Pass the butter please!

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Is.43.18-19

There should always be freshness in our relationship with the Lord--new answers to prayer, new provisions from His hand, new words from His mouth. Are we living on the stale bread of His past dealings with us, or is there fresh bread, piping hot, right out of His oven, ready to be buttered with our prayers and eaten with our faith. Pass the butter please!
12/31/2007 ts

Pass the butter please!

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Is.43.18-19

There should always be freshness in our relationship with the Lord--new answers to prayer, new provisions from His hand, new words from His mouth. Are we living on the stale bread of His past dealings with us, or is there fresh bread, piping hot, right out of His oven, ready to be buttered with our prayers and eaten with our faith. Pass the butter please!
12/31/2007 ts

Of all Things

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1Cor2.4-5 NKJV

When I look back on my conversion to Christ I am amazed at the simple way I was confronted by the Holy Spirit. I had read a cartoon depiction of the gospel and just like that, I not only knew I needed Christ; I began to earnestly seek Him. I am sure I had heard the same message in church and in Sunday school probably hundreds of times. I am also sure many people explained Jesus to me. But it was only after the Holy Spirit worked His power, using a gospel track of all things that I responded in repentance and faith.
When we consider that a condemned, Jewish carpenter, nailed to a cross between two thieves has changed the course of millions of people in almost every nation, this fact alone, attests, that it is the power of God working in the hearts of men. And, of all things, God is working this power, using some pretty ridiculous sounding preachers. Amazing Grace! 12/28/2007 ts

Of all Things

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1Cor2.4-5 NKJV

When I look back on my conversion to Christ I am amazed at the simple way I was confronted by the Holy Spirit. I had read a cartoon depiction of the gospel and just like that, I not only knew I needed Christ; I began to earnestly seek Him. I am sure I had heard the same message in church and in Sunday school probably hundreds of times. I am also sure many people explained Jesus to me. But it was only after the Holy Spirit worked His power, using a gospel track of all things that I responded in repentance and faith.
When we consider that a condemned, Jewish carpenter, nailed to a cross between two thieves has changed the course of millions of people in almost every nation, this fact alone, attests, that it is the power of God working in the hearts of men. And, of all things, God is working this power, using some pretty ridiculous sounding preachers. Amazing Grace! 12/28/2007 ts

The Test

“Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.” Ps103.2 NIV

We are told not to forget all His benefits because there are times when this is easy to do. Most of us call out to God in times of need or distress. It is in the good times, the seasons of abundance, when we take His blessings for granted. It has been said that wealth will test the quality of our heart more than poverty.

For those of us who live in the land of abundance, we have little choice but to take the test. And, one way to measure how well we are doing is simply by listening to the attitude of our heart and the echo of our words. How often do the words, “Bless the LORD,” flow from our heart, and "Thank you," echo from our lips? 12/27/2007 ts

The Test

“Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.” Ps103.2 NIV

We are told not to forget all His benefits because there are times when this is easy to do. Most of us call out to God in times of need or distress. It is in the good times, the seasons of abundance, when we take His blessings for granted. It has been said that wealth will test the quality of our heart more than poverty.

For those of us who live in the land of abundance, we have little choice but to take the test. And, one way to measure how well we are doing is simply by listening to the attitude of our heart and the echo of our words. How often do the words, “Bless the LORD,” flow from our heart, and "Thank you," echo from our lips? 12/27/2007 ts

The Value of the Moon

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Lk2.32

How do we measure the value of our lives to others? We may calculate it in a number of ways but one measure, which we should not overlook, is the presence of Christ in us. The Christian is the corporal presence of Jesus in the world. Our hands become His, hands, our feet, our mouth, may all express His goodness. The degree to which this is true of course is to be measured by the degree to which live out the words of the Baptizer, “He must increase but I must decrease.”
Our real life begins only after we have died to living only for ourselves. Our glory, is a reflected glory. Our glory, as the moon, is found in reflecting His glory, our value His value. Without the sun, the moon gives no light, without the Son, we too, would have no light to give. 12/26/2007 ts

The Value of the Moon

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Lk2.32

How do we measure the value of our lives to others? We may calculate it in a number of ways but one measure, which we should not overlook, is the presence of Christ in us. The Christian is the corporal presence of Jesus in the world. Our hands become His, hands, our feet, our mouth, may all express His goodness. The degree to which this is true of course is to be measured by the degree to which live out the words of the Baptizer, “He must increase but I must decrease.”
Our real life begins only after we have died to living only for ourselves. Our glory, is a reflected glory. Our glory, as the moon, is found in reflecting His glory, our value His value. Without the sun, the moon gives no light, without the Son, we too, would have no light to give. 12/26/2007 ts

Take to Heart

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Lk2.19-19 NIV

We may believe with intellectual sincerity that Christ is the Son of the living God, just as we believe that men have walked the lunar landscape. But to believe something in the mind is a different sort of faith than trusting it with ones heart. Now I am not saying that we should trust something simply because it “feels” right. It is true that much of what we take to heart begins first in the mind and probably should. We use the expression “take to heart,” when we want to convey our deepest interaction with something and in this case, with someone. Believing in the historical Jesus may very well be the first step in coming to Him but certainly not the last. Conversely, it would be silly to ask people to take Jesus to heart if they do not believe that He lived in history. Faith in Christ is not to be compared to faith in Santa. He lived in history; He asks now to live in our hearts. Take Him to heart. 12/24/2007 ts

Take to Heart

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Lk2.19-19 NIV

We may believe with intellectual sincerity that Christ is the Son of the living God, just as we believe that men have walked the lunar landscape. But to believe something in the mind is a different sort of faith than trusting it with ones heart. Now I am not saying that we should trust something simply because it “feels” right. It is true that much of what we take to heart begins first in the mind and probably should. We use the expression “take to heart,” when we want to convey our deepest interaction with something and in this case, with someone. Believing in the historical Jesus may very well be the first step in coming to Him but certainly not the last. Conversely, it would be silly to ask people to take Jesus to heart if they do not believe that He lived in history. Faith in Christ is not to be compared to faith in Santa. He lived in history; He asks now to live in our hearts. Take Him to heart. 12/24/2007 ts

Wow, This Guys good!

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Lk2.8-11 NIV

Imagine a storyteller whose words immediately become the reality around you. He says, “It was a cold star filled night,” and just like that, you are sitting under a star filled sky, watching your smoky breath drift into the night’s air. You think, Wow, this guys good! God is such a storyteller. No one tells a story quite like God. He writes with the pen of providence. His thoughts are expressed in every movement of creation and every delicate detail in time and space becomes His literary device.

God undoubtedly loves to weave subtle nuances into the narrative He is writing with, about and for His Son. Christ is born at night, and so He comes to those who live in darkness. He is revealed to those living in the fields, which, like Him have no place of residence-- no place to lay their head. Shepherds are chosen to hear of His birth and He is the great Shepherd of the sheep. They are shepherd’s keeping watch and so he rewards those who “watch and pray.” They watch over flocks and so His principle message reminds us that we are our brother’s keeper. 12/22/2007 ts

Wow, This Guys good!

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Lk2.8-11 NIV

Imagine a storyteller whose words immediately become the reality around you. He says, “It was a cold star filled night,” and just like that, you are sitting under a star filled sky, watching your smoky breath drift into the night’s air. You think, Wow, this guys good! God is such a storyteller. No one tells a story quite like God. He writes with the pen of providence. His thoughts are expressed in every movement of creation and every delicate detail in time and space becomes His literary device.

God undoubtedly loves to weave subtle nuances into the narrative He is writing with, about and for His Son. Christ is born at night, and so He comes to those who live in darkness. He is revealed to those living in the fields, which, like Him have no place of residence-- no place to lay their head. Shepherds are chosen to hear of His birth and He is the great Shepherd of the sheep. They are shepherd’s keeping watch and so he rewards those who “watch and pray.” They watch over flocks and so His principle message reminds us that we are our brother’s keeper. 12/22/2007 ts

The First

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.” Lk2.6-7 NIV

Mary’s firstborn is also called the firstborn of creation and the firstborn from the dead. These distinctions are not so much to pinpoint the origin of Christ. The Scriptures may it very clear that Jesus has always existed with His Father. No, these distinctions simply convey to us the uniqueness of Christ as God’s only begotten Son, “that in all things He may have the preeminence" He is the first, the fountainhead of all blessing and He is to be first in our lives. How do I reflect that He is first in my life? 12/21/2007 ts

The First

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.” Lk2.6-7 NIV

Mary’s firstborn is also called the firstborn of creation and the firstborn from the dead. These distinctions are not so much to pinpoint the origin of Christ. The Scriptures may it very clear that Jesus has always existed with His Father. No, these distinctions simply convey to us the uniqueness of Christ as God’s only begotten Son, “that in all things He may have the preeminence" He is the first, the fountainhead of all blessing and He is to be first in our lives. How do I reflect that He is first in my life? 12/21/2007 ts

Separation of Church and State

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Lk1.1 NKJV

The world was busily going about its business when Christ was born into it. The moment Christ was born into our world, He became a registered taxpayer. He was not a registered voter and had no say over those who would rule over Him, at lease not on His first visit. No, He was just expected to pay taxes. And, Jesus not only did, He instructed His followers to do the same.
This very same government would eventually crucify Him but it mattered not, for dying in our stead was His business. He told us to, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” We can be sure that the business of the world is not the business of God though God often uses it to accomplish His purposes. There is, and necessarily so, a separation of Church and State--what is Caesar’s and what is God’s. We need to remind ourselves that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, and though we must live in it, we can never be of it. Let the world do its business and let us do the business of Christ. 12/20/2007 ts

Separation of Church and State

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Lk1.1 NKJV

The world was busily going about its business when Christ was born into it. The moment Christ was born into our world, He became a registered taxpayer. He was not a registered voter and had no say over those who would rule over Him, at lease not on His first visit. No, He was just expected to pay taxes. And, Jesus not only did, He instructed His followers to do the same.
This very same government would eventually crucify Him but it mattered not, for dying in our stead was His business. He told us to, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” We can be sure that the business of the world is not the business of God though God often uses it to accomplish His purposes. There is, and necessarily so, a separation of Church and State--what is Caesar’s and what is God’s. We need to remind ourselves that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, and though we must live in it, we can never be of it. Let the world do its business and let us do the business of Christ. 12/20/2007 ts

Why Cemeteries face East

“…the Dayspring from on high has visited us.” Lk1.78 NKJV

I have been told that cemeteries are designed so that they face the east. This is certainly the case in most of the cemeteries that I have visited. It was explained to me that the reason for this, is based on the Christian belief that when Christ returns He will come, as least for those of us in this part of the world, in the eastern sky. In another sense, we might say that all who are in the grave await the rising dawn of the eternal state.

At His first coming Christ is called the “Dayspring from on high.” This word is also translated the dawn or the east. I think this title is given to the baby of Bethlehem because His entrance into the world is said “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” As the sun rises in the east Christ calls himself the light of the world. I can truthfully say that the entrance of Christ into my life was very much like the rising of the dawn. The light of His presence is waking me to all that is life indeed. He is showing me the truth about myself, and my purpose and lighting my path into greater and greater joys. He is the Dayspring of endless days in whose light we shall romp and stomp and play forever. 12/19/2007

Why Cemeteries face East

“…the Dayspring from on high has visited us.” Lk1.78 NKJV

I have been told that cemeteries are designed so that they face the east. This is certainly the case in most of the cemeteries that I have visited. It was explained to me that the reason for this, is based on the Christian belief that when Christ returns He will come, as least for those of us in this part of the world, in the eastern sky. In another sense, we might say that all who are in the grave await the rising dawn of the eternal state.

At His first coming Christ is called the “Dayspring from on high.” This word is also translated the dawn or the east. I think this title is given to the baby of Bethlehem because His entrance into the world is said “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” As the sun rises in the east Christ calls himself the light of the world. I can truthfully say that the entrance of Christ into my life was very much like the rising of the dawn. The light of His presence is waking me to all that is life indeed. He is showing me the truth about myself, and my purpose and lighting my path into greater and greater joys. He is the Dayspring of endless days in whose light we shall romp and stomp and play forever. 12/19/2007

Deist or Daddy

“ Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people…” Lk1.68 NKJV

There are some who believe in a God and see Him as impersonal and distant, one who never interferes in the affairs of men. Now I say they believe in a God but not the God, or at least not the God of the Scriptures. The God who has revealed Himself in Scripture is anything but impersonal. Jesus told us to call Him “Father” and even went so far as to use the very personal word “Abba,” or “Daddy.”
Christ came to show us what God is truly like. The story of Christmas reveals to us a very personal God who desires a very personal relationship with us. The creator came to visit and redeem His estranged children. He took to Himself human flesh and walked under our sun and experienced our sufferings. God is most proactive in His love for us. We may all have gone astray but He comes looking for us as any good parent would their lost child. He waits patiently for those who regard Him as the Deist, impersonal cold and distant and all the while He joyfully lives in the hearts of those who call Him Daddy. 12/18/2007 ts

Deist or Daddy

“ Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people…” Lk1.68 NKJV

There are some who believe in a God and see Him as impersonal and distant, one who never interferes in the affairs of men. Now I say they believe in a God but not the God, or at least not the God of the Scriptures. The God who has revealed Himself in Scripture is anything but impersonal. Jesus told us to call Him “Father” and even went so far as to use the very personal word “Abba,” or “Daddy.”
Christ came to show us what God is truly like. The story of Christmas reveals to us a very personal God who desires a very personal relationship with us. The creator came to visit and redeem His estranged children. He took to Himself human flesh and walked under our sun and experienced our sufferings. God is most proactive in His love for us. We may all have gone astray but He comes looking for us as any good parent would their lost child. He waits patiently for those who regard Him as the Deist, impersonal cold and distant and all the while He joyfully lives in the hearts of those who call Him Daddy. 12/18/2007 ts

The dickens you say!

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Mat1.20 NIV

Not knowing what to do can worry the “dickens” out of you. Now I must confess that when I wrote this, I had to stop and look up the origins of the word “dickens.” It was worrying the dickens out of me that I didn’t know. As it turns out, “dickens” is an expression used to intensify or strengthen the experience of something and interestingly enough, comes from the word “devil.” Now that’s appropriate. Devils can worry the dickens out of you. The dickens you say!

I am sure Joseph what plagued by devils as he considered divorcing his newly pregnant fiancée. What to do? What to do, indeed! God tells us that if we lack wisdom we need only to ask Him for it. He promises to give it generously. Strange, but I have actually worried about not knowing God’s will for a particular something. A good friend once told me that if I really want God’s will, I should not worry whether He will supply it. The question is, do I really want His will? Once we truly desire God’s will, no matter what it might be, we should not worry, He will not only make it plain, He will give us His grace to do it. Faith in the face of our fears may certainly remove the dickens from us. 12/17/2007 ts

The dickens you say!

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Mat1.20 NIV

Not knowing what to do can worry the “dickens” out of you. Now I must confess that when I wrote this, I had to stop and look up the origins of the word “dickens.” It was worrying the dickens out of me that I didn’t know. As it turns out, “dickens” is an expression used to intensify or strengthen the experience of something and interestingly enough, comes from the word “devil.” Now that’s appropriate. Devils can worry the dickens out of you. The dickens you say!

I am sure Joseph what plagued by devils as he considered divorcing his newly pregnant fiancée. What to do? What to do, indeed! God tells us that if we lack wisdom we need only to ask Him for it. He promises to give it generously. Strange, but I have actually worried about not knowing God’s will for a particular something. A good friend once told me that if I really want God’s will, I should not worry whether He will supply it. The question is, do I really want His will? Once we truly desire God’s will, no matter what it might be, we should not worry, He will not only make it plain, He will give us His grace to do it. Faith in the face of our fears may certainly remove the dickens from us. 12/17/2007 ts

When the Lord is with us

“…the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you…” Lk1.28 NKJV

Because the Lord was with Mary, He can be with anyone of us. Christ’s coming has removed all the barriers that keep a Holy God from blessing sinful people. Could there be any greater blessing than to hear the words, “The Lord is with you.”
When the Lord is with us, every good thing surrounds us, for God works all things for the good of those who love Him. When the Lord is with us we smell the aroma of His presence and find His joy in the simplest of things. His company transforms the mundane into magic and the ordinary into opulent opportunity. When the Lord is with us, fruit abounds in us and around us. Love, joy, peace patience; all the fruit of the Spirit is ours. When the Lord is with us, even little is much and the winds of adversity can only carry us to greater delights. When the Lord is with us, what could possibly be against us?
“Rejoice, highly favored one, because of Jesus, the Lord is with us.” 12/14/2007 ts

When the Lord is with us

“…the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you…” Lk1.28 NKJV

Because the Lord was with Mary, He can be with anyone of us. Christ’s coming has removed all the barriers that keep a Holy God from blessing sinful people. Could there be any greater blessing than to hear the words, “The Lord is with you.”
When the Lord is with us, every good thing surrounds us, for God works all things for the good of those who love Him. When the Lord is with us we smell the aroma of His presence and find His joy in the simplest of things. His company transforms the mundane into magic and the ordinary into opulent opportunity. When the Lord is with us, fruit abounds in us and around us. Love, joy, peace patience; all the fruit of the Spirit is ours. When the Lord is with us, even little is much and the winds of adversity can only carry us to greater delights. When the Lord is with us, what could possibly be against us?
“Rejoice, highly favored one, because of Jesus, the Lord is with us.” 12/14/2007 ts

O Little Town

“And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea.’” Mt2.4 NKJV

O little town,
How little did we understand,
How great your gift would be to man,
How God delights in the small thing,
How a shepherd boy can be made a King.
O little town,
How little did we know,
How His birth a seed would sow, then grow and grow.
How the kingdom of God would come to earth,
How conquering love was expressed in His birth.
O little town!
How great is your might
How precious and bright is your light, in our night.
How peace is sown into our world of war,
How hearts are transforming on every shore.

O little town!
12/13/2007 ts

O Little Town

“And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea.’” Mt2.4 NKJV

O little town,
How little did we understand,
How great your gift would be to man,
How God delights in the small thing,
How a shepherd boy can be made a King.
O little town,
How little did we know,
How His birth a seed would sow, then grow and grow.
How the kingdom of God would come to earth,
How conquering love was expressed in His birth.
O little town!
How great is your might
How precious and bright is your light, in our night.
How peace is sown into our world of war,
How hearts are transforming on every shore.

O little town!
12/13/2007 ts

Redeem the ground on which we have walked

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law,” Ga4.4

One prayer that I have prayed a number of times is, “Lord, redeem the ground on which I have walked.” I am not sure where I got such a prayer but I am essentially asking God to somehow work good out of all the bad that I have done. I am asking God to buy back all that I lost in my foolishness. The word, “redeem” means just that, “to buy back” and, I would have God buy back for His purposes all that was done under mine.
Christ was “born under the law to redeem those who were under the law.” In a sense God is redeeming the ground on which we have walked. The Law has condemned us all to Hell but Christ was born under the Law, borne our condemnation and has worked grace where there was once only judgment. Jesus was born of a woman, and this promised to Eve long ago in the garden, to buy back all that was lost under Adam. Here is the story of Christmas; Christ comes to walk where we have walked. Christ brings back under the rule of God all that was lost under the rule of man. Lord, redeem the ground on which we have walked. 12/12/2007 ts

Redeem the ground on which we have walked

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law,” Ga4.4

One prayer that I have prayed a number of times is, “Lord, redeem the ground on which I have walked.” I am not sure where I got such a prayer but I am essentially asking God to somehow work good out of all the bad that I have done. I am asking God to buy back all that I lost in my foolishness. The word, “redeem” means just that, “to buy back” and, I would have God buy back for His purposes all that was done under mine.
Christ was “born under the law to redeem those who were under the law.” In a sense God is redeeming the ground on which we have walked. The Law has condemned us all to Hell but Christ was born under the Law, borne our condemnation and has worked grace where there was once only judgment. Jesus was born of a woman, and this promised to Eve long ago in the garden, to buy back all that was lost under Adam. Here is the story of Christmas; Christ comes to walk where we have walked. Christ brings back under the rule of God all that was lost under the rule of man. Lord, redeem the ground on which we have walked. 12/12/2007 ts

Supernatural

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us).” Is7.14 NKJV

We trust God for the impossible. That is, we trust Him to work without, above and against natural means. God of course works through natural means everyday. He is processing oxygen in our lungs and food in our bellies to sustain life. He has fixed the boundaries of the oceans via gravity. Yet, God sustained Moses without food, gave Abraham and Sarah a child when they were well past the age of childbirth and kept fire from burning Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego. God uses means, but He is free to work without, above, even against them, at His good pleasure.
Such is the virgin birth, the story of Christmas, the resurrection of Christ and our own resurrection to come. Miracles are not fabricated amendments to the stories in the Bible. They are the story. They are the story because Jesus is the story of the whole of Scripture and God coming to dwell with us is nothing less than miraculous. Our hope of eternal life goes against all natural means but is made certain by a supernatural God. If God is with us, who or what can be against us? 12/11/07 ts

Supernatural

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us).” Is7.14 NKJV

We trust God for the impossible. That is, we trust Him to work without, above and against natural means. God of course works through natural means everyday. He is processing oxygen in our lungs and food in our bellies to sustain life. He has fixed the boundaries of the oceans via gravity. Yet, God sustained Moses without food, gave Abraham and Sarah a child when they were well past the age of childbirth and kept fire from burning Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego. God uses means, but He is free to work without, above, even against them, at His good pleasure.
Such is the virgin birth, the story of Christmas, the resurrection of Christ and our own resurrection to come. Miracles are not fabricated amendments to the stories in the Bible. They are the story. They are the story because Jesus is the story of the whole of Scripture and God coming to dwell with us is nothing less than miraculous. Our hope of eternal life goes against all natural means but is made certain by a supernatural God. If God is with us, who or what can be against us? 12/11/07 ts

A chance at the microphone

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear.” Dt18.15 NKJV

It is noteworthy that prophets are raised up by God. Some people of course, will appoint themselves, as a spokes person for Him. We are warned of false prophets and false teachers who speak and seek their own agendas. Not to worry, Jesus told us we would know them by their fruit.
Truthfully God calls all of His children into ministry. Some He calls as prophets, some as pastor-teachers, but, all of us are raised up and, for some purpose. Father not only calls each of us, He equips us as well. Our gifts, talents and possessions are usually an indication of how we are to serve Him. And, our service to Him is always reflected in our service to others. How do we determine our calling? Well, if God puts a shovel in your hand, He probably wants you to dig. Some will teach, some will render help, others may encourage or counsel, each of us should serve as He has gifted us.
But, I think it is fair to say, that all of us will get a chance at the microphone to prophecy for Him. For this reason every Christian is told to, “…always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” When the mic is passed into our hand, will we be ready with an answer? 1Pt3.15 12/10/07 ts

A chance at the microphone

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear.” Dt18.15 NKJV

It is noteworthy that prophets are raised up by God. Some people of course, will appoint themselves, as a spokes person for Him. We are warned of false prophets and false teachers who speak and seek their own agendas. Not to worry, Jesus told us we would know them by their fruit.
Truthfully God calls all of His children into ministry. Some He calls as prophets, some as pastor-teachers, but, all of us are raised up and, for some purpose. Father not only calls each of us, He equips us as well. Our gifts, talents and possessions are usually an indication of how we are to serve Him. And, our service to Him is always reflected in our service to others. How do we determine our calling? Well, if God puts a shovel in your hand, He probably wants you to dig. Some will teach, some will render help, others may encourage or counsel, each of us should serve as He has gifted us.
But, I think it is fair to say, that all of us will get a chance at the microphone to prophecy for Him. For this reason every Christian is told to, “…always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” When the mic is passed into our hand, will we be ready with an answer? 1Pt3.15 12/10/07 ts

Levels of Faith

“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;” Jo11.25 NKJV

At what level does one trust Christ in order to be a Christian? Most presentations of the gospel encourage people to trust Christ by standing on His record, not their own, so they can be accepted at judgment. We may be told to put trust in His death as payment for our sin or perhaps we are told a combination of both of these. The famous words of the thief, “Lord remember me,” express faith in Christ, but at what level? Was he looking to Christ simply for life beyond death? I am sure this man didn’t understand the virgin birth, or all the dynamics of the crucifixion.
We know that believing in Christ is more than just an intellectual belief. The Testament warns us, “even the demons believe and they tremble.” But what about those who do not have a fully developed understanding of Him, who look to Him for daily bread, for forgiveness, for healing or for protection? Is a person in Christ, if they continue faith in Him at any of these levels? Perhaps a trucker seeing another broke down on the side of the road remembers the words of Jesus and stops to help. Is repentance and faith conveyed in this action? It certainly can be. I fear that too much emphasis is placed on understanding certain doctrines as the test of true faith. A person may understand the finer points of the atonement yet, not be trusting Christ. Conversely, a fireman may have little understanding of it but in simple faith makes a cross over his chest before running into a flaming building. In the end it is God who will determine the genuineness of our faith in His Son. At what level are we trusting Christ? The sure bet is to trust Him in all things. 12/7/07 ts

Levels of Faith

“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;” Jo11.25 NKJV

At what level does one trust Christ in order to be a Christian? Most presentations of the gospel encourage people to trust Christ by standing on His record, not their own, so they can be accepted at judgment. We may be told to put trust in His death as payment for our sin or perhaps we are told a combination of both of these. The famous words of the thief, “Lord remember me,” express faith in Christ, but at what level? Was he looking to Christ simply for life beyond death? I am sure this man didn’t understand the virgin birth, or all the dynamics of the crucifixion.
We know that believing in Christ is more than just an intellectual belief. The Testament warns us, “even the demons believe and they tremble.” But what about those who do not have a fully developed understanding of Him, who look to Him for daily bread, for forgiveness, for healing or for protection? Is a person in Christ, if they continue faith in Him at any of these levels? Perhaps a trucker seeing another broke down on the side of the road remembers the words of Jesus and stops to help. Is repentance and faith conveyed in this action? It certainly can be. I fear that too much emphasis is placed on understanding certain doctrines as the test of true faith. A person may understand the finer points of the atonement yet, not be trusting Christ. Conversely, a fireman may have little understanding of it but in simple faith makes a cross over his chest before running into a flaming building. In the end it is God who will determine the genuineness of our faith in His Son. At what level are we trusting Christ? The sure bet is to trust Him in all things. 12/7/07 ts

The Spirit of Christmas

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. Jo10.14 NKJV

When people speak of the spirit of Christmas, they often mean some very different things. "Tis the season to be jolly," or charitable or, perhaps they refer to some childhood wonderment associated with this magical season of the year. There are probably as many descriptions of the spirit of Christmas as there are presents under a rich man’s Christmas tree.
I should think that the Spirit of Christmas is none other than the Spirit of Christ, the very same Spirit Jesus sends to live in our hearts when we trust Him. The Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit and He is the means God uses to set us apart as His dear children. We often tell people they need to get into the spirit of Christmas, when truthfully it is the Spirit of Christmas who needs to get into them.
When a person is possessed by the Spirit of Christ they begin to possess all the distinctions of Jesus. He is not just the Savior, He becomes my Savior, not just the Lord, He becomes my Lord, my good Shepherd. 12/6/07 ts

The Spirit of Christmas

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. Jo10.14 NKJV

When people speak of the spirit of Christmas, they often mean some very different things. "Tis the season to be jolly," or charitable or, perhaps they refer to some childhood wonderment associated with this magical season of the year. There are probably as many descriptions of the spirit of Christmas as there are presents under a rich man’s Christmas tree.
I should think that the Spirit of Christmas is none other than the Spirit of Christ, the very same Spirit Jesus sends to live in our hearts when we trust Him. The Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit and He is the means God uses to set us apart as His dear children. We often tell people they need to get into the spirit of Christmas, when truthfully it is the Spirit of Christmas who needs to get into them.
When a person is possessed by the Spirit of Christ they begin to possess all the distinctions of Jesus. He is not just the Savior, He becomes my Savior, not just the Lord, He becomes my Lord, my good Shepherd. 12/6/07 ts

Show people to the door

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers… I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. Jo10.7-9 NKJV

However intolerant this statement sounds, Christ has made it possible for a holy God to accept any sinner who comes to Him using the blood bought path of the cross. There was one entrance into the holy of holies, one door in the side of the ark, one Passover lamb, and one promised land. God has said it thousands of time and in a thousand ways, there is only one sanctioned way to approach Him. “Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me.”
Such dogma is unpopular today and Christians are often referred to as intolerant and narrow minded bigots for believing that Christ is the only way to the Father.
I think that it is possible to express tolerance toward different religious views and at the same time humbly and gently express your own. Tolerance does not mean we compromise our faith but express loving patience with others who have a different view than our own. And, I do not mean condescending arrogance. I think Christians get into trouble when we start acting like judges when we are really called to be servants. Show people to the door and leave the judgment to God. 12/5/07 ts

Show people to the door

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers… I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. Jo10.7-9 NKJV

However intolerant this statement sounds, Christ has made it possible for a holy God to accept any sinner who comes to Him using the blood bought path of the cross. There was one entrance into the holy of holies, one door in the side of the ark, one Passover lamb, and one promised land. God has said it thousands of time and in a thousand ways, there is only one sanctioned way to approach Him. “Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me.”
Such dogma is unpopular today and Christians are often referred to as intolerant and narrow minded bigots for believing that Christ is the only way to the Father.
I think that it is possible to express tolerance toward different religious views and at the same time humbly and gently express your own. Tolerance does not mean we compromise our faith but express loving patience with others who have a different view than our own. And, I do not mean condescending arrogance. I think Christians get into trouble when we start acting like judges when we are really called to be servants. Show people to the door and leave the judgment to God. 12/5/07 ts

When in doubt don’t.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Jo8.12 NKJV

I have at times gone to bed after Brenda, only to grope around in the darkness, trying to find my way without tripping over or running into something. Doubt and uncertainty accompanies darkness or at least it should. When in doubt don’t, is a wise policy. Uncertainty should at least provide the certainty of needed caution.
Now Jesus is telling us that if we follow Him, His light will keep us from walking in darkness and certainly from walking in doubt. And, I should think that if the promise of light is true in those who follow Christ then our agreement even disagreement would shed light on many of the practices of our day. Wisdom would have us look and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in those who follow Christ. Where there is and has always been consensual agreement, there is certainty. But even in our disagreement there is the certainty of needed caution because light also reveals the edges of darkness. When in doubt don’t. We should also well remember the powerful warning, “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.” 12/4/07 ts

When in doubt don’t.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Jo8.12 NKJV

I have at times gone to bed after Brenda, only to grope around in the darkness, trying to find my way without tripping over or running into something. Doubt and uncertainty accompanies darkness or at least it should. When in doubt don’t, is a wise policy. Uncertainty should at least provide the certainty of needed caution.
Now Jesus is telling us that if we follow Him, His light will keep us from walking in darkness and certainly from walking in doubt. And, I should think that if the promise of light is true in those who follow Christ then our agreement even disagreement would shed light on many of the practices of our day. Wisdom would have us look and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in those who follow Christ. Where there is and has always been consensual agreement, there is certainty. But even in our disagreement there is the certainty of needed caution because light also reveals the edges of darkness. When in doubt don’t. We should also well remember the powerful warning, “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.” 12/4/07 ts

Contentment, an Acquired taste

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. Jo6.35 NKJV

Facebook is one of the new virtual coffee shops. It creatively enables personal interaction with others. One Facebook application allows me to tell my friends the particular moods I am having and even displays an emoticon for it. Over the last several days my moods have changed a lot. I think my all time favorite mood is to be “content.” When I think of being content, I think of the times when I have been satisfied, happy, wanting for nothing. You might wonder, “Well, when was that?” And, I must confess that such times are rare. I have had but a few moments where I felt that heaven could not be any better than the way I was feeling right then.
I think contentment is what Christ is promising in the word above, and ultimately, in the world, above. But, in this place, and in this time, I believe that we must often content ourselves with all that God is, before we can actually be content with all that God is providing. What I am saying is that contentment is a faith choice in us, and not the result of circumstances around us. Contentment then is an acquired taste because we are learning to will His will, and to be satisfied with heaven's bread. This means, of course, that we are at the same time growing dissatisfied with the molding bread of earth. 12/3/07 ts

Contentment, an Acquired taste

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. Jo6.35 NKJV

Facebook is one of the new virtual coffee shops. It creatively enables personal interaction with others. One Facebook application allows me to tell my friends the particular moods I am having and even displays an emoticon for it. Over the last several days my moods have changed a lot. I think my all time favorite mood is to be “content.” When I think of being content, I think of the times when I have been satisfied, happy, wanting for nothing. You might wonder, “Well, when was that?” And, I must confess that such times are rare. I have had but a few moments where I felt that heaven could not be any better than the way I was feeling right then.
I think contentment is what Christ is promising in the word above, and ultimately, in the world, above. But, in this place, and in this time, I believe that we must often content ourselves with all that God is, before we can actually be content with all that God is providing. What I am saying is that contentment is a faith choice in us, and not the result of circumstances around us. Contentment then is an acquired taste because we are learning to will His will, and to be satisfied with heaven's bread. This means, of course, that we are at the same time growing dissatisfied with the molding bread of earth. 12/3/07 ts

Caught with your pants down

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2Pt3.10 NKJV

One quote from a movie which I have come to appreciate, simply states, “We're all put to the test... but it never comes in the form or at the point we would prefer…” The tests that come to us in life, generally come as a thief in the night, that is, they come at an unexpected time and usually catch us with our pants down.
The “day of the Lord” refers to the final coming of Christ which the Scriptures teach us will also come when we least expect it. It is here each of us will come to take our final test. And, the fundamental question that I am certain will be apart of this test, will simply examine where we have placed our faith. Did I go through life trusting and following my own designs or did I go through life trusting and following Christ.
Of course the point of telling us all this, is that we will never drop our guard and we do this of course, simply by trusting and following Jesus, now. And, whether Christ comes in glory today or comes to take us to glory in death, we will not get caught with our pants down if by faith we are clothed in His righteousness. 11/30/07 ts

Caught with your pants down

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2Pt3.10 NKJV

One quote from a movie which I have come to appreciate, simply states, “We're all put to the test... but it never comes in the form or at the point we would prefer…” The tests that come to us in life, generally come as a thief in the night, that is, they come at an unexpected time and usually catch us with our pants down.
The “day of the Lord” refers to the final coming of Christ which the Scriptures teach us will also come when we least expect it. It is here each of us will come to take our final test. And, the fundamental question that I am certain will be apart of this test, will simply examine where we have placed our faith. Did I go through life trusting and following my own designs or did I go through life trusting and following Christ.
Of course the point of telling us all this, is that we will never drop our guard and we do this of course, simply by trusting and following Jesus, now. And, whether Christ comes in glory today or comes to take us to glory in death, we will not get caught with our pants down if by faith we are clothed in His righteousness. 11/30/07 ts

Who art in Heaven

“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Ps136.26 NIV

Jesus taught us to pray this way, “Our Father who art in Heaven.” Because God is in Heaven, and, because He is the God of Heaven, this should be a great comfort for all of us who look to Him on earth. Our Father is above all things. This isn’t just talking about where God is but who God is. God is over all things like a ruler is over His kingdom. When we approach Him with our prayers, He is all powerful not powerless. Nothing is impossible for Him, nothing is beyond His power to save.
This means a great deal to me when I pray for others. We might be tempted to believe that God cannot help those who will not help themselves. But when you pray for a friend who is not a Christian God can turn their heart to Him. This encouragement to give thanks can give us both comfort and confidence. Our God reigns. Our God loves and His love lasts forever. ASK HIM! 11/29/07 ts

Who art in Heaven

“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Ps136.26 NIV

Jesus taught us to pray this way, “Our Father who art in Heaven.” Because God is in Heaven, and, because He is the God of Heaven, this should be a great comfort for all of us who look to Him on earth. Our Father is above all things. This isn’t just talking about where God is but who God is. God is over all things like a ruler is over His kingdom. When we approach Him with our prayers, He is all powerful not powerless. Nothing is impossible for Him, nothing is beyond His power to save.
This means a great deal to me when I pray for others. We might be tempted to believe that God cannot help those who will not help themselves. But when you pray for a friend who is not a Christian God can turn their heart to Him. This encouragement to give thanks can give us both comfort and confidence. Our God reigns. Our God loves and His love lasts forever. ASK HIM! 11/29/07 ts

Especially

Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

I think that it is important to give thanks to God, even on days, we might even say, especially on days, when all is not as we would want it to be. Giving thanks to Him in trying times expresses faith in God’s wisdom and power not only that He will work all things for good but that He is, even now doing so. Our testimony to those around us should always express faith in the absolute goodness of God, even when, especially when, it seems to appear that He isn’t good. Why? Because He is good. And, it is good for us to gratefully walk in faith believing this, even when, especially when, we do see it. The importance of faith is not seeing to believe but believing in order to see. 11/28/07 ts

Especially

Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

I think that it is important to give thanks to God, even on days, we might even say, especially on days, when all is not as we would want it to be. Giving thanks to Him in trying times expresses faith in God’s wisdom and power not only that He will work all things for good but that He is, even now doing so. Our testimony to those around us should always express faith in the absolute goodness of God, even when, especially when, it seems to appear that He isn’t good. Why? Because He is good. And, it is good for us to gratefully walk in faith believing this, even when, especially when, we do see it. The importance of faith is not seeing to believe but believing in order to see. 11/28/07 ts

There is nothing like a flower in bloom.

“…established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Col2.7 NKJV

I always know when my new garden plants are established. They bountifully bloom. So it is with the heart of a new Christian. A believer who is well established in the faith blooms with prolific thanksgiving.
Our faith teaches us that God is over all things, that He works all things for good to those who love Him and that if He has given us Christ how shall He not also give us all things with Him. Gratitude blooms in the heart that leans on these things. Appreciation teems in the waters that flow from the mouth of a mature saint. Admiration escalates in our adoration of God’s great goodness in Christ. My brother once commended to me about a person who is finally doing what they were created to do. He poetically stated, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.“ 11/24/07 ts

There is nothing like a flower in bloom.

“…established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Col2.7 NKJV

I always know when my new garden plants are established. They bountifully bloom. So it is with the heart of a new Christian. A believer who is well established in the faith blooms with prolific thanksgiving.
Our faith teaches us that God is over all things, that He works all things for good to those who love Him and that if He has given us Christ how shall He not also give us all things with Him. Gratitude blooms in the heart that leans on these things. Appreciation teems in the waters that flow from the mouth of a mature saint. Admiration escalates in our adoration of God’s great goodness in Christ. My brother once commended to me about a person who is finally doing what they were created to do. He poetically stated, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.“ 11/24/07 ts

I have no answer.

“the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it.” Ps.69.36 KJV

What are our hopes of heaven if those we love do not dwell with us in glory. Father of course knows this. He also knows that no one would want to enter and live in His Kingdom who do not love Him and desire His rule. Our children are the intended heirs of our faith and love for Christ and He is of course the substance of heaven. But children sometimes turn from the faith handed them.
How will we be happy in heaven if we know that our offspring have not come within it gates of praise. I have no answer. All our hopes are in you dear Jesus. 11/22/07 ts

I have no answer.

“the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it.” Ps.69.36 KJV

What are our hopes of heaven if those we love do not dwell with us in glory. Father of course knows this. He also knows that no one would want to enter and live in His Kingdom who do not love Him and desire His rule. Our children are the intended heirs of our faith and love for Christ and He is of course the substance of heaven. But children sometimes turn from the faith handed them.
How will we be happy in heaven if we know that our offspring have not come within it gates of praise. I have no answer. All our hopes are in you dear Jesus. 11/22/07 ts

The Means of Grace

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus… 1Co1.4 NKJV

There are many graces given to us by God. He helps us see what is true. He encourages us to walk in it. He helps us trust Him and patiently forgives our repeated failures.
Just as we get water by means of a faucet, a cold drink by means of a refrigerator, warmth by means of a heater, we get grace by the means of Christ. All the grace that comes to us from God comes to us by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the hose God uses to water His garden. He is the door into the banquet hall. Christ is cloud which drops the rain of the Father’s goodness. All of the blessings of God come to us by Him. Thank God for grace, thank God for Christ. 11/21/07 ts

The Means of Grace

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus… 1Co1.4 NKJV

There are many graces given to us by God. He helps us see what is true. He encourages us to walk in it. He helps us trust Him and patiently forgives our repeated failures.
Just as we get water by means of a faucet, a cold drink by means of a refrigerator, warmth by means of a heater, we get grace by the means of Christ. All the grace that comes to us from God comes to us by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the hose God uses to water His garden. He is the door into the banquet hall. Christ is cloud which drops the rain of the Father’s goodness. All of the blessings of God come to us by Him. Thank God for grace, thank God for Christ. 11/21/07 ts

Life is a privilege!

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Ps100.4 NKJV

I think it a blessing to see life not so much a right as it is a privilege. “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” All creation is the overflow of God’s goodness. His existence has spilled over and created our own. We live, because of Him, have life and breath because He graciously sustains it. And, God has not just made us alive but aware that we are alive. We know that we exist. We are keenly conscious of things like beauty and pain and the innumerable nuances of feeling, and sight and sound and smell. We all have smelled the magic in a babies breath that aroma of life that lingers so close to the spark that started it. God has infected us with life and as His has spilled over into our own, we write poems, a sing songs, and dance, and draw and romance. We are, because He is!
Life is not our right. Life is a privilege. “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
11/20/07 ts

Life is a privilege!

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Ps100.4 NKJV

I think it a blessing to see life not so much a right as it is a privilege. “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” All creation is the overflow of God’s goodness. His existence has spilled over and created our own. We live, because of Him, have life and breath because He graciously sustains it. And, God has not just made us alive but aware that we are alive. We know that we exist. We are keenly conscious of things like beauty and pain and the innumerable nuances of feeling, and sight and sound and smell. We all have smelled the magic in a babies breath that aroma of life that lingers so close to the spark that started it. God has infected us with life and as His has spilled over into our own, we write poems, a sing songs, and dance, and draw and romance. We are, because He is!
Life is not our right. Life is a privilege. “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
11/20/07 ts

Only the Good die Young

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” But his delight….Ps1.1 NKJV

The blessing of God is that positive experience not only when we do not partake in the revelry of the rebellious but when we find delight in the path of the righteous.
Now one song that came out of my generation, scorns the moral life. It is about a young man wooing a catholic girl to cash in her morals, to come out with him and see what she‘s giving up. The scoffer sings his song, “They say there's a heaven for those who will wait, Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints the Sinners are much more fun. Only the good die young”
Now what is so very sad is that many people have religiously died to the ways of the world but have never risen to the abundant life promised by Christ. Christ did not come to make us religious, or moral for the sake of being moral but to free us to discover the breath-taking beauty of life in God. No doubt that Jesus calls us to a moral life. But the moral life is not just about self denial. Christ calls us to life, abundant life, fruitful life, eternal life, a resurrected life that is blessed by God. Are we weeping at the playground fence, sadly longing for all that is forbidden on the other side, or are we alive, running free, running joyful in all that is life indeed? 11/19/07 ts

Only the Good die Young

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” But his delight….Ps1.1 NKJV

The blessing of God is that positive experience not only when we do not partake in the revelry of the rebellious but when we find delight in the path of the righteous.
Now one song that came out of my generation, scorns the moral life. It is about a young man wooing a catholic girl to cash in her morals, to come out with him and see what she‘s giving up. The scoffer sings his song, “They say there's a heaven for those who will wait, Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints the Sinners are much more fun. Only the good die young”
Now what is so very sad is that many people have religiously died to the ways of the world but have never risen to the abundant life promised by Christ. Christ did not come to make us religious, or moral for the sake of being moral but to free us to discover the breath-taking beauty of life in God. No doubt that Jesus calls us to a moral life. But the moral life is not just about self denial. Christ calls us to life, abundant life, fruitful life, eternal life, a resurrected life that is blessed by God. Are we weeping at the playground fence, sadly longing for all that is forbidden on the other side, or are we alive, running free, running joyful in all that is life indeed? 11/19/07 ts

Understanding the Bible

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Ps119.18`NIV

The power to understand something I think is an endowment just like any other ability, whether it is athletic, academic, or artistic. And, in this sense, not all people are equally endowed. I am amazed when a person is unable to see something that I so readily see, just as I am when I cannot follow the logic of another’s reasoning. Our giftedness as well as our bias is apart of the problem in all this. That is why the Word of God needs the Spirit of God to open our eyes so that we might understand what is being said.
People make a great deal about the differences in our understanding of the Bible, so much so, that our need for the Holy Spirit’s help is more apparent than ever. When all is said and done, the fruit our understanding will affirm it as true or untrue. In some things our understanding of a particular passage will not matter much at all. In other things it will make all the difference in the world and in the one to come. Knowing my own limitations and biases, the first rule is when in doubt I hopefully don’t, and second, I seek to listen for the voice of the Spirit in the consensus of those whose attitude genuinely and humbly expresses “Not my will, but Your will be done.“ 11/16/07 ts

Understanding the Bible

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Ps119.18`NIV

The power to understand something I think is an endowment just like any other ability, whether it is athletic, academic, or artistic. And, in this sense, not all people are equally endowed. I am amazed when a person is unable to see something that I so readily see, just as I am when I cannot follow the logic of another’s reasoning. Our giftedness as well as our bias is apart of the problem in all this. That is why the Word of God needs the Spirit of God to open our eyes so that we might understand what is being said.
People make a great deal about the differences in our understanding of the Bible, so much so, that our need for the Holy Spirit’s help is more apparent than ever. When all is said and done, the fruit our understanding will affirm it as true or untrue. In some things our understanding of a particular passage will not matter much at all. In other things it will make all the difference in the world and in the one to come. Knowing my own limitations and biases, the first rule is when in doubt I hopefully don’t, and second, I seek to listen for the voice of the Spirit in the consensus of those whose attitude genuinely and humbly expresses “Not my will, but Your will be done.“ 11/16/07 ts

It is well with my soul.

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Ps119.143 NLT

I thank God that He meets me this morning with these words. Pressures and stress crash around me yet inner joy remains as a rock in pounding waves and this certainly because of the assurances of His word. I have experienced the darkness of caves and the deep forest at night and know the comfort that a little light brings. But God’s instructions are no small light and His encouragements shine with the brilliance of the rising dawn. When the trials of life come in upon me, it is His precious word that lights the soul and strengthens the heart. When the storm approaches, there is no greater peace than to feel His powerful hand on your shoulder and His whisper that all is well in your heart.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. Spafford
11/15/07 ts

It is well with my soul.

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Ps119.143 NLT

I thank God that He meets me this morning with these words. Pressures and stress crash around me yet inner joy remains as a rock in pounding waves and this certainly because of the assurances of His word. I have experienced the darkness of caves and the deep forest at night and know the comfort that a little light brings. But God’s instructions are no small light and His encouragements shine with the brilliance of the rising dawn. When the trials of life come in upon me, it is His precious word that lights the soul and strengthens the heart. When the storm approaches, there is no greater peace than to feel His powerful hand on your shoulder and His whisper that all is well in your heart.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. Spafford
11/15/07 ts

Possibilities

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 1Pt3.18 NKJV

We are given the reason for Christ’s death many places in Scripture. Here it simply states that He suffered for our sin “that He might bring us to God.“ I would think that the word “might,” suggests something important. Actually the word “might” implies possibility and potentiality. In other words, Christ’s death was that He might lead us to God but that may or may not occur, depending upon whether we follow Him.
There are other factors involved of course, but certainly our choice to come to God through Christ is one of them. And, I would think this is not only access in the ultimate sense of heaven and hell but in a daily sense as well. We are invited to live each day “coram deo,” that is, before the face of God. Christ death has made this possible. But how much of this we experience each moment, depends on how aggressive is our faith to use it. 11/14/07 ts

Possibilities

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 1Pt3.18 NKJV

We are given the reason for Christ’s death many places in Scripture. Here it simply states that He suffered for our sin “that He might bring us to God.“ I would think that the word “might,” suggests something important. Actually the word “might” implies possibility and potentiality. In other words, Christ’s death was that He might lead us to God but that may or may not occur, depending upon whether we follow Him.
There are other factors involved of course, but certainly our choice to come to God through Christ is one of them. And, I would think this is not only access in the ultimate sense of heaven and hell but in a daily sense as well. We are invited to live each day “coram deo,” that is, before the face of God. Christ death has made this possible. But how much of this we experience each moment, depends on how aggressive is our faith to use it. 11/14/07 ts

Let Freedom Ring!

“…as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.” 1Pt2.16 NKJV

Freedom is sacred to those of us who live in the west and not only because we have it, but because its value has us. The idea of freedom has gripped our very soul. From early childhood we teach it as our patriotic duty, "Let freedom ring!"
But freedom for freedoms sake is like all things and one brother describes it well, “All things are good when they look to God and bad when they turn from Him.“ Even something as precious as freedom is perverted into a dreadful thing when we use it in a manner not intended by our Creator. The abuses of freedom are many and terrible in consequence. So why does God give us freedom? The same brother writes, “though it [freedom] makes evil possible, [it] is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other… And for that they must be free.” (C. S. Lewis)
True freedom is not the right to do as we please but the power love God as we ought. 11/13/07 ts

Let Freedom Ring!

“…as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.” 1Pt2.16 NKJV

Freedom is sacred to those of us who live in the west and not only because we have it, but because its value has us. The idea of freedom has gripped our very soul. From early childhood we teach it as our patriotic duty, "Let freedom ring!"
But freedom for freedoms sake is like all things and one brother describes it well, “All things are good when they look to God and bad when they turn from Him.“ Even something as precious as freedom is perverted into a dreadful thing when we use it in a manner not intended by our Creator. The abuses of freedom are many and terrible in consequence. So why does God give us freedom? The same brother writes, “though it [freedom] makes evil possible, [it] is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other… And for that they must be free.” (C. S. Lewis)
True freedom is not the right to do as we please but the power love God as we ought. 11/13/07 ts

The Prayers of One Old Woman

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. Col1.9 NLT

The prayers of an old woman I did not know, changed the very course of my life. My mother attended her as a nurse and had once told her of a dream that I had had about being a minister. I was six years old at the time. Laying in a nursing home bed, this woman prayed that I would give my life to Christ, that I would enter the gospel ministry and that I would attend a certain college to prepare for it. Fifteen years later I would meet her daughter while attending that very college, studying for the ministry, only to discover that she had recorded these prayers in a journal. This was the first time I realized how prayer can change not only the course of our own life but the life of everyone for whom we pray.
Prayer is the practice of all fruitful Christians; prayers for oneself and prayers for others. Of course some take this more seriously than others and hence the difference in the power of God expressed in and though them. 11/12/07 ts

The Prayers of One Old Woman

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. Col1.9 NLT

The prayers of an old woman I did not know, changed the very course of my life. My mother attended her as a nurse and had once told her of a dream that I had had about being a minister. I was six years old at the time. Laying in a nursing home bed, this woman prayed that I would give my life to Christ, that I would enter the gospel ministry and that I would attend a certain college to prepare for it. Fifteen years later I would meet her daughter while attending that very college, studying for the ministry, only to discover that she had recorded these prayers in a journal. This was the first time I realized how prayer can change not only the course of our own life but the life of everyone for whom we pray.
Prayer is the practice of all fruitful Christians; prayers for oneself and prayers for others. Of course some take this more seriously than others and hence the difference in the power of God expressed in and though them. 11/12/07 ts

Did you really mean to say that?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2 Jo2.15

I have a friend who pokes me with words from time to time. I will say something like, “I love gardening.” or “I love golf.“ and my friend will respond by saying, “You love it?” as if to say, “Did you really mean to say that? Do you really, love, golf?” Now my friend is nudging me because there is a difference between liking and loving something. We tend to serve what we love. The degree of our passion about something is usually the degree to which we chase after it. We are encouraged to enjoy the gifts of God but never to center our lives around things. If we are not careful we can spend our time serving things even activities, which were meant to serve us. We need to take care that our enjoyment of football, or coffee, or gardening or of anything for that matter, does not end up as an end, when God intended it only as a means of loving and serving Him. 11/11/07 ts

Did you really mean to say that?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2 Jo2.15

I have a friend who pokes me with words from time to time. I will say something like, “I love gardening.” or “I love golf.“ and my friend will respond by saying, “You love it?” as if to say, “Did you really mean to say that? Do you really, love, golf?” Now my friend is nudging me because there is a difference between liking and loving something. We tend to serve what we love. The degree of our passion about something is usually the degree to which we chase after it. We are encouraged to enjoy the gifts of God but never to center our lives around things. If we are not careful we can spend our time serving things even activities, which were meant to serve us. We need to take care that our enjoyment of football, or coffee, or gardening or of anything for that matter, does not end up as an end, when God intended it only as a means of loving and serving Him. 11/11/07 ts

Scarlet Sins Scarlet blood.

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Is1.18 NLT

We are humbled by the forgiveness of God expressed in Jesus. He told the accusers of the adulteress, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” Truthfully as the only sinless man, it would have been His right to have picked up that first stone. Instead He graciously forgave and asked other to do the same. God does not just forgive our sin, He has dealt with it in the death of Christ. Scarlet sin is mystically washed in scarlet blood. In this way God is both merciful and just.
And, what does He expect from us. Shall we keep sinning so that He can continue to forgive? We do well to remember what Jesus said to the woman after her accusers left. “Go, and sin no more.“ That God is so willing to forgive our sin does not mean that He is willing that we continue in it. 11/9/07 ts

Scarlet Sins Scarlet blood.

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Is1.18 NLT

We are humbled by the forgiveness of God expressed in Jesus. He told the accusers of the adulteress, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” Truthfully as the only sinless man, it would have been His right to have picked up that first stone. Instead He graciously forgave and asked other to do the same. God does not just forgive our sin, He has dealt with it in the death of Christ. Scarlet sin is mystically washed in scarlet blood. In this way God is both merciful and just.
And, what does He expect from us. Shall we keep sinning so that He can continue to forgive? We do well to remember what Jesus said to the woman after her accusers left. “Go, and sin no more.“ That God is so willing to forgive our sin does not mean that He is willing that we continue in it. 11/9/07 ts

I Pledge Allegiance

“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Jos24.15 NLT

Sometimes we are asked to declare our allegiance. Why do we do this? Well sometimes we are drawing a line to help others see where their allegiance lies. We do this either to help them clarify their choices and stand firm or perhaps to convict them to switch sides. We are saying, “I’m with you. Let’s stand together.“ Or we may be asking, “It that really where you want to stand?” Sometimes we declare our allegiance not so much for others as we do it for ourselves. It is good to know where you stand. In the coming Judgment, this will be of singular importance. As for me and my family, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.“ 11/8/07 ts

I Pledge Allegiance

“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Jos24.15 NLT

Sometimes we are asked to declare our allegiance. Why do we do this? Well sometimes we are drawing a line to help others see where their allegiance lies. We do this either to help them clarify their choices and stand firm or perhaps to convict them to switch sides. We are saying, “I’m with you. Let’s stand together.“ Or we may be asking, “It that really where you want to stand?” Sometimes we declare our allegiance not so much for others as we do it for ourselves. It is good to know where you stand. In the coming Judgment, this will be of singular importance. As for me and my family, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.“ 11/8/07 ts

Eat your Spinach

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1Ti2.1 NLT

Yesterday Brenda and I were having a discussion that it is possible to love someone without actually liking them. We may very well not like certain political leaders but are encouraged to pray for them, even give thanks for them. Like them or not, we are called to love and to pray for all people, even our enemies.
My mother always told me to eat my spinach, not because I liked it but precisely because I didn’t, and, because it was good for me. When I seek the good of others, even when I do not like them, I am ultimately doing what is good for myself. Christ is not opposed to us seeking our own good, but seeking only, our own good. 11/7/07 ts

Eat your Spinach

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1Ti2.1 NLT

Yesterday Brenda and I were having a discussion that it is possible to love someone without actually liking them. We may very well not like certain political leaders but are encouraged to pray for them, even give thanks for them. Like them or not, we are called to love and to pray for all people, even our enemies.
My mother always told me to eat my spinach, not because I liked it but precisely because I didn’t, and, because it was good for me. When I seek the good of others, even when I do not like them, I am ultimately doing what is good for myself. Christ is not opposed to us seeking our own good, but seeking only, our own good. 11/7/07 ts

Swimming in Deep water

“which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ… “Eph1.8-9

These words lie in deep water. But, it is not the meaning that is mysterious just the wisdom behind it. We are being told that our faith in Christ is a work of God’s grace, lavishly poured out into our hearts. This much we pretty well know and appreciate. What is unsearchable, is all the how and why behind the death of Christ and the transmission of its blessings to the world. Christ Himself is the mystery manifest yet all the wisdom expressed in Him is unexplainable. We may ask why God created man, when he knew we would sin. We may ask why all this blood and suffering is necessary for our rescue. We may ask these things as children take turns trying to touch the bottom of the lake where they are swimming. But we shall find God’s wisdom is too deep, and our lungs too shallow. It seems best then to humbly swim and play in this ocean of grace rather than to drown ourselves trying to find the bottom of His unsearchable wisdom. In the end we must content ourselves with the faith that God knows what is best and also the best means to it. 11/6/07 ts

Swimming in Deep water

“which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ… “Eph1.8-9

These words lie in deep water. But, it is not the meaning that is mysterious just the wisdom behind it. We are being told that our faith in Christ is a work of God’s grace, lavishly poured out into our hearts. This much we pretty well know and appreciate. What is unsearchable, is all the how and why behind the death of Christ and the transmission of its blessings to the world. Christ Himself is the mystery manifest yet all the wisdom expressed in Him is unexplainable. We may ask why God created man, when he knew we would sin. We may ask why all this blood and suffering is necessary for our rescue. We may ask these things as children take turns trying to touch the bottom of the lake where they are swimming. But we shall find God’s wisdom is too deep, and our lungs too shallow. It seems best then to humbly swim and play in this ocean of grace rather than to drown ourselves trying to find the bottom of His unsearchable wisdom. In the end we must content ourselves with the faith that God knows what is best and also the best means to it. 11/6/07 ts

Personal Service

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Rom13.6 NLT

Yesterday I was looking over our grocery receipt, amazed at how little a hundred dollars will buy these days. When I looked at the bottom of the receipt, I commented to Brenda that we had just given ten dollars to the government. I did not say this with glee but grumbling. The truth, is that while I may complain about paying taxes, if I were really asked about it, I would gladly dish out 10 percent of my income for the privilege of living and shopping in America. When I look at it this way, I appreciate the obligations of my citizenship.
We need to personalize the services we receive from others and see God’s hand in all that is provided for us, not to mention the protections we so often take for granted. I thank God for this gentle rebuke for my grumbling yesterday. Talk about personal service, the God of the universe takes the time to correct an ungrateful attitude in me. Let us abound in thanksgiving. 11/5/07 ts

Personal Service

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Rom13.6 NLT

Yesterday I was looking over our grocery receipt, amazed at how little a hundred dollars will buy these days. When I looked at the bottom of the receipt, I commented to Brenda that we had just given ten dollars to the government. I did not say this with glee but grumbling. The truth, is that while I may complain about paying taxes, if I were really asked about it, I would gladly dish out 10 percent of my income for the privilege of living and shopping in America. When I look at it this way, I appreciate the obligations of my citizenship.
We need to personalize the services we receive from others and see God’s hand in all that is provided for us, not to mention the protections we so often take for granted. I thank God for this gentle rebuke for my grumbling yesterday. Talk about personal service, the God of the universe takes the time to correct an ungrateful attitude in me. Let us abound in thanksgiving. 11/5/07 ts

Knowing where the lines are drawn

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Ro13.1 NLT

Strange that I would have a dream last night where in my dream I was explaining to an abused wife that she was under no obligation to obey her husband when he forbid her to go to church. I explained that God had indeed given her husband authority but not the authority to keep her from seeking Him. All authority has fixed boundaries. My employer may have authority over my dress at work but not when I go to the park that afternoon. We are to respectfully submit to authority in areas over which God has granted it. There is protection in doing so.
But, God did not give the spiritual care of children to the government but to parents. The government may make policy to forbid a teacher from imposing her religion on her students but they do not have the authority to keep the teacher from personal prayer before she begins teaching her class. And, there is a difference in leading others to pray and in personal prayer while in a public place. We are to always convey respect for anyone in a position of authority even if we must respectfully remind them where the lines of authority are drawn. 11/3/07 ts

Knowing where the lines are drawn

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Ro13.1 NLT

Strange that I would have a dream last night where in my dream I was explaining to an abused wife that she was under no obligation to obey her husband when he forbid her to go to church. I explained that God had indeed given her husband authority but not the authority to keep her from seeking Him. All authority has fixed boundaries. My employer may have authority over my dress at work but not when I go to the park that afternoon. We are to respectfully submit to authority in areas over which God has granted it. There is protection in doing so.
But, God did not give the spiritual care of children to the government but to parents. The government may make policy to forbid a teacher from imposing her religion on her students but they do not have the authority to keep the teacher from personal prayer before she begins teaching her class. And, there is a difference in leading others to pray and in personal prayer while in a public place. We are to always convey respect for anyone in a position of authority even if we must respectfully remind them where the lines of authority are drawn. 11/3/07 ts

Priestly Garb

“…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1Pt2.9 NLT

Some of my friends in the ministry wear clerical collars to identify them as a minister or priest. Yet, the powerful description above tells us that every Christian is a royal priest, for each of us serve King Jesus. And, it is not so much clerical collars which identify us as His priests but our expressions of goodness when we love and serve others. A priest then, may wear, tennis shoes, jogging shorts, ball caps, blue jeans, in truth, whatever you are wearing this moment, for if Christ has entered your heart, then you are His priest in this place, His light in this world. Goodness is the true clothing of a good priest. Let us dress ourselves in it.
11/2/07 ts

Priestly Garb

“…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1Pt2.9 NLT

Some of my friends in the ministry wear clerical collars to identify them as a minister or priest. Yet, the powerful description above tells us that every Christian is a royal priest, for each of us serve King Jesus. And, it is not so much clerical collars which identify us as His priests but our expressions of goodness when we love and serve others. A priest then, may wear, tennis shoes, jogging shorts, ball caps, blue jeans, in truth, whatever you are wearing this moment, for if Christ has entered your heart, then you are His priest in this place, His light in this world. Goodness is the true clothing of a good priest. Let us dress ourselves in it.
11/2/07 ts

Superior Satisfaction

“…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Eph1.18 NKJV

We must choose Heaven over earth, and the things above over the things below, and, we must do it everyday, in fact, several times a day. What I mean is that our hearts must draw away from this place, if our hearts desire is to be found in God. Do we not pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven?” And, did not David pray, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Ps73.25 If God would show all that is above we must take our eyes off of all that is below.
His is the superior satisfaction, lasting joy, eternal love.
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Co2.9 NKJV 11/1/07 ts

Superior Satisfaction

“…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Eph1.18 NKJV

We must choose Heaven over earth, and the things above over the things below, and, we must do it everyday, in fact, several times a day. What I mean is that our hearts must draw away from this place, if our hearts desire is to be found in God. Do we not pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven?” And, did not David pray, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Ps73.25 If God would show all that is above we must take our eyes off of all that is below.
His is the superior satisfaction, lasting joy, eternal love.
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Co2.9 NKJV 11/1/07 ts

A Good Nights Sleep

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1Pe5.8 NKJV

When asked what was the greatest enemy of the American family, noted author, James Dobson, pointedly said that it was fatigue. People are just too tired to be good husbands, fathers, wives, and friends. Over worked people are rarely alert and if we are not careful the fuzzy thinking that comes from being too tired can make us open to all manner of abuse by the devils. It is not just reflection on God’s Word that will help us think clearly. We may need to get serious about keeping a Sabbath day, pruning our schedule and getting a good night sleep. Strategic sleep is the friend of the sober mind, as much as fatigue is its enemy. It may be that the best way to stay spiritually awake is to get some physical sleep. 10/31/07 ts

A Good Nights Sleep

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1Pe5.8 NKJV

When asked what was the greatest enemy of the American family, noted author, James Dobson, pointedly said that it was fatigue. People are just too tired to be good husbands, fathers, wives, and friends. Over worked people are rarely alert and if we are not careful the fuzzy thinking that comes from being too tired can make us open to all manner of abuse by the devils. It is not just reflection on God’s Word that will help us think clearly. We may need to get serious about keeping a Sabbath day, pruning our schedule and getting a good night sleep. Strategic sleep is the friend of the sober mind, as much as fatigue is its enemy. It may be that the best way to stay spiritually awake is to get some physical sleep. 10/31/07 ts

No Bragging Rights

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph2.8-9 NKJV

The salvation of the Christian is a gift no matter how one looks at it. We can no more brag about this gift, than we can the color of our eyes or how tall we‘ve become. There will be no bragging rights for those who enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just the stark realization of God’s phenomenal grace. Nor was not the luck of the draw or the astrology of stars which set our feet away from perdition, but the divine purpose of a loving Father who in kindness leads us repentance and faith. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. 10/30/07 ts

No Bragging Rights

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph2.8-9 NKJV

The salvation of the Christian is a gift no matter how one looks at it. We can no more brag about this gift, than we can the color of our eyes or how tall we‘ve become. There will be no bragging rights for those who enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just the stark realization of God’s phenomenal grace. Nor was not the luck of the draw or the astrology of stars which set our feet away from perdition, but the divine purpose of a loving Father who in kindness leads us repentance and faith. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. 10/30/07 ts

Living Sacrifices

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Rm12.1 NKJV

The same apostle who said these words also warned us against man made religions which encourage us to not handle, taste or touch, as though abstinence from certain things will make one holy. And, of course, if one abstains from just about anything for the sake of loving another, it might do just that. The pursuit of loving God and others may lead us to do or not do many things. In order for us to present our body as a living sacrifice, we may first need to die to selfishness. 10/29/07 ts