Romans 8:28

Dixie's blog got me thinking about Romans 8:28 this morning. I've got some thoughts I'd like to share.

If you're in a position where you can grab a Bible, read Romans 8...the entire chapter. A lot of people I know have Romans 8:28 memorized. And I think that's awesome. It's a great verse.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

What an amazing promise from God! All things, it says, will work for our good. That promise has the potential to help us through a lot of hard times.

However, I know lots of Christians that have really hard lives. I know lots of Christians who have lost a family member, and their life isn't "better" after their dad died.

It's harder.

I know lots of Christians who have lost a good paying job and never did find another one that paid as well. Their physical circumstances weren't better for that.

So what happened here? If God promises us that all things will work for our good if we love God and are called according to His purpose, does that mean that the people, for whom life doesn't always get "better", don't really love God?

Most of us would say, "Of course not."

I believe the confusion tends to come in because people take this promise out of it's context and apply it to their lives in that it was never meant to be applied. Taking this verse out of context usually results in the misunderstanding of the word "good". When God promises that all things will work together for "good", what does that mean?

Does it mean that if I lose my job, I'll get a better one?

Does it mean that if I wreck my car, I'll eventually end up with a nicer car?

Does it mean that if my house burns down, I'll end up in a better location in a nicer house?

Some of you, when I put it that bluntly, would say "of course that's not what it means", yet think back to when you counseled/comforted people using that verse's promise. Think back to when you comforted yourself using that verse.

If you've had the time to read all of Romans 8, a key theme should've stuck out to you. It's the theme of suffering.

The whole chapter is talking about how tough this life is, especially starting at verse 18. It's talking of how many trials we will endure. It's talking about groaning and travailing. But then it also talks about how we'll be delivered from that pain. It talks about how the Spirit is within us to help us with that pain. It talks about how the Spirit helps us with our infirmities and makes intercession for us when we groan.

And then it gets to verse 28:
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Here's the point. Here's what that verse is saying to us. If you love God - if you're a Christian - if you've been called to fulfill Christ's work in your life, then everything that happens in your life is to conform you to the image of Christ. It's about sanctification people. It's not talking about our physical circumstances. It's not even talking about our "happiness". It's talking about the Spirit being faithful to teach you lesson's that make you more like Christ!

It's part of our sanctification.

God is sovereign.

When you lose your job, you may never get another job. But the spirit may teach you that our jobs here on earth pale in comparison to the job we've been given to glorify Christ.

If you lose your father on earth, you may never feel see another smile like his. But the Spirit may teach you an amazing lesson about our Heavenly Father, and His love, and His wisdom. You may gain a whole nother level of love and respect for God!

And isn't that what it's all about really? It's not about our good jobs, or our earthly relationships, or our physical circumstances. It's about using every experience on this earth, whether good or bad, to glorify God and become more like Christ out a heart of love and admiration for Him and what He did for us.

Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.
Charles M. Schulz (1922 - 2000),
Charlie Brown in "Peanuts"

It's not about me

By what right have we become "a royal priesthood"? It is by the right of the atonement by the Cross of Christ that this has been accomplished. Are we prepared to purposely disregard ourselves and to launch out into the priestly work of prayer? The continual inner-searching we do in an effort to see if we are what we ought to be generates a self-centered, sickly type of Christianity, not the vigorous and simple life of a child of God. Until we get into this right and proper relationship with God, it is simply a case of our "hanging on by the skin of our teeth," although we say, "What a wonderful victory I have!" Yet there is nothing at all in that which indicates the miracle of redemption. Launch out in reckless, unrestrained belief that the redemption is complete. Then don’t worry anymore about yourself, but begin to do as Jesus Christ has said, in essence, "Pray for the friend who comes to you at midnight, pray for the saints of God, and pray for all men." Pray with the realization that you are perfect only in Christ Jesus, not on the basis of this argument: "Oh, Lord, I have done my best; please hear me now."

How long is it going to take God to free us from the unhealthy habit of thinking only about ourselves? We must get to the point of being sick to death of ourselves, until there is no longer any surprise at anything God might tell us about ourselves. We cannot reach and understand the depths of our own meagerness. There is only one place where we are right with God, and that is in Christ Jesus. Once we are there, we have to pour out our lives for all we are worth in this ministry of the inner life.

Continue Instant in Prayer

First off, I want to genuinely thank all of you who have been praying for Alan through this tough time. I don't mean to belabor the point, but please continue praying for Alan and his family. It seems, too often, we do really good at praying for someone for the first few days and then we trail off. Often the hardest times for a grieving individual is after everything is over and they're left to face reality. The cards quit coming. The phone calls quit coming. Let's not let the prayers quit coming.

I'm headed up to Iowa this afternoon with three others to attend the funeral tomorrow. I'm thankful for the opportunity to go support Alan and his family. We take our freedom of transportation so lightly sometimes. We don't realize how huge of a blessing it is to be able to drive 380 miles to go support friends and family.

I'm not sure if I'll find time to get a post in tomorrow or not. I'm not sure what time we'll get home from West Bend, so I'm thinking probably not.

P.S. Thanks to whoever left me all the "notes" this morning. It made me smile. I've got some guesses, but we'll see.

Testimony to God's Provision

This is an email I recieved from Alan (see previous post). I found it to be an awesome testimony to God's perfect provision. I hope you find it as encouraging as I did. Thanks so much to all of you who read this and are praying for him and his family.
A lot of this message I wrote just to write my thoughts and feelings, so it got very long. Basically, I thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, I can feel them. Details for the next few days are at the bottom.

Greetings to all,

Unbelievable... and I mean this is so many ways.

Unbelievable... My Dad is gone. I love him sooo much. I didn't know I could hurt so much and cry so hard for someone. For those of you who didn't really know him, he was my best friend, my mentor, the one who taught me so many things and has been a huge influence in who I am today. The one who smiled and laughed with me all the time. The one who was always there for me and loved me so much. The one who I long to see, hear, touch right now, but know that I can't.

Unbelievable... God's grace and strength. It is beyond sufficient! My worst fear has happened and yet I've been able to make it through every passing second thus far. The fact that I can sit here at this computer and type this email; not without tears, but with clarity. HE has provided me more grace and strength than I could have ever imagined to help my family through this time while losing one of the most important people in my/our lives.

Unbelievable... God's promises, HIS provision, HIS inspiration.
John 14:18 - I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not you heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:6,7 - Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known unto God. And the peace that passeth all understanding, shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 121 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Praise YOU In This Storm - Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day

But once again,
I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will life my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am

Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again

My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Unbelievable... the prayers and love of others. There have been practically non-stop voicemails, text messages, phone calls and visitors throughout the past 2/3 days. So many people praying, so many people thinking of us, so many people taking time out to show us kindness in many ways, so many people bringing us food (we have too much of this, so come and eat it). The community here and the community of Christ have been wonderful. We have people that don't know us praying for us, but isn't that a part of what the body of Christ is about? I fully believe that much of our strength is coming from you all, because I know that I don't even know what to pray most of the time right now. We can feel all your prayers, so thank you from the depths of my heart.

Unbelievable... how horrible my cell phone service is at our home in West Bend. That is why I am hardly ever able to answer my phone, so I am not avoiding you. Our home phone is (515) 887-3259, if the Spirit leads you to call, but keep in mind that people are calling for my Mom too. I may be calling some of you tomorrow.

Unbelievable... how God answers prayers, even when you think it is too late. If you know me, you know that I often struggle with not knowing most of my immediate family's complete beliefs and whether or not they believe in Jesus and have salvation. I am so sad that my Dad was taken before he was able to verbally express his belief in Jesus Christ to others outside of a few people, and I am privileged to be one of them. I've been able to visit with those few people and it has been a huge comfort and peace to me that he is with Christ. I can't be for sure about where he will be in eternity, but for that matter, I can't read the hearts of anyone, whether they claim to be a believer or not, that is up to God and Jesus... thank God!

Unbelievable... the opportunities already being opened up. I've had the most spiritual conversations with some members of my family that I have ever had. A few of them brought me great joy because of there faith and love for the Lord, and others have shown me that a lot of praying is still needed. The awesomest (word?) one was an hour and a half conversation and prayer that I had with my Mom tonight. She is in a similar place that Dad was. She believes in Christ, she wants to live for HIM, she is asking for forgiveness and mercy from God, she IS a believer! She needs prayers for the obvious reason of her grief and horrible pain in losing Dad, but also (and more importantly) for strength to not be ashamed to express her faith and to help her with the same church/community/satan/etc... issues that held Dad and are holding her and others captive.

Unbelievable... that is 2:30 am and I am still awake typing this. I am now off to bed. Don't call until 10:00.

Info for the days to come:

Visitation/Wake - Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8, with an hour break for the family to eat from 5 to 6. This will be held at the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Center in West Bend.

Funeral - Thursday at 10:30 at the AC Church.

If you are coming... wonderful and let Marlene Banwart (515 887-3030) know if you need a place to stay. If not, that is fine because your prayers are more important than your presence. If you know someone who is praying that didn't get this, please let them know our gratitude.

Thank you all and God bless you all!

With the love of Christ,
Alan

Prayers are Needed

Ro 12:15 - Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

This is a time to weep.

One of my closest friends, Alan Banwart, had tragedy strike his family this past Saturday. His father, Dean, was killed in an accident involving a tractor and a train. From what I understand Dean was driving a tractor pulling a cultivator. The train caught the cultivator and Dean passed away from injuries he sustained.

Please pray for Alan and his mother. Funeral arrangements are still undecided. Since a train was involved, an autopsy is mandatory, and they're not sure when that will be done.

This is a rude reminder that life is fragile and can be taken without a moments warning. May we all strive to love a little deeper.

Update: For those that are interested...Alan's father's visitation and funeral arrangements have been made. The visitation is on Wednesday from 2:00-5:00 and from 6:00-8:00. The funeral is on Thursday morning at 10:30. Both are in West Bend.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN WEST BEND OVERNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, please let either Polly Zaugg (712-857-3477) or Helen Anliker (515-887-5450) know so they can make arrangements for accommodations.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN WEST BEND FOR THE FUNERAL MEAL ON THURSDAY, please let Joan Fehr (913-681-6714) know so they can plan for enough food.

Two Hundred Spam E-Mails Can't Be Wrong

From The Onion

By Jonathan Milton
June 14, 2006 | Issue 42•24

When I received my first "spam" e-mail offer, I admit I was a bit skeptical. I hadn't asked for any information on refinancing my mortgage, and the rates in the e-mail seemed too good to be true. Why hadn't I heard about this great deal on TV or in the Yellow Pages?

I kept receiving these e-mails for the next few months and, over time, I started to open my mind to the idea. It occurred to me that the odds of all these unrelated people being completely full of baloney were getting smaller and smaller. Mind you, a lot of e-mails were shooting around cyberspace at the time.

I think it was the third week of constant spam e-mails that finally convinced to take the offer at face value.

When I looked closer at the deals, some natural questions started popping up. First of all, would the cash they were offering be available immediately? Would refinancing my home loan lower my monthly payments, even if I took out some cash? Would I have to wait, or could I sign up today? Luckily, as I investigated the claims, the all-caps words IMMEDIATE CASH, LOWER RATES, and TODAY assuaged my concerns.

I like to think that there's no such thing as a coincidence, and those five serendipitous words, in their bright, multi-colored fonts, only reaffirmed that for me.

I was deleting the 140th e-mail from my Bulk Mail folder when I finally hopped the fence from the "probably not" to the "probably yes" column. Because I realized that, while all these e-mails were very similar, they were all from very different people! These unrequested offers were not only legitimate, they were a legitimate sensation!

Everybody was talking about them, from Maybelline Stackpole, to pdqun zjfspdbie to Lyle Ortiz. What reason would these people, some of whom shared a first or last name with some of my closest friends, have to dupe me? And then there was this straightforward yet enigmatic little message from Crookeder C. Mnemonics:

"Monotony that search party of inlet a made concretely bellow mountain bike," it started. "Authentically double-breasted the schmooze fire engine, phony the buildup by pantry timing. Obstinacy was occasional White House domesticity."

Who could argue with that?

Finally, I visit their website to explore this amazing offer I could no longer ignore. Any bozo can send off several hundred slightly different e-mails, but it takes a real professional to make a website, so at this point, I can see that this thing is the real deal.

It was as though the mortgage refinancers could sense my growing curiosity, because they kept sending me e-mail after e-mail even though I'd never replied or shown any interest at all. They really went out of their way to treat me like a valued potential customer.

Now, I've come late to the party on a lot of trends—cargo pants, DVDs, those Star Wars movies—but I'm not going miss out on this summer's mortgage-refinancing wave. After all, why would it be such a hot topic it weren't a good, sensible bargain?

I'll never forget the e-mail that sealed the deal. It had the same subject line as usual—"re: refnance"—but when I saw the "From" address, I could not believe it. This e-mail, which had arrived in my inbox at 5:13 a.m., was from none other than "jmilton"—yours truly! How could I say no to an offer that I myself endorsed? I couldn't, and I didn't, and as soon as I buy a house I am committed to refinancing my mortgage immediately.

But it's worth pointing out that I'm not some Gullible Gus who'll jump at any offer no matter how many e-mails he's received. There are a whole range of products and services—low-cost OEM software, hot stocks in the shipping industry, Ci4L1s—that are intriguing, but I still count myself among the unconvinced. For many of these products, I've only received 75–100 spam e-mails. These days, you have to work a little harder than that to get your hands on my Internet dollars.

Fireworks

Well folks, it happened. Sometime late yesterday my hit counter passed 100,000 hits.

Wow...I can honestly say I never expected this back when I wrote my first tentative post in February of '05.

I wonder how many of my readers today have been reading since then? I have a feeling that there are only a small handful of you who have read this regularly since the beginning. That's ok though. "These times they are a changing" (bonus points to anyone who can tell me who said that withOUT looking it up)