Well, it is time to kick off a new semester of school. With the one week class I took at the beginning of January and the start of the spring semester this week, I'm already busier than I can handle. Lauren has been working hard and I thank God everyday for a wife who works for our family so that I have the opportunity to focus full-time on school in my preparation for ministry. Many guys I go to school with don't have that opporunity and their grades suffer because of it. I don't really know how, but married life is so much busier than single life.
With all the busyness, school work, and sick babies it is sometimes easy to lose sight of why we are here in Fort Worth. Our normal day to day routines oftentimes hinder the overall picture of why God has placed us in this city. This week I have been reminded that, while grades are important, my purpose for being here at seminary is for God and his gospel. Though papers and exams have their place in education, ulitmately it is all for the purpose of proclaiming the excellencies of Christ and calling people to repent and believe in Him.
I think we sometime forget this in our daily lives here on earth. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3 to "seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." He reminds us to "set our minds on things above and not on things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Paul's admonition is to have a "kingdom" mindset. This is a mindset that is focused on the coming kingdom of Christ that will be consumated at his return. We are no longer concerned with worldly cares and pleasures, for "he has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgivenss of sins" (1:13-14).
I must remember that this life here is short. Christ promised that he would return and that we must be ready. We are to go to the nations and proclaim the gospel commanding all people to repent and believe in Him. For we know his coming kingdom is one in which all authorities and powers will bow to him. Therefore, I am to life my life with this expectation. Lord, help me to set my mind on your coming kingdom.
Hey man, I tried to tell you that married life was busier than single life,but no, someone wouldnt listen to me! Ha, Just kidding. I just thought I would say hi. It is a balmy -54 degrees and Jennifer and I are traveling back to the village this afternoon from some training Jennifer had to do in Kotzebue for school. Anyway just wanted to say hello and let you know all is well with us and we look forward to being back in Texas in May. See you guys then.
ReplyDeleteAmen, brother.
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