But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name… Jo1.12 NKJV
To receive and believe is to become. A person is said to become when they are changing or developing into something else. And, it is quite something else that we are becoming in Christ. Yesterday a young lady at Wal-Mart unintentionally gave me too much change from my purchase. I did not notice until I got to the door that she had given me a twenty dollar bill instead of a ten. When I walked back and told her what she had done, both she and the man in line behind me, were visibly moved. The man looked at me and said, “You’re an honest man.” I smiled and replied, “Yeah, Jesus does strange things to people.”
Now the truth is that I am not an honest man. An honest man would not have considered keeping the money as was my first thought at the door. But, when I received Christ into my life those many years ago, I began to become, to become something quite different from my natural self. Scripture tells us that when we receive and believe Christ we were immediately adopted into God’s family. This of course does not mean that we immediately act like His children. It does mean that we begin to become like the change He has worked in us. We begin to become like His one unique Son. The change may be slow at first but the change is inevitable. Christians can no more take credit for these changes than we could for the color of our eyes. The catalyst of this change is the very life of Christ in us. Christianity is no self-improvement program. And, though I may not yet be a completely honest man, because of Christ I am promised to become one. The moment Christ enters a life someone quite new is created. 7/31/07 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Beginning to Become
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name… Jo1.12 NKJV
To receive and believe is to become. A person is said to become when they are changing or developing into something else. And, it is quite something else that we are becoming in Christ. Yesterday a young lady at Wal-Mart unintentionally gave me too much change from my purchase. I did not notice until I got to the door that she had given me a twenty dollar bill instead of a ten. When I walked back and told her what she had done, both she and the man in line behind me, were visibly moved. The man looked at me and said, “You’re an honest man.” I smiled and replied, “Yeah, Jesus does strange things to people.”
Now the truth is that I am not an honest man. An honest man would not have considered keeping the money as was my first thought at the door. But, when I received Christ into my life those many years ago, I began to become, to become something quite different from my natural self. Scripture tells us that when we receive and believe Christ we were immediately adopted into God’s family. This of course does not mean that we immediately act like His children. It does mean that we begin to become like the change He has worked in us. We begin to become like His one unique Son. The change may be slow at first but the change is inevitable. Christians can no more take credit for these changes than we could for the color of our eyes. The catalyst of this change is the very life of Christ in us. Christianity is no self-improvement program. And, though I may not yet be a completely honest man, because of Christ I am promised to become one. The moment Christ enters a life someone quite new is created. 7/31/07 ts
To receive and believe is to become. A person is said to become when they are changing or developing into something else. And, it is quite something else that we are becoming in Christ. Yesterday a young lady at Wal-Mart unintentionally gave me too much change from my purchase. I did not notice until I got to the door that she had given me a twenty dollar bill instead of a ten. When I walked back and told her what she had done, both she and the man in line behind me, were visibly moved. The man looked at me and said, “You’re an honest man.” I smiled and replied, “Yeah, Jesus does strange things to people.”
Now the truth is that I am not an honest man. An honest man would not have considered keeping the money as was my first thought at the door. But, when I received Christ into my life those many years ago, I began to become, to become something quite different from my natural self. Scripture tells us that when we receive and believe Christ we were immediately adopted into God’s family. This of course does not mean that we immediately act like His children. It does mean that we begin to become like the change He has worked in us. We begin to become like His one unique Son. The change may be slow at first but the change is inevitable. Christians can no more take credit for these changes than we could for the color of our eyes. The catalyst of this change is the very life of Christ in us. Christianity is no self-improvement program. And, though I may not yet be a completely honest man, because of Christ I am promised to become one. The moment Christ enters a life someone quite new is created. 7/31/07 ts
Monday, July 30, 2007
Testimony or Bragimony
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Mt5.16 NKJV
It is interesting that the Lord tells us in one place to allow men to see our good works and in another to beware of practicing righteousness before men to be noticed by them. The difference I think lies in these words “and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” It is one thing to call attention to the glory of God and another to call attention to ourselves. I have heard many testimonies turn into bragimonies. A proper frame draws attention, not to itself, but to the portrait.
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomine Tuo, da gloriam
Not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but to Thy Name give glory. Ps.115.1
7/30/07 ts
It is interesting that the Lord tells us in one place to allow men to see our good works and in another to beware of practicing righteousness before men to be noticed by them. The difference I think lies in these words “and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” It is one thing to call attention to the glory of God and another to call attention to ourselves. I have heard many testimonies turn into bragimonies. A proper frame draws attention, not to itself, but to the portrait.
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomine Tuo, da gloriam
Not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but to Thy Name give glory. Ps.115.1
7/30/07 ts
Testimony or Bragimony
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Mt5.16 NKJV
It is interesting that the Lord tells us in one place to allow men to see our good works and in another to beware of practicing righteousness before men to be noticed by them. The difference I think lies in these words “and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” It is one thing to call attention to the glory of God and another to call attention to ourselves. I have heard many testimonies turn into bragimonies. A proper frame draws attention, not to itself, but to the portrait.
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomine Tuo, da gloriam
Not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but to Thy Name give glory. Ps.115.1
7/30/07 ts
It is interesting that the Lord tells us in one place to allow men to see our good works and in another to beware of practicing righteousness before men to be noticed by them. The difference I think lies in these words “and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” It is one thing to call attention to the glory of God and another to call attention to ourselves. I have heard many testimonies turn into bragimonies. A proper frame draws attention, not to itself, but to the portrait.
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomine Tuo, da gloriam
Not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but to Thy Name give glory. Ps.115.1
7/30/07 ts
Saturday, July 28, 2007
“Life, life, eternal life.“
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil3.14 NKJV
In the opening chapters of Pilgrims Progress, young Christian sets out for the celestial city. His family pleads with him to return to his earthly loves and not wanting to yield to the temptation, he started running, put his fingers in his ears and cried, “Life, life, eternal life.“
As I consider my many goals in my life they all come down to one. I wish to live, to live truly, to live well, to live forever. The startling claim of Jesus Christ is simply this. “I am the way, the truth, the life….” To believe this then, is to live each day enjoying Christ as both the journey and the destination. He is the goal and the very steps to it, the finishline and the track on which we run. Is His name not, "I am."
Here then is reason to rise and to greet the morning sun, “Life, life, eternal life.“ And as my feet hit the floor to set out and find His Life not only as my destination but my journey as well. 7/28/07 ts
In the opening chapters of Pilgrims Progress, young Christian sets out for the celestial city. His family pleads with him to return to his earthly loves and not wanting to yield to the temptation, he started running, put his fingers in his ears and cried, “Life, life, eternal life.“
As I consider my many goals in my life they all come down to one. I wish to live, to live truly, to live well, to live forever. The startling claim of Jesus Christ is simply this. “I am the way, the truth, the life….” To believe this then, is to live each day enjoying Christ as both the journey and the destination. He is the goal and the very steps to it, the finishline and the track on which we run. Is His name not, "I am."
Here then is reason to rise and to greet the morning sun, “Life, life, eternal life.“ And as my feet hit the floor to set out and find His Life not only as my destination but my journey as well. 7/28/07 ts
“Life, life, eternal life.“
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil3.14 NKJV
In the opening chapters of Pilgrims Progress, young Christian sets out for the celestial city. His family pleads with him to return to his earthly loves and not wanting to yield to the temptation, he started running, put his fingers in his ears and cried, “Life, life, eternal life.“
As I consider my many goals in my life they all come down to one. I wish to live, to live truly, to live well, to live forever. The startling claim of Jesus Christ is simply this. “I am the way, the truth, the life….” To believe this then, is to live each day enjoying Christ as both the journey and the destination. He is the goal and the very steps to it, the finishline and the track on which we run. Is His name not, "I am."
Here then is reason to rise and to greet the morning sun, “Life, life, eternal life.“ And as my feet hit the floor to set out and find His Life not only as my destination but my journey as well. 7/28/07 ts
In the opening chapters of Pilgrims Progress, young Christian sets out for the celestial city. His family pleads with him to return to his earthly loves and not wanting to yield to the temptation, he started running, put his fingers in his ears and cried, “Life, life, eternal life.“
As I consider my many goals in my life they all come down to one. I wish to live, to live truly, to live well, to live forever. The startling claim of Jesus Christ is simply this. “I am the way, the truth, the life….” To believe this then, is to live each day enjoying Christ as both the journey and the destination. He is the goal and the very steps to it, the finishline and the track on which we run. Is His name not, "I am."
Here then is reason to rise and to greet the morning sun, “Life, life, eternal life.“ And as my feet hit the floor to set out and find His Life not only as my destination but my journey as well. 7/28/07 ts
Friday, July 27, 2007
Never Tire of Living
“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Heb12.1 NKJV
We might do well to consider that some of our thoughts and actions may not be sinful, but they may certainly weight us down spiritually. Take for instance, watching TV, or perusing a magazine or any other pointless and mindless activity that, if we are not careful, may squander precious time. Now I am not referring to recreation of course, because when it is done properly and with purpose recreation re-creates. But, I do need to consider, if my game of solitaire has become a weight to my spiritual progress. The activity itself may not be sinful, but if ungoverned it may make me unfruitful. Scripture tells us in so many words that whatever we do, we should do it with purpose. When I work let it express my enjoyment of God. When I play let it too express the same. Even rest, may be fruitful, when done with faith and purpose, which means of course, that a game of cards may refresh one yet do nothing for another. It is all this nothing, pointless thoughts, pointless activities that we should be mindful of. Nothing piled upon nothing will yield nothing and before we know it we will have nothing to show for the day entrusted to us.
Someone may say, do you not tire of all this running, always going, always seeking to make every moment productive. Well if you are referring to a driven life for things without, then yes I would quite agree. But if by productive you mean fruitful, and by fruitful you mean, love, joy and peace, then who would tire of that? I am reminded of a line from the movie, ‘With Honors.’ “Winners forget they are in a race. They just love to run.” We might say that in Christ we have come to love life and thus, never tire of living. 7/27/07 ts
We might do well to consider that some of our thoughts and actions may not be sinful, but they may certainly weight us down spiritually. Take for instance, watching TV, or perusing a magazine or any other pointless and mindless activity that, if we are not careful, may squander precious time. Now I am not referring to recreation of course, because when it is done properly and with purpose recreation re-creates. But, I do need to consider, if my game of solitaire has become a weight to my spiritual progress. The activity itself may not be sinful, but if ungoverned it may make me unfruitful. Scripture tells us in so many words that whatever we do, we should do it with purpose. When I work let it express my enjoyment of God. When I play let it too express the same. Even rest, may be fruitful, when done with faith and purpose, which means of course, that a game of cards may refresh one yet do nothing for another. It is all this nothing, pointless thoughts, pointless activities that we should be mindful of. Nothing piled upon nothing will yield nothing and before we know it we will have nothing to show for the day entrusted to us.
Someone may say, do you not tire of all this running, always going, always seeking to make every moment productive. Well if you are referring to a driven life for things without, then yes I would quite agree. But if by productive you mean fruitful, and by fruitful you mean, love, joy and peace, then who would tire of that? I am reminded of a line from the movie, ‘With Honors.’ “Winners forget they are in a race. They just love to run.” We might say that in Christ we have come to love life and thus, never tire of living. 7/27/07 ts
Never Tire of Living
“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Heb12.1 NKJV
We might do well to consider that some of our thoughts and actions may not be sinful, but they may certainly weight us down spiritually. Take for instance, watching TV, or perusing a magazine or any other pointless and mindless activity that, if we are not careful, may squander precious time. Now I am not referring to recreation of course, because when it is done properly and with purpose recreation re-creates. But, I do need to consider, if my game of solitaire has become a weight to my spiritual progress. The activity itself may not be sinful, but if ungoverned it may make me unfruitful. Scripture tells us in so many words that whatever we do, we should do it with purpose. When I work let it express my enjoyment of God. When I play let it too express the same. Even rest, may be fruitful, when done with faith and purpose, which means of course, that a game of cards may refresh one yet do nothing for another. It is all this nothing, pointless thoughts, pointless activities that we should be mindful of. Nothing piled upon nothing will yield nothing and before we know it we will have nothing to show for the day entrusted to us.
Someone may say, do you not tire of all this running, always going, always seeking to make every moment productive. Well if you are referring to a driven life for things without, then yes I would quite agree. But if by productive you mean fruitful, and by fruitful you mean, love, joy and peace, then who would tire of that? I am reminded of a line from the movie, ‘With Honors.’ “Winners forget they are in a race. They just love to run.” We might say that in Christ we have come to love life and thus, never tire of living. 7/27/07 ts
We might do well to consider that some of our thoughts and actions may not be sinful, but they may certainly weight us down spiritually. Take for instance, watching TV, or perusing a magazine or any other pointless and mindless activity that, if we are not careful, may squander precious time. Now I am not referring to recreation of course, because when it is done properly and with purpose recreation re-creates. But, I do need to consider, if my game of solitaire has become a weight to my spiritual progress. The activity itself may not be sinful, but if ungoverned it may make me unfruitful. Scripture tells us in so many words that whatever we do, we should do it with purpose. When I work let it express my enjoyment of God. When I play let it too express the same. Even rest, may be fruitful, when done with faith and purpose, which means of course, that a game of cards may refresh one yet do nothing for another. It is all this nothing, pointless thoughts, pointless activities that we should be mindful of. Nothing piled upon nothing will yield nothing and before we know it we will have nothing to show for the day entrusted to us.
Someone may say, do you not tire of all this running, always going, always seeking to make every moment productive. Well if you are referring to a driven life for things without, then yes I would quite agree. But if by productive you mean fruitful, and by fruitful you mean, love, joy and peace, then who would tire of that? I am reminded of a line from the movie, ‘With Honors.’ “Winners forget they are in a race. They just love to run.” We might say that in Christ we have come to love life and thus, never tire of living. 7/27/07 ts
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Proof of Faith.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb11.1 NKJV
The words which follow this oft quoted verse, tell us how faith is both substance and proof. “For by it (faith) the elders obtained a good testimony.” In other words the proof of faith was in the pudding of their life before God. Jesus repeatedly told us to look for fruit. Fruit is the evidence of faith. What fruit? I can think of nothing greater than the fruit of transformation, lust turned to love, hate to kindness, selfishness to humility. When I first became a Christian I wanted God to show Himself to me by interruptions in the natural world, what we would call miracles. And, I have seen my share of God working on my behalf in some extraordinary ways. Through the years I have come to believe that much of my interest in these things, not only revealed a lack of faith in me but a childish one. I have come through a process of persuasion that though I believe in miracles, have even witnessed them, it is not so much what God is doing “around you” as it is what God is doing “in you” that is the substance and evidence of a mature faith. It is not so much calling fire down from heaven, as it is the fire of obedience and love flowing from our heart, that is good testimony before God. 7/26/07 ts
The words which follow this oft quoted verse, tell us how faith is both substance and proof. “For by it (faith) the elders obtained a good testimony.” In other words the proof of faith was in the pudding of their life before God. Jesus repeatedly told us to look for fruit. Fruit is the evidence of faith. What fruit? I can think of nothing greater than the fruit of transformation, lust turned to love, hate to kindness, selfishness to humility. When I first became a Christian I wanted God to show Himself to me by interruptions in the natural world, what we would call miracles. And, I have seen my share of God working on my behalf in some extraordinary ways. Through the years I have come to believe that much of my interest in these things, not only revealed a lack of faith in me but a childish one. I have come through a process of persuasion that though I believe in miracles, have even witnessed them, it is not so much what God is doing “around you” as it is what God is doing “in you” that is the substance and evidence of a mature faith. It is not so much calling fire down from heaven, as it is the fire of obedience and love flowing from our heart, that is good testimony before God. 7/26/07 ts
The Proof of Faith.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb11.1 NKJV
The words which follow this oft quoted verse, tell us how faith is both substance and proof. “For by it (faith) the elders obtained a good testimony.” In other words the proof of faith was in the pudding of their life before God. Jesus repeatedly told us to look for fruit. Fruit is the evidence of faith. What fruit? I can think of nothing greater than the fruit of transformation, lust turned to love, hate to kindness, selfishness to humility. When I first became a Christian I wanted God to show Himself to me by interruptions in the natural world, what we would call miracles. And, I have seen my share of God working on my behalf in some extraordinary ways. Through the years I have come to believe that much of my interest in these things, not only revealed a lack of faith in me but a childish one. I have come through a process of persuasion that though I believe in miracles, have even witnessed them, it is not so much what God is doing “around you” as it is what God is doing “in you” that is the substance and evidence of a mature faith. It is not so much calling fire down from heaven, as it is the fire of obedience and love flowing from our heart, that is good testimony before God. 7/26/07 ts
The words which follow this oft quoted verse, tell us how faith is both substance and proof. “For by it (faith) the elders obtained a good testimony.” In other words the proof of faith was in the pudding of their life before God. Jesus repeatedly told us to look for fruit. Fruit is the evidence of faith. What fruit? I can think of nothing greater than the fruit of transformation, lust turned to love, hate to kindness, selfishness to humility. When I first became a Christian I wanted God to show Himself to me by interruptions in the natural world, what we would call miracles. And, I have seen my share of God working on my behalf in some extraordinary ways. Through the years I have come to believe that much of my interest in these things, not only revealed a lack of faith in me but a childish one. I have come through a process of persuasion that though I believe in miracles, have even witnessed them, it is not so much what God is doing “around you” as it is what God is doing “in you” that is the substance and evidence of a mature faith. It is not so much calling fire down from heaven, as it is the fire of obedience and love flowing from our heart, that is good testimony before God. 7/26/07 ts
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tightwad or Frugal
“Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely…” Ps.112.5 NIV
There is a notable difference between being frugal and being a tightwad. If someone tells us that we are frugal we generally take it as a complement. But it is almost always an insult, if someone calls you a tightwad. The difference between these two sorts is often not so much in their commitment to thrift or in their avoidance of waste, as it is, in the reason for it. The tightwad practices thrift to hoard, but the frugal to hand out. The tightwad gathers with one hand and is tightfisted with the other. But we often find that the frugal gathers with one hand so he may give with the other.
It is never good to be wasteful, and hoarding wealth is certainly that. When a person is a tightwad with one hand and tightfisted with the other they are wasting the resources entrusted to them. When a person holds with loose hands all that God entrusts He is not being wasteful but generous and generosity always leads to greater wealth. This of course does not mean that sacrifice is not required. Often it is, but we are assured that it is always a good thing to live on less in order to give more. The one who lends to the poor lends to God and God tends to keep His books somewhat different than most. He always returns more to us than we have given. We will never give out more than God is willing to give in return. 7/24/07 ts
There is a notable difference between being frugal and being a tightwad. If someone tells us that we are frugal we generally take it as a complement. But it is almost always an insult, if someone calls you a tightwad. The difference between these two sorts is often not so much in their commitment to thrift or in their avoidance of waste, as it is, in the reason for it. The tightwad practices thrift to hoard, but the frugal to hand out. The tightwad gathers with one hand and is tightfisted with the other. But we often find that the frugal gathers with one hand so he may give with the other.
It is never good to be wasteful, and hoarding wealth is certainly that. When a person is a tightwad with one hand and tightfisted with the other they are wasting the resources entrusted to them. When a person holds with loose hands all that God entrusts He is not being wasteful but generous and generosity always leads to greater wealth. This of course does not mean that sacrifice is not required. Often it is, but we are assured that it is always a good thing to live on less in order to give more. The one who lends to the poor lends to God and God tends to keep His books somewhat different than most. He always returns more to us than we have given. We will never give out more than God is willing to give in return. 7/24/07 ts
Tightwad or Frugal
“Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely…” Ps.112.5 NIV
There is a notable difference between being frugal and being a tightwad. If someone tells us that we are frugal we generally take it as a complement. But it is almost always an insult, if someone calls you a tightwad. The difference between these two sorts is often not so much in their commitment to thrift or in their avoidance of waste, as it is, in the reason for it. The tightwad practices thrift to hoard, but the frugal to hand out. The tightwad gathers with one hand and is tightfisted with the other. But we often find that the frugal gathers with one hand so he may give with the other.
It is never good to be wasteful, and hoarding wealth is certainly that. When a person is a tightwad with one hand and tightfisted with the other they are wasting the resources entrusted to them. When a person holds with loose hands all that God entrusts He is not being wasteful but generous and generosity always leads to greater wealth. This of course does not mean that sacrifice is not required. Often it is, but we are assured that it is always a good thing to live on less in order to give more. The one who lends to the poor lends to God and God tends to keep His books somewhat different than most. He always returns more to us than we have given. We will never give out more than God is willing to give in return. 7/24/07 ts
There is a notable difference between being frugal and being a tightwad. If someone tells us that we are frugal we generally take it as a complement. But it is almost always an insult, if someone calls you a tightwad. The difference between these two sorts is often not so much in their commitment to thrift or in their avoidance of waste, as it is, in the reason for it. The tightwad practices thrift to hoard, but the frugal to hand out. The tightwad gathers with one hand and is tightfisted with the other. But we often find that the frugal gathers with one hand so he may give with the other.
It is never good to be wasteful, and hoarding wealth is certainly that. When a person is a tightwad with one hand and tightfisted with the other they are wasting the resources entrusted to them. When a person holds with loose hands all that God entrusts He is not being wasteful but generous and generosity always leads to greater wealth. This of course does not mean that sacrifice is not required. Often it is, but we are assured that it is always a good thing to live on less in order to give more. The one who lends to the poor lends to God and God tends to keep His books somewhat different than most. He always returns more to us than we have given. We will never give out more than God is willing to give in return. 7/24/07 ts
Monday, July 23, 2007
May the Circle be unbroken, And May it be a big circle!
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Mt19.14 NKJV
It would be glorious to appear before the Lord with all of our family, the circle unbroken. And, what a large circle it can be. Children are God’s reward and this is certainly no less true of the spiritual children we may possess? The other day someone asked about my relationship to one young girl who comes from a broken home and who has been apart of our lives since the third grade. I could think of no better way to describe her but as my daughter. You can imagine my joy when she happened to write me the very next day and said, “I LUV U DAD!!!”
In the end it will not be material possessions or experiences such as places we've seen or things we've done that will follow us. It will be the impact of our lives on those people we have loved because of Christ. The great reward of the new heavens and earth will not be its streets of gold, but the feet of those who walk them because of the influences of our love.
May the circle be unbroken, and may it be a big circle! Father, give us many spiritual children. For He makes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. 7/23/07 ts
It would be glorious to appear before the Lord with all of our family, the circle unbroken. And, what a large circle it can be. Children are God’s reward and this is certainly no less true of the spiritual children we may possess? The other day someone asked about my relationship to one young girl who comes from a broken home and who has been apart of our lives since the third grade. I could think of no better way to describe her but as my daughter. You can imagine my joy when she happened to write me the very next day and said, “I LUV U DAD!!!”
In the end it will not be material possessions or experiences such as places we've seen or things we've done that will follow us. It will be the impact of our lives on those people we have loved because of Christ. The great reward of the new heavens and earth will not be its streets of gold, but the feet of those who walk them because of the influences of our love.
May the circle be unbroken, and may it be a big circle! Father, give us many spiritual children. For He makes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. 7/23/07 ts
May the Circle be unbroken, And May it be a big circle!
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Mt19.14 NKJV
It would be glorious to appear before the Lord with all of our family, the circle unbroken. And, what a large circle it can be. Children are God’s reward and this is certainly no less true of the spiritual children we may possess? The other day someone asked about my relationship to one young girl who comes from a broken home and who has been apart of our lives since the third grade. I could think of no better way to describe her but as my daughter. You can imagine my joy when she happened to write me the very next day and said, “I LUV U DAD!!!”
In the end it will not be material possessions or experiences such as places we've seen or things we've done that will follow us. It will be the impact of our lives on those people we have loved because of Christ. The great reward of the new heavens and earth will not be its streets of gold, but the feet of those who walk them because of the influences of our love.
May the circle be unbroken, and may it be a big circle! Father, give us many spiritual children. For He makes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. 7/23/07 ts
It would be glorious to appear before the Lord with all of our family, the circle unbroken. And, what a large circle it can be. Children are God’s reward and this is certainly no less true of the spiritual children we may possess? The other day someone asked about my relationship to one young girl who comes from a broken home and who has been apart of our lives since the third grade. I could think of no better way to describe her but as my daughter. You can imagine my joy when she happened to write me the very next day and said, “I LUV U DAD!!!”
In the end it will not be material possessions or experiences such as places we've seen or things we've done that will follow us. It will be the impact of our lives on those people we have loved because of Christ. The great reward of the new heavens and earth will not be its streets of gold, but the feet of those who walk them because of the influences of our love.
May the circle be unbroken, and may it be a big circle! Father, give us many spiritual children. For He makes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. 7/23/07 ts
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Five Star Review
I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. Ps.119.30 NKJV
It is no small thing to declare one’s fidelity to God. And, people who do so are certain to come under the scrutiny of those around them. But, it is only natural for my neighbor to be curious about what works or doesn’t work in my life. People will often search the web for Epinons or read reviews of some product or service before they personally take the plunge. After all, most want what works and works well. It is then only natural for my neighbor to be curious, I too should be curious. If Jesus promises an abundant life, and I pledge myself His disciple, should I not see something of this life? Well certainly. And, if my productivity, my marriage, disposition, or happiness is not changing for the better, I would do well to consider why.
Now I have found that most, if not all of my unhappiness is due to inconsistencies on my part, and not His. But this is just the point that Jesus makes and is so often misunderstood by those who have yet to come to Him. We must first come to know our own unhappiness before we can discover His and He will often let us have our way to teach us this. This will mean of course, that there will be some very unhappy Christians, at least while they are learning this initial lesson. And, as the learning curve is different for most, we should expect some reviews better than others. I think that it is important to consider where a person is in the process. For those still wondering, my own review would go something like this. The surgery is tough, but well worth the reward. I am told I still need more surgery, but I see incredible improvement after every operation. Do I like going under His knife? Not really. Do I like the results? I surely do. Do I recommend the procedure? I give it five stars. 7/22/07 ts
It is no small thing to declare one’s fidelity to God. And, people who do so are certain to come under the scrutiny of those around them. But, it is only natural for my neighbor to be curious about what works or doesn’t work in my life. People will often search the web for Epinons or read reviews of some product or service before they personally take the plunge. After all, most want what works and works well. It is then only natural for my neighbor to be curious, I too should be curious. If Jesus promises an abundant life, and I pledge myself His disciple, should I not see something of this life? Well certainly. And, if my productivity, my marriage, disposition, or happiness is not changing for the better, I would do well to consider why.
Now I have found that most, if not all of my unhappiness is due to inconsistencies on my part, and not His. But this is just the point that Jesus makes and is so often misunderstood by those who have yet to come to Him. We must first come to know our own unhappiness before we can discover His and He will often let us have our way to teach us this. This will mean of course, that there will be some very unhappy Christians, at least while they are learning this initial lesson. And, as the learning curve is different for most, we should expect some reviews better than others. I think that it is important to consider where a person is in the process. For those still wondering, my own review would go something like this. The surgery is tough, but well worth the reward. I am told I still need more surgery, but I see incredible improvement after every operation. Do I like going under His knife? Not really. Do I like the results? I surely do. Do I recommend the procedure? I give it five stars. 7/22/07 ts
Five Star Review
I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. Ps.119.30 NKJV
It is no small thing to declare one’s fidelity to God. And, people who do so are certain to come under the scrutiny of those around them. But, it is only natural for my neighbor to be curious about what works or doesn’t work in my life. People will often search the web for Epinons or read reviews of some product or service before they personally take the plunge. After all, most want what works and works well. It is then only natural for my neighbor to be curious, I too should be curious. If Jesus promises an abundant life, and I pledge myself His disciple, should I not see something of this life? Well certainly. And, if my productivity, my marriage, disposition, or happiness is not changing for the better, I would do well to consider why.
Now I have found that most, if not all of my unhappiness is due to inconsistencies on my part, and not His. But this is just the point that Jesus makes and is so often misunderstood by those who have yet to come to Him. We must first come to know our own unhappiness before we can discover His and He will often let us have our way to teach us this. This will mean of course, that there will be some very unhappy Christians, at least while they are learning this initial lesson. And, as the learning curve is different for most, we should expect some reviews better than others. I think that it is important to consider where a person is in the process. For those still wondering, my own review would go something like this. The surgery is tough, but well worth the reward. I am told I still need more surgery, but I see incredible improvement after every operation. Do I like going under His knife? Not really. Do I like the results? I surely do. Do I recommend the procedure? I give it five stars. 7/22/07 ts
It is no small thing to declare one’s fidelity to God. And, people who do so are certain to come under the scrutiny of those around them. But, it is only natural for my neighbor to be curious about what works or doesn’t work in my life. People will often search the web for Epinons or read reviews of some product or service before they personally take the plunge. After all, most want what works and works well. It is then only natural for my neighbor to be curious, I too should be curious. If Jesus promises an abundant life, and I pledge myself His disciple, should I not see something of this life? Well certainly. And, if my productivity, my marriage, disposition, or happiness is not changing for the better, I would do well to consider why.
Now I have found that most, if not all of my unhappiness is due to inconsistencies on my part, and not His. But this is just the point that Jesus makes and is so often misunderstood by those who have yet to come to Him. We must first come to know our own unhappiness before we can discover His and He will often let us have our way to teach us this. This will mean of course, that there will be some very unhappy Christians, at least while they are learning this initial lesson. And, as the learning curve is different for most, we should expect some reviews better than others. I think that it is important to consider where a person is in the process. For those still wondering, my own review would go something like this. The surgery is tough, but well worth the reward. I am told I still need more surgery, but I see incredible improvement after every operation. Do I like going under His knife? Not really. Do I like the results? I surely do. Do I recommend the procedure? I give it five stars. 7/22/07 ts
Friday, July 20, 2007
A Bath and a Clean Set of Clothes
A Bath and a Clean Set of Clothes
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1Jo1.7 NKJV
It is amazing what can look like a deer in the fading light. In my hunting days, I raised my rifle scope to look at shrubs, bails of hay, stumps-just about anything that would play tricks on my eyes as the sun would set. Some things would look so much like a deer I could only laugh when I walked over and inspected it with a flash light. Of course the rule in hunting is that when you are in doubt, don’t. A good hunter never shoots at anything unless absolutely sure.
It is amazing what tricks the darkness of this world can play on the eyes of the soul. What looks menacing may in fact be benign, what appears safe may actually be a threat. There can be so many doubts and uncertainties in this dark world, this place where the sun set long ago in Adam‘s disobedience.
Light has come into our world-the very light of Christ. His light shows things as they really are. His light enables us to see. This is another way of saying that Christ is Truth. To walk in the light then, is to walk in His truth--the truth about God, about myself, others and the created world.
Jesus would light our way to the Father and to one another. He would have us see all as it really is. And though He will ultimately remove all uncertainty, doubt and fear, we must first see how soiled we’ve become. But, as His truth reveals all the dirt and filth from our years of groping in the darkness, He promises a bath and a clean set of clothes. 7/20/07 ts
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1Jo1.7 NKJV
It is amazing what can look like a deer in the fading light. In my hunting days, I raised my rifle scope to look at shrubs, bails of hay, stumps-just about anything that would play tricks on my eyes as the sun would set. Some things would look so much like a deer I could only laugh when I walked over and inspected it with a flash light. Of course the rule in hunting is that when you are in doubt, don’t. A good hunter never shoots at anything unless absolutely sure.
It is amazing what tricks the darkness of this world can play on the eyes of the soul. What looks menacing may in fact be benign, what appears safe may actually be a threat. There can be so many doubts and uncertainties in this dark world, this place where the sun set long ago in Adam‘s disobedience.
Light has come into our world-the very light of Christ. His light shows things as they really are. His light enables us to see. This is another way of saying that Christ is Truth. To walk in the light then, is to walk in His truth--the truth about God, about myself, others and the created world.
Jesus would light our way to the Father and to one another. He would have us see all as it really is. And though He will ultimately remove all uncertainty, doubt and fear, we must first see how soiled we’ve become. But, as His truth reveals all the dirt and filth from our years of groping in the darkness, He promises a bath and a clean set of clothes. 7/20/07 ts
A Bath and a Clean Set of Clothes
A Bath and a Clean Set of Clothes
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1Jo1.7 NKJV
It is amazing what can look like a deer in the fading light. In my hunting days, I raised my rifle scope to look at shrubs, bails of hay, stumps-just about anything that would play tricks on my eyes as the sun would set. Some things would look so much like a deer I could only laugh when I walked over and inspected it with a flash light. Of course the rule in hunting is that when you are in doubt, don’t. A good hunter never shoots at anything unless absolutely sure.
It is amazing what tricks the darkness of this world can play on the eyes of the soul. What looks menacing may in fact be benign, what appears safe may actually be a threat. There can be so many doubts and uncertainties in this dark world, this place where the sun set long ago in Adam‘s disobedience.
Light has come into our world-the very light of Christ. His light shows things as they really are. His light enables us to see. This is another way of saying that Christ is Truth. To walk in the light then, is to walk in His truth--the truth about God, about myself, others and the created world.
Jesus would light our way to the Father and to one another. He would have us see all as it really is. And though He will ultimately remove all uncertainty, doubt and fear, we must first see how soiled we’ve become. But, as His truth reveals all the dirt and filth from our years of groping in the darkness, He promises a bath and a clean set of clothes. 7/20/07 ts
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1Jo1.7 NKJV
It is amazing what can look like a deer in the fading light. In my hunting days, I raised my rifle scope to look at shrubs, bails of hay, stumps-just about anything that would play tricks on my eyes as the sun would set. Some things would look so much like a deer I could only laugh when I walked over and inspected it with a flash light. Of course the rule in hunting is that when you are in doubt, don’t. A good hunter never shoots at anything unless absolutely sure.
It is amazing what tricks the darkness of this world can play on the eyes of the soul. What looks menacing may in fact be benign, what appears safe may actually be a threat. There can be so many doubts and uncertainties in this dark world, this place where the sun set long ago in Adam‘s disobedience.
Light has come into our world-the very light of Christ. His light shows things as they really are. His light enables us to see. This is another way of saying that Christ is Truth. To walk in the light then, is to walk in His truth--the truth about God, about myself, others and the created world.
Jesus would light our way to the Father and to one another. He would have us see all as it really is. And though He will ultimately remove all uncertainty, doubt and fear, we must first see how soiled we’ve become. But, as His truth reveals all the dirt and filth from our years of groping in the darkness, He promises a bath and a clean set of clothes. 7/20/07 ts
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Big G
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Is41.10 NKJV
We wake with anxious thoughts and Father meets us here with this assurance. “Do not be afraid for I am your God. If any created thing were your god, you would have cause for concern. If money, or medicine or the military were your god, then your god would have but a little “g,” But I am your God the only one with the big “G.” Think of your concerns no more, for I, your God the one with the big “G” will help you.
We are strengthened in the inner man when we take these words to heart. Like a mountain which cannot be moved is one who trusts in the Lord. Peace, perfect peace rules the heart of the one stayed on these words, God is our God and He promises to help and uphold His own. What assurance does God give us? “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Ro8.32 NIV 7/19/07 ts
We wake with anxious thoughts and Father meets us here with this assurance. “Do not be afraid for I am your God. If any created thing were your god, you would have cause for concern. If money, or medicine or the military were your god, then your god would have but a little “g,” But I am your God the only one with the big “G.” Think of your concerns no more, for I, your God the one with the big “G” will help you.
We are strengthened in the inner man when we take these words to heart. Like a mountain which cannot be moved is one who trusts in the Lord. Peace, perfect peace rules the heart of the one stayed on these words, God is our God and He promises to help and uphold His own. What assurance does God give us? “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Ro8.32 NIV 7/19/07 ts
The Big G
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Is41.10 NKJV
We wake with anxious thoughts and Father meets us here with this assurance. “Do not be afraid for I am your God. If any created thing were your god, you would have cause for concern. If money, or medicine or the military were your god, then your god would have but a little “g,” But I am your God the only one with the big “G.” Think of your concerns no more, for I, your God the one with the big “G” will help you.
We are strengthened in the inner man when we take these words to heart. Like a mountain which cannot be moved is one who trusts in the Lord. Peace, perfect peace rules the heart of the one stayed on these words, God is our God and He promises to help and uphold His own. What assurance does God give us? “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Ro8.32 NIV 7/19/07 ts
We wake with anxious thoughts and Father meets us here with this assurance. “Do not be afraid for I am your God. If any created thing were your god, you would have cause for concern. If money, or medicine or the military were your god, then your god would have but a little “g,” But I am your God the only one with the big “G.” Think of your concerns no more, for I, your God the one with the big “G” will help you.
We are strengthened in the inner man when we take these words to heart. Like a mountain which cannot be moved is one who trusts in the Lord. Peace, perfect peace rules the heart of the one stayed on these words, God is our God and He promises to help and uphold His own. What assurance does God give us? “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Ro8.32 NIV 7/19/07 ts
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Decisions, Decisions
I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments. Ps119.7 NKJV
One paraphrase of this verse would read; “I will raise my hands to you, when my heart is made right by all the right decisions You have made regarding me.” I think that it is important to understand and acknowledge that God decides. He makes decisions about my life. He draws the lines which surround us. The time and place of our birth, and our death, are His decision. It is not only the big things over which He presides. The smallest details of each day are decided by Him. Snowflakes, and cancer cells, bright summer days and cold dark nights, all move under His sovereign direction. Scriptures make clear that Satan had to secure permission before he could attack God’s servant, Job. And though it may bruise our sensitivities that God decided to allow this assault, we are assured time and time again that Father’s decisions and disciplines always reflect His tender care. Those who love God are also assured that His every decision is governed by His abounding goodness and love, and comes down to us in the channels of His infinite wisdom.
Our Father is the Gardener, our hearts His garden. He is always working good, seeking fruit in His garden. He prunes, and pulls weeds, He lifts up and waters. When He makes any decision that affects the life of one of His children He is deciding it for our good. His goal is perfection, His goal is to make us like His favorite Son. Blessed is He! 7/18/07 ts
One paraphrase of this verse would read; “I will raise my hands to you, when my heart is made right by all the right decisions You have made regarding me.” I think that it is important to understand and acknowledge that God decides. He makes decisions about my life. He draws the lines which surround us. The time and place of our birth, and our death, are His decision. It is not only the big things over which He presides. The smallest details of each day are decided by Him. Snowflakes, and cancer cells, bright summer days and cold dark nights, all move under His sovereign direction. Scriptures make clear that Satan had to secure permission before he could attack God’s servant, Job. And though it may bruise our sensitivities that God decided to allow this assault, we are assured time and time again that Father’s decisions and disciplines always reflect His tender care. Those who love God are also assured that His every decision is governed by His abounding goodness and love, and comes down to us in the channels of His infinite wisdom.
Our Father is the Gardener, our hearts His garden. He is always working good, seeking fruit in His garden. He prunes, and pulls weeds, He lifts up and waters. When He makes any decision that affects the life of one of His children He is deciding it for our good. His goal is perfection, His goal is to make us like His favorite Son. Blessed is He! 7/18/07 ts
Decisions, Decisions
I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments. Ps119.7 NKJV
One paraphrase of this verse would read; “I will raise my hands to you, when my heart is made right by all the right decisions You have made regarding me.” I think that it is important to understand and acknowledge that God decides. He makes decisions about my life. He draws the lines which surround us. The time and place of our birth, and our death, are His decision. It is not only the big things over which He presides. The smallest details of each day are decided by Him. Snowflakes, and cancer cells, bright summer days and cold dark nights, all move under His sovereign direction. Scriptures make clear that Satan had to secure permission before he could attack God’s servant, Job. And though it may bruise our sensitivities that God decided to allow this assault, we are assured time and time again that Father’s decisions and disciplines always reflect His tender care. Those who love God are also assured that His every decision is governed by His abounding goodness and love, and comes down to us in the channels of His infinite wisdom.
Our Father is the Gardener, our hearts His garden. He is always working good, seeking fruit in His garden. He prunes, and pulls weeds, He lifts up and waters. When He makes any decision that affects the life of one of His children He is deciding it for our good. His goal is perfection, His goal is to make us like His favorite Son. Blessed is He! 7/18/07 ts
One paraphrase of this verse would read; “I will raise my hands to you, when my heart is made right by all the right decisions You have made regarding me.” I think that it is important to understand and acknowledge that God decides. He makes decisions about my life. He draws the lines which surround us. The time and place of our birth, and our death, are His decision. It is not only the big things over which He presides. The smallest details of each day are decided by Him. Snowflakes, and cancer cells, bright summer days and cold dark nights, all move under His sovereign direction. Scriptures make clear that Satan had to secure permission before he could attack God’s servant, Job. And though it may bruise our sensitivities that God decided to allow this assault, we are assured time and time again that Father’s decisions and disciplines always reflect His tender care. Those who love God are also assured that His every decision is governed by His abounding goodness and love, and comes down to us in the channels of His infinite wisdom.
Our Father is the Gardener, our hearts His garden. He is always working good, seeking fruit in His garden. He prunes, and pulls weeds, He lifts up and waters. When He makes any decision that affects the life of one of His children He is deciding it for our good. His goal is perfection, His goal is to make us like His favorite Son. Blessed is He! 7/18/07 ts
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The Hinge of History
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” Ro1.16 NKJV
The message of Jesus is the very life blood of mankind. What is any human accomplishment, if in the end it is turned into dust? The most noble task passes into nothingness without the redemption of Christ, yet even the most mundane action can be transformed into lasting glory when His life courses through it. If the very brightest among us were to find a cure for cancer and save millions, without the message of Christ nothing is truly preserved. Yet, let a woman whose body has wasted away from it, entrust her soul to God and when the stars shine no more, her praise will still be heard. The message of Jesus is good news indeed. In it lie all our hopes and dreams.
Who would have thought that a man dying spread eagle on a cross between two thieves would be the hinge of all history--of my history. And like the thief on the left or the thief on the right so will my soul, yes, every soul swing to His left or to His right. Both were thieves. All are thieves. Yet, all who look to this Man in the middle will live forever in His story. 7/17/07 ts
The message of Jesus is the very life blood of mankind. What is any human accomplishment, if in the end it is turned into dust? The most noble task passes into nothingness without the redemption of Christ, yet even the most mundane action can be transformed into lasting glory when His life courses through it. If the very brightest among us were to find a cure for cancer and save millions, without the message of Christ nothing is truly preserved. Yet, let a woman whose body has wasted away from it, entrust her soul to God and when the stars shine no more, her praise will still be heard. The message of Jesus is good news indeed. In it lie all our hopes and dreams.
Who would have thought that a man dying spread eagle on a cross between two thieves would be the hinge of all history--of my history. And like the thief on the left or the thief on the right so will my soul, yes, every soul swing to His left or to His right. Both were thieves. All are thieves. Yet, all who look to this Man in the middle will live forever in His story. 7/17/07 ts
The Hinge of History
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” Ro1.16 NKJV
The message of Jesus is the very life blood of mankind. What is any human accomplishment, if in the end it is turned into dust? The most noble task passes into nothingness without the redemption of Christ, yet even the most mundane action can be transformed into lasting glory when His life courses through it. If the very brightest among us were to find a cure for cancer and save millions, without the message of Christ nothing is truly preserved. Yet, let a woman whose body has wasted away from it, entrust her soul to God and when the stars shine no more, her praise will still be heard. The message of Jesus is good news indeed. In it lie all our hopes and dreams.
Who would have thought that a man dying spread eagle on a cross between two thieves would be the hinge of all history--of my history. And like the thief on the left or the thief on the right so will my soul, yes, every soul swing to His left or to His right. Both were thieves. All are thieves. Yet, all who look to this Man in the middle will live forever in His story. 7/17/07 ts
The message of Jesus is the very life blood of mankind. What is any human accomplishment, if in the end it is turned into dust? The most noble task passes into nothingness without the redemption of Christ, yet even the most mundane action can be transformed into lasting glory when His life courses through it. If the very brightest among us were to find a cure for cancer and save millions, without the message of Christ nothing is truly preserved. Yet, let a woman whose body has wasted away from it, entrust her soul to God and when the stars shine no more, her praise will still be heard. The message of Jesus is good news indeed. In it lie all our hopes and dreams.
Who would have thought that a man dying spread eagle on a cross between two thieves would be the hinge of all history--of my history. And like the thief on the left or the thief on the right so will my soul, yes, every soul swing to His left or to His right. Both were thieves. All are thieves. Yet, all who look to this Man in the middle will live forever in His story. 7/17/07 ts
Monday, July 16, 2007
Drawing from, not adding to
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him… Col2.9 NKJV
The immediate application of these words by the apostle is to dissuade us from assigning any value to religious notions and practices that could never bring us closer to God. We are told instead, that all the fullness of God dwells in Christ and Christ has come to dwell in us through faith. To possess Christ is to possess all that is needed before the Father. There is actually a play on words in this encouragement. In the original language, the word, “fullness” and the word “complete” are the same. Christ is the fullness of God and we are made full in Him. What could possibly be added to that? Even our thanksgivings and offerings of worship flow out of this experience rather than add to it. We can no more add to Christ than we could if we tried to add water to an overflowing spring.
We might very well ask to what religious notions and practices is the apostle referring. Apart from those mentioned, any notion or practice which is not the overflow of His presence in us is a waste of time. That would mean of course that my devotional practices have no value whatsoever if by them I am trying to add merit to the merit of Christ. But if I come to this stream to drink from its fullness, then my practice is to experience that fullness, not add to it. 7/16/07 ts
The immediate application of these words by the apostle is to dissuade us from assigning any value to religious notions and practices that could never bring us closer to God. We are told instead, that all the fullness of God dwells in Christ and Christ has come to dwell in us through faith. To possess Christ is to possess all that is needed before the Father. There is actually a play on words in this encouragement. In the original language, the word, “fullness” and the word “complete” are the same. Christ is the fullness of God and we are made full in Him. What could possibly be added to that? Even our thanksgivings and offerings of worship flow out of this experience rather than add to it. We can no more add to Christ than we could if we tried to add water to an overflowing spring.
We might very well ask to what religious notions and practices is the apostle referring. Apart from those mentioned, any notion or practice which is not the overflow of His presence in us is a waste of time. That would mean of course that my devotional practices have no value whatsoever if by them I am trying to add merit to the merit of Christ. But if I come to this stream to drink from its fullness, then my practice is to experience that fullness, not add to it. 7/16/07 ts
Drawing from, not adding to
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him… Col2.9 NKJV
The immediate application of these words by the apostle is to dissuade us from assigning any value to religious notions and practices that could never bring us closer to God. We are told instead, that all the fullness of God dwells in Christ and Christ has come to dwell in us through faith. To possess Christ is to possess all that is needed before the Father. There is actually a play on words in this encouragement. In the original language, the word, “fullness” and the word “complete” are the same. Christ is the fullness of God and we are made full in Him. What could possibly be added to that? Even our thanksgivings and offerings of worship flow out of this experience rather than add to it. We can no more add to Christ than we could if we tried to add water to an overflowing spring.
We might very well ask to what religious notions and practices is the apostle referring. Apart from those mentioned, any notion or practice which is not the overflow of His presence in us is a waste of time. That would mean of course that my devotional practices have no value whatsoever if by them I am trying to add merit to the merit of Christ. But if I come to this stream to drink from its fullness, then my practice is to experience that fullness, not add to it. 7/16/07 ts
The immediate application of these words by the apostle is to dissuade us from assigning any value to religious notions and practices that could never bring us closer to God. We are told instead, that all the fullness of God dwells in Christ and Christ has come to dwell in us through faith. To possess Christ is to possess all that is needed before the Father. There is actually a play on words in this encouragement. In the original language, the word, “fullness” and the word “complete” are the same. Christ is the fullness of God and we are made full in Him. What could possibly be added to that? Even our thanksgivings and offerings of worship flow out of this experience rather than add to it. We can no more add to Christ than we could if we tried to add water to an overflowing spring.
We might very well ask to what religious notions and practices is the apostle referring. Apart from those mentioned, any notion or practice which is not the overflow of His presence in us is a waste of time. That would mean of course that my devotional practices have no value whatsoever if by them I am trying to add merit to the merit of Christ. But if I come to this stream to drink from its fullness, then my practice is to experience that fullness, not add to it. 7/16/07 ts
Saturday, July 14, 2007
The Full Benefit
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. Jo15.10 NKJV
Christ has said that we express our love for Him each time we keep His commandments. What is equally true is that we experience and can only fully experience His love when we do. I am not saying that He does not love us if we do not obey Him. What I mean, is that many times, the benefit of being loved by Him can only be experienced when we do what He has told us to do. Picture a friend offering to share their umbrella so that we might not get wet, walking to the car in a downpour. Now if we refuse this offer we will certainly get wet. Our refusal means that we forfeit the benefit of their offer. I remember helping my dad put up Christmas lights as a child. He warned me to keep my hands out of the empty electrical sockets. Now the fact that I ignored my dad’s warning, and stuck my finger in one, does not mean that my dad stopped loving me, but I did not abide in his love and got popped.
All of the commandments we receive from God are expressions of His love for us. Instruction about sex, marriage, food, drink or any other thing comes from His greater wisdom and is intended to enrich our experience in them. To neglect them is to miss out on the benefits of His love or get something else that in the end we will wish we did not have. One does not quench thirst by knowing that there is water in the bottle but by drinking it. 7/14/07 ts
Christ has said that we express our love for Him each time we keep His commandments. What is equally true is that we experience and can only fully experience His love when we do. I am not saying that He does not love us if we do not obey Him. What I mean, is that many times, the benefit of being loved by Him can only be experienced when we do what He has told us to do. Picture a friend offering to share their umbrella so that we might not get wet, walking to the car in a downpour. Now if we refuse this offer we will certainly get wet. Our refusal means that we forfeit the benefit of their offer. I remember helping my dad put up Christmas lights as a child. He warned me to keep my hands out of the empty electrical sockets. Now the fact that I ignored my dad’s warning, and stuck my finger in one, does not mean that my dad stopped loving me, but I did not abide in his love and got popped.
All of the commandments we receive from God are expressions of His love for us. Instruction about sex, marriage, food, drink or any other thing comes from His greater wisdom and is intended to enrich our experience in them. To neglect them is to miss out on the benefits of His love or get something else that in the end we will wish we did not have. One does not quench thirst by knowing that there is water in the bottle but by drinking it. 7/14/07 ts
The Full Benefit
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. Jo15.10 NKJV
Christ has said that we express our love for Him each time we keep His commandments. What is equally true is that we experience and can only fully experience His love when we do. I am not saying that He does not love us if we do not obey Him. What I mean, is that many times, the benefit of being loved by Him can only be experienced when we do what He has told us to do. Picture a friend offering to share their umbrella so that we might not get wet, walking to the car in a downpour. Now if we refuse this offer we will certainly get wet. Our refusal means that we forfeit the benefit of their offer. I remember helping my dad put up Christmas lights as a child. He warned me to keep my hands out of the empty electrical sockets. Now the fact that I ignored my dad’s warning, and stuck my finger in one, does not mean that my dad stopped loving me, but I did not abide in his love and got popped.
All of the commandments we receive from God are expressions of His love for us. Instruction about sex, marriage, food, drink or any other thing comes from His greater wisdom and is intended to enrich our experience in them. To neglect them is to miss out on the benefits of His love or get something else that in the end we will wish we did not have. One does not quench thirst by knowing that there is water in the bottle but by drinking it. 7/14/07 ts
Christ has said that we express our love for Him each time we keep His commandments. What is equally true is that we experience and can only fully experience His love when we do. I am not saying that He does not love us if we do not obey Him. What I mean, is that many times, the benefit of being loved by Him can only be experienced when we do what He has told us to do. Picture a friend offering to share their umbrella so that we might not get wet, walking to the car in a downpour. Now if we refuse this offer we will certainly get wet. Our refusal means that we forfeit the benefit of their offer. I remember helping my dad put up Christmas lights as a child. He warned me to keep my hands out of the empty electrical sockets. Now the fact that I ignored my dad’s warning, and stuck my finger in one, does not mean that my dad stopped loving me, but I did not abide in his love and got popped.
All of the commandments we receive from God are expressions of His love for us. Instruction about sex, marriage, food, drink or any other thing comes from His greater wisdom and is intended to enrich our experience in them. To neglect them is to miss out on the benefits of His love or get something else that in the end we will wish we did not have. One does not quench thirst by knowing that there is water in the bottle but by drinking it. 7/14/07 ts
Friday, July 13, 2007
May my Tongue and Knee Agree
“…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, …every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Phil2.10-11 NKJV
Let me bow my knee this day, every day to You.
Match my confession to my actions,
My actions to what I confess.
To say that which I have first done.
To first do all that I would say.
Let me obey you as Lord,
Before I tell others that You are.
Let my tongue confess this day, every day that You are Lord.
Match my delight to my duty,
My duty to my hearts delight.
To do all that I know only in my heart
To truly know in heart all that I do.
Let me confess you as Lord,
For out of the heart the mouth speaks.
Lord make my tongue and knee agree.
7/13/07 ts
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Phil2.10-11 NKJV
Let me bow my knee this day, every day to You.
Match my confession to my actions,
My actions to what I confess.
To say that which I have first done.
To first do all that I would say.
Let me obey you as Lord,
Before I tell others that You are.
Let my tongue confess this day, every day that You are Lord.
Match my delight to my duty,
My duty to my hearts delight.
To do all that I know only in my heart
To truly know in heart all that I do.
Let me confess you as Lord,
For out of the heart the mouth speaks.
Lord make my tongue and knee agree.
7/13/07 ts
May my Tongue and Knee Agree
“…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, …every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Phil2.10-11 NKJV
Let me bow my knee this day, every day to You.
Match my confession to my actions,
My actions to what I confess.
To say that which I have first done.
To first do all that I would say.
Let me obey you as Lord,
Before I tell others that You are.
Let my tongue confess this day, every day that You are Lord.
Match my delight to my duty,
My duty to my hearts delight.
To do all that I know only in my heart
To truly know in heart all that I do.
Let me confess you as Lord,
For out of the heart the mouth speaks.
Lord make my tongue and knee agree.
7/13/07 ts
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Phil2.10-11 NKJV
Let me bow my knee this day, every day to You.
Match my confession to my actions,
My actions to what I confess.
To say that which I have first done.
To first do all that I would say.
Let me obey you as Lord,
Before I tell others that You are.
Let my tongue confess this day, every day that You are Lord.
Match my delight to my duty,
My duty to my hearts delight.
To do all that I know only in my heart
To truly know in heart all that I do.
Let me confess you as Lord,
For out of the heart the mouth speaks.
Lord make my tongue and knee agree.
7/13/07 ts
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Are you listening?
“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Mt4.4 NKJV
Brenda and I have a fascination with caves and in particular undomesticated ones; the ones without public tours. Now entering any cave requires a good source of light and if you are smart, a backup. I once turned off my light in such a cave and literally could not see my hand in front of my face. It is a darkness you can feel. Imagine being lost in oppressive darkness without light.
The Scriptures are said to be a lamp and light. God’s word is given a number of other descriptions, all of which are intended to show us how vital it is to our lives. It is called living water, and the bread from heaven. Imagine living without light, or water or bread. This of course is impossible, for the absence of these things is certain death.
How vital are God’s words to us. Moses explained that God allowed the children of Israel to go hungry and then fed them with manna to teach them the great importance of His words. When facing the temptations of Satan, Christ’s every response began, “It is written.“ No wonder we are told to let the words of Christ dwell richly in us.
If we really think about it, what else is could possibly be needed in any and every situation but a word from God Himself. And, He generously waits to give it. I have often found that He meets me here each morning and gives me the very words I need for that day. It just so happens that I have reached a fork in my road and need such a word. He asks me, “Are you listening?“ Oh the times I have opened the Scriptures, only to find a word waiting for me, so apropos, so direct, that I can only marvel that He speaks to one such as I am. But such is He, so willing is Father to light our path and lead us to His. 7/12/07 ts
Brenda and I have a fascination with caves and in particular undomesticated ones; the ones without public tours. Now entering any cave requires a good source of light and if you are smart, a backup. I once turned off my light in such a cave and literally could not see my hand in front of my face. It is a darkness you can feel. Imagine being lost in oppressive darkness without light.
The Scriptures are said to be a lamp and light. God’s word is given a number of other descriptions, all of which are intended to show us how vital it is to our lives. It is called living water, and the bread from heaven. Imagine living without light, or water or bread. This of course is impossible, for the absence of these things is certain death.
How vital are God’s words to us. Moses explained that God allowed the children of Israel to go hungry and then fed them with manna to teach them the great importance of His words. When facing the temptations of Satan, Christ’s every response began, “It is written.“ No wonder we are told to let the words of Christ dwell richly in us.
If we really think about it, what else is could possibly be needed in any and every situation but a word from God Himself. And, He generously waits to give it. I have often found that He meets me here each morning and gives me the very words I need for that day. It just so happens that I have reached a fork in my road and need such a word. He asks me, “Are you listening?“ Oh the times I have opened the Scriptures, only to find a word waiting for me, so apropos, so direct, that I can only marvel that He speaks to one such as I am. But such is He, so willing is Father to light our path and lead us to His. 7/12/07 ts
Are you listening?
“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Mt4.4 NKJV
Brenda and I have a fascination with caves and in particular undomesticated ones; the ones without public tours. Now entering any cave requires a good source of light and if you are smart, a backup. I once turned off my light in such a cave and literally could not see my hand in front of my face. It is a darkness you can feel. Imagine being lost in oppressive darkness without light.
The Scriptures are said to be a lamp and light. God’s word is given a number of other descriptions, all of which are intended to show us how vital it is to our lives. It is called living water, and the bread from heaven. Imagine living without light, or water or bread. This of course is impossible, for the absence of these things is certain death.
How vital are God’s words to us. Moses explained that God allowed the children of Israel to go hungry and then fed them with manna to teach them the great importance of His words. When facing the temptations of Satan, Christ’s every response began, “It is written.“ No wonder we are told to let the words of Christ dwell richly in us.
If we really think about it, what else is could possibly be needed in any and every situation but a word from God Himself. And, He generously waits to give it. I have often found that He meets me here each morning and gives me the very words I need for that day. It just so happens that I have reached a fork in my road and need such a word. He asks me, “Are you listening?“ Oh the times I have opened the Scriptures, only to find a word waiting for me, so apropos, so direct, that I can only marvel that He speaks to one such as I am. But such is He, so willing is Father to light our path and lead us to His. 7/12/07 ts
Brenda and I have a fascination with caves and in particular undomesticated ones; the ones without public tours. Now entering any cave requires a good source of light and if you are smart, a backup. I once turned off my light in such a cave and literally could not see my hand in front of my face. It is a darkness you can feel. Imagine being lost in oppressive darkness without light.
The Scriptures are said to be a lamp and light. God’s word is given a number of other descriptions, all of which are intended to show us how vital it is to our lives. It is called living water, and the bread from heaven. Imagine living without light, or water or bread. This of course is impossible, for the absence of these things is certain death.
How vital are God’s words to us. Moses explained that God allowed the children of Israel to go hungry and then fed them with manna to teach them the great importance of His words. When facing the temptations of Satan, Christ’s every response began, “It is written.“ No wonder we are told to let the words of Christ dwell richly in us.
If we really think about it, what else is could possibly be needed in any and every situation but a word from God Himself. And, He generously waits to give it. I have often found that He meets me here each morning and gives me the very words I need for that day. It just so happens that I have reached a fork in my road and need such a word. He asks me, “Are you listening?“ Oh the times I have opened the Scriptures, only to find a word waiting for me, so apropos, so direct, that I can only marvel that He speaks to one such as I am. But such is He, so willing is Father to light our path and lead us to His. 7/12/07 ts
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Put your money where your mouth is.
‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. Jer.32.17 NKJV
Would you buy property in a politically unstable country on the eve before a hostile take over by a foreign government? Well, not unless you were convinced that God Himself had asked you to do this and to do it explicitly as a expression of faith, that one day He would restore everything and make good your purchase. That is exactly what the LORD asked this prophet to do and gave him this assurance. “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.”
We speak about faith in God. It is one thing to speak about it and another, if I may borrow this common cliché, to “put your money where your mouth is.” God delights in faith and especially when we express it in the face of difficult, even impossible odds. I was recently encouraged by a dear friend who took a great step of faith and quit his job because he believed God wanted him to do it, and do it, before he could see his way clear to another paycheck. Do we believe these words? “There is nothing too hard for You.” Such faith is often realized only after we have written the check or taken whatever step He is asking. What is God asking us to do, and to believe this day? 7/11/07
Would you buy property in a politically unstable country on the eve before a hostile take over by a foreign government? Well, not unless you were convinced that God Himself had asked you to do this and to do it explicitly as a expression of faith, that one day He would restore everything and make good your purchase. That is exactly what the LORD asked this prophet to do and gave him this assurance. “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.”
We speak about faith in God. It is one thing to speak about it and another, if I may borrow this common cliché, to “put your money where your mouth is.” God delights in faith and especially when we express it in the face of difficult, even impossible odds. I was recently encouraged by a dear friend who took a great step of faith and quit his job because he believed God wanted him to do it, and do it, before he could see his way clear to another paycheck. Do we believe these words? “There is nothing too hard for You.” Such faith is often realized only after we have written the check or taken whatever step He is asking. What is God asking us to do, and to believe this day? 7/11/07
Put your money where your mouth is.
‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. Jer.32.17 NKJV
Would you buy property in a politically unstable country on the eve before a hostile take over by a foreign government? Well, not unless you were convinced that God Himself had asked you to do this and to do it explicitly as a expression of faith, that one day He would restore everything and make good your purchase. That is exactly what the LORD asked this prophet to do and gave him this assurance. “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.”
We speak about faith in God. It is one thing to speak about it and another, if I may borrow this common cliché, to “put your money where your mouth is.” God delights in faith and especially when we express it in the face of difficult, even impossible odds. I was recently encouraged by a dear friend who took a great step of faith and quit his job because he believed God wanted him to do it, and do it, before he could see his way clear to another paycheck. Do we believe these words? “There is nothing too hard for You.” Such faith is often realized only after we have written the check or taken whatever step He is asking. What is God asking us to do, and to believe this day? 7/11/07
Would you buy property in a politically unstable country on the eve before a hostile take over by a foreign government? Well, not unless you were convinced that God Himself had asked you to do this and to do it explicitly as a expression of faith, that one day He would restore everything and make good your purchase. That is exactly what the LORD asked this prophet to do and gave him this assurance. “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.”
We speak about faith in God. It is one thing to speak about it and another, if I may borrow this common cliché, to “put your money where your mouth is.” God delights in faith and especially when we express it in the face of difficult, even impossible odds. I was recently encouraged by a dear friend who took a great step of faith and quit his job because he believed God wanted him to do it, and do it, before he could see his way clear to another paycheck. Do we believe these words? “There is nothing too hard for You.” Such faith is often realized only after we have written the check or taken whatever step He is asking. What is God asking us to do, and to believe this day? 7/11/07
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
His Good Work and Our Good Works
“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Phil1.6 NKJV
We are told again and again to place our confidence in the faithfulness of God and not in the fickle frailty of men. This would include of course, trusting in our own energies. Any security that we have before the Judge of all the earth, does not lie in our own good works but in the good work that He has begun and will finished in us. Of course the evidence of His good work in us, is in His good works through us. The proper way to see this, is that it is His work which is the cause of our own. No one would say that it rains because the ground is wet. No, the ground is wet because it rains. So also God works in us to will and do His good pleasure and we work out all that He is working in us. The same apostle who taught us that we are saved not by our works but by grace, also explained that this grace has created us for good works. It is silly to think that there would be no Artist when there is a painting or no painting when there is an Artist.
Now it is of great importance exactly where we put our trust in all this. If I do a good work and trust that such will see me safe through judgment, then I stand on my own record and will in the end be found wanting. But if I stand on the merits of Christ, and in particular His declaration that, “It is finished,” then my trust is in God and I shall not be disappointed. How then do I know that I am trusting Christ? He comes to live in me and of course His abounding goodness will naturally overflow in all that is good.
I am glad the apostle did not say that we would finish what God started. Knowing my record, if this were true I would have no reason to feel confident. Yet, I see Him working faithfulness where there was only fickleness, love where their was only lust. And, I am confident that He will finish what He has started because I see Him working in my garden every day. 7/10/07 ts
We are told again and again to place our confidence in the faithfulness of God and not in the fickle frailty of men. This would include of course, trusting in our own energies. Any security that we have before the Judge of all the earth, does not lie in our own good works but in the good work that He has begun and will finished in us. Of course the evidence of His good work in us, is in His good works through us. The proper way to see this, is that it is His work which is the cause of our own. No one would say that it rains because the ground is wet. No, the ground is wet because it rains. So also God works in us to will and do His good pleasure and we work out all that He is working in us. The same apostle who taught us that we are saved not by our works but by grace, also explained that this grace has created us for good works. It is silly to think that there would be no Artist when there is a painting or no painting when there is an Artist.
Now it is of great importance exactly where we put our trust in all this. If I do a good work and trust that such will see me safe through judgment, then I stand on my own record and will in the end be found wanting. But if I stand on the merits of Christ, and in particular His declaration that, “It is finished,” then my trust is in God and I shall not be disappointed. How then do I know that I am trusting Christ? He comes to live in me and of course His abounding goodness will naturally overflow in all that is good.
I am glad the apostle did not say that we would finish what God started. Knowing my record, if this were true I would have no reason to feel confident. Yet, I see Him working faithfulness where there was only fickleness, love where their was only lust. And, I am confident that He will finish what He has started because I see Him working in my garden every day. 7/10/07 ts
His Good Work and Our Good Works
“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Phil1.6 NKJV
We are told again and again to place our confidence in the faithfulness of God and not in the fickle frailty of men. This would include of course, trusting in our own energies. Any security that we have before the Judge of all the earth, does not lie in our own good works but in the good work that He has begun and will finished in us. Of course the evidence of His good work in us, is in His good works through us. The proper way to see this, is that it is His work which is the cause of our own. No one would say that it rains because the ground is wet. No, the ground is wet because it rains. So also God works in us to will and do His good pleasure and we work out all that He is working in us. The same apostle who taught us that we are saved not by our works but by grace, also explained that this grace has created us for good works. It is silly to think that there would be no Artist when there is a painting or no painting when there is an Artist.
Now it is of great importance exactly where we put our trust in all this. If I do a good work and trust that such will see me safe through judgment, then I stand on my own record and will in the end be found wanting. But if I stand on the merits of Christ, and in particular His declaration that, “It is finished,” then my trust is in God and I shall not be disappointed. How then do I know that I am trusting Christ? He comes to live in me and of course His abounding goodness will naturally overflow in all that is good.
I am glad the apostle did not say that we would finish what God started. Knowing my record, if this were true I would have no reason to feel confident. Yet, I see Him working faithfulness where there was only fickleness, love where their was only lust. And, I am confident that He will finish what He has started because I see Him working in my garden every day. 7/10/07 ts
We are told again and again to place our confidence in the faithfulness of God and not in the fickle frailty of men. This would include of course, trusting in our own energies. Any security that we have before the Judge of all the earth, does not lie in our own good works but in the good work that He has begun and will finished in us. Of course the evidence of His good work in us, is in His good works through us. The proper way to see this, is that it is His work which is the cause of our own. No one would say that it rains because the ground is wet. No, the ground is wet because it rains. So also God works in us to will and do His good pleasure and we work out all that He is working in us. The same apostle who taught us that we are saved not by our works but by grace, also explained that this grace has created us for good works. It is silly to think that there would be no Artist when there is a painting or no painting when there is an Artist.
Now it is of great importance exactly where we put our trust in all this. If I do a good work and trust that such will see me safe through judgment, then I stand on my own record and will in the end be found wanting. But if I stand on the merits of Christ, and in particular His declaration that, “It is finished,” then my trust is in God and I shall not be disappointed. How then do I know that I am trusting Christ? He comes to live in me and of course His abounding goodness will naturally overflow in all that is good.
I am glad the apostle did not say that we would finish what God started. Knowing my record, if this were true I would have no reason to feel confident. Yet, I see Him working faithfulness where there was only fickleness, love where their was only lust. And, I am confident that He will finish what He has started because I see Him working in my garden every day. 7/10/07 ts
Monday, July 9, 2007
A Day Made in Heaven
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ep3.20-21 NKJV
The other day Brenda and I were trail biking through a stretch of forest along the Cahaba River. All the wonders of the woods, rocks and river beckoned us deeper and deeper into its lush beauty. After hours of riding, under a gentle rain, we still had not reached the end of the trail. It was hard to turn back and we kept saying, “Just one more bend,” or “Over the next rise.” We finally, conceded and turned around knowing that every mile out was a mile back. When we got to the car we were covered with mud and could not help but laugh at the childlike excitement dancing in us, and our disappointment that our day of play in the rain had to end.
We pulled the bikes down into the river to wash off the days play. The rain was still falling and with its gentle symphony all around us, I told Brenda that it was a day made in heaven. And, while the wonder of it certainly was, there are of course, some fundamental differences. There will be no need to turn back on the trails of heaven. A mile out will only be a mile deeper into the great discovery of all the wonders that God is for us in Christ. The day need never end, and our play in the celestial forest will not leave us tired and sore the next.
God’s worth will be endlessly enjoyed. We shall forever ride and play on the trails of His enchanted forest and all the while His Spirit will only beckon us “further up, further in.“ Oh yes, did I mention that we will probably be covered in mud and loving every minute of it. 7/9/07 ts
The other day Brenda and I were trail biking through a stretch of forest along the Cahaba River. All the wonders of the woods, rocks and river beckoned us deeper and deeper into its lush beauty. After hours of riding, under a gentle rain, we still had not reached the end of the trail. It was hard to turn back and we kept saying, “Just one more bend,” or “Over the next rise.” We finally, conceded and turned around knowing that every mile out was a mile back. When we got to the car we were covered with mud and could not help but laugh at the childlike excitement dancing in us, and our disappointment that our day of play in the rain had to end.
We pulled the bikes down into the river to wash off the days play. The rain was still falling and with its gentle symphony all around us, I told Brenda that it was a day made in heaven. And, while the wonder of it certainly was, there are of course, some fundamental differences. There will be no need to turn back on the trails of heaven. A mile out will only be a mile deeper into the great discovery of all the wonders that God is for us in Christ. The day need never end, and our play in the celestial forest will not leave us tired and sore the next.
God’s worth will be endlessly enjoyed. We shall forever ride and play on the trails of His enchanted forest and all the while His Spirit will only beckon us “further up, further in.“ Oh yes, did I mention that we will probably be covered in mud and loving every minute of it. 7/9/07 ts
A Day Made in Heaven
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ep3.20-21 NKJV
The other day Brenda and I were trail biking through a stretch of forest along the Cahaba River. All the wonders of the woods, rocks and river beckoned us deeper and deeper into its lush beauty. After hours of riding, under a gentle rain, we still had not reached the end of the trail. It was hard to turn back and we kept saying, “Just one more bend,” or “Over the next rise.” We finally, conceded and turned around knowing that every mile out was a mile back. When we got to the car we were covered with mud and could not help but laugh at the childlike excitement dancing in us, and our disappointment that our day of play in the rain had to end.
We pulled the bikes down into the river to wash off the days play. The rain was still falling and with its gentle symphony all around us, I told Brenda that it was a day made in heaven. And, while the wonder of it certainly was, there are of course, some fundamental differences. There will be no need to turn back on the trails of heaven. A mile out will only be a mile deeper into the great discovery of all the wonders that God is for us in Christ. The day need never end, and our play in the celestial forest will not leave us tired and sore the next.
God’s worth will be endlessly enjoyed. We shall forever ride and play on the trails of His enchanted forest and all the while His Spirit will only beckon us “further up, further in.“ Oh yes, did I mention that we will probably be covered in mud and loving every minute of it. 7/9/07 ts
The other day Brenda and I were trail biking through a stretch of forest along the Cahaba River. All the wonders of the woods, rocks and river beckoned us deeper and deeper into its lush beauty. After hours of riding, under a gentle rain, we still had not reached the end of the trail. It was hard to turn back and we kept saying, “Just one more bend,” or “Over the next rise.” We finally, conceded and turned around knowing that every mile out was a mile back. When we got to the car we were covered with mud and could not help but laugh at the childlike excitement dancing in us, and our disappointment that our day of play in the rain had to end.
We pulled the bikes down into the river to wash off the days play. The rain was still falling and with its gentle symphony all around us, I told Brenda that it was a day made in heaven. And, while the wonder of it certainly was, there are of course, some fundamental differences. There will be no need to turn back on the trails of heaven. A mile out will only be a mile deeper into the great discovery of all the wonders that God is for us in Christ. The day need never end, and our play in the celestial forest will not leave us tired and sore the next.
God’s worth will be endlessly enjoyed. We shall forever ride and play on the trails of His enchanted forest and all the while His Spirit will only beckon us “further up, further in.“ Oh yes, did I mention that we will probably be covered in mud and loving every minute of it. 7/9/07 ts
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Just a leap in the Dark? Hardly!
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; he is a shield to all who trust in Him. Ps18.30 NKJV
The other day someone compared their relationship with God as a leap of faith. This popular notion usually refers to matters which cannot be proved and so this “leap of faith’ is said to come at the end of all the light one may have. I have no problem with this description so long as it is qualified. If I am rock climbing and cannot see the ledge below me and my friend, whom I trust, tells me the ledge is there, even though I cannot see it, I would be willing to take such a step of faith. I would not however, commits myself to some unseen ledge just because I hoped it was there. Blind faith can be foolish. I would not jump into a river without knowing that it was deep enough or that it was clear of an obstruction which might impale me. I would however jump if my friend, whom I trusted, told me He knew it was alright. My jump is still a leap of faith because I myself cannot see. But it is not a blind faith rather a faith rooted in my friend who has proven himself worthy of trust.
I think if one examines the faith God asks from us, in light of the many examples in Scripture, we will come to find that it is not a blind faith, but one which is rooted in His proven record. The Psalmist makes his assertion that God has proven Himself reliable to all who have trusted Him. He mentions God’s past faithfulness in delivering His people from Egypt. He mentions God's faithfulness in his own history. God has proven Himself time and time again as one worthy of trust. Christian faith has always been rooted in the history of God‘s people. When we think about it, our faith in Christ is also a faith in the character of the men and women who witnessed His resurrection. When all is said and done, the disciples who claimed to have witnessed the miracle of Christ were trustworthy people. Why would we not believe them? When one considers the character of what they taught, and the moral make up of their lives, it makes blessed good sense to believe them. 7/7/07 ts
The other day someone compared their relationship with God as a leap of faith. This popular notion usually refers to matters which cannot be proved and so this “leap of faith’ is said to come at the end of all the light one may have. I have no problem with this description so long as it is qualified. If I am rock climbing and cannot see the ledge below me and my friend, whom I trust, tells me the ledge is there, even though I cannot see it, I would be willing to take such a step of faith. I would not however, commits myself to some unseen ledge just because I hoped it was there. Blind faith can be foolish. I would not jump into a river without knowing that it was deep enough or that it was clear of an obstruction which might impale me. I would however jump if my friend, whom I trusted, told me He knew it was alright. My jump is still a leap of faith because I myself cannot see. But it is not a blind faith rather a faith rooted in my friend who has proven himself worthy of trust.
I think if one examines the faith God asks from us, in light of the many examples in Scripture, we will come to find that it is not a blind faith, but one which is rooted in His proven record. The Psalmist makes his assertion that God has proven Himself reliable to all who have trusted Him. He mentions God’s past faithfulness in delivering His people from Egypt. He mentions God's faithfulness in his own history. God has proven Himself time and time again as one worthy of trust. Christian faith has always been rooted in the history of God‘s people. When we think about it, our faith in Christ is also a faith in the character of the men and women who witnessed His resurrection. When all is said and done, the disciples who claimed to have witnessed the miracle of Christ were trustworthy people. Why would we not believe them? When one considers the character of what they taught, and the moral make up of their lives, it makes blessed good sense to believe them. 7/7/07 ts
Just a leap in the Dark? Hardly!
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; he is a shield to all who trust in Him. Ps18.30 NKJV
The other day someone compared their relationship with God as a leap of faith. This popular notion usually refers to matters which cannot be proved and so this “leap of faith’ is said to come at the end of all the light one may have. I have no problem with this description so long as it is qualified. If I am rock climbing and cannot see the ledge below me and my friend, whom I trust, tells me the ledge is there, even though I cannot see it, I would be willing to take such a step of faith. I would not however, commits myself to some unseen ledge just because I hoped it was there. Blind faith can be foolish. I would not jump into a river without knowing that it was deep enough or that it was clear of an obstruction which might impale me. I would however jump if my friend, whom I trusted, told me He knew it was alright. My jump is still a leap of faith because I myself cannot see. But it is not a blind faith rather a faith rooted in my friend who has proven himself worthy of trust.
I think if one examines the faith God asks from us, in light of the many examples in Scripture, we will come to find that it is not a blind faith, but one which is rooted in His proven record. The Psalmist makes his assertion that God has proven Himself reliable to all who have trusted Him. He mentions God’s past faithfulness in delivering His people from Egypt. He mentions God's faithfulness in his own history. God has proven Himself time and time again as one worthy of trust. Christian faith has always been rooted in the history of God‘s people. When we think about it, our faith in Christ is also a faith in the character of the men and women who witnessed His resurrection. When all is said and done, the disciples who claimed to have witnessed the miracle of Christ were trustworthy people. Why would we not believe them? When one considers the character of what they taught, and the moral make up of their lives, it makes blessed good sense to believe them. 7/7/07 ts
The other day someone compared their relationship with God as a leap of faith. This popular notion usually refers to matters which cannot be proved and so this “leap of faith’ is said to come at the end of all the light one may have. I have no problem with this description so long as it is qualified. If I am rock climbing and cannot see the ledge below me and my friend, whom I trust, tells me the ledge is there, even though I cannot see it, I would be willing to take such a step of faith. I would not however, commits myself to some unseen ledge just because I hoped it was there. Blind faith can be foolish. I would not jump into a river without knowing that it was deep enough or that it was clear of an obstruction which might impale me. I would however jump if my friend, whom I trusted, told me He knew it was alright. My jump is still a leap of faith because I myself cannot see. But it is not a blind faith rather a faith rooted in my friend who has proven himself worthy of trust.
I think if one examines the faith God asks from us, in light of the many examples in Scripture, we will come to find that it is not a blind faith, but one which is rooted in His proven record. The Psalmist makes his assertion that God has proven Himself reliable to all who have trusted Him. He mentions God’s past faithfulness in delivering His people from Egypt. He mentions God's faithfulness in his own history. God has proven Himself time and time again as one worthy of trust. Christian faith has always been rooted in the history of God‘s people. When we think about it, our faith in Christ is also a faith in the character of the men and women who witnessed His resurrection. When all is said and done, the disciples who claimed to have witnessed the miracle of Christ were trustworthy people. Why would we not believe them? When one considers the character of what they taught, and the moral make up of their lives, it makes blessed good sense to believe them. 7/7/07 ts
Friday, July 6, 2007
Until the Twelfth of Never
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mt24.35 NKJV
It would be difficult to point to anything more enduring than space and time, at least in the witness they have in the eyes of modern science. This is exactly the reason Jesus compares the permanence and certainty of His words to them. He actually gives more perpetuity to His words than to the material universe. Such claims set Christ apart from the world of religious figures. Who could make such a self-exalting claim? Well only a madman or else the actual Master and Maker of heaven and earth. Christ leaves us no room to call Him just another good moral teacher.
The Christian hope of eternal life and happiness rest on these words of Christ. Like Peter, we confess, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”
My wife and I like to walk in cemeteries. The Old Live Oak Cemetery here in Selma is a popular tourist attraction. Our favorite feature is not its many notable graves but the Live Oaks trees which line the sections. It is humbling to walk past a tree four or five feet in diameter and hundreds of years old. I have had several thoughts walking down these rows of ancient trees. One, is that these gentle giants have outlived and now provide shade for the generations who lie in repose under their branches. The trees were there long before I was born and will be there long after I die. The other, is that I have the enduring word of Christ that long after these ancient trees are gone, I will remain, alive with Him in resurrected glory. His enduring word living in our hearts shall make us to endure long after Heaven and Earth as we now know it has passed away.
7/6/07 ts
It would be difficult to point to anything more enduring than space and time, at least in the witness they have in the eyes of modern science. This is exactly the reason Jesus compares the permanence and certainty of His words to them. He actually gives more perpetuity to His words than to the material universe. Such claims set Christ apart from the world of religious figures. Who could make such a self-exalting claim? Well only a madman or else the actual Master and Maker of heaven and earth. Christ leaves us no room to call Him just another good moral teacher.
The Christian hope of eternal life and happiness rest on these words of Christ. Like Peter, we confess, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”
My wife and I like to walk in cemeteries. The Old Live Oak Cemetery here in Selma is a popular tourist attraction. Our favorite feature is not its many notable graves but the Live Oaks trees which line the sections. It is humbling to walk past a tree four or five feet in diameter and hundreds of years old. I have had several thoughts walking down these rows of ancient trees. One, is that these gentle giants have outlived and now provide shade for the generations who lie in repose under their branches. The trees were there long before I was born and will be there long after I die. The other, is that I have the enduring word of Christ that long after these ancient trees are gone, I will remain, alive with Him in resurrected glory. His enduring word living in our hearts shall make us to endure long after Heaven and Earth as we now know it has passed away.
7/6/07 ts
Until the Twelfth of Never
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mt24.35 NKJV
It would be difficult to point to anything more enduring than space and time, at least in the witness they have in the eyes of modern science. This is exactly the reason Jesus compares the permanence and certainty of His words to them. He actually gives more perpetuity to His words than to the material universe. Such claims set Christ apart from the world of religious figures. Who could make such a self-exalting claim? Well only a madman or else the actual Master and Maker of heaven and earth. Christ leaves us no room to call Him just another good moral teacher.
The Christian hope of eternal life and happiness rest on these words of Christ. Like Peter, we confess, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”
My wife and I like to walk in cemeteries. The Old Live Oak Cemetery here in Selma is a popular tourist attraction. Our favorite feature is not its many notable graves but the Live Oaks trees which line the sections. It is humbling to walk past a tree four or five feet in diameter and hundreds of years old. I have had several thoughts walking down these rows of ancient trees. One, is that these gentle giants have outlived and now provide shade for the generations who lie in repose under their branches. The trees were there long before I was born and will be there long after I die. The other, is that I have the enduring word of Christ that long after these ancient trees are gone, I will remain, alive with Him in resurrected glory. His enduring word living in our hearts shall make us to endure long after Heaven and Earth as we now know it has passed away.
7/6/07 ts
It would be difficult to point to anything more enduring than space and time, at least in the witness they have in the eyes of modern science. This is exactly the reason Jesus compares the permanence and certainty of His words to them. He actually gives more perpetuity to His words than to the material universe. Such claims set Christ apart from the world of religious figures. Who could make such a self-exalting claim? Well only a madman or else the actual Master and Maker of heaven and earth. Christ leaves us no room to call Him just another good moral teacher.
The Christian hope of eternal life and happiness rest on these words of Christ. Like Peter, we confess, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”
My wife and I like to walk in cemeteries. The Old Live Oak Cemetery here in Selma is a popular tourist attraction. Our favorite feature is not its many notable graves but the Live Oaks trees which line the sections. It is humbling to walk past a tree four or five feet in diameter and hundreds of years old. I have had several thoughts walking down these rows of ancient trees. One, is that these gentle giants have outlived and now provide shade for the generations who lie in repose under their branches. The trees were there long before I was born and will be there long after I die. The other, is that I have the enduring word of Christ that long after these ancient trees are gone, I will remain, alive with Him in resurrected glory. His enduring word living in our hearts shall make us to endure long after Heaven and Earth as we now know it has passed away.
7/6/07 ts
Thursday, July 5, 2007
The Flag is only as Good as that for which it Stands
“And in that day you will say: ‘Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.’” Is12.4 NKJV
Yesterday, many Americans raised a flag in celebration, of our birthday as a nation. My neighbor has flown Old Glory everyday since 911, not only as an expression of national pride but of his loyalty to it.
People often feel the need to declare their loyalties. We express this need as an American or from whatever country we come. Christian too feel this need. Our best witness whether to our neighbor or to the nations in not in peddling our religious beliefs like a used car salesman. Our words are like the flying of a flag. Flying the flag does not make one a good American nor does talking about Christ make one a good Christian. The flag is only as good as that for which it stands. We best declare our devotion to Christ in the way we live each day and in our service to others. In this way we exalt the blessedness of living under His reign. Let me raise the flag of my faith without shame but let me honor it everyday in the way I live. 7/5/07 ts
Yesterday, many Americans raised a flag in celebration, of our birthday as a nation. My neighbor has flown Old Glory everyday since 911, not only as an expression of national pride but of his loyalty to it.
People often feel the need to declare their loyalties. We express this need as an American or from whatever country we come. Christian too feel this need. Our best witness whether to our neighbor or to the nations in not in peddling our religious beliefs like a used car salesman. Our words are like the flying of a flag. Flying the flag does not make one a good American nor does talking about Christ make one a good Christian. The flag is only as good as that for which it stands. We best declare our devotion to Christ in the way we live each day and in our service to others. In this way we exalt the blessedness of living under His reign. Let me raise the flag of my faith without shame but let me honor it everyday in the way I live. 7/5/07 ts
The Flag is only as Good as that for which it Stands
“And in that day you will say: ‘Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.’” Is12.4 NKJV
Yesterday, many Americans raised a flag in celebration, of our birthday as a nation. My neighbor has flown Old Glory everyday since 911, not only as an expression of national pride but of his loyalty to it.
People often feel the need to declare their loyalties. We express this need as an American or from whatever country we come. Christian too feel this need. Our best witness whether to our neighbor or to the nations in not in peddling our religious beliefs like a used car salesman. Our words are like the flying of a flag. Flying the flag does not make one a good American nor does talking about Christ make one a good Christian. The flag is only as good as that for which it stands. We best declare our devotion to Christ in the way we live each day and in our service to others. In this way we exalt the blessedness of living under His reign. Let me raise the flag of my faith without shame but let me honor it everyday in the way I live. 7/5/07 ts
Yesterday, many Americans raised a flag in celebration, of our birthday as a nation. My neighbor has flown Old Glory everyday since 911, not only as an expression of national pride but of his loyalty to it.
People often feel the need to declare their loyalties. We express this need as an American or from whatever country we come. Christian too feel this need. Our best witness whether to our neighbor or to the nations in not in peddling our religious beliefs like a used car salesman. Our words are like the flying of a flag. Flying the flag does not make one a good American nor does talking about Christ make one a good Christian. The flag is only as good as that for which it stands. We best declare our devotion to Christ in the way we live each day and in our service to others. In this way we exalt the blessedness of living under His reign. Let me raise the flag of my faith without shame but let me honor it everyday in the way I live. 7/5/07 ts
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
And this we do, if God permit
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Ps33.12 NKJV
We often speak of the importance of man’s choices and act as though everything in life is hinged on them. When Christ told His disciples that He had chosen them, rather than they Him, many exercised their power to choose and stopped following Him. Now it is true that God has granted us the power to choose and our choices are rather significant. But this does not negate God's power to choose and His choices do not necessarily revolve around our own. God chose to bless Jacob over Esau and explained that He did so before they were born or before they had done anything good or bad. Most of us feel uncomfortable with these words, believing that in order for God to be just, He can have no favorites and must treat everybody the same. The truth is, Scriptures as well as life clearly show that He does not, nor is He bound to do so in order to be just. Consider that God does not endow people equally. He certainly has not given me the same voice as my son, who sings like an angel. He chooses long life for some while others pass, it seems before their time. He draws the lines which fall for each of us, He appoints some to be presidents and kings and others to obscurity as least in the eyes of men.
Now the point of all this is simply to think truthfully about God and about ourselves. We should not over or under estimate the significance of our power to choose. Certainly we should never underestimate or pass judgment on His. “But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does.” Job23.13
At present God has chosen to bless America and make her a nation of blessings to the world. Let us humbles ourselves before Him, and perhaps He will continue to do so. “The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth…” Ps.135.6 7/4/07 ts
We often speak of the importance of man’s choices and act as though everything in life is hinged on them. When Christ told His disciples that He had chosen them, rather than they Him, many exercised their power to choose and stopped following Him. Now it is true that God has granted us the power to choose and our choices are rather significant. But this does not negate God's power to choose and His choices do not necessarily revolve around our own. God chose to bless Jacob over Esau and explained that He did so before they were born or before they had done anything good or bad. Most of us feel uncomfortable with these words, believing that in order for God to be just, He can have no favorites and must treat everybody the same. The truth is, Scriptures as well as life clearly show that He does not, nor is He bound to do so in order to be just. Consider that God does not endow people equally. He certainly has not given me the same voice as my son, who sings like an angel. He chooses long life for some while others pass, it seems before their time. He draws the lines which fall for each of us, He appoints some to be presidents and kings and others to obscurity as least in the eyes of men.
Now the point of all this is simply to think truthfully about God and about ourselves. We should not over or under estimate the significance of our power to choose. Certainly we should never underestimate or pass judgment on His. “But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does.” Job23.13
At present God has chosen to bless America and make her a nation of blessings to the world. Let us humbles ourselves before Him, and perhaps He will continue to do so. “The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth…” Ps.135.6 7/4/07 ts
And this we do, if God permit
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Ps33.12 NKJV
We often speak of the importance of man’s choices and act as though everything in life is hinged on them. When Christ told His disciples that He had chosen them, rather than they Him, many exercised their power to choose and stopped following Him. Now it is true that God has granted us the power to choose and our choices are rather significant. But this does not negate God's power to choose and His choices do not necessarily revolve around our own. God chose to bless Jacob over Esau and explained that He did so before they were born or before they had done anything good or bad. Most of us feel uncomfortable with these words, believing that in order for God to be just, He can have no favorites and must treat everybody the same. The truth is, Scriptures as well as life clearly show that He does not, nor is He bound to do so in order to be just. Consider that God does not endow people equally. He certainly has not given me the same voice as my son, who sings like an angel. He chooses long life for some while others pass, it seems before their time. He draws the lines which fall for each of us, He appoints some to be presidents and kings and others to obscurity as least in the eyes of men.
Now the point of all this is simply to think truthfully about God and about ourselves. We should not over or under estimate the significance of our power to choose. Certainly we should never underestimate or pass judgment on His. “But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does.” Job23.13
At present God has chosen to bless America and make her a nation of blessings to the world. Let us humbles ourselves before Him, and perhaps He will continue to do so. “The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth…” Ps.135.6 7/4/07 ts
We often speak of the importance of man’s choices and act as though everything in life is hinged on them. When Christ told His disciples that He had chosen them, rather than they Him, many exercised their power to choose and stopped following Him. Now it is true that God has granted us the power to choose and our choices are rather significant. But this does not negate God's power to choose and His choices do not necessarily revolve around our own. God chose to bless Jacob over Esau and explained that He did so before they were born or before they had done anything good or bad. Most of us feel uncomfortable with these words, believing that in order for God to be just, He can have no favorites and must treat everybody the same. The truth is, Scriptures as well as life clearly show that He does not, nor is He bound to do so in order to be just. Consider that God does not endow people equally. He certainly has not given me the same voice as my son, who sings like an angel. He chooses long life for some while others pass, it seems before their time. He draws the lines which fall for each of us, He appoints some to be presidents and kings and others to obscurity as least in the eyes of men.
Now the point of all this is simply to think truthfully about God and about ourselves. We should not over or under estimate the significance of our power to choose. Certainly we should never underestimate or pass judgment on His. “But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does.” Job23.13
At present God has chosen to bless America and make her a nation of blessings to the world. Let us humbles ourselves before Him, and perhaps He will continue to do so. “The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth…” Ps.135.6 7/4/07 ts
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Shudder the thought.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Pr14.34 NKJV
Each of us, everyday, and in our own way, add to the greatness or the shame of our nation. A nation is no greater than her citizens and her citizens are no greater than their daily thoughts and actions. We seem to embody the very best and at times the very worst in our expressions of morality. Christian virtue, and criminal vice lie within our borders, and closer to home, within me. What we decide to do every day determines if we are good or not. God has given us grace not only because we are sinful and need it, but to transform us into creatures of beauty.
I was speaking with a Muslim the other day who said that he saw no accountability in our Christian doctrines of grace and that is why he converted to Islam. He commented that most Christians he knew just accept Jesus and then live anyway they want. Many would point to the deeds of radical Islam and reply that he who is without sin let him cast the first stone. But this hardly removes the reproach cast by this man’s words.
We fail to represent the grace of God truthfully if people somehow believe that its ok to ask God to pardon sin and take them to heaven and all the while live like hell on earth. The grace God offers in Christ is not just to forgive our unrighteous acts but to transform us into a righteous people, zealous for all that is good.
Shall we continue in sin that grace might increase? Shudder the thought. 7/3/07 ts
Each of us, everyday, and in our own way, add to the greatness or the shame of our nation. A nation is no greater than her citizens and her citizens are no greater than their daily thoughts and actions. We seem to embody the very best and at times the very worst in our expressions of morality. Christian virtue, and criminal vice lie within our borders, and closer to home, within me. What we decide to do every day determines if we are good or not. God has given us grace not only because we are sinful and need it, but to transform us into creatures of beauty.
I was speaking with a Muslim the other day who said that he saw no accountability in our Christian doctrines of grace and that is why he converted to Islam. He commented that most Christians he knew just accept Jesus and then live anyway they want. Many would point to the deeds of radical Islam and reply that he who is without sin let him cast the first stone. But this hardly removes the reproach cast by this man’s words.
We fail to represent the grace of God truthfully if people somehow believe that its ok to ask God to pardon sin and take them to heaven and all the while live like hell on earth. The grace God offers in Christ is not just to forgive our unrighteous acts but to transform us into a righteous people, zealous for all that is good.
Shall we continue in sin that grace might increase? Shudder the thought. 7/3/07 ts
Shudder the thought.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Pr14.34 NKJV
Each of us, everyday, and in our own way, add to the greatness or the shame of our nation. A nation is no greater than her citizens and her citizens are no greater than their daily thoughts and actions. We seem to embody the very best and at times the very worst in our expressions of morality. Christian virtue, and criminal vice lie within our borders, and closer to home, within me. What we decide to do every day determines if we are good or not. God has given us grace not only because we are sinful and need it, but to transform us into creatures of beauty.
I was speaking with a Muslim the other day who said that he saw no accountability in our Christian doctrines of grace and that is why he converted to Islam. He commented that most Christians he knew just accept Jesus and then live anyway they want. Many would point to the deeds of radical Islam and reply that he who is without sin let him cast the first stone. But this hardly removes the reproach cast by this man’s words.
We fail to represent the grace of God truthfully if people somehow believe that its ok to ask God to pardon sin and take them to heaven and all the while live like hell on earth. The grace God offers in Christ is not just to forgive our unrighteous acts but to transform us into a righteous people, zealous for all that is good.
Shall we continue in sin that grace might increase? Shudder the thought. 7/3/07 ts
Each of us, everyday, and in our own way, add to the greatness or the shame of our nation. A nation is no greater than her citizens and her citizens are no greater than their daily thoughts and actions. We seem to embody the very best and at times the very worst in our expressions of morality. Christian virtue, and criminal vice lie within our borders, and closer to home, within me. What we decide to do every day determines if we are good or not. God has given us grace not only because we are sinful and need it, but to transform us into creatures of beauty.
I was speaking with a Muslim the other day who said that he saw no accountability in our Christian doctrines of grace and that is why he converted to Islam. He commented that most Christians he knew just accept Jesus and then live anyway they want. Many would point to the deeds of radical Islam and reply that he who is without sin let him cast the first stone. But this hardly removes the reproach cast by this man’s words.
We fail to represent the grace of God truthfully if people somehow believe that its ok to ask God to pardon sin and take them to heaven and all the while live like hell on earth. The grace God offers in Christ is not just to forgive our unrighteous acts but to transform us into a righteous people, zealous for all that is good.
Shall we continue in sin that grace might increase? Shudder the thought. 7/3/07 ts
Monday, July 2, 2007
The Before and After Photo
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it? Jer17.9 NKJV
Popular advertisements will often make use of the before and after shot--before the diet and after the diet, before working out and after. The before shots can be rather ugly and since the vast majority of us are on the before side of things, we are regularly reminded of our poor and wretched physical state.
God’s Word has many such passages which describe our sinful spiritual state. But we do well to mark the fact, that verses such as the one above, describe us before Christ, and not after He has entered our heart. God is healing the heart of all who are in Jesus and while there remains some sense of that old desperately wicked person, the Christian has been given a new heart and with it a desire to love and serve God. We may correctly say that before Christ, our heart was indeed deceitful and wicked but this is no longer the case after Christ. Or it is at least not the whole picture. He has entered the heart. His presence is regenerating us into new creatures. He asks us in light of these changes to renew our minds. Apart of that renewal is to stop seeing ourselves as that old man, the before shot if you will, and to start seeing ourselves re-created in His likeness. “As a man thinks within himself, so he is.” One final thought here. If one is still in that before Christ condition, Jesus warns how great is that darkness, one so great that only the light of His presence can penetrate it. If you doubt, cry out. 7/2/07 ts
Popular advertisements will often make use of the before and after shot--before the diet and after the diet, before working out and after. The before shots can be rather ugly and since the vast majority of us are on the before side of things, we are regularly reminded of our poor and wretched physical state.
God’s Word has many such passages which describe our sinful spiritual state. But we do well to mark the fact, that verses such as the one above, describe us before Christ, and not after He has entered our heart. God is healing the heart of all who are in Jesus and while there remains some sense of that old desperately wicked person, the Christian has been given a new heart and with it a desire to love and serve God. We may correctly say that before Christ, our heart was indeed deceitful and wicked but this is no longer the case after Christ. Or it is at least not the whole picture. He has entered the heart. His presence is regenerating us into new creatures. He asks us in light of these changes to renew our minds. Apart of that renewal is to stop seeing ourselves as that old man, the before shot if you will, and to start seeing ourselves re-created in His likeness. “As a man thinks within himself, so he is.” One final thought here. If one is still in that before Christ condition, Jesus warns how great is that darkness, one so great that only the light of His presence can penetrate it. If you doubt, cry out. 7/2/07 ts
The Before and After Photo
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it? Jer17.9 NKJV
Popular advertisements will often make use of the before and after shot--before the diet and after the diet, before working out and after. The before shots can be rather ugly and since the vast majority of us are on the before side of things, we are regularly reminded of our poor and wretched physical state.
God’s Word has many such passages which describe our sinful spiritual state. But we do well to mark the fact, that verses such as the one above, describe us before Christ, and not after He has entered our heart. God is healing the heart of all who are in Jesus and while there remains some sense of that old desperately wicked person, the Christian has been given a new heart and with it a desire to love and serve God. We may correctly say that before Christ, our heart was indeed deceitful and wicked but this is no longer the case after Christ. Or it is at least not the whole picture. He has entered the heart. His presence is regenerating us into new creatures. He asks us in light of these changes to renew our minds. Apart of that renewal is to stop seeing ourselves as that old man, the before shot if you will, and to start seeing ourselves re-created in His likeness. “As a man thinks within himself, so he is.” One final thought here. If one is still in that before Christ condition, Jesus warns how great is that darkness, one so great that only the light of His presence can penetrate it. If you doubt, cry out. 7/2/07 ts
Popular advertisements will often make use of the before and after shot--before the diet and after the diet, before working out and after. The before shots can be rather ugly and since the vast majority of us are on the before side of things, we are regularly reminded of our poor and wretched physical state.
God’s Word has many such passages which describe our sinful spiritual state. But we do well to mark the fact, that verses such as the one above, describe us before Christ, and not after He has entered our heart. God is healing the heart of all who are in Jesus and while there remains some sense of that old desperately wicked person, the Christian has been given a new heart and with it a desire to love and serve God. We may correctly say that before Christ, our heart was indeed deceitful and wicked but this is no longer the case after Christ. Or it is at least not the whole picture. He has entered the heart. His presence is regenerating us into new creatures. He asks us in light of these changes to renew our minds. Apart of that renewal is to stop seeing ourselves as that old man, the before shot if you will, and to start seeing ourselves re-created in His likeness. “As a man thinks within himself, so he is.” One final thought here. If one is still in that before Christ condition, Jesus warns how great is that darkness, one so great that only the light of His presence can penetrate it. If you doubt, cry out. 7/2/07 ts
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