In our Journey Group we are going through a book by John Piper titled, “Suffering and the Soverignty of God”.

We recently read through this portion, written by John and one other pastor, in thinking through how to approach an unquestionably challenging time that meets nearly every single person on earth at some point, either directly or with a friend or family.

We all leave this earth and die in that sense. Its a question of when and how. Piper hits head on how to approach it when you realize it could be coming soon…

Long, but good - take 15 minutes to read it.

[Editor’s Note: Our friend, David Powlison, of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation, who also was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, has added some helpful expansions to John Piper’s ten points. Indented paragraphs beginning with “DP:” are written by David Powlison.]

I don’t handle death well. I think this stems from being with my best friend in High School/College when he died. It was a traumatic experience that still haunts me to this day. Even after 18 years one would think that I would get over these emotions and come to grips with some level of acceptance. There are still moments/flashbacks/nightmares that take me right back to the event… a smell, a sound, a phrase, a name, a place, an old friend.

It happened today.

I come home from work and get the news that a High School/College friend is terminally ill with cancer, treatment is not working, and is at the hospital with family and friends waiting to die. She is 36… we graduated High School together… Went to college together… Dated for a little while… Another High School/College friend leaves me a message… gives me the details. Time flashes back in slow motion.

I appreciate Judy leading prayer in the gathering yesterday. The idea of holding on to things and then releasing them to God was most encouraging and beneficial for me. This was yet another confirmation from the Lord on direction/steps I must take in my personal journey.

I am reading through the Gospel of Mark. It seems that every page I read has something to do with living by faith or trusting Jesus or giving Jesus total control of my life… in the sense of sanctification. As I was reading the Parable of the Sower I was blown away by Jesus explanation… specifically Luke 4:18-19

From the ESV

From “The Message”

Currently Playing : The Postal Service - “Give Up”

So I was at Starbucks tonight sucking down a Venti, Soy, Caramel Macchiato and hanging out with my kids. I find the need to get out and get to coffee shops often. It sparks a better creative vibe than staying at home. Plus I get pumped on caffeine and sugar… YES!!! Home is boring and my coffee sucks too… I let the pros handle it. I digress… I was journaling about spiritual disciplines and my personal struggles with being more discipline. I was thinking about the concept of “being conformed into the image of Christ”.

Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

While worshiping yesterday, we sang the song “Breathe”… This song creates powerful imagery of the human state without Jesus. For me it forces me to confess that I am in a serious , “life threatening” situation if I neglect to exalt Jesus as sovereign king of my life… daily. (Just like David has been teaching in Exodus 33)

“And I… I’m desperate for you
And I… I’m lost without you”

http://www.desiringgod.org/Store/Books/ByTopic/All/370_Dont_Waste_Your_Life/

Book by John Piper:
“Millions of people are wasting their lives pursuing dreams of happiness that don’t rise above a good marriage, nice kids, a successful career, a nice car, fun vacations, nice friends, a fun retirement, a painless death, and (hopefully) no hell. John Piper calls this a tragedy in the making. He argues that we were created for joy. We were designed to have one passion. In this book he describes his own journey toward this great, single passion. And He pleads that at all costs we pursue our joy in the crucified Christ, who is the glory of God. The cost is great. But the joy is worth any cost.”