Do you Speak in Tongues?

I don't speak in tongues. Nor do I heal. Nor do I prophesy. (I did predict that baby Evan would be a fat little chubster. But i didn't get that by looking up and hearing the Lord; I looked down and saw my Lard. ha! That was a good one.) But I've been asked about these gifts before and have been in countless conversations regarding them in the past.

But lately it seems that the conversation has been coming up more and more regarding these controversial giftings of the Spirit. I happened to have read through 1 Cor. 12 a couple days ago regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which include tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, and prophecy. It's interesting to note that these gifts of the Holy Spirit are included in a list among gifts such as teaching, helping and administration, which no one seems to have a problem with.

I've been asked many times what my position is regarding the charismatic movement and the gifts associated with it. My answer? As my good friend James Hong would say, "I'm open, but cautious." I'm open to what the Holy Spirit can do and am willing to accept the variety of ways He gifts believers to build the Church, but I'm cautious as to how any group or denomination uses and perceives the gifts. As with anything else, the use of the gifts must never ever violate the teaching of Scripture.

But when asked my opinion about the Charismatic gifts (which I think is a misnomer, since all gifts are "charisma", a gifting by God's grace), I honestly answer that I honestly don't know what to make of it. I just haven't been exposed to the Charismatic movement or fellowshipped with charismatic churches to make a fair judgment. I think it's poor witness that so many Evangelicals are quick to make blanket statements without having taken the time to learn more about the subject.

So, I'm willing to learn. I know many of you reading this are probably from within my own community, so you're probably in the same place as I am in terms of what you've experienced. But maybe not.

So my question is, whoever you are, what has been your experience with charismatic gifts or charismatic groups? Should we as Christians be more open or closed to what seems to be growing throughout the world?

Prosperity Gospel

This is an oldie but a goodie.

Tummy Time- Take Two

Some of you have been asking for the update video of Evan's tummy time. Here it is. This video is about 2 weeks later from the first... in it he's doing so much while doing really nothing at all.

And no, that's not my Mickey Mouse t-hirt I'm wearing. It's, um....

In routing on Evan to muster up strength to lift up his head, I'm reminded of the One who gives us strength, both physically, and spiritually.

Psalm 3:3 "But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head."

Burnt out? Or Boiling?

Do you feel burnt out for Jesus? Tired? Like you just can't do this anymore? Most people who do will stop serving because "I just need a break".

I have a suggestion... keep serving.

Paul writes in Romans 12:11 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

The word Paul uses for "Spiritual fervor" is a word that literally means "boiling". Basically, we are charged by Paul to maintain our zeal for God by "boiling" for the Lord.

I don't cook much, but I make quite a killer spaghetti. Actually, that's all I know how to cook. When I'm heating my pot of water, I freak out when the bubbles start to boil and overflow all over the place. I rush to take it off the stove and rest it on a cooler surface. The bubbles go away! But the moment I put it back on, the bubbles are back!

Did you know that a constant application of heat to that pot keeps it boiling? Crazy. But take away that application, and it dies out.

Paul seems to suggest that it is possible to consistently maintain our fervor for the LORD. Like, we can stay high for Jesus! We can always be bubbly for Jesus! He says... "Keep boiling". That means, according to Paul's word choice, there needs to be a constant application of something that'll keep us boiling for Jesus.

What is that application? Well, Paul says, "Keep boiling, serving the Lord." That means, our regular and consistent service to God, humbly making him first place instead of ourselves, will keep us from losing our zeal? That I can keep boiling instead of burning out?

Christians, I'd like to suggest that if you're tired and worn out...keep serving. Of course, serve in good portion. Don't overload your plate. You'll get stuffed and won't be able to do anything. Take small bites, but serve consistently, and you'll be amazed at how long you can go.

Oh yeah, and check yo'self before you wreck yo'self. Who you serving? Oh right. JESUS. HE'S the guest of honor. Get outta his seat.

Press on brother. Press on Sister.

Tummy Time: Take #1

This is Evan's first Tummy Time. We're trying to train him to lift up his head and push himself up on his own. I know... he sounds discouraged in the video. But don't worry, we encouraged him once the cameras were off.

Baby Evan, don't worry. Even Jesus had to take time to grow in stature. You'll lift your head up one day, son.

Luke 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

G.A.P. Log #2: TNT Wedding- Tre n' Tomoko

I should be more consistent with these "God.Answers.Prayer" logs. He answers WAY more than I post. He deserves way more Glory than I give.

Prayer Journal on April 15, 2010: "I pray for Trevor and Tomoko's wedding, that it will bring you glory and that Christ will be at the center of it."

Answered on September 25, 2010:
TnT's wedding was DYNO-MITE!!! I've been praying for months for Trevor and Tomoko's wedding, for their preparation, but mostly for God's glory to be seen. I asked that Christ would be made known.

And God came through... through the ceremony, through the message, through the worship, through the foot washing ceremony, through the vows, through the testimonies at the reception... through and through.

Trevor was telling me how many people, especially from his family, were impressed with the realization that God is really alive in Trevor's life.

A cousin who is in a "basically Satanic" band came up to him and told him everything really made him think.

An old high school friend commented to Trevor how he always knew he was a Christian, but was blown away by what he saw that day.

A newborn believer (a man, may I mention?) shed tears at the demonstration of humility demonstrated in Christ's footwashing.

Through and through.

Praise the Lord for the testimony of His Love and Grace in Trevor and Tomoko's marriage! May he keep showing it in their lives... through and through.

On "Humility"

Humility is the something we should constantly pray for...
but never give thanks that we have.
-M.R. De Haan