Archives for September 2013

What are you looking for in a church?

But then … each of us have our own particular passions and preferences.

• We like guitars.  We hate guitars.
• We like to pray outloud.  We like contemplative prayer.
• We like coffee in the sanctuary.  We want to keep the sanctuary free of distraction.
• We want hymnals.  We want words on a screen.
• We want to wear jeans.  We want people to dress their best. 
• We want a bookstore in the lobby.  We look at that an think about Jesus overturning tables.  

And so … we church shop.  

Church shopping is so peculiar, really.  Remember “Little House on the Prairie?”  

There was no church shopping.  You went to the church in your town.  Everybody did.  How great would that be?

But now, there are churches on every corner to match every preference.  

And I get it.  I really do. Once I get beyond 9 Marks, 5 Purposes, and 10 Signs, I have my preferences.  But really my preferences are not so important.  And neither are yours.   

Here’s the deal.  You and me are responsible for our own church.  We are responsible to bring to our church what God as brought to us.  

Thank you, Tony Horton.  

Instead of looking at our church and asking, “What’s in it for me?” Can we start asking, “What can I bring?”  Let’s stop complaining about our church and bring it.  

Yikes!  I can already feel that I’m stepping on toes.  And I know!  Church life is so very hard.  Believe me.  I know what it’s like to experience pain in church.  There is a time to leave a church.  But before we leave a church, we should consider our own relationship with Christ.

What would it be like if each of us, every single one us, would cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ?  What would it be like if when we gather with our church, we brought the love of Christ, the mercy of Christ, the encouragement of Christ, and the fellowship of the Spirit?

Leave a comment and tell me what you think it would be like if we could stop complaining about our church and bring it. And, if you’re in a particularly painful situation in your church and would like prayer, please email me at cynthiafin@gmail.com.  I’d love to be alongside you!

This week at the Riverside, we’ll be in Philippians 2:1-4.  I’m so glad you’ve joined us!  And I hope to see you back tomorrow!

It’s 9:35 on Saturday morning, and only three members of our family have stirred.  And guess what, I’m not waking them up.  Today we’re cleaning house, washing clothes, and helping out with a work day at our church.  Tonight, we’re going out to dinner because it’s my birthday.    What are you up to?

Favorite Picture of the Week

This is my daughter, Adelyn.  She’s beautiful not just on the outside, but even more so on the inside.  Thanks, Fuller, for the great senior pictures!  

Silliest Video

What does the Fox Say?  Okay, I know I may be the last person on the planet to see this.  But, just in case you haven’t, here it is.  I don’t even know what to tell you about this video.  It makes me laugh. 

I do have to tell you though, when we still lived in Charlottesville, we learned what the fox says.  Because during certain seasons this fox would wander our yard at night making really annoying sounds.  

Best Mail

A couple of week ago I won a Giveaway from Kate!  This week, it arrived.  I got the brown colored one 

These journals are handmade, and I mean completely handmade by Akiru women who make the paper and sew the journal.  This small business initiative helps some of the most vulnerable women in Uganda make a living.  The sale of one journal feeds a family of four for a week.  Read more about The Akiru Project.  And then order journals for yourself and all your friends.  

Greatest Recipes

Chocoloate Chip Salted Caramel Cookie BarsFriday nights are Family Nights.  Sometimes that means ordering pizza and watching a movie.  Sometimes we have a bit more energy and are more creative.  So last night Katya and I made these amazing cookie bars.  Yum.

Oven Baked FajitasOf course dessert is the primary item on the menu for Family Night, but last night we had a pretty amazing dinner too.  When I’ve tried to make fajitas in the past, they were just kind of okay.  Nothing like what arrives to you on a sizzling platter at your local Mexican restaurant.  These weren’t quite at that caliber, but they were really, really good.  I liked that I just mixed everything together and put them in the oven.  I could see fixing this in the morning and then just sliding it in the oven 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat dinner.  We doubled this recipe for our family.  

Most Touching Video

You have got to watch this.  The raw honesty of this dad as he struggles to accept that his daughter has Down’s Syndrome is a bit unnerving.  Who is this honest?  Thanks, Kent Williamson, for sharing.  You, Zoe, and your family are so dear to us!

Most Important Read

This is about porn and our kids, folks.  It’s hard to read, but so important.  We need to know what is available to our kids at one accidental click.  We need to know how kids talk about it.  We need to give them tools for what to do when they stumble upon it, because they will stumble upon it.  We need to give them a non-condemning way to ask for help if they have chosen to do more than stumble upon it.  But, I believe we need to do more than be rabidly anti-porn.  

We need to lay out a banquet feast of beauty for our children.  They need to see healthy relationships between husband and wife.  They need to see that every person is made in the image of God, valuable and worthy or respect and honor.  They need to see that the longing of the human heart for intimacy is a God-given longing, but the enemy has perverted this longing into something that brings death and not life.  They need to see that porn will never meet the longing of their heart.   

We also need to pray for the victims of pornography, and for those who are working to rescue people from trafficking, forced prostitution, sexual abuse, etc.  

Fun Finley Fact of the Week

Josiah didn’t win the Most Beautiful Eyes contest, but he was voted onto the Homecoming Court.  When he heard the results, he was not excited.  He even asked if he could get out of it.  But, he gets to escort a pretty amazing girl. 

What great articles, videos, recipes have been in your week?  What adventures have you had?  I’d love for you to share links and stories in the comments!

Next week, at the Riverside, we’ll be in Philippians 2:1-4.  At the Riverside is a Monday-Friday devotion.  We’re walking verse-by-verse through Philippians and I’d love for you to join us.  If you’d like to have at the Riverside arrive in your inbox each morning, just subscribe by putting your email address in the little box up-and-to-the-right.

There are days when daughter is still too much for her to bear.  She wraps herself in orphan and chooses the pattern woven through sticks and stones and words that hurt.  

Coming home after adventuring through the woods with her older brother, she laughed and talked and skipped this way and that.

The brother-sister pair carried walking sticks found as they wandered through the woods searching for late summer berries.

Walking down the dirt road toward home, they kicked rocks and twirled their staffs.  And as they twirled, his stick caught her in the arm.  He felt the thud of wood hitting flesh.  It hurt.  And he knew it.

“Katya, are you okay?  I’m so sorry.  Are you okay?”

But the garment orphan wrapped her in an instant covering up sister, covering up daughter.  She ran.  Before he could see her tears, she ran.

I didn’t even hear her come in the house.  She was so quiet.

But I heard Cameron.  His feelings were hurt, and he was angry that she’d run off.  “I didn’t mean to,” he said to me.

“I know.  I believe you.”

No amount of coaxing could get her to come out, climb in my lap, and show me where it hurt.  Orphan covered her and kept her from the love and care offered by her brother, her mother.  

Like Katya, the pull of our old ways, our orphan ways draws us like a magnet.  The Father’s love is too great for us.  The care of Christ, the comfort of the Spirit seems too much.  We run.  Can you identify?

This week at the Riverside, we slipped on our adoption, a garment of valor and considered what it means to be a daughter of the King, to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.

… you are choosing to suffer for Christ.

The question really isn’t are you going to choose to suffer for Christ.  Rather the question is … will choose to live for Christ? 

When you live for Christ, suffering comes.

A kernel of wheat has to die.

A way of life has to be abandoned.

A cross has to be carried.

This morning I am sitting at a local coffee shop.  The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and all is well in the world.  I am not suffering at this moment.  But, I will be.  And if your sky is blue today, enjoy. But know that suffering will come. When you live for Christ, suffering will come.  And it will come as a direct result of your faith.  

You don’t need to be afraid of suffering. But you do need to prepare for it.  Not by building up backyard bunkers, as some may do, but by aligning your perspective on suffering with God’s perspective.  

Suffering for Christ is a present

It has been granted to you…  This word granted comes from the same word as grace.  Suffering for Christ is a gift.  Receive the suffering, not because suffering in itself is a wonderful thing, but because the Giver is wonderful, and good, and trustworthy.  When God brings you suffering, receive it from him as a present.  Suffering for Christ is a present.  

Suffering for Christ is purposeful

for the sake of Christ … There is purpose in the suffering.  This is probably the kicker for many of us.  Often suffering seems so very pointless and unfair.  But suffering is not the goal.  Rather, the goal is God’s glory and your joy.  For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross.  You not only get joy, you get growth.   Suffering for Christ marks you as a daughter of the King.  You are identifying with him in his sufferings and becoming more and more like him.  Though the suffering is intense.  Look past the momentary affliction toward the promise of glory.  Suffering for Christ is purposeful.  

Suffering for Christ is predictable

you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake … When you believe in Christ, believe with your whole being, and keep on believing, suffering for Christ will come.  You will make choices that make you less wealthy, less popular, less comfortable in this world.  There is a cost for following Christ.  Suffering for Christ is predictable.  

Suffering for Christ is personal

engaged in the same conflict … You will not only hear about others who are suffering for Christ, being persecuted for Christ, but you will face these same challenges.  You will face battles … spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, intellectual … that are intensely deep, painful, and supernatural.  You will be engaged in your own conflict for the sake of Christ.  Suffering for Christ is personal.  

Suffering for Christ is public

that you saw I had and now hear I still have.  Paul was publicly beaten, arrested, jailed, and then kicked out of town.  The Philippians saw this and then they heard about the suffering he continued to face.  When you suffer for Christ, people hear about it.  Some people will be happy you are suffering.  Some people will sympathize with you.  And some people will want to know what it is that you have that makes you able to endure such suffering. Suffering is public.  

I’m with John Piper.  Suffering is part of this life for the Christian. But it’s part of a bigger plan, a glorious plan, a plan for your joy, and God’s glory.  There is reward, and gain, and glory, and resurrection.

However, if you are in the midst of suffering, what I want to do is stand with you.  You may simply need to grieve right now.  You may not be able to think about God’s good purposes in your pain.  You may not be able to trace the rainbow.  That’s okay.  If it would help, write me and tell me about your pain.  I will not quote Romans 8:28 to you.  I will listen, pray, and probably cry with you.

When you live for Christ, suffering comes.  Which of these perspectives is particularly meaningful for you today?

Monday – Friday, we’re gathering at the Riverside walking verse-by-verse through Philippians.  If you been here all along, I’d love to hear how this is impacting your life.  You can leave a comment or email me at cynthiafin@gmail.com.  And if you are just joining us … welcome!  I am so glad you’re here!

The father and his tween son watched the horse.  This horse was magnificent.  A dark stallion with a large head and an unusual white marking on his forehead, he seemed to dare anyone to come close.

The pair watched the stallion.  He was unusually beautiful, and unusually expensive.  Rumors swirled about him.

“He surpasses Pegasus,” they said.

“The one who rides this horse will rule the world.”

The father was a king.  This strong-willed stallion captured his eye.

The king ordered rider after rider to mount the horse.  But the horse was dangerous.  No one could mount him, much less ride him.

The young prince watched until eventually the king gave up.  The price of the horse was too high. , And the horse that could not be tamed.  The king ordered the horse be taken away.

The son watched carefully as the attendant approached the stallion to try and lead him away.  As the sun gleamed bright behind him, the magnificent animal snorted and reared. The prince understood.

“Father, it would be a shame to waste such a horse.  I can tame him.”

As the horse pawed at the air, the king turned to his son amazed at his arrogance.  “My best attendants have been trying to tame this horse and you think you can do better?”

“I do.  And I bet the price of this horse, $25,000, that I can tame him.”

Thinking his son had a lesson to learn that day, the king agreed.

The prince approached the horse.  Gently, calmly, slowly, the young man eased his hand onto the bridle.  The horse jerked his head and snorted, but sensed something different in this one.  With soothing whispers and steady hands, the prince calmed the horse.

The attendants paused to watch thinking they were going to see royalty dumped on the ground.  But they were wrong.

The king stood alone.  Skeptical, arms cross.

The prince turned turned the stallion to face the sun.  The shadows that had frightened the horse disappeared in the glare.

The horse snorted  and side-stepped a bit, but didn’t rear, didn’t bolt.  The young man continued his whispering as he rubbed his hands over the horse’s back and flanks. And then slowly, the prince eased himself onto the horse’s back.  The stallion stood alert, but calm, ears back trying to understand this confident rider on his back.

With pride swelling his chest and joy shining in his eyes, the king called to the prince, “Alexander, my son, Macedonia is too small.  You need to find a larger kingdom to conquer!”

Alexander had recognized that this horse, who he named Bucephalus, was afraid of the shadows.  And when the stallion rose up, the shadows grew larger and frightened him more.  When he turned the horse toward the sun, the shadows disappeared.  With the shadows gone, Bucephalus was free to respond to his rider.

Alexander and Bucephalus became inseparable.  Macedonia was indeed too small of a kingdom for Alexander.  Together he and Bucephalus conquered Greece, Egypt, India.

You and I can be a lot like that stallion — afraid of shadows and in danger of wasting our lives.

When Paul writes the Philippians urging them to “live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ,” he gives three key strategies. 

1. Stand firm in one spirit
2. Strive side by side
3. Expect opposition

Expect opposition and don’t let it frighten you.  If you are pursuing Christ, really living for him, you will face opposition.  But that opposition is really like a shifting shadow.  And when we are afraid of shadows, we are in danger of wasting our lives.

You don’t have to be afraid of anything.  Because, in reality, what is the worst that could happen?  You could die.  And then you’d be with Christ, which we know is far better.  You become untouchable.

When you live with courage for Christ, not only do you avoid wasting your life, you show that the gospel is true.

Your courage gives the world a sign that points to your salvation.  Are you tired of being afraid of shadows?  Are you ready to stop wasting your life?  Are you ready set aside the fear and live with courage for Christ?  

Trust God

Just like the stallion had to trust Alexander, we have to trust God.  Let him turn you away from the shadows and give you his perspective on the obstacles you are facing.  

Be still

Stop the frantic activity.  Let God whisper to you.  Let him tell you who he created you to be, what his purposes are for you.  Give God the reins.  

Obey God

At first it may feel uncomfortable to surrender control and allow God to guide your path.  But the more you obey him, the more peace you will feel in his leadership.  

Enjoy God

If you are doing life your way, you can’t imagine that following God would bring you joy.  It seems counterintuitive.  Once the stallion surrendered to Alexander, he got a name, he got a mission, but even more he got a relationship.  

What would it look like for you today to slow the pace and surrender to God?  What would it look like to take your focus off of the shadows and fix your eyes on Christ?  What would it be like to settle into a relationship with God?  What would it be like to set aside the fear and live with courage for Christ?

The God-centered life is a courageous life.  Stop fearing shadows and step into a life of purpose.  

Thanks for joining us at the Riverside.  I’d love to hear from you.  Please leave a comment, subscribe, or send me an email at cynthiafin@gmail.com.

On the morning of September 8, 2009, Army Captain William D. Swenson traveled by foot toward an rural Afghani community to meet with the village elders.

On the way, they were ambushed by more than 50 well-armed, well-positioned insurgent fighters.

The enemy flanked Swenson and the other Coalition Forces on three sides.  As the enemy unleashed grenades, mortar, and machine gun fire, Swenson returned fire.

Surrounded on three sides, Swenson worked to coordinate air assets, indirect fire support, and medical-evacuation helicopter support to clear the wounded.

But, the battle intensified. Beneath a hail storm of enemy fire, Swenson voluntarily led a team into the kill zone three times to recover the wounded and search for the missing.

After six hours of continuous fighting, Swenson rallied his teammates and disrupted the enemy assault.

Army Captain William D. Swenson served his country and his fellowmen with valor.

From his Roman house-prison, Paul wrote to encourage them to serve God and one another with valor.

Their battle, and ours, was not against flesh and blood.  Their enemy was not Taliban fighters or barbarian invaders.  Their enemy was not their neighbors who mocked their faith or the Roman government that both protected and oppressed them.  But their enemy was very real.  And he’s the same enemy who stands against us today.

Paul’s language to the Philippian church was warfare language.  He conveys a sense of holding the line,  fighting shoulder to shoulder, and refusing to let minor skirmishes distract us from the battle at hand.

Paul gives the Philippian church, and you and me three key strategies for living  a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.

1. Stand firm in one spirit

Don’t let petty arguments divide.  Work for harmony in your relationships with other believers.  Keep Jesus the main thing.  This is hard to do because we all have our preferences.  We have a tendency to divide over preferences and personalities.  When we become known for what we’re against rather than who we love, we hurt the name of Christ and fail to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Stand firm in one spirit.  

2. Strive side by side 

Struggle together as athletes on the field, or soldiers in battle.  Keep the goal in mind.  Stop competing and start collaborating. Look ahead forgetting what is behind and press forward.  Zealously partner with believers advancing faith in your family, your church, your community.  Strive side by side.  

3. Expect opposition

Not only do we have a common goal, but we have a common enemy.  He is a roaring lion seeking to steal, kill, and destroy. He tempts you.  He seeks to blind you, mislead you, discourage you, and stop you from living out your faith.  He wants to keep you out of fellowship with other believers and he wants to keep you out of God’s word.  Don’t let him.   Don’t be tempted to think that the fearful things you are facing are signs that God is not with you.  In fact, it’s the very opposite.  The fact that the enemy hates what you are doing is a sign that God is with you. When you keep your eyes on Christ and are undaunted by the enemy’s threat, you are living a life worthy of the gospel.  Don’t be frightened.  Expect opposition.  

The Battle of Ganjgal Valley was not without controversy.  But, despite different perspectives, Army Captain William D. Swenson  will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous action during the battle.

We can be sure that when we partner with Christ and with each other to advance the Kingdom of God, we will face opposition.  And we may face controversy.  But regardless of enemy fire, opposition, or controversy, we can live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Women of valor, are you with me?  

Do any of these strategies match a challenge you are currently facing in your life?  What other strategies do you find helpful in your pursuit of a life that is worthy of the gospel of Christ?  Leave me a comment or send me an email at cynthiafin@gmail.com.  And, make sure you don’t miss a post by putting your email address in the subscribe box located up-and-to-the right. 

We are in Week 5 of at the Riverside.   Monday – Thursday, I post a verse-by-verse devotional  from the book of Philippians.    Friday we review and I send you into the weekend with a few questions to consider.  This devotional is written for the busy woman who wants to spend time in the Bible each day, but has a hard time fitting it into her daily routine.  However, I’m finding that some women are using it to spur longer quiet times in which they sit down with their Bible, pray, and even journal what the Lord is speaking to them.  I’d love to hear how you are using at the Riverside.

Most Fabulous Update 

Remember Stephen and John?  These are the two boys whose feet were infested, and I mean infested with jiggers.  My friend, Kate, took them to Dru and Asher Collie who run SoleHope.  If you need a bit of encouragement that good things really do happen in this world, read how their story is unfolding.  

Two Favorite Pictures of the Week

This is my daughter, Sara Maria, worshipping with her church.  

My cup is full.  

Greatest article

Did you read this in Huffington Post – Why Generation Y Yuppies are Unhappy?  SO insightful.  I’d love to know what you think!

Best Voicemail Ever. 

This just makes me laugh every time I listen to it.  I particularly love his play-by-play of the lady hitting the guy with her NVI Bible.    

Most Fantastic Rescue

Henry Blackaby who wrote one of the most influential Bible studies of our time, Experiencing God, went missing Thursday afternoon.  More than 24 hours later he was found.  YEY!  

What’s going on in your world?  I’d love to know!  This week at the Riverside, we’ll be in Philippians 1:27-30.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.  This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that form God.  For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.  

Leave me a comment and let me know your superlatives, articles you’ve enjoyed, videos that have made you smile, and organizations that are doing amazing things in the world.  I’d love to hear!  And I look forward to gathering with you tomorrow at the Riverside.

When Jesus is your life, your perspective changes.

When Jesus is your life …

• prayer is a lifeline,
• help comes from the Holy Spirit,
• courage becomes a way of life,
• death becomes a doorway to something far better,
• everyday work takes on significance,
• relationships deepen, 
• your joy connects with God’s glory, and
• your perspective changes.

Which of these perspective changes are particularly meaningful for you today?  What has been significant for you at the Riverside this week?  I’d love to hear from you!

And, if you’d like a chance to win Created for a Purpose by my friend, Tara Furman, leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.