Glory...

I just recently rewatched the movie Glory with Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman.  I wept way too many times as issues of race were so much on the forefront it was a bit overwhelming.  Two quotes really struck me.  The first by Broderick's character, the second by a soldier in the 54th regiment, the first all black regiment in the Union army of the Civil war.

Upon taking a mission which will mean heavy casualties, and the observation about the level of rest his men have received, the Colonel states following:

There's more to fighting
than rest, sir.                   
There's character.                  
There's strength ot heart.

You should have seen us
in action two days ago.              
We were a sight to see.                   
We'll be ready, sir.
When do you want us?

If more of us could show up like this everyday of our lives.  My question is for all of us is this.  Can we say that we'll be ready...when our time comes to love, serve, and give our lives for others.

The second quote showed the passion, hope, and readiness seen in a soldier who was very simple in his understanding of the world and what was before them the night before a great battle. This took place at the fireside prayer meeting the night before they would fight.

Tomorrow we goin' to battle.

So, Lordy, let me fight
with the rifle in one hand...
and the Good Book in the other.

That if I should die
at the muzzle of the rifle...
die on water or on land...

I may know that You,
blessed Jesus Almighty, are with me.

With Jesus!
And I have no fear. Amen.

May we face all of our battles, be they big or small, in like manner.  Without fear.  I pray that as we continue in our struggle for racial justice in our country that we would give up our comforts, our own proclivities so that we may serve others who are different than we.

Lust and the Young Bucks

There are all types of strategies, gimmicks, tricks, will power, just do it schemes out there to help the young bucks flee youthful lusts (or old lust for that matter) and win every man's battle.  I know of no other counsel which is better than found below: 

"The way to fight lust is to feed faith with the precious and magnificent promise that the pure in heart will see, face to face, the all-satisfying God of glory."

John Piper Future Grace, pg. 338

An all satisfying desire will expel lesser and base affections.  Fill your soul with a vision of the living God and the darkness of your own soul will be lifted by the light of his face. 

Usually I counsel young guys in a threefold fashion in dealing with these demons...

1. See what empty and cracked cisterns of your soul you are trying to fill.  Usually dudes get into porno when they are lonely, empty, longing for intimacy, weary, stressed out.  See what the sources are that are cracking the soul.
   
2. Cut the sewage pipes.  Bottom line is that you need to cut the avenues of junk into your life.  One guy told me he didn't have the cash to get his internet connection filtered.  I told him he had two options a) find the cash b) cut of his internet all together.  The money did surface
3. Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7).  We need to walk with God in the means of grace he has given us.  We need to see him in Scripture, commune with him in prayer, worship together with his people, seek solitude alone, participate in the Lord's supper, and fill our souls with an all satisfying vision of Jesus.

I know some of the 12-step stuff is good.  No hating on that here.  But I find the above 3-step to be an excellent way to move towards God and out of the sewers darkened hearts.

First Lullaby...

With each of our kids I have written (well, more like orally made up) lullabies to sing while holding them as little babies.  It has been part of being a Dad for me.  I have found making up songs to teach the girls a fun endeavor as well, but that is another story.

Well, Thomas' (Tommy Reid) first Lullaby just came out in the last couple of days. 

Verse 1 

Tommy Reid, We Love to Sing
To Sing of His Beauty, In Ev---rything
To Sing of the the Glories of the Great I AM
To Tell His Great Story Throughout the Land 

Verse 2 

Tommy Reid, We Love to Sing
To Sing of His Greatness, In Ev---rything
To Sing of the Passion of the the Living Lamb
To Bring His Compassion to Every Man 

[Repeat...Often for a very long time]

Thomas is doing much better now and I am currently fathering a multi-site family for the next month.  We are one family, meeting in two locations, thanks to the friendly chickenpox. 

To God be the Glory in Little Thomas' Life, May he be used greatly in this world...

Resuming the Blog

I have been thinking whether it be right to begin to write (sorry about that little right/write thing there - it was an accident) again while our boy has been struggling.  The more I prayed about it and talked to Kasey, the more I realize how much I need to continue to walk in the callings on my life...especially in the midst of difficulty.  For the very things I believe so deeply make it possible to persevere in the rivers of travail. 

So, I will begin to post again here tonight.  First perhaps with just mentioning some web sites, then on to a few posts I want to get to.  One particular one on a Psychology Today article on how we are raising a bunch of wimpy kids.   Tommy, we are raising to be a theologian/warrior/humble/servant/strong man of God.  One who will weep with the broken, bind the wounds of the weak, and punch the wicked man in the mouth who tries to mess with his sisters.

Transition Coming - Good News

Unless something has changed in the last few hours, Thomas will transition out of the NICU this evening to a regular postpartum hospital room with Kasey.  We will spend the night there with him and then, God willing, we will leave the hospital in the morning and bringing Kasey and Thomas to their tempoary quarters for the coming month.

Kasey and I are weary yet thankful and God has revealed much to us in these days. I am realizing that I need to be disciplined now about sleep and rest. My body is breaking down a bit with headaches today…

Kasey is doing as well as can be expected - she is focusing on her health and caring for the baby.  We are utilizing video to send messages back and forth from her to the kids and the kids to their Momma. 

As to Power of Change Blog, I will be resuming more regular blogging here in the next few days.   Thanks guys for all your encouraging notes.

Holding Up Our Arms

There have been several friends who have sent on passages of Scripture to us overnight. I wanted to share them here:

Who is like the wise?
And who knows the interpretation of a thing?
A man's wisdom makes his face shine,
and the hardness of his face is changed

Continue Reading Ecclesiastes 8

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13 

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Continue Reading 1 Peter 1

7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
8 He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Continue Reading Jeremiah 17

Thank you so much for sending these to us...precious reminders and exhortations for today.

Update - thoughts during a different week

As we approach a transition in this season of our family I have had some time to reflect driving back and forth between our house in Franklin and the hospital in downtown Nashville. Little Thomas is expected to come out of the NICU and be released here in the next day or two. We give thanks and praise to God for sustaining him, walking him through his valleys, and giving Mom and Dad strength for each twist and turn.

One of the new pastors on our staff at the church gave me some great advice today in how to pray. Oh Lord, give me new feet for the paths you are calling me to walk ahead. Amen, these are unexpected paths, we could not have planned this course, but the one who determined the steps will now give us the feet necessary for the journey. For this we are thankful and can rest.

I think the most interesting question we have been asked over the last few days has been, “How are you doing?” Most of the time my honest answer would be ”I don’t really know.” So much has raced in the mind over in such a short season and the emotions have both sustained us, given us strength during a hairy schedule, and drained us to no end. I don’t know how I am doing but my heart and mind is quite full of thoughts and reflections. I guess I’ll throw them up here a bit.

A Mixed Bag of Thoughts and Feelings:

• I have not asked the question “Why” once during this time – I thought I might, but it just did not come across the radar. I think I realize that I really don’t have enough electrochemical meat between the ears to understand anyway and I do not believe in a random universe. In other words, God knows why, he was not asleep, he is not asleep, he is leading us and that is enough for the why question. For his glory and good pleasure this has been wrought – and I pray I am not full of it when saying that.
• We have cried a bunch – in joy, in sadness, in pain, in confusion, in shear disbelief when we heard the words “chicken pox.” I remember leaving a friend a voice mail then hanging up and screaming in the car from a deep place in the soul. Driving north on 65 I just was in a state of confused angst. What to do? What does this mean? Am I overreacting to all this? Why am I so afraid? Will this child die? I don’t want this God – I need my wife and kids to be together with me.
• I have laughed a bit and the shear weirdness of our circumstances. I really felt a wink from God when I prayed, “Lord, only you could have designed these strange turning of events”
• I have acknowledged afresh the reality of this world. It is fallen. It is painful. It is not the way it is supposed to be. Great goods and treasures abound; they have names and little precious faces. Yet the destiny of all is to succumb to this strange alien of death. Whether at age 85 or 5 days, this is the terminal to which we all arrive. Viruses which cause fever and sores on the body of a 2 and a half year old can proved deadly to a premature newborn. I have thought again in both harsh terms – “this just sucks” to more somber words “Oh Lord, how long?” I have tried to keep in my mind the words of the Scriptures describing Jesus as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Indeed, our God relates, understands, yes he entered this world of pain. Indeed, we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.
• I learn much watching my children. Yesterday Kayla (almost 5) and I drove downtown to see Mom and Thomas while we left Ky at home with newly discovered chickenpox. When we arrived at the hotel where Kasey was staying the cell phone rang. It was Kase – I cannot be near any of the children so not to expose her or baby to the chickenpox virus. I literally was in the hallway of the hotel and we were having this discussion on our cell phones. I opened the door to give her a visual affirmation that this will be OK and Kayla stood on my leg weeping…just wanting to go hug her Momma. She knew what was happening and in a way she understood while not understanding. I saw so much of the human condition in her tears and quivering lips. We understand what this world is, but we do not have understanding. We run from this reality, we place our hands over our eyes and plug our ears to the reality. We drink a few bears, buy a bunch of stuff, get the right job, the right schools, the right neighborhoods, the right, blah, blah blah. All the while we refuse to acknowledge that there is something wrong, deeply wrong when we are separately from the one we desire, when cannot hug the one we so desperately need, even God.
• My children are a great comfort from God. After we realized we were in Kasey’s hotel but had to stay away, Kayla and I went exploring while Mom went on to the hospital. We talked about hydraulics and counterweights as we watched the mechanism of two elevators traverse up and down, up and down. We were fascinated together and it was a calming thing. Thanks God for elevators with their moving parts exposed. We snuggled on a small couch and then watch some PBS kids in the hotel lobby. She was patient while I made phone calls and then we got in the car to drive home. I spoke with a good friend in the car who spoke with strong manly compassion for me as a brother – I began to weep - I cast my hand towards the back seat and felt a strong and tiny grip. It will be OK Daddy, I love you so much. Yes, it will. Thank you Jesus for little Kayla. She won my heart years ago, my passion for her, our passion for life together, deepens. I place her too in the Fathers hand. I don’t know the span of her years, I would love to do her wedding, all the future days are uncertain. But today I am thankful to know this little princess, who skipped into my life almost five years ago.
• I have realized my weakness. I am floundering like a fish to focus my soul amidst all the daily happenings. I have read the Bible on my own initiative only once in the last few days. Not that I am a legalist about these things – far from it. But I wish I had carved more time out to just sit before the Lord. Yet even in this I have seen God’s goodness. An Aunt and Uncle sent a passage from Isaiah which has been food for my meditation. A friend from Virginia today sent a passage from Romans and encouraged me to take some time in the passage. I will do so shortly…the hunger is strong, I need to sit down to eat.
• My wife is my dearest pearl and I love her ever more deeply today. I have watched a women’s courage that exceeds anything I have seen in my life; more than even fictional accounts in books or in movies. Yes guys, even more than William Wallace. I have seen her weep with compassion and concern for our struggling son. I have seen her tirelessly pump, feed, and learn from nurses and doctors. I have seen her humbly receive help from others and avail herself to be ministered to. I have seen her laugh at my dumb jokes and wink at me as we walk another trail of tears together. Together…I love that we have been in this together. We often joke about who needs to die first; it must be me…I will be a ship set adrift in a hurricane without Kasey. Love has deepened in ten years – I praise her at the city gates…
• Finally, we have seen the beauty of the bride of Christ, his precious church. We cannot say thank enough to all the people both local and around the world who have sent in timely words of grace, prayed countless – real praying people prayers, are lining up to help us gain our feet to walk through the next six weeks with a split family. Thank you to those of the body of Christ, thank you for your sensitivity to our compassionate servant King, thank you for caring about our family. I would name many names here but in doing so I would inappropriately leave someone out. So, you know who you are, big high fives and chest bumps guys – you are incredible friends!

Well, I am a bit bummed that I have to wear rubber gloves and excessive gowning to go near the NICU. Not being able to have Thomas nuzzle up next to me is a bit of a downer…yet this reminds me that I have been able to hug, snuggle, and read with a chickenpoxed beauty named Kylene Jordan today. Due to the fact she was vaccinated (another thing to be thankful for) her case with the pox is mild. Her spirit is high; I am looking forward to more one on one time with her in the days ahead.

It looks like Thomas will leave the hospital in the next day or so, then the next days begin. Pray that Kasey will continue to find peace and courage and not to be overwhelmed by what could happen. We need his help to walk by faith.

Thanks again, and goodnight and I don’t believe in luck (sorry for the Murrow joke)

Update - Unforseen events...

I sit by myself tonight with a troubled soul. Little Thomas’ progress has been good, we had seen much to be encouraged by today. About four hours ago things got very complicated. I went home to grab Kayla and Kylene to bring them up for a time with Momma and their baby brother. When Ky woke up from her nap we realized that she had broken out in chicken pox. What we thought had been a few bug bites had grown and the reality became evident. Our pediatrician confirmed it and we all just about puked at all the implications.

First, Ky and Kayla both were in the NICU with Thomas, both had touched his fingers. They had both been scrubbed thoroughly before entrance, but it brings fear to our hearts to think that the virus may have come into contact with the baby. What is a traumatic and itchy experience for little kids can be of the utmost severity to even a healthy newborn. So we are praying, weeping, and begging God that the damnable virus did not contact Thomas’ weak body. He has been isolated in the NICU as a precaution to protect the other babies. This is our deepest concern that Tommy come to health and then not have this pox. Please, please pray.

Second, Kasey has been instructed to not go near our children for the next 5-6 weeks. The virus’ incubation period is 10-28 days so we must wait for 28 days after Kylene’s outbreak clears to see if Kayla comes down with it. Thomas and Kasey will stay out of the home for this time period. This breaks our heart for the girls, for Mom. Once Thomas clears his own issues and makes it out of the NICU we will be looking for a small apartment, mother-in-law suite for Kasey and Thomas to stay which is close to our home. I will be traveling back and forth between the two parts of our family serving their needs (please pray I will have the strength and passion to love deeply in all places). We are thankful that our ministry is full of young people without kids, many of whom have already had the chicken pox. We are in need of your help Inversion; we are thankful for your hearts and hands.

We never anticipated these events when we went into labor on Thursday…first Thomas’ struggle and now this convergence of events. We do rest and trust in the knowledge that this is own who knows all we are experiencing and is walking with us, yes, even leading us on every path. We know that his presence is going with and before us and he will provide the grace and mercy and help in our time of need. We know that he is working all these things for his good purposes and for our growth – we know that he is to be seen and savored through all of these things. Our emotions are raw; we can barely hold back tears in the strangest places.

We feel so loved and supported by so many friends; we do not even know yet what we even need and so many are offering support. We are overwhelmed and a bit in shock, but we do know that we have not walked in the valley of the shadow to the extent that others have…we certainly know our God went through much more on our behalf when Christ endured his cross. We rest upon him, though our vision is in a fog.

• Pray for Kasey – she is very tired, emotionally drained and she is so needed by Thomas
• Pray for Ky – she is going through chicken pox without her Momma
• Pray for Kayla – she is old enough to understand all that is happening and overheard my conversations on all of this…her reply was tearful – I don’t want to be apart from Momma for a month
• Pray for my Mom – she is manning the home front for us this week
• Pray for me – I am spread thin and weary – but feel his strength
• Pray for those who need Jesus and how we may bring the gospel of the suffering Son of God to ears in pain and spiritual lostness.

Thank you.

System 3 - Thomas and Bilirubin

Apologies for the humor and the cheesy 1980s music - I was helping Kasey to laugh when seeing Tommy with his shades on...

All systems are almost a go with little Thomas - System 1) Respirtory - Check System 2) Digestion - Check System 3) Liver processing of bilirubin - working on it...

I just returned from the NICU where we were with Thomas.  His bilirubin level was high this morning and his color, which the doctor described as looking like a pumpkin, corresponded.  For about 24 hrs he will be put under the lamps to adjust the levels.  By this time we hope his liver will be processing fine.  Mom is still very concerned but we are doing well and trying to enjoy one another and the time we have with Tommy in the NICU. 

Mom and baby are bonding well and Thomas is showing that he has a huge appetite.  I may treat him to a nice steak dinner here soon via his Momma.  Kasey is tired and I am hoping to take her to a nice dinner here very soon. 

The interesting conversations continue with the staff of the NICU.  Yesterday I was discussing microevolution and macroevolution and the possibility of an historic Adam and Eve with one of the nurses.  She seemed taken aback that one can have a keen interest in science yet still believe in the Adam (hebrew for "man") and Eve narrative from Genesis.  The time has been good but I feel I am beginning to drift spiritually a bit due to the schedule and circumstances.  Please pray for Kasey and I that we have some down time to read the Scriptures and find some solitude in the coming days. 

By the grace of God, it is looking like we may be able to go home sometime late Tuesday or early Wednesday. 

One more video for the road, again, it has a goofy daddy's voice on it...

A Better Day...Update on Thomas

Thomas Reid Monaghan

Today was a much better day for our new son. Kasey and I went to the NICU this morning praying that we would see much progress in Thomas' condition. Today at 11am the doctors fed him 1/2 oz of glucose water to see if his stomach would begin to hold down and process fluids. He did very well with the water so he was given a small amount of Kasey's milk at 2pm. Again, he did quite well and seemed to enjoy eating. At 5pm we went in to see if Kasey could feed him; he took to her right away and was able to eat quite a bit. We were so thrilled to see him be able to begin to eat. His bowels still are moving very slow; the next 24 hours should give the doctors time to see if all his systems are coming online together and working well.

 If all goes well we should be able to take him home in a few days. He will be tested for his bilirubin levels in the morning as he has developed some jaundice. This is not serious, but it may require him to go to the tanning beds for a couple of days.

We are so thankful for his progress and look forward to spending time with him tomorrow. The doctors have explained that his systems were just slow to come on after he exited the womb. First, his respiratory system struggled to come on and then his digestion. It is amazing to think how these circumstances would have gone 200 years ago before the development of modern neonatal care. We are thankful for the providence and grace of God to place little Thomas in such capable hands. Over the next few days we will be back and forth to the NICU to feed the baby and I will shuttle between hospital and home to spend time with our girls.

Thanks again for all of your prayers and encouragement - this has been some of the longest days of our lives, but today our spirits were greatly lifted. Our little dude has fought his way out of this hole and we pray he will be ready to go meet the rest of his family very soon.

Soli Deo Gloria

Gently Led...

Some of our family sent this to us today from the prophet Isaiah.

¹⁰  Behold, the Lord God comes with might,

          and his arm rules for him;

     behold, his reward is with him,

          and his recompense before him.

¹¹  He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

          he will gather the lambs in his arms;

     he will carry them in his bosom,

          and gently lead those that are with young.

 

Isaiah 40:10-11 ESV

Thanks Aunt Denise and Uncle Ed for putting the word into our hearts... 

Update on Thomas Reid Monaghan

After a long night of struggling to grasp enough air, Thomas made great progress in stabilizing his breathing by Friday morning. After sixteen hours of separation, baby and Momma finally were able to be together. On Friday he was mostly sleeping and very listless, not moving or crying. We tried to feed him, but he simply was not up to it. After several hours he began to vomit some green stuff and his stomach appeared swollen. The nurses came to look at him and he was examined by a neonatologist. The doctor felt the abdomen was a big concern so they admitted him to the Neonatal ICU around 6:30pm Friday evening. At this point they wanted to do some blood work, test for bacterial infection, and x-ray his abdomen and bowels to see if there were any structural problems. Additionally, they started him on antibiotics as a preventative measure and begin to feed him intravenously.

As of Saturday morning his white blood cells look normal which is a good sign that there is not a bacterial infection. He has been able to go to the bathroom a bit and the prognosis is that he may just have a bowel obstruction which needs to pass. The doctors will not let him go until he is able to eat. He still has some bile discharge coming up through a tube in his mouth; the tube prevents the problems of vomiting. He has a small (well, large actually) unrelated problem in that his scrotum is fully full of fluid. To be honest, I just thought he was just a bit well endowed as a little man, but apparently it is a condition. This is not uncommon and his body will absorb the fluid over time or a small surgery will be necessary.

Right now he is not out of the woods completely but he is making good progress. We are praying that he will be able to have his bowel cleared, there is no bacterial infection, he will be able to gain strength and be able to begin eating.

Mom is doing well and is pumping milk for the feasts ahead; she has been a brave lady through labor, delivery (her third completely natural), recovery, and all the waves which have been cresting and crashing about for the last 48 hours. We were able to get some decent rest last night which was an answer of prayer. Kasey will be discharged from the hospital Sunday morning yet it looks like Thomas may stay another day. I am praying about getting us a hotel room a block or so away and then splitting time between home with the girls and here with Kasey for the next few days.

I do feel that God is being honored in all of this. I was able to share my testimony with the neonatal doctor; an outstanding doctor who was intrigued that I studied applied science/physics in college and now do my thing as a pastor. Additionally, one of the neonatal nurses is a believer. I think we were an encouragement to her as I had brief discussion with her about talking about God with agnostics, skeptics, and antagonistic intellectuals.

So we have spent some time in a neonatal ICU with 1 and 2 lb babies all around and where our own little precious one is struggling. I have thought to myself how both the glory of God and the tragedy of the fall were strongly on display in such a place. This is a place of the glory and struggle of life and the beauty of human creations. At the same time it is a place of sorrow, hardship and fighting death here outside of the garden. I thought to myself how fertile the grounds are here for both faith and skepticism, the prayerful, open heart towards the Father and the clenched fist of anger. It has been clear in our hearts that God is in control; he has brought this about for his name's sake. He loves Thomas infinitely more than any of us. We stand firm in the knowledge that through God's good pleasure he can come out of this strong.

Kasey and I have enjoyed some slow time together, thanking God for life and breath, the gift of marriage, and the goodness of God is giving us a little boy to love. More than anything we are trying not overreact or be given to an uninformed imagination of things which could be wrong. The doctors do not seem overly concerned, yet they are showing caution. We neither want to be naive nor make a bigger deal of things than need be. We ask your prayers and thank you for all the encouragement so many have given to our family.

Prayer Request for Thomas Reid Monaghan

 

On August 3rd at 9:28pm, Thomas Reid Monaghan was born.

8lbs 2.5 oz, 20 inches

 

If you read this post we ask for your prayers.  About seven minutes after his birth, he was showing much difficulty with his breathing.  For the last seven hours he has been under an oxygen hood where they are trying to transition his breathing.  He has yet to be with his mother as of 5:00am on August 4th.  Thankfully, he was a big baby who has enough fat that he has not yet needed to eat.   His blood sugar is  at a good level and he is being watched closely.  He may soon be moved to the Neonatal ICU if his breathing does not improve.  Please pray for Kasey and I - we are exhausted after a long day of labor and are concerned for our son.  The doctors feel he will adjust fine over the next several hours.  We are praying for this good report yet finding rest difficult to come by.

 

Now to him that holds each soul in being and holds our son in his hand we give thanks and praise for this precious one.  We committ his life to the God of all comfort and the Sovereign of the world. 

 

Thank you for your prayers

Reid 

When this passing world is done...

Saw this song in an e-mail written by a friend - a great reminder as we look at our lives today. 

When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o'er life's finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see thee as thou art,
Love thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour's side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.

- Robert Murray McCheyne

It is still today, and that day, the coming day, which matter as we live Coram Deo - ever before the face of God.

The Anatomy of a Name

By the grace of God we will be having a baby boy next month.  We are so filled with awe that God would bestow upon us this grace of being parents once again.  This time to a little male munchkin - we know he is likely to be a short little dude as Dad is 5'7'' and Mom is 5'4''.  In thinking through a name we came down to two finalists.

First was the name Blake.  To be honest this was probably the family favorite, but seeing it was inspired by a guy on the Amazing Race, we felt that was a little weak in giving meaning to our Son's name.  I want all my kids to know that their names have significance and call each of them forward in life.  Though Blake and Page were cool folks racing around the world, I could not find enough to give my boy in that.  So, the name we finally lande on was Thomas Reid Monaghan.  

This name has multiple degrees of meaning for us - and our kids.  Much fertile ground here for calling a little man up in this life.  Here are the 5 degrees of meaning for the little dude's name. 

• Thomas Michael Echstenkamper - Mike X is the guy who led me to Jesus when I was a knucklehead 19 year old wrestler at UNC. His investment in me, his compassion to share the gospel with a lost soul, encouragement for me to ask questions, grow, walk with me in those early years are deposits from a faithful man I do not want our family to forget.
  
• Thomas Aquinas - Obviously this Thomas is one of the looming figures in the history of thought.  His philosophical realism is still influencing many thinkers today - the rise in Thomistic thought among theistic philosophers is an encouraging trend in some academic circles.  When I teach little Thomas the basic laws of logic and realism I want him to know the name Aquinas.  Something is what something is...something cannot be and not be at the same time and the same sense.  Yes, the Christian who synthesized the thought and rigor of the ancient world will be remembered.
  
• Thomas Reid - His whole name will remind him not only of his Daddy (Reid), but also of the Scottish philosopher who influenced the great theological minds of Hodge and Warfield at Old - Princeton Seminary.  A unique synthesis of common sense realism merged with reformed theology.  I want my boy to know about this.
  
• Thomas the Tank Engine - Well, an Anglican reverend created this little gem of a kids series for his own little boy in the 1940s.  My little girls liked that one - Thomas the Tank Engine is big in our home.  I pray little Thomas will love little trains with his pastor Daddy as well.
  
• Thomas the Disciple - Many times known as "Doubting Thomas" by those who do not read the whole story.  I want my boy to know that people who once did not believe can be radically changed.  That someone can go from doubting soul to a radical knee bent worshipper of Jesus...Additionally, some reliable tradition holds that Thomas brought the gospel to India where he died as a witness to Jesus.  I want my boy to know the power of the gospel to change lives and send people on mission with Jesus.

Finally, Thomas is very nicknamable.  Some day if he is a tough little dude we can call him Tommy.  If he has potential to be a philosopher warrior we can call him Thomas R. Monaghan...if just a warrior, perhaps in the UFC, we can give him one of those southern hyphenated names - not a progressive feminist last name - but a three syllable first name.  Tommy-Reid.  If he is a theologian with an amazing mind, he can go by TR Monaghan. Anway, very nicknamable - smile.

Now young Thomas, not yet born, do know that a kind providence is bringing you into this world with a family that greatly anticipates your arrival.  You have brilliant little sisters, full of zest and joy, waiting to pull your ears, poke you in the tummy and almost drop you a hundred times.  You have a mother who is talented, compassionate, humble, and faithful who is going to sacrifice body and soul for you.  You mess with her heart - you answer to me.  And Son, you have a Father who is praying to be a strong and wise and godly man for you.  To teach you how to think, pray, love Jesus, fight for what is good, right and true - to teach you to wrestle, respect women, and most importantly the fear of the Lord.  We are ready - we pray you make it into the world without too much struggle.  We trust you even now, your soul and body, to the Sovereign King who has numbered your days.  

Through good and bad - he is God.  In all our roads ahead together, we have a great high King - you would do well to bow your knee and arise a Knight of his realm.

We love you Thomas Reid Monaghan - I pray you will be worshipper of YHWH and a servant of men.

Peru Update IV

 
One of the last events I spoke at in Peru was an open forum at San Marcos University, the oldest University in Latin America founded in 1551.  There is a great little Wiki on San Marcos here. 

When we arrived it was quite a scene - we walked past a political protest on to the venue where we would be sharing with students.  The room was packed to capacity and filled with anticipation.  I went out to use the rest room and found that there were lines of students around the building trying to get into the venue.  Students packed the chairs, the floor, the aisles, the back of the room and hung in the doorways where many listened in the packed hallway.

It was an unbelievable turn out – I estimate around 300-400 in a very small room.  We only had an hour – 40 min for talk/translation and 20 min for Q and A.  It was incredible – the questions tense, intelligent and poignant.  All were about the Bible, the identity of Jesus, textual transmission, the resurrection…but of course right when it started to get really good I was whisked out the door into a cab, for a 45 min drive across town to another church equipping event. 

The church event went well, but I just wished we could have stayed at the University longer.  Overall the trip was a great time to speak about the true and living Jesus to young people all over the Peruvian capital.  In future trips, I think University forums are a great way to share the gospel with the future young leaders of this nation.

Humbled as always by the faithfulness of our God to use the foolish things of the world (like me) in his eternally decreed plans.  For this I am thankful and give our glory to the crucified one who lived, died and rose for the salvation of his people.  To him I offer thanks and praise from a weary body and soul. 

Peru Update III

We finished up the conference last evening with a strong challenge for Peruvians to study to defend their faith in the marketplace of ideas.  The excitement among all the people was contagious. 

Dale Fincher closed out his time with us with a great seminar of the Gnostic Gospels: Phillip, Judas and Thomas.  He did a great job with explaining why each of these was not included in the Bible and read some the material from these works.  It is always helpful to actually read these works as they are quite fragmentary, incoherant, and doctrinally incompatible with both the Old and New Testaments.

My last challenged focused on the Jesus of the Bible as compared to the Jesus represented in the Da Vinci Code fiction. 

Focusing on Jesus’ True Identity I shared a few of the following thoughts

• Son of God – Romans 1:4 - was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord
• Substitute for sin – John 1 – “Behold the Lamb of God – who takes away the Sins of the World”
• Savior -- But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…
• Sovereign King – He is King and Supreme over all of life, my life, your life.

His Kingdom is greater than all the Kingdoms of Men:

• Greater than great the Mayan, Incan, and Aztec Civilizations
• Greater than the Greek and Roman Empires
• Greater than the height of European Civilizations
• Greater than Communism
• Greater than Nationalism
• Greater than Democracy
• Greater than Capitalism
• Greater than Peru
• Greater than America

His Kingdom is one that unites people from every nation, from every place, into one new people. A people forgiven by God, called by God for worship, called by God to the Kingdom of Heaven.

His Kingdom is one of justice and a good ruler, a Kingdom of Love, and a Kingdom where the great enemies of death, disease, and destruction are forever vanquished. 

Today we went and met with some young adult pastors from Lima who are leading the Christian Missionary Alliance in the country.  These are all the men whom we partnered with for the conference on Saturday night.  Originally I thought there were 500-600 people at the outreach, but today that was only in the packed main meeting room.  Apparently 1200 people were at the event with ever classroom at the facility packed full and watching on closed circuit television.  Amazing.

Tonight there is another outreach in another town called Los Olivos, I pray that God may open the eyes of many through this event.

Tomorrow is the University Open Forum where I will present and then handle any question.  It should be a great time with some very tough questions - I can't wait.

Please pray for us...Out for now... 

Peru Update II

In the last few days in Peru we have been teaching a major Apologetics Conference in Comas.  The nights have been fun but filled with content.  Each evening has a plenary address associated with the Da Vinci Code and the Historical Jesus.  Then we have done practical seminars to assist the Peruvians in using Apologetics in their efforst to share the gospel with their friends.

Here is our line-up:

• Plenary 1 - Decoding the Da Vinci Code - What is the Truth about the New Testament Gospels
• Seminar 1 - Sharing Christ with Unbelievers
• Plenary 2 - The Real Jesus
• Seminar 2 - Scientology a Newly Created Religion...Identifying Cults
• Plenary 3 -Jesus is 10 Times Better than the Da Vinci Code (The young adult ministry at the church in Peru is called "10 Times Better")
  
• Seminar 3 - Understanding the Gnostic Gospels

Last night I spoke with a man who had been visited recently by Mormon missionaries. He had begun attending the Mormon Church here in Lima, Peru and he was enjoying the teaching.  Unfortunately, they have been teaching him very simple things witholding most of the Mormon teaching.  He was very surprised by what the Mormon church actually teaches and is not reconsidering joining this religion.  I am reminded how many groups do not tell people the strange aspects of their beliefs until someone is very deep in the group.  This is unfortunate, but I am thankful I was able to share with this guy last night - pray that he will examine things thoroughly before making an uninformed decision. 

We wrap up the conference...

Additionally, we went on television today for a lengthy interview about the issues which arise from the Da Vinci Code.  After  racing through the streets of Lima Peru in what seemed to be a psycho cab driver's car, it was great to arrive at the TV station alive.  You would not believe how the cars drive down here.  I felt like we were going "3-wide" in a two lane road way too often.  The TV interviewit was a great opportunity; it went very well with the network being very pleased with the outcome.

I need to get ready for our upcoming meetings this evening.  Thanks for praying for us. 

Peru Update

A team of 16 young people from Inversion has traveled down to Comas, Peru to serve along side a local church in its outreach efforts.  Yesterday we made the jaunts through airports and across latitudinal lines south to our friends home.

After very little sleep, we began our day in worship and prayer with our Peruvian sisters and brothers.  An incredible time together.

Tonight we traveled into Lima for an outreach to young professionals.  Around 1200 came out to hear a lecture I gave entitled "Decoding Da Vinci" - I was able to focus on the trustworthy nature of our New Testament and the divinity of Jesus.  It was blessing to be able to share the gospel and a testimony of the transforming power of God.  After the talk we took questions from the audience for close to an hour.  I was amazed at the desire to know truth and to wrestle with questions about the historical Jesus.  More than anything we all sensed the risen one at work among the people who attended.  For this we offer many thanks.

Tomorrow I preach four services in the morning (a fun Mother's Day message) and then we kick off our Apologetics Conference in the evening.  Dale Fincher of Soulation joins me in the labor tomorrow.  I will speak 11 times in 7 days including two open forums on University Campuses on Thursday May 18.  Kasey, thanks for letting me share the gospel with these students on our anniversary.  Can't wait to celebrate with you upon my return.

Much love to all who are praying for our team

Mary of Magdala

This morning at Fellowship Bible Church in Murfreesboro, TN I had the privilege of speakng about the biblical Mary Magdalene.  With so much confusion, speculation, and outright nonsense being taught today about Mary of Magdala, I was encouraged by the opportunity to share about this great woman of faith.  It has been a rich study looking at one of Jesus' disciples, the first evangelist who brought the good news of the resurrection to the rest of the disciples.  I pray the message might be an encouragement to you as you serve the Jesus who loved, forgave, established and called Mary to himself.  Not to be his wife...but to be her Lord and God.

The MP3 is available for download here.