Thursday, June 29, 2006, 10:22 PM - Life
Well, I can't believe it! Another year has passed and I am definitely feeling older physically, yet spiritually and mentally, I feel as if I am a young child and getting younger. The more I think I see of reality, the more I realize I don't know or understand. But I find comfort in the words of Christ: "Except you become as a little child, you can enter the kingdom of heaven."
David reminds me that God formed me in my mother's womb. And before I was born, He ordained all my days. What comfort we have in the Sovereign Creator. I must not/can not fear; only trust.
I have had a wonderful birthday. It is no longer the cakes, party, and balloons that make a wonderful birthday, but, rather, the friends and the fellowship. I spent the day working and fellowshiping with those who God has placed near me. The value of trivial things pass with age, and the value of that which lasts becomes acknowledged. I praise God for His sanctifying grace.
This is "grace at work"
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( 3 / 1226 )Saturday, June 17, 2006, 11:37 PM - Life
On June 29, 1978, the man who I now know as my dad, went from being a newly married man of almost a year, to being a father. Unfortunately, for him, that experience started with me. His life would never be the same again. Fortunately, for me, my experince as a son started with him.
My father struggles with areas of his life where he feels that he has not fully succeeded. My dad never finished a BA degree in college. Additionally, he has been given a couple diseases that have hindered him from participating as much as he would like in the more physically demanding areas of our lives as his children. Yet, my dad has faithfully and fervently participated in the planting, watering, and reaping of the spiritual lives of his six children. To this day, my dad has successfully taught six children to love God. This is far greater than any diploma. To borrow from the Apostle Paul, we , his children, will be my dad's glory and joy in which he can boast in the presence of Christ. We six children are a product of my dad's love, faithfulness and pursuit of godliness empowered by the grace of God. Diplomas will rot and burn up. Lives last for eternity. My dad has chosen to invest in the latter.
So today, on this Father's Day, I praise God for my dad. I praise God that in His great wisdom, He gave me to the man who is my dad, for he has most effectively pointed me to Christ.
I love you, dad. Happy Father's Day
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( 2.9 / 1354 )Saturday, May 27, 2006, 03:44 PM - Life
Here are some photos that my brother posted on his site from our family campout. It was quite an eventful weekend. Hopefully my brother will share his encounter with the North Carolina police force.
Pre-Memorial Day Campout
Campout Gallery Two
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( 3 / 1123 )Saturday, May 27, 2006, 12:06 AM - Life
Here is my new look for the summer. I decided that I could cut back on my time in the morning by eliminating the hair part of the morning. I never really spent much time on my hair anyway. I also thought that it would make working in the heat more bearable. Both of my assumptions were right.
This picture was taken last weekend when I went camping with my family. We had a great time. In the picture I was warming up water for hot cocoa. It looks as if I was still waking up.
So, what do you think about the summer look?
;)
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( 3 / 1106 )Friday, May 26, 2006, 06:24 PM - Life
Ok, so it has been one month, and I have only written one post. If you read my previous post you will read one of the reasons. The other reason, is that my laptop crashed. I thought it was just my cooling fan, but after expert examination I was informed that my hard drive crashed. Aaahhhh!! O well!!! At the moment, it is still at the repair shop, because I lack the funds to get it out. So there it sits idle, somewhat like my blog.
But, like General Douglas MacArthur said, "I shall return."
this is "grace at work"
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( 3.1 / 1097 )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!!!
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( 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
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( 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.
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( 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
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( 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
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( 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"
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( 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.
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( 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."
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( 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."
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( 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.
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