God's Amazing Summer

Summertime is always lots of fun for me and the family. Having a three year old who is about to turn four makes the summer days fun with his excitement and love for the outdoors and his swingset. But this summer had a bit more in store for me than previous summers of my entire life.

Starting I knew that it would be busy. A trip to Brazil, youth camp, Kent Island, MD work (both jobs), family, somebooks that I wanted to read, and preperation for possible ministry postitions through resumes and interviews all vied for my time. Little did I know that God would have so much in store.

The short of the summer is, God allowed me to be a part of more than 85 people coming to know Christ this summer! I never expected to be a part of so many amazing outpourings of God's Spirit in and around my life. More than anything I have been encouraged as I look back. God is still at work and does amazing things through simple people who are willing to follow his lead. In the midst of it all it didn't seem like much but looking back God is amazing!

Thoughts from "Everlasting Dominion"

I am reading the book Everlasting Dominion by Eugene Merrill currently and the section on God's Holiness has really set strong in my heart.

His discussion of God's Holiness and how that compels worship has made me think of why people worship, or for that matter do not worship God. In a way Michael Jordan helps to resolve the issue. God is holy that means he is "separate from all else that exists and his holiness is translated into ethical and moral perfection" (56).

Now I know comparing Michael Jordan and God is like comparing an acorn to a mighty Oak Tree and saying, "See the resemblance" but just bare with me. Jordan has a small talent. He can play a little basketball and so those of us who are not as talented look at the things he did on the court and talk about how amazing they are. "Did you see the way he flew from the free throw line all the way to the goal!" Then after years of play you no longer mentioned his play just his name represented how awesome he was a basketball. "Jordon is amazing" Then people began to where his symbol, his jersey, his number, his shoes, his cologne, Hanes underwear, and drink Gatorade all because they wanted to "Be like Mike" In a word they worshipped him because of his ability in basketball.

The term loosely used as worship in describing people's reaction to Jordan can take on the true meaning in a description of why we should worship God. He is completely other, capable of what we can never do. His deeds are far superior to any on this earth and his name represents what we will never be. So we read his Book, talk with him, emulate and follow Him, and tell of how amazing he is. We speak His name which represents His holiness

Just a little food for thought