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From the Foundation

The Bible tells us that from the foundation of the world Jesus chose us (Eph 1:4), prepared a kingdom for us (Mat. 25:34), He was foreordained (1 Pet. 1:20), and that He was slain (Rev. 13:8).

Since this all was decided from the foundation of the world, there should of course be some evidence of this not only from the  New Testament, but also from the Old. Numbers tells us that when Balaam saw Israel camp according to its tribes, the Spirit of God came upon him and he blessed Israel (Num. 24). What is it that he saw in the camp? Let's look at Number chapter 2. God specifically told Moses how they were to set up camp. So what Balaam saw, was a cross. No, I don't think that Balaam really understood what this would come to mean, but the Holy Spirit did.

The truth of what Jesus did is even revealed in our very DNA. Have you ever heard of laminins? I received an email once about these. Not one to just believe something I read in an email, I looked in to it. "Laminin is a protein that is part of the extracellular matrix in humans and animals. The extracellular matrix (ECM) lies outside of cells and provides support and attachment for cells inside organs (along with many other functions). Laminin has “arms” that associate with other laminin molecules to form sheets and bind to cells. Laminin and other ECM proteins essentially “glue” the cells (such as those lining the stomach and intestines) to a foundation of connective tissue. This keeps the cells in place and allows them to function properly." 
(Click on quote to see link.) So it is evident that God has revealed His plan from the very beginning!

Perfection

Someone commented on a book that I just read saying that she found the characters annoyingly perfect. I hadn't thought so, but I started to analyze the characters for any flaw, in defense of the book. Coming up short of any real faults the characters had I realized that perfection isn't something to be annoyed with. It's something to strive for. "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." "This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." We are told by God to "Be holy, for I am holy."

Too often he hear and use the phrases, "You're only human" and "No body's perfect". I beg to differ! Jesus was perfect! And while we all have that sin nature, and we do fall, we must not excuse it away! When we mess up we cannot console ourselves by saying that we are only human! We must run to the throne of God and repent! To make that 180° turn from sin. No, we aren't perfect.  But we need to try! How? "Practice makes perfect!" =)

The Flood and Continental Drift

I'm interested in finding out what you all think about the various theories that are out there about continental drift and how the flood played a part, if at all. Please take two seconds to vote in the poll to the right. Thanks for your thoughts!

In the Service of God

I'm reading a book called The Calling of Emily Evans by Janette Oke. During a session of chapel where Emily attends Bible College the speaker calls on the listeners to serve God, telling of the many areas that have asked for churches to be established and the shortage of workers. Emily hurries to altar with seven of her peers. She is so excited about the fact that eight people had decided to serve the Lord!

Note: She is in Bible College. She and her fellow students are believers. And yet only eight decided to serve the Lord.

That there were only eight, eight out of 27, is unfortunate. I realize that this is a fictional story, but it is common in real life as well. People have the mindset that only the ones to have the call to full-time ministry are the ones who are supposed to serve. To minister means to serve, to wait upon. There are many different ways to serve the Lord. And it's not necessary to have a full-time job in service in order to do it!

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19, 20

 Note: Jesus did not say, "Go therefore, those who are called to do so, and make disciples."

We, all of us, as believers on the Lord Jesus, have been called to serve. He told all of us to go and make disciples. To teach others Jesus' teachings. Now some of you when you hear 'go and make disciples' begin to think of going to the deepest, darkest part of the jungle where no man has gone to take the good news to an undiscovered cannibalistic people. Set that image aside right now! He said, "make disciples of all the nations" (emphasis added). Here is where the call comes in. Some people God will call to the deepest, darkest part of the jungle. Others He will call to China, India, or Russia. And still others He will call to Salt Lake City. But the place is not the issue. It's what you're doing in the place where God has you.

Every  one of us, whether stay-at-home moms, CEOs, or traveling salesmen, have been called upon to minister, to wait upon the Lord. To wait upon the Lord means to, like a waiter, wait. Always listening to His every order and fulfilling said order. Those who are mature in the faith, not necessarily being older, need to disciple those who are younger in the faith. How does one make a disciple? Teach them the word of God. Simply spend time with someone younger in faith and teach them, pray with them. You don't need to go to seminary in order to do this.

"Who should I disciple?" Well, for those of you who have children in the house still, start with them. Highschoolers, you can share with your friends during lunch. You can share with your coworkers on your coffee break. Or invite the barista at Starbucks who always makes your coffee to come to a Bible study or cell group with you.

Don't be afraid to speak up. Jesus promised that He is with us to the end of the age. He will be the one to give you words, but you must take that step and open your mouth first in order for Him to fill it.
Remember, Jesus told all of us to minister to Him, to fulfill His order of teaching others the good news. Don't think that you can't serve God because you work for a secular company and not for a church. What better place to share the Good News than in a place where most have never heard it?

"Go therefore and make disciples"!

Kaelen's Dedication

Sunday, December 27, 2009:

Kaelen was dedicated to the LORD. Throughout the years I have watched many baby dedications. I watched as parents took their children before the LORD and the pastor prayed that the children would walk in God's ways and that He would give the parents the wisdom and the strength to help their children.

Now dedicating my own child has taken this to a whole new level for me. Reval and I did not simply say, "God, here is our child", but in dedicating her to the LORD have said, "God, here is Your child. You have given her to us to watch over her, protect her, and teach her your ways. But may it always be Your will that reigns in her life. May we never put our own hopes and dreams for her above what You have already planned for Kaelen's life. Help us to be good parents. And help us to hold Kaelen in open hands before You, knowing that You created her and have plans for her good. You formed her before she was born, and we will continue to trust You as You form her into the woman You want her to be."

It is a very vulnerable place to be in; to put something so loved in the hands of another. Parenthood, I think, is the very thing that drives us to trust in God more and draw closer to Him. 

You know my sitting down and my rising up;

You understand my thought afar off.

You comprehend my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways. 

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

~Psalm 139:2, 3, 13-16