Live Dangerously

I came across this video while perusing YouTube.

Dr. Mohler really hit the nail on the head. Christianity isn't "safe." It isn't supposed to be "safe." We are called to live dangerously for the sake of the One we serve. We are called to be a bold, shining light in the darkness that is this world. Those who cannot go out and live dangerously, or are not called to go, can live dangerously by unashamedly providing the support and encouragement needed by those who are called to go.

Christian apathy is a scary thing. Light cannot fight darkness if it is weak. Determine to live dangerously from this day forward. Reject the temptation to stay with the comfortable and familiar. God will use you to further His kingdom in the way He has planned for you to do so if you will choose to live dangerously.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

Mark 16:15

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

Romans 10:14-15

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Ephesians 6:12

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

Jim Elliot

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The Importance of Relationships

Over the course of this week, God has been teaching me a lot about the importance of relationships through sermons/prayer meeting, through conversations with friends, and through my study of the Word. God has brought this subject to my attention almost every day this week through those avenues, for which I am thankful. It has caused me to realize just how far I've let myself slide in this area.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells us:

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. {Ecclesiastes 4:9-12}

I don't know about you, but I have a tendency to try to do challenging things on my own, even when I know I can't take on a (two-person) project that's way over my head (no pun intended, of course ;) ) or pull myself up by my spiritual bootstraps when I'm losing a spiritual battle. Solomon is right in saying that "two are better than one;" a good relationship of any kind provides companionship, accountability and support. Whenever I choose to reject those who desire to help me - "thanks, but I can handle this myself" - I am rejecting the God-ordained support network relationships provide and am displaying an attitude of pride in the process. 

Paul reminds us in Hebrews 10 about the importance of maintaining solid relationships with fellow believers.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. {Hebrews 10:24-25}

In the context of this verse, the word "provoke" doesn't mean doing or saying things to "provoke" someone to anger or irritation. Rather, it's more the idea of "stimulating" or "encouraging" one another. It's extremely hard, nigh impossible, to stimulate or encourage yourself in this way. God made us to need other people to fellowship with, to encourage and be encouraged in return. That's part of the beauty of being part of the body of Christ. 

There is, of course, a problem if you allow your need for people to become bigger than (or entirely replace) your need for God. But that doesn't mean we should feel guilty or ashamed for needing help, encouragement, or fellowship, and shun relationships altogether. There is a godly balance between these extremes.

It's important to remember that those who encourage you have need to be encouraged sometimes too; those who help you sometimes need help as well; those who pray for you also need to be prayed for. Good, healthy relationships are a "two-way street." Don't always wait for them to come to you first. Show your love for them by sincerely asking how they are doing. Find some ways you can be a blessing to them. Choose to exercise the "brotherly kindness" Paul talks about in 2 Peter 1.

It's so easy to overlook the importance of relationships. Life gets busy and we let our relationships slide. Some of us are just plain forgetful and we don't always remember to keep in touch with others. Other times, if we're honest with ourselves, we just don't want to take the time to find out how someone is really doing. We leave it at "How are you?" "I'm good, how are you?" "Good." (Grammatically incorrect, and usually not true, but that's not the point I'm trying to make here. :P )

Make the effort to spend time with a friend you haven't seen in awhile. Reconnect with a relative you haven't talked to since that last family get-together. Call that sibling who lives on the other side of the country. Reply to that email your grandmother sent this morning that you told yourself you "didn't have time" to respond to. Come alongside someone whom you know is going through a hard time.

Relationships aren't perfect, because humans aren't perfect, but they are gifts from One Who is perfect. Don't neglect them. 

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The Cry of a Convicted Sinner

Thou righteous and holy Sovereign,
In whose hand is my life and whose are all my ways,
Keep me from fluttering about religion;
        fix me firm in it,
        for I am irresolute;
        my decisions are smoke and vapour,
        and I do not glorify thee,
        or behave according to thy will;
Cut me not off before my thoughts grow to responses,
      and the budding of my soul into full flower,
      for thou art forbearing and good,
      patient and kind.
Save me from myself,
              from the artifices and deceits of sin,
              from the treachery of my perverse nature,
              from denying thy charge against my offenses,
              from a life of continual rebellion against thee,
              from wrong principles, views, and ends;
              for I know that all my thoughts, affections,
              desires and pursuits are alienated from thee.
I have acted as if I hated thee, although thou art love itself;
  have contrived to tempt thee to the uttermost,
       to wear out thy patience;
  have lived evilly in word and action.
Had I been a prince
        I would long ago have crushed such a rebel;
Had I been a father
I would long since have rejected my child.
O, thou Father of my spirit,
     thou king of my life,
                      cast me not into destruction,
                      drive me not from thy presence,
                      but wound my heart that it may be healed;
                      break it that thine own hand may make it whole.

{ The Cry of a Convicted Sinner from The Valley of Vision }

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Born to Run

In keeping with the spirit of the Olympics, it seemed fitting to take a look at the life of one of the most famous Christian Olympians of the past - Eric Liddell, the Scottish athlete and missionary. Part of his life story is told in the film Chariots of Fire, winner of four Academy Awards and two Cannes Film Festival awards (and also one of the most popular and recognizable film scores of all time).

Eric Liddell was born in January 1902 to the Rev. and Mrs. James Dunlop Liddell, who were serving as missionaries in China. Eric went to school in China for the first five years of his life. He and his brother, Robert, were transferred to Eltham College - a boarding school in London for the sons of missionaries - when Eric was six years old. Their parents and sister Jenny remained in China.

At Eltham, Eric proved himself to be an outstanding athlete, becoming the captain of the rugby and cricket teams. He was awarded the Blackheath Cup as the best athlete of the year. His coach described him as being "completely without vanity." Eric became known as the fastest runner in Scotland during his time at Eltham, later becoming the most popular athlete to come from Scotland. Eltham renamed their sports center "Eric Liddell Sports Center" in his memory.

Eric was chosen to speak for the Glasgow Students' Evangelical Union due to his strong Christian testimony and in hopes that he would draw large crowds to hear the Gospel.

Eric joined Robert at the University of Edinburgh to study Pure Science. Athletics continue to play a big role in his academic career. He ran and played rugby for the University club, setting school records in the 100 yard dash and 220 yard sprint. He graduated in 1924 after competing the the Paris Olympiad.

Speaking of the Olympics, one of the highlights of Eric's life was competing in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. Eric stuck to his convictions and refused to run a heat held on Sunday and was subsequently forced to withdraw from the 100 meter race - his best event. He won a gold medal in the 200 meter race and a bronze in the 400 meter. His performance in the 200 meter stood as a European record for 12 years.

After the Olympics and graduation from Edinburgh, Eric returned to China to carry on his family's missionary work. He married Florence Mackenzie, a fellow missionary child, in 1934. They had three daughters - Patricia, Heather and Maureen. 

In 1941, life in China was becoming so dangerous for foreigners that the British Government advised Brisish citizens to leave the country. Florence and the children left for Canada while Eric stayed behind. Invading Japanese forces took over the mission station where Eric was working and he was interned at the Weihsien Internment Camp. Eric became a leader in the camp, helping the elderly, teaching Bible classes, arranging games, and teaching science to the children, who fondly nicknamed him "Uncle Eric." 

One of Eric's fellow detainees, Norman Cliff, described Eric as "the finest Christian gentleman it has been my pleasure to meet. In all the time in the camp, I never heard him say a bad word about anybody." Langdon Gilkey, who also survived the camp and became a prominent theologian in his native America, said of Liddell: "Often in an evening I would see him bent over a chessboard or a model boat, or directing some sort of square dance – absorbed, weary and interested, pouring all of himself into this effort to capture the imagination of these penned-up youths. He was overflowing with good humour and love for life, and with enthusiasm and charm. It is rare indeed that a person has the good fortune to meet a saint, but he came as close to it as anyone I have ever known."

Eric died in February 1945, just five days short of liberation. An inoperable brain tumor, overwork and malnourishment did him in. There was a tremendous outpouring of grief at his death, both inside and outside the camp. In 2008, Chinese authorities revealed that Eric gave up a change to leave the camp, giving his place to a pregnant woman instead. The Japanese had made a deal with the British, with Churchill's for prisoner exchanges. 

According to a fellow missionary, Eric's last words were, "It's complete surrender." What an incredibly inspiring life and testimony, even with his last words! 

"God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure. "

Chariots of Fire

Sources: Eric Liddell.org and Wikipedia

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London 2012

I am a huge fan of the Olympics. I usually can't sleep the night before the Opening Ceremony due to excitement, and I'm always sad when they're over (and anxiously awaiting the next one!). I am always amazed at and inspired by the feats the athletes can push themselves to accomplish. They blow me away every time.

As these particular Games have unfolded, I've become more and more excited as I have discovered just how many of the athletes are professing Christians. What an incredible opportunity these men and women have to share their faith!

While I'm sure there are many non-American believers competing in the Games of the 30th Olympiad, I will only be highlighting those on Team USA in this post. (I also realize that this is probably not a complete list of every American Christian competing.)

: Allyson Felix : 

Photo by teamusa.org

Allyson is representing the USA as a sprinter in the Track & Field events. You can read more about what her faith means to her here. View her official Team USA profile here.

: Chris Brooks :

Photo by NBC Olympics

Chris is a member of the U.S. Men's Gymnastics team. View his official Team USA profile here.

: David Boudia :

Photo by Getty Images

David is a diver for the USA Diving Team. View his official Team USA bio here.

: Gabrielle "Gabby" Douglas :

Photo by teamusa.org

Gabby is a gymnast for the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team (aka the Fab Five). In a recent TV interview, she mentioned that she fights nerves by meditating on Scripture. View her official Team USA profile here.

: Hunter Kemper :

Courtesy of hunterkemper.com

Hunter represents the USA in the Triathlon. View his official Team USA profile here.

: Jacob Wukie :

Photo by Getty Images

Jacob is shooting for the U.S. Archery team. View his official Team USA profile and read more about his faith here.

: Jacob "Jake" Dalton :

Photo by Getty Images

Jake is a member of the U.S. Men's Gymnastics team. View his official Team USA profile here. 

: Jonathan Horton :

Photo by NBC Olympics

Jonathan is the team captain for the U.S. Men's Gymnastics team. View his official Team USA profile here.

: Jordyn Wieber :

Courtesy of thesportsbank.net

Jordyn is a gymnast for the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team (aka the Fab Five). View her official Team USA profile here.

: Lolo Jones :

Courtesy of Facebook

Lolo is representing the USA in the Track & Field events. She is know for being outspoken about her faith (read more here and here). View her official Team USA profile here. 

: Sanya Richards-Ross :

Photo by ESPN

Sanya is a member of the USA Track & Field team. View her official Team USA profile here. 

 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24

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Father, Give Me Bread

During a special afternoon service yesterday at the church I attend, we watched a recent episode of Dispatches from the Front, a ministry of Frontline Missions International (more information on those ministries here and here). This episode, entitled Father, Give Me Bread, focuses on an area known as the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia and the new country of South Sudan), a war-torn and famine-plagued part of the world long caught in the clutches of Islam. The Gospel message is spreading quickly in these countries and God is using believers to care for orphans and others who are in need (praise the Lord!).

Here are some of the highlights from Father, Give Me Bread. 

While the light of the Gospel is illuminating the lives of many in Ethiopia and South Sudan, there is an enormous shortage of Bibles in the native languages of the peoples who live in this part of the world. Most of the churches highlighted in this episode have only 1-2 Bibles for the entire congregation.

The Oromo are the largest group of people living in Ethiopia. Michael Alemu, a native pastor, tells us more about their need for copies of the Scriptures in their language and what we can do to help.

Half of the 70 million people living in Ethiopia are children and adolescents; roughly 5 million of those are orphans. Mr. Alemu heads up Abebech Gobena Orphanage and School, a ministry and education center for street children and orphans, many of whom are affected by AIDS (find out more here). I was deeply touched and inspired to see Mr. Alemu's evident love for the Lord being manifested in his tender compassion for these children in Father, Give Me Bread. Hundreds of children are having their physical and spiritual needs met through the ministry of this orphanage/school. What an incredible work the Lord is doing through Mr. Alemu and the other believers who are serving in Abebech Gobena!

As I mentioned before, the majority of churches in Ethiopia have only 1-2 Bibles per congregation. The enormous outpouring of joy and gratitude these churches showed when Tim Keesee and his team handed out copies of the Scriptures in their own language was extremely moving and rebuking at the same time. These believers have very little. Most of them are without what Western culture would consider "basic necessities," yet they are so full of joy, contentment and genuine reverence for God and His Word.

After an honest look at myself, I have to admit that I don't get as excited over God's Word as those precious Oromo brothers and sisters in Christ. Quite to the contrary, I'm ashamed to say. God has given me so much, including several copies of the Bible in a few different translations in my own language, and I take it all for granted much more often than I'd like to admit. I've become sluggish and lazy in both my physical and spiritual life. I don't view the Scriptures, the precious words of God, with as much reverence or respect as I should. Watching Father, Me Bread gave me the wake-up call I needed.

I want the faith and contentment of my spiritual brothers in sisters in Ethiopia. I want to share their level of excitement over the Word of God. I want to see more of them with a copy of the Scriptures in their language, and I want to help make that happen in any way I can.

Would you join me in praying for Mr. Alemu as he ministers to the street children and orphans through Abebech Gobena, and for the Oromo people in their need for Bibles?

“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.”

Hudson Taylor

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