“Today, if you will hear His voice: “Do not harden your hearts.” Ps95.8 NKJV
The real danger whenever we say “no” to the leading of the Holy Spirit, may not be in that single act of disobedience-eating one more piece of pie when He is encouraging self-control. The real danger is that every time we say “no” to Him we are reinforcing in ourselves the habit of saying “no,” again and again. Every “No,“ makes it easier to say “No,“ the next time. And, in the case of that extra piece of pie we all know where that leads. But I wonder if we truly visualize our disobedience in the ultimate sense. Eventually, our habit of saying "No,“ becomes the character of saying "No.” This is why Scripture tells us that people who as a lifestyle are always refusing God, cannot live in that place where God’s will is perfectly accomplished. Christ of course is both willing and able to make up what is lacking in each of our failings and promises to do so for all who look to Him. But we should understand that with His gift of forgiveness is His gift of the Holy Spirit and He has every intention of training our hearts in obedience. This means of course that we learn to say “No,“ to ever saying “No,“ to Him. 8/31/07 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Say “No,“ to ever saying “No,“ to Him.
“Today, if you will hear His voice: “Do not harden your hearts.” Ps95.8 NKJV
The real danger whenever we say “no” to the leading of the Holy Spirit, may not be in that single act of disobedience-eating one more piece of pie when He is encouraging self-control. The real danger is that every time we say “no” to Him we are reinforcing in ourselves the habit of saying “no,” again and again. Every “No,“ makes it easier to say “No,“ the next time. And, in the case of that extra piece of pie we all know where that leads. But I wonder if we truly visualize our disobedience in the ultimate sense. Eventually, our habit of saying "No,“ becomes the character of saying "No.” This is why Scripture tells us that people who as a lifestyle are always refusing God, cannot live in that place where God’s will is perfectly accomplished. Christ of course is both willing and able to make up what is lacking in each of our failings and promises to do so for all who look to Him. But we should understand that with His gift of forgiveness is His gift of the Holy Spirit and He has every intention of training our hearts in obedience. This means of course that we learn to say “No,“ to ever saying “No,“ to Him. 8/31/07 ts
The real danger whenever we say “no” to the leading of the Holy Spirit, may not be in that single act of disobedience-eating one more piece of pie when He is encouraging self-control. The real danger is that every time we say “no” to Him we are reinforcing in ourselves the habit of saying “no,” again and again. Every “No,“ makes it easier to say “No,“ the next time. And, in the case of that extra piece of pie we all know where that leads. But I wonder if we truly visualize our disobedience in the ultimate sense. Eventually, our habit of saying "No,“ becomes the character of saying "No.” This is why Scripture tells us that people who as a lifestyle are always refusing God, cannot live in that place where God’s will is perfectly accomplished. Christ of course is both willing and able to make up what is lacking in each of our failings and promises to do so for all who look to Him. But we should understand that with His gift of forgiveness is His gift of the Holy Spirit and He has every intention of training our hearts in obedience. This means of course that we learn to say “No,“ to ever saying “No,“ to Him. 8/31/07 ts
Thursday, August 30, 2007
I Ask, He Answers
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Eph2.18 NKJV
I am currently in dialogue with a young person who has asked why I believe in God. As I was forming an answer, I realized that my line of thinking was seeking to prove God's existence to them, when actually none of the “proofs” I was offering are the main reason I believe in Him. In short, it is my daily interaction with God which stands behind the principle reason for my faith. Everyday I listen and talk with the Father. I ask Him questions, and He answers them. I present details request to Him and He answers by giving me what I have asked from Him. I ask Him to protect, to provide and to guide and He answers. I ask, He answers.
If I walk in the house, call to my wife to see if she is home, she will undoubtedly answer in some tangible way. I am sure if Brenda could speak in my thoughts and tell me she was home, she might choose to do that over shouting from the back bedroom. As far as I know, I have never audibly heard God’s actual voice, though I have audibly heard Him speaking through others and directly at me. God’s answers are no less tangible than an audible response and truthfully I find them more so. He speaks to my soul within and without and these days my soul is just as real to me as my body. I am becoming very much a spiritual creature. Yet, God’s answers flow over into my physical existence everyday. Now I could understand how someone might write His answers off as coincidence. I might also be tempted to do this, except that this kind of thing happens with the same frequency as my asking a favor from my wife and she does it. I ask believing He is there, He answers because He is. I ask both in Christ and through the Holy Spirit because God is Spirit and Christ after all is the Father’s most tangible response. 8/30/07
I am currently in dialogue with a young person who has asked why I believe in God. As I was forming an answer, I realized that my line of thinking was seeking to prove God's existence to them, when actually none of the “proofs” I was offering are the main reason I believe in Him. In short, it is my daily interaction with God which stands behind the principle reason for my faith. Everyday I listen and talk with the Father. I ask Him questions, and He answers them. I present details request to Him and He answers by giving me what I have asked from Him. I ask Him to protect, to provide and to guide and He answers. I ask, He answers.
If I walk in the house, call to my wife to see if she is home, she will undoubtedly answer in some tangible way. I am sure if Brenda could speak in my thoughts and tell me she was home, she might choose to do that over shouting from the back bedroom. As far as I know, I have never audibly heard God’s actual voice, though I have audibly heard Him speaking through others and directly at me. God’s answers are no less tangible than an audible response and truthfully I find them more so. He speaks to my soul within and without and these days my soul is just as real to me as my body. I am becoming very much a spiritual creature. Yet, God’s answers flow over into my physical existence everyday. Now I could understand how someone might write His answers off as coincidence. I might also be tempted to do this, except that this kind of thing happens with the same frequency as my asking a favor from my wife and she does it. I ask believing He is there, He answers because He is. I ask both in Christ and through the Holy Spirit because God is Spirit and Christ after all is the Father’s most tangible response. 8/30/07
I Ask, He Answers
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Eph2.18 NKJV
I am currently in dialogue with a young person who has asked why I believe in God. As I was forming an answer, I realized that my line of thinking was seeking to prove God's existence to them, when actually none of the “proofs” I was offering are the main reason I believe in Him. In short, it is my daily interaction with God which stands behind the principle reason for my faith. Everyday I listen and talk with the Father. I ask Him questions, and He answers them. I present details request to Him and He answers by giving me what I have asked from Him. I ask Him to protect, to provide and to guide and He answers. I ask, He answers.
If I walk in the house, call to my wife to see if she is home, she will undoubtedly answer in some tangible way. I am sure if Brenda could speak in my thoughts and tell me she was home, she might choose to do that over shouting from the back bedroom. As far as I know, I have never audibly heard God’s actual voice, though I have audibly heard Him speaking through others and directly at me. God’s answers are no less tangible than an audible response and truthfully I find them more so. He speaks to my soul within and without and these days my soul is just as real to me as my body. I am becoming very much a spiritual creature. Yet, God’s answers flow over into my physical existence everyday. Now I could understand how someone might write His answers off as coincidence. I might also be tempted to do this, except that this kind of thing happens with the same frequency as my asking a favor from my wife and she does it. I ask believing He is there, He answers because He is. I ask both in Christ and through the Holy Spirit because God is Spirit and Christ after all is the Father’s most tangible response. 8/30/07
I am currently in dialogue with a young person who has asked why I believe in God. As I was forming an answer, I realized that my line of thinking was seeking to prove God's existence to them, when actually none of the “proofs” I was offering are the main reason I believe in Him. In short, it is my daily interaction with God which stands behind the principle reason for my faith. Everyday I listen and talk with the Father. I ask Him questions, and He answers them. I present details request to Him and He answers by giving me what I have asked from Him. I ask Him to protect, to provide and to guide and He answers. I ask, He answers.
If I walk in the house, call to my wife to see if she is home, she will undoubtedly answer in some tangible way. I am sure if Brenda could speak in my thoughts and tell me she was home, she might choose to do that over shouting from the back bedroom. As far as I know, I have never audibly heard God’s actual voice, though I have audibly heard Him speaking through others and directly at me. God’s answers are no less tangible than an audible response and truthfully I find them more so. He speaks to my soul within and without and these days my soul is just as real to me as my body. I am becoming very much a spiritual creature. Yet, God’s answers flow over into my physical existence everyday. Now I could understand how someone might write His answers off as coincidence. I might also be tempted to do this, except that this kind of thing happens with the same frequency as my asking a favor from my wife and she does it. I ask believing He is there, He answers because He is. I ask both in Christ and through the Holy Spirit because God is Spirit and Christ after all is the Father’s most tangible response. 8/30/07
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Undisturbable Peace
Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble. Ps119.165 NKJV
To love God is to love His word and to love His word is to keep it. Jesus explained that we live in His Father’s protective love when we do what He has told us to do. And, of the many benefits promised to the obedient heart, the peace of Christ is precious indeed. When it says that “nothing caused them to stumble,” this is another way of saying that nothing can disturb this peace. The peace of Christ is not just undisturbed, it is undisturbable. It is His “great” peace and it stands guard over one who is loving God and being loved by Him. When such a peace reigns in us obstacles are seen as part of God’s agenda for the moment, if only to provide an opportunity for greater faith hope and love.
If it sounds overly spiritual or insanely unimaginable that a person can live in a state of undisturbable peace, we need only to remind ourselves that such peace is said, after all, to “pass all understanding.” That we do not have this peace is probably because it is only found on the other side of an obedient faith. 8/25/07 ts
To love God is to love His word and to love His word is to keep it. Jesus explained that we live in His Father’s protective love when we do what He has told us to do. And, of the many benefits promised to the obedient heart, the peace of Christ is precious indeed. When it says that “nothing caused them to stumble,” this is another way of saying that nothing can disturb this peace. The peace of Christ is not just undisturbed, it is undisturbable. It is His “great” peace and it stands guard over one who is loving God and being loved by Him. When such a peace reigns in us obstacles are seen as part of God’s agenda for the moment, if only to provide an opportunity for greater faith hope and love.
If it sounds overly spiritual or insanely unimaginable that a person can live in a state of undisturbable peace, we need only to remind ourselves that such peace is said, after all, to “pass all understanding.” That we do not have this peace is probably because it is only found on the other side of an obedient faith. 8/25/07 ts
Undisturbable Peace
Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble. Ps119.165 NKJV
To love God is to love His word and to love His word is to keep it. Jesus explained that we live in His Father’s protective love when we do what He has told us to do. And, of the many benefits promised to the obedient heart, the peace of Christ is precious indeed. When it says that “nothing caused them to stumble,” this is another way of saying that nothing can disturb this peace. The peace of Christ is not just undisturbed, it is undisturbable. It is His “great” peace and it stands guard over one who is loving God and being loved by Him. When such a peace reigns in us obstacles are seen as part of God’s agenda for the moment, if only to provide an opportunity for greater faith hope and love.
If it sounds overly spiritual or insanely unimaginable that a person can live in a state of undisturbable peace, we need only to remind ourselves that such peace is said, after all, to “pass all understanding.” That we do not have this peace is probably because it is only found on the other side of an obedient faith. 8/25/07 ts
To love God is to love His word and to love His word is to keep it. Jesus explained that we live in His Father’s protective love when we do what He has told us to do. And, of the many benefits promised to the obedient heart, the peace of Christ is precious indeed. When it says that “nothing caused them to stumble,” this is another way of saying that nothing can disturb this peace. The peace of Christ is not just undisturbed, it is undisturbable. It is His “great” peace and it stands guard over one who is loving God and being loved by Him. When such a peace reigns in us obstacles are seen as part of God’s agenda for the moment, if only to provide an opportunity for greater faith hope and love.
If it sounds overly spiritual or insanely unimaginable that a person can live in a state of undisturbable peace, we need only to remind ourselves that such peace is said, after all, to “pass all understanding.” That we do not have this peace is probably because it is only found on the other side of an obedient faith. 8/25/07 ts
Friday, August 24, 2007
Sap Suckers
Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. Ps116.2 NKJV
We are told to ask for bread and to ask for it daily. Just as a child is encouraged to say thank you every time they receive something, we are encouraged to ask and express gratitude to God as long as we live. No one says to another, I want to tell you this once, thanks for all you do for me, and let this one time cover all the others. Gratitude itself is a need expressed over and over again. Expressing thanks expresses the proper relationship between giver and receiver.
The psalmist expresses gratitude to God for answered prayer and then affirms that he will call upon Him as long as he lives. Such actions describe the only life available to us. Jesus explained that there is no life apart from the Creator, just as a branch has no life apart from the vine. When it comes to prayer the magic is in the asking itself. The reason we keep asking, keep calling, keep believing, is that continually doing these things expresses that one true relationship of vine to branch. As a branch sucks sap from the life of the vine, so we must always, everyday and as long as we live keep drawing life and energy from God. Most would find it humbling to be considered a sap sucker. Yet humility is that one true attitude properly expressed every time we call on the Lord. Every single thing we offer to God, we must first take from Him. Even when we say thanks we must first borrow a breath. Life is truthfully nothing more, nothing less than calling on the Lord. Let us then find our glory in being a sap sucker. 8/24/07 ts
We are told to ask for bread and to ask for it daily. Just as a child is encouraged to say thank you every time they receive something, we are encouraged to ask and express gratitude to God as long as we live. No one says to another, I want to tell you this once, thanks for all you do for me, and let this one time cover all the others. Gratitude itself is a need expressed over and over again. Expressing thanks expresses the proper relationship between giver and receiver.
The psalmist expresses gratitude to God for answered prayer and then affirms that he will call upon Him as long as he lives. Such actions describe the only life available to us. Jesus explained that there is no life apart from the Creator, just as a branch has no life apart from the vine. When it comes to prayer the magic is in the asking itself. The reason we keep asking, keep calling, keep believing, is that continually doing these things expresses that one true relationship of vine to branch. As a branch sucks sap from the life of the vine, so we must always, everyday and as long as we live keep drawing life and energy from God. Most would find it humbling to be considered a sap sucker. Yet humility is that one true attitude properly expressed every time we call on the Lord. Every single thing we offer to God, we must first take from Him. Even when we say thanks we must first borrow a breath. Life is truthfully nothing more, nothing less than calling on the Lord. Let us then find our glory in being a sap sucker. 8/24/07 ts
Sap Suckers
Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. Ps116.2 NKJV
We are told to ask for bread and to ask for it daily. Just as a child is encouraged to say thank you every time they receive something, we are encouraged to ask and express gratitude to God as long as we live. No one says to another, I want to tell you this once, thanks for all you do for me, and let this one time cover all the others. Gratitude itself is a need expressed over and over again. Expressing thanks expresses the proper relationship between giver and receiver.
The psalmist expresses gratitude to God for answered prayer and then affirms that he will call upon Him as long as he lives. Such actions describe the only life available to us. Jesus explained that there is no life apart from the Creator, just as a branch has no life apart from the vine. When it comes to prayer the magic is in the asking itself. The reason we keep asking, keep calling, keep believing, is that continually doing these things expresses that one true relationship of vine to branch. As a branch sucks sap from the life of the vine, so we must always, everyday and as long as we live keep drawing life and energy from God. Most would find it humbling to be considered a sap sucker. Yet humility is that one true attitude properly expressed every time we call on the Lord. Every single thing we offer to God, we must first take from Him. Even when we say thanks we must first borrow a breath. Life is truthfully nothing more, nothing less than calling on the Lord. Let us then find our glory in being a sap sucker. 8/24/07 ts
We are told to ask for bread and to ask for it daily. Just as a child is encouraged to say thank you every time they receive something, we are encouraged to ask and express gratitude to God as long as we live. No one says to another, I want to tell you this once, thanks for all you do for me, and let this one time cover all the others. Gratitude itself is a need expressed over and over again. Expressing thanks expresses the proper relationship between giver and receiver.
The psalmist expresses gratitude to God for answered prayer and then affirms that he will call upon Him as long as he lives. Such actions describe the only life available to us. Jesus explained that there is no life apart from the Creator, just as a branch has no life apart from the vine. When it comes to prayer the magic is in the asking itself. The reason we keep asking, keep calling, keep believing, is that continually doing these things expresses that one true relationship of vine to branch. As a branch sucks sap from the life of the vine, so we must always, everyday and as long as we live keep drawing life and energy from God. Most would find it humbling to be considered a sap sucker. Yet humility is that one true attitude properly expressed every time we call on the Lord. Every single thing we offer to God, we must first take from Him. Even when we say thanks we must first borrow a breath. Life is truthfully nothing more, nothing less than calling on the Lord. Let us then find our glory in being a sap sucker. 8/24/07 ts
Thursday, August 23, 2007
“Don’t look down.“
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. Ps94.18-19 NKJV
The worries of life are many. The comforts of the Lord are no less. For every worldly concern there is a divine remedy. For every frightful alarm there is His powerful presence.
What is the one phrase said to someone when they are trying to do something up high? “Don’t look down.“ If I set my eyes on my concerns I will most likely feel, fear or anxiety. But if I contemplate the comforts of Christ He will keep me in perfect peace. Don’t look down on the cares of this world but look up at Father’s tender mercies. One of the first verses I learned after believing in Christ said simply, “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.“ My cares are still with me, but so too are His comforts. 8/23/07 ts
The worries of life are many. The comforts of the Lord are no less. For every worldly concern there is a divine remedy. For every frightful alarm there is His powerful presence.
What is the one phrase said to someone when they are trying to do something up high? “Don’t look down.“ If I set my eyes on my concerns I will most likely feel, fear or anxiety. But if I contemplate the comforts of Christ He will keep me in perfect peace. Don’t look down on the cares of this world but look up at Father’s tender mercies. One of the first verses I learned after believing in Christ said simply, “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.“ My cares are still with me, but so too are His comforts. 8/23/07 ts
“Don’t look down.“
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. Ps94.18-19 NKJV
The worries of life are many. The comforts of the Lord are no less. For every worldly concern there is a divine remedy. For every frightful alarm there is His powerful presence.
What is the one phrase said to someone when they are trying to do something up high? “Don’t look down.“ If I set my eyes on my concerns I will most likely feel, fear or anxiety. But if I contemplate the comforts of Christ He will keep me in perfect peace. Don’t look down on the cares of this world but look up at Father’s tender mercies. One of the first verses I learned after believing in Christ said simply, “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.“ My cares are still with me, but so too are His comforts. 8/23/07 ts
The worries of life are many. The comforts of the Lord are no less. For every worldly concern there is a divine remedy. For every frightful alarm there is His powerful presence.
What is the one phrase said to someone when they are trying to do something up high? “Don’t look down.“ If I set my eyes on my concerns I will most likely feel, fear or anxiety. But if I contemplate the comforts of Christ He will keep me in perfect peace. Don’t look down on the cares of this world but look up at Father’s tender mercies. One of the first verses I learned after believing in Christ said simply, “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.“ My cares are still with me, but so too are His comforts. 8/23/07 ts
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
His Son, My son, My Grandson
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Rm8.32 NKJV
I reflect this morning even as my daughter is being taken to have a C-section. We have waited 24 hrs. for young Michael Timothy to be born. How precious to live in a day when Father has provided such a procedure to help in the birth of my first grandson. Praise Him! We naturally look in hope for a safe delivery.
When my first son was lost in the woods many years ago the Holy Spirit gave me these precious words as I waited for my Dad to come pick me up so we could join the police and national guard and search for him before the temperature plummeted before 15%. Now I must wait again hoping for the safe delivery of my grandson and my daughter. I feel so encouraged that Father graciously has these words waiting on me for this mornings reflection. 8/22/07 ts
Post Script: Mother and child were safely delivered at 6:18 A.M. Thank you blessed Lord.
I reflect this morning even as my daughter is being taken to have a C-section. We have waited 24 hrs. for young Michael Timothy to be born. How precious to live in a day when Father has provided such a procedure to help in the birth of my first grandson. Praise Him! We naturally look in hope for a safe delivery.
When my first son was lost in the woods many years ago the Holy Spirit gave me these precious words as I waited for my Dad to come pick me up so we could join the police and national guard and search for him before the temperature plummeted before 15%. Now I must wait again hoping for the safe delivery of my grandson and my daughter. I feel so encouraged that Father graciously has these words waiting on me for this mornings reflection. 8/22/07 ts
Post Script: Mother and child were safely delivered at 6:18 A.M. Thank you blessed Lord.
His Son, My son, My Grandson
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Rm8.32 NKJV
I reflect this morning even as my daughter is being taken to have a C-section. We have waited 24 hrs. for young Michael Timothy to be born. How precious to live in a day when Father has provided such a procedure to help in the birth of my first grandson. Praise Him! We naturally look in hope for a safe delivery.
When my first son was lost in the woods many years ago the Holy Spirit gave me these precious words as I waited for my Dad to come pick me up so we could join the police and national guard and search for him before the temperature plummeted before 15%. Now I must wait again hoping for the safe delivery of my grandson and my daughter. I feel so encouraged that Father graciously has these words waiting on me for this mornings reflection. 8/22/07 ts
Post Script: Mother and child were safely delivered at 6:18 A.M. Thank you blessed Lord.
I reflect this morning even as my daughter is being taken to have a C-section. We have waited 24 hrs. for young Michael Timothy to be born. How precious to live in a day when Father has provided such a procedure to help in the birth of my first grandson. Praise Him! We naturally look in hope for a safe delivery.
When my first son was lost in the woods many years ago the Holy Spirit gave me these precious words as I waited for my Dad to come pick me up so we could join the police and national guard and search for him before the temperature plummeted before 15%. Now I must wait again hoping for the safe delivery of my grandson and my daughter. I feel so encouraged that Father graciously has these words waiting on me for this mornings reflection. 8/22/07 ts
Post Script: Mother and child were safely delivered at 6:18 A.M. Thank you blessed Lord.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Coram Deo
Coram Deo
I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Ps16.8 NKJV
The other day I was looking for my glasses. I looked all through the house before I realized that they were on my head. We have all experienced those moments of realization, that eureka moment. Coming awake is one thing, remaining awake is another. God would help us not only awake to Him but remain awake and be fully present in His presence.
Coram Deo is the Latin, “before the face of God.” To live this way, to live coram Deo, is to set the Lord always before us so that we remain in a state of godly awareness. God is at my right hand. To aggressively live in this knowledge means that He is never far from the forefront of our thoughts. We awake to Him, and by so doing, we find life in every breath. Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son. We are never alone, His Spirit lives in and around us.
The joy and the happiness which God intends for us, and which can never be shaken, is found by living in this awareness. When we content ourselves in the certain knowledge of His love for us and live in that love, we live before the face of God. 8/20/07 ts
I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Ps16.8 NKJV
The other day I was looking for my glasses. I looked all through the house before I realized that they were on my head. We have all experienced those moments of realization, that eureka moment. Coming awake is one thing, remaining awake is another. God would help us not only awake to Him but remain awake and be fully present in His presence.
Coram Deo is the Latin, “before the face of God.” To live this way, to live coram Deo, is to set the Lord always before us so that we remain in a state of godly awareness. God is at my right hand. To aggressively live in this knowledge means that He is never far from the forefront of our thoughts. We awake to Him, and by so doing, we find life in every breath. Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son. We are never alone, His Spirit lives in and around us.
The joy and the happiness which God intends for us, and which can never be shaken, is found by living in this awareness. When we content ourselves in the certain knowledge of His love for us and live in that love, we live before the face of God. 8/20/07 ts
Coram Deo
Coram Deo
I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Ps16.8 NKJV
The other day I was looking for my glasses. I looked all through the house before I realized that they were on my head. We have all experienced those moments of realization, that eureka moment. Coming awake is one thing, remaining awake is another. God would help us not only awake to Him but remain awake and be fully present in His presence.
Coram Deo is the Latin, “before the face of God.” To live this way, to live coram Deo, is to set the Lord always before us so that we remain in a state of godly awareness. God is at my right hand. To aggressively live in this knowledge means that He is never far from the forefront of our thoughts. We awake to Him, and by so doing, we find life in every breath. Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son. We are never alone, His Spirit lives in and around us.
The joy and the happiness which God intends for us, and which can never be shaken, is found by living in this awareness. When we content ourselves in the certain knowledge of His love for us and live in that love, we live before the face of God. 8/20/07 ts
I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Ps16.8 NKJV
The other day I was looking for my glasses. I looked all through the house before I realized that they were on my head. We have all experienced those moments of realization, that eureka moment. Coming awake is one thing, remaining awake is another. God would help us not only awake to Him but remain awake and be fully present in His presence.
Coram Deo is the Latin, “before the face of God.” To live this way, to live coram Deo, is to set the Lord always before us so that we remain in a state of godly awareness. God is at my right hand. To aggressively live in this knowledge means that He is never far from the forefront of our thoughts. We awake to Him, and by so doing, we find life in every breath. Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son. We are never alone, His Spirit lives in and around us.
The joy and the happiness which God intends for us, and which can never be shaken, is found by living in this awareness. When we content ourselves in the certain knowledge of His love for us and live in that love, we live before the face of God. 8/20/07 ts
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Life Indeed
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil1.21 NKJV
It has been said that all men die but not all live. When a person realizes that there are no ordinary moments, and begins to truly find life in every breath, then coming to the moment when we die could be seen as nothing but gain. In that magical moment we shall pass into that state where a thousand years are as a day and a day as a thousand years. Our life here will transition into a deeper and fuller life, for in Christ we pass from this world of shadows into the world of real substance. Imagine being so fully present in each moment that the passage of a single day will be like the passage of a thousand years. Only when I see that Christ is my life, can I wake to that which is life indeed. To wake to life is to wake to Him who is life.
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Col3.4 8/18/07 ts
It has been said that all men die but not all live. When a person realizes that there are no ordinary moments, and begins to truly find life in every breath, then coming to the moment when we die could be seen as nothing but gain. In that magical moment we shall pass into that state where a thousand years are as a day and a day as a thousand years. Our life here will transition into a deeper and fuller life, for in Christ we pass from this world of shadows into the world of real substance. Imagine being so fully present in each moment that the passage of a single day will be like the passage of a thousand years. Only when I see that Christ is my life, can I wake to that which is life indeed. To wake to life is to wake to Him who is life.
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Col3.4 8/18/07 ts
Life Indeed
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil1.21 NKJV
It has been said that all men die but not all live. When a person realizes that there are no ordinary moments, and begins to truly find life in every breath, then coming to the moment when we die could be seen as nothing but gain. In that magical moment we shall pass into that state where a thousand years are as a day and a day as a thousand years. Our life here will transition into a deeper and fuller life, for in Christ we pass from this world of shadows into the world of real substance. Imagine being so fully present in each moment that the passage of a single day will be like the passage of a thousand years. Only when I see that Christ is my life, can I wake to that which is life indeed. To wake to life is to wake to Him who is life.
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Col3.4 8/18/07 ts
It has been said that all men die but not all live. When a person realizes that there are no ordinary moments, and begins to truly find life in every breath, then coming to the moment when we die could be seen as nothing but gain. In that magical moment we shall pass into that state where a thousand years are as a day and a day as a thousand years. Our life here will transition into a deeper and fuller life, for in Christ we pass from this world of shadows into the world of real substance. Imagine being so fully present in each moment that the passage of a single day will be like the passage of a thousand years. Only when I see that Christ is my life, can I wake to that which is life indeed. To wake to life is to wake to Him who is life.
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Col3.4 8/18/07 ts
Friday, August 17, 2007
One Director, and One Audience
But “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. 2Co10.17 NKJV
These words encourage us to seek and find our approval from God. Author Jean Fleming in her book, Between Walden and the Whirlwind, puts the Christ centered life in a nutshell, by saying that we should have one Director, and one Audience.
As I begin each day let me look to Him for direction. When I come to the end of each day, let me consider my performance through His eyes. I think that the seeds of hypocrisy exist anytime we care more of what men may think of us than we do about what God thinks of us. It is easy to perform, to play act for the sake of petty pride. What God approves and commends is to be our first and last consideration. 8/17/07 ts
These words encourage us to seek and find our approval from God. Author Jean Fleming in her book, Between Walden and the Whirlwind, puts the Christ centered life in a nutshell, by saying that we should have one Director, and one Audience.
As I begin each day let me look to Him for direction. When I come to the end of each day, let me consider my performance through His eyes. I think that the seeds of hypocrisy exist anytime we care more of what men may think of us than we do about what God thinks of us. It is easy to perform, to play act for the sake of petty pride. What God approves and commends is to be our first and last consideration. 8/17/07 ts
One Director, and One Audience
But “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. 2Co10.17 NKJV
These words encourage us to seek and find our approval from God. Author Jean Fleming in her book, Between Walden and the Whirlwind, puts the Christ centered life in a nutshell, by saying that we should have one Director, and one Audience.
As I begin each day let me look to Him for direction. When I come to the end of each day, let me consider my performance through His eyes. I think that the seeds of hypocrisy exist anytime we care more of what men may think of us than we do about what God thinks of us. It is easy to perform, to play act for the sake of petty pride. What God approves and commends is to be our first and last consideration. 8/17/07 ts
These words encourage us to seek and find our approval from God. Author Jean Fleming in her book, Between Walden and the Whirlwind, puts the Christ centered life in a nutshell, by saying that we should have one Director, and one Audience.
As I begin each day let me look to Him for direction. When I come to the end of each day, let me consider my performance through His eyes. I think that the seeds of hypocrisy exist anytime we care more of what men may think of us than we do about what God thinks of us. It is easy to perform, to play act for the sake of petty pride. What God approves and commends is to be our first and last consideration. 8/17/07 ts
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Sin of Demons
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2Co7.1 NKJV
The promises mentioned above are quite clearly the Lord Almighty’s pledge to be our God and Father. There is a condition to this promise. Those who would be in such a relationship with Him, are expected to act in a manner that conveys that He is. God would not be good if He did not hate all that is not good. He consequently looks upon our physical and spiritual sins with contempt. We do well to note the difference. We are all guilty of animal lusts and more so of spiritual perversions. The latter precedes and is far worse than the first. For instance, a hungry man may steal bread. Pride has him asking himself, “Do I not have the right to take what I need, even if by force.“ Our flesh may covet our neighbors spouse, pride tells our heart that we have the right to do it. One may even commit this sin of demons by admitting to themselves that they are sinful and then say in their heart, "Well at least I have admitted it when others do not." Pride is the great spiritual sin which produces all others. This is why one brother has succinctly written, "…a cold self-righteous prig who goes regularly to church may be far nearer to hell than a prostitute."
And though there is a difference between the sins of the flesh and the sins of the spirit, both are appropriately described as filth. Before God all sins are disgustingly dirty, morally unacceptable and despicable.
We need to take care here, that we do not fall into the trap of thinking that we can make ourselves worthy of God. That is just another expression of our pride that has gotten us into this mess. No, we cleanse ourselves by humbly confessing that we are filthy and need to be washed in the cleansing sacrifice of Christ. Our bath is first a spiritual one and because of this healing of our heart there is naturally an outward flow into our behavior. 8/16/07 ts
The promises mentioned above are quite clearly the Lord Almighty’s pledge to be our God and Father. There is a condition to this promise. Those who would be in such a relationship with Him, are expected to act in a manner that conveys that He is. God would not be good if He did not hate all that is not good. He consequently looks upon our physical and spiritual sins with contempt. We do well to note the difference. We are all guilty of animal lusts and more so of spiritual perversions. The latter precedes and is far worse than the first. For instance, a hungry man may steal bread. Pride has him asking himself, “Do I not have the right to take what I need, even if by force.“ Our flesh may covet our neighbors spouse, pride tells our heart that we have the right to do it. One may even commit this sin of demons by admitting to themselves that they are sinful and then say in their heart, "Well at least I have admitted it when others do not." Pride is the great spiritual sin which produces all others. This is why one brother has succinctly written, "…a cold self-righteous prig who goes regularly to church may be far nearer to hell than a prostitute."
And though there is a difference between the sins of the flesh and the sins of the spirit, both are appropriately described as filth. Before God all sins are disgustingly dirty, morally unacceptable and despicable.
We need to take care here, that we do not fall into the trap of thinking that we can make ourselves worthy of God. That is just another expression of our pride that has gotten us into this mess. No, we cleanse ourselves by humbly confessing that we are filthy and need to be washed in the cleansing sacrifice of Christ. Our bath is first a spiritual one and because of this healing of our heart there is naturally an outward flow into our behavior. 8/16/07 ts
The Sin of Demons
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2Co7.1 NKJV
The promises mentioned above are quite clearly the Lord Almighty’s pledge to be our God and Father. There is a condition to this promise. Those who would be in such a relationship with Him, are expected to act in a manner that conveys that He is. God would not be good if He did not hate all that is not good. He consequently looks upon our physical and spiritual sins with contempt. We do well to note the difference. We are all guilty of animal lusts and more so of spiritual perversions. The latter precedes and is far worse than the first. For instance, a hungry man may steal bread. Pride has him asking himself, “Do I not have the right to take what I need, even if by force.“ Our flesh may covet our neighbors spouse, pride tells our heart that we have the right to do it. One may even commit this sin of demons by admitting to themselves that they are sinful and then say in their heart, "Well at least I have admitted it when others do not." Pride is the great spiritual sin which produces all others. This is why one brother has succinctly written, "…a cold self-righteous prig who goes regularly to church may be far nearer to hell than a prostitute."
And though there is a difference between the sins of the flesh and the sins of the spirit, both are appropriately described as filth. Before God all sins are disgustingly dirty, morally unacceptable and despicable.
We need to take care here, that we do not fall into the trap of thinking that we can make ourselves worthy of God. That is just another expression of our pride that has gotten us into this mess. No, we cleanse ourselves by humbly confessing that we are filthy and need to be washed in the cleansing sacrifice of Christ. Our bath is first a spiritual one and because of this healing of our heart there is naturally an outward flow into our behavior. 8/16/07 ts
The promises mentioned above are quite clearly the Lord Almighty’s pledge to be our God and Father. There is a condition to this promise. Those who would be in such a relationship with Him, are expected to act in a manner that conveys that He is. God would not be good if He did not hate all that is not good. He consequently looks upon our physical and spiritual sins with contempt. We do well to note the difference. We are all guilty of animal lusts and more so of spiritual perversions. The latter precedes and is far worse than the first. For instance, a hungry man may steal bread. Pride has him asking himself, “Do I not have the right to take what I need, even if by force.“ Our flesh may covet our neighbors spouse, pride tells our heart that we have the right to do it. One may even commit this sin of demons by admitting to themselves that they are sinful and then say in their heart, "Well at least I have admitted it when others do not." Pride is the great spiritual sin which produces all others. This is why one brother has succinctly written, "…a cold self-righteous prig who goes regularly to church may be far nearer to hell than a prostitute."
And though there is a difference between the sins of the flesh and the sins of the spirit, both are appropriately described as filth. Before God all sins are disgustingly dirty, morally unacceptable and despicable.
We need to take care here, that we do not fall into the trap of thinking that we can make ourselves worthy of God. That is just another expression of our pride that has gotten us into this mess. No, we cleanse ourselves by humbly confessing that we are filthy and need to be washed in the cleansing sacrifice of Christ. Our bath is first a spiritual one and because of this healing of our heart there is naturally an outward flow into our behavior. 8/16/07 ts
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Dative of Advantage
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Ro14.8 NKJV
The prepositional phrase, “to the Lord,“ is called by grammarians a dative of advantage. Simply understood, we live or die to one chief end, and that is to seek the advantage of Christ. In another place, the apostle put it this way, “We make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.”
Just as any married person seeks mutual enjoyment with the spouse they have wed, so too the bride of Christ. We live for His enjoyment and find our happiness under His protection, provision, guidance and love.
All that we are, all that we have, is employed to this magical purpose. My house is His house, my car, my bank account, my everything is used for His advantage. Many Christians seem to have forgotten this, or else they have never known it. The sad truth is that I know so few Christians who would take an un-wed pregnant teen into their home if they were asked to do so. Have we forgotten what it means to be married to Christ?
To seek the advantage of Christ is of course to seek our own joy. Did He not say, I have told you these things, so that my joy may be in you and your joy made full. 8/15/07 ts
The prepositional phrase, “to the Lord,“ is called by grammarians a dative of advantage. Simply understood, we live or die to one chief end, and that is to seek the advantage of Christ. In another place, the apostle put it this way, “We make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.”
Just as any married person seeks mutual enjoyment with the spouse they have wed, so too the bride of Christ. We live for His enjoyment and find our happiness under His protection, provision, guidance and love.
All that we are, all that we have, is employed to this magical purpose. My house is His house, my car, my bank account, my everything is used for His advantage. Many Christians seem to have forgotten this, or else they have never known it. The sad truth is that I know so few Christians who would take an un-wed pregnant teen into their home if they were asked to do so. Have we forgotten what it means to be married to Christ?
To seek the advantage of Christ is of course to seek our own joy. Did He not say, I have told you these things, so that my joy may be in you and your joy made full. 8/15/07 ts
The Dative of Advantage
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Ro14.8 NKJV
The prepositional phrase, “to the Lord,“ is called by grammarians a dative of advantage. Simply understood, we live or die to one chief end, and that is to seek the advantage of Christ. In another place, the apostle put it this way, “We make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.”
Just as any married person seeks mutual enjoyment with the spouse they have wed, so too the bride of Christ. We live for His enjoyment and find our happiness under His protection, provision, guidance and love.
All that we are, all that we have, is employed to this magical purpose. My house is His house, my car, my bank account, my everything is used for His advantage. Many Christians seem to have forgotten this, or else they have never known it. The sad truth is that I know so few Christians who would take an un-wed pregnant teen into their home if they were asked to do so. Have we forgotten what it means to be married to Christ?
To seek the advantage of Christ is of course to seek our own joy. Did He not say, I have told you these things, so that my joy may be in you and your joy made full. 8/15/07 ts
The prepositional phrase, “to the Lord,“ is called by grammarians a dative of advantage. Simply understood, we live or die to one chief end, and that is to seek the advantage of Christ. In another place, the apostle put it this way, “We make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.”
Just as any married person seeks mutual enjoyment with the spouse they have wed, so too the bride of Christ. We live for His enjoyment and find our happiness under His protection, provision, guidance and love.
All that we are, all that we have, is employed to this magical purpose. My house is His house, my car, my bank account, my everything is used for His advantage. Many Christians seem to have forgotten this, or else they have never known it. The sad truth is that I know so few Christians who would take an un-wed pregnant teen into their home if they were asked to do so. Have we forgotten what it means to be married to Christ?
To seek the advantage of Christ is of course to seek our own joy. Did He not say, I have told you these things, so that my joy may be in you and your joy made full. 8/15/07 ts
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Look Whose coming to Dinner
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Rev3.20 NKJV
It is a rare event these days to have someone knock on your door. And, most of the time when it does happen, it is either the UPS delivery man, or a couple of Jehovah Witnesses. Americans are a private lot, and thus, most of us must borrow from another cultural place and time to relate to these words. People rarely knock at your door these days unless you have invited them.
It seems strange that when we opened our door to Him many years ago, He would be opening it all the time to others. We have people in our home every week for lunch, and dinner. It is such common fare to our home, that I have even offered the J.W.’s at my door a peanut butter sandwich.
Now there is something personal and relational about eating together. When we first consider who is knocking at the door and why He is there, His presence seems somewhat intrusive. Who, in these days, invites themselves to dinner? And, those who have answered the door, and accepted Jesus’ self-invite, have very well found out that He not only wishes to eat at our table but to move into our home. Before long we come to realize that He has brought His own table with Him and intends that we sit down and eat with Him. He may at first eat our fare but before long, the menu will change. He will soon have us eating His bread and drinking His wine. He cares little for our privacy, and fully intends to be on intimate terms with those who open the door. Those who tried to shut Him out, and ignore His knock, will find Him rather persistent. Thank God that He is. For Christ refuses us the civility of an impersonal religion, He desires instead to share the intimacy of personal communion and the joys of real friendship. 8/14/07 ts
It is a rare event these days to have someone knock on your door. And, most of the time when it does happen, it is either the UPS delivery man, or a couple of Jehovah Witnesses. Americans are a private lot, and thus, most of us must borrow from another cultural place and time to relate to these words. People rarely knock at your door these days unless you have invited them.
It seems strange that when we opened our door to Him many years ago, He would be opening it all the time to others. We have people in our home every week for lunch, and dinner. It is such common fare to our home, that I have even offered the J.W.’s at my door a peanut butter sandwich.
Now there is something personal and relational about eating together. When we first consider who is knocking at the door and why He is there, His presence seems somewhat intrusive. Who, in these days, invites themselves to dinner? And, those who have answered the door, and accepted Jesus’ self-invite, have very well found out that He not only wishes to eat at our table but to move into our home. Before long we come to realize that He has brought His own table with Him and intends that we sit down and eat with Him. He may at first eat our fare but before long, the menu will change. He will soon have us eating His bread and drinking His wine. He cares little for our privacy, and fully intends to be on intimate terms with those who open the door. Those who tried to shut Him out, and ignore His knock, will find Him rather persistent. Thank God that He is. For Christ refuses us the civility of an impersonal religion, He desires instead to share the intimacy of personal communion and the joys of real friendship. 8/14/07 ts
Look Whose coming to Dinner
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Rev3.20 NKJV
It is a rare event these days to have someone knock on your door. And, most of the time when it does happen, it is either the UPS delivery man, or a couple of Jehovah Witnesses. Americans are a private lot, and thus, most of us must borrow from another cultural place and time to relate to these words. People rarely knock at your door these days unless you have invited them.
It seems strange that when we opened our door to Him many years ago, He would be opening it all the time to others. We have people in our home every week for lunch, and dinner. It is such common fare to our home, that I have even offered the J.W.’s at my door a peanut butter sandwich.
Now there is something personal and relational about eating together. When we first consider who is knocking at the door and why He is there, His presence seems somewhat intrusive. Who, in these days, invites themselves to dinner? And, those who have answered the door, and accepted Jesus’ self-invite, have very well found out that He not only wishes to eat at our table but to move into our home. Before long we come to realize that He has brought His own table with Him and intends that we sit down and eat with Him. He may at first eat our fare but before long, the menu will change. He will soon have us eating His bread and drinking His wine. He cares little for our privacy, and fully intends to be on intimate terms with those who open the door. Those who tried to shut Him out, and ignore His knock, will find Him rather persistent. Thank God that He is. For Christ refuses us the civility of an impersonal religion, He desires instead to share the intimacy of personal communion and the joys of real friendship. 8/14/07 ts
It is a rare event these days to have someone knock on your door. And, most of the time when it does happen, it is either the UPS delivery man, or a couple of Jehovah Witnesses. Americans are a private lot, and thus, most of us must borrow from another cultural place and time to relate to these words. People rarely knock at your door these days unless you have invited them.
It seems strange that when we opened our door to Him many years ago, He would be opening it all the time to others. We have people in our home every week for lunch, and dinner. It is such common fare to our home, that I have even offered the J.W.’s at my door a peanut butter sandwich.
Now there is something personal and relational about eating together. When we first consider who is knocking at the door and why He is there, His presence seems somewhat intrusive. Who, in these days, invites themselves to dinner? And, those who have answered the door, and accepted Jesus’ self-invite, have very well found out that He not only wishes to eat at our table but to move into our home. Before long we come to realize that He has brought His own table with Him and intends that we sit down and eat with Him. He may at first eat our fare but before long, the menu will change. He will soon have us eating His bread and drinking His wine. He cares little for our privacy, and fully intends to be on intimate terms with those who open the door. Those who tried to shut Him out, and ignore His knock, will find Him rather persistent. Thank God that He is. For Christ refuses us the civility of an impersonal religion, He desires instead to share the intimacy of personal communion and the joys of real friendship. 8/14/07 ts
Monday, August 13, 2007
Freedom of Choice
“For we are His workmanship…” Eph2.10 NKJV
If after every day of creation, God saw that it was good, how much more would this be true of His new creation of every person in Christ. God is the artisan of the Christian as He is the craftsman of creation. He has not only made us, it is God who has re-made us in Christ. Where there was death, there is now life. Where there was only slavery to sin, now there is freedom. The choice the first Adam lost, the second Adam has regained.
Some might argue that what God has done in the soul is potentially good and the rest is up to us, to see that it is. But no, potentiality is itself a good work. God has created the conditions for us to give to Him the only friendship, love and devotion worth having. And, that of course, is what we freely surrender to Him. God has made us able to do that, where we were, before being Christian, unable to do so.
Freedom of choice, is His good work. And, like any good thing it may be abused, and is, in fact, abused everyday. But let us give credit where credit is due. If we choose to love and obey Christ, it is only because He has made our choice possible. 8/13/07 ts
If after every day of creation, God saw that it was good, how much more would this be true of His new creation of every person in Christ. God is the artisan of the Christian as He is the craftsman of creation. He has not only made us, it is God who has re-made us in Christ. Where there was death, there is now life. Where there was only slavery to sin, now there is freedom. The choice the first Adam lost, the second Adam has regained.
Some might argue that what God has done in the soul is potentially good and the rest is up to us, to see that it is. But no, potentiality is itself a good work. God has created the conditions for us to give to Him the only friendship, love and devotion worth having. And, that of course, is what we freely surrender to Him. God has made us able to do that, where we were, before being Christian, unable to do so.
Freedom of choice, is His good work. And, like any good thing it may be abused, and is, in fact, abused everyday. But let us give credit where credit is due. If we choose to love and obey Christ, it is only because He has made our choice possible. 8/13/07 ts
Freedom of Choice
“For we are His workmanship…” Eph2.10 NKJV
If after every day of creation, God saw that it was good, how much more would this be true of His new creation of every person in Christ. God is the artisan of the Christian as He is the craftsman of creation. He has not only made us, it is God who has re-made us in Christ. Where there was death, there is now life. Where there was only slavery to sin, now there is freedom. The choice the first Adam lost, the second Adam has regained.
Some might argue that what God has done in the soul is potentially good and the rest is up to us, to see that it is. But no, potentiality is itself a good work. God has created the conditions for us to give to Him the only friendship, love and devotion worth having. And, that of course, is what we freely surrender to Him. God has made us able to do that, where we were, before being Christian, unable to do so.
Freedom of choice, is His good work. And, like any good thing it may be abused, and is, in fact, abused everyday. But let us give credit where credit is due. If we choose to love and obey Christ, it is only because He has made our choice possible. 8/13/07 ts
If after every day of creation, God saw that it was good, how much more would this be true of His new creation of every person in Christ. God is the artisan of the Christian as He is the craftsman of creation. He has not only made us, it is God who has re-made us in Christ. Where there was death, there is now life. Where there was only slavery to sin, now there is freedom. The choice the first Adam lost, the second Adam has regained.
Some might argue that what God has done in the soul is potentially good and the rest is up to us, to see that it is. But no, potentiality is itself a good work. God has created the conditions for us to give to Him the only friendship, love and devotion worth having. And, that of course, is what we freely surrender to Him. God has made us able to do that, where we were, before being Christian, unable to do so.
Freedom of choice, is His good work. And, like any good thing it may be abused, and is, in fact, abused everyday. But let us give credit where credit is due. If we choose to love and obey Christ, it is only because He has made our choice possible. 8/13/07 ts
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Value Judgments
“I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.” Ps119.14 NKJV
Do I really rejoice in my possession of God’s Word as much as if I won the 100 Million Mega Lottery Jackpot? Money was of course the first thing I thought of when I read the word “riches.“ Yet, the text does not say “riches,“ but “all riches.“ Money is only one kind of wealth. Health is a wealth greater than money. Only a fool would trade one for the other? Family, even friends are a greater wealth than silver and gold. It is tragic that people have lost both chasing after money.
Apart of the value of God’s word is that it helps us with true value judgments like the one just mentioned and not to be taken in by false notions.
The writer of this Psalm had the riches of the king. Yet the wisdom of God’s word, teaches us to properly view God’s provisions. Is it not true that the poorest American has material wealth that time and technology has denied to David and his Sons. Do we not live as kings in our air-conditioned homes? No doubt money, health, family, friends are all riches to enjoy. Yet none of them are greater than living in the way of His testimonies. Augustine’s prayer is a good one when considering these things. “We love You to little, if we love anything together with You that we do not love because of You.” Is it not true that if I love something or someone more than God then I am really moving in the direction of not loving them at all. I have set before my loved ones the poor example of loving something which is less than that which is supremely valuable. 8/11/07 ts
Do I really rejoice in my possession of God’s Word as much as if I won the 100 Million Mega Lottery Jackpot? Money was of course the first thing I thought of when I read the word “riches.“ Yet, the text does not say “riches,“ but “all riches.“ Money is only one kind of wealth. Health is a wealth greater than money. Only a fool would trade one for the other? Family, even friends are a greater wealth than silver and gold. It is tragic that people have lost both chasing after money.
Apart of the value of God’s word is that it helps us with true value judgments like the one just mentioned and not to be taken in by false notions.
The writer of this Psalm had the riches of the king. Yet the wisdom of God’s word, teaches us to properly view God’s provisions. Is it not true that the poorest American has material wealth that time and technology has denied to David and his Sons. Do we not live as kings in our air-conditioned homes? No doubt money, health, family, friends are all riches to enjoy. Yet none of them are greater than living in the way of His testimonies. Augustine’s prayer is a good one when considering these things. “We love You to little, if we love anything together with You that we do not love because of You.” Is it not true that if I love something or someone more than God then I am really moving in the direction of not loving them at all. I have set before my loved ones the poor example of loving something which is less than that which is supremely valuable. 8/11/07 ts
Value Judgments
“I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.” Ps119.14 NKJV
Do I really rejoice in my possession of God’s Word as much as if I won the 100 Million Mega Lottery Jackpot? Money was of course the first thing I thought of when I read the word “riches.“ Yet, the text does not say “riches,“ but “all riches.“ Money is only one kind of wealth. Health is a wealth greater than money. Only a fool would trade one for the other? Family, even friends are a greater wealth than silver and gold. It is tragic that people have lost both chasing after money.
Apart of the value of God’s word is that it helps us with true value judgments like the one just mentioned and not to be taken in by false notions.
The writer of this Psalm had the riches of the king. Yet the wisdom of God’s word, teaches us to properly view God’s provisions. Is it not true that the poorest American has material wealth that time and technology has denied to David and his Sons. Do we not live as kings in our air-conditioned homes? No doubt money, health, family, friends are all riches to enjoy. Yet none of them are greater than living in the way of His testimonies. Augustine’s prayer is a good one when considering these things. “We love You to little, if we love anything together with You that we do not love because of You.” Is it not true that if I love something or someone more than God then I am really moving in the direction of not loving them at all. I have set before my loved ones the poor example of loving something which is less than that which is supremely valuable. 8/11/07 ts
Do I really rejoice in my possession of God’s Word as much as if I won the 100 Million Mega Lottery Jackpot? Money was of course the first thing I thought of when I read the word “riches.“ Yet, the text does not say “riches,“ but “all riches.“ Money is only one kind of wealth. Health is a wealth greater than money. Only a fool would trade one for the other? Family, even friends are a greater wealth than silver and gold. It is tragic that people have lost both chasing after money.
Apart of the value of God’s word is that it helps us with true value judgments like the one just mentioned and not to be taken in by false notions.
The writer of this Psalm had the riches of the king. Yet the wisdom of God’s word, teaches us to properly view God’s provisions. Is it not true that the poorest American has material wealth that time and technology has denied to David and his Sons. Do we not live as kings in our air-conditioned homes? No doubt money, health, family, friends are all riches to enjoy. Yet none of them are greater than living in the way of His testimonies. Augustine’s prayer is a good one when considering these things. “We love You to little, if we love anything together with You that we do not love because of You.” Is it not true that if I love something or someone more than God then I am really moving in the direction of not loving them at all. I have set before my loved ones the poor example of loving something which is less than that which is supremely valuable. 8/11/07 ts
Friday, August 10, 2007
His Help to Help us rest in His help
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Ps46.1 NKJV
Peace, perfect peace will guard the heart of those who fix their thoughts on this singular truth. God is a very present help in trouble. The next verse seeks to amplify the word trouble and at the same time it magnifies the great value of bringing these words into the forefront of our thoughts. “Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed…” These words seem to be beyond reach. Is there really nothing to fear if God is my help? We are assured that this is the case. We are also assured that apart of the help that will come to us, will be His help to help us rest in His help. In other words, we come to trust Christ, to help us trust Christ. Perhaps this is why Scripture calls it “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
8/10/07 ts
Peace, perfect peace will guard the heart of those who fix their thoughts on this singular truth. God is a very present help in trouble. The next verse seeks to amplify the word trouble and at the same time it magnifies the great value of bringing these words into the forefront of our thoughts. “Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed…” These words seem to be beyond reach. Is there really nothing to fear if God is my help? We are assured that this is the case. We are also assured that apart of the help that will come to us, will be His help to help us rest in His help. In other words, we come to trust Christ, to help us trust Christ. Perhaps this is why Scripture calls it “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
8/10/07 ts
His Help to Help us rest in His help
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Ps46.1 NKJV
Peace, perfect peace will guard the heart of those who fix their thoughts on this singular truth. God is a very present help in trouble. The next verse seeks to amplify the word trouble and at the same time it magnifies the great value of bringing these words into the forefront of our thoughts. “Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed…” These words seem to be beyond reach. Is there really nothing to fear if God is my help? We are assured that this is the case. We are also assured that apart of the help that will come to us, will be His help to help us rest in His help. In other words, we come to trust Christ, to help us trust Christ. Perhaps this is why Scripture calls it “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
8/10/07 ts
Peace, perfect peace will guard the heart of those who fix their thoughts on this singular truth. God is a very present help in trouble. The next verse seeks to amplify the word trouble and at the same time it magnifies the great value of bringing these words into the forefront of our thoughts. “Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed…” These words seem to be beyond reach. Is there really nothing to fear if God is my help? We are assured that this is the case. We are also assured that apart of the help that will come to us, will be His help to help us rest in His help. In other words, we come to trust Christ, to help us trust Christ. Perhaps this is why Scripture calls it “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
8/10/07 ts
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Consider the birds
Consider the birds.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Lk12.6-7 NKJV
I still vividly remember the first sparrow I shot with my BB gun. My mother asked me not to shoot birds when she bought it for my birthday, but, one of the first things I did with my new gun was go outside and eat that forbidden fruit. I am sure Father also has a vivid recollection of that day. Perhaps He knows the name of the bird I downed off that power line. Why not? The Scriptures tell us that He calls all the stars by name.
I feel a sense of shame for my act and not only because I disobeyed my mother but because I am sure God did not mean such, when He gave man dominion over the creatures. Now though I feel shame, the principle reason Christ gave us this word was that we not feel afraid. In effect He is telling us that if God keeps up with the affairs of sparrows He will certainly keep up with us.
I still vividly remember a time when I was concerned, I might even say worried, about something. I was sitting in the car with Brenda waiting for the Sonic girl to bring out whatever is was that we had ordered. It was a scorching summer day and there in front of me was a family of young sparrows drinking from a water spicket. Someone evidently had not turned it off tight enough and one tiny drop after another was falling into the upturned beaks of these hot and thirsty birds. And, as plain as any voice I have heard, I heard the Spirit gently say, “As I care and provide for these birds I will certainly care and provide for you. You are of more value than many sparrows.” 8/9/07 ts
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Lk12.6-7 NKJV
I still vividly remember the first sparrow I shot with my BB gun. My mother asked me not to shoot birds when she bought it for my birthday, but, one of the first things I did with my new gun was go outside and eat that forbidden fruit. I am sure Father also has a vivid recollection of that day. Perhaps He knows the name of the bird I downed off that power line. Why not? The Scriptures tell us that He calls all the stars by name.
I feel a sense of shame for my act and not only because I disobeyed my mother but because I am sure God did not mean such, when He gave man dominion over the creatures. Now though I feel shame, the principle reason Christ gave us this word was that we not feel afraid. In effect He is telling us that if God keeps up with the affairs of sparrows He will certainly keep up with us.
I still vividly remember a time when I was concerned, I might even say worried, about something. I was sitting in the car with Brenda waiting for the Sonic girl to bring out whatever is was that we had ordered. It was a scorching summer day and there in front of me was a family of young sparrows drinking from a water spicket. Someone evidently had not turned it off tight enough and one tiny drop after another was falling into the upturned beaks of these hot and thirsty birds. And, as plain as any voice I have heard, I heard the Spirit gently say, “As I care and provide for these birds I will certainly care and provide for you. You are of more value than many sparrows.” 8/9/07 ts
Consider the birds
Consider the birds.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Lk12.6-7 NKJV
I still vividly remember the first sparrow I shot with my BB gun. My mother asked me not to shoot birds when she bought it for my birthday, but, one of the first things I did with my new gun was go outside and eat that forbidden fruit. I am sure Father also has a vivid recollection of that day. Perhaps He knows the name of the bird I downed off that power line. Why not? The Scriptures tell us that He calls all the stars by name.
I feel a sense of shame for my act and not only because I disobeyed my mother but because I am sure God did not mean such, when He gave man dominion over the creatures. Now though I feel shame, the principle reason Christ gave us this word was that we not feel afraid. In effect He is telling us that if God keeps up with the affairs of sparrows He will certainly keep up with us.
I still vividly remember a time when I was concerned, I might even say worried, about something. I was sitting in the car with Brenda waiting for the Sonic girl to bring out whatever is was that we had ordered. It was a scorching summer day and there in front of me was a family of young sparrows drinking from a water spicket. Someone evidently had not turned it off tight enough and one tiny drop after another was falling into the upturned beaks of these hot and thirsty birds. And, as plain as any voice I have heard, I heard the Spirit gently say, “As I care and provide for these birds I will certainly care and provide for you. You are of more value than many sparrows.” 8/9/07 ts
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Lk12.6-7 NKJV
I still vividly remember the first sparrow I shot with my BB gun. My mother asked me not to shoot birds when she bought it for my birthday, but, one of the first things I did with my new gun was go outside and eat that forbidden fruit. I am sure Father also has a vivid recollection of that day. Perhaps He knows the name of the bird I downed off that power line. Why not? The Scriptures tell us that He calls all the stars by name.
I feel a sense of shame for my act and not only because I disobeyed my mother but because I am sure God did not mean such, when He gave man dominion over the creatures. Now though I feel shame, the principle reason Christ gave us this word was that we not feel afraid. In effect He is telling us that if God keeps up with the affairs of sparrows He will certainly keep up with us.
I still vividly remember a time when I was concerned, I might even say worried, about something. I was sitting in the car with Brenda waiting for the Sonic girl to bring out whatever is was that we had ordered. It was a scorching summer day and there in front of me was a family of young sparrows drinking from a water spicket. Someone evidently had not turned it off tight enough and one tiny drop after another was falling into the upturned beaks of these hot and thirsty birds. And, as plain as any voice I have heard, I heard the Spirit gently say, “As I care and provide for these birds I will certainly care and provide for you. You are of more value than many sparrows.” 8/9/07 ts
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
He Loves Me, Does He Like Me?
For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Ps149.4 NKJV
Yesterday I was speaking with someone about the difference in loving and liking. I am convinced that God loves me, I am not sure that He likes me. That is to say, my faith tells me that God is always seeking my eternal good through loving and beneficial actions. This of course is the nature of love. Loving as opposed to liking involves actions more so than feelings. Just as we can love someone without liking them, it only seems logical that God loves people even when He doesn’t like them. God’s love of course, is unconditional. He loves us not because we are lovable but because He is abounding love. And even though I am confident of this love I do at times wonder if He enjoys my company, if He likes me.
Despite our many undesirable traits, I believe there is one quality in a person which God absolutely enjoys. The truly humble person is said to please Him. We are told that the Father not only loves His Son, but that He likes Him, and takes great pleasure in Him. Christ of course, is gentle and humble in heart.
I believe that because God loves us, He desires to level the mountains of our pride and work the gentle and quiet spirit of Christ in each of us. And, when we are possessed of such, He will undoubtedly come to like us. In fact, the more we become like Christ and take on His personality I am sure Father will be positively pleased to spend the day with us. We might say that God is loving us into the kind of people with whom He enjoys spending time. 8/8/07 ts
Yesterday I was speaking with someone about the difference in loving and liking. I am convinced that God loves me, I am not sure that He likes me. That is to say, my faith tells me that God is always seeking my eternal good through loving and beneficial actions. This of course is the nature of love. Loving as opposed to liking involves actions more so than feelings. Just as we can love someone without liking them, it only seems logical that God loves people even when He doesn’t like them. God’s love of course, is unconditional. He loves us not because we are lovable but because He is abounding love. And even though I am confident of this love I do at times wonder if He enjoys my company, if He likes me.
Despite our many undesirable traits, I believe there is one quality in a person which God absolutely enjoys. The truly humble person is said to please Him. We are told that the Father not only loves His Son, but that He likes Him, and takes great pleasure in Him. Christ of course, is gentle and humble in heart.
I believe that because God loves us, He desires to level the mountains of our pride and work the gentle and quiet spirit of Christ in each of us. And, when we are possessed of such, He will undoubtedly come to like us. In fact, the more we become like Christ and take on His personality I am sure Father will be positively pleased to spend the day with us. We might say that God is loving us into the kind of people with whom He enjoys spending time. 8/8/07 ts
He Loves Me, Does He Like Me?
For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Ps149.4 NKJV
Yesterday I was speaking with someone about the difference in loving and liking. I am convinced that God loves me, I am not sure that He likes me. That is to say, my faith tells me that God is always seeking my eternal good through loving and beneficial actions. This of course is the nature of love. Loving as opposed to liking involves actions more so than feelings. Just as we can love someone without liking them, it only seems logical that God loves people even when He doesn’t like them. God’s love of course, is unconditional. He loves us not because we are lovable but because He is abounding love. And even though I am confident of this love I do at times wonder if He enjoys my company, if He likes me.
Despite our many undesirable traits, I believe there is one quality in a person which God absolutely enjoys. The truly humble person is said to please Him. We are told that the Father not only loves His Son, but that He likes Him, and takes great pleasure in Him. Christ of course, is gentle and humble in heart.
I believe that because God loves us, He desires to level the mountains of our pride and work the gentle and quiet spirit of Christ in each of us. And, when we are possessed of such, He will undoubtedly come to like us. In fact, the more we become like Christ and take on His personality I am sure Father will be positively pleased to spend the day with us. We might say that God is loving us into the kind of people with whom He enjoys spending time. 8/8/07 ts
Yesterday I was speaking with someone about the difference in loving and liking. I am convinced that God loves me, I am not sure that He likes me. That is to say, my faith tells me that God is always seeking my eternal good through loving and beneficial actions. This of course is the nature of love. Loving as opposed to liking involves actions more so than feelings. Just as we can love someone without liking them, it only seems logical that God loves people even when He doesn’t like them. God’s love of course, is unconditional. He loves us not because we are lovable but because He is abounding love. And even though I am confident of this love I do at times wonder if He enjoys my company, if He likes me.
Despite our many undesirable traits, I believe there is one quality in a person which God absolutely enjoys. The truly humble person is said to please Him. We are told that the Father not only loves His Son, but that He likes Him, and takes great pleasure in Him. Christ of course, is gentle and humble in heart.
I believe that because God loves us, He desires to level the mountains of our pride and work the gentle and quiet spirit of Christ in each of us. And, when we are possessed of such, He will undoubtedly come to like us. In fact, the more we become like Christ and take on His personality I am sure Father will be positively pleased to spend the day with us. We might say that God is loving us into the kind of people with whom He enjoys spending time. 8/8/07 ts
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Three in One
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us. Is33.22 NKJV
The foundations of America were built on these defining words. Our three branches of government reflect this keystone proclamation. The Most High is our Judge--our Supreme Court. The Righteous One is our Lawgiver, Father, Son and Holy Spirit --the Congress and Senate of the soul. The Almighty is our King--our great Executive.
God is the Judge of all the earth, He and He alone determines all that is right and just and true. He is a law unto Himself and He writes His Laws on the hearts of His own directing His people into paths of righteousness. Our Great King, executes and defends the cause of justice in the lives of all who look to Him. The Great Three in One is the great three in one.
It is no wonder that our founding fathers so intertwined patriotism with faith and pledged allegiance to one nation under God. For only a nation whose God is the Lord is worthy of our allegiance. And as such is true in the soul of the individual citizen only thus will it be echoed is the halls of our human government. 8/7/07 ts
The foundations of America were built on these defining words. Our three branches of government reflect this keystone proclamation. The Most High is our Judge--our Supreme Court. The Righteous One is our Lawgiver, Father, Son and Holy Spirit --the Congress and Senate of the soul. The Almighty is our King--our great Executive.
God is the Judge of all the earth, He and He alone determines all that is right and just and true. He is a law unto Himself and He writes His Laws on the hearts of His own directing His people into paths of righteousness. Our Great King, executes and defends the cause of justice in the lives of all who look to Him. The Great Three in One is the great three in one.
It is no wonder that our founding fathers so intertwined patriotism with faith and pledged allegiance to one nation under God. For only a nation whose God is the Lord is worthy of our allegiance. And as such is true in the soul of the individual citizen only thus will it be echoed is the halls of our human government. 8/7/07 ts
Three in One
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us. Is33.22 NKJV
The foundations of America were built on these defining words. Our three branches of government reflect this keystone proclamation. The Most High is our Judge--our Supreme Court. The Righteous One is our Lawgiver, Father, Son and Holy Spirit --the Congress and Senate of the soul. The Almighty is our King--our great Executive.
God is the Judge of all the earth, He and He alone determines all that is right and just and true. He is a law unto Himself and He writes His Laws on the hearts of His own directing His people into paths of righteousness. Our Great King, executes and defends the cause of justice in the lives of all who look to Him. The Great Three in One is the great three in one.
It is no wonder that our founding fathers so intertwined patriotism with faith and pledged allegiance to one nation under God. For only a nation whose God is the Lord is worthy of our allegiance. And as such is true in the soul of the individual citizen only thus will it be echoed is the halls of our human government. 8/7/07 ts
The foundations of America were built on these defining words. Our three branches of government reflect this keystone proclamation. The Most High is our Judge--our Supreme Court. The Righteous One is our Lawgiver, Father, Son and Holy Spirit --the Congress and Senate of the soul. The Almighty is our King--our great Executive.
God is the Judge of all the earth, He and He alone determines all that is right and just and true. He is a law unto Himself and He writes His Laws on the hearts of His own directing His people into paths of righteousness. Our Great King, executes and defends the cause of justice in the lives of all who look to Him. The Great Three in One is the great three in one.
It is no wonder that our founding fathers so intertwined patriotism with faith and pledged allegiance to one nation under God. For only a nation whose God is the Lord is worthy of our allegiance. And as such is true in the soul of the individual citizen only thus will it be echoed is the halls of our human government. 8/7/07 ts
Monday, August 6, 2007
Absolutely
“The entirety of Your word is truth…” Ps.119.160 NKJV
Would we really expect anything less than truth from You. Well, I’m not sure. If I am honest with myself, I still have my silly superstitions. I have wondered if You might attach some undesirable something in answer to my prayer for a blessing. Say when I ask for Your provision, and You perhaps decide to take my dad home to heaven and give me the inheritance he has left us. I feel ashamed of course, that I would regard You like some leprechaun, offering a promise in one hand so that You can trick us with the other. I am sure You have watched me try to put together a prayer, somehow foolishly thinking that if I don’t say it right, you will give me a snake when I meant to ask for a fish.
And, even though I affirm to myself and to others that I believe Your word is true, I sometimes hold You suspect, put You on trial so to speak, for some of the things that You allow.
Let me repent. Let me say to my heart, that Your word is entirely true, and not just in some abstract sense but in the absolute sense that it always and entirely reflects Your perfect goodness and love. Address my sinful superstitions, and may I never again hold you suspect of anything except abounding goodness. Is Your word entirely true? Absolutely! 8/6/07 ts
Would we really expect anything less than truth from You. Well, I’m not sure. If I am honest with myself, I still have my silly superstitions. I have wondered if You might attach some undesirable something in answer to my prayer for a blessing. Say when I ask for Your provision, and You perhaps decide to take my dad home to heaven and give me the inheritance he has left us. I feel ashamed of course, that I would regard You like some leprechaun, offering a promise in one hand so that You can trick us with the other. I am sure You have watched me try to put together a prayer, somehow foolishly thinking that if I don’t say it right, you will give me a snake when I meant to ask for a fish.
And, even though I affirm to myself and to others that I believe Your word is true, I sometimes hold You suspect, put You on trial so to speak, for some of the things that You allow.
Let me repent. Let me say to my heart, that Your word is entirely true, and not just in some abstract sense but in the absolute sense that it always and entirely reflects Your perfect goodness and love. Address my sinful superstitions, and may I never again hold you suspect of anything except abounding goodness. Is Your word entirely true? Absolutely! 8/6/07 ts
Absolutely
“The entirety of Your word is truth…” Ps.119.160 NKJV
Would we really expect anything less than truth from You. Well, I’m not sure. If I am honest with myself, I still have my silly superstitions. I have wondered if You might attach some undesirable something in answer to my prayer for a blessing. Say when I ask for Your provision, and You perhaps decide to take my dad home to heaven and give me the inheritance he has left us. I feel ashamed of course, that I would regard You like some leprechaun, offering a promise in one hand so that You can trick us with the other. I am sure You have watched me try to put together a prayer, somehow foolishly thinking that if I don’t say it right, you will give me a snake when I meant to ask for a fish.
And, even though I affirm to myself and to others that I believe Your word is true, I sometimes hold You suspect, put You on trial so to speak, for some of the things that You allow.
Let me repent. Let me say to my heart, that Your word is entirely true, and not just in some abstract sense but in the absolute sense that it always and entirely reflects Your perfect goodness and love. Address my sinful superstitions, and may I never again hold you suspect of anything except abounding goodness. Is Your word entirely true? Absolutely! 8/6/07 ts
Would we really expect anything less than truth from You. Well, I’m not sure. If I am honest with myself, I still have my silly superstitions. I have wondered if You might attach some undesirable something in answer to my prayer for a blessing. Say when I ask for Your provision, and You perhaps decide to take my dad home to heaven and give me the inheritance he has left us. I feel ashamed of course, that I would regard You like some leprechaun, offering a promise in one hand so that You can trick us with the other. I am sure You have watched me try to put together a prayer, somehow foolishly thinking that if I don’t say it right, you will give me a snake when I meant to ask for a fish.
And, even though I affirm to myself and to others that I believe Your word is true, I sometimes hold You suspect, put You on trial so to speak, for some of the things that You allow.
Let me repent. Let me say to my heart, that Your word is entirely true, and not just in some abstract sense but in the absolute sense that it always and entirely reflects Your perfect goodness and love. Address my sinful superstitions, and may I never again hold you suspect of anything except abounding goodness. Is Your word entirely true? Absolutely! 8/6/07 ts
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Fully Present
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jer33.3 NKJV
There is a bad trait that runs in my family, and one which I hope to expunge. Each of us tend to get so focused on some train of thought that we do not hear what the other members of the family are trying to say to us. Brenda seems to be the only one in the house who is immune to this problem. She has however, been ignored when the rest of us are caught up in our own little world.
We are told that God is never so intently focused on one of His projects or concerns that He will not answer us when we call. He encourages us to talk to Him and gives us the promise that He will pay attention to us when we do. I think that it is we, not He, who have an attention deficit disorder. Scripture as well as personal experience has convinced me that God is fully present everywhere and at all times. When I have come awake to Him I have never once found Him napping. The millions of prayers that come to Him do not tax or overwhelm Him. He sits intently focused on the prayers of the frightened little girl in Darfur and at the same moment He gives full attention to the lonely old man in some nursing home. The whole universe cannot contain Him, and in Him we live and move and have our being. He is described by Christ as the watchful Father who eagerly runs to greet a wayward child returning to Him. And, if we pay attention to Him, He will raise us to heights never known, and open our eyes to wonders beyond imagination. I think one way He does this, is by teaching us in some miniature way, to be like Him, to be fully present in every moment. 8/4/07 ts
There is a bad trait that runs in my family, and one which I hope to expunge. Each of us tend to get so focused on some train of thought that we do not hear what the other members of the family are trying to say to us. Brenda seems to be the only one in the house who is immune to this problem. She has however, been ignored when the rest of us are caught up in our own little world.
We are told that God is never so intently focused on one of His projects or concerns that He will not answer us when we call. He encourages us to talk to Him and gives us the promise that He will pay attention to us when we do. I think that it is we, not He, who have an attention deficit disorder. Scripture as well as personal experience has convinced me that God is fully present everywhere and at all times. When I have come awake to Him I have never once found Him napping. The millions of prayers that come to Him do not tax or overwhelm Him. He sits intently focused on the prayers of the frightened little girl in Darfur and at the same moment He gives full attention to the lonely old man in some nursing home. The whole universe cannot contain Him, and in Him we live and move and have our being. He is described by Christ as the watchful Father who eagerly runs to greet a wayward child returning to Him. And, if we pay attention to Him, He will raise us to heights never known, and open our eyes to wonders beyond imagination. I think one way He does this, is by teaching us in some miniature way, to be like Him, to be fully present in every moment. 8/4/07 ts
Fully Present
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jer33.3 NKJV
There is a bad trait that runs in my family, and one which I hope to expunge. Each of us tend to get so focused on some train of thought that we do not hear what the other members of the family are trying to say to us. Brenda seems to be the only one in the house who is immune to this problem. She has however, been ignored when the rest of us are caught up in our own little world.
We are told that God is never so intently focused on one of His projects or concerns that He will not answer us when we call. He encourages us to talk to Him and gives us the promise that He will pay attention to us when we do. I think that it is we, not He, who have an attention deficit disorder. Scripture as well as personal experience has convinced me that God is fully present everywhere and at all times. When I have come awake to Him I have never once found Him napping. The millions of prayers that come to Him do not tax or overwhelm Him. He sits intently focused on the prayers of the frightened little girl in Darfur and at the same moment He gives full attention to the lonely old man in some nursing home. The whole universe cannot contain Him, and in Him we live and move and have our being. He is described by Christ as the watchful Father who eagerly runs to greet a wayward child returning to Him. And, if we pay attention to Him, He will raise us to heights never known, and open our eyes to wonders beyond imagination. I think one way He does this, is by teaching us in some miniature way, to be like Him, to be fully present in every moment. 8/4/07 ts
There is a bad trait that runs in my family, and one which I hope to expunge. Each of us tend to get so focused on some train of thought that we do not hear what the other members of the family are trying to say to us. Brenda seems to be the only one in the house who is immune to this problem. She has however, been ignored when the rest of us are caught up in our own little world.
We are told that God is never so intently focused on one of His projects or concerns that He will not answer us when we call. He encourages us to talk to Him and gives us the promise that He will pay attention to us when we do. I think that it is we, not He, who have an attention deficit disorder. Scripture as well as personal experience has convinced me that God is fully present everywhere and at all times. When I have come awake to Him I have never once found Him napping. The millions of prayers that come to Him do not tax or overwhelm Him. He sits intently focused on the prayers of the frightened little girl in Darfur and at the same moment He gives full attention to the lonely old man in some nursing home. The whole universe cannot contain Him, and in Him we live and move and have our being. He is described by Christ as the watchful Father who eagerly runs to greet a wayward child returning to Him. And, if we pay attention to Him, He will raise us to heights never known, and open our eyes to wonders beyond imagination. I think one way He does this, is by teaching us in some miniature way, to be like Him, to be fully present in every moment. 8/4/07 ts
Friday, August 3, 2007
When God looks at my heart
For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1Sa16.7
The other day, I heard someone make a comment about a very talented young man saying that he had “the whole package.“ They, of course, meant that the person had the looks, talent, personality, charisma, just about everything we would normally think it takes to be successful. And though we often think this way, a good many unsuspecting people have risen to wealth, power and popularity. We see in some instances “that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.”
God of course controls all that we call chance and His word tells us that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” God decides the outcome of all things.
Israel’s first king, Saul, was a man who had the “whole package,” so to speak. Yet God rejected him as king and gave it to David, a man after His own heart.
We might have many thoughts when we consider these things but I should think it appropriate in the very least to query ourselves. When God looks at my heart, what does He see? What does it reveal about my heart when I consider the things His has entrusted to me? What does it reveal about my heart when I see God entrust to another what I myself desire? Create in me a clean heart O God! 8/3/07 ts
The other day, I heard someone make a comment about a very talented young man saying that he had “the whole package.“ They, of course, meant that the person had the looks, talent, personality, charisma, just about everything we would normally think it takes to be successful. And though we often think this way, a good many unsuspecting people have risen to wealth, power and popularity. We see in some instances “that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.”
God of course controls all that we call chance and His word tells us that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” God decides the outcome of all things.
Israel’s first king, Saul, was a man who had the “whole package,” so to speak. Yet God rejected him as king and gave it to David, a man after His own heart.
We might have many thoughts when we consider these things but I should think it appropriate in the very least to query ourselves. When God looks at my heart, what does He see? What does it reveal about my heart when I consider the things His has entrusted to me? What does it reveal about my heart when I see God entrust to another what I myself desire? Create in me a clean heart O God! 8/3/07 ts
When God looks at my heart
For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1Sa16.7
The other day, I heard someone make a comment about a very talented young man saying that he had “the whole package.“ They, of course, meant that the person had the looks, talent, personality, charisma, just about everything we would normally think it takes to be successful. And though we often think this way, a good many unsuspecting people have risen to wealth, power and popularity. We see in some instances “that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.”
God of course controls all that we call chance and His word tells us that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” God decides the outcome of all things.
Israel’s first king, Saul, was a man who had the “whole package,” so to speak. Yet God rejected him as king and gave it to David, a man after His own heart.
We might have many thoughts when we consider these things but I should think it appropriate in the very least to query ourselves. When God looks at my heart, what does He see? What does it reveal about my heart when I consider the things His has entrusted to me? What does it reveal about my heart when I see God entrust to another what I myself desire? Create in me a clean heart O God! 8/3/07 ts
The other day, I heard someone make a comment about a very talented young man saying that he had “the whole package.“ They, of course, meant that the person had the looks, talent, personality, charisma, just about everything we would normally think it takes to be successful. And though we often think this way, a good many unsuspecting people have risen to wealth, power and popularity. We see in some instances “that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.”
God of course controls all that we call chance and His word tells us that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” God decides the outcome of all things.
Israel’s first king, Saul, was a man who had the “whole package,” so to speak. Yet God rejected him as king and gave it to David, a man after His own heart.
We might have many thoughts when we consider these things but I should think it appropriate in the very least to query ourselves. When God looks at my heart, what does He see? What does it reveal about my heart when I consider the things His has entrusted to me? What does it reveal about my heart when I see God entrust to another what I myself desire? Create in me a clean heart O God! 8/3/07 ts
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Only Two Steps
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Ja1.22 NKJV
My daughter Sarah and I trade quotes. Every week I write a new one on her bathroom mirror, and she leaves her favorites on my laptop written on 3X5 cards. One which has passed between us is taken from Rick Warrens best seller, Purpose Driven Life. ''Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a life time of Bible discussions.” I can still hear one of my college profs echoing the same message, “To know and not do, is not to know.”
In the final analysis, obedience will be the measure of our lives before God. Those who protest by saying that this is a works based approach need only to remember the commandment, of Jesus. “Repent, and believe in the gospel." Mk.1.15
Once the gospel is heard, there are really only two steps we ever learn as a Christian. The first is to repent and the second is to believe. The essence of repentance is relinquishing our will to His. The essence of faith is transferring our trust to Him. The first is necessary to take the second and the second completes the first. One without the other is no step at all. In our initial obedience we confess our inability to reform and we repent of any attempt to stand on our flawed record. We then transfer our trust to the finished work of Christ and stand on His record. Two steps; repent and believe. Scripture refers to them as the “obedience of faith.”
The Christian journey does not end, but in truth, begins here. And, the same two steps are repeated over and over again, and, their applications many. I repent of living under my lordship and express my faith in obedience to His. Every transformation expresses them both; Not my will, but thine. To know this and not to do it, is not to know it. 8/2/07 ts
My daughter Sarah and I trade quotes. Every week I write a new one on her bathroom mirror, and she leaves her favorites on my laptop written on 3X5 cards. One which has passed between us is taken from Rick Warrens best seller, Purpose Driven Life. ''Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a life time of Bible discussions.” I can still hear one of my college profs echoing the same message, “To know and not do, is not to know.”
In the final analysis, obedience will be the measure of our lives before God. Those who protest by saying that this is a works based approach need only to remember the commandment, of Jesus. “Repent, and believe in the gospel." Mk.1.15
Once the gospel is heard, there are really only two steps we ever learn as a Christian. The first is to repent and the second is to believe. The essence of repentance is relinquishing our will to His. The essence of faith is transferring our trust to Him. The first is necessary to take the second and the second completes the first. One without the other is no step at all. In our initial obedience we confess our inability to reform and we repent of any attempt to stand on our flawed record. We then transfer our trust to the finished work of Christ and stand on His record. Two steps; repent and believe. Scripture refers to them as the “obedience of faith.”
The Christian journey does not end, but in truth, begins here. And, the same two steps are repeated over and over again, and, their applications many. I repent of living under my lordship and express my faith in obedience to His. Every transformation expresses them both; Not my will, but thine. To know this and not to do it, is not to know it. 8/2/07 ts
Only Two Steps
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Ja1.22 NKJV
My daughter Sarah and I trade quotes. Every week I write a new one on her bathroom mirror, and she leaves her favorites on my laptop written on 3X5 cards. One which has passed between us is taken from Rick Warrens best seller, Purpose Driven Life. ''Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a life time of Bible discussions.” I can still hear one of my college profs echoing the same message, “To know and not do, is not to know.”
In the final analysis, obedience will be the measure of our lives before God. Those who protest by saying that this is a works based approach need only to remember the commandment, of Jesus. “Repent, and believe in the gospel." Mk.1.15
Once the gospel is heard, there are really only two steps we ever learn as a Christian. The first is to repent and the second is to believe. The essence of repentance is relinquishing our will to His. The essence of faith is transferring our trust to Him. The first is necessary to take the second and the second completes the first. One without the other is no step at all. In our initial obedience we confess our inability to reform and we repent of any attempt to stand on our flawed record. We then transfer our trust to the finished work of Christ and stand on His record. Two steps; repent and believe. Scripture refers to them as the “obedience of faith.”
The Christian journey does not end, but in truth, begins here. And, the same two steps are repeated over and over again, and, their applications many. I repent of living under my lordship and express my faith in obedience to His. Every transformation expresses them both; Not my will, but thine. To know this and not to do it, is not to know it. 8/2/07 ts
My daughter Sarah and I trade quotes. Every week I write a new one on her bathroom mirror, and she leaves her favorites on my laptop written on 3X5 cards. One which has passed between us is taken from Rick Warrens best seller, Purpose Driven Life. ''Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a life time of Bible discussions.” I can still hear one of my college profs echoing the same message, “To know and not do, is not to know.”
In the final analysis, obedience will be the measure of our lives before God. Those who protest by saying that this is a works based approach need only to remember the commandment, of Jesus. “Repent, and believe in the gospel." Mk.1.15
Once the gospel is heard, there are really only two steps we ever learn as a Christian. The first is to repent and the second is to believe. The essence of repentance is relinquishing our will to His. The essence of faith is transferring our trust to Him. The first is necessary to take the second and the second completes the first. One without the other is no step at all. In our initial obedience we confess our inability to reform and we repent of any attempt to stand on our flawed record. We then transfer our trust to the finished work of Christ and stand on His record. Two steps; repent and believe. Scripture refers to them as the “obedience of faith.”
The Christian journey does not end, but in truth, begins here. And, the same two steps are repeated over and over again, and, their applications many. I repent of living under my lordship and express my faith in obedience to His. Every transformation expresses them both; Not my will, but thine. To know this and not to do it, is not to know it. 8/2/07 ts
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
His answer will be a good one.
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.” Ps119.114 NKJV
There may be any number of things that we might hope to receive from the Lord. I certainly have my list. And, I confess that when Father does not act as I wish, or give me what I think is a reasonable request, I express my frustrations to Him usually by directing some sarcasm in His direction. Later, I find myself apologizing and come to realize how patient He is.
I see a gradual shift in the focus of my hope. Though I pray specific prayers and ask for many detailed things, my hope is not so much that He will give me what I want but what is best. God has not promised to give us all that we want. He does offer us the assurance that His answer will be a good one. That is, He will never answer us in any way that does not bring His goodness to us. More than likely, He will give us something better than what we have asked.
Our hope then is in His word and specifically in the revealed goodness of His character offered in it. Our hope is not that He will give what we ask, but that He will not give us a snake when we ask for a fish or a stone when we ask for bread. No, He may not give us what we ask, but He will always give us what is good. Our hope is not only in His word but in His goodness. Surely we are to ask! Yet in the end, our hope is that good is the only thing God has to give for those to whom He has already given Christ. 8/1/07 ts
There may be any number of things that we might hope to receive from the Lord. I certainly have my list. And, I confess that when Father does not act as I wish, or give me what I think is a reasonable request, I express my frustrations to Him usually by directing some sarcasm in His direction. Later, I find myself apologizing and come to realize how patient He is.
I see a gradual shift in the focus of my hope. Though I pray specific prayers and ask for many detailed things, my hope is not so much that He will give me what I want but what is best. God has not promised to give us all that we want. He does offer us the assurance that His answer will be a good one. That is, He will never answer us in any way that does not bring His goodness to us. More than likely, He will give us something better than what we have asked.
Our hope then is in His word and specifically in the revealed goodness of His character offered in it. Our hope is not that He will give what we ask, but that He will not give us a snake when we ask for a fish or a stone when we ask for bread. No, He may not give us what we ask, but He will always give us what is good. Our hope is not only in His word but in His goodness. Surely we are to ask! Yet in the end, our hope is that good is the only thing God has to give for those to whom He has already given Christ. 8/1/07 ts
His answer will be a good one.
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.” Ps119.114 NKJV
There may be any number of things that we might hope to receive from the Lord. I certainly have my list. And, I confess that when Father does not act as I wish, or give me what I think is a reasonable request, I express my frustrations to Him usually by directing some sarcasm in His direction. Later, I find myself apologizing and come to realize how patient He is.
I see a gradual shift in the focus of my hope. Though I pray specific prayers and ask for many detailed things, my hope is not so much that He will give me what I want but what is best. God has not promised to give us all that we want. He does offer us the assurance that His answer will be a good one. That is, He will never answer us in any way that does not bring His goodness to us. More than likely, He will give us something better than what we have asked.
Our hope then is in His word and specifically in the revealed goodness of His character offered in it. Our hope is not that He will give what we ask, but that He will not give us a snake when we ask for a fish or a stone when we ask for bread. No, He may not give us what we ask, but He will always give us what is good. Our hope is not only in His word but in His goodness. Surely we are to ask! Yet in the end, our hope is that good is the only thing God has to give for those to whom He has already given Christ. 8/1/07 ts
There may be any number of things that we might hope to receive from the Lord. I certainly have my list. And, I confess that when Father does not act as I wish, or give me what I think is a reasonable request, I express my frustrations to Him usually by directing some sarcasm in His direction. Later, I find myself apologizing and come to realize how patient He is.
I see a gradual shift in the focus of my hope. Though I pray specific prayers and ask for many detailed things, my hope is not so much that He will give me what I want but what is best. God has not promised to give us all that we want. He does offer us the assurance that His answer will be a good one. That is, He will never answer us in any way that does not bring His goodness to us. More than likely, He will give us something better than what we have asked.
Our hope then is in His word and specifically in the revealed goodness of His character offered in it. Our hope is not that He will give what we ask, but that He will not give us a snake when we ask for a fish or a stone when we ask for bread. No, He may not give us what we ask, but He will always give us what is good. Our hope is not only in His word but in His goodness. Surely we are to ask! Yet in the end, our hope is that good is the only thing God has to give for those to whom He has already given Christ. 8/1/07 ts
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