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# Thursday, December 21, 2006 by Bryan

Lessons from the Bus

OK, so I am finally waking up from my blog hibernation. I know all three of you who read this blog are going crazy right now. So I have a lot of things that I have been meaning to write about ... today I want to share two random thoughts and a taste of God's sense of humor.

Each morning I have to ride a bus to school since parking is limited in downtown Charleston. I have found that so far I don't mind riding the bus. You can't do much on it, so it gives me a chance to reflect a little each day. This morning the bus was exceptionally full, and I had a woman sit next to me. She got out a small book and began to read. So, of course, I peaked over her shoulder to see what she was reading ... it was a devotional book. The title of today's devotion was Praise God for His Kindness. It was a a neat reminder of how the little things we do as Christians can really stand out.

Well, my second thought for today involves my own thinking as a Christian. I expect a lot from my spiritual leaders. I mean, they are called by God to lead us. But what I expect of them is nothing more than what I should expect from me and from my fellow Christians. Lately, I feel like if I really listened to God more intently, He is telling me to stop expecting so little, but to expect an abundance through Him ... not an abundance for myself, but for His kingdom. My dear friends Nathan and Amber are living this, and I am moved by their dedication and reliance on the body of Christ. You can read more about there adventure here. I am going to make more of an effort to pray for the body in addition to my prayers for our leadership. I plan to blog more about this soon ...

Each Wednesday I obtain clinical observation hours through observing a speech-language pathologist in the area. This past Wed. I was observing at a downtown hospital very close to my school. So, I was riding the bus as normal and decided to pray to God for humility. I started the SLP program to follow Him and live more for others, but I was already finding pride creeping up inside. I struggle with pride a lot in my life ... I have experienced God's power with other unrighteousness and desire His power to overcome my pride. Well, I got off the bus and began my walk to the hospital. As I was traveling along a very busy road, I noticed something in the corner of my eye ... an automatic sprinkler popped up and blasted water right into my groin. It was incredible. I arrived at the hospital looking like I urinated all over myself. You know what though, it didn't bother me one bit :) I mean, I hope it doesn't happen again (unless I need it), but God is good and funny, too.

# Tuesday, July 11, 2006 by Bryan

A Robber's Faith Part II

Nathan commented about a Third Day song from the robber's perspective. The song is called Thief, and I have posted the lyrics below ...

I am a thief, I am a murderer
Walking up this lonely hill
What have I done? I don't remember
No one knows just how I feel
and I know that my time is coming soon.
It's been so long. Oh, such a long time
Since I've lived with peace and rest
Now I am here, my destination
guess things work for the best and
I know that my time is coming soon
Who is this man? This man beside me
They call the King of the Jews
They don't believe that He's the Messiah
But, somehow I know it's true.
And they laugh at Him in mockery,
and beat Him till he bleeds
They nail Him to the rugged cross,
and raise Him, they raise Him up next to me
My time has come, I'm slowly fading
I deserve what I receive
Jesus when You are in Your kingdom
Could You please remember me
and He looks at me still holding on
the tears fall from His eyes
He says I tell the truthToday,
you will live with Me in paradise
and I know that my time is coming soon
and I know paradise is coming soon.

# Thursday, April 13, 2006 by Bryan

A robber's faith

I read a great devotional today from Jack Van Impe Ministries International that I wanted to share ...

TODAY, IN PARADISE

And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise."
- Luke 23:43

There were three crosses on Calvary's hill. Jesus died on the center cross with a thief on either side. Two who died that day were completely guilty. One was completely innocent. Two died there paying their debts to society. One died paying our debt of sin.

The second statement of Christ from the cross was to a dying thief who trusted in Him as his Lord and Saviour. And what great faith the dying criminal demonstrated. He believed while surrounded by a crowd of doubters. He saw Jesus in His most difficult hour and owned Him as his King. He accepted the promise of the Resurrection. He looked at a cross and saw a kingdom.
The dying thief's faith was rewarded. Jesus said, "Today, thou shalt be with me in paradise." What great heart questions are answered in this single statement of Jesus! Can one be saved in his dying hour? Can one be saved after a lifetime of wickedness? Can one be saved without baptism or communion? Can one be sure of heaven after death? To the one who believes Christ's word to the thief, these are questions no more.

Copernicus was a great mathematician. His studies and calculations revolutionized the thinking of mankind about the universe. At death's door, he saw himself not as a great scholar but only as a sinner in need of the Saviour. He chose the following words for his tombstone: "I do not seek a kindness equal to that given to Paul. Nor do I ask the grace granted to Peter. But that forgiveness which Thou didst grant to the robber -- that, I earnestly crave!"

Jesus saves thieves, scholars, and other sinners. Trust Him today.

# Friday, March 17, 2006 by Bryan

The Power of Scripture

I hate to admit it, but life has been getting to me lately. Between work, school and other commitments, I was feeling some pressure. The frustrating part was that I knew I shouldn't be so worried. I mean, I am extremely blessed. The world is full of hurting people ... those who are dealing with much more than me. However, I still was down.

Last night, I was sitting in class bored and tired. As I began to fiddle with stuff on my desk, I noticed the writing on my pen.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose."
- Eccl 3:1

The encouragement was immediate. I felt the comfort that can only come from God. It was a great reminder of how powerful His Word can be. Can you imagine what it will be like to hear God's voice when we're in heaven? I imagine something more powerful than anything I've witnessed on earth, but yet gentle and comforting at the same time.

Praise God for the hope we have through Him. No matter how overwhelming life may seem, as Christians we have the Creator of life with us, and He is interested ...

"I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. "
- Psalm 121:1-2

# Thursday, March 09, 2006 by Bryan

Noah and Pirates

Ahoy!
I realize the title of this post is rather ridiculous, but bare with me.

First off, I decided to read about Noah and the Ark this morning for one main reason -- Animals seem to have an attitude.

A few days ago I was driving in a not-so-respectable neighborhood (you know, the kind that causes you to hit the lock button while driving) when some ducks literally pimp walked into the middle of the road. Yes, I realize to the average driver my Honda Element is not very intimidating, but to a duck it should be. These three ducks, no kidding, stopped and gave me the stare down. They knew I didn't belong on their turf and wanted me to know it. I pulled right up to them and honked my horn ... nothing changed. After about a minute or so they slowly split with just enough space for me to squeeze by with only 3 to 4 inches between the duck gang and my tires.

Remembering this event, I dug into Genesis 6 ...

God saw "how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time." (Gen. 6:5) The people were so corrupt at this time that verse 7 said God was "grieved that [he] made them." If the three ducks I had a run-in with could have the attitude of those around them, imagine two of every creature on Earth (minus the swimming ones:) with the attitudes of those during Noah's time!

When reading about Noah and his families faithfulness I can't help but be impressed. Even if you take just a piece of the story, it amazes. For example, imagine God just told Noah to build an Ark. No gathering of crazy animals, just build a big boat. Let's say, 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Cool?

"OK, God, no problem ..."

You know what else is so great about this story? It is a story many learn in Vacation Bible School as a young kid, yet is just as fun to read today. I love how God created life with the relational dynamic of stories within a great story. So, as life happens, stories like Noah and the Ark grow. They gain new meaning while at the same time keep the old.

I encourage you to go back and read some childhood favorites. I'd love to see what they do to the soul God gave you. My little brother Khary and I are reading one of my childhood favorites, Treasure Island. It is really a lot of fun digging in to an old favorite again, reliving the adventures ...
and fortunately, no matter how crazy animals get, they don't have that.

# Tuesday, February 07, 2006 by Bryan

Life: more than eating, breathing and procreation

"The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
- Genesis 2:7

This weekend I saw a show in which a Rabbi (Unfortunately, I don't remember his name) talked about what he called the "Religion of Secular Fundamentalism."

He explained that in Judaism, the "breath of life" that was breathed by God into man was more than mere O2. It was man's actual soul being given to him as part of the creation of man, which in turn made man more than just an eater, breather and reproducer. Thanks to our Creator (i.e. Soulgiver) we have a greater purpose ... a larger meaning. Praise God!

Additionally, the Rabbi explained that those who don't have faith (or a faith-based religion for that matter), see religion as an obstacle to a better life. So, the Religion of Secular Fundamentalism is true amongst all people (esp. in Western cultures), keeping not only non-believers from accepting Christ as their savior, but also non-practicing Jews from following the Torah.

Two major things stand out to me here ...

1. Jews and Christians believe and worship the same God.

I know this is obvious to most. But it is a truth I simply forgot to keep in mind. Think about it. Not only are the Jews God's chosen people, but we owe the foundations of our faith to them.

On the flip side of this is whether the Islamic god (Allah) is the same God. I am not sure where I stand here. I know I don't believe he is the same god the Islamic fundamentalists worship. They believe their God has called them to destroy Jews and the western culture. Enough said.

2. The same lies fed by the Enemy affect everyone who doesn't believe in the true God.

Sure, Jews alone believing in the true and only God doesn't include trusting Jesus as the Savior. However, believing in the real Soulgiver for Jews plays a role in their purpose, and is a step closer to following the purpose-designed life God created us for.