January 7, 2015 · 10:29

controlling what you read? thinking about how to read the Bible

I believe that we should have a strategy for Scripture reading as part of our greater plan to train our hearts and minds as disciples of Jesus. But, I want to make the case for NOT controlling all of our reading. I think it is natural for us to gravitate to that which is helpful and encouraging, and this is fine. But, I think if we are in control of what we read, we are probably missing some blessing from the Bible’s vast resources that we may miss. This is why I am a big advocate of the Bible reading plans available out there. I am very thankful that today we have the YouVersion Bible application.

Here are three lists that I think are particularly helpful:

The first step I’d take is The Essential 100, I like it because it give a big picture of the Bible, a great place to start if you’ve had trouble developing the habit of daily Scripture reading.

The second step I’d take is The Essential Jesus. Now that you have begun the habit, this is a great way to get to know Jesus by reading some familiar texts about Him.

The best step, in my current thinking, is The M’Cheyne Reading Plan which takes you through the Bible in one year (and the New Testament twice).

By reading texts not of your choosing, by relinquishing control of what you read, God the Holy Spirit can show you things that you may not see otherwise. As we begin a new year, let’s renew our efforts to know God better and let Him speak through His word.

Oh, the YouVersion has apps for both iPhone and Android.

Good Reading!

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January 6, 2015 · 07:29

The Light has come – Epiphany

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1-5‬ ESV)

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January 1, 2015 · 09:26

Resolutions?

Happy New Year!

There has been and will be, for about 10 days or so, a lot of talk about resolutions.

I suggest that if we really want to make a valuable resolution and need a list, here are some suggestions:

1. Go to YouVersion Bible App and start reading the M’Cheyne reading plan every day.

2. Go to CBD and buy Keller’s new book on Prayer. I noticed they have free standard shipping today. This book will really help you understand prayer in ways you may not have considered.

3. Set a time and a place to read and pray daily. Begin what Dallas Willard calls training our heart and mind.

4. Commit to giving away a little more than you did last year.

5. If you are not involved in disciple making, get involved in someone’s life for some fellow disciple making. Meeting and discussing Keller’s book would be a great way to start.

These ideas are designed to help one grow spiritually. In answer to this question:

How do you want to grow spiritually in 2015?

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December 30, 2014 · 15:13

warning: fund raising appeal within – read at your own risk!

Consider yourself warned!

Happy New Year!

I hope that in 2015 you and yours will be well and grow in your knowledge of God! Looking back over 2014, I am thankful to God for the work He has done in and through us. Here is a ministry snapshot:

– I traveled over 50,000 miles by air, road and rail;
– invested 16 weeks among ministry partners in 7 countries in which I was honored to:
* teach and preach on over 40 occasions in churches, at conferences, and on retreats;
* have 700+ regular disciple making conversations with leaders in person and via Skype.
– and was honored to participate pastorally in communions, baptisms in partner churches, and officiate the weddings of some former students!

This was possible because I had the freedom and ability to travel and serve because of God’s provision through folks like you. If you’re among those financial partners, THANK YOU! As of this writing, we are progressing well toward our end-of-year fundraising goal of $25,000. But we could use your help.

Looking ahead to 2015: I will be back among ministry partners in two weeks; here is the link to my January trip, please pray! Later in the spring, I will be ministering in Ukraine, Hungary, Croatia, South Africa and Palestine (for a cross cultural ministry study program and visiting potential partner schools). I will also possibly serve in Serbia, Bosnia and the D.R. of Congo. Looking toward the fall I hope to facilitate more conferences and retreats. These are the plans I’m working on and praying through. Please join me in prayer because I know that “many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21, ESV)

As 2014 comes to a close, I hope you will consider joining our team by making an end-of-year (or even a beginning-of-year) gift to CEO. We have two on-line giving options available by clicking here. Every gift helps! My budget for the 3 week ministry trip in January is $2085. A $7 donation will pay for a day of buses and trams in Budapest. $16 will pay for a new book about prayer that I am giving to the pastors at a retreat. Your $20 gift will pay for a bus ticket to get me to the next city. $35 will sponsor a pastor at our retreat. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please consider joining our effort.

As we finish the year I am so thankful to God for family and friends. As we move forward I am hopeful, because God is guiding us and using us as He draws each of us to a deeper knowledge of Himself, I hope this for you as well in 2015.

Thanks for taking the time to read. Please pray!

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December 24, 2014 · 19:43

2nd annual Christmas Reading

Years ago a colleague did this reading to this music in a faculty meeting. I immediately read it to my classes and then, in Charlottesville, it became a Christmas Chapel tradition and then at the annual Live Nativity. Those days are past so here it is for those who remember or for those who have not heard it before.

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December 24, 2014 · 06:57

Thoughts on Christmas

Today there will be last minute trips to the store, the final wrapping of gifts, greeting family and friends, lots of cooking, for some there will be Christmas Eve services.

I remember my one Christmas in Budapest. Days before, signs were posted in the public transit informing the public that at about 3 pm on Christmas Eve the transit system would shift to night busses only until the morning of the 26th. Things really shut down. Christmas Eve night Sweet Anna and I walked a half hour or so through the cold snowy quiet from our daughter’s home to where we were staying. A silent night it truly was.
Then the next morning we went back for Christmas.

Upon our arrival something was needed from a store. The only thing open was a 24 hour shop the size of a closet. After I made my purchase I walked across the street to the local parish which was in the middle of one of many Christmas masses. It was packed with all ages. I hope they understood the real story.

In Cambridge, England today that story will be told. the annual Lessons and Carols event will originate from King’s College Chapel at 10 U.S. Eastern time… Click here for more it is a helpful reminder to me each year of what the whole Christmas is: from the Fall to the promise and then Redemption.

Here are Scriptures I’ve been meditating on:

For God so loved the world…

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the Lord…

Therefore since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…

How wonderful that the Prince of Peace has come to this world.

We live in a busy culture that rarely slows down.

Why not slow down today and consider the good news that the Incarnation happened so that you may live in a state of peace with God who sent His only begotten Son so that you and I can be His sons and daughters.

Merry Christmas!

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