I recently re-read the book Willow in the Wind, the story of Ivan Spencer, founder of Elim Bible Institute. My copy was so worn that it literally broke into pieces as I read it.
The book chronicles his upbringing, his formative spiritual encounters, his faith journey in starting Elim Bible Institute, and first few decades of the school devoted to raising up Spirit-filled workers for Christ. It is especially significant to me, because it is the story of my spiritual heritage. My Grandma and Grandpa Larkin both attended Elim in the 1950s, both of my grandfathers worked at Elim during the 1970s, my parents met each other as “campus kids”, my father taught there while I was growing up, Adriana and I met at, and are both graduates of Elim, and my Larkin grandparents are still missionaries for Elim Fellowship.
Reading the book was a glimpse into the early years of Pentecostalism. It reveals the challenges of bridge-building within the body of Christ during those initial decades; the human mistakes and excesses of well-intentioned, passionate seekers of God that He is patient with and willing to work through in order to reveal His glory; and the struggles of those within the body of Christ who were convinced that God is still in the business of speaking to His Church. Most of all, the book was one which inspired hope and faith as it followed one man’s journey of seeking to obediently follow God. It was a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God to those who venture forth in faith.
With the advantage of hindsight, and the lessons learned in the decades since the stories in the book took place, it is easy to spot areas of questionable theology, ego, excess, and irony. Nonetheless, overwhelmingly I.Q. Spencer was a man motivated by a deep passion for Jesus and a conviction to be led by the Holy Spirit, and for that he is worthy of honor. We will all make mistakes in our lives, but let us make them in the way of grace and forgiveness, with a passionate desire to see the cause of Jesus advanced and His kingdom established on earth as it is in heaven.
Yep. Excellent.
Lead singer Jon Foreman was asked if Switchfoot is a “Christian” band. His response … Why Switchfoot won’t sing Christian songs.
When the author walks on stage the play is over. God will invade: but what is the good of saying you are on His side then? Now is the time..
— C. S. Lewis (@CSLewisDaily) December 4, 2013
Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last for ever. #CSLewis
— C. S. Lewis (@CSLewisDaily) December 4, 2013
My friend Gregg Farah wrote the book 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith. I just finished reading it (see my attempted comical review here.) I did have one more suggested way one can grow in their faith. Here goes …
I am a reader. Each year I seek to read a wide variety of books on a wide variety of topics. I often have 5 books going at the same time. Sometimes people ask me where I find the time to read. Well, I have a confession to make.
You know the schpeel: We all have the exact same amount of time available to us. 24 hours a day. 168 hours a week. I am no exception. There are times when I sit and read for lengthy periods of time, to be sure. But what I always try to do is have a book handy so if I have a few minutes free, I can read a bit. Here’s my confession (and if you’ve ever heard me speak, I often suggest this to people as a way to start the habit of daily Bible reading): I read a good 5 books a year … on the toilet. That’s right people! I redeem the time. Rather than just sitting there, I sit there … and read. I will not reveal to you which books I have completed on the toilet this year, but generally they are books with short chapters that can be wiped out (pun intended) in a couple of minutes. Every day = a chapter. Or two. Or three. (It just depends on what I eat. lol!)
And so, now you know a little bit more about me than you wish you did. Nevertheless, I have found that this is a great way to sharpen my mind, just taking advantage of something that nature insists I take time out to do every day already. Gregg probably thought of this as a way to grow your faith, but was too polite to write it down. So, shamelessly, I do it. You’re welcome.
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