After 7 years I have finally wrapped up my graduate program. The last task I had was to make the final changes to my grad essay. I know lots of people have been asking me about it so I have posted it on the web in the hope you will find it useful.
Click here to download the full paper
Monday, February 26, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
How to Study the Bible: Part 1
Last Sunday we were in San Felipe where I preached part 1 of 6 on "How to Study the Bible". The main idea is that we need to be careful not to put our Bible reading on our "checklist" of things we have to do. That kind of an approach makes Bible reading a "job" and a burden.
Instead we can think of our Bible study time like food. Just like our physical bodies need to eat on a regular basis so our spiritual side needs food as well. We can also think of this time as relationship. If I want to build a relationship with my wife or the pastor at the church I spend time with them. One way we do this with God is to listen to what He says in His Word.
I tried to be really practical and address questions like "Where do you read from?" "How much do you read?" and "When do you read?" The short answer is it does not matter too much where, when and how much but that we are doing it. The best advice one of my pastors ever gave me was to pick a time of the day, pick a place and pick an amount to read and do it everyday. I started that practice 15 years ago. After all these years I know the Bible has shaped my life and defined my spiritual journey.
Instead we can think of our Bible study time like food. Just like our physical bodies need to eat on a regular basis so our spiritual side needs food as well. We can also think of this time as relationship. If I want to build a relationship with my wife or the pastor at the church I spend time with them. One way we do this with God is to listen to what He says in His Word.
I tried to be really practical and address questions like "Where do you read from?" "How much do you read?" and "When do you read?" The short answer is it does not matter too much where, when and how much but that we are doing it. The best advice one of my pastors ever gave me was to pick a time of the day, pick a place and pick an amount to read and do it everyday. I started that practice 15 years ago. After all these years I know the Bible has shaped my life and defined my spiritual journey.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Safe Arrival
Cory and I made it back safe in Belize. It was a very hectic trip back and in our rush I fear we forgot to say good-bye to most people. For this we are deeply sorry and thank-you for all your patience and understanding.
We had a wonderful trip back to Canada. We spent the first part in Abbotsford where we were able to make some short visits and catch up with some collegues at Trinity Western University. By Thursday we were off to Kelowna where we say our delightful nieces and nephews on both sides of our family. It was so great to see our brothers and sister-in-laws again. I also had a chance to go into the office and see how things have grown. Another great team to work with!
We tried really hard to buy a house in Kelowna but that market is going nuts and despite all our effort we'll just have to wait till the time is right.
Then on Friday we headed to Kamloops and had a great visit with my parents.
We flew out on a Wednesday and boy was that crazy. We got there right around the time the airport opened in the morning but the line was so long to check-in that we made it to security the same time our plane started boarding (5:30am). Of course both Cory and I got the full security detail and had to run for the "last boarding call". My lungs still hurt (must be out of shape). Anyhow we are most thankful we made it in time.
Now this week we are back in Belize and my old friend Mike is out here with us.
Prayer request1: This Sunday I begin a 6 week series in the San Felipe church on how to study the Bible.
Prayer request2: For Cory as she starts tutoring students again this week. Pray especially that she'll be able to help the parents find ways to tutor the students when we are done in April
We had a wonderful trip back to Canada. We spent the first part in Abbotsford where we were able to make some short visits and catch up with some collegues at Trinity Western University. By Thursday we were off to Kelowna where we say our delightful nieces and nephews on both sides of our family. It was so great to see our brothers and sister-in-laws again. I also had a chance to go into the office and see how things have grown. Another great team to work with!
We tried really hard to buy a house in Kelowna but that market is going nuts and despite all our effort we'll just have to wait till the time is right.
Then on Friday we headed to Kamloops and had a great visit with my parents.
We flew out on a Wednesday and boy was that crazy. We got there right around the time the airport opened in the morning but the line was so long to check-in that we made it to security the same time our plane started boarding (5:30am). Of course both Cory and I got the full security detail and had to run for the "last boarding call". My lungs still hurt (must be out of shape). Anyhow we are most thankful we made it in time.
Now this week we are back in Belize and my old friend Mike is out here with us.
Prayer request1: This Sunday I begin a 6 week series in the San Felipe church on how to study the Bible.
Prayer request2: For Cory as she starts tutoring students again this week. Pray especially that she'll be able to help the parents find ways to tutor the students when we are done in April
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