“I tell you whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mk11.24 ESV
One attitude that Brenda and I have come to appreciate is the one which says, ‘Do whatever it takes.” In other words, when it comes to loving God, or people, or doing what you know is good, right and true, be willing to do whatever it takes to do it. This outlook has seen us through some pretty tough times and in just about every arena imaginable.
Why would we think for a moment that if we are willing to do whatever it takes when we know it is the right thing to do, that God would be willing to do less. His word to us is that anytime we need something from Him in our efforts to love and serve Him, we should ask and expect to receive it. So sure is this promise we are told to ask and believe that we already have it. When it comes to His glory and our good, God is willing to do whatever it takes. If God expects us to do whatever it takes He most will give us whatever it takes. Ask Him! 5/31/2008 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Whatever it takes!
“I tell you whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mk11.24 ESV
One attitude that Brenda and I have come to appreciate is the one which says, ‘Do whatever it takes.” In other words, when it comes to loving God, or people, or doing what you know is good, right and true, be willing to do whatever it takes to do it. This outlook has seen us through some pretty tough times and in just about every arena imaginable.
Why would we think for a moment that if we are willing to do whatever it takes when we know it is the right thing to do, that God would be willing to do less. His word to us is that anytime we need something from Him in our efforts to love and serve Him, we should ask and expect to receive it. So sure is this promise we are told to ask and believe that we already have it. When it comes to His glory and our good, God is willing to do whatever it takes. If God expects us to do whatever it takes He most will give us whatever it takes. Ask Him! 5/31/2008 ts
One attitude that Brenda and I have come to appreciate is the one which says, ‘Do whatever it takes.” In other words, when it comes to loving God, or people, or doing what you know is good, right and true, be willing to do whatever it takes to do it. This outlook has seen us through some pretty tough times and in just about every arena imaginable.
Why would we think for a moment that if we are willing to do whatever it takes when we know it is the right thing to do, that God would be willing to do less. His word to us is that anytime we need something from Him in our efforts to love and serve Him, we should ask and expect to receive it. So sure is this promise we are told to ask and believe that we already have it. When it comes to His glory and our good, God is willing to do whatever it takes. If God expects us to do whatever it takes He most will give us whatever it takes. Ask Him! 5/31/2008 ts
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Road not Taken
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
I am haunted by these words of Christ, “those who find it are few.” They cut through the very core of my pride like the two edged sword they are. I have celebrated in myself the namesake attitude of this road not taken, only in His light to find, it is actually the road most taken. We all celebrate humanities desire for uniqueness and our declaration of independence from our Maker, “I did it my way!”
It is clear that Christ comes to win no popularity contest, but to warn us of following the mass of humanity seeking God in their own way rather than submitting to God in the only way possible. That way, that narrow road is found only in the gracious sacrifice of Christ, for He must give to us what cannot be earned and what must be, and only be, humbly accepted. Tragically, His will be the road less taken. 5/30/2008 ts
I am haunted by these words of Christ, “those who find it are few.” They cut through the very core of my pride like the two edged sword they are. I have celebrated in myself the namesake attitude of this road not taken, only in His light to find, it is actually the road most taken. We all celebrate humanities desire for uniqueness and our declaration of independence from our Maker, “I did it my way!”
It is clear that Christ comes to win no popularity contest, but to warn us of following the mass of humanity seeking God in their own way rather than submitting to God in the only way possible. That way, that narrow road is found only in the gracious sacrifice of Christ, for He must give to us what cannot be earned and what must be, and only be, humbly accepted. Tragically, His will be the road less taken. 5/30/2008 ts
The Road not Taken
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
I am haunted by these words of Christ, “those who find it are few.” They cut through the very core of my pride like the two edged sword they are. I have celebrated in myself the namesake attitude of this road not taken, only in His light to find, it is actually the road most taken. We all celebrate humanities desire for uniqueness and our declaration of independence from our Maker, “I did it my way!”
It is clear that Christ comes to win no popularity contest, but to warn us of following the mass of humanity seeking God in their own way rather than submitting to God in the only way possible. That way, that narrow road is found only in the gracious sacrifice of Christ, for He must give to us what cannot be earned and what must be, and only be, humbly accepted. Tragically, His will be the road less taken. 5/30/2008 ts
I am haunted by these words of Christ, “those who find it are few.” They cut through the very core of my pride like the two edged sword they are. I have celebrated in myself the namesake attitude of this road not taken, only in His light to find, it is actually the road most taken. We all celebrate humanities desire for uniqueness and our declaration of independence from our Maker, “I did it my way!”
It is clear that Christ comes to win no popularity contest, but to warn us of following the mass of humanity seeking God in their own way rather than submitting to God in the only way possible. That way, that narrow road is found only in the gracious sacrifice of Christ, for He must give to us what cannot be earned and what must be, and only be, humbly accepted. Tragically, His will be the road less taken. 5/30/2008 ts
Thursday, May 29, 2008
God doesn’t fudge!
“and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Heb.9.22 ESV
Every boy and girl who has ever played a game, knows that fudging is not only wrong, if it is tolerated it ruins the game. If we think about this long enough, we will come to see how utterly foolish is the modern notion that God would fudge his own rules. A good God doesn’t fudge nor will He allow fudging. God’s love and abounding goodness is revealed as much in His hatred of sin as it is in His grace and mercy toward the sinner. God would not be good if He were not just, nor would He love, if He simply overlooked our evil deeds. What kind of God would fudge? The shedding of Christ’s blood is a clear demonstration of His commitment to both justice and mercy. He will not just forgive us as though we never transgressed. His justice demanded blood; His love gave us the blood of Christ. God doesn’t fudge! 5/29/2008 ts
Every boy and girl who has ever played a game, knows that fudging is not only wrong, if it is tolerated it ruins the game. If we think about this long enough, we will come to see how utterly foolish is the modern notion that God would fudge his own rules. A good God doesn’t fudge nor will He allow fudging. God’s love and abounding goodness is revealed as much in His hatred of sin as it is in His grace and mercy toward the sinner. God would not be good if He were not just, nor would He love, if He simply overlooked our evil deeds. What kind of God would fudge? The shedding of Christ’s blood is a clear demonstration of His commitment to both justice and mercy. He will not just forgive us as though we never transgressed. His justice demanded blood; His love gave us the blood of Christ. God doesn’t fudge! 5/29/2008 ts
God doesn’t fudge!
“and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Heb.9.22 ESV
Every boy and girl who has ever played a game, knows that fudging is not only wrong, if it is tolerated it ruins the game. If we think about this long enough, we will come to see how utterly foolish is the modern notion that God would fudge his own rules. A good God doesn’t fudge nor will He allow fudging. God’s love and abounding goodness is revealed as much in His hatred of sin as it is in His grace and mercy toward the sinner. God would not be good if He were not just, nor would He love, if He simply overlooked our evil deeds. What kind of God would fudge? The shedding of Christ’s blood is a clear demonstration of His commitment to both justice and mercy. He will not just forgive us as though we never transgressed. His justice demanded blood; His love gave us the blood of Christ. God doesn’t fudge! 5/29/2008 ts
Every boy and girl who has ever played a game, knows that fudging is not only wrong, if it is tolerated it ruins the game. If we think about this long enough, we will come to see how utterly foolish is the modern notion that God would fudge his own rules. A good God doesn’t fudge nor will He allow fudging. God’s love and abounding goodness is revealed as much in His hatred of sin as it is in His grace and mercy toward the sinner. God would not be good if He were not just, nor would He love, if He simply overlooked our evil deeds. What kind of God would fudge? The shedding of Christ’s blood is a clear demonstration of His commitment to both justice and mercy. He will not just forgive us as though we never transgressed. His justice demanded blood; His love gave us the blood of Christ. God doesn’t fudge! 5/29/2008 ts
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
“I want some nobility damn it!”
“We await a Savior.” Phil3.20 ESV
I am reminded of a movie where one of the principle characters, a very selfish person, desperately told his friend, “I want some nobility damn it!” What he was saying is that he was ashamed of the selfish life he had lived and wanted a chance to redeem himself. This may sound well and good but truthfully, if we could redeem ourselves we would not need the redemption offered to us in Christ. I received a letter this morning from a friend who rightly describes self-redemption as another form of pride. He writes, “A prideful heart says, “I’m not good enough to receive Your gift. I’ll wait until I’m more worthy to receive it. Until then, I’ll just sulk in my unworthiness.”
We await a Savior because we need a savior. The belief that if given the chance we can somehow rise above our sinfulness and find nobility before God stems from the very same pride that got us into this mess in the first place. Jesus saves, and we must trust His nobility, not seek to establish our own. 5/28/2008 ts
I am reminded of a movie where one of the principle characters, a very selfish person, desperately told his friend, “I want some nobility damn it!” What he was saying is that he was ashamed of the selfish life he had lived and wanted a chance to redeem himself. This may sound well and good but truthfully, if we could redeem ourselves we would not need the redemption offered to us in Christ. I received a letter this morning from a friend who rightly describes self-redemption as another form of pride. He writes, “A prideful heart says, “I’m not good enough to receive Your gift. I’ll wait until I’m more worthy to receive it. Until then, I’ll just sulk in my unworthiness.”
We await a Savior because we need a savior. The belief that if given the chance we can somehow rise above our sinfulness and find nobility before God stems from the very same pride that got us into this mess in the first place. Jesus saves, and we must trust His nobility, not seek to establish our own. 5/28/2008 ts
“I want some nobility damn it!”
“We await a Savior.” Phil3.20 ESV
I am reminded of a movie where one of the principle characters, a very selfish person, desperately told his friend, “I want some nobility damn it!” What he was saying is that he was ashamed of the selfish life he had lived and wanted a chance to redeem himself. This may sound well and good but truthfully, if we could redeem ourselves we would not need the redemption offered to us in Christ. I received a letter this morning from a friend who rightly describes self-redemption as another form of pride. He writes, “A prideful heart says, “I’m not good enough to receive Your gift. I’ll wait until I’m more worthy to receive it. Until then, I’ll just sulk in my unworthiness.”
We await a Savior because we need a savior. The belief that if given the chance we can somehow rise above our sinfulness and find nobility before God stems from the very same pride that got us into this mess in the first place. Jesus saves, and we must trust His nobility, not seek to establish our own. 5/28/2008 ts
I am reminded of a movie where one of the principle characters, a very selfish person, desperately told his friend, “I want some nobility damn it!” What he was saying is that he was ashamed of the selfish life he had lived and wanted a chance to redeem himself. This may sound well and good but truthfully, if we could redeem ourselves we would not need the redemption offered to us in Christ. I received a letter this morning from a friend who rightly describes self-redemption as another form of pride. He writes, “A prideful heart says, “I’m not good enough to receive Your gift. I’ll wait until I’m more worthy to receive it. Until then, I’ll just sulk in my unworthiness.”
We await a Savior because we need a savior. The belief that if given the chance we can somehow rise above our sinfulness and find nobility before God stems from the very same pride that got us into this mess in the first place. Jesus saves, and we must trust His nobility, not seek to establish our own. 5/28/2008 ts
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Taken
“Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2Tim2.19 ESV
When a man and woman pledge themselves to one another in holy matrimony they leave behind all other romantic pursuits. It is a holy matrimony because both the man and woman set themselves apart to each other and publicly declare not only their fidelity to each other but that they are no longer available to any other. In my day we would say the person is “taken.”
When we name Christ as our husband, we must likewise set ourselves apart from the world that we may be holy His, by being wholly His. When former sins ask us to dance, let us proudly and openly declare that we are taken. 5/27/2008 ts
When a man and woman pledge themselves to one another in holy matrimony they leave behind all other romantic pursuits. It is a holy matrimony because both the man and woman set themselves apart to each other and publicly declare not only their fidelity to each other but that they are no longer available to any other. In my day we would say the person is “taken.”
When we name Christ as our husband, we must likewise set ourselves apart from the world that we may be holy His, by being wholly His. When former sins ask us to dance, let us proudly and openly declare that we are taken. 5/27/2008 ts
Taken
“Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2Tim2.19 ESV
When a man and woman pledge themselves to one another in holy matrimony they leave behind all other romantic pursuits. It is a holy matrimony because both the man and woman set themselves apart to each other and publicly declare not only their fidelity to each other but that they are no longer available to any other. In my day we would say the person is “taken.”
When we name Christ as our husband, we must likewise set ourselves apart from the world that we may be holy His, by being wholly His. When former sins ask us to dance, let us proudly and openly declare that we are taken. 5/27/2008 ts
When a man and woman pledge themselves to one another in holy matrimony they leave behind all other romantic pursuits. It is a holy matrimony because both the man and woman set themselves apart to each other and publicly declare not only their fidelity to each other but that they are no longer available to any other. In my day we would say the person is “taken.”
When we name Christ as our husband, we must likewise set ourselves apart from the world that we may be holy His, by being wholly His. When former sins ask us to dance, let us proudly and openly declare that we are taken. 5/27/2008 ts
Monday, May 26, 2008
All the days, not some of them!
“I am the good shepherd.” Jo10.14
Here is a word that we should speak to our hearts quite often. We may surely trust Christ to provide, protect and direct us each and every day into all goodness. He is the GOOD shepherd and never anything but good. This means of course that we must trust His provisions when He leads across dry and barren places. We may be sure He knows there are green pastures and still waters where He is taking us. We may sometimes feel His rod prodding our heels or on our back, for He will always herd us away from unseen dangers and from wolves that would prey upon our soul. He may direct us into unfamiliar valleys but He is always leading His sheep to the great mountains of delicious delight. The good shepherd only does that which is good for the sheep under His care. It is His own goodness that directs all the goodness He would have for us. If we are to fear no evil then let us speak these words to our heart. His goodness and mercy shall follow us, ALL, not just some of the days of our life. 5/26/2008 ts
Here is a word that we should speak to our hearts quite often. We may surely trust Christ to provide, protect and direct us each and every day into all goodness. He is the GOOD shepherd and never anything but good. This means of course that we must trust His provisions when He leads across dry and barren places. We may be sure He knows there are green pastures and still waters where He is taking us. We may sometimes feel His rod prodding our heels or on our back, for He will always herd us away from unseen dangers and from wolves that would prey upon our soul. He may direct us into unfamiliar valleys but He is always leading His sheep to the great mountains of delicious delight. The good shepherd only does that which is good for the sheep under His care. It is His own goodness that directs all the goodness He would have for us. If we are to fear no evil then let us speak these words to our heart. His goodness and mercy shall follow us, ALL, not just some of the days of our life. 5/26/2008 ts
All the days, not some of them!
“I am the good shepherd.” Jo10.14
Here is a word that we should speak to our hearts quite often. We may surely trust Christ to provide, protect and direct us each and every day into all goodness. He is the GOOD shepherd and never anything but good. This means of course that we must trust His provisions when He leads across dry and barren places. We may be sure He knows there are green pastures and still waters where He is taking us. We may sometimes feel His rod prodding our heels or on our back, for He will always herd us away from unseen dangers and from wolves that would prey upon our soul. He may direct us into unfamiliar valleys but He is always leading His sheep to the great mountains of delicious delight. The good shepherd only does that which is good for the sheep under His care. It is His own goodness that directs all the goodness He would have for us. If we are to fear no evil then let us speak these words to our heart. His goodness and mercy shall follow us, ALL, not just some of the days of our life. 5/26/2008 ts
Here is a word that we should speak to our hearts quite often. We may surely trust Christ to provide, protect and direct us each and every day into all goodness. He is the GOOD shepherd and never anything but good. This means of course that we must trust His provisions when He leads across dry and barren places. We may be sure He knows there are green pastures and still waters where He is taking us. We may sometimes feel His rod prodding our heels or on our back, for He will always herd us away from unseen dangers and from wolves that would prey upon our soul. He may direct us into unfamiliar valleys but He is always leading His sheep to the great mountains of delicious delight. The good shepherd only does that which is good for the sheep under His care. It is His own goodness that directs all the goodness He would have for us. If we are to fear no evil then let us speak these words to our heart. His goodness and mercy shall follow us, ALL, not just some of the days of our life. 5/26/2008 ts
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Would mother approve?
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” Eph4.30 ESV
Most of us, most of the time, could measure if our intended actions are good and right and true by simply running them past our mothers. If what we intend to do is not good and right and true a good mother will disapprove and be saddened by it. Of course mothers are infected with the same disease as the rest of us and therefore there are bad mothers. But own the whole a mother’s instinct can usually be trusted to determine is something is not good for her children. I think the Holy Spirit uses mothers to restrain people from a good many sinful actions. Our mothers are not always with us, and so the Holy Spirit uses any number of internal and external influences to give us guidance. The voice of doubt has been used many times in my own experience. Christ told us that if we being evil know how to give good things to our children how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to all who ask. Each of us should not only ask for the Holy Spirit, we should fine tune our sensitivities to His voice in and around us. Run it past mother most of the time, but listen to the Holy Spirit all of the time. 5/24/2008 ts
Most of us, most of the time, could measure if our intended actions are good and right and true by simply running them past our mothers. If what we intend to do is not good and right and true a good mother will disapprove and be saddened by it. Of course mothers are infected with the same disease as the rest of us and therefore there are bad mothers. But own the whole a mother’s instinct can usually be trusted to determine is something is not good for her children. I think the Holy Spirit uses mothers to restrain people from a good many sinful actions. Our mothers are not always with us, and so the Holy Spirit uses any number of internal and external influences to give us guidance. The voice of doubt has been used many times in my own experience. Christ told us that if we being evil know how to give good things to our children how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to all who ask. Each of us should not only ask for the Holy Spirit, we should fine tune our sensitivities to His voice in and around us. Run it past mother most of the time, but listen to the Holy Spirit all of the time. 5/24/2008 ts
Would mother approve?
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” Eph4.30 ESV
Most of us, most of the time, could measure if our intended actions are good and right and true by simply running them past our mothers. If what we intend to do is not good and right and true a good mother will disapprove and be saddened by it. Of course mothers are infected with the same disease as the rest of us and therefore there are bad mothers. But own the whole a mother’s instinct can usually be trusted to determine is something is not good for her children. I think the Holy Spirit uses mothers to restrain people from a good many sinful actions. Our mothers are not always with us, and so the Holy Spirit uses any number of internal and external influences to give us guidance. The voice of doubt has been used many times in my own experience. Christ told us that if we being evil know how to give good things to our children how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to all who ask. Each of us should not only ask for the Holy Spirit, we should fine tune our sensitivities to His voice in and around us. Run it past mother most of the time, but listen to the Holy Spirit all of the time. 5/24/2008 ts
Most of us, most of the time, could measure if our intended actions are good and right and true by simply running them past our mothers. If what we intend to do is not good and right and true a good mother will disapprove and be saddened by it. Of course mothers are infected with the same disease as the rest of us and therefore there are bad mothers. But own the whole a mother’s instinct can usually be trusted to determine is something is not good for her children. I think the Holy Spirit uses mothers to restrain people from a good many sinful actions. Our mothers are not always with us, and so the Holy Spirit uses any number of internal and external influences to give us guidance. The voice of doubt has been used many times in my own experience. Christ told us that if we being evil know how to give good things to our children how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to all who ask. Each of us should not only ask for the Holy Spirit, we should fine tune our sensitivities to His voice in and around us. Run it past mother most of the time, but listen to the Holy Spirit all of the time. 5/24/2008 ts
Friday, May 23, 2008
Riding on the shoulders of God.
(The lifting up of MARIA SUE CHAPMAN)
“The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety…he dwells between His shoulders. Deut.33.12
Yesterday the news carried a story about the heartbreaking death of a five-year-old girl whose brother accidentally ran over her with an SUV. Both children are from the family of a well-known Christian singer-songwriter. How can we reconcile the promise of God’s protection with such?
As I ask myself this question the Spirit reminds me that these words were surely true of Jesus, unquestionably God’s most beloved Son. This of course means that they were true of Jesus when He was handed over as a sacrifice for our sins. Even in suffering God’s beloved dwells in safety. The body is sure to die but the soul of those loved by God is sure to dwell safe and secure in His presence.
Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson was once asked by a soldier how he could be so very brave in battle. Jackson replied, “My religion teaches me that I am as safe on the battlefield as I am in my bed. The Lord has appointed the day for my death. I need not concern myself with that, only that I am ready when He comes for me. That is the way all men should live, then all men would be equally brave."
The heart of faith is comforted with the knowledge that this little girl was carried between the shoulders of the Almighty into eternal glory where she now prays for the comfort of her family and especially for her brother. Imagine riding on the shoulders of God. Yesterday she did! Her family is being lifted there now! 5/23/2008 ts
“The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety…he dwells between His shoulders. Deut.33.12
Yesterday the news carried a story about the heartbreaking death of a five-year-old girl whose brother accidentally ran over her with an SUV. Both children are from the family of a well-known Christian singer-songwriter. How can we reconcile the promise of God’s protection with such?
As I ask myself this question the Spirit reminds me that these words were surely true of Jesus, unquestionably God’s most beloved Son. This of course means that they were true of Jesus when He was handed over as a sacrifice for our sins. Even in suffering God’s beloved dwells in safety. The body is sure to die but the soul of those loved by God is sure to dwell safe and secure in His presence.
Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson was once asked by a soldier how he could be so very brave in battle. Jackson replied, “My religion teaches me that I am as safe on the battlefield as I am in my bed. The Lord has appointed the day for my death. I need not concern myself with that, only that I am ready when He comes for me. That is the way all men should live, then all men would be equally brave."
The heart of faith is comforted with the knowledge that this little girl was carried between the shoulders of the Almighty into eternal glory where she now prays for the comfort of her family and especially for her brother. Imagine riding on the shoulders of God. Yesterday she did! Her family is being lifted there now! 5/23/2008 ts
Riding on the shoulders of God.
(The lifting up of MARIA SUE CHAPMAN)
“The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety…he dwells between His shoulders. Deut.33.12
Yesterday the news carried a story about the heartbreaking death of a five-year-old girl whose brother accidentally ran over her with an SUV. Both children are from the family of a well-known Christian singer-songwriter. How can we reconcile the promise of God’s protection with such?
As I ask myself this question the Spirit reminds me that these words were surely true of Jesus, unquestionably God’s most beloved Son. This of course means that they were true of Jesus when He was handed over as a sacrifice for our sins. Even in suffering God’s beloved dwells in safety. The body is sure to die but the soul of those loved by God is sure to dwell safe and secure in His presence.
Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson was once asked by a soldier how he could be so very brave in battle. Jackson replied, “My religion teaches me that I am as safe on the battlefield as I am in my bed. The Lord has appointed the day for my death. I need not concern myself with that, only that I am ready when He comes for me. That is the way all men should live, then all men would be equally brave."
The heart of faith is comforted with the knowledge that this little girl was carried between the shoulders of the Almighty into eternal glory where she now prays for the comfort of her family and especially for her brother. Imagine riding on the shoulders of God. Yesterday she did! Her family is being lifted there now! 5/23/2008 ts
“The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety…he dwells between His shoulders. Deut.33.12
Yesterday the news carried a story about the heartbreaking death of a five-year-old girl whose brother accidentally ran over her with an SUV. Both children are from the family of a well-known Christian singer-songwriter. How can we reconcile the promise of God’s protection with such?
As I ask myself this question the Spirit reminds me that these words were surely true of Jesus, unquestionably God’s most beloved Son. This of course means that they were true of Jesus when He was handed over as a sacrifice for our sins. Even in suffering God’s beloved dwells in safety. The body is sure to die but the soul of those loved by God is sure to dwell safe and secure in His presence.
Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson was once asked by a soldier how he could be so very brave in battle. Jackson replied, “My religion teaches me that I am as safe on the battlefield as I am in my bed. The Lord has appointed the day for my death. I need not concern myself with that, only that I am ready when He comes for me. That is the way all men should live, then all men would be equally brave."
The heart of faith is comforted with the knowledge that this little girl was carried between the shoulders of the Almighty into eternal glory where she now prays for the comfort of her family and especially for her brother. Imagine riding on the shoulders of God. Yesterday she did! Her family is being lifted there now! 5/23/2008 ts
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Pulled in many directions or anchored to one.
“I want you to be free from anxieties.”1Cor7.32 ESV
If the stayed mind is kept in perfect peace, then the distracted one is not. The wholeness that peace brings to us is fragmented when we allow ourselves to be pulled in many directions. Jesus used this very word, when he warned us that the cares of this world could choke out the fruitfulness of His word in our heart. What are the cares of this world? Well, Jesus described such as worries about food, money, clothing, what we call the basic necessities of life. It is not so much that these things are bad in and of themselves; it is our unhealthy preoccupation with them. Christ assures us that God knows we need these things, not to worry and be distracted by them and to stay focused instead on the Kingdom of God. When we allow the cares of this world to be elevated over the singular focus of loving God, they are no longer tools, which serve us but masters we wind up serving. Our hearts can know the unrest of being pulled in many directions or the peace of being anchored to the one thing that really matters. 5/22/2008 ts
If the stayed mind is kept in perfect peace, then the distracted one is not. The wholeness that peace brings to us is fragmented when we allow ourselves to be pulled in many directions. Jesus used this very word, when he warned us that the cares of this world could choke out the fruitfulness of His word in our heart. What are the cares of this world? Well, Jesus described such as worries about food, money, clothing, what we call the basic necessities of life. It is not so much that these things are bad in and of themselves; it is our unhealthy preoccupation with them. Christ assures us that God knows we need these things, not to worry and be distracted by them and to stay focused instead on the Kingdom of God. When we allow the cares of this world to be elevated over the singular focus of loving God, they are no longer tools, which serve us but masters we wind up serving. Our hearts can know the unrest of being pulled in many directions or the peace of being anchored to the one thing that really matters. 5/22/2008 ts
Pulled in many directions or anchored to one.
“I want you to be free from anxieties.”1Cor7.32 ESV
If the stayed mind is kept in perfect peace, then the distracted one is not. The wholeness that peace brings to us is fragmented when we allow ourselves to be pulled in many directions. Jesus used this very word, when he warned us that the cares of this world could choke out the fruitfulness of His word in our heart. What are the cares of this world? Well, Jesus described such as worries about food, money, clothing, what we call the basic necessities of life. It is not so much that these things are bad in and of themselves; it is our unhealthy preoccupation with them. Christ assures us that God knows we need these things, not to worry and be distracted by them and to stay focused instead on the Kingdom of God. When we allow the cares of this world to be elevated over the singular focus of loving God, they are no longer tools, which serve us but masters we wind up serving. Our hearts can know the unrest of being pulled in many directions or the peace of being anchored to the one thing that really matters. 5/22/2008 ts
If the stayed mind is kept in perfect peace, then the distracted one is not. The wholeness that peace brings to us is fragmented when we allow ourselves to be pulled in many directions. Jesus used this very word, when he warned us that the cares of this world could choke out the fruitfulness of His word in our heart. What are the cares of this world? Well, Jesus described such as worries about food, money, clothing, what we call the basic necessities of life. It is not so much that these things are bad in and of themselves; it is our unhealthy preoccupation with them. Christ assures us that God knows we need these things, not to worry and be distracted by them and to stay focused instead on the Kingdom of God. When we allow the cares of this world to be elevated over the singular focus of loving God, they are no longer tools, which serve us but masters we wind up serving. Our hearts can know the unrest of being pulled in many directions or the peace of being anchored to the one thing that really matters. 5/22/2008 ts
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Being clear on who does what?
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Phil4.13 ESV
There are things that God has delegated for us to do. He will not do them for us and if we do not do them they simply will not get done. And, while this is true, it is also true that when we do those things delegated to us, we will do them only with His help and never without it. One would think that this is stating the obvious, yet there are those who would blame God for the bad things, for which they were responsible and take full credit for the good things, which they could not have done without His assistance. God has chosen to work “with us” on many projects; and there are some things, which He alone must do. Each of us should be clear on what God has delegated to us, and what He alone can do. And, when we do the things assigned to us, let us by all means rely on His strength to do them. We can be sure He will not ask us to do anything, which we cannot do without His help, unless of course He is showing us one of those things, which He alone can do. Simply put, God can work without me, I can never accomplish anything of value without Him, and He will generally not do my job for me. 5/21/2008 ts
There are things that God has delegated for us to do. He will not do them for us and if we do not do them they simply will not get done. And, while this is true, it is also true that when we do those things delegated to us, we will do them only with His help and never without it. One would think that this is stating the obvious, yet there are those who would blame God for the bad things, for which they were responsible and take full credit for the good things, which they could not have done without His assistance. God has chosen to work “with us” on many projects; and there are some things, which He alone must do. Each of us should be clear on what God has delegated to us, and what He alone can do. And, when we do the things assigned to us, let us by all means rely on His strength to do them. We can be sure He will not ask us to do anything, which we cannot do without His help, unless of course He is showing us one of those things, which He alone can do. Simply put, God can work without me, I can never accomplish anything of value without Him, and He will generally not do my job for me. 5/21/2008 ts
Being clear on who does what?
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Phil4.13 ESV
There are things that God has delegated for us to do. He will not do them for us and if we do not do them they simply will not get done. And, while this is true, it is also true that when we do those things delegated to us, we will do them only with His help and never without it. One would think that this is stating the obvious, yet there are those who would blame God for the bad things, for which they were responsible and take full credit for the good things, which they could not have done without His assistance. God has chosen to work “with us” on many projects; and there are some things, which He alone must do. Each of us should be clear on what God has delegated to us, and what He alone can do. And, when we do the things assigned to us, let us by all means rely on His strength to do them. We can be sure He will not ask us to do anything, which we cannot do without His help, unless of course He is showing us one of those things, which He alone can do. Simply put, God can work without me, I can never accomplish anything of value without Him, and He will generally not do my job for me. 5/21/2008 ts
There are things that God has delegated for us to do. He will not do them for us and if we do not do them they simply will not get done. And, while this is true, it is also true that when we do those things delegated to us, we will do them only with His help and never without it. One would think that this is stating the obvious, yet there are those who would blame God for the bad things, for which they were responsible and take full credit for the good things, which they could not have done without His assistance. God has chosen to work “with us” on many projects; and there are some things, which He alone must do. Each of us should be clear on what God has delegated to us, and what He alone can do. And, when we do the things assigned to us, let us by all means rely on His strength to do them. We can be sure He will not ask us to do anything, which we cannot do without His help, unless of course He is showing us one of those things, which He alone can do. Simply put, God can work without me, I can never accomplish anything of value without Him, and He will generally not do my job for me. 5/21/2008 ts
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Walking for health in a cemetery
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.” 1Cor.9.25 ESV
Christians are not the only people in the world interested in transformation. Personal improvement has close connections to a good many disciplines and discipline is the one thing common to them all. Athletes religiously practice self-control to improve performance, as do many business executives. Self improvement is common in our culture not only professionally but personally and people discipline themselves to walk, take up reading, or go to a gym, for no other reason than for health and happiness. It should not surprise us to find that many people outside the Christian faith are healthier, happier and have more personal discipline. Why, because joy is found in doing something not just defining it. Self-control is a grace that benefits anyone who will practice it.
Christians are told to discipline themselves for godliness, simply because godliness promises to be profitable not only in this life but also the one to come. It only makes good sense to seek an eternal health and happiness, one that will follow us far beyond the grave. Brenda and I often walk for health in a cemetery. When you think about it everything we do here, we do in a cemetery. Any act of personal discipline will not keep us from dying, but disciplines can serve our body so that our body may in turn serve our soul. And that is precisely the benefit of godliness. We would not make our soul a slave to serve a temporal body but would discipline our body that it may serve our eternal soul. 5/20/2008 ts
Christians are not the only people in the world interested in transformation. Personal improvement has close connections to a good many disciplines and discipline is the one thing common to them all. Athletes religiously practice self-control to improve performance, as do many business executives. Self improvement is common in our culture not only professionally but personally and people discipline themselves to walk, take up reading, or go to a gym, for no other reason than for health and happiness. It should not surprise us to find that many people outside the Christian faith are healthier, happier and have more personal discipline. Why, because joy is found in doing something not just defining it. Self-control is a grace that benefits anyone who will practice it.
Christians are told to discipline themselves for godliness, simply because godliness promises to be profitable not only in this life but also the one to come. It only makes good sense to seek an eternal health and happiness, one that will follow us far beyond the grave. Brenda and I often walk for health in a cemetery. When you think about it everything we do here, we do in a cemetery. Any act of personal discipline will not keep us from dying, but disciplines can serve our body so that our body may in turn serve our soul. And that is precisely the benefit of godliness. We would not make our soul a slave to serve a temporal body but would discipline our body that it may serve our eternal soul. 5/20/2008 ts
Walking for health in a cemetery
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.” 1Cor.9.25 ESV
Christians are not the only people in the world interested in transformation. Personal improvement has close connections to a good many disciplines and discipline is the one thing common to them all. Athletes religiously practice self-control to improve performance, as do many business executives. Self improvement is common in our culture not only professionally but personally and people discipline themselves to walk, take up reading, or go to a gym, for no other reason than for health and happiness. It should not surprise us to find that many people outside the Christian faith are healthier, happier and have more personal discipline. Why, because joy is found in doing something not just defining it. Self-control is a grace that benefits anyone who will practice it.
Christians are told to discipline themselves for godliness, simply because godliness promises to be profitable not only in this life but also the one to come. It only makes good sense to seek an eternal health and happiness, one that will follow us far beyond the grave. Brenda and I often walk for health in a cemetery. When you think about it everything we do here, we do in a cemetery. Any act of personal discipline will not keep us from dying, but disciplines can serve our body so that our body may in turn serve our soul. And that is precisely the benefit of godliness. We would not make our soul a slave to serve a temporal body but would discipline our body that it may serve our eternal soul. 5/20/2008 ts
Christians are not the only people in the world interested in transformation. Personal improvement has close connections to a good many disciplines and discipline is the one thing common to them all. Athletes religiously practice self-control to improve performance, as do many business executives. Self improvement is common in our culture not only professionally but personally and people discipline themselves to walk, take up reading, or go to a gym, for no other reason than for health and happiness. It should not surprise us to find that many people outside the Christian faith are healthier, happier and have more personal discipline. Why, because joy is found in doing something not just defining it. Self-control is a grace that benefits anyone who will practice it.
Christians are told to discipline themselves for godliness, simply because godliness promises to be profitable not only in this life but also the one to come. It only makes good sense to seek an eternal health and happiness, one that will follow us far beyond the grave. Brenda and I often walk for health in a cemetery. When you think about it everything we do here, we do in a cemetery. Any act of personal discipline will not keep us from dying, but disciplines can serve our body so that our body may in turn serve our soul. And that is precisely the benefit of godliness. We would not make our soul a slave to serve a temporal body but would discipline our body that it may serve our eternal soul. 5/20/2008 ts
Monday, May 19, 2008
Hi my name is Tim and I’m a sin-o-holic
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Ps51.2 ESV
The first attitude that Jesus spoke of in the first message He ever shared was “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Simply put, He is telling us that if one does not know they are in need they more than likely will not ask for help. Actually the word poor refers to one who begs, who is so impoverished that they have only one option left to them and that is to beg for mercy. All of us are born into this poverty; God would have us know it, admit it to ourselves, and ask for the tender mercy He offers in Christ. Heaven then is not so much a matter of who is worthy to enter it gates, as it is who is willing to admit they are unworthy and humbly ask for it. Pride is often the one sin that separates us from fellowship with God. He is of course, more than willing to forgive; alas He cannot if one is not willing to admit that they need it. 5/19/2008 ts
The first attitude that Jesus spoke of in the first message He ever shared was “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Simply put, He is telling us that if one does not know they are in need they more than likely will not ask for help. Actually the word poor refers to one who begs, who is so impoverished that they have only one option left to them and that is to beg for mercy. All of us are born into this poverty; God would have us know it, admit it to ourselves, and ask for the tender mercy He offers in Christ. Heaven then is not so much a matter of who is worthy to enter it gates, as it is who is willing to admit they are unworthy and humbly ask for it. Pride is often the one sin that separates us from fellowship with God. He is of course, more than willing to forgive; alas He cannot if one is not willing to admit that they need it. 5/19/2008 ts
Hi my name is Tim and I’m a sin-o-holic
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Ps51.2 ESV
The first attitude that Jesus spoke of in the first message He ever shared was “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Simply put, He is telling us that if one does not know they are in need they more than likely will not ask for help. Actually the word poor refers to one who begs, who is so impoverished that they have only one option left to them and that is to beg for mercy. All of us are born into this poverty; God would have us know it, admit it to ourselves, and ask for the tender mercy He offers in Christ. Heaven then is not so much a matter of who is worthy to enter it gates, as it is who is willing to admit they are unworthy and humbly ask for it. Pride is often the one sin that separates us from fellowship with God. He is of course, more than willing to forgive; alas He cannot if one is not willing to admit that they need it. 5/19/2008 ts
The first attitude that Jesus spoke of in the first message He ever shared was “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Simply put, He is telling us that if one does not know they are in need they more than likely will not ask for help. Actually the word poor refers to one who begs, who is so impoverished that they have only one option left to them and that is to beg for mercy. All of us are born into this poverty; God would have us know it, admit it to ourselves, and ask for the tender mercy He offers in Christ. Heaven then is not so much a matter of who is worthy to enter it gates, as it is who is willing to admit they are unworthy and humbly ask for it. Pride is often the one sin that separates us from fellowship with God. He is of course, more than willing to forgive; alas He cannot if one is not willing to admit that they need it. 5/19/2008 ts
Friday, May 16, 2008
What must be freely given
“…a servant of Christ Jesus.” Rom.1.1 ESV
We maintain many relations within our relationships. My wife, is also my friend, my partner in ministry and my sister in Christ. And though she is all of these things she has, many times, made herself a willing servant to me.
We likewise maintain many relations in our relationship with God. We are His children, the subjects of His kingdom; Christ has called us brothers, sisters and friends. But we too make ourselves willing servants to Him. That is precisely the meaning of the word “doulos,” translated “bond servant,” throughout the New Testament. A doulos was sometimes a slave set free, who willingly chose to remain in the service of his master. Proper obedience to God is a willing submission to Him. Just as love is properly a free expression and certainly must be for it to be love, so also is our service to Christ if it is to have any value whatsoever to Him, or to us. 5/16/2008 ts
We maintain many relations within our relationships. My wife, is also my friend, my partner in ministry and my sister in Christ. And though she is all of these things she has, many times, made herself a willing servant to me.
We likewise maintain many relations in our relationship with God. We are His children, the subjects of His kingdom; Christ has called us brothers, sisters and friends. But we too make ourselves willing servants to Him. That is precisely the meaning of the word “doulos,” translated “bond servant,” throughout the New Testament. A doulos was sometimes a slave set free, who willingly chose to remain in the service of his master. Proper obedience to God is a willing submission to Him. Just as love is properly a free expression and certainly must be for it to be love, so also is our service to Christ if it is to have any value whatsoever to Him, or to us. 5/16/2008 ts
What must be freely given
“…a servant of Christ Jesus.” Rom.1.1 ESV
We maintain many relations within our relationships. My wife, is also my friend, my partner in ministry and my sister in Christ. And though she is all of these things she has, many times, made herself a willing servant to me.
We likewise maintain many relations in our relationship with God. We are His children, the subjects of His kingdom; Christ has called us brothers, sisters and friends. But we too make ourselves willing servants to Him. That is precisely the meaning of the word “doulos,” translated “bond servant,” throughout the New Testament. A doulos was sometimes a slave set free, who willingly chose to remain in the service of his master. Proper obedience to God is a willing submission to Him. Just as love is properly a free expression and certainly must be for it to be love, so also is our service to Christ if it is to have any value whatsoever to Him, or to us. 5/16/2008 ts
We maintain many relations within our relationships. My wife, is also my friend, my partner in ministry and my sister in Christ. And though she is all of these things she has, many times, made herself a willing servant to me.
We likewise maintain many relations in our relationship with God. We are His children, the subjects of His kingdom; Christ has called us brothers, sisters and friends. But we too make ourselves willing servants to Him. That is precisely the meaning of the word “doulos,” translated “bond servant,” throughout the New Testament. A doulos was sometimes a slave set free, who willingly chose to remain in the service of his master. Proper obedience to God is a willing submission to Him. Just as love is properly a free expression and certainly must be for it to be love, so also is our service to Christ if it is to have any value whatsoever to Him, or to us. 5/16/2008 ts
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Mourning to morning
“He will wipe away every tear . . . and death shall be no more, neither . . . mourning . . . , for the former things have passed away.” Rev21.4 ESV
Oh man of sorrows
Do you wipe away our tears,
We who have caused your grief;
Do you destroy death for us,
We, who put you to death in unbelief?
Oh man of sorrows
Do you abolish our pain,
We who have caused your own;
Do you still weep and cry for us,
We, who rejected you, despised and alone
Oh man of sorrows
Let us cry with you now until all mourning
Will melt into the joy of your eternal morning.
5/15/2008 ts
Oh man of sorrows
Do you wipe away our tears,
We who have caused your grief;
Do you destroy death for us,
We, who put you to death in unbelief?
Oh man of sorrows
Do you abolish our pain,
We who have caused your own;
Do you still weep and cry for us,
We, who rejected you, despised and alone
Oh man of sorrows
Let us cry with you now until all mourning
Will melt into the joy of your eternal morning.
5/15/2008 ts
Mourning to morning
“He will wipe away every tear . . . and death shall be no more, neither . . . mourning . . . , for the former things have passed away.” Rev21.4 ESV
Oh man of sorrows
Do you wipe away our tears,
We who have caused your grief;
Do you destroy death for us,
We, who put you to death in unbelief?
Oh man of sorrows
Do you abolish our pain,
We who have caused your own;
Do you still weep and cry for us,
We, who rejected you, despised and alone
Oh man of sorrows
Let us cry with you now until all mourning
Will melt into the joy of your eternal morning.
5/15/2008 ts
Oh man of sorrows
Do you wipe away our tears,
We who have caused your grief;
Do you destroy death for us,
We, who put you to death in unbelief?
Oh man of sorrows
Do you abolish our pain,
We who have caused your own;
Do you still weep and cry for us,
We, who rejected you, despised and alone
Oh man of sorrows
Let us cry with you now until all mourning
Will melt into the joy of your eternal morning.
5/15/2008 ts
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Rescue efforts in China
“a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” Is53.3 ESV
Yesterday I read about the thousands of people in China trapped beneath rubble after its violent earthquake. I could not help but picture myself trapped in darkness, crushed yet alive and all the while wondering if someone would be able to get to you in time. I also thought of Fathers and mothers, husbands and wives who have loved ones trapped under the rubble, desperately wondering if they are alive or dead. I was moved to pray. I found out later that some of my friends were also being moved to pray. In such moments the Holy Spirit acquaints us with a very small part of the sorrows of Christ. All the sufferings of every man woman and child are always before him and He ever lives to pray for them. He does so, many times, in our prayers. The starving in Darfur, the oppressed in Zimbabwe, those trapped in the horrors of addiction, or separated from love ones because of war, are ever in His thoughts. And while He prays for these things He surely considers the whole world of souls walking in darkness, unaware of the Father's love. Yesterday I also read that Franklin Graham the son of Billy Graham is in China preaching the gospel to thousands. I again was moved to pray and with the same intensity, that souls would be found and that the word of life would rescue the perishing. Let us pray with Him and share His sorrows. 5/14/2008 ts
Yesterday I read about the thousands of people in China trapped beneath rubble after its violent earthquake. I could not help but picture myself trapped in darkness, crushed yet alive and all the while wondering if someone would be able to get to you in time. I also thought of Fathers and mothers, husbands and wives who have loved ones trapped under the rubble, desperately wondering if they are alive or dead. I was moved to pray. I found out later that some of my friends were also being moved to pray. In such moments the Holy Spirit acquaints us with a very small part of the sorrows of Christ. All the sufferings of every man woman and child are always before him and He ever lives to pray for them. He does so, many times, in our prayers. The starving in Darfur, the oppressed in Zimbabwe, those trapped in the horrors of addiction, or separated from love ones because of war, are ever in His thoughts. And while He prays for these things He surely considers the whole world of souls walking in darkness, unaware of the Father's love. Yesterday I also read that Franklin Graham the son of Billy Graham is in China preaching the gospel to thousands. I again was moved to pray and with the same intensity, that souls would be found and that the word of life would rescue the perishing. Let us pray with Him and share His sorrows. 5/14/2008 ts
Rescue efforts in China
“a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” Is53.3 ESV
Yesterday I read about the thousands of people in China trapped beneath rubble after its violent earthquake. I could not help but picture myself trapped in darkness, crushed yet alive and all the while wondering if someone would be able to get to you in time. I also thought of Fathers and mothers, husbands and wives who have loved ones trapped under the rubble, desperately wondering if they are alive or dead. I was moved to pray. I found out later that some of my friends were also being moved to pray. In such moments the Holy Spirit acquaints us with a very small part of the sorrows of Christ. All the sufferings of every man woman and child are always before him and He ever lives to pray for them. He does so, many times, in our prayers. The starving in Darfur, the oppressed in Zimbabwe, those trapped in the horrors of addiction, or separated from love ones because of war, are ever in His thoughts. And while He prays for these things He surely considers the whole world of souls walking in darkness, unaware of the Father's love. Yesterday I also read that Franklin Graham the son of Billy Graham is in China preaching the gospel to thousands. I again was moved to pray and with the same intensity, that souls would be found and that the word of life would rescue the perishing. Let us pray with Him and share His sorrows. 5/14/2008 ts
Yesterday I read about the thousands of people in China trapped beneath rubble after its violent earthquake. I could not help but picture myself trapped in darkness, crushed yet alive and all the while wondering if someone would be able to get to you in time. I also thought of Fathers and mothers, husbands and wives who have loved ones trapped under the rubble, desperately wondering if they are alive or dead. I was moved to pray. I found out later that some of my friends were also being moved to pray. In such moments the Holy Spirit acquaints us with a very small part of the sorrows of Christ. All the sufferings of every man woman and child are always before him and He ever lives to pray for them. He does so, many times, in our prayers. The starving in Darfur, the oppressed in Zimbabwe, those trapped in the horrors of addiction, or separated from love ones because of war, are ever in His thoughts. And while He prays for these things He surely considers the whole world of souls walking in darkness, unaware of the Father's love. Yesterday I also read that Franklin Graham the son of Billy Graham is in China preaching the gospel to thousands. I again was moved to pray and with the same intensity, that souls would be found and that the word of life would rescue the perishing. Let us pray with Him and share His sorrows. 5/14/2008 ts
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Fighting with your spouse
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” 1Tim2.8 ESV
I have noticed that the temptation to quarrel with my wife always comes before I am to preach or teach or give myself to prayers and other means of grace. Such temptations were so common at one point in our marriage, that Brenda and I would take separate cars to church in order to avoid arguing about when she would be ready to leave. Avoiding temptation can be a good thing but avoiding your spouse is not and so we are admonished to avoid strife rather than avoid each other. The New Testament seems to acknowledge this usual tactic of the enemy to disrupt our prayers and encourages husbands and wives particularly, to live in an understanding way, and I quote, “…so that your prayers will not be hindered.”
Having harsh words with one’s spouse will hinder one’s words before God. It is hard to lift the holy hands of prayer if our heart is weighed down with strife. We must be at peace with others before we can serve as a peacemaker before God. 5/13/2008 ts
I have noticed that the temptation to quarrel with my wife always comes before I am to preach or teach or give myself to prayers and other means of grace. Such temptations were so common at one point in our marriage, that Brenda and I would take separate cars to church in order to avoid arguing about when she would be ready to leave. Avoiding temptation can be a good thing but avoiding your spouse is not and so we are admonished to avoid strife rather than avoid each other. The New Testament seems to acknowledge this usual tactic of the enemy to disrupt our prayers and encourages husbands and wives particularly, to live in an understanding way, and I quote, “…so that your prayers will not be hindered.”
Having harsh words with one’s spouse will hinder one’s words before God. It is hard to lift the holy hands of prayer if our heart is weighed down with strife. We must be at peace with others before we can serve as a peacemaker before God. 5/13/2008 ts
Fighting with your spouse
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” 1Tim2.8 ESV
I have noticed that the temptation to quarrel with my wife always comes before I am to preach or teach or give myself to prayers and other means of grace. Such temptations were so common at one point in our marriage, that Brenda and I would take separate cars to church in order to avoid arguing about when she would be ready to leave. Avoiding temptation can be a good thing but avoiding your spouse is not and so we are admonished to avoid strife rather than avoid each other. The New Testament seems to acknowledge this usual tactic of the enemy to disrupt our prayers and encourages husbands and wives particularly, to live in an understanding way, and I quote, “…so that your prayers will not be hindered.”
Having harsh words with one’s spouse will hinder one’s words before God. It is hard to lift the holy hands of prayer if our heart is weighed down with strife. We must be at peace with others before we can serve as a peacemaker before God. 5/13/2008 ts
I have noticed that the temptation to quarrel with my wife always comes before I am to preach or teach or give myself to prayers and other means of grace. Such temptations were so common at one point in our marriage, that Brenda and I would take separate cars to church in order to avoid arguing about when she would be ready to leave. Avoiding temptation can be a good thing but avoiding your spouse is not and so we are admonished to avoid strife rather than avoid each other. The New Testament seems to acknowledge this usual tactic of the enemy to disrupt our prayers and encourages husbands and wives particularly, to live in an understanding way, and I quote, “…so that your prayers will not be hindered.”
Having harsh words with one’s spouse will hinder one’s words before God. It is hard to lift the holy hands of prayer if our heart is weighed down with strife. We must be at peace with others before we can serve as a peacemaker before God. 5/13/2008 ts
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cascading waterfalls
God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Rom5.5 ESV
It is the Holy Spirit in us that shows if we truly belong to God. How do I know that the Spirit of Christ is in me? Well, just as we can tell when a man has had too much to drink, we can tell when the Holy Spirit has taken residence in our heart. We love more, and begin to demonstrate a greater patience with people and things. We also begin to find our joy in all that is right and good and true and start to acquire a taste for a different fair of delights. He moves us to acts of kindness, and we begin to find pleasure in serving. There is a greater degree of self-restraint, checking our words even our thoughts. A quiet peacefulness begins to bloom in an ambiance of meekness and humility. And we are all the while moved to bring faith where there is doubt, hope where there is despair, love where there is hate, and joy where there is sadness.
My wife and I hiked to a multi-tiered waterfall this past weekend. We watched with fascination as the water gently cascaded from one clear pool into another. So also is God’s love, pouring down from Heaven into us, then out of us into others. His presence poured in, will certainly overflow and pour out, a healing pool of refreshment ever cascading down into the hearts of those hurt then into the hurting. To belong to Him is to be part of an ever flowing multi-tiered waterfall of glory and grace. 5/12/2008 ts
It is the Holy Spirit in us that shows if we truly belong to God. How do I know that the Spirit of Christ is in me? Well, just as we can tell when a man has had too much to drink, we can tell when the Holy Spirit has taken residence in our heart. We love more, and begin to demonstrate a greater patience with people and things. We also begin to find our joy in all that is right and good and true and start to acquire a taste for a different fair of delights. He moves us to acts of kindness, and we begin to find pleasure in serving. There is a greater degree of self-restraint, checking our words even our thoughts. A quiet peacefulness begins to bloom in an ambiance of meekness and humility. And we are all the while moved to bring faith where there is doubt, hope where there is despair, love where there is hate, and joy where there is sadness.
My wife and I hiked to a multi-tiered waterfall this past weekend. We watched with fascination as the water gently cascaded from one clear pool into another. So also is God’s love, pouring down from Heaven into us, then out of us into others. His presence poured in, will certainly overflow and pour out, a healing pool of refreshment ever cascading down into the hearts of those hurt then into the hurting. To belong to Him is to be part of an ever flowing multi-tiered waterfall of glory and grace. 5/12/2008 ts
Cascading waterfalls
God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Rom5.5 ESV
It is the Holy Spirit in us that shows if we truly belong to God. How do I know that the Spirit of Christ is in me? Well, just as we can tell when a man has had too much to drink, we can tell when the Holy Spirit has taken residence in our heart. We love more, and begin to demonstrate a greater patience with people and things. We also begin to find our joy in all that is right and good and true and start to acquire a taste for a different fair of delights. He moves us to acts of kindness, and we begin to find pleasure in serving. There is a greater degree of self-restraint, checking our words even our thoughts. A quiet peacefulness begins to bloom in an ambiance of meekness and humility. And we are all the while moved to bring faith where there is doubt, hope where there is despair, love where there is hate, and joy where there is sadness.
My wife and I hiked to a multi-tiered waterfall this past weekend. We watched with fascination as the water gently cascaded from one clear pool into another. So also is God’s love, pouring down from Heaven into us, then out of us into others. His presence poured in, will certainly overflow and pour out, a healing pool of refreshment ever cascading down into the hearts of those hurt then into the hurting. To belong to Him is to be part of an ever flowing multi-tiered waterfall of glory and grace. 5/12/2008 ts
It is the Holy Spirit in us that shows if we truly belong to God. How do I know that the Spirit of Christ is in me? Well, just as we can tell when a man has had too much to drink, we can tell when the Holy Spirit has taken residence in our heart. We love more, and begin to demonstrate a greater patience with people and things. We also begin to find our joy in all that is right and good and true and start to acquire a taste for a different fair of delights. He moves us to acts of kindness, and we begin to find pleasure in serving. There is a greater degree of self-restraint, checking our words even our thoughts. A quiet peacefulness begins to bloom in an ambiance of meekness and humility. And we are all the while moved to bring faith where there is doubt, hope where there is despair, love where there is hate, and joy where there is sadness.
My wife and I hiked to a multi-tiered waterfall this past weekend. We watched with fascination as the water gently cascaded from one clear pool into another. So also is God’s love, pouring down from Heaven into us, then out of us into others. His presence poured in, will certainly overflow and pour out, a healing pool of refreshment ever cascading down into the hearts of those hurt then into the hurting. To belong to Him is to be part of an ever flowing multi-tiered waterfall of glory and grace. 5/12/2008 ts
Friday, May 9, 2008
Health and happiness—happiness and health
“…with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory…” 1Pet1.8 ESV
The other day I was speaking with a friend and asking how I could be praying for him and his wife. He asked that I pray for health and happiness for them and said what more could one ask for that this. I mentioned that perhaps having happiness even when one was not healthy might be better. What can be better than a perpetual happiness? How can we measure the value of such joy? I think that joy and joyfulness is the gift of faith, growing out of the knowledge that all is right when we are right with God. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. One great value of our joy in Christ is that it sees us through ill health here with the promise of eternal health there with Him. It that place, happiness and health we be joined together forever. 5/9/2008 ts
The other day I was speaking with a friend and asking how I could be praying for him and his wife. He asked that I pray for health and happiness for them and said what more could one ask for that this. I mentioned that perhaps having happiness even when one was not healthy might be better. What can be better than a perpetual happiness? How can we measure the value of such joy? I think that joy and joyfulness is the gift of faith, growing out of the knowledge that all is right when we are right with God. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. One great value of our joy in Christ is that it sees us through ill health here with the promise of eternal health there with Him. It that place, happiness and health we be joined together forever. 5/9/2008 ts
Health and happiness—happiness and health
“…with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory…” 1Pet1.8 ESV
The other day I was speaking with a friend and asking how I could be praying for him and his wife. He asked that I pray for health and happiness for them and said what more could one ask for that this. I mentioned that perhaps having happiness even when one was not healthy might be better. What can be better than a perpetual happiness? How can we measure the value of such joy? I think that joy and joyfulness is the gift of faith, growing out of the knowledge that all is right when we are right with God. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. One great value of our joy in Christ is that it sees us through ill health here with the promise of eternal health there with Him. It that place, happiness and health we be joined together forever. 5/9/2008 ts
The other day I was speaking with a friend and asking how I could be praying for him and his wife. He asked that I pray for health and happiness for them and said what more could one ask for that this. I mentioned that perhaps having happiness even when one was not healthy might be better. What can be better than a perpetual happiness? How can we measure the value of such joy? I think that joy and joyfulness is the gift of faith, growing out of the knowledge that all is right when we are right with God. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. One great value of our joy in Christ is that it sees us through ill health here with the promise of eternal health there with Him. It that place, happiness and health we be joined together forever. 5/9/2008 ts
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Loosing and gaining weight
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him… Is53.10 ESV
As I consider why God would do this to His Son, I feel not only the weight of my personal sins, but also relief because of the extreme actions of God to lift them from me. Christ was crushed by the weight of my sins so that I wouldn’t be.
But now a new and different kind of weight comes to us. Instead of feeling the weight of sin, we feel the weight of gratitude. We loose the weight of guilt and gain the weight of gratefulness. And, like one who loses fat and gains muscle the weight gain is a good thing. The debilitating fat of guilt is replaced by the enabling muscles of grateful love and service to the Father and His Son. The burden of sin has been shouldered that we may take up the privileges of Sonship. 5/8/2008 ts
As I consider why God would do this to His Son, I feel not only the weight of my personal sins, but also relief because of the extreme actions of God to lift them from me. Christ was crushed by the weight of my sins so that I wouldn’t be.
But now a new and different kind of weight comes to us. Instead of feeling the weight of sin, we feel the weight of gratitude. We loose the weight of guilt and gain the weight of gratefulness. And, like one who loses fat and gains muscle the weight gain is a good thing. The debilitating fat of guilt is replaced by the enabling muscles of grateful love and service to the Father and His Son. The burden of sin has been shouldered that we may take up the privileges of Sonship. 5/8/2008 ts
Loosing and gaining weight
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him… Is53.10 ESV
As I consider why God would do this to His Son, I feel not only the weight of my personal sins, but also relief because of the extreme actions of God to lift them from me. Christ was crushed by the weight of my sins so that I wouldn’t be.
But now a new and different kind of weight comes to us. Instead of feeling the weight of sin, we feel the weight of gratitude. We loose the weight of guilt and gain the weight of gratefulness. And, like one who loses fat and gains muscle the weight gain is a good thing. The debilitating fat of guilt is replaced by the enabling muscles of grateful love and service to the Father and His Son. The burden of sin has been shouldered that we may take up the privileges of Sonship. 5/8/2008 ts
As I consider why God would do this to His Son, I feel not only the weight of my personal sins, but also relief because of the extreme actions of God to lift them from me. Christ was crushed by the weight of my sins so that I wouldn’t be.
But now a new and different kind of weight comes to us. Instead of feeling the weight of sin, we feel the weight of gratitude. We loose the weight of guilt and gain the weight of gratefulness. And, like one who loses fat and gains muscle the weight gain is a good thing. The debilitating fat of guilt is replaced by the enabling muscles of grateful love and service to the Father and His Son. The burden of sin has been shouldered that we may take up the privileges of Sonship. 5/8/2008 ts
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
No doubt about it!
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John16.33 ESV
Jesus repeatedly used the expression, “Be of good cheer,” translated here in the ESV as “take heart.” In other versions we find it translated, be encouraged; be brave, cheer up. The root meaning is from the word “courage.” Just about every time Jesus said these words, He was performing a miracle of one kind or another on someone’s behalf. We might say that it was one of those expressions, used so often by Christ, that when you hear it, it always reminds you of Him. He also was fond of saying, “Do not be afraid.”
Jesus without a doubt does not want us to live in doubt. He is calling us to bravery, to courage and to good cheer. Our comfort is no false bravado, but the quiet knowledge that if God is for us, who can be against us. Will we have troubles? Certainly! Will we prevail? No doubt about it! “Be of good cheer!” 5/7/2008 ts
Jesus repeatedly used the expression, “Be of good cheer,” translated here in the ESV as “take heart.” In other versions we find it translated, be encouraged; be brave, cheer up. The root meaning is from the word “courage.” Just about every time Jesus said these words, He was performing a miracle of one kind or another on someone’s behalf. We might say that it was one of those expressions, used so often by Christ, that when you hear it, it always reminds you of Him. He also was fond of saying, “Do not be afraid.”
Jesus without a doubt does not want us to live in doubt. He is calling us to bravery, to courage and to good cheer. Our comfort is no false bravado, but the quiet knowledge that if God is for us, who can be against us. Will we have troubles? Certainly! Will we prevail? No doubt about it! “Be of good cheer!” 5/7/2008 ts
No doubt about it!
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John16.33 ESV
Jesus repeatedly used the expression, “Be of good cheer,” translated here in the ESV as “take heart.” In other versions we find it translated, be encouraged; be brave, cheer up. The root meaning is from the word “courage.” Just about every time Jesus said these words, He was performing a miracle of one kind or another on someone’s behalf. We might say that it was one of those expressions, used so often by Christ, that when you hear it, it always reminds you of Him. He also was fond of saying, “Do not be afraid.”
Jesus without a doubt does not want us to live in doubt. He is calling us to bravery, to courage and to good cheer. Our comfort is no false bravado, but the quiet knowledge that if God is for us, who can be against us. Will we have troubles? Certainly! Will we prevail? No doubt about it! “Be of good cheer!” 5/7/2008 ts
Jesus repeatedly used the expression, “Be of good cheer,” translated here in the ESV as “take heart.” In other versions we find it translated, be encouraged; be brave, cheer up. The root meaning is from the word “courage.” Just about every time Jesus said these words, He was performing a miracle of one kind or another on someone’s behalf. We might say that it was one of those expressions, used so often by Christ, that when you hear it, it always reminds you of Him. He also was fond of saying, “Do not be afraid.”
Jesus without a doubt does not want us to live in doubt. He is calling us to bravery, to courage and to good cheer. Our comfort is no false bravado, but the quiet knowledge that if God is for us, who can be against us. Will we have troubles? Certainly! Will we prevail? No doubt about it! “Be of good cheer!” 5/7/2008 ts
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The kiss of peace or the kiss of death!
“…righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Ps85.10
There are any number of things in this world which go hand in hand. Keys and locks; shoes and socks, time and money; bees and honey. As two lips share a kiss, so too does righteousness kiss peace. If we would possess a proper peace then we must first practice all that is right and good and true. Peace is the binding together of what is broken; righteousness is the glue. Would we have peace of mind, then there is no guilt is one who does what he knows is right. Would we have peace of heart, then we must walk the path of righteousness. Would we have peace with others, then let us concern ourselves with justice. Would we know peace with God, then let us stand on the righteousness of Christ.
Some have said that there is a peace only to be had on the other side of war and if war is ever right then peace is sometimes wrong. Let us never settle for a false peace, a compromise of what is right. The lips of peace should never kiss perversion. Such is the kiss of death.
God does not offer us peace by ignoring justice. He offers us peace because Christ satisfied justice at Calvary. His is a peace made on the other side of war. Let us also fight the good fight and lasting peace will offer us her lips. 5/6/2008 ts
There are any number of things in this world which go hand in hand. Keys and locks; shoes and socks, time and money; bees and honey. As two lips share a kiss, so too does righteousness kiss peace. If we would possess a proper peace then we must first practice all that is right and good and true. Peace is the binding together of what is broken; righteousness is the glue. Would we have peace of mind, then there is no guilt is one who does what he knows is right. Would we have peace of heart, then we must walk the path of righteousness. Would we have peace with others, then let us concern ourselves with justice. Would we know peace with God, then let us stand on the righteousness of Christ.
Some have said that there is a peace only to be had on the other side of war and if war is ever right then peace is sometimes wrong. Let us never settle for a false peace, a compromise of what is right. The lips of peace should never kiss perversion. Such is the kiss of death.
God does not offer us peace by ignoring justice. He offers us peace because Christ satisfied justice at Calvary. His is a peace made on the other side of war. Let us also fight the good fight and lasting peace will offer us her lips. 5/6/2008 ts
The kiss of peace or the kiss of death!
“…righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Ps85.10
There are any number of things in this world which go hand in hand. Keys and locks; shoes and socks, time and money; bees and honey. As two lips share a kiss, so too does righteousness kiss peace. If we would possess a proper peace then we must first practice all that is right and good and true. Peace is the binding together of what is broken; righteousness is the glue. Would we have peace of mind, then there is no guilt is one who does what he knows is right. Would we have peace of heart, then we must walk the path of righteousness. Would we have peace with others, then let us concern ourselves with justice. Would we know peace with God, then let us stand on the righteousness of Christ.
Some have said that there is a peace only to be had on the other side of war and if war is ever right then peace is sometimes wrong. Let us never settle for a false peace, a compromise of what is right. The lips of peace should never kiss perversion. Such is the kiss of death.
God does not offer us peace by ignoring justice. He offers us peace because Christ satisfied justice at Calvary. His is a peace made on the other side of war. Let us also fight the good fight and lasting peace will offer us her lips. 5/6/2008 ts
There are any number of things in this world which go hand in hand. Keys and locks; shoes and socks, time and money; bees and honey. As two lips share a kiss, so too does righteousness kiss peace. If we would possess a proper peace then we must first practice all that is right and good and true. Peace is the binding together of what is broken; righteousness is the glue. Would we have peace of mind, then there is no guilt is one who does what he knows is right. Would we have peace of heart, then we must walk the path of righteousness. Would we have peace with others, then let us concern ourselves with justice. Would we know peace with God, then let us stand on the righteousness of Christ.
Some have said that there is a peace only to be had on the other side of war and if war is ever right then peace is sometimes wrong. Let us never settle for a false peace, a compromise of what is right. The lips of peace should never kiss perversion. Such is the kiss of death.
God does not offer us peace by ignoring justice. He offers us peace because Christ satisfied justice at Calvary. His is a peace made on the other side of war. Let us also fight the good fight and lasting peace will offer us her lips. 5/6/2008 ts
Monday, May 5, 2008
Health Care
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Mat6.27 ESV
I have reached the age where one begins to wonder about each new pain. Is the discomfort in my chest heart related, or do I have cancer? People in my family tend to blow things out of proportion and to their worst possible scenario. When you consider that a large percentage of doctor visits are for stress related conditions and symptoms, being overly concerned about one’s health is not healthy.
The truth is that all the uncertainties in our life are a gift from God. All that is unknown approaching us in the next hour affords us the opportunity to trust the Father with our care. He has tied our security to Him in this fashion. I exercise, take vitamins, ingest flax seed oil, drink pro-biotic yogurt, and take baby aspirin. This is all well and good but anxiety over my heath and security will not add a single second to my life and more than likely worry can undo all these beneficial practices.
The truth is that none of us will get out of this place alive. Worry will not change this and we should find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to look after us and give us all things necessary for life and godliness while we are here. “My strength and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps73.26 5/5/08 ts
I have reached the age where one begins to wonder about each new pain. Is the discomfort in my chest heart related, or do I have cancer? People in my family tend to blow things out of proportion and to their worst possible scenario. When you consider that a large percentage of doctor visits are for stress related conditions and symptoms, being overly concerned about one’s health is not healthy.
The truth is that all the uncertainties in our life are a gift from God. All that is unknown approaching us in the next hour affords us the opportunity to trust the Father with our care. He has tied our security to Him in this fashion. I exercise, take vitamins, ingest flax seed oil, drink pro-biotic yogurt, and take baby aspirin. This is all well and good but anxiety over my heath and security will not add a single second to my life and more than likely worry can undo all these beneficial practices.
The truth is that none of us will get out of this place alive. Worry will not change this and we should find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to look after us and give us all things necessary for life and godliness while we are here. “My strength and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps73.26 5/5/08 ts
Health Care
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Mat6.27 ESV
I have reached the age where one begins to wonder about each new pain. Is the discomfort in my chest heart related, or do I have cancer? People in my family tend to blow things out of proportion and to their worst possible scenario. When you consider that a large percentage of doctor visits are for stress related conditions and symptoms, being overly concerned about one’s health is not healthy.
The truth is that all the uncertainties in our life are a gift from God. All that is unknown approaching us in the next hour affords us the opportunity to trust the Father with our care. He has tied our security to Him in this fashion. I exercise, take vitamins, ingest flax seed oil, drink pro-biotic yogurt, and take baby aspirin. This is all well and good but anxiety over my heath and security will not add a single second to my life and more than likely worry can undo all these beneficial practices.
The truth is that none of us will get out of this place alive. Worry will not change this and we should find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to look after us and give us all things necessary for life and godliness while we are here. “My strength and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps73.26 5/5/08 ts
I have reached the age where one begins to wonder about each new pain. Is the discomfort in my chest heart related, or do I have cancer? People in my family tend to blow things out of proportion and to their worst possible scenario. When you consider that a large percentage of doctor visits are for stress related conditions and symptoms, being overly concerned about one’s health is not healthy.
The truth is that all the uncertainties in our life are a gift from God. All that is unknown approaching us in the next hour affords us the opportunity to trust the Father with our care. He has tied our security to Him in this fashion. I exercise, take vitamins, ingest flax seed oil, drink pro-biotic yogurt, and take baby aspirin. This is all well and good but anxiety over my heath and security will not add a single second to my life and more than likely worry can undo all these beneficial practices.
The truth is that none of us will get out of this place alive. Worry will not change this and we should find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to look after us and give us all things necessary for life and godliness while we are here. “My strength and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps73.26 5/5/08 ts
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Let each of us attend to our own crosses.
“You shall be holy to me…” Lev20.26 ESV
In what ways are we to set ourselves apart to the Lord? Well, in everyway, but particularly in whatever He might ask of us individually and whatever He might be asking of us at this moment. He asked the rich young ruler to give away all his possessions. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. He asked Isaiah to run around naked for three years. Christians have professed giving up certain practices like watching movies, or going to the theater because they believed God was asking this of them. Well, He has asked none of these things of me, at lease in a particular sense. But, He has in the same spirit asked me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him. I think that the cross is different for each of us. And, it may be something different at different seasons of life. God may ask something of me in my youth, something else in my old age and something He has never asked of anyone else we know. But whatever it is, we can be sure it is that one thing in us at that particular moment that represents our very soul.
I need not bother with what He is asking of another, or to bother another with what He may be asking of me. Let each of us attend to our own crosses. 5/3/2008 ts
In what ways are we to set ourselves apart to the Lord? Well, in everyway, but particularly in whatever He might ask of us individually and whatever He might be asking of us at this moment. He asked the rich young ruler to give away all his possessions. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. He asked Isaiah to run around naked for three years. Christians have professed giving up certain practices like watching movies, or going to the theater because they believed God was asking this of them. Well, He has asked none of these things of me, at lease in a particular sense. But, He has in the same spirit asked me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him. I think that the cross is different for each of us. And, it may be something different at different seasons of life. God may ask something of me in my youth, something else in my old age and something He has never asked of anyone else we know. But whatever it is, we can be sure it is that one thing in us at that particular moment that represents our very soul.
I need not bother with what He is asking of another, or to bother another with what He may be asking of me. Let each of us attend to our own crosses. 5/3/2008 ts
Let each of us attend to our own crosses.
“You shall be holy to me…” Lev20.26 ESV
In what ways are we to set ourselves apart to the Lord? Well, in everyway, but particularly in whatever He might ask of us individually and whatever He might be asking of us at this moment. He asked the rich young ruler to give away all his possessions. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. He asked Isaiah to run around naked for three years. Christians have professed giving up certain practices like watching movies, or going to the theater because they believed God was asking this of them. Well, He has asked none of these things of me, at lease in a particular sense. But, He has in the same spirit asked me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him. I think that the cross is different for each of us. And, it may be something different at different seasons of life. God may ask something of me in my youth, something else in my old age and something He has never asked of anyone else we know. But whatever it is, we can be sure it is that one thing in us at that particular moment that represents our very soul.
I need not bother with what He is asking of another, or to bother another with what He may be asking of me. Let each of us attend to our own crosses. 5/3/2008 ts
In what ways are we to set ourselves apart to the Lord? Well, in everyway, but particularly in whatever He might ask of us individually and whatever He might be asking of us at this moment. He asked the rich young ruler to give away all his possessions. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. He asked Isaiah to run around naked for three years. Christians have professed giving up certain practices like watching movies, or going to the theater because they believed God was asking this of them. Well, He has asked none of these things of me, at lease in a particular sense. But, He has in the same spirit asked me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him. I think that the cross is different for each of us. And, it may be something different at different seasons of life. God may ask something of me in my youth, something else in my old age and something He has never asked of anyone else we know. But whatever it is, we can be sure it is that one thing in us at that particular moment that represents our very soul.
I need not bother with what He is asking of another, or to bother another with what He may be asking of me. Let each of us attend to our own crosses. 5/3/2008 ts
Friday, May 2, 2008
Am I awake or am I dreaming?
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” Gen28.16 ESV
Young Jacob may have believed in the God of his father Abraham, but he had not yet waked to God’s presence in His own life. His father’s God speaks to Him in his dreams because young Jacob does not know of Him when he is awake. The concerns of Jacob’s little world have so occupied his thoughts that they have crowded out any thought of God. The young man has been so preoccupied seeking his own advantage, that he has missed his one true advantage. And so, God comes to wake him, to rouse him, to throw cold water on him as he sleeps. Here begins the story of Jacob’s awakening. He soon will know that the Lord is not just in this place but in every place and more so, the Lord is with him.
Am I awake to God’s presence around me? Do I know how much He loves me, how wealthy He has made me in Christ, the riches in glory that are mine, the present graces He offers each hour. Do I know how He longs to converse with me, or of His genuine interest in my life, that He is not just Abraham’s God, but because of Jesus, He is my God. Do I understand that He is not just in this place but everywhere and most tenderly, He is with me? Am I awake or am I dreaming? 5/2/2008 ts
Young Jacob may have believed in the God of his father Abraham, but he had not yet waked to God’s presence in His own life. His father’s God speaks to Him in his dreams because young Jacob does not know of Him when he is awake. The concerns of Jacob’s little world have so occupied his thoughts that they have crowded out any thought of God. The young man has been so preoccupied seeking his own advantage, that he has missed his one true advantage. And so, God comes to wake him, to rouse him, to throw cold water on him as he sleeps. Here begins the story of Jacob’s awakening. He soon will know that the Lord is not just in this place but in every place and more so, the Lord is with him.
Am I awake to God’s presence around me? Do I know how much He loves me, how wealthy He has made me in Christ, the riches in glory that are mine, the present graces He offers each hour. Do I know how He longs to converse with me, or of His genuine interest in my life, that He is not just Abraham’s God, but because of Jesus, He is my God. Do I understand that He is not just in this place but everywhere and most tenderly, He is with me? Am I awake or am I dreaming? 5/2/2008 ts
Am I awake or am I dreaming?
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” Gen28.16 ESV
Young Jacob may have believed in the God of his father Abraham, but he had not yet waked to God’s presence in His own life. His father’s God speaks to Him in his dreams because young Jacob does not know of Him when he is awake. The concerns of Jacob’s little world have so occupied his thoughts that they have crowded out any thought of God. The young man has been so preoccupied seeking his own advantage, that he has missed his one true advantage. And so, God comes to wake him, to rouse him, to throw cold water on him as he sleeps. Here begins the story of Jacob’s awakening. He soon will know that the Lord is not just in this place but in every place and more so, the Lord is with him.
Am I awake to God’s presence around me? Do I know how much He loves me, how wealthy He has made me in Christ, the riches in glory that are mine, the present graces He offers each hour. Do I know how He longs to converse with me, or of His genuine interest in my life, that He is not just Abraham’s God, but because of Jesus, He is my God. Do I understand that He is not just in this place but everywhere and most tenderly, He is with me? Am I awake or am I dreaming? 5/2/2008 ts
Young Jacob may have believed in the God of his father Abraham, but he had not yet waked to God’s presence in His own life. His father’s God speaks to Him in his dreams because young Jacob does not know of Him when he is awake. The concerns of Jacob’s little world have so occupied his thoughts that they have crowded out any thought of God. The young man has been so preoccupied seeking his own advantage, that he has missed his one true advantage. And so, God comes to wake him, to rouse him, to throw cold water on him as he sleeps. Here begins the story of Jacob’s awakening. He soon will know that the Lord is not just in this place but in every place and more so, the Lord is with him.
Am I awake to God’s presence around me? Do I know how much He loves me, how wealthy He has made me in Christ, the riches in glory that are mine, the present graces He offers each hour. Do I know how He longs to converse with me, or of His genuine interest in my life, that He is not just Abraham’s God, but because of Jesus, He is my God. Do I understand that He is not just in this place but everywhere and most tenderly, He is with me? Am I awake or am I dreaming? 5/2/2008 ts
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Peace is first something you do before it is something you feel.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . peace.” Gal5.22 ESV
Christians often use the word 'peace' to describe a sort of emotional contentment- a good feeling that all is well. This of course, looks at only one aspect of the peace of Christ. The modern notion is to seek this feeling, and its opposite, the avoidance of all inner turmoil. We often base decisions to do or not to do something by saying, 'I have or do not have a peace about it.' Absence or presence of this 'peace' and by it we mean a feeling, is in effect used to discern the Lord's will. We reason that if I have no peace about something then God must not be in it. After all the fruit of the Spirit is 'peace.' But the peace of the Spirit is not so much a feeling as it is a resignation; a reconciliation to God's will. There may be even great emotional distress as a result of what God reveals as his will. At least until we surrender to it. Jesus certainly did not have an emotional 'peace' about going to the cross. His peace was in resigning himself to the Father's will. Certainly there followed a contentment, joy, and confidence that his present trial was the Father's design for His happiness.
We should not seek the emotion but the bringing together of all things under faith and love to God. The proper emotion will follow. Peace is first something you do before it is something you feel. 5/1/2008 ts
Christians often use the word 'peace' to describe a sort of emotional contentment- a good feeling that all is well. This of course, looks at only one aspect of the peace of Christ. The modern notion is to seek this feeling, and its opposite, the avoidance of all inner turmoil. We often base decisions to do or not to do something by saying, 'I have or do not have a peace about it.' Absence or presence of this 'peace' and by it we mean a feeling, is in effect used to discern the Lord's will. We reason that if I have no peace about something then God must not be in it. After all the fruit of the Spirit is 'peace.' But the peace of the Spirit is not so much a feeling as it is a resignation; a reconciliation to God's will. There may be even great emotional distress as a result of what God reveals as his will. At least until we surrender to it. Jesus certainly did not have an emotional 'peace' about going to the cross. His peace was in resigning himself to the Father's will. Certainly there followed a contentment, joy, and confidence that his present trial was the Father's design for His happiness.
We should not seek the emotion but the bringing together of all things under faith and love to God. The proper emotion will follow. Peace is first something you do before it is something you feel. 5/1/2008 ts
Peace is first something you do before it is something you feel.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . peace.” Gal5.22 ESV
Christians often use the word 'peace' to describe a sort of emotional contentment- a good feeling that all is well. This of course, looks at only one aspect of the peace of Christ. The modern notion is to seek this feeling, and its opposite, the avoidance of all inner turmoil. We often base decisions to do or not to do something by saying, 'I have or do not have a peace about it.' Absence or presence of this 'peace' and by it we mean a feeling, is in effect used to discern the Lord's will. We reason that if I have no peace about something then God must not be in it. After all the fruit of the Spirit is 'peace.' But the peace of the Spirit is not so much a feeling as it is a resignation; a reconciliation to God's will. There may be even great emotional distress as a result of what God reveals as his will. At least until we surrender to it. Jesus certainly did not have an emotional 'peace' about going to the cross. His peace was in resigning himself to the Father's will. Certainly there followed a contentment, joy, and confidence that his present trial was the Father's design for His happiness.
We should not seek the emotion but the bringing together of all things under faith and love to God. The proper emotion will follow. Peace is first something you do before it is something you feel. 5/1/2008 ts
Christians often use the word 'peace' to describe a sort of emotional contentment- a good feeling that all is well. This of course, looks at only one aspect of the peace of Christ. The modern notion is to seek this feeling, and its opposite, the avoidance of all inner turmoil. We often base decisions to do or not to do something by saying, 'I have or do not have a peace about it.' Absence or presence of this 'peace' and by it we mean a feeling, is in effect used to discern the Lord's will. We reason that if I have no peace about something then God must not be in it. After all the fruit of the Spirit is 'peace.' But the peace of the Spirit is not so much a feeling as it is a resignation; a reconciliation to God's will. There may be even great emotional distress as a result of what God reveals as his will. At least until we surrender to it. Jesus certainly did not have an emotional 'peace' about going to the cross. His peace was in resigning himself to the Father's will. Certainly there followed a contentment, joy, and confidence that his present trial was the Father's design for His happiness.
We should not seek the emotion but the bringing together of all things under faith and love to God. The proper emotion will follow. Peace is first something you do before it is something you feel. 5/1/2008 ts
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)