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Update: Memorizing John

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I’ve been meaning to give you an update on my memorization project. As you my remember, I completed Philippians and started memorizing John (with the plan to continue reviewing Philippians until May).

Well, I’m still working on it, but I’ve fallen behind. I thought it would be worthwhile to mention some of the reasons why this has been a little more difficult.

Actually, in some ways it’s been easier – the verses seem to be shorter in John so far, and easier to memorize than the verses in Philippians.

However, the plan was a little more open-ended for John, because it’s so long. I had a plan up until May, but it’s not the same as being able to complete a whole book in a few months. The “end” is too far away to see.

Second, there were at least a couple of people who said they would memorize Philippians along with me. Not having the extra accountability has been a downside to memorizing John.

Once I fell behind, and didn’t have a new goal, it also became harder to continue.

Another thing – the chapters of John are lllooong! The first chapter has 51 verses.

I was going to come up with a new plan in this post, but we are now in the busiest part of the year, so I’m not sure if it’s wise. Of course, if I don’t, I’m all the more likely not to do much of anything!

I think what I’ll have to say for now is that I’ll continue reviewing Philippians, and try to keep working on John as I have opportunity. (No, this isn’t the only time I’m spending in the Bible – so I’m not suggesting I’ll just skip any time in the Bible if I don’t have “opportunity”!) I’ll see where things are at and report back when the extra-super-extreme busy season is over – sometime in October. Maybe.

Last 90 Days Most Popular Posts – (31 May 2015)

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Another eclectic set of posts – the most visited from the last 90 days. As usual, in chronological order, with the most popular in bold. Enjoy!

Tweets 16-29 May 2015

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T-minus 13

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. . . your faith in God has gone forth everywhere . . . (1Thes 1:8)

Summer may actually start on the 21st of June, but the season of summer activities begins here in only 13 days – the 11th of June. Lord willing, our first intern (Abby!) will be arriving that day, followed on the 12th by a team of 20 from Mt Calvary Church.

It’s always nice to have graphic designers around, and we’re thankful to Samuel again for coming up with a logo for our summer, which should explain itself –

Going Viral 2015So what are some of our goals for the summer? Well, we want to see cross-cultural relationships built for the glory of God. We want to see some major steps forward taken in the construction of the ministry centre and church meeting place in Jesús María. We want to serve our community, helping people in practical ways as well as giving spiritual food. We hope to reach out to those with physical and mental disabilities, and to city street kids. We hope to see the work in Las Palmas grow, as relationships are built with believers, unbelievers, and ultimately with their Lord. We want to know our God better, worship Him more completely, and serve Him in love.

We can’t do it on our own – so join us in prayer, that the Spirit will open doors and hearts, give wisdom and strength, and do what we could never do.

At the moment we would especially appreciate your prayers for the intensive time of ministry right at the beginning. Safe travels for those coming on the 11th and 12th, and then for all the activities over the next week – a soccer tournament, baking, English, and craft classes, construction, wheelchair distribution, and time spent just being with people.

May God give us all an infectious faith!

A Ritual or a Relationship?

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I mentioned this book on Twitter and Facebook the other day. I haven’t finished reading it yet, but I thought I’d give you a taste. I’m sure a lot of believers can relate to this:

Here is how many Christians think of “getting saved”: they realize they’re a sinner and they need Jesus to save them. So they approach Him and ask Him to come into their heart. Of course He says, “yes,” at which time He forgives their sins, writes their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life, gives them a “certificate” of salvation (a carbon copy of which is placed in their Bible), and commences a party in heaven in their honor. If they begin to doubt later whether or not they are really “saved,” they replay in their minds that moment of conversion, assuring themselves of their sincerity and reminding themselves of the feelings they had after it.

Works great. At least until your memory fails you. Or if you start to wonder if you did it right. Or if you have deceived yourself into thinking something happened that really didn’t. And what if you begin to ask, as I did, Did I really feel sorry enough for my sin? Did my life change enough after I asked Him into my heart? Did I understand enough about Jesus, or my sin, or grace, when I prayed? Were there areas of rebellion I was unaware of?

Uh-oh. Better ask Him to come into your life again. So back you go to Jesus, asking for another “certificate.” You feel better for a while. But you’ll probably have to do it a few more times throughout your life to be sure. The only time you think you can be absolutely assured you did it right is when you are standing face-to-face with Jesus in heaven.

The Bible depicts the moment of salvation differently. Instead of asking Jesus for a “certificate” of salvation, you start believing what God’s Word says about His Lordship and His completed work at the cross. You understand that you have lived in rebellion against the rule of God and have no hope of escaping God’s wrath on your own. You “kneel” in submission to His claim on your life, and rest your hope of heaven upon Him. Picture this as hopping up into His arms, submitting to go wherever He takes you, and trusting in Him to carry you into heaven.

If at some point in the future you begin to doubt whether or not you really have put faith in Jesus, do you look backwards to try and remember that moment when you first hopped up into His arms? I suppose you could. Better, though, would be to look at where you are currently resting. If you are right now resting in His arms, knowing when you began to rest is less important than that you are doing it now. Your present posture is more important than a past memory.

Conversion is not completing a ritual, it is commencing a relationship. The assurance of ritual is based on accurate words and memory. The assurance of relationship is based on a present posture of repentance and belief.

From Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved by J. D. Greer

Tweets 4 – 15 May 2015

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  • He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy… Titus 3:5 ow.ly/KfpoG (4 May 2015)
  • A few remarkable pictures of Mexico’s every-day history from National Geographic: ow.ly/MtMLU (5 May 2015)
  • How a Brilliant Intelligence Officer Used ‘Monopoly’ to Free WWII POWs ow.ly/KE1Fh (6 May 2015)
  • A remarkable use for a 3D Printer – allowing a blind mother to “see” her unborn son. Don’t miss the video. ow.ly/MHaSy (9 May 2015)
  • Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~Philemon 3~ (11 May 2015)
  • We just got a Christmas letter! It took only five months to get to Mexico City from Canada! 😃 (11 May 2015)
  • Great deal – get “The Next Story: Faith, Friends, Family, and the Digital World” – newly updated and expanded! ow.ly/MQSug (12 May 2015)
  • Thoughts to ponder: 10 Pointers for “Untrained” Preachers ow.ly/KUYBz
  • @TinaMarieBarham is taking our new family photo – what do you think? [image] (13 May 2015)
  • The other day I was feeling unproductive. Then I realized I was doing three things at once. Perhaps a little too much multitasking? (14 May 2015)
  • We played Smash Monster Rampage, another print & play game. Fun once we got it together! ow.ly/MYtsu (15 May 2015)
  • Still reading this, but so far so good- and less than $1 for Kindle/computer today: Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart ow.ly/MZHWF (15 May 2015)
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