Knowing Him

I am...the solution.

2011-05-16T22:31:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we hurt because the church is struggling. Or we hunger because something in our spiritual community is lacking. It's easy to look to the church for our needs or to criticize during hard times. God designed the body of believers to be a place for spiritual growth, healing, and fellowship, and we often expect the church to design the perfect situation for certain types of spiritual experiences. Yet, the responsibility of spiritual growth and connectedness does not fall solely upon church leadership. We, the bride of Christ, must accept our own responsibility in fostering community within the church.

We follow and submit to godly church leadership by giving of ourselves. We grow in fellowship by serving and gathering together. That should happen within the church building and beyond--in the places we work, live, and play. Our yearning for community may never be satiated by attending service at a megachurch on Sunday morning. We need to be in Christian fellowship in deeper, face-to-face ways where both accountability and celebration happen between believers.

The leadership of the church cannot facilitate this for every person. Programs and events may help, but ultimately the climate of the church and the community fostered among the people depends on the congregation as they grasp their biblical role. Yet, honestly, we often want church leadership to foster community for us or to be selective about the types of believers we rub shoulders with.

Let's face it. Greeters at the door are wonderful in setting the first impression and welcoming. Severs at the coffee and information counters help us feel served and important. But sustained fellowship and belonging in the community comes from one's personal investment. We sacrifice for those things we find most valuable.

I guess I have been exposed to many conversations and witnessed much change as people long for community and set out to find the perfect fit in other local churches. I'm plugged in and serving, but felt the desire for better connection myself. I considered leaving. But ultimately, I decided with the Lord that I want to be a part of the solution for my church. I could go elsewhere, and would feel more comfortable in another setting, but I'm up for the awkwardness if it means we grow together. This mix of people; the normals and the crazies, the loosie goosies and the rigids; are my church family. We share Christ in common among our community.

And I am responsible to be a part of the solution.

Love that Never Fails

2011-02-12T10:20:00.000-06:00

A few months early, you welcomed me into the world. My first breaths sustained by your hand, and you gave me a name that finds its fulfillment in you.

Though my earliest memories include hurt and fear and learning to hate, you patiently waited--longsuffering because your hand would redeem.

On a farm you trained me to be free, to dream without limits, to love family, to see you in creation, and to run. And in a small town you taught me about a Savior named Jesus who died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. But you must have seen the trials ahead, because you breathed into me that day a peace I'd never known. A memory to mark my path.

You transplanted me in Kansas and welcomed me into the family of God. I never had to search for you. You drew near and affected the world around me, enveloping me in the great joy of my life--your church, your children.

You were patient to let me grow and fail. You trained my heart and mind in your ways, though we spent our time acquainted with failure. And the enemy fought hard. I often went to him, though I loved you. Life became a torment, but like Hosea, you stood your ground next to this adultress.

Days of blackness and sin prevailed. I asked you to die and hated the life that you breathed into me each day. You refused to quit. You are a jealous God.

You continued to love me. And your patience came to an end. You sent your representative and gave me a choice. I chose to live.

Affirmed that my life would be spent knowing you, responding to you, learning to love you...I prepared for a life of service. But you had to change my hands and heart.

You gifted me with discernment and showed me the reality of my union with sin, my eyes opened wide. You stepped with me into the lion's den, but did not let them prevail nor allow fear to consume. Terror looked me in the face, but friends came alongside me.

The sins that entangled me became their entanglement, too. They shared with me in the fight for life and the putting on of a new garment. Because of your children I am no longer a slave to sin. You taught them to love like you, and so they have loved me.

Your discipline, your love, your name breathes life into me.

What more could I attest to than your unfailing love? To what could I give my life outside of your relentless pursuit? My life is hidden in you.

To my friends, my family, and to any I meet. Please keep in mind the order of love that I now know:
The one whom I love has first loved me.

I tie my shoes with a double knot

2011-02-08T22:33:00.002-06:00

Need more faith. Wisdom. Boldness. Singleness of heart. Vision. Relentless passion. To lay all things aside. And pick up my calling. To run the race that is uniquely mine. To suffer road rash and fatigue with hope. No looking back. Running toward my rest. And jumping the cliff. Free falling. The power of God my confidence in weakness.

I tie my shoes with a double knot.

Who is God?

2011-01-30T21:20:00.001-06:00

This morning I asked my 5th grade girls, "Who is God?" They wrote their answers on paper and gave them to me:

My savior and messia
Our creator and leader
God is are savry
Our lord creater and savior
The alpha, the omaga, the mighty creator
Savior
Are savior
Our saviour
King of all kings
My savour
God is the creator
God is our creater
My savyor all myty, Jahova, love
God is the creater of all
God is are wholey father that created us and loved us instantly
The Lord all middy
God is a savior

What great voices these young people have! I pray that their hearts will learn to love Jesus with everything they've got.

Returning to the Place of Failure (Joshua 8)

2010-06-23T15:38:00.002-05:00

To the ladies of Route 56.

Ugh! Do you ever get that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you stumble upon the memory, person, or place of a previous failure? Even if you try to navigate the situation in a godly way, you can still see your failure face-to-face. In those moments anger, bitterness, or hoplessness can get the better of us--it hits where it hurts. And why does it hurt? Maybe because as much as someone else may have failed, we've failed, too. And so we face up to the fact that God often lets us return to the place of our failures. (And sometimes, when we are without fault, God lets us return to a place of pain for healing.)

I've lately been wondering, and honestly confused, how to navigate my mind around this familiar place. It seems like the same place I've been before. I seem to have the same shortcomings. But I know God has allowed me here. And the result doesn't have to be the same. He has changed me and taught me, so I'm not locked into my past failures. Through grace I get another chance. What seems like the "same old" is really a new opportunity for faith and the extension of the gospel into daily life.

In Joshua 8, that's what God did to the Israelites. The sin of Achan caused the whole Israelite army to flee like squealing girls the first time they faced Ai in battle. Then, fresh after that nasty (and humiliating) beating, God commanded them to return courageously for another try.

Do you notice that God's not questioning the outcome (v.1)? He's confident of what He's chosen to happen to this city. God knows where our hearts need to be, and He leads us there. As we return with Him to the place of our failure, He's not rubbing our face in the mud. We can have courage because He's teaching our hearts to change.

Maybe what looks despairing or frustratingly familiar, or what brings back all the old emotions we once felt, isn't really the same place. God may be helping you navigate through it differently this time--stronger, more sure of the truth, practicing righteousness, etc.

Only you can choose to make the same failure twice. Why not courageously embrace or learn what God would call you to this time? Returning to a place of failure is an opportunity for deeper dependence on the grace you have freely been given through Christ. Let's act on it!

The Really BIG Little Moments - Joshua 5

2010-06-05T12:27:00.006-05:00

To the ladies of Route 56.

Sometimes a little moment is so BIG that you enter into it carefully. Respectfully. Almost fearfully. You approach. Take a breath. Walk away--but not completely. Pause. If you're in, you're all in. Time to reapproach....and dive in. Let the moment swallow you whole. You know the cost, but the value of what's ahead is even greater. This is a really BIG little moment.

I can't help but wonder if the Israelites in Joshua 5 understood the bigness of their little moment after crossing the Jordan River. This is a new generation! Why not storm ahead into the Promised Land and take what God has given?!

But God didn't choose to display his magnitude in this moment by physical might or zeal. Instead, he humbled Israel to a place of remembrance and dependence. An unclean, foreign prostitute (Rahab) enabled them to spy out the land safely. The Ark of the Covenant, held by priests - not valiant soldiers, led them across the flooded Jordan River into their new homeland. Once across, the mighty men were weakened by circumcision and healing.

They needed to be weakened. The generation before them, unbelieving in God's ability to accomplish what He promised Abraham (Gen. 12, 15), failed to circumcise their children. This new generation taking hold of the Promised Land did not have the sign of the covenant God required. Their hearts had been prepared by growing up as wanderers in the desert, but they needed to be circumcised according to God's command. A new generation needs to look back in order to remember the how and where ahead of them.

These few chapters hinge Israelite history: the expectation of the past is connected to the realization of God's promise. To grasp the overwhelming success of God's plan, Israel must connect their hands and their hearts together. Faith and action are to be wed. That's what's happening in this moment. And God confirms His pleasure with their action (circumcision) by revealing that His angelic army are present and ready to fight alongside them. The angel raises His sword, a hand and heart in unison.

So, what about you? Can you see what God may be calling your generation to do, connecting your hearts and hands together?

Our really BIG little moment is now. What are you going to do with it?

(c) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

On the Holy Spirit (Poem 1.1.3. De Spiritu Sancto)

2010-04-28T16:10:00.003-05:00

an excerpt by Gregory Nazianzus

He was a man, but God. David’s offspring, but Adam’s Maker.

A bearer of flesh, but, even so, beyond all body.

From a mother, but she a virgin.

Comprehensible, but immeasurable.

And a manger received him, while a star led the Magi,

who so came bearing gifts, and fell on bended knee.

As a man he entered the arena, but he prevailed, as indomitable,

over the tempter in three bouts.

Food was set before him, but he fed thousands, and changed the water into wine.

He got baptized, but he washed sins clean,

but he was proclaimed by the Spirit, in a voice of thunder, to be the Son of the One

Uncaused.

As a man he took rest, and as God he put to rest the sea.

His knees were wearied, but he bolstered the strength and knees of the lame.

He prayed, but who was it who heard the petitions of the feeble?

He was the sacrifice, but the high priest: making an offering, but himself God.

He dedicated his blood to God, and cleansed the entire world.

And a cross carried him up, while the bolts nailed fast sin.

But what’s it for me to say these things? He had company with the dead,

But he rose from the dead, and the dead, the bygone, he raised up:

There a mortal’s poverty, here the incorporeal’s wealth.

Don’t you dishonor, then, his divinity on account of his human things,

but, for the divine’s sake, hold in renown the earthly form

into which, thougthful towards you, he formed himself, the incorruptible Son.

Those Scandalous Christians!

2010-04-26T20:29:00.003-05:00

"It is interesting to find that outside of the New Testament, the earliest response to singing among the Christians comes not from one of their own number, but from a Roman official. In the year 109 A.D., during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, and not long after the death of the Apostle John, Pliny the Younger was appointed governor of the province of Bithynia in Asia Minor. In one of his first reports he told the emperor of his contact with the curious sect of the Christians, and of how he had been solemnly assured that their worst offense was in gathering before dawn on an appointed day--no doubt Sunday--to sing in responsive fashion hymns to Christ as God."

by Edward S. Ninde, D.D. in Nineteen Centuries of Christian Song (MCMXXXVIII)

Garden - week 3

2010-04-24T14:51:00.003-05:00

This is one of our square foot garden boxes. We've also got a "Three Sisters" mound. Everything except the cantaloupe is growing!

With God as Your Reward

2010-04-10T11:46:00.004-05:00

Rise up and take your place.

God is your great reward.

No one will ever satisfy

Like Him who make you whole.

He called you in the night

And spoke to your deaf ears.

Christ so worthy redeemed your soul,

Restored the locust's years.

To whom now do you turn?

Has one man loved you more

Than He who set your life ablaze

Amid the winter storm?

How far has he removed

Your punishment from you.

How purely white you have been cleansed

And washed with grace anew.

Rise, O, rise, child of God

To take your place and lead

A faithful generation home

With God the one you please.

Love and Justice

2010-04-10T11:41:00.001-05:00

8.6.8.6.

God's justice satisfied at last

On Christ the Son wrath poured.

God's perfect love and just demand

Reveal His nature pure.

He raised from Adam's curse of death

Our everlasting King.

Almighty God in grace procured

A righteous gathering.

Through faith desire commenced within

Now our affections rise.

Completed He what we could not

And opened blinded eyes.

All hail the King of wondrous works

Whose body bears the scars.

True love's sacrificial gift

And heaven's full reward.

Born Country

2010-03-23T17:42:00.001-05:00

My friend Marcy just posted a country video on her blog. It brought back some memories...

No Chairs Inside

2010-03-20T19:17:00.006-05:00

8.8.8.8.

The holy priests in garments white
Unending work, no chairs inside
For who could rest from sin's effect
Unceasing flow of blood to let

Sufficient grace, Christ's offering
One final priest and last Lamb slain
His work completed once-for-all
He sat to rule and stayed the Law

Death passed by me, forgiveness mine
All glory to the risen King!
In stone no more God's precepts writ
For on my heart reads truth divine.

No chairs inside this heart so changed
I stand to meet the Christ I love
My will with His, my passions raised
And eyes so fixed on Him enthroned.

(c) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle. Inspiration from Hebrews 10.

Could I But Earn My Savior's Love

2010-03-06T19:44:00.003-06:00

8.6.8.6.

Could I but earn my Savior's love
by striving to repay?
Could I preserve eternal robes
so well His favor swayed?

My inner lot shall not redeem
Salvation's costly gain.
Nor will I buy the right man's eye
For holiness to feign.

I can't dismiss my ransom paid,
Eternal Son came down.
His flesh for mine, perfection slain,
My guilt in Him atoned.

(c) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

To Harbor Safe

2010-03-06T19:37:00.003-06:00

S.M.

Angels sing of glory,
While earth in labor waits.
Christ's melody of faithful love
Guides ships to harbor safe.

Though the sky is empty
And evil takes its stand,
My eyes hold to the cloudless sky
To see the Son of Man.

I will wait for Glory.
Yes, I will watch for Him.
My heart beholds salvific love
Secured by gracious winds.

(c) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

Words to Speak - In what do you delight?

2010-03-02T19:43:00.003-06:00

What will our words earn us
Before the throne of God?
Will not the grand and certain boast
Deserve the wrathful flood?

Words of deepest marrow
Let spill from open lips.
Confession tunes our hearts to God
And quickens willful steps.

Leave your chains of safety.
Delight in God most high.
He pours His praise on faithful men
And hears their rightful cry.

(c) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

Part of this Psalm was written in response to my thinking on Psalm 37.

Revive Me

2010-02-12T22:56:00.002-06:00

7.6.7.6.

Revive me, O God, revive.
Let these empty bones live.
In lovingkindness keep me,
My feet secure from whim.

To You, O Lord, I listen.
Your words embody truth.
What other voice would I trust
For wisdom's good rebuke?

With weakness in this vessel,
My feet are prone to run.
But let your Word still my heart
And tune my ears to One.

(c) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

Inspiration from Psalm 138.

God Pomp

2010-02-12T22:52:00.004-06:00

8.7.8.7.

Arise and sing to natures King,
Our hope and Lord of Glory.
To Him be praise for world so raised.
With gleaming pride adore Him.

Shine forth your worth with image birthed,
O man you are a wonder.
For purest Light breathed forth man's life.
Exalt the great Creator.

But Adam fell and bent t'ward Hell,
Despising God Almighty.
Imputed sin indebted men,
Not one escapes the jury.

Yet Christ redeemed with death so pleased,
The spotless Lamb forsaken.
His stately tree from bended knee
Invites the weak and broken.

Renown exceeds His gentle deed.
No idol wins such honor.
All hail the King of Victory,
Jesus alone our Savior.

(c) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

The Eyes of God

2010-02-12T22:41:00.005-06:00

C.M. 8.6.8.6.

The eyes of God that see the heart
In righteousness prevail.
Yea man sees not the soul's great worth
And reckons man to fail.

But neither sin or scoff will part
God's vow of selfless love.
For sure behind the christened lot
He veils His holy Dove.

Complain we not for His name's sake
All laud belongs to Him.
Each one we came with empty hands
No payment for our sin.

All kin by faith, beloved throng,
Pronounce the sacred head.
We are the church who stands as one
Through resurrection wed.

(C) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

God humbled me recently through a brother's brokenness. My response to his weakness contrasted the frustration I sometimes feel. Philippians 2:14-16 brought conviction about my attitude of self-righteousness. Disunity has no place in the church of Christ. When I judge according to my sinful attitude, I look past the child of God and to the failure I assume is his. As the church, we need God's Word to bring us truth in the midst of relational difficulties.

The Road to Zion

2010-02-12T22:33:00.004-06:00

10.10.10.10.

Shadows fall long on this dry, dusty road.
Pathway to Zion its mystery holds.
Highest of mountains before and behind
Carve the valley of weeping, O faith's night!

Long is the path, but soon will be the day
Our rising Redeemer will end night's stay.
His promise of grace enables our eyes.
From strength to strength His ready might supplied.

Now is the day through storms to persevere.
One day before the throne we will appear.
Praise with hope the Father, Spirit and Son,
For our feet on the path that's wrought with love.

(C) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

This song has been birthed as I slowly emerge from my own valley of weeping. Psalm 84 ministered to my heart so strongly, and propelled me to consider the Lord's place with me during this time. I will arrive at Zion in strength.

A Song for the Martyrs

2010-02-12T17:08:00.003-06:00

Below is one stanza from Martin Luther's song "Flung to the Heedless Winds." Luther started the reformation, which split the protestant church from the Catholic church in the 16th-17th centuries. Many people died taking a stand for salvation through faith apart from works, the place of Scripture as the church's authority, etc. It's amazing to read as you place yourself in the shoes of someone who said goodbye to a faithful saint.

Stanza #9
Flung to the heedless winds
Or on the waters cast,
The martyrs' ashes watched,
Shall gathered be at last.
And from that scattered dust,
Around us and abroad,
Shall spring a plenteous seed
Of witnesses for God.

The Father hath received
Their latest living breath,
And vain is Satan's boast
Of vict'ry in their death.
Still, still, tho' dead, they speak,
And, trumpet-tongued, proclaim
To many a wak'ning land
The one availing Name.

God Verbs (2)

2010-02-10T18:32:00.002-06:00

7.6.7.6.

God lives forever holy.
God speaks forever true.
God creates out of nothing.
God breathes life into you.

God sees every sinful heart.
God knows the lives we lead.
God stepped down from heaven's throne.
God imposed, so take heed.

God hung on a Roman cross.
Gos prayed, "Father, forgive."
God reached wide to give His life.
God saved so you might live.

God calls you by His Spirit.
God seals you with His name.
God anoints every worker.
God heals from Satan's game.

God holds you close as a son.
God names you with His own.
God loves you for glory's sake.
God fits you with a crown.

God sends you out to harvest.
God serves you with His pray'r.
God binds you with believers.
God endures with great care.

(c) 2010 by Kendra Hinkle.

Yes, Faith

2010-02-07T15:54:00.005-06:00

Yes, faith has been required

Since God awakened man.

The heavenly lights raise their voice-

Allude to Glory's hand.

Yes, faith God smiled upon,

Through fallen man foretold.

The promised and anointed One

A King, Messiah, Son.

Yes, faith is our answer.

We watch for Christ again.

The perfect One raised to His throne,

A sacrificial Lamb.

Yes, faith God requires

To blanket earth with grace.

He sends the saints, in Spirit laced,

To boast salvation's song.

Format is in Short Meter. Scriptural influence from Ps. 19 with Ps. 2, Ro. 1 & 10. See also discussion at jdwalt.com (Feb. 5, 2010).

Exponential Creativity

2010-01-18T12:09:00.003-06:00

Creative desire and potential may show up as a loner, but creative products, results, outgrowth, or any masterpiece is borne of teamwork. Many people sense that something new needs to be done in ministry, but only a few step up and volunteer. Together we make things happen. Never underestimate the power of your neighbor!

p. xvi, Color Outside the Lines by Howard G. Hendricks (a.k.a. "Prof")

Old Running Shoes, Old Habits

2010-01-16T15:58:00.002-06:00

Only a snob would overlook such quality. Torn mesh. Caked in mud. Worn smooth tread. These lads faithfully served my feet for several years and through half marathon training. But unfortunately, they served their purpose and are on the downhill stride. My feet wore the inside of the heels down through the lining, through the comfy shoe innards, leaving only the hard stuff that shapes the heel.

My degenerated running shoes remind me of old habits. Faithful to us, aren't they? We put certain thoughts into actions. And those actions get regular priority because they serve us in some way. Repeated again and again, we hard-wire our neural pathways into habits. Seems beneficial right? But unfortunately those old habits don't leave on their own. When habits cause us harm spiritually, emotionally, or relationally, we find ourselves facing a choice between God's best or our chosen habit.

If you're like me, life has included some very bad habits - the kind that lead you to the spiritual pit. Those habits can take years upon years to break and replace. I'd love to paint a pretty picture of turning away from sin, but the road out of the pit isn't paved, it's gravel. Each step takes balance and strength. Unpredictable strides. And you can bet that at several points you're going to bite it, taking a rest while you dig gravel bits out of your skin.

But you can get up and keep going.

You're not alone. Step back into stride. And keep your eyes focused on the glory of Christ ahead of you. The God who saved your life from the wages of sin enabled you to get out of this pit. The essence of victory lives in you through the gift of the Holy Spirit. One day you will look back, amazed at how far you've come. Even your own mind will change the way it works. New neural pathways. A renewed heart. God will accomplish it in you, with you, giving you confidence to turn away from old, sinful habits.

Are you troubled by the reality of your sin? Good. That's what Christ died for. That reality will always trouble you, but instead of discouragement a song of redemption will rise in you on that road out of the pit. So as you struggle today, remember that you can do this. You can climb out with God's help. And there will be rejoicing along the way.

Sing a song of redemption today, because it is yours through Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection.

How blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Passing through the valley of weeping [Baca] they make it a spring;
The early rain also covers it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength,
Every one of them appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84:5-7, NASB

Was David a real King?

2010-01-08T10:35:00.003-06:00

New archaelogical finding of Elah fortress (between Gath of the Philistines and Jerusalem) during the time of David evidences a kingdom that is little known about outside of the Bible!

New York Times reports:

http://www.elahfortress.com/page18/page23/page23.html

A Vision for the Head and the Heart

2009-12-06T10:46:00.003-06:00

"So there is a second task needed in winning people over to a vision... Not only must there be thorough exegesis, there must also be a portrayal of the vision that satisfies the heart as well as the head. Or to put it another way: we must commend the beauty as well as the truth of the vision. We must show that something is not only right but also good. It is not only valid, but also valuable; not only accurate but also admirable."

This quote speaks of biblical manhood and womanhood ( ...), but I think the truth of vision casting for anything should take on both the factional rationale and the appeal to the heart. What a great application for any teacher, evangelist, or visioneer!

Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood. Chapter 1 by John Piper, p. 33. Piper and Grudem, eds. Wheaton: Crossway, 1991.

Beautiful Scandalous Night #2

2009-12-02T17:20:00.001-06:00

Empty Hands

2009-11-15T22:10:00.002-06:00

Beautiful empty hands
in this dark night of my soul.
I've nothing to bring,
I never did.

But the emptiness reminds me
that the day it all began on June eleven
I could barely understand,
but I believed.

The cleansing water was sprinkled.
Jesus washed away the guilt of my sin.
My life exchanged for His
and the Spirit entered in.

No reason for boasting -
I played as a child, but something had changed.
Peace dwelt in my heart
first I'd ever known.

No returning to the land of death
even today in my dark night.
God changed me forever.
I am His.

Still to this day
I proclaim with joy these empty hands.
I've nothing to bring my living King.
Praise God, I never did.

(C) 2009 by Kendra Hinkle.

I Boast No More

2009-11-15T21:39:00.001-06:00

2009-11-11T21:13:00.002-06:00

My grandfather died this past week, so I spent the weekend at the family farm where I grew up. I'm glad that I'm part of a family who has a good name - a reputation of hard work, dedication, and loyal friendship.

Randomly Me

2009-10-24T20:50:00.004-05:00

I don't know that I ever spend time writing about my personal life. I usually seem to have a purpose in sharing something God-focused. That is good. But I think it misrepresents who I am, if that's all I show you. So, here's my random story for the day.

My friend Peggy and I decided to go walking at the Lake Ray Roberts this morning. We like the trails, though they aren't quite as good as Colorado, Washington state, or the Smoky Mountains. It's mostly flat around here, so we hike with the mountains in our imaginations. The lake is pretty.

On the way, I almost killed us. We were completely on the wrong course at that point. Somehow we were too busy talking to notice a turn. As of yet, we've not made it to the lake as planned even once. Always stinkin' lost in the car. Maybe we'll get it next time.

Anyway, after we figured out that we were lost, Peggy told me to turn left. I confidently prepared to turn right. Peggy pointed out that I was turning the wrong way - which didn't register in my head for a while. Then as I figure out the problem, she decides to tell me we're about to die. I had failed to see the red light.

Burnt rubber stinks bad. I think I burned up most of my brakes.

We eventually got to our hiking spot, after only one wrong turn onto the well-marked "maintenance only" road. And with our luck, the national adventure race championships were being held. We didn't realize that we'd be sharing the path with bikers until we got a mile in. And it was completely muddy. We spent most of the time scaling mud holes and watching out for horses and bikes. But it was a workout all the same.

After about 3 miles, I kept giving excuses as to why we should keep going just a little further. (Keep in mind you have to turn around and cover the same mileage on the way back.) I hadn't brought water or eaten breakfast, so at the very least I was looking at 6 miles. But the turnaround point was just around the corner... just a little farther... see that opening ahead... the power lines mean we're close... I can hear the highway... let's just find the next marker so we'll remember how far we got next time... the cows mean there are houses and the road must be close... the trail markers are getting closer together and that means we're getting close... My ridiculous reasoning went on and on. But she didn't draw the line, so we kept on caking mud to our clothes and wading through the bogs.

Eventually, I pointed out the water tower 20 miles away and said, "See. We're almost there!" By that point delirious laughing was all we could do. We both wanted to get to the turnaround and enjoy some civilized facilities before having to turn back around. We could sense we were so close! A woman's intuition should never be questioned.

Ten miles. We went 10 miles total.

At one point I decided I needed to pray for food and water because we both have issues with low blood sugar. Just as I started, "Okay, Lord..." I realized I was passing a water bottle in the brush. It just so happened that it was an unopened, didn't expire until 2011, bottle of Ozarka water. I inspected the seal. Totally unbroken. Someone must have dropped it.

Thank you, Jesus! I would have gotten pretty sick without water on the way back.

There was also a Red Bull in the parking lot at the turnaround, but we decided against the sugar content. We were pretty close to having it, though. Desperate times call for desperate measures. =) It was noon by then, and we'd been going for over a couple of hours.

Four hours later, we returned to the car moving slow motion and caked in mud. We were silent. Too tired to talk. Mission accomplished.

So I got home and made breakfast at 3 pm - scrambled eggs, sausage, and toast.

Grace Demands Grit

2009-10-17T11:17:00.003-05:00

Unless you are one of the women I have discipled, my commendation might usually be a safe and well-planned route in life. I would not want to direct you to stupidity. But if I have spent time with you and allowed you to see how I live out my priorities and decisions, then I cannot hide the fact that my life is not safe or comfortable in many ways.

I am driven by grace. Shown mercy and made new - I'm not who I once was. Walking down a hallway when I was 17, I responded to that grace. Somehow. Within. I affirmed the stirring on my heart that working for the glory of Jesus would be the path of my life.

No career.

Just a dream of serving God with my life, my desires, my grit.

Through this commitment, and with grace leading me, I faced my fears within men's and women's prisons. I fed misplaced friends with my last cans of food. I packed my car with the unsettling question, "Where will I sleep for two weeks?" I shared my faith in China and fell sick. My list, and your list, I'm sure could take up pages. But in every one of them, the grace of God drives us. And, for me, I struggle with my flesh the whole way. These choices in faith demand grit.

But what about the daily, mundane, and unromantic moments? When I need to confront in love. When I ask for forgiveness because I'm a jerk. When the commitment interrupts my sleep. When my budget just doesn't cut it. Even here I have to live with grit and look to the enduring joy that is mine in Christ.

Living out grace demands our grit. Every commended Bible man or woman had true grit in life. The path wasn't easy. Difficulty abounded. But joy remained.

God Verbs

2009-10-05T22:16:00.003-05:00

God lives.
God speaks.
God creates
and God breathes.

God sees.
God knows.
God stepped down
and God imposed.

God hung.
God prayed.
God reached wide
and God saved.

God calls.
God seals.
God anoints
and God heals.

God holds.
God names.
God loves you
for glory's sake.

God sends.
God serves.
God unites
and God endures.

(c) 2009 by Kendra Hinkle.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Tonight as I said goodbye to the Dallas skyline, I decided to keep the car stereo off. I don't prefer to hear myself sing. But sometimes you just have to respond to who God is and what He's done.

My women's class covered word-smithing. So my mind was ready to choose good, strong verbs. My song became. . .the God verbs. I recommend making your own song, but here's mine. I stuck with one syllable verbs mostly. Sorry there's no tune! I'm not sure how to communicate that. You'll have to make a new one up for your own song.

Have fun with your God verbs!

The Old Things...A Quote by J.C. Ryle

2009-09-19T00:04:00.002-05:00

It is easy to use them in a cold and heartless way. The very familiarity of them is apt to make us careless. . . Let us strive to use the old prayers, and sing the old hymns, and kneel at the old communion rail, and hear the old truths preached, with as much freshness and appetite as in the year we first believed.

J.C. Ryle, Holiness (written pre-1900)

On Holiness. . .

2009-08-29T16:34:00.003-05:00

"A man may go great lengths, and yet never reach trule holiness. It is not knowledge--Balaam had that: nor great profession--Judas Iscariot had that: nor doing many things--Herod had that: nor zeal for certain matters in religion--Jehu had that: nor morality and outward respectability of conduct--the young ruler had that: not taking pleasure in hearing preachers--the Jews in Ezekiel's time had that: nor keeping company with godly people--Joab and Gehazi and Demas had that. Yet none of these was holy! These things alone are not holiness." (34-35)

"And this I do boldly and confidently say, that true holiness is a great reality. It is something in a man that can be seen, and known, and marked, and felt by all around him. It is light: if it exists, it will show itself. It is salt: if it exists, its savour will be perceived. It is a precious ointment: if it exists, its presence cannot be hid." (39)

From Holiness by J. C. Ryle (Fleming H. Revell Company, New Jersey).

P.S. Not sure I agree with Ryle's full opinion in the book, but was struck by these quotes.

Until Heaven is Home

2009-08-25T22:51:00.007-05:00

God once breathed and created;
wind of life birthed the ground.
Hands of splendor formed man's image;
Ruling earth, a servant crowned.

Yahweh spoke and chose a nation,
Set a king upon her throne.
Though expelled in sin - expect, remember.
Cloud and pillar led Israel home.

Immanuel came to call the nations;
Humility's garment enwrapped a child.
Justice and compassion intermingled,
Upon the Son His wrath not mild.

Little ones gathered with bated breath,
Raised for heaven, called from death.
Spirit moved and walls were shaken;
Ruah anointed the fellowship with oil.

Shout and dance --
God resides among His people.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
With the saints today are found.

Stand up, honor, adore your Lamb.
Our time is short to make Him known.
Praise the Lord wholly invested!
Praise Him until heaven is home.

(c) 2009 by Kendra Hinkle.

This is a personal psalm I'll come back to later. Not too fond of it, but working with paralellism and the traditional structure of a Psalm was fun. I've tweaked and changed some of the order...so it really doesn't follow the correct form any more of the Biblical Psalms.

The Conversation in Psalm 51

2009-07-08T20:20:00.009-05:00

Cleanse me, because You alone are holy.

Fall on your knees, child of God.

Purify me, for You alone are able.

From within I will restore you.

Breathe into me, so that I may live in your presence.

My Spirit is with you.

Deliver me into joy through brokenness and faith.

For I delight to see my Son living through you.

Your glory on the mountain is a wall for this city.

Don't be afraid. I am in my place to uphold the heart of the righteous.

Spiritual 911

2009-07-07T20:21:00.004-05:00

. . .the "first aid" in every spiritual accident is the simple act of telling Him everything.

Lewis Sperry Chafer, He that is Spiritual

I like this quote today. It reminds me of David, of a repentant heart, of the close proximity of God to the sinner.

Your Word

2009-06-15T18:36:00.006-05:00

Lord, your word stands before me.
it towers from above me.
my authority.

Lord, your word searches me,
discerns me,
knows me.

your word holds firm,
unbending,
convicting.

Lord, your word humbles me.

your word is love,
discipline,
and pain.

from your mouth
torrents of grace,
today.

your word heals,
cleanses,
hope restored.

from your lips,
truth.

trustworthy.

good.

You.

(c) 2009 by Kendra Hinkle.

Guard Your Heart, part 2 (Psalm 139:1-5)

2009-05-10T22:11:00.008-05:00

Proverbs 4:20-27 taught us to guard our hearts by humbling ourselves under godly teaching and making daily choices consistent with God's truth. But has anyone else ever cringed at the prospect of godly teaching? I like to receive truth and make my own judgments independently. That's very different from making my life vulnerable, facing accountability, and receiving feedback according to the Bible. Does truth have to be that personal? I like my independent rights as an American!

If I have to be real, then most likely you will see that I'm easily crushed under that kind of honesty, or I puff-up in pride when I receive constructive criticism. The fear of man in me LOOKS like obedience from the outside. But when I'm real, I must painfully admit that the fear of man and sin often motivate my daily decisions.

Psalm 139:1-5 considers the scrutiny of God as a blessing.

O, Lord, you have searched me and known me.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

You understand my thoughts from afar.

You scrutinize my path and my lying down,

and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. . .

You have enclosed me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.

To "scrutinize" literally means to winnow. In the time of David (the Psalm's author), farmers harvested grain and beat it out at the threshing floor so that the kernels of grain would break free from the plant. Piles of grain and chaff were left. The threshing floor sat atop a hill, usually a flat place available to the community. As wind blew across the top of the hill, farmers would toss the grain into the air. The heavier kernels would fall to the ground and the light chaff would catch the wind and blow away. Farmers used winnowing as an act of separating the valuable from the worthless.

If someone's path and lying down are being winnowed by the Lord, then they have the blessing of a life being separated into valuable and not-so-valuable components. The Lord actively separates the good from the bad, both in outward actions and in the heart. He leads us to remove parts of life and heal places in the heart so that our spiritual lives will be healthy. They places of healing and removal are like chaff being blown away by the Spirit of God. But other parts have significant value and receive a newfound priority. These build us up in relationship with God and others.

Next, the Psalm says that the Lord encloses us behind and before, and lays His hand upon the psalmists head. Is anyone else feeling a little claustrophobic? I like my space to make decisions (ie. to flex my spiritual muscles), not to be boxed in and held down! But King David found great value in being protected by boundaries. Kings protected cities by fortified walls and strong gates. Shepherds protected sheep by occasionally herding them into pens to keep them from wandering. Protection was an act of faithful and kind love.

Boundaries limit freedom. But boundaries, given by God, also protect our hearts from greater sin. Take, for example, sexual sin that can quickly become a life-entangling addiction. This could be pornography, lust (including emotional lust for women), sexual promiscuity, etc. In American culture today, our rights to practice any of these are considered a private matter. We decide if, when, and how to indulge our desires. But under God's instruction in the Bible, specific boundaries have been laid in these areas, a protection for the dignity of man and the marriage covenant. Even the most private parts of our lives have been given boundaries for the heart's protection against sin.

The Lord's winnowing and His boundaries reveal sin. And that may cause pain, discouragement, or disappointment. Yet, God stays close in faithful love. He presents us with truth, especially in the areas we are not getting what a holy life should be. As we grow, that scrutiny becomes an act of grace -- an effort to draw us closer to Him through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

Is God winnowing you? Is He hemming you in behind and before? How so? May we choose to recognize and proclaim His goodness as He does so in each of our lives.

Scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible.

Sight for the Blind

2009-03-28T15:00:00.005-05:00

I recently shared elsewhere about a blindfold I wear for praying through difficult times of faith. The source of that blindfold is the story below. Keep in mind that now I am in Texas, and have been here for many years:

(written Sunday, February 13, 2005 by Kendra Hinkle)

Be Thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me,
save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
(8th century Irish hymn)

This past summer, I spent some time playing in the Little Painted Dessert in Arizona with a team of college students. We took off running down the thin pathways of colored rubble, and skated down steep embankments of loosenning rock. After a while there were a few of us left, jumping dry stream beds and discovering fossilized trees while we ran. Off in the distance we headed to a 75-foot drop where you could stand and surf down a crumbling rubble embankment. After my first ride down and ending knee deep in loose rock, I headed up for another try. I gazed about a mile over the landscape, and my innate drive to run began to well up within me. Abandoning a second surf down the hill, I grabbed a fellow runner - a girl on our trip who had already been my adventure partner early in the mornings on the Navajo reservation.

We took off running a new trail through the hills and valleys...keeping an eye to the dot (our van) on the ridge above. Running in that place was a moment I will remember forever. No maps...just pure love for what God enabled us to do. We ran long and hard, and eventually slowed to a walk as we ascended the steeper parts of the trail.

Later that week, we were blindfolded and taken into a van. As the van bumped over rough terrain, a song with the lyrics, "I'm desperate for you. I'm lost without you," played in the background. As I sat there, tears began to stream down my face. The song played, and the memory of the previous run through the Little Painted Dessert played through my mind. There was a God-ordained freedom in that moment of running. No fear. No need for a map. But in my memory, there were no longer two runners tracking among the breathtaking landscape...there were three. I became overwhelmed as I realized that God was with me in that moment, in a very personal way.

The van stopped. Our blind, human chain climbed a rugged trail. Finally, we removed our blindfolds in front of two dead limbs fashioned into a cross. I went off by myself and sat on a volcanic rock ledge overlooking the landscape. I began to sense God calling me to place the blindfold over my eyes both spiritually and physically as I prayed over the decisions ahead in my life, and recited Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowlege Him and he will make your paths straight" (NIV). It was the same verse the Lord had given me four years earlier upon entry into my current ministry situation. Then, He was calling me to contentment in Him in all of the newness of Indiana, and now He was calling me back out.

As the impact of those moments has joined with my situation, I have decided to follow with a blindfold on. Everything I own on this earth is packed into a 5 X 10 space. My suitcases, which will be my traveling companions, are almost ready. The destination: first to the family farm where I grew up. Solitude will retune and deepen my ears for the Lord. After some more trips to see various family members, I will begin to apply and search with the Lord for what He is specifically calling me to.

Lord, be my vision and my strength. My legs are weary, but yours are sure. I cannot see ahead of me, but I have your voice to guide my steps. No one is like you, Lord. There is none who compare.

Scripture marked “NIV” is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Sometimes...

2009-03-22T12:03:00.002-05:00

Sometimes kyaking backwards is an important skill, but you will get very frustrated because I can't navigate well that way and make us go in circles.

Sometimes I get dizzy spells and can't go into the office on time. But I prove I'm sober when get there by walking like on a balance beam and touching my finger to my nose.

Sometimes I forget to zip my fly. Augh!!!! Makes me so mad that I forget so often. Why me, Lord?! Why did I have to get left out of the common sense gene pool?

Sometimes when I'm on walks men stand half naked in their yards and stare endlessly at the sky, or balance on small cement blocks and stare at stop signs. There are some strange characters who live near campus.

Sometimes I do a few pushups.

Screenwriting and Story

2009-03-05T21:24:00.008-06:00

Screenwriting might not be my forte, but story is. I'm unearthing some great insight into how I write, read, and speak about God's word, as well as new ways to understand story. The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler is a common text for those in screenwriting and film industry. It's not a book built from how movies are made, but a book resulting from research on how people have told stories from different cultures over the course of history. Many of the movies we see have likely been impacted by people taking cues from this work.

So what is it that draws millions of our dollars, our time, and our attention? Hehe. Read the book and find out. =-)

On a smaller note, the below quote reminded me of how even the small things we do can help people prepare for the story of God as they come to church:

"The great German stage and film director Max Reinhardt believed that you can create an atmosphere in a theatre well before an audience sits down or the curtain goes up. A carefully selected title can strike a metaphor that ingrigues the audience and attunes them to the coming experience. Good promotion can engage them with images and slogans that are metaphors for the world of your story. By controlling music and lighting as the audience enters the space, and consciously directing such details as the attitudes and costumes of the ushers, a specific mood can be created. The audience can be put in the ideal frame of mind for the experience they will share..." (p.84)

I'm not suggesting the ushers wear costumes, and I lean toward simplicity, but at times we could get creative in preparing better for the story we gather together to remember. Instead of simply promoting a church service, why not promote our story along with it? The attitudes of the ushers even!

Down Home

2009-02-15T13:40:00.007-06:00

Just a few days before a blind date, my sister posted a whole slew of pictures from our years growing up on the farm. Facebook faux pas! To her credit, I hadn't mentioned the date - but had a good laugh at the timing.

I would be the one in blue, upper left. I climbed more like an ape than a kid. Obviously, my keen sense of fashion started on the farm, too.

It was a priceless upbringing with my sister and cousins. We fished, played in the creek when it rained, ate apples from the orchard, fed grass to the horses, and washed dishes after meals. I love them. They are more like sisters than cousins. The land belonged mostly to our grandparents, and my dad bought a few acres from them.

In the pic, we're playing in a chicken pen-converted-to-playhouse contraption. Growing up on the farm gave ample room for imagination and priority to family relationships.

Lip Tint and Holy

2009-02-08T16:57:00.004-06:00

She affirmed, and my heart sank. Can visits to the temple really satisfy the price for forgiveness? Can good works earn you right standing and favor before God? Getting to heaven through good deeds and kindness appeals to my friend's common sense. She says that salvation through Christ alone, offered to those who live bad lives, devalues a life well lived. According to her, we get what we earn.

Our discussion and time in Scripture ended pleasantly, but not joyfully. Seeds planted take time to germinate in the heart, under the control of the Holy Spirit.

How can I explain the nature of who God is? He is holy. His holiness is an attribute. He did not earn it or add it to himself, but exists in that state. So as humans who are included in the "all" of John 3:16 and Romans 3:23, we have been declared sinners. And sinners are not holy. Holiness isn't a trait we can work for or add to ourselves by deeds.

Holiness likens to beauty. Both are traits that pre-exist, and are not added by human hands. Beauty can be enhanced by additions like makeup and clothes and photoshop, but not created by our scheming. Similarly, holiness may be amplified through good works. The holiness of God through a human life is evidenced by actions and behavior, but a sinner cannot add holiness like a Girl Scout badge.

As many hours as I will stand in front of a mirror during my lifetime, I cannot rely on a reflection to measure my beauty. I trust that it is an attribute given to me as one of God's creations. Opinions on attractiveness may vary from person to person, but beauty exists in me through God's hand. Period.

Serving dinners, building houses for the homeless, obeying authorities - all have their rewards. God sees, but he does not call people holy until they believe in Jesus Christ through faith. At that point he reckons to an individual the holiness of Christ. God, who is holy, grants holiness through faith. The works lived out by a person after that point only amplify what God has done in the heart.

While works proceed from a holy life, they are not the cause of holiness. Neither is the measure of a persons beauty solely reliant on lip tint and plastic surgery.

Story

2009-02-01T18:44:00.004-06:00

Well, I'm never going to publish. It's impossible. I just can't shut up long enough to wait on a publisher.

I've been working with my main goals for the Bible study in Ruth, and narrowed in on my goal for twenty-somethings as they process through it. I desire for them to clearly understand and be prepared to share about God's redemption story. Little did I know that story is central to the book of Ruth.

I'm reading in the Anchor Bible commentary on Ruth. Edward Campbell spends a good amount of energy looking at the literary structure and format of Ruth. He's convinced the author of Ruth was a genius because of the word plays, poetry, themes, etc. The book truly existed as a story among Israel. How the author goes about the book keeps us involved and anticipating. He's a master story teller recounting a true life story. Partially, it was developed as oral history. So the author isn't creating all of it. But he is using many contraptions to make the story an extremely well-packaged unit.

One of my favorite speakers excells at story and visual imagery. When I listen, I'm captivated. He understands the use of story and visual connection. Because of how strongly it impacted me, I've started to relearn how to deliver and approach teaching.

If we grasp the story of God, we should be able to share it. Not just drop information on people, but involve them in the romance of a loving God, the power of being saved, and the wonder of who He is. This is our God!

So my heart and my research are going in the same direction. It was very humbling to see that God was leading me, and I didn't even realize it.

He loves His story.

Ode to Amber

2009-01-20T16:51:00.005-06:00

Amber is the kind of girl who will be your friend for life. She will watch movies with you, dump cold water over the curtain when you shower, and sleep outside the bedroom door when you are deathly sick. She likes to play in the snow and play at the prison in Jesus' name. And she will call your cell phone pretending to be a man. I like Amber. She's my friend.

She likes dogs and kids and yelling loud. And its OK if you don't like to yell. She can do it for you. Her mom makes killer Chex Mix. She is crazy fun. She likes to call you when drunk men are banging on her door in the middle of the night and she's waiting for the police. She likes Phil, Jill, and Will as names for apartment plants. And when you kill it because your office has no windows, she will save your ivy plant. She has common sense. She likes to work hard, do youth ministry, play softball, and visit families in Kansas. She'll even ride in your car with gasoline fumes and sparks, with the possibility of death. She loves Jesus and prison inmates. She'll go to your family farm and climb trees, too.

Amber is a true friend. She will put up with your desire to rearrange all the furniture every few months. She will help hold the loveseat from falling from the second floor though it has been impaled by the bannister because you weren't strong enough to lift it up and over. She won't make too much fun of you when you get mad at the Jello after surgery. She will cry with you when the kitten you almost adopted gets sold. And she will be a sport when you wake her up to tell her what you learned. She'll share with you honestly. And best of all, she'll tell you "don't go". . .just to see how long it takes before you stop giving in and actually go.

It's a good thing Amber is my friend!

Ever Increasing Wonder

2008-11-23T22:01:00.002-06:00

Like a fat black “REJECTION” stamp right on my forehead, the letter read:

Adverse Action Notice
Action Taken: Requested Credit Denied

Car shopping isn’t quite as fun as I hoped it might be. I almost had a sexy, stormy grey set of wheels. The nicely quoted price and mediocre financing crumbled upon my head just after I asked to see it all in writing, instead of signing on their dotted line. The day was one fiasco after another in paperwork – an uphill climb that culminated with a cliff instead of greener pastures. I had been bamboozled.

But God had helped me prepare for the day. Not setting my heart on the car, I walked through the dealer’s doors content to wait upon Him - though the purchase seemed like a sure plan. More than helping me to be prepared, each fiasco that arose in the paperwork slowed the process down and gave me courage to speak up amid the frenzy of six people all working my sale.

God has a way of protecting us from what we do not see. In the whirlwind, I gained breath enough to refuse my signature and say, “Wait. Not yet. I want to see this all in writing.”

I walked out the door without a car.

Back at square one, I did more research and planned for another full day of car shopping around the metroplex. Before I took off for the city, I gave into the thought that had been on my mind since I first visited a particular dealership. A salesman there needed to see God at work, and I had a strong feeling that I should return.

I wanted to roll my eyes. “I have been to the lot, Lord. They don’t have what I’m looking for.” But I called the man and asked to look around one more time, fully planning on driving on my way into the city to get the real shopping under way.

Long story short – I bought a car before I even left town.

But in the process God did some amazing work before the salesman’s eyes. I had told him of my experience at the last dealer – how I had prayed and how it had all gone wrong. He later recounted that “something” told me not to go through with it.

I thought, “That ‘something’ is about to begin to show you that it is a Someone who is very real.”

Prospects on my loan were not favorable because of no credit history, and he was honest with what they were expecting to hear back from banks. I suggested we take a break for lunch while waiting on one banker to return a call with my sealed fate.

I began petitioning the Lord for favor from this banker and for its witness to this salesman about the Living God. I smiled so big when he called me back into the office to say, “I’ve NEVER seen this happen before.” My situation and the low interest rate completely broke all the normal trends. (I've not yet found anyone who hasn't been surprised when I tell them.)

When it began unfolding and I saw his response I thought, “Mr. Salesman, let me introduce you to that “something,” who really is a Someone called God.” I didn’t share the gospel, but seeds were planted. What an exciting day!

That big fat rejection letter I mentioned above. . . I got it after I bought my new car. Rejected credit was another thing the other dealership hadn’t told me about. But reading the letter made me smile. That closed door was perfect and good. God had a plan in store so much bigger than my own transportation needs. My heart is ever increasing in wonder of my amazing God.

He cares.
He loves.
He lives.

He is revealing Himself.

deep southern roll

2008-11-06T14:20:00.003-06:00

I got a ticket! An elder from our church was sick, so I took his spot.
=-)

Denver Moore, whose early life was spent on plantations picking cotton, didn't speak much. He gave a poignant and quick word with wisdom that God allowed the homeless streets to teach him, then closed in song. The kind of song that spills off your toungue with the rhythm and sound of a slow but hopeful train - full of soul, a deep southern roll with moments of shrill reality.

same kind of different as me.

2008-11-03T18:16:00.007-06:00

Ron Hall and Denver Moore will be at our annual community prayer breakfast on Thursday as the keynote speakers. I am so sad that I waited to get a ticket! Seating is at capacity.

The hope of attending motivated me to read the book this Saturday. The book engaged me so well. I was sweating in the heat, pulling cotton in Louisiana and watching people file through the food line at the Fort Worth homeless shelter. My heart broke, too, at the recognition of suffering and loss.

The book helped me to prayerfully remember and to focus on what God called me to do on this campus in His name. I remember the moment of walking through it with selfish pride in my heart and hearing God whisper, "Feed my sheep." Though it was far from the purpose of the book, I grew in conviction of my place to feed Christ's sheep in the campus where I live.

Guard Your Heart (Proverbs 4:20-27)

2008-10-28T10:47:00.005-05:00

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (v. 23)

I’ve often struggled in what it looks like to love the Lord with all of my heart, soul and mind. Jesus said that doing so was obedience to the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). What comes out of our hearts when we love God, through our relationship with Christ as Savior, is the second greatest commandment. We are enabled to love our neighbors as ourselves. Those who annoy us, serve us, teach us, hate us, or who desperately need us to act - we can love them all because we as sinners have been loved.

Our heart is the seat of an obedient life, and it impacts our ability to sync with the will of God. Both Christ in the New Testament and Solomon of the Old Testament considered the heart to be a significant factor in our relationship to God. We must protect it so that what comes out of us is the life of the redeemed in Christ, not a life controlled by sinful desire.

Proverbs 4:20-27 offers some practical wisdom on how to guard your heart so that you can live wholly devoted to God in Christ. How do you disallow sin to be your driving force for decisions? How do you practically allow the Spirit of God to minister to you so that you can continually behold new life in Christ?

First, Proverbs commends a wise son (just as applicable to a daughter) to receive instruction. This doesn’t mean you wait around for someone to confront you on sin in your life, or that you idly rest in nominal Christianity. In Proverbs, wisdom must be sought after as a treasure. That means you have to situate yourself in a place to receive instruction and give honor to what is good. You actively humble yourself to faithful Christians who are more wise than yourself. Where have you placed yourself? Under whom are you learning to be a perseverant saint?

Secondly, you choose a straight path. This means that daily choices reflect the same values as when you sit in church. They are based on a redeemed relationship in Christ. Walking a straight path is difficult when your heart is not fully devoted to God. Most of us choose devotion to ourselves, love interests or even food – much more readily than we do Christ. Our choices should reflect our devotion to God in Christ, a place of humility as God’s grace is heaped upon us to do what is right.

It really is that simple. Humble yourself to a place of learning, and seek out a Biblical teacher who will instruct you on a faithful Christian life. And start making choices that keep you on the right path, a protection for your heart in Christ.

Ugly

2008-10-23T22:29:00.002-05:00

Lord, my ugliness is buried in your beauty. I am so grateful that you bear my sin and shame. May you increase as the one-and-only in my life.

My small group has been writing "Letters from Your Tempter," which focus on a particular sin area each of us struggles with. We take turns composing a letter in the style of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters. Prayer and discussion ensue. The experience has deepened our connections and vulnerability in a very creative way. We celebrate. We cry. I love this!

Top of the Food Chain

2008-10-12T22:34:00.003-05:00

My trusty 1993 Ford gracefully pulled up to a four-way stop. No cars to the right. No cars to the left. Squirrel on the left. Squirrel approaching. What!

The only car around and a squirrel decides to run up to my car and the open driver's window. He's got a nut in his mouth and seems to be asking for more. He just stands there and waits. Hello! I am at the top of the food chain and my car can squash you. Go away. Be intimidated! Grrrr!!!

No luck. He just stood there watching me a few inches away. I started to get scared he was going to jump in for a ride.

Instead of humiliating myself and conversing tersely with the thing, I reved my engine. He got my drift and ran off.

An Offering of Praise

2008-10-04T21:08:00.004-05:00

The Tabernacle had no original instructions for those who ministered through music before the LORD. The instructions in the Bible focus on construction, Levitical function in sacrifices and instruments, and transporting its components as they traveled. But when David prepared for the building of the Temple many years later, he assigned a portion of the Levites as those who would minister to the LORD through music and song (1 Chron 23).

Lately I've been thinking on this transition, and why it was introduced through David as a holy practice in the Temple before God. Some of our earliest memories are of David playing harp for King Saul to sooth his troubled spirit. David authored of many Psalms and danced unashamedly before the Ark as it entered Jerusalem. Music and song were part of his life. Was the introduction of music and praise as work in the Temple David's idea or God's?

"All this," said David, "the LORD made me understand. . ." (1 Chron 28:11, 13, 19 NAS). The reassigning of Levites to work within the Temple was part of the new plan. Music and praise, a common aspect of Israelite life, was now part of the practice of worship in the Temple through Asaph and His sons. Energies would no longer be spent packing and carrying the Tabernacle from place to place, but the LORD would cause His name to dwell in the Temple. Morning and night songs of praise would rise to Him, along with sacrifice.

Dr. Allman, a DTS prof, says that praise is not to be taken lightly. Praise is a statement of faith in the person of God - something that we hold as absolute and should be reflected in our lives. What the sons of Asaph sang would be a statement of faith and worship of the LORD. As a nation they would be accountable in the way they lived out their lives. Word and deed, song and sacrifice, should be equal.

In my life, in my church, are song and sacrifice equal? Is song given without sacrifice? Do I praise by word without living out the same truth? Does my church sing but not act, speak but not practice faith?

Candy Corn Diet & Worship Quote

2008-09-19T08:43:00.004-05:00

I have found the perfect diet! A few days ago I ate my weight in candy corn, and it eradicated my appetite for the next 12 hours. I lowered the quantity for the next day, and it did the same thing. Who knew candy corn could be an appetite suppressant?!

While I am talking about nothing in particular, a new phenomenon has developed as I fall asleep at night. I dream about puppies. Golden retriever puppies. Black lab puppies. Cocker spaniel puppies. Beagle puppies. What is that about?

Worship quote (paraphrase) for the week:

"God is not interested in our innovations to worship... Biblical worship does not ask, What represents our culture best? Biblical worship asks, What best represents who our God is?"

by Dr. James Allman

Dallas Theological Seminary, BE 103, Fall 2008

A Friend from China

2008-09-07T20:55:00.004-05:00

A former student from China came to visit. My boss & his family hosted her, and we had lots of Texas fun! Baking chocolate chip cookies was one of her favorite memories.

Self-Giving God: Presence

2008-08-25T18:27:00.004-05:00

I laid in bed peeling layer after layer from my heart and laying it before the Lord. I had grown weary and lonely from the many changes, new job expectations, and separation from friends. What I wouldn't give to have Him wrap His arms around me, to speak truth that would remind me of His closeness.

"I need your personal touch." My quiet and longing request...and the silence continued on. Would I really be on my own this time with such a childish request? Am I foolish to believe that God would care to draw near in the smallest of moments?

Silence.

And the doorbell rang. Surely it's not for me. Over twenty girls live here, and I'm the least social of them all! But the footsteps and the voice came strait to my door.

"Kendra? I'm running out to my car to get my DVD player and just thought of you. Do you want to come to my house and watch a movie? "

God's presence amazes me. While He touches us through people, He is present within Christians as the Holy Spirit. He is our gift (Acts 2:38-39).

In the beginning, He was present with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. "They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day" (Gen 2:8, NAS). Later, though God sent Moses as a deliverer, He presented Himself in their midst in the pillar of cloud and fire. His presence was known. "The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light..." (Exodus 13:21, NAS).

He is also present in His promised Son. Isaiah 7:14 receives fulfillment through the birth of Christ, '"Behold the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which translated means, "God with us."' (Matthew 1:23 NAS) Jesus, more than a man representing God, is named as God's very presence among men. No prophet, even with the Holy Spirit of God directing him, is given such a name.

I have only to conclude that God's presence is an act of His self-giving nature. What God gives to us is more than a leader, a word, an answered prayer. He has willingly presented Himself throughout history for the benefit of man. What He gives is Himself.

Self-Giving God: Promise

2008-08-12T18:01:00.004-05:00

Abraham
Seed of nations
Believed God's Word
For a barren womb

Right faith
Bewildered mind
Stars gave count
For tomorrow's life

Yahweh spoke
Promise of land
Peculiar gift
To a childless man

One child
Many nations
Who shall confirm
To bear condemnation?

Abram slept
God walked through
Torch and pieces
On behalf of you

Covenant
Confirmed alone
The LORD bears all
To bring the nomad home

Have you ever been blessed to have someone act or speak on your behalf? Through a simple act or word, another person can remove the burden that you carry. Instead of your effort and work, someone else takes responsibility to see the results come through.

This is what God did on Abram's behalf. While there was no son yet to Abram, God promised that He would be the father of children as countless as the stars. Abram "believed in the LORD" and it was credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6, NAS).

God also promised land. Already populated, God would have to be the driving force to make this promise come true. Abram asked God to confirm His word. The Lord did so in a covenant ritual of the time. Sacrifice was made, and the animal split into two. Those making the covenant would walk between the sacrificial pieces, symbolizing what could be done to them if they failed to come through with their agreement.

As the covenant was made, Abram fell into a deep sleep. This left God alone as the responsible party to walk between the pieces. On behalf of Abram, God was giving full assurance that it would be He who gave this land to the descendants of Abram.

We do see God come through on this promise in the books of Exodus through Joshua. Without God's leading, the descendants of Abraham were unable to secure the Promised Land and be the people from whom the Messiah would come.

A torch of hope, God personally acted on Abram's behalf to secure such a great promise.

Self-Giving God: The Breath of Life

2008-08-05T19:47:00.003-05:00

Face-to-face is a very intimate posture for two people to hold. The intimacy of that moment stirs up the fear of being known and the pleasure of knowing. But God has designed it that way. To be known by another, in intimacy and closeness, resembles the spiritual fulfillment that we have with God through Jesus Christ.

Can you imagine waking up face-to-face with God?

Your source of life. Your greatest need. The very life you live began with God. Literally read, "Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7) After having fashioned Adam from the dust of the earth, with His hands, God now employs His face in the creation of man. God does not need oxygen as if He had a body, but the Bible tells us that God formed with his hands and that He breathed. My assumption from the continuing bodily imagery is that God exhaled in order to give man his first breath of life.

Face-to-face.

Adam awakes to his Creator - the first act of being known for Adam was not sex with Eve. He was first known by God (in a non-sexual way, of course).

God loves us. His actions on our behalf, coming from within His own will and might, are an act of self-giving. He willingly comes face-to-face with Adam to impart life.

Self-Giving God: Imago Dei

2008-08-03T11:45:00.005-05:00

Do you celebrate your birthday or Christmas by giving presents to yourself? Beyond ruining the fun surprise of gifts, celebrating to our own honor is silly because we live in relationship with others. Birthdays are celebrated by those in relationship with and thankful for the life of another person. Also, Christmas honors the wonderful day that Jesus was born. To celebrate we recognize Him in the place of our families, among friends, and throughout some nations. Relationship is central to our reason for giving, especially on holidays.

God also gives within the context of relationship. Firmly rooted in Scripture is a God who gives of Himself in relationship with men. He is of infinite means, not becoming less by the gifts that He gives. Instead, His self-giving shows His will to personally move in relationship with men and for His glory in us.

A first example of God's self-giving comes from the very beginning. The God who spoke the world into existence chose to fashion man by the work of His hands. Personally involved and invested with hands in the dirt, He gave of Himself by making us in His image. When we see ourselves and one another, we see a reflection of the glory of God.

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule... God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26-27, NAS) Unique to all other creation, men and women have in themselves the image of God. The definition and exact formula of the image of God in man is debated, but in sureness we know that God vested us with part of His very likeness. We are the crown of creation, having in our being something very special from God. The image of God is not something we requested nor something that we earned, but a planned blessing for those in vital relationship with God. Our very likeness reveals His willingness to impart Himself for His own glory among men.

Thoughts provoked through reading and contemplating unpublished class notes of Dr. Scott Horrell, The Self-Giving God, Imago Dei and Nature of Church, Dallas Theological Seminary, summer 2008.

Personal Definition of God

2008-07-05T12:21:00.004-05:00

God, the Holy Trinity
From eternity past you exist, no breath of life entered. From you has generously come every created thing: angels, matter and man. Sustainer of life you depend on none, but kneel to reveal yourself to fallen mankind. Who can contain the whole thought of you? Without contradiction and undefiled, glory is your garment. Holy, wholly other, the three of you stand apart from your workmanship. Your one magnificent Name and one character unite you as one God, but with three volitional and relational persons who function within your will. Wellspring of light and truth and all knowledge, your persons are unique and still fully reconciled to one another in perfect love and ability. Though things on earth change within your sovereign will, you remain steadfast to yourself.

Father
Head of the three, Father, you remain in heaven. Though immanent and everywhere present, your full form is unseen by human eyes. Loving that which you created, you reveal truth and righteousness - even heralding the coming of your only begotten Son. Though once dwelling equally with you, you received His earthly prayers as a man’s requests. Under your authority the Spirit also subjected Himself to your will, and to Jesus who would gift Him to believers. You gave Jesus all authority that the perfect will of three-in-one would continue to completion. A just judge over men, you are the keeper of a holy standard. Though Satan approaches to destroy, you ordained all of time according to redemptive purpose and glory. Yet you know and hear and weave so well the heart of man into your scheme. You oversee redemption’s story.

Son
Clothed in flesh, my Savior and my Lord, you are robed with humility. Preeminent and fully Divine, you relinquished for a time your deified position to dwell among sinners. You were born of a virgin, and begotten of God. While divine will, power and knowledge were at your command, you grew in favor and stature as any man. To your glory, to my glory, you chose to live a sinless human life and resisted Satan’s temptation. As a teacher of truth and Messiah of God’s Kingdom, you were perfect in obedience to the Father’s will. You suffered and died according to the Prophets and the Law as the only one who could bear God’s holy wrath and fulfill His covenant love. But death could not hold you. You are a redeemer. Resurrection is yours. All things rest under your authority.

The Holy Spirit
My helper, my counselor, a place of holy rebuke - you are present on earth, living in me, a seal of what is the Father’s through Christ Jesus. You are the power of the three-in-one among a fallen world. Fully knowledgeable and everywhere present, you make known to men the will of the Father and the Son. You are a living testimony of truth, goodness and righteousness that Jesus sent upon His departure. You have no human form, but dwell in the temple of the saved. You bring about faith and righteous deeds that the world may see and feel and know the three-in-one who created life. You are a living and close friend equaled only to the Father and Son. You are a purposeful and present minister to my soul.

By Kendra Hinkle 2008. Assignment for Trinitarianism class at Dallas Theological Seminary, SU08. All footnotes have been omitted to save space, but a complete version is available upon request.

Definition of Worship

2008-06-21T18:11:00.001-05:00

Through seminary, my new job, and a conversation going on here, I've been shaping a definition of worship. As I serve college women in a sorority house, as I type my fingers off making documents at work, as I choose my daily tasks - this definition helps me to center my every effort on the greatness of my God. As has been said on the blog above, "How you define worship affects how you design worship." I do not design weekly worship services for the church, but I do design my daily work of service to the Lord. My definition of worship affects how and what I choose to do as a worshipper of God.

Definition of Worship:
To worship is to serve in the holy presence of God, service being what I was created to do through divine relationship, not that which God needs. Worship is an active result of who I am in God through Christ my Savior. The Holy Spirit aids me to worship as a new creation according to God’s revealed purpose, which I find in the Bible. And through the ministry of the Holy Spirit I seek to know God with reverent fear and love of the Holy. Because I am a sinner, I must receive from His means. Therefore, I situate myself to serve Him, and I do so according to the context that He established, namely the community of persons who have faith in Jesus Christ.

Shaping Scriptures:
Genesis 2:7-8, 15
Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed...Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.

1 Chronicles 6: 31-32, 48-49
Now these are those whom David appointed over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark rested there. They ministered with song...
Their kindsmen the Levites werer appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God. But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place...

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptabel to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Boast No More

2008-05-12T22:03:00.002-05:00

lyrics by Isaac Watts
and musically remixed by Caedmon's Call

No More My God,
I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done
I quit the hopes I held before,
To trust the merits of Thy Son

Now, for the loss I bear his name,
What was my gain I count my loss
My former pride I call my shame
And nail my glory to His cross

Yes, and I must, I will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus' sake
O may my soul be found in Him
And of His righteousness partake
Amen, amen

The best obedience of my hands
Dares not appear before Thy throne
But faith can answer Thy demands
By pleading what my Lord has done

This weekend with Mu Chia and Karen, we studied the latter half of Philippians 2, where Paul relishes in knowing Christ as the most wonderful part of his life. We talked about what it meant to consider all things as loss compared to knowing Christ - with Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus as the text's examples. This song does a good job of directing my heart and mind back to the centrality of being saved by grace through faith alone, not by anything that I can accomplish. It seems like one I could imagine Paul singing in his own heart as he continued in the work of God.

Goodbye, Elda!

2008-05-09T17:59:00.004-05:00

For the past three years, I've had the opportunity to befriend Elda. Elda came to the US to study and prepare for Physician's Assistant school. She's been accepted in California and is leaving this week.

Back in Albania she was part of the first generation to grow up at the fall of communism. Her family informed her that they were Eastern Orthodox when she was 10, but she'd never heard of God before then. God has been faithful to place Christians in her life one after another.

Favorite Memories with Elda:

Road trip to Waco. Don't be scared! His name is David Crowder.
Talking about God and planting seeds for Jesus to use.
Running about town. Literally.
Shaking our heads over bent fenders, bashed taillights, and our old cars. You are no longer part of the old car club. Congratulations!
Saying goodbye over lunch with Nizaar the Palestinian at our table. Nice to meet you Nizaar. And yes. Now that you said you were bizarre, I do remember your name.
Helping to show that He cares for her.

Musings of a Theological Mutt

2008-05-01T15:15:00.003-05:00

Some days I want to step out of the race - to take my running legs off of the course and to watch other runners go by and win.

Me. I'll breathe and be. Sad to not be in the race, but so glad to be alive - yet wondering about my purpose, my task.

Can God use a theological mutt? Can a voice like mine be used, whose family is Lutheran and Baptist, who came to Christ at a Presbyterian church and was discipled and matured in the Disciples of Christ denomination and trained for ministry in higher education institution of the independent Christian Church while attending a Wesleyan congregation, and trained further in Bible and seminary education at a Calvinist church and institution?

God can use me. I walk with Him and watch Him. He is the only sure part of my life.

I wonder what others think, who have a background like mine. How are other theological mutts fitting into ministry? Moving to Texas brought more mental confusion than I would have ever entered into on my own. New ways of seeing God, new ways of thinking.

I listen to others and interact with Him. That's all I know how to do. It is a season of listening and wrestling and learning.

Clothing and Nudity

2008-04-25T16:29:00.003-05:00

Wow! I just read the following post by John Piper.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2008/2737_The_Rebellion_of_Nudity_and_the_Meaning_of_Clothing/

For the past five years or so, I have been tossing around in my mind and watching in the Bible in regards to spiritual covering. By this I mean the soul's protection and edification supplied by God's hand amid a fallen world. I watch my culture and my own life, burning with a passion for covering to be supplied. Something better, something holy, something worthy, something. . . has been lost. We are INCOMPLETE without Him. God is our utmost need and our greatest joy. He is our supply. The one who covers our naked shame.

I wish I had more fitting words, but this article states so well a portion of what the Lord has been teaching me in the still and quiet. It resounds with many other lessons that are waiting for God's timing to come out. Until then, sentences are jumbled and mixed and unready. So I will wait for my time of clarity, cherishing the pieces of the story that I have been given so far.

Mimicking Maurice Manning

2008-04-24T13:55:00.002-05:00

My Sabbath day Boss is
every day the freshness of
it never pales I cannot stop
from coming near to gaze
thru windows of your heart
should heartache or sickness or
temptation strike there stands
the cross to point me home
though many days Boss I am worn
by tempests of my cultures gold
you are rock unchanged and true
to hold me fast ‘til days are thru
may the workings of my hand
reveal the daughter of thy throne
in aching days of creation’s groaning
for thy glory in the world be known

by Kendra Hinkle 2008

All the Way from China

2008-04-23T08:33:00.004-05:00

This morning I received an amazing email from one of my former students in China. We have been conversing for seven years over email since I taught in a summer program. She is coming to study at UC Berkely this summer ~ as long as she is granted an F-1 Visa. Please pray with me for her opportunity to come to the United States.

Seven years I've been anticipating and waiting! If she comes I will go to Cali or I'll fly her to Texas. God is GOOD!

The Purpose of a Voice

2008-04-19T18:42:00.004-05:00

Welling up from within a voice births sound tween ribbon strands. It runs it flows to over full, along the tongue through lips unclosed. Pulsing waves move unseen till ear so set will kindly heed. Dancing drifting further in it lands upon the soul of man. Through the guard of softness' gate with wounds or gifts in love to take. Man as one cannot live but shall receive the song of voice.

(c) 2008 by Kendra Hinkle.

Pain

2008-04-16T12:07:00.002-05:00

This week I went home in very bad pain. I was unable to focus on work and couldn't drive myself home. I've never been immobilized to that level outside of surgery. Speaking and walking were difficult challenges, things that had been so easy before. My energy was drained trying to focus on gentleness of speech and clear directions on the way home. (The Lord knows how hard this was for me!)

My pain subsided with medication. It was temporary. But I have three friends that deal with severe pain management on a daily basis. The energy it took to act kindly and patiently gave me a new respect for what they face in the daily acts of life. It's like you are in slow motion processing everything through the veil of pain while the world speeds on around you.

I really stink at extending compassion and remembering that life takes extra effort for them. So, today I wanted to post a reminder. To me. To anyone. Be considerate of those around you who face daily challenges with pain.

In the Wilderness

2008-04-05T16:58:00.003-05:00

Did you know that the book of "Numbers" gets its common name from Latin? The original Hebrew name presents a major theme much more clearly, it means "in the wilderness." The following quote is an excellent challenge for anyone who finds themselves in the wilderness times of life. The wilderness is "a place where God's people will either deepen their trust in the power of their God to supply their needs or doubt their God's abilities and resources." (Handbook on the Pentateuch by Victor Hamilton, p. 303)

Are you growing in trust or growing in doubt? May the God of gentleness help you to cling to Him in trust as you walk paths in the wilderness.

Sticking Together (A Lesson from the Bees)

2008-03-26T09:31:00.003-05:00

Our building recently had some visitors outside of a coworkers window. They were bees in migration. Instead of wasting energy building a nest, the bees cling together to form a hollow structure for a few days to rest from their travels.

I couldn't help but think of the church as we continue to bring the news of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Knowing where we are going we WILL need to cling together in our common love for Jesus, supporting and helping in the big picture.

May we not get lost in our own small stories, but gain a vision and willing attitude to complete a task that involves every believer doing their part.

Your sister, your servant

~ Kendra

P.S. My boss took the pictures. They are for real! There's nothing supporting the nest other than bees. You can throw a rock at it, and they all break apart. (And probably chase you - My other boss and his teen sons/friend decided to test it out one night. After throwing some rocks and taking off in a sprint, one of them slammed into an in-ground electric box during his panic flight from the bees. Hilarious! He lived, but limped the rest of the way. When they all piled into the car, they realized that none of them actually hit the bees and they remained undisturbed.)

When God Draws Near (Guided Meditation #2)

2008-03-19T07:24:00.004-05:00

The nearness of God brought change for all of us. By stepping down to earth, Jesus humiliated himself to give us life. But that humiliation was not the end. Exaltation follows. Let these verses be a thinking guide to the person and work of Christ:

And the Lord appointed a great fish… (Jonah 1:17)

…“I called out of my distress to the LORD,
And He answered me.
I cried for help from the depth of Sheol;
You heard my voice.
For you had cast me into the deep…
So I said, ‘I have been expelled from Your sight.
Nevertheless, I will look again toward Your holy temple.” (Jonah 2:2-4)

“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40)

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19)

…“you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy.” (John 16:20)

Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:2-3)

…“They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” (Luke 20:2)

…and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings… (John 20:5)

And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw… (v.6)

But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw… (v.11)

…“Why do you seek the living One among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)

…“O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” (vv. 24-26)

Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (John 20:16)

“See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” (Luke 24:39)

…So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. (John 21:7)

…The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20)

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me? ...Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.” (John 21:17)

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority on heaven and earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:18-20)

“In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 6:11)

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:18-20)

And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting...and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-4)

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer...And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. (Acts 2:42-45)

So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily. (Acts 16:5)

While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and in hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure (2 Corinthians 11:24-27)

“You will be hated by all because of My name…” (Matthew 10:22)

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance…for while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:3-6)

…to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. (Romans 16:27)

Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)

…To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. (2 Peter 3:18)

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. (Jude 24-25)

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” (v.11)

And they sang a new song saying, “Worthy are you to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (5:9)

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” (v.12)

…“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” (v.13)

And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them...And the city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light... (Revelation 21:3, 23)

Covering

2008-03-11T21:58:00.003-05:00

Stripped.
Covering removed.
A generation exposed
Howls at the moon.

Cover us, Lord.
Gather us in.
Your robe to shelter,
Foster life therein.

Entitlement.
No boundaries drawn.
A generation distracted
Revels 'til Christ's dawn.

Cover us, Lord.
Draw us near.
Holiest of Holies,
Fill our eyes with tears.

Gathered.
Glory through word and deed.
A generation humbled
Buttresses a revolution of redeemed.

The loss of protective spiritual covering leaves a generation stripped - in family, in community, in culture. Now a shepherd among God's children, I see and once knew about living without God. Limited to humanism as a life philosophy, man is degraded to the whim of his own carnal desires and hopeless existence - like an animal. To weaken them all the more, our world entitles young generations to immediate gratification, but offers them no boundaries as a guide.

May God continue to break our hearts for the lost. They are without HIM. Let us continue to gather them into the protective spiritual covering in Christ, speaking the good news...and welcoming as many as will come into the community of the redeemed!

When God Draws Near (Guided Meditation #1)

2008-03-07T09:33:00.003-06:00

When God draws near, things change. Natural laws of science bow. The earth quakes. People prostrate themselves. Yet, in the record of human history God is also compassionate and desiring of intimacy with us who He created. In mercy He develops relationship and causes His great name to be known. The following is a guide for meditation, the first of two for Easter. Not all of the details are given, but each Scripture is meant to cause your mind to remember its context and God's place in the moment. Take time to think, to remember, to mull over who He is and what He has done.

Then the LORD God...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7)

They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence...(Gen 3:8)

Noah was a blameless man, righteous in his time. Noah walked with God. (Gen 6:9)

And He took [Abraham] outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars if you are able to count them...So shall your descendants be." (Gen 16:5)

"Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel..." (Gen 32:28)

"God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by great deliverance." (Gen 45:7)

"...remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5)

"...when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." (Ex 12:13)

Now Mt. Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire...and the whole mountain quaked violently. (Ex 19:18)

Then the LORD spoke to Moses..."you shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:1-2)

But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon [a stone idol] had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold. (1 Samuel 5:4)

Then Nathan said to David, "Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you." (1 Chronicles 17:2)

One thing I have asked from the LORD...
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life (Psalm 27:4)

Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
But to Your name give glory
Because of Your lovingkindness, because of your truth. (Psalm 115:1)

I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple... "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips..." (Isaiah 6:1,5)

"Do not rejoice, O Israel, with exultation like the nations! For you have played the harlot, forsaking your God." (Hosea 9:1)

"Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!" (Daniel 3:25)

When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter... (Esther 5:2)

Then you will know that I am the LORD when I have dealt with you for My name's sake, not according to your evil ways or according to your corrupt deeds..." (Ezekiel 40:44)

"But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall." (Malachi 4:2)

For your husband is your Maker,
Whose name is the LORD of hosts;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,
Who is called the God of all the earth. (Isaiah 54:5)

Behold, My servant will prosper,
He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted...
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many
And interceded for the transgressors. (Isaiah 52:13; 53:12)

...as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel,
His goings forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity. (Micah 5:2)

"Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And, behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus." (Luke 1:30-31)

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:20)

"...for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

...magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2: 1-2)

The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:40)

He had no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. (Isaiah 53:2)

And the devil said to Him, "I will give you all this domain and its glory...if you worship before me it shall all be Yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only." (Luke 4:6-8)

He opened His mouth and began to teach them... (Matt 5:2)

Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." (Luke 5:10)

"I have come in my Father's name..." (John 5:43)

And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." (Luke 5:13)

"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal...This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." (John 6:27-29)

And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion;" for many demons had entered the man. (Luke 8:30)

And Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things." (Mark 11:29)

"Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:14)

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6)

"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him do death, and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the thrid day He will be raised up." (Matthew 20:18-19)

Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (John 13:5)

While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:26-28)

...And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood... (Luke 22:44)

"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will but as You will." (Matthew 26:39)

...The one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceeding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. (Luke 22:47)

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him... (John 19:17-18)

He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised,and we did not esteem Him.

Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God and afflicted.

But He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him.
And by His scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall upon Him.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth. (Isaiah 53:3-7)

Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon the land, until the ninth hour. (Matthew 27:45)

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. (v. 50)

And behold the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom (v. 51)

Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. (Mark 15:43)

The Voice of God (Psalm 29 & Phil 2)

2008-03-01T09:32:00.004-06:00

Psalm 29 says that your voice is powerful and majestic. It bursts the cedars, hews out flames of fire, and sets to flight your creation. The voice that spoke the world into existence can lay it waste by its magnificent essence. This is the voice I wait for. This is the voice I want, the cloak of royal might I want to be protected by.

But when Christ came, his voice was subject to weakness - to the place of creation. His flesh became like ours, yet without sin. His words were that of a friend, that of a man, that of a teacher. A voice rejected and trampled upon, few heeded its authority. His cloak surely felt like sackcloth and ashes compared to the robe of glory He left in heaven:

who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:7-8)

So which voice do I listen for in life?

Here is my assurance: I am clothed in the words and person of Christ. As a faithful servant I can risk mighty steps of faith to bring God glory, for Christ himself did so in the will and pleasure of God. Whether clothed by a voice of might or a voice of meekness, I am His.

(C) Kendra Hinkle 2008.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE (R). Copy right (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Favoritest EVER!

2008-02-09T12:31:00.001-06:00

This is my most favorite picture in the world. I ran across it in an album today and decided to revive it. They are the grandkids of a mentor from Indianapolis when I was doing ministry there. Enjoy!

Friend of God

2008-01-26T19:54:00.000-06:00

Regarding Abraham's promises from God during his lifetime:

True, he does not have, in terms of personal realization, all the promises of God, but he does have the God of all the promises. God himself is Abraham's shield and reward (15:1). The giver; not the gifts, is Abraham's highest reward and his consuming obsession. Not without reason, therefore, is Abraham referred to three times in the Bible as "the friend of God" (2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8; James 2:2-3).

Handbook on the Pentateuch, Second edition by Victor P. Hamilton, p. 87.

To Your Holy Mountain

2008-01-17T17:13:00.001-06:00

Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
Let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.

Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.

Psalms 43:3-4

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE (R), Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

God Prevails (1 Samuel 31)

2008-01-04T18:50:00.000-06:00

A fallen priesthood (Ch.2), a disobedient people (Ch.8), and their headless king (Ch.31). Had Israel become the great nation that they desired through Saul?

1 Samuel leaves me speechless, staring at bodies hung on a wall by the Philistines. A grotesque mural of victory, it was a warning to Israel. God had promised Saul the loss of his throne through disobedience, and later the loss of his life and that of his sons (15:26-29; 26:10; 28:19). He did not heed or repent, but continued in His ways - his body and his seed a testimony to God's word.

Israel fled the battle and watched in shame - not quite what they expected. They were God's chosen nation. Named after Him (Israel = God prevails), God had caused them to prevail in conquering most of the Promised Land. Generations later their boundaries were threatened by raiding peoples and a nation fighting back for territory. Much like God had warned Saul, the nation of Israel was also warned. Blessing comes with obedience. Curse without. (Deuteronomy 11)

Israel has their warning hanging on the wall:

God prevails.

His word is accomplishing exactly what He said it would.

Take in your warning, reader. It is God who prevails. What has he commanded you in His Word? What has he desired of you or warned you away from? Your body may not be strewn lifeless on the wall as a result of sin, but His holiness should stir in you a holy fear, and a love for what Christ has done. What will you do with the Words of a holy, pure, loving, wrathful, perfect, intimate, enthroned, seeing, wonderful, terrible and awesome God?

Studylight.org used for the meaning of "Israel."

I Cut

2007-12-19T23:55:00.000-06:00

I was chillin' with my friend Tessa this evening (she's 4). I studied hamartiology while she played with my big green excercise ball and nesting dolls from Russia. She asked me how old I was.

"I'm 30."

"So you can cut?"

Apparently I have been entrusted with the very responsible task of using scissors. I was feeling inadequate studying hamartiology (study of sin). But now I feel quite accomplished in life. Using scissors safely and without adult help must be one of Tessa's upcoming developmental feats. =-)

We soon then moved on to the "fingers not teeth" rule in opening the Russian nesting dolls when they are difficult to pull apart. Teeth marks on the nesting dolls will surely give them lasting character.

Baggage (1 Samuel 30:21-31)

2007-12-18T12:24:00.000-06:00

First gear went out. Reverse refused. Then second gear froze. By the time my car rolled into the driveway, I was unable to shift into any gear other than neutral. The car wouldn’t budge.

A thousand dollars later, my Ford is functional again. But the car placed me in a familiar and humiliating place - a place of financial need. I began to get angry with God, realizing for the first time that I had much in common with the men of 1 Samuel 30, who were exhausted and stayed behind with the baggage. Few people desire to watch others rescue their loved ones, to know that what they can muster in the moment is simply not enough.

I have been the recipient of many gracious gifts: a scholarship to school, a home to live in, a computer, car repairs, running shoes…the list keeps going. It is mostly a testimony to the obedient church body I am a part of. Yet, I grew up on a farm. I’ve done chores and worked most of my life, learning independence and being prideful in what my hands can accomplish. The place I rest now as I study in seminary is humbling. I vacillate between thanksgiving and humiliation, letting pride occasionally douse the flames of my joy and worship.

David’s rebuke to the wicked and prideful warriors in our story held much authority, so much that it became law in the nation of Israel. Those who fought on the front lines and those who were exhausted, staying behind to protect the baggage, were of equal standing. Their reward would be the same. David saw the army as a unified body under the headship of a mighty God. Their victory came not by man’s might, but through His participation and will - even for those resting with the baggage.

Romans 12:3-5 says it this way, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

The Word of God is clear about how we are to view ourselves as Christ followers. We are a family. As stewards of what we have been given, we support the whole family, investing as each of us has been enabled. Each one of us is just as likely to face hardship, financial trial, medical emergencies, weakness, grief, etc. With one unified heartbeat and one Lord as our head, we will move forward in the will of God, bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to all nations and seeing one another built up into Christ.

Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible (R), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Celebrating Jesus ~ International Christmas Banquet 2007

2007-12-02T11:29:00.001-06:00

More pictures of the ladies! I obviously love them and enjoy studying the Bible with them every week. Only two more weeks and our study of Ruth and Esther will be over. I has been absolutely amazing to worship through His word on my own, and then worshipping with these sisters in Christ. Together, humbled at the foot of the cross the wonder of our amazing God is amplified ten fold. I hope that they have received as much as I have in our study.

The pic is from our international Christmas banquet last night. Represented among us: Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Italy and the USA. Isn't that such fun!

International Banquet

2007-11-01T22:17:00.001-05:00

Vicky (left) and Nadia (right) are the two Taiwanese students who are doing Bible study with me this semester. (Not pictured: Karen from the USA)

We attended an International Banquet for students. There were instrumental presentations, an international fashion show, lots of dancing - from South America, Egypt, and Africa to name a few. So many dressed in native costumes or clothing. I wished it could have been a celebration about Christ!

Pursuit (1 Samuel 30:9-20)

2007-10-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

His heart pounds like a tribal drum calling the warrior to battle.
His skin beads sweat with the loyalty of a husband and the passion of a lover.
His hand instinctively palms the familiar, smooth handle of a sword that will speak on his behalf.
David is a man in pursuit of his stolen treasures - his wife and family and nation.

I recently found myself asking, "Lord, what does it look like for a man to treasure something? What does it look like for You to treasure me?" His Word says:

Since you are precious in My sight,

Since you are honored and I love you,

I will give other men in your place

and other peoples in exchange for your life.

Isaiah 43:4, NAS

The LORD your God is in your midst,

A victorious warrior.

He will exult over you with joy.

He will be quiet in his love.

He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.

Zephaniah 3:17, NAS

In a covenant relationship with Israel, the Lord promises (through Isaiah and Zephaniah) to discipline the disobedient nation. Yet, in His discipline, he will once again choose to pursue and redeem. Judgement will come, but His love will be expressed even more strongly once wrath has passed. Like a victorious warrior, He will honor and treasure his precious covenant Love whom He has rescued from the hands of enemies.

I can't help but think that David, too, has this knowledge of God pulsing through his veins as He pursues the Amalekites who have His treasures. A husband is in covenant relationship to the Lord and to his wife, he seeks to rescue what has been lost to the enemy through his sin. His pursuit is an expression of renewed spiritual responsibility and deep love. Through prayer, he receives the permission of God to pursue and the promise of every life being returned.

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle

Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible (R), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Mountains Rise

2007-10-13T10:59:00.000-05:00

But mountains yes rise like kings to thrones and when they rise with able voice so clear and crisp like water cool will whisper a message a call a bidding that sails like feathers dancing and flirting on sapphire breezes for glory of Yahweh's majesty and for laud of Yahweh's gift and will betray with lovingkindness idols that cannot speak or see or hear nor smell or feel or walk without men and women who worship stones for minute and hour and four with twenty yet feel not the dread of receiving their wage.

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle

The Anatomy of a Wave

2007-10-02T21:42:00.003-05:00

Dedicated to the Passion movement (www.268generation.com)
"The wave is growing into a global awakening."

They lull the trusting to sleep with an ebbing, reassuring roar. They refresh the playful, inspiring splashes of energy and movement. They humble the watchful by their ability to change the face of the earth. Who has not known the powerful and graceful impact of a wave?

Had I not been enlightened with the anatomy of a wave, I would have accredited the swell its own honor. Yet, diving below the surface of the deep, I have come to realize the necessity of the wind and the individual water molecules in shaping coastlines – the boundaries of nations.

A wave looks like it is moving from one place to another, but it is not. Rather than a team of molecules moving independently over the surface of the still ocean, a wave is the result of shared movement. It begins when the wind disturbs the surface of the water, causing individual molecules to move in vertical circles. The molecule circulates in an up and down motion in its own “neighborhood.” That excited molecule then affects neighboring molecules, who dance in the same vertical pattern. Energy is passed from one molecule to the next, slowly building into a wave that represents the energy of a whole, unified movement being driven by the breath of the wind. Molecules are passing their energy along, instead of traveling along with the wave.

As a wave approaches the shoreline, the energy is not absorbed any longer in the deep. It roars with power and spills over onto the nations’ boundaries, transferring its energy and shaping what seemed immovable. By these faithful movements of waves, mountains bow their knees and become beaches. What seemed impossible to move is actually being transformed by the work of many individual water molecules in motion.

The power of a wave is in the cumulative effect of its individual particles.

Selah.

The wave is growing into a global awakening, driven by the Spirit of God and according to His trustworthy Word. And gaining momentum by the movement of many individuals who are willing to affect those around them. Even powerfully changing the boundaries of the nations and moving mountains to their knees.

Written by Kendra Hinkle, 2007. Wave information accumulated through random findings, discussions, and thoughts over the past year, and through a diagram burned into my memory from who knows where.

The Lovely and the Precious (1 Samuel 30:1-8)

2007-09-29T11:35:00.000-05:00

Those things most lovely and precious in life are often subject to our barbarian flesh. We denounce our values by seeking immediate gratification through sinful means. For example, have you ever avoided conflict resolution by gossip or "prayer requests", ultimately demeaning the one you should be actively loving? Have you tuned out difficult people, hopeless situations, or overwhelming emotions by overeating, sleeping, or drunkenness? Have you been negligent to show appreciation and value for your family or spouse? If you have, you know that sinful desires distract us from obedience to God's Word, devaluing those things that are lovely and precious before God.

For David, those who were lovely and precious were taken captive. The Amalekites burned Ziklag with fire and swept away all of the women and children. And such destruction overtook them while David was follwing after the Philistines to war against his own people, Israel.

Remember that Saul punctured David's side like a thorn, so much that David had sought rest in the land of the hated Philistines. Given Ziklag to live in, David and his men established a new home. The displaced Isrealites then became obligated to the Philistines during wartime - even against their Israelite brethren. Yet, beyond this military alliance David led his men to war by choice. With the destruction of his nemesis close at hand, imagine the sweet revenge!

Unexpectedly rejected from the war march , the displaced Israelites tucked their tails between their legs and returned home (1 Sam 29). But home did not exist. During David's ungodly attempt at war against Saul, the Amalekites obliterated Ziklag.

Consequences weighed hard upon David as the leader. His men smoldered like embers of anger and bitterness, desiring to stone him. Grieving his own loss of wife and children, the emotion of his men's loss came back to him ten fold. His barbarian flesh had fallen short of providing and protecting them. Instead, they stood humiliated and stripped for their neighbors to see.

But God showed himself gracious, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness (see also Ex 34:5-7). David relinquished his pride and independence, strengthening himself in God's presence and seeking permission to march in war once again, but this time against the Amalekites.

Wonderous and merciful, God answered David. David received the command to go, for ALL would be rescued. Every precious life and every lovely woman was promised to return.

What abundance our God wills for those who reptent and turn from their wicked ways! Rather than giving us leverage to satisfy our barbarian flesh, the Lord's work on David's behalf should encourage us to run to God in our conviction of sin. He has redeemed us, and His promise will sustain us. Let's turn to him in the sin of our flesh. Not distracted any longer, but setting our desires upon Him and seeking His counsel through the Bible, prayer, and godly counselors.

Will you repent and return in order to gain what is lovely and precious? Return, despite the consequences of your sin, and be strengthened in the Lord.

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle

Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible (R), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Regarding Christian Accountability

2007-09-15T17:53:00.000-05:00

"We all need someone who loves us, but is not impressed by us."

Howard Hendricks
9/15/07

When in Conflict, Read Proverbs 18

2007-09-12T19:09:00.000-05:00

I don't get you men. Period. You make me crazy. I want to put you in a headlock for hours on end and rub onion on your face or peanut butter in your hair. Will you ever make sense to me?

The past week has been a bit stressful for me. I've had a lot of animosity towards a brother in Christ. Withholding from quarrelsome attitudes and honoring him despite my feelings was hard, and I definitely failed a lot.

In the midst of my trial, the Lord was faithful to lead me to Proverbs 18. Therein my heart was humbled. The power of the tongue and the speech of the fool spoke loudly to me. In addition, separating oneself from people (even in avoiding conflict) is both self-serving and unwise.

When trouble arises, it needs to be reconciled between brothers and sisters in Christ. It is not biblical to avoid conflict, to continue in quarrelsome attitudes, or to grant your tongue freedom of expression. The "we" is greater than "me," and reconciliation needs to happen within the scope of honesty, love, and forgiveness.

If you'd like to be humbled in your communication, taught wiser ways, I suggest opening up to Proverbs 18. I can come help shovel you up off of the floor when you are finished worshipping through it. That's where I was as the Spirit lowered me to a place of humility.

Not Easily Forgotten (1 Samuel 29)

2007-09-02T15:15:00.000-05:00

I wish I could forget, and I wish my family could forget, the legend of Kendra - hummingbird whisperer. Of all the things to be tormented by when I get the rare chance to be with extended family. . . I wish the memory would die!

When I was small, I occasionally had the patience to focus uncanny amounts of energy and time on whatever I was interested in. One summer day, it happened to be the myriad of hummingbirds on my grandmother's feeder. Hovering and fleeing, the tiny birds didn't stop for a moment. My company of relatives eventually went to see other farm wonders, leaving me standing alone among my migratory friends. I stood there so long that the little bitties decided it safe to return to the feeder only an arms reach away from me.

I wanted one of those little birds to sit on my hand, so I held it out for what seemed like hours. No luck. Since that didn't work, and they weren't scared of me anymore, I figured I would help one out a bit. I picked one of the hummingbirds off of the feeder with two of my fingers and placed him on my hand. I think we were both equally surprised by the tactic, because he just sat there staring at me for a while and I back at him. One of my aunts noticed my open palm with the bird on it and began to yell. Soon everyone gathered around and he flew off.

That's the day the legend began. Unfortunately, none of them saw me pick up the bird from the feeder, so the legend states that the bird flew and landed on my hand. As an adult I've shamefully informed most of the family of what really happened, but my sweet grandmother still believes the lie. My heart broke when I heard that several times since I was a child, she's tried to replicate the instance by standing for very long periods of time next to the feeder with her palm out. I couldn't bear to smash her hopes of one day becoming a hummingbird whisperer!

David can definitely understand my remorse as a man of legend himself. God displayed His power through David many times in battle. Songs were sung of him, and the Philistines remembered his triumph over Goliath. Having fled from his countrymen and living among the Philistines, David marched to war against his brethren.

His legend as a vessel of God's action was a concern to the Philistines. They rejected David from their midst as they readied to war with Israel. David's faith and service to God through King Saul's leadership was not easily forgotten.

Closed doors often confuse us or worry us. But closed doors also show God's direction. Here among the Philistines, David and his men are rejected and sent home. It is a decisive and sovereign act of God through the Godless Philistines.

What is God doing? We will soon see. Unexpected changes in life, especially closed doors to the things we want, are often the beautiful and sovereign hand of God working on our behalf.

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle

Rescued (A Testimonial)

2007-08-26T22:38:00.001-05:00

From the dark of night I could not see,
My eyes unprepared for light.
How thick that darkness was, how heavy its chains!

Hidden in a child's sorrows,
I was told to hate because I was hated.
Deep within, the Destroyer made his wicked claim.

Convinced that I could not speak
I was bound in weighty chains of deceit.
As a child of death, I lived out lies
And filled my flesh with sorrowful gain.

Lost and drowning, the tide washed over me.
Sharks surrounded me to take my life,
Trapping one precious life named for the Light.

Upon the sea He walked with strides of strength.
My mighty One came near as I sank.
I took my last breaths of death below the sea of sorrow
Until His hand plunged down to me.

Lifeless I lay in His arms 'til He breathed His breath in me.
The dark of night fled as I choked on perfect life.
In the sweet Savior's arms I lay.
My adoring Rescuer came to me.

What love He has! What might that makes the demons flee!

I now walk at His side.
Wisdom is my lot.
For truth has shone brightly and pierced my broken soul.

Oh, unending Love, amazing gracious One.
You are my Light and my Portion.
No death shall do us part.

I am Yours and You are mine.

May that name which I was given
Cause the demon's world to quake
For thy Word accomplished
that for which it was sent in me.

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle

One Thing (Psalm 27:4, Mark 10:21, Luke 10: 41-42)

2007-08-22T12:05:00.000-05:00

For a little topical study in relation to prayer, I have been looking at some "one thing" verses in Scripture:

Psalm 27:4 David's one thing
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek;
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His Temple.

Mark 10:21 Jesus to the rich young ruler
Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack; go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

Luke 10:41-42 Jesus to Martha, Mary's sister
"Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

"One thing" rules out everything else. It is an expression of importance and devotion. Most of my own life seems to be in competition with devotion to this singleness of heart and mind. "One thing" is intimidating to approach because of my sin. Yet, the more I approach with the simplicity of "One thing" in my sights, the easier it is to realize the grace that is extended to me.

From the busyness of life which competes with devotion to One, I come to my busy mind that fights the simplicity and necessity of One. From there my emotions fight the reality of holiness and grace in comparison to my sinful self. Approaching, each resistant part of my life breaks from my spirit's own desperation for Jesus Christ and God the Father. Then, through the doors of the temple of His presence, I find myself prostrate in His glory - amid the beauty of His holiness.

I received the invitation, and I have come.

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle

Scripture marked “NAS” is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Finishing Well (Summer is Over)

2007-08-19T21:49:00.000-05:00

God orchestrated some really great collisions this weekend. I flew to KC for some family events, and was able to meet up with Isa. Isa and I have been doing an IM Bible study through Esther this past semester while she was preparing for college in Germany. My flight for a baby shower coincided with her time in KC. We actually got to talk face to face!!! Also I met up with Brooke, a great gal who I met while traveling and homeless and working a friend's church camp (same way I met Isa). Brooke gave her first months out of high school to serving in Africa, since she didn't know what she wanted to do in college. It was an amazingly mature kingdom decision. We all had lunch this weekend! They are gals I appreciate and am so blessed to stay in contact with.

The international gals study went so well this summer. Through our relationship built with the Baptist Student Ministry (using their facility for the women's study), we are now moving our ministry's main night onto UNT. It's at the heart of campus and very accessible to the international students, who don't usually have cars. AND...for Marilyn...it has a kitchen to serve dinner from! God is continuing to build and move. He always does for His name's sake. Sadly, I won't be able to be as involved this semester because of seminary classes. Yet, I knew my time would be changing in the coming months. My spring prayers have been abundantly overfilled through God's grace: for the women to be encouraged in knowing the Lord and His Word and for workers to be raised up into the harvest within this ministry as I was being moved out of my normal roles. The ministry is now teaming up with the BSM to reach out to international students on UNT and TWU campuses for the coming year. The Lord has been gathering our many prayers and moving us into His plan for the future.

I'm too tired to think of anything else. Good night!

Waiting On a New Day (1 Samuel 27-28)

2007-08-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

Just before the dawn of a new day, darkness lingers. Twighlight's blanket of stars and quiet stillness do not give a hint of the day that will soon come. One must wait with anticipation for daybreak.

In chapter 27 & 28 of 1 Samuel, David waited in the dark of night. His new day to come was the fulfillment of the God's promise to his throne in Israel. Likewise Saul awaited the fulfillment of God's promise. Yet, Saul's lingering darkness was the coming night of death. God promised Saul that the throne was no longer be his, but that it belonged to his neighbor David (15:28). Both men are waiting on God's word to become sight. Neither realizes how soon it will happen.

The pace of our story slows as God allowed the lingering darkness to expose the lack of faith that both Saul and David had in God's word. For David, hope waned, and he joined the Philistines to find temporary rest. For Saul, a mystic witch was sought to force God's answer to his question.

Waiting on God, especially when He seems silent, requires trust in His absolute determination to keep His word and His immutable character. Situations lure us to make decisions without recounting the character of God, yet doing so brings peace. He is a strong tower of refuge when the storms of life come at night and leave us anticipating daybreak.

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle

It's All Up to Me

2007-07-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

Knip, tuck, squeeze, suck in, lift, reveal, plunge, low, shade, color, sleek, exfoliate, accentuate, reduce, lose, enhance, fight, shimmer, glow, wink, flirt...

Aren't you exhausted? Do you really have to control your hair, face, body, personality, and behavior in order to get his attention? Will he only notice you when God is univolved and you are in control of presenting yourself to him in just the right lip color, pencil cuts, and heels?

Pretending to be in control of attracting men IS exhuasting. Yet, I look in the mirror time and again thinking of how I should probably lose weight, cut my hair, change products, or bolster my personality in order to be more attractive. Waiting on God's man and for God's timing is hard. It means I have to learn to let trust sink down to the level of the everyday, mirror-gazing moments. Peace - I'm free to be pretty, to be me. God will help direct that man's eyes, even when sleek has gone frizzy for the day.

Christian women who shield their hearts from so much of the advertising barrage can still easily lose faith when wanting to be noticed by a man. With the mouth we recite the Lordship of Jesus Christ, but with our hearts and actions we reveal so badly how we want to ensure our own desire to attract that man!

We look into the mirror time and again, hoping it is attractive enough to ensure success. Yet, can God's place as the Lord of our lives truly be enough to help us in finding our husband? I've been reminded lately, that it is NOT all up to me. God has a place even in attraction.

Be you. Be pretty. Style it your way. But give God some elbow room to highlight your best qualities to that man. If he doesn't notice, then something better is on the way. Just ask Rebekah (Genesis 24).

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle

Plumbline of the Heart (1 Samuel 26)

2007-07-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

I’ve been sitting on 1 Samuel 26 for a while, feeling like a lump on a log. Reading, rereading, praying…not wanting to move forward without being able to speak from a heart of conviction. It’s simple for me to speak information from my head, but I want to learn more in communicating from my heart as well. Thanks for being patient.

* * * * * * * * *

My sister in Christ from Taiwan, Nadia, joined me this weekend for volunteering at a Christian music festival. In our down time she talked about a storytelling class she’s taking for her master’s program. Her interest in storytelling got me thinking about how the author of 1 Samuel lays out our historical account in chapter 26.

The book is a historical narrative, purposing to preserve the story of Israel for future generations. As a narrative, the history is recorded as a story with people and events that we can relate to or learn from. It draws us in and enables us to better remember their life lessons and the history of God’s people. We get to experience and watch David in this way.

To review chapter 26, word got out about David’s hiding place in the wilderness. Saul took 3,000 chosen men into the wilderness looking for David (Hmmm…David must be quite a threat to necessitate such an army). David learned of and prepared for Saul. Instead of mustering his best men and strategizing like Saul had done, David asked for one man to join him to go into the camp of Saul. Matching his leader’s bravery, Abishai joined David by night.

By the time David and Abishai made their way through the camp of 3,000 men to the center where Saul is sleeping, I’m holding my breath…waiting for someone to wake up and for David to be caught. Then, instead of eradicating Saul, David honored the Lord’s sovereignty to do for Saul what had recently happened to Nabal in chapter 25. David did not take vengeance, but would teach Saul a lesson about the Lord’s ways. By exiting the camp and waking them up, David gave Saul proof that they had full opportunity to slay the King. God was with David, and Saul needed to bow his knee to that sovereign choice.

The author chose to let us walk with David into camp, beside Saul as he sleeps, and then out of the camp, withholding until the end that the Lord enabled David’s plan to succeed by supernatural intervention. By doing so, our own thoughts as readers are shown for what they are – either lacking in faith or full of it. The author shows us the plumbline when he says, “because the LORD had put them into a deep sleep” (26:12 NIV).

From this recognition of the Lord’s unseen presence, I can begin to note principles about the character of God and the nature of man…to be compared with what He says throughout the rest of Scripture:
~ God works on behalf of the man of faith.
~ The sovereignty of God is not threatened by the plans of man.
~ Faith in a man’s heart reveals itself through works.
~ Sometimes we are required to act in faith, without seeing God’s protection ahead of us.
~ If God is for us, who can be against us?

Aren’t these great reminders, applicable to the challenges of our present lives?! I can compare several of my life situations to David’s experience, drawing upon the character of God for direction and encouragement. Sometimes I feel like Saul, pursuing after doors that I know the Lord has shut. Sometimes I am brave like David, pursuing plans and watching God work supernaturally to cause victory. Both men had the opportunity to listen and watch for God’s direction. Yet, only one man was listening and bowing His knee to the Lord’s sovereignty. Saul had hardened his heart and cycled in sin until there was no conviction even in murdering God’s chosen man.

May our hearts be like David’s - learning to listen, to act in faith, and to bow our knee to the sovereignty of God.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

© Kendra Hinkle 2007.

Mudfest 2007

2007-07-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

I spent the past four days playing in the mud with thousands of people. My friend Charis works for an organization involved with a large Christian festival, and I volunteered to help her out. Running the event was CRAZY!!! It stormed off and on the whole time. I got to go mudding in golf carts and then to push them out of the mud. Galoshes were the trendy garb of the event. You should get some.

During the event, kids were covered from head to foot in mud. Parents basically had to give up. The constant foot traffic brought all the moisture to the surface and mud was inches deep all over the field. The mainstage didn't go up completely until the day of...everything was sinking in the mud as they tried to build. I've not seen such a big event - and so many people - willing to embrace the mud for an entire weekend. Only in Texas!

Check this out...
I got a hotel room with Charis' assistant (Aurora), who I found out goes to church with my former pastors from Indianapolis (now in Texas). We know a bunch of the same people! Also, I brought to the event my friend Nadia, a sister in Christ from Taiwan who is studying in Texas. Aurora lived in Nadia's city in Taiwan as a missionary kid. We all had these really cool connections from the Lord and collided in one hotel room this weekend. It was so funny and refreshing!!

Great Start!

2007-06-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

Last week we began our Tuesday evening "Women of Influence" study with the international college gals and int'l. wives. There were 28 of us there, and I taught on the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and hair (Luke 7). I can tell the tide is turning in my teaching. I'm consumed less with the presentation and rigid structure and more with content and their understanding, which is new for me. Being in front of people has been so scary most of my life, it is amazing to see what the Lord is doing!

What a privilege! I'm no great teacher by far, but I love bringing the Word and sharing my joy in Him with them. I can see Him changing me as we spend more time together in life. =-)

The gals interacted so well. With internationals, it can be very difficult to get discussion going or for them to ask questions. Their excitement in the discussion was surprising. Then, they even shared aloud with the whole group after discussing in their tri's. I could see how the Lord had directed the discussion questions. I had no idea they would be significant the way they were, but He knew.

I picture Him breathing His great self into their minds and hearts throughout this summer. "I AM," He says to them. "I AM."

A young single woman will be teaching on Rebekah and watering your camels. Her catch phrase for serving wholeheartedly as a single is, "May I water your camels, also?"
She's vibrant and fun, so I think the gals will enjoy her. Other cultures often have much more pressure to marry sooner than later as a young adult. I pray that God will show them that they are right where they need to be, learning about Him first and foremost as a single.