Knowing God

"The question is not whether we are good at theology, or "balanced" (horrible, self-conscious word!) in our approach to problems of Christian living. The question is, can we say, simply, honestly, not because we feel that as evangelicals we ought to, but because it is a plain matter of fact, that we have known God, and that because we have known God the unpleasantness we have had, or the pleasantness we have not had, through being Christians does not matter to us? If we really knew God, this is what we should be saying, and if we are not saying it, that is a sign that we need to face ourselvesmore sharply with the difference between knowing God and merely knowing about Him." J.I. Packer

conversation of silence

I think silence is a beautiful thing that takes time to become accustomed to. So many people find it disturbing, eerie, or just awkward when silence takes over a group or moment in life. But I have found silence to be something or rather some place where I can find retreat and release. I think too many people try to fill there lives with noise to drown out what's really going in their lives, and I believe this is a huge problem that is happening in the lives of many Christians. I believe that if we think we can talk loud enough or dive into enough ministry or projects then what is happening within us will become overtaken by the noise, and we may not have to face the issues that have become so attached to our lives. We miss the importance of silence and quietness.

I'll be the first to admit that when things grow quiet and all becomes still, something very dynamic begins to happen alot of times this can be so unsettling. It's as if all that we have suppressed: sin, hurt, frustrations and even joy, begins to unpack itself. I mean just think about why you may turn the radio on at night as you go to bed. Turn the radio off for one night and see what begins to happen. If you are like me then you will automatically begin to think of the day and what went on or the emotion that has been compiling throughout the past day, week, or month and so on. But maybe all this is healthy. Maybe instead of ignoring our issues and throwing on the spiritual coat of theological words and ideas that have left us so empty inside, maybe we lay down in the silence and reflect. Maybe instead of trying to add one more ministry or small group or devotional book, we try to meditate on what has been going on.

I'm just crazy enough to think that silence is only awkward or eerie is because that's when we can finally face the junk inside of us. And maybe this is where spiritual healing begins. Maybe God will speak to us as He did to Elijah in the mountain in the "still small voice" which is the same idea as silence for the Hebrew language. I think sometimes there is a need to walk away from ministry. Jesus did it all the time, just read Mark and Luke. He constantly called the disciples away or left in the middle of great things happening. I believe there are some great conversations that happen in the silence. And just maybe healing will begin for us.

Title

So new blog and thought I would explain my title. There is this old Harrison Ford movie entitled Regarding Henry where Ford plays a lawyer, named Henry who is known for taking advantage of the less fortunate in return for large paydays and success. He's shot one night, loses his memory and ability to function at his former job. As the the movie progresses, he is shown who he was and in seeing it he begins to be changed into someone else. He apologizes for past wrongs and changes his whole way of life

I always found this movie a bit cheesy but intriguing because I think it relates to the day God awoke me spiritually and showed me who I was. A day in which God ransomed me from death and I began to live. So here I begin. A blog to reflect on the past, assess the present, and attempt to push on toward the future.

"Because when You showed me myself, I became someone else." Michael Stipe