But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2Pt3.10 NKJV
One quote from a movie which I have come to appreciate, simply states, “We're all put to the test... but it never comes in the form or at the point we would prefer…” The tests that come to us in life, generally come as a thief in the night, that is, they come at an unexpected time and usually catch us with our pants down.
The “day of the Lord” refers to the final coming of Christ which the Scriptures teach us will also come when we least expect it. It is here each of us will come to take our final test. And, the fundamental question that I am certain will be apart of this test, will simply examine where we have placed our faith. Did I go through life trusting and following my own designs or did I go through life trusting and following Christ.
Of course the point of telling us all this, is that we will never drop our guard and we do this of course, simply by trusting and following Jesus, now. And, whether Christ comes in glory today or comes to take us to glory in death, we will not get caught with our pants down if by faith we are clothed in His righteousness. 11/30/07 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Caught with your pants down
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2Pt3.10 NKJV
One quote from a movie which I have come to appreciate, simply states, “We're all put to the test... but it never comes in the form or at the point we would prefer…” The tests that come to us in life, generally come as a thief in the night, that is, they come at an unexpected time and usually catch us with our pants down.
The “day of the Lord” refers to the final coming of Christ which the Scriptures teach us will also come when we least expect it. It is here each of us will come to take our final test. And, the fundamental question that I am certain will be apart of this test, will simply examine where we have placed our faith. Did I go through life trusting and following my own designs or did I go through life trusting and following Christ.
Of course the point of telling us all this, is that we will never drop our guard and we do this of course, simply by trusting and following Jesus, now. And, whether Christ comes in glory today or comes to take us to glory in death, we will not get caught with our pants down if by faith we are clothed in His righteousness. 11/30/07 ts
One quote from a movie which I have come to appreciate, simply states, “We're all put to the test... but it never comes in the form or at the point we would prefer…” The tests that come to us in life, generally come as a thief in the night, that is, they come at an unexpected time and usually catch us with our pants down.
The “day of the Lord” refers to the final coming of Christ which the Scriptures teach us will also come when we least expect it. It is here each of us will come to take our final test. And, the fundamental question that I am certain will be apart of this test, will simply examine where we have placed our faith. Did I go through life trusting and following my own designs or did I go through life trusting and following Christ.
Of course the point of telling us all this, is that we will never drop our guard and we do this of course, simply by trusting and following Jesus, now. And, whether Christ comes in glory today or comes to take us to glory in death, we will not get caught with our pants down if by faith we are clothed in His righteousness. 11/30/07 ts
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Who art in Heaven
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Ps136.26 NIV
Jesus taught us to pray this way, “Our Father who art in Heaven.” Because God is in Heaven, and, because He is the God of Heaven, this should be a great comfort for all of us who look to Him on earth. Our Father is above all things. This isn’t just talking about where God is but who God is. God is over all things like a ruler is over His kingdom. When we approach Him with our prayers, He is all powerful not powerless. Nothing is impossible for Him, nothing is beyond His power to save.
This means a great deal to me when I pray for others. We might be tempted to believe that God cannot help those who will not help themselves. But when you pray for a friend who is not a Christian God can turn their heart to Him. This encouragement to give thanks can give us both comfort and confidence. Our God reigns. Our God loves and His love lasts forever. ASK HIM! 11/29/07 ts
Jesus taught us to pray this way, “Our Father who art in Heaven.” Because God is in Heaven, and, because He is the God of Heaven, this should be a great comfort for all of us who look to Him on earth. Our Father is above all things. This isn’t just talking about where God is but who God is. God is over all things like a ruler is over His kingdom. When we approach Him with our prayers, He is all powerful not powerless. Nothing is impossible for Him, nothing is beyond His power to save.
This means a great deal to me when I pray for others. We might be tempted to believe that God cannot help those who will not help themselves. But when you pray for a friend who is not a Christian God can turn their heart to Him. This encouragement to give thanks can give us both comfort and confidence. Our God reigns. Our God loves and His love lasts forever. ASK HIM! 11/29/07 ts
Who art in Heaven
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Ps136.26 NIV
Jesus taught us to pray this way, “Our Father who art in Heaven.” Because God is in Heaven, and, because He is the God of Heaven, this should be a great comfort for all of us who look to Him on earth. Our Father is above all things. This isn’t just talking about where God is but who God is. God is over all things like a ruler is over His kingdom. When we approach Him with our prayers, He is all powerful not powerless. Nothing is impossible for Him, nothing is beyond His power to save.
This means a great deal to me when I pray for others. We might be tempted to believe that God cannot help those who will not help themselves. But when you pray for a friend who is not a Christian God can turn their heart to Him. This encouragement to give thanks can give us both comfort and confidence. Our God reigns. Our God loves and His love lasts forever. ASK HIM! 11/29/07 ts
Jesus taught us to pray this way, “Our Father who art in Heaven.” Because God is in Heaven, and, because He is the God of Heaven, this should be a great comfort for all of us who look to Him on earth. Our Father is above all things. This isn’t just talking about where God is but who God is. God is over all things like a ruler is over His kingdom. When we approach Him with our prayers, He is all powerful not powerless. Nothing is impossible for Him, nothing is beyond His power to save.
This means a great deal to me when I pray for others. We might be tempted to believe that God cannot help those who will not help themselves. But when you pray for a friend who is not a Christian God can turn their heart to Him. This encouragement to give thanks can give us both comfort and confidence. Our God reigns. Our God loves and His love lasts forever. ASK HIM! 11/29/07 ts
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Especially
Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!
I think that it is important to give thanks to God, even on days, we might even say, especially on days, when all is not as we would want it to be. Giving thanks to Him in trying times expresses faith in God’s wisdom and power not only that He will work all things for good but that He is, even now doing so. Our testimony to those around us should always express faith in the absolute goodness of God, even when, especially when, it seems to appear that He isn’t good. Why? Because He is good. And, it is good for us to gratefully walk in faith believing this, even when, especially when, we do see it. The importance of faith is not seeing to believe but believing in order to see. 11/28/07 ts
I think that it is important to give thanks to God, even on days, we might even say, especially on days, when all is not as we would want it to be. Giving thanks to Him in trying times expresses faith in God’s wisdom and power not only that He will work all things for good but that He is, even now doing so. Our testimony to those around us should always express faith in the absolute goodness of God, even when, especially when, it seems to appear that He isn’t good. Why? Because He is good. And, it is good for us to gratefully walk in faith believing this, even when, especially when, we do see it. The importance of faith is not seeing to believe but believing in order to see. 11/28/07 ts
Especially
Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!
I think that it is important to give thanks to God, even on days, we might even say, especially on days, when all is not as we would want it to be. Giving thanks to Him in trying times expresses faith in God’s wisdom and power not only that He will work all things for good but that He is, even now doing so. Our testimony to those around us should always express faith in the absolute goodness of God, even when, especially when, it seems to appear that He isn’t good. Why? Because He is good. And, it is good for us to gratefully walk in faith believing this, even when, especially when, we do see it. The importance of faith is not seeing to believe but believing in order to see. 11/28/07 ts
I think that it is important to give thanks to God, even on days, we might even say, especially on days, when all is not as we would want it to be. Giving thanks to Him in trying times expresses faith in God’s wisdom and power not only that He will work all things for good but that He is, even now doing so. Our testimony to those around us should always express faith in the absolute goodness of God, even when, especially when, it seems to appear that He isn’t good. Why? Because He is good. And, it is good for us to gratefully walk in faith believing this, even when, especially when, we do see it. The importance of faith is not seeing to believe but believing in order to see. 11/28/07 ts
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
There is nothing like a flower in bloom.
“…established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Col2.7 NKJV
I always know when my new garden plants are established. They bountifully bloom. So it is with the heart of a new Christian. A believer who is well established in the faith blooms with prolific thanksgiving.
Our faith teaches us that God is over all things, that He works all things for good to those who love Him and that if He has given us Christ how shall He not also give us all things with Him. Gratitude blooms in the heart that leans on these things. Appreciation teems in the waters that flow from the mouth of a mature saint. Admiration escalates in our adoration of God’s great goodness in Christ. My brother once commended to me about a person who is finally doing what they were created to do. He poetically stated, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.“ 11/24/07 ts
I always know when my new garden plants are established. They bountifully bloom. So it is with the heart of a new Christian. A believer who is well established in the faith blooms with prolific thanksgiving.
Our faith teaches us that God is over all things, that He works all things for good to those who love Him and that if He has given us Christ how shall He not also give us all things with Him. Gratitude blooms in the heart that leans on these things. Appreciation teems in the waters that flow from the mouth of a mature saint. Admiration escalates in our adoration of God’s great goodness in Christ. My brother once commended to me about a person who is finally doing what they were created to do. He poetically stated, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.“ 11/24/07 ts
There is nothing like a flower in bloom.
“…established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Col2.7 NKJV
I always know when my new garden plants are established. They bountifully bloom. So it is with the heart of a new Christian. A believer who is well established in the faith blooms with prolific thanksgiving.
Our faith teaches us that God is over all things, that He works all things for good to those who love Him and that if He has given us Christ how shall He not also give us all things with Him. Gratitude blooms in the heart that leans on these things. Appreciation teems in the waters that flow from the mouth of a mature saint. Admiration escalates in our adoration of God’s great goodness in Christ. My brother once commended to me about a person who is finally doing what they were created to do. He poetically stated, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.“ 11/24/07 ts
I always know when my new garden plants are established. They bountifully bloom. So it is with the heart of a new Christian. A believer who is well established in the faith blooms with prolific thanksgiving.
Our faith teaches us that God is over all things, that He works all things for good to those who love Him and that if He has given us Christ how shall He not also give us all things with Him. Gratitude blooms in the heart that leans on these things. Appreciation teems in the waters that flow from the mouth of a mature saint. Admiration escalates in our adoration of God’s great goodness in Christ. My brother once commended to me about a person who is finally doing what they were created to do. He poetically stated, “There is nothing like a flower in bloom.“ 11/24/07 ts
I have no answer.
“the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it.” Ps.69.36 KJV
What are our hopes of heaven if those we love do not dwell with us in glory. Father of course knows this. He also knows that no one would want to enter and live in His Kingdom who do not love Him and desire His rule. Our children are the intended heirs of our faith and love for Christ and He is of course the substance of heaven. But children sometimes turn from the faith handed them.
How will we be happy in heaven if we know that our offspring have not come within it gates of praise. I have no answer. All our hopes are in you dear Jesus. 11/22/07 ts
What are our hopes of heaven if those we love do not dwell with us in glory. Father of course knows this. He also knows that no one would want to enter and live in His Kingdom who do not love Him and desire His rule. Our children are the intended heirs of our faith and love for Christ and He is of course the substance of heaven. But children sometimes turn from the faith handed them.
How will we be happy in heaven if we know that our offspring have not come within it gates of praise. I have no answer. All our hopes are in you dear Jesus. 11/22/07 ts
I have no answer.
“the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it.” Ps.69.36 KJV
What are our hopes of heaven if those we love do not dwell with us in glory. Father of course knows this. He also knows that no one would want to enter and live in His Kingdom who do not love Him and desire His rule. Our children are the intended heirs of our faith and love for Christ and He is of course the substance of heaven. But children sometimes turn from the faith handed them.
How will we be happy in heaven if we know that our offspring have not come within it gates of praise. I have no answer. All our hopes are in you dear Jesus. 11/22/07 ts
What are our hopes of heaven if those we love do not dwell with us in glory. Father of course knows this. He also knows that no one would want to enter and live in His Kingdom who do not love Him and desire His rule. Our children are the intended heirs of our faith and love for Christ and He is of course the substance of heaven. But children sometimes turn from the faith handed them.
How will we be happy in heaven if we know that our offspring have not come within it gates of praise. I have no answer. All our hopes are in you dear Jesus. 11/22/07 ts
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Means of Grace
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus… 1Co1.4 NKJV
There are many graces given to us by God. He helps us see what is true. He encourages us to walk in it. He helps us trust Him and patiently forgives our repeated failures.
Just as we get water by means of a faucet, a cold drink by means of a refrigerator, warmth by means of a heater, we get grace by the means of Christ. All the grace that comes to us from God comes to us by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the hose God uses to water His garden. He is the door into the banquet hall. Christ is cloud which drops the rain of the Father’s goodness. All of the blessings of God come to us by Him. Thank God for grace, thank God for Christ. 11/21/07 ts
There are many graces given to us by God. He helps us see what is true. He encourages us to walk in it. He helps us trust Him and patiently forgives our repeated failures.
Just as we get water by means of a faucet, a cold drink by means of a refrigerator, warmth by means of a heater, we get grace by the means of Christ. All the grace that comes to us from God comes to us by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the hose God uses to water His garden. He is the door into the banquet hall. Christ is cloud which drops the rain of the Father’s goodness. All of the blessings of God come to us by Him. Thank God for grace, thank God for Christ. 11/21/07 ts
The Means of Grace
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus… 1Co1.4 NKJV
There are many graces given to us by God. He helps us see what is true. He encourages us to walk in it. He helps us trust Him and patiently forgives our repeated failures.
Just as we get water by means of a faucet, a cold drink by means of a refrigerator, warmth by means of a heater, we get grace by the means of Christ. All the grace that comes to us from God comes to us by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the hose God uses to water His garden. He is the door into the banquet hall. Christ is cloud which drops the rain of the Father’s goodness. All of the blessings of God come to us by Him. Thank God for grace, thank God for Christ. 11/21/07 ts
There are many graces given to us by God. He helps us see what is true. He encourages us to walk in it. He helps us trust Him and patiently forgives our repeated failures.
Just as we get water by means of a faucet, a cold drink by means of a refrigerator, warmth by means of a heater, we get grace by the means of Christ. All the grace that comes to us from God comes to us by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the hose God uses to water His garden. He is the door into the banquet hall. Christ is cloud which drops the rain of the Father’s goodness. All of the blessings of God come to us by Him. Thank God for grace, thank God for Christ. 11/21/07 ts
Life is a privilege!
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Ps100.4 NKJV
I think it a blessing to see life not so much a right as it is a privilege. “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” All creation is the overflow of God’s goodness. His existence has spilled over and created our own. We live, because of Him, have life and breath because He graciously sustains it. And, God has not just made us alive but aware that we are alive. We know that we exist. We are keenly conscious of things like beauty and pain and the innumerable nuances of feeling, and sight and sound and smell. We all have smelled the magic in a babies breath that aroma of life that lingers so close to the spark that started it. God has infected us with life and as His has spilled over into our own, we write poems, a sing songs, and dance, and draw and romance. We are, because He is!
Life is not our right. Life is a privilege. “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
11/20/07 ts
I think it a blessing to see life not so much a right as it is a privilege. “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” All creation is the overflow of God’s goodness. His existence has spilled over and created our own. We live, because of Him, have life and breath because He graciously sustains it. And, God has not just made us alive but aware that we are alive. We know that we exist. We are keenly conscious of things like beauty and pain and the innumerable nuances of feeling, and sight and sound and smell. We all have smelled the magic in a babies breath that aroma of life that lingers so close to the spark that started it. God has infected us with life and as His has spilled over into our own, we write poems, a sing songs, and dance, and draw and romance. We are, because He is!
Life is not our right. Life is a privilege. “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
11/20/07 ts
Life is a privilege!
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Ps100.4 NKJV
I think it a blessing to see life not so much a right as it is a privilege. “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” All creation is the overflow of God’s goodness. His existence has spilled over and created our own. We live, because of Him, have life and breath because He graciously sustains it. And, God has not just made us alive but aware that we are alive. We know that we exist. We are keenly conscious of things like beauty and pain and the innumerable nuances of feeling, and sight and sound and smell. We all have smelled the magic in a babies breath that aroma of life that lingers so close to the spark that started it. God has infected us with life and as His has spilled over into our own, we write poems, a sing songs, and dance, and draw and romance. We are, because He is!
Life is not our right. Life is a privilege. “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
11/20/07 ts
I think it a blessing to see life not so much a right as it is a privilege. “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” All creation is the overflow of God’s goodness. His existence has spilled over and created our own. We live, because of Him, have life and breath because He graciously sustains it. And, God has not just made us alive but aware that we are alive. We know that we exist. We are keenly conscious of things like beauty and pain and the innumerable nuances of feeling, and sight and sound and smell. We all have smelled the magic in a babies breath that aroma of life that lingers so close to the spark that started it. God has infected us with life and as His has spilled over into our own, we write poems, a sing songs, and dance, and draw and romance. We are, because He is!
Life is not our right. Life is a privilege. “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
11/20/07 ts
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Only the Good die Young
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” But his delight….Ps1.1 NKJV
The blessing of God is that positive experience not only when we do not partake in the revelry of the rebellious but when we find delight in the path of the righteous.
Now one song that came out of my generation, scorns the moral life. It is about a young man wooing a catholic girl to cash in her morals, to come out with him and see what she‘s giving up. The scoffer sings his song, “They say there's a heaven for those who will wait, Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints the Sinners are much more fun. Only the good die young”
Now what is so very sad is that many people have religiously died to the ways of the world but have never risen to the abundant life promised by Christ. Christ did not come to make us religious, or moral for the sake of being moral but to free us to discover the breath-taking beauty of life in God. No doubt that Jesus calls us to a moral life. But the moral life is not just about self denial. Christ calls us to life, abundant life, fruitful life, eternal life, a resurrected life that is blessed by God. Are we weeping at the playground fence, sadly longing for all that is forbidden on the other side, or are we alive, running free, running joyful in all that is life indeed? 11/19/07 ts
The blessing of God is that positive experience not only when we do not partake in the revelry of the rebellious but when we find delight in the path of the righteous.
Now one song that came out of my generation, scorns the moral life. It is about a young man wooing a catholic girl to cash in her morals, to come out with him and see what she‘s giving up. The scoffer sings his song, “They say there's a heaven for those who will wait, Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints the Sinners are much more fun. Only the good die young”
Now what is so very sad is that many people have religiously died to the ways of the world but have never risen to the abundant life promised by Christ. Christ did not come to make us religious, or moral for the sake of being moral but to free us to discover the breath-taking beauty of life in God. No doubt that Jesus calls us to a moral life. But the moral life is not just about self denial. Christ calls us to life, abundant life, fruitful life, eternal life, a resurrected life that is blessed by God. Are we weeping at the playground fence, sadly longing for all that is forbidden on the other side, or are we alive, running free, running joyful in all that is life indeed? 11/19/07 ts
Only the Good die Young
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” But his delight….Ps1.1 NKJV
The blessing of God is that positive experience not only when we do not partake in the revelry of the rebellious but when we find delight in the path of the righteous.
Now one song that came out of my generation, scorns the moral life. It is about a young man wooing a catholic girl to cash in her morals, to come out with him and see what she‘s giving up. The scoffer sings his song, “They say there's a heaven for those who will wait, Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints the Sinners are much more fun. Only the good die young”
Now what is so very sad is that many people have religiously died to the ways of the world but have never risen to the abundant life promised by Christ. Christ did not come to make us religious, or moral for the sake of being moral but to free us to discover the breath-taking beauty of life in God. No doubt that Jesus calls us to a moral life. But the moral life is not just about self denial. Christ calls us to life, abundant life, fruitful life, eternal life, a resurrected life that is blessed by God. Are we weeping at the playground fence, sadly longing for all that is forbidden on the other side, or are we alive, running free, running joyful in all that is life indeed? 11/19/07 ts
The blessing of God is that positive experience not only when we do not partake in the revelry of the rebellious but when we find delight in the path of the righteous.
Now one song that came out of my generation, scorns the moral life. It is about a young man wooing a catholic girl to cash in her morals, to come out with him and see what she‘s giving up. The scoffer sings his song, “They say there's a heaven for those who will wait, Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints the Sinners are much more fun. Only the good die young”
Now what is so very sad is that many people have religiously died to the ways of the world but have never risen to the abundant life promised by Christ. Christ did not come to make us religious, or moral for the sake of being moral but to free us to discover the breath-taking beauty of life in God. No doubt that Jesus calls us to a moral life. But the moral life is not just about self denial. Christ calls us to life, abundant life, fruitful life, eternal life, a resurrected life that is blessed by God. Are we weeping at the playground fence, sadly longing for all that is forbidden on the other side, or are we alive, running free, running joyful in all that is life indeed? 11/19/07 ts
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Understanding the Bible
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Ps119.18`NIV
The power to understand something I think is an endowment just like any other ability, whether it is athletic, academic, or artistic. And, in this sense, not all people are equally endowed. I am amazed when a person is unable to see something that I so readily see, just as I am when I cannot follow the logic of another’s reasoning. Our giftedness as well as our bias is apart of the problem in all this. That is why the Word of God needs the Spirit of God to open our eyes so that we might understand what is being said.
People make a great deal about the differences in our understanding of the Bible, so much so, that our need for the Holy Spirit’s help is more apparent than ever. When all is said and done, the fruit our understanding will affirm it as true or untrue. In some things our understanding of a particular passage will not matter much at all. In other things it will make all the difference in the world and in the one to come. Knowing my own limitations and biases, the first rule is when in doubt I hopefully don’t, and second, I seek to listen for the voice of the Spirit in the consensus of those whose attitude genuinely and humbly expresses “Not my will, but Your will be done.“ 11/16/07 ts
The power to understand something I think is an endowment just like any other ability, whether it is athletic, academic, or artistic. And, in this sense, not all people are equally endowed. I am amazed when a person is unable to see something that I so readily see, just as I am when I cannot follow the logic of another’s reasoning. Our giftedness as well as our bias is apart of the problem in all this. That is why the Word of God needs the Spirit of God to open our eyes so that we might understand what is being said.
People make a great deal about the differences in our understanding of the Bible, so much so, that our need for the Holy Spirit’s help is more apparent than ever. When all is said and done, the fruit our understanding will affirm it as true or untrue. In some things our understanding of a particular passage will not matter much at all. In other things it will make all the difference in the world and in the one to come. Knowing my own limitations and biases, the first rule is when in doubt I hopefully don’t, and second, I seek to listen for the voice of the Spirit in the consensus of those whose attitude genuinely and humbly expresses “Not my will, but Your will be done.“ 11/16/07 ts
Understanding the Bible
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Ps119.18`NIV
The power to understand something I think is an endowment just like any other ability, whether it is athletic, academic, or artistic. And, in this sense, not all people are equally endowed. I am amazed when a person is unable to see something that I so readily see, just as I am when I cannot follow the logic of another’s reasoning. Our giftedness as well as our bias is apart of the problem in all this. That is why the Word of God needs the Spirit of God to open our eyes so that we might understand what is being said.
People make a great deal about the differences in our understanding of the Bible, so much so, that our need for the Holy Spirit’s help is more apparent than ever. When all is said and done, the fruit our understanding will affirm it as true or untrue. In some things our understanding of a particular passage will not matter much at all. In other things it will make all the difference in the world and in the one to come. Knowing my own limitations and biases, the first rule is when in doubt I hopefully don’t, and second, I seek to listen for the voice of the Spirit in the consensus of those whose attitude genuinely and humbly expresses “Not my will, but Your will be done.“ 11/16/07 ts
The power to understand something I think is an endowment just like any other ability, whether it is athletic, academic, or artistic. And, in this sense, not all people are equally endowed. I am amazed when a person is unable to see something that I so readily see, just as I am when I cannot follow the logic of another’s reasoning. Our giftedness as well as our bias is apart of the problem in all this. That is why the Word of God needs the Spirit of God to open our eyes so that we might understand what is being said.
People make a great deal about the differences in our understanding of the Bible, so much so, that our need for the Holy Spirit’s help is more apparent than ever. When all is said and done, the fruit our understanding will affirm it as true or untrue. In some things our understanding of a particular passage will not matter much at all. In other things it will make all the difference in the world and in the one to come. Knowing my own limitations and biases, the first rule is when in doubt I hopefully don’t, and second, I seek to listen for the voice of the Spirit in the consensus of those whose attitude genuinely and humbly expresses “Not my will, but Your will be done.“ 11/16/07 ts
Monday, November 19, 2007
It is well with my soul.
As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Ps119.143 NLT
I thank God that He meets me this morning with these words. Pressures and stress crash around me yet inner joy remains as a rock in pounding waves and this certainly because of the assurances of His word. I have experienced the darkness of caves and the deep forest at night and know the comfort that a little light brings. But God’s instructions are no small light and His encouragements shine with the brilliance of the rising dawn. When the trials of life come in upon me, it is His precious word that lights the soul and strengthens the heart. When the storm approaches, there is no greater peace than to feel His powerful hand on your shoulder and His whisper that all is well in your heart.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. Spafford
11/15/07 ts
I thank God that He meets me this morning with these words. Pressures and stress crash around me yet inner joy remains as a rock in pounding waves and this certainly because of the assurances of His word. I have experienced the darkness of caves and the deep forest at night and know the comfort that a little light brings. But God’s instructions are no small light and His encouragements shine with the brilliance of the rising dawn. When the trials of life come in upon me, it is His precious word that lights the soul and strengthens the heart. When the storm approaches, there is no greater peace than to feel His powerful hand on your shoulder and His whisper that all is well in your heart.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. Spafford
11/15/07 ts
It is well with my soul.
As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Ps119.143 NLT
I thank God that He meets me this morning with these words. Pressures and stress crash around me yet inner joy remains as a rock in pounding waves and this certainly because of the assurances of His word. I have experienced the darkness of caves and the deep forest at night and know the comfort that a little light brings. But God’s instructions are no small light and His encouragements shine with the brilliance of the rising dawn. When the trials of life come in upon me, it is His precious word that lights the soul and strengthens the heart. When the storm approaches, there is no greater peace than to feel His powerful hand on your shoulder and His whisper that all is well in your heart.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. Spafford
11/15/07 ts
I thank God that He meets me this morning with these words. Pressures and stress crash around me yet inner joy remains as a rock in pounding waves and this certainly because of the assurances of His word. I have experienced the darkness of caves and the deep forest at night and know the comfort that a little light brings. But God’s instructions are no small light and His encouragements shine with the brilliance of the rising dawn. When the trials of life come in upon me, it is His precious word that lights the soul and strengthens the heart. When the storm approaches, there is no greater peace than to feel His powerful hand on your shoulder and His whisper that all is well in your heart.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. Spafford
11/15/07 ts
Friday, November 16, 2007
Possibilities
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 1Pt3.18 NKJV
We are given the reason for Christ’s death many places in Scripture. Here it simply states that He suffered for our sin “that He might bring us to God.“ I would think that the word “might,” suggests something important. Actually the word “might” implies possibility and potentiality. In other words, Christ’s death was that He might lead us to God but that may or may not occur, depending upon whether we follow Him.
There are other factors involved of course, but certainly our choice to come to God through Christ is one of them. And, I would think this is not only access in the ultimate sense of heaven and hell but in a daily sense as well. We are invited to live each day “coram deo,” that is, before the face of God. Christ death has made this possible. But how much of this we experience each moment, depends on how aggressive is our faith to use it. 11/14/07 ts
We are given the reason for Christ’s death many places in Scripture. Here it simply states that He suffered for our sin “that He might bring us to God.“ I would think that the word “might,” suggests something important. Actually the word “might” implies possibility and potentiality. In other words, Christ’s death was that He might lead us to God but that may or may not occur, depending upon whether we follow Him.
There are other factors involved of course, but certainly our choice to come to God through Christ is one of them. And, I would think this is not only access in the ultimate sense of heaven and hell but in a daily sense as well. We are invited to live each day “coram deo,” that is, before the face of God. Christ death has made this possible. But how much of this we experience each moment, depends on how aggressive is our faith to use it. 11/14/07 ts
Possibilities
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 1Pt3.18 NKJV
We are given the reason for Christ’s death many places in Scripture. Here it simply states that He suffered for our sin “that He might bring us to God.“ I would think that the word “might,” suggests something important. Actually the word “might” implies possibility and potentiality. In other words, Christ’s death was that He might lead us to God but that may or may not occur, depending upon whether we follow Him.
There are other factors involved of course, but certainly our choice to come to God through Christ is one of them. And, I would think this is not only access in the ultimate sense of heaven and hell but in a daily sense as well. We are invited to live each day “coram deo,” that is, before the face of God. Christ death has made this possible. But how much of this we experience each moment, depends on how aggressive is our faith to use it. 11/14/07 ts
We are given the reason for Christ’s death many places in Scripture. Here it simply states that He suffered for our sin “that He might bring us to God.“ I would think that the word “might,” suggests something important. Actually the word “might” implies possibility and potentiality. In other words, Christ’s death was that He might lead us to God but that may or may not occur, depending upon whether we follow Him.
There are other factors involved of course, but certainly our choice to come to God through Christ is one of them. And, I would think this is not only access in the ultimate sense of heaven and hell but in a daily sense as well. We are invited to live each day “coram deo,” that is, before the face of God. Christ death has made this possible. But how much of this we experience each moment, depends on how aggressive is our faith to use it. 11/14/07 ts
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Let Freedom Ring!
“…as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.” 1Pt2.16 NKJV
Freedom is sacred to those of us who live in the west and not only because we have it, but because its value has us. The idea of freedom has gripped our very soul. From early childhood we teach it as our patriotic duty, "Let freedom ring!"
But freedom for freedoms sake is like all things and one brother describes it well, “All things are good when they look to God and bad when they turn from Him.“ Even something as precious as freedom is perverted into a dreadful thing when we use it in a manner not intended by our Creator. The abuses of freedom are many and terrible in consequence. So why does God give us freedom? The same brother writes, “though it [freedom] makes evil possible, [it] is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other… And for that they must be free.” (C. S. Lewis)
True freedom is not the right to do as we please but the power love God as we ought. 11/13/07 ts
Freedom is sacred to those of us who live in the west and not only because we have it, but because its value has us. The idea of freedom has gripped our very soul. From early childhood we teach it as our patriotic duty, "Let freedom ring!"
But freedom for freedoms sake is like all things and one brother describes it well, “All things are good when they look to God and bad when they turn from Him.“ Even something as precious as freedom is perverted into a dreadful thing when we use it in a manner not intended by our Creator. The abuses of freedom are many and terrible in consequence. So why does God give us freedom? The same brother writes, “though it [freedom] makes evil possible, [it] is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other… And for that they must be free.” (C. S. Lewis)
True freedom is not the right to do as we please but the power love God as we ought. 11/13/07 ts
Let Freedom Ring!
“…as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.” 1Pt2.16 NKJV
Freedom is sacred to those of us who live in the west and not only because we have it, but because its value has us. The idea of freedom has gripped our very soul. From early childhood we teach it as our patriotic duty, "Let freedom ring!"
But freedom for freedoms sake is like all things and one brother describes it well, “All things are good when they look to God and bad when they turn from Him.“ Even something as precious as freedom is perverted into a dreadful thing when we use it in a manner not intended by our Creator. The abuses of freedom are many and terrible in consequence. So why does God give us freedom? The same brother writes, “though it [freedom] makes evil possible, [it] is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other… And for that they must be free.” (C. S. Lewis)
True freedom is not the right to do as we please but the power love God as we ought. 11/13/07 ts
Freedom is sacred to those of us who live in the west and not only because we have it, but because its value has us. The idea of freedom has gripped our very soul. From early childhood we teach it as our patriotic duty, "Let freedom ring!"
But freedom for freedoms sake is like all things and one brother describes it well, “All things are good when they look to God and bad when they turn from Him.“ Even something as precious as freedom is perverted into a dreadful thing when we use it in a manner not intended by our Creator. The abuses of freedom are many and terrible in consequence. So why does God give us freedom? The same brother writes, “though it [freedom] makes evil possible, [it] is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other… And for that they must be free.” (C. S. Lewis)
True freedom is not the right to do as we please but the power love God as we ought. 11/13/07 ts
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Prayers of One Old Woman
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. Col1.9 NLT
The prayers of an old woman I did not know, changed the very course of my life. My mother attended her as a nurse and had once told her of a dream that I had had about being a minister. I was six years old at the time. Laying in a nursing home bed, this woman prayed that I would give my life to Christ, that I would enter the gospel ministry and that I would attend a certain college to prepare for it. Fifteen years later I would meet her daughter while attending that very college, studying for the ministry, only to discover that she had recorded these prayers in a journal. This was the first time I realized how prayer can change not only the course of our own life but the life of everyone for whom we pray.
Prayer is the practice of all fruitful Christians; prayers for oneself and prayers for others. Of course some take this more seriously than others and hence the difference in the power of God expressed in and though them. 11/12/07 ts
The prayers of an old woman I did not know, changed the very course of my life. My mother attended her as a nurse and had once told her of a dream that I had had about being a minister. I was six years old at the time. Laying in a nursing home bed, this woman prayed that I would give my life to Christ, that I would enter the gospel ministry and that I would attend a certain college to prepare for it. Fifteen years later I would meet her daughter while attending that very college, studying for the ministry, only to discover that she had recorded these prayers in a journal. This was the first time I realized how prayer can change not only the course of our own life but the life of everyone for whom we pray.
Prayer is the practice of all fruitful Christians; prayers for oneself and prayers for others. Of course some take this more seriously than others and hence the difference in the power of God expressed in and though them. 11/12/07 ts
The Prayers of One Old Woman
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. Col1.9 NLT
The prayers of an old woman I did not know, changed the very course of my life. My mother attended her as a nurse and had once told her of a dream that I had had about being a minister. I was six years old at the time. Laying in a nursing home bed, this woman prayed that I would give my life to Christ, that I would enter the gospel ministry and that I would attend a certain college to prepare for it. Fifteen years later I would meet her daughter while attending that very college, studying for the ministry, only to discover that she had recorded these prayers in a journal. This was the first time I realized how prayer can change not only the course of our own life but the life of everyone for whom we pray.
Prayer is the practice of all fruitful Christians; prayers for oneself and prayers for others. Of course some take this more seriously than others and hence the difference in the power of God expressed in and though them. 11/12/07 ts
The prayers of an old woman I did not know, changed the very course of my life. My mother attended her as a nurse and had once told her of a dream that I had had about being a minister. I was six years old at the time. Laying in a nursing home bed, this woman prayed that I would give my life to Christ, that I would enter the gospel ministry and that I would attend a certain college to prepare for it. Fifteen years later I would meet her daughter while attending that very college, studying for the ministry, only to discover that she had recorded these prayers in a journal. This was the first time I realized how prayer can change not only the course of our own life but the life of everyone for whom we pray.
Prayer is the practice of all fruitful Christians; prayers for oneself and prayers for others. Of course some take this more seriously than others and hence the difference in the power of God expressed in and though them. 11/12/07 ts
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Did you really mean to say that?
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2 Jo2.15
I have a friend who pokes me with words from time to time. I will say something like, “I love gardening.” or “I love golf.“ and my friend will respond by saying, “You love it?” as if to say, “Did you really mean to say that? Do you really, love, golf?” Now my friend is nudging me because there is a difference between liking and loving something. We tend to serve what we love. The degree of our passion about something is usually the degree to which we chase after it. We are encouraged to enjoy the gifts of God but never to center our lives around things. If we are not careful we can spend our time serving things even activities, which were meant to serve us. We need to take care that our enjoyment of football, or coffee, or gardening or of anything for that matter, does not end up as an end, when God intended it only as a means of loving and serving Him. 11/11/07 ts
I have a friend who pokes me with words from time to time. I will say something like, “I love gardening.” or “I love golf.“ and my friend will respond by saying, “You love it?” as if to say, “Did you really mean to say that? Do you really, love, golf?” Now my friend is nudging me because there is a difference between liking and loving something. We tend to serve what we love. The degree of our passion about something is usually the degree to which we chase after it. We are encouraged to enjoy the gifts of God but never to center our lives around things. If we are not careful we can spend our time serving things even activities, which were meant to serve us. We need to take care that our enjoyment of football, or coffee, or gardening or of anything for that matter, does not end up as an end, when God intended it only as a means of loving and serving Him. 11/11/07 ts
Did you really mean to say that?
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2 Jo2.15
I have a friend who pokes me with words from time to time. I will say something like, “I love gardening.” or “I love golf.“ and my friend will respond by saying, “You love it?” as if to say, “Did you really mean to say that? Do you really, love, golf?” Now my friend is nudging me because there is a difference between liking and loving something. We tend to serve what we love. The degree of our passion about something is usually the degree to which we chase after it. We are encouraged to enjoy the gifts of God but never to center our lives around things. If we are not careful we can spend our time serving things even activities, which were meant to serve us. We need to take care that our enjoyment of football, or coffee, or gardening or of anything for that matter, does not end up as an end, when God intended it only as a means of loving and serving Him. 11/11/07 ts
I have a friend who pokes me with words from time to time. I will say something like, “I love gardening.” or “I love golf.“ and my friend will respond by saying, “You love it?” as if to say, “Did you really mean to say that? Do you really, love, golf?” Now my friend is nudging me because there is a difference between liking and loving something. We tend to serve what we love. The degree of our passion about something is usually the degree to which we chase after it. We are encouraged to enjoy the gifts of God but never to center our lives around things. If we are not careful we can spend our time serving things even activities, which were meant to serve us. We need to take care that our enjoyment of football, or coffee, or gardening or of anything for that matter, does not end up as an end, when God intended it only as a means of loving and serving Him. 11/11/07 ts
Monday, November 12, 2007
Scarlet Sins Scarlet blood.
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Is1.18 NLT
We are humbled by the forgiveness of God expressed in Jesus. He told the accusers of the adulteress, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” Truthfully as the only sinless man, it would have been His right to have picked up that first stone. Instead He graciously forgave and asked other to do the same. God does not just forgive our sin, He has dealt with it in the death of Christ. Scarlet sin is mystically washed in scarlet blood. In this way God is both merciful and just.
And, what does He expect from us. Shall we keep sinning so that He can continue to forgive? We do well to remember what Jesus said to the woman after her accusers left. “Go, and sin no more.“ That God is so willing to forgive our sin does not mean that He is willing that we continue in it. 11/9/07 ts
We are humbled by the forgiveness of God expressed in Jesus. He told the accusers of the adulteress, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” Truthfully as the only sinless man, it would have been His right to have picked up that first stone. Instead He graciously forgave and asked other to do the same. God does not just forgive our sin, He has dealt with it in the death of Christ. Scarlet sin is mystically washed in scarlet blood. In this way God is both merciful and just.
And, what does He expect from us. Shall we keep sinning so that He can continue to forgive? We do well to remember what Jesus said to the woman after her accusers left. “Go, and sin no more.“ That God is so willing to forgive our sin does not mean that He is willing that we continue in it. 11/9/07 ts
Scarlet Sins Scarlet blood.
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Is1.18 NLT
We are humbled by the forgiveness of God expressed in Jesus. He told the accusers of the adulteress, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” Truthfully as the only sinless man, it would have been His right to have picked up that first stone. Instead He graciously forgave and asked other to do the same. God does not just forgive our sin, He has dealt with it in the death of Christ. Scarlet sin is mystically washed in scarlet blood. In this way God is both merciful and just.
And, what does He expect from us. Shall we keep sinning so that He can continue to forgive? We do well to remember what Jesus said to the woman after her accusers left. “Go, and sin no more.“ That God is so willing to forgive our sin does not mean that He is willing that we continue in it. 11/9/07 ts
We are humbled by the forgiveness of God expressed in Jesus. He told the accusers of the adulteress, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” Truthfully as the only sinless man, it would have been His right to have picked up that first stone. Instead He graciously forgave and asked other to do the same. God does not just forgive our sin, He has dealt with it in the death of Christ. Scarlet sin is mystically washed in scarlet blood. In this way God is both merciful and just.
And, what does He expect from us. Shall we keep sinning so that He can continue to forgive? We do well to remember what Jesus said to the woman after her accusers left. “Go, and sin no more.“ That God is so willing to forgive our sin does not mean that He is willing that we continue in it. 11/9/07 ts
Sunday, November 11, 2007
I Pledge Allegiance
“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Jos24.15 NLT
Sometimes we are asked to declare our allegiance. Why do we do this? Well sometimes we are drawing a line to help others see where their allegiance lies. We do this either to help them clarify their choices and stand firm or perhaps to convict them to switch sides. We are saying, “I’m with you. Let’s stand together.“ Or we may be asking, “It that really where you want to stand?” Sometimes we declare our allegiance not so much for others as we do it for ourselves. It is good to know where you stand. In the coming Judgment, this will be of singular importance. As for me and my family, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.“ 11/8/07 ts
Sometimes we are asked to declare our allegiance. Why do we do this? Well sometimes we are drawing a line to help others see where their allegiance lies. We do this either to help them clarify their choices and stand firm or perhaps to convict them to switch sides. We are saying, “I’m with you. Let’s stand together.“ Or we may be asking, “It that really where you want to stand?” Sometimes we declare our allegiance not so much for others as we do it for ourselves. It is good to know where you stand. In the coming Judgment, this will be of singular importance. As for me and my family, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.“ 11/8/07 ts
I Pledge Allegiance
“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Jos24.15 NLT
Sometimes we are asked to declare our allegiance. Why do we do this? Well sometimes we are drawing a line to help others see where their allegiance lies. We do this either to help them clarify their choices and stand firm or perhaps to convict them to switch sides. We are saying, “I’m with you. Let’s stand together.“ Or we may be asking, “It that really where you want to stand?” Sometimes we declare our allegiance not so much for others as we do it for ourselves. It is good to know where you stand. In the coming Judgment, this will be of singular importance. As for me and my family, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.“ 11/8/07 ts
Sometimes we are asked to declare our allegiance. Why do we do this? Well sometimes we are drawing a line to help others see where their allegiance lies. We do this either to help them clarify their choices and stand firm or perhaps to convict them to switch sides. We are saying, “I’m with you. Let’s stand together.“ Or we may be asking, “It that really where you want to stand?” Sometimes we declare our allegiance not so much for others as we do it for ourselves. It is good to know where you stand. In the coming Judgment, this will be of singular importance. As for me and my family, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.“ 11/8/07 ts
Friday, November 9, 2007
Eat your Spinach
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1Ti2.1 NLT
Yesterday Brenda and I were having a discussion that it is possible to love someone without actually liking them. We may very well not like certain political leaders but are encouraged to pray for them, even give thanks for them. Like them or not, we are called to love and to pray for all people, even our enemies.
My mother always told me to eat my spinach, not because I liked it but precisely because I didn’t, and, because it was good for me. When I seek the good of others, even when I do not like them, I am ultimately doing what is good for myself. Christ is not opposed to us seeking our own good, but seeking only, our own good. 11/7/07 ts
Yesterday Brenda and I were having a discussion that it is possible to love someone without actually liking them. We may very well not like certain political leaders but are encouraged to pray for them, even give thanks for them. Like them or not, we are called to love and to pray for all people, even our enemies.
My mother always told me to eat my spinach, not because I liked it but precisely because I didn’t, and, because it was good for me. When I seek the good of others, even when I do not like them, I am ultimately doing what is good for myself. Christ is not opposed to us seeking our own good, but seeking only, our own good. 11/7/07 ts
Eat your Spinach
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1Ti2.1 NLT
Yesterday Brenda and I were having a discussion that it is possible to love someone without actually liking them. We may very well not like certain political leaders but are encouraged to pray for them, even give thanks for them. Like them or not, we are called to love and to pray for all people, even our enemies.
My mother always told me to eat my spinach, not because I liked it but precisely because I didn’t, and, because it was good for me. When I seek the good of others, even when I do not like them, I am ultimately doing what is good for myself. Christ is not opposed to us seeking our own good, but seeking only, our own good. 11/7/07 ts
Yesterday Brenda and I were having a discussion that it is possible to love someone without actually liking them. We may very well not like certain political leaders but are encouraged to pray for them, even give thanks for them. Like them or not, we are called to love and to pray for all people, even our enemies.
My mother always told me to eat my spinach, not because I liked it but precisely because I didn’t, and, because it was good for me. When I seek the good of others, even when I do not like them, I am ultimately doing what is good for myself. Christ is not opposed to us seeking our own good, but seeking only, our own good. 11/7/07 ts
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Swimming in Deep water
“which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ… “Eph1.8-9
These words lie in deep water. But, it is not the meaning that is mysterious just the wisdom behind it. We are being told that our faith in Christ is a work of God’s grace, lavishly poured out into our hearts. This much we pretty well know and appreciate. What is unsearchable, is all the how and why behind the death of Christ and the transmission of its blessings to the world. Christ Himself is the mystery manifest yet all the wisdom expressed in Him is unexplainable. We may ask why God created man, when he knew we would sin. We may ask why all this blood and suffering is necessary for our rescue. We may ask these things as children take turns trying to touch the bottom of the lake where they are swimming. But we shall find God’s wisdom is too deep, and our lungs too shallow. It seems best then to humbly swim and play in this ocean of grace rather than to drown ourselves trying to find the bottom of His unsearchable wisdom. In the end we must content ourselves with the faith that God knows what is best and also the best means to it. 11/6/07 ts
These words lie in deep water. But, it is not the meaning that is mysterious just the wisdom behind it. We are being told that our faith in Christ is a work of God’s grace, lavishly poured out into our hearts. This much we pretty well know and appreciate. What is unsearchable, is all the how and why behind the death of Christ and the transmission of its blessings to the world. Christ Himself is the mystery manifest yet all the wisdom expressed in Him is unexplainable. We may ask why God created man, when he knew we would sin. We may ask why all this blood and suffering is necessary for our rescue. We may ask these things as children take turns trying to touch the bottom of the lake where they are swimming. But we shall find God’s wisdom is too deep, and our lungs too shallow. It seems best then to humbly swim and play in this ocean of grace rather than to drown ourselves trying to find the bottom of His unsearchable wisdom. In the end we must content ourselves with the faith that God knows what is best and also the best means to it. 11/6/07 ts
Swimming in Deep water
“which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ… “Eph1.8-9
These words lie in deep water. But, it is not the meaning that is mysterious just the wisdom behind it. We are being told that our faith in Christ is a work of God’s grace, lavishly poured out into our hearts. This much we pretty well know and appreciate. What is unsearchable, is all the how and why behind the death of Christ and the transmission of its blessings to the world. Christ Himself is the mystery manifest yet all the wisdom expressed in Him is unexplainable. We may ask why God created man, when he knew we would sin. We may ask why all this blood and suffering is necessary for our rescue. We may ask these things as children take turns trying to touch the bottom of the lake where they are swimming. But we shall find God’s wisdom is too deep, and our lungs too shallow. It seems best then to humbly swim and play in this ocean of grace rather than to drown ourselves trying to find the bottom of His unsearchable wisdom. In the end we must content ourselves with the faith that God knows what is best and also the best means to it. 11/6/07 ts
These words lie in deep water. But, it is not the meaning that is mysterious just the wisdom behind it. We are being told that our faith in Christ is a work of God’s grace, lavishly poured out into our hearts. This much we pretty well know and appreciate. What is unsearchable, is all the how and why behind the death of Christ and the transmission of its blessings to the world. Christ Himself is the mystery manifest yet all the wisdom expressed in Him is unexplainable. We may ask why God created man, when he knew we would sin. We may ask why all this blood and suffering is necessary for our rescue. We may ask these things as children take turns trying to touch the bottom of the lake where they are swimming. But we shall find God’s wisdom is too deep, and our lungs too shallow. It seems best then to humbly swim and play in this ocean of grace rather than to drown ourselves trying to find the bottom of His unsearchable wisdom. In the end we must content ourselves with the faith that God knows what is best and also the best means to it. 11/6/07 ts
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Personal Service
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Rom13.6 NLT
Yesterday I was looking over our grocery receipt, amazed at how little a hundred dollars will buy these days. When I looked at the bottom of the receipt, I commented to Brenda that we had just given ten dollars to the government. I did not say this with glee but grumbling. The truth, is that while I may complain about paying taxes, if I were really asked about it, I would gladly dish out 10 percent of my income for the privilege of living and shopping in America. When I look at it this way, I appreciate the obligations of my citizenship.
We need to personalize the services we receive from others and see God’s hand in all that is provided for us, not to mention the protections we so often take for granted. I thank God for this gentle rebuke for my grumbling yesterday. Talk about personal service, the God of the universe takes the time to correct an ungrateful attitude in me. Let us abound in thanksgiving. 11/5/07 ts
Yesterday I was looking over our grocery receipt, amazed at how little a hundred dollars will buy these days. When I looked at the bottom of the receipt, I commented to Brenda that we had just given ten dollars to the government. I did not say this with glee but grumbling. The truth, is that while I may complain about paying taxes, if I were really asked about it, I would gladly dish out 10 percent of my income for the privilege of living and shopping in America. When I look at it this way, I appreciate the obligations of my citizenship.
We need to personalize the services we receive from others and see God’s hand in all that is provided for us, not to mention the protections we so often take for granted. I thank God for this gentle rebuke for my grumbling yesterday. Talk about personal service, the God of the universe takes the time to correct an ungrateful attitude in me. Let us abound in thanksgiving. 11/5/07 ts
Personal Service
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Rom13.6 NLT
Yesterday I was looking over our grocery receipt, amazed at how little a hundred dollars will buy these days. When I looked at the bottom of the receipt, I commented to Brenda that we had just given ten dollars to the government. I did not say this with glee but grumbling. The truth, is that while I may complain about paying taxes, if I were really asked about it, I would gladly dish out 10 percent of my income for the privilege of living and shopping in America. When I look at it this way, I appreciate the obligations of my citizenship.
We need to personalize the services we receive from others and see God’s hand in all that is provided for us, not to mention the protections we so often take for granted. I thank God for this gentle rebuke for my grumbling yesterday. Talk about personal service, the God of the universe takes the time to correct an ungrateful attitude in me. Let us abound in thanksgiving. 11/5/07 ts
Yesterday I was looking over our grocery receipt, amazed at how little a hundred dollars will buy these days. When I looked at the bottom of the receipt, I commented to Brenda that we had just given ten dollars to the government. I did not say this with glee but grumbling. The truth, is that while I may complain about paying taxes, if I were really asked about it, I would gladly dish out 10 percent of my income for the privilege of living and shopping in America. When I look at it this way, I appreciate the obligations of my citizenship.
We need to personalize the services we receive from others and see God’s hand in all that is provided for us, not to mention the protections we so often take for granted. I thank God for this gentle rebuke for my grumbling yesterday. Talk about personal service, the God of the universe takes the time to correct an ungrateful attitude in me. Let us abound in thanksgiving. 11/5/07 ts
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Knowing where the lines are drawn
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Ro13.1 NLT
Strange that I would have a dream last night where in my dream I was explaining to an abused wife that she was under no obligation to obey her husband when he forbid her to go to church. I explained that God had indeed given her husband authority but not the authority to keep her from seeking Him. All authority has fixed boundaries. My employer may have authority over my dress at work but not when I go to the park that afternoon. We are to respectfully submit to authority in areas over which God has granted it. There is protection in doing so.
But, God did not give the spiritual care of children to the government but to parents. The government may make policy to forbid a teacher from imposing her religion on her students but they do not have the authority to keep the teacher from personal prayer before she begins teaching her class. And, there is a difference in leading others to pray and in personal prayer while in a public place. We are to always convey respect for anyone in a position of authority even if we must respectfully remind them where the lines of authority are drawn. 11/3/07 ts
Strange that I would have a dream last night where in my dream I was explaining to an abused wife that she was under no obligation to obey her husband when he forbid her to go to church. I explained that God had indeed given her husband authority but not the authority to keep her from seeking Him. All authority has fixed boundaries. My employer may have authority over my dress at work but not when I go to the park that afternoon. We are to respectfully submit to authority in areas over which God has granted it. There is protection in doing so.
But, God did not give the spiritual care of children to the government but to parents. The government may make policy to forbid a teacher from imposing her religion on her students but they do not have the authority to keep the teacher from personal prayer before she begins teaching her class. And, there is a difference in leading others to pray and in personal prayer while in a public place. We are to always convey respect for anyone in a position of authority even if we must respectfully remind them where the lines of authority are drawn. 11/3/07 ts
Knowing where the lines are drawn
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Ro13.1 NLT
Strange that I would have a dream last night where in my dream I was explaining to an abused wife that she was under no obligation to obey her husband when he forbid her to go to church. I explained that God had indeed given her husband authority but not the authority to keep her from seeking Him. All authority has fixed boundaries. My employer may have authority over my dress at work but not when I go to the park that afternoon. We are to respectfully submit to authority in areas over which God has granted it. There is protection in doing so.
But, God did not give the spiritual care of children to the government but to parents. The government may make policy to forbid a teacher from imposing her religion on her students but they do not have the authority to keep the teacher from personal prayer before she begins teaching her class. And, there is a difference in leading others to pray and in personal prayer while in a public place. We are to always convey respect for anyone in a position of authority even if we must respectfully remind them where the lines of authority are drawn. 11/3/07 ts
Strange that I would have a dream last night where in my dream I was explaining to an abused wife that she was under no obligation to obey her husband when he forbid her to go to church. I explained that God had indeed given her husband authority but not the authority to keep her from seeking Him. All authority has fixed boundaries. My employer may have authority over my dress at work but not when I go to the park that afternoon. We are to respectfully submit to authority in areas over which God has granted it. There is protection in doing so.
But, God did not give the spiritual care of children to the government but to parents. The government may make policy to forbid a teacher from imposing her religion on her students but they do not have the authority to keep the teacher from personal prayer before she begins teaching her class. And, there is a difference in leading others to pray and in personal prayer while in a public place. We are to always convey respect for anyone in a position of authority even if we must respectfully remind them where the lines of authority are drawn. 11/3/07 ts
Monday, November 5, 2007
Priestly Garb
“…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1Pt2.9 NLT
Some of my friends in the ministry wear clerical collars to identify them as a minister or priest. Yet, the powerful description above tells us that every Christian is a royal priest, for each of us serve King Jesus. And, it is not so much clerical collars which identify us as His priests but our expressions of goodness when we love and serve others. A priest then, may wear, tennis shoes, jogging shorts, ball caps, blue jeans, in truth, whatever you are wearing this moment, for if Christ has entered your heart, then you are His priest in this place, His light in this world. Goodness is the true clothing of a good priest. Let us dress ourselves in it.
11/2/07 ts
Some of my friends in the ministry wear clerical collars to identify them as a minister or priest. Yet, the powerful description above tells us that every Christian is a royal priest, for each of us serve King Jesus. And, it is not so much clerical collars which identify us as His priests but our expressions of goodness when we love and serve others. A priest then, may wear, tennis shoes, jogging shorts, ball caps, blue jeans, in truth, whatever you are wearing this moment, for if Christ has entered your heart, then you are His priest in this place, His light in this world. Goodness is the true clothing of a good priest. Let us dress ourselves in it.
11/2/07 ts
Priestly Garb
“…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1Pt2.9 NLT
Some of my friends in the ministry wear clerical collars to identify them as a minister or priest. Yet, the powerful description above tells us that every Christian is a royal priest, for each of us serve King Jesus. And, it is not so much clerical collars which identify us as His priests but our expressions of goodness when we love and serve others. A priest then, may wear, tennis shoes, jogging shorts, ball caps, blue jeans, in truth, whatever you are wearing this moment, for if Christ has entered your heart, then you are His priest in this place, His light in this world. Goodness is the true clothing of a good priest. Let us dress ourselves in it.
11/2/07 ts
Some of my friends in the ministry wear clerical collars to identify them as a minister or priest. Yet, the powerful description above tells us that every Christian is a royal priest, for each of us serve King Jesus. And, it is not so much clerical collars which identify us as His priests but our expressions of goodness when we love and serve others. A priest then, may wear, tennis shoes, jogging shorts, ball caps, blue jeans, in truth, whatever you are wearing this moment, for if Christ has entered your heart, then you are His priest in this place, His light in this world. Goodness is the true clothing of a good priest. Let us dress ourselves in it.
11/2/07 ts
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Superior Satisfaction
“…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Eph1.18 NKJV
We must choose Heaven over earth, and the things above over the things below, and, we must do it everyday, in fact, several times a day. What I mean is that our hearts must draw away from this place, if our hearts desire is to be found in God. Do we not pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven?” And, did not David pray, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Ps73.25 If God would show all that is above we must take our eyes off of all that is below.
His is the superior satisfaction, lasting joy, eternal love.
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Co2.9 NKJV 11/1/07 ts
We must choose Heaven over earth, and the things above over the things below, and, we must do it everyday, in fact, several times a day. What I mean is that our hearts must draw away from this place, if our hearts desire is to be found in God. Do we not pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven?” And, did not David pray, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Ps73.25 If God would show all that is above we must take our eyes off of all that is below.
His is the superior satisfaction, lasting joy, eternal love.
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Co2.9 NKJV 11/1/07 ts
Superior Satisfaction
“…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Eph1.18 NKJV
We must choose Heaven over earth, and the things above over the things below, and, we must do it everyday, in fact, several times a day. What I mean is that our hearts must draw away from this place, if our hearts desire is to be found in God. Do we not pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven?” And, did not David pray, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Ps73.25 If God would show all that is above we must take our eyes off of all that is below.
His is the superior satisfaction, lasting joy, eternal love.
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Co2.9 NKJV 11/1/07 ts
We must choose Heaven over earth, and the things above over the things below, and, we must do it everyday, in fact, several times a day. What I mean is that our hearts must draw away from this place, if our hearts desire is to be found in God. Do we not pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven?” And, did not David pray, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Ps73.25 If God would show all that is above we must take our eyes off of all that is below.
His is the superior satisfaction, lasting joy, eternal love.
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Co2.9 NKJV 11/1/07 ts
Friday, November 2, 2007
A Good Nights Sleep
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1Pe5.8 NKJV
When asked what was the greatest enemy of the American family, noted author, James Dobson, pointedly said that it was fatigue. People are just too tired to be good husbands, fathers, wives, and friends. Over worked people are rarely alert and if we are not careful the fuzzy thinking that comes from being too tired can make us open to all manner of abuse by the devils. It is not just reflection on God’s Word that will help us think clearly. We may need to get serious about keeping a Sabbath day, pruning our schedule and getting a good night sleep. Strategic sleep is the friend of the sober mind, as much as fatigue is its enemy. It may be that the best way to stay spiritually awake is to get some physical sleep. 10/31/07 ts
When asked what was the greatest enemy of the American family, noted author, James Dobson, pointedly said that it was fatigue. People are just too tired to be good husbands, fathers, wives, and friends. Over worked people are rarely alert and if we are not careful the fuzzy thinking that comes from being too tired can make us open to all manner of abuse by the devils. It is not just reflection on God’s Word that will help us think clearly. We may need to get serious about keeping a Sabbath day, pruning our schedule and getting a good night sleep. Strategic sleep is the friend of the sober mind, as much as fatigue is its enemy. It may be that the best way to stay spiritually awake is to get some physical sleep. 10/31/07 ts
A Good Nights Sleep
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1Pe5.8 NKJV
When asked what was the greatest enemy of the American family, noted author, James Dobson, pointedly said that it was fatigue. People are just too tired to be good husbands, fathers, wives, and friends. Over worked people are rarely alert and if we are not careful the fuzzy thinking that comes from being too tired can make us open to all manner of abuse by the devils. It is not just reflection on God’s Word that will help us think clearly. We may need to get serious about keeping a Sabbath day, pruning our schedule and getting a good night sleep. Strategic sleep is the friend of the sober mind, as much as fatigue is its enemy. It may be that the best way to stay spiritually awake is to get some physical sleep. 10/31/07 ts
When asked what was the greatest enemy of the American family, noted author, James Dobson, pointedly said that it was fatigue. People are just too tired to be good husbands, fathers, wives, and friends. Over worked people are rarely alert and if we are not careful the fuzzy thinking that comes from being too tired can make us open to all manner of abuse by the devils. It is not just reflection on God’s Word that will help us think clearly. We may need to get serious about keeping a Sabbath day, pruning our schedule and getting a good night sleep. Strategic sleep is the friend of the sober mind, as much as fatigue is its enemy. It may be that the best way to stay spiritually awake is to get some physical sleep. 10/31/07 ts
Thursday, November 1, 2007
No Bragging Rights
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph2.8-9 NKJV
The salvation of the Christian is a gift no matter how one looks at it. We can no more brag about this gift, than we can the color of our eyes or how tall we‘ve become. There will be no bragging rights for those who enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just the stark realization of God’s phenomenal grace. Nor was not the luck of the draw or the astrology of stars which set our feet away from perdition, but the divine purpose of a loving Father who in kindness leads us repentance and faith. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. 10/30/07 ts
The salvation of the Christian is a gift no matter how one looks at it. We can no more brag about this gift, than we can the color of our eyes or how tall we‘ve become. There will be no bragging rights for those who enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just the stark realization of God’s phenomenal grace. Nor was not the luck of the draw or the astrology of stars which set our feet away from perdition, but the divine purpose of a loving Father who in kindness leads us repentance and faith. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. 10/30/07 ts
No Bragging Rights
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph2.8-9 NKJV
The salvation of the Christian is a gift no matter how one looks at it. We can no more brag about this gift, than we can the color of our eyes or how tall we‘ve become. There will be no bragging rights for those who enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just the stark realization of God’s phenomenal grace. Nor was not the luck of the draw or the astrology of stars which set our feet away from perdition, but the divine purpose of a loving Father who in kindness leads us repentance and faith. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. 10/30/07 ts
The salvation of the Christian is a gift no matter how one looks at it. We can no more brag about this gift, than we can the color of our eyes or how tall we‘ve become. There will be no bragging rights for those who enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just the stark realization of God’s phenomenal grace. Nor was not the luck of the draw or the astrology of stars which set our feet away from perdition, but the divine purpose of a loving Father who in kindness leads us repentance and faith. How precious that God would make a gift of that which we could not possibly earn. 10/30/07 ts
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)