Monthly Archives: June 2019

There are many statements of belief, or confessions, or creeds, in the history of the church. Paul, in giving a defense before a Roman official, gives a concise statement. It is not designed to be a exhaustive theological statement like the Nicene Creed. It is a personal statement given at the beginning of a larger speech. He states his identity as a worshipper of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who follows Jesus (the early church was often referred to as The Way).

“But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” Acts‬ ‭24:14-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What is your confession?

When accused of following Jesus, what is your reply?

“Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:15-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Ten years ago, I led my final prayer as chaplain of The Covenant School (in a closing ceremony – appropriately enough) and embarked on a new journey serving full time with CEO. As I recall, I left the building and was driven to D.C. to fly that night to take a team to serve in Hungary.

Today I’m thanking God for the honor to work alongside incredible fellow disciples in many cultures. Serving with all of them is a joy!

But, I’m mindful that that decade of serving alongside WOULD NOT happen without the hundreds of people who have prayed, given generously, encouraged and exhorted. God has used you mightily! As Paul said, I thank God…

So may God receive glory from our partnership. Thank you all.

Take 15 minutes to watch, then take another few to think and take stock.

watch

In this talk he gives an interesting description of happiness and contrasts it to joy.

He is vulnerable about his own experience and uses it to describe the disconnectedness many live in.

It is a thought provoking talk that is worth your time and consideration.

I’d be curious to hear your thoughts in the comments.