“…but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Eph4.15 NKJV
I have experienced a few epiphanous moments in my Christian life. When these realizations dawn, one wonders why they did not see them before. One which stands out, came to me in church. The preacher was explaining the Lord’s Prayer, a familiar enough passage for me to be lulled into thinking that he would not tell me anything I didn’t already know. He made an observation which was simple enough, but one that I had never thought about. When he drew it to attention it was like an explosion of light and the fact that I had not seen it before was as revealing of some ugliness in me as it was to its own beauty. And what was this realization? Simply put, when Jesus commanded us to pray he did not tell us to say, Give me my daily bread, or forgive me my sins. Instead He instructed that when we pray, we pray not as an individual but as a collective. Give us our daily bread, Forgive us our trespasses. Just like that, I was awakened to my own self centeredness and to the realization of my connectedness to every other Christian. Even when I pray alone, I am praying as one cell among many. My personal growth cannot be separated from the growth of the body. I am to care as much for my brother’s bread as I do my own.
It is also sobering to realize that I may confess and ask forgiveness for another. Of course the Head is always directing the body to serve all the other parts. The heart and lungs cannot be in shape without the legs and feet, nor they, without the mouth and stomach.
This realization of course has changed the way I pray. I also often wonder who else am I hurting when I fail to abide in Christ or helping when I do.
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Epiphany
“…but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Eph4.15 NKJV
I have experienced a few epiphanous moments in my Christian life. When these realizations dawn, one wonders why they did not see them before. One which stands out, came to me in church. The preacher was explaining the Lord’s Prayer, a familiar enough passage for me to be lulled into thinking that he would not tell me anything I didn’t already know. He made an observation which was simple enough, but one that I had never thought about. When he drew it to attention it was like an explosion of light and the fact that I had not seen it before was as revealing of some ugliness in me as it was to its own beauty. And what was this realization? Simply put, when Jesus commanded us to pray he did not tell us to say, Give me my daily bread, or forgive me my sins. Instead He instructed that when we pray, we pray not as an individual but as a collective. Give us our daily bread, Forgive us our trespasses. Just like that, I was awakened to my own self centeredness and to the realization of my connectedness to every other Christian. Even when I pray alone, I am praying as one cell among many. My personal growth cannot be separated from the growth of the body. I am to care as much for my brother’s bread as I do my own.
It is also sobering to realize that I may confess and ask forgiveness for another. Of course the Head is always directing the body to serve all the other parts. The heart and lungs cannot be in shape without the legs and feet, nor they, without the mouth and stomach.
This realization of course has changed the way I pray. I also often wonder who else am I hurting when I fail to abide in Christ or helping when I do.
I have experienced a few epiphanous moments in my Christian life. When these realizations dawn, one wonders why they did not see them before. One which stands out, came to me in church. The preacher was explaining the Lord’s Prayer, a familiar enough passage for me to be lulled into thinking that he would not tell me anything I didn’t already know. He made an observation which was simple enough, but one that I had never thought about. When he drew it to attention it was like an explosion of light and the fact that I had not seen it before was as revealing of some ugliness in me as it was to its own beauty. And what was this realization? Simply put, when Jesus commanded us to pray he did not tell us to say, Give me my daily bread, or forgive me my sins. Instead He instructed that when we pray, we pray not as an individual but as a collective. Give us our daily bread, Forgive us our trespasses. Just like that, I was awakened to my own self centeredness and to the realization of my connectedness to every other Christian. Even when I pray alone, I am praying as one cell among many. My personal growth cannot be separated from the growth of the body. I am to care as much for my brother’s bread as I do my own.
It is also sobering to realize that I may confess and ask forgiveness for another. Of course the Head is always directing the body to serve all the other parts. The heart and lungs cannot be in shape without the legs and feet, nor they, without the mouth and stomach.
This realization of course has changed the way I pray. I also often wonder who else am I hurting when I fail to abide in Christ or helping when I do.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Assigning Value
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
” Phi2.5-6 NIV
Sacrifice is the necessary choice of love. This does not mean that we sacrifice something every time we love, but it is necessary often enough. Every mother gives up sleep when she nurses her baby. Every father forgoes a thousand other pursuits to provide for his family. Yes, it is the nature of love to give up one thing in order to gain another. We of course are assigning value when we do this. The baby is more valuable than sleep, the child’s school tuition has more value than a comfortable retirement. Everyone who loves has sacrificed.
We are encouraged to adopt the attitude of Christ when we assign value to the choices before us. From one point of view it may very well be our right to have, or to do something. But from a different point of view, it may be necessary to choose between holding on to it or letting it go to have something of greater worth and value. The life of Christ directs us to the supreme value of God and loving Him before all things.
It can be somewhat confusing at times. It is said that the number one reason young people do not answer the call to foreign missions, is pressure from the parents to stay closer to home. Value is being assigned here by both parent and child. What has the greater value, honoring parents or the great commission? This of course is not so easy as it seems. Christ of course faced a similar decision. Stay or go, wasn’t it? I think the key lies in assigning value not to going or staying but to our willingness to do the Father’s will, whatever it may be. When we assign His word, and His pleasure as that which has supreme value, His will is certain to follow. 4/28/07 ts
” Phi2.5-6 NIV
Sacrifice is the necessary choice of love. This does not mean that we sacrifice something every time we love, but it is necessary often enough. Every mother gives up sleep when she nurses her baby. Every father forgoes a thousand other pursuits to provide for his family. Yes, it is the nature of love to give up one thing in order to gain another. We of course are assigning value when we do this. The baby is more valuable than sleep, the child’s school tuition has more value than a comfortable retirement. Everyone who loves has sacrificed.
We are encouraged to adopt the attitude of Christ when we assign value to the choices before us. From one point of view it may very well be our right to have, or to do something. But from a different point of view, it may be necessary to choose between holding on to it or letting it go to have something of greater worth and value. The life of Christ directs us to the supreme value of God and loving Him before all things.
It can be somewhat confusing at times. It is said that the number one reason young people do not answer the call to foreign missions, is pressure from the parents to stay closer to home. Value is being assigned here by both parent and child. What has the greater value, honoring parents or the great commission? This of course is not so easy as it seems. Christ of course faced a similar decision. Stay or go, wasn’t it? I think the key lies in assigning value not to going or staying but to our willingness to do the Father’s will, whatever it may be. When we assign His word, and His pleasure as that which has supreme value, His will is certain to follow. 4/28/07 ts
Assigning Value
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
” Phi2.5-6 NIV
Sacrifice is the necessary choice of love. This does not mean that we sacrifice something every time we love, but it is necessary often enough. Every mother gives up sleep when she nurses her baby. Every father forgoes a thousand other pursuits to provide for his family. Yes, it is the nature of love to give up one thing in order to gain another. We of course are assigning value when we do this. The baby is more valuable than sleep, the child’s school tuition has more value than a comfortable retirement. Everyone who loves has sacrificed.
We are encouraged to adopt the attitude of Christ when we assign value to the choices before us. From one point of view it may very well be our right to have, or to do something. But from a different point of view, it may be necessary to choose between holding on to it or letting it go to have something of greater worth and value. The life of Christ directs us to the supreme value of God and loving Him before all things.
It can be somewhat confusing at times. It is said that the number one reason young people do not answer the call to foreign missions, is pressure from the parents to stay closer to home. Value is being assigned here by both parent and child. What has the greater value, honoring parents or the great commission? This of course is not so easy as it seems. Christ of course faced a similar decision. Stay or go, wasn’t it? I think the key lies in assigning value not to going or staying but to our willingness to do the Father’s will, whatever it may be. When we assign His word, and His pleasure as that which has supreme value, His will is certain to follow. 4/28/07 ts
” Phi2.5-6 NIV
Sacrifice is the necessary choice of love. This does not mean that we sacrifice something every time we love, but it is necessary often enough. Every mother gives up sleep when she nurses her baby. Every father forgoes a thousand other pursuits to provide for his family. Yes, it is the nature of love to give up one thing in order to gain another. We of course are assigning value when we do this. The baby is more valuable than sleep, the child’s school tuition has more value than a comfortable retirement. Everyone who loves has sacrificed.
We are encouraged to adopt the attitude of Christ when we assign value to the choices before us. From one point of view it may very well be our right to have, or to do something. But from a different point of view, it may be necessary to choose between holding on to it or letting it go to have something of greater worth and value. The life of Christ directs us to the supreme value of God and loving Him before all things.
It can be somewhat confusing at times. It is said that the number one reason young people do not answer the call to foreign missions, is pressure from the parents to stay closer to home. Value is being assigned here by both parent and child. What has the greater value, honoring parents or the great commission? This of course is not so easy as it seems. Christ of course faced a similar decision. Stay or go, wasn’t it? I think the key lies in assigning value not to going or staying but to our willingness to do the Father’s will, whatever it may be. When we assign His word, and His pleasure as that which has supreme value, His will is certain to follow. 4/28/07 ts
Friday, April 27, 2007
Going out of Your Way
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Lk19.10 NKJV
It is one thing to share Christ with those already in your life. It is another, to aggressively seek an opportunity with someone who isn’t. What I mean is this. Telling your children about the value of loving God would naturally follow the display of that value, because they have grown up watching it everyday. Our enjoyment of God in Christ should exhibit and express the beauty of knowing and loving Him. Evangelism in this fashion, is simply declaring or explaining His value when someone who has seen it in us, inquires about it. Of course, if the manner of our living and loving fails to communicate the glory of God, we may take it that our own enjoyment of that glory needs attention. The efficacy of ones witness will usually match the effervescence of one's worship and walk.
But coming back to the notion that it is one thing to share Christ with your family, friends and neighbors and another, to seek opportunities to do this with strangers. By example, Christ came to seek and save that which was lost. He left His home, went out of His way, in order to find us, and help us, find our way back to the Father. I take it that we also, should at least from time to time, go out of our way and actively seek to love others. And not so much with words but with actions. Have we ever taken a homeless person to dinner; invited a lonely widow to lunch; stopped by a nursing home to find that someone tucked away in the corner of old age, who has no one to love because they have out lived them all. Opportunities abound to bear witness to the beauty of God. Opportunities abound, but many times they must be sought before they can be found. 4/27/07 ts
It is one thing to share Christ with those already in your life. It is another, to aggressively seek an opportunity with someone who isn’t. What I mean is this. Telling your children about the value of loving God would naturally follow the display of that value, because they have grown up watching it everyday. Our enjoyment of God in Christ should exhibit and express the beauty of knowing and loving Him. Evangelism in this fashion, is simply declaring or explaining His value when someone who has seen it in us, inquires about it. Of course, if the manner of our living and loving fails to communicate the glory of God, we may take it that our own enjoyment of that glory needs attention. The efficacy of ones witness will usually match the effervescence of one's worship and walk.
But coming back to the notion that it is one thing to share Christ with your family, friends and neighbors and another, to seek opportunities to do this with strangers. By example, Christ came to seek and save that which was lost. He left His home, went out of His way, in order to find us, and help us, find our way back to the Father. I take it that we also, should at least from time to time, go out of our way and actively seek to love others. And not so much with words but with actions. Have we ever taken a homeless person to dinner; invited a lonely widow to lunch; stopped by a nursing home to find that someone tucked away in the corner of old age, who has no one to love because they have out lived them all. Opportunities abound to bear witness to the beauty of God. Opportunities abound, but many times they must be sought before they can be found. 4/27/07 ts
Going out of Your Way
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Lk19.10 NKJV
It is one thing to share Christ with those already in your life. It is another, to aggressively seek an opportunity with someone who isn’t. What I mean is this. Telling your children about the value of loving God would naturally follow the display of that value, because they have grown up watching it everyday. Our enjoyment of God in Christ should exhibit and express the beauty of knowing and loving Him. Evangelism in this fashion, is simply declaring or explaining His value when someone who has seen it in us, inquires about it. Of course, if the manner of our living and loving fails to communicate the glory of God, we may take it that our own enjoyment of that glory needs attention. The efficacy of ones witness will usually match the effervescence of one's worship and walk.
But coming back to the notion that it is one thing to share Christ with your family, friends and neighbors and another, to seek opportunities to do this with strangers. By example, Christ came to seek and save that which was lost. He left His home, went out of His way, in order to find us, and help us, find our way back to the Father. I take it that we also, should at least from time to time, go out of our way and actively seek to love others. And not so much with words but with actions. Have we ever taken a homeless person to dinner; invited a lonely widow to lunch; stopped by a nursing home to find that someone tucked away in the corner of old age, who has no one to love because they have out lived them all. Opportunities abound to bear witness to the beauty of God. Opportunities abound, but many times they must be sought before they can be found. 4/27/07 ts
It is one thing to share Christ with those already in your life. It is another, to aggressively seek an opportunity with someone who isn’t. What I mean is this. Telling your children about the value of loving God would naturally follow the display of that value, because they have grown up watching it everyday. Our enjoyment of God in Christ should exhibit and express the beauty of knowing and loving Him. Evangelism in this fashion, is simply declaring or explaining His value when someone who has seen it in us, inquires about it. Of course, if the manner of our living and loving fails to communicate the glory of God, we may take it that our own enjoyment of that glory needs attention. The efficacy of ones witness will usually match the effervescence of one's worship and walk.
But coming back to the notion that it is one thing to share Christ with your family, friends and neighbors and another, to seek opportunities to do this with strangers. By example, Christ came to seek and save that which was lost. He left His home, went out of His way, in order to find us, and help us, find our way back to the Father. I take it that we also, should at least from time to time, go out of our way and actively seek to love others. And not so much with words but with actions. Have we ever taken a homeless person to dinner; invited a lonely widow to lunch; stopped by a nursing home to find that someone tucked away in the corner of old age, who has no one to love because they have out lived them all. Opportunities abound to bear witness to the beauty of God. Opportunities abound, but many times they must be sought before they can be found. 4/27/07 ts
Thursday, April 26, 2007
It is Impossible to Just Watch the News Anymore
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Heb7.25
When we consider that Christ Himself has come to live in us, it should not surprise us when we feel His inner encouragements to pray for others. Because Christ ever lives to make intercession, it is reasonable that He would perform this vital ministry using our own prayers. He makes us His prayer partners so to speak. It is staggering to realize that when we stop and pray for someone it is probably because He desires the use of our lips as a means of grace. Our prayers become the hose through which the water of blessing flows into the garden of others. Did we find ourselves praying for the families of the Virginia Tech shooting or people whose homes were destroyed in the many recent tornados. It is impossible to just watch the News anymore or walk through a grocery store for that matter. After a while you begin to realize that the events you hear about and people you meet have been sent your way so that He may use your ears and lips to bring grace to them.
It is also humbling to be on the receiving end of this hose of mercy. I have come to appreciate that the people who pray for us are really expressions of His prayers. Sweet intercession from the lips of friends have seem us and sustained us in some of our greatest trials. Every time someone prays for me, He is praying for me. Every time I pray for someone it is no less true. He ever lives to make intercession for us but also through us. 4/26/07 ts
When we consider that Christ Himself has come to live in us, it should not surprise us when we feel His inner encouragements to pray for others. Because Christ ever lives to make intercession, it is reasonable that He would perform this vital ministry using our own prayers. He makes us His prayer partners so to speak. It is staggering to realize that when we stop and pray for someone it is probably because He desires the use of our lips as a means of grace. Our prayers become the hose through which the water of blessing flows into the garden of others. Did we find ourselves praying for the families of the Virginia Tech shooting or people whose homes were destroyed in the many recent tornados. It is impossible to just watch the News anymore or walk through a grocery store for that matter. After a while you begin to realize that the events you hear about and people you meet have been sent your way so that He may use your ears and lips to bring grace to them.
It is also humbling to be on the receiving end of this hose of mercy. I have come to appreciate that the people who pray for us are really expressions of His prayers. Sweet intercession from the lips of friends have seem us and sustained us in some of our greatest trials. Every time someone prays for me, He is praying for me. Every time I pray for someone it is no less true. He ever lives to make intercession for us but also through us. 4/26/07 ts
It is Impossible to Just Watch the News Anymore
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Heb7.25
When we consider that Christ Himself has come to live in us, it should not surprise us when we feel His inner encouragements to pray for others. Because Christ ever lives to make intercession, it is reasonable that He would perform this vital ministry using our own prayers. He makes us His prayer partners so to speak. It is staggering to realize that when we stop and pray for someone it is probably because He desires the use of our lips as a means of grace. Our prayers become the hose through which the water of blessing flows into the garden of others. Did we find ourselves praying for the families of the Virginia Tech shooting or people whose homes were destroyed in the many recent tornados. It is impossible to just watch the News anymore or walk through a grocery store for that matter. After a while you begin to realize that the events you hear about and people you meet have been sent your way so that He may use your ears and lips to bring grace to them.
It is also humbling to be on the receiving end of this hose of mercy. I have come to appreciate that the people who pray for us are really expressions of His prayers. Sweet intercession from the lips of friends have seem us and sustained us in some of our greatest trials. Every time someone prays for me, He is praying for me. Every time I pray for someone it is no less true. He ever lives to make intercession for us but also through us. 4/26/07 ts
When we consider that Christ Himself has come to live in us, it should not surprise us when we feel His inner encouragements to pray for others. Because Christ ever lives to make intercession, it is reasonable that He would perform this vital ministry using our own prayers. He makes us His prayer partners so to speak. It is staggering to realize that when we stop and pray for someone it is probably because He desires the use of our lips as a means of grace. Our prayers become the hose through which the water of blessing flows into the garden of others. Did we find ourselves praying for the families of the Virginia Tech shooting or people whose homes were destroyed in the many recent tornados. It is impossible to just watch the News anymore or walk through a grocery store for that matter. After a while you begin to realize that the events you hear about and people you meet have been sent your way so that He may use your ears and lips to bring grace to them.
It is also humbling to be on the receiving end of this hose of mercy. I have come to appreciate that the people who pray for us are really expressions of His prayers. Sweet intercession from the lips of friends have seem us and sustained us in some of our greatest trials. Every time someone prays for me, He is praying for me. Every time I pray for someone it is no less true. He ever lives to make intercession for us but also through us. 4/26/07 ts
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Knowing and Knowing
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col.1.27
In what sense am I in Christ, what sense is He in me? Well in one sense, that is the mystery isn’t it? I am one who is always taking things apart to see how they work. But one does not need to understand how a computer or a car works in order to use them. It is not necessary to understand a mystery in order to experience it. The word, “make known,“ is used principally of experiential knowledge rather than cogitative learning. Indeed, the writer of the Imitation of Christ pointed out the difference between knowing and knowing, when he wrote these words, “I would rather feel compunction than be able to define it.“ A ninth-century Irish poet also pinned these words about the dangers of knowing Christ only in intellectual study.
'Tis sad to see the sons of learning
In everlasting hellfire burning
While he that never read a line
Doth in eternal glory shine.’
There is significant difference in knowing about God and in knowing God. So again I ask, in what sense am I in Christ, what sense is He in me? We may take it to heart (pun intended) that however this mystery may exist, it is in fact the reality of all who have invited Christ in. The sense in which this is true, is in every way that counts. Christ has not come in to our lives just to hang out. He has come with intent. I am sure that we will be forever experiencing the fullness of this mysterious union, this fellowship. For now, the imperative is that I know in this very moment all that Christ is in me in all my relations. Lord I would open every chamber of my heart---of our heart. 4/25/07 ts
In what sense am I in Christ, what sense is He in me? Well in one sense, that is the mystery isn’t it? I am one who is always taking things apart to see how they work. But one does not need to understand how a computer or a car works in order to use them. It is not necessary to understand a mystery in order to experience it. The word, “make known,“ is used principally of experiential knowledge rather than cogitative learning. Indeed, the writer of the Imitation of Christ pointed out the difference between knowing and knowing, when he wrote these words, “I would rather feel compunction than be able to define it.“ A ninth-century Irish poet also pinned these words about the dangers of knowing Christ only in intellectual study.
'Tis sad to see the sons of learning
In everlasting hellfire burning
While he that never read a line
Doth in eternal glory shine.’
There is significant difference in knowing about God and in knowing God. So again I ask, in what sense am I in Christ, what sense is He in me? We may take it to heart (pun intended) that however this mystery may exist, it is in fact the reality of all who have invited Christ in. The sense in which this is true, is in every way that counts. Christ has not come in to our lives just to hang out. He has come with intent. I am sure that we will be forever experiencing the fullness of this mysterious union, this fellowship. For now, the imperative is that I know in this very moment all that Christ is in me in all my relations. Lord I would open every chamber of my heart---of our heart. 4/25/07 ts
Knowing and Knowing
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col.1.27
In what sense am I in Christ, what sense is He in me? Well in one sense, that is the mystery isn’t it? I am one who is always taking things apart to see how they work. But one does not need to understand how a computer or a car works in order to use them. It is not necessary to understand a mystery in order to experience it. The word, “make known,“ is used principally of experiential knowledge rather than cogitative learning. Indeed, the writer of the Imitation of Christ pointed out the difference between knowing and knowing, when he wrote these words, “I would rather feel compunction than be able to define it.“ A ninth-century Irish poet also pinned these words about the dangers of knowing Christ only in intellectual study.
'Tis sad to see the sons of learning
In everlasting hellfire burning
While he that never read a line
Doth in eternal glory shine.’
There is significant difference in knowing about God and in knowing God. So again I ask, in what sense am I in Christ, what sense is He in me? We may take it to heart (pun intended) that however this mystery may exist, it is in fact the reality of all who have invited Christ in. The sense in which this is true, is in every way that counts. Christ has not come in to our lives just to hang out. He has come with intent. I am sure that we will be forever experiencing the fullness of this mysterious union, this fellowship. For now, the imperative is that I know in this very moment all that Christ is in me in all my relations. Lord I would open every chamber of my heart---of our heart. 4/25/07 ts
In what sense am I in Christ, what sense is He in me? Well in one sense, that is the mystery isn’t it? I am one who is always taking things apart to see how they work. But one does not need to understand how a computer or a car works in order to use them. It is not necessary to understand a mystery in order to experience it. The word, “make known,“ is used principally of experiential knowledge rather than cogitative learning. Indeed, the writer of the Imitation of Christ pointed out the difference between knowing and knowing, when he wrote these words, “I would rather feel compunction than be able to define it.“ A ninth-century Irish poet also pinned these words about the dangers of knowing Christ only in intellectual study.
'Tis sad to see the sons of learning
In everlasting hellfire burning
While he that never read a line
Doth in eternal glory shine.’
There is significant difference in knowing about God and in knowing God. So again I ask, in what sense am I in Christ, what sense is He in me? We may take it to heart (pun intended) that however this mystery may exist, it is in fact the reality of all who have invited Christ in. The sense in which this is true, is in every way that counts. Christ has not come in to our lives just to hang out. He has come with intent. I am sure that we will be forever experiencing the fullness of this mysterious union, this fellowship. For now, the imperative is that I know in this very moment all that Christ is in me in all my relations. Lord I would open every chamber of my heart---of our heart. 4/25/07 ts
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Your so Vain…
“knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1Pe1.18
We are told that Christ came to redeem us from “aimless conduct,” here so translated. Imagine the creative powers that must lie in each person made in the image of God. How very sad, that much of our creative power is spent in useless and empty things. The word is also translated, “vain,” that which is devoid of purpose and therefore has no real use or value.
The road to misery is as much traveled by those who have squandered and wasted life, as by those who have murdered it. This is one reason why our enemy tempts some to destructive behavior and others with trivial and empty pastimes. Much of life is lost to countless and mindless hours before a television, window shopping or playing solitaire. This is not to say of course, that each of these activities cannot be redeemed into something constructive, but most of the time they are a waste of time. Wasted moments melt into wasted days and before we realize it, all that remains is a wasted life. One can almost hear the distant echo of demons, singing around each casket, “Your so vain, you probably thought this song was about you.”
If each of us lived, truly lived with that imprint of divine purpose, I think perhaps we would have found a cure for cancer, or aids or hunger, long ago. If our creative energies where turned away from vanities and toward lasting purpose there would be no measuring of the good that would come. When one lives for the Glory, even our recreations would re-create, play as much as work would have value and purpose. When we live for the Glory even the mundane can be raised up into noble purposes. Christ did not come to give us a stuffy religion. He came to infect us with life, an abundant life, overflowing with creative energy. As He has redeemed us, so let us redeem the time. 4/24/07 ts
We are told that Christ came to redeem us from “aimless conduct,” here so translated. Imagine the creative powers that must lie in each person made in the image of God. How very sad, that much of our creative power is spent in useless and empty things. The word is also translated, “vain,” that which is devoid of purpose and therefore has no real use or value.
The road to misery is as much traveled by those who have squandered and wasted life, as by those who have murdered it. This is one reason why our enemy tempts some to destructive behavior and others with trivial and empty pastimes. Much of life is lost to countless and mindless hours before a television, window shopping or playing solitaire. This is not to say of course, that each of these activities cannot be redeemed into something constructive, but most of the time they are a waste of time. Wasted moments melt into wasted days and before we realize it, all that remains is a wasted life. One can almost hear the distant echo of demons, singing around each casket, “Your so vain, you probably thought this song was about you.”
If each of us lived, truly lived with that imprint of divine purpose, I think perhaps we would have found a cure for cancer, or aids or hunger, long ago. If our creative energies where turned away from vanities and toward lasting purpose there would be no measuring of the good that would come. When one lives for the Glory, even our recreations would re-create, play as much as work would have value and purpose. When we live for the Glory even the mundane can be raised up into noble purposes. Christ did not come to give us a stuffy religion. He came to infect us with life, an abundant life, overflowing with creative energy. As He has redeemed us, so let us redeem the time. 4/24/07 ts
Your so Vain…
“knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1Pe1.18
We are told that Christ came to redeem us from “aimless conduct,” here so translated. Imagine the creative powers that must lie in each person made in the image of God. How very sad, that much of our creative power is spent in useless and empty things. The word is also translated, “vain,” that which is devoid of purpose and therefore has no real use or value.
The road to misery is as much traveled by those who have squandered and wasted life, as by those who have murdered it. This is one reason why our enemy tempts some to destructive behavior and others with trivial and empty pastimes. Much of life is lost to countless and mindless hours before a television, window shopping or playing solitaire. This is not to say of course, that each of these activities cannot be redeemed into something constructive, but most of the time they are a waste of time. Wasted moments melt into wasted days and before we realize it, all that remains is a wasted life. One can almost hear the distant echo of demons, singing around each casket, “Your so vain, you probably thought this song was about you.”
If each of us lived, truly lived with that imprint of divine purpose, I think perhaps we would have found a cure for cancer, or aids or hunger, long ago. If our creative energies where turned away from vanities and toward lasting purpose there would be no measuring of the good that would come. When one lives for the Glory, even our recreations would re-create, play as much as work would have value and purpose. When we live for the Glory even the mundane can be raised up into noble purposes. Christ did not come to give us a stuffy religion. He came to infect us with life, an abundant life, overflowing with creative energy. As He has redeemed us, so let us redeem the time. 4/24/07 ts
We are told that Christ came to redeem us from “aimless conduct,” here so translated. Imagine the creative powers that must lie in each person made in the image of God. How very sad, that much of our creative power is spent in useless and empty things. The word is also translated, “vain,” that which is devoid of purpose and therefore has no real use or value.
The road to misery is as much traveled by those who have squandered and wasted life, as by those who have murdered it. This is one reason why our enemy tempts some to destructive behavior and others with trivial and empty pastimes. Much of life is lost to countless and mindless hours before a television, window shopping or playing solitaire. This is not to say of course, that each of these activities cannot be redeemed into something constructive, but most of the time they are a waste of time. Wasted moments melt into wasted days and before we realize it, all that remains is a wasted life. One can almost hear the distant echo of demons, singing around each casket, “Your so vain, you probably thought this song was about you.”
If each of us lived, truly lived with that imprint of divine purpose, I think perhaps we would have found a cure for cancer, or aids or hunger, long ago. If our creative energies where turned away from vanities and toward lasting purpose there would be no measuring of the good that would come. When one lives for the Glory, even our recreations would re-create, play as much as work would have value and purpose. When we live for the Glory even the mundane can be raised up into noble purposes. Christ did not come to give us a stuffy religion. He came to infect us with life, an abundant life, overflowing with creative energy. As He has redeemed us, so let us redeem the time. 4/24/07 ts
Monday, April 23, 2007
No Need to Pretend
“For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” Rm14.11
I have lived most of my life with some awareness of the judgment to come. Perhaps it is because I remember, the stern discipline of my dad. Often my mother would reserve punishment for his arrival home from work. Report card days were especially rough. I would pretend to be studying when dad would come through the door. Even after my dad would heat up my back side, pretending was about all I did when it came to changing my study habits. The truth is that fear of punishment may cause us to attend to our surface actions but it doesn’t change the heart. As I grew older, fear of my dad’s judgment was replaced with a fear of God’s. I still had the same pretending problem. I tried to reform but it was all surface stuff. Finally I realized that the problem wasn’t just with my actions but with my heart. I needed a new one. My inability to change, coupled with my fear of judgment brings me to Christ. I find that He is not only addressing my fear of judgment but He is creating in me that new heart. And, though I still sin, and that every day, I find within my soul a new desire, to stop pretending for fear of punishment and start performing because of the power of His love. It is not surprising to find that I still try to go back to pretending. Old habits die hard. How patience He is. How kind also, He will not abandon us to just pretending. What we have known only as make believe, He is making real. 4/23/07 ts
I have lived most of my life with some awareness of the judgment to come. Perhaps it is because I remember, the stern discipline of my dad. Often my mother would reserve punishment for his arrival home from work. Report card days were especially rough. I would pretend to be studying when dad would come through the door. Even after my dad would heat up my back side, pretending was about all I did when it came to changing my study habits. The truth is that fear of punishment may cause us to attend to our surface actions but it doesn’t change the heart. As I grew older, fear of my dad’s judgment was replaced with a fear of God’s. I still had the same pretending problem. I tried to reform but it was all surface stuff. Finally I realized that the problem wasn’t just with my actions but with my heart. I needed a new one. My inability to change, coupled with my fear of judgment brings me to Christ. I find that He is not only addressing my fear of judgment but He is creating in me that new heart. And, though I still sin, and that every day, I find within my soul a new desire, to stop pretending for fear of punishment and start performing because of the power of His love. It is not surprising to find that I still try to go back to pretending. Old habits die hard. How patience He is. How kind also, He will not abandon us to just pretending. What we have known only as make believe, He is making real. 4/23/07 ts
No Need to Pretend
“For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” Rm14.11
I have lived most of my life with some awareness of the judgment to come. Perhaps it is because I remember, the stern discipline of my dad. Often my mother would reserve punishment for his arrival home from work. Report card days were especially rough. I would pretend to be studying when dad would come through the door. Even after my dad would heat up my back side, pretending was about all I did when it came to changing my study habits. The truth is that fear of punishment may cause us to attend to our surface actions but it doesn’t change the heart. As I grew older, fear of my dad’s judgment was replaced with a fear of God’s. I still had the same pretending problem. I tried to reform but it was all surface stuff. Finally I realized that the problem wasn’t just with my actions but with my heart. I needed a new one. My inability to change, coupled with my fear of judgment brings me to Christ. I find that He is not only addressing my fear of judgment but He is creating in me that new heart. And, though I still sin, and that every day, I find within my soul a new desire, to stop pretending for fear of punishment and start performing because of the power of His love. It is not surprising to find that I still try to go back to pretending. Old habits die hard. How patience He is. How kind also, He will not abandon us to just pretending. What we have known only as make believe, He is making real. 4/23/07 ts
I have lived most of my life with some awareness of the judgment to come. Perhaps it is because I remember, the stern discipline of my dad. Often my mother would reserve punishment for his arrival home from work. Report card days were especially rough. I would pretend to be studying when dad would come through the door. Even after my dad would heat up my back side, pretending was about all I did when it came to changing my study habits. The truth is that fear of punishment may cause us to attend to our surface actions but it doesn’t change the heart. As I grew older, fear of my dad’s judgment was replaced with a fear of God’s. I still had the same pretending problem. I tried to reform but it was all surface stuff. Finally I realized that the problem wasn’t just with my actions but with my heart. I needed a new one. My inability to change, coupled with my fear of judgment brings me to Christ. I find that He is not only addressing my fear of judgment but He is creating in me that new heart. And, though I still sin, and that every day, I find within my soul a new desire, to stop pretending for fear of punishment and start performing because of the power of His love. It is not surprising to find that I still try to go back to pretending. Old habits die hard. How patience He is. How kind also, He will not abandon us to just pretending. What we have known only as make believe, He is making real. 4/23/07 ts
Saturday, April 21, 2007
God is great, God is good
“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.” Jo10.29
When I was a child I was taught the simple prayer: “God is great, God is good.” Jesus assures us not only that God is great, but God is greater than all. In light of the recent events across the nation, one might ask, “Where is God in all of this? Well, it is good to remind our hearts that God is in the same place He was when Christ was beaten and put to death. God is on His throne. Where else could He be? And, though we may not see it, we are assured that He is working His good in all things for those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes.
Humans are not little terrorist, running around out of control blowing up His creation while He sits frustrated and unable to stop the carnage. The many stories in Scripture explain to us that God permits men to do evil, but never outside the counsel of His own will. One passage in particular, highlights this great truth. We read that when the disciples where undergoing intense persecution, they prayed these astounding words, "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” Not only does God permit men to commit evil, His greatness over all things means that He is able to use even our atrocities to accomplish His great good. He has done so in Christ, He continues to do so this very day.
We are told that when the terrorist flew the planes into the World Trade Center Towers, they were shouting, “God is great.“ These men undoubtedly know this now, though in a way they did not anticipate. What they intended as evil, God is using for good. God is greater than all and nothing can snatch us from His hands. "Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable." Ps.145.3 4/21/07 ts
When I was a child I was taught the simple prayer: “God is great, God is good.” Jesus assures us not only that God is great, but God is greater than all. In light of the recent events across the nation, one might ask, “Where is God in all of this? Well, it is good to remind our hearts that God is in the same place He was when Christ was beaten and put to death. God is on His throne. Where else could He be? And, though we may not see it, we are assured that He is working His good in all things for those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes.
Humans are not little terrorist, running around out of control blowing up His creation while He sits frustrated and unable to stop the carnage. The many stories in Scripture explain to us that God permits men to do evil, but never outside the counsel of His own will. One passage in particular, highlights this great truth. We read that when the disciples where undergoing intense persecution, they prayed these astounding words, "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” Not only does God permit men to commit evil, His greatness over all things means that He is able to use even our atrocities to accomplish His great good. He has done so in Christ, He continues to do so this very day.
We are told that when the terrorist flew the planes into the World Trade Center Towers, they were shouting, “God is great.“ These men undoubtedly know this now, though in a way they did not anticipate. What they intended as evil, God is using for good. God is greater than all and nothing can snatch us from His hands. "Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable." Ps.145.3 4/21/07 ts
God is great, God is good
“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.” Jo10.29
When I was a child I was taught the simple prayer: “God is great, God is good.” Jesus assures us not only that God is great, but God is greater than all. In light of the recent events across the nation, one might ask, “Where is God in all of this? Well, it is good to remind our hearts that God is in the same place He was when Christ was beaten and put to death. God is on His throne. Where else could He be? And, though we may not see it, we are assured that He is working His good in all things for those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes.
Humans are not little terrorist, running around out of control blowing up His creation while He sits frustrated and unable to stop the carnage. The many stories in Scripture explain to us that God permits men to do evil, but never outside the counsel of His own will. One passage in particular, highlights this great truth. We read that when the disciples where undergoing intense persecution, they prayed these astounding words, "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” Not only does God permit men to commit evil, His greatness over all things means that He is able to use even our atrocities to accomplish His great good. He has done so in Christ, He continues to do so this very day.
We are told that when the terrorist flew the planes into the World Trade Center Towers, they were shouting, “God is great.“ These men undoubtedly know this now, though in a way they did not anticipate. What they intended as evil, God is using for good. God is greater than all and nothing can snatch us from His hands. "Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable." Ps.145.3 4/21/07 ts
When I was a child I was taught the simple prayer: “God is great, God is good.” Jesus assures us not only that God is great, but God is greater than all. In light of the recent events across the nation, one might ask, “Where is God in all of this? Well, it is good to remind our hearts that God is in the same place He was when Christ was beaten and put to death. God is on His throne. Where else could He be? And, though we may not see it, we are assured that He is working His good in all things for those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes.
Humans are not little terrorist, running around out of control blowing up His creation while He sits frustrated and unable to stop the carnage. The many stories in Scripture explain to us that God permits men to do evil, but never outside the counsel of His own will. One passage in particular, highlights this great truth. We read that when the disciples where undergoing intense persecution, they prayed these astounding words, "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” Not only does God permit men to commit evil, His greatness over all things means that He is able to use even our atrocities to accomplish His great good. He has done so in Christ, He continues to do so this very day.
We are told that when the terrorist flew the planes into the World Trade Center Towers, they were shouting, “God is great.“ These men undoubtedly know this now, though in a way they did not anticipate. What they intended as evil, God is using for good. God is greater than all and nothing can snatch us from His hands. "Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable." Ps.145.3 4/21/07 ts
Friday, April 20, 2007
Sword to Scalpel
O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? 1Co15.55
When death came to Christ and touched Him, it was not Christ but death itself that was forever changed. The door which carried us away from God’s presence was made into an entrance. Because of Christ, death does not carry us away from our hearts desire but carries us to it. In this sense we are able then to view death no longer as an enemy but as a friend. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
The Christian parents of one of the slain college students at this weeks recent college massacre, expressed this sentiment when they referred to their child’s tragic death as a graduation into life. Jesus has changed the nature of our grief beside the grave. We do not weep without hope or for the one who has died. We grieve at the separation however brief it may be. I think we also grieve because something in us knows that death, though necessary because of our sin, is not normal, that God never intended for our soul to be ripped from our body. But God who is rich in goodness and grace sent His Son to enter death and reverse it.
It may seem strange to some, that Christians see death as the door to life, that we cherish the cross-what was once the sentence of condemnation but now seen as the door to life. God has taken the sword of our enemy and turned it into a healing scalpel. 4/20/07 ts
When death came to Christ and touched Him, it was not Christ but death itself that was forever changed. The door which carried us away from God’s presence was made into an entrance. Because of Christ, death does not carry us away from our hearts desire but carries us to it. In this sense we are able then to view death no longer as an enemy but as a friend. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
The Christian parents of one of the slain college students at this weeks recent college massacre, expressed this sentiment when they referred to their child’s tragic death as a graduation into life. Jesus has changed the nature of our grief beside the grave. We do not weep without hope or for the one who has died. We grieve at the separation however brief it may be. I think we also grieve because something in us knows that death, though necessary because of our sin, is not normal, that God never intended for our soul to be ripped from our body. But God who is rich in goodness and grace sent His Son to enter death and reverse it.
It may seem strange to some, that Christians see death as the door to life, that we cherish the cross-what was once the sentence of condemnation but now seen as the door to life. God has taken the sword of our enemy and turned it into a healing scalpel. 4/20/07 ts
Sword to Scalpel
O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? 1Co15.55
When death came to Christ and touched Him, it was not Christ but death itself that was forever changed. The door which carried us away from God’s presence was made into an entrance. Because of Christ, death does not carry us away from our hearts desire but carries us to it. In this sense we are able then to view death no longer as an enemy but as a friend. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
The Christian parents of one of the slain college students at this weeks recent college massacre, expressed this sentiment when they referred to their child’s tragic death as a graduation into life. Jesus has changed the nature of our grief beside the grave. We do not weep without hope or for the one who has died. We grieve at the separation however brief it may be. I think we also grieve because something in us knows that death, though necessary because of our sin, is not normal, that God never intended for our soul to be ripped from our body. But God who is rich in goodness and grace sent His Son to enter death and reverse it.
It may seem strange to some, that Christians see death as the door to life, that we cherish the cross-what was once the sentence of condemnation but now seen as the door to life. God has taken the sword of our enemy and turned it into a healing scalpel. 4/20/07 ts
When death came to Christ and touched Him, it was not Christ but death itself that was forever changed. The door which carried us away from God’s presence was made into an entrance. Because of Christ, death does not carry us away from our hearts desire but carries us to it. In this sense we are able then to view death no longer as an enemy but as a friend. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
The Christian parents of one of the slain college students at this weeks recent college massacre, expressed this sentiment when they referred to their child’s tragic death as a graduation into life. Jesus has changed the nature of our grief beside the grave. We do not weep without hope or for the one who has died. We grieve at the separation however brief it may be. I think we also grieve because something in us knows that death, though necessary because of our sin, is not normal, that God never intended for our soul to be ripped from our body. But God who is rich in goodness and grace sent His Son to enter death and reverse it.
It may seem strange to some, that Christians see death as the door to life, that we cherish the cross-what was once the sentence of condemnation but now seen as the door to life. God has taken the sword of our enemy and turned it into a healing scalpel. 4/20/07 ts
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Standing on the Rivers Edge
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
1Co15.22
A young man asks a friend of his dead father, if he is going with the army to battle. When the other tells him that he is, the man cautions him, “You will certainly die.” The other sagely replies, “All death is certain. I will tell your father what you have become.“ The certainty of death and the hope of resurrection are captured in this brief scene from the movie, Kingdom of Heaven.
I have had the privilege to walk a number of people down to the rivers edge, knowing full well that I too will one day step into its dark waters. Interesting that my awareness of this rendezvous comes to mind these days more often than not. Cable news helps to remind us every single day of that certain appointment. When I think about my personal interview with death, I cannot help but to remember another line, this time from a book. Standing before the great river and looking at the gates of heaven on the far side, the traveler inquired how deep was the river? The simple reply, “You shall find it deeper or shallower as you believe in the King of the place.” Adam assures us all that we will certainly enter the river. Christ assures all who belong to Him, that we also will certainly exit from it. It comforts me to know that though I must come to the river because of Adam, I am coming to cross it, not be swept away in its current, and this certainty is because of Christ. 14/19/07 ts
1Co15.22
A young man asks a friend of his dead father, if he is going with the army to battle. When the other tells him that he is, the man cautions him, “You will certainly die.” The other sagely replies, “All death is certain. I will tell your father what you have become.“ The certainty of death and the hope of resurrection are captured in this brief scene from the movie, Kingdom of Heaven.
I have had the privilege to walk a number of people down to the rivers edge, knowing full well that I too will one day step into its dark waters. Interesting that my awareness of this rendezvous comes to mind these days more often than not. Cable news helps to remind us every single day of that certain appointment. When I think about my personal interview with death, I cannot help but to remember another line, this time from a book. Standing before the great river and looking at the gates of heaven on the far side, the traveler inquired how deep was the river? The simple reply, “You shall find it deeper or shallower as you believe in the King of the place.” Adam assures us all that we will certainly enter the river. Christ assures all who belong to Him, that we also will certainly exit from it. It comforts me to know that though I must come to the river because of Adam, I am coming to cross it, not be swept away in its current, and this certainty is because of Christ. 14/19/07 ts
Standing on the Rivers Edge
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
1Co15.22
A young man asks a friend of his dead father, if he is going with the army to battle. When the other tells him that he is, the man cautions him, “You will certainly die.” The other sagely replies, “All death is certain. I will tell your father what you have become.“ The certainty of death and the hope of resurrection are captured in this brief scene from the movie, Kingdom of Heaven.
I have had the privilege to walk a number of people down to the rivers edge, knowing full well that I too will one day step into its dark waters. Interesting that my awareness of this rendezvous comes to mind these days more often than not. Cable news helps to remind us every single day of that certain appointment. When I think about my personal interview with death, I cannot help but to remember another line, this time from a book. Standing before the great river and looking at the gates of heaven on the far side, the traveler inquired how deep was the river? The simple reply, “You shall find it deeper or shallower as you believe in the King of the place.” Adam assures us all that we will certainly enter the river. Christ assures all who belong to Him, that we also will certainly exit from it. It comforts me to know that though I must come to the river because of Adam, I am coming to cross it, not be swept away in its current, and this certainty is because of Christ. 14/19/07 ts
1Co15.22
A young man asks a friend of his dead father, if he is going with the army to battle. When the other tells him that he is, the man cautions him, “You will certainly die.” The other sagely replies, “All death is certain. I will tell your father what you have become.“ The certainty of death and the hope of resurrection are captured in this brief scene from the movie, Kingdom of Heaven.
I have had the privilege to walk a number of people down to the rivers edge, knowing full well that I too will one day step into its dark waters. Interesting that my awareness of this rendezvous comes to mind these days more often than not. Cable news helps to remind us every single day of that certain appointment. When I think about my personal interview with death, I cannot help but to remember another line, this time from a book. Standing before the great river and looking at the gates of heaven on the far side, the traveler inquired how deep was the river? The simple reply, “You shall find it deeper or shallower as you believe in the King of the place.” Adam assures us all that we will certainly enter the river. Christ assures all who belong to Him, that we also will certainly exit from it. It comforts me to know that though I must come to the river because of Adam, I am coming to cross it, not be swept away in its current, and this certainty is because of Christ. 14/19/07 ts
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
ITRW
“…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Ro10.9
Faith in Christ is more than an intellectual assent to Christian doctrine but certainly not less. What we truly believe with the mind tends to trickle down into the whole person, our will and emotions will certainly follow. Once we accept as fact the resurrection, the more we look forward to the realities it has accomplished. We express our faith in public confession, not ashamed but confident that Christ is truly the Lord of life. We transfer our trust from personal works to His finished work so that He might present us right with God. Each person individually comes to His cross, accepts the forgiveness He offers, experiences a personal death in surrender to His will, and is raised to newness of life under His Lordship. If one really accepts as historical fact the physical resurrection of Christ how could is not affect the whole of his life.
The result is living here in anticipation of a personal experience to be realized in our own resurrection. The whole may be compared to a friendship nurtured on-line via email with a very real person whom we have yet to meet in the flesh. Death arranges that face to face meeting. What we have only experienced via this means is real but nothing compared to the substance of that real world meeting when we encounter Christ face to face. The acronym used to convey this on-line is ITRW-“in the real world.” Christian faith expresses that eternal hope when death ushers us to that meeting ITRW. 4/18/07 ts
Faith in Christ is more than an intellectual assent to Christian doctrine but certainly not less. What we truly believe with the mind tends to trickle down into the whole person, our will and emotions will certainly follow. Once we accept as fact the resurrection, the more we look forward to the realities it has accomplished. We express our faith in public confession, not ashamed but confident that Christ is truly the Lord of life. We transfer our trust from personal works to His finished work so that He might present us right with God. Each person individually comes to His cross, accepts the forgiveness He offers, experiences a personal death in surrender to His will, and is raised to newness of life under His Lordship. If one really accepts as historical fact the physical resurrection of Christ how could is not affect the whole of his life.
The result is living here in anticipation of a personal experience to be realized in our own resurrection. The whole may be compared to a friendship nurtured on-line via email with a very real person whom we have yet to meet in the flesh. Death arranges that face to face meeting. What we have only experienced via this means is real but nothing compared to the substance of that real world meeting when we encounter Christ face to face. The acronym used to convey this on-line is ITRW-“in the real world.” Christian faith expresses that eternal hope when death ushers us to that meeting ITRW. 4/18/07 ts
ITRW
“…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Ro10.9
Faith in Christ is more than an intellectual assent to Christian doctrine but certainly not less. What we truly believe with the mind tends to trickle down into the whole person, our will and emotions will certainly follow. Once we accept as fact the resurrection, the more we look forward to the realities it has accomplished. We express our faith in public confession, not ashamed but confident that Christ is truly the Lord of life. We transfer our trust from personal works to His finished work so that He might present us right with God. Each person individually comes to His cross, accepts the forgiveness He offers, experiences a personal death in surrender to His will, and is raised to newness of life under His Lordship. If one really accepts as historical fact the physical resurrection of Christ how could is not affect the whole of his life.
The result is living here in anticipation of a personal experience to be realized in our own resurrection. The whole may be compared to a friendship nurtured on-line via email with a very real person whom we have yet to meet in the flesh. Death arranges that face to face meeting. What we have only experienced via this means is real but nothing compared to the substance of that real world meeting when we encounter Christ face to face. The acronym used to convey this on-line is ITRW-“in the real world.” Christian faith expresses that eternal hope when death ushers us to that meeting ITRW. 4/18/07 ts
Faith in Christ is more than an intellectual assent to Christian doctrine but certainly not less. What we truly believe with the mind tends to trickle down into the whole person, our will and emotions will certainly follow. Once we accept as fact the resurrection, the more we look forward to the realities it has accomplished. We express our faith in public confession, not ashamed but confident that Christ is truly the Lord of life. We transfer our trust from personal works to His finished work so that He might present us right with God. Each person individually comes to His cross, accepts the forgiveness He offers, experiences a personal death in surrender to His will, and is raised to newness of life under His Lordship. If one really accepts as historical fact the physical resurrection of Christ how could is not affect the whole of his life.
The result is living here in anticipation of a personal experience to be realized in our own resurrection. The whole may be compared to a friendship nurtured on-line via email with a very real person whom we have yet to meet in the flesh. Death arranges that face to face meeting. What we have only experienced via this means is real but nothing compared to the substance of that real world meeting when we encounter Christ face to face. The acronym used to convey this on-line is ITRW-“in the real world.” Christian faith expresses that eternal hope when death ushers us to that meeting ITRW. 4/18/07 ts
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Could You, Would You
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1Co1.18 NKJV
Father God,
You have taken what is foolish in the eyes of the world and shaped it as an instrument of Your power.
Could You, would You
Fashion my foolishness into Your wisdom.
Turn my failures into your victory.
Change my shame into Your praise.
Could you, would You, please?
Perhaps you have, and I don’t see it yet.
Could it be when He was lifted up,
so too this hearts desire lifted with Him.
Yes. Somehow, I am sure it was.
4/17/07 ts
1Co1.18 NKJV
Father God,
You have taken what is foolish in the eyes of the world and shaped it as an instrument of Your power.
Could You, would You
Fashion my foolishness into Your wisdom.
Turn my failures into your victory.
Change my shame into Your praise.
Could you, would You, please?
Perhaps you have, and I don’t see it yet.
Could it be when He was lifted up,
so too this hearts desire lifted with Him.
Yes. Somehow, I am sure it was.
4/17/07 ts
Could You, Would You
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1Co1.18 NKJV
Father God,
You have taken what is foolish in the eyes of the world and shaped it as an instrument of Your power.
Could You, would You
Fashion my foolishness into Your wisdom.
Turn my failures into your victory.
Change my shame into Your praise.
Could you, would You, please?
Perhaps you have, and I don’t see it yet.
Could it be when He was lifted up,
so too this hearts desire lifted with Him.
Yes. Somehow, I am sure it was.
4/17/07 ts
1Co1.18 NKJV
Father God,
You have taken what is foolish in the eyes of the world and shaped it as an instrument of Your power.
Could You, would You
Fashion my foolishness into Your wisdom.
Turn my failures into your victory.
Change my shame into Your praise.
Could you, would You, please?
Perhaps you have, and I don’t see it yet.
Could it be when He was lifted up,
so too this hearts desire lifted with Him.
Yes. Somehow, I am sure it was.
4/17/07 ts
Monday, April 16, 2007
Much Obliged
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Ro13.8 NKJV
We are told that it is wise to avoid debt, yet there is one debt that we are encouraged to take up, even embrace. The indebtedness of love may very well be one of God’s richest gifts to us. His love calls us, obligates us, if you will, to live a life of love. We properly take up this debt when we see it not only as our duty but as our delight. People often hate work because they hate the obligations which require it. Such is the economy of a fallen world. In Christ, we enter the economy of heaven. This new economy, tells us that the fruit which follows love is joy, not resentment. Strange, but in this new economy, one is never out of debt. Stranger still, this debt is one aggressively sought and joyfully paid.
In the old days when a person was on the receiving end of an act of kindness they would often reply, “much obliged.” We are certainly on the receiving end of God’s love in Christ. Ours is an indebtedness that grows out of our gratitude for that love shown to us. He directs us to pay our debts back by paying them forward in loving service to others. Love is perfected in our hearts when it becomes our joy, to willfully obligate ourselves to the benefit of our neighbor. 4/16/07 ts
We are told that it is wise to avoid debt, yet there is one debt that we are encouraged to take up, even embrace. The indebtedness of love may very well be one of God’s richest gifts to us. His love calls us, obligates us, if you will, to live a life of love. We properly take up this debt when we see it not only as our duty but as our delight. People often hate work because they hate the obligations which require it. Such is the economy of a fallen world. In Christ, we enter the economy of heaven. This new economy, tells us that the fruit which follows love is joy, not resentment. Strange, but in this new economy, one is never out of debt. Stranger still, this debt is one aggressively sought and joyfully paid.
In the old days when a person was on the receiving end of an act of kindness they would often reply, “much obliged.” We are certainly on the receiving end of God’s love in Christ. Ours is an indebtedness that grows out of our gratitude for that love shown to us. He directs us to pay our debts back by paying them forward in loving service to others. Love is perfected in our hearts when it becomes our joy, to willfully obligate ourselves to the benefit of our neighbor. 4/16/07 ts
Much Obliged
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Ro13.8 NKJV
We are told that it is wise to avoid debt, yet there is one debt that we are encouraged to take up, even embrace. The indebtedness of love may very well be one of God’s richest gifts to us. His love calls us, obligates us, if you will, to live a life of love. We properly take up this debt when we see it not only as our duty but as our delight. People often hate work because they hate the obligations which require it. Such is the economy of a fallen world. In Christ, we enter the economy of heaven. This new economy, tells us that the fruit which follows love is joy, not resentment. Strange, but in this new economy, one is never out of debt. Stranger still, this debt is one aggressively sought and joyfully paid.
In the old days when a person was on the receiving end of an act of kindness they would often reply, “much obliged.” We are certainly on the receiving end of God’s love in Christ. Ours is an indebtedness that grows out of our gratitude for that love shown to us. He directs us to pay our debts back by paying them forward in loving service to others. Love is perfected in our hearts when it becomes our joy, to willfully obligate ourselves to the benefit of our neighbor. 4/16/07 ts
We are told that it is wise to avoid debt, yet there is one debt that we are encouraged to take up, even embrace. The indebtedness of love may very well be one of God’s richest gifts to us. His love calls us, obligates us, if you will, to live a life of love. We properly take up this debt when we see it not only as our duty but as our delight. People often hate work because they hate the obligations which require it. Such is the economy of a fallen world. In Christ, we enter the economy of heaven. This new economy, tells us that the fruit which follows love is joy, not resentment. Strange, but in this new economy, one is never out of debt. Stranger still, this debt is one aggressively sought and joyfully paid.
In the old days when a person was on the receiving end of an act of kindness they would often reply, “much obliged.” We are certainly on the receiving end of God’s love in Christ. Ours is an indebtedness that grows out of our gratitude for that love shown to us. He directs us to pay our debts back by paying them forward in loving service to others. Love is perfected in our hearts when it becomes our joy, to willfully obligate ourselves to the benefit of our neighbor. 4/16/07 ts
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The BIOS of the Soul
“…the gospel…on which you stand…” 1Co15.1
BIOS is one of those new words which has come into use in this age of personal computers. The acronym is short for “Basic Input/Output System” and sometimes “Basic Integrated Operating System. BIOS describes the lines of code resident in the motherboard of the computer which define its functions. When a computer become sluggish, locks up or crashes, we simply reboot (more computer words.) When we reboot a computer, we are directing it back to its BIOS to rediscover its purpose and function. Now there seems to be similar lines of code programmed into human beings. Each of us have imprinted in the soul some core beliefs and directives which define who we are and give to us our purpose. Self awareness, self preservation, a desire to be happy seem to be written in the BIOS of every soul. I am sure there are others. Scripture tells us, when sin entered into the world it corrupted us at the core level. It is still true that we are people made in the image of God but this core corruption has made it necessary for God to rewrite our BIOS if you will.
The gospel of Christ tells us that we were not created for ourselves alone but for the higher purpose of living for the pleasure of God and that this is possible only through faith in Christ. Our new operating system directs us to live by faith not by sight, that happiness comes from giving not taking, by love not lust. The Holy Spirit who takes up residence in our very soul directs us to the chief end for which we were created; the glory of God.
When we lose focus, lock up or crash, God’s Spirit will help us reboot and return to the initial lines of code written in our hearts. My purpose is to enjoy all that God desires to be for me in Christ, to exhibit the value of loving and serving Him, to express His matchless love to those around me and to evangelize by declaring the wondrous beauty and value of God in the gospel of Christ, the BIOS on which we stand. 4/15/07 ts
BIOS is one of those new words which has come into use in this age of personal computers. The acronym is short for “Basic Input/Output System” and sometimes “Basic Integrated Operating System. BIOS describes the lines of code resident in the motherboard of the computer which define its functions. When a computer become sluggish, locks up or crashes, we simply reboot (more computer words.) When we reboot a computer, we are directing it back to its BIOS to rediscover its purpose and function. Now there seems to be similar lines of code programmed into human beings. Each of us have imprinted in the soul some core beliefs and directives which define who we are and give to us our purpose. Self awareness, self preservation, a desire to be happy seem to be written in the BIOS of every soul. I am sure there are others. Scripture tells us, when sin entered into the world it corrupted us at the core level. It is still true that we are people made in the image of God but this core corruption has made it necessary for God to rewrite our BIOS if you will.
The gospel of Christ tells us that we were not created for ourselves alone but for the higher purpose of living for the pleasure of God and that this is possible only through faith in Christ. Our new operating system directs us to live by faith not by sight, that happiness comes from giving not taking, by love not lust. The Holy Spirit who takes up residence in our very soul directs us to the chief end for which we were created; the glory of God.
When we lose focus, lock up or crash, God’s Spirit will help us reboot and return to the initial lines of code written in our hearts. My purpose is to enjoy all that God desires to be for me in Christ, to exhibit the value of loving and serving Him, to express His matchless love to those around me and to evangelize by declaring the wondrous beauty and value of God in the gospel of Christ, the BIOS on which we stand. 4/15/07 ts
The BIOS of the Soul
“…the gospel…on which you stand…” 1Co15.1
BIOS is one of those new words which has come into use in this age of personal computers. The acronym is short for “Basic Input/Output System” and sometimes “Basic Integrated Operating System. BIOS describes the lines of code resident in the motherboard of the computer which define its functions. When a computer become sluggish, locks up or crashes, we simply reboot (more computer words.) When we reboot a computer, we are directing it back to its BIOS to rediscover its purpose and function. Now there seems to be similar lines of code programmed into human beings. Each of us have imprinted in the soul some core beliefs and directives which define who we are and give to us our purpose. Self awareness, self preservation, a desire to be happy seem to be written in the BIOS of every soul. I am sure there are others. Scripture tells us, when sin entered into the world it corrupted us at the core level. It is still true that we are people made in the image of God but this core corruption has made it necessary for God to rewrite our BIOS if you will.
The gospel of Christ tells us that we were not created for ourselves alone but for the higher purpose of living for the pleasure of God and that this is possible only through faith in Christ. Our new operating system directs us to live by faith not by sight, that happiness comes from giving not taking, by love not lust. The Holy Spirit who takes up residence in our very soul directs us to the chief end for which we were created; the glory of God.
When we lose focus, lock up or crash, God’s Spirit will help us reboot and return to the initial lines of code written in our hearts. My purpose is to enjoy all that God desires to be for me in Christ, to exhibit the value of loving and serving Him, to express His matchless love to those around me and to evangelize by declaring the wondrous beauty and value of God in the gospel of Christ, the BIOS on which we stand. 4/15/07 ts
BIOS is one of those new words which has come into use in this age of personal computers. The acronym is short for “Basic Input/Output System” and sometimes “Basic Integrated Operating System. BIOS describes the lines of code resident in the motherboard of the computer which define its functions. When a computer become sluggish, locks up or crashes, we simply reboot (more computer words.) When we reboot a computer, we are directing it back to its BIOS to rediscover its purpose and function. Now there seems to be similar lines of code programmed into human beings. Each of us have imprinted in the soul some core beliefs and directives which define who we are and give to us our purpose. Self awareness, self preservation, a desire to be happy seem to be written in the BIOS of every soul. I am sure there are others. Scripture tells us, when sin entered into the world it corrupted us at the core level. It is still true that we are people made in the image of God but this core corruption has made it necessary for God to rewrite our BIOS if you will.
The gospel of Christ tells us that we were not created for ourselves alone but for the higher purpose of living for the pleasure of God and that this is possible only through faith in Christ. Our new operating system directs us to live by faith not by sight, that happiness comes from giving not taking, by love not lust. The Holy Spirit who takes up residence in our very soul directs us to the chief end for which we were created; the glory of God.
When we lose focus, lock up or crash, God’s Spirit will help us reboot and return to the initial lines of code written in our hearts. My purpose is to enjoy all that God desires to be for me in Christ, to exhibit the value of loving and serving Him, to express His matchless love to those around me and to evangelize by declaring the wondrous beauty and value of God in the gospel of Christ, the BIOS on which we stand. 4/15/07 ts
Friday, April 13, 2007
Just Accept It
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”
Two thoughts are strung together in this famous verse, the first active and the second passive. In other words, the first is something we do, and the second is something done to us. We all have sinned. That is what we do. We fall short. What hope is left to us but to be justified freely by His grace. That is the something done to us. It is God's gift to any and all who return to Him.
Before Christ explained to Peter that he would deny Him, He told him these words. “I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." What else can we do, once you have tasted life in God, but to return to Him. We may be tempted to repay God for our crimes against Him. Many times this is more to appease our feelings of guilt than it is to appease Him. Even if we are sincere, it is impossible for us to pay our moral debt before God.
God justifies us freely by His grace. God justifies us freely but the gift was not free. The debt of course was paid in the redemption of Christ. We should stop trying to earn forgiveness and just accept it. Father does not want us to appease Him but to accept His free offer of forgiveness.
One Christian hymn expresses this so well.
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
These for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
4/13/07 ts
Two thoughts are strung together in this famous verse, the first active and the second passive. In other words, the first is something we do, and the second is something done to us. We all have sinned. That is what we do. We fall short. What hope is left to us but to be justified freely by His grace. That is the something done to us. It is God's gift to any and all who return to Him.
Before Christ explained to Peter that he would deny Him, He told him these words. “I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." What else can we do, once you have tasted life in God, but to return to Him. We may be tempted to repay God for our crimes against Him. Many times this is more to appease our feelings of guilt than it is to appease Him. Even if we are sincere, it is impossible for us to pay our moral debt before God.
God justifies us freely by His grace. God justifies us freely but the gift was not free. The debt of course was paid in the redemption of Christ. We should stop trying to earn forgiveness and just accept it. Father does not want us to appease Him but to accept His free offer of forgiveness.
One Christian hymn expresses this so well.
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
These for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
4/13/07 ts
Just Accept It
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”
Two thoughts are strung together in this famous verse, the first active and the second passive. In other words, the first is something we do, and the second is something done to us. We all have sinned. That is what we do. We fall short. What hope is left to us but to be justified freely by His grace. That is the something done to us. It is God's gift to any and all who return to Him.
Before Christ explained to Peter that he would deny Him, He told him these words. “I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." What else can we do, once you have tasted life in God, but to return to Him. We may be tempted to repay God for our crimes against Him. Many times this is more to appease our feelings of guilt than it is to appease Him. Even if we are sincere, it is impossible for us to pay our moral debt before God.
God justifies us freely by His grace. God justifies us freely but the gift was not free. The debt of course was paid in the redemption of Christ. We should stop trying to earn forgiveness and just accept it. Father does not want us to appease Him but to accept His free offer of forgiveness.
One Christian hymn expresses this so well.
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
These for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
4/13/07 ts
Two thoughts are strung together in this famous verse, the first active and the second passive. In other words, the first is something we do, and the second is something done to us. We all have sinned. That is what we do. We fall short. What hope is left to us but to be justified freely by His grace. That is the something done to us. It is God's gift to any and all who return to Him.
Before Christ explained to Peter that he would deny Him, He told him these words. “I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." What else can we do, once you have tasted life in God, but to return to Him. We may be tempted to repay God for our crimes against Him. Many times this is more to appease our feelings of guilt than it is to appease Him. Even if we are sincere, it is impossible for us to pay our moral debt before God.
God justifies us freely by His grace. God justifies us freely but the gift was not free. The debt of course was paid in the redemption of Christ. We should stop trying to earn forgiveness and just accept it. Father does not want us to appease Him but to accept His free offer of forgiveness.
One Christian hymn expresses this so well.
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
These for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
4/13/07 ts
Thursday, April 12, 2007
My Cross
“Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Lk9.23 NKJV
It is one thing to say that God has a plan for our lives and another to know what that plan is. Beyond the common benefits given to all who come to Christ, does God have a specific plan for each of us? I think He does. Even a cursory reading of the Scriptures would illustrate this. How can we know what that plan is? When students ask this question, I generally tell them to simply ask God to make His plan clear to them, but I also encourage them to look at what God has put in their hand. If God gives you a shovel , more than likely, He wants you to dig. The talents and possessions entrusted to us would logically reflect His intentions for us. But God's intentions are not limited only to our talents. God put a cross in Christ’s hands. And, in this instance it was not His talent but His obedient spirit, which qualified Him for the job. By taking up His cross, Christ fulfilled His own unique purpose. When Jesus encourages us to take up our cross, he may very well be telling us to find and stay focused on our own unique purpose. Each of us should consider what God has put in our hand. The people we meet, the place where we live, events, vocations, talents and possessions are all providences, provisions if you will, that equip and thus reveal His unique purpose for each of His children. Consider what God has put in your hand. Take it up daily.
We can be sure not only that God has a specific plan for our lives but in order for us to fulfill it we will probably have to deny ourselves other plans we may wish to pursue. In any case, our greatest happiness is promised in God’s purposes. What is my cross? It is whatever task the King has assigned to His subject in the advancement of His Kingdom. His cross, as well as my own, define my purpose. 4/12/07 ts
It is one thing to say that God has a plan for our lives and another to know what that plan is. Beyond the common benefits given to all who come to Christ, does God have a specific plan for each of us? I think He does. Even a cursory reading of the Scriptures would illustrate this. How can we know what that plan is? When students ask this question, I generally tell them to simply ask God to make His plan clear to them, but I also encourage them to look at what God has put in their hand. If God gives you a shovel , more than likely, He wants you to dig. The talents and possessions entrusted to us would logically reflect His intentions for us. But God's intentions are not limited only to our talents. God put a cross in Christ’s hands. And, in this instance it was not His talent but His obedient spirit, which qualified Him for the job. By taking up His cross, Christ fulfilled His own unique purpose. When Jesus encourages us to take up our cross, he may very well be telling us to find and stay focused on our own unique purpose. Each of us should consider what God has put in our hand. The people we meet, the place where we live, events, vocations, talents and possessions are all providences, provisions if you will, that equip and thus reveal His unique purpose for each of His children. Consider what God has put in your hand. Take it up daily.
We can be sure not only that God has a specific plan for our lives but in order for us to fulfill it we will probably have to deny ourselves other plans we may wish to pursue. In any case, our greatest happiness is promised in God’s purposes. What is my cross? It is whatever task the King has assigned to His subject in the advancement of His Kingdom. His cross, as well as my own, define my purpose. 4/12/07 ts
My Cross
“Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Lk9.23 NKJV
It is one thing to say that God has a plan for our lives and another to know what that plan is. Beyond the common benefits given to all who come to Christ, does God have a specific plan for each of us? I think He does. Even a cursory reading of the Scriptures would illustrate this. How can we know what that plan is? When students ask this question, I generally tell them to simply ask God to make His plan clear to them, but I also encourage them to look at what God has put in their hand. If God gives you a shovel , more than likely, He wants you to dig. The talents and possessions entrusted to us would logically reflect His intentions for us. But God's intentions are not limited only to our talents. God put a cross in Christ’s hands. And, in this instance it was not His talent but His obedient spirit, which qualified Him for the job. By taking up His cross, Christ fulfilled His own unique purpose. When Jesus encourages us to take up our cross, he may very well be telling us to find and stay focused on our own unique purpose. Each of us should consider what God has put in our hand. The people we meet, the place where we live, events, vocations, talents and possessions are all providences, provisions if you will, that equip and thus reveal His unique purpose for each of His children. Consider what God has put in your hand. Take it up daily.
We can be sure not only that God has a specific plan for our lives but in order for us to fulfill it we will probably have to deny ourselves other plans we may wish to pursue. In any case, our greatest happiness is promised in God’s purposes. What is my cross? It is whatever task the King has assigned to His subject in the advancement of His Kingdom. His cross, as well as my own, define my purpose. 4/12/07 ts
It is one thing to say that God has a plan for our lives and another to know what that plan is. Beyond the common benefits given to all who come to Christ, does God have a specific plan for each of us? I think He does. Even a cursory reading of the Scriptures would illustrate this. How can we know what that plan is? When students ask this question, I generally tell them to simply ask God to make His plan clear to them, but I also encourage them to look at what God has put in their hand. If God gives you a shovel , more than likely, He wants you to dig. The talents and possessions entrusted to us would logically reflect His intentions for us. But God's intentions are not limited only to our talents. God put a cross in Christ’s hands. And, in this instance it was not His talent but His obedient spirit, which qualified Him for the job. By taking up His cross, Christ fulfilled His own unique purpose. When Jesus encourages us to take up our cross, he may very well be telling us to find and stay focused on our own unique purpose. Each of us should consider what God has put in our hand. The people we meet, the place where we live, events, vocations, talents and possessions are all providences, provisions if you will, that equip and thus reveal His unique purpose for each of His children. Consider what God has put in your hand. Take it up daily.
We can be sure not only that God has a specific plan for our lives but in order for us to fulfill it we will probably have to deny ourselves other plans we may wish to pursue. In any case, our greatest happiness is promised in God’s purposes. What is my cross? It is whatever task the King has assigned to His subject in the advancement of His Kingdom. His cross, as well as my own, define my purpose. 4/12/07 ts
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Unlocked Doors
“Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.” 1Pe2.24
It is clear that apart of the healing we have received from Christ is the power to live for righteousness. This of course doesn’t mean that we will, at least not all of the time. Christ may have unlocked the door but we do not always go through it. We were healed that we “might live for righteousness.” A part of the healing we have received is simply possibility and potentiality, where none existed. It is now possible, because we have been declared right with God, to enter into a useful relationship with Him. This of course will spill over into our relationship with ourselves, others and all created things. Our actual everyday experience of living for righteousness may or may not occur depending on the choices we make. Christ has unlocked the door but we must go through it. This does not mean, of course, that He will abandon us when we don’t. Like the patient parent teaching the child to walk He will not ditch us when we repeatedly fall down. 4/11/07 ts
It is clear that apart of the healing we have received from Christ is the power to live for righteousness. This of course doesn’t mean that we will, at least not all of the time. Christ may have unlocked the door but we do not always go through it. We were healed that we “might live for righteousness.” A part of the healing we have received is simply possibility and potentiality, where none existed. It is now possible, because we have been declared right with God, to enter into a useful relationship with Him. This of course will spill over into our relationship with ourselves, others and all created things. Our actual everyday experience of living for righteousness may or may not occur depending on the choices we make. Christ has unlocked the door but we must go through it. This does not mean, of course, that He will abandon us when we don’t. Like the patient parent teaching the child to walk He will not ditch us when we repeatedly fall down. 4/11/07 ts
Unlocked Doors
“Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.” 1Pe2.24
It is clear that apart of the healing we have received from Christ is the power to live for righteousness. This of course doesn’t mean that we will, at least not all of the time. Christ may have unlocked the door but we do not always go through it. We were healed that we “might live for righteousness.” A part of the healing we have received is simply possibility and potentiality, where none existed. It is now possible, because we have been declared right with God, to enter into a useful relationship with Him. This of course will spill over into our relationship with ourselves, others and all created things. Our actual everyday experience of living for righteousness may or may not occur depending on the choices we make. Christ has unlocked the door but we must go through it. This does not mean, of course, that He will abandon us when we don’t. Like the patient parent teaching the child to walk He will not ditch us when we repeatedly fall down. 4/11/07 ts
It is clear that apart of the healing we have received from Christ is the power to live for righteousness. This of course doesn’t mean that we will, at least not all of the time. Christ may have unlocked the door but we do not always go through it. We were healed that we “might live for righteousness.” A part of the healing we have received is simply possibility and potentiality, where none existed. It is now possible, because we have been declared right with God, to enter into a useful relationship with Him. This of course will spill over into our relationship with ourselves, others and all created things. Our actual everyday experience of living for righteousness may or may not occur depending on the choices we make. Christ has unlocked the door but we must go through it. This does not mean, of course, that He will abandon us when we don’t. Like the patient parent teaching the child to walk He will not ditch us when we repeatedly fall down. 4/11/07 ts
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Timing is Everything
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom5.6 NKJV
I find great comfort in the fact that God has a plan for us. Like most plans, His plot has a time table. A great many things were set in motion to accomplish His plan, before we actually arrived in this place. We are told that Christ was born in the fullness of time and He died in due time. The expression “in due time,” simply means the right, or the appropriate time. It has been said that “timing is everything.” I am not sure we can know or appreciate the finer details, which indicated to God that it was the right time to send Christ into the world. One Old Testament story records God telling Abraham that his offspring would have to wait four hundred years before they would be allowed to drive their enemies from the land. In this instance God explained the reason? “The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." In other words, it wasn’t the right time because their present sins did not warrant the severity of being defeated and driven from their homes. God knew that their sins eventually would warrant such judgment, He knew when and four hundred years later when the time was right He gave the Amorites into the hand of His people. Now we are told one important detail which had something to do with he timing of Christ’s death. It occurred, “when we were still without strength.” I would say that such knowledge is as true for us individually as it is collectively. By the time Christ came on the scene, man was given a good look at life under His own strength. It all added up to failure. It still does. This is our collective testimony but it is important for each of us to individually see that we are helpless before God and we desperately need a savior. God has sent His Son to be that Savior and he has done so at the right time. The question before each individual is, Will we embrace His provision while the time is right? 4/10/07 ts
I find great comfort in the fact that God has a plan for us. Like most plans, His plot has a time table. A great many things were set in motion to accomplish His plan, before we actually arrived in this place. We are told that Christ was born in the fullness of time and He died in due time. The expression “in due time,” simply means the right, or the appropriate time. It has been said that “timing is everything.” I am not sure we can know or appreciate the finer details, which indicated to God that it was the right time to send Christ into the world. One Old Testament story records God telling Abraham that his offspring would have to wait four hundred years before they would be allowed to drive their enemies from the land. In this instance God explained the reason? “The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." In other words, it wasn’t the right time because their present sins did not warrant the severity of being defeated and driven from their homes. God knew that their sins eventually would warrant such judgment, He knew when and four hundred years later when the time was right He gave the Amorites into the hand of His people. Now we are told one important detail which had something to do with he timing of Christ’s death. It occurred, “when we were still without strength.” I would say that such knowledge is as true for us individually as it is collectively. By the time Christ came on the scene, man was given a good look at life under His own strength. It all added up to failure. It still does. This is our collective testimony but it is important for each of us to individually see that we are helpless before God and we desperately need a savior. God has sent His Son to be that Savior and he has done so at the right time. The question before each individual is, Will we embrace His provision while the time is right? 4/10/07 ts
Timing is Everything
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom5.6 NKJV
I find great comfort in the fact that God has a plan for us. Like most plans, His plot has a time table. A great many things were set in motion to accomplish His plan, before we actually arrived in this place. We are told that Christ was born in the fullness of time and He died in due time. The expression “in due time,” simply means the right, or the appropriate time. It has been said that “timing is everything.” I am not sure we can know or appreciate the finer details, which indicated to God that it was the right time to send Christ into the world. One Old Testament story records God telling Abraham that his offspring would have to wait four hundred years before they would be allowed to drive their enemies from the land. In this instance God explained the reason? “The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." In other words, it wasn’t the right time because their present sins did not warrant the severity of being defeated and driven from their homes. God knew that their sins eventually would warrant such judgment, He knew when and four hundred years later when the time was right He gave the Amorites into the hand of His people. Now we are told one important detail which had something to do with he timing of Christ’s death. It occurred, “when we were still without strength.” I would say that such knowledge is as true for us individually as it is collectively. By the time Christ came on the scene, man was given a good look at life under His own strength. It all added up to failure. It still does. This is our collective testimony but it is important for each of us to individually see that we are helpless before God and we desperately need a savior. God has sent His Son to be that Savior and he has done so at the right time. The question before each individual is, Will we embrace His provision while the time is right? 4/10/07 ts
I find great comfort in the fact that God has a plan for us. Like most plans, His plot has a time table. A great many things were set in motion to accomplish His plan, before we actually arrived in this place. We are told that Christ was born in the fullness of time and He died in due time. The expression “in due time,” simply means the right, or the appropriate time. It has been said that “timing is everything.” I am not sure we can know or appreciate the finer details, which indicated to God that it was the right time to send Christ into the world. One Old Testament story records God telling Abraham that his offspring would have to wait four hundred years before they would be allowed to drive their enemies from the land. In this instance God explained the reason? “The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." In other words, it wasn’t the right time because their present sins did not warrant the severity of being defeated and driven from their homes. God knew that their sins eventually would warrant such judgment, He knew when and four hundred years later when the time was right He gave the Amorites into the hand of His people. Now we are told one important detail which had something to do with he timing of Christ’s death. It occurred, “when we were still without strength.” I would say that such knowledge is as true for us individually as it is collectively. By the time Christ came on the scene, man was given a good look at life under His own strength. It all added up to failure. It still does. This is our collective testimony but it is important for each of us to individually see that we are helpless before God and we desperately need a savior. God has sent His Son to be that Savior and he has done so at the right time. The question before each individual is, Will we embrace His provision while the time is right? 4/10/07 ts
Monday, April 9, 2007
Substance
“…who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Heb1.3 NKJV
No one summary could capture all that is said about Christ in these words. But it would be correct to say that Christ Himself, is the one true summary of God. All that the Father is to us, is revealed in Him. What is God like? Look no further than Jesus. He is the exact representation of His “hupostasis,“ --a word which transliterates the Greek and is used only two times in the New Testament, both of which are in this epistle. Hupostasis refers to the substance of something. Christ is the substance of God. He is the ray of God’s light, and the Word of God’s mouth and all other realities exist and are held together by Him. It is no wonder that Christian’s worship in the wonder of Christ.
After the resurrection, one disciple refused to believe until he could actually touch the nail prints in Christ’s hand. For doubting Thomas, touching the nail print would be the substance which would substantiate the resurrection. When Jesus did in fact appear to Thomas, He offered His hand and said, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Is it any wonder that Thomas, coming face to face with this substance, would state what could be the only substantial conclusion. "My Lord and my God!" 4/9/07 ts
No one summary could capture all that is said about Christ in these words. But it would be correct to say that Christ Himself, is the one true summary of God. All that the Father is to us, is revealed in Him. What is God like? Look no further than Jesus. He is the exact representation of His “hupostasis,“ --a word which transliterates the Greek and is used only two times in the New Testament, both of which are in this epistle. Hupostasis refers to the substance of something. Christ is the substance of God. He is the ray of God’s light, and the Word of God’s mouth and all other realities exist and are held together by Him. It is no wonder that Christian’s worship in the wonder of Christ.
After the resurrection, one disciple refused to believe until he could actually touch the nail prints in Christ’s hand. For doubting Thomas, touching the nail print would be the substance which would substantiate the resurrection. When Jesus did in fact appear to Thomas, He offered His hand and said, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Is it any wonder that Thomas, coming face to face with this substance, would state what could be the only substantial conclusion. "My Lord and my God!" 4/9/07 ts
Substance
“…who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Heb1.3 NKJV
No one summary could capture all that is said about Christ in these words. But it would be correct to say that Christ Himself, is the one true summary of God. All that the Father is to us, is revealed in Him. What is God like? Look no further than Jesus. He is the exact representation of His “hupostasis,“ --a word which transliterates the Greek and is used only two times in the New Testament, both of which are in this epistle. Hupostasis refers to the substance of something. Christ is the substance of God. He is the ray of God’s light, and the Word of God’s mouth and all other realities exist and are held together by Him. It is no wonder that Christian’s worship in the wonder of Christ.
After the resurrection, one disciple refused to believe until he could actually touch the nail prints in Christ’s hand. For doubting Thomas, touching the nail print would be the substance which would substantiate the resurrection. When Jesus did in fact appear to Thomas, He offered His hand and said, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Is it any wonder that Thomas, coming face to face with this substance, would state what could be the only substantial conclusion. "My Lord and my God!" 4/9/07 ts
No one summary could capture all that is said about Christ in these words. But it would be correct to say that Christ Himself, is the one true summary of God. All that the Father is to us, is revealed in Him. What is God like? Look no further than Jesus. He is the exact representation of His “hupostasis,“ --a word which transliterates the Greek and is used only two times in the New Testament, both of which are in this epistle. Hupostasis refers to the substance of something. Christ is the substance of God. He is the ray of God’s light, and the Word of God’s mouth and all other realities exist and are held together by Him. It is no wonder that Christian’s worship in the wonder of Christ.
After the resurrection, one disciple refused to believe until he could actually touch the nail prints in Christ’s hand. For doubting Thomas, touching the nail print would be the substance which would substantiate the resurrection. When Jesus did in fact appear to Thomas, He offered His hand and said, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Is it any wonder that Thomas, coming face to face with this substance, would state what could be the only substantial conclusion. "My Lord and my God!" 4/9/07 ts
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Spiritual Symbiosis
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Ga2.20
You may remember symbiosis from high school biology. A symbiant relationship exists where two different organisms live together with beneficial consequences for at least one of the parties. In case you have forgotten here is a summary:
Mutualism--both benefit and neither suffers,
Commensalism-one party gains, the other unaffected, Parasitism--one benefits while the other is harmed,
Amensalism--disadvantageous to one, the other is not affected, Neutralism-- both organisms are unaffected,
Competition--both organisms are harmed.
These descriptions can only stimulate us to think about our relationship with God because none of them adequately describe it. Scripture has many descriptions of our relationship with God: husband to wife, king to subject, parent to child, shepherd to sheep, vine to branches, even friend to friend. All of these descriptions are used to describe what can only be a multifaceted relationship between Creator and creature.
Now it is true that in some sense, we may give something to God but this is true only because He has first given to us. The only benefit that we are to Him is a mere expression of the benefit He is to Himself. We were not created out of need but out of excess. We are the overflow of that perfect fellowship eternally existing between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s famous declaration, explains how we are drawn up into this fellowship. It may be hard to visualize, but when we come to Christ we are placed on the cross with Him and our old existence dies. That old life could never live in fellowship with God. He resurrects us in Christ so that a unique symbiosis is formed. We are as distinct as the Father is from the Son but drawn up into the oneness their life and fellowship. 4/7/07 ts
You may remember symbiosis from high school biology. A symbiant relationship exists where two different organisms live together with beneficial consequences for at least one of the parties. In case you have forgotten here is a summary:
Mutualism--both benefit and neither suffers,
Commensalism-one party gains, the other unaffected, Parasitism--one benefits while the other is harmed,
Amensalism--disadvantageous to one, the other is not affected, Neutralism-- both organisms are unaffected,
Competition--both organisms are harmed.
These descriptions can only stimulate us to think about our relationship with God because none of them adequately describe it. Scripture has many descriptions of our relationship with God: husband to wife, king to subject, parent to child, shepherd to sheep, vine to branches, even friend to friend. All of these descriptions are used to describe what can only be a multifaceted relationship between Creator and creature.
Now it is true that in some sense, we may give something to God but this is true only because He has first given to us. The only benefit that we are to Him is a mere expression of the benefit He is to Himself. We were not created out of need but out of excess. We are the overflow of that perfect fellowship eternally existing between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s famous declaration, explains how we are drawn up into this fellowship. It may be hard to visualize, but when we come to Christ we are placed on the cross with Him and our old existence dies. That old life could never live in fellowship with God. He resurrects us in Christ so that a unique symbiosis is formed. We are as distinct as the Father is from the Son but drawn up into the oneness their life and fellowship. 4/7/07 ts
Spiritual Symbiosis
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Ga2.20
You may remember symbiosis from high school biology. A symbiant relationship exists where two different organisms live together with beneficial consequences for at least one of the parties. In case you have forgotten here is a summary:
Mutualism--both benefit and neither suffers,
Commensalism-one party gains, the other unaffected, Parasitism--one benefits while the other is harmed,
Amensalism--disadvantageous to one, the other is not affected, Neutralism-- both organisms are unaffected,
Competition--both organisms are harmed.
These descriptions can only stimulate us to think about our relationship with God because none of them adequately describe it. Scripture has many descriptions of our relationship with God: husband to wife, king to subject, parent to child, shepherd to sheep, vine to branches, even friend to friend. All of these descriptions are used to describe what can only be a multifaceted relationship between Creator and creature.
Now it is true that in some sense, we may give something to God but this is true only because He has first given to us. The only benefit that we are to Him is a mere expression of the benefit He is to Himself. We were not created out of need but out of excess. We are the overflow of that perfect fellowship eternally existing between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s famous declaration, explains how we are drawn up into this fellowship. It may be hard to visualize, but when we come to Christ we are placed on the cross with Him and our old existence dies. That old life could never live in fellowship with God. He resurrects us in Christ so that a unique symbiosis is formed. We are as distinct as the Father is from the Son but drawn up into the oneness their life and fellowship. 4/7/07 ts
You may remember symbiosis from high school biology. A symbiant relationship exists where two different organisms live together with beneficial consequences for at least one of the parties. In case you have forgotten here is a summary:
Mutualism--both benefit and neither suffers,
Commensalism-one party gains, the other unaffected, Parasitism--one benefits while the other is harmed,
Amensalism--disadvantageous to one, the other is not affected, Neutralism-- both organisms are unaffected,
Competition--both organisms are harmed.
These descriptions can only stimulate us to think about our relationship with God because none of them adequately describe it. Scripture has many descriptions of our relationship with God: husband to wife, king to subject, parent to child, shepherd to sheep, vine to branches, even friend to friend. All of these descriptions are used to describe what can only be a multifaceted relationship between Creator and creature.
Now it is true that in some sense, we may give something to God but this is true only because He has first given to us. The only benefit that we are to Him is a mere expression of the benefit He is to Himself. We were not created out of need but out of excess. We are the overflow of that perfect fellowship eternally existing between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s famous declaration, explains how we are drawn up into this fellowship. It may be hard to visualize, but when we come to Christ we are placed on the cross with Him and our old existence dies. That old life could never live in fellowship with God. He resurrects us in Christ so that a unique symbiosis is formed. We are as distinct as the Father is from the Son but drawn up into the oneness their life and fellowship. 4/7/07 ts
Friday, April 6, 2007
Spartan Pride
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” 1Jo3.16 NKJV
The other day Brenda and I watched the old movie, “The 300 Spartans.“ Afterward, we were discussing the meaning of the word "Spartan." To be Spartan is to live disciplined and frugal, to possess only the basic necessities. It is a commitment to live meager, plain, and simple. Such an austere existence has its advantages even attractions. Many have been drawn to the utter simplicity described in “Walden’s Pond.”
Now laying down our pursuit of material possessions is not the same thing as laying down our lives to love others. It is better that I have possessions and share them, than it is to take pride in having few possessions and keep them to myself. For years, I took silly pride in not wearing a watch, or carrying a wallet. Not having a wallet certainly kept me superficially frugal but it also meant that I had no money to give to the homeless man holding out his hand at Wal-mart. I could truthfully tell him I had nothing to give, at least nothing to give on me. Nothing lost but certainly nothing gained either, and in this instance, nothing gained is great loss. If I choose to live frugal, let it be so that I may give, not gain some foolish notion about myself.
Keeping to ourselves, and doing our neighbor no harm is not the same as loving them. So also is one who manages his money well but who also manages not to share it. It is easy to substitute “do no harm” in the place of Christ’s mandate to do good to your neighbor. 4/6/07 ts
The other day Brenda and I watched the old movie, “The 300 Spartans.“ Afterward, we were discussing the meaning of the word "Spartan." To be Spartan is to live disciplined and frugal, to possess only the basic necessities. It is a commitment to live meager, plain, and simple. Such an austere existence has its advantages even attractions. Many have been drawn to the utter simplicity described in “Walden’s Pond.”
Now laying down our pursuit of material possessions is not the same thing as laying down our lives to love others. It is better that I have possessions and share them, than it is to take pride in having few possessions and keep them to myself. For years, I took silly pride in not wearing a watch, or carrying a wallet. Not having a wallet certainly kept me superficially frugal but it also meant that I had no money to give to the homeless man holding out his hand at Wal-mart. I could truthfully tell him I had nothing to give, at least nothing to give on me. Nothing lost but certainly nothing gained either, and in this instance, nothing gained is great loss. If I choose to live frugal, let it be so that I may give, not gain some foolish notion about myself.
Keeping to ourselves, and doing our neighbor no harm is not the same as loving them. So also is one who manages his money well but who also manages not to share it. It is easy to substitute “do no harm” in the place of Christ’s mandate to do good to your neighbor. 4/6/07 ts
Spartan Pride
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” 1Jo3.16 NKJV
The other day Brenda and I watched the old movie, “The 300 Spartans.“ Afterward, we were discussing the meaning of the word "Spartan." To be Spartan is to live disciplined and frugal, to possess only the basic necessities. It is a commitment to live meager, plain, and simple. Such an austere existence has its advantages even attractions. Many have been drawn to the utter simplicity described in “Walden’s Pond.”
Now laying down our pursuit of material possessions is not the same thing as laying down our lives to love others. It is better that I have possessions and share them, than it is to take pride in having few possessions and keep them to myself. For years, I took silly pride in not wearing a watch, or carrying a wallet. Not having a wallet certainly kept me superficially frugal but it also meant that I had no money to give to the homeless man holding out his hand at Wal-mart. I could truthfully tell him I had nothing to give, at least nothing to give on me. Nothing lost but certainly nothing gained either, and in this instance, nothing gained is great loss. If I choose to live frugal, let it be so that I may give, not gain some foolish notion about myself.
Keeping to ourselves, and doing our neighbor no harm is not the same as loving them. So also is one who manages his money well but who also manages not to share it. It is easy to substitute “do no harm” in the place of Christ’s mandate to do good to your neighbor. 4/6/07 ts
The other day Brenda and I watched the old movie, “The 300 Spartans.“ Afterward, we were discussing the meaning of the word "Spartan." To be Spartan is to live disciplined and frugal, to possess only the basic necessities. It is a commitment to live meager, plain, and simple. Such an austere existence has its advantages even attractions. Many have been drawn to the utter simplicity described in “Walden’s Pond.”
Now laying down our pursuit of material possessions is not the same thing as laying down our lives to love others. It is better that I have possessions and share them, than it is to take pride in having few possessions and keep them to myself. For years, I took silly pride in not wearing a watch, or carrying a wallet. Not having a wallet certainly kept me superficially frugal but it also meant that I had no money to give to the homeless man holding out his hand at Wal-mart. I could truthfully tell him I had nothing to give, at least nothing to give on me. Nothing lost but certainly nothing gained either, and in this instance, nothing gained is great loss. If I choose to live frugal, let it be so that I may give, not gain some foolish notion about myself.
Keeping to ourselves, and doing our neighbor no harm is not the same as loving them. So also is one who manages his money well but who also manages not to share it. It is easy to substitute “do no harm” in the place of Christ’s mandate to do good to your neighbor. 4/6/07 ts
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Germinate Us O Lord
“…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2Co5.15 NKJV
We ordinarily think of life coming before death; that people live, then die. But Christ asks us to see life in reverse. He has explained that life comes after death. He died so that we might live. We too undergo the death of living only for ourselves so that we might live for Him. His death and resurrection make ours possible. As He died and rose again, we die to self and rise to live anew. Our final death and resurrection is preceded by this daily death and daily resurrection. Our daily death and resurrection is preceded by our initial repentance (death) and faith (life) when we come to Christ. Those first steps are repeated over and over again until our last breath here is met with our first breath in glory.
I think that it is vital to keep death and resurrection together. Some get stuck on the dying part and fail to live, really live for the Kingdom of God. Like a seed that falls into the ground but never comes up, is one who is all the time dying to the world but not living for God. Die we must, but saying no to lust is not saying yes to love. Our enemy is delighted if we deny self for the sake of shoring up our self pride. Christ is not calling us to die for death’s sake, to glorify suffering and pain. These things only have meaning when we rise again in the newness of life. Only under the warmth of grace can our acts of dying to lust germinate into living for love. 4/5/07 ts
We ordinarily think of life coming before death; that people live, then die. But Christ asks us to see life in reverse. He has explained that life comes after death. He died so that we might live. We too undergo the death of living only for ourselves so that we might live for Him. His death and resurrection make ours possible. As He died and rose again, we die to self and rise to live anew. Our final death and resurrection is preceded by this daily death and daily resurrection. Our daily death and resurrection is preceded by our initial repentance (death) and faith (life) when we come to Christ. Those first steps are repeated over and over again until our last breath here is met with our first breath in glory.
I think that it is vital to keep death and resurrection together. Some get stuck on the dying part and fail to live, really live for the Kingdom of God. Like a seed that falls into the ground but never comes up, is one who is all the time dying to the world but not living for God. Die we must, but saying no to lust is not saying yes to love. Our enemy is delighted if we deny self for the sake of shoring up our self pride. Christ is not calling us to die for death’s sake, to glorify suffering and pain. These things only have meaning when we rise again in the newness of life. Only under the warmth of grace can our acts of dying to lust germinate into living for love. 4/5/07 ts
Germinate Us O Lord
“…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2Co5.15 NKJV
We ordinarily think of life coming before death; that people live, then die. But Christ asks us to see life in reverse. He has explained that life comes after death. He died so that we might live. We too undergo the death of living only for ourselves so that we might live for Him. His death and resurrection make ours possible. As He died and rose again, we die to self and rise to live anew. Our final death and resurrection is preceded by this daily death and daily resurrection. Our daily death and resurrection is preceded by our initial repentance (death) and faith (life) when we come to Christ. Those first steps are repeated over and over again until our last breath here is met with our first breath in glory.
I think that it is vital to keep death and resurrection together. Some get stuck on the dying part and fail to live, really live for the Kingdom of God. Like a seed that falls into the ground but never comes up, is one who is all the time dying to the world but not living for God. Die we must, but saying no to lust is not saying yes to love. Our enemy is delighted if we deny self for the sake of shoring up our self pride. Christ is not calling us to die for death’s sake, to glorify suffering and pain. These things only have meaning when we rise again in the newness of life. Only under the warmth of grace can our acts of dying to lust germinate into living for love. 4/5/07 ts
We ordinarily think of life coming before death; that people live, then die. But Christ asks us to see life in reverse. He has explained that life comes after death. He died so that we might live. We too undergo the death of living only for ourselves so that we might live for Him. His death and resurrection make ours possible. As He died and rose again, we die to self and rise to live anew. Our final death and resurrection is preceded by this daily death and daily resurrection. Our daily death and resurrection is preceded by our initial repentance (death) and faith (life) when we come to Christ. Those first steps are repeated over and over again until our last breath here is met with our first breath in glory.
I think that it is vital to keep death and resurrection together. Some get stuck on the dying part and fail to live, really live for the Kingdom of God. Like a seed that falls into the ground but never comes up, is one who is all the time dying to the world but not living for God. Die we must, but saying no to lust is not saying yes to love. Our enemy is delighted if we deny self for the sake of shoring up our self pride. Christ is not calling us to die for death’s sake, to glorify suffering and pain. These things only have meaning when we rise again in the newness of life. Only under the warmth of grace can our acts of dying to lust germinate into living for love. 4/5/07 ts
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Covered with Blood
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph1.7
Every year, as we approach Easter, I show “The Passion of the Christ.” to my students. Before we begin I always give a word of warning about the graphic violence depicted in the movie. One inescapable fact is conveyed when you tell the story of Christ. Christianity is a bloody affair. One can hardly get through the first pages of Scripture before reading about the very first blood sacrifice. It was to be the first of many to come. The generations which followed, offered the blood sacrifice of countless animals, and all at God‘s bidding. Blood is everywhere in the history of His people. Blood was placed on every doorpost and lintel, blood was spilled daily at the altar, blood was sprinkled throughout the temple on every article used in worship. The first public words declared by the forerunner of Christ about Christ, explain the nature of all this blood. ‘Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.’
The New Testament explains that all the blood shed up to the moment of Christ was to be viewed somewhat like our use of a credit card. The blood of bulls and goats could never take away our debt, but only charge it on account. The payment came in the blood sacrifice of Christ. He offers His blood as the payment of our debts before God. Those who put their trust in God under the old economy of blood sacrifices were looking forward to the cross just as we are looking back to it every time we drink from the communion cup. The blood of Christ not only stands at the center of all human history, His precious blood is the ransom for it. God who made the rule of gravity also made the rule that without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sin. As blood is life, His blood has become our life. The covering of our debts required that we be covered in His blood. Christianity is bloody indeed! That Christians would cherish a first century execution devise may seem strange, until one understands the reason behind all the blood spilt on it. 4/4/07 ts
Every year, as we approach Easter, I show “The Passion of the Christ.” to my students. Before we begin I always give a word of warning about the graphic violence depicted in the movie. One inescapable fact is conveyed when you tell the story of Christ. Christianity is a bloody affair. One can hardly get through the first pages of Scripture before reading about the very first blood sacrifice. It was to be the first of many to come. The generations which followed, offered the blood sacrifice of countless animals, and all at God‘s bidding. Blood is everywhere in the history of His people. Blood was placed on every doorpost and lintel, blood was spilled daily at the altar, blood was sprinkled throughout the temple on every article used in worship. The first public words declared by the forerunner of Christ about Christ, explain the nature of all this blood. ‘Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.’
The New Testament explains that all the blood shed up to the moment of Christ was to be viewed somewhat like our use of a credit card. The blood of bulls and goats could never take away our debt, but only charge it on account. The payment came in the blood sacrifice of Christ. He offers His blood as the payment of our debts before God. Those who put their trust in God under the old economy of blood sacrifices were looking forward to the cross just as we are looking back to it every time we drink from the communion cup. The blood of Christ not only stands at the center of all human history, His precious blood is the ransom for it. God who made the rule of gravity also made the rule that without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sin. As blood is life, His blood has become our life. The covering of our debts required that we be covered in His blood. Christianity is bloody indeed! That Christians would cherish a first century execution devise may seem strange, until one understands the reason behind all the blood spilt on it. 4/4/07 ts
Covered with Blood
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph1.7
Every year, as we approach Easter, I show “The Passion of the Christ.” to my students. Before we begin I always give a word of warning about the graphic violence depicted in the movie. One inescapable fact is conveyed when you tell the story of Christ. Christianity is a bloody affair. One can hardly get through the first pages of Scripture before reading about the very first blood sacrifice. It was to be the first of many to come. The generations which followed, offered the blood sacrifice of countless animals, and all at God‘s bidding. Blood is everywhere in the history of His people. Blood was placed on every doorpost and lintel, blood was spilled daily at the altar, blood was sprinkled throughout the temple on every article used in worship. The first public words declared by the forerunner of Christ about Christ, explain the nature of all this blood. ‘Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.’
The New Testament explains that all the blood shed up to the moment of Christ was to be viewed somewhat like our use of a credit card. The blood of bulls and goats could never take away our debt, but only charge it on account. The payment came in the blood sacrifice of Christ. He offers His blood as the payment of our debts before God. Those who put their trust in God under the old economy of blood sacrifices were looking forward to the cross just as we are looking back to it every time we drink from the communion cup. The blood of Christ not only stands at the center of all human history, His precious blood is the ransom for it. God who made the rule of gravity also made the rule that without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sin. As blood is life, His blood has become our life. The covering of our debts required that we be covered in His blood. Christianity is bloody indeed! That Christians would cherish a first century execution devise may seem strange, until one understands the reason behind all the blood spilt on it. 4/4/07 ts
Every year, as we approach Easter, I show “The Passion of the Christ.” to my students. Before we begin I always give a word of warning about the graphic violence depicted in the movie. One inescapable fact is conveyed when you tell the story of Christ. Christianity is a bloody affair. One can hardly get through the first pages of Scripture before reading about the very first blood sacrifice. It was to be the first of many to come. The generations which followed, offered the blood sacrifice of countless animals, and all at God‘s bidding. Blood is everywhere in the history of His people. Blood was placed on every doorpost and lintel, blood was spilled daily at the altar, blood was sprinkled throughout the temple on every article used in worship. The first public words declared by the forerunner of Christ about Christ, explain the nature of all this blood. ‘Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.’
The New Testament explains that all the blood shed up to the moment of Christ was to be viewed somewhat like our use of a credit card. The blood of bulls and goats could never take away our debt, but only charge it on account. The payment came in the blood sacrifice of Christ. He offers His blood as the payment of our debts before God. Those who put their trust in God under the old economy of blood sacrifices were looking forward to the cross just as we are looking back to it every time we drink from the communion cup. The blood of Christ not only stands at the center of all human history, His precious blood is the ransom for it. God who made the rule of gravity also made the rule that without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sin. As blood is life, His blood has become our life. The covering of our debts required that we be covered in His blood. Christianity is bloody indeed! That Christians would cherish a first century execution devise may seem strange, until one understands the reason behind all the blood spilt on it. 4/4/07 ts
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Hyper Focused
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb12.1-2
Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, is a neurological condition that is said to effect 3-5% of the population. Now apart from the physical malady, attention deficit is a common problem these days not only in every classroom but it seems everywhere. The power to focus is one of the most important skills in life. Focus is a skill because in is learned and reinforced by practice. Even people with ADD can be taught to do it and some believe that ADD itself is a mental state of hyper focus. In other words, a person may appear distracted, when in fact they are so focused on something they have tuned out what is going on around them. Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison are thought by some to have had this hyper focus. While there may be some undesirable results to such, no one would deny the positive aspects of channeling energy onto an important task.
Our text directs our attention to such a task. We are told that in the race of faith, we are to fix our eyes on Jesus. Truthfully all starts and ends with Him. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He remained focused until he could say, “It is finished.” In the race of faith we start by trusting Christ and finish with this same focus. We are called to take captive every thought to His obedience, to channel our energies, to be hyper focused, if you will, on laying hold of His life within us. 4/3/07 ts
Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, is a neurological condition that is said to effect 3-5% of the population. Now apart from the physical malady, attention deficit is a common problem these days not only in every classroom but it seems everywhere. The power to focus is one of the most important skills in life. Focus is a skill because in is learned and reinforced by practice. Even people with ADD can be taught to do it and some believe that ADD itself is a mental state of hyper focus. In other words, a person may appear distracted, when in fact they are so focused on something they have tuned out what is going on around them. Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison are thought by some to have had this hyper focus. While there may be some undesirable results to such, no one would deny the positive aspects of channeling energy onto an important task.
Our text directs our attention to such a task. We are told that in the race of faith, we are to fix our eyes on Jesus. Truthfully all starts and ends with Him. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He remained focused until he could say, “It is finished.” In the race of faith we start by trusting Christ and finish with this same focus. We are called to take captive every thought to His obedience, to channel our energies, to be hyper focused, if you will, on laying hold of His life within us. 4/3/07 ts
Hyper Focused
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb12.1-2
Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, is a neurological condition that is said to effect 3-5% of the population. Now apart from the physical malady, attention deficit is a common problem these days not only in every classroom but it seems everywhere. The power to focus is one of the most important skills in life. Focus is a skill because in is learned and reinforced by practice. Even people with ADD can be taught to do it and some believe that ADD itself is a mental state of hyper focus. In other words, a person may appear distracted, when in fact they are so focused on something they have tuned out what is going on around them. Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison are thought by some to have had this hyper focus. While there may be some undesirable results to such, no one would deny the positive aspects of channeling energy onto an important task.
Our text directs our attention to such a task. We are told that in the race of faith, we are to fix our eyes on Jesus. Truthfully all starts and ends with Him. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He remained focused until he could say, “It is finished.” In the race of faith we start by trusting Christ and finish with this same focus. We are called to take captive every thought to His obedience, to channel our energies, to be hyper focused, if you will, on laying hold of His life within us. 4/3/07 ts
Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, is a neurological condition that is said to effect 3-5% of the population. Now apart from the physical malady, attention deficit is a common problem these days not only in every classroom but it seems everywhere. The power to focus is one of the most important skills in life. Focus is a skill because in is learned and reinforced by practice. Even people with ADD can be taught to do it and some believe that ADD itself is a mental state of hyper focus. In other words, a person may appear distracted, when in fact they are so focused on something they have tuned out what is going on around them. Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison are thought by some to have had this hyper focus. While there may be some undesirable results to such, no one would deny the positive aspects of channeling energy onto an important task.
Our text directs our attention to such a task. We are told that in the race of faith, we are to fix our eyes on Jesus. Truthfully all starts and ends with Him. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He remained focused until he could say, “It is finished.” In the race of faith we start by trusting Christ and finish with this same focus. We are called to take captive every thought to His obedience, to channel our energies, to be hyper focused, if you will, on laying hold of His life within us. 4/3/07 ts
Monday, April 2, 2007
The Wave that Pride will Ride
Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death. Mt20.18 NKJV
When I wish to emphasize something to students, I generally will lean forward and say, ’Listen,’ and then pause for effect. Jesus used a similar style of speech. He would often say, ’Behold.” This was His way of punching the audience, telling them to sit up and visualized what He is saying. Here, He want them to know full well what is about to happen.
One thing that should stand out to each of us in His words, is the group that Jesus identifies who will condemn Him to death. Today we would call them the religious right. Strange, though it is not uncommon, we often find religious leaders the first to throw stones. We need to sit up and pay attention to this fact. Religion is often the wave on which pride will ride and, it is pride that fuels the fires of condemning others. We should guard our hearts from such. I have witnessed this pride in myself as I have looked with despicable contempt on a certain behavior in others that I foolishly believe is beneath me. I have also heard the non-religious condemn those that are, as if there was a difference in their source of pride. Pride is pride. We are all infected with it. I have written this quote on my bathroom mirror--a fitting place I think. “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.” C.S. Lewis 4/2/07 ts
When I wish to emphasize something to students, I generally will lean forward and say, ’Listen,’ and then pause for effect. Jesus used a similar style of speech. He would often say, ’Behold.” This was His way of punching the audience, telling them to sit up and visualized what He is saying. Here, He want them to know full well what is about to happen.
One thing that should stand out to each of us in His words, is the group that Jesus identifies who will condemn Him to death. Today we would call them the religious right. Strange, though it is not uncommon, we often find religious leaders the first to throw stones. We need to sit up and pay attention to this fact. Religion is often the wave on which pride will ride and, it is pride that fuels the fires of condemning others. We should guard our hearts from such. I have witnessed this pride in myself as I have looked with despicable contempt on a certain behavior in others that I foolishly believe is beneath me. I have also heard the non-religious condemn those that are, as if there was a difference in their source of pride. Pride is pride. We are all infected with it. I have written this quote on my bathroom mirror--a fitting place I think. “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.” C.S. Lewis 4/2/07 ts
The Wave that Pride will Ride
Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death. Mt20.18 NKJV
When I wish to emphasize something to students, I generally will lean forward and say, ’Listen,’ and then pause for effect. Jesus used a similar style of speech. He would often say, ’Behold.” This was His way of punching the audience, telling them to sit up and visualized what He is saying. Here, He want them to know full well what is about to happen.
One thing that should stand out to each of us in His words, is the group that Jesus identifies who will condemn Him to death. Today we would call them the religious right. Strange, though it is not uncommon, we often find religious leaders the first to throw stones. We need to sit up and pay attention to this fact. Religion is often the wave on which pride will ride and, it is pride that fuels the fires of condemning others. We should guard our hearts from such. I have witnessed this pride in myself as I have looked with despicable contempt on a certain behavior in others that I foolishly believe is beneath me. I have also heard the non-religious condemn those that are, as if there was a difference in their source of pride. Pride is pride. We are all infected with it. I have written this quote on my bathroom mirror--a fitting place I think. “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.” C.S. Lewis 4/2/07 ts
When I wish to emphasize something to students, I generally will lean forward and say, ’Listen,’ and then pause for effect. Jesus used a similar style of speech. He would often say, ’Behold.” This was His way of punching the audience, telling them to sit up and visualized what He is saying. Here, He want them to know full well what is about to happen.
One thing that should stand out to each of us in His words, is the group that Jesus identifies who will condemn Him to death. Today we would call them the religious right. Strange, though it is not uncommon, we often find religious leaders the first to throw stones. We need to sit up and pay attention to this fact. Religion is often the wave on which pride will ride and, it is pride that fuels the fires of condemning others. We should guard our hearts from such. I have witnessed this pride in myself as I have looked with despicable contempt on a certain behavior in others that I foolishly believe is beneath me. I have also heard the non-religious condemn those that are, as if there was a difference in their source of pride. Pride is pride. We are all infected with it. I have written this quote on my bathroom mirror--a fitting place I think. “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.” C.S. Lewis 4/2/07 ts
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