The Ephesus experience

In Spring of 07, Sharon and I had the privilege of visiting the ancient ruins of Ephesus. This theater is the site where Aristarchus and Gaius, friends of the Apostle Paul, were taken by an angry mob to stand trial (?) and possibly face death. They were saved from this experience; you can read about it in Acts 19:23-41. That's me touching the ground where this all happened. I'm kind of nostalgic about stuff like that.

unfailing love

I read today that the "freaks" are coming out already for the Superbowl. One journalist wrote how his first vision was of a lady in white with red pumps. Apparently she had come to the stadium in Phoenix ready to get married to Eli or Tom, or whichever football hero would want to have her.
The world has a strange understanding of love. In "Time" magazine an article suggested that China was opening up to homosexuality and allowing people to have that sort of relationship. Only a decade or so ago they would have imprisoned and/or executed persons for even thinking of such a relationship. Does the whole world have to be gay? What will happen to the human race if we all decide to be gay? If my understanding is correct, only 5 % of the population is gay and yet we hear about it on TV, Movies, articles and the like as if it were the predominant subject the world over. Is this about love?
What is love?
Isaiah 55 speaks of the love God wants to shower on us. Verse 3 says this: "Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David." The LORD did great things for David. Can you imagine what he would do with us if we were willing to say "my way is wrong, Lord, I choose to live your way" ?
In my own life I have chosen to give up certain lusts and sins that the world calls lifestyle choices. It dawned on me one day that if I could overcome, with Christ's strength, the sins that I was wrapped up in, God could do more with me than I imagined. It was difficult because some things, like pornography, really had a hold on me. With God's help I did overcome my obsessions and can say I am free. There are other sins and weaknesses that I will have to deal with (pride, ambition, insecurity, etc) but I believe that the door for Jesus to work is wider open because this huge sin has been dealt with. Like an alcoholic I have to be careful that I don't drink from this bottle again. However, I feel the peace and freedom that come from choosing God's way and learning to love as he loves.
My wife is the primary target of this new love. As I learn to love God, I learn to love my wife. Then my children and then my friends become the recipients of this divine love. Ultimately what they will learn from me is that love is not about self-gratification but self-sacrifice. That is a huge lesson in itself. Christ is my example. Will you take up your cross daily, deny yourself and follow him? That is the path to understanding love.
Peace

Spurgeon and me

Welcome to my shire. This is the place where you will read my thoughts and interact with me on personal and theological issues. I hope you will feel free to dialogue with me on life and Jesus.
For me a shire is a place of quiet reflection. Imagine us sitting on lush green (bugless) grass beside a quietly bubbling stream and calmly talking about stuff that matters to us. The sun is shining and it's warm but there is a cool breeze. Our shire is a place to speak freely and disagree but not take it personally.

Lately I have been reading about Charles Spurgeon, the great English preacher of the 19th century. Man, that guy was amazing. He began preaching at the age of 17 and was called to an urban church in London at 19. They were so amazed at his ability to speak and his maturity on matters of life that the congregation offered him the position after hearing him preach only once. The church could seat 1200 but only 80 were present that day. No matter since in a year there 5000 associated with the church due to Spurgeon's preaching. I wish I could say there were similarities between us.
I began preaching at 20 and have yet to have the following he has had. One similarity that is quite humorous is the fact that after his home was broken into the Spurgeons got a dog. Mind you it was not a watch dog but a small dog of the Pug variety. We also have a Pug, his name is Buddy, and he thinks he owns the road in front of our house. Whenever a snowmobiler, a car, a truck or even a pedestrian goes by he erupts in a fit of barking. If that same person were to come in to our house Buddy with greet them with a sniff and the anticipation of getting to sit on their laps. Wonder if Spurgeon had the same experience.
Okay I knew at 15 that the LORD was calling me to be a pastor. So that might be another similarity. Spurgeon was known for his simple telling of the gospel, taking complex theological issues and speaking so that anyone could understand. I am not complex. Some have even said I am not dynamic (though I have no idea what that means) or that I am boring (thanks Syl). So be it. God has taken me, called me, given me this work to do and who I am to oppose his plan.
What are your experiences in ministry? How has Spurgeon been an inspiration to you? Is anybody out there?