A Word about the Word
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out…not knowing where he was going. [Hebrews 11:8]
Going…not knowing! Huh? What’s that all about? That’s all about faith. And decision-making. And life. Specifically, it is referring to Abram, who was roughly 75 years old when he packed up his caravan of camels and his 65-year-old wife Sarai and simply went. Why? Because God told him to, and he obeyed and believed God, trusting his promise.
When was the last time you stepped out in faith, leaving your comfort zone and walking away from all things familiar? And obediently stepped into a future that seemed more like a foggy scene from a scary movie than a glorious new opportunity?
I am not sure what God is calling you to in your future. But I do know his intention is to conform you into the image of his Son in calling you to love others and be part of his plan to make disciples everywhere. Sometimes that faith calling includes obediently moving ahead or even away from the known to the unknown. It may be in this new realm that God’s work in you and through you will be done in new ways.
When was the last time you found yourself going, not knowing, simply because of faith?
Close to Home
There is something about classical music that hits a chord in my soul like no other form of music can. I am very excited for Trinity’s “Summer Classical Concert” on Friday evening, July 30.
Naively, I used to think that folks would choose one church over another based on its theology. It’s more realistic to admit that the main factor driving church choice today is probably worship style. My hunch (and fear) now is that political leanings and cultural ideology are on top of the preference list. Yuck. Remember: Jesus said that our distinguishing and most attractive mark would be our love. #1Corinthians13Church
The World as It Is
Cuba: the ministry training trip I almost took. I was so looking forward to a week of clandestine pastoral equipping sessions in coffee shops throughout that closed island nation. The plug was pulled at the last minute. The present climate there of unrest and protests reminded of me of that opportunity. And it reminded me of the small but strong church pretty much flying under the Communist radar over there.
Missing Italy and its culture and people and, of course, food. Here’s a wonderful (and mouth-watering) article from Ekstasis magazine. Worth quoting from the article: “He (God) creates and enjoys, we are to understand, out of sheer effusive delight. When we look at a meal with the eyes of God, we point to each thing, our loved ones, the cosmic forces and creatures that have contributed to our spread, and the whole wide world and say ‘yes, it is good that you are here.’ This ‘yes’ has two implications. First, gratitude, and second, gift. This is the Christian way to eat: accept your meal with thanks, delight in it, and then make sure your neighbor, be she in the next seat or on the street corner, has enough in her bowl, too. Break the bread, give thanks and give it away.”
#CultureNerd
Talk about two timeless and great institutions of music coming together for what promises to be quite a tour de force. See you at Blossom.
I’ll catch you on the other side.
