ is a way of our own choosing. It may be the ideal way. It may even lead to martyrdom, but it is devoid of all promise. Jesus will certainly reject it."

(The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

The curtain has been torn

Matthew 27 tells the story of the final hours of the life of Jesus.

The few chapters before narrate the story of the time leading up to it.

Why is it that our minds, when suffering and sad, seem so detached from the real person of Jesus that lived and walked this earth?

In reading this last week I am overwhelmed with the sorrow and agony that Jesus went through.

In his silence when he was mocked.

In the words of rebellion against this world that he said, and was mocked for.

In his prayers of deep emotion, for the sake of the Glory of God... so that we may be saved. 

I am going to be writing a paper for a class on CS Lewis, entitled, 

"Eternity, Justice and the Cross" in which I am going to be researching two of Lewis' works (and several other texts) to explore how our desire to have purpose and for social justice, is inspired by and hinges on the truth found in the cross. 

I will share my findings along the way.

This is what has been on my heart lately. The desire for social justice in itself is not what makes us good, or even what inspires change. BUT when it is a natural response and desire of our hearts because of the view of grace that we see in the glory of the cross, we find eternal meaning in each orphan defended, child rescued, and broken comforted. 

The curtain has been torn. We do not need to work for peace with God. He has given it freely to those who believe :) 

Quote for the day:

"All history comes down to Jesus, and all history flows out from Jesus"

~Dr. Thom Wolf