Friday, January 29, 2010

Is Jesus an Egomaniac?



"What I have found in my own life, and in the life of many others, is that God’s God-centeredness is the test of whether our own God-centeredness is real: Do I rejoice in God’s unwavering commitment to uphold and display his glory—do I rejoice in God’s God-centeredness? Or am I God-centered only because deep down I believe God is man-centered…?

… Before the foundation of the world, God planned a redemption in Christ with this great and ultimate goal: that we would praise his glory. And the apex of that glory would be the glory of his grace.

So from the very beginning, we see that God made his exaltation and our salvation one piece. You don’t have to choose between God’s glory and your joy, because the apex of your joy is praise, and the apex of his glory is grace…

Here is the end of the matter: God is the one being in the universe for whom self-exaltation is not the act of a needy ego, but an act of infinite giving. The reason God seeks our praise is not because he won’t be fully God until he gets it, but that we won’t be happy until we give it.

This is not arrogance. This is grace.

This is not egomania. This is love."

-"Is Jesus an Egomaniac?," by John Piper at 2010's Passion Conference

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Great Things Done, With More Coming Soon...


Ephesians reminds me of one of those “Space Saver” plastic bags of infomercial fame: a ton of information is held in only a few paragraphs.

At first, it reads like a catechism, listing off God’s completed to-do’s and His intentions to do next. Disconnected, the points make little sense. It didn’t really make for an interesting Bible study this morning, until all the points began to fit together. Take a look:

He gave us with “every spiritual blessing” (past tense, it’s been done) “even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:3-4)

Why the “even as?” It’s the connecting line, between the spiritual blessing and the choosing of His people, meaning “Just as He chose us before time, He gave us the spiritual blessings we need to endure in Him and to live out our purpose on earth.” They’re hand in hand.

What’s included in “every spiritual blessing?”

Later on in Ephesians 1:13,

“In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will….In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance…”

Again, it reads like a catechism, packing in a lot of promises. The Holy Spirit is a promise of our inheritance. To paraphrase the verse, “If you heard the true gospel and believed in Christ to save you, you’ve become included in an inheritance. You don’t have it yet, so that’s why it’s an inheritance—you’ll receive it at a later date. But how do you know? You’ve been given the Holy Spirit; as literally ‘the down payment.’”

What does this mean for you?

· God planned you before the foundation of the world, so that your existence, right now, in January 2010, would fit in His plan.

· He has given you the spiritual blessings to make it through whatever tomorrow holds.

· He has given you the Holy Spirit—Himself—to live within you and be your Helper.

· Your inheritance is a sealed deal.

…and most of all it’s a reminder that God is in the midst of a huge, master plan; a drama of His glory, that was conceived in His mind before time began, of which we are only a tiny part. Just as He chose you before the foundation of the world, He’s working all things to the counsel of his will, to fit in his design. Great things are yet to be seen from Him. God is on the move.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Thank You

Hi Everyone.

Hannah here. I just felt it would be right today to say "thank you" once more for your prayers, letters and support while my brother, Tyler was in the hospital. Today marks the one year anniversary of his accident.

Last night,we gathered as a family around the living room and shared our memories of the accident and the months in the hospital. It brought to my mind the first night, when Tyler was in emergency surgery, and my sisters and I were waiting it out at my grandparent's house. I remember flipping on my computer at 1am, unable to sleep, and reading your prayers already being posted here and on The Rebelution. The fact that total strangers could care so deeply about how my brother was doing--well, it's still something I struggle to wrap my mind around. My entire family felt your prayers, and we're so grateful to have experienced the love of the body of Christ.

Tyler is doing fine. It's amazing how thoroughly he has been healed. My dad's specific prayer during the whole time in the hospital was that God would "heal the wounds but leave the scars"--and that's come true for Tyler. His scars remind us of God's faithfulness, grace, and of the love you all showed us.

So thanks, every one of you, for praying. Let me know if I can ever return the favor.

Love in Christ,

Hannah

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

What's Next?

The most challenging moments of my life have been waiting periods: when my brother was in the hospital, waiting for progress to be made; when I finished highschool, waiting for the next thing; when the next thing came and went, and I had to buckle down and figure out what would be the next-next thing.

In such moments, there are truths of which I must be constantly reminded. Interestingly, they are each touched on in Psalm 39. Take a look:

1. God establishes our steps. He's in total control. Nothing escapes His view. None of our desires go unnoticed, and none of our circumstances are beyond His power to change.

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." -Psalm 39:7

2. Waiting is never an excuse to waste time, or forget the brevity of our lives. Just because we're in between jobs or waiting for some door to open up, it doesn't mean we have a right to squander the time we've been given. We should do something.

"...my lifetime is as nothing before You. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!" -Psalm 39:4b

3. God doesn't promise we'll win the lottery, but He does promise a future hope and eternal purpose. God never promises that we'll be rich, famous, or have perfectly healthy, trial-free lives. Instead, He says that He's created us for His glory, and if we're His children, He'll also work out every detail of our lives for our good.

"O LORD, make me know my end..." -Psalm 39:4a

4. No period of time is ever useless if it is used for God. Even waiting periods can be used powerfully for our maturity and growth. We may feel like we're wasting away, but God can use our circumstances to set our eyes on Him, which is an issue that matters for eternity.

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with You, a guest, like all my fathers." -Psalm 39:12

Are you in a waiting period? What wisdom or verses have helped you?

Monday, January 11, 2010

Spending Like A Macedonian

While staring at the crumpled paper that littered our living room floor—lgivingeftovers from unwrapped Christmas gifts—I winced to consider what others were doing at that moment. As my part of Texas celebrated its first white Christmas in 80 years, I wondered how many others were struggling in the extra-cold weather to keep their houses warm. Considering the numbers I'd seen lining in front of our local food kitchen, it wasn't far-fetched to guess that some nearby were suffering.

If I were completely honest, I'd tell you that I'm not in the habit of thinking very often about the needy. And even if I do acknowledge those around me, I normally limit myself to daydreaming. I think, "One day, once I finish school and have money to spend, I'll give to an orphanage or sponsor a child. Hey, if I get enough money, I'll sponsor as many kids as I can!" The more I imagine, the more the idea of giving becomes a part of my distant, fantasy future.

Read the rest here.

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Convicted In the Dark

Shakespeare, Galileo, Milton, Kepler, David; each wrote of the stars. Some in verse, some in scientific essays—all in wonder. However numerous their mention, have you noticed stars never grow cliché? Scientifically speaking, we know these orbs are only the gaseous dustballs of the universe with no potential to support human life, and yet staring at them sends us into a speechless stupor.

Lord Byron, a poet rarely caught without a quip, could not begin to describe them: “Ye stars! Which are the poetry of heaven! ….for ye are a beauty and a mystery, and create in us such love and reverence from afar.”

Unfortunately for me, my thoughts seldom reach as high as the heavens. My thoughts tend to stick to the solid, predictable and unoffending ground. What will I do after highschool? Do I pursue a degree? Do I take a job? Where? When? Is this right? Will God allow me to feel His Presence or must I trust blindly? Must I continue fumbling in the dark, groping for a light switch? How much longer?

But when the lights are off, the stars are easier to see. Galileo admitted, “I've loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.” Maybe that’s the wiser perspective.

Isaiah wanted us to adopt this view when he cried, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning?” Finger pointed to the sky, the wizened prophet must have shouted, “Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:21, 26)

When attempting to figure out my future, I used to feel stuck in the dark; but I’m now of the opinion that “in the dark” should no longer be a synonym for ignorance and confusion. Instead, it’s a doorway into clarity. In the absence of man-made lamps, which illuminate at my command, I’m powerless. I can’t trust myself. Reflection is all I have to do. It’s time count the stars and laugh at my smallness; remembering that the God who leads constellations through infinity can guide me, too.

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Resuming...


Friends allowed Lindsey and I to take a spin in their British sportscar (1960 TR-3) during Lindsey's December visit to Texas. Although it appears that I was permitted to drive--I wasn't. But don't get me wrong, it was cool just sitting there.

Lindsey and I are both eager to get back to posting this January. Looking forward to catching up with you!

Monday, December 07, 2009

Hello, Sunshine!

You're so observant. You noticed that Lindsey and I haven't posted much lately. (Well, I hope somebody noticed.)

We could say that we're in the midst of a top secret project for NASA, or conducting vital international diplomacy, or that we're doing something else really big...but we'd be lying. We're just busy, as we're sure that you are this Christmas season. That's our only excuse.

This is to say that we haven't fallen off the planet. In fact, we miss you. We miss posting. We fully intend to jump back into the blog as soon as possible.

In the meantime, we're psyched to have a few posts coming up at the Lies Young Women Believe blog (by the authors of Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free, as well as some other great staff writers.)

Alex Chediak interviewed Lindsey and me just the other day as well. The interview is to be posted on his blog. That's where we are blogging-wise. 

I also have it from a reliable source (uh, me?) that Lindsey may be visiting Texas soon. If a random blog post of pictures and ramblings does indeed pop up in the next week or so, know that you have been forewarned.


Cordially,

Hannah

Thursday, November 19, 2009



Everyone seems to know the up and up about Twilight--be them lovers or haters. The film adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's novel (a vampire-human love story) released last November to largely adoring audiences. Tomorrow, we're in for a similar ride, as the sequel (now a vampire-human-werewolf love triangle) is set to hit theaters. With this déjà vu, some old Beauty from the Heart posts came back to mind:

Lindsey brought up a point at the first Twilight series release that's worth re-visiting.
She quoted God's Missionary, by Amy Carmichael:
Do we never hear the question "What is the harm of it?" asked about reading certain books, following certain pursuits, taking our recreation in certain ways? Perhaps... we need change of thought and rest of brain. "What is the harm of the latest novel, even if it happens to be rather unprofitable?" And we (who have not time to read one out of a thousand of the real books that have been written) spend a precious hour by deliberate choice over something not worthwhile; and when our immediate world interrupts us, breaking in upon us with some call, do we find that we come back to it with quite undistracted gladness?
...."Surely there is no harm in recreation?" To this question we answer, "No, if by recreation is meant re-equipment for future work with no leakage of spiritual power." We must have a fresh influx of life for both soul and body, or we shall dry up and become deserts in a desert. But where are our fresh springs to be? That is the main question.

"All my fresh springs are in Thee." Can we say so truthfully? Or is it not a fact that-- with some of us at least-- certain forms of recreation have, perhaps quite insensibly to us, got out of their place, and hinder, rather than help, all-round robustness
of life?

Because Twilight is so crazy-popular, it is an obvious target, but the need for discernment applies to everything we give time to. The question of discernment not only applies to movies we watch but songs on the radio ("Is that Katy Perry song okay?") or even internet activities ("Do I really need to Twitter sixteen times a day?").

Regarding music, Proverbs 25:20 says "Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda." Ever notice that when you're feeling depressed, a good break-up song can make you feel more so? Music has power. Don't underestimate it.

In the same way, books can potentially help us understand God better--or other kinds of books can potentially desensitize us to unbiblical philosophies and ethics. I don't need to list the dangers; you are likely very aware.



Another BftH oldie made me think of something I hadn't considered for a while:

"In forty years, I’ll be fifty-eight. 58. It seems like a long time, but judging how quickly the past eighteen years have traveled, it may arrive faster than I think—if I even make it that long. (According to deathclock.com, I have 1,900,316,800 seconds left to live...and counting down.)

I’m not trying to sound dark—but it does make me think. How am I spending my time? Specifically, I’ve been considering books and movies. How many movies have I watched that simply weren't worth the minutes? What about books? Although I don't spend nearly the amount of time the average American does on entertainment (6 hours per day!), that isn't saying much.

What do you think? I’m curious—what is your criteria for approving of a movie or book to spend time on? I’m not just asking how you gauge if something is appropriate, but whether it’s worth it."

Hmm. Looks like a question worth re-asking myself.

Friday, November 13, 2009

How God Humbled a VerySmartMan

Of the Old Testament patriarchs, I related to Jacob the most. He didn’t share grandfather Abraham’s extreme faith, or daddy Isaac’s apparent naiveté. Instead, Jacob likes the illusion of control. He thinks, and then overthinks, in attempt to finagle this situation to his advantage.

Like the time when his drama queen of a brother, Esau, was simply “staaarving,” and said if Jacob didn’t feed him, he “would diiie” (I imagine him whining.) So Jacob said, “Here, bro. I’ll trade you some soup for your inheritance.” I wonder if Esau thought he was kidding at first. In any case, Jacob supplanted his brother and got the birthright.

Jacob’s lives by his wits, seemingly doing pretty well for himself…until his brother decides to put a hit on him. He flees to Paddam-aram to go visit some relatives, where he falls in love with a pretty girl. The girl’s father is cunning too, so he sets the boy to work for seven years: Jacob’s service in trade for the girl.

All’s well and good, as Jacob and the girl’s dad are cut from the same cloth. That is, until the wedding, when Jacob discovers that beneath that veil is his girl’s nearsighted older sister. Yes, he was outfoxed. Someone made a switch. But does it mean that with a taste of his own medicine, Jacob sees the error of his ways? Sorry, not yet. Even getting the wrong girl in a marriage contract doesn’t teach humility.

Seven years later, with his girl finally under his wing (along with her older sister, who is unfortunately the sad part in this love triangle) Jacob flees from Paddam-aram. The relatives have gotten just a bit too cozy. With cunning, he sneaks out. That plan fails, as his father in law catches up with him on the road; but God is near, and Jacob’s family comes out okay.

Arriving back home has its difficulties too. Old brother Esau has grown his family to a small army, and Jacob knows his clock would be cleaned in a fight. God says, “Go ahead anyway,” so Jacob does, with fear and trembling...and cunning. He sends Esau an extravagant gift ahead of time to smooth the way, just in case God’s promise of “I will be with you” wasn’t quite enough.

But the very night before Jacob would confront his brother and know whether he was to live or die, a man tackles him. They wrestle, though I’m sure Jacob has no clue why. He’s just competitive like that.

As the sky just begins to go pink at dawn, the man dislocates Jacob’s hip with one withering touch. At last, Jacob knows who he’s dealing with and says, “I won’t let you go unless you bless me.” Obviously, this person with supernatural ability could get away if He wanted, but appreciates Jacob’s panache. He blesses Jacob and says, “You’ve struggled with God and won.”

Clutching his hip, Jacob staggers back to the camp with newfound wonder. No one has ever come that close to God; not even righteous Abraham. And Jacob, who thought himself oh-so-smart, had dared to punch Deity. Why was he still alive?

A million questions ran through his mind, and would run until the end of his life. For forever after, he limped; a constant sign that God was the one with the power.

Of all the patriarchs, Jacob’s story touches me the most. He’s got a donkey’s stubbornness and tends to think better of himself than he ought. In the end, God chose to wound Jacob rather than leave him be.

God’s nature is revealed in this story. He proves how He uses mostly fools (1 Corinthians 2), and the “smart” people he chooses must be made fools before they become useful. It’s not until he gives up on his own abilities that we see a glimmer of why God chose to make a nation from Jacob’s descendants.

And even more, the story reveals God’s humility—that he would deign to wrestle with a cocky little man—so the man might finally see rightly. It doesn’t happen every day. But then again, maybe it does.


Painting by Chris Cook.