A Beautiful Request

If you pray, "how" do you pray? What do you ask for? And why? Do we think that whatever we ask, of God, it will satisfy (us or Him)? Do we think it will last? Or like everything we own, ever have owned, or ever will own, do we know that it will all turn to dust? And I use the word "own" loosely. What is or our motivation? What is our purpose? What is the point?? The point in living, in dying? What can possibly be worth pursuing?

Here's what I mean by... a beautiful request! In scripture, King Solomon (David's son) asked for something seemingly simplistic. It might even appear that he just wasted an opportunity when God said to him.... "What do you want? Ask, and I shall give it to you." (2 Chronicles 1:7) http://bible.com/59/2ch.1.7.ESV

Wow! Talk about your genie in a bottle scenario! I wonder what I might have asked for. Therein, lies the "wow" of this transaction between God and Solomon.

1. For starters, and this may be the single most important point, A. Solomon recognized who God is, what He had done for, and through, his own father (David). B. He "trusted" that God could do the same with him, and had a desire to do so. Why? Because, like his father's,  Solomon's heart was after God. Not perfect! But discernable enough to God, and that should be the aim.
"And Solomon said to God, "You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place." (2 Chronicles 1:8) http://bible.com/59/2ch.1.8.ESV

2. Solomon understood where his own ability came from. If he was doing, or was to do, any real good, that ability was from God. "....for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth." http://bible.com/59/2ch.1.9.ESV Whatever Solomon accomplished.... it was from God. It was for God. It begs me to ask... what if our kings, our leaders, our elected officials thought this way? What if they prayed this way? Do you or I pray this way?

3. So, Solomon asks for the big ticket item! Not wealth. Not fame. Not tangible things at all. "Give me now WISDOM" (emphasis mine) http://bible.com/59/2ch.1.10.ESV "Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?" Solomon could not imagine doing his job, serving his role, living his life ....without God's help. He wasn't intending to try it without God's help, His direction, His plan, His will.

4. God answers BIG, when our motivations are toward His will. "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." http://bible.com/59/jhn.14.13-14.ESV

God answered Solomon, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like." http://bible.com/59/2ch.1.11-12.ESV

God's will, and desire, are that people may know Him, and trust in Him. He does this work "through" us, imperfect people. Solomon wasn't perfect either. But, like his father, his life and will were focused and directed toward God, and the things OF God. He didn't lock himself in a room and only pray? He did pray. Then he acted. He LIVED. He did so, however imperfectly, for God.

We can do the same. It's s matter of changing our thinking, changing our mind, changing our heart.

Oh right... don't miss the end of that last part. Yes, God did bless Solomon with riches. I wonder how it might have been if more riches were what he asked for? I'm glad Solomon asked self-lessly. And in that too, trusting God pays dividends. When God gets the glory, we get the benefit. In this life, or in our eternal life with Him. Do you, will you, trust Him?

Great Science Question! Affirms My Own Faith In Christ

Link to a great article at the bottom. Remind me that the more scientific theory I read (and admittedly, that isn't much. Instead, I ride motorcycles! ) the stronger my faith in a Creator, Holy, God becomes.

I stumbled upon this article. Thought it was / is a terrific question! "Why Does Everything In The Universe Spin?"

Only into the 2nd paragraph, and voila! , faith-builder #1 The writer makes this comment. ..

"Scientists suspect a supernova or some other force caused the gases to unite and compress" Might I repeat.... "SOME OTHER FORCE"?

I use the term probably too often, but I don't have ENOUGH faith to NOT trust in a Holy, Creator God. That is... the God of which scripture speaks.

Another interesting factoid mentioned in this article is "the Coriolis effect". An example of this is why water twirls the direction it does when you flush ye ol' toilet. The writer, here, discusses the conundrum of why Venus spins an opposite direction, as compared to other planets within our solar-system, or Sun, and the Milky Way galaxy itself. Here's my own theory (no science education to speak of). Our Creator God mercifully, gloriously remind us that we are not Him! Keeps us humble before Him. By the way.... toilet flushes spin the other direction in the southern hemisphere. Surely, another conundrum, as it relates to the basis of the mentioned article. :)

I don't have all the answers. I don't have MOST of the answers. The Bible sounds far-fetched, to you, as not only an historically accurate set of documents, much less, God's own desired, intended thoughts, as presented by men. I get it. I truly do. That's why "faith" is defined, as it is, therein.

Before I'll put my faith in a totally ambiguous unknown force (Bang!), I am choosing to place my faith in a Design-oriented, non-random, Creator God.

And if this God can creat order in the universe (albeit with the occasional curve-ball; i.e. Venus, toilet flushes, et al) then I have equal faith that He can derive, from Himself, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who took on the sins of the world that we might be saved. Saved from ourselves. Yes! It takes humility to arrive at such a faith conclusion. It's worth the humbling.

Why Does Everything In The Universe Spin? http://zite.to/1Crju0F

The Certainty Project

Ever heard this idea.... "Believing with 100% certainty doesn't mean you've found truth - it means you've stopped looking for it."

Fascinating statement! I appreciate the genuine work-ethic, and truth-seeking, of anyone who makes such a claim. However, it also makes many assumptions about Believers (those of faith in the God of Israel, and the death, life, and resurrection of Jesus Christ).

Assumption #1: "We're that good!"

I, personally, know of no true follower of Jesus Christ who has held to any such high human standard of thinking. Speaking for myself, but likely most in the Christian community, ...I am not 100% anything! If I were ...faith would be unnecessary. More about this to come (not just a gap-fill). The writer of a Proverb, in the Christian Bible, wrote this... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."(‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5-6‬ ESV)

Assumption #2: "They're that good!"

By this, I mean to ask, in response to the certainty statement... where does it end? Is truth an unattainable, false idea in itself? If truth is ever looked for, never settled for, then doesn't that equate to unattainable? If this is true ....why bother looking for it? This follows with the idea that most true followers of Christ I know are very practical in their faith. Meaning, we are realistic. Realistic about our depraved world, human ability, and reject the idea that we'll ever find absolute, concrete, non-debatable truth in and of ourselves; at least this side of the human realm. Do you believe, with even 85% certainty there is no God? 15% chance of being wrong. And if never 100% certain ....are you certain you trust your math? Is there room for doubt? Indeed. Is there room for faith. More so. "He must increase, but I must decrease." (‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭30‬ ESV)

Assumption #3: "We're that stubborn"

Really, honestly, we'd like a Moses-like meeting with our Creator as well. Most days I'd like to not have to depend on my very fallible faith. I think there may be problems with that, with being "human", if that wish ever came true ...but I'm just being honest. It is often exhausting not being 100% sure of anything. I'm not so sure that our Creator God is terribly interested in dicing up percentages for micro-measurement. Why would the immeasurable God, of Whom we claim allegiance, be tied to such values anyway? Many days I would love it if God stuck His head from among the clouds and shouted the next instruction. Again, many human problems with that. Free-will problems. "He is wise in heart and mighty in strength —who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?" (‭Job‬ ‭9‬:‭4‬ ESV)

Assumption #5: "Faith is for fools"

Truth is... faith, practiced, aligns more with trembling assurance, and less with stubborn certainty. Faith, by definition, requires that we play a lesser role in the game of life. That proposes One who plays a greater role. My trembling assurance, awe-struck believism, does indeed strengthen my faulty faith. Faith, by proxy, is faulty ....especially if I'm wielding it. Yet, the God of the universe, whom I cannot properly fathom, saw fit to create all things, all of us, and call it good. By free-will we choose to corrupt that perfect goodness. Still... by His graceful will, through our even faulty faith in Jesus Christ, we find the calm assurance (faith) to be saved, redeemed, won back. "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good." (‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭31‬ ESV) Surely, some would challenge that with questions about horrific events in human history; why a good, sinless, perfect, all-powerful God would even "allow" such things. I defer to a quote I was recently introduced to, by one the early church fathers. Augustine's The Enchiridion, chapter 27... "For He judged it better to bring good out of evil, than not to permit any evil to exist."

Yes, I am uncertain. In fact, I'm certain of it. :) Just having a little fun with ya', eh?? Grateful, proud, to be so. This strengthens, in fact it demands, my deep reliance on the God of the Bible. I don't trust me. I trust Him.

A Beautiful Burden (Christ' Great Commission)

Today, I baptized my youngest son, as one who has believed on, and in, Jesus Christ; as Savior, and as Lord. It will be up to him to remain faithful. His burden, that as it will surely be, is light in view of what Jesus did ...that we may even HAVE such a beautiful burden to carry.

Christ has, and has had, many doubters. Doubters of who He is. Doubters of what it is claimed He's done. Doubters that He is the way, the truth, and the life; that none get to the Father short of trusting in Him for salvation (John 14:6) and committing to make Him Lord of their lives. 

Today, I will ask you, my entrusted son, to be faithful to Christ in your burden, to always think back to the cross of Christ when you struggle, to cling to Christ when you are tempted to doubt (and you will be) and to know that no reward, no success, no failure, nor any struggle, in this world, compares to what faithfully following Christ promises; according to scripture. It won't be easy. It WILL be a joy-filled adventure. But you must commit to follow, to trust as you follow, and to even trust God when you fail. Don't merely be a "Believer". Don't merely be a "Christian". Filter, through scripture, what the world teaches you about Christ. Be a Christ-follower. Call yourself that every day.

Your journey starts now. As you go on your journey consider this command Christ gives you. Trust Him in it. Be obedient to it.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee (sans Judas, who hanged himself), to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

(Matthew 28:16-20)

1. You will face doubts. You will face fears (vv. 16-17)

Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe." Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:24-29 ESV)

2. When you do, go back to Jesus (v. 18)

    Study His Word

    Stay His Way

3. Be faithful. Be obedient. (v. 19)

    Do the work

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:1-2 ESV)

4. Learn. Teach. Learn. Preach (v. 20)

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:3-5 ESV)

5. Focus on Christ (v. 20)

It is often said... "God will not give you more than you can handle."

That is often corrected.... "God will not give you more than HE can handle."

Trust Him to handle anything, and everything, in your life. Because no matter what life throws you.... truth is, He's already handled it. You are promised a forever-home ...with Him.

Unpacking Creation vs. Evolution Debates

Last evening I anxiously watched a live streaming of a much anticipated debate between "Bill Nye & Ken Ham". Yup, that's Dr. Bill Nye "The Science Guy", and Dr. Ken Ham, who is CEO / Founder of The Creation Museum. Incidentally, the debate was streamed live at www.debatelive.org. You can watch it there; at least for a few more days.

No "new" debate, per se. Yet, that in no way lessens the importance of the debate; our most basic, most fundamental, most sincere question as humans.... "Where did we come from?" The debate was publicized as creation vs. evolution. See, nothing new. It was, seemed to me, a worthy debate. I do recommend reading Dr. Albert Mohler's synopsis of the debate at http://www.albertmohler.com/2014/02/05/bill-nyes-reasonable-man-the-central-worldview-clash-of-the-ham-nye-debate/. Of course, in full disclosure, even Al Mohler's synopsis of the debate would be "debatable" ....depending upon which side of this fence you "choose" (I believe that is a key word) to stand ...based ON your present understanding. That is, by the way, the rudimentary making of one's "worldview", which, I contend, each of us has. This "world-view", or bias, aside (hopefully accepted), I believe Dr. Mohler's to be as un-blast a synopsis as a follower of Christ can manufacture. I, too, share the bias.

This world-view, or bias, is and will remain, the fundamental problem with these types of debates. Or so it appears to me. Whether Bill Nye sees his view as a world-view (it appeared he tries to disconnect himself from any such bias. I believe one cannot) or simply as a "reasonable" man (what / who defines even that) ....this is what will continue "this" particular debate, and I believe without resolution, until Christ returns. Oops.... my own bias just appeared. So, on to the un-packing.

My own simple, and admittedly un-satisfactory, synopsis of this human-old debate... 

As a young / new believer in Christ I once finally asked a question (..one which I had asked internally for some time..).This question came aloud in an evangelism training course my local church had provided. The simple question.... "If a person [to whom I am "witnessing"] does not believe, or trust, the Bible we quote and reference ....where do we go from there?" In fact, I asked that question multiple times throughout my Christian childhood (twenty-something then). Most answers were the same. Even the same from a seminary professor of mine, in more recent years. "Well, you're done." ...was the basic answer. This answer was meant in practical, human intellectual argument, terms. Of course... we Christians pray. Frankly, this "end-of-the-persuasive-road" is what I believe we observed during the debate last night. Perhaps that is THE main point, from my world-view at least. In fact, I am convinced it is the main point. That is..... I do NOT believe we are "done", even from a humanistic standpoint. I have long agreed with the Apostle Paul's genuine, honest, humble, and bold statement (as I believe Dr. Mohler quotes as well) that "we are without excuse" simply due to the natural "observations" around us. (read Romans chapter 1 in the bible).

And THAT, dear friends, will remain a matter of one's pre-decided perspective. If I were intellectual enough for Bill Nye to care... he would unload on me right now; surely providing me with supposedly evidential excuses as to why my belief is not tenable. Yet, as Dr. Ham, I have decided to remain un-moved from my Christian, my Biblical, world-view. I simply cannot find an honest "excuse" to find un-belief ....believable.

-Steve Terrell