What do you think?

Have you ever thought?

In answering that question you just did. Did you ever think of that? Well if not, then what were you thinking about? Chances are it was a quick reminder to yourself of how absurd and confusing these questions are. Then they went back to whatever you forgot to do today, or what is bothering you, or how hungry you are, or....

Ideas rule our lives. They are the stuff that determines what we eat, where we go, how we live, and who we emulate. When someone asks a question that you do not understand you may respond by saying, "I have no idea." Meaning I don't know what to think or where to start. Try defining what an idea is. Just look in Webster's Dictionary and you will end after reading by saying, "I have no idea," even though you just had one while trying to define what that idea was.

Make no mistake about it, the allusive definition in no way changes the fact that how you think determines who you are. For example, I am from a southern state, I would not say the South, but Oklahoma is close enough. Most people in rural Oklahoma would say they like beef. I was raised on a cattle ranch and enjoy my share of a steak or roast. That is how I was raised and that is what I have grown to love. If given a choice between a good steak and a hunk of chicken, well, let's just say that the Chick-fil-A advertisements have no sway on this mind. My "idea" of a good meal is steak. So, when I have the option my "idea" helps me make the decision. Which I might add is a good one.

So, ideas are not only what we think but those thoughts that we wish were, the "ideal" as it were. I can think of the ideal situation and it governs my thoughts and actions. So why does this rambling matter. Simple, your ideas determine who you are and your ideas are usually wrong.

We are living in a fallen world and we have fallen minds. For the believer the Spirit of God is transforming that mind into Christ conformity. The apostle Paul says, "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2) Why does renewing your mind transform you? Because your ideas determine who you are and how you behave. Your ideas and thoughts must be brought into conformity with Christ in order to change your life.

This also relates to the scriptures. The authors wrote in sentences, using words, not so we can sit and analyze the words and phrases only, but to communicate thoughts. When you are studying a scripture, search for the thoughts and ideas that are being communicated by the author. What is the point of what he is saying. Take some time to see the "big picture" of the books you read. Why did Luke tell the story of the woman who was healed when she touched the hem of Jesus clothes. What idea was he communicating. When you find that idea you find the meaning. When you find Luke's meaning, you can then begin to think as he. When you begin to think as the authors of scripture, your life is transformed.

Let the Spirit of God change your thoughts and ideas about yourself, the world, God, and others in order to conform your mind to the mind of Christ. There is a mystery involved, I understand, and though some things are hard to define, the truth is, hard things to define are often simple to understand.

I hope this has made you think...

Mission to Brazil

I am excited about an opportunity to work in Brazil this coming June. I will be joining three different churches and some students from Criswell College on a trip to Manuas, Brazil the last week in June.

We will be assisting a Brazilian church in developing a campsite that will be used for retreats for youth and adults alike. It will provide a place for the future work of God through salvation and God's call for more ministers of the gospel. It is exciting to be a part of what God has in store for the people of this city.

Please say a prayer for me as I trust God to provide financially for the $2100 trip and that all the logistics will fall into place as far as tickets, emabassy, visa, langauge barriers, and many other issues that must be cared for.

I was privilaged to go to Tanzania, Africa in the summer of 2000 and learned much of God's work in other parts of the world. I hope this will only give me futher insight and passion for the world mission in which we are to be engaged. I hope that the experience gained will further my opportunities to lead a church towards a world mission passion and mindset in the near future.

For more info on the trip visit the Brazil Mission Homepage.

Oceans of Love

The warm moist air of the ocean breeze chilled the spray of foam from the little boy’s legs. Up to elbows in sand, he gleamed with excitement as he called for his father to see his masterful work of art. There standing before him, in all its two foot glory, was a pile of sand, when looked upon with a four year old imagination, made a castle fit for any king. Complete with a bridge, moat, and tower, even his Legos could not compare to this work of his very own hands.

Seeing the excitement of his son, the father rushed across the sand from his place on a beach towel to see the feat his son had accomplished. “What a great castle, son. If I were a king I would live in it.” A huge smile lifted the boy’s cheeks and culminated in a daddy size hug.

Just then however, the white foam was no longer spray and a rush of water covered the two foot masterpiece leaving nothing but a rounded pile of sand. Tears began to fill the little one’s eyes and the hugs turned to tender care as the father consoled his son.

Wanting to cheer him the father thought for a moment and then picked up his son running into the ocean water. He knelt down and cupped some water in his hands and asked his son, “What do you see?”

“I see what messed up my castle,” pouted the little boy. So the father did it again.

“What do you see?”

The little boy replied, “Water,” with a whimper.

“How much do you see,” asked the father?

“A whole bunch,” he replied.

Then the father said, “You scoop some up in your hands.” The little boy, with a puzzled look did as he was asked. Then the father said, “When you scooped up that water did you notice anything different about the ocean?”

“No daddy there is too much ocean," the little boy said.

“Exactly,” said the father, “It is like God’s love. No matter how much you get there is always more, and no matter how much you take, there is so much that you can’t even tell any is gone. The water may have knocked down your castle, but that is because God wants you to know that he loves you and so do I. So let’s go build another one together.”

“No daddy, I think I just want to stay in the water now,” the little boy replied.

This post was inspired by an illustration given by Dr. Ware at Southern Seminary.

Great Article on Marriage

This article was published about six years ago by a professor at Trinity seminary and now at Pheonix Seminary. Great words of wisdom about how even one who knows all about the Bible requires an act of God to know the scriptures in their heart.

May we all learn the scriptures not just for knowledge but deep in our hearts in a life changing, life sustaining way.

Wayne Grudem's Article on Marriage

dave m

The Great Secret revealed?

This is an excellent review of the book The Secret that has been flying of the shelves following an episode of Oprah where she heralded the power found in its pages.

Without stating the obvious, it is worth knowing a little about because a lot of people are talking about it. And I do mean a lot.

http://www.baptistpress.net/bpcolumn.asp?ID=2554