Mark 10:13-31.

This morning’s sermon was based on the above passage and the minister opened it up so well. It was a humbling example of when I assume I understand a passage, which in actual fact is far far-away from the truth. The verse which really got me was v.27,

With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.

I’ve heard people say so many times to go to Christ with my problems and sins and entrust him to deal with them. But I’ve never listened, I’ve always gone away and read books about the issue (as my close friends will tell you, such a self-helper!) in hope for a physical remedy to my troubles. The minister made it clear today that instead of falling at Christ’s knees and saying, “I can’t do it! Help me!” I walk away just as the rich guy who was ‘sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions’ thinking it’s hopeless.

When will I ever get it into my thick skull that it is impossible for me but entirely, fully, 100% possible with God?! I’m such a disciple!

The Book of Joshua

In prep for my first ever camp, I’m listening to some sermons on the book of Joshua, here are a few that were helpful:

“The Book of Joshua” by Dale Ralph Davis

“The Call to Courage” by John Piper

In regards to the destruction of cities and the killing of Achan’s family (Joshua 7):

John G. Paton: An Autobiography

Finished the book a few days ago on my way to Penzance with a Starbucks coffee and a window seat (by the way, first time to England in two years…yep, safe to say I live a sheltered life). It was a 6 hour train journey so a perfect reading environment for a book that had to be finished.

Out of the whole book, the last 10 chapters really gripped me – John went through some of the fruit that had come out of his life in the New Hebrides. I was on the verge, it was dumbfounding. How can one man alone cause so much change within a cannibal community? He makes sure we know he wasn’t alone – John constantly points to God.

Father, our times are in Thy hand.

At the close of the book, John’s God became their God. These people cherished the Gospel more than I ever have. One girl in the book, Lamu, challenged me more than anyone else. John wrote this of her,

It has often struck me, when relating these events, to press this question on the many young people, the highly privileged white brothers and sisters of Lamu, Did you ever lose one hour of sleep or a single meal in thinking of your soul, your God, the claims of Jesus and your Eternal Destiny?

There are so many “little” stories of God’s grace that I could talk about – but that’s what the book is there for. God is good! All the time!

Nicholas Again

It was my little brother’s birthday yesterday (St. Patrick’s Day) and I’ve bought him the second book in the Nicholas series! Originally translated from French (Le petit Nicolas), they are amazing – seriously the best books to read with kids at bedtime.

The funniest character (according to Josh) is Alec, the fat one who is the best in goal because of his massiveness.

The covers feel amazing which is always a selling point. And they have a club website, http://nicholas-club.blogspot.com which has extra mini stories now and again. Yes, I’m pretty sad – but it’s for Josh of course.

Proverbs: Friendship

In this sermon Mark Driscoll gives the biblical description of a “friend”. Do we really have as many friends as Facebook tells us we have? Are we being duped by some people we have graced the name friend? I’d never really thought through these questions and some before – it’s challenging, maybe even discouraging but in the end, are we being foolish by imagining life to be an ideal one?

Those questions:

1. How is Jesus a good friend to you?
2. How can you be a good friend and to whom?
3. Whom would you consider a good friend and why?
4. What is changing your thinking of friendship? Whom do you need to pursue more intentionally?