freeasamustang_tai's Xanga

I Have Moved

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:17:40 GMT

Hmmm...I realized just today how long it has been since I've been on Xanga! Wow. But the reason, if you haven't already been clever enough to figure it out, is because I have a NEW place!
Yup. Impressive, I know.
To visit me there and leave me oodles of comments, go to:
www.beggarlybouquet.com

Jolly good!
;)

When Can God Use Us?

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:37:30 GMT

Eric Novak – a fellow Christian blogger – approached me recently about doing a joint post after he saw we had had the same idea: To write about 1 Timothy 4:12. I thought it was a grand idea, and that it would be neat to put heads together with another beacon of light in the blogging community. Thus, “When Can God Use Us?” was created.

God’s Choice

Eric: When I was a little kid, I wanted to know the answer to one question: “When can God use me?” Looking in the Bible, there were some great examples of people that God used to accomplish great things. But Joseph, David, and Solomon were such big Bible characters. God used them to build the nation of Israel. Until reading their stories, I never realized that it was God’s choice of when and how to use me.

Youth in Action

Eric: It is amazing to see how God used young people, many of them authors of the greatest books of the Bible.

Tai: In this day and age, it can be so easy to get caught up in wanting to “be someone” and make our mark on the world. But we must begin by being faithful in the things that God gives us. You will notice in the following looks at men and women of the Bible whom God used, that none of them were out to make something of themselves. They were out to serve God humbly, through whatever circumstances came their way - and many were unpleasant. And as they followed God's leading, he used their lives in amazing ways.

How did God use young people?

To save Israel in the time of famine.

It was through Joseph that God provided Israel a means to survive a famine.

He was seventeen years old when sold as a slave to Potiphar (Genesis 37:2).

To deliver Israel from the Philistines.

God used David to defeat Goliath, even though he was "but a youth" according to King Saul. (1 Samuel 17:33)

To lead Israel to its greatest heights

David appointed Solomon to succeed him, who when he became king, thought of himself as but "a little child" (1Kings 3:7)

To restore Judah to the true worship of God

When he was just eight, Josiah became king, and he was a good one (2 Chronicles 34:1). When he was sixteen, he sought to serve God (2 Chronicles 34:3). When he was twenty, he instituted religious reforms throughout Judah (2 Chronicles 34:3). When he was twenty-six, he restored the temple and the Passover (2 Chronicles 34:8; 35:18-19).

To prophesy to the nations

Jeremiah tried to escape his prophetic call (Jeremiah 1:4-6), but God told him not to say, "I am a youth," because He would be with him (Jeremiah 1:7-8).

To reveal the sovereignty of God over the nations

This God did through Daniel, who was possibly twelve to fifteen when taken into Babylonian captivity (Daniel 1:3-5).

Making him fifteen to eighteen when brought to Nebuchadnezzar and began serving as his counselor (Daniel 1:18-20).

To bring the savior into the world

Mary was but a young virgin (Luke 1:26-33).

To proclaim the gospel to the lost

Timothy was selected by Paul to join him on his journeys (Acts 16:1-3).

He must have been quite young, for it was over twenty years later that Paul tells him to let no one despise his youth(1Timothy 4:12)!

The Kind of Young People God Can Use

1Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” This verse can mean two things. First, don’t let anyone look down on you because of your age or it can mean to act a specific way so that no one has any reason to look down on you. I have a tendency to believe it means the latter. If we look at young people in the Bible, we find amazing examples of the kind of character qualities that God looked for in young people.

He looked for those willing to flee immorality - Joseph

Tai: Joseph was a young man who God was able to use to express His glory because he was committed to serving God in whatever circumstances he found himself. One big test for Joseph came in the form of his Egyptian master, Potiphar’s wife. Joseph was handsome and Potiphar’s wife was attracted to him. In Genesis 39:7, she tried to lure him into committing adultery, but Joseph refused out of honor for his master and obedience to God. Later, when she grabbed his robe and tried to tempt him again, Joseph didn’t say, “Oh, you’ve got me by my robe, I guess I have to give in now.” Nope. He wasted no time in leaving behind what may have been one of his only earthly possessions as he fled from Potiphar’s wife. God blessed him for his wise decisions, taking him from being a humble shepherd and eventually making him a ruler over Egypt. He used him not only to save all of Egypt during a terrible 7-year famine, but also Israel, including the very brothers who had sold him into slavery over jealousy, years before.

Eric: Notice that Joseph left his robe in the hands of Potiphar’s wife. He dropped his prized possession and fled immorality. We should embrace that attitude, as well. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.”

Those willing to trust in God – David

Tai: David trusted God with all of his heart and was willing to attempt great things for Him. When he was just a young man, he stood before a giant whom no one else in the Israelites’ army seemed willing to fight. With just a sling, five stones, and God’s help, the fierce Giant was slain by this small shepherd boy. As he grew older, he trusted God to help him overcome many armies larger than his own. He also let Saul, who had been searching to unjustly kill him for quite a while, escape when he could have killed Saul himself more than once. He believed God’s justice was better than his own. God blessed him and set him as king over Israel. God said of him, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will” (1 Samuel 13:13-14, Acts 13:22). David was ready to do anything that the Lord sent him to do and the Lord was pleased. He was faithful with the small things and the Lord gave him larger and larger things, as he continued to be faithful.

Eric: David had amazing faith. Do you wonder why he picked up five stones? Was it because he was afraid he would miss? Goliath actually had four brothers and David’s faith was so great that he was going to take out all the brothers with just his sling (2 Samuel 21:15-22)!

Those willing to seek first thing first – Solomon

Tai: First Kings 3:7-9 says, “And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this, your great people?”

Now that's what I call humility – and it was spoken by one of Israel’s greatest (and wisest) kings! Solomon realized his human weakness, and the lack of ability to judge the land correctly on his own. He wasted no time in going right to the top in his search for wisdom. Because of his humility, God not only gave him wisdom, but added to it both riches and honor.

Eric: Solomon had an extremely hard choice to make. From the hand of God, he could ask for anything – money, happiness, honor or power – he could have asked for any one of a thousand earthly things (1 Kings 3:5). Instead, he decided to take wisdom. Because of his decision he was the wisest king in the history of Israel. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Solomon feared the Lord first and then God gave him wisdom.

Those willing to seek the lord with humility – Josiah

Tai: Josiah was only eight years old when he began to reign in Jerusalem. He found favor in God’s sight, and walked in His ways. When he was 16 he began to seek God. When he was 20, he instituted religious reform in Judah and tore down the places of worship to false gods. When he was 26 he repaired the temple, restored the people’s worship of the true God, and kept the Passover. He was committed to seeing the name of God lifted above all other things, and his obedience to God’s standards was reflected in the whole land of Judah.

Eric: Josiah was one of Israel’s youngest kings, devoting his life to God from his youth. Jonathan Edwards felt that devoting these very young, tender years to the Lord’s service is “a peculiar honor to God.” He said, “Boys who are pious early, dedicate the flower of their lives to God.”

While Josiah was king he destroyed the high places of Asherim. He tore down the altars of Baals, chopped up the incense altars above the Baals, and broke the carved and molten images into pieces and ground to powder. He scattered the ground powder on the graves of those who had sacrificed to the false gods and then burned the bones of the priests on their altars. Josiah was so devoted to God that he didn’t care about what the people wanted to do. He cared about what God wanted them to do.

Those willing to boldly do God’s will – Jeremiah

Tai: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” How many times have we said or thought the same thing to ourselves? “I can’t talk to that person about God, I’m just a kid!” That was Jeremiah’s initial response to learning that God had appointed him to be a prophet “to the nations.” But God replied with this remark: “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth;’ for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” (Jer. 1:7-8) God has called us to share his glory with the world, and he will give us the words to speak. We just have to GO and boldly do God’s will.

Eric: Jeremiah was just a youth when God chose to use him. Even though Jeremiah was slightly like Moses (in the sense that they both were afraid to speak for God), He still chose to use him. The reason was because there are no limitations with God. If he could take a rock and make it speak, then he can take a youth and use him (or her) convey His message.

Those willing to be true to their convictions – Daniel

Tai: Daniel was just a youth when he was taken into Babylonian captivity. But even then, at the very beginning of his imprisonment, he stood firm in his convictions not to eat or drink any of the king’s food or wine. God blessed him greatly for that. (Daniel 1:8) Later, he was willing to stand up for the one true God, despite the huge threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace if he would not bow down to an idol. He did not bow and consequently he was thrown into the furnace, as promised, along with his three friends. But God protected them there, and they came out unharmed (not even a single hair of their heads was singed). (Daniel 3:27) Daniel stood firm in his convictions, never wavering, and God was glorified through his faith.

Eric: Daniel had strong convictions. After refusing to eat the king's food, being thrown into a fiery furnace, and tossed into a den of lions, he was still in one piece. God told him, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” (Daniel 10:10 -12).

Those willing to humbly submit to God’s will – Mary

Tai: Mary was a young woman of no social standing, with no outstanding qualities – except for her humility. And because of this, she found favor in the eyes of God (Luke 1:30) and was chosen out of all the women on earth to bear the Son of God. When the angel of the Lord told her that she would be the one to bear Jesus, something that she knew could have a terrible effect on her reputation, she said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” She wholeheartedly submitted to God’s will. Oh, that we all would be so humbly submitted.

Eric: I always find amazing that Mary was able to submit to God’s will for her life. Look at the scandal that could have followed her. She knew from the moment the Angel appeared to her that she could be stoned to death, and yet she made the decision to surrender her life to God’s service, anyway. Do we have that kind of courage today?

Those willing to be an example to others - Paul instructing Timothy

Tai: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Timothy was a young disciple, whom Paul chose to accompany him (Acts 16:1-3), and for whom he became a spiritual mentor. In the verse above, Paul was writing to Timothy to encourage him to be an example for the other believers in Ephesus, where Timothy was serving. It isn’t always easy, but as Christians, we are called to be examples of Jesus and His glory. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”(Matthew 5:16).

Eric: Timothy was a young man who Paul befriended in Lystra around 49AD. Most of Paul’s letters were addressed in some way to Timothy. In fact, only three letters make no mention of him (Ephesians, Titus and Gelatins). Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one look down on your for your youth.” Not only does this means “young” it means "a new believer" too!

The Greek word “youthfulness” is the word Neotes, meaning “young” and “youth.” This word is derived from "ananeoo" which means "to renew, to make young, to be renewed insofar as spiritual vitality is concerned." Youthfulness is also derived from the word "Neophutos" which means "Newly Planted." This would make a lot of sense as Paul would be saying, "Don't let anyone look down on you for being a new Christian" in addition to "Don't let anyone look down on you for being youthful." Timothy may have been a “newer” Christian when the book of Timothy was written, and when Paul told him to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

Making Change – Teens Today

I find it amazing that some people think most young people aren’t old enough to have a ministry. Who are we to tell God, whom He can and cannot use? God didn’t just use young people in the Bible; He is using them all over the world today.

What Can God Do With You?

Jeremiah said, “I am but a youth.” And God’s reply was stunning. “Do not say, ‘I am a youth’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak!” God was not telling Jeremiah that it was an option to serve Him; He was commanding him to serve Him and not to take his youth into account. God basically said, “Don’t use that terminology in my presence, young man!”

This whole topic really comes down to a question. What will you allow God to do with you? If you have the mentality that God cannot use you, He will not use you. If you have a teachable spirit and believe that “everything is possible with God,” He will use you. The Great Commission doesn’t say, “All adults go make disciples of all nations.” Jesus did say, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

The Dearest Place on Earth

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:55:42 GMT

"If I had never joined a church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never
have joined one at all; and the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have
spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect church after I had become a member of
it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us." - Charles Spurgeon

Below is a speech that was given by my friend, Alex, several weeks ago when we had the great privilege of making a public commitment to our local church, after going through a 10-week course on the mission, doctrine, and beliefs of our particular church. Our pastor usually likes to have one of the new members give a testimony of how they came to feel called to the church...but this year was a little different, since Alex and I had both been going to the church for several years, being members with our families. I asked him to type up and send me basically what he shared at church, because I thought it really communicated the heart and passion we should all have for our church families.

* * *

Will Meiklejohn once asked me,

“So…Alex - what is it that you are most passionate about?”

“Well, that’s a weird question.” I replied. I then proceeded to fumble through some lame answer only to realize later that I had never really answered it. However, I think I have the answer this morning. Perhaps one of the most significant events in the history of my family was standing up here together four years ago. It is now one of my greatest joys to stand here today and personally commit to this local church body.

This church is my home. It means more to me than just a place where I go on Sundays. When I think of this church I think of the first believers in Acts; that sweetness of fellowship and sense of family is alive and well in this church.

This is a group of people seeking to be as biblical as possible - and the implications of that are amazing! We are accountable to one another, we have solid doctrine that magnifies the Glory of God, and we are marked by a pursuit of spiritual gifts. This church has also taught me how to better fulfill God's call on my life as a single man and this has, in turn, taught me how to better respect and honor the young women in my life. If it were not for this church I never would have learned such a valuable lesson.

However, the most important thing that this church has taught me goes much deeper then this; it cuts to the very core of my existence. You see, the difference between now and the day when I stood weeping in my Dad’s arms in the middle of a hockey arena (at a Promise Keepers conference), is that now I understand more fully what happened on that day. That day I was regenerated. At that moment a holy God looked upon me and no longer did he see my sin, but he saw Christ’s perfect life. I stood justified by the blood of Christ. Now day-by-day, from glory to glory, I am becoming more like him. I am on my way with this church to a place where our feet should have never touched.

You see, the local Church is not only a conduit for the gospel to go forth in this community, but it is also a place where the gospel can be practically lived out in our lives. I could not commit to a church that did not celebrate this, worship God for this, and preach this every Sunday. For this reason I will invest my life and any pathetic gifting God may have given me into Sovereign Grace Church. I am a sinner marking myself among other sinners, joining my hands with them in the building of a local church for the glory of the God who sovereignly brought it into existence.

Part Five: 1 Timothy 4:12 - Purity

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:51:10 GMT

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

“Deliver me from attachment to things unclean, from wrong associations, from the predominance of evil passions, from the sugar of sin a well as its gall, that with self-loathing, deep contrition, earnest heart searching – I may come to thee, cast myself on thee, trust in thee, cry to thee, be delivered by thee. O God, the Eternal All, help me to know that all things are shadows, but thou art substance, all things are quicksands, but thou art mountain, all things are shifting, but thou art anchor, all things are ignorance, but thou art wisdom. If my life is to be a crucible amid burning heat, so be it, but do thou sit at the furnace mouth to watch the ore that nothing be lost.” From The Valley of Vision - Purification

“But teach me…that I fall short of the purity thou requirest, because in thinking I am holy I do not seek holiness, or, believing I am impotent, I do no more.” From The Valley of Vision – Reliance

“My thoughts are not screened from thy gaze, my secret sins blaze in the light of thy countenance.” From The Valley of Vision – New Beginning

I discussed some aspects of purity in my previous post on being an example in Love. Especially that we are to treat friends as brothers and sisters in Christ, with all purity. But what IS purity? Is it just in how we act or what we say? Well, it does include those things (not taking what is rightfully not ours yet, and thinking of what will best serve the other person rather than just following our own selfish passions), but purity is an attitude of the heart. It starts with a resolve to do all that God has commanded, and to surrender all the passions of the heart, and all of the sins – once discovered – into God’s care. It is after it has started deep within – with that resolve – that it can and will then seep out into all we do and say. It will affect our relationships, how we spend our time, and how we pray. And, as the writer of one of the prayers from The Valley of Vision above stated, God may use the crucible – fire…the difficult times – to purify us, and grow us, but if we ask him to guard the growth, so that no lesson is lost, while that which is imperfect is melted away, he will be sure to do so. When purity characterizes our lives, others will notice the difference.

“Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22

As this verse states, as we seek to grow in purity and to live lives characterized by it, we are to do it with others who’s passions are the same as our own – who call on the Lord from a pure heart. We need friends who will be honest with us and friends whom we can trust to keep us accountable. They are a great source of growth in my life.

I would encourage you to seek out these people in your own life, and ask God to help you humbly consider whatever correction they may bring.

Again, I have written about this several times before…but why would you want to give away part of your heart or body to someone who is not your spouse? I emphatically encourage you to save all you possibly can for that one person until your wedding day. What is a heart that is torn into a hundred different pieces for a hundred different people? God can and will forgive mistakes like that, but the truth remains that your heart can never be completely the same. Would you like to receive a small piece of a torn-up heart, or one whole and beating with passion?

Save all you can, and you and whomever you marry one day, if God allows, will both rejoice – though it may be hard at times before then – it will be more than worth it.

"Be warm, but pure." - Lord Byron

Part Four: 1 Timothy 4:12 - Faith

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:55:24 GMT

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

“O LORD, The world is artful to entrap, approaches in fascinating guise, extends many a gilded bait, presents many a charming face. Let my faith scan every painted bauble, and escape every bewitching snare in a victory that overcomes all things. In my duties give me firmness, energy, zeal, devotion to thy cause, courage in thy name, love as a working grace, and all commensurate with my trust. Let faith stride forth in giant power, and love respond with energy in every act. I often mourn the absence of my beloved Lord whose smile makes earth paradise, whose voice is sweetest music, whose presence gives all graces strength. But by unbelief I often keep him outside my door. Let faith give entrance that he may abide with me forever.” From The Valley of Vision – Faith and the World

“I bless thee that thou hast given me the eye of faith, to see thee as Father, to know thee as covenant God, to experience thy love planted in me; for faith is the grace of union by which I spell out my entitlement to thee: faith casts my anchor upwards where I trust in thee and engage thee to be my Lord. Be pleased to live and move within me, breathing in my prayers, inhabiting my praises, speaking in my words, moving in my actions, living in my life, causing me to grow in grace. Thy bounteous goodness has helped me believe, but my faith is weak and wavering, its light dim, its steps tottering, its increase slow, its backsliding frequent; It should scale the heavens, but lies groveling in the dust. Lord, fan this divine spark into glowing flame. When faith sleeps, my heart becomes an unclean thing, the fount of every loathsome desire, the cage of unclean lusts, all fluttering to escape, the noxious tree of deadly fruit, the open wayside of earthly tares. Lord, awake faith to put forth its strength until all heaven fills my soul and all impurity is cast out.” From The Valley of Vision – Faith.

Faith. Well, I think that, over the past week or so, God has been trying to say something to me about my faith…and for the longest time, I didn’t want to hear it.

For a little while, it can seem so much easier to take things into our own control, trusting on our own strength to hold us up, and not having to rely on anyone else; not having to make ourselves vulnerable.

But trusting in our own strength to get places is like running on a treadmill. No matter how hard and fast you run, you aren’t getting anywhere too fast…in fact, when you stop, you’ll see that you’re right back where you were before and loads more exhausted.

Faith is trusting God in all things, and believing that there is a purpose behind every circumstance that baffles our finite minds, knowing that he is all-powerful, and that he will keep his promises.

Faith is still believing that God will come through, even when everything around us says otherwise.

I read the chapter in C.J. Mahaney’s book (“Humility – True Greatness”) called, “Responding Humbly to Trials”. In this chapter he points to Habakkuk as an example of someone who, in his human-ness, felt that God had forgotten him and his people…and yet, after having his eyes opened by God, set us a distinct example for where our hearts should always be in faith.

This is how the book of Habakkuk opens:

“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save?” Habakkuk 1:2

Habakkuk here is in a pit of human despair. He has lost faith in his God, believing that, since what he would say is help and justice has not happened, God isn’t doing anything. Yet, this is how he ends the book:

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

Wow. How did he get to that place where he had complete faith in the Lord, even if all of the good things in his land failed – even to the extent that he would have no food?

As C.J. Mahaney put it:

“What a surprise! A cataclysmic change has occurred in the disposition of Habakkuk’s heart, and yet there has been absolutely no improvement in his circumstances. Nothing has changed, and yet, for Habakkuk’s heart, everything has changed. He’s no longer puffed up. Instead he’s humbly trusting God. Having been informed by God that the righteous one lives by his faith (2:4), Habakkuk has become an illustration and the personification of that truth. Faith is indeed what he’s now living by.”

To think that our way is better than God's way is most definitely pride. How can we change the attitudes of our hearts, even when our circumstances don't seem like they are going to change? How did Habakkuk do it?

First off, he talked to God. When he didn’t understand, he cried out to God, and God, in his mercy, answered him. He also waited on the Lord, and was quiet before him.

In chapter 3, Habakkuk then recounts the amazing acts of God throughout history. I firmly believe that looking back at what God has done, as we march forward in faith is a wonderful way to remind us of God’s goodness, and to strengthen our hearts in faith, believing that, “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). When we are tempted to worry, or forget all that God has worked together for good, we should look back and praise him for where he has brought us, even though we couldn’t see at the time.

Worry, complaining, and fear are not ways to be examples of faith in God. In fact, those are all things that can make others take a few steps back and decided that they don’t want what we have.

If God is not our all-in-all, what makes us any different from anyone else of any other religion (or lack thereof) – if he is only our “sometimes-when-I-can’t-do-it-by-myself” God…well…what does that say about us, and, more importantly, what does it say about our God?

To be true examples of faith, we will have to learn to put aside our own worries and fears, stop all of our complaining (I know someone is thinking “easier said than done”…) and let our hearts be filled with love for our savior. Filled with trust in Him and his perfect plan. Filled with joy and peace and contentment, realizing that there is no better place to be than right where God wants us. And that can only happen when we let go of our pride, and let God take control.

Part Three: 1 Timothy 4:12 - Love

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:21:33 GMT

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

"Holiness is a spark from thy love kindled into a flame by thy Spirit, and so it ever turns to the place from which it comes. Let me see thy love everywhere, not only in the cross, but in the fellowship of believers and in the world around me. When I feel the warmth of the sun may I praise thee who art the Sun of righteousness with healing power. When I feel the tender rain may I think of the gospel showers that water my soul. When I walk by the riverside may I praise thee for that stream that makes the eternal city glad, and washes white my robes that I may have the right to the tree of life. Thy infinite love is a mystery of mysteries, and my eternal rest lies in the eternal enjoyment of it.” From The Valley of Vision – Love.

“May I grow in thy love and manifest it to mankind.” From The Valley of Vision – Christian Love.

Love comes in many different shapes and forms. In fact, the Greek has several different words for the one word we use to describe our “love” of potato chips, family, friends, husband/wife, movies etc.

Eros: (passionate love, with sensual desire and longing)

We can be an example in this kind of love by acting in purity, and treating young men like brothers, and young ladies like sisters, as Paul tells Timothy:

"Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity." 1 Timothy 5:1-2

I think that one of the best examples that I know of a godly love in this area would have to be my friends Jesse and Jessica Aiduk. Jesse came to our church from another church to serve us by doing community outreaches (etc.) with several other young adults, including his older sister, in the summer of 2005. It was there that he met Jessica. Unfortunately for me, my family began going to that church several months after their first meeting, but I wish I could have been there, though it would not have seemed significant at the time. In fact, though, after a while, in Jesse’s heart, Jessica became significant to him, he never let on throughout their whole friendship that he was growing to love her, in an effort to guard her heart. As Jessica put it at a breakfast date she had with me, “He was my ‘student’ for over a year, and I never knew it.” And, to her, that was a blessing. He wanted nothing to get in the way of her growth in godliness, and her pursuit of Him. He also didn’t want emotions to get in the way of her other friendships, until he was sure it was the right time, and they were both ready. So they were just friends – no one thinking more of their relationship than a brother and sister. In fact, it could have stayed that way, and they would both still be glorifying God for their friendship, because wisdom was used there. But then, last year, about this time, Jesse asked Jessica (after gaining her father’s permission) to court her. And, after praying about it, Jessica said yes. Their courtship story inspired me, and I wrote this poem for them, which was read at their wedding – in July 2007 – (after I added the last verse as a surprise):

Jesse and Jessica ~ 2007
By Tai Sophia Polczynski

A little baby girl was born -
She filled her house with joy,
But little did she dream then:
That God was preparing her a baby boy.
* * *
He lived in Massachusetts,
She – many miles away…
But little did either dream then:
That God would bring them together one day.
* * *
The years seemed to rush right by;
He grew up straight and tall,
Her hair grew long – her eyes grew bright,
And, before long, they each answered God's call.
* * *
Of course they sinned and made mistakes,
But God was always there
To dry their tears and bind their wounds
And protect them in his care.
* * *
And sometimes she would wonder
If her dreams would ever come true
-and, if they would, then how? And when?
…but Jesus knew.
* * *
And sometimes he would wonder
If "she" was out there now…
And if she was – where was she?
Would he know her when he saw her? How?
* * *
Though she and he could only see
-one at a time- each small step align,
God could see all of each of their paths
And how they'd intertwine.
* * *
So they met one summer day
When he came to serve her church.
And, though they may not have known it just then,
They had both come to the end of their search.
* * *
Just friends they were for quite some time,
And golden days were those…
But then came the day, when he asked at last
And, after much prayer – she chose.
* * *
The things they couldn't understand before
Now seemed to all make sense!
God's timing had been perfect, his guidance sure,
And this pure love had sprung from their obedience.
* * *
Now exchanging rings, and vows, and love, you stand
On this day that will never come again
And, one day you'll joyfully recount, as you hold your child's hand:
"Look at what God did then!"

We can be examples in this area as we act in purity and genuine love for one another, and consider, before we do or say something if it will be serving the other person, or just our selfishness…and you may want to consider, “What if that person’s future husband/wife was sitting next to them right now?” “Love” for a person of the opposite sex can’t truly be love until it is backed up with commitment. Besides, you want someone to love your character as much - actually MORE than they love your looks.

Philia (Philos): (friendship)

" A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

God has given us friends to grow us, to encourage us, to be tools of sanctification in our lives, and to remind us ever of God and his amazing grace (ok…and to have fun with, too…;).

We in turn, are to be these things for others. A true friend encourages and points out evidences of grace in others’ lives. A true friend doesn’t let other friends just wallow blindly in sin, but helps them to see where they are slipping, and reminds them that God is there to help them change. A true friend follows the leading of the Holy Spirit in interactions with fellow believers. A true friend invites correction and the input of others. A true friend strives after humility, knowing that they are sinners like the rest. A true friend seeks to serve instead of continually being served. A true friend likes to listen as much – if not more – than talking.

I realize that we will never be perfect at this whole friendship business – and many a time will come when we will mess up, blush over our words, realize how foolish our actions were etc. Time after time I’ve come home after being at a friend’s house, only now realizing how silly I must have seemed, or how foolishly I acted/spoke.

Thankfully for us, God gives us second chances. I need them.

Friends are not only those people at church or school, but they should also be those dear people whom God has sovereignly brought us into the world with, and whom we daily do life together with: Our family. Before we can be friends with others, I think we must first learn how to appreciate our very own families for who they are. My parents told me that once, years ago, and I thought it was silly. “Friends are…well…friends.” I thought, “And my family, I’m just stuck with.” Now I know that is not true. Perfect or imperfect as your family may be, God has placed you with them for a reason…and if you can’t get along with them, how can you expect to be able to Philos anyone else?

When others see the way we put others above ourselves, and seek to humbly serve, they will be drawn to the only one who is the Truest Friend.

(And one more thing…about “cliques”. You know – the people you always hang out with. Well, it is wonderful to cultivate those friendships, but don’t forget to keep a watchful eye out for those who need someone to talk to – those people not usually in your little “circles”.)

Agape: (love - unconditional love)

I don’t think any human can ever fully understand this type of love. It is the love that made Jesus Christ come to earth as a man, and, taking all of our sins on himself, dying a sinner’s death, though he was perfect.

It is the love that looks on us – filthy, ragged, desperately wicked sinners – and sees us in clean linen, covered by the blood of The Lamb.

We can be an example to others as we marvel at this love, which we cannot ever fully attain apart from God’s grace, and as we marvel, we share it with those around us.

"For God SO LOVED the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

It can be, in some small way, manifested in parent’s love for their children – a love that would scale mountains and cross oceans for them - , and also in the love of such heroes of the faith as Adoniram Judson, Mary Slessor, Jim Elliot and others.

It could be a glimpse into this kind of love that made the men on the “unsinkable” Titanic stay aboard the ship as it indeed did sink on April 14, 1912, letting the women escape to safety in the insufficient number of lifeboats - one of the greatest acts of chivalry we have seen…and one of the last.

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

May we be examples of the power of Christ's unconditional love to the world.

Part Two: 1 Timothy 4:12 - Conduct

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:57:58 GMT

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

“Give me such deadness to the world, such love to the Saviour, such attachment to his house, such devotedness to his service, as proves me a subject of his salvation. May every part of my character and conduct make a serious and amiable impression on others, and impel them to ask the way to the master.” From The Valley of Vision; Confidence.

Conduct means “manner of life”. It is the way we do everything from serving our church to making our bed. It means what we do when no one is looking. It means what we do when someone is annoying us, or when something doesn’t go how we planned, or when we go through the sometimes-mundane “daily grind”. It includes our little quirks and habits, and what we do for entertainment.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Often the way we live our lives can be as much – if not more – of a witness to God’s glory as our words. By the way that we talk and the things that we do, we can, at any moment, be impacting someone’s life. Will we be pointing to God, or showing that we really aren’t all that different from all of the lost souls out there?

Of course, on our own, we can never accomplish all of this. We need to lean on God, and ask for his Spirit to work in and through us. Even then, we are still inherently sinful, and definitely human. There will be times we will fail, but we need to ask for God’s forgiveness (and anyone else we may have hurt) and get back up again.

I saw a quote on a friend’s wall that said something like, “Live in such a way that if anyone were to speak badly of you, no one would believe it.”

I double-doggy-dare you.

Part One: 1 Timothy 4:12 - Speech

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:40:30 GMT

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

“Give me a deeper trust, that I may lose myself to find myself in Thee, the ground of my rest, the spring of my being. Give me a deeper knowledge of Thyself as saviour, master, lord, and king. Give me deeper power in private prayer, more sweetness in Thy Word, more steadfast grip on its truth. Give me deeper holiness in speech, thought, action, and let me not seek moral virtue apart from Thee.” From The Valley of Vision; The Deeps.

As Andrew Farmer (pastor from Covenant Fellowship Church) says, “Our speech has an amazing ability to reveal our hearts; it is the loud-speaker of our lives. It broadcasts who we are – for better or worse – far beyond our ability to control it. Our speech can alienate people or get us in a heap of trouble without our even knowing it.”

James 3:3-12 says, “If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.”

We can see from these verses and many others, that our speech is very powerful, and very likely to get out of control very fast. We are all sinners, and since we all have sin in our hearts, and our mouths reflect what is deep inside, the inevitable is bound to happen: we say something unkind, gossipy, judgmental, rude, or just plain foolish. As Andrew Farmer said, we are bound to hurt people by what we say without even knowing it. We are walking balls of fire. Our tongues are more deadly than a King Cobra. We must realize all of the damage that we can do with our tongues that can never be undone, before we can be fully aware of our need for grace. There is no way we could ever go about putting out all of the fires we are bound to start with our mouths on our own. There is no way we can put a bridle on that wriggling, restless, unstoppable thing we call “The Tongue”. We would be lost; trapped in a burning forest of our own making, trampled by that unruly beast of a tongue…but God.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Cry out to Jesus daily and ask him to help you to guard your tongue. Immerse yourself in His word, so that your heart sings of his love, instead of rotting with your disease of sin. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and to use your words to bless and build up instead of tear down. Never stop keeping watch over your heart and you mouth – for a nice, controlled fire can quickly get out of control and become a destructive blaze. And…think before you speak.

With so much evil that can come of our spoken words, one could get frightened and want to hide from conversations since you never know when you may say something you wish you hadn’t. However, there is SO much good that your words can do in this world when God becomes the master and the Holy Spirit becomes the bridle. An encouraging word spoken in season can strengthen a person to do all that God has called them to do, it may dissolve doubts, confirm convictions, and cause a greater love and passion for God to grow in them. A word of correction spoken in love can save a person’s foot from swerving from the Path and guard their souls from Hell. A kind word spoken when a harsh one would have been easier to say can cause heads to turn in wonder and cause curiosity to grown in them as to what secret you have that allows you to speak with gentleness. In these ways, and many others, you can be an example for others in your speech.

Trust

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:22:50 GMT

Last night, at a "care-group" meeting, the subject of sanctification was discussed. (Sanctification is the ongoing process of God molding us to be more like him.) In that discussion we brought up our need to pursue Biblical fellowship with other believers, to encourage one another and challenge one another in growth.

But to have meaningful Biblical fellowship, we must have trust...and this is where my post comes in. It just so happens that the second journal entry I made this year was all about trust, and I decided that I would give you a peek into the pages of my journal (which, in the past have often not been so thoughtful).

Feel privileged? You should.
FYI: I don't always finish off my thoughts in my journal entries (*cough*), but these are some things to ponder...

"Trust. What is trust, and how does/should it show itself in our lives?
The other night we watched a movie which was done of Charles Dickens' story "Our Mutual Friend". One of the main threads of the story was trust. That included a young lady's trust in her father, despite the fact that some people accused him of being a murderer; and also another young lady's trust in her newly-wed husband, even though she didn't know all the details of several (false) accusations against him etc.
I think that kind of trust is inspiring; being so sure of another person's integrity that you would stand true in your opinion of them, even when others waver.
Granted, there won't be tons of people you would trust that much...but I think it is important to know your friends/family, know who has integrity and who is trustworthy, and be willing to stick by them no matter what.
Trust includes surrendering the little doubts that may enter your mind - in fact, refusing to listen to them at all - and having faith that the other person will not fail you.
People, however ARE sinners, and we must be able to forgive even the person we may think is the most trustworthy, if they fall.
Trust s basically complete vulnerability before someone; putting in their hands the power to dash us to the earth, but believing with all of our hearts that they won't.
A person's trust is a sacred sort of thing though - but how simple we can be as we recklessly bestow our trust on things/people unworthy of it!
Think of all the things we daily put our trust in: Our beds, our chairs, our houses, our cars, our groceries, our co-workers, our own bodies...
Why is it so easy for us to trust so many things - to put our very lives in the balance daily, and yet, it is so difficult for us to trust God?
Why do we worry so much about so many little things that God has already promised that he would take care of for us?
Hmmm...the strange ways of the human mind.
We trust pathetic, finite things - as long as we can see them, or they can be proven...but we struggle so much to completely surrender to the only one who wholly cares for us, and who really has all under his command. The only one who is completely trustworthy, and worth becoming vulnerable to.
Oh God, help me to trust you more."

Lessons From The Christmas Tree

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:37:59 GMT

The Alpha and Omega - beginning and end, first and last, creator, savior, king. This little ornament has been on our Christmas tree every year ever since I can remember. It has always been the most significant, and my parents are the only ones who ever put it on the tree. Why? Well, mostly just tradition, but it is our most special ornament. Here are some of the things it represents:

The "A" and "O" stand for Jesus being the Alpha and the Omega. He was before anything else was ever made, and he will always be, for eternity. He is the Great Mystery. He should be first, last and everything in-between in our hearts.

Jesus died for our sins. Do you see the cross in the ornament? He was condemed to die, though he was innocent of every charge - and he did it for you and I. He took every sin we have ever committed, and every sin we will ever commit and bore them on the cross, so that we could be completely forgiven. Never once did he say "It's not mine!" - even when God turned his face away.

Jesus is our shepherd, and we are his sheep. Can you see the shepherd's staff represented here? (Psalm 23) Jesus guides our steps like a good shepherd, he provides for our needs, he protects us, and he refreshes our spirits when we feel weak. When we really know our shepherd, his is the only voice we respond to.

Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price - hence why the ornament is made of pearls. (Matthew 13:45-46, "'Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.'") There are many things that appear to be pearls in this world, but when someone finds the Pearl of Great Price, he/she is ready - even eager - to sell all they have to obtain it. Likewise, we must be willing to give up everything for the sake of Christ. He is more than worth it. He is EVERYTHING.

Merry CHRISTmas!

~Lady Tai