I'll be heading off to Patrick Henry college on the 18th of August. I'm so excited! Several weeks ago I visited the college and the President, Dr. Graham Walker, gave a brief speech for us prospective students. By now, I've forgotten most of it. However, one thing he said I will not soon forget. He was remarking on the fact that chapels are mandatory at Patrick Henry College . I am unable to quote him precisely, but this is the gist of it, "In an academic environment, such as the one fostered at PHC, it can be rather easy to begin to become somewhat haughty, somewhat prideful in light of your quality education. And that is precisely why it is absolutely essential that we continually come together in worship before our Creator; because it is difficult to be self-exalting when you are kneeling in awe of Someone so much greater than yourself, when you are worshiping God." I look forward to communing with a group of people who have this perspective on worship.
This past week, Pastor John, shared with us about excellence in worship. He discussed all kinds of ways in which worship manifests itself. More importantly, he admonished us to be sincere in worship. I think the key to this is maintaining that perspective Dr. Walker prescribes; one that understands who God is and is struck by that revelation in a way that cannot be contained in a tamed expression of worship.
I hope you all are challenged to practice this in the chapels to come.
Sarah Betts
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Chapel 5/12/10
Mark 9:24 "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
The father of the child in the above passage was desperate. He came to Jesus with an irrational hope. But he wasn't sure. He didn't know for certain if it would work. I'm sure that as he approached Jesus his mind was troubled with the thought of leaving with the same pain he brought with him. I'm sure he doubted.
This is one of my favorite passages of scripture. I often find myself praying "Lord, help my unbelief." Faith is difficult. Even when you've had positive spiritual experiences, trusting the Lord to do what He says He will do is not always easy. It is hard. I love what Sean McPherson said this week: "Doubt is the prerequisite to faith." The Scriptures tell us that everyone is given a measure of faith. It doesn't say that that faith will be big enough to encompass all of our doubts. It doesn't say that we'll boldly be commanding mountains to be moved without the least concern that it might not move. Perhaps our faith is stronger for the doubt we have to overcome to walk in that faith.
Go ahead and read the context of the story in Mark 9, and consider the role that doubt and faith play.
The father of the child in the above passage was desperate. He came to Jesus with an irrational hope. But he wasn't sure. He didn't know for certain if it would work. I'm sure that as he approached Jesus his mind was troubled with the thought of leaving with the same pain he brought with him. I'm sure he doubted.
This is one of my favorite passages of scripture. I often find myself praying "Lord, help my unbelief." Faith is difficult. Even when you've had positive spiritual experiences, trusting the Lord to do what He says He will do is not always easy. It is hard. I love what Sean McPherson said this week: "Doubt is the prerequisite to faith." The Scriptures tell us that everyone is given a measure of faith. It doesn't say that that faith will be big enough to encompass all of our doubts. It doesn't say that we'll boldly be commanding mountains to be moved without the least concern that it might not move. Perhaps our faith is stronger for the doubt we have to overcome to walk in that faith.
Go ahead and read the context of the story in Mark 9, and consider the role that doubt and faith play.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Power of the Tongue
Lie: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
Truth: "Life and death are in the power of the tongue," Proverbs 18:21.
Mr. Johnson talked about several things at chapel this week, but the one thing that hung with me the most was what he said about words. He asked, "If words are what tears you down, what builds you back up? Words." The power of words is amazing. You can totally cripple a person with your words. You can make accusations, and hinder their ability to grow. Or, you can empower and edify with your words. It is not our job to go around alerting our brothers and sisters in Christ of their many imperfections. Scripture says that the devil is the accuser of the saints (Revelation 12:10). We don't need more than one accuser. We need edifiers. We need people in the body who say what God says about people. I might see that you have a problem with gossiping, and he has a problem with manipulating, and she has a problem with lying, but I'm not here to fix you. I'm here to speak truth into your life.
Of course there is a balance to that. Sometimes we do have to address those kinds of issues, because we are accountable to one another. Accusations are fueled by hurt, anger, insecurity and a horde of other selfish motivations. Godly correction must be fueled only by love in the context of relationship.
If you'd like to talk more about this, feel free to come up and talk to me in the halls or during lunch. See you around.
Truth: "Life and death are in the power of the tongue," Proverbs 18:21.
Mr. Johnson talked about several things at chapel this week, but the one thing that hung with me the most was what he said about words. He asked, "If words are what tears you down, what builds you back up? Words." The power of words is amazing. You can totally cripple a person with your words. You can make accusations, and hinder their ability to grow. Or, you can empower and edify with your words. It is not our job to go around alerting our brothers and sisters in Christ of their many imperfections. Scripture says that the devil is the accuser of the saints (Revelation 12:10). We don't need more than one accuser. We need edifiers. We need people in the body who say what God says about people. I might see that you have a problem with gossiping, and he has a problem with manipulating, and she has a problem with lying, but I'm not here to fix you. I'm here to speak truth into your life.
Of course there is a balance to that. Sometimes we do have to address those kinds of issues, because we are accountable to one another. Accusations are fueled by hurt, anger, insecurity and a horde of other selfish motivations. Godly correction must be fueled only by love in the context of relationship.
If you'd like to talk more about this, feel free to come up and talk to me in the halls or during lunch. See you around.
Sarah
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