“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2Tim2.3 ESV
There are many emails passing from friend to friend, which depict the sacrifices our soldiers are making in Iraq and asking us to stand with them in our prayers. Our soldiers are not in Iraq to conquer its citizens but to secure their freedom. To those who would say otherwise, I say just ask the Japanese.
We would be hard pressed to find a better illustration of our calling as soldiers of the cross. It may seem strange, but soldiers who fight against oppression whether from physical or spiritual terror, are rightly called peacemakers. And the Christian peacemaker, like our soldiers in Iraq, may expect insult upon insult in the cause to free the souls of men from the tyranny of our selfishness even if it is our own. What is left to all who would make peace in this world but to suffer for it, sacrifice for it and endure until it comes, that is until He comes. 7/31/2008 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
"If war is ever just, then peace is sometimes sinful." C. S. Lewis
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2Tim2.3 ESV
There are many emails passing from friend to friend, which depict the sacrifices our soldiers are making in Iraq and asking us to stand with them in our prayers. Our soldiers are not in Iraq to conquer its citizens but to secure their freedom. To those who would say otherwise, I say just ask the Japanese.
We would be hard pressed to find a better illustration of our calling as soldiers of the cross. It may seem strange, but soldiers who fight against oppression whether from physical or spiritual terror, are rightly called peacemakers. And the Christian peacemaker, like our soldiers in Iraq, may expect insult upon insult in the cause to free the souls of men from the tyranny of our selfishness even if it is our own. What is left to all who would make peace in this world but to suffer for it, sacrifice for it and endure until it comes, that is until He comes. 7/31/2008 ts
There are many emails passing from friend to friend, which depict the sacrifices our soldiers are making in Iraq and asking us to stand with them in our prayers. Our soldiers are not in Iraq to conquer its citizens but to secure their freedom. To those who would say otherwise, I say just ask the Japanese.
We would be hard pressed to find a better illustration of our calling as soldiers of the cross. It may seem strange, but soldiers who fight against oppression whether from physical or spiritual terror, are rightly called peacemakers. And the Christian peacemaker, like our soldiers in Iraq, may expect insult upon insult in the cause to free the souls of men from the tyranny of our selfishness even if it is our own. What is left to all who would make peace in this world but to suffer for it, sacrifice for it and endure until it comes, that is until He comes. 7/31/2008 ts
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
“Focus on your potential instead of your limitations” Alan Loy McGinnis
“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” Job28.28 ESV
Jesus lives with singular focus and He would give it to us if we were to share His joy and see our joy complete. That focus is simply for us to live in such a way that the Father enjoys us because we are enjoying Him. Every thought, and every action should flow out of this inward prompting of the Spirit. The fact that we often regard such a life as overly spiritual, impractical even impossible are some of the reasons why we fall short of it. And while we will not, indeed cannot in this life experience, at least uninterrupted, this mutual enjoyment; it still remains the only path of everlasting joy. Rather than focus on this limitation let us deepen our reliance on the Spirit of Christ in us. He promises to help us with our next step and is always inviting us to enter in and enjoy. To follow His prompting is to enjoy all that God is for us, in a cup of coffee, a book, a conversation, our work, our play and by all means our relationship with others. 7/30/2008 ts
Jesus lives with singular focus and He would give it to us if we were to share His joy and see our joy complete. That focus is simply for us to live in such a way that the Father enjoys us because we are enjoying Him. Every thought, and every action should flow out of this inward prompting of the Spirit. The fact that we often regard such a life as overly spiritual, impractical even impossible are some of the reasons why we fall short of it. And while we will not, indeed cannot in this life experience, at least uninterrupted, this mutual enjoyment; it still remains the only path of everlasting joy. Rather than focus on this limitation let us deepen our reliance on the Spirit of Christ in us. He promises to help us with our next step and is always inviting us to enter in and enjoy. To follow His prompting is to enjoy all that God is for us, in a cup of coffee, a book, a conversation, our work, our play and by all means our relationship with others. 7/30/2008 ts
“Focus on your potential instead of your limitations” Alan Loy McGinnis
“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” Job28.28 ESV
Jesus lives with singular focus and He would give it to us if we were to share His joy and see our joy complete. That focus is simply for us to live in such a way that the Father enjoys us because we are enjoying Him. Every thought, and every action should flow out of this inward prompting of the Spirit. The fact that we often regard such a life as overly spiritual, impractical even impossible are some of the reasons why we fall short of it. And while we will not, indeed cannot in this life experience, at least uninterrupted, this mutual enjoyment; it still remains the only path of everlasting joy. Rather than focus on this limitation let us deepen our reliance on the Spirit of Christ in us. He promises to help us with our next step and is always inviting us to enter in and enjoy. To follow His prompting is to enjoy all that God is for us, in a cup of coffee, a book, a conversation, our work, our play and by all means our relationship with others. 7/30/2008 ts
Jesus lives with singular focus and He would give it to us if we were to share His joy and see our joy complete. That focus is simply for us to live in such a way that the Father enjoys us because we are enjoying Him. Every thought, and every action should flow out of this inward prompting of the Spirit. The fact that we often regard such a life as overly spiritual, impractical even impossible are some of the reasons why we fall short of it. And while we will not, indeed cannot in this life experience, at least uninterrupted, this mutual enjoyment; it still remains the only path of everlasting joy. Rather than focus on this limitation let us deepen our reliance on the Spirit of Christ in us. He promises to help us with our next step and is always inviting us to enter in and enjoy. To follow His prompting is to enjoy all that God is for us, in a cup of coffee, a book, a conversation, our work, our play and by all means our relationship with others. 7/30/2008 ts
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
“It is always the simple that produces the marvelous.” Amelia E. Barr
Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence— Is64.1 ESV
There are times when we are not sure what needs to be done, only that something needs to be done. We cry out, “Do something Lord, come and make it right.” At such times we just want the Lord to show up, trust that He will know what to do and hope that He will fix what’s wrong. Not a bad way to pray actually. It would seem from stories told us in the Bible that the most effective prayers are direct, honest and express simple faith. A straightforward cry for help says a lot and has moved the arm of the Almighty more times than we can number. 7/29/2008 ts
There are times when we are not sure what needs to be done, only that something needs to be done. We cry out, “Do something Lord, come and make it right.” At such times we just want the Lord to show up, trust that He will know what to do and hope that He will fix what’s wrong. Not a bad way to pray actually. It would seem from stories told us in the Bible that the most effective prayers are direct, honest and express simple faith. A straightforward cry for help says a lot and has moved the arm of the Almighty more times than we can number. 7/29/2008 ts
“It is always the simple that produces the marvelous.” Amelia E. Barr
Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence— Is64.1 ESV
There are times when we are not sure what needs to be done, only that something needs to be done. We cry out, “Do something Lord, come and make it right.” At such times we just want the Lord to show up, trust that He will know what to do and hope that He will fix what’s wrong. Not a bad way to pray actually. It would seem from stories told us in the Bible that the most effective prayers are direct, honest and express simple faith. A straightforward cry for help says a lot and has moved the arm of the Almighty more times than we can number. 7/29/2008 ts
There are times when we are not sure what needs to be done, only that something needs to be done. We cry out, “Do something Lord, come and make it right.” At such times we just want the Lord to show up, trust that He will know what to do and hope that He will fix what’s wrong. Not a bad way to pray actually. It would seem from stories told us in the Bible that the most effective prayers are direct, honest and express simple faith. A straightforward cry for help says a lot and has moved the arm of the Almighty more times than we can number. 7/29/2008 ts
Monday, July 28, 2008
“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the flower sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Prov10.12 ESV
The instant replay maybe a good innovation for the world of sports but it can wreck havoc in relationships. When we replay to our mind the offenses and shortcomings of others we fuel the fires of strife until bitterness is all that is left in the relationship. We must learn the skill of overlooking injury, of letting it pass by like an uncaught ball or covering it from our sight. It is not so much pretending that someone has not hurt you, as it is consciously choosing to ignore it, to refuse to replay it even a second time again to our mind and bringing instead the best interest of the person into the forefront of our thoughts. Love is deliberate in it choices to love. Love deliberately refuses the instant replay and chooses instead to get on with the game. 7/28/2008 ts
The instant replay maybe a good innovation for the world of sports but it can wreck havoc in relationships. When we replay to our mind the offenses and shortcomings of others we fuel the fires of strife until bitterness is all that is left in the relationship. We must learn the skill of overlooking injury, of letting it pass by like an uncaught ball or covering it from our sight. It is not so much pretending that someone has not hurt you, as it is consciously choosing to ignore it, to refuse to replay it even a second time again to our mind and bringing instead the best interest of the person into the forefront of our thoughts. Love is deliberate in it choices to love. Love deliberately refuses the instant replay and chooses instead to get on with the game. 7/28/2008 ts
“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the flower sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Prov10.12 ESV
The instant replay maybe a good innovation for the world of sports but it can wreck havoc in relationships. When we replay to our mind the offenses and shortcomings of others we fuel the fires of strife until bitterness is all that is left in the relationship. We must learn the skill of overlooking injury, of letting it pass by like an uncaught ball or covering it from our sight. It is not so much pretending that someone has not hurt you, as it is consciously choosing to ignore it, to refuse to replay it even a second time again to our mind and bringing instead the best interest of the person into the forefront of our thoughts. Love is deliberate in it choices to love. Love deliberately refuses the instant replay and chooses instead to get on with the game. 7/28/2008 ts
The instant replay maybe a good innovation for the world of sports but it can wreck havoc in relationships. When we replay to our mind the offenses and shortcomings of others we fuel the fires of strife until bitterness is all that is left in the relationship. We must learn the skill of overlooking injury, of letting it pass by like an uncaught ball or covering it from our sight. It is not so much pretending that someone has not hurt you, as it is consciously choosing to ignore it, to refuse to replay it even a second time again to our mind and bringing instead the best interest of the person into the forefront of our thoughts. Love is deliberate in it choices to love. Love deliberately refuses the instant replay and chooses instead to get on with the game. 7/28/2008 ts
Saturday, July 26, 2008
“Eternity to the godly is a day that has no sunset; eternity to the wicked is a night that has no sunrise.” Thomas Watson
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. Heb11.8 ESV
God’s word to Abraham was to go out. His word to Joseph was to stay put. Whether we go out or stay put I think that most of us desire to be instructed by the Lord in life’s many decisions. But Moses expressed the heart of it all, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” It is then not so much the place where we go or stay, as it is the presence of God with us. “Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.” If God sends us to walk in dark places what does it matter if His presence is light around us? When Jesus sent His disciples into the world, what was His final word but, “Lo, I am with you always.” 7/26/2008 ts
God’s word to Abraham was to go out. His word to Joseph was to stay put. Whether we go out or stay put I think that most of us desire to be instructed by the Lord in life’s many decisions. But Moses expressed the heart of it all, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” It is then not so much the place where we go or stay, as it is the presence of God with us. “Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.” If God sends us to walk in dark places what does it matter if His presence is light around us? When Jesus sent His disciples into the world, what was His final word but, “Lo, I am with you always.” 7/26/2008 ts
“Eternity to the godly is a day that has no sunset; eternity to the wicked is a night that has no sunrise.” Thomas Watson
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. Heb11.8 ESV
God’s word to Abraham was to go out. His word to Joseph was to stay put. Whether we go out or stay put I think that most of us desire to be instructed by the Lord in life’s many decisions. But Moses expressed the heart of it all, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” It is then not so much the place where we go or stay, as it is the presence of God with us. “Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.” If God sends us to walk in dark places what does it matter if His presence is light around us? When Jesus sent His disciples into the world, what was His final word but, “Lo, I am with you always.” 7/26/2008 ts
God’s word to Abraham was to go out. His word to Joseph was to stay put. Whether we go out or stay put I think that most of us desire to be instructed by the Lord in life’s many decisions. But Moses expressed the heart of it all, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” It is then not so much the place where we go or stay, as it is the presence of God with us. “Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.” If God sends us to walk in dark places what does it matter if His presence is light around us? When Jesus sent His disciples into the world, what was His final word but, “Lo, I am with you always.” 7/26/2008 ts
Friday, July 25, 2008
“I intend to live forever. So far, so good.” Stephen Wright
“Whoever has the Son has life, whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1Jo5.12 ESV
Here it is in a nutshell, reason enough to come to Christ, yet in a fuller sense, to ask Christ to come into us. The most attractive aspect of the Christian life is not that it goes on forever but that it is Life with a capital "L," and, it goes on forever. Whatever images we might have of living and of living forever, Jesus has defined it for us. He said, “This is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Eternal life is knowing God, for it will take an everlasting life to know Him and that peerless fellowship He has with His Son. Everything else, the galaxies of stars and sky, the worlds of fields and forest and whatever else will spring out of the abounding love between the Father and His Son, shall be the playground where we discover and experience Them.7/25/2008 ts
Here it is in a nutshell, reason enough to come to Christ, yet in a fuller sense, to ask Christ to come into us. The most attractive aspect of the Christian life is not that it goes on forever but that it is Life with a capital "L," and, it goes on forever. Whatever images we might have of living and of living forever, Jesus has defined it for us. He said, “This is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Eternal life is knowing God, for it will take an everlasting life to know Him and that peerless fellowship He has with His Son. Everything else, the galaxies of stars and sky, the worlds of fields and forest and whatever else will spring out of the abounding love between the Father and His Son, shall be the playground where we discover and experience Them.7/25/2008 ts
“I intend to live forever. So far, so good.” Stephen Wright
“Whoever has the Son has life, whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1Jo5.12 ESV
Here it is in a nutshell, reason enough to come to Christ, yet in a fuller sense, to ask Christ to come into us. The most attractive aspect of the Christian life is not that it goes on forever but that it is Life with a capital "L," and, it goes on forever. Whatever images we might have of living and of living forever, Jesus has defined it for us. He said, “This is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Eternal life is knowing God, for it will take an everlasting life to know Him and that peerless fellowship He has with His Son. Everything else, the galaxies of stars and sky, the worlds of fields and forest and whatever else will spring out of the abounding love between the Father and His Son, shall be the playground where we discover and experience Them.7/25/2008 ts
Here it is in a nutshell, reason enough to come to Christ, yet in a fuller sense, to ask Christ to come into us. The most attractive aspect of the Christian life is not that it goes on forever but that it is Life with a capital "L," and, it goes on forever. Whatever images we might have of living and of living forever, Jesus has defined it for us. He said, “This is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Eternal life is knowing God, for it will take an everlasting life to know Him and that peerless fellowship He has with His Son. Everything else, the galaxies of stars and sky, the worlds of fields and forest and whatever else will spring out of the abounding love between the Father and His Son, shall be the playground where we discover and experience Them.7/25/2008 ts
Thursday, July 24, 2008
“We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things” Henry Ward Beecher
“…be patient in tribulation…” Rom12.12 ESV
God’s people are not immune to the pressures of this life. We all share the common hardships of living in this world. Be it money, health, family or work, most must enter these arenas of trial and face the pressures common to them. In addition to promising us tribulation, God has also made a few promises to us as we face them. He will never leave or forsake us. He works all things together for our good. And, if we let patience have her perfect work we will inevitably reach maturity and be complete in all respects. At least this is what the Scriptures tell us.
Actually the word patience translates, “to remain under.” The idea is that all trial teaches, and rather than run from the lesson, we learn what it has come to teach. I think that at least one part of the lesson that trial teaches may actually be the same and is simply reinforced in each trial. And what is that? Well I am certain it has something to do with Jesus. Father seems bent of one purpose and that is to make us all like Him! 7/24/2008 ts
God’s people are not immune to the pressures of this life. We all share the common hardships of living in this world. Be it money, health, family or work, most must enter these arenas of trial and face the pressures common to them. In addition to promising us tribulation, God has also made a few promises to us as we face them. He will never leave or forsake us. He works all things together for our good. And, if we let patience have her perfect work we will inevitably reach maturity and be complete in all respects. At least this is what the Scriptures tell us.
Actually the word patience translates, “to remain under.” The idea is that all trial teaches, and rather than run from the lesson, we learn what it has come to teach. I think that at least one part of the lesson that trial teaches may actually be the same and is simply reinforced in each trial. And what is that? Well I am certain it has something to do with Jesus. Father seems bent of one purpose and that is to make us all like Him! 7/24/2008 ts
“We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things” Henry Ward Beecher
“…be patient in tribulation…” Rom12.12 ESV
God’s people are not immune to the pressures of this life. We all share the common hardships of living in this world. Be it money, health, family or work, most must enter these arenas of trial and face the pressures common to them. In addition to promising us tribulation, God has also made a few promises to us as we face them. He will never leave or forsake us. He works all things together for our good. And, if we let patience have her perfect work we will inevitably reach maturity and be complete in all respects. At least this is what the Scriptures tell us.
Actually the word patience translates, “to remain under.” The idea is that all trial teaches, and rather than run from the lesson, we learn what it has come to teach. I think that at least one part of the lesson that trial teaches may actually be the same and is simply reinforced in each trial. And what is that? Well I am certain it has something to do with Jesus. Father seems bent of one purpose and that is to make us all like Him! 7/24/2008 ts
God’s people are not immune to the pressures of this life. We all share the common hardships of living in this world. Be it money, health, family or work, most must enter these arenas of trial and face the pressures common to them. In addition to promising us tribulation, God has also made a few promises to us as we face them. He will never leave or forsake us. He works all things together for our good. And, if we let patience have her perfect work we will inevitably reach maturity and be complete in all respects. At least this is what the Scriptures tell us.
Actually the word patience translates, “to remain under.” The idea is that all trial teaches, and rather than run from the lesson, we learn what it has come to teach. I think that at least one part of the lesson that trial teaches may actually be the same and is simply reinforced in each trial. And what is that? Well I am certain it has something to do with Jesus. Father seems bent of one purpose and that is to make us all like Him! 7/24/2008 ts
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
“Think before you act and then act decisively.” Brian Tracy
Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James5.8 ESV
My wife accuses me of being wishy-washy, especially when it comes to making dinner plans. It is true that I have a hard time choosing when there are so many options to choose from. We might start out for Montgomery to eat Japanese and go to a movie but end up eating Italian and spending the evening at Home Depot. She likes to plan ahead; I like to be spontaneous.
Now there are some things where being wishy-washy just won’t cut it. Keeping our word is one. When we promise someone, be it God or another person that we are going to do something, we should keep our promises or else not make them. But more important than keeping our word is keeping our heart. Keeping our heart can keep us from making stupid promises. Dependability is a good thing unless we happen to be dependably undependable or dependably bad. I think we grow to be dependable in a good sense only when we fix our heart on learning what will please the Lord and refuse anything that we know does not. Once we are convinced that God desires something for us we should decisively pursue it. A person can be dependably good or dependably bad, and both are determined by what we love most in our heart. Depend on it! 7/23/2008 ts
My wife accuses me of being wishy-washy, especially when it comes to making dinner plans. It is true that I have a hard time choosing when there are so many options to choose from. We might start out for Montgomery to eat Japanese and go to a movie but end up eating Italian and spending the evening at Home Depot. She likes to plan ahead; I like to be spontaneous.
Now there are some things where being wishy-washy just won’t cut it. Keeping our word is one. When we promise someone, be it God or another person that we are going to do something, we should keep our promises or else not make them. But more important than keeping our word is keeping our heart. Keeping our heart can keep us from making stupid promises. Dependability is a good thing unless we happen to be dependably undependable or dependably bad. I think we grow to be dependable in a good sense only when we fix our heart on learning what will please the Lord and refuse anything that we know does not. Once we are convinced that God desires something for us we should decisively pursue it. A person can be dependably good or dependably bad, and both are determined by what we love most in our heart. Depend on it! 7/23/2008 ts
“Think before you act and then act decisively.” Brian Tracy
Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James5.8 ESV
My wife accuses me of being wishy-washy, especially when it comes to making dinner plans. It is true that I have a hard time choosing when there are so many options to choose from. We might start out for Montgomery to eat Japanese and go to a movie but end up eating Italian and spending the evening at Home Depot. She likes to plan ahead; I like to be spontaneous.
Now there are some things where being wishy-washy just won’t cut it. Keeping our word is one. When we promise someone, be it God or another person that we are going to do something, we should keep our promises or else not make them. But more important than keeping our word is keeping our heart. Keeping our heart can keep us from making stupid promises. Dependability is a good thing unless we happen to be dependably undependable or dependably bad. I think we grow to be dependable in a good sense only when we fix our heart on learning what will please the Lord and refuse anything that we know does not. Once we are convinced that God desires something for us we should decisively pursue it. A person can be dependably good or dependably bad, and both are determined by what we love most in our heart. Depend on it! 7/23/2008 ts
My wife accuses me of being wishy-washy, especially when it comes to making dinner plans. It is true that I have a hard time choosing when there are so many options to choose from. We might start out for Montgomery to eat Japanese and go to a movie but end up eating Italian and spending the evening at Home Depot. She likes to plan ahead; I like to be spontaneous.
Now there are some things where being wishy-washy just won’t cut it. Keeping our word is one. When we promise someone, be it God or another person that we are going to do something, we should keep our promises or else not make them. But more important than keeping our word is keeping our heart. Keeping our heart can keep us from making stupid promises. Dependability is a good thing unless we happen to be dependably undependable or dependably bad. I think we grow to be dependable in a good sense only when we fix our heart on learning what will please the Lord and refuse anything that we know does not. Once we are convinced that God desires something for us we should decisively pursue it. A person can be dependably good or dependably bad, and both are determined by what we love most in our heart. Depend on it! 7/23/2008 ts
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
“Every one of us is, even from his mother's womb, a master craftsman of idols” John Calvin
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1Jo5.21 ESV
The other day a good friend of mine made the observation that perhaps Christians have made an idol out of Christianity. Given man's nature toward such, I not only agree with my friend that it is possible, it is most probable.
I seem to remember Oprah Winfrey recently saying that Jesus Christ did not come to establish Christianity. While I would not agree with most of her many pluralisms, which are also fine examples of idolatry, I tend to agree with this one. I believe that Christians have made an idol out of our many traditions and as such Christ would probably not approve of many things in Christendom. But if Christians have made an idol out of organized religion, the world bows to the idol of an imaginary god. For the idols of our day are not made of wood or metal, but out of false notions. We all tend to invent a god that comforts the way we want the real God to be.
But this is of course why Christ came. Even then when He was transfigured on the mountain with Moses and Elijah, it was the weakness of Peter who wanted to build three temples for each of them. And what did the Father say to this religious and ridiculous notion? “This is my Son, listen to Him.”
The other day a good friend of mine made the observation that perhaps Christians have made an idol out of Christianity. Given man's nature toward such, I not only agree with my friend that it is possible, it is most probable.
I seem to remember Oprah Winfrey recently saying that Jesus Christ did not come to establish Christianity. While I would not agree with most of her many pluralisms, which are also fine examples of idolatry, I tend to agree with this one. I believe that Christians have made an idol out of our many traditions and as such Christ would probably not approve of many things in Christendom. But if Christians have made an idol out of organized religion, the world bows to the idol of an imaginary god. For the idols of our day are not made of wood or metal, but out of false notions. We all tend to invent a god that comforts the way we want the real God to be.
But this is of course why Christ came. Even then when He was transfigured on the mountain with Moses and Elijah, it was the weakness of Peter who wanted to build three temples for each of them. And what did the Father say to this religious and ridiculous notion? “This is my Son, listen to Him.”
“Every one of us is, even from his mother's womb, a master craftsman of idols” John Calvin
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1Jo5.21 ESV
The other day a good friend of mine made the observation that perhaps Christians have made an idol out of Christianity. Given man's nature toward such, I not only agree with my friend that it is possible, it is most probable.
I seem to remember Oprah Winfrey recently saying that Jesus Christ did not come to establish Christianity. While I would not agree with most of her many pluralisms, which are also fine examples of idolatry, I tend to agree with this one. I believe that Christians have made an idol out of our many traditions and as such Christ would probably not approve of many things in Christendom. But if Christians have made an idol out of organized religion, the world bows to the idol of an imaginary god. For the idols of our day are not made of wood or metal, but out of false notions. We all tend to invent a god that comforts the way we want the real God to be.
But this is of course why Christ came. Even then when He was transfigured on the mountain with Moses and Elijah, it was the weakness of Peter who wanted to build three temples for each of them. And what did the Father say to this religious and ridiculous notion? “This is my Son, listen to Him.”
The other day a good friend of mine made the observation that perhaps Christians have made an idol out of Christianity. Given man's nature toward such, I not only agree with my friend that it is possible, it is most probable.
I seem to remember Oprah Winfrey recently saying that Jesus Christ did not come to establish Christianity. While I would not agree with most of her many pluralisms, which are also fine examples of idolatry, I tend to agree with this one. I believe that Christians have made an idol out of our many traditions and as such Christ would probably not approve of many things in Christendom. But if Christians have made an idol out of organized religion, the world bows to the idol of an imaginary god. For the idols of our day are not made of wood or metal, but out of false notions. We all tend to invent a god that comforts the way we want the real God to be.
But this is of course why Christ came. Even then when He was transfigured on the mountain with Moses and Elijah, it was the weakness of Peter who wanted to build three temples for each of them. And what did the Father say to this religious and ridiculous notion? “This is my Son, listen to Him.”
Monday, July 21, 2008
“Heaven is an acquired taste.” C. S. Lewis
“…and be renewed in the spirit of your minds…” Eph.4.23 ESV
Brenda and I have come to use a new expression to describe some of the changes we see in ourselves. We say that we have, “crossed over” and by it we mean that our thinking has changed about something. For instance, a number of years ago Brenda absolutely hated exercise. Over time, she “crossed over” and not only began to see its value but has included it in our daily rhythms. The other day we were talking about how we have almost crossed over in our attitude about food. It seems that these days our number one concern is how am I going to feel “after” I eat something. I say we have almost crossed over because there are still times when we choose a sausage and egg McSomething when we know that we would feel better if we ate peaches and cottage cheese. But we are getting there.
Most good changes begin in the spirit of our mind. And good changes are all that a good God would have for us. God does not want us to be moral to be religious. He wants us to be moral because it is good for us. Before we cross over to glory we will undoubtedly need to cross over in our attitude about many things before we get there. 7/21/2008 ts
Brenda and I have come to use a new expression to describe some of the changes we see in ourselves. We say that we have, “crossed over” and by it we mean that our thinking has changed about something. For instance, a number of years ago Brenda absolutely hated exercise. Over time, she “crossed over” and not only began to see its value but has included it in our daily rhythms. The other day we were talking about how we have almost crossed over in our attitude about food. It seems that these days our number one concern is how am I going to feel “after” I eat something. I say we have almost crossed over because there are still times when we choose a sausage and egg McSomething when we know that we would feel better if we ate peaches and cottage cheese. But we are getting there.
Most good changes begin in the spirit of our mind. And good changes are all that a good God would have for us. God does not want us to be moral to be religious. He wants us to be moral because it is good for us. Before we cross over to glory we will undoubtedly need to cross over in our attitude about many things before we get there. 7/21/2008 ts
“Heaven is an acquired taste.” C. S. Lewis
“…and be renewed in the spirit of your minds…” Eph.4.23 ESV
Brenda and I have come to use a new expression to describe some of the changes we see in ourselves. We say that we have, “crossed over” and by it we mean that our thinking has changed about something. For instance, a number of years ago Brenda absolutely hated exercise. Over time, she “crossed over” and not only began to see its value but has included it in our daily rhythms. The other day we were talking about how we have almost crossed over in our attitude about food. It seems that these days our number one concern is how am I going to feel “after” I eat something. I say we have almost crossed over because there are still times when we choose a sausage and egg McSomething when we know that we would feel better if we ate peaches and cottage cheese. But we are getting there.
Most good changes begin in the spirit of our mind. And good changes are all that a good God would have for us. God does not want us to be moral to be religious. He wants us to be moral because it is good for us. Before we cross over to glory we will undoubtedly need to cross over in our attitude about many things before we get there. 7/21/2008 ts
Brenda and I have come to use a new expression to describe some of the changes we see in ourselves. We say that we have, “crossed over” and by it we mean that our thinking has changed about something. For instance, a number of years ago Brenda absolutely hated exercise. Over time, she “crossed over” and not only began to see its value but has included it in our daily rhythms. The other day we were talking about how we have almost crossed over in our attitude about food. It seems that these days our number one concern is how am I going to feel “after” I eat something. I say we have almost crossed over because there are still times when we choose a sausage and egg McSomething when we know that we would feel better if we ate peaches and cottage cheese. But we are getting there.
Most good changes begin in the spirit of our mind. And good changes are all that a good God would have for us. God does not want us to be moral to be religious. He wants us to be moral because it is good for us. Before we cross over to glory we will undoubtedly need to cross over in our attitude about many things before we get there. 7/21/2008 ts
Friday, July 18, 2008
“Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is hurtful” Benjamin Franklin
God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2Tim2.19 ESV
If Christ has come to destroy the works of the Devil, we may certainly expect Christ to destroy Satan’s works through those of us who name His name. Every sinful act is an act of treason against His sacred mission. It is God’s clear intention not only to deliver us from hell but also from every hellish act that extends its shameful stench in the world. To be loved of God is no less than to love Him in return and to turn from all that grieves Him.
If Christ has come to destroy the works of the Devil, we may certainly expect Christ to destroy Satan’s works through those of us who name His name. Every sinful act is an act of treason against His sacred mission. It is God’s clear intention not only to deliver us from hell but also from every hellish act that extends its shameful stench in the world. To be loved of God is no less than to love Him in return and to turn from all that grieves Him.
“Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is hurtful” Benjamin Franklin
God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2Tim2.19 ESV
If Christ has come to destroy the works of the Devil, we may certainly expect Christ to destroy Satan’s works through those of us who name His name. Every sinful act is an act of treason against His sacred mission. It is God’s clear intention not only to deliver us from hell but also from every hellish act that extends its shameful stench in the world. To be loved of God is no less than to love Him in return and to turn from all that grieves Him.
If Christ has come to destroy the works of the Devil, we may certainly expect Christ to destroy Satan’s works through those of us who name His name. Every sinful act is an act of treason against His sacred mission. It is God’s clear intention not only to deliver us from hell but also from every hellish act that extends its shameful stench in the world. To be loved of God is no less than to love Him in return and to turn from all that grieves Him.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Anger is what love bleeds whenever you cut it.- C.S.Lewis
“You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” Jon4.2 ESV
When we compare God to some great power in nature, saying that He is like the tempest or an immense storm, these comparisons, if we are not careful, can be misleading and clutter our understanding of how the Scriptures reveal Him. Once a friend of C. S. Lewis compared God’s anger to a live electrical wire, to illustrate that God doesn’t feel anger toward us in a personal way but if we act inappropriately toward Him we may get shocked, even electrocuted. I am sure this brother was attempting to placate those who reject the notion that God has an angry side to Him, who somehow believe that if God gets angry He is not a loving God.
C. S. Lewis challenged his friend and responded, “What do you suppose you have gained by substituting the image of a live wire for that of angered majesty? You have shut us all up in despair, for the angry can forgive and electricity can’t.” 7/17/2008 ts
When we compare God to some great power in nature, saying that He is like the tempest or an immense storm, these comparisons, if we are not careful, can be misleading and clutter our understanding of how the Scriptures reveal Him. Once a friend of C. S. Lewis compared God’s anger to a live electrical wire, to illustrate that God doesn’t feel anger toward us in a personal way but if we act inappropriately toward Him we may get shocked, even electrocuted. I am sure this brother was attempting to placate those who reject the notion that God has an angry side to Him, who somehow believe that if God gets angry He is not a loving God.
C. S. Lewis challenged his friend and responded, “What do you suppose you have gained by substituting the image of a live wire for that of angered majesty? You have shut us all up in despair, for the angry can forgive and electricity can’t.” 7/17/2008 ts
Anger is what love bleeds whenever you cut it.- C.S.Lewis
“You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” Jon4.2 ESV
When we compare God to some great power in nature, saying that He is like the tempest or an immense storm, these comparisons, if we are not careful, can be misleading and clutter our understanding of how the Scriptures reveal Him. Once a friend of C. S. Lewis compared God’s anger to a live electrical wire, to illustrate that God doesn’t feel anger toward us in a personal way but if we act inappropriately toward Him we may get shocked, even electrocuted. I am sure this brother was attempting to placate those who reject the notion that God has an angry side to Him, who somehow believe that if God gets angry He is not a loving God.
C. S. Lewis challenged his friend and responded, “What do you suppose you have gained by substituting the image of a live wire for that of angered majesty? You have shut us all up in despair, for the angry can forgive and electricity can’t.” 7/17/2008 ts
When we compare God to some great power in nature, saying that He is like the tempest or an immense storm, these comparisons, if we are not careful, can be misleading and clutter our understanding of how the Scriptures reveal Him. Once a friend of C. S. Lewis compared God’s anger to a live electrical wire, to illustrate that God doesn’t feel anger toward us in a personal way but if we act inappropriately toward Him we may get shocked, even electrocuted. I am sure this brother was attempting to placate those who reject the notion that God has an angry side to Him, who somehow believe that if God gets angry He is not a loving God.
C. S. Lewis challenged his friend and responded, “What do you suppose you have gained by substituting the image of a live wire for that of angered majesty? You have shut us all up in despair, for the angry can forgive and electricity can’t.” 7/17/2008 ts
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
"The preaching that this world needs most is the sermon in shoes…” D. L. Moody
“…and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Ex19.6 ESV
The grace that God gives to one person is always intended to render that person a means of grace to others. Every Christian then, in this sense, has been made a priest, a channel of God’s blessings to the world. It is the function of a priest to render service to God and He has made it abundantly clear that we serve Him by serving people. What the world needs now is not a sermon for the ears so much as it needs a sermon for the eyes. 7/16/2008 ts
The grace that God gives to one person is always intended to render that person a means of grace to others. Every Christian then, in this sense, has been made a priest, a channel of God’s blessings to the world. It is the function of a priest to render service to God and He has made it abundantly clear that we serve Him by serving people. What the world needs now is not a sermon for the ears so much as it needs a sermon for the eyes. 7/16/2008 ts
"The preaching that this world needs most is the sermon in shoes…” D. L. Moody
“…and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Ex19.6 ESV
The grace that God gives to one person is always intended to render that person a means of grace to others. Every Christian then, in this sense, has been made a priest, a channel of God’s blessings to the world. It is the function of a priest to render service to God and He has made it abundantly clear that we serve Him by serving people. What the world needs now is not a sermon for the ears so much as it needs a sermon for the eyes. 7/16/2008 ts
The grace that God gives to one person is always intended to render that person a means of grace to others. Every Christian then, in this sense, has been made a priest, a channel of God’s blessings to the world. It is the function of a priest to render service to God and He has made it abundantly clear that we serve Him by serving people. What the world needs now is not a sermon for the ears so much as it needs a sermon for the eyes. 7/16/2008 ts
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Mat6.10 ESV
When we pray these words and truly mean them, God’s will comes to earth in that very moment if only in our own life. To want the Father’s will is the first step in bringing it from Heaven to earth. And, as we generally do what we want, then God’s desires will ultimately flow over into our actions and then of course into the world. It seem to me that the Kingdom of God is certainly found in that place where God rules. If we would see His Kingdom come to earth then God must at least rule in us.
I once read where Mahatma Gandhi said that he would become a Christian when he met one. He is also known for saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If we would see the Kingdom of Christ come to earth, let us pray that His will be done and then answer out own prayers. 7/15/2008 ts
When we pray these words and truly mean them, God’s will comes to earth in that very moment if only in our own life. To want the Father’s will is the first step in bringing it from Heaven to earth. And, as we generally do what we want, then God’s desires will ultimately flow over into our actions and then of course into the world. It seem to me that the Kingdom of God is certainly found in that place where God rules. If we would see His Kingdom come to earth then God must at least rule in us.
I once read where Mahatma Gandhi said that he would become a Christian when he met one. He is also known for saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If we would see the Kingdom of Christ come to earth, let us pray that His will be done and then answer out own prayers. 7/15/2008 ts
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Mat6.10 ESV
When we pray these words and truly mean them, God’s will comes to earth in that very moment if only in our own life. To want the Father’s will is the first step in bringing it from Heaven to earth. And, as we generally do what we want, then God’s desires will ultimately flow over into our actions and then of course into the world. It seem to me that the Kingdom of God is certainly found in that place where God rules. If we would see His Kingdom come to earth then God must at least rule in us.
I once read where Mahatma Gandhi said that he would become a Christian when he met one. He is also known for saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If we would see the Kingdom of Christ come to earth, let us pray that His will be done and then answer out own prayers. 7/15/2008 ts
When we pray these words and truly mean them, God’s will comes to earth in that very moment if only in our own life. To want the Father’s will is the first step in bringing it from Heaven to earth. And, as we generally do what we want, then God’s desires will ultimately flow over into our actions and then of course into the world. It seem to me that the Kingdom of God is certainly found in that place where God rules. If we would see His Kingdom come to earth then God must at least rule in us.
I once read where Mahatma Gandhi said that he would become a Christian when he met one. He is also known for saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If we would see the Kingdom of Christ come to earth, let us pray that His will be done and then answer out own prayers. 7/15/2008 ts
Monday, July 14, 2008
“Love conquers everything even karma.” Mettrie L.
“Love conquers everything even karma.” Mettrie L.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Prov4.23 ESV
The idea of karma has evolved in western thought to simply mean that we reap what we sow. It is used mainly to describe something we are experiencing right now that has come to us from some past action. Eastern thought would say that what you have done in another past life is being visited upon you in your present one. Whether we believe in past lives or simply in past actions, there remains in both views some notion that God is going to see that we are rewarded for every good and every bad thing that we do. In short, the seed I plant today become the garden I will live in tomorrow and the garden I live in now has grown from the seed I planted yesterday. When you think about it, it is good that we live in a world of cause and effect. But it is also good that we live under the amazing grace of an amazing God. For, while Christians believe in the ordinary means of reaping what you sow, we also believe in the extraordinary means of grace or as C. S. Lewis named it, "the deep magic before the dawn of time." In that “deep magic” we hear the echo of the three most powerful words uttered in all history, spoken from atop a wooden cross, words that conquer everything, even karma; “It is finished!” 7/14/2008 ts
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Prov4.23 ESV
The idea of karma has evolved in western thought to simply mean that we reap what we sow. It is used mainly to describe something we are experiencing right now that has come to us from some past action. Eastern thought would say that what you have done in another past life is being visited upon you in your present one. Whether we believe in past lives or simply in past actions, there remains in both views some notion that God is going to see that we are rewarded for every good and every bad thing that we do. In short, the seed I plant today become the garden I will live in tomorrow and the garden I live in now has grown from the seed I planted yesterday. When you think about it, it is good that we live in a world of cause and effect. But it is also good that we live under the amazing grace of an amazing God. For, while Christians believe in the ordinary means of reaping what you sow, we also believe in the extraordinary means of grace or as C. S. Lewis named it, "the deep magic before the dawn of time." In that “deep magic” we hear the echo of the three most powerful words uttered in all history, spoken from atop a wooden cross, words that conquer everything, even karma; “It is finished!” 7/14/2008 ts
“Love conquers everything even karma.” Mettrie L.
“Love conquers everything even karma.” Mettrie L.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Prov4.23 ESV
The idea of karma has evolved in western thought to simply mean that we reap what we sow. It is used mainly to describe something we are experiencing right now that has come to us from some past action. Eastern thought would say that what you have done in another past life is being visited upon you in your present one. Whether we believe in past lives or simply in past actions, there remains in both views some notion that God is going to see that we are rewarded for every good and every bad thing that we do. In short, the seed I plant today become the garden I will live in tomorrow and the garden I live in now has grown from the seed I planted yesterday. When you think about it, it is good that we live in a world of cause and effect. But it is also good that we live under the amazing grace of an amazing God. For, while Christians believe in the ordinary means of reaping what you sow, we also believe in the extraordinary means of grace or as C. S. Lewis named it, "the deep magic before the dawn of time." In that “deep magic” we hear the echo of the three most powerful words uttered in all history, spoken from atop a wooden cross, words that conquer everything, even karma; “It is finished!” 7/14/2008 ts
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Prov4.23 ESV
The idea of karma has evolved in western thought to simply mean that we reap what we sow. It is used mainly to describe something we are experiencing right now that has come to us from some past action. Eastern thought would say that what you have done in another past life is being visited upon you in your present one. Whether we believe in past lives or simply in past actions, there remains in both views some notion that God is going to see that we are rewarded for every good and every bad thing that we do. In short, the seed I plant today become the garden I will live in tomorrow and the garden I live in now has grown from the seed I planted yesterday. When you think about it, it is good that we live in a world of cause and effect. But it is also good that we live under the amazing grace of an amazing God. For, while Christians believe in the ordinary means of reaping what you sow, we also believe in the extraordinary means of grace or as C. S. Lewis named it, "the deep magic before the dawn of time." In that “deep magic” we hear the echo of the three most powerful words uttered in all history, spoken from atop a wooden cross, words that conquer everything, even karma; “It is finished!” 7/14/2008 ts
Saturday, July 12, 2008
“If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can satisfy,...perhaps we were created for another world." CS Lewis
“My times are in your hand;” Ps31.15 ESV
I read in the news this morning that former White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow has died at fifty-three. I am fifty-two. I find myself paying more attention these days to the age of people who are passing into eternity. I am sure I will come to the river bank soon enough. We may as well accept this and for me I think the sooner the better. I am not speaking about the actual crossing but embracing the fact that I must soon leave this place and ready myself for it. It was General Stonewall Jackson who said, “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.”
I read in the news this morning that former White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow has died at fifty-three. I am fifty-two. I find myself paying more attention these days to the age of people who are passing into eternity. I am sure I will come to the river bank soon enough. We may as well accept this and for me I think the sooner the better. I am not speaking about the actual crossing but embracing the fact that I must soon leave this place and ready myself for it. It was General Stonewall Jackson who said, “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.”
“If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can satisfy,...perhaps we were created for another world." CS Lewis
“My times are in your hand;” Ps31.15 ESV
I read in the news this morning that former White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow has died at fifty-three. I am fifty-two. I find myself paying more attention these days to the age of people who are passing into eternity. I am sure I will come to the river bank soon enough. We may as well accept this and for me I think the sooner the better. I am not speaking about the actual crossing but embracing the fact that I must soon leave this place and ready myself for it. It was General Stonewall Jackson who said, “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.”
I read in the news this morning that former White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow has died at fifty-three. I am fifty-two. I find myself paying more attention these days to the age of people who are passing into eternity. I am sure I will come to the river bank soon enough. We may as well accept this and for me I think the sooner the better. I am not speaking about the actual crossing but embracing the fact that I must soon leave this place and ready myself for it. It was General Stonewall Jackson who said, “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.”
Friday, July 11, 2008
“God loves us not because we are lovable but because He is love.” Anonymous
“Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased." Mat3.17
I have read a number of good biographies lately, telling the tragic tale of young men who never got over a demanding and domineering dad. Sadly many young people live their lives looking for the approval of a father who just can’t be pleased. It seems strange now, but I used to feel this way about God. Over the years, He has convinced me otherwise. God is not one of those impossible to please dads. As Christ has come into clearer focus in my life, I am beginning to understand that God is a Father willing to do whatever it takes to secure my highest good (it actually took the very life of the one Son who always pleases Him). God is such a loving Father that He has removed all that stands between us that we might enter the fellowship of pure enjoyment with Him. To be joined to Christ and to be one with Him is to know the absolute pleasure of the Father. And how will God choose to introduce us to all the host of heaven, “This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased." 7/11/2008 ts
I have read a number of good biographies lately, telling the tragic tale of young men who never got over a demanding and domineering dad. Sadly many young people live their lives looking for the approval of a father who just can’t be pleased. It seems strange now, but I used to feel this way about God. Over the years, He has convinced me otherwise. God is not one of those impossible to please dads. As Christ has come into clearer focus in my life, I am beginning to understand that God is a Father willing to do whatever it takes to secure my highest good (it actually took the very life of the one Son who always pleases Him). God is such a loving Father that He has removed all that stands between us that we might enter the fellowship of pure enjoyment with Him. To be joined to Christ and to be one with Him is to know the absolute pleasure of the Father. And how will God choose to introduce us to all the host of heaven, “This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased." 7/11/2008 ts
“God loves us not because we are lovable but because He is love.” Anonymous
“Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased." Mat3.17
I have read a number of good biographies lately, telling the tragic tale of young men who never got over a demanding and domineering dad. Sadly many young people live their lives looking for the approval of a father who just can’t be pleased. It seems strange now, but I used to feel this way about God. Over the years, He has convinced me otherwise. God is not one of those impossible to please dads. As Christ has come into clearer focus in my life, I am beginning to understand that God is a Father willing to do whatever it takes to secure my highest good (it actually took the very life of the one Son who always pleases Him). God is such a loving Father that He has removed all that stands between us that we might enter the fellowship of pure enjoyment with Him. To be joined to Christ and to be one with Him is to know the absolute pleasure of the Father. And how will God choose to introduce us to all the host of heaven, “This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased." 7/11/2008 ts
I have read a number of good biographies lately, telling the tragic tale of young men who never got over a demanding and domineering dad. Sadly many young people live their lives looking for the approval of a father who just can’t be pleased. It seems strange now, but I used to feel this way about God. Over the years, He has convinced me otherwise. God is not one of those impossible to please dads. As Christ has come into clearer focus in my life, I am beginning to understand that God is a Father willing to do whatever it takes to secure my highest good (it actually took the very life of the one Son who always pleases Him). God is such a loving Father that He has removed all that stands between us that we might enter the fellowship of pure enjoyment with Him. To be joined to Christ and to be one with Him is to know the absolute pleasure of the Father. And how will God choose to introduce us to all the host of heaven, “This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased." 7/11/2008 ts
Thursday, July 10, 2008
“One secret act of self-denial…is worth all of the good thought, warm feelings, and passionate prayers in which idle men indulge themselves.” David
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking,” 1Pt4.1 ESV
Anybody who has come up against conflicting desires knows what it is to struggle against taming one of them. And, just about anything of real value is found on the other side of some sort of self-denial. This means of course that we should expect to suffer, not only like everyone else who wants to lose weight, but as Christians we will suffer doing God’s will as opposed to doing our own. The strange thing is that it seems to be God’s will for me, many times, to deny serving my own interest in order to serve others. I suppose we should all get used to this if we are to hang around someone who wears a t-shirt that says “Suffering Servant” written on it. 7/10/2008 ts
Anybody who has come up against conflicting desires knows what it is to struggle against taming one of them. And, just about anything of real value is found on the other side of some sort of self-denial. This means of course that we should expect to suffer, not only like everyone else who wants to lose weight, but as Christians we will suffer doing God’s will as opposed to doing our own. The strange thing is that it seems to be God’s will for me, many times, to deny serving my own interest in order to serve others. I suppose we should all get used to this if we are to hang around someone who wears a t-shirt that says “Suffering Servant” written on it. 7/10/2008 ts
“One secret act of self-denial…is worth all of the good thought, warm feelings, and passionate prayers in which idle men indulge themselves.” David
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking,” 1Pt4.1 ESV
Anybody who has come up against conflicting desires knows what it is to struggle against taming one of them. And, just about anything of real value is found on the other side of some sort of self-denial. This means of course that we should expect to suffer, not only like everyone else who wants to lose weight, but as Christians we will suffer doing God’s will as opposed to doing our own. The strange thing is that it seems to be God’s will for me, many times, to deny serving my own interest in order to serve others. I suppose we should all get used to this if we are to hang around someone who wears a t-shirt that says “Suffering Servant” written on it. 7/10/2008 ts
Anybody who has come up against conflicting desires knows what it is to struggle against taming one of them. And, just about anything of real value is found on the other side of some sort of self-denial. This means of course that we should expect to suffer, not only like everyone else who wants to lose weight, but as Christians we will suffer doing God’s will as opposed to doing our own. The strange thing is that it seems to be God’s will for me, many times, to deny serving my own interest in order to serve others. I suppose we should all get used to this if we are to hang around someone who wears a t-shirt that says “Suffering Servant” written on it. 7/10/2008 ts
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
“If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance.” ~Andrea Boydston
“I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” Ps51.3 ESV
Like most people my age, I live with pain every single day. Sadly, I also live with my sins every day of my life. And, although sin like pain is to be expected it is never to be embraced. I do what I can to manage my pain; I also do what I can to deal with my transgressions. What can we do? Just keep breathing!
Spiritual respiration is as necessary for the life of the soul as breathing is for the life of the body. We exhale by confessing our sins before God and inhale by accepting His forgiveness and grace offered to us in Jesus. Breathe! Just keep breathing! 7/8/2008 ts
Like most people my age, I live with pain every single day. Sadly, I also live with my sins every day of my life. And, although sin like pain is to be expected it is never to be embraced. I do what I can to manage my pain; I also do what I can to deal with my transgressions. What can we do? Just keep breathing!
Spiritual respiration is as necessary for the life of the soul as breathing is for the life of the body. We exhale by confessing our sins before God and inhale by accepting His forgiveness and grace offered to us in Jesus. Breathe! Just keep breathing! 7/8/2008 ts
“If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance.” ~Andrea Boydston
“I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” Ps51.3 ESV
Like most people my age, I live with pain every single day. Sadly, I also live with my sins every day of my life. And, although sin like pain is to be expected it is never to be embraced. I do what I can to manage my pain; I also do what I can to deal with my transgressions. What can we do? Just keep breathing!
Spiritual respiration is as necessary for the life of the soul as breathing is for the life of the body. We exhale by confessing our sins before God and inhale by accepting His forgiveness and grace offered to us in Jesus. Breathe! Just keep breathing! 7/8/2008 ts
Like most people my age, I live with pain every single day. Sadly, I also live with my sins every day of my life. And, although sin like pain is to be expected it is never to be embraced. I do what I can to manage my pain; I also do what I can to deal with my transgressions. What can we do? Just keep breathing!
Spiritual respiration is as necessary for the life of the soul as breathing is for the life of the body. We exhale by confessing our sins before God and inhale by accepting His forgiveness and grace offered to us in Jesus. Breathe! Just keep breathing! 7/8/2008 ts
Monday, July 7, 2008
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Friedrich Nietzsche
“he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Heb5.7 ESV
Gravity is a gift of God. Without it, the muscles of astronauts have grown weak. The simple fact that our muscles must exert energy against gravity strengthens them. Athletes and therapist use weight resistance training or lifting weights to amplify the results of this natural process and strengthen muscles.
The temptations and trials that we face each day, are also a kind of resistance training, one that develops the spiritual muscles of obedience and faith. In God’s hands even the temptations and attacks of our spiritual enemies are opportunities to help us learn obedience. The famous quote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” attempts to capture the essence of growth in personal struggle. But in the case of Christ, it was His willingness to be killed on the cross where obedience and personal development reached it greatest expression. And like Him we too must adopt the same attitude and put to death every desire that lifts its ugly head against doing the Fathers will. In this sense, even that which kills us may in fact give us life. 7/7/2008 ts
Gravity is a gift of God. Without it, the muscles of astronauts have grown weak. The simple fact that our muscles must exert energy against gravity strengthens them. Athletes and therapist use weight resistance training or lifting weights to amplify the results of this natural process and strengthen muscles.
The temptations and trials that we face each day, are also a kind of resistance training, one that develops the spiritual muscles of obedience and faith. In God’s hands even the temptations and attacks of our spiritual enemies are opportunities to help us learn obedience. The famous quote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” attempts to capture the essence of growth in personal struggle. But in the case of Christ, it was His willingness to be killed on the cross where obedience and personal development reached it greatest expression. And like Him we too must adopt the same attitude and put to death every desire that lifts its ugly head against doing the Fathers will. In this sense, even that which kills us may in fact give us life. 7/7/2008 ts
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Friedrich Nietzsche
“he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Heb5.7 ESV
Gravity is a gift of God. Without it, the muscles of astronauts have grown weak. The simple fact that our muscles must exert energy against gravity strengthens them. Athletes and therapist use weight resistance training or lifting weights to amplify the results of this natural process and strengthen muscles.
The temptations and trials that we face each day, are also a kind of resistance training, one that develops the spiritual muscles of obedience and faith. In God’s hands even the temptations and attacks of our spiritual enemies are opportunities to help us learn obedience. The famous quote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” attempts to capture the essence of growth in personal struggle. But in the case of Christ, it was His willingness to be killed on the cross where obedience and personal development reached it greatest expression. And like Him we too must adopt the same attitude and put to death every desire that lifts its ugly head against doing the Fathers will. In this sense, even that which kills us may in fact give us life. 7/7/2008 ts
Gravity is a gift of God. Without it, the muscles of astronauts have grown weak. The simple fact that our muscles must exert energy against gravity strengthens them. Athletes and therapist use weight resistance training or lifting weights to amplify the results of this natural process and strengthen muscles.
The temptations and trials that we face each day, are also a kind of resistance training, one that develops the spiritual muscles of obedience and faith. In God’s hands even the temptations and attacks of our spiritual enemies are opportunities to help us learn obedience. The famous quote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” attempts to capture the essence of growth in personal struggle. But in the case of Christ, it was His willingness to be killed on the cross where obedience and personal development reached it greatest expression. And like Him we too must adopt the same attitude and put to death every desire that lifts its ugly head against doing the Fathers will. In this sense, even that which kills us may in fact give us life. 7/7/2008 ts
Friday, July 4, 2008
The best seat in the house!
“…reclining at the table close to Jesus…” John13.23
Let everyone of us seek this best seat in the house. When Jesus walked under the sun only a few could sit in this choice seat. This is why Christ ascended to heaven. Did He not tell us that it was to our advantage that He rise to the Father so He could send us the Comforter. The Holy Spirit has come to us and though His ministry we all can sit in the best seat. We can all recline at the table close to Jesus and dine on the finest fair, the choice food that comes from the very mouth of God. 7/4/2008 ts
Let everyone of us seek this best seat in the house. When Jesus walked under the sun only a few could sit in this choice seat. This is why Christ ascended to heaven. Did He not tell us that it was to our advantage that He rise to the Father so He could send us the Comforter. The Holy Spirit has come to us and though His ministry we all can sit in the best seat. We can all recline at the table close to Jesus and dine on the finest fair, the choice food that comes from the very mouth of God. 7/4/2008 ts
The best seat in the house!
“…reclining at the table close to Jesus…” John13.23
Let everyone of us seek this best seat in the house. When Jesus walked under the sun only a few could sit in this choice seat. This is why Christ ascended to heaven. Did He not tell us that it was to our advantage that He rise to the Father so He could send us the Comforter. The Holy Spirit has come to us and though His ministry we all can sit in the best seat. We can all recline at the table close to Jesus and dine on the finest fair, the choice food that comes from the very mouth of God. 7/4/2008 ts
Let everyone of us seek this best seat in the house. When Jesus walked under the sun only a few could sit in this choice seat. This is why Christ ascended to heaven. Did He not tell us that it was to our advantage that He rise to the Father so He could send us the Comforter. The Holy Spirit has come to us and though His ministry we all can sit in the best seat. We can all recline at the table close to Jesus and dine on the finest fair, the choice food that comes from the very mouth of God. 7/4/2008 ts
Thursday, July 3, 2008
“Before we can pray, "Lord, Thy Kingdom come," we must be willing to pray, "My Kingdom go."” Alan Redpath
If children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Rom8.17 ESV
For every child of God, the concerns of His Kingdom are now the Family business. God has given us ownership in His kingdom by adopting us into His family. As sons and daughters He expects us to advance His concerns in the world as we would our own. What are His concerns? Well justice and mercy are two that come to mind but the foremost concern of His kingdom is simply that we enjoy, exhibit and express the value of knowing and loving Him through faith in His Son, Jesus. All that God has ever desired for us is that we experience the supreme worth of living under His goodness and that is most clearly evidenced in the gift of Christ. Evangelism is declaring to the nations, and more specifically to my neighbor, the good news that if we accept the gift of forgiveness offered in Christ, the Father will accept us as sons and daughters and this of course makes us heirs of the Family business. 7/3/2008 ts
For every child of God, the concerns of His Kingdom are now the Family business. God has given us ownership in His kingdom by adopting us into His family. As sons and daughters He expects us to advance His concerns in the world as we would our own. What are His concerns? Well justice and mercy are two that come to mind but the foremost concern of His kingdom is simply that we enjoy, exhibit and express the value of knowing and loving Him through faith in His Son, Jesus. All that God has ever desired for us is that we experience the supreme worth of living under His goodness and that is most clearly evidenced in the gift of Christ. Evangelism is declaring to the nations, and more specifically to my neighbor, the good news that if we accept the gift of forgiveness offered in Christ, the Father will accept us as sons and daughters and this of course makes us heirs of the Family business. 7/3/2008 ts
“Before we can pray, "Lord, Thy Kingdom come," we must be willing to pray, "My Kingdom go."” Alan Redpath
If children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Rom8.17 ESV
For every child of God, the concerns of His Kingdom are now the Family business. God has given us ownership in His kingdom by adopting us into His family. As sons and daughters He expects us to advance His concerns in the world as we would our own. What are His concerns? Well justice and mercy are two that come to mind but the foremost concern of His kingdom is simply that we enjoy, exhibit and express the value of knowing and loving Him through faith in His Son, Jesus. All that God has ever desired for us is that we experience the supreme worth of living under His goodness and that is most clearly evidenced in the gift of Christ. Evangelism is declaring to the nations, and more specifically to my neighbor, the good news that if we accept the gift of forgiveness offered in Christ, the Father will accept us as sons and daughters and this of course makes us heirs of the Family business. 7/3/2008 ts
For every child of God, the concerns of His Kingdom are now the Family business. God has given us ownership in His kingdom by adopting us into His family. As sons and daughters He expects us to advance His concerns in the world as we would our own. What are His concerns? Well justice and mercy are two that come to mind but the foremost concern of His kingdom is simply that we enjoy, exhibit and express the value of knowing and loving Him through faith in His Son, Jesus. All that God has ever desired for us is that we experience the supreme worth of living under His goodness and that is most clearly evidenced in the gift of Christ. Evangelism is declaring to the nations, and more specifically to my neighbor, the good news that if we accept the gift of forgiveness offered in Christ, the Father will accept us as sons and daughters and this of course makes us heirs of the Family business. 7/3/2008 ts
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
When you are through changing, you are through. ~Bruce Barton
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jo3.3 ESV
Change is fundamental to created life. All living things undergo transformation. God Himself is the only constant. He doesn’t change because He has no need to do so. He is perfect, whole and complete. We, on the other hand are not. Our transformation is either from bad to worse or from bad to better but we will certainly change.
We are assured that when Christ entered our heart through faith, His Spirit caused us to be born again to the living hope that we will be transformed into His glorious image. We have been infected with life, His life, and as He died and rose again so we too will fall to the ground only to be raised in the newness of our resurrection morn. I often ask Brenda if I am changing for the better. Am I different today than I was six months ago, not just changing with age but changing in Christ? 7/2/2008 ts
Change is fundamental to created life. All living things undergo transformation. God Himself is the only constant. He doesn’t change because He has no need to do so. He is perfect, whole and complete. We, on the other hand are not. Our transformation is either from bad to worse or from bad to better but we will certainly change.
We are assured that when Christ entered our heart through faith, His Spirit caused us to be born again to the living hope that we will be transformed into His glorious image. We have been infected with life, His life, and as He died and rose again so we too will fall to the ground only to be raised in the newness of our resurrection morn. I often ask Brenda if I am changing for the better. Am I different today than I was six months ago, not just changing with age but changing in Christ? 7/2/2008 ts
When you are through changing, you are through. ~Bruce Barton
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jo3.3 ESV
Change is fundamental to created life. All living things undergo transformation. God Himself is the only constant. He doesn’t change because He has no need to do so. He is perfect, whole and complete. We, on the other hand are not. Our transformation is either from bad to worse or from bad to better but we will certainly change.
We are assured that when Christ entered our heart through faith, His Spirit caused us to be born again to the living hope that we will be transformed into His glorious image. We have been infected with life, His life, and as He died and rose again so we too will fall to the ground only to be raised in the newness of our resurrection morn. I often ask Brenda if I am changing for the better. Am I different today than I was six months ago, not just changing with age but changing in Christ? 7/2/2008 ts
Change is fundamental to created life. All living things undergo transformation. God Himself is the only constant. He doesn’t change because He has no need to do so. He is perfect, whole and complete. We, on the other hand are not. Our transformation is either from bad to worse or from bad to better but we will certainly change.
We are assured that when Christ entered our heart through faith, His Spirit caused us to be born again to the living hope that we will be transformed into His glorious image. We have been infected with life, His life, and as He died and rose again so we too will fall to the ground only to be raised in the newness of our resurrection morn. I often ask Brenda if I am changing for the better. Am I different today than I was six months ago, not just changing with age but changing in Christ? 7/2/2008 ts
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