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| I am studying Philippians tonight and enjoying it thoroughly. One of my professors at seminary, Dr. Tomlinson, has spent much time blowing my mind with what Paul's purpose was in writing this letter. It has renewed my desire to study to find out really what Paul is telling us. Sometimes we've heard verses explained a certain way so many times that we assume it's an accurate understanding of the verse. So, we don't study for ourselves to see what Paul is truly saying. We shouldn't take anyone's opion as fact unless we have studied for ourselves to understand the text. Sometimes the process is long and hard--but the joy of discovery far outways the pain of study.
It is amazing to think that God has given us His very word on paper. And yet, we seldom treat it any different than a boring school textbook--skimming through it because we're supposed to. What a tragedy.
There is no greater pursuit than the pursuit to know God through His Word. In Him is joy and contentment.
We cannot let this world fool us.
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| I spent the weekend in L.A. California. It's crazy out there--a whole different way of life. We went to Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Drove by Bel Air. Ate dinner on Rodeo Drive--where all the rich and famous eat. Saw a few Feraris and Porschs. Land Rovers and Benzs are everywhere. We cruzed around in my buddy's Honda. A couple of ho-bo's from the mid-west in the land of the rich and famous. We didn't quite fit in. But, it was fun. The Ocean is beautiful.
Today was my first day of Seminary. I can't begin to explain how incredible my 2 classes were today. I am so excited about this semester. I won't bore you all with the details of my classes. But, there is nothing better than sitting under the teaching of scholars who have a passion for the Word of God and love nothing more. I pray that their passion and a bit of their knowledge are passed down to me.
Have a great week | | |
| Here's a Puritan Prayer....
"O Lord God,
Though hast commanded me to believe in Jesus;
And I would flee to no other refuge,
Wash in no other fountain,
Build on no other foundation,
Receive from no other fullness,
Rest in no other relief...
Help me...to show to the world the likeness of Jesus." | | |
| I love the rain. It's pouring outside right now, and I love it. Today may have been my last day of work, and we only worked for about half an hour before we got rained out. I am quiting my job to become a full-time seminary student. I am so excited to go from the godless world of construction into a God-centered classroom. It makes me sad though, to leave the guys I work with. I can only pray that they saw a difference in my life, and that God would use the seeds I have planted to reap a new creation in their hearts. They don't understand why I would leave a job that pays fairly well, to go to school to become a preacher. And, I don't expect them to. The cross is foolishness to them that are perishing.
To be honest though, their is no comparison. Having to decide between living a life of comfort and money or being a poor man who spreads the joy of Christ is not a hard decision. Yeah, money is tempting at times, but it's empty. A life that pursues money and popularity is wasted and unsatisfied. And, as a Christian I am a fool if I allow myself to be deceived. I think we as Christians are too often deceived. We live no different than those who oppose Christ. We desire the same things, we act the same way, we pursue joy in the same things as the world when we have access to the Creator of Joy Himself! How foolish we are--how foolish I am when I lack the faith to see Christ as more beautiful than anything else.
These are thoughts that are going through my mind as I make this next step in my life. This is why I want to preach. There are too many people living without Christ, wandering in circles looking for happiness. And, there are too many Christians who have no idea that God wants them to be happy. God is not glorified when His people are not happy. And the only way we will forever be happy is if we look to Him as the object of our joy. Too many preachers make Christianity appear as if it is a big sacrifice and we are missing out on the good things in life. Christ came to give us abundant life, yet we turn our backs on Him and pursue money and relationships and comfort instead. We have all we need in Christ--and the more we get to know Him, the more we will realize this. Preachers need to reveal Christ as who He is--beautiful and desireable above all else. I need to hear this everyday, and I desire to share it for the rest of my life.
Have a wonderful day
Bob
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| "Until I finish my course with joy may I pursue it with diligence." | | |
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