Thursday, March 20

I was allowed to serve some sweet people communion tonight. Humbling. I cried all the way home. We should remember like that every day.

Wednesday, March 19

Back to Acts 17 today and Paul's preaching of the Gospel on Mars Hill. I appreciate when God cuts to the heart of the matter like He does through Paul here. He cuts right to how these people think and he shows that God's way is very different than their way. I have been impulsive over the last 4 or 5 months in response to people who disagree with me. I have not said false things; just maybe seemed harsh because of the 'shock and awe' reaction -- maybe did not seem too compassionate. I don't know if this is sin (Paul reacted strongly and swiftly to wrong thinking). I was reminded yesterday of the words of Peter in Acts 4:12, "Salvation is found in no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." The Bible is so black & white, but when it feels like I am black & white, I part company with someone. Do I go slower to keep them at the table (Acts 17) or just let it rip (Acts 4)? Speaking of let it rip, watch this video by John Piper:

Tuesday, March 18

I did not give Romans 6 all that it was due today at the prayer station. Death to self and rise to new life (a disciplined, changed, repentant life) is nothing to slight, and I was ADD at the prayer station. I will give God more tomorrow.

Monday, March 17

As I prayed through the scriptures today, the focal point was Acts 17-16-23. I noticed Paul's willingness to study what his audience's thinking was based on, but his presentation of Gospel was unswerving. I appreciate that very much as I am a no-nonsense presenter of God's Word also, but I prayed that God reveal to me if a stink with my attitude. I was harshly criticized by calling bad teaching 'bad teaching' over the weekend, and just want to make sure that it is the strength of God's Word that offends the sin nature in the minds and hearts of people and not my sorry attitude or agendas. I have asked God to reveal to me if I have sinned in presenting such things as how proud I am of The Bridge for believing in Bible inerrancy, and how I show that some church is inferior and actually should not exist at all if essentials of the Historic Christian faith are not taught correctly. Here is a quote in my response to my critic (who by the way I love very much): I can assure you though that if a church or leader denies the deity or the resurrection of Christ, I will tell our people to stay away from them. If they deny the inerrancy or authority of Scripture, I will tell our people to stay away from them. If they say that there is some other way to heaven other than by faith in the grace and blood of Jesus Christ, I will tell them to stay away from them. That is leadership. If I criticize for lesser things, your comment of unprofessionalism is accurate.
I am begging God to reveal sin, forgive me, and make me the leader He wants me to be.

Friday, March 14

The scripture for today was from Matthew 4, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." I prayed that God help me to rely on Him for my spiritual sustenance and joy. These things do not rely on my circumstances; I am sustained and joyful due to a deep presence of God in my life. And I praise him for that.
Had a great time with Matt Sebastian today. I went to talk to him about attaining money for the building at The Bridge and ended up talking about the magnificence of God and His Bible for over an hour. Great stuff!
I pray that my relationship with Kevin & Karri be restored. It is not reliant on where anybody goes to church.
tim