Kevin has written a follow up to his post about Christians feeling guilty...
"After writing about feeling guilty on Tuesday, it got me thinking some more about why Christians need confession of sin.
You often hear statements like this: “There is nothing you can do to make God love you more or to make him love you less.” And while it’s true that those who have been justified by grace through faith can never be more justified, we can hear a statement like this incorrectly. Yes, God loves us fully in Christ, but this does not mean we are incapable of doing things that are displeasing to God. We can get out of step with the Spirit. We can grieve him too. Even after we have been redeemed, our sin continues to be offensive to God. And this has an effect."
Read on...
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
A glimpse of harvest work...
Today, I got this encouraging e-mail from a friend about his work the the work of his Father in the Balkans.
"The other day Gjon (a new believer) and I went up into the hills to the village where Gjon is from, to spend the evening with the uncle of Gjon, and his family. Since Gjon has come to the Lord he has a great desire to share Jesus with his family. His family is one that still saves a memory of being Christians (Roman Catholics) [Pre-reformation period in a time when South Eastern Europe was governed by the Muslim Sultans from Istanbul] generations before.
Nasser, a 75 years old neighbor came over as we were preparing for dinner, eaten sitting on the floor, around low round table, (just as in Jesus' time. I guess). The conversation picked up from a question he asked me... what is the best religion in the world ... to Jesus being the only way to the father... and for about three hours we shared the gospel with them. As we where leaving after we had few cups of black Turkish tea, Gjon said to me: He is 75 but he has never in his life heard anything like what he has heard tonight.
It made my heart ache. How many people are like this older man, Oh Lord, scattered all around towns and villages, who have never had a chance to respond to the gospel?! I am only a man, small, limited , good at wasting time! Please send more workers into your fields! Please intercede that the knowledge of the Lord will fill Kosovo towns as the water covers the sea!"
From one lone, faithful worker in a field white with harvest. Join us in praying for our brother in the field.
"The other day Gjon (a new believer) and I went up into the hills to the village where Gjon is from, to spend the evening with the uncle of Gjon, and his family. Since Gjon has come to the Lord he has a great desire to share Jesus with his family. His family is one that still saves a memory of being Christians (Roman Catholics) [Pre-reformation period in a time when South Eastern Europe was governed by the Muslim Sultans from Istanbul] generations before.
Nasser, a 75 years old neighbor came over as we were preparing for dinner, eaten sitting on the floor, around low round table, (just as in Jesus' time. I guess). The conversation picked up from a question he asked me... what is the best religion in the world ... to Jesus being the only way to the father... and for about three hours we shared the gospel with them. As we where leaving after we had few cups of black Turkish tea, Gjon said to me: He is 75 but he has never in his life heard anything like what he has heard tonight.
It made my heart ache. How many people are like this older man, Oh Lord, scattered all around towns and villages, who have never had a chance to respond to the gospel?! I am only a man, small, limited , good at wasting time! Please send more workers into your fields! Please intercede that the knowledge of the Lord will fill Kosovo towns as the water covers the sea!"
From one lone, faithful worker in a field white with harvest. Join us in praying for our brother in the field.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Are Christians meant to feel guilty all the time?
Kevin DeYoung has some great things to say over at his blog and this is how he begins one of his recent posts. It is a good reminder.
I imagine there are plenty of Christians who rarely feel the sting of conscience or the pangs of regret. But I also know many, many Christians (including the one I see in the mirror) who easily feel bad for all the things they are not doing or are doing less than perfectly. In fact, I’m convinced most serious Christians live their lives with an almost constant low-level sense of guilt.
Read the rest..
I imagine there are plenty of Christians who rarely feel the sting of conscience or the pangs of regret. But I also know many, many Christians (including the one I see in the mirror) who easily feel bad for all the things they are not doing or are doing less than perfectly. In fact, I’m convinced most serious Christians live their lives with an almost constant low-level sense of guilt.
Read the rest..
Get the defibrilator, quick!
After a quiet period, or should I say a near cyber-death, I am going to try an attempt at resuscitation on this blog. For our loyal followers out there, all 3 of you, I hope we don't pack your in-boxes and RSS feeders too full.
Blogs are seemingly becoming more and more popular and there is a lot of great stuff circulating out there written by more thoughtful, funny and frankly clever folks than Abi and I. Much of it has been a real encouragement to us. Not everything will we completely agree with but if we share it, its been something that has given us pause for thought. So, since this is our blog and you can choose to follow it or not, I thought I would start funneling things your way. Stay tuned and Enjoy!
Blogs are seemingly becoming more and more popular and there is a lot of great stuff circulating out there written by more thoughtful, funny and frankly clever folks than Abi and I. Much of it has been a real encouragement to us. Not everything will we completely agree with but if we share it, its been something that has given us pause for thought. So, since this is our blog and you can choose to follow it or not, I thought I would start funneling things your way. Stay tuned and Enjoy!
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Candle #2
Today marks the 2nd Sunday of Advent. We light another candle today. The candles represent different things in the Advent season. Candle #2 may represent the Angels who brought the good news in the Christmas story, or the Joy of the the we know in that we have a rescuer or the announcement of Jesus impending birth. Which ever significance the candle takes for you, enjoy the following poem as you light it.
The Children
by John Piper
Do you hear the children crying?
I can hear them every day,
Crying, sighing, dying, flying
Somewhere safe where they can play.
Somewhere safe from all the dangers,
Somewhere safe from Crack and AIDS,
Safe from lust and lurking strangers,
Safe from war and bombing raids.
Somewhere safe from malnutrition,
Safe from daddy's damning voice,
Safe from mommy's cool ambition,
Safe from deadly goddess, Choice.
Do you hear the children crying?
I can hear them every day,
Crying, sighing, dying, flying
Somewhere safe where they can play.
* * * *
Do you see the children meeting?
I can see them in the sky,
Meeting, seating, eating, greeting
Jesus with the answer why.
Why the milk no longer nourished,
Why the water made them sick,
Why the crops no longer flourished,
Why the belly got so thick.
Why they never knew the reason
Friends had vanished out of sight,
Why some suffered for a season,
Others never saw the light.
Do you see the children meeting?
I can see them in the sky,
Meeting, seating, eating, greeting
Jesus with the answer why.
* * * *
Do you hear the children singing?
I can hear them high above,
Singing, springing, ringing, bringing
Glory to the God of love.
Glory for the gift of living,
Glory for the end of pain,
Glory for the gift of giving,
Glory for eternal gain.
Glory from the ones forsaken,
Glory from the lost and lone,
Glory when the infants waken,
Orphans on the Father's throne
Do you hear the children singing?
I can hear them high above,
Singing, springing, ringing, bringing
Glory to the God of love.
* * * *
Do you see the children coming?
I can see them on the clouds,
Coming, strumming, drumming, humming
Songs with heaven's happy crowds.
Songs with lots of happy clapping,
Songs that set the heart on fire,
Songs that make your foot start tapping,
Songs that make a merry choir.
Songs so loud the mountains tremble,
Songs so pure the canyons ring,
When the children all assemble
Millions, millions, round the King.
Do you see the children coming?
I can see them on the clouds,
Coming, strumming, drumming, humming
Songs with heaven's happy crowds.
* * * *
Do you see the children waiting?
I can see them all aglow
Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting,
Who of us will rise and go?
Will we turn and fly to meet them
In the light of candle two?
I intend to rise and greet them.
Come and go with me, would you?
© Desiring God
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Desiring God. desiringGod.org
The Children
by John Piper
Do you hear the children crying?
I can hear them every day,
Crying, sighing, dying, flying
Somewhere safe where they can play.
Somewhere safe from all the dangers,
Somewhere safe from Crack and AIDS,
Safe from lust and lurking strangers,
Safe from war and bombing raids.
Somewhere safe from malnutrition,
Safe from daddy's damning voice,
Safe from mommy's cool ambition,
Safe from deadly goddess, Choice.
Do you hear the children crying?
I can hear them every day,
Crying, sighing, dying, flying
Somewhere safe where they can play.
* * * *
Do you see the children meeting?
I can see them in the sky,
Meeting, seating, eating, greeting
Jesus with the answer why.
Why the milk no longer nourished,
Why the water made them sick,
Why the crops no longer flourished,
Why the belly got so thick.
Why they never knew the reason
Friends had vanished out of sight,
Why some suffered for a season,
Others never saw the light.
Do you see the children meeting?
I can see them in the sky,
Meeting, seating, eating, greeting
Jesus with the answer why.
* * * *
Do you hear the children singing?
I can hear them high above,
Singing, springing, ringing, bringing
Glory to the God of love.
Glory for the gift of living,
Glory for the end of pain,
Glory for the gift of giving,
Glory for eternal gain.
Glory from the ones forsaken,
Glory from the lost and lone,
Glory when the infants waken,
Orphans on the Father's throne
Do you hear the children singing?
I can hear them high above,
Singing, springing, ringing, bringing
Glory to the God of love.
* * * *
Do you see the children coming?
I can see them on the clouds,
Coming, strumming, drumming, humming
Songs with heaven's happy crowds.
Songs with lots of happy clapping,
Songs that set the heart on fire,
Songs that make your foot start tapping,
Songs that make a merry choir.
Songs so loud the mountains tremble,
Songs so pure the canyons ring,
When the children all assemble
Millions, millions, round the King.
Do you see the children coming?
I can see them on the clouds,
Coming, strumming, drumming, humming
Songs with heaven's happy crowds.
* * * *
Do you see the children waiting?
I can see them all aglow
Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting,
Who of us will rise and go?
Will we turn and fly to meet them
In the light of candle two?
I intend to rise and greet them.
Come and go with me, would you?
© Desiring God
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Desiring God. desiringGod.org
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Zechariah (a 2nd in the advent serial)
By John Piper November 30, 1986
The priests and merchants in the hills,
And girls and women at the mills,
Had smiled at old man Zach as long
As many could recall. "The song!"
They'd shout, when he returned to them
From duty in Jerusalem,
"The song!" For twenty years they'd sung
The song, and put it on the tongue
Of children when they told the tale
Of how the "Desert John" was born.
That's what they called his son.
The corn
Would crush between the wheels
As women worked to make the meals
For half a dozen priests from old
Abijah's clan. Then they'd be told,
"The clan is back! And old man Zach
Is coming up the hill!" With pack
And staff and ninety years of life,
—Or more, some said—he'd climb.
His wife
Had met him on the ridge until
She died. Most say she'd taken ill
Because the desert took her boy.
She groaned for days and cried, "Destroy
Your snakes and vipers, wilderness,
But not my son!" The boy was less
Than twelve the first time he had not
Returned. And then before he'd got
A beard upon his face he ceased
To come at all. And facing east
Upon her simple mat she died.
But not the old man Zach. He'd cried
For her and John, but then he took
His staff and pack and sacred book.
And kept his yearly vigil for
Another fifteen years. "Adore
The God who gives and God who takes,"
He used to say. "The Sovereign makes
No large or small mistakes."
When he
And other hill-born priests would be
A furlong from the village mill,
The shout would rise, "He's on the hill!"
And girls would leave their grinding stones.
"The song! The song!" they'd shout. The tones
Were struck and all would sing—just four
Short lines for old man Zach, no more:
"A barren womb has given birth,
A desert boy from desert sprung.
Who can foresee the baby's worth,
The boy who made his father young?"
And it was true: the boy had made
His father young. Old Zach had prayed
That God would let him see the day
When John would lift his voice and say,
"Prepare! Prepare the way of God!"
Now thirty years gone by, he trod
This one last time the village hill,
And at the setting of the sun lay still
With fever in his face.
The men
Kept vigil through the night, and when
His breath was almost gone, he said,
"John, John." An old friend stroked his head.
For all they knew the boy'd been dead
For fifteen years. The sky turned red
Along the eastern ridge. His breath
Would pause, and then, evading death,
Return, each time more soft. And then,
Against the blood-red sky, the men
Saw silhouetted like a black
And brawny desert priest, with pack
And staff and sacred book, the frame
Of John. They knew it, for he came
Straight to the simple shelter where
He'd lived for half his life. And there,
Without a word to those who sat
Spellbound, he knelt beside the mat.
And as he bent, his long black hair
Fell ‘round their face like answered prayer,
And made a holy tent. He kissed
His father's eyes with glazen mist,
The first flesh he had touched for ten
Long, lonely years plus five. And then
He put his lips beside the old
Man's waiting ear and said, "Behold,
A voice that in the desert cries,
‘Prepare the way of God!'" The eyes
Of Zechariah twitched. His hand
Rose as if drawn from heaven, the grand
Gesture of a grateful priest.
And as the glory of the east
Began to shine, his arm fell ‘round
John's neck, then softly to the ground.
O God, our arms and hope are weak:
He has been gone so long!
But He alone is all we seek!
O that your bright and shining face
Would shine in candle one,
And grant by your almighty grace
That we embrace the Son.
© Desiring God
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
The priests and merchants in the hills,
And girls and women at the mills,
Had smiled at old man Zach as long
As many could recall. "The song!"
They'd shout, when he returned to them
From duty in Jerusalem,
"The song!" For twenty years they'd sung
The song, and put it on the tongue
Of children when they told the tale
Of how the "Desert John" was born.
That's what they called his son.
The corn
Would crush between the wheels
As women worked to make the meals
For half a dozen priests from old
Abijah's clan. Then they'd be told,
"The clan is back! And old man Zach
Is coming up the hill!" With pack
And staff and ninety years of life,
—Or more, some said—he'd climb.
His wife
Had met him on the ridge until
She died. Most say she'd taken ill
Because the desert took her boy.
She groaned for days and cried, "Destroy
Your snakes and vipers, wilderness,
But not my son!" The boy was less
Than twelve the first time he had not
Returned. And then before he'd got
A beard upon his face he ceased
To come at all. And facing east
Upon her simple mat she died.
But not the old man Zach. He'd cried
For her and John, but then he took
His staff and pack and sacred book.
And kept his yearly vigil for
Another fifteen years. "Adore
The God who gives and God who takes,"
He used to say. "The Sovereign makes
No large or small mistakes."
When he
And other hill-born priests would be
A furlong from the village mill,
The shout would rise, "He's on the hill!"
And girls would leave their grinding stones.
"The song! The song!" they'd shout. The tones
Were struck and all would sing—just four
Short lines for old man Zach, no more:
"A barren womb has given birth,
A desert boy from desert sprung.
Who can foresee the baby's worth,
The boy who made his father young?"
And it was true: the boy had made
His father young. Old Zach had prayed
That God would let him see the day
When John would lift his voice and say,
"Prepare! Prepare the way of God!"
Now thirty years gone by, he trod
This one last time the village hill,
And at the setting of the sun lay still
With fever in his face.
The men
Kept vigil through the night, and when
His breath was almost gone, he said,
"John, John." An old friend stroked his head.
For all they knew the boy'd been dead
For fifteen years. The sky turned red
Along the eastern ridge. His breath
Would pause, and then, evading death,
Return, each time more soft. And then,
Against the blood-red sky, the men
Saw silhouetted like a black
And brawny desert priest, with pack
And staff and sacred book, the frame
Of John. They knew it, for he came
Straight to the simple shelter where
He'd lived for half his life. And there,
Without a word to those who sat
Spellbound, he knelt beside the mat.
And as he bent, his long black hair
Fell ‘round their face like answered prayer,
And made a holy tent. He kissed
His father's eyes with glazen mist,
The first flesh he had touched for ten
Long, lonely years plus five. And then
He put his lips beside the old
Man's waiting ear and said, "Behold,
A voice that in the desert cries,
‘Prepare the way of God!'" The eyes
Of Zechariah twitched. His hand
Rose as if drawn from heaven, the grand
Gesture of a grateful priest.
And as the glory of the east
Began to shine, his arm fell ‘round
John's neck, then softly to the ground.
O God, our arms and hope are weak:
He has been gone so long!
But He alone is all we seek!
O that your bright and shining face
Would shine in candle one,
And grant by your almighty grace
That we embrace the Son.
© Desiring God
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
What is Advent?
What Is Advent?
December 2, 2009 | By: Noel Piper | Category: Commentary
We are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.
Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December. This year it was November 29.
1 Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent.
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 )
For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. That’s what advent means—coming. Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating." They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like.
In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God’s Christ:
They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus’ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God’s plan. The ancient waiting is over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate.
(Adapted from Treasuring God in Our Traditions)
December 2, 2009 | By: Noel Piper | Category: Commentary
We are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.
Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December. This year it was November 29.
1 Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent.
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 )
For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. That’s what advent means—coming. Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating." They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like.
In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God’s Christ:
They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus’ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God’s plan. The ancient waiting is over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate.
(Adapted from Treasuring God in Our Traditions)
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Advent
The Advent season is upon us.
Author, pastor John Piper has written several poems ending each with a candle lighting verse. Over the next few weeks as we prepare for the advent of Christ, in his second coming, being reminded of it in the celebration of his 1st coming, I will be serializing some of Pipers Advent poems. The first is the following, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Advent Beauty, by John Piper
November 28, 1982
Tilting on her yearly track
Advent beauty circles back,
Flying faster with the years,
Hardly giving time for tears
First to dry upon the cheek—
Has it been more than a week
In the ground now winter cold?
Has there really been a spring
When the birds began to sing?
Has there been both summer, fall
Since the Baby in the stall
Called us with a Christmas bell
to sing, O Come, Immanuel?
Tilting on her yearly track
Advent beauty circles back,
Flying faster with the years—
Ah, but overtaking fears.
Let the Lord of advent lift
Every care (an early gift!);
See the Savior and the Son
Shine in advent candle one.
© Desiring God
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Desiring God.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
Wikipedia defines it this way: Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.
The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar,(our kids have received theirs from Abi's mum, as is her tradition every year, and they are dutifully and joyfully opening each widow, day by day). Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, the Sunday between November 27 and December 3 inclusive.
Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. Christians believe that the season of Advent serves a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for the second coming of Christ. Many, like our family, have the tradition of creating an Advent wreath. Each week we light a candle representing something leading up to Christ's coming.
Author, pastor John Piper has written several poems ending each with a candle lighting verse. Over the next few weeks as we prepare for the advent of Christ, in his second coming, being reminded of it in the celebration of his 1st coming, I will be serializing some of Pipers Advent poems. The first is the following, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Advent Beauty, by John Piper
November 28, 1982
Tilting on her yearly track
Advent beauty circles back,
Flying faster with the years,
Hardly giving time for tears
First to dry upon the cheek—
Has it been more than a week
In the ground now winter cold?
Has there really been a spring
When the birds began to sing?
Has there been both summer, fall
Since the Baby in the stall
Called us with a Christmas bell
to sing, O Come, Immanuel?
Tilting on her yearly track
Advent beauty circles back,
Flying faster with the years—
Ah, but overtaking fears.
Let the Lord of advent lift
Every care (an early gift!);
See the Savior and the Son
Shine in advent candle one.
© Desiring God
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Desiring God.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
Monday, November 09, 2009
3 Take aways from yesterday's sermon
Luke 6:36-42
1. Convert to God's Measuring system
2. Chose Jesus as your teacher
3. Stop posing & start dealing with the sin in your life
I was convicted and challenged.
1. Convert to God's Measuring system
2. Chose Jesus as your teacher
3. Stop posing & start dealing with the sin in your life
I was convicted and challenged.
Friday, September 11, 2009
When all seemed lost...
Where were you 8 years ago today? Abi and I were living in England and on our way to the hospital. We were about to have our 2nd child and we were going in for the last check before she was to arrive.
On the way to the L&D we heard a snatch of a news bulletin about a plane crash in New York. As we were nearing the end of our day with joy and anticipation in our hearts for our soon to be born baby girl, our friends and family were waking up to the horror that would shape a nation and shape world policies for years to come. We arrived at the hospital and it was strangely quiet. We discovered quickly that it was on Code Red, but no one really knew why. And no one knew actually what was happening 4,000 miles away on that gorgeous sunny Autumn morning much like the one here today. What followed was shocking, horrific and time altering. After this date 8 years ago, nothing would ever be the same. Security was shattered and fear became the emotion that infected everything.
It was a strange time for us. Abi and I were full of joy as we drove home anxious to call our friends and family back in the US with the good news that we would be parents again in a day or so. But instead, we returned to a news broadcast that wouldn't go away and images that are imprinted on my brain for ever. Our joy was dampened and our desire to share our news suddenly seemed inappropriate and callous. Even if we wanted to we couldn't because the lines were jammed with people calling looking for news on their loved ones. We eventually were able to communicate and later one friend told us, they were grateful because in the midst of great tragedy, our joyous news was something wonderful to look forward to and a reminder that God is still on his throne, creating, caring and bringing forth life when all seems lost.
Eventually we discovered that all of our friends, we had many who lived in DC and frequently traveled to New York, were safe and accounted for. We were pleased and we had our beautiful baby girl 2 days later. Oddly though, I felt strangely detached from all that was going on in the US. It almost didn't seem real. A book of condolences was opened in London at the US Embassy and daily people from across the country and from around the world lined Grosvenor Square for the chance to sign the book and express their condolences for our loss as a nation.
We still feel that loss in many ways don't we? In this mortal life 9/11 will shape us as individuals, as a nation and as the world. The day of condolences is over, a period of anger and hostility toward our nation is the new order of the day. And internally, we have withdrawn, we are more fearful, we feel however real or accurate that its us and them.
But the reality of that day is still true this day 8 years later, the God of Heaven and earth, the God of this life and the life to come is still on his throne, still ruling and still calling us to him and to share in his atoning mercy and sacrificial love. Yes, he allowed what happened 8 years ago to happen and yet what happened 8 years and 2 days ago he caused to happen. One resulted in the loss of many lives the other was the creation of one beautiful life. Do I understand it completely, NO. Do I trust he is in control regardless of my finite understanding, YES.
I have come to live with my detachment from the events of that day as it is a strong reminder to me that I am actually not meant for this world, I am a citizen of another Kingdom and another land. I am only sojourning here in this one for a time.
My condolences who lost someone that day. I pray you will know a peace that goes beyond our ability to understand.
On the way to the L&D we heard a snatch of a news bulletin about a plane crash in New York. As we were nearing the end of our day with joy and anticipation in our hearts for our soon to be born baby girl, our friends and family were waking up to the horror that would shape a nation and shape world policies for years to come. We arrived at the hospital and it was strangely quiet. We discovered quickly that it was on Code Red, but no one really knew why. And no one knew actually what was happening 4,000 miles away on that gorgeous sunny Autumn morning much like the one here today. What followed was shocking, horrific and time altering. After this date 8 years ago, nothing would ever be the same. Security was shattered and fear became the emotion that infected everything.
It was a strange time for us. Abi and I were full of joy as we drove home anxious to call our friends and family back in the US with the good news that we would be parents again in a day or so. But instead, we returned to a news broadcast that wouldn't go away and images that are imprinted on my brain for ever. Our joy was dampened and our desire to share our news suddenly seemed inappropriate and callous. Even if we wanted to we couldn't because the lines were jammed with people calling looking for news on their loved ones. We eventually were able to communicate and later one friend told us, they were grateful because in the midst of great tragedy, our joyous news was something wonderful to look forward to and a reminder that God is still on his throne, creating, caring and bringing forth life when all seems lost.
Eventually we discovered that all of our friends, we had many who lived in DC and frequently traveled to New York, were safe and accounted for. We were pleased and we had our beautiful baby girl 2 days later. Oddly though, I felt strangely detached from all that was going on in the US. It almost didn't seem real. A book of condolences was opened in London at the US Embassy and daily people from across the country and from around the world lined Grosvenor Square for the chance to sign the book and express their condolences for our loss as a nation.
We still feel that loss in many ways don't we? In this mortal life 9/11 will shape us as individuals, as a nation and as the world. The day of condolences is over, a period of anger and hostility toward our nation is the new order of the day. And internally, we have withdrawn, we are more fearful, we feel however real or accurate that its us and them.
But the reality of that day is still true this day 8 years later, the God of Heaven and earth, the God of this life and the life to come is still on his throne, still ruling and still calling us to him and to share in his atoning mercy and sacrificial love. Yes, he allowed what happened 8 years ago to happen and yet what happened 8 years and 2 days ago he caused to happen. One resulted in the loss of many lives the other was the creation of one beautiful life. Do I understand it completely, NO. Do I trust he is in control regardless of my finite understanding, YES.
I have come to live with my detachment from the events of that day as it is a strong reminder to me that I am actually not meant for this world, I am a citizen of another Kingdom and another land. I am only sojourning here in this one for a time.
My condolences who lost someone that day. I pray you will know a peace that goes beyond our ability to understand.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Our latest support letter
This is a bit late but only now have I got round to posting it. Some of you will be getting this through your mail box in the next few days. Feel free to respond as you are lead.
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
-Ephesians 1:16
August 20, 2009
Dear Friend in Christ,
This just in from the Byrd family . . . We’re back in the U.S.A!
God is doing amazing things with our ministry. Through your prayers and support, He is changing people’s lives. We are so grateful for you. The Lord graciously covered all of our overseas costs.
Our time in Kosova was one of great joy and sorrow.
Seeing the Lord at work in people’s lives made the entire time there worthwhile.
I want to tell you the story of just one lady we were able to help. Eliona (not her real name) is just one of many lives we were able touch.
Eliona is a sharp lady who has seen the Lord work in her life in amazing ways, but sadly she has not yet put her faith in Jesus. Even so, she attributes most all of the good things in her life to God and even cries out to Him for the things that are hard and frightening.
Two years ago, we gave Eliona a loan to start a jewelry store in the local supermarket. Today, she has repaid her loan in full, even a month earlier than her deadline. Not only that, but she has also loaned money to others to start their own jewelry businesses.
As we celebrate Eliona’s successes with her and her husband, we are praying that our witness to them and the sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ will one day come to fruition.
Please continue to join with us in prayer for Eliona and her family.
With the joys of ministry also come the challenges. During the trip, we saw the community we loved and ministered in for so many years struggling.
The common vision and unity is not as evident as it once was. Individual needs and differing ministry goals have taken over resulting in a breakdown in relationships. Abi and I did a lot of pastoral counseling while we were there.
It is our prayer – and we hope you will join us in praying that God will continue to work in the hearts of these friends and co-workers so that the Gospel will continue to get out to those in need.
God is always good! We continue to rejoice in the work he is doing through our work together. He has accomplished many great things in our lives in the last few months.
Rejoice with us over these things:
• Many people heard the Good News of Jesus Christ through the efforts of a short-term team we hosted from the Grace Church, USA, and ChristChurch, UK. To learn more about what God did, visit
www.byrdsonawire.blogspot.com
• Brad has been working with the Qendra Qiriazi Center, a non-profit
organization based in Peje. Through this work, your prayers and support have given Brad the chance to help train many students and professionals in servant leadership (read: Christ Centered leadership).
• Abi was able to encourage many of the families that she served while
she worked in the Charis Cottage pre-school that she set up a few years ago. She was also able to minister to and build up the single, missionary women in their service to the Lord.
Thank you for your prayers for our children. The kids were right at home and enjoying all the things they loved about living in Kosova. The goats on the property made for a lot of fun in their daily activities. Check out Abi’s facebook page or visit www.byrdsonawire.blogspot.com for more stories and pictures.
Now that we’re back from Kosova, Brad is continuing in his role as the U.S. director of Radstock, a global network of churches dedicated to serving the Lord and spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
Pray for him in this work. This ministry takes Brad all over the states, equipping churches to increase the scope of their labor for the Gospel. He will be on the road to Wisconsin, Kentucky and the UK and possibly Cuba this fall.
Our heart is to see this work continue, to build up others in their service to the Lord, and reach even more people with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
-Romans 10:17
Radstock is a great ministry and a perfect fit for the skills God has given Brad – but it is a ministry that does not pay a traditional salary.
Pray about his work. Ask God for great mission opportunities for the teams Brad is directing. Pray also for our finances.
This ministry we are in together would not be possible without you. Your prayers and continued financial support deeply bless and encourage us.
Please know that your giving makes it possible to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people like Eliona, and impact lives with God’s Word.
These are tough economic times around the world. It is times like these when so many are open to the Gospel. Abi and I would like to ask for your prayers and help with this.
We see opportunities around us. God is opening doors for us to minister and even send ministers into the field. But we’re also a little concerned. Upon returning from Kosova, we’ve found our financial situation hurting.
God is in control of everything. We are confident in that fact. But we also believe this is a matter for prayer that we should lift up with our closest friends and family. Please join us in praying about our finances. The following is a simple chart that shows we need to raise an additional 1,900 a month.
Current monthly support $2300
Target $4200
Monthly support still needed $1900
As you pray about this, please consider what you might do to help. Ask the Lord to lead you in your giving. We ask that you give as He leads you and out of a spirit and a heart for the lost.
Again, we are so blessed by you! Thank you for standing with our family to impact the world and transform lives for the glory of God.
Together, we can make a difference for eternity!
In Christ,
Brad & Abi Byrd
P.S. We are excited to be back from Kosova and able share with you about our time serving the Lord. He has worked in unimaginable ways and touched many lives through your prayers and support. We are anxious to continue the work God has for us here in the states. Please continue to pray for us and the opportunities we have to share the Good News!
My Commitment to the ministry of Brad & Abi Byrd and family
I want to help through a monthly gift:
[]$200 / Month
[] $100 / Month
[] $50 / Month
[] $25 / Month
[] $_____ / Month
Credit Card Information
Visa Mastercard
Credit Card Number Expiration Date
____________________________ ______________________________
Cardholder’s Signature Cardholder’s Name
(as it appears on the credit card)
Please make all checks payable to Radstock Ministries, noting Brad & Abi Byrd
Send your gift to:
Radstock Ministries
P.O. Box 5188
Wheaton, IL 60189
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
-Ephesians 1:16
August 20, 2009
Dear Friend in Christ,
This just in from the Byrd family . . . We’re back in the U.S.A!
God is doing amazing things with our ministry. Through your prayers and support, He is changing people’s lives. We are so grateful for you. The Lord graciously covered all of our overseas costs.
Our time in Kosova was one of great joy and sorrow.
Seeing the Lord at work in people’s lives made the entire time there worthwhile.
I want to tell you the story of just one lady we were able to help. Eliona (not her real name) is just one of many lives we were able touch.
Eliona is a sharp lady who has seen the Lord work in her life in amazing ways, but sadly she has not yet put her faith in Jesus. Even so, she attributes most all of the good things in her life to God and even cries out to Him for the things that are hard and frightening.
Two years ago, we gave Eliona a loan to start a jewelry store in the local supermarket. Today, she has repaid her loan in full, even a month earlier than her deadline. Not only that, but she has also loaned money to others to start their own jewelry businesses.
As we celebrate Eliona’s successes with her and her husband, we are praying that our witness to them and the sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ will one day come to fruition.
Please continue to join with us in prayer for Eliona and her family.
With the joys of ministry also come the challenges. During the trip, we saw the community we loved and ministered in for so many years struggling.
The common vision and unity is not as evident as it once was. Individual needs and differing ministry goals have taken over resulting in a breakdown in relationships. Abi and I did a lot of pastoral counseling while we were there.
It is our prayer – and we hope you will join us in praying that God will continue to work in the hearts of these friends and co-workers so that the Gospel will continue to get out to those in need.
God is always good! We continue to rejoice in the work he is doing through our work together. He has accomplished many great things in our lives in the last few months.
Rejoice with us over these things:
• Many people heard the Good News of Jesus Christ through the efforts of a short-term team we hosted from the Grace Church, USA, and ChristChurch, UK. To learn more about what God did, visit
www.byrdsonawire.blogspot.com
• Brad has been working with the Qendra Qiriazi Center, a non-profit
organization based in Peje. Through this work, your prayers and support have given Brad the chance to help train many students and professionals in servant leadership (read: Christ Centered leadership).
• Abi was able to encourage many of the families that she served while
she worked in the Charis Cottage pre-school that she set up a few years ago. She was also able to minister to and build up the single, missionary women in their service to the Lord.
Thank you for your prayers for our children. The kids were right at home and enjoying all the things they loved about living in Kosova. The goats on the property made for a lot of fun in their daily activities. Check out Abi’s facebook page or visit www.byrdsonawire.blogspot.com for more stories and pictures.
Now that we’re back from Kosova, Brad is continuing in his role as the U.S. director of Radstock, a global network of churches dedicated to serving the Lord and spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
Pray for him in this work. This ministry takes Brad all over the states, equipping churches to increase the scope of their labor for the Gospel. He will be on the road to Wisconsin, Kentucky and the UK and possibly Cuba this fall.
Our heart is to see this work continue, to build up others in their service to the Lord, and reach even more people with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
-Romans 10:17
Radstock is a great ministry and a perfect fit for the skills God has given Brad – but it is a ministry that does not pay a traditional salary.
Pray about his work. Ask God for great mission opportunities for the teams Brad is directing. Pray also for our finances.
This ministry we are in together would not be possible without you. Your prayers and continued financial support deeply bless and encourage us.
Please know that your giving makes it possible to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people like Eliona, and impact lives with God’s Word.
These are tough economic times around the world. It is times like these when so many are open to the Gospel. Abi and I would like to ask for your prayers and help with this.
We see opportunities around us. God is opening doors for us to minister and even send ministers into the field. But we’re also a little concerned. Upon returning from Kosova, we’ve found our financial situation hurting.
God is in control of everything. We are confident in that fact. But we also believe this is a matter for prayer that we should lift up with our closest friends and family. Please join us in praying about our finances. The following is a simple chart that shows we need to raise an additional 1,900 a month.
Current monthly support $2300
Target $4200
Monthly support still needed $1900
As you pray about this, please consider what you might do to help. Ask the Lord to lead you in your giving. We ask that you give as He leads you and out of a spirit and a heart for the lost.
Again, we are so blessed by you! Thank you for standing with our family to impact the world and transform lives for the glory of God.
Together, we can make a difference for eternity!
In Christ,
Brad & Abi Byrd
P.S. We are excited to be back from Kosova and able share with you about our time serving the Lord. He has worked in unimaginable ways and touched many lives through your prayers and support. We are anxious to continue the work God has for us here in the states. Please continue to pray for us and the opportunities we have to share the Good News!
My Commitment to the ministry of Brad & Abi Byrd and family
I want to help through a monthly gift:
[]$200 / Month
[] $100 / Month
[] $50 / Month
[] $25 / Month
[] $_____ / Month
Credit Card Information
Visa Mastercard
Credit Card Number Expiration Date
____________________________ ______________________________
Cardholder’s Signature Cardholder’s Name
(as it appears on the credit card)
Please make all checks payable to Radstock Ministries, noting Brad & Abi Byrd
Send your gift to:
Radstock Ministries
P.O. Box 5188
Wheaton, IL 60189
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Kosovo's Burning
Radical Islam is growing daily. Dollar for dollar there is more funding and manpower being poured into this small Balkan nation by radical Islamic organizations and governments than by the church. Some Albanians are returning to the religion of their fathers before Islam took root forcibly some 500 years ago. For that they are paying the price and according to Stephen Schwartz at the Weekly Standard, that price could be even higher than the price they paid for simply being Albanian 10 years ago.
The invasion of Kosovo by Islamist radicals, including assaults on moderate Muslims now includes threats of a "religious war" against Albanian Christians, some of whom have left Islam for the Catholic faith of their ancestors. More
The invasion of Kosovo by Islamist radicals, including assaults on moderate Muslims now includes threats of a "religious war" against Albanian Christians, some of whom have left Islam for the Catholic faith of their ancestors. More
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Are you Listening?
My good friend, Mike McKinley, over at the 9 Marks Blog has just posted a review of a helpful little book, called Listen Up I encourage you to give it a read and consider how it might be useful to you as you sit under the preaching of God's Word at your local church.
How to Listen to Sermons, Both Faithful and Heretical
by Michael Mckinley
Jesus tells us to be careful how we hear (Luke 8:18). Yet many Christians approach the Sunday sermon with little to no game-plan for listening well.
To address that problem, Christopher Ash has written an outstanding booklet: Listen Up! A Practical Guide to Listening to Sermons.
The booklet is very accessible. It is short (only 31 pages), well designed, and written in an informal, catchy style. And the content is pure gold.
It is broken into several section. The first and longest part is devoted to seven ingredients for healthy sermon listening. They are:
Expect God to speak.
Admit God knows better than you.
Check the preacher says what the passage says.
Hear the sermon in church (as opposed to solely listening to sermons on the internet).
Be there week by week.
Do what the Bible says.
Do what the Bible says today -- and rejoice!
Each of these "ingredients" comes with practical examples and a list of "practical steps to take" at the end.
The second section deal with listening to "bad" sermons, particularly dull sermons, biblically inadequate sermons, and heretical sermons.
The final section reminds us that congregations often get the kind of preaching they tolerate and encourage, and then provides seven suggestions for encouraging good preaching,
I found this booklet very, very helpful. If you are a preacher who wants to train your people to listen well to God's Word, this is the booklet you want to use. If you are a regular hearer of God's Word, this booklet will give you a great perspective and a ton of practical strategies for improvement.
How to Listen to Sermons, Both Faithful and Heretical
by Michael Mckinley
Jesus tells us to be careful how we hear (Luke 8:18). Yet many Christians approach the Sunday sermon with little to no game-plan for listening well.
To address that problem, Christopher Ash has written an outstanding booklet: Listen Up! A Practical Guide to Listening to Sermons.
The booklet is very accessible. It is short (only 31 pages), well designed, and written in an informal, catchy style. And the content is pure gold.
It is broken into several section. The first and longest part is devoted to seven ingredients for healthy sermon listening. They are:
Expect God to speak.
Admit God knows better than you.
Check the preacher says what the passage says.
Hear the sermon in church (as opposed to solely listening to sermons on the internet).
Be there week by week.
Do what the Bible says.
Do what the Bible says today -- and rejoice!
Each of these "ingredients" comes with practical examples and a list of "practical steps to take" at the end.
The second section deal with listening to "bad" sermons, particularly dull sermons, biblically inadequate sermons, and heretical sermons.
The final section reminds us that congregations often get the kind of preaching they tolerate and encourage, and then provides seven suggestions for encouraging good preaching,
I found this booklet very, very helpful. If you are a preacher who wants to train your people to listen well to God's Word, this is the booklet you want to use. If you are a regular hearer of God's Word, this booklet will give you a great perspective and a ton of practical strategies for improvement.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Radstock TV
Check out the series of video uplinks that have been posted by various Radstock pastors and church planters. Its amazing what is happening across the Radstock network, a chief focus of the videos is the work in India.
Kindergarten meet and greet
Tate got to visit his classroom today in preparation for his big day tomorrow. Here he is outside the building, sitting at his table, finding his locker, figuring out how to open his locker and shoving his backpack in! Good fun and he is excited.
On the bus
Here is the whole gang at the bus stop waiting eagerly. They were saying "We love school" with the exception of a few who really prefer summer!!
Unfortunately 2 had to walk back home as they weren't riding the bus today. So sad and so sweet!!
The First Day of school
Hard to believe we now have 3 children who are school age. Tate didn't get to have a "normal" day at Kindergarten today - we just went to visit his classroom and meet his teacher. He will ride the bus tomorrow - he has waited years for this moment so he is EXCITED! I am anticipating a huge tantrum from the 2 year old in our house as she is convinced she is getting on the bus tomorrow with the other 3. Mega coffee will be needed early to navigate the crisis!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Powerful video on Mission
John Piper narrates this powerful video. May it challenge you and may you see mission in a new light.
Exploring Christianity.
Last night we launched our in a 10 week series of Christianity Explored. We gathered a few people together at a local establishment on Main Street for a discussion of the claims of Christ in Mark's Gospel. We had a few technical problems but nothing that wasn't overcome and a great conversation. If last night was anything to go by, I am sure it will be a charged but fruitful time.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Comrades in Battle
This is a post earlier this month from a friend Tim Chester.
"Earlier this year we commemorated the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Normandy landings. One of the striking things, listening to the stories of those involved, was how they looked back on those times with such fondness. Although they faced the horrors of battle, the experience of comradeship and purpose was so intense that those months were the highlight of their lives. Though they involved just a small proportion of their lifetime, those events had defined their lives. They always were veterans of the Normandy campaign.
Today I came across this quote from 1465 from a French Knight called Jean de Brueil. It’s cited in Michael Frost’s book Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture (Hendrickson/Strand, 2006, 117-118 ). De Brueil wrote:
Battle is a joyous thing. We love each other so much in battle. If we see that our cause is just and our kinsmen fight boldly, tears come to our eyes. A sweet joy rises in our hearts, in the feeling of our honest loyalty to each other; and seeing our friend so bravely exposing his body to danger in order to fulfill the commandment of our Creator, we resolve to go forward and die or live with him on account of love. This brings such delight that anyone who has not felt it cannot say how wonderful it is. Do you think someone who feels this is afraid of death? Not in the least! He is so strengthened, so delighted, that he does not know where he is. Truly, he fears nothing in the world.
I think this represents an important dynamic that we need to capture in the church if we are to evangelize and disciple men – a sense of comradeship, of common purpose of battling together."
If we are fulfilling the commandments of our Creator shouldn't we feel this same strength and delight such that fear of death itself shall be over come.
"Earlier this year we commemorated the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Normandy landings. One of the striking things, listening to the stories of those involved, was how they looked back on those times with such fondness. Although they faced the horrors of battle, the experience of comradeship and purpose was so intense that those months were the highlight of their lives. Though they involved just a small proportion of their lifetime, those events had defined their lives. They always were veterans of the Normandy campaign.
Today I came across this quote from 1465 from a French Knight called Jean de Brueil. It’s cited in Michael Frost’s book Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture (Hendrickson/Strand, 2006, 117-118 ). De Brueil wrote:
Battle is a joyous thing. We love each other so much in battle. If we see that our cause is just and our kinsmen fight boldly, tears come to our eyes. A sweet joy rises in our hearts, in the feeling of our honest loyalty to each other; and seeing our friend so bravely exposing his body to danger in order to fulfill the commandment of our Creator, we resolve to go forward and die or live with him on account of love. This brings such delight that anyone who has not felt it cannot say how wonderful it is. Do you think someone who feels this is afraid of death? Not in the least! He is so strengthened, so delighted, that he does not know where he is. Truly, he fears nothing in the world.
I think this represents an important dynamic that we need to capture in the church if we are to evangelize and disciple men – a sense of comradeship, of common purpose of battling together."
If we are fulfilling the commandments of our Creator shouldn't we feel this same strength and delight such that fear of death itself shall be over come.
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