Worthwhile: May 3, 2019


It has been a bit of a whirlwind week here in Escondido but there is still plenty to share as you plan your weekend reading. A heavy subject, a better vision, and perseverance.





But first: As a member of the North County Inland Pastors Prayer group, I had the privilege of helping to draft and sign the Poway Statement on violence. It is for pastors and ministry leaders to stand together against violent acts like the one we just experienced in our community. You can view the statement at PowayPastors.org.









Anti-semitism and violence motivated by difference should have no quarter in the church and I think Jesus is bringing us as a universal church to an important moment of repentance and clarity.





Now on to the worthwhile bits for this week.









Related to the evil of white supremacy we have an article from Joe Carter on the roots of views that very well could be held in our pews.





When I was working in radio at a Christian station, of all the conversations with listeners I had the one that is most memorable is when a lady called in to complain that our station would promote a concert of DC Talk. She was appalled that we supported "mixing the races." She even went so far to suggest that when Scripture says believers should not be "unequally yoked" it meant ethnic groups shouldn't intermingle (and certainly never marry). I was stunned and told her she was wrong. This article brought that back to mind as I reflect on the prevalence of such a view in the church.





Take up and read to keep yourself from the same error.









Next up, we all could use a better vision given the age we live in. Why not have a "Christ-flooded vision?"





Christy Britton invites us to it in her article from early April.





A better vision awaits all who have the courage to seek the gaze of our heavenly father. When our vision is obstructed by the distracting sights before us, we need to change our field of vision. We must fix our eyes on Christ, and as we gaze on him, he will dominate our field of vision and we will be strengthened by what we see.


Our unbelief will be transformed into belief as we behold him.





Give it a read and keep your eyes up!









And lastly, mostly for pastors and youngsters, but also for all of us. The Long Haul. Darryl Dash writes about his own choice to not stick with a church and ponders the benefits of faithful, long labor in the same place.





We can be so enticed by what's next or "greener pastures" that we fail to experience the fruit of long obedience in the same direction. Think about it as you read for yourself.









Thanks for paying attention and reading along. Have a great weekend and keep looking to Jesus!


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