“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” Is53.5
It is not gratitude for this gift which will honor it best but appropriating the grace it offers. We can never repay Christ for His supreme sacrifice, nor does He require it. He asks only that we transfer our trust from personal works to His own. In other words, the best way to honor a person who has given you a gift is to use it. In this instance, Christ himself is the gift. Use Christ to come to the Father. Use Christ in your prayers. Use Christ for life and peace. Why else would He call Himself the bread of life, the spring of everlasting water, if He did not intend for us to eat and drink Him.
We may feel in ourselves a desire to show our gratitude to God for this indescribable gift. The psalmist asks, “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?“ We do well to follow him in his answer. “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” When your host puts a cup of refreshment in your hand, the best way to honor Him, is to drink from that cup. 3/31/07 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Cups are used for Drinking
“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” Is53.5
It is not gratitude for this gift which will honor it best but appropriating the grace it offers. We can never repay Christ for His supreme sacrifice, nor does He require it. He asks only that we transfer our trust from personal works to His own. In other words, the best way to honor a person who has given you a gift is to use it. In this instance, Christ himself is the gift. Use Christ to come to the Father. Use Christ in your prayers. Use Christ for life and peace. Why else would He call Himself the bread of life, the spring of everlasting water, if He did not intend for us to eat and drink Him.
We may feel in ourselves a desire to show our gratitude to God for this indescribable gift. The psalmist asks, “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?“ We do well to follow him in his answer. “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” When your host puts a cup of refreshment in your hand, the best way to honor Him, is to drink from that cup. 3/31/07 ts
It is not gratitude for this gift which will honor it best but appropriating the grace it offers. We can never repay Christ for His supreme sacrifice, nor does He require it. He asks only that we transfer our trust from personal works to His own. In other words, the best way to honor a person who has given you a gift is to use it. In this instance, Christ himself is the gift. Use Christ to come to the Father. Use Christ in your prayers. Use Christ for life and peace. Why else would He call Himself the bread of life, the spring of everlasting water, if He did not intend for us to eat and drink Him.
We may feel in ourselves a desire to show our gratitude to God for this indescribable gift. The psalmist asks, “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?“ We do well to follow him in his answer. “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” When your host puts a cup of refreshment in your hand, the best way to honor Him, is to drink from that cup. 3/31/07 ts
Friday, March 30, 2007
Sitting in the Dentist Chair
Sitting in the Dentist Chair
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Is53.4 EVS
It seems strange that Jesus offers us an abundant and fruitful life yet He was Himself well acquainted with grief, even named Man of Sorrows. This prophecy explains at least some of the reason. It was our griefs and our sorrows that He carried. The shortest verse in Scripture tells us simply, ’Jesus wept.’ His tears fall for us. Like any good parent, all God has ever desired for people so beautifully made in His image, is that we be gloriously happy, living in the light of His blessings. Why would He not be disappointed when we have not? We have each, in our own way, chosen the devils candy. And what does He do? He enters our world of rotting teeth and has inexplicably figured a way some how, to sit in the dentist chair for us. All we seem to see is a very serious and sorrowful man. Yet we are told that it was His joy to take our place and He waits with delight as each of us find our place in Him. The extreme sorrow that Jesus expressed here will only intensify the inexpressible joy He will know with us there. I hear it often whispered in my heart, “My son, you are not yet as happy as I intend for you to be.“ 3/30/07 ts
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Is53.4 EVS
It seems strange that Jesus offers us an abundant and fruitful life yet He was Himself well acquainted with grief, even named Man of Sorrows. This prophecy explains at least some of the reason. It was our griefs and our sorrows that He carried. The shortest verse in Scripture tells us simply, ’Jesus wept.’ His tears fall for us. Like any good parent, all God has ever desired for people so beautifully made in His image, is that we be gloriously happy, living in the light of His blessings. Why would He not be disappointed when we have not? We have each, in our own way, chosen the devils candy. And what does He do? He enters our world of rotting teeth and has inexplicably figured a way some how, to sit in the dentist chair for us. All we seem to see is a very serious and sorrowful man. Yet we are told that it was His joy to take our place and He waits with delight as each of us find our place in Him. The extreme sorrow that Jesus expressed here will only intensify the inexpressible joy He will know with us there. I hear it often whispered in my heart, “My son, you are not yet as happy as I intend for you to be.“ 3/30/07 ts
Sitting in the Dentist Chair
Sitting in the Dentist Chair
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Is53.4 EVS
It seems strange that Jesus offers us an abundant and fruitful life yet He was Himself well acquainted with grief, even named Man of Sorrows. This prophecy explains at least some of the reason. It was our griefs and our sorrows that He carried. The shortest verse in Scripture tells us simply, ’Jesus wept.’ His tears fall for us. Like any good parent, all God has ever desired for people so beautifully made in His image, is that we be gloriously happy, living in the light of His blessings. Why would He not be disappointed when we have not? We have each, in our own way, chosen the devils candy. And what does He do? He enters our world of rotting teeth and has inexplicably figured a way some how, to sit in the dentist chair for us. All we seem to see is a very serious and sorrowful man. Yet we are told that it was His joy to take our place and He waits with delight as each of us find our place in Him. The extreme sorrow that Jesus expressed here will only intensify the inexpressible joy He will know with us there. I hear it often whispered in my heart, “My son, you are not yet as happy as I intend for you to be.“ 3/30/07 ts
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Is53.4 EVS
It seems strange that Jesus offers us an abundant and fruitful life yet He was Himself well acquainted with grief, even named Man of Sorrows. This prophecy explains at least some of the reason. It was our griefs and our sorrows that He carried. The shortest verse in Scripture tells us simply, ’Jesus wept.’ His tears fall for us. Like any good parent, all God has ever desired for people so beautifully made in His image, is that we be gloriously happy, living in the light of His blessings. Why would He not be disappointed when we have not? We have each, in our own way, chosen the devils candy. And what does He do? He enters our world of rotting teeth and has inexplicably figured a way some how, to sit in the dentist chair for us. All we seem to see is a very serious and sorrowful man. Yet we are told that it was His joy to take our place and He waits with delight as each of us find our place in Him. The extreme sorrow that Jesus expressed here will only intensify the inexpressible joy He will know with us there. I hear it often whispered in my heart, “My son, you are not yet as happy as I intend for you to be.“ 3/30/07 ts
Thursday, March 29, 2007
He was furnished that we might be finished.
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2Co5.21
There is a subtle contrast in these words which describes two profound events. The first is that a man who was perfectly right with God was ‘made’ not right with Him and the second is that people not right ‘become’ right with Him. Christ is ’made,’ we ’become.’ What happened to Christ was but for a moment, what happens to us is for all time. His was an act, ours an alteration. He was declared our substitute to experience our judgment, so that we could be declared saints, set apart to experience His love. He is the rock thrown into the pond of humanity and we the ripples of transformation. The first Adam altered the world by his act of disobedience. The obedience of the second Adam has altered it no less. ‘Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.’ He was furnished that we might be finished. 3/29/07 ts
There is a subtle contrast in these words which describes two profound events. The first is that a man who was perfectly right with God was ‘made’ not right with Him and the second is that people not right ‘become’ right with Him. Christ is ’made,’ we ’become.’ What happened to Christ was but for a moment, what happens to us is for all time. His was an act, ours an alteration. He was declared our substitute to experience our judgment, so that we could be declared saints, set apart to experience His love. He is the rock thrown into the pond of humanity and we the ripples of transformation. The first Adam altered the world by his act of disobedience. The obedience of the second Adam has altered it no less. ‘Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.’ He was furnished that we might be finished. 3/29/07 ts
He was furnished that we might be finished.
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2Co5.21
There is a subtle contrast in these words which describes two profound events. The first is that a man who was perfectly right with God was ‘made’ not right with Him and the second is that people not right ‘become’ right with Him. Christ is ’made,’ we ’become.’ What happened to Christ was but for a moment, what happens to us is for all time. His was an act, ours an alteration. He was declared our substitute to experience our judgment, so that we could be declared saints, set apart to experience His love. He is the rock thrown into the pond of humanity and we the ripples of transformation. The first Adam altered the world by his act of disobedience. The obedience of the second Adam has altered it no less. ‘Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.’ He was furnished that we might be finished. 3/29/07 ts
There is a subtle contrast in these words which describes two profound events. The first is that a man who was perfectly right with God was ‘made’ not right with Him and the second is that people not right ‘become’ right with Him. Christ is ’made,’ we ’become.’ What happened to Christ was but for a moment, what happens to us is for all time. His was an act, ours an alteration. He was declared our substitute to experience our judgment, so that we could be declared saints, set apart to experience His love. He is the rock thrown into the pond of humanity and we the ripples of transformation. The first Adam altered the world by his act of disobedience. The obedience of the second Adam has altered it no less. ‘Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.’ He was furnished that we might be finished. 3/29/07 ts
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Perfect go between
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” 1Ti2.5
Scripture explains to us, and they are very clear on this matter, that the only proper and safe way for people at odds with God to speak with Him, is to use a go between. And, since all of us are at odds with Him, there is only one person who can serve in this capacity, and that would be one who is not at odds with Him, and who in fact has an amiable relationship with Him. Christ alone has this distinction. He is the perfect mediator. As God’s eternal Son He is able to represent His Father to men. As the only sinless man, He is able to represent us to the Father.
It is important that we understand that we are the ones who need to be reconciled to God and not He to us. We are the offending party. Just as there is one God, there is only one mediator. Christ offers to settle our debts before God by offering Himself as the payment.
Now this brings up an interesting point. We may well wonder how we are to intercede for ourselves and others, if Christ is the only intercessor? One way we might look at it, is that when we pray properly, we come to realize that it is really Christ praying in and through us. Only in union and in agreement with Him are prayers made effective because only mediated prayers have an audience with God. The moment we forget this and stray back into bargaining with God, based on our own merits, is the moment our prayers fall to the ground. And praise Him that they do. All that we ask for in our own name, is directed by our selfishness. Christ directs us to pray through Him and to ask only for those things that may be asked in His name. And, we can be sure if Christ represents our request, it is certain to be answered favorably. 3/28/07 ts
Scripture explains to us, and they are very clear on this matter, that the only proper and safe way for people at odds with God to speak with Him, is to use a go between. And, since all of us are at odds with Him, there is only one person who can serve in this capacity, and that would be one who is not at odds with Him, and who in fact has an amiable relationship with Him. Christ alone has this distinction. He is the perfect mediator. As God’s eternal Son He is able to represent His Father to men. As the only sinless man, He is able to represent us to the Father.
It is important that we understand that we are the ones who need to be reconciled to God and not He to us. We are the offending party. Just as there is one God, there is only one mediator. Christ offers to settle our debts before God by offering Himself as the payment.
Now this brings up an interesting point. We may well wonder how we are to intercede for ourselves and others, if Christ is the only intercessor? One way we might look at it, is that when we pray properly, we come to realize that it is really Christ praying in and through us. Only in union and in agreement with Him are prayers made effective because only mediated prayers have an audience with God. The moment we forget this and stray back into bargaining with God, based on our own merits, is the moment our prayers fall to the ground. And praise Him that they do. All that we ask for in our own name, is directed by our selfishness. Christ directs us to pray through Him and to ask only for those things that may be asked in His name. And, we can be sure if Christ represents our request, it is certain to be answered favorably. 3/28/07 ts
The Perfect go between
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” 1Ti2.5
Scripture explains to us, and they are very clear on this matter, that the only proper and safe way for people at odds with God to speak with Him, is to use a go between. And, since all of us are at odds with Him, there is only one person who can serve in this capacity, and that would be one who is not at odds with Him, and who in fact has an amiable relationship with Him. Christ alone has this distinction. He is the perfect mediator. As God’s eternal Son He is able to represent His Father to men. As the only sinless man, He is able to represent us to the Father.
It is important that we understand that we are the ones who need to be reconciled to God and not He to us. We are the offending party. Just as there is one God, there is only one mediator. Christ offers to settle our debts before God by offering Himself as the payment.
Now this brings up an interesting point. We may well wonder how we are to intercede for ourselves and others, if Christ is the only intercessor? One way we might look at it, is that when we pray properly, we come to realize that it is really Christ praying in and through us. Only in union and in agreement with Him are prayers made effective because only mediated prayers have an audience with God. The moment we forget this and stray back into bargaining with God, based on our own merits, is the moment our prayers fall to the ground. And praise Him that they do. All that we ask for in our own name, is directed by our selfishness. Christ directs us to pray through Him and to ask only for those things that may be asked in His name. And, we can be sure if Christ represents our request, it is certain to be answered favorably. 3/28/07 ts
Scripture explains to us, and they are very clear on this matter, that the only proper and safe way for people at odds with God to speak with Him, is to use a go between. And, since all of us are at odds with Him, there is only one person who can serve in this capacity, and that would be one who is not at odds with Him, and who in fact has an amiable relationship with Him. Christ alone has this distinction. He is the perfect mediator. As God’s eternal Son He is able to represent His Father to men. As the only sinless man, He is able to represent us to the Father.
It is important that we understand that we are the ones who need to be reconciled to God and not He to us. We are the offending party. Just as there is one God, there is only one mediator. Christ offers to settle our debts before God by offering Himself as the payment.
Now this brings up an interesting point. We may well wonder how we are to intercede for ourselves and others, if Christ is the only intercessor? One way we might look at it, is that when we pray properly, we come to realize that it is really Christ praying in and through us. Only in union and in agreement with Him are prayers made effective because only mediated prayers have an audience with God. The moment we forget this and stray back into bargaining with God, based on our own merits, is the moment our prayers fall to the ground. And praise Him that they do. All that we ask for in our own name, is directed by our selfishness. Christ directs us to pray through Him and to ask only for those things that may be asked in His name. And, we can be sure if Christ represents our request, it is certain to be answered favorably. 3/28/07 ts
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Storm and Shelter
“On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” Ps62.7 ESV
One evening Brenda and I had gone trail riding around a local airfield. We were riding down a closed runway when I noticed an encroaching thunderstorm coming swiftly from behind. Knowing that we would never make it to the other end I suggested that we take cover next to an old abandoned building. Just as we reached it, the bottom fell out and we watched with fascination as one bolt of lightening after another struck the ground in front of us. There was no separation in the sound of the thunder and the streaks falling from the sky. Rain fell so hard we could no longer see the other side of the runway. Brenda commented that this had certainly turned into an adventure. Amazed and somewhat anxious at the sheer power in front of us, we hugged each other and the side of the structure that had become our refuge.
The imagery used in this verse depicts God as a rock of refuge, our shelter in the time of storm. One aspect of God’s glory is His immeasurable value to those who trust Him. How do we calculate the worth of God in our lives? Well, Scripture captures our imagination by declaring God to be both the storm coming against us and the shelter from it. God is an encroaching storm. The thunder of His prophetic warning announces the lightening of His coming wrath. What is staggering, is that as Judgment Day draws near, we do not hear a voice telling us to run away from God but to run to Him, and find shelter. God is the storm, but He is also the only shelter from it. The verse above tells us that God is our salvation. It is most descriptive that the Hebrew word translated ‘salvation’ is Yesha, and when transliterated, it tenderly spells Jesus. We do not need to fear the storm of God’s wrath when we are under the shelter of His Son. 3/27/07 ts
One evening Brenda and I had gone trail riding around a local airfield. We were riding down a closed runway when I noticed an encroaching thunderstorm coming swiftly from behind. Knowing that we would never make it to the other end I suggested that we take cover next to an old abandoned building. Just as we reached it, the bottom fell out and we watched with fascination as one bolt of lightening after another struck the ground in front of us. There was no separation in the sound of the thunder and the streaks falling from the sky. Rain fell so hard we could no longer see the other side of the runway. Brenda commented that this had certainly turned into an adventure. Amazed and somewhat anxious at the sheer power in front of us, we hugged each other and the side of the structure that had become our refuge.
The imagery used in this verse depicts God as a rock of refuge, our shelter in the time of storm. One aspect of God’s glory is His immeasurable value to those who trust Him. How do we calculate the worth of God in our lives? Well, Scripture captures our imagination by declaring God to be both the storm coming against us and the shelter from it. God is an encroaching storm. The thunder of His prophetic warning announces the lightening of His coming wrath. What is staggering, is that as Judgment Day draws near, we do not hear a voice telling us to run away from God but to run to Him, and find shelter. God is the storm, but He is also the only shelter from it. The verse above tells us that God is our salvation. It is most descriptive that the Hebrew word translated ‘salvation’ is Yesha, and when transliterated, it tenderly spells Jesus. We do not need to fear the storm of God’s wrath when we are under the shelter of His Son. 3/27/07 ts
Storm and Shelter
“On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” Ps62.7 ESV
One evening Brenda and I had gone trail riding around a local airfield. We were riding down a closed runway when I noticed an encroaching thunderstorm coming swiftly from behind. Knowing that we would never make it to the other end I suggested that we take cover next to an old abandoned building. Just as we reached it, the bottom fell out and we watched with fascination as one bolt of lightening after another struck the ground in front of us. There was no separation in the sound of the thunder and the streaks falling from the sky. Rain fell so hard we could no longer see the other side of the runway. Brenda commented that this had certainly turned into an adventure. Amazed and somewhat anxious at the sheer power in front of us, we hugged each other and the side of the structure that had become our refuge.
The imagery used in this verse depicts God as a rock of refuge, our shelter in the time of storm. One aspect of God’s glory is His immeasurable value to those who trust Him. How do we calculate the worth of God in our lives? Well, Scripture captures our imagination by declaring God to be both the storm coming against us and the shelter from it. God is an encroaching storm. The thunder of His prophetic warning announces the lightening of His coming wrath. What is staggering, is that as Judgment Day draws near, we do not hear a voice telling us to run away from God but to run to Him, and find shelter. God is the storm, but He is also the only shelter from it. The verse above tells us that God is our salvation. It is most descriptive that the Hebrew word translated ‘salvation’ is Yesha, and when transliterated, it tenderly spells Jesus. We do not need to fear the storm of God’s wrath when we are under the shelter of His Son. 3/27/07 ts
One evening Brenda and I had gone trail riding around a local airfield. We were riding down a closed runway when I noticed an encroaching thunderstorm coming swiftly from behind. Knowing that we would never make it to the other end I suggested that we take cover next to an old abandoned building. Just as we reached it, the bottom fell out and we watched with fascination as one bolt of lightening after another struck the ground in front of us. There was no separation in the sound of the thunder and the streaks falling from the sky. Rain fell so hard we could no longer see the other side of the runway. Brenda commented that this had certainly turned into an adventure. Amazed and somewhat anxious at the sheer power in front of us, we hugged each other and the side of the structure that had become our refuge.
The imagery used in this verse depicts God as a rock of refuge, our shelter in the time of storm. One aspect of God’s glory is His immeasurable value to those who trust Him. How do we calculate the worth of God in our lives? Well, Scripture captures our imagination by declaring God to be both the storm coming against us and the shelter from it. God is an encroaching storm. The thunder of His prophetic warning announces the lightening of His coming wrath. What is staggering, is that as Judgment Day draws near, we do not hear a voice telling us to run away from God but to run to Him, and find shelter. God is the storm, but He is also the only shelter from it. The verse above tells us that God is our salvation. It is most descriptive that the Hebrew word translated ‘salvation’ is Yesha, and when transliterated, it tenderly spells Jesus. We do not need to fear the storm of God’s wrath when we are under the shelter of His Son. 3/27/07 ts
Monday, March 26, 2007
Our Great Privilege
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Phil1.29
The word translated “given” is predominately used, if not always, in a positive light and suggests that what is given is “graciously given.” This is why some translations use the word “grant,” i.e. “It has been granted.” What is being said, is that suffering for Christ is to be regarded as a privilege, as much so, as believing in Him.
Now, when a person tells us that it is their privilege to do something, they are telling us that it is their honor, a source of pride, a joy and a pleasure for them. When a person says this, it is usually before they are about to do something which is going to cost them in some way. It may seen strange that one might feel joy even excitement at the prospect of sacrifice. But it is only strange to those who have not been on the receiving end of a sacrificial giving. I remember a time when I was given the privilege of being able to do some small favor for someone who had served me many times. I remember how humbled I was. It was a deep feeling, almost more than I could stand. I was glad to do it. Looking back I would have fought for the privilege of doing it.
We do not always feel this way though. Sometimes we complain about our sufferings, if we could even call them that. Truthfully, when I look at the minor inconveniences which God asks from me from time to time, I am ashamed that I would ever complain. It is perhaps that I do not see the connection between my inconvenience and the cause of Christ. This may be because there is none and I am engaged in some trivial business of my own. Since I may do all for the glory of God in Christ, even mundane responsibilities can be transformed into noble offerings. It is on this ground that we may discover joy in suffering because we see it a privilege to serve our God and King, to return to Him in some way a favor for all which He has done for us. 3/26/07 ts
The word translated “given” is predominately used, if not always, in a positive light and suggests that what is given is “graciously given.” This is why some translations use the word “grant,” i.e. “It has been granted.” What is being said, is that suffering for Christ is to be regarded as a privilege, as much so, as believing in Him.
Now, when a person tells us that it is their privilege to do something, they are telling us that it is their honor, a source of pride, a joy and a pleasure for them. When a person says this, it is usually before they are about to do something which is going to cost them in some way. It may seen strange that one might feel joy even excitement at the prospect of sacrifice. But it is only strange to those who have not been on the receiving end of a sacrificial giving. I remember a time when I was given the privilege of being able to do some small favor for someone who had served me many times. I remember how humbled I was. It was a deep feeling, almost more than I could stand. I was glad to do it. Looking back I would have fought for the privilege of doing it.
We do not always feel this way though. Sometimes we complain about our sufferings, if we could even call them that. Truthfully, when I look at the minor inconveniences which God asks from me from time to time, I am ashamed that I would ever complain. It is perhaps that I do not see the connection between my inconvenience and the cause of Christ. This may be because there is none and I am engaged in some trivial business of my own. Since I may do all for the glory of God in Christ, even mundane responsibilities can be transformed into noble offerings. It is on this ground that we may discover joy in suffering because we see it a privilege to serve our God and King, to return to Him in some way a favor for all which He has done for us. 3/26/07 ts
Our Great Privilege
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Phil1.29
The word translated “given” is predominately used, if not always, in a positive light and suggests that what is given is “graciously given.” This is why some translations use the word “grant,” i.e. “It has been granted.” What is being said, is that suffering for Christ is to be regarded as a privilege, as much so, as believing in Him.
Now, when a person tells us that it is their privilege to do something, they are telling us that it is their honor, a source of pride, a joy and a pleasure for them. When a person says this, it is usually before they are about to do something which is going to cost them in some way. It may seen strange that one might feel joy even excitement at the prospect of sacrifice. But it is only strange to those who have not been on the receiving end of a sacrificial giving. I remember a time when I was given the privilege of being able to do some small favor for someone who had served me many times. I remember how humbled I was. It was a deep feeling, almost more than I could stand. I was glad to do it. Looking back I would have fought for the privilege of doing it.
We do not always feel this way though. Sometimes we complain about our sufferings, if we could even call them that. Truthfully, when I look at the minor inconveniences which God asks from me from time to time, I am ashamed that I would ever complain. It is perhaps that I do not see the connection between my inconvenience and the cause of Christ. This may be because there is none and I am engaged in some trivial business of my own. Since I may do all for the glory of God in Christ, even mundane responsibilities can be transformed into noble offerings. It is on this ground that we may discover joy in suffering because we see it a privilege to serve our God and King, to return to Him in some way a favor for all which He has done for us. 3/26/07 ts
The word translated “given” is predominately used, if not always, in a positive light and suggests that what is given is “graciously given.” This is why some translations use the word “grant,” i.e. “It has been granted.” What is being said, is that suffering for Christ is to be regarded as a privilege, as much so, as believing in Him.
Now, when a person tells us that it is their privilege to do something, they are telling us that it is their honor, a source of pride, a joy and a pleasure for them. When a person says this, it is usually before they are about to do something which is going to cost them in some way. It may seen strange that one might feel joy even excitement at the prospect of sacrifice. But it is only strange to those who have not been on the receiving end of a sacrificial giving. I remember a time when I was given the privilege of being able to do some small favor for someone who had served me many times. I remember how humbled I was. It was a deep feeling, almost more than I could stand. I was glad to do it. Looking back I would have fought for the privilege of doing it.
We do not always feel this way though. Sometimes we complain about our sufferings, if we could even call them that. Truthfully, when I look at the minor inconveniences which God asks from me from time to time, I am ashamed that I would ever complain. It is perhaps that I do not see the connection between my inconvenience and the cause of Christ. This may be because there is none and I am engaged in some trivial business of my own. Since I may do all for the glory of God in Christ, even mundane responsibilities can be transformed into noble offerings. It is on this ground that we may discover joy in suffering because we see it a privilege to serve our God and King, to return to Him in some way a favor for all which He has done for us. 3/26/07 ts
Saturday, March 24, 2007
What Could Only be a Gift
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” NIV Ro6.23
I shared this verse with someone yesterday. Every time I do, I am staggered by it. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. The young lady was surprised to discover this. Like so many, she believed eternal life was something you had to earn by good works and stuff. I explained that I used to believe this as well.
The simple truth is that, all we have earned by our efforts to make it on our own, is death and hell. Were God to give me the wages of all that I have done, I would come up short. I have said it many times, when I am given the privilege of doing someone’s funeral and people usually do a double take, when I say it. “He was in many ways a good man, but his good wasn’t good enough.” I have shared these words about my own dear mother who passed from cancer several years ago. They seem hard words until one realizes that, if we stand on our own record and demand wages from God for our life, our paycheck will read death and hell. Once we realize that trusting our own efforts is the problem, we are able to look to Christ. One will not cry out to the lifeguard if they do not believe they are drowning, nor can we accept God’s gift with payment in our hand.
How insulting to offer God my pitiful list of good works in payment for heaven, when His Son paid so much for it with His death on the cross. The only proper response when someone offers you a gift is to receive it. We receive the gift by receiving Christ. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. 3/24/07 ts
I shared this verse with someone yesterday. Every time I do, I am staggered by it. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. The young lady was surprised to discover this. Like so many, she believed eternal life was something you had to earn by good works and stuff. I explained that I used to believe this as well.
The simple truth is that, all we have earned by our efforts to make it on our own, is death and hell. Were God to give me the wages of all that I have done, I would come up short. I have said it many times, when I am given the privilege of doing someone’s funeral and people usually do a double take, when I say it. “He was in many ways a good man, but his good wasn’t good enough.” I have shared these words about my own dear mother who passed from cancer several years ago. They seem hard words until one realizes that, if we stand on our own record and demand wages from God for our life, our paycheck will read death and hell. Once we realize that trusting our own efforts is the problem, we are able to look to Christ. One will not cry out to the lifeguard if they do not believe they are drowning, nor can we accept God’s gift with payment in our hand.
How insulting to offer God my pitiful list of good works in payment for heaven, when His Son paid so much for it with His death on the cross. The only proper response when someone offers you a gift is to receive it. We receive the gift by receiving Christ. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. 3/24/07 ts
What Could Only be a Gift
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” NIV Ro6.23
I shared this verse with someone yesterday. Every time I do, I am staggered by it. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. The young lady was surprised to discover this. Like so many, she believed eternal life was something you had to earn by good works and stuff. I explained that I used to believe this as well.
The simple truth is that, all we have earned by our efforts to make it on our own, is death and hell. Were God to give me the wages of all that I have done, I would come up short. I have said it many times, when I am given the privilege of doing someone’s funeral and people usually do a double take, when I say it. “He was in many ways a good man, but his good wasn’t good enough.” I have shared these words about my own dear mother who passed from cancer several years ago. They seem hard words until one realizes that, if we stand on our own record and demand wages from God for our life, our paycheck will read death and hell. Once we realize that trusting our own efforts is the problem, we are able to look to Christ. One will not cry out to the lifeguard if they do not believe they are drowning, nor can we accept God’s gift with payment in our hand.
How insulting to offer God my pitiful list of good works in payment for heaven, when His Son paid so much for it with His death on the cross. The only proper response when someone offers you a gift is to receive it. We receive the gift by receiving Christ. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. 3/24/07 ts
I shared this verse with someone yesterday. Every time I do, I am staggered by it. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. The young lady was surprised to discover this. Like so many, she believed eternal life was something you had to earn by good works and stuff. I explained that I used to believe this as well.
The simple truth is that, all we have earned by our efforts to make it on our own, is death and hell. Were God to give me the wages of all that I have done, I would come up short. I have said it many times, when I am given the privilege of doing someone’s funeral and people usually do a double take, when I say it. “He was in many ways a good man, but his good wasn’t good enough.” I have shared these words about my own dear mother who passed from cancer several years ago. They seem hard words until one realizes that, if we stand on our own record and demand wages from God for our life, our paycheck will read death and hell. Once we realize that trusting our own efforts is the problem, we are able to look to Christ. One will not cry out to the lifeguard if they do not believe they are drowning, nor can we accept God’s gift with payment in our hand.
How insulting to offer God my pitiful list of good works in payment for heaven, when His Son paid so much for it with His death on the cross. The only proper response when someone offers you a gift is to receive it. We receive the gift by receiving Christ. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. 3/24/07 ts
Friday, March 23, 2007
Between the Lord’s Test and Satan’s Temptation
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” NASB Ja1.12
The same Greek word can be translated, “trial,” or “temptation,” depending on the context. God is said to test but never tempt. The difference between these two lies with their design and intent. When God is testing us, His design is to develop our faith. When Satan tempts us, his intentions are to destroy us. Now, the very same temptation which the devil has devised to destroy, God will use to develop and mature us. Consider Joseph’s response to his brothers who had sold him with evil intent to the Ishmaelites. "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…. “
God is wonderfully able to take rocks hurled by our enemies and use them as stepping stones to bring us to His desired blessing. Now, we stand between the Lord’s test and Satan’s temptation. Jesus told us to pray that God would not hand us over to temptation but deliver us from evil. The imagery pictured here, is one being dragged from danger. Now God can certainly do this. He can forcefully keep us from fulfilling our sinful desires but He would rather that we look to Him and persevere through them. A father may intervene when he sees his daughter about to tumble, after hitting a bump with her bike. He would rather that she uses the skills he has taught her to keep from falling. Here, at lease, is one of the reasons for the test. When God restores us, in Christ, to a real freedom of choice, He gives us the power to make the right one. The test then, is that we train ourselves to use that power, to overcome temptation and to incline our hearts to obey Him. Father wants, after all, our willful obedience, not a forced compliance. He tells us, “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which has no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you.” Ps32.9 3/23/07 ts
The same Greek word can be translated, “trial,” or “temptation,” depending on the context. God is said to test but never tempt. The difference between these two lies with their design and intent. When God is testing us, His design is to develop our faith. When Satan tempts us, his intentions are to destroy us. Now, the very same temptation which the devil has devised to destroy, God will use to develop and mature us. Consider Joseph’s response to his brothers who had sold him with evil intent to the Ishmaelites. "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…. “
God is wonderfully able to take rocks hurled by our enemies and use them as stepping stones to bring us to His desired blessing. Now, we stand between the Lord’s test and Satan’s temptation. Jesus told us to pray that God would not hand us over to temptation but deliver us from evil. The imagery pictured here, is one being dragged from danger. Now God can certainly do this. He can forcefully keep us from fulfilling our sinful desires but He would rather that we look to Him and persevere through them. A father may intervene when he sees his daughter about to tumble, after hitting a bump with her bike. He would rather that she uses the skills he has taught her to keep from falling. Here, at lease, is one of the reasons for the test. When God restores us, in Christ, to a real freedom of choice, He gives us the power to make the right one. The test then, is that we train ourselves to use that power, to overcome temptation and to incline our hearts to obey Him. Father wants, after all, our willful obedience, not a forced compliance. He tells us, “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which has no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you.” Ps32.9 3/23/07 ts
Between the Lord’s Test and Satan’s Temptation
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” NASB Ja1.12
The same Greek word can be translated, “trial,” or “temptation,” depending on the context. God is said to test but never tempt. The difference between these two lies with their design and intent. When God is testing us, His design is to develop our faith. When Satan tempts us, his intentions are to destroy us. Now, the very same temptation which the devil has devised to destroy, God will use to develop and mature us. Consider Joseph’s response to his brothers who had sold him with evil intent to the Ishmaelites. "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…. “
God is wonderfully able to take rocks hurled by our enemies and use them as stepping stones to bring us to His desired blessing. Now, we stand between the Lord’s test and Satan’s temptation. Jesus told us to pray that God would not hand us over to temptation but deliver us from evil. The imagery pictured here, is one being dragged from danger. Now God can certainly do this. He can forcefully keep us from fulfilling our sinful desires but He would rather that we look to Him and persevere through them. A father may intervene when he sees his daughter about to tumble, after hitting a bump with her bike. He would rather that she uses the skills he has taught her to keep from falling. Here, at lease, is one of the reasons for the test. When God restores us, in Christ, to a real freedom of choice, He gives us the power to make the right one. The test then, is that we train ourselves to use that power, to overcome temptation and to incline our hearts to obey Him. Father wants, after all, our willful obedience, not a forced compliance. He tells us, “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which has no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you.” Ps32.9 3/23/07 ts
The same Greek word can be translated, “trial,” or “temptation,” depending on the context. God is said to test but never tempt. The difference between these two lies with their design and intent. When God is testing us, His design is to develop our faith. When Satan tempts us, his intentions are to destroy us. Now, the very same temptation which the devil has devised to destroy, God will use to develop and mature us. Consider Joseph’s response to his brothers who had sold him with evil intent to the Ishmaelites. "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…. “
God is wonderfully able to take rocks hurled by our enemies and use them as stepping stones to bring us to His desired blessing. Now, we stand between the Lord’s test and Satan’s temptation. Jesus told us to pray that God would not hand us over to temptation but deliver us from evil. The imagery pictured here, is one being dragged from danger. Now God can certainly do this. He can forcefully keep us from fulfilling our sinful desires but He would rather that we look to Him and persevere through them. A father may intervene when he sees his daughter about to tumble, after hitting a bump with her bike. He would rather that she uses the skills he has taught her to keep from falling. Here, at lease, is one of the reasons for the test. When God restores us, in Christ, to a real freedom of choice, He gives us the power to make the right one. The test then, is that we train ourselves to use that power, to overcome temptation and to incline our hearts to obey Him. Father wants, after all, our willful obedience, not a forced compliance. He tells us, “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which has no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you.” Ps32.9 3/23/07 ts
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The War on Terror
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ep6.11 ESV
One of my spiritual goals is to wake to the presence of God and to remain awake to Him. Should the Christian wake also to the presence of the devil? Well, we certainly should in light of this verse but not as we wake to God. Scripture tells us that God is present everywhere, the devil is not. He is merely a creature and like all creatures he is confined to one place at one time. The devil is not all knowing and all powerful. He does not, nor could not sit at the same table with God playing chess for the souls of men. People tend to over estimate the devil but it would be foolish to underestimate him as well. He may not be God’s equal but he is God’s enemy and the enemy of His people. Osama Bin Laden is a creature, with creaturely limitations but his malevolent schemes have been far reaching. Satan is an active evil evidently accompanied by unnumbered other demons with similar intent. We might view them in one sense as spiritual terrorist. God’s word also tells us that those outside of Christ are also under the devil's influence, certainly illustrated in the terrorist mentioned above, and he uses them to accomplish his malicious purposes. Even Christians have tragically served the cause of the enemy and do so, every time we revert to self-rule.
Satan is called the father of lies, using deception in cunning ways. How vividly illustrated this is, by those whom he has convinced that they serve God, and will be rewarded by him even as they run into a crowd of children with explosives strapped to their chest. We do well to remember that the devil’s real intent is not the destruction of the body. He pursues this only as he seeks to destroy the soul. He has managed to convince many people that they too somehow serve God and will be rewarded by Him even as they run through this world chasing their selfish ambitions. We do well to remember the warning of Jesus, “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.“ 3/22/07 ts
One of my spiritual goals is to wake to the presence of God and to remain awake to Him. Should the Christian wake also to the presence of the devil? Well, we certainly should in light of this verse but not as we wake to God. Scripture tells us that God is present everywhere, the devil is not. He is merely a creature and like all creatures he is confined to one place at one time. The devil is not all knowing and all powerful. He does not, nor could not sit at the same table with God playing chess for the souls of men. People tend to over estimate the devil but it would be foolish to underestimate him as well. He may not be God’s equal but he is God’s enemy and the enemy of His people. Osama Bin Laden is a creature, with creaturely limitations but his malevolent schemes have been far reaching. Satan is an active evil evidently accompanied by unnumbered other demons with similar intent. We might view them in one sense as spiritual terrorist. God’s word also tells us that those outside of Christ are also under the devil's influence, certainly illustrated in the terrorist mentioned above, and he uses them to accomplish his malicious purposes. Even Christians have tragically served the cause of the enemy and do so, every time we revert to self-rule.
Satan is called the father of lies, using deception in cunning ways. How vividly illustrated this is, by those whom he has convinced that they serve God, and will be rewarded by him even as they run into a crowd of children with explosives strapped to their chest. We do well to remember that the devil’s real intent is not the destruction of the body. He pursues this only as he seeks to destroy the soul. He has managed to convince many people that they too somehow serve God and will be rewarded by Him even as they run through this world chasing their selfish ambitions. We do well to remember the warning of Jesus, “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.“ 3/22/07 ts
The War on Terror
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ep6.11 ESV
One of my spiritual goals is to wake to the presence of God and to remain awake to Him. Should the Christian wake also to the presence of the devil? Well, we certainly should in light of this verse but not as we wake to God. Scripture tells us that God is present everywhere, the devil is not. He is merely a creature and like all creatures he is confined to one place at one time. The devil is not all knowing and all powerful. He does not, nor could not sit at the same table with God playing chess for the souls of men. People tend to over estimate the devil but it would be foolish to underestimate him as well. He may not be God’s equal but he is God’s enemy and the enemy of His people. Osama Bin Laden is a creature, with creaturely limitations but his malevolent schemes have been far reaching. Satan is an active evil evidently accompanied by unnumbered other demons with similar intent. We might view them in one sense as spiritual terrorist. God’s word also tells us that those outside of Christ are also under the devil's influence, certainly illustrated in the terrorist mentioned above, and he uses them to accomplish his malicious purposes. Even Christians have tragically served the cause of the enemy and do so, every time we revert to self-rule.
Satan is called the father of lies, using deception in cunning ways. How vividly illustrated this is, by those whom he has convinced that they serve God, and will be rewarded by him even as they run into a crowd of children with explosives strapped to their chest. We do well to remember that the devil’s real intent is not the destruction of the body. He pursues this only as he seeks to destroy the soul. He has managed to convince many people that they too somehow serve God and will be rewarded by Him even as they run through this world chasing their selfish ambitions. We do well to remember the warning of Jesus, “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.“ 3/22/07 ts
One of my spiritual goals is to wake to the presence of God and to remain awake to Him. Should the Christian wake also to the presence of the devil? Well, we certainly should in light of this verse but not as we wake to God. Scripture tells us that God is present everywhere, the devil is not. He is merely a creature and like all creatures he is confined to one place at one time. The devil is not all knowing and all powerful. He does not, nor could not sit at the same table with God playing chess for the souls of men. People tend to over estimate the devil but it would be foolish to underestimate him as well. He may not be God’s equal but he is God’s enemy and the enemy of His people. Osama Bin Laden is a creature, with creaturely limitations but his malevolent schemes have been far reaching. Satan is an active evil evidently accompanied by unnumbered other demons with similar intent. We might view them in one sense as spiritual terrorist. God’s word also tells us that those outside of Christ are also under the devil's influence, certainly illustrated in the terrorist mentioned above, and he uses them to accomplish his malicious purposes. Even Christians have tragically served the cause of the enemy and do so, every time we revert to self-rule.
Satan is called the father of lies, using deception in cunning ways. How vividly illustrated this is, by those whom he has convinced that they serve God, and will be rewarded by him even as they run into a crowd of children with explosives strapped to their chest. We do well to remember that the devil’s real intent is not the destruction of the body. He pursues this only as he seeks to destroy the soul. He has managed to convince many people that they too somehow serve God and will be rewarded by Him even as they run through this world chasing their selfish ambitions. We do well to remember the warning of Jesus, “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.“ 3/22/07 ts
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
A Fine Line which is Fine Indeed.
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.” Jr17.7
My children accuse me of “harping” on things. I do have tendencies not only toward repeating myself, but lingering and laboring monotonously over some point, which I think needs driving home.
The encouragement in this passage may seem to be repetitious even redundant. What is the difference in one who is trusting in the Lord and one whose trust is the Lord? Well for one, a person may trust in the Lord for some blessing which they believe will make them happy. Better, the person who finds happiness not in some blessing but in the Lord Himself. At the risk of being redundant let me put it this way. A person may look to the Lord for health or wealth, believing that these things are in their best interest. Now it is good to trust in the Lord, and every good and perfect gift comes from His gracious hand. But Father may decide, at least for a season, that it would be in this persons best interest to withhold health or wealth, if only for them to find their happiness not in circumstances but in Him. It may be a fine line but there is a difference in looking to God for reward, and finding God to be your very great reward. It is a fine line which is fine indeed.
I see a least one other distinction coming from this verse. We may look to God for some things and put our trust elsewhere when it comes to another area in our life. In other words, we may trust God for moral and spiritual matters but look to good ole “common sense” for material matters. By “common sense,” we usually mean our own understanding of a particular matter and we are cautioned against leaning on our own understanding, are we not? Blessed is anyone who looks to the Lord for any concern. Greater still is one who looks to the Lord for all concerns. 3/21/07 ts
My children accuse me of “harping” on things. I do have tendencies not only toward repeating myself, but lingering and laboring monotonously over some point, which I think needs driving home.
The encouragement in this passage may seem to be repetitious even redundant. What is the difference in one who is trusting in the Lord and one whose trust is the Lord? Well for one, a person may trust in the Lord for some blessing which they believe will make them happy. Better, the person who finds happiness not in some blessing but in the Lord Himself. At the risk of being redundant let me put it this way. A person may look to the Lord for health or wealth, believing that these things are in their best interest. Now it is good to trust in the Lord, and every good and perfect gift comes from His gracious hand. But Father may decide, at least for a season, that it would be in this persons best interest to withhold health or wealth, if only for them to find their happiness not in circumstances but in Him. It may be a fine line but there is a difference in looking to God for reward, and finding God to be your very great reward. It is a fine line which is fine indeed.
I see a least one other distinction coming from this verse. We may look to God for some things and put our trust elsewhere when it comes to another area in our life. In other words, we may trust God for moral and spiritual matters but look to good ole “common sense” for material matters. By “common sense,” we usually mean our own understanding of a particular matter and we are cautioned against leaning on our own understanding, are we not? Blessed is anyone who looks to the Lord for any concern. Greater still is one who looks to the Lord for all concerns. 3/21/07 ts
A Fine Line which is Fine Indeed.
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.” Jr17.7
My children accuse me of “harping” on things. I do have tendencies not only toward repeating myself, but lingering and laboring monotonously over some point, which I think needs driving home.
The encouragement in this passage may seem to be repetitious even redundant. What is the difference in one who is trusting in the Lord and one whose trust is the Lord? Well for one, a person may trust in the Lord for some blessing which they believe will make them happy. Better, the person who finds happiness not in some blessing but in the Lord Himself. At the risk of being redundant let me put it this way. A person may look to the Lord for health or wealth, believing that these things are in their best interest. Now it is good to trust in the Lord, and every good and perfect gift comes from His gracious hand. But Father may decide, at least for a season, that it would be in this persons best interest to withhold health or wealth, if only for them to find their happiness not in circumstances but in Him. It may be a fine line but there is a difference in looking to God for reward, and finding God to be your very great reward. It is a fine line which is fine indeed.
I see a least one other distinction coming from this verse. We may look to God for some things and put our trust elsewhere when it comes to another area in our life. In other words, we may trust God for moral and spiritual matters but look to good ole “common sense” for material matters. By “common sense,” we usually mean our own understanding of a particular matter and we are cautioned against leaning on our own understanding, are we not? Blessed is anyone who looks to the Lord for any concern. Greater still is one who looks to the Lord for all concerns. 3/21/07 ts
My children accuse me of “harping” on things. I do have tendencies not only toward repeating myself, but lingering and laboring monotonously over some point, which I think needs driving home.
The encouragement in this passage may seem to be repetitious even redundant. What is the difference in one who is trusting in the Lord and one whose trust is the Lord? Well for one, a person may trust in the Lord for some blessing which they believe will make them happy. Better, the person who finds happiness not in some blessing but in the Lord Himself. At the risk of being redundant let me put it this way. A person may look to the Lord for health or wealth, believing that these things are in their best interest. Now it is good to trust in the Lord, and every good and perfect gift comes from His gracious hand. But Father may decide, at least for a season, that it would be in this persons best interest to withhold health or wealth, if only for them to find their happiness not in circumstances but in Him. It may be a fine line but there is a difference in looking to God for reward, and finding God to be your very great reward. It is a fine line which is fine indeed.
I see a least one other distinction coming from this verse. We may look to God for some things and put our trust elsewhere when it comes to another area in our life. In other words, we may trust God for moral and spiritual matters but look to good ole “common sense” for material matters. By “common sense,” we usually mean our own understanding of a particular matter and we are cautioned against leaning on our own understanding, are we not? Blessed is anyone who looks to the Lord for any concern. Greater still is one who looks to the Lord for all concerns. 3/21/07 ts
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
How’s your Appetite?
“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation…” 1Pe2.2
I drink two kinds of milk everyday, several times a day in fact. I drink dairy milk to satisfy my physical appetite and the pure milk of the Word to quench the appetites of my soul. The Creator has made us soul and body and both need nourishment. Nourishment is needed not only to grow but also because of growth. Am I being redundant? Let me illustrate. Babies have ferocious appetites because of the demands of growing. Milk not only contributes to growth, it is growth itself that increases the hunger for milk. The same is true of course for the soul. Reading and reflecting on the Word will nurture spiritual growth, but growth itself will demand nourishment. A baby is constantly moving and therefore consistently hungry. When a Christian is active in the pursuit of loving God and others, living out that which is life indeed, the soul will demand nourishment, just as the body does after a long hike.
If there is no growth in respect to our salvation there will be no hunger in the soul for spiritual food and vice versa. The demands we place on the body require feeding it several times a day. The same would be true for the active soul. People may have little or no hunger for spiritual food, because they are spiritually inactive. Just as our bodies need a balance of eating and exercising we also need these balances in the soul. Solitude and service are marks of a healthy spiritual life. What is good for children is generally good for adults. We do not outgrow those things needed for growth and growing itself will insure we have a good spiritual appetite. 3/20/07 ts
I drink two kinds of milk everyday, several times a day in fact. I drink dairy milk to satisfy my physical appetite and the pure milk of the Word to quench the appetites of my soul. The Creator has made us soul and body and both need nourishment. Nourishment is needed not only to grow but also because of growth. Am I being redundant? Let me illustrate. Babies have ferocious appetites because of the demands of growing. Milk not only contributes to growth, it is growth itself that increases the hunger for milk. The same is true of course for the soul. Reading and reflecting on the Word will nurture spiritual growth, but growth itself will demand nourishment. A baby is constantly moving and therefore consistently hungry. When a Christian is active in the pursuit of loving God and others, living out that which is life indeed, the soul will demand nourishment, just as the body does after a long hike.
If there is no growth in respect to our salvation there will be no hunger in the soul for spiritual food and vice versa. The demands we place on the body require feeding it several times a day. The same would be true for the active soul. People may have little or no hunger for spiritual food, because they are spiritually inactive. Just as our bodies need a balance of eating and exercising we also need these balances in the soul. Solitude and service are marks of a healthy spiritual life. What is good for children is generally good for adults. We do not outgrow those things needed for growth and growing itself will insure we have a good spiritual appetite. 3/20/07 ts
How’s your Appetite?
“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation…” 1Pe2.2
I drink two kinds of milk everyday, several times a day in fact. I drink dairy milk to satisfy my physical appetite and the pure milk of the Word to quench the appetites of my soul. The Creator has made us soul and body and both need nourishment. Nourishment is needed not only to grow but also because of growth. Am I being redundant? Let me illustrate. Babies have ferocious appetites because of the demands of growing. Milk not only contributes to growth, it is growth itself that increases the hunger for milk. The same is true of course for the soul. Reading and reflecting on the Word will nurture spiritual growth, but growth itself will demand nourishment. A baby is constantly moving and therefore consistently hungry. When a Christian is active in the pursuit of loving God and others, living out that which is life indeed, the soul will demand nourishment, just as the body does after a long hike.
If there is no growth in respect to our salvation there will be no hunger in the soul for spiritual food and vice versa. The demands we place on the body require feeding it several times a day. The same would be true for the active soul. People may have little or no hunger for spiritual food, because they are spiritually inactive. Just as our bodies need a balance of eating and exercising we also need these balances in the soul. Solitude and service are marks of a healthy spiritual life. What is good for children is generally good for adults. We do not outgrow those things needed for growth and growing itself will insure we have a good spiritual appetite. 3/20/07 ts
I drink two kinds of milk everyday, several times a day in fact. I drink dairy milk to satisfy my physical appetite and the pure milk of the Word to quench the appetites of my soul. The Creator has made us soul and body and both need nourishment. Nourishment is needed not only to grow but also because of growth. Am I being redundant? Let me illustrate. Babies have ferocious appetites because of the demands of growing. Milk not only contributes to growth, it is growth itself that increases the hunger for milk. The same is true of course for the soul. Reading and reflecting on the Word will nurture spiritual growth, but growth itself will demand nourishment. A baby is constantly moving and therefore consistently hungry. When a Christian is active in the pursuit of loving God and others, living out that which is life indeed, the soul will demand nourishment, just as the body does after a long hike.
If there is no growth in respect to our salvation there will be no hunger in the soul for spiritual food and vice versa. The demands we place on the body require feeding it several times a day. The same would be true for the active soul. People may have little or no hunger for spiritual food, because they are spiritually inactive. Just as our bodies need a balance of eating and exercising we also need these balances in the soul. Solitude and service are marks of a healthy spiritual life. What is good for children is generally good for adults. We do not outgrow those things needed for growth and growing itself will insure we have a good spiritual appetite. 3/20/07 ts
Monday, March 19, 2007
Where Nothing is Forbidden
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Ga5.22
The other day in class, we were discussing the incorrect notion that says, because God is all powerful, He can do anything. In truth, there is a great deal of difference in saying that God can do anything and God can do all He desires. The fact is, God can’t do anything. He cannot lie, sin or act immoral. He cannot render Himself so as to stop existing or do anything that denies His essential nature. God is light, there is no darkness in Him nor can there be, just as darkness and light cannot coexist in the same place and time in the physical world.
Now, God can do all He desires. Because all that God desires is good, all that He does is good. It has been said that God is a law unto Himself. We might misunderstand this to say that God wants to do wrong but keeps Himself from it. God cannot do wrong for He has within Himself no desire to do so. He is love, joy, peace, patience. He is goodness defined. There is no law against these qualities, No law is needed where pure love rules.
God invites us to this life. We are so obsessed with rules and regulations, focusing on what is not allowed, what is forbidden. We linger around the fence, longingly looking at forbidden pleasures on the other side. God’s Spirit calls us to turn around and look at all that is allowed. He invites us to run into the playground where nothing is forbidden because nothing wrong is desired. 3/19/07 ts
The other day in class, we were discussing the incorrect notion that says, because God is all powerful, He can do anything. In truth, there is a great deal of difference in saying that God can do anything and God can do all He desires. The fact is, God can’t do anything. He cannot lie, sin or act immoral. He cannot render Himself so as to stop existing or do anything that denies His essential nature. God is light, there is no darkness in Him nor can there be, just as darkness and light cannot coexist in the same place and time in the physical world.
Now, God can do all He desires. Because all that God desires is good, all that He does is good. It has been said that God is a law unto Himself. We might misunderstand this to say that God wants to do wrong but keeps Himself from it. God cannot do wrong for He has within Himself no desire to do so. He is love, joy, peace, patience. He is goodness defined. There is no law against these qualities, No law is needed where pure love rules.
God invites us to this life. We are so obsessed with rules and regulations, focusing on what is not allowed, what is forbidden. We linger around the fence, longingly looking at forbidden pleasures on the other side. God’s Spirit calls us to turn around and look at all that is allowed. He invites us to run into the playground where nothing is forbidden because nothing wrong is desired. 3/19/07 ts
Where Nothing is Forbidden
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Ga5.22
The other day in class, we were discussing the incorrect notion that says, because God is all powerful, He can do anything. In truth, there is a great deal of difference in saying that God can do anything and God can do all He desires. The fact is, God can’t do anything. He cannot lie, sin or act immoral. He cannot render Himself so as to stop existing or do anything that denies His essential nature. God is light, there is no darkness in Him nor can there be, just as darkness and light cannot coexist in the same place and time in the physical world.
Now, God can do all He desires. Because all that God desires is good, all that He does is good. It has been said that God is a law unto Himself. We might misunderstand this to say that God wants to do wrong but keeps Himself from it. God cannot do wrong for He has within Himself no desire to do so. He is love, joy, peace, patience. He is goodness defined. There is no law against these qualities, No law is needed where pure love rules.
God invites us to this life. We are so obsessed with rules and regulations, focusing on what is not allowed, what is forbidden. We linger around the fence, longingly looking at forbidden pleasures on the other side. God’s Spirit calls us to turn around and look at all that is allowed. He invites us to run into the playground where nothing is forbidden because nothing wrong is desired. 3/19/07 ts
The other day in class, we were discussing the incorrect notion that says, because God is all powerful, He can do anything. In truth, there is a great deal of difference in saying that God can do anything and God can do all He desires. The fact is, God can’t do anything. He cannot lie, sin or act immoral. He cannot render Himself so as to stop existing or do anything that denies His essential nature. God is light, there is no darkness in Him nor can there be, just as darkness and light cannot coexist in the same place and time in the physical world.
Now, God can do all He desires. Because all that God desires is good, all that He does is good. It has been said that God is a law unto Himself. We might misunderstand this to say that God wants to do wrong but keeps Himself from it. God cannot do wrong for He has within Himself no desire to do so. He is love, joy, peace, patience. He is goodness defined. There is no law against these qualities, No law is needed where pure love rules.
God invites us to this life. We are so obsessed with rules and regulations, focusing on what is not allowed, what is forbidden. We linger around the fence, longingly looking at forbidden pleasures on the other side. God’s Spirit calls us to turn around and look at all that is allowed. He invites us to run into the playground where nothing is forbidden because nothing wrong is desired. 3/19/07 ts
Friday, March 16, 2007
“No. You.”
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” Co3.12
A friend once shared with me a fitting description of justification. When he would go wake his son and tell him to dress for kindergarten, the little boy would lay there and sleepily reply, “No. You.” In other words, daddy would you dress me. We are commanded to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect. And, like a child we confess to Him, “No. You.” In other words, Father do for me what I cannot do for myself. We ask that God clothe us with the perfect righteousness of Christ as our only hope of acceptance.
Now these words are a fitting description of justification but are they for sanctification? Once God has declared us perfect in Christ and adopted us into His family, He tells us to get dressed each morning with the virtues befitting a member of His family. Is it still proper to say, “No. You dress me.“ I think not. He offers to help us get dressed but now as His child we must grow up and dress ourselves with the clothes He has provided. I think it important to say that God is not telling us to put on these qualities in order to be His child but because we are. He has dressed us in justification, he now tells us to dress ourselves in sanctification. We may be tempted to say, “No, you dress me.“ How might He reply? Perhaps something like this, “No, you get dressed. I will help but get out of bed and put on kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” 3/16/07 ts
A friend once shared with me a fitting description of justification. When he would go wake his son and tell him to dress for kindergarten, the little boy would lay there and sleepily reply, “No. You.” In other words, daddy would you dress me. We are commanded to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect. And, like a child we confess to Him, “No. You.” In other words, Father do for me what I cannot do for myself. We ask that God clothe us with the perfect righteousness of Christ as our only hope of acceptance.
Now these words are a fitting description of justification but are they for sanctification? Once God has declared us perfect in Christ and adopted us into His family, He tells us to get dressed each morning with the virtues befitting a member of His family. Is it still proper to say, “No. You dress me.“ I think not. He offers to help us get dressed but now as His child we must grow up and dress ourselves with the clothes He has provided. I think it important to say that God is not telling us to put on these qualities in order to be His child but because we are. He has dressed us in justification, he now tells us to dress ourselves in sanctification. We may be tempted to say, “No, you dress me.“ How might He reply? Perhaps something like this, “No, you get dressed. I will help but get out of bed and put on kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” 3/16/07 ts
“No. You.”
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” Co3.12
A friend once shared with me a fitting description of justification. When he would go wake his son and tell him to dress for kindergarten, the little boy would lay there and sleepily reply, “No. You.” In other words, daddy would you dress me. We are commanded to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect. And, like a child we confess to Him, “No. You.” In other words, Father do for me what I cannot do for myself. We ask that God clothe us with the perfect righteousness of Christ as our only hope of acceptance.
Now these words are a fitting description of justification but are they for sanctification? Once God has declared us perfect in Christ and adopted us into His family, He tells us to get dressed each morning with the virtues befitting a member of His family. Is it still proper to say, “No. You dress me.“ I think not. He offers to help us get dressed but now as His child we must grow up and dress ourselves with the clothes He has provided. I think it important to say that God is not telling us to put on these qualities in order to be His child but because we are. He has dressed us in justification, he now tells us to dress ourselves in sanctification. We may be tempted to say, “No, you dress me.“ How might He reply? Perhaps something like this, “No, you get dressed. I will help but get out of bed and put on kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” 3/16/07 ts
A friend once shared with me a fitting description of justification. When he would go wake his son and tell him to dress for kindergarten, the little boy would lay there and sleepily reply, “No. You.” In other words, daddy would you dress me. We are commanded to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect. And, like a child we confess to Him, “No. You.” In other words, Father do for me what I cannot do for myself. We ask that God clothe us with the perfect righteousness of Christ as our only hope of acceptance.
Now these words are a fitting description of justification but are they for sanctification? Once God has declared us perfect in Christ and adopted us into His family, He tells us to get dressed each morning with the virtues befitting a member of His family. Is it still proper to say, “No. You dress me.“ I think not. He offers to help us get dressed but now as His child we must grow up and dress ourselves with the clothes He has provided. I think it important to say that God is not telling us to put on these qualities in order to be His child but because we are. He has dressed us in justification, he now tells us to dress ourselves in sanctification. We may be tempted to say, “No, you dress me.“ How might He reply? Perhaps something like this, “No, you get dressed. I will help but get out of bed and put on kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” 3/16/07 ts
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Exclusive Faith with Inclusive Conditions
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts4.10
Christianity is an exclusive faith with inclusive conditions. By this I mean that Christ offers salvation to anyone and everyone, and in that sense, it is inclusive. But salvation is realized and can only be realized by those who accept the terms, and in that sense it is exclusive. The universal theme of the many world religions is that man must reform or change himself, before he can be right with God or the universe or whatever. Even those religions which deny the existence of a personal God, still place man at the center of all reform. Christianity stands alone in its assertion that man is made right with God, freely, as the gift of God's grace. It is not something we earn or deserve. God declares a person to be right with Him when they transfer their trust from personal accomplishments to the accomplishments of Christ-His atoning death at the cross, His resurrected life in them. Christians do not promise reform in exchange for this gift but are willing to trust Christ to reform them as the result of being brought into a right relationship with the Father. A person accepts Christ when they stop trying to find happiness through self rule or trying to merit God’s favor through personal works and starts trusting Christ to be both Savior and Lord.
The invitation of Christ seeks to include but will certainly exclude all who refuse Him. Those who are bothered by this exclusion need only to consider one of the reasons for it. People who refuse the offer of Christ have excluded themselves. In one sense, I quite agree with the brother who said that the gates of hell are locked on the inside. 3/15/07 ts
Christianity is an exclusive faith with inclusive conditions. By this I mean that Christ offers salvation to anyone and everyone, and in that sense, it is inclusive. But salvation is realized and can only be realized by those who accept the terms, and in that sense it is exclusive. The universal theme of the many world religions is that man must reform or change himself, before he can be right with God or the universe or whatever. Even those religions which deny the existence of a personal God, still place man at the center of all reform. Christianity stands alone in its assertion that man is made right with God, freely, as the gift of God's grace. It is not something we earn or deserve. God declares a person to be right with Him when they transfer their trust from personal accomplishments to the accomplishments of Christ-His atoning death at the cross, His resurrected life in them. Christians do not promise reform in exchange for this gift but are willing to trust Christ to reform them as the result of being brought into a right relationship with the Father. A person accepts Christ when they stop trying to find happiness through self rule or trying to merit God’s favor through personal works and starts trusting Christ to be both Savior and Lord.
The invitation of Christ seeks to include but will certainly exclude all who refuse Him. Those who are bothered by this exclusion need only to consider one of the reasons for it. People who refuse the offer of Christ have excluded themselves. In one sense, I quite agree with the brother who said that the gates of hell are locked on the inside. 3/15/07 ts
Exclusive Faith with Inclusive Conditions
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts4.10
Christianity is an exclusive faith with inclusive conditions. By this I mean that Christ offers salvation to anyone and everyone, and in that sense, it is inclusive. But salvation is realized and can only be realized by those who accept the terms, and in that sense it is exclusive. The universal theme of the many world religions is that man must reform or change himself, before he can be right with God or the universe or whatever. Even those religions which deny the existence of a personal God, still place man at the center of all reform. Christianity stands alone in its assertion that man is made right with God, freely, as the gift of God's grace. It is not something we earn or deserve. God declares a person to be right with Him when they transfer their trust from personal accomplishments to the accomplishments of Christ-His atoning death at the cross, His resurrected life in them. Christians do not promise reform in exchange for this gift but are willing to trust Christ to reform them as the result of being brought into a right relationship with the Father. A person accepts Christ when they stop trying to find happiness through self rule or trying to merit God’s favor through personal works and starts trusting Christ to be both Savior and Lord.
The invitation of Christ seeks to include but will certainly exclude all who refuse Him. Those who are bothered by this exclusion need only to consider one of the reasons for it. People who refuse the offer of Christ have excluded themselves. In one sense, I quite agree with the brother who said that the gates of hell are locked on the inside. 3/15/07 ts
Christianity is an exclusive faith with inclusive conditions. By this I mean that Christ offers salvation to anyone and everyone, and in that sense, it is inclusive. But salvation is realized and can only be realized by those who accept the terms, and in that sense it is exclusive. The universal theme of the many world religions is that man must reform or change himself, before he can be right with God or the universe or whatever. Even those religions which deny the existence of a personal God, still place man at the center of all reform. Christianity stands alone in its assertion that man is made right with God, freely, as the gift of God's grace. It is not something we earn or deserve. God declares a person to be right with Him when they transfer their trust from personal accomplishments to the accomplishments of Christ-His atoning death at the cross, His resurrected life in them. Christians do not promise reform in exchange for this gift but are willing to trust Christ to reform them as the result of being brought into a right relationship with the Father. A person accepts Christ when they stop trying to find happiness through self rule or trying to merit God’s favor through personal works and starts trusting Christ to be both Savior and Lord.
The invitation of Christ seeks to include but will certainly exclude all who refuse Him. Those who are bothered by this exclusion need only to consider one of the reasons for it. People who refuse the offer of Christ have excluded themselves. In one sense, I quite agree with the brother who said that the gates of hell are locked on the inside. 3/15/07 ts
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Gardens are for Growing.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Pe1.8
The other day, someone very dear to me, wrote to share something they have recently learned about the Christian life: “I must move forward...because there is no such thing as standing still....if I am not moving forward then its only a matter of time before I am going backwards.”
We are told in these verses, not only to possess certain qualities but to possess them in such a manner that they are increasing. Growth is essential to life. Dead things do not grow. Jesus likened our relationship with Him to a living vine. He explained that His Father is the gardener and that He not only tends His vine but is seeking fruit from it. I can relate. Right now my garden is a flurry of Spring growth. Everyday I witness something new is bursting out of the ground. Fresh buds are appearing and the fragrance of Spring flowers is filling the air. I too am active in my garden, daily planting and pruning, always looking for some new growth. After all, gardens are for growing.
God who is overflowing and abundant goodness, cannot help but desire for us to be effective and fruitful. The qualities mentioned above are the fruit of His life in us. He works in the garden of our soul, to will and do His good pleasure. We respond to His tender care by working out all the He is working in us. All the while we are experiencing the cultivation of a mature inner life. It is true then, that growth is an essential of life. If we are not growing, we are dying. Let us then respond to His energies by making every effort to add to our faith. 3/14/07 ts
The other day, someone very dear to me, wrote to share something they have recently learned about the Christian life: “I must move forward...because there is no such thing as standing still....if I am not moving forward then its only a matter of time before I am going backwards.”
We are told in these verses, not only to possess certain qualities but to possess them in such a manner that they are increasing. Growth is essential to life. Dead things do not grow. Jesus likened our relationship with Him to a living vine. He explained that His Father is the gardener and that He not only tends His vine but is seeking fruit from it. I can relate. Right now my garden is a flurry of Spring growth. Everyday I witness something new is bursting out of the ground. Fresh buds are appearing and the fragrance of Spring flowers is filling the air. I too am active in my garden, daily planting and pruning, always looking for some new growth. After all, gardens are for growing.
God who is overflowing and abundant goodness, cannot help but desire for us to be effective and fruitful. The qualities mentioned above are the fruit of His life in us. He works in the garden of our soul, to will and do His good pleasure. We respond to His tender care by working out all the He is working in us. All the while we are experiencing the cultivation of a mature inner life. It is true then, that growth is an essential of life. If we are not growing, we are dying. Let us then respond to His energies by making every effort to add to our faith. 3/14/07 ts
Gardens are for Growing.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Pe1.8
The other day, someone very dear to me, wrote to share something they have recently learned about the Christian life: “I must move forward...because there is no such thing as standing still....if I am not moving forward then its only a matter of time before I am going backwards.”
We are told in these verses, not only to possess certain qualities but to possess them in such a manner that they are increasing. Growth is essential to life. Dead things do not grow. Jesus likened our relationship with Him to a living vine. He explained that His Father is the gardener and that He not only tends His vine but is seeking fruit from it. I can relate. Right now my garden is a flurry of Spring growth. Everyday I witness something new is bursting out of the ground. Fresh buds are appearing and the fragrance of Spring flowers is filling the air. I too am active in my garden, daily planting and pruning, always looking for some new growth. After all, gardens are for growing.
God who is overflowing and abundant goodness, cannot help but desire for us to be effective and fruitful. The qualities mentioned above are the fruit of His life in us. He works in the garden of our soul, to will and do His good pleasure. We respond to His tender care by working out all the He is working in us. All the while we are experiencing the cultivation of a mature inner life. It is true then, that growth is an essential of life. If we are not growing, we are dying. Let us then respond to His energies by making every effort to add to our faith. 3/14/07 ts
The other day, someone very dear to me, wrote to share something they have recently learned about the Christian life: “I must move forward...because there is no such thing as standing still....if I am not moving forward then its only a matter of time before I am going backwards.”
We are told in these verses, not only to possess certain qualities but to possess them in such a manner that they are increasing. Growth is essential to life. Dead things do not grow. Jesus likened our relationship with Him to a living vine. He explained that His Father is the gardener and that He not only tends His vine but is seeking fruit from it. I can relate. Right now my garden is a flurry of Spring growth. Everyday I witness something new is bursting out of the ground. Fresh buds are appearing and the fragrance of Spring flowers is filling the air. I too am active in my garden, daily planting and pruning, always looking for some new growth. After all, gardens are for growing.
God who is overflowing and abundant goodness, cannot help but desire for us to be effective and fruitful. The qualities mentioned above are the fruit of His life in us. He works in the garden of our soul, to will and do His good pleasure. We respond to His tender care by working out all the He is working in us. All the while we are experiencing the cultivation of a mature inner life. It is true then, that growth is an essential of life. If we are not growing, we are dying. Let us then respond to His energies by making every effort to add to our faith. 3/14/07 ts
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Flat Tires, Friends even Enemies
“And we know that for those who love God, He is working all things together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Ro8.28
The word here is not that God works all things together for good all the time or for everyone, but He does so, for those who love Him and are living under His purposes. When we are, we may know with certainty that God is in truth, working good in all things and at all times. It is interesting that this particular word, “know,” in the original Greek, refers to knowledge gained by observation. History is replete with countless examples of God working good for His own. And, if we are loving Him, our personal history should attest to it as well. We should be able to look back and see how God is working in our life. The fact that He has honored these conditions before, means of course, that He will honor them every time, and we can be assured that even the tiniest details of our lives are His servants for our good.
That God works “all things” means of course, all things. That unexpected flat tire, as well as that serendipitous call from a friend, are all under the guidance of His kind intentions. Joseph’s staggering observation to his brothers, who had sold him as a slave yet through it all he had become ruler of Egypt, was simply, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” God is able to work even the evil intentions of others against His own, to accomplish His incredible good. Flat tires, friends even enemies are His servants in the lives of those who love Him. Let us therefore love Him and live under His purposes.
3/13/07 ts
The word here is not that God works all things together for good all the time or for everyone, but He does so, for those who love Him and are living under His purposes. When we are, we may know with certainty that God is in truth, working good in all things and at all times. It is interesting that this particular word, “know,” in the original Greek, refers to knowledge gained by observation. History is replete with countless examples of God working good for His own. And, if we are loving Him, our personal history should attest to it as well. We should be able to look back and see how God is working in our life. The fact that He has honored these conditions before, means of course, that He will honor them every time, and we can be assured that even the tiniest details of our lives are His servants for our good.
That God works “all things” means of course, all things. That unexpected flat tire, as well as that serendipitous call from a friend, are all under the guidance of His kind intentions. Joseph’s staggering observation to his brothers, who had sold him as a slave yet through it all he had become ruler of Egypt, was simply, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” God is able to work even the evil intentions of others against His own, to accomplish His incredible good. Flat tires, friends even enemies are His servants in the lives of those who love Him. Let us therefore love Him and live under His purposes.
3/13/07 ts
Flat Tires, Friends even Enemies
“And we know that for those who love God, He is working all things together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Ro8.28
The word here is not that God works all things together for good all the time or for everyone, but He does so, for those who love Him and are living under His purposes. When we are, we may know with certainty that God is in truth, working good in all things and at all times. It is interesting that this particular word, “know,” in the original Greek, refers to knowledge gained by observation. History is replete with countless examples of God working good for His own. And, if we are loving Him, our personal history should attest to it as well. We should be able to look back and see how God is working in our life. The fact that He has honored these conditions before, means of course, that He will honor them every time, and we can be assured that even the tiniest details of our lives are His servants for our good.
That God works “all things” means of course, all things. That unexpected flat tire, as well as that serendipitous call from a friend, are all under the guidance of His kind intentions. Joseph’s staggering observation to his brothers, who had sold him as a slave yet through it all he had become ruler of Egypt, was simply, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” God is able to work even the evil intentions of others against His own, to accomplish His incredible good. Flat tires, friends even enemies are His servants in the lives of those who love Him. Let us therefore love Him and live under His purposes.
3/13/07 ts
The word here is not that God works all things together for good all the time or for everyone, but He does so, for those who love Him and are living under His purposes. When we are, we may know with certainty that God is in truth, working good in all things and at all times. It is interesting that this particular word, “know,” in the original Greek, refers to knowledge gained by observation. History is replete with countless examples of God working good for His own. And, if we are loving Him, our personal history should attest to it as well. We should be able to look back and see how God is working in our life. The fact that He has honored these conditions before, means of course, that He will honor them every time, and we can be assured that even the tiniest details of our lives are His servants for our good.
That God works “all things” means of course, all things. That unexpected flat tire, as well as that serendipitous call from a friend, are all under the guidance of His kind intentions. Joseph’s staggering observation to his brothers, who had sold him as a slave yet through it all he had become ruler of Egypt, was simply, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” God is able to work even the evil intentions of others against His own, to accomplish His incredible good. Flat tires, friends even enemies are His servants in the lives of those who love Him. Let us therefore love Him and live under His purposes.
3/13/07 ts
Monday, March 12, 2007
Divine Nature
…he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2Pt1.4
Yesterday, Brenda and I took a long walk in the woods. As we strolled along, our conversation turned, as it often does, to the contradictions in each of us. We are finding that confession is truly good for the soul, if only to refocus our energies. Both of us admitted the frustration of wanting to be one way, yet acting another. Now, I know that a part of the reason for feeling this way is wounded pride and that too is something in me for which I am ashamed. Who is this person, feeling shame for feeling shame for the wrong reasons? I am coming to realize that it is not only Christ speaking to me but Christ living in me. There is a new me, joined to Christ, sharing His divine nature therefore sharing His hatred of all my corruptions. Our joining to Christ creates a new creature, and though still in a state of becoming, we are not that old man. I think I began to understand something of Paul’s confession, "So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." Great is the mystery of godliness.
I am encouraged by the knowledge that when Brenda and I wrong each other, as married couples often do, that neither of us want to live this way, and that we don’t, is evidence of our joining to His divine nature. He will not abandon us to our fallen desires and our frustrations will inevitably pass into the fullness of His joy. We can never know God’s happiness until we share God’s goodness. For that, we need only to remain in Christ and have the promises of Christ remain in us. 3/12/07 ts
Yesterday, Brenda and I took a long walk in the woods. As we strolled along, our conversation turned, as it often does, to the contradictions in each of us. We are finding that confession is truly good for the soul, if only to refocus our energies. Both of us admitted the frustration of wanting to be one way, yet acting another. Now, I know that a part of the reason for feeling this way is wounded pride and that too is something in me for which I am ashamed. Who is this person, feeling shame for feeling shame for the wrong reasons? I am coming to realize that it is not only Christ speaking to me but Christ living in me. There is a new me, joined to Christ, sharing His divine nature therefore sharing His hatred of all my corruptions. Our joining to Christ creates a new creature, and though still in a state of becoming, we are not that old man. I think I began to understand something of Paul’s confession, "So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." Great is the mystery of godliness.
I am encouraged by the knowledge that when Brenda and I wrong each other, as married couples often do, that neither of us want to live this way, and that we don’t, is evidence of our joining to His divine nature. He will not abandon us to our fallen desires and our frustrations will inevitably pass into the fullness of His joy. We can never know God’s happiness until we share God’s goodness. For that, we need only to remain in Christ and have the promises of Christ remain in us. 3/12/07 ts
Divine Nature
…he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2Pt1.4
Yesterday, Brenda and I took a long walk in the woods. As we strolled along, our conversation turned, as it often does, to the contradictions in each of us. We are finding that confession is truly good for the soul, if only to refocus our energies. Both of us admitted the frustration of wanting to be one way, yet acting another. Now, I know that a part of the reason for feeling this way is wounded pride and that too is something in me for which I am ashamed. Who is this person, feeling shame for feeling shame for the wrong reasons? I am coming to realize that it is not only Christ speaking to me but Christ living in me. There is a new me, joined to Christ, sharing His divine nature therefore sharing His hatred of all my corruptions. Our joining to Christ creates a new creature, and though still in a state of becoming, we are not that old man. I think I began to understand something of Paul’s confession, "So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." Great is the mystery of godliness.
I am encouraged by the knowledge that when Brenda and I wrong each other, as married couples often do, that neither of us want to live this way, and that we don’t, is evidence of our joining to His divine nature. He will not abandon us to our fallen desires and our frustrations will inevitably pass into the fullness of His joy. We can never know God’s happiness until we share God’s goodness. For that, we need only to remain in Christ and have the promises of Christ remain in us. 3/12/07 ts
Yesterday, Brenda and I took a long walk in the woods. As we strolled along, our conversation turned, as it often does, to the contradictions in each of us. We are finding that confession is truly good for the soul, if only to refocus our energies. Both of us admitted the frustration of wanting to be one way, yet acting another. Now, I know that a part of the reason for feeling this way is wounded pride and that too is something in me for which I am ashamed. Who is this person, feeling shame for feeling shame for the wrong reasons? I am coming to realize that it is not only Christ speaking to me but Christ living in me. There is a new me, joined to Christ, sharing His divine nature therefore sharing His hatred of all my corruptions. Our joining to Christ creates a new creature, and though still in a state of becoming, we are not that old man. I think I began to understand something of Paul’s confession, "So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." Great is the mystery of godliness.
I am encouraged by the knowledge that when Brenda and I wrong each other, as married couples often do, that neither of us want to live this way, and that we don’t, is evidence of our joining to His divine nature. He will not abandon us to our fallen desires and our frustrations will inevitably pass into the fullness of His joy. We can never know God’s happiness until we share God’s goodness. For that, we need only to remain in Christ and have the promises of Christ remain in us. 3/12/07 ts
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Skill of a Professional the Spirit of the Amateur
“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” 1Pt3.15
It is fascinating how these words, which encourage us to make a defense of our Christian hope, have evolved into that specialized endeavor we call Apologetics. It seems that on the whole, at least in the West, people have tendencies toward specialization. We see it in medicine, law, politics and not surprisingly religion. We move so easily from the amateur to the professional. There is undoubtedly room in the world for both.
The Church as an institution, as well as the individual Christian should be able to answer questions related to our faith. But whether we defend our faith in a public debate, a court of Law or simply answer our neighbor who happens one Saturday to ask us why we live the way we live, we are to always reply with gentleness and respect. We should take great care that we do not win the argument and lose our neighbor. The Christian message is best communicated by a Christian medium. That medium of course, is Christian love. The doctor must not only know his medicine, he needs good bedside manners. Our society may demand the skills of the professional but the soul looks for the spirit of the amateur. 3/10/07 ts
It is fascinating how these words, which encourage us to make a defense of our Christian hope, have evolved into that specialized endeavor we call Apologetics. It seems that on the whole, at least in the West, people have tendencies toward specialization. We see it in medicine, law, politics and not surprisingly religion. We move so easily from the amateur to the professional. There is undoubtedly room in the world for both.
The Church as an institution, as well as the individual Christian should be able to answer questions related to our faith. But whether we defend our faith in a public debate, a court of Law or simply answer our neighbor who happens one Saturday to ask us why we live the way we live, we are to always reply with gentleness and respect. We should take great care that we do not win the argument and lose our neighbor. The Christian message is best communicated by a Christian medium. That medium of course, is Christian love. The doctor must not only know his medicine, he needs good bedside manners. Our society may demand the skills of the professional but the soul looks for the spirit of the amateur. 3/10/07 ts
The Skill of a Professional the Spirit of the Amateur
“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” 1Pt3.15
It is fascinating how these words, which encourage us to make a defense of our Christian hope, have evolved into that specialized endeavor we call Apologetics. It seems that on the whole, at least in the West, people have tendencies toward specialization. We see it in medicine, law, politics and not surprisingly religion. We move so easily from the amateur to the professional. There is undoubtedly room in the world for both.
The Church as an institution, as well as the individual Christian should be able to answer questions related to our faith. But whether we defend our faith in a public debate, a court of Law or simply answer our neighbor who happens one Saturday to ask us why we live the way we live, we are to always reply with gentleness and respect. We should take great care that we do not win the argument and lose our neighbor. The Christian message is best communicated by a Christian medium. That medium of course, is Christian love. The doctor must not only know his medicine, he needs good bedside manners. Our society may demand the skills of the professional but the soul looks for the spirit of the amateur. 3/10/07 ts
It is fascinating how these words, which encourage us to make a defense of our Christian hope, have evolved into that specialized endeavor we call Apologetics. It seems that on the whole, at least in the West, people have tendencies toward specialization. We see it in medicine, law, politics and not surprisingly religion. We move so easily from the amateur to the professional. There is undoubtedly room in the world for both.
The Church as an institution, as well as the individual Christian should be able to answer questions related to our faith. But whether we defend our faith in a public debate, a court of Law or simply answer our neighbor who happens one Saturday to ask us why we live the way we live, we are to always reply with gentleness and respect. We should take great care that we do not win the argument and lose our neighbor. The Christian message is best communicated by a Christian medium. That medium of course, is Christian love. The doctor must not only know his medicine, he needs good bedside manners. Our society may demand the skills of the professional but the soul looks for the spirit of the amateur. 3/10/07 ts
Friday, March 9, 2007
Who is Steering the Log?
“who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” 2Ti1.9
Every year a student will inevitably ask, “If God knew that we were going to sin, why did He make us in the first place?” Throughout history people have ventured many reasons not only in answer to this question but to answer why God would make people at all. The best reply, that I have read to date, and I believe it answers both questions, was put forth by Jonathan Edwards in his “Dissertation Concerning the End for Which God Created the World," He writes that there is something about God’s goodness, that inclines it to overflow like a fountain.
We tent to arrogantly assume that life is all about us, when in fact, life is all about the glory and goodness of God. The words above point this out to us. We are told that the goodness of God’s grace is given to us, not because of decisions we have made but because of something God decided before the beginning of time.
I like the analogy which compares all the politicians in Washington to 25,000 ants floating down the Potomac River on a log and each one convinced they are steering it. I believe that we all are infected with that “Invictus” attitude, crediting ourselves as the masters of our fate and the captains of our soul.
And while we should reverence the importance of our choices, it would be best to view them within the boundaries set by a merciful Creator who does not always let us have our own way and who is working all things after the counsel of His own purpose and grace. In the end, I think we will find that our good choices were not the cause of God's grace but the result of it.
3/9/07 ts
Every year a student will inevitably ask, “If God knew that we were going to sin, why did He make us in the first place?” Throughout history people have ventured many reasons not only in answer to this question but to answer why God would make people at all. The best reply, that I have read to date, and I believe it answers both questions, was put forth by Jonathan Edwards in his “Dissertation Concerning the End for Which God Created the World," He writes that there is something about God’s goodness, that inclines it to overflow like a fountain.
We tent to arrogantly assume that life is all about us, when in fact, life is all about the glory and goodness of God. The words above point this out to us. We are told that the goodness of God’s grace is given to us, not because of decisions we have made but because of something God decided before the beginning of time.
I like the analogy which compares all the politicians in Washington to 25,000 ants floating down the Potomac River on a log and each one convinced they are steering it. I believe that we all are infected with that “Invictus” attitude, crediting ourselves as the masters of our fate and the captains of our soul.
And while we should reverence the importance of our choices, it would be best to view them within the boundaries set by a merciful Creator who does not always let us have our own way and who is working all things after the counsel of His own purpose and grace. In the end, I think we will find that our good choices were not the cause of God's grace but the result of it.
3/9/07 ts
Who is Steering the Log?
“who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” 2Ti1.9
Every year a student will inevitably ask, “If God knew that we were going to sin, why did He make us in the first place?” Throughout history people have ventured many reasons not only in answer to this question but to answer why God would make people at all. The best reply, that I have read to date, and I believe it answers both questions, was put forth by Jonathan Edwards in his “Dissertation Concerning the End for Which God Created the World," He writes that there is something about God’s goodness, that inclines it to overflow like a fountain.
We tent to arrogantly assume that life is all about us, when in fact, life is all about the glory and goodness of God. The words above point this out to us. We are told that the goodness of God’s grace is given to us, not because of decisions we have made but because of something God decided before the beginning of time.
I like the analogy which compares all the politicians in Washington to 25,000 ants floating down the Potomac River on a log and each one convinced they are steering it. I believe that we all are infected with that “Invictus” attitude, crediting ourselves as the masters of our fate and the captains of our soul.
And while we should reverence the importance of our choices, it would be best to view them within the boundaries set by a merciful Creator who does not always let us have our own way and who is working all things after the counsel of His own purpose and grace. In the end, I think we will find that our good choices were not the cause of God's grace but the result of it.
3/9/07 ts
Every year a student will inevitably ask, “If God knew that we were going to sin, why did He make us in the first place?” Throughout history people have ventured many reasons not only in answer to this question but to answer why God would make people at all. The best reply, that I have read to date, and I believe it answers both questions, was put forth by Jonathan Edwards in his “Dissertation Concerning the End for Which God Created the World," He writes that there is something about God’s goodness, that inclines it to overflow like a fountain.
We tent to arrogantly assume that life is all about us, when in fact, life is all about the glory and goodness of God. The words above point this out to us. We are told that the goodness of God’s grace is given to us, not because of decisions we have made but because of something God decided before the beginning of time.
I like the analogy which compares all the politicians in Washington to 25,000 ants floating down the Potomac River on a log and each one convinced they are steering it. I believe that we all are infected with that “Invictus” attitude, crediting ourselves as the masters of our fate and the captains of our soul.
And while we should reverence the importance of our choices, it would be best to view them within the boundaries set by a merciful Creator who does not always let us have our own way and who is working all things after the counsel of His own purpose and grace. In the end, I think we will find that our good choices were not the cause of God's grace but the result of it.
3/9/07 ts
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Abundant Suffering Everlasting Solace
For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2Co1.5
Siddhartha Gautama, or as he is more commonly called, the Buddha, espoused that-- “all human life is suffering, that all suffering is caused by human desire, particularly the desire that impermanent things be permanent.” While I think this certainly describes much of the suffering in this place, the suffering that is promised by Christ to his followers is far more than the general sufferings experienced by all. It certainly includes that, but there are other kinds of suffering promised to us. Persecution comes to mind but I believe this to be secondary.
The suffering of Christ shared by his followers is principally the suffering of sacrifices that we make in order to love others. Persecution comes to us by the hand of another. The sufferings of the sacrificial kind come to us by our own hand. We deny self in order to serve. We live on less to give more. We set up tents where others build mansions. We keep no record of wrongs and return good for the evil. Christ calls us to share in the suffering of loving others, to embrace it, as often times, a necessary means to secure another’s benefit.
As there is joy in this kind of suffering, there also is a promised conclusion. Labor pains announce the arrival of a child so also our pain and suffering in this world heralds the coming of glory.
They that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Abundant suffering is replaced with abundant solace. And, while suffering is sometimes necessary, it is also temporary. Our solace is said to be everlasting. 3/8/07 ts
Siddhartha Gautama, or as he is more commonly called, the Buddha, espoused that-- “all human life is suffering, that all suffering is caused by human desire, particularly the desire that impermanent things be permanent.” While I think this certainly describes much of the suffering in this place, the suffering that is promised by Christ to his followers is far more than the general sufferings experienced by all. It certainly includes that, but there are other kinds of suffering promised to us. Persecution comes to mind but I believe this to be secondary.
The suffering of Christ shared by his followers is principally the suffering of sacrifices that we make in order to love others. Persecution comes to us by the hand of another. The sufferings of the sacrificial kind come to us by our own hand. We deny self in order to serve. We live on less to give more. We set up tents where others build mansions. We keep no record of wrongs and return good for the evil. Christ calls us to share in the suffering of loving others, to embrace it, as often times, a necessary means to secure another’s benefit.
As there is joy in this kind of suffering, there also is a promised conclusion. Labor pains announce the arrival of a child so also our pain and suffering in this world heralds the coming of glory.
They that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Abundant suffering is replaced with abundant solace. And, while suffering is sometimes necessary, it is also temporary. Our solace is said to be everlasting. 3/8/07 ts
Abundant Suffering Everlasting Solace
For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2Co1.5
Siddhartha Gautama, or as he is more commonly called, the Buddha, espoused that-- “all human life is suffering, that all suffering is caused by human desire, particularly the desire that impermanent things be permanent.” While I think this certainly describes much of the suffering in this place, the suffering that is promised by Christ to his followers is far more than the general sufferings experienced by all. It certainly includes that, but there are other kinds of suffering promised to us. Persecution comes to mind but I believe this to be secondary.
The suffering of Christ shared by his followers is principally the suffering of sacrifices that we make in order to love others. Persecution comes to us by the hand of another. The sufferings of the sacrificial kind come to us by our own hand. We deny self in order to serve. We live on less to give more. We set up tents where others build mansions. We keep no record of wrongs and return good for the evil. Christ calls us to share in the suffering of loving others, to embrace it, as often times, a necessary means to secure another’s benefit.
As there is joy in this kind of suffering, there also is a promised conclusion. Labor pains announce the arrival of a child so also our pain and suffering in this world heralds the coming of glory.
They that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Abundant suffering is replaced with abundant solace. And, while suffering is sometimes necessary, it is also temporary. Our solace is said to be everlasting. 3/8/07 ts
Siddhartha Gautama, or as he is more commonly called, the Buddha, espoused that-- “all human life is suffering, that all suffering is caused by human desire, particularly the desire that impermanent things be permanent.” While I think this certainly describes much of the suffering in this place, the suffering that is promised by Christ to his followers is far more than the general sufferings experienced by all. It certainly includes that, but there are other kinds of suffering promised to us. Persecution comes to mind but I believe this to be secondary.
The suffering of Christ shared by his followers is principally the suffering of sacrifices that we make in order to love others. Persecution comes to us by the hand of another. The sufferings of the sacrificial kind come to us by our own hand. We deny self in order to serve. We live on less to give more. We set up tents where others build mansions. We keep no record of wrongs and return good for the evil. Christ calls us to share in the suffering of loving others, to embrace it, as often times, a necessary means to secure another’s benefit.
As there is joy in this kind of suffering, there also is a promised conclusion. Labor pains announce the arrival of a child so also our pain and suffering in this world heralds the coming of glory.
They that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Abundant suffering is replaced with abundant solace. And, while suffering is sometimes necessary, it is also temporary. Our solace is said to be everlasting. 3/8/07 ts
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Turn on the Light
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Ps139.23-24
Once, a man of God whom I greatly respect, told me of a time when he had asked the Lord to show to him any area in his life which was hindering greater fruit. Immediately an old college sin came to mind. The matter seemed so trivial, my friend wondered if it was God speaking or if he was just talking to himself. He asked God that if it was coming from Him to please confirm it. The very next day my friend ran into a person who was directly related to his old sin. My friend realized that God was asking him to make restitution, he did, and a great deal of good has come from it. God continues to use my friends openness, even this morning in my reflections.
I have learned so much from this story and revisit it many times. For one thing, we have all heard those inner voices and wondered if God was speaking to us or if we were just talking to ourselves. Every time I have these doubts, I do as my friend and ask God to confirm if it is in fact coming from Him. When it is, He always does. Just ask Him!
Another thing my friend’s encounter has shown me is that when God tells you to do something, don’t hesitate, just do it.
Yet another blessing this life narrative has passed to me, is the importance of frequently sitting before God with a sincere heart and allow His light to expose harmful attitudes and actions. We need God to search our hearts, not for His benefit but for our own. The first thing I thought of after reading these verses, was that I am afraid that God does not have to search very far in me to find something grievous. What I am saying is that I know very well the sins that are hindering my walk with Him. God often waits on our obedience to already revealed things before He will make known to us deeper things which are keeping us from the way of lasting fruit. Father turn on the light that we may see how we truly are and give us grace to do as You ask. 3/7/07 ts
Once, a man of God whom I greatly respect, told me of a time when he had asked the Lord to show to him any area in his life which was hindering greater fruit. Immediately an old college sin came to mind. The matter seemed so trivial, my friend wondered if it was God speaking or if he was just talking to himself. He asked God that if it was coming from Him to please confirm it. The very next day my friend ran into a person who was directly related to his old sin. My friend realized that God was asking him to make restitution, he did, and a great deal of good has come from it. God continues to use my friends openness, even this morning in my reflections.
I have learned so much from this story and revisit it many times. For one thing, we have all heard those inner voices and wondered if God was speaking to us or if we were just talking to ourselves. Every time I have these doubts, I do as my friend and ask God to confirm if it is in fact coming from Him. When it is, He always does. Just ask Him!
Another thing my friend’s encounter has shown me is that when God tells you to do something, don’t hesitate, just do it.
Yet another blessing this life narrative has passed to me, is the importance of frequently sitting before God with a sincere heart and allow His light to expose harmful attitudes and actions. We need God to search our hearts, not for His benefit but for our own. The first thing I thought of after reading these verses, was that I am afraid that God does not have to search very far in me to find something grievous. What I am saying is that I know very well the sins that are hindering my walk with Him. God often waits on our obedience to already revealed things before He will make known to us deeper things which are keeping us from the way of lasting fruit. Father turn on the light that we may see how we truly are and give us grace to do as You ask. 3/7/07 ts
Turn on the Light
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Ps139.23-24
Once, a man of God whom I greatly respect, told me of a time when he had asked the Lord to show to him any area in his life which was hindering greater fruit. Immediately an old college sin came to mind. The matter seemed so trivial, my friend wondered if it was God speaking or if he was just talking to himself. He asked God that if it was coming from Him to please confirm it. The very next day my friend ran into a person who was directly related to his old sin. My friend realized that God was asking him to make restitution, he did, and a great deal of good has come from it. God continues to use my friends openness, even this morning in my reflections.
I have learned so much from this story and revisit it many times. For one thing, we have all heard those inner voices and wondered if God was speaking to us or if we were just talking to ourselves. Every time I have these doubts, I do as my friend and ask God to confirm if it is in fact coming from Him. When it is, He always does. Just ask Him!
Another thing my friend’s encounter has shown me is that when God tells you to do something, don’t hesitate, just do it.
Yet another blessing this life narrative has passed to me, is the importance of frequently sitting before God with a sincere heart and allow His light to expose harmful attitudes and actions. We need God to search our hearts, not for His benefit but for our own. The first thing I thought of after reading these verses, was that I am afraid that God does not have to search very far in me to find something grievous. What I am saying is that I know very well the sins that are hindering my walk with Him. God often waits on our obedience to already revealed things before He will make known to us deeper things which are keeping us from the way of lasting fruit. Father turn on the light that we may see how we truly are and give us grace to do as You ask. 3/7/07 ts
Once, a man of God whom I greatly respect, told me of a time when he had asked the Lord to show to him any area in his life which was hindering greater fruit. Immediately an old college sin came to mind. The matter seemed so trivial, my friend wondered if it was God speaking or if he was just talking to himself. He asked God that if it was coming from Him to please confirm it. The very next day my friend ran into a person who was directly related to his old sin. My friend realized that God was asking him to make restitution, he did, and a great deal of good has come from it. God continues to use my friends openness, even this morning in my reflections.
I have learned so much from this story and revisit it many times. For one thing, we have all heard those inner voices and wondered if God was speaking to us or if we were just talking to ourselves. Every time I have these doubts, I do as my friend and ask God to confirm if it is in fact coming from Him. When it is, He always does. Just ask Him!
Another thing my friend’s encounter has shown me is that when God tells you to do something, don’t hesitate, just do it.
Yet another blessing this life narrative has passed to me, is the importance of frequently sitting before God with a sincere heart and allow His light to expose harmful attitudes and actions. We need God to search our hearts, not for His benefit but for our own. The first thing I thought of after reading these verses, was that I am afraid that God does not have to search very far in me to find something grievous. What I am saying is that I know very well the sins that are hindering my walk with Him. God often waits on our obedience to already revealed things before He will make known to us deeper things which are keeping us from the way of lasting fruit. Father turn on the light that we may see how we truly are and give us grace to do as You ask. 3/7/07 ts
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Clear and Certain Future
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. Is25.1
It is not surprising to me that I woke this morning thinking about a former job that gave me a few indispensable skills that I use every week in my present ministry. One thought connected to another and I gratefully whispered to my heart, “Because the Lord is my shepherd I have everything that I need.” He wakes me with a thought because He desires to speak with me about it a few moments later.
It staggers the soul to contemplate the greatness of God expressed in His attentive guidance and abundant provision. People make all kinds of plans. A part of our planning is coming up with the resources that will help make the plan a reality. Consider that some plan for retirement and have a 401k to insure they will be able to do it one day. Consider also that there are many unforeseen events in our future and our plans are far from being certain. In spite of this Christ has told us not to worry. He tells us this, because He came as the Executor of His Father. He knows first hand that God has a plan for each of His sons and daughters and that He is the provision for it. God’s plans and provisions are as faithful and sure as they are wonderfully good. He desires that we peacefully rest in this perfect security.
I look back and survey my life and as I do so, I gratefully attest that Father has always provided everything I have needed. I not only see that God is guiding but know it, because He is always providing. So clear and certain is God’s past faithfulness that what lies behind clearly and certainly establishes what lies ahead. 3/6/07 ts
It is not surprising to me that I woke this morning thinking about a former job that gave me a few indispensable skills that I use every week in my present ministry. One thought connected to another and I gratefully whispered to my heart, “Because the Lord is my shepherd I have everything that I need.” He wakes me with a thought because He desires to speak with me about it a few moments later.
It staggers the soul to contemplate the greatness of God expressed in His attentive guidance and abundant provision. People make all kinds of plans. A part of our planning is coming up with the resources that will help make the plan a reality. Consider that some plan for retirement and have a 401k to insure they will be able to do it one day. Consider also that there are many unforeseen events in our future and our plans are far from being certain. In spite of this Christ has told us not to worry. He tells us this, because He came as the Executor of His Father. He knows first hand that God has a plan for each of His sons and daughters and that He is the provision for it. God’s plans and provisions are as faithful and sure as they are wonderfully good. He desires that we peacefully rest in this perfect security.
I look back and survey my life and as I do so, I gratefully attest that Father has always provided everything I have needed. I not only see that God is guiding but know it, because He is always providing. So clear and certain is God’s past faithfulness that what lies behind clearly and certainly establishes what lies ahead. 3/6/07 ts
Clear and Certain Future
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. Is25.1
It is not surprising to me that I woke this morning thinking about a former job that gave me a few indispensable skills that I use every week in my present ministry. One thought connected to another and I gratefully whispered to my heart, “Because the Lord is my shepherd I have everything that I need.” He wakes me with a thought because He desires to speak with me about it a few moments later.
It staggers the soul to contemplate the greatness of God expressed in His attentive guidance and abundant provision. People make all kinds of plans. A part of our planning is coming up with the resources that will help make the plan a reality. Consider that some plan for retirement and have a 401k to insure they will be able to do it one day. Consider also that there are many unforeseen events in our future and our plans are far from being certain. In spite of this Christ has told us not to worry. He tells us this, because He came as the Executor of His Father. He knows first hand that God has a plan for each of His sons and daughters and that He is the provision for it. God’s plans and provisions are as faithful and sure as they are wonderfully good. He desires that we peacefully rest in this perfect security.
I look back and survey my life and as I do so, I gratefully attest that Father has always provided everything I have needed. I not only see that God is guiding but know it, because He is always providing. So clear and certain is God’s past faithfulness that what lies behind clearly and certainly establishes what lies ahead. 3/6/07 ts
It is not surprising to me that I woke this morning thinking about a former job that gave me a few indispensable skills that I use every week in my present ministry. One thought connected to another and I gratefully whispered to my heart, “Because the Lord is my shepherd I have everything that I need.” He wakes me with a thought because He desires to speak with me about it a few moments later.
It staggers the soul to contemplate the greatness of God expressed in His attentive guidance and abundant provision. People make all kinds of plans. A part of our planning is coming up with the resources that will help make the plan a reality. Consider that some plan for retirement and have a 401k to insure they will be able to do it one day. Consider also that there are many unforeseen events in our future and our plans are far from being certain. In spite of this Christ has told us not to worry. He tells us this, because He came as the Executor of His Father. He knows first hand that God has a plan for each of His sons and daughters and that He is the provision for it. God’s plans and provisions are as faithful and sure as they are wonderfully good. He desires that we peacefully rest in this perfect security.
I look back and survey my life and as I do so, I gratefully attest that Father has always provided everything I have needed. I not only see that God is guiding but know it, because He is always providing. So clear and certain is God’s past faithfulness that what lies behind clearly and certainly establishes what lies ahead. 3/6/07 ts
Monday, March 5, 2007
Passing a flaming torch or smoldering stub
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Dt6.6-7
It is the responsibility of one generation to hand the torch of faith over to the next. My wife and I represent the last of the baby boomers. We appear to be the aberrant generation forsaking the moral foundations which have gone hand and hand with God’s blessings on our nation. What will become of America under our children?
We should feel the weight of these words and wonder about the faith of our own children and grandchildren. A voice from a distant generation, one which knew a level of faith and discipline so foreign to our own, has written, “If the word does not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us.” A lukewarm faith, cooled by a love for the world, will only get colder and colder when poured into the life of another. The words preceding the encouragement to teach our children is that “these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.”
How can we expect our children to be rich toward God if God’s word does not dwell in us richly. Do we pass the torch of a passionately burning faith, or just the smoldering stub of a faith doused by a divided heart. 3/5/07 ts
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Keith Green
It is the responsibility of one generation to hand the torch of faith over to the next. My wife and I represent the last of the baby boomers. We appear to be the aberrant generation forsaking the moral foundations which have gone hand and hand with God’s blessings on our nation. What will become of America under our children?
We should feel the weight of these words and wonder about the faith of our own children and grandchildren. A voice from a distant generation, one which knew a level of faith and discipline so foreign to our own, has written, “If the word does not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us.” A lukewarm faith, cooled by a love for the world, will only get colder and colder when poured into the life of another. The words preceding the encouragement to teach our children is that “these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.”
How can we expect our children to be rich toward God if God’s word does not dwell in us richly. Do we pass the torch of a passionately burning faith, or just the smoldering stub of a faith doused by a divided heart. 3/5/07 ts
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Keith Green
Passing a flaming torch or smoldering stub
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Dt6.6-7
It is the responsibility of one generation to hand the torch of faith over to the next. My wife and I represent the last of the baby boomers. We appear to be the aberrant generation forsaking the moral foundations which have gone hand and hand with God’s blessings on our nation. What will become of America under our children?
We should feel the weight of these words and wonder about the faith of our own children and grandchildren. A voice from a distant generation, one which knew a level of faith and discipline so foreign to our own, has written, “If the word does not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us.” A lukewarm faith, cooled by a love for the world, will only get colder and colder when poured into the life of another. The words preceding the encouragement to teach our children is that “these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.”
How can we expect our children to be rich toward God if God’s word does not dwell in us richly. Do we pass the torch of a passionately burning faith, or just the smoldering stub of a faith doused by a divided heart. 3/5/07 ts
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Keith Green
It is the responsibility of one generation to hand the torch of faith over to the next. My wife and I represent the last of the baby boomers. We appear to be the aberrant generation forsaking the moral foundations which have gone hand and hand with God’s blessings on our nation. What will become of America under our children?
We should feel the weight of these words and wonder about the faith of our own children and grandchildren. A voice from a distant generation, one which knew a level of faith and discipline so foreign to our own, has written, “If the word does not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us.” A lukewarm faith, cooled by a love for the world, will only get colder and colder when poured into the life of another. The words preceding the encouragement to teach our children is that “these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.”
How can we expect our children to be rich toward God if God’s word does not dwell in us richly. Do we pass the torch of a passionately burning faith, or just the smoldering stub of a faith doused by a divided heart. 3/5/07 ts
Oh Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clean
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take Your Word and shine it all around
But first help me just to live it, Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Keith Green
Saturday, March 3, 2007
A Higher Point of View
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Is7.9
The other day I was speaking to a friend who was in a quandary over an important matter. I was in a quandary about how to counsel my friend. As I was listening I was also silently pleading, “Lord I don’t have a clue how I can help this woman.” It was then, as it happens so many times, that I was reminded that God promises wisdom to those who ask Him. It dawned on me that the encouragement was not only for me but for my friend as well. I suggested that we ask God to give us wisdom on the matter. I am confident that He is doing so.
Perspective is so vital to decision making. One problem we all share is a narrow and limited point of view. God on the other hand, sees everything from above. He looks down from heaven and sees a different picture, a complete picture. Because He is outside the constraints of time and space He is able to see what we cannot see. His is the total picture, ours is fragmented. God not only sees things from His divine perspective but because of the humanity of Christ, He knows the limitations of our own. In this way the Son of Man has come to our aid. He has walked under our hot sun, known the pain of stubbing His toe and shared the limitations of time and space. As the Son of Man He is able to empathize with us, as the Son of God He is able to come to our aid. God’s manner of thinking and acting is different from our own but this does not mean that we cannot ask for His thoughts. Since Jesus comes to live in our hearts we are told that we possess the mind of Christ, and that the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him.
Our difficulty is reconciling ourselves to His will. Once we are willing to live by God’s wisdom, we are but a few steps away from knowing His wisdom. 3/3/07 ts
The other day I was speaking to a friend who was in a quandary over an important matter. I was in a quandary about how to counsel my friend. As I was listening I was also silently pleading, “Lord I don’t have a clue how I can help this woman.” It was then, as it happens so many times, that I was reminded that God promises wisdom to those who ask Him. It dawned on me that the encouragement was not only for me but for my friend as well. I suggested that we ask God to give us wisdom on the matter. I am confident that He is doing so.
Perspective is so vital to decision making. One problem we all share is a narrow and limited point of view. God on the other hand, sees everything from above. He looks down from heaven and sees a different picture, a complete picture. Because He is outside the constraints of time and space He is able to see what we cannot see. His is the total picture, ours is fragmented. God not only sees things from His divine perspective but because of the humanity of Christ, He knows the limitations of our own. In this way the Son of Man has come to our aid. He has walked under our hot sun, known the pain of stubbing His toe and shared the limitations of time and space. As the Son of Man He is able to empathize with us, as the Son of God He is able to come to our aid. God’s manner of thinking and acting is different from our own but this does not mean that we cannot ask for His thoughts. Since Jesus comes to live in our hearts we are told that we possess the mind of Christ, and that the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him.
Our difficulty is reconciling ourselves to His will. Once we are willing to live by God’s wisdom, we are but a few steps away from knowing His wisdom. 3/3/07 ts
A Higher Point of View
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Is7.9
The other day I was speaking to a friend who was in a quandary over an important matter. I was in a quandary about how to counsel my friend. As I was listening I was also silently pleading, “Lord I don’t have a clue how I can help this woman.” It was then, as it happens so many times, that I was reminded that God promises wisdom to those who ask Him. It dawned on me that the encouragement was not only for me but for my friend as well. I suggested that we ask God to give us wisdom on the matter. I am confident that He is doing so.
Perspective is so vital to decision making. One problem we all share is a narrow and limited point of view. God on the other hand, sees everything from above. He looks down from heaven and sees a different picture, a complete picture. Because He is outside the constraints of time and space He is able to see what we cannot see. His is the total picture, ours is fragmented. God not only sees things from His divine perspective but because of the humanity of Christ, He knows the limitations of our own. In this way the Son of Man has come to our aid. He has walked under our hot sun, known the pain of stubbing His toe and shared the limitations of time and space. As the Son of Man He is able to empathize with us, as the Son of God He is able to come to our aid. God’s manner of thinking and acting is different from our own but this does not mean that we cannot ask for His thoughts. Since Jesus comes to live in our hearts we are told that we possess the mind of Christ, and that the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him.
Our difficulty is reconciling ourselves to His will. Once we are willing to live by God’s wisdom, we are but a few steps away from knowing His wisdom. 3/3/07 ts
The other day I was speaking to a friend who was in a quandary over an important matter. I was in a quandary about how to counsel my friend. As I was listening I was also silently pleading, “Lord I don’t have a clue how I can help this woman.” It was then, as it happens so many times, that I was reminded that God promises wisdom to those who ask Him. It dawned on me that the encouragement was not only for me but for my friend as well. I suggested that we ask God to give us wisdom on the matter. I am confident that He is doing so.
Perspective is so vital to decision making. One problem we all share is a narrow and limited point of view. God on the other hand, sees everything from above. He looks down from heaven and sees a different picture, a complete picture. Because He is outside the constraints of time and space He is able to see what we cannot see. His is the total picture, ours is fragmented. God not only sees things from His divine perspective but because of the humanity of Christ, He knows the limitations of our own. In this way the Son of Man has come to our aid. He has walked under our hot sun, known the pain of stubbing His toe and shared the limitations of time and space. As the Son of Man He is able to empathize with us, as the Son of God He is able to come to our aid. God’s manner of thinking and acting is different from our own but this does not mean that we cannot ask for His thoughts. Since Jesus comes to live in our hearts we are told that we possess the mind of Christ, and that the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him.
Our difficulty is reconciling ourselves to His will. Once we are willing to live by God’s wisdom, we are but a few steps away from knowing His wisdom. 3/3/07 ts
Friday, March 2, 2007
Pure as Gold
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job23.10
Christ has told us that the pure in heart will see God. One disciple of Christ has commented, "It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to."
It is because God desires this, that we are put to the test. Like gold refined in the furnace, so trial exposes and if we cooperate with it, trial removes all that is impure. It does this because the heart trained by trial experiences the removal of the dross, the distractions of all that could never satisfy the longings of our heart. Uninterrupted fellowship with God is the only thing that will satisfy hearts made in His image. For that we must be pure as gold.
Though we will not experience complete purity here in this place, this is the end to which all who come to Christ are ultimately being led. It seems that we are in transit headed toward perfection and purity. We are encouraged to cooperate with the Spirit's work in us. "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
What is accomplished here in this place will certainly follow us there. The question in my mind, still unanswered, is to what degree will unlearned lessons here affect my transition, once I have arrived in the eternal state? I read with great interest the healing said to still be going on in Rev.22 and underlined below. And I am sure ultimately of this, that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, and that in my flesh we will see God. 3/2/07 ts
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Christ has told us that the pure in heart will see God. One disciple of Christ has commented, "It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to."
It is because God desires this, that we are put to the test. Like gold refined in the furnace, so trial exposes and if we cooperate with it, trial removes all that is impure. It does this because the heart trained by trial experiences the removal of the dross, the distractions of all that could never satisfy the longings of our heart. Uninterrupted fellowship with God is the only thing that will satisfy hearts made in His image. For that we must be pure as gold.
Though we will not experience complete purity here in this place, this is the end to which all who come to Christ are ultimately being led. It seems that we are in transit headed toward perfection and purity. We are encouraged to cooperate with the Spirit's work in us. "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
What is accomplished here in this place will certainly follow us there. The question in my mind, still unanswered, is to what degree will unlearned lessons here affect my transition, once I have arrived in the eternal state? I read with great interest the healing said to still be going on in Rev.22 and underlined below. And I am sure ultimately of this, that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, and that in my flesh we will see God. 3/2/07 ts
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Pure as Gold
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job23.10
Christ has told us that the pure in heart will see God. One disciple of Christ has commented, "It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to."
It is because God desires this, that we are put to the test. Like gold refined in the furnace, so trial exposes and if we cooperate with it, trial removes all that is impure. It does this because the heart trained by trial experiences the removal of the dross, the distractions of all that could never satisfy the longings of our heart. Uninterrupted fellowship with God is the only thing that will satisfy hearts made in His image. For that we must be pure as gold.
Though we will not experience complete purity here in this place, this is the end to which all who come to Christ are ultimately being led. It seems that we are in transit headed toward perfection and purity. We are encouraged to cooperate with the Spirit's work in us. "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
What is accomplished here in this place will certainly follow us there. The question in my mind, still unanswered, is to what degree will unlearned lessons here affect my transition, once I have arrived in the eternal state? I read with great interest the healing said to still be going on in Rev.22 and underlined below. And I am sure ultimately of this, that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, and that in my flesh we will see God. 3/2/07 ts
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Christ has told us that the pure in heart will see God. One disciple of Christ has commented, "It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to."
It is because God desires this, that we are put to the test. Like gold refined in the furnace, so trial exposes and if we cooperate with it, trial removes all that is impure. It does this because the heart trained by trial experiences the removal of the dross, the distractions of all that could never satisfy the longings of our heart. Uninterrupted fellowship with God is the only thing that will satisfy hearts made in His image. For that we must be pure as gold.
Though we will not experience complete purity here in this place, this is the end to which all who come to Christ are ultimately being led. It seems that we are in transit headed toward perfection and purity. We are encouraged to cooperate with the Spirit's work in us. "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
What is accomplished here in this place will certainly follow us there. The question in my mind, still unanswered, is to what degree will unlearned lessons here affect my transition, once I have arrived in the eternal state? I read with great interest the healing said to still be going on in Rev.22 and underlined below. And I am sure ultimately of this, that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, and that in my flesh we will see God. 3/2/07 ts
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
When God is all we desire.
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Ps73.25-26
One of those anonymous quotes popped into my head after reading these verses. "When God is all you’ve got, you realize that God is all you need." These words are usually spoken into a context of desperation or despair. That God is all you need, is actually as true for those surrounded by bounty (though they may not know it) as it is for those stripped of everything. I think that He sometimes must strip us before He can clothe us with this certitude. God, Himself is our very great reward. In the end, all that He can truly give us is the gift of Himself. This is one of the reasons I believe He is called the great "I Am." In truth He is telling us, I Am every good thing, every blessing, every comfort, I Am all you need. Everything else has no real meaning apart from Him.
There is real power in the knowledge that God is all you need. It energizes weakness with strength, despair with hope and directs our hearts to imitate His matchless love. I think it is true to say that we will know that God is all we need, when God is all we desire. Father, be our one desire. 3/1/07 ts
One of those anonymous quotes popped into my head after reading these verses. "When God is all you’ve got, you realize that God is all you need." These words are usually spoken into a context of desperation or despair. That God is all you need, is actually as true for those surrounded by bounty (though they may not know it) as it is for those stripped of everything. I think that He sometimes must strip us before He can clothe us with this certitude. God, Himself is our very great reward. In the end, all that He can truly give us is the gift of Himself. This is one of the reasons I believe He is called the great "I Am." In truth He is telling us, I Am every good thing, every blessing, every comfort, I Am all you need. Everything else has no real meaning apart from Him.
There is real power in the knowledge that God is all you need. It energizes weakness with strength, despair with hope and directs our hearts to imitate His matchless love. I think it is true to say that we will know that God is all we need, when God is all we desire. Father, be our one desire. 3/1/07 ts
When God is all we desire.
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Ps73.25-26
One of those anonymous quotes popped into my head after reading these verses. "When God is all you’ve got, you realize that God is all you need." These words are usually spoken into a context of desperation or despair. That God is all you need, is actually as true for those surrounded by bounty (though they may not know it) as it is for those stripped of everything. I think that He sometimes must strip us before He can clothe us with this certitude. God, Himself is our very great reward. In the end, all that He can truly give us is the gift of Himself. This is one of the reasons I believe He is called the great "I Am." In truth He is telling us, I Am every good thing, every blessing, every comfort, I Am all you need. Everything else has no real meaning apart from Him.
There is real power in the knowledge that God is all you need. It energizes weakness with strength, despair with hope and directs our hearts to imitate His matchless love. I think it is true to say that we will know that God is all we need, when God is all we desire. Father, be our one desire. 3/1/07 ts
One of those anonymous quotes popped into my head after reading these verses. "When God is all you’ve got, you realize that God is all you need." These words are usually spoken into a context of desperation or despair. That God is all you need, is actually as true for those surrounded by bounty (though they may not know it) as it is for those stripped of everything. I think that He sometimes must strip us before He can clothe us with this certitude. God, Himself is our very great reward. In the end, all that He can truly give us is the gift of Himself. This is one of the reasons I believe He is called the great "I Am." In truth He is telling us, I Am every good thing, every blessing, every comfort, I Am all you need. Everything else has no real meaning apart from Him.
There is real power in the knowledge that God is all you need. It energizes weakness with strength, despair with hope and directs our hearts to imitate His matchless love. I think it is true to say that we will know that God is all we need, when God is all we desire. Father, be our one desire. 3/1/07 ts
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