Heroes of the Faith

Some 250 years ago William Wilberforce was born(August 24,1759-died July 29 1833) . His story is one that everyone should be familiar with. It is a tale full of perseverance and trust in God . His battle to stop the sickening slave trade is one of epic victory. One man against a system that held onto this horror . The movie Amazing Grace is an excellent introduction . Plus check into Pastor John Piper's brief book called Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce.It is a quick read full of some excellent insights concerning this extraordinary man. So check out this hero of the faith and read how the gospel of Christ worked itself out in this devout God fearing man .

Things I'm Looking Forward to ...

If you know me ,then you will know there is one artist I play more than any other. That artist is SCC , short for Steven Curtis Chapman.I have loved his music for almost I think 16 years. It has helped me get through some pretty hard days , convicted me and ultimately given me much . His heart to serve God and the gospel of Christ has always moved me.

Last year in a tragic accident, He and his Wife lost their little girl Maria.Needless to say through a very raw and painful time of much grief and wondering what he would do next , a new album of material will be released on Nov.2 . The single is playing now called Heaven is the Face. It is a beautiful song of hope and joy, longing and questioning but ultimately one of triumph. It is very personal , as Steven opens up his heart about his beloved little girl. It moves me to tears as I reflect on the ultimate victory in Christ over sin and death.

The album is called Beauty Will Rise . It will be a very raw and emotional album . Possibly the most important of his career. I can't wait.

Sometimes You Wonder...

Last week our local village had a fireworks display. Now from our house you can see them above the tree line. So as has been the yearly tradition since we have lived here , we all go to the yard and watch. The show is quite spectacular. The explosions of color , the unique formations all dazzle your eyes and senses. After its all said and done, everyone will say , whoever put that show on is talented. Compliments concerning the time and effort to make it all make sense are passed around.

But as it was going on , I looked up . It was a clear night. Not a cloud in the sky. Stars adorned the heavens and the moon was a almost full. As I surveyed the sky and looked at those who had just went gaga over the fireworks , I noticed none looked up at the heavens . But if they had would they have pondered the beauty and grandeur of God's handiwork. Most probably wouldn't even think twice that all that beauty and wonder , they have been taught was the result of time plus chance , evolving over billions of years. But as they watched the fireworks they knew that someone had planned it,built them and fired them. It was not some random fluke.

That is why when the day of judgment comes , no one will have an excuse to say I didn't know you existed God. If you had just shown me . Romans Chapter 1 starting at verse 18 reads ,"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."

His majesty and power is on display everyday . From the rising of the sun , nebula's, animals and the wonder of a new born baby , God screams ,I'm here and you have no excuse. Who looks at a painting and thinks there is no painter . But sin darkens the mind and soul . We do not see because we don't want to see , and apart from God's amazing grace , we would be left being thrilled about man made fireworks.

So look up and see , there is a God and He has revealed Himself through His creation so that no one has an excuse to say , there is no God.

Good Works lead to Deception...

My parents were not perfect , no one is . We are all sinners in need of God's grace to come to Christ and receive redemption. But one thing they showed me was a giving,sharing and forgiving example and they were not Christians . Granted I think looking back now that the Judeo-Christian influence held sway but that would be the extent. We always had wonderful Christmas's and Mom made it clear it was about Jesus . Even Easter the resurrection would be mentioned. But I could not say I was raised by Christian parents.
However the example of the level of giving ,caring ,forgiving and sharing has impacted me . They opened the home to all, I remember a numerous times when we had people stay for attended periods of time. No one was made to feel unwelcome and the level of giving and sharing was always a way of life.

My mom died a believer thankfully . Trusting in Christ and not her "good works" to justify her . But it took cancer and her imminent death to shake her form the reality she was a "good" person before a holy God. In the worlds eyes , yes she was good but before God she was a sinner .

That is the thing that we need to convey clearly . Good works are great but they will not save you from the wrath of God. They are deceptive because people in general think they are good. But we are not . We are closer to Hitler than we are to God . We are sinful to the core and even all of those good things done were tainted with sin as Luther pointed out. The only one who has ever fulfilled the law perfectly is Christ. It is His righteousness we need , because our own righteousness is as filthy rags.

Air Conditioning ...A Gift From God....

Let me say clearly , I don't enjoy hot humid summers. It bothers my headaches and makes me feel sick. Plus I'm no fan of bugs. They like me too much.

That is why an air conditioner is a God send. As I sit writing this , my living room is perfectly comfortable as I sip my iced tea. Really all one can do when its this hot is strip down and unless your with your spouse , you can only go so far. When its cold , you can add a sweater , a blanket etc.. but not when the humidex is 40 .

So I thank God for my air conditioner .....hope your not sweating too much ...hahahaha .

Excellent Music .....

Over the last year or so I have read on many Christian Blogs how they dislike CCM . Contemporary Christian Music if you didn't know the CCM moniker. They lament how its insipid and just not as "good" as secular artist. I would challenge that and would say that in CCM there are many great artist . Yes there are some that make me cringe but then I could rattle off a long list of secular artist that do as well.

But one release earlier this year that shows how CCM can be both very well done and blur the lines of what is just great music and songwriting regardless if its considered CCM, is Jars of Clays The Long Fall Back to Earth . As with every Jars outing , sonically it is different than the last one. This one has a very interesting 80's vibe . With the use of synths and the guitar phrasing, they re- imagine if you will , the 80's sound for this day and age.

It has both intelligent lyrics covering a wide range of topics . Two Hands touching on the struggle of sin in our lives , Forgive Me pointing out how hard it is to realize your sins are forgiven in Christ . The whole album retains a solid sonic theme through out and has to be considered one of the beat this year.

So to all the naysayers of CCM , I dare you to go buy this fine slab of music . This Cd gets my 4.5 jars out of 5 .