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My Part/God’s Part in the Psalms

February 9, 2010 by Dustin

From Doug Wolter:

As I look at the Psalms, I’m amazed at how little we do and how much He does.  For example:

Psalm 23:1-3

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me besides still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and [he] heard my cry
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
and [he] set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 91:14-16

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and [I will] honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and [I will] show him my salvation.

In summary, all I need to do is come poor and needy because He comes to me rich in mercy. Hallelujah!

Posted in God's Love, Knowing God, Worship | Leave a Comment »

We Need Forgiveness more than Justice

February 8, 2010 by Dustin

Loretta Zilinger was raped. She was convinced Dean Cage had raped her. He was convicted and sent to prison for 40 years, always insisting on his innocence. Sixteen years DNA evidence proved that he was innocent. He was finally released.

Zilinger still believed he was guilty and was convinced the DNA test was wrong. She feared for her safety. Cage struggled with adjusting to life outside prison. After being convinced that the DNA evidence is highly accurate she agreed to meet him. Rather, than hold on to bitterness towards his accuser, Cage embraced her and recognized that both of them were victims of the rapist.

Now they are working together to help other victims and those they misidentified. They want to spread their “message of forgiveness.”

Zilinger had lived with hatred and bitterness for years towards Cage. I imagine Cage was tempted to the same feelings towards her as he sat falsely condemned in a jail cell.  This paragraph from the CNN story really stuck out to me, “For the first time since the attack, Zilinger no longer lives in fear. She feels at peace, like she has closure, and she wants to help other women reach that point.” She doesn’t know who raped her. This rapist is presumably still living free. And yet she feels at peace. What accounts for this?

The man who raped her took her innocence. But he didn’t take her peace. It was years of bitterness and hatred that took her peace. In fact, we see that it wasn’t justice that would restore her peace (the perpetrator is still at large). It was forgiveness. By forgiving Cage and releasing all her hatred toward him she gained peace. Bitterness and peace can’t coexist.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. – Hebrews 12:14-15

Related Posts:
The Destruction of Peace
Sin Destroys Peace

Posted in Peace | Leave a Comment »

What’s in a Name?

February 7, 2010 by Dustin

As one whose name means “Warrior”, I take offense that a German orthodontist refused to treat a 16 year old boy because his name is Jihad (plus I have a good friend with this name).

HT: Talk Islam

Posted in Understanding | 2 Comments »

Anyone Up for a Trialogue?

February 3, 2010 by Dustin

I love the idea of a Christian, Jew and Muslim “Trialogue”. It was put together by Bob Roberts, pastor of Northwood Church in Keller, Texas. It worked like this: Members of the church and the mosque went to the Jewish worship service Friday night at Temple Shalom. Then they all went to the Muslim worship service on Saturday at the mosque. Then they all went to the Christian worship service on Sunday at the church.  Afterward each service the three leaders fielded questions.

Ed Stetzer interviewed Roberts on his blog (you can also read the Dallas Morning News report). Here are a couple of key quotes:

I work with people of different religions all over the world– I don’t think we in the West know how to speak of faith and treat people with respect at the same time.

How can we build relationships if we don’t speak honestly to each other. I’m tired of having to be religiously politically correct. I’m also tired of the arrogance of some evangelicals who don’t know how to disagree and treat others with respect.

When asked about worshiping at the mosque he said:

It was an educational event. I don’t view it as “satanic” or “demonic” these are people that are sincere and seeking God. Going into bars, movie theatres, and banks are probably a lot more “satanic” than anything else! I want to know how they think, etc., Paul did it in the synagogue and at Mars Hill. Those people who are seeking God the most, are the ones I want to relate to. I want to be like Paul in this regard.

Worshipping with Muslims? At first I would have said no – but worship isn’t about the space it is “the hearts affection and the mind’s attention” as Jordan Fowler says – so I can worship anywhere, anytime, anyplace – as long as I am right with God and my focus is directed toward God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In my car, in my study, in a mosque, in a catholic church, in a synagogue, on the side of a mountain, in an airplane – the Holy Spirit doesn’t leave me when I walk in places he goes before me and guides me into those places as long as the primary focus is to glorify God.

When describing how he is received by Muslims, he answers:

I’m being introduced as “This is my evangelical friend,” and after a moment of someone looking at me in horror the following, “but he is a good guy – he isn’t mean to us.” I was in Gaza last week – and I was taken around like a “trophy” by some, everytime being introduced, “he is an evangelical pastor – but he is ok.” It has always left me with this question, “what have we done that they don’t mind our view of Jesus – but they do mind us?”

In the comments section he responds to a Muslim friend (who had also left a comment) by saying, in part:

Multi-faith says the basis of our relationship is respect – not agreement. In the service you heard me say I want the whole world to be Christian – the Imam said he wants the whole world to Muslim. It is because we both believe we believe the truth. The question is not do I want someone to be a Christian, in my religion with the Great Commision and yours with the Dauwa that is part of our Holy Books. The question is can I love you without an agenda. Jesus healed, related, and went places to people he considered sick, evil, demonic, etc., and he loved them all – Paul did the same.

Many in the comments section of Stetzer’s blog disagree strongly, but I like this comment from a woman who attended the events:

I attended all three events this past weekend and I was excited, nervous and deeply moved. The Jewish and Muslim people were more kind and generous than some of the people in my own congregation. I wept openly as I watched fathers worshiping alongside of their young sons in the Mosque on Saturday. I kept thinking of my own son and how I want those Muslim boys to know my son now and in heaven. I saw more dedication and focus during 7 minutes of prayer from these young boys than I would even expect from my own children. It was moving and eye opening that these people love their family and their god just like I love mine. I pray we raise our children to know and love people from all walks of life so that just maybe, one day, I can sing and dance with those people before the throne of the one true God. It can only happen relationally and with the love of Jesus Christ.

HT: Vitamin Z

Posted in Christians, Muslims, Understanding | 4 Comments »

Thanks for the Religion

January 30, 2010 by Dustin

As a freshman clarinetist in the marching band (I was an aspiring jazz saxophonist and wanted to improve my clarinet chops) I saw everyone of Kurt Warner’s games his senior year at the University of Northern Iowa. It was fun watching him over his NFL career and hearing his story retold and retold (he was a former grocery bagger turned NFL MVP/Super Bowl winner).

He retired yesterday from what is probably a Hall of Fame career. Everyone that knew anything about him also knew that he is a Christian. He is not shy about his faith at all. It is part of who he is. The following paragraph from Seth Wickersham at espn.com struck me when I read it:

Thanks for the religion. Some athletes give their life to Jesus Christ as a PR move; some are ripe with hypocrisy; some just say offensive things. Warner always expressed his faith without trivializing it or us.

Kurt Warner lived his life as a follower of Jesus Christ in a way that garnered respect from others. He didn’t trivialize Jesus or people. We can communicate the things we believe most deeply in a way that others thank us. I don’t know Wickersham’s religious views, but this tells me that Kurt Warner is a man of peace. May I be one too.

Posted in Christians, Making God known | 5 Comments »

Peace-loving Truth

January 28, 2010 by Dustin

Tim Tebow and his mom are doing a pro-life commercial that will be aired during the Super Bow. Apparently many pro-choice groups are upset about this and want CBS to refuse to air it. There is much that can be said about the contradiction of those who are for choice, but don’t want people to hear both sides of the argument (in order to make a choice!). Zach Nielsen had some really helpful thoughts regarding this and the wider issue of “tolerance”. He writes:

Just as an aside, would you please please please join me in advocating for the complete stoppage of all the “tolerance” talk. Tolerance is not the issue and it never has been. If anyone tells you to stop being “intolerant”, or that you should be more tolerant because of a view that you hold, just suggest something like this:

“Why are you asking me to be more tolerant?  That in itself is not very tolerant.  If you were really consistent in your view of tolerance you would accept ALL views, including mine, as valuable.  But we both know that is impossible.  No one wants to be “tolerant” of Hitler and his views on the Jews. So we both know that real tolerance is an impossibility.

Let’s just get down to what really is going on here.  We both disagree about something.  I think I am right, and you think you are right.  Most likely, we both can’t be right.  Do you think we can give reasons for or against our beliefs and not kill each other?  I do.  So why don’t we cease with all the “tolerance” talk that really doesn’t get either of us anywhere and give reasons for why we believe what we believe.  That way, maybe we can find out what is really true.  Peace-loving truth is what matters here much more than tolerance.”

Posted in Life, Truth | 1 Comment »

How to Approach the Bible

January 27, 2010 by Dustin

A few years ago I taught a course on systematic theology at our church. One of the things I gave the students on the first night was a list of verses from Psalm 119 (the Zabur) that speak about our heart and attitude when we study the Bible. Since I posted about how Muslims are taught to approach the Qur’an, I thought it would be good to post this as well.

Our Heart and Attitude when We Study the Bible

Texts from Psalm 119

God’s Word Is Greater than All Wealth and Sweeter than Honey
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces (119:72).
Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold (119:127).
I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil (119:162).
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth (119:103)!

God’s Word Should Be Our Delight
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word (119:16).
Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors (119:24).
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it (119:35).
If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction (119:92).
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.  I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end (119:111-112).

We Should Long for God’s Word
My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times (119:20).
My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.  My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me (119:81-82)?
I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments (119:131).

God’s Word Helps Keep Us from Sin
How can a young man keep his way pure?  By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!  I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you (119:9-11).
Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me (119:133).

God Revives Us through His Word
My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word (119:25).
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word (119:28).
I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life (119:93).
I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word (119:107).

God’s Word Makes Us Wise and Guides Us
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.  I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.  I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts (119:98-100).
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (119:105).
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple (119:130).

We Need God’s Help
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law (119:18).
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart (119:34).
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain (119:36).
Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared (119:38).

Posted in Bible | 1 Comment »

How to Approach the Qur’an

January 22, 2010 by Dustin

This is an interesting post that gives Muslims instructions on why the Qur’an should be more central in their lives and how they are to approach it. Since the Qur’an is so central to Islam and to the lives of Muslims, it is helpful for non-Muslims to better understand it. I encourage you to read the article and get a flavor for how Muslims see their holy book. I also would encourage you to read the Qur’an itself.

Here are some quotes:

You must approach the Quraan with an open mind so to allow the Quraan to speak for itself. You cannot approach the Quraan with the mentality that you already know the truth, as this will cause you to try and twist the Quraan to meet what you want to believe.

Don’t discard half or a third of the Quraan thinking it is not relevant to you, rather take the time and look for this guidance yourself. You are holding and reading the words of Allah ta’ala himself. He did not give us this book baatila or in vain, but He gave it to us to save ourselves.

You will begin to understand more and more lessons of the Quraan when you begin to live the Quraan. On the other hand, one of the things that will take away your guidance and knowledge is the committing of sins. The more sins you commit, the less you will understand the Quraan. It is a dynamic relationship. The more you turn to Allah, the more Allah turns towards you.

Posted in Islam, Qur'an, Understanding | Leave a Comment »

Love Your Neighbor: Buy a Coke

January 18, 2010 by Dustin

This post from Eric Johnson at the Desiring God blog is another great reminder that we actually have to interact with our neighbors if we are to obey Jesus Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves. After a triple homicide at a local grocery market he says,

“A colleague and I went to the candlelight vigil the community held for these men, and I was struck with how little I really knew about these men and the thousands of East African immigrants in my community. I had passed this market dozens of times and never stopped in. Surely, at least once, I could have purchased a Coke and struck up a conversation?”

Posted in Understanding | Leave a Comment »

The Seven A’s of Confession

January 18, 2010 by Dustin

From Peacemakers Ministries:

As God opens your eyes to see how you have sinned against others, he simultaneously offers you a way to find freedom from your past wrongs. It is called confession. Many people have never experienced this freedom because they have never learned how to confess their wrongs honestly and unconditionally. Instead, they use words like these: “I’m sorry if I hurt you.” “Let’s just forget the past.” “I suppose I could have done a better job.” “I guess it’s not all your fault.” These token statements rarely trigger genuine forgiveness and reconciliation. If you really want to make peace, ask God to help you breathe grace by humbly and thoroughly admitting your wrongs. One way to do this is to use the Seven A’s.

1. Address everyone involved (All those whom you affected)
2. Avoid if, but, and maybe (Do not try to excuse your wrongs)
3. Admit specifically (Both attitudes and actions)
4. Acknowledge the hurt (Express sorrow for hurting someone)
5. Accept the consequences (Such as making restitution)
6. Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions)
7. Ask for forgiveness

See Matthew 7:3-5; 1 John 1:8-9; Proverbs 28:13.

HT: Justin Taylor

Related Posts:
Repentance
Sin Destroys Peace
More on Repentance
I Am Sorry, I Was Wrong, Will You Please Forgive Me?

Posted in Peace, Repentance, Sin | Leave a Comment »

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