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| Running. It brings to mind thoughts of exhaustion just thinking about it. Running consistently. That brings thoughts of "ain't gonna do it"! Running 13 miles without stopping. Just shoot me! And that is only a half marathon! If any of you out there are even remotely in the same camp, relax. I have figured out a way for you to avoid all of this mental stress and physical taxation and at the same time feel like you have participated all 13+ miles. All you have to do is visit www.firstgiving.com/chadrenicker and follow the instructions. Yes, it is true that Maria and I are preparing to join some fellow locals and running in the Big Sur Half Marathon in November. In spite of my opening comments, and trust me I have had them, I am looking forward to the challenge. Every penny sponsored will go directly to God's Grace Adoption Ministry. If you are not familiar with GGAM, visit them at www.ggam.org. We are very excited to be able to assist GGAM in this way. | | |
| I have been to plenty of uplifting church services in my few years on this pebble shooting through space. This past sunday morning service I went to would most certainly make that list. Lots of good things were shared throughout the morning, but there was one subject that came up that insisted I point the finger at me and also once again caused me to contemplate what it is that so causes us as individuals, as families, as churches, etc, to decide we are the judge of what is right or should be right for everybody else. Now sure, we MUST agree on fundamental doctrines such as salvation (Romans 10:9,10). But, why must the water become so muddied so quickly when it comes to who I accept as a true believer based solely on what they do or I do that has nothing to do with salvation? Clearly the Bible gives precedent for different convictions for different people. But for some reason we think if everyone is not doing what I am convicted of they must be wrong and sometimes we go as far as to question their salvation because of it. Somewhere along the way we have traded in being concerned about our personal relationships with Christ and being who HE wants us to be, not others, for making sure everyone else is who WE think they should be and believing what we think they should believe. Again, I find myself guilty of these things from time to time. We must get back to allowing God to work His will in our personal lives and allow God to work differently in our fellow brothers and sisters lives and know that we are all working toward a common goal which should be to glorify God and reach souls for Him. The converse, and it happens far to often, is getting bogged down with traditions and sacraments that are not necessarily bad, but become such huge distractions that we are rendered useless for Christ. And if you do not know who wins that battle, rest assured that it is not us, it's the devil. | | |
| Just a question I have been "rolling around" in my head lately: From a Christian perspective is there such a thing as or is there room for separation of church and state? If there is, it seems to me that there would then be room for separation of church and work and separation of church and family/home and of course the ultimate, separation of church and the individual. This would then lead one to ponder the usefulness of church altogether! Seems to be a slippery slope. If we can get God out of the government then we have got the ball rolling to the end destination: God out of the World. Perhaps this is, in part, what is leading to the demise of America. | | |
| When Jesus was on earth, was He concerned about the Law or about the Individual? (John 8:1-11) | | |
| There are many reason why I have a great life. I could bore you with a long list, but it would be just that, boring. However, I have been reminded in the last couple of days of yet another reason why it is so good to be a Christian and to have friends and family that do not live life with an apathetic view to growing spiritually and to stepping outside the box of traditions, incorrect mind sets, comfort zones, etc. I will admit I have had to deal with all the afore mentioned items, quite in depth with some of them. I am also aware that I will have to deal with them to one degree or another in the future. So, it is with thankfulness that I have friends such as David Boone who just this morning shared from his heart about missed opportunities in his past and how we must get self out of the way and let Jesus Christ have full control of our lives so we are ready for the opportunities that God sends our way. Then there is Erika Renicker, my dear cousin, who is leading by example to get out there and give of one's self to help those in need, whether it be physical or sharing Christ with those who have distorted views of Jesus Christ. It has once again forced me to examine myself and take inventory of my priorities. I thank God for people like these, and many more, that are in my life to challenge me to a closer and deeper walk with the one, Jesus, who is the reason that I even exist. | | |
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