Regrets

I remember sitting and listening to a youth group leader give a talk many years ago—probably at least ten years by now. He shared how at that time, he had recently spoken to an older relative, and in that encounter he asked the older man what he thought about his life.

The man said, "I have no regrets."

I remember the youth group leader share how we should live without regrets... how on the Cross Jesus not only took away our Sin, but he took away guilt, and shame, and regret. That is wonderful news. But it doesn't seem "real" sometimes because in my life I don't feel it experienced. One of the most haunting areas of my life is my regrets. I don't at all regret situations that I have been in, or grades I've made in school, and I don't regret what others have done (or haven't done) to me. But I regret a great deal what I have done to others, and how my poor and selfish decisions have hurt others.

"But I am a worm and not
a man,
a reproach of men and
despised by the people."
Ps. 22:6

I do have hope that there is redemption... here, and now.

"I would have despaired
unless I had believed
that I would see the
goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living."
Ps 27:13

The greatest hope of all is that one day, we will live perfectly. There will be no sin, no pain... "no curse" (Rev. 22:3). We will be glorified into a state of perfection... and I can't wait for that day. We will be redeemed, together, with all those that we have hurt, those we have cast aside and forgotten, those with whom we have regrets.

But I am sorry for these regrets. I wish I did not have them; I wish I could say like that man did, those years ago: "I have no regrets." But as long as I am me, I will be unable to say such a thing.

Slave to Sin

The Cost of Following Jesus

In Matthew 18:18–22 we get a glimpse at what the cost is to follow Jesus. If you really want to follow the Lord, you must consider the result. Jesus says that we will be hated by this world. Hated! We will not be famous, respected, loved, accepted... by this world. In fact, following Christ absolutely brings about a life of suffering and despair. But there is no other way to be a Christian—the "Christianity" that we know and which the world uses to define us, is not true. It is not even a reflection of what the word "Christian" should be—a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Just yesterday I heard an atheist on the radio say that "Christians do not believe what they say they believe; they 'worship' on the Sabbath and praise a God whom they have no passion for, or connection with at any moment for the rest of the week.

I don't want this to define me. I don't want this to define me.

Thus, we must count the cost (Luke 14:28). The first man approaches Jesus—he takes the initiative (Matthew 8:19). This man was overcome with excitement and zeal to follow Jesus. Jesus responded, "foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" (v. 20). In essence, Jesus replied to the man's zeal by saying, you will lose everything, there is no worldly comfort in following me. All you get is Me, the only comfort you will find is My presence and word. But you will have no home... for you will never find your true home on this earth. And what was the man's reply? He had none...

With this first man we see that following Christ—being a [genuine] Christian—is not marked by zeal, or emotion. Discipleship is marked by consistency and longevity. Where is your heart? Are you a "Christian" because you can get "excited" about Him during worship music? Or, are you truly following the Lord of Lords, who calls you to leave everything to follow Him?

This first man is the plant that quickly sprouted, but had no root and was burned and killed in the scorching sun (Mark 4:5–6). Do you get excited about Jesus during camps, and retreats, and D-Now, and Summer Mission Trips, etc. etc., but rarely have any intimacy with Him otherwise? Are you really seeking Christ, or merely an emotional experience?

After this first man, we see the response of another to follow Jesus. The man said, "please let me go bury my father, then I will come follow you" (v.21). Most likely the guy's father was not literally dead, but instead, the man had strong ties with his family and wanted to wait to receive his inheritance. Once he had solidified some connections, and built up some security, then he would follow Jesus.

This man is the seed that fell amongst thorns (Mark 4:7). The things of this world are distracting him and preventing him from following the Lord. Jesus' reply to him was, "Follow Me... let the dead bury their own dead" (v.22). Jesus said, those who are attached to this world, even with wealth, or success, or sex, of family, or pleasure, or happiness, or vacations, or any other thing, they are still dead. The only life worth anything is one that is entombed to the teaching and way of Christ. Any other life has no life at all.

Are you one of these men? Or are you truly following the Lord? If you're honest with yourself, then you're probably just like me—too comfortable to let go of the things of this world; too prideful to bow low to Christ; too much attached to this world to to consider growing close to the God who tells us to forsake this world.

Tying The Knot On A Tight Budget

Check out this video of Robbie and Maria—getting ready for the big day!

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Likeness to Jesus

"Above all things, cultivate your own spirit, Your own soul is your first and greatest care. Seek advance of personal holiness. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.”

–Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 1813–1843
Scottish Presbyterian Missionary

A Mustard Seed?

Is “mustard seed” really the smallest seed? (Mt 13:32)

Total Depravity

We speak of the human race as being "Totally Depraved," at least those of us who are Augustinian, and not Armenian in our theology. But how exactly are we totally depraved?

It is from our ancestor, Adam. A literal human? The first of our kind, or a figurative story—a metaphor for the faith?

Are we sinful because:

(1) We sinned with Adam in the garden?

(2) We are sinful by our association with Adam?

(3) We are now sick (from something) because of Adam's disobedience—something was passed over, onto us?

(4) ...or something else?

Why am I sinful by nature?

Pray For Australia

Australia is currently facing one of the worst wildfires in its history. The death toll exceeds 200, and thousands of homes and buildings have been completely destroyed.

We should be in prayer for those who have experienced tragic loss, and certainly for those who are still in danger. May this disaster come under control and soon end.


Below is a satellite image from NASA, depicting the Southern coast of Australia, and the white clouds of smoke rising from the out of control fires (shown in red).


Below is a rescue working helping an injured (wild) koala. Apparently the koala was harmed from the fire and this worker went to her aid—what an awesome photo!

(All images © Fox News, www.foxnews.com)