To Blog/Journal or Not To Blog/Journal...That Is The Question

Well with a title like that you expect that I should break into quoting Shakespeare....but I will not. Consistent writing is obviously not one of my strong suits. So where to begin really...lots and lots of things have happen since the last time I posted to this page. My previous post was in regards to a mission trip that I took to East Asia. The trip was a total success and I made some friends that I still keep in contact with. My trip to the other side of the world was life changing. My perspective on several things changed; 1) the importance of always being on mission 2) that even under the most severe of oppressions life and the gospel always seem to flourish. So that would bring us end of July of last year. Around September I started a new journey by turning down a path that I had known about but only walked sparingly. I began dating Katie Vance around September and my feet haven't touch the floor since. I'm truly convinced now that God is and always about what is best for us. In March I (with Richard and Julie's permission) would propose to Katie and October 1st of this year we were made and declared to be husband and wife. We are just over a month into our lives as a married couple and I can confidently say the wait was well worth it. I had someone ask me why I waited til I was 29 to get married and I said, "well, God knew that I needed to wait that long" Katie is a shining example of God's grace to me. She loves me at my best and most especially at my worst...

Matthew 28:18-20

Dear Friends and Family,

As you may already know, I moved to Raleigh, NC in the Fall of 2006 to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in pursuit of my master’s degree. Every summer I have done the normal thing of either working for extra money or taking easy which I have grown more aware of as just plain selfish. The past year and a half has been a unique time of spiritual growth and maturity, and a great deal of repentance that has been vital to my pursuit of ministry. Southeastern has been teaching us the importance of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 where Jesus tells his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit”.

I have been attending Bayleaf Baptist Church for several years now and have become involved in the College and Singles ministry there. An exciting opportunity has presented itself in the past month that I hope you can be apart of. I will be going to East Asia for 12 days during the latter part of July in order to teach English and build relationships with college students. During their summer break these students compete for spots in a week long program to polish their English speaking skills.

I am asking first and foremost that you be in prayer for the students that we will be teaching and for the team that is going. We have been given an amazing opportunity to build relationships with these students and immerse ourselves in a different culture. There is also an opportunity for you to get involved financially if you feel that the Lord is guiding you to do so. The estimated cost of the trip is $2,600. This includes airfare, housing, meals, and other expenses during the trip. If the Lord leads you to give financially to this trip, you can make your gift tax deductible by addressing the check to Bayleaf Baptist Church and addressing the memo line to Jared Lucas or if you prefer; you can send your check to me at the address below

I appreciate the prayer for me, the team, and the students that we will be coming into contact with over the summer. If you have any questions about the trip or my life here in Raleigh feel free to call or send me an email. I will be happy to answer any questions that you have, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jared Lucas

1004 Thornrose Way

Wake Forest, NC 27587

919-457-8819

Caedmonfan82@gmail.com

www.bayleafbaptistchurch.com

Out of the Depths He Emerges...

having gone a solid 9 months without any submission I forgot how therapeutic writing can be. I set mind and fingers to keyboard in the hopes get some things off my mind.

A concept that has always been on my mind is "Community" within the body of Christ. What does it look like; how do we do it? Trouble is I haven't come up with a real good answer yet I have some ideas; such as we have a mentality of coming to serve instead of being served, giving instead of receiving, loving others rather waiting to be loved. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that we are and we should have to same mind that was in Christ, "Who though he was in the form of God didn't consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but rather he emptied himself,taking on the form of a servant."

earlier...Paul tells us..."Do nothing from rivalry or vain conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

so from this I would take "community" to be those count others more significant than themselves..

And how is one to conduct oneself in relationship that at times seems to be merely "one-sided." My first thoughts go immediately to the 13th Chapter of 1st Corinthians in verse 4 "that Love is patient and kind, love is not envious or boastful, it is not arrogant nor is it rude, it does not insist on it's own way...my thoughts compel to think the Philippians passage as well that we are to consider other more significant than ourselves...we are to look not only our own interests of the interests of others as well.

In View: Passion Week

The inspiration for this submission comes from a phone conversation I had over the weekend....

This week for Christians is at times referred to "Passion Week" the week and events of that week leading up to the arrest, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The gist of the conversation ended up focusing one's particular attitude of the heart. The great work by Mel Gibson "The Passion of Christ" is by far one of Hollywood's best and most realistic portrayals, but still falls short I believe that our Lord endured and suffered serving as our substitute.

The comment was made that, "How can someone say that this movie(The Passion) could and can be someone's favorite movie??" My response was simply its one of my favorites, the response was "how can you say that?", for the reasons I stated above I said, "because it captures as best as Hollywood can the savagery and brutality that Christ suffered for me."

The comment was followed by, "Well I can't watch something like because it breaks my heart to watch the portrayal of Christ get beat like that." My response to this was why does it break your heart?"

Living Out An Authentic Christian Life

What can I say.....inspiration to write has been strong this week. I guess I can attribute it to the contemplative mood I've been in this week.

Now for some insight....

One thing in particular that I've been attempting to think out all the time, but especially this week is how do you live out an authentic Christian life, and furthermore what does that look like? Are there anythings that one desiring authenticity can do in addition to spending time in the word, in prayer, being in community with the body. These are things that are enumerated in Scripture.

Where my thoughts have been as well, is what constitutes a pure motive in doing to the things that God has commanded us to do through being obedient to Him. Is it enough that it is in part a conscious thought or something more required.

Another issue that I have been faced with regarding an authentic life as a Christian is this: I am perplexed by the the Christians who I know who hide behind their masks, for fear that the rest of the body will think or love them less. I've battled with this many times, and I've found the greatest joy and relief in confessing and admitting my struggles to my fellow brothers in the faith. True freedom I'm convinced is found in Christ as savior first and foremost as well as refusing to hide your sin(s) and admitting your struggle with the Body. Realizing the great power of your Savior and knowing that no mater how hard you strive to hide your sin it has been exposed to God.

I would encourage those who might read this to consider that which Derek Webb say in his album "The House Show"

"Your sins have been exposed as if they were on the 5:00 news they have been exposed to Jesus, He knows you better than your even willing to admit to yourself, But he's forgiven you, Take joy in the fact not that your sins are not real, but that are real, and that your Savior is real."

Learning to be Lonely

No posting in over a month, I have some excuses for that, but why bother with excusing oneself when you can get right down to business.

I'm sure you've heard as well I have heard the to be in the ministry especially in the pastoral role whether it be Senior or Student it can and will be lonely at times. Lonely in regards to you are in the position of leadership and everyone is looking to you to know where the church or ministry is going and and what the focus or intent will be.

As the Pastor you are at the "top of the heap" so to speak, the only other person or source you have to look to is God the Holy Spirit and His guidance to you through his Word. Other than that you are alone by yourself. Now, your not alone, alone you have to body of Christ around you so your not alone in that sense of the word. But as leader you are the "Top Dog."

I say all this to say this: That's the feel of my life as of late, it has a very lonely feel to it. There are a lot of changes going on around my life: several of my friends are getting married and or engaged, and we are not as close as we used to be, through no fault on either side of the equation. Hear me when I say this is not complaining or Pining at the situation and circumstance. There are changes occurring in my life I'm currently or continuing to learn what it means to live in the present, rather than worrying about the future, I'm learning live my life as life of man of Deuteronomy 8:3; As man who doesn't live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Living out the knowledge that everything I do is an act of worship not just what I do within the four walls of the church. Living out the Christian life and all that entails out of sense of obedience and passion, rather than out of duty and rigor. The reason for the loneliness, personally I think it's God's way of preparing me for future ministry situations where I will be alone so to speak in my role as leader(if it's the Lord's will that I should be so, of course).

Through all of this I've learned that sanctification is not easy it can be at times very tough and very trying. I've been aware of this very recently, but the redeeming factor is that the essence of Truth that can be found in a Caedmon's Call song "Oh Lord Your Love" it is in this song that these words are sung:

"Oh Lord your love is new with every morning, Your faithfulness it gets me through the night, You bid me come, You know that I am weary, Your yoke is easy, your burden is light."

Grace, Peace, and Coffee.

Thoughts on the Days Events

Today at 12 noon this country will usher in our 44th President. History is being made, Barack Obama will become this country's first African-American president, one aspect I'm sure of the dream of Martin Luther King, and for some a sign that this country is coming together racially and socially.

I find it funny that a few of the people that I have seen interviewed on the various networks who say that this all shows that the country is finally united and coming together. Don't think me a pessimist, but unfortunately until this country is completely under the Lordship of Christ this country will never be completely united. We will still continue to be divided along party lines. There will be those who continue to be prejudice towards him simply because of the color of his skin. It's unfortunate that for some of us in this country our valuing of a person stops and goes no further than skin deep.

As for me, at 12:00 noon Barack Obama will become my president and I will support and pray for him that he will lead us as a nation well. According to the word of God Romans 13 says that ultimately all authority is derived and is given by God and because of that fact Barack Obama is whom God has ordained to take power at this time in our country's history and we should all be ready and prepared to support him fully and be submitted to his leadership.

Moving On.....

Most of us I'm sure have moved at one point or another as simply as a different apartment in the same building or as complex as to completely move a whole state away from everything that you've ever known.

Something that occurred to me the other day it struck me as unique it maybe just me but I can only help but wonder what its like to pack up and move out of the White House, within the next George W. Bush like him or not will be officially moving out of what more or less he has called his home for the past 8 years. It has to been whole unique set of feelings to be moving out of a residence such as the White House feelings that only former presidents can identify with.

I am currently in a season of moving on, this one will probably be the toughest one of my life so far, so I would ask my readership out there in the Blogosphere to keep me in your prayers as I proceed and move on to God would have for me next.

Pray that I could continually seek His face not looking to the left, right or even behind me, that my eyes would ever always be on the cross from whence I draw the strength and grace to face each day.

Knowing and Doing God's Will

That is the title of my once daily devotional book, it contains short discourses and reflection statements by none other than J.I. Packer. So it has been very insightful and very thought provoking. Altogether very encouraging and helpful considering where I am now and where I've been for the last 4 months.

One thing that I have found and learned in my experience so far in life is that It is far easier to deal with adverse times than good times. With adversity we can and always look for things to get better, for the fog fade, the darkness to lift, and times to get better. With pleasant times we often times become complacent with how good we have and without warning the adversity and can spring upon us like the high tension spring of a mouse trap; so fast that we never knew what hit us until we are in the thick of it, and all we can do is ride out the storm. There is comfort in the storm because God never leaves nor forsakes us.

I have also found that while we are in the midst of the "good times" we always claim that this is God's Will for our lives and that things couldn't be better. However, as soon as things start to turn bad how quick we are to say, "now what did I do to deserve such times and these?"

Just think, could it be possible that our Sovereign God uses both Good Times and Bad Times according to his will and for whatever purpose he had ordained?

I think so, so next time you are in the midst of the storm remember that God is still there, you may not feel or sense him there, but he is.

Just Trust

Grace, Peace, and Coffee to you all.

Quotes for Reflection

In the past couple of days I've been using a resource that I used a lot in my Carson Newman days for papers and as funny as it sounds Instant Messenger away messages. The resource is quoteland.com.

Here are a few that I have run by that I found very insightful and gave pause for reflection.

Blaise Pascal:

"In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't."

"Human beings must be known to be loved, but God must be loved to be known."

C.S. Lewis:

"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way."

Augustine of Hippo:

"There remains a restlessness within us, until we find our rest in God."

John Calvin:

"No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief."

Wanting Resolution.......

This week has been a hard one on the mental faculties, I feel I've been 15 rounds with the champ and I'm wearied and tired. So tired, that things are beginning to happen in my life that I'm afraid that will have irreparable results.

Like a wound that is bleeding out of control, I'm hoping to find the tourniquet that will bring relief.

This is plea for grace, a plea for forgiveness(actual forgiveness, not lip service) a call for love just as Christ has loved us.

I must confess that anger has gotten the best of me at times it sin, I confess that I have been fighting for something, something that was special to me, something that I want back, but at this point in my life God has it in his pleasing perfect will for me to grow on a individual basis.

A Song for Reflection....

Nothing fancy or insightful today just the lyrics to a song that has always blessed me and remind me our Great God who is Mighty to Save. It's times in my life like this that I love that I have songs like this to run back to.

"Rock of Ages"
by: Augustus Toplady

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And See Thee on Thy Judgement Throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Anxiety Muddles the Mind

This from my devotional:

Text: Job 38:1-2

I find that the more earnest and sensitive a believer is, the more likely he or she is to be hung up somewhere about guidance. Why is this? we ask. The answer does not seem to be far to seek. The source of anxiety is threefold: a desire for guidance, uncertainty of about how to get it, and fear of the consequences of not getting it. Such anxiety has an unhappy way of escalating. Anxious people get allured by any and every of certainty that offers itself, no matter how irrational; they become vulnerable to strange influences and do zany things. Over the past 150 year there was been a most unhelpful buildup of tension to a point where it muddles minds, darkens counsel, and obstructs maturity in a way that is Spirit-quenching, and scandalous.

This past year I can really identify with this and totally agree. Anxiety can be crippling and it can overwhelm you to the extent that it leads to full blown fear. Unbridled fear can make you do anything in an attempt to eliminate the said fear. The worst of times is when the fear will not dissipate. The redeeming factor is the God of this Universe who is sovereign in all things and the true friends within the body of Christ that can and will come to the aid of those who are suffering.

Let Us Begin Again.....

It's the start of a new year for a lot of people it means a fresh start and clean slate an opportunity to kick an old habit or lose some weight. Sadly, for a lot of those same people the "newness" of this year will slowly fade, the resolutions will fall by the wayside, and they will be left with the same old day to day drudgery.

Now you might be saying, "Gosh Jared what way to start off your 2009 blogging." I would agree with those who might be thinking that, but here comes the redeeming factor in all of this.

We as Christians however at least those who are living in the victory of the cross of Jesus Christ always have a fresh start, its called GRACE, how awesome is that. The fact and truth that you don't have to wait till the start of a New Year to change. The result of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ we can be resolved, renewed, and restored whenever and wherever you might be.

Praise Be To God for this truth.

Psalms 8:3-4

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

How awesome that the God who did in fact create the moon and stars and as big as he is pauses and is mindful of us.

Praying for Penn of Penn and Teller

Original Post is found Ed Stetzer's blog:

Watch this video of Penn from the act Penn and Teller, and his thoughts on receiving a bible.

Here

Oh that we were all like this particular witness who shared with Penn.

Traveling the Well-Worn Path

One thing I've found in the journey thus far I find that the path that we travel as Christians as well worn; not only by those who have gone before us, but sadly by our own two feet. I can freely admit to all who would read this offering, that many times before I've walked past a familiar tree or rock along the way that I can swear I've seen before. Sadly, truth be known I have seen that tree or that rock.

How we come by that familiar rock or tree is that we get it within ourselves that we know the way and can get to where we are going without the help we so desperately need. So despite the fact that we have a very knowledgeable guide(the Holy Spirit) and a very detailed map(The Word) we strike out on our own and the inevitable eventually happens and we are lost and unable to find the way.

Luckily enough we have a compassionate guide who loves us and is not dismayed by the fact that we have delayed our arrival to our final destination, who will come and find us right where we are, and put us squarely back on the path towards to end goal.

I've been re-tracing my steps along this Well-Worn Path as of late, passing familiar landmarks and taking joy in the fact that I serve a gracious and compassionate God and Savior knowing that it is not bad thing that I am re-traveling this part of the path so long as I am now a better man and servant by it. I only hope that by glancing back if only for moment at where I've been I'll be encouraged and know that it is by God's grace that I've been restored and with his power and help I won't go back to where I've been.

A Time of Contemplation.....

Yes I know this submission is out of no where considering my last offering was sometime back in August.

Considering the road that I have traveled over the past 2 1/2 months a lot has transpired. Many things that I wish hadn't happen, but I can't help that now. However there are some things that have happen that I'm glad that I was able to be apart of.

In the words of Andrew Osenga from his song "Hold the Light" I would agree with him that "it's been a long year, like sleepless night." These past months have seemed to be 3 times as long as they usually feel.

I have repented and asked forgiveness for a lot of things, the trouble is making this spirit of mine wrapped in this flesh believe that forgiveness and rest in it, (really rest in it) and be content.

Being content and at peace with the way things are for me right is easier said than done. I'll just be honest its a struggle. There is one thing that more or less is constantly on my mind, and all the time I wish that I could have this "Thing" back. However, I both know and believe that God's will be done and however that plays out is fine with me.

These past two months or so have been spent determining yet again how I can best serve the kingdom believing that I've been called to vocational ministry service, and at the same time determining if vocational service is what I am in fact called to. I've always felt drawn to Student Ministry and Worship. That's what I'm pursuing as of this submission.

This has also been a time of contemplation given the choices that lay before me, trouble is of the choices I have both are equally good.

Have It Your Way: Worship

This second post will focus of worship within the church.

The debate that rages within the church is what kind of worship will be used. There are those who see the old and favored Hymns of the faith as outdated and boring. Therefore they choose to avoid churches which fall into that category.

What is worship is it performance for the congregation by the Choir and Musicians? or performance for the King? We should be conscious of what worship was designed and created for. It was created and designed for the enjoyment of Lord. We should sing praises to Him whatever they may be, with all our might.

If Nothing else we should worship the Lord for the work that he's done in our lives.

Have It Your Way: Dating the Church

This potential blogging series comes from a discussion I had yesterday morning.

We @ Bayleaf Baptist Church and the College and Young Adults class have small groups known as wePods. The name comes from the concept that this culture and the people in it have become very "I" centered and cause Ipods are so cool . We are attempting and succeeding to come together as the body of Christ patterning the meeting of these groups after the early church as described in Acts 2:42.

The title comes from the commitment issues that we have been having recently. People having been using wePod and Wednesday nights as a substitute for the fellowship that is meant to be had on and during Sunday Mornings. Now for some I can understand, being that our church very traditional in terms of it's liturgy and discipline. People will come to our wePods and our Wednesday Night but when it comes to Sunday mornings they are no where to be found.

I believe that Bible clearly speaks to that of serving the body rather than being served by the the body. In fact the verse that sticks out in my mind that is usually applied around Christmas time but should be practiced year round is: "It is better to give than to receive."

All this to say be committed to a local body wherever that might be and serve that body. Don't simply "date" the church for it's good things then fail to show cause you find some parts to be boring or way too traditional.

Back From the Black Hole....

Well I'm back from the far reaches of cyber-space. Honestly I think I can say that my New Years Resolution to post once a week came to naught a long time ago.

Yesterday was my last day running myself ragged working 2 jobs. This summer I've been pulling double duty by working as part of the Carpentry Crew on the Facilities Management Staff @ SEBTS and working UPS.

So needless to say it been less than restful summer but I've managed to hang in there. We start the fall semester in a week and a half and personally I'm ready to get back to into a routine and schedule. The new semester always brings with it a fresh start so to speak.

On the journey of faith side of things. The analogy of the potter and the clay is a good description of my life. However in my case give the lump of clay a mind of it's own and that would be an even more accurate description. A constant war between the flesh and the spirit. The lesson learned and relearned is to ultimately bring everything that I am under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. As part of my daily time in the word Rebekah and I have been cruising' steadily through the book of Romans and its been a blessing and treat every step of the way. We both we're marveling the other day @ how well the Apostle Paul presents his argument and how well he presents evidence for the validity of his argument.

As for Rebekah and I as of this post we've been dating for and to use a 'Saved By The Bell' term going "steady" for right at a little over 4 months. I must say it has been some of the best times of my life. However, it has not been without its struggles and difficulties which I am happy to say have only lead to our relationship getting stronger,closer and deeper. I love every minute that I get to spend with Her and her Daughter, they have to be two of my favorite people in the world.