Posted by Joshua Kirsch
(Ben Gores was scheduled to blog today, but since he brought us the message on Sunday, he and I agreed to switch dates. Ben will blog next Monday instead of today.)
I remember being in Jr. High about to enter High school and being obsessed with my appearance. Girls all of the sudden had gotten more interesting to me and I always wanted my appearance to look its best at the chance I might catch some of their interest. As a guy, I’ll admit it’s a little embarrassing how much time I actually spent in front of the mirror before school each day. I couldn’t always count on my looks to have girl appeal, but one thing I could count on…the mirror never lied.
As I studied Christology during the week, I was struck by all the ways that Christ “mirrored” His Father. Jesus says in John 14:7, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Why did Jesus says this? Because He is the perfect mirror of God the Father. Now I don’t know about you, but for me, this brings comfort and peace to my soul knowing that God mirrored Himself in a human body so that He could help someone like me to understand and know Him greater.
Because Jesus gave up some of His divine qualities all to reach me (Philippians 2:6-8), I know that God is not far off and distant (deistic). This shows me that God is theistic meaning that He is a personal God who continues to be personal in my life. Because Jesus became flesh, God is more tangible, real, and can relate to my sufferings and pains as well as my joys and triumphs. What other religion can offer you that?!?! Praise be to Jesus for setting aside his throne just to reach a lowly, flawed human like me.
In Jr. High, my reflection in the mirror didn’t hide any blemishes, zits and bad hairdos I had as a teenager. Likewise, Jesus is the perfect reflection of God. For me to deepen my understanding and love of God, I need to deepen my understanding and love of Jesus.
- Joshua
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Trinity
Does the idea of the Trinity excite you or confuse you?
Honestly, a little of both...to understand the Trinity is humanly impossible, the concept is God created and beyond human comprehension, yet I find great comfort in what I am learning about God's three in oneness.
For me, the aspect of the Trinity that truly excites me, is that the Holy Spirit dwells within me, and every follower of Jesus Christ. To think that God himself is so near is amazing and humbling to me.
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is my comforter, counselor, advocate, encourager and teacher.. and more, to be fully aware of His presence in my life and to guide me is my deepest heart's desire.
Honestly, a little of both...to understand the Trinity is humanly impossible, the concept is God created and beyond human comprehension, yet I find great comfort in what I am learning about God's three in oneness.
For me, the aspect of the Trinity that truly excites me, is that the Holy Spirit dwells within me, and every follower of Jesus Christ. To think that God himself is so near is amazing and humbling to me.
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is my comforter, counselor, advocate, encourager and teacher.. and more, to be fully aware of His presence in my life and to guide me is my deepest heart's desire.
Monday, June 15, 2009
God...at large and in charge!
Do you ever wonder why it's so hard sometimes to see God's hand in your life in the moment, every day? I mean like He's really there right next to you in everything you do, every decision you make? I think most of us have had those moments in life where we have come face to face with the breathtaking beauty of nature, and could not escape the conclusion that God is real, present and revealed through His marvelous creation. Or perhaps you've had a dramatic life moment like the birth of a child, that has caused you to be in awe of God, and you become very aware of His presence in that moment. But what about in our every day reality, and the life decisions we have to make? What does God look like then?
I never considered myself the brightest bulb on the tree; especially where discovering God's will for my life is concerned. Those who know me have doubtless heard me say on a few occasions that God has to hit me over the head with a
2X4 (a large piece of wood used for - of all things...CONSTRUCTION) - to get my attention! So as I consider the blogging question for today, I have to smile to myself and thank God for this opportunity to look back and reflect on a time I was reminded that God is real, present and in control of my life.
Of course there have been a few times I have been reminded of this, but the biggest one was my calling about 4 years ago now, into full-time ministry. I think I must have fought with God every step of the way on this, until (surprise of all surprises....) He got his way! My dad is now retired and had a very successful law practice. In our house, my brothers and I were taught the value of a great education and of course, pursuit of corporate success that for any reasonable young man, should follow, right? So I spent over 11 years in the private sector working my way up the corporate ladder as best I could, and striving for all of the worldly goods that I thought would be sure sign of that success. That is until our small group started the Purpose-Driven Life study. Now, of course there's nothing whatsoever wrong with a successful business career, as long as God has placed you there and you're fulfilling your purpose in the process. However, God began showing me that He had gifted me for a different purpose, and that began the slow and painful process of changing my definition of "success", and trusting in God alone for my security and well-being. I had a unique opportunity to literally put my money where my mouth was, where matters of faith were concerned.
During that time, God was present in every way I could have imagined...He spoke to me through the Spirit (that still small voice), through other people, through the Word and even through the radio! Evey where I turned I had confirmations that I should be making the switch to ministry! Everything from Bible verses reminding me God has plans to prosper and not to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11), and that God works all things for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)to radio songs about surrendering my life completely to God.
Ben reminded me today that when you're looking to buy a new car, it seems like that's all you see on the road. Ever experienced that? I have. It was kind of like that, but it was a car I did NOT want...but that I kept seeing! It was more like
Adam Sandler in a recent movie called Bedtime Stories, where the kids told him how his stories would end, and then it came true in real life. One night they told him his story's hero would have a fire ball thrown at him. After that, try though he did, he could not escape it, Every radio station he tried had a song about fire! This was kind of what it was like for me. I knew in my heart where God wanted me but I wasn't thrilled at the prospects!
So in one last act of desperation, as if to shake my fist at God and test Him, I said, "Okay God, I have no previous experience on staff at a church, very little if any formal musical training...there's no way this is going to happen anyway. So I dare you God...if this is what you want then fine...I'll apply. But I know I won't get the job and then everything will go back to normal". Well, look where that got me! And the rest, as they say, is history!
During that time in my life, I kept a journal of all the confirmations I sensed God throwing my way..you know...just so I could be SURE...and convinced this was from God. :-) When I look back at that little journal, it's almost comical the steps God had to use to get my attention! It's also incredibly encouraging to look back and realize God was there in it, and really DID have my best interests at heart, then AND now. I've never been happier in my life, and to top it all off, Lese and I have never lacked for anything...God has met all of our needs and even most of our wants! It's as if God is saying, "See, I can do it!"
I never considered myself the brightest bulb on the tree; especially where discovering God's will for my life is concerned. Those who know me have doubtless heard me say on a few occasions that God has to hit me over the head with a
2X4 (a large piece of wood used for - of all things...CONSTRUCTION) - to get my attention! So as I consider the blogging question for today, I have to smile to myself and thank God for this opportunity to look back and reflect on a time I was reminded that God is real, present and in control of my life.
Of course there have been a few times I have been reminded of this, but the biggest one was my calling about 4 years ago now, into full-time ministry. I think I must have fought with God every step of the way on this, until (surprise of all surprises....) He got his way! My dad is now retired and had a very successful law practice. In our house, my brothers and I were taught the value of a great education and of course, pursuit of corporate success that for any reasonable young man, should follow, right? So I spent over 11 years in the private sector working my way up the corporate ladder as best I could, and striving for all of the worldly goods that I thought would be sure sign of that success. That is until our small group started the Purpose-Driven Life study. Now, of course there's nothing whatsoever wrong with a successful business career, as long as God has placed you there and you're fulfilling your purpose in the process. However, God began showing me that He had gifted me for a different purpose, and that began the slow and painful process of changing my definition of "success", and trusting in God alone for my security and well-being. I had a unique opportunity to literally put my money where my mouth was, where matters of faith were concerned.
During that time, God was present in every way I could have imagined...He spoke to me through the Spirit (that still small voice), through other people, through the Word and even through the radio! Evey where I turned I had confirmations that I should be making the switch to ministry! Everything from Bible verses reminding me God has plans to prosper and not to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11), and that God works all things for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)to radio songs about surrendering my life completely to God.
Ben reminded me today that when you're looking to buy a new car, it seems like that's all you see on the road. Ever experienced that? I have. It was kind of like that, but it was a car I did NOT want...but that I kept seeing! It was more like
Adam Sandler in a recent movie called Bedtime Stories, where the kids told him how his stories would end, and then it came true in real life. One night they told him his story's hero would have a fire ball thrown at him. After that, try though he did, he could not escape it, Every radio station he tried had a song about fire! This was kind of what it was like for me. I knew in my heart where God wanted me but I wasn't thrilled at the prospects!
So in one last act of desperation, as if to shake my fist at God and test Him, I said, "Okay God, I have no previous experience on staff at a church, very little if any formal musical training...there's no way this is going to happen anyway. So I dare you God...if this is what you want then fine...I'll apply. But I know I won't get the job and then everything will go back to normal". Well, look where that got me! And the rest, as they say, is history!
During that time in my life, I kept a journal of all the confirmations I sensed God throwing my way..you know...just so I could be SURE...and convinced this was from God. :-) When I look back at that little journal, it's almost comical the steps God had to use to get my attention! It's also incredibly encouraging to look back and realize God was there in it, and really DID have my best interests at heart, then AND now. I've never been happier in my life, and to top it all off, Lese and I have never lacked for anything...God has met all of our needs and even most of our wants! It's as if God is saying, "See, I can do it!"
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A Whisper from God's Word
The Word of God always has a way of cutting to the heart of the matter. It can shout, it can whisper, but it always makes an impact if we take the time to listen. My favorite verse made its first impact in a whisper from God, but its lasting effects are a daily reminder for me.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. That’s the Scripture verse that keeps calling me back to a place of solitude and surety when I find myself maxed out and stretched thin. God whispers to me in the midst of the busyness and tells me:
“Be still…” Anyone who knows me could tell you that this is a difficult task for me…and I usually see “stillness” as another task to put into my busy life. But God tells me in these two words… “Be still and I will meet you. “ Being still for me meant that I needed to be able to slow down and really see God – in nature, in my children, at the cross…my stillness, was and still is, a stilling of my heart. “Stillness” isn’t a task to do, it is an opening up of myself to the “quieting” that God does in my busy life.
“…and know that I am God.” When I get caught up in the craziness that is our world, worrying about schedules and timelines and responsibilities, I have to stop and “know that He is God”. There is a surety and strength in God that anchors me when I feel like I’m being tossed in the waves. When I am caught up in the chaoticness of life, God whispers… “know that I am God” and I am drawn into the powerful presence of the One who steadies me. He is God! That is a constant reminder that He has it under control…He knows my life…every detail and He sees how it’s all going to work out…He knows my limitations and needs…He knows my weaknesses and strengths and He looks at it all and says “I am God”. In those three words, God reminds me that He is my strength, my rejuvenation, my sustenance, and solid rock.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." God's whisper from His Word into my busy life. A constant reminder of who God is and if I am willing to still my heart, in quietness, He will meet me and fill and refuel me.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. That’s the Scripture verse that keeps calling me back to a place of solitude and surety when I find myself maxed out and stretched thin. God whispers to me in the midst of the busyness and tells me:
“Be still…” Anyone who knows me could tell you that this is a difficult task for me…and I usually see “stillness” as another task to put into my busy life. But God tells me in these two words… “Be still and I will meet you. “ Being still for me meant that I needed to be able to slow down and really see God – in nature, in my children, at the cross…my stillness, was and still is, a stilling of my heart. “Stillness” isn’t a task to do, it is an opening up of myself to the “quieting” that God does in my busy life.
“…and know that I am God.” When I get caught up in the craziness that is our world, worrying about schedules and timelines and responsibilities, I have to stop and “know that He is God”. There is a surety and strength in God that anchors me when I feel like I’m being tossed in the waves. When I am caught up in the chaoticness of life, God whispers… “know that I am God” and I am drawn into the powerful presence of the One who steadies me. He is God! That is a constant reminder that He has it under control…He knows my life…every detail and He sees how it’s all going to work out…He knows my limitations and needs…He knows my weaknesses and strengths and He looks at it all and says “I am God”. In those three words, God reminds me that He is my strength, my rejuvenation, my sustenance, and solid rock.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." God's whisper from His Word into my busy life. A constant reminder of who God is and if I am willing to still my heart, in quietness, He will meet me and fill and refuel me.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Prolegomena ... Now there's a word!
I must admit that much of what I "think of" when I hear the word "theology" is tied to my training as a pastor; theology classes, doctrinal papers, ordination councils. As a result, I'm reminded of large text books with big words, lengthy reading assignments and the pressure associated with writing and orally defending my theological positions - i.e. not always the most fun-filled memories and sometimes a little boring (ok, maybe a lot boring)!
That's why I'm so excited about our summer series and the chance we have to deepen our understanding of theology so that we can broaden our understanding of God. As Ben Gores reminded us this past Sunday from a quote by A. W. Tozer; "The most important thing about us is the idea that comes into our head when we think about God." Powerful truth ... and I can't wait to see how the idea I have of God changes and grows this summer.
Having had the privilege of writing and designing the devotional guide (along with Ben and other staff members) I'm already starting to take some practical steps to broaden my view of God. Here's what's helping me ...
*I've put this week's memory verse (Colossians 1:9) as the background for my computer. I am committed to memorizing this verse to remind me that God is "at work filling me with the knowledge of Himself."
*I'm spending time in the devotional guide - and simply asking God to reveal more of Himself to me.
*I'm using my thumb and first finger as visual reminder to look at life through the lens of what the bible says about God - and little by little the space is increasing.
Good theology that helps us know God better is crucial for those who seek to better connect with God and others. That's right! It helps me not only know God better - it also helps me to know people better. Should be a fun summer!!!
Pete Parker
Executive Pastor
Woodcrest Church
That's why I'm so excited about our summer series and the chance we have to deepen our understanding of theology so that we can broaden our understanding of God. As Ben Gores reminded us this past Sunday from a quote by A. W. Tozer; "The most important thing about us is the idea that comes into our head when we think about God." Powerful truth ... and I can't wait to see how the idea I have of God changes and grows this summer.
Having had the privilege of writing and designing the devotional guide (along with Ben and other staff members) I'm already starting to take some practical steps to broaden my view of God. Here's what's helping me ...
*I've put this week's memory verse (Colossians 1:9) as the background for my computer. I am committed to memorizing this verse to remind me that God is "at work filling me with the knowledge of Himself."
*I'm spending time in the devotional guide - and simply asking God to reveal more of Himself to me.
*I'm using my thumb and first finger as visual reminder to look at life through the lens of what the bible says about God - and little by little the space is increasing.
Good theology that helps us know God better is crucial for those who seek to better connect with God and others. That's right! It helps me not only know God better - it also helps me to know people better. Should be a fun summer!!!
Pete Parker
Executive Pastor
Woodcrest Church
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