“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1Th4.16-17 NKJV
These words so often and so appropriately read at funeral services, express the heart of Christian hope. I would think that because many people are still in shock at the death of a loved one, they only numbly hear the words as they are being read. It is good then to visit them while the clouds are at bay, for there are several substantial comforts offered to us in them. One, is that when we die we will not pass into nothingness, that there is more to life than just this life. Another, is that we will meet our loved ones who have already passed into the eternal realm , so while the experience itself is unknown there will be someone familiar to help us with the transition. There will in fact be a number of familiar experiences, people, music, sights and sounds. Yet somehow all will be changed into something so grand as to be without description though many have tried.
But the summit in this experience will be when we see the cause of it. We will meet the Lord in all His glory, and because of Him, we will finally be dressed in our own. Christian hope is not only to live forever but to live forever with Him. He is the sugar in the pie, the sweetness of every sweet thing, the life in eternal life. 5/31/07 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Sweetness of every Sweet Thing
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1Th4.16-17 NKJV
These words so often and so appropriately read at funeral services, express the heart of Christian hope. I would think that because many people are still in shock at the death of a loved one, they only numbly hear the words as they are being read. It is good then to visit them while the clouds are at bay, for there are several substantial comforts offered to us in them. One, is that when we die we will not pass into nothingness, that there is more to life than just this life. Another, is that we will meet our loved ones who have already passed into the eternal realm , so while the experience itself is unknown there will be someone familiar to help us with the transition. There will in fact be a number of familiar experiences, people, music, sights and sounds. Yet somehow all will be changed into something so grand as to be without description though many have tried.
But the summit in this experience will be when we see the cause of it. We will meet the Lord in all His glory, and because of Him, we will finally be dressed in our own. Christian hope is not only to live forever but to live forever with Him. He is the sugar in the pie, the sweetness of every sweet thing, the life in eternal life. 5/31/07 ts
These words so often and so appropriately read at funeral services, express the heart of Christian hope. I would think that because many people are still in shock at the death of a loved one, they only numbly hear the words as they are being read. It is good then to visit them while the clouds are at bay, for there are several substantial comforts offered to us in them. One, is that when we die we will not pass into nothingness, that there is more to life than just this life. Another, is that we will meet our loved ones who have already passed into the eternal realm , so while the experience itself is unknown there will be someone familiar to help us with the transition. There will in fact be a number of familiar experiences, people, music, sights and sounds. Yet somehow all will be changed into something so grand as to be without description though many have tried.
But the summit in this experience will be when we see the cause of it. We will meet the Lord in all His glory, and because of Him, we will finally be dressed in our own. Christian hope is not only to live forever but to live forever with Him. He is the sugar in the pie, the sweetness of every sweet thing, the life in eternal life. 5/31/07 ts
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The Bottom Line
In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? Ps56.4 NKJV
It is interesting that after the question, “What can flesh do to me,“ the psalmist immediately lists a few activities. “All day they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.
they gather together, they hide, they mark my steps, they lie in wait for my life.”
I think the question is rhetorical and that the writer is saying that people may do any number of things against me but because God is my trust, all the evil they would do is in effect nothing. What can they do to me? Nothing really.
This is a kind of bottom line thinking. Because God is my trust and He allows some evil against me, and He is always working all things for my good, what could anyone possibly do, that could undo His goodness? Nothing really? This of course is not to say that Christians cannot be robbed or raped or slandered or murdered. But it is saying that in the ultimate sense, God will have the final say regarding the life of those who trust in Him and that word, will be a good one. So, the bottom line is no matter what evil others do to me, God will override it for my eternal good.
I think that whether we are afraid or not afraid at any given moment, is greatly determined by our ability to focus on this bottom line. I know that every time I am rock climbing, I have to mentally go through this kind of reasoning. I may be nervous, fearful that I may fall, but when I ask myself what is the worst thing that could truthfully happen, I know that because I am securely roped, that I am truly secure. That’s the bottom line. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. 5/30/07 ts
It is interesting that after the question, “What can flesh do to me,“ the psalmist immediately lists a few activities. “All day they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.
they gather together, they hide, they mark my steps, they lie in wait for my life.”
I think the question is rhetorical and that the writer is saying that people may do any number of things against me but because God is my trust, all the evil they would do is in effect nothing. What can they do to me? Nothing really.
This is a kind of bottom line thinking. Because God is my trust and He allows some evil against me, and He is always working all things for my good, what could anyone possibly do, that could undo His goodness? Nothing really? This of course is not to say that Christians cannot be robbed or raped or slandered or murdered. But it is saying that in the ultimate sense, God will have the final say regarding the life of those who trust in Him and that word, will be a good one. So, the bottom line is no matter what evil others do to me, God will override it for my eternal good.
I think that whether we are afraid or not afraid at any given moment, is greatly determined by our ability to focus on this bottom line. I know that every time I am rock climbing, I have to mentally go through this kind of reasoning. I may be nervous, fearful that I may fall, but when I ask myself what is the worst thing that could truthfully happen, I know that because I am securely roped, that I am truly secure. That’s the bottom line. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. 5/30/07 ts
The Bottom Line
In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? Ps56.4 NKJV
It is interesting that after the question, “What can flesh do to me,“ the psalmist immediately lists a few activities. “All day they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.
they gather together, they hide, they mark my steps, they lie in wait for my life.”
I think the question is rhetorical and that the writer is saying that people may do any number of things against me but because God is my trust, all the evil they would do is in effect nothing. What can they do to me? Nothing really.
This is a kind of bottom line thinking. Because God is my trust and He allows some evil against me, and He is always working all things for my good, what could anyone possibly do, that could undo His goodness? Nothing really? This of course is not to say that Christians cannot be robbed or raped or slandered or murdered. But it is saying that in the ultimate sense, God will have the final say regarding the life of those who trust in Him and that word, will be a good one. So, the bottom line is no matter what evil others do to me, God will override it for my eternal good.
I think that whether we are afraid or not afraid at any given moment, is greatly determined by our ability to focus on this bottom line. I know that every time I am rock climbing, I have to mentally go through this kind of reasoning. I may be nervous, fearful that I may fall, but when I ask myself what is the worst thing that could truthfully happen, I know that because I am securely roped, that I am truly secure. That’s the bottom line. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. 5/30/07 ts
It is interesting that after the question, “What can flesh do to me,“ the psalmist immediately lists a few activities. “All day they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.
they gather together, they hide, they mark my steps, they lie in wait for my life.”
I think the question is rhetorical and that the writer is saying that people may do any number of things against me but because God is my trust, all the evil they would do is in effect nothing. What can they do to me? Nothing really.
This is a kind of bottom line thinking. Because God is my trust and He allows some evil against me, and He is always working all things for my good, what could anyone possibly do, that could undo His goodness? Nothing really? This of course is not to say that Christians cannot be robbed or raped or slandered or murdered. But it is saying that in the ultimate sense, God will have the final say regarding the life of those who trust in Him and that word, will be a good one. So, the bottom line is no matter what evil others do to me, God will override it for my eternal good.
I think that whether we are afraid or not afraid at any given moment, is greatly determined by our ability to focus on this bottom line. I know that every time I am rock climbing, I have to mentally go through this kind of reasoning. I may be nervous, fearful that I may fall, but when I ask myself what is the worst thing that could truthfully happen, I know that because I am securely roped, that I am truly secure. That’s the bottom line. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. 5/30/07 ts
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
That’s the Deal
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. Ps103.17-18 NKJV
Perfect obedience may not be the key that opens heaven's doors, at least not our obedience, that is the gift of Christ to those who trust Him. This is one of the many reasons we need mercy. But we should understand that perfect obedience is the goal that Christ has in mind when He comes to live in us. The words of Christ ‘Be ye perfect…“ have bothered many, they certainly have bothered me. C. S. Lewis offers an insight I think helpful, “Some people seem to think this means 'Unless you are perfect, I will not help you'; and as we cannot be perfect, then, if He meant that, our position is hopeless. But I do not think He did mean that. I think He meant 'The only help I will give is help to become perfect. You may want something less: but I will give you nothing less.'“
The agreement God makes with us and we with Him, is that He will accept the perfect righteousness of Christ, as the basis for all of His interaction with us, if we also accept that with this grace, He fully intends to make us just like Christ. Because He is perfect, He cannot offer anything less than perfection if we are to live with Him. That’s the deal. I suppose that knowing this means that we can expect some pretty rough days. What is promised, is not only His perfection but the fullness of His joy that comes with it. That too is part of the deal. 5/29/07 ts
Perfect obedience may not be the key that opens heaven's doors, at least not our obedience, that is the gift of Christ to those who trust Him. This is one of the many reasons we need mercy. But we should understand that perfect obedience is the goal that Christ has in mind when He comes to live in us. The words of Christ ‘Be ye perfect…“ have bothered many, they certainly have bothered me. C. S. Lewis offers an insight I think helpful, “Some people seem to think this means 'Unless you are perfect, I will not help you'; and as we cannot be perfect, then, if He meant that, our position is hopeless. But I do not think He did mean that. I think He meant 'The only help I will give is help to become perfect. You may want something less: but I will give you nothing less.'“
The agreement God makes with us and we with Him, is that He will accept the perfect righteousness of Christ, as the basis for all of His interaction with us, if we also accept that with this grace, He fully intends to make us just like Christ. Because He is perfect, He cannot offer anything less than perfection if we are to live with Him. That’s the deal. I suppose that knowing this means that we can expect some pretty rough days. What is promised, is not only His perfection but the fullness of His joy that comes with it. That too is part of the deal. 5/29/07 ts
That’s the Deal
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. Ps103.17-18 NKJV
Perfect obedience may not be the key that opens heaven's doors, at least not our obedience, that is the gift of Christ to those who trust Him. This is one of the many reasons we need mercy. But we should understand that perfect obedience is the goal that Christ has in mind when He comes to live in us. The words of Christ ‘Be ye perfect…“ have bothered many, they certainly have bothered me. C. S. Lewis offers an insight I think helpful, “Some people seem to think this means 'Unless you are perfect, I will not help you'; and as we cannot be perfect, then, if He meant that, our position is hopeless. But I do not think He did mean that. I think He meant 'The only help I will give is help to become perfect. You may want something less: but I will give you nothing less.'“
The agreement God makes with us and we with Him, is that He will accept the perfect righteousness of Christ, as the basis for all of His interaction with us, if we also accept that with this grace, He fully intends to make us just like Christ. Because He is perfect, He cannot offer anything less than perfection if we are to live with Him. That’s the deal. I suppose that knowing this means that we can expect some pretty rough days. What is promised, is not only His perfection but the fullness of His joy that comes with it. That too is part of the deal. 5/29/07 ts
Perfect obedience may not be the key that opens heaven's doors, at least not our obedience, that is the gift of Christ to those who trust Him. This is one of the many reasons we need mercy. But we should understand that perfect obedience is the goal that Christ has in mind when He comes to live in us. The words of Christ ‘Be ye perfect…“ have bothered many, they certainly have bothered me. C. S. Lewis offers an insight I think helpful, “Some people seem to think this means 'Unless you are perfect, I will not help you'; and as we cannot be perfect, then, if He meant that, our position is hopeless. But I do not think He did mean that. I think He meant 'The only help I will give is help to become perfect. You may want something less: but I will give you nothing less.'“
The agreement God makes with us and we with Him, is that He will accept the perfect righteousness of Christ, as the basis for all of His interaction with us, if we also accept that with this grace, He fully intends to make us just like Christ. Because He is perfect, He cannot offer anything less than perfection if we are to live with Him. That’s the deal. I suppose that knowing this means that we can expect some pretty rough days. What is promised, is not only His perfection but the fullness of His joy that comes with it. That too is part of the deal. 5/29/07 ts
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sensitivities
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Ro12.15 NKJV
There is a great deal of freedom, even happiness, when we are able to stop thinking about our self and turn our thoughts toward those around us. When it comes to personal sensitivity, let my heart be tender toward the feelings of others and tough as nails toward my own. The ability to feel and express empathy toward those in my life, is one of the most important skills I will ever learn, if I am to truly love them. And, it is often a self centered love, protecting its own sensitivities that gets in the way of effectively loving others. Father lead me out of the prison of being oversensitive to my own feelings, make me supersensitive toward those You would love through me, and hypersensitive to all that gives You glory. 5/28/07 ts
There is a great deal of freedom, even happiness, when we are able to stop thinking about our self and turn our thoughts toward those around us. When it comes to personal sensitivity, let my heart be tender toward the feelings of others and tough as nails toward my own. The ability to feel and express empathy toward those in my life, is one of the most important skills I will ever learn, if I am to truly love them. And, it is often a self centered love, protecting its own sensitivities that gets in the way of effectively loving others. Father lead me out of the prison of being oversensitive to my own feelings, make me supersensitive toward those You would love through me, and hypersensitive to all that gives You glory. 5/28/07 ts
Sensitivities
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Ro12.15 NKJV
There is a great deal of freedom, even happiness, when we are able to stop thinking about our self and turn our thoughts toward those around us. When it comes to personal sensitivity, let my heart be tender toward the feelings of others and tough as nails toward my own. The ability to feel and express empathy toward those in my life, is one of the most important skills I will ever learn, if I am to truly love them. And, it is often a self centered love, protecting its own sensitivities that gets in the way of effectively loving others. Father lead me out of the prison of being oversensitive to my own feelings, make me supersensitive toward those You would love through me, and hypersensitive to all that gives You glory. 5/28/07 ts
There is a great deal of freedom, even happiness, when we are able to stop thinking about our self and turn our thoughts toward those around us. When it comes to personal sensitivity, let my heart be tender toward the feelings of others and tough as nails toward my own. The ability to feel and express empathy toward those in my life, is one of the most important skills I will ever learn, if I am to truly love them. And, it is often a self centered love, protecting its own sensitivities that gets in the way of effectively loving others. Father lead me out of the prison of being oversensitive to my own feelings, make me supersensitive toward those You would love through me, and hypersensitive to all that gives You glory. 5/28/07 ts
Friday, May 25, 2007
Pinned up Frustration with God
“Be… slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Jam1.20
I am one of those people who tend to get angry at inanimate objects. I woke this morning to find my bathroom shower going drip, drip, drip. No matter how I turned the handle, I still got the same result. I turned it left, right, pushed down on it real hard and when it still dripped, I pounded on it several times with my fist. Frustrated, I gently heard these familiar words whispered to my soul, “for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.“ No kidding. I find it humorous and at the same time humbling, that the verse waiting on me for my reflections this morning is the same word I heard just five minutes ago when I was venting anger at a shower knob. But thus He speaks, and these ‘co-incidents,’ have become the norm, so much so, that I could not possibly regard them as inanimate events but a very real and very personal interaction with the living God.
It seems silly to vent anger at an object that has absolutely no personal animosity towards you. And many times I think my anger is really at the invisible God who is allowing, causing or behind these annoyances in my life, if only to teach me patience. All inanimate events are directed by an animate God. I remember a friend telling me about an episode of anger he had at God one morning. One thing after another kept going wrong at work until he finally pounded the work bench and shouted, “If You think I need this this morning, You are wronggg!
I find in my life that anger at inanimate things and events is many times pinned up frustration at God who seems to be resisting me. And, He does resist the proud you know, just as He gives grace to the humble. 5/25/07 ts
I am one of those people who tend to get angry at inanimate objects. I woke this morning to find my bathroom shower going drip, drip, drip. No matter how I turned the handle, I still got the same result. I turned it left, right, pushed down on it real hard and when it still dripped, I pounded on it several times with my fist. Frustrated, I gently heard these familiar words whispered to my soul, “for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.“ No kidding. I find it humorous and at the same time humbling, that the verse waiting on me for my reflections this morning is the same word I heard just five minutes ago when I was venting anger at a shower knob. But thus He speaks, and these ‘co-incidents,’ have become the norm, so much so, that I could not possibly regard them as inanimate events but a very real and very personal interaction with the living God.
It seems silly to vent anger at an object that has absolutely no personal animosity towards you. And many times I think my anger is really at the invisible God who is allowing, causing or behind these annoyances in my life, if only to teach me patience. All inanimate events are directed by an animate God. I remember a friend telling me about an episode of anger he had at God one morning. One thing after another kept going wrong at work until he finally pounded the work bench and shouted, “If You think I need this this morning, You are wronggg!
I find in my life that anger at inanimate things and events is many times pinned up frustration at God who seems to be resisting me. And, He does resist the proud you know, just as He gives grace to the humble. 5/25/07 ts
Pinned up Frustration with God
“Be… slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Jam1.20
I am one of those people who tend to get angry at inanimate objects. I woke this morning to find my bathroom shower going drip, drip, drip. No matter how I turned the handle, I still got the same result. I turned it left, right, pushed down on it real hard and when it still dripped, I pounded on it several times with my fist. Frustrated, I gently heard these familiar words whispered to my soul, “for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.“ No kidding. I find it humorous and at the same time humbling, that the verse waiting on me for my reflections this morning is the same word I heard just five minutes ago when I was venting anger at a shower knob. But thus He speaks, and these ‘co-incidents,’ have become the norm, so much so, that I could not possibly regard them as inanimate events but a very real and very personal interaction with the living God.
It seems silly to vent anger at an object that has absolutely no personal animosity towards you. And many times I think my anger is really at the invisible God who is allowing, causing or behind these annoyances in my life, if only to teach me patience. All inanimate events are directed by an animate God. I remember a friend telling me about an episode of anger he had at God one morning. One thing after another kept going wrong at work until he finally pounded the work bench and shouted, “If You think I need this this morning, You are wronggg!
I find in my life that anger at inanimate things and events is many times pinned up frustration at God who seems to be resisting me. And, He does resist the proud you know, just as He gives grace to the humble. 5/25/07 ts
I am one of those people who tend to get angry at inanimate objects. I woke this morning to find my bathroom shower going drip, drip, drip. No matter how I turned the handle, I still got the same result. I turned it left, right, pushed down on it real hard and when it still dripped, I pounded on it several times with my fist. Frustrated, I gently heard these familiar words whispered to my soul, “for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.“ No kidding. I find it humorous and at the same time humbling, that the verse waiting on me for my reflections this morning is the same word I heard just five minutes ago when I was venting anger at a shower knob. But thus He speaks, and these ‘co-incidents,’ have become the norm, so much so, that I could not possibly regard them as inanimate events but a very real and very personal interaction with the living God.
It seems silly to vent anger at an object that has absolutely no personal animosity towards you. And many times I think my anger is really at the invisible God who is allowing, causing or behind these annoyances in my life, if only to teach me patience. All inanimate events are directed by an animate God. I remember a friend telling me about an episode of anger he had at God one morning. One thing after another kept going wrong at work until he finally pounded the work bench and shouted, “If You think I need this this morning, You are wronggg!
I find in my life that anger at inanimate things and events is many times pinned up frustration at God who seems to be resisting me. And, He does resist the proud you know, just as He gives grace to the humble. 5/25/07 ts
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Fixing the Price
“…giving preference to one another in honor.” Ro12.10
How does one determine the value of something or someone? Apart from the economics of supply and demand, the value of some things is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for them. The value then, in this sense, is determined by the buyer. If I am willing to pay a million dollars for a discarded pair of tennis shoes worn by a popular pro basketball player, then I have set the price for it. I am saying, “This is how much it is worth to me.“ The word “honor” in this verse is used to describe the price set for something. In this sense, the price we are willing to pay reflects how much we value it. The price set for the betrayal of Jesus by Judas was thirty pieces of silver. “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value.” In this instance it was not the measure of true value which determined the price but the value assigned by the buyer and seller.
It is easy to see how this word came to be translated “honor.” The way children honor their parents reflects the value they see in them. The parent may have more value to the child, than the child assigns. This is often the case. Jesus speaking of Himself, said that a prophet has no honor in his own country or his own house. It is amazing but even Christ’s family did not assign to Him true value or the honor He deserved.
Now, we are encouraged to give preference to others in showing honor, that is to take the lead and honor one another as having more value than ourselves. We are encouraged to value others and by our actions assign their value by giving preference to them above ourselves. God has paid us a singular honor. He fixed the price set for us when He bought us with the blood of Christ. He asks us to consider the price He has set on men and women and to treat them with the honor and the value befitting such a price. Every time we deny ourselves to serve, suffer abuse without revenge, we give to people that singular honor which says, “I value your life with mine.” 5/24/07 ts
How does one determine the value of something or someone? Apart from the economics of supply and demand, the value of some things is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for them. The value then, in this sense, is determined by the buyer. If I am willing to pay a million dollars for a discarded pair of tennis shoes worn by a popular pro basketball player, then I have set the price for it. I am saying, “This is how much it is worth to me.“ The word “honor” in this verse is used to describe the price set for something. In this sense, the price we are willing to pay reflects how much we value it. The price set for the betrayal of Jesus by Judas was thirty pieces of silver. “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value.” In this instance it was not the measure of true value which determined the price but the value assigned by the buyer and seller.
It is easy to see how this word came to be translated “honor.” The way children honor their parents reflects the value they see in them. The parent may have more value to the child, than the child assigns. This is often the case. Jesus speaking of Himself, said that a prophet has no honor in his own country or his own house. It is amazing but even Christ’s family did not assign to Him true value or the honor He deserved.
Now, we are encouraged to give preference to others in showing honor, that is to take the lead and honor one another as having more value than ourselves. We are encouraged to value others and by our actions assign their value by giving preference to them above ourselves. God has paid us a singular honor. He fixed the price set for us when He bought us with the blood of Christ. He asks us to consider the price He has set on men and women and to treat them with the honor and the value befitting such a price. Every time we deny ourselves to serve, suffer abuse without revenge, we give to people that singular honor which says, “I value your life with mine.” 5/24/07 ts
Fixing the Price
“…giving preference to one another in honor.” Ro12.10
How does one determine the value of something or someone? Apart from the economics of supply and demand, the value of some things is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for them. The value then, in this sense, is determined by the buyer. If I am willing to pay a million dollars for a discarded pair of tennis shoes worn by a popular pro basketball player, then I have set the price for it. I am saying, “This is how much it is worth to me.“ The word “honor” in this verse is used to describe the price set for something. In this sense, the price we are willing to pay reflects how much we value it. The price set for the betrayal of Jesus by Judas was thirty pieces of silver. “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value.” In this instance it was not the measure of true value which determined the price but the value assigned by the buyer and seller.
It is easy to see how this word came to be translated “honor.” The way children honor their parents reflects the value they see in them. The parent may have more value to the child, than the child assigns. This is often the case. Jesus speaking of Himself, said that a prophet has no honor in his own country or his own house. It is amazing but even Christ’s family did not assign to Him true value or the honor He deserved.
Now, we are encouraged to give preference to others in showing honor, that is to take the lead and honor one another as having more value than ourselves. We are encouraged to value others and by our actions assign their value by giving preference to them above ourselves. God has paid us a singular honor. He fixed the price set for us when He bought us with the blood of Christ. He asks us to consider the price He has set on men and women and to treat them with the honor and the value befitting such a price. Every time we deny ourselves to serve, suffer abuse without revenge, we give to people that singular honor which says, “I value your life with mine.” 5/24/07 ts
How does one determine the value of something or someone? Apart from the economics of supply and demand, the value of some things is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for them. The value then, in this sense, is determined by the buyer. If I am willing to pay a million dollars for a discarded pair of tennis shoes worn by a popular pro basketball player, then I have set the price for it. I am saying, “This is how much it is worth to me.“ The word “honor” in this verse is used to describe the price set for something. In this sense, the price we are willing to pay reflects how much we value it. The price set for the betrayal of Jesus by Judas was thirty pieces of silver. “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value.” In this instance it was not the measure of true value which determined the price but the value assigned by the buyer and seller.
It is easy to see how this word came to be translated “honor.” The way children honor their parents reflects the value they see in them. The parent may have more value to the child, than the child assigns. This is often the case. Jesus speaking of Himself, said that a prophet has no honor in his own country or his own house. It is amazing but even Christ’s family did not assign to Him true value or the honor He deserved.
Now, we are encouraged to give preference to others in showing honor, that is to take the lead and honor one another as having more value than ourselves. We are encouraged to value others and by our actions assign their value by giving preference to them above ourselves. God has paid us a singular honor. He fixed the price set for us when He bought us with the blood of Christ. He asks us to consider the price He has set on men and women and to treat them with the honor and the value befitting such a price. Every time we deny ourselves to serve, suffer abuse without revenge, we give to people that singular honor which says, “I value your life with mine.” 5/24/07 ts
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Falling Behind to Help Someone Forward.
We then who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” Ro15.2-3
We are told to seek the welfare of our neighbor, not because he or she is deserving, or because we like them. It is just the opposite in fact. We are to adjust ourselves, however it is required, to help our neighbor and especially when they are in a bad way because of some failing of their own.
I once watched a documentary of two alpine climbers. After reaching the summit, one got careless, made a foolish move, fell and severely broke his leg. Rather than leave his climbing partner behind, he put his own life at risk and did whatever it took to get his companion down off the mountain. Imagine two men crossing a desert, one, an out of shape smoker and the other a disciplined athlete. When the former falls behind, the latter may have every right to save himself but instead he chooses to fall behind in order to save his friend. This falling behind, this putting your life at risk for another, not because they deserve it, but precisely because they don’t, is what it means to be Christlike.
Christ invites all who trust Him to follow Him. He forgives, we forgive also. He forgives again and again, so we must. He serves, we serve also. He did not please Himself but bore the unjust railings of men against His Father, so we too are to put up with the failings of others if it results in God‘s glory. And, God has make it so very clear, that to seek the good of another is His great pleasure and glory.
What is being said here, is that instead of pleasing ourselves, demanding our rights, we voluntarily suffer because of the failings of another. We fall behind to help them forward. What else would be expected from a follower of Christ? 5/23/07 ts
We are told to seek the welfare of our neighbor, not because he or she is deserving, or because we like them. It is just the opposite in fact. We are to adjust ourselves, however it is required, to help our neighbor and especially when they are in a bad way because of some failing of their own.
I once watched a documentary of two alpine climbers. After reaching the summit, one got careless, made a foolish move, fell and severely broke his leg. Rather than leave his climbing partner behind, he put his own life at risk and did whatever it took to get his companion down off the mountain. Imagine two men crossing a desert, one, an out of shape smoker and the other a disciplined athlete. When the former falls behind, the latter may have every right to save himself but instead he chooses to fall behind in order to save his friend. This falling behind, this putting your life at risk for another, not because they deserve it, but precisely because they don’t, is what it means to be Christlike.
Christ invites all who trust Him to follow Him. He forgives, we forgive also. He forgives again and again, so we must. He serves, we serve also. He did not please Himself but bore the unjust railings of men against His Father, so we too are to put up with the failings of others if it results in God‘s glory. And, God has make it so very clear, that to seek the good of another is His great pleasure and glory.
What is being said here, is that instead of pleasing ourselves, demanding our rights, we voluntarily suffer because of the failings of another. We fall behind to help them forward. What else would be expected from a follower of Christ? 5/23/07 ts
Falling Behind to Help Someone Forward.
We then who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” Ro15.2-3
We are told to seek the welfare of our neighbor, not because he or she is deserving, or because we like them. It is just the opposite in fact. We are to adjust ourselves, however it is required, to help our neighbor and especially when they are in a bad way because of some failing of their own.
I once watched a documentary of two alpine climbers. After reaching the summit, one got careless, made a foolish move, fell and severely broke his leg. Rather than leave his climbing partner behind, he put his own life at risk and did whatever it took to get his companion down off the mountain. Imagine two men crossing a desert, one, an out of shape smoker and the other a disciplined athlete. When the former falls behind, the latter may have every right to save himself but instead he chooses to fall behind in order to save his friend. This falling behind, this putting your life at risk for another, not because they deserve it, but precisely because they don’t, is what it means to be Christlike.
Christ invites all who trust Him to follow Him. He forgives, we forgive also. He forgives again and again, so we must. He serves, we serve also. He did not please Himself but bore the unjust railings of men against His Father, so we too are to put up with the failings of others if it results in God‘s glory. And, God has make it so very clear, that to seek the good of another is His great pleasure and glory.
What is being said here, is that instead of pleasing ourselves, demanding our rights, we voluntarily suffer because of the failings of another. We fall behind to help them forward. What else would be expected from a follower of Christ? 5/23/07 ts
We are told to seek the welfare of our neighbor, not because he or she is deserving, or because we like them. It is just the opposite in fact. We are to adjust ourselves, however it is required, to help our neighbor and especially when they are in a bad way because of some failing of their own.
I once watched a documentary of two alpine climbers. After reaching the summit, one got careless, made a foolish move, fell and severely broke his leg. Rather than leave his climbing partner behind, he put his own life at risk and did whatever it took to get his companion down off the mountain. Imagine two men crossing a desert, one, an out of shape smoker and the other a disciplined athlete. When the former falls behind, the latter may have every right to save himself but instead he chooses to fall behind in order to save his friend. This falling behind, this putting your life at risk for another, not because they deserve it, but precisely because they don’t, is what it means to be Christlike.
Christ invites all who trust Him to follow Him. He forgives, we forgive also. He forgives again and again, so we must. He serves, we serve also. He did not please Himself but bore the unjust railings of men against His Father, so we too are to put up with the failings of others if it results in God‘s glory. And, God has make it so very clear, that to seek the good of another is His great pleasure and glory.
What is being said here, is that instead of pleasing ourselves, demanding our rights, we voluntarily suffer because of the failings of another. We fall behind to help them forward. What else would be expected from a follower of Christ? 5/23/07 ts
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
An “A” for the Course
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Ga5.13 NKJV
I think most of us have known the pressures of studying for an exam, cramming, and with some anxiety, to get a passing grade for some course of study. Imagine for a moment, that your professor removes the pressure of earning a passing grade, by giving you an “A” at the beginning of the school year. In effect he is saying, “I don’t want you worried about passing the class, I want you to be free so that you might discover the joys of studying literature.” Now mind you, your professor is not doing this so you can sleep in everyday, miss and blow off the class.
In a similar sense, when a person trusts Christ, God is giving them as a gift, an “A” for the class of life. He desires to set us free from the fears of a condemning judgment. In effect He is saying, “I don’t want you to go through life afraid, I want you to experience the joys of loving me. I don’t want you to serve me as your religious duty but as your chosen delight.” God creates an environment of freedom so that real learning might happen.
Now the freedom we have in Christ is not the right to do as we please but the enabling power to do what is good. Love for God and love for others is the governing dynamic of the Christian life. There are many activities which are open to us, but our participation or non-participation in them is to be the outgrowth of our desire to please God and our desire to seek the good not only of ourselves but others. 5/22/07 ts
I think most of us have known the pressures of studying for an exam, cramming, and with some anxiety, to get a passing grade for some course of study. Imagine for a moment, that your professor removes the pressure of earning a passing grade, by giving you an “A” at the beginning of the school year. In effect he is saying, “I don’t want you worried about passing the class, I want you to be free so that you might discover the joys of studying literature.” Now mind you, your professor is not doing this so you can sleep in everyday, miss and blow off the class.
In a similar sense, when a person trusts Christ, God is giving them as a gift, an “A” for the class of life. He desires to set us free from the fears of a condemning judgment. In effect He is saying, “I don’t want you to go through life afraid, I want you to experience the joys of loving me. I don’t want you to serve me as your religious duty but as your chosen delight.” God creates an environment of freedom so that real learning might happen.
Now the freedom we have in Christ is not the right to do as we please but the enabling power to do what is good. Love for God and love for others is the governing dynamic of the Christian life. There are many activities which are open to us, but our participation or non-participation in them is to be the outgrowth of our desire to please God and our desire to seek the good not only of ourselves but others. 5/22/07 ts
An “A” for the Course
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Ga5.13 NKJV
I think most of us have known the pressures of studying for an exam, cramming, and with some anxiety, to get a passing grade for some course of study. Imagine for a moment, that your professor removes the pressure of earning a passing grade, by giving you an “A” at the beginning of the school year. In effect he is saying, “I don’t want you worried about passing the class, I want you to be free so that you might discover the joys of studying literature.” Now mind you, your professor is not doing this so you can sleep in everyday, miss and blow off the class.
In a similar sense, when a person trusts Christ, God is giving them as a gift, an “A” for the class of life. He desires to set us free from the fears of a condemning judgment. In effect He is saying, “I don’t want you to go through life afraid, I want you to experience the joys of loving me. I don’t want you to serve me as your religious duty but as your chosen delight.” God creates an environment of freedom so that real learning might happen.
Now the freedom we have in Christ is not the right to do as we please but the enabling power to do what is good. Love for God and love for others is the governing dynamic of the Christian life. There are many activities which are open to us, but our participation or non-participation in them is to be the outgrowth of our desire to please God and our desire to seek the good not only of ourselves but others. 5/22/07 ts
I think most of us have known the pressures of studying for an exam, cramming, and with some anxiety, to get a passing grade for some course of study. Imagine for a moment, that your professor removes the pressure of earning a passing grade, by giving you an “A” at the beginning of the school year. In effect he is saying, “I don’t want you worried about passing the class, I want you to be free so that you might discover the joys of studying literature.” Now mind you, your professor is not doing this so you can sleep in everyday, miss and blow off the class.
In a similar sense, when a person trusts Christ, God is giving them as a gift, an “A” for the class of life. He desires to set us free from the fears of a condemning judgment. In effect He is saying, “I don’t want you to go through life afraid, I want you to experience the joys of loving me. I don’t want you to serve me as your religious duty but as your chosen delight.” God creates an environment of freedom so that real learning might happen.
Now the freedom we have in Christ is not the right to do as we please but the enabling power to do what is good. Love for God and love for others is the governing dynamic of the Christian life. There are many activities which are open to us, but our participation or non-participation in them is to be the outgrowth of our desire to please God and our desire to seek the good not only of ourselves but others. 5/22/07 ts
Monday, May 21, 2007
Unity not Uniformity
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1Co1.10 NKJV
I eat lunch with a group of pastors each month. A number of denominational persuasions are represented. And, while there are certainly differences in doctrine and modes of worship, there are no divisions in our love for Christ and His kingdom.
I believe the encouragement above is a call to unity not uniformity. Harmony exists, not when we all sing the same part but when we sing the same song and sing it under the same Director. Christ is the Composer of our music and the Conductor of His Church. He would not have us all play the same instrument, but follow His hands in a symphony of love to His Father.
I think the test of this unity may comes when I may, in one part of the church practice baptism by immersion, but love and support, even appreciate and give thanks for my brother who sprinkles, for he too is devoted to Christ.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? I may walk on the left hand of Christ and another His right, but we walk with Christ. Perspectives may differ, but Christ Himself is the “tie that binds.” 5/21/07 ts
I eat lunch with a group of pastors each month. A number of denominational persuasions are represented. And, while there are certainly differences in doctrine and modes of worship, there are no divisions in our love for Christ and His kingdom.
I believe the encouragement above is a call to unity not uniformity. Harmony exists, not when we all sing the same part but when we sing the same song and sing it under the same Director. Christ is the Composer of our music and the Conductor of His Church. He would not have us all play the same instrument, but follow His hands in a symphony of love to His Father.
I think the test of this unity may comes when I may, in one part of the church practice baptism by immersion, but love and support, even appreciate and give thanks for my brother who sprinkles, for he too is devoted to Christ.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? I may walk on the left hand of Christ and another His right, but we walk with Christ. Perspectives may differ, but Christ Himself is the “tie that binds.” 5/21/07 ts
Unity not Uniformity
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1Co1.10 NKJV
I eat lunch with a group of pastors each month. A number of denominational persuasions are represented. And, while there are certainly differences in doctrine and modes of worship, there are no divisions in our love for Christ and His kingdom.
I believe the encouragement above is a call to unity not uniformity. Harmony exists, not when we all sing the same part but when we sing the same song and sing it under the same Director. Christ is the Composer of our music and the Conductor of His Church. He would not have us all play the same instrument, but follow His hands in a symphony of love to His Father.
I think the test of this unity may comes when I may, in one part of the church practice baptism by immersion, but love and support, even appreciate and give thanks for my brother who sprinkles, for he too is devoted to Christ.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? I may walk on the left hand of Christ and another His right, but we walk with Christ. Perspectives may differ, but Christ Himself is the “tie that binds.” 5/21/07 ts
I eat lunch with a group of pastors each month. A number of denominational persuasions are represented. And, while there are certainly differences in doctrine and modes of worship, there are no divisions in our love for Christ and His kingdom.
I believe the encouragement above is a call to unity not uniformity. Harmony exists, not when we all sing the same part but when we sing the same song and sing it under the same Director. Christ is the Composer of our music and the Conductor of His Church. He would not have us all play the same instrument, but follow His hands in a symphony of love to His Father.
I think the test of this unity may comes when I may, in one part of the church practice baptism by immersion, but love and support, even appreciate and give thanks for my brother who sprinkles, for he too is devoted to Christ.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? I may walk on the left hand of Christ and another His right, but we walk with Christ. Perspectives may differ, but Christ Himself is the “tie that binds.” 5/21/07 ts
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The Purity of a Focused Life
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure…” Ja3.17 NKJV
The purity of heaven’s wisdom lies in its singular focus. That focus is simply the realization of God's glory. God’s glory is manifest and discovered in God’s will. That is why the wisdom from above is first pure. Without this singular focus, wisdom is polluted into the acumen of demons, who are wise indeed but in the ways of distraction. Heaven’s wisdom will always seek to heal the fragmentations of the fall by refocusing our energies around God’s glory.
The wisdom from above comes to us in the Holy Spirit making it the wisdom from within. His presence in us would have us live with that singular focus so that whether eating or drinking we would do all for the glory of God. Peace is said to follow. Peace follows because the joining of our spirit to the Holy Spirit keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him. 5/19/07 ts
The purity of heaven’s wisdom lies in its singular focus. That focus is simply the realization of God's glory. God’s glory is manifest and discovered in God’s will. That is why the wisdom from above is first pure. Without this singular focus, wisdom is polluted into the acumen of demons, who are wise indeed but in the ways of distraction. Heaven’s wisdom will always seek to heal the fragmentations of the fall by refocusing our energies around God’s glory.
The wisdom from above comes to us in the Holy Spirit making it the wisdom from within. His presence in us would have us live with that singular focus so that whether eating or drinking we would do all for the glory of God. Peace is said to follow. Peace follows because the joining of our spirit to the Holy Spirit keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him. 5/19/07 ts
The Purity of a Focused Life
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure…” Ja3.17 NKJV
The purity of heaven’s wisdom lies in its singular focus. That focus is simply the realization of God's glory. God’s glory is manifest and discovered in God’s will. That is why the wisdom from above is first pure. Without this singular focus, wisdom is polluted into the acumen of demons, who are wise indeed but in the ways of distraction. Heaven’s wisdom will always seek to heal the fragmentations of the fall by refocusing our energies around God’s glory.
The wisdom from above comes to us in the Holy Spirit making it the wisdom from within. His presence in us would have us live with that singular focus so that whether eating or drinking we would do all for the glory of God. Peace is said to follow. Peace follows because the joining of our spirit to the Holy Spirit keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him. 5/19/07 ts
The purity of heaven’s wisdom lies in its singular focus. That focus is simply the realization of God's glory. God’s glory is manifest and discovered in God’s will. That is why the wisdom from above is first pure. Without this singular focus, wisdom is polluted into the acumen of demons, who are wise indeed but in the ways of distraction. Heaven’s wisdom will always seek to heal the fragmentations of the fall by refocusing our energies around God’s glory.
The wisdom from above comes to us in the Holy Spirit making it the wisdom from within. His presence in us would have us live with that singular focus so that whether eating or drinking we would do all for the glory of God. Peace is said to follow. Peace follows because the joining of our spirit to the Holy Spirit keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him. 5/19/07 ts
Friday, May 18, 2007
Real McCoy Christians
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” He6.10
What are those things which accompany a true Christian conversion? Jesus explained that we would be able to see His presence in us, by the fruit we produce. The passage above, tells us, that at least part of that fruit which accompanies salvation, are the works of service and labors of love which we have rendered toward others, and especially those in the family of faith. Today, I think the emphasis is somewhat different. Questions regarding real McCoy Christians, more than likely, would focus on doctrinal points rather than labors of love. This is not to say that what a person believes about Christ is unimportant. But I dare say that labors of love are the better measure of the genuineness of ones faith. A person may not understand, the virgin birth, the atonement or many other Christian doctrines and still, like the thief on the cross, express genuine faith. And, I am sure that had the thief lived longer, his faith would have produced these labors of love and his doctrine more than likely, would have matured.
I think it is also important to note that emphasis is placed, not only on fruit which we have done but are doing. The knowledge of eternal life is said to rest on those who are believing not on those who have believed (1Jo5.13). The same is said here, “you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” 5/18/07 ts
What are those things which accompany a true Christian conversion? Jesus explained that we would be able to see His presence in us, by the fruit we produce. The passage above, tells us, that at least part of that fruit which accompanies salvation, are the works of service and labors of love which we have rendered toward others, and especially those in the family of faith. Today, I think the emphasis is somewhat different. Questions regarding real McCoy Christians, more than likely, would focus on doctrinal points rather than labors of love. This is not to say that what a person believes about Christ is unimportant. But I dare say that labors of love are the better measure of the genuineness of ones faith. A person may not understand, the virgin birth, the atonement or many other Christian doctrines and still, like the thief on the cross, express genuine faith. And, I am sure that had the thief lived longer, his faith would have produced these labors of love and his doctrine more than likely, would have matured.
I think it is also important to note that emphasis is placed, not only on fruit which we have done but are doing. The knowledge of eternal life is said to rest on those who are believing not on those who have believed (1Jo5.13). The same is said here, “you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” 5/18/07 ts
Real McCoy Christians
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” He6.10
What are those things which accompany a true Christian conversion? Jesus explained that we would be able to see His presence in us, by the fruit we produce. The passage above, tells us, that at least part of that fruit which accompanies salvation, are the works of service and labors of love which we have rendered toward others, and especially those in the family of faith. Today, I think the emphasis is somewhat different. Questions regarding real McCoy Christians, more than likely, would focus on doctrinal points rather than labors of love. This is not to say that what a person believes about Christ is unimportant. But I dare say that labors of love are the better measure of the genuineness of ones faith. A person may not understand, the virgin birth, the atonement or many other Christian doctrines and still, like the thief on the cross, express genuine faith. And, I am sure that had the thief lived longer, his faith would have produced these labors of love and his doctrine more than likely, would have matured.
I think it is also important to note that emphasis is placed, not only on fruit which we have done but are doing. The knowledge of eternal life is said to rest on those who are believing not on those who have believed (1Jo5.13). The same is said here, “you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” 5/18/07 ts
What are those things which accompany a true Christian conversion? Jesus explained that we would be able to see His presence in us, by the fruit we produce. The passage above, tells us, that at least part of that fruit which accompanies salvation, are the works of service and labors of love which we have rendered toward others, and especially those in the family of faith. Today, I think the emphasis is somewhat different. Questions regarding real McCoy Christians, more than likely, would focus on doctrinal points rather than labors of love. This is not to say that what a person believes about Christ is unimportant. But I dare say that labors of love are the better measure of the genuineness of ones faith. A person may not understand, the virgin birth, the atonement or many other Christian doctrines and still, like the thief on the cross, express genuine faith. And, I am sure that had the thief lived longer, his faith would have produced these labors of love and his doctrine more than likely, would have matured.
I think it is also important to note that emphasis is placed, not only on fruit which we have done but are doing. The knowledge of eternal life is said to rest on those who are believing not on those who have believed (1Jo5.13). The same is said here, “you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” 5/18/07 ts
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Father Your Wisdom staggers me
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Ro.11.33 NKJV
Father, we wait with humbled hearts,
To see how all this mess we’ve made,
Is a part of Your good plan.
To see how cancer and war and Satan
And the suffering of children
Will accomplish Your will for man.
We thank You for Your compassion
Not just watching from afar,
Christ has suffered also to redeem us from our fall.
Yet we wonder with humbled hearts
Why with sunsets and flowers
You created suffering at all.
Father Your wisdom staggers me.
5/17/07 ts
Father Your Wisdom staggers me
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Ro.11.33 NKJV
Father, we wait with humbled hearts,
To see how all this mess we’ve made,
Is a part of Your good plan.
To see how cancer and war and Satan
And the suffering of children
Will accomplish Your will for man.
We thank You for Your compassion
Not just watching from afar,
Christ has suffered also to redeem us from our fall.
Yet we wonder with humbled hearts
Why with sunsets and flowers
You created suffering at all.
Father Your wisdom staggers me.
5/17/07 ts
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
God’s Favorite Song
“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Ze3.17
Here is a wonderful revelation about our God. He sings. And what does God sing about? He sings about the apple of His eye, He sings about us. His songs are most certainly love songs. Most songs are you know. Many of our loves songs are faint echoes of His. Have you not heard His song resonating in the words of our songs. Remember Petula Clark’s “My Love”
“My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine
Softer than a sigh. My love is deeper than the deepest ocean
Wider than the sky. My love is brighter than the brightest star
That shines every night above And there is
nothing in this world That can ever change my love.”
Or how about Randy Travis
“My love is deeper than the holler. Stronger than the river.
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill.
My love is purer than the snowflakes, That fall in late December.
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill. And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.”
What we croon in human frailty, God alone can sing with eternal fidelity. What we could only wish were true in our songs, is the depth of love that He resounds in His.
I am sure there are also ballads in God's repertoire. There is little doubt that the lyrics portray Him as Hero and we His rescued heroine. And what is God’s favorite song? I am sure it is any song about Jesus or to Jesus or even from Jesus. Christ sings of His Father and the Father His son. I feel sure they sing to one another and the songs that include us describe us only as the gifts that they have given to one another. We are graciously caught up in their one of a kind love for each other.
Can you imagine what God must sound like when He sings? We are told that His voice is like the sound of many waters. Perhaps this is one reason people like being around waterfalls. 5/16/07 ts
Here is a wonderful revelation about our God. He sings. And what does God sing about? He sings about the apple of His eye, He sings about us. His songs are most certainly love songs. Most songs are you know. Many of our loves songs are faint echoes of His. Have you not heard His song resonating in the words of our songs. Remember Petula Clark’s “My Love”
“My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine
Softer than a sigh. My love is deeper than the deepest ocean
Wider than the sky. My love is brighter than the brightest star
That shines every night above And there is
nothing in this world That can ever change my love.”
Or how about Randy Travis
“My love is deeper than the holler. Stronger than the river.
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill.
My love is purer than the snowflakes, That fall in late December.
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill. And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.”
What we croon in human frailty, God alone can sing with eternal fidelity. What we could only wish were true in our songs, is the depth of love that He resounds in His.
I am sure there are also ballads in God's repertoire. There is little doubt that the lyrics portray Him as Hero and we His rescued heroine. And what is God’s favorite song? I am sure it is any song about Jesus or to Jesus or even from Jesus. Christ sings of His Father and the Father His son. I feel sure they sing to one another and the songs that include us describe us only as the gifts that they have given to one another. We are graciously caught up in their one of a kind love for each other.
Can you imagine what God must sound like when He sings? We are told that His voice is like the sound of many waters. Perhaps this is one reason people like being around waterfalls. 5/16/07 ts
God’s Favorite Song
“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Ze3.17
Here is a wonderful revelation about our God. He sings. And what does God sing about? He sings about the apple of His eye, He sings about us. His songs are most certainly love songs. Most songs are you know. Many of our loves songs are faint echoes of His. Have you not heard His song resonating in the words of our songs. Remember Petula Clark’s “My Love”
“My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine
Softer than a sigh. My love is deeper than the deepest ocean
Wider than the sky. My love is brighter than the brightest star
That shines every night above And there is
nothing in this world That can ever change my love.”
Or how about Randy Travis
“My love is deeper than the holler. Stronger than the river.
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill.
My love is purer than the snowflakes, That fall in late December.
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill. And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.”
What we croon in human frailty, God alone can sing with eternal fidelity. What we could only wish were true in our songs, is the depth of love that He resounds in His.
I am sure there are also ballads in God's repertoire. There is little doubt that the lyrics portray Him as Hero and we His rescued heroine. And what is God’s favorite song? I am sure it is any song about Jesus or to Jesus or even from Jesus. Christ sings of His Father and the Father His son. I feel sure they sing to one another and the songs that include us describe us only as the gifts that they have given to one another. We are graciously caught up in their one of a kind love for each other.
Can you imagine what God must sound like when He sings? We are told that His voice is like the sound of many waters. Perhaps this is one reason people like being around waterfalls. 5/16/07 ts
Here is a wonderful revelation about our God. He sings. And what does God sing about? He sings about the apple of His eye, He sings about us. His songs are most certainly love songs. Most songs are you know. Many of our loves songs are faint echoes of His. Have you not heard His song resonating in the words of our songs. Remember Petula Clark’s “My Love”
“My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine
Softer than a sigh. My love is deeper than the deepest ocean
Wider than the sky. My love is brighter than the brightest star
That shines every night above And there is
nothing in this world That can ever change my love.”
Or how about Randy Travis
“My love is deeper than the holler. Stronger than the river.
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill.
My love is purer than the snowflakes, That fall in late December.
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill. And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.”
What we croon in human frailty, God alone can sing with eternal fidelity. What we could only wish were true in our songs, is the depth of love that He resounds in His.
I am sure there are also ballads in God's repertoire. There is little doubt that the lyrics portray Him as Hero and we His rescued heroine. And what is God’s favorite song? I am sure it is any song about Jesus or to Jesus or even from Jesus. Christ sings of His Father and the Father His son. I feel sure they sing to one another and the songs that include us describe us only as the gifts that they have given to one another. We are graciously caught up in their one of a kind love for each other.
Can you imagine what God must sound like when He sings? We are told that His voice is like the sound of many waters. Perhaps this is one reason people like being around waterfalls. 5/16/07 ts
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Fill your Sails
“As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything.” Ecc11.5 NKJV
I have tried on a number of occasions, and without success, to find some explanation for some of the paradoxes found in Scripture. There are quite a few. Now the problem is that I hold to a principle of interpretation which says that you should not understand one passage of Scripture in such a way that it contradicts another. But a paradox is a statement which seems to be contradictory yet somehow isn’t. The “somehow,” is of course, unexplainable, and that is why we call it a paradox and not and outright contradiction. When we come upon one these paradoxes, we are asked to accept to truth of both statements even though we may not be able to reconcile them. It is not only the Scriptures that make this demand on us. There are many things in nature that require the same. The simple fact is that we are asked to believe and therefore function in a world and before a God that we do not fully understand. I may not know the way of the wind but I can use it to fill my sails. I may not understand the mysteries of predestination but I can still ask for daily bread. 5/15/07 ts
I have tried on a number of occasions, and without success, to find some explanation for some of the paradoxes found in Scripture. There are quite a few. Now the problem is that I hold to a principle of interpretation which says that you should not understand one passage of Scripture in such a way that it contradicts another. But a paradox is a statement which seems to be contradictory yet somehow isn’t. The “somehow,” is of course, unexplainable, and that is why we call it a paradox and not and outright contradiction. When we come upon one these paradoxes, we are asked to accept to truth of both statements even though we may not be able to reconcile them. It is not only the Scriptures that make this demand on us. There are many things in nature that require the same. The simple fact is that we are asked to believe and therefore function in a world and before a God that we do not fully understand. I may not know the way of the wind but I can use it to fill my sails. I may not understand the mysteries of predestination but I can still ask for daily bread. 5/15/07 ts
Fill your Sails
“As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything.” Ecc11.5 NKJV
I have tried on a number of occasions, and without success, to find some explanation for some of the paradoxes found in Scripture. There are quite a few. Now the problem is that I hold to a principle of interpretation which says that you should not understand one passage of Scripture in such a way that it contradicts another. But a paradox is a statement which seems to be contradictory yet somehow isn’t. The “somehow,” is of course, unexplainable, and that is why we call it a paradox and not and outright contradiction. When we come upon one these paradoxes, we are asked to accept to truth of both statements even though we may not be able to reconcile them. It is not only the Scriptures that make this demand on us. There are many things in nature that require the same. The simple fact is that we are asked to believe and therefore function in a world and before a God that we do not fully understand. I may not know the way of the wind but I can use it to fill my sails. I may not understand the mysteries of predestination but I can still ask for daily bread. 5/15/07 ts
I have tried on a number of occasions, and without success, to find some explanation for some of the paradoxes found in Scripture. There are quite a few. Now the problem is that I hold to a principle of interpretation which says that you should not understand one passage of Scripture in such a way that it contradicts another. But a paradox is a statement which seems to be contradictory yet somehow isn’t. The “somehow,” is of course, unexplainable, and that is why we call it a paradox and not and outright contradiction. When we come upon one these paradoxes, we are asked to accept to truth of both statements even though we may not be able to reconcile them. It is not only the Scriptures that make this demand on us. There are many things in nature that require the same. The simple fact is that we are asked to believe and therefore function in a world and before a God that we do not fully understand. I may not know the way of the wind but I can use it to fill my sails. I may not understand the mysteries of predestination but I can still ask for daily bread. 5/15/07 ts
Monday, May 14, 2007
I see Your Hand in my Hand.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. Ps139.14 NKJV
I see Your Hand in my hand.
It does whatever I demand.
I grasp and I hold,
Close and unfold.
I pick things up and put things down,
Put on my pants or take off my gown.
I can hold it flat or ball it up,
Open a jar or fill my cup.
Scratch, touch, feel,
Point, put, reel,
Push, pull, seal,
Hurt or heal.
Softly caress a babies face,
Or hold my love with tight embrace.
I can throw, I can catch
Weave together or detach.
I can sow or I can mend,
And shake the hand of my friend.
I point out some marvel with this marvel.
I can cuddle, or crinkle, doodle or fondle.
Oh the million things that I can do,
With this hand I got from You.
Yet with all the power that You’ve endowed,
We cannot be overly proud.
For if we sought to duplicate that which You so easily make. With all the power of human convention, we could only produce a crude invention.
So let me with this hand of mine,
My will align and my hand incline to do not my will but only thine.
I see Your hand in my hand,
So direct it Father, as You command. 5/14/07 ts
I see Your Hand in my hand.
It does whatever I demand.
I grasp and I hold,
Close and unfold.
I pick things up and put things down,
Put on my pants or take off my gown.
I can hold it flat or ball it up,
Open a jar or fill my cup.
Scratch, touch, feel,
Point, put, reel,
Push, pull, seal,
Hurt or heal.
Softly caress a babies face,
Or hold my love with tight embrace.
I can throw, I can catch
Weave together or detach.
I can sow or I can mend,
And shake the hand of my friend.
I point out some marvel with this marvel.
I can cuddle, or crinkle, doodle or fondle.
Oh the million things that I can do,
With this hand I got from You.
Yet with all the power that You’ve endowed,
We cannot be overly proud.
For if we sought to duplicate that which You so easily make. With all the power of human convention, we could only produce a crude invention.
So let me with this hand of mine,
My will align and my hand incline to do not my will but only thine.
I see Your hand in my hand,
So direct it Father, as You command. 5/14/07 ts
I see Your Hand in my Hand.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. Ps139.14 NKJV
I see Your Hand in my hand.
It does whatever I demand.
I grasp and I hold,
Close and unfold.
I pick things up and put things down,
Put on my pants or take off my gown.
I can hold it flat or ball it up,
Open a jar or fill my cup.
Scratch, touch, feel,
Point, put, reel,
Push, pull, seal,
Hurt or heal.
Softly caress a babies face,
Or hold my love with tight embrace.
I can throw, I can catch
Weave together or detach.
I can sow or I can mend,
And shake the hand of my friend.
I point out some marvel with this marvel.
I can cuddle, or crinkle, doodle or fondle.
Oh the million things that I can do,
With this hand I got from You.
Yet with all the power that You’ve endowed,
We cannot be overly proud.
For if we sought to duplicate that which You so easily make. With all the power of human convention, we could only produce a crude invention.
So let me with this hand of mine,
My will align and my hand incline to do not my will but only thine.
I see Your hand in my hand,
So direct it Father, as You command. 5/14/07 ts
I see Your Hand in my hand.
It does whatever I demand.
I grasp and I hold,
Close and unfold.
I pick things up and put things down,
Put on my pants or take off my gown.
I can hold it flat or ball it up,
Open a jar or fill my cup.
Scratch, touch, feel,
Point, put, reel,
Push, pull, seal,
Hurt or heal.
Softly caress a babies face,
Or hold my love with tight embrace.
I can throw, I can catch
Weave together or detach.
I can sow or I can mend,
And shake the hand of my friend.
I point out some marvel with this marvel.
I can cuddle, or crinkle, doodle or fondle.
Oh the million things that I can do,
With this hand I got from You.
Yet with all the power that You’ve endowed,
We cannot be overly proud.
For if we sought to duplicate that which You so easily make. With all the power of human convention, we could only produce a crude invention.
So let me with this hand of mine,
My will align and my hand incline to do not my will but only thine.
I see Your hand in my hand,
So direct it Father, as You command. 5/14/07 ts
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Wife Mother Friend Lover
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. Pr31.10 NKJV [Verses 10 through 31 are an alphabetic acrostic in Hebrew]
Thou are beautiful my love, from A to Z
Always- and I mean always thinking of others first.
Best friend- I could wish nor have no better.
Caring-I have never seen you possess any other attitude about anyone even when you don’t like them.
Devoted-Every waking moment, we have been your life.
Energetic- You find energy to serve no matter how tired you are and when I could only watch in amazement--from the couch.
Forgiveness-Yours has taught me much about His.
Generosity-How many times have you given me the last sip or bite.
Humble-You are, and you don’t even know it. Your are my Hero.
Inquisitive- I could watch you, when you are watching anything
Justice-You are fair in everyway but one. You fail to see when it your turn.
Kindness-You are the change I would see in the world.
Love-Your love has been the true teacher in our family.
Modest-I think this is why you won’t let me keep the Canoe on top of the car.
Noble-You are never number one on your list of priorities and seem not to mind.
Obedience-when it really counts you are, when it doesn’t your not.
Patience-Thanks for the all the times you waited 2hrs. just to hold our hand.
Quiet-Thanks for teaching me there are times when it is best not to speak.
Reliability I can depend on you to be undependable in anything if it interferes with the wellbeing your family.
Sensitivity-I have never known you not to notice.
Toughness-I have been amazed at your strength. Truly!
Unassuming-I think serve first, ask questions later is the only approach you know.
Virtuous-I know you don’t think you are and that is one of the reasons you are.
Wife-You have been so much more than this and in doing so, redefined the word.
Xceptional-Not the usual word, but then you not the usual wife and mother.
You are the mother of my children, need I say more.
Zeal-You are so zealous about whatever we are interested in at the moment.
Woman, I love you from A-Z
5/13/07 ts
Thou are beautiful my love, from A to Z
Always- and I mean always thinking of others first.
Best friend- I could wish nor have no better.
Caring-I have never seen you possess any other attitude about anyone even when you don’t like them.
Devoted-Every waking moment, we have been your life.
Energetic- You find energy to serve no matter how tired you are and when I could only watch in amazement--from the couch.
Forgiveness-Yours has taught me much about His.
Generosity-How many times have you given me the last sip or bite.
Humble-You are, and you don’t even know it. Your are my Hero.
Inquisitive- I could watch you, when you are watching anything
Justice-You are fair in everyway but one. You fail to see when it your turn.
Kindness-You are the change I would see in the world.
Love-Your love has been the true teacher in our family.
Modest-I think this is why you won’t let me keep the Canoe on top of the car.
Noble-You are never number one on your list of priorities and seem not to mind.
Obedience-when it really counts you are, when it doesn’t your not.
Patience-Thanks for the all the times you waited 2hrs. just to hold our hand.
Quiet-Thanks for teaching me there are times when it is best not to speak.
Reliability I can depend on you to be undependable in anything if it interferes with the wellbeing your family.
Sensitivity-I have never known you not to notice.
Toughness-I have been amazed at your strength. Truly!
Unassuming-I think serve first, ask questions later is the only approach you know.
Virtuous-I know you don’t think you are and that is one of the reasons you are.
Wife-You have been so much more than this and in doing so, redefined the word.
Xceptional-Not the usual word, but then you not the usual wife and mother.
You are the mother of my children, need I say more.
Zeal-You are so zealous about whatever we are interested in at the moment.
Woman, I love you from A-Z
5/13/07 ts
Wife Mother Friend Lover
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. Pr31.10 NKJV [Verses 10 through 31 are an alphabetic acrostic in Hebrew]
Thou are beautiful my love, from A to Z
Always- and I mean always thinking of others first.
Best friend- I could wish nor have no better.
Caring-I have never seen you possess any other attitude about anyone even when you don’t like them.
Devoted-Every waking moment, we have been your life.
Energetic- You find energy to serve no matter how tired you are and when I could only watch in amazement--from the couch.
Forgiveness-Yours has taught me much about His.
Generosity-How many times have you given me the last sip or bite.
Humble-You are, and you don’t even know it. Your are my Hero.
Inquisitive- I could watch you, when you are watching anything
Justice-You are fair in everyway but one. You fail to see when it your turn.
Kindness-You are the change I would see in the world.
Love-Your love has been the true teacher in our family.
Modest-I think this is why you won’t let me keep the Canoe on top of the car.
Noble-You are never number one on your list of priorities and seem not to mind.
Obedience-when it really counts you are, when it doesn’t your not.
Patience-Thanks for the all the times you waited 2hrs. just to hold our hand.
Quiet-Thanks for teaching me there are times when it is best not to speak.
Reliability I can depend on you to be undependable in anything if it interferes with the wellbeing your family.
Sensitivity-I have never known you not to notice.
Toughness-I have been amazed at your strength. Truly!
Unassuming-I think serve first, ask questions later is the only approach you know.
Virtuous-I know you don’t think you are and that is one of the reasons you are.
Wife-You have been so much more than this and in doing so, redefined the word.
Xceptional-Not the usual word, but then you not the usual wife and mother.
You are the mother of my children, need I say more.
Zeal-You are so zealous about whatever we are interested in at the moment.
Woman, I love you from A-Z
5/13/07 ts
Thou are beautiful my love, from A to Z
Always- and I mean always thinking of others first.
Best friend- I could wish nor have no better.
Caring-I have never seen you possess any other attitude about anyone even when you don’t like them.
Devoted-Every waking moment, we have been your life.
Energetic- You find energy to serve no matter how tired you are and when I could only watch in amazement--from the couch.
Forgiveness-Yours has taught me much about His.
Generosity-How many times have you given me the last sip or bite.
Humble-You are, and you don’t even know it. Your are my Hero.
Inquisitive- I could watch you, when you are watching anything
Justice-You are fair in everyway but one. You fail to see when it your turn.
Kindness-You are the change I would see in the world.
Love-Your love has been the true teacher in our family.
Modest-I think this is why you won’t let me keep the Canoe on top of the car.
Noble-You are never number one on your list of priorities and seem not to mind.
Obedience-when it really counts you are, when it doesn’t your not.
Patience-Thanks for the all the times you waited 2hrs. just to hold our hand.
Quiet-Thanks for teaching me there are times when it is best not to speak.
Reliability I can depend on you to be undependable in anything if it interferes with the wellbeing your family.
Sensitivity-I have never known you not to notice.
Toughness-I have been amazed at your strength. Truly!
Unassuming-I think serve first, ask questions later is the only approach you know.
Virtuous-I know you don’t think you are and that is one of the reasons you are.
Wife-You have been so much more than this and in doing so, redefined the word.
Xceptional-Not the usual word, but then you not the usual wife and mother.
You are the mother of my children, need I say more.
Zeal-You are so zealous about whatever we are interested in at the moment.
Woman, I love you from A-Z
5/13/07 ts
Friday, May 11, 2007
Gut Reactions
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ep4.32 NKJV
When we are encouraged to be tenderhearted this is just another way of saying that we are to be compassionate. Actually, both the English and the Greek word, are made up from two words, both of which convey actions that are connected in some sense to our emotions. The English tender, means to sensitive or caring to the point of being kind, and is connected to the word heart, often said to be the seat of our emotions. The Greek expression is roughly translated a good gut or better, a good gut reaction.
Now, it is important to note that the encouragement to be kind precedes the one telling us to be tenderhearted. I find it fascinating that we a told to feel something at all. How exactly does one conjure feelings of compassion? Well, I think there is a synergetic connection between feeling compassion and acting compassionately. Jesus told us, Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. In other words, we will love those people and things in which we invest time and energy. The best way to nurture a compassionate heart is by compassionate action. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him.”
We become what we do, and do, and do. When we act compassionately, these actions will work down into the very core of our being. When this happens, our gut response, will be the right response. 5/11/07 ts
When we are encouraged to be tenderhearted this is just another way of saying that we are to be compassionate. Actually, both the English and the Greek word, are made up from two words, both of which convey actions that are connected in some sense to our emotions. The English tender, means to sensitive or caring to the point of being kind, and is connected to the word heart, often said to be the seat of our emotions. The Greek expression is roughly translated a good gut or better, a good gut reaction.
Now, it is important to note that the encouragement to be kind precedes the one telling us to be tenderhearted. I find it fascinating that we a told to feel something at all. How exactly does one conjure feelings of compassion? Well, I think there is a synergetic connection between feeling compassion and acting compassionately. Jesus told us, Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. In other words, we will love those people and things in which we invest time and energy. The best way to nurture a compassionate heart is by compassionate action. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him.”
We become what we do, and do, and do. When we act compassionately, these actions will work down into the very core of our being. When this happens, our gut response, will be the right response. 5/11/07 ts
Gut Reactions
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ep4.32 NKJV
When we are encouraged to be tenderhearted this is just another way of saying that we are to be compassionate. Actually, both the English and the Greek word, are made up from two words, both of which convey actions that are connected in some sense to our emotions. The English tender, means to sensitive or caring to the point of being kind, and is connected to the word heart, often said to be the seat of our emotions. The Greek expression is roughly translated a good gut or better, a good gut reaction.
Now, it is important to note that the encouragement to be kind precedes the one telling us to be tenderhearted. I find it fascinating that we a told to feel something at all. How exactly does one conjure feelings of compassion? Well, I think there is a synergetic connection between feeling compassion and acting compassionately. Jesus told us, Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. In other words, we will love those people and things in which we invest time and energy. The best way to nurture a compassionate heart is by compassionate action. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him.”
We become what we do, and do, and do. When we act compassionately, these actions will work down into the very core of our being. When this happens, our gut response, will be the right response. 5/11/07 ts
When we are encouraged to be tenderhearted this is just another way of saying that we are to be compassionate. Actually, both the English and the Greek word, are made up from two words, both of which convey actions that are connected in some sense to our emotions. The English tender, means to sensitive or caring to the point of being kind, and is connected to the word heart, often said to be the seat of our emotions. The Greek expression is roughly translated a good gut or better, a good gut reaction.
Now, it is important to note that the encouragement to be kind precedes the one telling us to be tenderhearted. I find it fascinating that we a told to feel something at all. How exactly does one conjure feelings of compassion? Well, I think there is a synergetic connection between feeling compassion and acting compassionately. Jesus told us, Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. In other words, we will love those people and things in which we invest time and energy. The best way to nurture a compassionate heart is by compassionate action. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him.”
We become what we do, and do, and do. When we act compassionately, these actions will work down into the very core of our being. When this happens, our gut response, will be the right response. 5/11/07 ts
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Conflict Management
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” Mt18.5
When I was working toward my masters, I was required to take a class on conflict management. When Brenda and I do pre and post marriage counseling we always include a session on how to constructively argue. It is assumed that there will be conflict in most relationships from time to time. When Jesus said. “If your brother sins against you,“ he used a grammatical construction that indicated the likelihood that such will happen.
When one person wrongs another, we are encouraged to deal with it discretely but deal with it we must. God has made it abundantly clear in Scripture, that our relationship with others is one of His principle concerns. So important is our relationship with others, that God has explained that it affects our relationship with Him. We cannot harbor hatred or resentment toward someone and have peace with God. We are not to let conflict go unattended nor let the sun settle on anger. No matter how much emotional discomfort it causes, we are to seek peace with others. And for that we must go to them.
Now we might wonder, after being wronged, if it would not be better to just forget the matter. It is true that we should be willing to turn the other cheek and forgive, but this does not mean that we shouldn’t go to our brother. If I lose and my brother wins then my brother has ultimately lost. And, because we are to seek our brothers best interest, we do not want him to lose in any sense. Better that the conflict be resolved than ignored. Sometimes, for me to be at peace with my brother means that I give my brother an opportunity to be at peace with me. 5/10/07 ts
When I was working toward my masters, I was required to take a class on conflict management. When Brenda and I do pre and post marriage counseling we always include a session on how to constructively argue. It is assumed that there will be conflict in most relationships from time to time. When Jesus said. “If your brother sins against you,“ he used a grammatical construction that indicated the likelihood that such will happen.
When one person wrongs another, we are encouraged to deal with it discretely but deal with it we must. God has made it abundantly clear in Scripture, that our relationship with others is one of His principle concerns. So important is our relationship with others, that God has explained that it affects our relationship with Him. We cannot harbor hatred or resentment toward someone and have peace with God. We are not to let conflict go unattended nor let the sun settle on anger. No matter how much emotional discomfort it causes, we are to seek peace with others. And for that we must go to them.
Now we might wonder, after being wronged, if it would not be better to just forget the matter. It is true that we should be willing to turn the other cheek and forgive, but this does not mean that we shouldn’t go to our brother. If I lose and my brother wins then my brother has ultimately lost. And, because we are to seek our brothers best interest, we do not want him to lose in any sense. Better that the conflict be resolved than ignored. Sometimes, for me to be at peace with my brother means that I give my brother an opportunity to be at peace with me. 5/10/07 ts
Conflict Management
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” Mt18.5
When I was working toward my masters, I was required to take a class on conflict management. When Brenda and I do pre and post marriage counseling we always include a session on how to constructively argue. It is assumed that there will be conflict in most relationships from time to time. When Jesus said. “If your brother sins against you,“ he used a grammatical construction that indicated the likelihood that such will happen.
When one person wrongs another, we are encouraged to deal with it discretely but deal with it we must. God has made it abundantly clear in Scripture, that our relationship with others is one of His principle concerns. So important is our relationship with others, that God has explained that it affects our relationship with Him. We cannot harbor hatred or resentment toward someone and have peace with God. We are not to let conflict go unattended nor let the sun settle on anger. No matter how much emotional discomfort it causes, we are to seek peace with others. And for that we must go to them.
Now we might wonder, after being wronged, if it would not be better to just forget the matter. It is true that we should be willing to turn the other cheek and forgive, but this does not mean that we shouldn’t go to our brother. If I lose and my brother wins then my brother has ultimately lost. And, because we are to seek our brothers best interest, we do not want him to lose in any sense. Better that the conflict be resolved than ignored. Sometimes, for me to be at peace with my brother means that I give my brother an opportunity to be at peace with me. 5/10/07 ts
When I was working toward my masters, I was required to take a class on conflict management. When Brenda and I do pre and post marriage counseling we always include a session on how to constructively argue. It is assumed that there will be conflict in most relationships from time to time. When Jesus said. “If your brother sins against you,“ he used a grammatical construction that indicated the likelihood that such will happen.
When one person wrongs another, we are encouraged to deal with it discretely but deal with it we must. God has made it abundantly clear in Scripture, that our relationship with others is one of His principle concerns. So important is our relationship with others, that God has explained that it affects our relationship with Him. We cannot harbor hatred or resentment toward someone and have peace with God. We are not to let conflict go unattended nor let the sun settle on anger. No matter how much emotional discomfort it causes, we are to seek peace with others. And for that we must go to them.
Now we might wonder, after being wronged, if it would not be better to just forget the matter. It is true that we should be willing to turn the other cheek and forgive, but this does not mean that we shouldn’t go to our brother. If I lose and my brother wins then my brother has ultimately lost. And, because we are to seek our brothers best interest, we do not want him to lose in any sense. Better that the conflict be resolved than ignored. Sometimes, for me to be at peace with my brother means that I give my brother an opportunity to be at peace with me. 5/10/07 ts
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
I Want to Show You Something
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Ro8.1 NKJV
It is true, that many, if not most of us come to Christ to escape condemnation. And although this is a good reason, it hardly captures the main reason and the other many wonderful reasons for coming to Him. My own life with God started in fear of His judgment. But through the years, I find dread being replaced with delight and my self-centered fear with a God entranced awe. My sin and its forgiveness is not the only topic we discuss and most of the time, I, not He, seem to be the one who gets stuck on it. I get the sense, that God is eager to show me so much more to this life in His Son, than just being forgiven and escaping judgment.
I remember a man who once told me that it did not matter much to him what heaven was like, so long as he missed hell. It is silly to think that our missing hell is the sole objective of Christ dying at the cross. I think that escaping the torments of self-rule is a necessary consequence of our real and present destination. Hell is behind all who are in Christ. Heaven awaits us. I have the feeling He wants us to get on with it, to follow Him into the greater and greater ecstasies of living in the delights of His love. We seem to be looking back at what we have narrowly escaped. He, is like an eager child trying to get mom and dad to come outside and see some new and great discovery. I am sure if we listen, we can hear the excitement in His voice, “Come here, I want to show you something.” 5/9/07 ts
It is true, that many, if not most of us come to Christ to escape condemnation. And although this is a good reason, it hardly captures the main reason and the other many wonderful reasons for coming to Him. My own life with God started in fear of His judgment. But through the years, I find dread being replaced with delight and my self-centered fear with a God entranced awe. My sin and its forgiveness is not the only topic we discuss and most of the time, I, not He, seem to be the one who gets stuck on it. I get the sense, that God is eager to show me so much more to this life in His Son, than just being forgiven and escaping judgment.
I remember a man who once told me that it did not matter much to him what heaven was like, so long as he missed hell. It is silly to think that our missing hell is the sole objective of Christ dying at the cross. I think that escaping the torments of self-rule is a necessary consequence of our real and present destination. Hell is behind all who are in Christ. Heaven awaits us. I have the feeling He wants us to get on with it, to follow Him into the greater and greater ecstasies of living in the delights of His love. We seem to be looking back at what we have narrowly escaped. He, is like an eager child trying to get mom and dad to come outside and see some new and great discovery. I am sure if we listen, we can hear the excitement in His voice, “Come here, I want to show you something.” 5/9/07 ts
I Want to Show You Something
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Ro8.1 NKJV
It is true, that many, if not most of us come to Christ to escape condemnation. And although this is a good reason, it hardly captures the main reason and the other many wonderful reasons for coming to Him. My own life with God started in fear of His judgment. But through the years, I find dread being replaced with delight and my self-centered fear with a God entranced awe. My sin and its forgiveness is not the only topic we discuss and most of the time, I, not He, seem to be the one who gets stuck on it. I get the sense, that God is eager to show me so much more to this life in His Son, than just being forgiven and escaping judgment.
I remember a man who once told me that it did not matter much to him what heaven was like, so long as he missed hell. It is silly to think that our missing hell is the sole objective of Christ dying at the cross. I think that escaping the torments of self-rule is a necessary consequence of our real and present destination. Hell is behind all who are in Christ. Heaven awaits us. I have the feeling He wants us to get on with it, to follow Him into the greater and greater ecstasies of living in the delights of His love. We seem to be looking back at what we have narrowly escaped. He, is like an eager child trying to get mom and dad to come outside and see some new and great discovery. I am sure if we listen, we can hear the excitement in His voice, “Come here, I want to show you something.” 5/9/07 ts
It is true, that many, if not most of us come to Christ to escape condemnation. And although this is a good reason, it hardly captures the main reason and the other many wonderful reasons for coming to Him. My own life with God started in fear of His judgment. But through the years, I find dread being replaced with delight and my self-centered fear with a God entranced awe. My sin and its forgiveness is not the only topic we discuss and most of the time, I, not He, seem to be the one who gets stuck on it. I get the sense, that God is eager to show me so much more to this life in His Son, than just being forgiven and escaping judgment.
I remember a man who once told me that it did not matter much to him what heaven was like, so long as he missed hell. It is silly to think that our missing hell is the sole objective of Christ dying at the cross. I think that escaping the torments of self-rule is a necessary consequence of our real and present destination. Hell is behind all who are in Christ. Heaven awaits us. I have the feeling He wants us to get on with it, to follow Him into the greater and greater ecstasies of living in the delights of His love. We seem to be looking back at what we have narrowly escaped. He, is like an eager child trying to get mom and dad to come outside and see some new and great discovery. I am sure if we listen, we can hear the excitement in His voice, “Come here, I want to show you something.” 5/9/07 ts
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Pass the Salt
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Co4.6
When it comes to salt, having it “just right,“ is about the only way to have it at all. Salt is one of those things where it is not desirable to have either too much or too little. Some of us have been the unfortunate victim of the restaurant prank where someone loosens the cap on the salt shaker and out comes half the bottle when you try to salt your meal. I have dumped a number of over salted meals in the trash. Conversely, Brenda and I keep salt in the car for those times we discover a bag of unsalted fries, of course after we have pulled away from a fast food place.
Sometimes the manner in which we bear witness to Christ is like pouring too much salt on food. This God in your face kind of witness does not bring out the flavor of Christ but makes our witness unpalatable.
I have been on the giving and receiving end of forcing God into a conversation. Would we not prefer that our guess ask us to pass the salt than push an over salted plate away. Better yet, is a life seasoned “just right,” where the salt of our witness is neither lacking nor overpowering. A friend of mine once wrote, “What we say about the God should be tasty enough to whet someone’s appetite for more.”
May our words enable our friends and neighbors to taste the goodness of God in us. 5/8/07 ts
When it comes to salt, having it “just right,“ is about the only way to have it at all. Salt is one of those things where it is not desirable to have either too much or too little. Some of us have been the unfortunate victim of the restaurant prank where someone loosens the cap on the salt shaker and out comes half the bottle when you try to salt your meal. I have dumped a number of over salted meals in the trash. Conversely, Brenda and I keep salt in the car for those times we discover a bag of unsalted fries, of course after we have pulled away from a fast food place.
Sometimes the manner in which we bear witness to Christ is like pouring too much salt on food. This God in your face kind of witness does not bring out the flavor of Christ but makes our witness unpalatable.
I have been on the giving and receiving end of forcing God into a conversation. Would we not prefer that our guess ask us to pass the salt than push an over salted plate away. Better yet, is a life seasoned “just right,” where the salt of our witness is neither lacking nor overpowering. A friend of mine once wrote, “What we say about the God should be tasty enough to whet someone’s appetite for more.”
May our words enable our friends and neighbors to taste the goodness of God in us. 5/8/07 ts
Pass the Salt
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Co4.6
When it comes to salt, having it “just right,“ is about the only way to have it at all. Salt is one of those things where it is not desirable to have either too much or too little. Some of us have been the unfortunate victim of the restaurant prank where someone loosens the cap on the salt shaker and out comes half the bottle when you try to salt your meal. I have dumped a number of over salted meals in the trash. Conversely, Brenda and I keep salt in the car for those times we discover a bag of unsalted fries, of course after we have pulled away from a fast food place.
Sometimes the manner in which we bear witness to Christ is like pouring too much salt on food. This God in your face kind of witness does not bring out the flavor of Christ but makes our witness unpalatable.
I have been on the giving and receiving end of forcing God into a conversation. Would we not prefer that our guess ask us to pass the salt than push an over salted plate away. Better yet, is a life seasoned “just right,” where the salt of our witness is neither lacking nor overpowering. A friend of mine once wrote, “What we say about the God should be tasty enough to whet someone’s appetite for more.”
May our words enable our friends and neighbors to taste the goodness of God in us. 5/8/07 ts
When it comes to salt, having it “just right,“ is about the only way to have it at all. Salt is one of those things where it is not desirable to have either too much or too little. Some of us have been the unfortunate victim of the restaurant prank where someone loosens the cap on the salt shaker and out comes half the bottle when you try to salt your meal. I have dumped a number of over salted meals in the trash. Conversely, Brenda and I keep salt in the car for those times we discover a bag of unsalted fries, of course after we have pulled away from a fast food place.
Sometimes the manner in which we bear witness to Christ is like pouring too much salt on food. This God in your face kind of witness does not bring out the flavor of Christ but makes our witness unpalatable.
I have been on the giving and receiving end of forcing God into a conversation. Would we not prefer that our guess ask us to pass the salt than push an over salted plate away. Better yet, is a life seasoned “just right,” where the salt of our witness is neither lacking nor overpowering. A friend of mine once wrote, “What we say about the God should be tasty enough to whet someone’s appetite for more.”
May our words enable our friends and neighbors to taste the goodness of God in us. 5/8/07 ts
Monday, May 7, 2007
Adventure in Joy
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Th5.16-18 NKJV
I am encouraged that it is God’s will for me to be joyous and happy. It is His expressed will that every day be an adventure in joy. When I think about it, I am never happy when I am angry, or critical or complaining. It makes perfectly good sense to avoid living this way. I am amazed that it took so long to figure this out.
Let me apply my heart to this revelation. There is nothing wrong with my desire to be happy so long as I find my happiness in all that Father has approved. God is well versed in joy. He only approves the path of superior delights.
The Good Housekeeping seal of approval is a familiar phrase to my generation. In short, when a product is given this seal of approval, it is guaranteed that if found defective within two years of purchase, the people behind the seal will replace it or give a full refund. When God places His seal of approval on something we can be assured that it will never be found defective. All that He has approved is right and good, and will always be so.
When we rise each day under His Lordship, it is His expressed desire to lead us in an adventure of joyous living. Christ has explained that happiness is found not so much in what is going on around me but what is going on in me. True joy is found in the heart of those surrendered to the Father’s delights. We may practice restraint toward people and things but only so that we may live in utter abandonment for His good pleasure. Whatever is in front of me, is an opportunity to do just that and the first step toward the discovery of joy once we are surrendered, is to give Him thanks in everything. 5/7/07 ts
I am encouraged that it is God’s will for me to be joyous and happy. It is His expressed will that every day be an adventure in joy. When I think about it, I am never happy when I am angry, or critical or complaining. It makes perfectly good sense to avoid living this way. I am amazed that it took so long to figure this out.
Let me apply my heart to this revelation. There is nothing wrong with my desire to be happy so long as I find my happiness in all that Father has approved. God is well versed in joy. He only approves the path of superior delights.
The Good Housekeeping seal of approval is a familiar phrase to my generation. In short, when a product is given this seal of approval, it is guaranteed that if found defective within two years of purchase, the people behind the seal will replace it or give a full refund. When God places His seal of approval on something we can be assured that it will never be found defective. All that He has approved is right and good, and will always be so.
When we rise each day under His Lordship, it is His expressed desire to lead us in an adventure of joyous living. Christ has explained that happiness is found not so much in what is going on around me but what is going on in me. True joy is found in the heart of those surrendered to the Father’s delights. We may practice restraint toward people and things but only so that we may live in utter abandonment for His good pleasure. Whatever is in front of me, is an opportunity to do just that and the first step toward the discovery of joy once we are surrendered, is to give Him thanks in everything. 5/7/07 ts
Adventure in Joy
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Th5.16-18 NKJV
I am encouraged that it is God’s will for me to be joyous and happy. It is His expressed will that every day be an adventure in joy. When I think about it, I am never happy when I am angry, or critical or complaining. It makes perfectly good sense to avoid living this way. I am amazed that it took so long to figure this out.
Let me apply my heart to this revelation. There is nothing wrong with my desire to be happy so long as I find my happiness in all that Father has approved. God is well versed in joy. He only approves the path of superior delights.
The Good Housekeeping seal of approval is a familiar phrase to my generation. In short, when a product is given this seal of approval, it is guaranteed that if found defective within two years of purchase, the people behind the seal will replace it or give a full refund. When God places His seal of approval on something we can be assured that it will never be found defective. All that He has approved is right and good, and will always be so.
When we rise each day under His Lordship, it is His expressed desire to lead us in an adventure of joyous living. Christ has explained that happiness is found not so much in what is going on around me but what is going on in me. True joy is found in the heart of those surrendered to the Father’s delights. We may practice restraint toward people and things but only so that we may live in utter abandonment for His good pleasure. Whatever is in front of me, is an opportunity to do just that and the first step toward the discovery of joy once we are surrendered, is to give Him thanks in everything. 5/7/07 ts
I am encouraged that it is God’s will for me to be joyous and happy. It is His expressed will that every day be an adventure in joy. When I think about it, I am never happy when I am angry, or critical or complaining. It makes perfectly good sense to avoid living this way. I am amazed that it took so long to figure this out.
Let me apply my heart to this revelation. There is nothing wrong with my desire to be happy so long as I find my happiness in all that Father has approved. God is well versed in joy. He only approves the path of superior delights.
The Good Housekeeping seal of approval is a familiar phrase to my generation. In short, when a product is given this seal of approval, it is guaranteed that if found defective within two years of purchase, the people behind the seal will replace it or give a full refund. When God places His seal of approval on something we can be assured that it will never be found defective. All that He has approved is right and good, and will always be so.
When we rise each day under His Lordship, it is His expressed desire to lead us in an adventure of joyous living. Christ has explained that happiness is found not so much in what is going on around me but what is going on in me. True joy is found in the heart of those surrendered to the Father’s delights. We may practice restraint toward people and things but only so that we may live in utter abandonment for His good pleasure. Whatever is in front of me, is an opportunity to do just that and the first step toward the discovery of joy once we are surrendered, is to give Him thanks in everything. 5/7/07 ts
Saturday, May 5, 2007
How Would God Characterize our Conversations
“…with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.“ Phil4.6 NKJV
What characterizes the tenor of my prayers? When God hears my voice, what sentiments stir in Him? Is He pleased? Disappointed? What have I conveyed to Him, in our conversations? Does He think me a man of faith or what? How would Father characterize my prayers before Him? Does He see me as positive or negative, confident or doubtful, mealy-mouthed or straightforward? I ask these questions not wondering if God loves me, I am assured by Christ that He does. No, I ask these things wondering if He likes me. Does He enjoy and look forward to our conversations?
I have a dear friend with whom I have prayed a number of times. If I were asked to describe the mood of his prayers, one word would certainly come to mind, grateful! I have never heard him talk with God in any way that I would not characterize as sheer gratitude and utter appreciation for His blessings. His prayers abound in thanksgiving. I cannot help but think, that every time my friend talks with God, God is smiling. Who would not be? We all enjoy the company of a person who has a positive a appreciative heart. God positively delights in those who positively delight in Him.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.”
5/5/07 ts
What characterizes the tenor of my prayers? When God hears my voice, what sentiments stir in Him? Is He pleased? Disappointed? What have I conveyed to Him, in our conversations? Does He think me a man of faith or what? How would Father characterize my prayers before Him? Does He see me as positive or negative, confident or doubtful, mealy-mouthed or straightforward? I ask these questions not wondering if God loves me, I am assured by Christ that He does. No, I ask these things wondering if He likes me. Does He enjoy and look forward to our conversations?
I have a dear friend with whom I have prayed a number of times. If I were asked to describe the mood of his prayers, one word would certainly come to mind, grateful! I have never heard him talk with God in any way that I would not characterize as sheer gratitude and utter appreciation for His blessings. His prayers abound in thanksgiving. I cannot help but think, that every time my friend talks with God, God is smiling. Who would not be? We all enjoy the company of a person who has a positive a appreciative heart. God positively delights in those who positively delight in Him.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.”
5/5/07 ts
How Would God Characterize our Conversations
“…with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.“ Phil4.6 NKJV
What characterizes the tenor of my prayers? When God hears my voice, what sentiments stir in Him? Is He pleased? Disappointed? What have I conveyed to Him, in our conversations? Does He think me a man of faith or what? How would Father characterize my prayers before Him? Does He see me as positive or negative, confident or doubtful, mealy-mouthed or straightforward? I ask these questions not wondering if God loves me, I am assured by Christ that He does. No, I ask these things wondering if He likes me. Does He enjoy and look forward to our conversations?
I have a dear friend with whom I have prayed a number of times. If I were asked to describe the mood of his prayers, one word would certainly come to mind, grateful! I have never heard him talk with God in any way that I would not characterize as sheer gratitude and utter appreciation for His blessings. His prayers abound in thanksgiving. I cannot help but think, that every time my friend talks with God, God is smiling. Who would not be? We all enjoy the company of a person who has a positive a appreciative heart. God positively delights in those who positively delight in Him.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.”
5/5/07 ts
What characterizes the tenor of my prayers? When God hears my voice, what sentiments stir in Him? Is He pleased? Disappointed? What have I conveyed to Him, in our conversations? Does He think me a man of faith or what? How would Father characterize my prayers before Him? Does He see me as positive or negative, confident or doubtful, mealy-mouthed or straightforward? I ask these questions not wondering if God loves me, I am assured by Christ that He does. No, I ask these things wondering if He likes me. Does He enjoy and look forward to our conversations?
I have a dear friend with whom I have prayed a number of times. If I were asked to describe the mood of his prayers, one word would certainly come to mind, grateful! I have never heard him talk with God in any way that I would not characterize as sheer gratitude and utter appreciation for His blessings. His prayers abound in thanksgiving. I cannot help but think, that every time my friend talks with God, God is smiling. Who would not be? We all enjoy the company of a person who has a positive a appreciative heart. God positively delights in those who positively delight in Him.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.”
5/5/07 ts
Friday, May 4, 2007
Let it Begin with Me
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2Ch7.14 NKJV
Yesterday was National Day of Prayer. I am sure the Holy Spirit positioned many people to pray for our nation. We may take it as a good sign whenever God moves people to intercede. It is an indication of His intent. Often when I pray for the country and ask God to forgive our sins, I am thinking about the gross and vile sins we read or hear about in the news and not so much my own rebellions. I think that it is proper for me to examine my own need for repentance before looking at the sins of others. We may certainly ask God to forgive the sins of our neighbors, but only with that true humility directed by the Lord Jesus, who told us to say, “Forgive us our debts,” instead of, “Forgive them, theirs.”
True confession is followed by true repentance. Do we desire a Christian nation. Let us be Christian ourselves. Gandhi said he might become a Christian when he met one. He also said some very Christian words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.“ Judgment is said to come first with the household of God. Perhaps, if judgment begins with God‘s people, our own repentance will begin a national one. 5/4/07 ts
Yesterday was National Day of Prayer. I am sure the Holy Spirit positioned many people to pray for our nation. We may take it as a good sign whenever God moves people to intercede. It is an indication of His intent. Often when I pray for the country and ask God to forgive our sins, I am thinking about the gross and vile sins we read or hear about in the news and not so much my own rebellions. I think that it is proper for me to examine my own need for repentance before looking at the sins of others. We may certainly ask God to forgive the sins of our neighbors, but only with that true humility directed by the Lord Jesus, who told us to say, “Forgive us our debts,” instead of, “Forgive them, theirs.”
True confession is followed by true repentance. Do we desire a Christian nation. Let us be Christian ourselves. Gandhi said he might become a Christian when he met one. He also said some very Christian words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.“ Judgment is said to come first with the household of God. Perhaps, if judgment begins with God‘s people, our own repentance will begin a national one. 5/4/07 ts
Let it Begin with Me
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2Ch7.14 NKJV
Yesterday was National Day of Prayer. I am sure the Holy Spirit positioned many people to pray for our nation. We may take it as a good sign whenever God moves people to intercede. It is an indication of His intent. Often when I pray for the country and ask God to forgive our sins, I am thinking about the gross and vile sins we read or hear about in the news and not so much my own rebellions. I think that it is proper for me to examine my own need for repentance before looking at the sins of others. We may certainly ask God to forgive the sins of our neighbors, but only with that true humility directed by the Lord Jesus, who told us to say, “Forgive us our debts,” instead of, “Forgive them, theirs.”
True confession is followed by true repentance. Do we desire a Christian nation. Let us be Christian ourselves. Gandhi said he might become a Christian when he met one. He also said some very Christian words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.“ Judgment is said to come first with the household of God. Perhaps, if judgment begins with God‘s people, our own repentance will begin a national one. 5/4/07 ts
Yesterday was National Day of Prayer. I am sure the Holy Spirit positioned many people to pray for our nation. We may take it as a good sign whenever God moves people to intercede. It is an indication of His intent. Often when I pray for the country and ask God to forgive our sins, I am thinking about the gross and vile sins we read or hear about in the news and not so much my own rebellions. I think that it is proper for me to examine my own need for repentance before looking at the sins of others. We may certainly ask God to forgive the sins of our neighbors, but only with that true humility directed by the Lord Jesus, who told us to say, “Forgive us our debts,” instead of, “Forgive them, theirs.”
True confession is followed by true repentance. Do we desire a Christian nation. Let us be Christian ourselves. Gandhi said he might become a Christian when he met one. He also said some very Christian words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.“ Judgment is said to come first with the household of God. Perhaps, if judgment begins with God‘s people, our own repentance will begin a national one. 5/4/07 ts
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Persistence Pays
“…rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…” Rom12.12 NKJV
Yesterday, a young student entered class and immediately asked if she and a friend could miss class that day, to attend volley ball training. It is my policy to deny such request the first part of the week and to lighten up on Fridays. I told her no and explained that we were viewing a movie for class discussion, they had not seen the movie and I wanted them present. To shorten the account, every five minutes this precious girl would walk up and politely renew her request, offering yet another creative reason why I should grant it. On her fifth attempt, some of the students began to chuckle. I smiled and explained that because she was so persistent and polite I would grant her request.
There is a parable told by Christ about a persistent widow, who day after day kept presenting her case to an unjust judge until he finally gave her justice. This story certainly came to mind yesterday, when I finally gave in to the young girls request. Jesus has told us that at least one facet of answered prayer is persistence. “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” (Lk18).
Having said this, we should never believe that God will give in to an unjust request, no matter how long we pray and pester Him for it. But persistence in good things has its rewards.
If granted a hearing before God, what would you ask of Him. What concerns weigh your heart? We of course, have this access and that, because of Christ. I wonder at times if we really believe this. God is on His throne, patiently waiting to listen. O God of mercy and grace, grant that we live before you, steadfast in prayer. Let us be as Jacob, refusing to let go of your robes, until you bless us. 5/3/07 ts
Yesterday, a young student entered class and immediately asked if she and a friend could miss class that day, to attend volley ball training. It is my policy to deny such request the first part of the week and to lighten up on Fridays. I told her no and explained that we were viewing a movie for class discussion, they had not seen the movie and I wanted them present. To shorten the account, every five minutes this precious girl would walk up and politely renew her request, offering yet another creative reason why I should grant it. On her fifth attempt, some of the students began to chuckle. I smiled and explained that because she was so persistent and polite I would grant her request.
There is a parable told by Christ about a persistent widow, who day after day kept presenting her case to an unjust judge until he finally gave her justice. This story certainly came to mind yesterday, when I finally gave in to the young girls request. Jesus has told us that at least one facet of answered prayer is persistence. “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” (Lk18).
Having said this, we should never believe that God will give in to an unjust request, no matter how long we pray and pester Him for it. But persistence in good things has its rewards.
If granted a hearing before God, what would you ask of Him. What concerns weigh your heart? We of course, have this access and that, because of Christ. I wonder at times if we really believe this. God is on His throne, patiently waiting to listen. O God of mercy and grace, grant that we live before you, steadfast in prayer. Let us be as Jacob, refusing to let go of your robes, until you bless us. 5/3/07 ts
Persistence Pays
“…rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…” Rom12.12 NKJV
Yesterday, a young student entered class and immediately asked if she and a friend could miss class that day, to attend volley ball training. It is my policy to deny such request the first part of the week and to lighten up on Fridays. I told her no and explained that we were viewing a movie for class discussion, they had not seen the movie and I wanted them present. To shorten the account, every five minutes this precious girl would walk up and politely renew her request, offering yet another creative reason why I should grant it. On her fifth attempt, some of the students began to chuckle. I smiled and explained that because she was so persistent and polite I would grant her request.
There is a parable told by Christ about a persistent widow, who day after day kept presenting her case to an unjust judge until he finally gave her justice. This story certainly came to mind yesterday, when I finally gave in to the young girls request. Jesus has told us that at least one facet of answered prayer is persistence. “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” (Lk18).
Having said this, we should never believe that God will give in to an unjust request, no matter how long we pray and pester Him for it. But persistence in good things has its rewards.
If granted a hearing before God, what would you ask of Him. What concerns weigh your heart? We of course, have this access and that, because of Christ. I wonder at times if we really believe this. God is on His throne, patiently waiting to listen. O God of mercy and grace, grant that we live before you, steadfast in prayer. Let us be as Jacob, refusing to let go of your robes, until you bless us. 5/3/07 ts
Yesterday, a young student entered class and immediately asked if she and a friend could miss class that day, to attend volley ball training. It is my policy to deny such request the first part of the week and to lighten up on Fridays. I told her no and explained that we were viewing a movie for class discussion, they had not seen the movie and I wanted them present. To shorten the account, every five minutes this precious girl would walk up and politely renew her request, offering yet another creative reason why I should grant it. On her fifth attempt, some of the students began to chuckle. I smiled and explained that because she was so persistent and polite I would grant her request.
There is a parable told by Christ about a persistent widow, who day after day kept presenting her case to an unjust judge until he finally gave her justice. This story certainly came to mind yesterday, when I finally gave in to the young girls request. Jesus has told us that at least one facet of answered prayer is persistence. “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” (Lk18).
Having said this, we should never believe that God will give in to an unjust request, no matter how long we pray and pester Him for it. But persistence in good things has its rewards.
If granted a hearing before God, what would you ask of Him. What concerns weigh your heart? We of course, have this access and that, because of Christ. I wonder at times if we really believe this. God is on His throne, patiently waiting to listen. O God of mercy and grace, grant that we live before you, steadfast in prayer. Let us be as Jacob, refusing to let go of your robes, until you bless us. 5/3/07 ts
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Our Greatest Need, His Greatest Glory
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1Jo5.14-15 NKJV
We may very well wonder, that if it is God's will to give us something, why do we need to ask for it at all? Doesn’t a good father provide what is needed for his children without their asking? Well in some instances of course he does, and apart of the reason we say he is a good father at all is because he is doing what God tells good fathers to do and what God the Father does every day when He send the rain on the just and the unjust. God is certainly a good father. His actions have defined Fatherhood.
But when Christ told us to ask for bread, and, to ask for it every day, He was telling us that our need is as much in the asking as it is in what we are asking for. Let me repeat this to my heart, for it bears repeating. My need is to ask not just what I am asking for. When we ask something from the Creator, we are doing what we were created to do. Prayer plays out the relationship of creature to Creator. God is the source of all blessings. When we pray, we both acknowledge this and we rightly draw from that source. God is glorified not only by answering our prayers but also in the prayers themselves. Our greatest need is expressed and met when we ask. God's greatest glory is expressed and experienced when we ask. Prayer itself is our greatest need, and expresses God’s greatest glory. Ask Him! 5/2/07 ts
We may very well wonder, that if it is God's will to give us something, why do we need to ask for it at all? Doesn’t a good father provide what is needed for his children without their asking? Well in some instances of course he does, and apart of the reason we say he is a good father at all is because he is doing what God tells good fathers to do and what God the Father does every day when He send the rain on the just and the unjust. God is certainly a good father. His actions have defined Fatherhood.
But when Christ told us to ask for bread, and, to ask for it every day, He was telling us that our need is as much in the asking as it is in what we are asking for. Let me repeat this to my heart, for it bears repeating. My need is to ask not just what I am asking for. When we ask something from the Creator, we are doing what we were created to do. Prayer plays out the relationship of creature to Creator. God is the source of all blessings. When we pray, we both acknowledge this and we rightly draw from that source. God is glorified not only by answering our prayers but also in the prayers themselves. Our greatest need is expressed and met when we ask. God's greatest glory is expressed and experienced when we ask. Prayer itself is our greatest need, and expresses God’s greatest glory. Ask Him! 5/2/07 ts
Our Greatest Need, His Greatest Glory
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1Jo5.14-15 NKJV
We may very well wonder, that if it is God's will to give us something, why do we need to ask for it at all? Doesn’t a good father provide what is needed for his children without their asking? Well in some instances of course he does, and apart of the reason we say he is a good father at all is because he is doing what God tells good fathers to do and what God the Father does every day when He send the rain on the just and the unjust. God is certainly a good father. His actions have defined Fatherhood.
But when Christ told us to ask for bread, and, to ask for it every day, He was telling us that our need is as much in the asking as it is in what we are asking for. Let me repeat this to my heart, for it bears repeating. My need is to ask not just what I am asking for. When we ask something from the Creator, we are doing what we were created to do. Prayer plays out the relationship of creature to Creator. God is the source of all blessings. When we pray, we both acknowledge this and we rightly draw from that source. God is glorified not only by answering our prayers but also in the prayers themselves. Our greatest need is expressed and met when we ask. God's greatest glory is expressed and experienced when we ask. Prayer itself is our greatest need, and expresses God’s greatest glory. Ask Him! 5/2/07 ts
We may very well wonder, that if it is God's will to give us something, why do we need to ask for it at all? Doesn’t a good father provide what is needed for his children without their asking? Well in some instances of course he does, and apart of the reason we say he is a good father at all is because he is doing what God tells good fathers to do and what God the Father does every day when He send the rain on the just and the unjust. God is certainly a good father. His actions have defined Fatherhood.
But when Christ told us to ask for bread, and, to ask for it every day, He was telling us that our need is as much in the asking as it is in what we are asking for. Let me repeat this to my heart, for it bears repeating. My need is to ask not just what I am asking for. When we ask something from the Creator, we are doing what we were created to do. Prayer plays out the relationship of creature to Creator. God is the source of all blessings. When we pray, we both acknowledge this and we rightly draw from that source. God is glorified not only by answering our prayers but also in the prayers themselves. Our greatest need is expressed and met when we ask. God's greatest glory is expressed and experienced when we ask. Prayer itself is our greatest need, and expresses God’s greatest glory. Ask Him! 5/2/07 ts
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
More Willing to Give Than We Are to Ask
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Heb11.6 NKJV
Of the many stories told about Alexander the Great, I like this one the best. A certain man approached the young king and asked if he would help him to pay off his debts. The king said he would and instructed the man to tell the treasurer to give him the sum he needed. But, when the man approached the treasurer and asked for such an enormous amount of money, the treasurer felt that he should check with the king before giving it to him. After Alexander heard how much money the man had requested, he instructed the treasurer to pay him at once. He explained that the man had paid him a singular honor and put it this way, “His request shows that he has understood both my wealth and my generosity.”
It suits my fancy to think of God in this way. I want to believe that He is generous beyond measure. I say I want to believe this because if I am honest with myself, my prayers do not reflect this. I think I am timid in prayer not because I doubt God’s wealth and generosity but because I doubt it toward someone like me. And that, is the point of my failing. God’s willingness to give is not because we are worthy of it, but because it is His very nature to be generous. God honors faith because faith honors God.
In my living room there is a picture hanging on the wall, a frame that encloses two simple words “Ask Him!” I find it humorous the number of times I have been absently staring at these words, worried or concerned about something, and then suddenly, as if on que, the words come into focus, “Ask Him!” I am sure that God is more willing to give, not only than we are willing to ask but even more than what we are willing to ask. 5/1/07 ts
Of the many stories told about Alexander the Great, I like this one the best. A certain man approached the young king and asked if he would help him to pay off his debts. The king said he would and instructed the man to tell the treasurer to give him the sum he needed. But, when the man approached the treasurer and asked for such an enormous amount of money, the treasurer felt that he should check with the king before giving it to him. After Alexander heard how much money the man had requested, he instructed the treasurer to pay him at once. He explained that the man had paid him a singular honor and put it this way, “His request shows that he has understood both my wealth and my generosity.”
It suits my fancy to think of God in this way. I want to believe that He is generous beyond measure. I say I want to believe this because if I am honest with myself, my prayers do not reflect this. I think I am timid in prayer not because I doubt God’s wealth and generosity but because I doubt it toward someone like me. And that, is the point of my failing. God’s willingness to give is not because we are worthy of it, but because it is His very nature to be generous. God honors faith because faith honors God.
In my living room there is a picture hanging on the wall, a frame that encloses two simple words “Ask Him!” I find it humorous the number of times I have been absently staring at these words, worried or concerned about something, and then suddenly, as if on que, the words come into focus, “Ask Him!” I am sure that God is more willing to give, not only than we are willing to ask but even more than what we are willing to ask. 5/1/07 ts
More Willing to Give Than We Are to Ask
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Heb11.6 NKJV
Of the many stories told about Alexander the Great, I like this one the best. A certain man approached the young king and asked if he would help him to pay off his debts. The king said he would and instructed the man to tell the treasurer to give him the sum he needed. But, when the man approached the treasurer and asked for such an enormous amount of money, the treasurer felt that he should check with the king before giving it to him. After Alexander heard how much money the man had requested, he instructed the treasurer to pay him at once. He explained that the man had paid him a singular honor and put it this way, “His request shows that he has understood both my wealth and my generosity.”
It suits my fancy to think of God in this way. I want to believe that He is generous beyond measure. I say I want to believe this because if I am honest with myself, my prayers do not reflect this. I think I am timid in prayer not because I doubt God’s wealth and generosity but because I doubt it toward someone like me. And that, is the point of my failing. God’s willingness to give is not because we are worthy of it, but because it is His very nature to be generous. God honors faith because faith honors God.
In my living room there is a picture hanging on the wall, a frame that encloses two simple words “Ask Him!” I find it humorous the number of times I have been absently staring at these words, worried or concerned about something, and then suddenly, as if on que, the words come into focus, “Ask Him!” I am sure that God is more willing to give, not only than we are willing to ask but even more than what we are willing to ask. 5/1/07 ts
Of the many stories told about Alexander the Great, I like this one the best. A certain man approached the young king and asked if he would help him to pay off his debts. The king said he would and instructed the man to tell the treasurer to give him the sum he needed. But, when the man approached the treasurer and asked for such an enormous amount of money, the treasurer felt that he should check with the king before giving it to him. After Alexander heard how much money the man had requested, he instructed the treasurer to pay him at once. He explained that the man had paid him a singular honor and put it this way, “His request shows that he has understood both my wealth and my generosity.”
It suits my fancy to think of God in this way. I want to believe that He is generous beyond measure. I say I want to believe this because if I am honest with myself, my prayers do not reflect this. I think I am timid in prayer not because I doubt God’s wealth and generosity but because I doubt it toward someone like me. And that, is the point of my failing. God’s willingness to give is not because we are worthy of it, but because it is His very nature to be generous. God honors faith because faith honors God.
In my living room there is a picture hanging on the wall, a frame that encloses two simple words “Ask Him!” I find it humorous the number of times I have been absently staring at these words, worried or concerned about something, and then suddenly, as if on que, the words come into focus, “Ask Him!” I am sure that God is more willing to give, not only than we are willing to ask but even more than what we are willing to ask. 5/1/07 ts
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