Topography of Faith by USATODAY

Thank you, Jay, for pointing me to this tool! The Pew survey sorts people into major religious grouping in the US.
Click on the following and see the different religions by state and elsewhere by holding cursor over a state.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/graphics/pew-religion-08/flash.htm

Some data just might surprise you!

Submission to A Wife Abuser?

October is the Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I avoided the topic for 15 days. I knew that talking about it would stir up too many emotions inside. But tonight, after watching John Piper's YouTube video, I can no longer stay silent. 

“If the numbers we see in domestic violence were applied to terrorism or gang violence, the entire country would be up inarms, and it would be the lead story on the news every night.” --- Rep. Mark Green

Now do see the number here: Domestic Violence Resource Center
or a simple fact sheet here: National Coaliltion Against Domestic Violence

Then watch this video from John Piper:
John Piper: Does A Woman Submit to Abuse?

Are you a King or a Priest?

Are you a King or a Priest?

By Esther Liu (based on Pastor John You’s teaching)

                In OT time, building God’s Holy Tempt took two kinds of people: The King and the Priest.  The King was the one who provided all the financial backing for the project (gold, silver, wood, stones, iron, bronze and even men skilled in every kind of work).  With great care he lined up all that needed and set out to build the Temple of God.  This was clearly evidenced in David’s Kingdom.

                Then after the physical Temple was built, it was the Priest (the Levites) who would supervise the work of the Temple of the Lord.  After Nehemiah finished the work of re-building Jerusalem and the temple, Ezra (the Scribe and Priest) was called in to read/teach the Book of the Law (“God’s Word was made known to them”).  Now the “Spiritual Temple” was also built up to worship/praise God.

                The King could not do what the Priest did (in fact, he was not allowed to).  Neither the Priest did what the King could do (Priest owned no properties, “God is their portions”).  However, both were needed.  Both were important.  Both contributed to the building of God’s Temple.  Each faithfully did what God called them to do.  In one heart and in unity, the King and the Priest built the magnificent Temple of God.

                Now, we no longer have a physical Temple of God……but the needs of building the Spiritual Temple of God (consist of God’s people) still exist.  We still need the “King” to financially back the building process.  We still need the “Priest” to explain and bring out God’s Word to his people.  As long as you are a Christian, you are called into “mission” (The Great Commission” in Matt 28 is for every Christian), however, you might be the “King” or you might be the “Priest”.  The “Temple” of God will not be built when missing any one of the two.

                Many years ago, Pastor John You was asked to share God’s wisdom and encouragements with a group of young adults who just got back from their short term mission trip.  Pastor You shared the above concept of “King and Priest”.  Afterward, several young men approached him and thanked him.  They were relieved (from despairs).  You see, my brothers and sisters, these young people had hearts burning for the lost souls and they had been called into mission.  However, after their mission trip, they also realized that the mission field was not where they felt called to go.  They were confused and discouraged.  But after Pastor You’s sharing, they realized that they are the “Kings”.  Yes, they are called to the Great Commission.  Yes, they want to see the lost soul saved.  But they are called to be the “Kings”, not the “Priests”.  

                These young people faithfully and diligently work in their jobs and businesses and they faithfully give financial support for the mission ministry of the church.  Every year, church sent out those who are called to be the “Priests” to various mission fields and along with their “Kings” at home, they built up the Temple of God!  

                For too long, Chinese churches lift up the “Priests” and praise their faithfulness in carrying out God’s Great Commission, but often neglect those “Kings” who faithfully and continuously offer their financial backing of the ministry.  My prayer and hope is by sharing this teaching with you, more and more brothers and sisters will rise up and join the calling, the Great Commission, and into building the Temple of God everywhere….each according to his/her calling and gifting!

My life in picture

This is a painting that Jan Johnson put up during one of the retreat she led.  She pointed out several different reactions of the disciples when facing maybe the strongest storm of their lives.  It hit me between the eyes like a 4 by4.

There was I, several years ago, frantically trying to "save everyone".  I was the seminar trained pastor.  I wanted to help.  I knew what to do.  Let me do it!

Then, there was I, after trying so hard and so very earnestly, finally realized that I could not "save" anyone (myself included), I stumbled to the side of the boat and just vomited (see that poor guys hanging over the side of the boat, his face greenish gray).....well, for quite some time.

Then I heard God said: Esther, why didn't you take a nap like Jesus?

My restless soul suddenly calmed down and settled, and I sat there for a long time.  After the retreat, for about a year, "go take a nap" became my life motto of some sort.   And slowly I came to understand why the painter painted as he did. 

My hope and prayer is that one day, in the midst of stormy sea of life (and there are many), I can calmly and confidently sit at Jesus feet, trusting, listening, learning and waiting.  Not because I can control the boat well as a skilled fisher-woman, or I no longer fearful of the dangers and unknown, but because I have followed Jesus long enough, know him well enough, trust him and love him with all my heart that I can just be.....as Jesus did and still do today.