On the drive home yesterday from time with family, Gayle and I were listening to CD's of various artists. We played mostly Christmas music, including the 2007 Christmas at Northwestern concert! Let it be known, we both love the season of Christmas, especially the music.
About five hours into the drive, while Gayle was sleeping, I deviated from that plan and put into the CD player one of my favorite CD's. The CD is a live concert with Robin Mark in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Listening to this special CD is a joy for me. The quiet time to worship across the highway was special.
"For it is only in Your will that I am free......" was a verse in one of the songs on the CD. Even though I've heard the song before, the words resonated with me yesterday. It IS only in HIS WILL that we are free! Once again, the Lord confirmed to me how gracious His grace is. He places me in His will. That is something I cannot do by my effort, but only by His grace.
Because I reside in His will, because I am a child of the King of Kings, because He shed His blood for me, because He choose me as His child, therefore I am in His and because of that, I am free.
The one thing He requires is to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
If He did that for me, then why wouldn't I want to love Him?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Daily Goal
Life is full of challenges, especially when it is coupled with our sinful nature. As we read in the book of Romans, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin has a way of confronting us and seducing us. It can "creep" into our lives in ways we would have never predicted. Sometimes, sin challenges us or it breaks us. Sometimes, it encourages us because of self-righteous pride. In reality, sin's ultimate objective is to break us away from the One who is the source of grace and love.
Given the sinful nature of every individual, it is something we all struggle with daily. Fortunately, the Lord understands that reality. Confession, for me, is a daily activity. Each day I strive to be an obedient follower of Christ, one who is willing to be courageous in standing firm for the faith, for the Gospel. My goal each day is to trust Him. My prayer is that "my efforts" won't impede the Holy Spirit's efforts to use me for the Kingdom.
It is by faith that you are child of the King. Trust the Lord as you walk in faith. Seek Him. The Lord is in control. He is soverign. He knows your heart. He knows your motives. He wants us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and, to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Given the sinful nature of every individual, it is something we all struggle with daily. Fortunately, the Lord understands that reality. Confession, for me, is a daily activity. Each day I strive to be an obedient follower of Christ, one who is willing to be courageous in standing firm for the faith, for the Gospel. My goal each day is to trust Him. My prayer is that "my efforts" won't impede the Holy Spirit's efforts to use me for the Kingdom.
It is by faith that you are child of the King. Trust the Lord as you walk in faith. Seek Him. The Lord is in control. He is soverign. He knows your heart. He knows your motives. He wants us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and, to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Monday, October 12, 2009
"....is on the move."
Last Friday I had the opportunity to connect with a number of leaders within the evangelical movement. The Forum was held at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Largo, Maryland. We heard from some main speakers in addition to a number of informative sessions on a variety of topics - -evangelism, Micah Challenge, etc.
It was my first "connection" at a national level with various leaders within the National Association of Evangelicals. What touched my heart was the passion these individuals have for the Great Commission and the deep sense of responsibility to address poverty, racism, injustice, slavery, and sickness that is rampant throughout the world.
Listening to the leaders of various evangelical denominations or para-church organizations, one quickly comprehends the huge activity of the Holy Spirit around the world. As one reads in the Chronicles of Narnia, "Aslan is on the move." The Lord is at work. Souls are being won to Christ on all continents. Amidst all the struggles of this fallen world, the Lord is being glorified.
Take comfort, my brother and sister, that the Spirit of the Lord is on the move. Keep praying. There is still much work left to be done. Maranatha.
It was my first "connection" at a national level with various leaders within the National Association of Evangelicals. What touched my heart was the passion these individuals have for the Great Commission and the deep sense of responsibility to address poverty, racism, injustice, slavery, and sickness that is rampant throughout the world.
Listening to the leaders of various evangelical denominations or para-church organizations, one quickly comprehends the huge activity of the Holy Spirit around the world. As one reads in the Chronicles of Narnia, "Aslan is on the move." The Lord is at work. Souls are being won to Christ on all continents. Amidst all the struggles of this fallen world, the Lord is being glorified.
Take comfort, my brother and sister, that the Spirit of the Lord is on the move. Keep praying. There is still much work left to be done. Maranatha.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tent of Meeting
A group of students have set up a "Tent of Meeting" on the lawn just outside the Library. They are reading the entire Bible aloud. They asked me to join them this morning for an hour to assist. I did.
What a special time.
There were four other students with me as we began the day. Those reading yesterday had stopped at Numbers 6. So, we began where they left in reading the Word of God.
We took turns. I read one chapter, then the person on my left read the next chapter. I was there for an hour. From what I understand, students will come and go throughout the day (8am to 12midnight), until they have read through the entire Bible.
It is the little things like the "Tent of Meeting" that makes Northwestern so unique. I sat in a chair inside that tent, with an afghan wrapped around my legs for warmth and rain falling outside the tent, thinking how blessed am I to be part of this amazing organization. Yes, my feet were cool, but my heart was warm.
What a special time.
There were four other students with me as we began the day. Those reading yesterday had stopped at Numbers 6. So, we began where they left in reading the Word of God.
We took turns. I read one chapter, then the person on my left read the next chapter. I was there for an hour. From what I understand, students will come and go throughout the day (8am to 12midnight), until they have read through the entire Bible.
It is the little things like the "Tent of Meeting" that makes Northwestern so unique. I sat in a chair inside that tent, with an afghan wrapped around my legs for warmth and rain falling outside the tent, thinking how blessed am I to be part of this amazing organization. Yes, my feet were cool, but my heart was warm.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Groundbreaking
On Friday, we had the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Billy Graham Community Life Commons. It was a glorious day. The time was to celebrate the generosity of our Lord, through our donors and supporters, and the opportunity to construct this special facility.
As part of Northwestern's ethos, several of the buildings on campus have been named after former presidents, board chairs, or long-serving faculty members. Though Dr. Graham's tenure was only four years, his impact has been felt for years, especially in our media ministry with the founding of KTIS. It was appropriate, from our point of view, to recognize and honor a past president of the institution and ask him if we could name the facility after him in honor of his leadership and profound impact on this institution. Graciously, he agreed.
Representing the Graham family were two of his five children, Gigi and Ruth. It was a special delight to have members of Dr. Graham's family at the Groundbreaking Celebration. The Northwestern community has been known for years to have a strong sense of "family." That closeness is very special. So, having Gigi and Ruth representing the family was indeed an honor.
The Lord continues to crush this college with His generosity and blessings. Enrollment continues to increase. Examples of excellence (faculty scholarship & publications, Fulbright Scholarships, student missions' activities, etc) continue to emerge in all parts of the organization, college and media. Resources for the college and media continue to flow. Students and listeners are growing in their faith. The Lord is being glorified. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
I believe firmly that Northwestern is special. The Lord wants Northwestern to thrive because He is the one driving its growth, impact, expansion, and influence. Everyone of us can stand back in awe as we watch the Lord direct our paths and bless our steps.
As part of Northwestern's ethos, several of the buildings on campus have been named after former presidents, board chairs, or long-serving faculty members. Though Dr. Graham's tenure was only four years, his impact has been felt for years, especially in our media ministry with the founding of KTIS. It was appropriate, from our point of view, to recognize and honor a past president of the institution and ask him if we could name the facility after him in honor of his leadership and profound impact on this institution. Graciously, he agreed.
Representing the Graham family were two of his five children, Gigi and Ruth. It was a special delight to have members of Dr. Graham's family at the Groundbreaking Celebration. The Northwestern community has been known for years to have a strong sense of "family." That closeness is very special. So, having Gigi and Ruth representing the family was indeed an honor.
The Lord continues to crush this college with His generosity and blessings. Enrollment continues to increase. Examples of excellence (faculty scholarship & publications, Fulbright Scholarships, student missions' activities, etc) continue to emerge in all parts of the organization, college and media. Resources for the college and media continue to flow. Students and listeners are growing in their faith. The Lord is being glorified. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
I believe firmly that Northwestern is special. The Lord wants Northwestern to thrive because He is the one driving its growth, impact, expansion, and influence. Everyone of us can stand back in awe as we watch the Lord direct our paths and bless our steps.
A Glimpse
Saturday night, I saw a glimpse of heaven.
It was toward the end of the evening. We were celebrating KTIS' 60th year in ministry to the Twin Cities. The entire celebration that night was enjoyable and special. Standing in the back of the arena looking out over the audience near the end of the concert, I watched and listened to 7,000+ people singing "Holy is the Lord." The instrumentalists were playing as the song started, but artist, Michael W. Smith, had them stop as the song continued. Voices raised in unison. One could see thousands of hands lifted in praise. Harmony saturated the air. As I stood there, I thought, "is this a glimpse of what heaven could be?"
No one can fathom what eternity will be like as we stand in the presence of the Lord of Lords. We will be in awe of the glory and majesty of the King of Kings. Music will saturate the air as voices sing praises. What an incredible experience it will be.
We can only imagine.
It was toward the end of the evening. We were celebrating KTIS' 60th year in ministry to the Twin Cities. The entire celebration that night was enjoyable and special. Standing in the back of the arena looking out over the audience near the end of the concert, I watched and listened to 7,000+ people singing "Holy is the Lord." The instrumentalists were playing as the song started, but artist, Michael W. Smith, had them stop as the song continued. Voices raised in unison. One could see thousands of hands lifted in praise. Harmony saturated the air. As I stood there, I thought, "is this a glimpse of what heaven could be?"
No one can fathom what eternity will be like as we stand in the presence of the Lord of Lords. We will be in awe of the glory and majesty of the King of Kings. Music will saturate the air as voices sing praises. What an incredible experience it will be.
We can only imagine.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
By His Power and Might
The evangelist John E. Brown, Sr., a friend of Dr. Riley and founder of John Brown University, would say repeatedly at his crusades and on the campus, "Trust God and go to work." The phrase is simple and clear. Its basis rests in the understanding that we must first trust the Lord.
My theology believes the Lord is sovereign. He is the creator and author of life. He is in complete and total control. He is omnipotent and omnipresence. The Lord doesn't need my help for His will to be done, but I need Him. He leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:3) He brings honor to Himself. He uses us to do His will, by His power, by His might. Without Him, I can do nothing.
Too often, followers of Christ have a deep desire to "please God" through their efforts, energy, and deep devotion to keeping the Law. The idea of pleasing God is a worthy goal. Who would argue against the idea or concept of wanting to please the Lord? But, such a view is predicated on one's own efforts. By relying upon our efforts, we will fail because no matter how hard one tries, we will fall short. The concept is based upon "my willpower" and "my abilities." No matter how hard we try, how much effort we give, how much sacrifice we make, how "religious" or spiritual we look, given our sinful nature we will fail.
The Lord wants His followers to simply "trust Him." He is sovereign. He is loving. We see the nature and will of God in the Old Testament in the Law and in the New Testament in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfills the Law. He calls us to be "faithful." He doesn't call us to be successful or perfect or outstanding, but faithful. A faithful follower of Christ will show love through obedience and devotion. The Lord doesn't need my (your) help to fulfill His plan for mankind. He may use me (you) to bring honor to Himself, but what He requires of every follower is to be faithful, trusting Him to handle the details.
I believe the Lord is leading Northwestern. The prayers of the leadership of this wonderful institution center consistently on reliance upon the Lord. Northwestern is His. He is definitely blessing this institution amidst all our struggles and challenges. We are growing because students want to learn within the framework of a biblical worldview. Our quality continues to be recognized by outside agencies (Fulbright Scholarships, percentage of graduates being hired or attending graduate school, mission agencies placing graduates around the world, etc.) The Lord is sending resources to address and meet needs. The listening audience of our sixteen media outlets is now over 825,000 a week! Tomorrow, we will hold a ground-breaking ceremony for the Billy Graham Community Life Commons!
The Lord is crushing us with His generosity. And, it is all being done by His power and might. Through it all, the phrase running through my head is "trust God and go to work."
My theology believes the Lord is sovereign. He is the creator and author of life. He is in complete and total control. He is omnipotent and omnipresence. The Lord doesn't need my help for His will to be done, but I need Him. He leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:3) He brings honor to Himself. He uses us to do His will, by His power, by His might. Without Him, I can do nothing.
Too often, followers of Christ have a deep desire to "please God" through their efforts, energy, and deep devotion to keeping the Law. The idea of pleasing God is a worthy goal. Who would argue against the idea or concept of wanting to please the Lord? But, such a view is predicated on one's own efforts. By relying upon our efforts, we will fail because no matter how hard one tries, we will fall short. The concept is based upon "my willpower" and "my abilities." No matter how hard we try, how much effort we give, how much sacrifice we make, how "religious" or spiritual we look, given our sinful nature we will fail.
The Lord wants His followers to simply "trust Him." He is sovereign. He is loving. We see the nature and will of God in the Old Testament in the Law and in the New Testament in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfills the Law. He calls us to be "faithful." He doesn't call us to be successful or perfect or outstanding, but faithful. A faithful follower of Christ will show love through obedience and devotion. The Lord doesn't need my (your) help to fulfill His plan for mankind. He may use me (you) to bring honor to Himself, but what He requires of every follower is to be faithful, trusting Him to handle the details.
I believe the Lord is leading Northwestern. The prayers of the leadership of this wonderful institution center consistently on reliance upon the Lord. Northwestern is His. He is definitely blessing this institution amidst all our struggles and challenges. We are growing because students want to learn within the framework of a biblical worldview. Our quality continues to be recognized by outside agencies (Fulbright Scholarships, percentage of graduates being hired or attending graduate school, mission agencies placing graduates around the world, etc.) The Lord is sending resources to address and meet needs. The listening audience of our sixteen media outlets is now over 825,000 a week! Tomorrow, we will hold a ground-breaking ceremony for the Billy Graham Community Life Commons!
The Lord is crushing us with His generosity. And, it is all being done by His power and might. Through it all, the phrase running through my head is "trust God and go to work."
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