Appointed to break down
By Jennifer McClure | May 5, 2008
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his step” (Proverbs 16:9, NIV). Or in my case, where my car would break down.
For me, one of the greatest rewards of being a Christian has been the silent way God has placed my steps or opened doors for me to walk through that I didn’t even know were there. It is so exciting to have the reassurance that God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). But it’s really cool when you’re a senior in college, about to graduate with a degree in print journalism, and your car breaks down in front of a magazine senior associate editor’s house.
In a nutshell, that’s my story. It was early May a few years ago when the clutch on my white, two-door, 1992 Nissan Sentra went out in 5 o’clock traffic as I approached a very busy intersection. Managing to get the car back in first gear when the car was turned off, I got through the intersection and began meandering through the nearest neighborhood. And some may say “coincidentally” I stopped my car right in front of Kirk Noonan’s home. That connection led to freelance writing for TPE and eventually my current position as assistant editor at TPE.
Jeremiah wrote: “I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps,” (Jeremiah 10:23). How true that has been in my life and how very grateful I am for it. Who better to direct my steps, to plan my life, than the Lord of lords and King of kings? He who is good, who is love, who is just, who is faithful and true. The stability found in trusting God I believe is foundational to experiencing peace and joy.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 15:13).
Topics: Devotional | 1 Comment »
Doing hard things for God
By Jennifer McClure | April 21, 2008
Last week my husband hit the quarter of a century mark. Though I still have a few more months before bidding farewell to my early 20s, all this talk of being half way to 50 has inspired some reflection on my youth.
It’s humorous to me when I hear myself coming to realizations that are almost verbatim to what a youth pastor or leader had told me when in youth group. One such realization was that as a student you have easy access to one of the greatest mission fields. That thought held true for college, but now married and in a Christian work environment, the opportunities to share God’s love through relationships with those who do not know Him are not as abundant as they once were.
So for those Christians reading this who are in a season where those opportunities to be a testimony of God’s love and saving grace are in abundance, be thankful and prepared to share because you never know when your scenery will change. And for me and others in similar situations, it’s all about being intentional in witnessing and dependent on prayer.
Interested in finding out more of what it means to serve God? Be sure to check out this week’s TPE, which is our annual Teen Edition, and don’t forget to download a free Jessie Daniels MP3 at tpe.ag.org.
Topics: Devotional | No Comments »
Human Suffering: How Can a Compassionate God Allow It?
By Jennifer McClure | April 12, 2008
This is in response to EJ’s comment on the April 9 post. There is no short, easy, exhaustive response to this question, and by no means do I claim to fully understand this. But I’d like to share some ideas I’ve encountered while trying to understand this issue.
1. God’s original design for life, for creation, did not include suffering. Adam, Eve and creation were perfect when first created. Then through Adam and Eve’s choice to disobey the one command God gave them, death and sickness entered the world, breaking perfection and causing separation between God and mankind.
Topics: Random Ramblings | 1 Comment »
Inclusion of “My Jesus” on American Idol
By Jennifer McClure | April 11, 2008
So it appears that something influenced someone at AI to use the original lyrics of “My Jesus” in the song “Shout to the Lord” on last night’s show. All I’ll say about that is I’m glad they got it right this time. The conclusion I believe I’m coming to concerning my personal take on all of this is comparative to something that took place in biblical times. In the time before Jesus, the Old Testament records occurrences when sacred objects were captured or stolen out of the temple by an invading force and then set up in a temple of another god. Like a sacred object is still beautiful and special wherever it is displayed, this song retains its beauty and uniqueness wherever it is performed. But the lack of personal meaning behind the song for the performers, for me, seems to taint the use of the song insomuch that it is not sung out of a motivation to give praise and glory to God as it is to bring attention, even glory, to the singers. But even as I write these thoughts I can’t help but wonder how many church services this past Sunday morning the same was true for the worship leader or members of the worship team.
Topics: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Possible Perspective of Darlene Zschech
By Jennifer McClure | April 10, 2008
Many of you who have been commenting on the last post about AI may find this perspective interesting. It’s includes an excerpt from an interview with Darlene Zschech, author of “Shout to the Lord.”
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“Shout to the Lord” on Tonight’s “American Idol”
By Jennifer McClure | April 9, 2008
Word on the Web is tonight’s “American Idol,” the special “Idol Gives Back” episode, will conclude with the worship song “Shout to the Lord” by Hillsong/Integrity’s Darlene Zschech. According to a few bloggers who claimed to have attended the show and a press release, the show was recorded Sunday at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.
So I’m curious as to why this song. Though it is undeniably strong and powerful both lyrically and musically, I find it interesting that such a blatantly worshipful, praise-giving-to-God song was chosen. I’m just not sure how I feel about it.
On one hand, it’s great exposure for a beautiful Christian song that shows love, respect and awe for God. On the other hand, is it just a ploy the executives chose to appeal to a Christian audience in order to boost ratings? And still on the other hand, was there a Christian somewhere involved in the makings of this night who believed having this song sung might impact viewers for Christ?
I guess whatever the motivation for concluding “Idol Gives Back” with “Shout to the Lord,” God can use it. Perhaps I should go even further to say that it definitely opens a door or provides a springboard for a God-centered conversation with friends and family who aren’t Christians.
Topics: News | 27 Comments »
Loud Music Suit Filed Against Church
By Jennifer McClure | April 2, 2008
I’ve been a part of half a dozen or more worship teams, and more than once noise control has been a problem. But check out this story about one church whose noise complaints came from beyond just those from within the building all the way to the neighbor inside his home across the street. If the neighbor’s complaint is accurate, that’s just ridiculous. I love singing praises and playing music to God, but there’s just no need for excessive volume.
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Convicting Shades of Gray
By Jennifer McClure | March 27, 2008
Short and slightly hunched, the man in front of me appeared to be in his 50s. Unkempt gray hair wisped about his head. A plaid flannel shirt that once held color was faded to gray — so much so it almost looked dusty. But even grayer than his hair or shirt was the air about him, as if a cloud of depression hung low like a fog.
Though I pretended to be interested in the magazine covers and candy bars that flanked me, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation just a few feet from me.
During the few minutes it took to complete his transaction, the cashier asked if he was still homeless, how the medical tests were coming and when he’d get to go home. For some reason he had been kept in our city due to medical tests though he resides many miles south in a neighboring state.
At this store, I’ve found it not unusual for cashiers to know tidbits about their regular customers. Though I am a not a regular at the establishment — actually, I try to avoid it — I occasionally stop there when it’s on my way and I have just a few items to pick up. Being located in a run-down area of town, there are people hanging out in and around the store who make me, a young professional, feel less than comfortable.
But that day in line, I witnessed a cashier willingly share in a stranger’s heavy, gloomy cloud as she expressed genuine interest in his life. She made final attempts at piercing the man’s gray air with rays of hope as she extended best wishes. Certainly he must have appreciated her open ear and encouraging words. I only wonder how her words changed him.
As I pushed my shopping cart out of the store, I saw the man, now sitting outside on a bench. He gazed aimlessly back into the store through the glass panes. His eyes seemed gray, lacking any spark and searching for hope.
Accompanied by the rattling of the cart, I cross the parking lot to my car and dutifully loaded my bags into it.
Topics: Devotional | No Comments »
Spring!
By Jennifer McClure | March 20, 2008
Spring is finally here! Though the weather doesn’t match the season just yet in some places of the USA, it’s encouraging to know we’re out of the season of ice storms, snows and the flu. How appropriate it is that Easter — a holiday celebrating new life, Jesus’ resurrection and the new life He brings — will coincide with the first weekend of spring, the season of new beginnings, which for me will include starting my first garden. So enjoy the Easter egg hunts, painting eggs and other Easter traditions you may have, and if you have any gardening tips, please share!
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Thankful Reflections
By Jennifer McClure | March 11, 2008
One hundred years ago, on March 8, 1908, an estimated 15,000 women participated in the garment workers’ strike in New York, protesting against working conditions and demanding economic and political rights. In 1987, Congress declared the month of March to be Women’s History Month.
In light of this, I think it’d be good to reflect on how far we’ve come and some of the privileges we, as women, now enjoy that our great grandmothers did not share.
We are free and even encouraged to further our education and exercise our right to vote in political elections. And though some would debate this, compared to the past, we do enjoy equal opportunity in the workforce. And on a lesser end, we are very blessed to have some of the wonderful modern advances to help with what were once very labor-intensive and time-consuming chores.
Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list. But take a few moments to look back and give thanks for the freedoms we have today. Feel free to share your thoughts of particular things – freedoms or inventions even – that have come about in the past 100 years.
Topics: Random Ramblings | No Comments »
