Wednesday, May 17, 2006, 01:22 AM - Life
Have you ever had a time in your life where you are going non-stop, and you have very little time to spit (that is, for those of you reading who don't have a problem spitting :) )? Well, that is how I have felt the last couple of weeks. The week after I got back from T4G I had my finals for school. Those took up a good deal of time. The last week and a half I have been working as much as I can to catch up on some bills. That has, basically consumed the majority of my time. Last Saturday my laptop fritzed out on me, so my e-mail and internet access, at the moment, is very limited. My brother is letting me use his computer. (He is very kind.)
About six years ago, I was addicted to movies. I loved movies. I wanted to see all the new movies that came out, and then, I would buy them. It was dispicable. God brought me to the place where I determined not to watch any movies for a long time so that I could break my addiction. I didn't watch movies for over a year. Instead, I devoted more time to reading theology books and studying my Bible. At the end of the year, I tried watching a movie. It didn't have near the same affect on me that it had had previously. In fact, I didn't really enjoy it much at all.
A couple weeks ago, I began to realize how much time I actually spend e-mailing, blogging, and browsing. I was doing it all the time. I knew that I was becoming addicted. Unfortunately, it was taking my time and focus away from other things that were far more important - school, God, ministry. (Note: for those of you who I had regularly e-mailed or who regualry read this blog, please don't feel bad or guilty. This is something that God has shown me in my life. I needed to learn priorities and moderation. This is a big lesson that I am continuing to learn. God is giving me victory.) I needed to devote my time to other things more important. E-mail/blogging relationships are good and helpful when they are kept in proper perspective. I was not keeping my priorities in perspective.
God, in His grace, is helping me regain a proper view of my priorities. I my not post as often, but that is ok. I do value the relationships that I have with those of you frequent this blog and who regularly e-mail me. Thank you for your friendships and encouragement. Bear with me as I struggle through finding the proper balance.
I really don't think that this is the kind of post that gains readership, O well!!
Meanwhile, (back at the ranch) God has been doing some wonderful things in other areas of my life. I will attempt to share those as God gives me the time and the words.
May I, once again, thank God for His amazing grace!!!
[ 5 comments ] ( 50 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1098 )Saturday, April 29, 2006, 01:17 PM - The Gospel
Here is a small photo gallery from the T4G conference. It isn't incredible, but I think that you all will appreciate it.
T4G Photo Gallery
[ add comment ] | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1184 )Thursday, April 27, 2006, 11:42 PM - The Gospel
This has been a phrase that has been mentioned several times throughout this conference, and for me, it sums up the message that the Lord has so vividly laid on my mind and heart throughout this conference - together for the Gospel. Although much has been preached and taught, and unfortunately my feeble mind has only comprehended or retained only a small portion, the resounding theme of God infinite grace and divine love has directed our eyes to the Gospel of Christ. And, it is the truth of the Gospel that asks the questions, "what do we have that we did not receive?" We have received everything, and most significantly, we have received the imputation of Christ's righteousness so that we may please a holy God.
I cannot sum up all that has been preached or taught today or last night. I could not do justice to the gift of grace that has been offered through the careful yet powerful handling of the Word of God by these faithful men. I can only say that God has been exulted and that His glory has shined as a magnificent light in our hearts. Tonight, John Piper concluded today's Gospel feast by calling men to deny all of self and pursue God and His glory. If anyone has read Piper's books, they will know that this John's battle cry; however, tonight, he had a keen, relatively, unusual awareness of the implications of this call to all of God's men as he set before us an example of sobriety and earnestness while instructing ministers of the Gospel to passionately proclaim the Word of Christ. I don't believe that I have ever heard a greater appeal to live selflessly yet aggressively for the glory of God. This was indeed momentous.
I could go on indefinitely, but I can't, because I must sleep, so I won't. However, I must reiterate that this conference, I believe, is a landmark event in true church history. I have had that privilege of hearing some of greatest preachers of our time who have represented the majority of Gospel-centered evangelicals. Additionally, it is a thrill to me to attend this conference with men who represent even a broader scope of evangelicals. Over 400 Sovereign Grace pastors/interns are in attendance; many Gospel preaching Presbyterian, Baptist, Bible and Community churches are represented; and it was encouraging to see leaders of main-line fundamentalism in attendance as well - Dave Doran, Tim Jordan, Sam Horn and Dan Davy. I hope that this demonstrates their desire to keep Christ central despite minor disagreements. Praise be to God for His marvelous grace.
Tomorrow, there are only two more sessions, but they are bound to be dynamite. C.J. Mahaney speaks first followed by John MacArthur. May God bless His word and may He annoint His messengers with His Spirit to proclaim His Word.
[ 2 comments ] ( 3 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 2.9 / 1238 )Wednesday, April 26, 2006, 02:38 PM - The Gospel
It has been a while since I have posted as I am sure you have noticed. I have been very busy and occupied by school, work and ministry within my church. However, I believe that my schedule will soon be simplified after completing my finals next week. I attended my last classes for the semester yesterday. I am almost finished!!
Right now I am sitting in a hotel room in Louisville, KY. I have taken a few days before my finals to attend a conference called "Together for the Gospel." I have been looking forward to going to this conference for a while. I originally decided not go, but when I found out friends of mine were going, I figured that it would be a great opportunity for good fellowship. The line-up of speakers that are scheduled include some of the greatest pastor/teachers of our day. This, I believe, is one of those landmark events in church history that once again points us to the cross of Christ.
The purpose of this conference is to bring men together because of the truth of the Gospel of Christ. This conference will demonstrate the ability for divers men to assemble together because of the unity of truth rather than mutual compromise of truth. Christians need to remember that we are one because of the reconciliation that we have with God through Christ and not because they agree on tradition and standards of living. Christ blood identifies us before God and sets upart from the world rather than our self-righteous pious lives.
Ok, enough of my preaching. I guess I can do that on my own insignificant blog. I have to leave in a few minutes to hear some real preaching, so I need to run. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to give some updates about the conference. If not, I will post some information on how to get copies of the messages.
Grace
[ 4 comments ] ( 57 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1195 )Friday, April 7, 2006, 11:07 PM - Albania
Have you ever been watching a movie, and, right at the best part of the movie someone calls? And, because it is an important call you spend a good deal of time talking. Then, after the conversation is finished, you resume the movie only to find that you have lost both the content of the movie as well as the thrill of the climax. Well, that's the way that I feel about the these pictures. I have had so many people excited about seeing my pictures from Albania, I could hardly stand it. And, because of my ignorance regarding user-friendly picture galleries and my rigorous schedule, I have allowed a gigantic hiccup to take the thrill away. So, if anyone is still interested, here they are. Thanks to some help regarding picasa and a picture viewer (joy ) you can view these pictures from Albania in your own home.
I said this before in an earlier post, but for anyone interested in receiving hard copies of any of these pictures feel free to email me at mail@rickyblaha.com. The pictures are numbered next to the caption. Just let me know what the number of the picture is that you want and how many, and I will get those to you. O, and let me know the best way that I can get them to you (if you are out of town).
Thanks for your patience. God will glorious bless those who persevere to the end. (I don't think that that is exactly referring to my blog, but O well). Let me know what you think.
This is "grace at work"
Albania Photo Gallery
[ 8 comments ] ( 109 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1145 )Tuesday, April 4, 2006, 11:20 PM - Albania
While I was in Albania, I had it in my deepest interest to buy something truly Albanian. My goal was to buy something that I could keep with me most of the time and would remind me of my brothers and sisters in Albania. It would be a constant reminder for me to pray for them.
While in Albania we visited a castle. (You will see pictures of it soon.) In the main keep of the castle they had a small shop where they sold Albanian merchandise. Among the various items for sale I saw some very cool bracelets. I do not normally wear bracelets, but they were so cool I couldn't pass it up. So, I bought one. This would be my authentic reminder to pray for my fellow-Christians in Albania.
As I began to wear the bracelet, I noticed friends of mine eyeing the bracelet with a sort of questioning gaze. I suspected that they were not used to seeing me wear a bracelet and were puzzled as to its validity. Although I was completely pleased with my new find, I saw a need to provide an explanation to the appropriateness and intrinsic masculinity of such a piece. I began to think about it and today I came up with the perfect explanation. This is definitely not a bracelet I am wearing. It is far too masculine and far too spiritual in purpose to be bracelet. :) The name that I gave it was my "missions prayer band."
I have told a few people about the name, and I have received a variety of responses. Most everyone laughed initially. One person told my they thought it sounded heretical (jokingly) and said to change it to an Albanian Prayer Band. My brother called me a dork. However, I have had suggestions to buy large quantities and sell them to people as "missions prayer bands" for ministries all over the world. It could be a great industry. I think I am on the verge of the greatest development since WWJD.
Ok, enough talk and jest. All seriousness aside, it has been a great reminder to pray for the work that God is doing in Albania. It is accomplishing the purpose for which I bought it. But ultimately, may it be hearts of Christlike love that truly remind us to call out to our Sovereign that His glory would shine and that His will would be done both here and Albania.
this is "grace at work"
[ 1 comment ] ( 26 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1158 )Tuesday, April 4, 2006, 11:40 AM - Life
For those of you who have been waiting on the edge of keyboard for my pictures from Albania, I apologize. I have spent last week and this week trying to catch up on my school work, and I have had very little time to post them. I hope to post them in a fancy user friendly viewer; so stay tuned. I am very excited about the way that they turned out. I will also make a way, for those of you who are interested, to order the pictures in hard copy form. I have already had some requests so I will give you that information when I post the pictures.
Just a quick note: God has been so faithful! God has revealed to me areas of my life where I struggle. But, along with that eye-opening truth, He is providing avenues and resources to help strengthen me in those areas. Last night I felt discouraged about a few things. In some ways I don't know what to do in certain areas of my life right now. But, I can look back at God's faithfulness and find that He has not forsaken me. I woke up encouraged this morning. I just wanted to praise God for His constant love.
I have a project, a test, and a paper due before the week is out, but I know that with God's wisdom and strength, I will finish them well.
[ add comment ] | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1125 )Saturday, April 1, 2006, 04:45 PM - Albania
My week has come to end and I am able to take a few moments to give another report on my week in Albania. By the way, I have gotten my film developed and I will be placing a photo page on line soon for everyone to view. I hope to be able to do that in the next couple of days.
Perhaps the most exciting and surprising discovery for me while I was in Albania was the maturity of the believers and the church there in Shkoder. I went with a very arrogant American mindset. I thought because we as Americans have open access to countless Biblical resources and because of our rich Christian heritage, we would undoubtedly have a better understanding of scripture and of Biblical ministry than they. I was wrong. I was shocked at the maturity that God has nurtured in the lives of His church there in Shkoder.
Personally I believe that the primary method of the spread of the Gospel is through the faithfulness of His children living holy, righteous and loving lives in this world of unbelievers. The Gospel is not only spoken, but it is on display in the lives of God's chosen. And the force that drives Gospel living in a believer is love for the sinners and a love for the spread of the glory of God around the world. Because of the nature of the Gospel, I believe that the most effective and biblical method of evangelism and discipleship is through relationships. Relational ministry allows believers to live lives of hope and worship for before the world. Unfortunately, most of the American Christianity (at least the Christianity that I am familiar with) evangelizes by door-to-door evangelism or handing out tracts. I do believe that God can use that kind of methodology and He has used it, but I do not believe that it is God preferred method of giving the Gospel. Additionally, I see Sunday schools and one night Bible studies as being the extent of discipleship in most American churches. Very few people are transparent enough or selfless enough to put their own ambitions and self-righteousness aside to personally open up and involve themselves in other people’s lives. True discipleship takes place as the members of the body of Christ are fitly joined. And the Gospel is central in our identification as individuals and in our relationship to others.
Why have I said all this when I am supposed to be giving a report of my time in Albania? Simply because the church in Shkoder has not only discovered this for themselves through their study of God's word, but they have implemented it and it is a vital part of their ministry. They expressed to me and I observed how this way of thinking must be of top priority in their lives and in their church. I went to help build a church building, but, instead, was built up through the zeal and strength in the maturity of these believers.
As side note, I praise God that he has placed me in a church with the same philosophy of ministry and desire for the supremacy of God. We have still have so far to go as a church and I have so far to go as an individual, but God in His grace is building His church also in Moore, SC. God is faithful to His cause and to His purpose.
I was so excited to see the work that God was doing on the other side of the world. It was exciting to see what God has done through His word, His submitted servants and His Spirit. I was challenged and rebuked by the maturity of the church in Shkoder, but I am rejoicing that the purpose of God is being accomplished; and that people from every tribe, tongue and nation are being drawn to the truth through the work of Jesus Christ.
I will share more as God gives me opportunity. Hopefully, I will have my pictures up by my next post.
this is "grace at work."
[ 4 comments ] ( 30 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1103 )Wednesday, March 29, 2006, 09:07 PM - Albania
It has been a few days since I have been home from Albania, but I think that part of my heart longs to be back there. Last night I had a long, distinct dream set in Albania. I don't know if that is common for other people in similar circumstances, but I am experiencing the short term foreign mission trip after-shock. Its a good thing so no one worry.
Where to start? Well, from a practical point of view, the main reason that our team went to Albania in the first place was to help with the construction of the church building for Bible Baptist Church in Shkoder. When we got there, Rick DeHaan (a missionary partner who is working with David Hosaflook overseeing the construction of the building) set out three projects for our team to accomplish during the week. 1) We were digging a 40cm ditch to lay water pipe and connecting the church plumbing to the city water line and installing a water meter. 2) We were putting up a tongue-and-groove ceiling under the main porch balcony. 3) And, we were framing out the main auditorium, an adjacent room, and two bathrooms with metal studs and getting it ready to be sheet rocked. Monday, the main pipe from the city broke. We spent eight hours trying to level firring strips on the porch ceiling to get it ready for the tongue-and-groove, but the only thing that we accomplished was coming up with a list of techniques and theories how it wouldn't work. However, the men working on the metal stud work made good use of their time. They had good start and got a lot accomplished. By Tuesday we had finished the plumbing, by Friday we had finished the ceiling and by Saturday (the day that we left) we had finished about 95% of the stud work in the auditorium. We left very little to be done before they could begin insolating and sheet-rocking. So, by God's grace, we had a very successful week as far as the construction was concerned.
I will continue telling about my week in Albania in following posts. I will focus on different areas of the trip and try to cover the majority of the events of the week. This will give you, the reader, smaller portions to digest. And, it will give me the opportunity to share more amongst my busy schedule.
Thank you again for your prayers and e-mail support.
This is "grace at work."
[ 1 comment ] ( 14 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1147 )Monday, March 27, 2006, 08:37 AM - Albania
I arrived home Sunday evening around 7:00pm. It is good to be home, but my heart and mind are being changed. I loved the trip, the people, and Albania. God is doing some neat things in my heart. I will share more later, definitely.
But for now, thank you, all who were praying. God was faithful and will always be.
For those who had pointed out my spelling errors (Schoder/Shkoder), :) I went back and corrected them. Thanks for your help.
[ add comment ] | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1041 )Sunday, March 26, 2006, 02:09 AM - Albania
I am in the airport in Vienna once again. I will be boarding in a few minutes. God has been so good. Obviously, I will share more later. Grace and Peace from Europe.
Ricky
[ add comment ] | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 1036 )Thursday, March 23, 2006, 02:35 PM - Albania
I had an unexpected opportunity to get on the internet again. So I will share quickly. Things are continuing to go well. We are getting much done. We basically finished up two of the projects and we are now devoting our efforts to the main and final project. God has given us stength and energy.
It is spiritually refreshing to talk with the Christians here. Their struggles and growth are so similar to mine. I expected everything to be so different. But, I have seen the evidence of the power of God working in the lives of His people. The evidence is great. I am encouraged by His promise that He is preforming in the lives of His universal church.
Just a few things of interest: Everyday at 12:00, 3:00, and 6:00 (and I am sure that there are other times, but I can't remember) a loud Muslim call to prayer is heard all over the city. At first it was startling, but now it has pointed my focus to the needs of the people of the world. The people are very unique. The young people in the city dress in designer clothing like they would see on American television and movies. The older people dress like classic Eastern European. I am finding it all intriguing.
Got to run. See you soon. Does anyone want anything from Vienna.
Please continue to pray.
Grace
[ 3 comments ] ( 37 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 991 )Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 01:29 PM - Albania
Praise the Lord. God is so good. I have so much that I want to say, but I have so little time. I am in the Internet Kafe near the University in Shkoder (the town that we are in, or Shkodra). I am using a German keyboard which is a bit different from what we use in America. It is a good excuse for any mistakes that I make.
Over all the week has gone as planned as far getting where we needed go and doing what we have needed to do. We arrived in Albania Saturday afternoon. We loaded up two vans with us and our luggage and headed for Shkoder. The first half-hour of the trip was nothing but tangled vehicles and massive potholes. It was incredible. The ride smoothed out once we got on the main road from Tirana and and Shkoder. The scenescape was completely different from anything that I had seen in the US.
When we arrived in Shkoder we rested for a few hours. Then the fun began. We have fellowshipped with people and worked ever since. We were given three projects to start off with: running a water pipe, putting up a tongue and grove ceiling and studding out the new meeting hall. On Monday we had major set-backs with two of the three projects. But Tuesday and today we were able to make up for those setbacks.
Over all we have been able to make great progress. God has blessed. Because I don't have much time I will tell just briefly of what God is doing in my life. I have met a few guys that are near my age. Even though they are from completely different cultures and countries, God has been doing very similar things in all of our hearts. What an incredible thing to realize that God is accomplishing His work mighily in the hearts of people around the globe.
I got to run. Continue to pray. Pray for strength and perserverance. I think that they have been a greater encouragement to me than I have been to them. Pray that God will give me the wisdom to do His will.
Grace
[ 2 comments ] ( 36 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 987 )Saturday, March 18, 2006, 03:01 AM - Albania
God has given us safe travel over the Altantic. We arrived in Vienna, Austria about twenty-five minutes ago and we are waiting to catch our flight to Tirana, Albania.
We left Washington at 6:30pm and arrived here at 9:30am. We have not had much sleep but (Robert didn't sleep at all) but we are still moving. We still have our flight in to Albania to go and then a four hour van ride to Shkoder (Shkodra).
David just handed me some euros (spelling?) to pay the entrance fee into Albania. Since this is my first time in a foreign country, I am intrigued with the many different culture, languages and people that we have encountered.
As we were flying over the Swiss Alps the sky was clear and we were able to see them very clearly. A man sitting next to the window volunteered to video tape tham form me. When we were on the ground I talked to him more. He is an Albanian living in Atlanta. He comes back frequently to visit. He actually lives walking distance from Albania in Kosovo. He was thrilled that we were coming to his country and people. I believe that the Gospel had already disinguished us.
I gotta run. Continue to pray. Please email a link to this blog to anyone interested. Gotta go.
Grace.
[ 1 comment ] ( 24 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 976 )Friday, March 17, 2006, 11:42 AM - Albania
I am sitting in the wonderful Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport getting ready to check in to my first flight. I have to admit that I have been a bit nervous. I flew on my first commercial airline flight a little less than a year ago. So this is my first international flight. I was reminded by a friend to remember Christ's commission to the disciples. Remembering the mercy of God will changes nervousness into excitement for the Gospel's sake.
Here is part of the e-mail that I sent out this morning to some friends:
It is only by His grace that this possible. I am not just talking about the opportunity that he has made financially for me to make a trip like this. I am talking about the motivation for seven guys and a lady to travel half way around the world to the poorest country in Europe. Why would anyone do that? My answer and the answer that is most compelling is the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news that Christ has saved men from ourselves and from sin. This is a message that must be preached and lived. It is this message that has caused thousands of men to die or give up all wealth or ambitions to pursue the mission of spreading the glory of God to the nations. In a very small way, we have the opportunity to partake in this mission to the Albanian people. But, let us not forget the mission that we have to our neighbor. We, too, are on the same mission to them. It is the same calling. We die to ourselves that all men might be saved. "I am obligated to the Jew and the Greek, to wise and the foolish" to give them the Gospel of Christ.
Please pray. We will only be there for a week, but all the hurt man on the road needed was a good Samaritan to come along at the right time with the spirit of love. Pray that the Gospel is clear. Pray that our work will be efficient and beneficial. Pray that God will be glorified in all things.
I just ate lunch with my parents. We ate at a Chinese buffet, and, of course, like most Chinese restaurants I got a fortune cookie. I don't put much stock in fortunes, but this one was encouraging. It said, "Courage is grace under pressure." Where I am weak, Christ gives grace. God's grace changes weakness into courage.
Well, here we go. Although this is just one of thousands of missions trips that take place each year, God is still at work and He cares for each soul. This is not a earth shaking post, but it doesn't have to be. This is Christ's work.
a vessel in the Potter's hand
[ 1 comment ] ( 25 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink |
( 3 / 939 )Back Next
