The Green Zebra

Meet Henry

2008-10-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

This is the baby post.

Henry Myles Keller was born 7.2 lbs and 19.5 inches long at 7:39 am on Thursday October 2nd. Heidi went in on Wednesday for a "C Section" and found that the baby had moved into position for natural delivery and shortly thereafter...went into labor. We were thankful that God's good providence rescued Heidi from any further surgery. Both Heidi and Henry are healthy and recovering well.

Enjoy these memories of the big day.

Tonight is our first night at home with the new family...Viva La Tres Nombres

Ecclesiastes 12:12-14

2008-08-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Summertime is a time for me to enjoy reading apart from the demands of the school year. As the summer comes to a close and the TMC school year is underway...I thought I would share with you my summer reading list.

Lungaard The Enemy Within: I went through this book in discipleship with a guy in my church. This book is an “every day” version to the ideas unpacked in Owen’s Sin and Temptation. This is a great book to introduce the idea of how the interworking of the soul operates. This book is easy reading, practical, and thought provoking.

Dobson Bringing Up Boys: This is the worst book I have read in a long time (since I did a book review for CBD “Can Homosexuality be Cured?”). I could not stop reading it…it is like five car pile up on the 405….you know you should move on…but your curiosity of the horror keeps you gazing intently. In essence…if you are a parent of a boy you should protect them from anything that damaged their self-esteem, make sure they are biologically stable, not make a big deal about masturbation, be understanding if they have homosexual tendencies, and remember that they are made of snails and puppy dog tails.

Drew A Journey Worth Taking: Very thought provoking book. It takes the idea of our “identity in Christ” and fleshes it out through the historical redemptive hermeneutic of Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation. Like most ubber Presbyterian books…it helps look in-between the lines of scripture to bring helpful insights…but then unpacks them in a way that leaves blurry lines between the books author and authorial intent.

Bertrand (Re)Thinking Worldview: This book gave me categories and vocabulary to describe how to think about culture from a distinctly Christian worldview. The stages of Christian worldview engagement with culture that he unpacks are Consumer, Self-Conscience, Critic, Contributor. The appendix on “The Christian and Creativity” is a great stand-alone handout.

MacArthur The Gospel According to Jesus: Seriously…this book is an essential read. This edition is worth having. This edition includes the prefaces from each previous edition, a chapter on his dulos material (TLC 07 Message), and appendix from following works related to the “Lordship Controversy.” Along with the Study Bible…this book will go down in history as his Magnum Opus.

Wells The Courage to Be Protestant: The best book I have read all summer. This is a must read for anyone in the current “emergent/relevant/cultural engagement” conversations. Wells accurately describes the current mood of evangelicalism and the demand upon the church for navigating through the implications of post-modernity. I still might make this required reading for the Directors of Student Life.

Carson Memoirs of an Ordinary Man: Here is a case where the title perfectly encapsulates the content.

Cymbala Fresh Wind Fresh Fire: I wanted to read first hand this story which has been quoted by every national prayer meeting since it has been published. Imagine George Muller…but a 1980’s church plant in the Bronx.

Miller Come Back, Barbra: This is a book that has haunted me. I became familiar with Jack Miller though my time at Westminster, and enjoyed the book The Heart of a Servant Leader (which is a collection of his correspondence). This book has been recommended as a great insight to parents who have a rebellious child. The format of the book is fascinating. Jack Miller tells his side of the story of the life of his wayward daughter Barbra and then his daughter retells the same story from her perspective. This is a very raw and vulnerable book. The point that is convicting to me, was the far extension of love that Jack gave to his daughter. I spend a lot of my days with rebellious and wayward students…and their parents. I have never experienced a “love offensive” like the one depicted in this memoir. Miller’s commitment to love his “unlovable” daughter was uncomfortable for him, and embarrassingly unfamiliar to read. There was no power play and no manipulating lines drawn in the sand. Rather, a firm commitment to the Gospel truth and the perseverance to live in the midst of the worldly choices of his daughter. In the end…she comes to Christ…and listening in on their journey has made me come closer to understanding Christ in a new way as well.

Audio Books: Yep I am that guy…great for the summer road trips.

Ellis American Creation: I love revolutionary history. Joseph Ellis (politer prize winning author of Founding Brothers) describes the scenes in revolutionary history as ordinary men finding themselves navigating through epic events with ordinary means. The founding fathers we not extraordinary individuals with a clear vision of democracy. Rather, they were ordinary individuals who had the courage to lead and the perseverance to navigate through the personal and national sacrifices to build independence. This coupled with my John Adams HBO mini series gave me ample summer dreams where I was at the center stage of the American Revolution. History, in the end, is not the retelling of events, but rather life…human life…played out in the seasons of time. This book (and those like them) are a great study of character and relationships.

Keegan Winston Churchill: This was my first exploration in biography outside of an American figure. The context took me a while to grasp while the biography had me wondering why Churchill should be celebrated. In the end…it seems…that Churchill was a man whom had an ideal vision for what was the British truly were…or could be…or should be. In the end his speeches made his version of the British people a conscience reality…and the people believed it…even in the end it wasn’t real. It is amazing how the human soul is so desperate to be identified with something…anything that it will latch on to any version that is persuasive enough. For only a few years of his life…Churchill was helping them believe.

Currently Reading:
Keller The Reason for God
Tripp A Quest for More

Maybe...Maybe Not.

2008-06-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this video (taken on a recent camping trip with Heidi's folks) and join in on this sweet moment of Sam welcoming this new addition to our family.

Disneyland

2008-06-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

I was uploading some pics from our trip to disneyland. I laughed several times at this pic and thought I would share it with you...this was an improved and unsolicited "pirate face" when Sam got the photo opp with Jack Sparrow.

Ansel Wannabe

2008-05-31T23:01:00.000-07:00

These are some images I captured while on my camping trip with DH, Jeff, and Gunner. It rained everyday...and gave some great looks at three major falls...and great memories. Enjoy.

Jump in the Arena

2008-05-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

I found this quote today and I hope you find it insightful and inspiring.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Theodore Roosevelt April 23 1910

OneTwoThree...Go Orioles!

2008-04-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

In true Keller style, Sam's first T-Ball game was comic.

First, our "Team Mom" told us to buy black uniform pants (she left out the fact those were the "optional purchase" for practice only and the "Game Day" pant color was white). Therefore, Sam is the only kid in a field of 90 4-5 year olds T- Ball players wearing black pants.

Second, on his first T-Ball at bat he picks a pink bat. PINK. I tried to suggest other bats of a more masculine color, but he wanted to swing his way into little league with the bat of his choosing.

So, there I was ready to watch my son inaugurate his inevitable professional baseball career.....and to my joy....I witnessed a true Keller commissioning. Black Pants swinging a Pink Bat.

Look At My Skills

2008-04-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

I introduced Sam this week to the world of Star Wars. I gave him a toy lightsaber (that I got a a garage sale for a buck) and showed him the saber scenes in my geeky SW DVD collection. The first video is Sam's "skills" and the second video is later that week when his "skills" were put to the test. Enjoy.

Picture Perfect

2008-02-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

Everyone who has tried to take a family photo understands the challenge of getting the perfect picture. Enjoy watching my wife, her two sisters and their mother trying to get "the cousins" to smile in tandem....and get a real picture of my world.

Snow Day

2008-01-27T19:14:00.002-08:00

God gave us the perfect window between the storms to enjoy about a foot of powder at Frazier Park. This was the boys first trip to the snow. Noah thought it was battery acid and Sam ate his weight in the "white fluffy snow." Enjoy the pics

Hairspray

2008-01-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

My hair has been the talk of the town these last few months. I have decided to let it grow out and try the longer hair style. I am taking the winterium class at TMS and my old Seminary buddies have been having fun with it...here what Sean "Mud" Harrelson sent me.

The Tooth Fairy

2008-01-02T23:46:00.000-08:00

Sam fell with his mouth open about two years ago and his front tooth has always been a little loose. Well..about two weeks ago I noticed that he had wiggled the tooth and made a pin hole in his gums with the broken end. Well...we couldn't go to the dentist because we had to add him to our dental plan. In the mean time, the gums split all the way to the gum line. I only showed a few people because of the freak out factor (especially the Grandparents). So, today was the big day...and of course I had my camera ready. We can't hide it any longer. Enjoy.

Beating the Heat

2007-09-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

We spent this weekend running from the heat. Two of those days were spent at Santa Barbra and Santa Monica. I do love photography and captured some nice moments. Enjoy.

Sword Battle

2007-06-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

Ah, my boys playing swords in the backyard on a summer afternoon...watch and enjoy.

Natural History

2007-06-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

I admit freely that I am in awe of natural history. This clip is one reason why.

Season Pass

2007-06-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone has dreams of things that they would like to have or do. I am not a materialistic man, and I have never had any inate desire for worldly goods...except three things. 1. A ski-Boat with something to pull it with 2. To visit The Magic Castle 3. To be Disneyland Season Pass Holders. I have desired these strange things from my youth.

This year I was able to visit The Magic Castle (thanks to Jeff Lewis) and the RD's gave us season passes Disneyland. I have visited twice in the last two weeks...because we could. I have to admit...I realy like going to Disneyland with my family and friends.

My Best Man

2007-06-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

Heidi and I celebrated our 10th wedding Anniversary on June 14th. It is surprising how we can look back with thanksgiving on all the Lord has done while shocked at how fast it has happened. I was reminded of the "vaporness" of life when we spent the day with the Spansel's (Mark was the Best Man at our wedding) and realized that none of these kids were born yet. I told Heidi that the next 10 years of marriage will be the most rich and fulfilling yet (she rolled her eyes and agreed). At my 20th anniversary who knows what this picture will look like.

CMD 4 Life

2007-06-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

There is a former student of mine that has cmd4life as the prefix to his e-mail...and for good reason. There is one thing about TMC that can not be underestimated. The undisputed power of a good idea in the hands of Chapel Media to build TMC Spirit. They are in the business of making and mirroring college memories. Here is an old favorite of mine.

Why do we watch what we watch?

2007-06-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

I believe that film is the number one platform for worldview conversation among college students. This is for good reason. Film is the most powerful platform for popular cultural and political commentary (music is second). An inconvenient truth proved it and Sicko is going to trying to and America is still not ready for Children of Men (I-Tunes profits will tell the rest of the story).

I listen in on the kinds of films being made and what the reviewed commentary are, and gain some insight into what form and what message is being preached. When I do watch a movie, it is well informed as to why and what I am engaged in. Sometimes I can fully understand a movie without ever watching it. I never watch a movie without its context.

Knocked-up is getting some incredible press. Some have labeled it a "era-defining comedy like little miss sunshine and when harry met sally." I have also gotten a good review from some well meaning Christians.

I was reading my WORLD Magazine and they reviewed the movie. Then I ran across the Rolling Stone interview of Judd Apatow. I believe that this movie could be an "era-defining comedy" and Apatow as its genius comic writer. Don't be deceived, this "mainstream form" of sophomoric and campy comedy has calloused the humor of Americans and the undiscerning christian. Knocked-up has the look of a clever comedy, but it is just a Trojan horse for the same kind of comedy found in Anchorman, Talledga Nights, and the 40 year old virgin...one of the mainstream platforms for the crass social commentary of Apatow. Movies like these give nothing to the thinking christian...they only take away.

What is funny? What is good humor? This era has not defined it well and the unwise christian is depicting it. What satisfies your appetite for laughter and humor? Why do you rent or watch the comedies that you do? What are you laughing at and why? What is funny today that was not funny 5 years ago, and in turn what is not funny today that made your side hurt last year?

Listen, I love to laugh...mostly at you. Those questions just bring warning and reflection on what the world values and what the Kingdom values and how that battles on the field of our heart. It also calls to account what dominates our worldview and why. Everything in life and art proclaim something in material what is true in the immaterial. Whether the tragedy and the shallow hopes of sin or the beauty of redemption in Christ alone.

So, know why you watch what your watch...and watch with a discerning eye and not a self-deceived heart.

Homosexuality

2007-06-10T22:34:00.000-07:00

I have had the privilege of walking though this issue in the lives of several young men and this issue is gaining national recognition. I believe that homosexuality, gender identity, and bi-sexuality will be a core issue in the church in the next five years. I had lunch with a friend that is dealing with homosexual desires yesterday. I am thinking about how to bring some clear thinking about how men can disciple men through the issue of homosexual desires. You don't think that a christian man can struggle with homosexuality...that is exactly the mindset that should be investigated biblically. The only guy out there that is talking about it from a current perspective is Albert Mohler. I was reminded of this article and thought I would share it with you.

I am currently working on a lecture entitled "I know homosexuality is a sin, so now what?" I want to develop some clear gates that every man dealing biblically with the issue of homosexuality should walk through. Hopefully, these gates will then become common vocabulary for spiritual men to help those dealing with this issue. I am prayerfully considering teaching this material at the TMC men's split chapel this fall.

"9Do you not know that the unrighteous^[b] will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,^[c] 10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God
" I Corinthians 6:9-11

Best Sports Movies

2007-06-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Rotten Tomatoes has run some well informed "best of lists" and I like the sports one for summertime movie fun.

Sleeping with a 3 year old

2007-06-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have been catching up with my family this week. Namely, camping and visiting the grandparents. This means that I have been sleeping next to Sam. This has been a great time to enjoy him and my family. It has also given me much appreciation to Heidi for what she does all day. I have also enjoyed the simple pleasures of being awakened by my son every morning.

Being in this stage of life with young kids places things into perspective. The christian life really is lived in small acts of faith in obedience. That rhythm being established into the heartbeat of the daily life. It is just as godly to listen to and serve my 3 year old as it is to preach a sermon. The same spirituality is required although the mechanism is the same.

Sanctifying the Common

2007-01-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

A TMC Alumni sent me this Justin Taylor link about Martin Luther's take on changing diapers for the glory of God .

There is a false dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. To say that one activity is more "spiritual" than another is to regulate the dominion of Christ to particular arenas and not to give Him lordship over every area of life. It has always been about the heart attitude (Prov 4) employed toward a particular activity that validates its spiritual authenticity. To be sure, I am not talking about anything that is prohibited in the bible and clearly sinful...rather I am talking about redeeming the ordinary moments of life for the glory of God. It is the small acts of faith done in the everyday moments of life that creates a sanctifying ripple effect into all areas of the spiritual life. This is the practical expression of the christian worldview....not just that you can discern through humanistic rhetoric, but to discern what car to buy. The christian life is one that acquires biblical understanding and can practically apply it to everyday moments in everyday life.

Summer Jobs

2007-01-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this article in the L.A. Times I read while getting my car washed yesterday....In honor of our beloved SCV "amusement" park, summer jobs, and Nate Busenitz who (as legend has it) also grew up while serving an over priced hamburger.

Practicing Our Positional Holiness

2007-01-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

1 Peter 2:9-12 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Word or Worldly

2007-01-07T23:49:00.000-08:00

In today’s postmodern “informationally saturated” global economy, people are looking for meaning beyond words. Deep down, people want to be engaged in a dialog not a debate. Authentic relationships that intersect with a person’s “story” create platforms for influence. So…what I do/how I live authenticates what I say I believe. How I live biblically in small moments fills in the dialog for the method and meaning of true significance.

I see many young leaders try to influence their peers more by spiritual propaganda and rhetoric than through the power of personal holiness. Paul understood the primacy of proclaiming Christ through his life that would validate the authenticity of his spiritual insights (II Corinthians 2:1-5).

The process of interpersonal discipleship or spiritual influence should be contextualized by culture (or “relevant” if you don’t think that’s a dirty word)…not as a goal unto itself, but as the means/method/process to personally deposit the unmitigated truth of the gospel. Relationships are central to communicating the rich truths of our faith. Relationship is the dynamic that is missing in today’s society and the one thing every human longs for.

On the pathway to authentic dialog, people can loose more than they gain when their life is described better in worldly terms than defined by the Word. The world is not something to be courted, but rather contrasted through a biblical worldview/lifestyle. I am convinced it is when Christians live according to the word and not the world it will display The Compelling Significance of this lifetime…and the one to come (I Peter 1:13-22).

In this thinking I started to highlight a contrasting list…in the end I always constrain/edit myself to ten.

The Word (I John 2:4-6)

Knowledge of God (Col 1:9-10)
Accountability (Heb 3:12-13)
Mortification (Col 3:1-3)
Suffering (Jms 1:2-7; Heb 12)
Known (I Thess 2:8)
Giver (I Tim 6:18; Acts 2:44-45)
Active (II Tim 2:1-15)
Selfless-Love (Phil 2; I Cor 13)
Driven by Christ (II Cor 5:14-15)
Perfection (Phil 3:12-13

Or Worldly (I John 2:15-17)

Knowledge of Things
Autonomy
Explanation
Comfort
Known About
Consumer
Apathetic
Self-Love
Driven by Cool
Performance

Through Prayer

2006-12-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

Waiting vs. Anxiety.

Spiritually, this is the battle-royal of my heart. Mine is the battle of waiting upon the Lord for insight, vision, and direction toward employing giftedness, personality, and circumstances that effectually reveal the will of God according to His word….or of retreating into anxious spiritual manipulation that accomplishes only my narrow view of success.

Yep, that’s me.

I am compelled to tell of my faith that has increased over the last several weeks as I have placed myself in the crossroads of spirituality. Placing my anxious heart, through prayer, before a sovereign God and waiting for Him to give grace to those in need….and I am desperately in need. Desiring above all that He would do beyond all that I could ask or think. My desire was/is not to get more than what I could ask, but that I would receive Spirit empowered insight that is infinitely different than the sum total of my finite thinking. This last month…there have been authentic moments in faith that has revealed God’s supernaturally orchestrated events and insights that have displayed His good grace to me. The best part is that His grace touches both small quiet moments and grand loud events.

The battle rages on, but my hope has been increased and my vision for divine things expanded.

Biblical Theology

2006-11-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

I found this resource today. Mark Dever has a short booklist for biblical theology.

Book Worm

2006-09-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

Scott Zeller asked if I would post this list…and as all things SZ I am honored to serve.

I know that the list is “one book”, but in some cases several books came to mind.

1. One book that changed your life: Future Grace by Piper; Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Tripp, A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D.A Carson

2. One book that you’ve read more than once: Minister as Shepherd Charles Jefferson, Most Jerry Bridges Books.

3. One book you’d want on a desert island: Systematic Theology: Wayne Grudem

4. One book that made you laugh: Letters from a Nut by Ted L. Nancy…I laughed out loud by myself.

5. One book that made you cry: I am more of a movie crier…but Where is the Mango Princess? By Cathy Crimmins is as close as I have gotten…unless you count my undergraduate transcripts.

6. One book you wish had been written: Autobiography of Walt Disney

7. One book you wish had never been written: The Koran

8. One book you’re currently reading: Spurgeon: A New Biography by Arnold A. Dallimore

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: The Brothers Karamazov; His Excellency George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis

Mighty August

2006-07-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

I will be away from my regular weekly post for the month of August. I will return to it after Labor Day.

Amazing Grace

2006-07-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

In the economy of God’s grace there is a both common and specific expression. God’s common graces are those events and items that both the sinner and the saint can enjoy. God’s specific grace are reserved only for those who, though repentance and faith, are redeemed by the words and works of Jesus Christ.

The following is a list (in no particular order) my top five common graces:

A WORK OF FINE ART
From a sculpture to a watercolor…nothing captures God’s common grace like a hand crafted piece of fine art.

A WELL PREPARED AND PRESENTED MEAL:
There are few things in life that can compare to the finest ingredients prepared and plated to perfection.

Think of the many cultures and flavors that God has given to all peoples to enjoy.

A fine chocolate. A perfectly prepared steak. Fresh picked vegetables and fruits.

Now I am including the fact that where you eat this fine meal is essential. Pick your category. High-rise building at night or a crisp ocean balcony.

A SUFFICIENT REST
After working hard… to find the best spot and sleep until one is rested…but not oversleeping.

Air circulation is key…cool yet comfortable.

A KISS FROM YOUR TRUE LOVE
I am not talking your high school prom date…I mean true interpersonal intimacy.

A SWEET ROCK AND ROLL LYRIC
Nothing beats rock and roll to display (in a crooked mirror) an exact replication of the soul of man.

Nothing displays the view of something better than a song lyric, and nothing kicks like rock and roll…especially the infamous rock ballet.

There you have it…Now, I understand that some might argue for an expression of athletic mastery to be considered under the top five. I did not include my basket ball skills as one of the top five for a reason…. my basketball game falls in another theological category of God’s grace.

What Are You Listening To?

2006-07-10T01:27:00.000-07:00

Today, I finished the book Listening to Prozac by Peter D. Kramer. The following is an excerpt of my interaction with the material:
The argument is made in every case study that there are clear biological influences that impact a particular mood or personality. Personality is a delicate balance of biological dispositions and acquired self-revelation. Neural structures are impacted by the thoughts and desires of an individual. Particular medications (Prozac) have helped redirect/rebuild the neural structures through serotonin enhanced actions that enable heightened awareness of improved self. Kramer makes the point (p.127) that maybe psychotherapy affects the neural structures as well. This is an interesting theory. Biblically we understand that there is a unity of the inner and outer man (Proverbs 27:19; Matt 26:41). Authentic change comes from the “heart” and is reflected in the actions of the outer man (Matt 12:33-37). I believe that eventually the counseling movement will gain insight as to the biological evidence of change. Observable higher levels of serotonin in a hopeful heart submitted to Christ is not beyond medical plausibility. However, Kramer’s premise is fundamentally flawed. The “animal” or “physical” part of man does not dictate man. The body can influence the choices of the soul, but it can not dictate it. Being physically burdened does influence thoughts and actions, but it never overpowers personal choice. We are no longer slaves to our sin and the effects therein (Romans 6). Raising or lowering the serotonin levels (or dopamine) in an individual will have a greater influence physically, but will never make a choice for an individual spiritually. Divine revelation and not medically guided self-revelation is the true pathway to authentic change (Psalm 119:105). I do however agree with Kramer’s theory. Because of the unity of the inner and outer man, authentic change should yield observable biologically reconstructed neural structures in individuals. I believe that is why Kramer is so hesitant to embrace the change he sees in patients on Prozac. It short cuts the process of change. The “work” of change (authentic view of self in view of the Divine) is not experienced but the benefits of it (purpose and peace) are through re-engineering the brain. The fragile state of this kind medical change is evidenced when the patient is off the drug or the prescriptions are altered. We should patiently and thoughtfully navigate through our medicated subculture, but never underestimate the transformational power of Divine Revelation.

Alone for Others

2006-07-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

“Let him who cannot be alone be aware of community…Let him who is not in community beware of being alone….”

“Each by itself (personal solitude and community fellowship) has profound pitfalls and perils. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self infatuation, and despair.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer Life Together pp.77-78

What place should spiritual solitude and the church small group picnic have in the prioritization of the spiritual disciplines? I am balanced by the words and works of our Lord “Love God, Love People” (Matt 22:36-40) is a catch phrase that is easy to remember and daily to develop. Ultimately, no one can have intimacy with Christ without intimacy in fellowship because you forsake one by over indulging the other. Humanly speaking, individuals are prone to side predominately on one side of this spiritual equilibrium. Either they are addicted to people and neglect personal intersession with Christ, or they love divine intersession but pridefully navigate through life only from their perspective. Christ calibrates for the Christian a divine equilibrium in Loving God to Love others for His glory. Understanding that both knowledge and wisdom are required of the children of God, how can one pursue one without seemingly forsaking the other?

It light of that…let’s think about spiritual solitude.

I am becoming more convinced that the purpose and design for solitude is to develop the Christian for fellowship in community (first Christian then secular)….not for some personally exclusive spiritual health. Solitude in Word and prayer empowers the Christian to be Christian. Acquiring doctrine can not be the end goal, the applying doctrine is. I enter solitude to center the desires of my heart on the unfolding plan of redemption with the purpose of then participating in it (I Peter 1-2; I John 4:11-12). It is from these times of regular personal interaction with the Word and Spirit that I can, with Christ-centered boldness, navigate life and community.

One can observe this modeled in the life of Christ. Frequently, he goes away for solitude especially before and after times of intentional and intense fellowship and engaging community. If the point of solitude was designed exclusively to progress in personal consecration why would Christ desire it/need it? Rather, we see Christ engage his heart in divine fellowship with the Father empowered to present the kingdom to others in both word and deed.

Let us remind ourselves these questions:

Why am I not pursuing regular spiritual solitude? Am I proactively looking for ways to apply biblical truth? Which is easier…solitude or community? How can I bring my solitude to community? Why am I going to solitude?

Pursuit of Good Things

2006-06-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

Most unbelievers I have talked with (including just recently) claim that they are happy and describe "good" things to define it. The reality is that the "good" in "good things" comes from the giver not the gift. Only in its proper place within the redemptive plan of God does the "good things" of family, money, sex and motorcycles become truly enjoyable and not defining. Only through supernatural insights can an appetite be transformed to enjoy the goodness of a particular thing while not disturbing the hunger for the "greatest thing".

This takes daily discipline and devotion to center the heart to "seek and savor" that which is goodness and truth.

That's one of the reasons I am drawn to prayer and scripture is to cultivate a heart that can enjoy, discern, and promote what is good and true.

Relevant

2006-06-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

"(the viability of the church in a culture that is saturated with a thousand other voices) involves contextualization and "disenculturalization" at the same time. You speak in a way that the culture understands as you challenge that very culture."

This quote stimulated my thinking.

How engaged should I be with art and pop culture? I understand that in southern California Pop culture is the main "watering hole" that all ages can speak to. Especially college students. Obviously, we can not use our freedom as a means for the flesh, and to gauge weather you are watching discerningly or self-deceptively will ultimately be decided at the Great White Throne judgment. I want to surround myself with faithful friends wo are on both sides of the argumentation to both help me discern and to push by man fearing. All of that to say, I ran across this quote today from Tim Lane that helps me compass my thinking even more the goal of being (pop) culturaly relevant.

I'm in

2006-06-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

Yep, I have loved the idea of blogging and now I am in. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.