how culture plays with our minds

Wow. I have been really wracking my brain for a few months on a few different issues of how our culture affects our view of life, what is good, and ultimately what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. JP Moreland hit one out of the park for me in this two part series (which you can download here: part 1 - part 2) on what it means to really "know" something. For those of you headed to college, those who want to be thoughtful followers of Jesus, and those who want to engage culture in a constructive way, this is a very helpful subject.

I have been wanting to read Morleland's recent book, Kingdom Triangle, but just haven't been able to really set aside time to do so. He refers to it, and I have heard some great reviews, and love the free content on his blog. Worth checking out for sure.

where is god?

This is a recurring question from my two (almost three) year old. We have taken quite a journey in these conversations. We tackle one question at a time, starting with, "Where is God?" Each time we talk we repeat the conversation from the beginning, and every few times, a new question arises . . .

Ashlyn: Where's he (God)?

Dad: God is all around us.

Ashlyn: I can't see him.

Dad: He is Spirit. He is all around us. God is very big. God will never leave us.

Ashlyn: Why will he never leave?

Dad: God loves us. God loves Ashlyn more than Mommy and Daddy do.

Ashlyn: Where's his home?

Dad: God lives in heaven. He lives in Mommy and Daddy. And God wants to live in you.

Ashlyn: God's house is next to ours?

Dad: God lives in heaven.

Ashlyn: What is heaven?

Dad: It's where what God wants is done all the time.

Ashlyn: Where's his people?

(I don't know how that question follows . . . but it's kind of cool that it did.)

Dad: His people are everywhere. Mommy and Daddy are his people. People at church are his people. People all over the world are his people. Do you want to be one of his people?

Ashlyn: Yes. What's Spirit?

Dad: Uhhh . . . spirit is personal power . . .

(Dad is stuck on Dallas Willard's "unbodily personal power" definition . . . not real helpful for a two-year-old.)

Ashlyn: What's personal power?

(This from the girl who thinks she is not big enough to say "allergies.")

Dad: It's what tells Ashlyn's arm to move when she wants.

(Ashlyn waves her arm in the air smiling.)

Dad: God is just Spirit. God is REALLY powerful. He is very strong. That's why he can make everything. Trees. Grass. Ashlyn.

. . . For now the conversation ends . . . We'll begin again I am sure . . . This has been quite the journey, and there are some seriously hard questions that I am discovering I am not always real satisfied with the answers, or am only able to repeat philosophical answers which haven't sunk in to me enough to be really understood and expressed clearly. I love that sometimes Ashlyn isn't satisfied with my answers either. The mystery of faith.

smile

"Smile" by Chris Rice from Run The Earth Watch the Sky

How far are you, how close am I
I know your words are true and I don't feel them inside
Still I believe you'll never leave
So where are you now

You're all I have, You're all I know
Your breath is breathing in my soul
Still I am gasping, aching, asking
Where are you now

Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer

Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile

My journey's here, but my heart is There
So I dream and wait, and keep the faith, while You prepare
Our destiny, til You come back for me
Oh, please make it soon!

Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer

Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile

I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer

I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer

Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You

Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile

I hadn't really noticed this song until my iPod picked it today. Chris Rice seems to be able to express the longing of God's felt absence with such devotion to His character and faithfulness. What an encouragement this is. A modern Psalm for sure.

i love jesus

Tonight was the first time either Rebecca or I have heard our two-year-old, Ashlyn, say "I love Jesus."

Each night we take time (normally me, but often Rebecca) with Ashlyn to say prayers. This includes talking about our day, memorable moments, the things that made us happy or sad, people we want to pray for, and whatever else stirs up in a little two-year-old's heart and mind.

Tonight with Rebecca Ashlyn decided that she wanted to pray first. The beginning of her pray was: "God, Jesus. I love Jesus." Amazing.

repentance & expectancy

Come, let us return to the LORD;
for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will raise us up,
that we may live before him.
Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD;
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth. 
- Hosea 6:1-3

I spent some time reading Luke 3 today. It's on my "reading plan" for 2008. It's the passage that talks about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. He calls the crowd to repentance (v.8), righteousness (v.10-14), and leads them into expectancy (v.15). So I began to pray about what it means for me to recognize and agree with God about sin. What it looks like to pursue generosity, honesty, and contentment. And finally how to develop a trust and expectancy in God's presence and work in my life.

I was greatly helped by my conversation with Caitlin, and then blessed by the above passage from Hosea quoted on her blog. Interesting that repentance and expectancy are linked here as well. Glad that this coincided with the first real "storm" for Northern California that began today.

Usually I pray for a verse or passage to be a theme for the coming year of prayer . . . I am wondering about this passage from Hosea.

Anybody care to share their reflections on these verses as I pray about them for the coming season?

yahdaw

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore. – Psalm 133 (ESV)

Unity . . . Wholly Together . . . Joined . . . Harmony . . . Assembly . . . Undivided . . . One Mind . . . Peace . . . Community . . . YAHDAW in Hebrew.

How good and pleasant when the people of God are YAHDAW. It is like precious oil (an image of the presence of God's Spirit) overflowing on those as a crowning moment of relationship with one another and God. It is refreshing like the morning which brings new mercies and all the provisional grace we need. Living in YAHDAW is where God's blessing is commanded!

Commanded. That's a huge statement.

Do you feel on the outs? Do you feel alone? Do you feel that God is distant? Run to his people! Run and enter into YAHDAW. There his blessing is commanded. There he will be (I seem to remember something about "where two or more are gathered . . .")! There you will discover a place where his will is done. A place where his kingdom is manifest, present, tangible, experiential. There in YAHDAW.

No wonder the author of Hebrews (who I think is Paul) believed that the community of believers was so important for drawing near to God and holding on to hope:

. . . and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:21-25 (ESV)

The author is so aware of our need to be cleansed as imperfect people, but still "requires" the pursuit of "togetherness." YAHDAW.

I find myself in a new community of believers. Initially I share nothing with them but location and the bond of Christ. Do I believe this is enough? Do I believe this is powerful enough to command God's presence, blessing, and eternal life? Will I dive in to these relationships knowing that I, along with everyone else, need cleansing and will likely hurt one another? Will I risk being uncomfortable, lonely, misunderstood, and more for the reward and promise of YAHDAW?

I wonder what stories of YAHDAW you have? When was it beautiful? When was it hard? When did you want to quit? When did God's presence cover you like oil? When did the common become a sacred moment?

Help. Your stories will sharpen and spur others and me on to pursue YAHDAW?

blankets

I came across a beautifully haunting illustrated novel called Blankets (NOTE: this book contains R-rated content, please be prayerful about the impact nudity, language, and pictures of abuse might have).

I have stumbled across this book a couple times while roaming Barnes & Noble. I have been taken by Craig Thompson's storytelling and pictures every time I quickly read parts of it. Of course, the compelling aspect of the book for me is Thompson's autobiographical account of his Christian upbringing, the effects of "youth group," the lure and wonder of young love, and the dichotomy of cultural Christianity and true faith.

This is what Publishers Weekly wrote about Blankets, "Thompson manages to explore adolescent social yearnings, the power of young love and the complexities of sexual attraction with a rare combination of sincerity, pictorial lyricism and taste. His exceptional b&w drawings balance representational precision with a bold and wonderfully expressive line for pages of ingenious, inventively composed and poignant imagery."

For those who have carefully considered the content of this book, it is a heart churning, soul aching, love sick tale which draws up my longing for God, Heaven, and a life that is eternal in quality and never-ending in quantity.

HP PSC 2355: gods grace

I have been taking some time listening to John Piper's sermon series on the content of his book Future Grace. I have been confounded by his assertion about the availability of joy (especially in suffering) in the Christian life. I am looking forward to more on this subject tomorrow . . . but for now . . .

As I pulled in to church this morning I realized I needed a scanner for a flier I wanted to distribute. I walked into the office and asked the receptionist if there was one at the church, she was not sure, and then looked at a printer left on her desk . . . it was a combo printer/scanner/copier (the entitled HP PSC 2355). She offered that I could borrow it (I began to wish in my heart I could keep it), but that it was for another person in the office. Unfortunately I did not have the right cable to attach it. So the printer/scanner/copier was left, and I was without my scanner.

Later in the day I went and asked the new owner of the printer/scanner/copier if it was set up yet. She said no and directed me elsewhere. So I proceeded out of her office to run an errand with friends.

As I returned from the errand, the owner of the printer/scanner/copier called me back in to her office. She offered the aforementioned printer/scanner/copier to me for my office. Delighted, I received it, and my friend carried it up the stairs for me.

In the midst of a trivial need, God provided in abundance. Unmerited favor. God's power enabling me to do what I could not do on my own. Grace. All done in foreknowledge by God even before I had the thought about needing a scanner and then wanting that one. Future. Future Grace.

Could he provide in such proportional abundance to greater needs like the woundedness of my character? Could he bless beyond measure the relationships I participate in? Could he guard my heart with peace and joy in the midst of suffering? Can I respond with rejoicing when I am persecuted or wronged?

I prayed for help with my unbelief . . . I am beginning to believe.

dangers of the emerging church

Well, the "shift" has hit the fan.

(hear Driscoll's comments about McClaren's new group Deep Shift).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Okay, I have wasted a lot of words and time below, and they pretty much reveal my own arrogance about "understanding" God and big theological concepts . . . what's the bottom-line: Pursue Jesus, not men. Which is Driscoll's ultimate point as well. So you may be better off stopping and reading your Bible to hear what Jesus is saying to you with the time you would have spent reading what I have written . . . seriously . . . stop . . . should you spend some time with Jesus right now . . . As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." - Hebrews 3:15 . . . take time to listen to Him before you even think about listening to me . . .

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

At the recent Southern Baptist Theological Seminary conference, Convergent, Mark Driscoll unloaded on the emerging church, at least part of it (hear it for yourself, you can skip the 16 minute intro).

I have been a reluctant fan of the emerging church, enjoying Dan Kimball, worried about Brian McClaren, and wanting to agree with Rob Bell. Driscoll did a pretty good job of laying out the dangers of certain streams of the emerging church. Although his style is not to my liking, so if you can be patient with some of his rhetoric and flaunting of his theological vocabulary, you will learn a lot about the trendy authors and artists people flock to . . . worship . . . listen to in cultural Christianity.

Driscoll breaks the emerging church into three streams:

RELEVANTS: Cool church crowd. Evangelical theology, innovative methodology. Examples: Dan Kimball, Donald Miller, Erwin McManus, & John Burke.

REVISIONISTS: Emergent Village (McClaren) and Bell. Genesis 3 - SIN = error and falling came through a conversation. Emergent has portrayed itself as a conversation on what God has said - "Did God mean what He said?" When God speaks, we are not to converse but to OBEY.

RELEVANT REFORMED: Contextual, confessional, evangelical New Reformed Calvinists. Examples: Driscoll, Matt Chandler, Acts 29 Network, CJ Mahaney, & Joshua Harris. Return to expositional Bible teaching that is theologically motivated and Jesus-centered.

I agree with Driscoll's concerns about who McClaren "talks" with and endorses. He, at best, misleads Christians into theological and philosophical waters which they are too deep for and does little to equip them for their swim (see Ephesians 4:11-15).

In principal I agree with his concerns about the emerging church's stance on homosexuality (which is often unspoken). However, in Driscoll's rant he clear example of why the emerging church is careful with their words. Driscoll is quick to lump the sin of homosexuality with those who have active sex outside heterosexual marriage, but does not put them in the same room as those who struggle with lust. This kind of careless discussion about homosexuality is what makes Christians into hypocrites to those outside the church.

Driscoll critiques Rob Bell's use of rabbinical tradition as suspect since rabbinical tradition does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah (personal note: I discovered recently most of what we know about rabbinical tradition is from the AD 100's, more than 70 years after Jesus). It's definitely not the cleanest approach to scripture, but Bell clearly sites his sources and encourages his readers to do their own investigation. Also, I wonder how well sited Driscoll's use of how Western Philosophy affects his interpretation of scriptural texts (much of current theology has been developed based on the philosophical views and approaches of the Greeks).

Driscoll also calls into question Bell's "trajectory hermeneutic" and sites Bell's support of Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals (see my comments on this book in a previous post). Driscoll's weakness here is that he believes this hermeneutic (which is actually called a "redemptive-movement hermeneutic" in the book) specifically does NOT lead to an endorsement of homosexuality (as explained in the book) like he claims. Not sure if Driscoll has any other concerns about this approach to interpreting scripture, but I recognize that any interpretation of scripture must be very carefully considered and critiqued.

Another major concern of Driscoll, which I share with him, about Bell is his trampoline analogy about theology (in other words theology needs to be flexible) and the example of the importance of the virgin birth. In Velvet Elvis, Bell, hypothetically, considers the translation of "virgin" in Isaiah as "young girl" (which is possible) and wonders if it changes anything about how early Christians viewed Jesus' conception. Driscoll misguidedly, but correctly, points out that the virgin birth was a HUGE part of the early church and goes to the heart of the integrity of the scriptures. Where he goes wrong is saying would we believe the word of a "lying whore" if Mary lied about Jesus' conception. How many whores does God use in the Bible to bring glory to his name? How many liars, thieves, drunkards, and more bring glory to God by proclaiming the truth?

Driscoll's bottom line is we need to return to Jesus and not get so caught up in current trends, culture, and celebrity hype . . . which leads me to wonder about my time writing this and whether I should have been pursuing something else . . . perhaps this will be helpful to some who have not considered the wider implications of those beautifully made NOOMA videos.

Either way, I hope you spend some time with Jesus now before moving on to something else so that you will take him with you:

I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. - Psalm 16:8

true religion

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1:26-27

For awhile I have gone back and forth with some people about whether or not God really likes religion (Toph is of course one of them). I always came back to this verse as an argument against the modern definition of religion: "A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs." (ref) I argued, vehemently at times, that God is not concerned with a set of beliefs, ritual observances, or even moral code (though clearly these are derived from a fear of God and a humble and contrite heart, Psalm 51:16-17).

I am not stepping back from this position too much, but I clearly made a mistake. I did not take into consideration what "religion" meant in the Greek 2000 years ago.

"1) fearing or worshipping God; 2) to tremble; trembling, fearful." (ref) Of course the ancients knew that "religion" was more than some set of governing beliefs or ritualistic behavior. It was, at its heart, a definition for your attitude toward and relationship with God. Is your attitude one of awe, respect, and honor towards God? Then your are religious.

James exposes that this attitude towards God will be reflected in your speech, in your actions, and in your character. A tongue that builds others up actions that join the oppressed, and a heart that remains pure in the midst of evil and brokenness are all evidence of a true heart of religion.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This does not have only theoretical implications for me. As I began my new job, Family Pastor, I had a lot of ideas about how I would be spending my time. One thing that has consumed more time than I anticipated is a local Kids Club. The leaders from last year backed off, volunteers have left for different reasons, and the few that remain seem uncertain of whether or not God is calling us to this ministry. Personally, I was not planning on leading or facilitating an after school program for kids when I signed on . . .

However, I come across these verses in James, and wonder about my heart towards God and whether it is reflected in my desire to join the fatherless and be a part of their lives. I also remembered reading from Hebrews 11:25-27 . . .

(Moses) chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.

I am not saying I would be mistreated serving in Kids Club. I just connect my discomfort with it and realize this discomfort, compared to the suffering of Jewish slaves, is nothing. Moses, by faith, entered into a difficult situation because of his encounter with God. His new found respect, honor, and awe for God led him to uncomfortable places. Even before Christ was physically on the scene, it was for his sake that Moses let go of the fleeting comforts, rewards, and pleasures of Egypt.

John Piper challenged an audience about whether or not they would choose suffering for the sake of Christ and as a blessing to others. His example: if you and a brother were adopting children and two became available. Would you choose the one with significant challenges over the completely healthy one to bless your brother and choose to enter into the suffering of this child for the sake of Christ?

So, will I choose to facilitate and serve at Kids Club simply as a blessing to other brothers and sisters in Christ as well as for the sake of Christ in the lives of those kids? I am wanting to say yes. And am beginning to move out in faith. Realizing I do not have enough faith, my prayer is:

"God, help my unbelief."

web resources

I have stumbled across a great online resource for those of you into apologetics (www.leestrobel.com) and those looking to grow their relationship with God and ministry (www.johnortberg.com). While I am usually completely against those who have www.ME.com as their website, who can argue with the vault of free video resources on these sites. I particularly commend all the videos by William Lane Craig (pictured above) on Lee's site. Dr. Craig is a research professor for Talbot Theological Seminary (the graduate school of my alma mater and his work has been so helpful to me in explaining some of the "reasons" I believe.

whatever you wish

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. - John 15:7 (ESV)

What are you asking God for?

I got asked that question soon after reading the verse above. It challenged me to wonder whether my heart and thoughts were truly in line with God. If they are, the desires of my heart are his desires, and am I asking him to begin to fulfill our desires?

Well, there came an opportunity to put it to the test. I had the chance to meet with the President of San Jose City College on Thursday. I knew this Wednesday when I was asked the above question. So I begin to pray about what should I be asking God for. I thought about a friend who shared about his service of the community by being a chaplain for the San jose Police Department. I also thought about another friend who reminded me of the verse that says, something close to, when our good deeds shine before men they will glorify our Father in heaven. With both these thoughts in mind my prayer for the meeting was, "God give me favor in the eyes of the President to serve and care for the students on campus that they might glorify you."

Even though the meeting was not intended to be about a "chaplaincy program" I brought it up when asked if there was anything else we wanted to talk about. Then the door opened, the President had served at another college where they had been multiple tragedies. He shared about how he had no idea what kind of emotional effect these tragedies would have on his students, workers, and the campus. They are prepared to take care of immediate situations, but are not always equipped to handle the emotional aspects, so he was excited that we "obviously" knew how to do that.

Now I have more meetings with the people in Student Affairs to find out how we can foster this kind of care across the campus.

So I ask you, what are you asking God for?

god is green

I have been working my way through Mars Hill Bible Church's current teaching series, "God is Green." At the center of the series is a book called Serve God Save The Planet by Matthew Sleeth. His story is a provocative one, while his speaking style is not so engaging. Both Rob Bell and Sleeth use the Scriptures (mostly OT) to reflect God's delight in creation, and His delight in restoring creation (NT), as a foundation for a call to Christians to live more simply. Specifically to work counter to the driving forces of our culture which call us to consumption, exploitation, and entitlement.

What role does God want us to play in caring for, preserving, and restoring the planet?

wonderfully terrible

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. — Isaiah 4o:28 (ESV)

As I meditated on the love of God today (I listen to a devotional podcast called pray-as-you-go that is awesome) I heard this verse being read. We were asked to reflect upon the words that stood out . . . "unsearchable understanding" definitely caught my attention.

What makes God's understanding unsearchable?

First, and most simply that His understanding is quantifiably more than a finite being can grasp.

Second, could it be, that His understanding is so complete that it is terrifying in nature? Could it be that His understanding of just who I am is so in depth that the very truths that I am unwilling to see or believe about myself are "unsearchable" because I would faint at even the thought?

How wonderfully terrible if true . . . and I believe it is.

George McDonald wrote of God, "He is not safe, but He is good."

setting sail

For some time I haven't written. For two reasons. First, practically, my laptop is dying. Second, personally, I have had much going on I was not free to share publicly.

As many now know, I am moving on from South Hills, the church I grew up in and have served on the pastoral staff for the last six years. From the first days of talking with Crossroads Bible Church the words from God were, "It's time to set sail." An unnerving way of letting me know that the last three years of "harbor," in other words safety, support, and nurturing, were over. A new adventure awaited with unknown outcomes, and unseen storms.

While I wrestled with this picture, God would give me no other leading but, "Will you trust me? Will you trust my voice?" He even went as far as to have the missions speaker at Hume Lake (where I took high school students to summer camp) say, "Once God reveals His plan have the faith to follow."

So here I am. In transition. Finishing the work I began at South Hills when I volunteered in the Children's Ministry at 8 years old. I have known students in the high school group since they were 4. It is amazing what God has done.

If this has been a harbor, imagine what will He do when we hit the open sea?

breathe

It is the first sound of the day,
if you listen.
It rises in your chest and
passes through your lips.
It can be swift and light,
or deep and sorrowful.
You cannot start your day
without a breath.

It is the first thing you feel,
when you walk out the door.
It gently moves along your face
and makes the world sway.
It can soften the heat,
or highlight the cold.
You cannot escape the
presence of the wind.

>It is often overlooked
for its effects are subtle too.
It prompts from within,
and beckons life to birth.
It can shape your heart,
or send a chill across your soul.
You cannot live a day
apart from the Spirit's call.

In Him we live and move and breathe.

agrarian thoughts

Today I return to work
While my hands are soft
My heart is calloused and strong

My ground is young lives
My seed the Word of life
My water the Spirit

Hard ground needs to be tilled
Thorns and thistles of culture abound
Stones of pain need to be removed

All things seem to fight back
It is a Curse that weaves itself deep
The days can leave you burnt

This work is too much alone
Too often I try on my mine
Too often I forget to drink

Thank you for this day
Thank you for hard work
Thank you for a place to end the day

wings like a dove

My heart is in anguish within me;
the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fear and trembling come upon me,
and horror overwhelms me.
And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest;
yes, I would wander far away;
I would lodge in the wilderness;
Selah

But I call to God,
and the LORD will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice.
He redeems my soul in safety
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
Selah

Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.

— Psalm 55:4-7, 16-19, 22

Haven't written in awhile, this basically expresses my last three weeks. It has been a challenge to say the least. I have been wrestling with whether or not I am content with God redeeming my soul in the midst of a battle. My focus and worry is mostly on the battle, and he seems to be mostly worried about who I am. However, I have seen him sustain me along the way. There have been continual reminders of his presence and provision and sovereignty. He is in charge. He is in control. And I am learning that if he is truly sovereign then he is right to be more concerned about who I am than what is swirling around me.

awaiting spring

I have been waiting for Spring to come
I have been waiting for life to begin
Through the death of Autumn
Through the darkness of Winter
Through the tears of Spring
Life will come

Will you weather death
Will you pass through darkness
Will you shed the tears
So that life will come

I am afraid of dying
Afraid to face the darkness
Afraid that tears will be in vain
Afraid my hope for life is a dream

He beckons me to come with Him and die
He calls me to walk with Him in darkness
He invites me to join His tears
He tells me that today I will be in paradise

Oh my soul why do you fear
Oh my heart why do you grow faint
He is trustworthy
And Spring is coming

banker to the poor - the critics

After reading most of Muhammad Yunnus' Banker to the Poor, see my previous post, I came to a realization that this guy must come under fire all the time. A passionate advocate for the poor, anyone with such determination and focus must come under criticism. So I began reading what was available online (the following are a sampling):
The Micro-Credit Cult
Microcredit, Microresults
The Myth of Grameen
Grameen Bank: Taking Capitalism to the Poor
Is Micro-Credit a Macro Trap
Microcredit Globalization Unlimited
Grameen Transforming Lives
Social and Economic Impact of Grameen and BRAC

Personally, I found the Columbia University article, Grameen Bank: Taking Capitalism to the Poor, the most helpful. I felt like this had a good balanced perspective on Yunnus' work from a business perspective (while admitting it did not try to rate the social impact). It also fills in some of the missing years from the end of Yunnus' book, published in 1999, through 2003. It also addresses some of the setbacks Grameen faced (like a religious and political boycott in 1995) that I missed reading about in the book.

My evolving thoughts are exemplified in this quote from Yunnus about how one of his colleagues use to think that "governments were the savior (of the poor)" so "he turned to the private sector." Savior is the keyword. While micro-credit is an exciting option for helping the poor rise above their way of life from a capitalistic perspective, the ultimate Savior and Hope for the world is Jesus.

I say this not as a catch all, but as balance and a personal reminder. The second most mentioned subject in the Scriptures is the poor (number one is salvation). God is a god of the oppressed, forgotten, and poor. The establishment of the Kingdom of God through Jesus will ultimately heal the systematic brokenness of ourselves, our community, and our world that allows for their to be the oppressed and needy.