I have always hated attending a funeral service of a non-believer. The loss, the lack of hope, ultimately knowing that Christ’s redemption did not happen for the individual. Hershael York writes:
We prayed for him, witnessed to him, sent others to talk to him, and five years ago even took him to Manaus, Brazil, to go fishing for tucunaré (peacock bass), but with the real intention of sharing Christ on the entire trip. We colluded, cooperated, and conspired for his soul.
A man is an elder only if his character and spiritual labor say so.
That means every elder is an elder before he is an elder. Every legitimate elder shows himself qualified in character and competence before being appointed to the office. This brief essay will focus on competence.
Welcome to the Surf Report for June 9, 2021!
My wife’s cousin Elizabeth and her husband William came to stay with us a few weeks ago. We had a good visit with them. Getting to learn about Brazil (where they have served as missionaries) and learning about Southern Brazil (where they are going to be missionaries next). I, personally, learned a bit about pride while they were visiting. I learned that when William asks if he can do something, he is more than willing to do it (no strings attached).
God also reminded me, gently, not only about praying/asking Him to show me my gifts (in this case, mine is listening to people). But further more, then asking God where I can serve with my gifts. Who might need an ear to listen?
Liz and William were so giving of their time and themselves. A good reminder of how I need to be as a Christian.
Have you heard this:
“I don’t drink, smoke, or chew, or go with girls who do.”
Wyatt came back from the first day of missions week (put on by a group of local churches) and mentioned that someone had repeated this statement. Got me thinking about Christian legalism. Drinking, smoking, and chewing tobacco are not inherently wrong.
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. – 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)
In excess, without moderation, any one of those things mentioned above can be harmful to your health; Food and even video games can be harmful to your health. I think that it is funny that we, as Christians, can hyper focus on some things are not on others. Declaring things sinful simply because our parents didn’t do such things. As William reminded me, some things are not in the Bible.
Sunday, I played video games for a couple of hours. First, I played Biomutant. After spending more time with the game, I’m finding that the story bits just aren’t working for me. More thoughts to come on Biomutant.
I did happen to buy/play FAR: Lone Sails. From the little I played, I kind of love it. 🙂
There is a lie that is whispered to me that goes something like this:
“If you leave, no one will notice you left.”
That lie becomes a nagging thought, played on repeat, at different volumes throughout the day.
Even just now, that lie was whispered to me in a different form:
“If you quit blogging, no one will care.”
Writing that, I almost believe it.
“No one will care.”
Thankfully, I’m stronger than the lies today. Able to push back against the whispers of deceit.
The best lies are laced with truth.
For the days where I am weaker… I need to remember that someone does care.
