“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace…” Heb4.16 ESV
Have you ever had someone tell you that if you needed anything they had, you could have it? I witnessed this first hand yesterday as a friend of mine when to a friend of his and repeatedly took from his tool shed everything he needed to fix my air-conditioner. Not just tools mind you, but the very parts needed to get the job done. When I asked my friend about going back so many times to his friend shed, He laughed and told me that when his friend told us we could have anything we needed that he really meant it.
God really means it, when He repeatedly tells us to draw near to the throne of grace. Our gracious Friend is more eager to give to us than we are many times willing to ask from Him. Some have said that God is too busy to be concerned with our tiny problems. What I know, is that yesterday when I told Brenda that our air-conditioner had broke, she told me that my friend just happened to be parked in front of the house. 8/30/2008 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
“I ask God for a lot, but I also thank him. I'm a very demanding believer.” Hubert de Givenchy
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace…” Heb4.16 ESV
Have you ever had someone tell you that if you needed anything they had, you could have it? I witnessed this first hand yesterday as a friend of mine when to a friend of his and repeatedly took from his tool shed everything he needed to fix my air-conditioner. Not just tools mind you, but the very parts needed to get the job done. When I asked my friend about going back so many times to his friend shed, He laughed and told me that when his friend told us we could have anything we needed that he really meant it.
God really means it, when He repeatedly tells us to draw near to the throne of grace. Our gracious Friend is more eager to give to us than we are many times willing to ask from Him. Some have said that God is too busy to be concerned with our tiny problems. What I know, is that yesterday when I told Brenda that our air-conditioner had broke, she told me that my friend just happened to be parked in front of the house. 8/30/2008 ts
Have you ever had someone tell you that if you needed anything they had, you could have it? I witnessed this first hand yesterday as a friend of mine when to a friend of his and repeatedly took from his tool shed everything he needed to fix my air-conditioner. Not just tools mind you, but the very parts needed to get the job done. When I asked my friend about going back so many times to his friend shed, He laughed and told me that when his friend told us we could have anything we needed that he really meant it.
God really means it, when He repeatedly tells us to draw near to the throne of grace. Our gracious Friend is more eager to give to us than we are many times willing to ask from Him. Some have said that God is too busy to be concerned with our tiny problems. What I know, is that yesterday when I told Brenda that our air-conditioner had broke, she told me that my friend just happened to be parked in front of the house. 8/30/2008 ts
Friday, August 29, 2008
“She looked at him, as one who awakes: The past was a sleep, and her life began” Robert Browning
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” Ps139.7 ESV
It is a powerful experience to be in the presence of a person who is fully present. Whenever such people walk into the room you sense that they are fully there, alive in the moment. Such people somehow make those around them feel more present, more alive. These awake people communicate the very magic of life simply because they are interacting with every single thing around them very much like a baby who investigates every thing in sight.
I think that when we grow to fully and completely live this way (very much like becoming a child again) that we shall wake to God’s very real presence that is always there but not noticed. I don’t mean that we will wake in the intellectual sense that we believe that He is there doctrinally but wake to Him as one wakes to the presence of something alive such as coming upon a snake in a bed of leaves. Shocking at first to say the lease, and I mean God, not the snake. Yet, after a while, waking to His presence melts into living in His presence. It is here that we will at last live life as He intends. Until then, He is there beside us, patiently and gently shaking us awake. 8/29/2008 ts
It is a powerful experience to be in the presence of a person who is fully present. Whenever such people walk into the room you sense that they are fully there, alive in the moment. Such people somehow make those around them feel more present, more alive. These awake people communicate the very magic of life simply because they are interacting with every single thing around them very much like a baby who investigates every thing in sight.
I think that when we grow to fully and completely live this way (very much like becoming a child again) that we shall wake to God’s very real presence that is always there but not noticed. I don’t mean that we will wake in the intellectual sense that we believe that He is there doctrinally but wake to Him as one wakes to the presence of something alive such as coming upon a snake in a bed of leaves. Shocking at first to say the lease, and I mean God, not the snake. Yet, after a while, waking to His presence melts into living in His presence. It is here that we will at last live life as He intends. Until then, He is there beside us, patiently and gently shaking us awake. 8/29/2008 ts
“She looked at him, as one who awakes: The past was a sleep, and her life began” Robert Browning
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” Ps139.7 ESV
It is a powerful experience to be in the presence of a person who is fully present. Whenever such people walk into the room you sense that they are fully there, alive in the moment. Such people somehow make those around them feel more present, more alive. These awake people communicate the very magic of life simply because they are interacting with every single thing around them very much like a baby who investigates every thing in sight.
I think that when we grow to fully and completely live this way (very much like becoming a child again) that we shall wake to God’s very real presence that is always there but not noticed. I don’t mean that we will wake in the intellectual sense that we believe that He is there doctrinally but wake to Him as one wakes to the presence of something alive such as coming upon a snake in a bed of leaves. Shocking at first to say the lease, and I mean God, not the snake. Yet, after a while, waking to His presence melts into living in His presence. It is here that we will at last live life as He intends. Until then, He is there beside us, patiently and gently shaking us awake. 8/29/2008 ts
It is a powerful experience to be in the presence of a person who is fully present. Whenever such people walk into the room you sense that they are fully there, alive in the moment. Such people somehow make those around them feel more present, more alive. These awake people communicate the very magic of life simply because they are interacting with every single thing around them very much like a baby who investigates every thing in sight.
I think that when we grow to fully and completely live this way (very much like becoming a child again) that we shall wake to God’s very real presence that is always there but not noticed. I don’t mean that we will wake in the intellectual sense that we believe that He is there doctrinally but wake to Him as one wakes to the presence of something alive such as coming upon a snake in a bed of leaves. Shocking at first to say the lease, and I mean God, not the snake. Yet, after a while, waking to His presence melts into living in His presence. It is here that we will at last live life as He intends. Until then, He is there beside us, patiently and gently shaking us awake. 8/29/2008 ts
Thursday, August 28, 2008
“All the days are "Now" for Him…though tomorrow is not yet there for you, it is for Him.” C. S. Lewis
“we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Rom8.37 ESV
Christians often confess that they feel the exact opposite of many things said about them in the Scriptures. We are called saints but we feel sinful. We are said to be more than conquerors but we often feel defeated. This disparity of fact and feeling probably exists because we are told to believe something about ourselves when our experience is telling us other wise. This may have something to do with our limited perspective. We are somewhere in the middle of the book so to speak, but God has already finished writing it. I have many times gotten so caught up in a particular scene in a movie or book, you know where things look pretty bad for the main character, that I experience some anxiety about whether they will survive or not. I often laugh at my self when reality reminds me that the end of the story is already written and that the main character not only survives but also lives happily ever after. And so it is with us. We are this moment somewhere in the middle of the story as those trapped in time and God knows its end for He is the Author and outside of time. This story is already written and He is kind enough to give those of us who are still in the middle of it a peek at the last line. "And they will reign forever and ever.” 8/28/2008 ts
Christians often confess that they feel the exact opposite of many things said about them in the Scriptures. We are called saints but we feel sinful. We are said to be more than conquerors but we often feel defeated. This disparity of fact and feeling probably exists because we are told to believe something about ourselves when our experience is telling us other wise. This may have something to do with our limited perspective. We are somewhere in the middle of the book so to speak, but God has already finished writing it. I have many times gotten so caught up in a particular scene in a movie or book, you know where things look pretty bad for the main character, that I experience some anxiety about whether they will survive or not. I often laugh at my self when reality reminds me that the end of the story is already written and that the main character not only survives but also lives happily ever after. And so it is with us. We are this moment somewhere in the middle of the story as those trapped in time and God knows its end for He is the Author and outside of time. This story is already written and He is kind enough to give those of us who are still in the middle of it a peek at the last line. "And they will reign forever and ever.” 8/28/2008 ts
“All the days are "Now" for Him…though tomorrow is not yet there for you, it is for Him.” C. S. Lewis
“we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Rom8.37 ESV
Christians often confess that they feel the exact opposite of many things said about them in the Scriptures. We are called saints but we feel sinful. We are said to be more than conquerors but we often feel defeated. This disparity of fact and feeling probably exists because we are told to believe something about ourselves when our experience is telling us other wise. This may have something to do with our limited perspective. We are somewhere in the middle of the book so to speak, but God has already finished writing it. I have many times gotten so caught up in a particular scene in a movie or book, you know where things look pretty bad for the main character, that I experience some anxiety about whether they will survive or not. I often laugh at my self when reality reminds me that the end of the story is already written and that the main character not only survives but also lives happily ever after. And so it is with us. We are this moment somewhere in the middle of the story as those trapped in time and God knows its end for He is the Author and outside of time. This story is already written and He is kind enough to give those of us who are still in the middle of it a peek at the last line. "And they will reign forever and ever.” 8/28/2008 ts
Christians often confess that they feel the exact opposite of many things said about them in the Scriptures. We are called saints but we feel sinful. We are said to be more than conquerors but we often feel defeated. This disparity of fact and feeling probably exists because we are told to believe something about ourselves when our experience is telling us other wise. This may have something to do with our limited perspective. We are somewhere in the middle of the book so to speak, but God has already finished writing it. I have many times gotten so caught up in a particular scene in a movie or book, you know where things look pretty bad for the main character, that I experience some anxiety about whether they will survive or not. I often laugh at my self when reality reminds me that the end of the story is already written and that the main character not only survives but also lives happily ever after. And so it is with us. We are this moment somewhere in the middle of the story as those trapped in time and God knows its end for He is the Author and outside of time. This story is already written and He is kind enough to give those of us who are still in the middle of it a peek at the last line. "And they will reign forever and ever.” 8/28/2008 ts
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
“I cannot imagine a God who rewards and punishes the objects of his creation…” Albert Einstein
“the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,” Prov6.23 ESV
Brenda and I actively train our white lab Maggie. Another word for train is discipline and another word for discipline is spanking. Dogs understand the language of pain. To safeguard the life of our precious lab, I used to spank her every time she stepped into the street. Maggie does not possess the mental faculties that would enable me to reason with her about the dangers of being run over by a car. These days, Maggie will not step into the street. The reproofs of discipline are a way of life for her.
Now God will certainly use pain and the fear of it to teach us, and especially if we have not matured to the point where we respond to the language of reason or better yet, simple love. Many people in our day would expunge any idea that a loving God would use pain and fear. I think C. S. Lewis responds well to such notions. “I am…far from agreeing with those who think all religious fear barbarous…and demand that it should be banished from the spiritual life. Perfect love, we know, casteth out fear. But so do several other things--ignorance, alcohol, passion presumption, and stupidity. It is very desirable that we should all advance to that perfection of love in which we shall fear no longer; but it is very undesirable, until we have reached that stage, that we should allow any inferior agent to cast out our fear.” 8/27/2008 ts
Brenda and I actively train our white lab Maggie. Another word for train is discipline and another word for discipline is spanking. Dogs understand the language of pain. To safeguard the life of our precious lab, I used to spank her every time she stepped into the street. Maggie does not possess the mental faculties that would enable me to reason with her about the dangers of being run over by a car. These days, Maggie will not step into the street. The reproofs of discipline are a way of life for her.
Now God will certainly use pain and the fear of it to teach us, and especially if we have not matured to the point where we respond to the language of reason or better yet, simple love. Many people in our day would expunge any idea that a loving God would use pain and fear. I think C. S. Lewis responds well to such notions. “I am…far from agreeing with those who think all religious fear barbarous…and demand that it should be banished from the spiritual life. Perfect love, we know, casteth out fear. But so do several other things--ignorance, alcohol, passion presumption, and stupidity. It is very desirable that we should all advance to that perfection of love in which we shall fear no longer; but it is very undesirable, until we have reached that stage, that we should allow any inferior agent to cast out our fear.” 8/27/2008 ts
“I cannot imagine a God who rewards and punishes the objects of his creation…” Albert Einstein
“the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,” Prov6.23 ESV
Brenda and I actively train our white lab Maggie. Another word for train is discipline and another word for discipline is spanking. Dogs understand the language of pain. To safeguard the life of our precious lab, I used to spank her every time she stepped into the street. Maggie does not possess the mental faculties that would enable me to reason with her about the dangers of being run over by a car. These days, Maggie will not step into the street. The reproofs of discipline are a way of life for her.
Now God will certainly use pain and the fear of it to teach us, and especially if we have not matured to the point where we respond to the language of reason or better yet, simple love. Many people in our day would expunge any idea that a loving God would use pain and fear. I think C. S. Lewis responds well to such notions. “I am…far from agreeing with those who think all religious fear barbarous…and demand that it should be banished from the spiritual life. Perfect love, we know, casteth out fear. But so do several other things--ignorance, alcohol, passion presumption, and stupidity. It is very desirable that we should all advance to that perfection of love in which we shall fear no longer; but it is very undesirable, until we have reached that stage, that we should allow any inferior agent to cast out our fear.” 8/27/2008 ts
Brenda and I actively train our white lab Maggie. Another word for train is discipline and another word for discipline is spanking. Dogs understand the language of pain. To safeguard the life of our precious lab, I used to spank her every time she stepped into the street. Maggie does not possess the mental faculties that would enable me to reason with her about the dangers of being run over by a car. These days, Maggie will not step into the street. The reproofs of discipline are a way of life for her.
Now God will certainly use pain and the fear of it to teach us, and especially if we have not matured to the point where we respond to the language of reason or better yet, simple love. Many people in our day would expunge any idea that a loving God would use pain and fear. I think C. S. Lewis responds well to such notions. “I am…far from agreeing with those who think all religious fear barbarous…and demand that it should be banished from the spiritual life. Perfect love, we know, casteth out fear. But so do several other things--ignorance, alcohol, passion presumption, and stupidity. It is very desirable that we should all advance to that perfection of love in which we shall fear no longer; but it is very undesirable, until we have reached that stage, that we should allow any inferior agent to cast out our fear.” 8/27/2008 ts
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
“All my life I have been seeking to climb out of the pit of my besetting sins and I cannot do it…unless a hand is let down to draw me up” Seneca
“I set myself apart for them that they may be set apart in truth.” Jo17.19
All that Jesus has accomplished for us has yet to be revealed. But dedicating Himself wholly to God, so that we might be dedicated wholly to God, is the clear intent of His actions. He leads us up to the summit. And, just as climbers get further from the ground the higher they climb, so our dedication to God is seen as much in all that He would lead us from; as it is in all that He would devote us to. In one sense holiness is something that Christ is doing to us, in another, it is something we are doing to ourselves, but only with His help. And Jesus has positioned Himself for such assistance, to serve us in this assent. For Him, this meant a coming down (His humiliation) so that He could pull us up (our exaltation). And in mountaineering, if your friend stoops to help pull you up, it is only proper that you cooperate with them. He is ever helping us toward the summit and always with the rope of truth. He calls to us above the roaring winds, “I’ve, got you, Climb on!”
All that Jesus has accomplished for us has yet to be revealed. But dedicating Himself wholly to God, so that we might be dedicated wholly to God, is the clear intent of His actions. He leads us up to the summit. And, just as climbers get further from the ground the higher they climb, so our dedication to God is seen as much in all that He would lead us from; as it is in all that He would devote us to. In one sense holiness is something that Christ is doing to us, in another, it is something we are doing to ourselves, but only with His help. And Jesus has positioned Himself for such assistance, to serve us in this assent. For Him, this meant a coming down (His humiliation) so that He could pull us up (our exaltation). And in mountaineering, if your friend stoops to help pull you up, it is only proper that you cooperate with them. He is ever helping us toward the summit and always with the rope of truth. He calls to us above the roaring winds, “I’ve, got you, Climb on!”
“All my life I have been seeking to climb out of the pit of my besetting sins and I cannot do it…unless a hand is let down to draw me up” Seneca
“I set myself apart for them that they may be set apart in truth.” Jo17.19
All that Jesus has accomplished for us has yet to be revealed. But dedicating Himself wholly to God, so that we might be dedicated wholly to God, is the clear intent of His actions. He leads us up to the summit. And, just as climbers get further from the ground the higher they climb, so our dedication to God is seen as much in all that He would lead us from; as it is in all that He would devote us to. In one sense holiness is something that Christ is doing to us, in another, it is something we are doing to ourselves, but only with His help. And Jesus has positioned Himself for such assistance, to serve us in this assent. For Him, this meant a coming down (His humiliation) so that He could pull us up (our exaltation). And in mountaineering, if your friend stoops to help pull you up, it is only proper that you cooperate with them. He is ever helping us toward the summit and always with the rope of truth. He calls to us above the roaring winds, “I’ve, got you, Climb on!”
All that Jesus has accomplished for us has yet to be revealed. But dedicating Himself wholly to God, so that we might be dedicated wholly to God, is the clear intent of His actions. He leads us up to the summit. And, just as climbers get further from the ground the higher they climb, so our dedication to God is seen as much in all that He would lead us from; as it is in all that He would devote us to. In one sense holiness is something that Christ is doing to us, in another, it is something we are doing to ourselves, but only with His help. And Jesus has positioned Himself for such assistance, to serve us in this assent. For Him, this meant a coming down (His humiliation) so that He could pull us up (our exaltation). And in mountaineering, if your friend stoops to help pull you up, it is only proper that you cooperate with them. He is ever helping us toward the summit and always with the rope of truth. He calls to us above the roaring winds, “I’ve, got you, Climb on!”
Monday, August 25, 2008
“I met a girl who sang the blues, And I asked her for some happy news; But she just smiled and turned away” Don McLean
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Ps40.3 ESV
I have found it good to reflect upon my spiritual poverty, but only in so far as it leads me to consider the wealth of Jesus. I do not think we should be overly focused on our sinfulness, simply because it is not healthy to be thinking much about ourselves at all. There are better things to think about. Doesn't it seem reasonable that God would have us know our sinfulness, but not to the point where we walk around all the time singing the blues. I should think He would rather hear us sing songs of praise, captivated by His love and lifted out of the burden of our shortcomings. Wouldn't it be better if we did not get stuck thinking about how little and weak we are but how great and strong He is. May the song in our mouth soar in the joy of God’s faithfulness rather than sour in the sorrow of our failures. 8/25/2008 ts
I have found it good to reflect upon my spiritual poverty, but only in so far as it leads me to consider the wealth of Jesus. I do not think we should be overly focused on our sinfulness, simply because it is not healthy to be thinking much about ourselves at all. There are better things to think about. Doesn't it seem reasonable that God would have us know our sinfulness, but not to the point where we walk around all the time singing the blues. I should think He would rather hear us sing songs of praise, captivated by His love and lifted out of the burden of our shortcomings. Wouldn't it be better if we did not get stuck thinking about how little and weak we are but how great and strong He is. May the song in our mouth soar in the joy of God’s faithfulness rather than sour in the sorrow of our failures. 8/25/2008 ts
“I met a girl who sang the blues, And I asked her for some happy news; But she just smiled and turned away” Don McLean
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Ps40.3 ESV
I have found it good to reflect upon my spiritual poverty, but only in so far as it leads me to consider the wealth of Jesus. I do not think we should be overly focused on our sinfulness, simply because it is not healthy to be thinking much about ourselves at all. There are better things to think about. Doesn't it seem reasonable that God would have us know our sinfulness, but not to the point where we walk around all the time singing the blues. I should think He would rather hear us sing songs of praise, captivated by His love and lifted out of the burden of our shortcomings. Wouldn't it be better if we did not get stuck thinking about how little and weak we are but how great and strong He is. May the song in our mouth soar in the joy of God’s faithfulness rather than sour in the sorrow of our failures. 8/25/2008 ts
I have found it good to reflect upon my spiritual poverty, but only in so far as it leads me to consider the wealth of Jesus. I do not think we should be overly focused on our sinfulness, simply because it is not healthy to be thinking much about ourselves at all. There are better things to think about. Doesn't it seem reasonable that God would have us know our sinfulness, but not to the point where we walk around all the time singing the blues. I should think He would rather hear us sing songs of praise, captivated by His love and lifted out of the burden of our shortcomings. Wouldn't it be better if we did not get stuck thinking about how little and weak we are but how great and strong He is. May the song in our mouth soar in the joy of God’s faithfulness rather than sour in the sorrow of our failures. 8/25/2008 ts
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
“Never argue with a fool - people might not know the difference.” Anonymous
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. Prov20.3
In our family, God has given us a unique gift to help us listen to the way we talk with one another. Our white Lab Maggie is super sensitive and can instantly sense any tension building in the air. If we are at home Maggie will immediately leave the room if there is the slightest hint of strife. It doesn’t matter what we are talking about, our precious lab is hyper sensitive to any stressful tones in our voice. If we are on a walk and Maggie senses any tension in the tone of our conversation, she will simply sit down and watch us walk on without her. Usually we will walk fifty or sixty feet before we notice she is no longer walking with us and turn to see her just sitting there. Her absolute refusal to be around strife has turned our gruff words into laughter many times. Maggie knows how to keep aloof from strife. Actually the Hebrew word means to sit or cease from participation in something. Learning detachment when someone is provoking you is honorable. If you don’t want to get caught in a tug-of-war, simply drop your end of the rope. In our family we are learning that when Maggie tucks her tail we should tuck our tongues. 8/20/2008 ts
In our family, God has given us a unique gift to help us listen to the way we talk with one another. Our white Lab Maggie is super sensitive and can instantly sense any tension building in the air. If we are at home Maggie will immediately leave the room if there is the slightest hint of strife. It doesn’t matter what we are talking about, our precious lab is hyper sensitive to any stressful tones in our voice. If we are on a walk and Maggie senses any tension in the tone of our conversation, she will simply sit down and watch us walk on without her. Usually we will walk fifty or sixty feet before we notice she is no longer walking with us and turn to see her just sitting there. Her absolute refusal to be around strife has turned our gruff words into laughter many times. Maggie knows how to keep aloof from strife. Actually the Hebrew word means to sit or cease from participation in something. Learning detachment when someone is provoking you is honorable. If you don’t want to get caught in a tug-of-war, simply drop your end of the rope. In our family we are learning that when Maggie tucks her tail we should tuck our tongues. 8/20/2008 ts
“Never argue with a fool - people might not know the difference.” Anonymous
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. Prov20.3
In our family, God has given us a unique gift to help us listen to the way we talk with one another. Our white Lab Maggie is super sensitive and can instantly sense any tension building in the air. If we are at home Maggie will immediately leave the room if there is the slightest hint of strife. It doesn’t matter what we are talking about, our precious lab is hyper sensitive to any stressful tones in our voice. If we are on a walk and Maggie senses any tension in the tone of our conversation, she will simply sit down and watch us walk on without her. Usually we will walk fifty or sixty feet before we notice she is no longer walking with us and turn to see her just sitting there. Her absolute refusal to be around strife has turned our gruff words into laughter many times. Maggie knows how to keep aloof from strife. Actually the Hebrew word means to sit or cease from participation in something. Learning detachment when someone is provoking you is honorable. If you don’t want to get caught in a tug-of-war, simply drop your end of the rope. In our family we are learning that when Maggie tucks her tail we should tuck our tongues. 8/20/2008 ts
In our family, God has given us a unique gift to help us listen to the way we talk with one another. Our white Lab Maggie is super sensitive and can instantly sense any tension building in the air. If we are at home Maggie will immediately leave the room if there is the slightest hint of strife. It doesn’t matter what we are talking about, our precious lab is hyper sensitive to any stressful tones in our voice. If we are on a walk and Maggie senses any tension in the tone of our conversation, she will simply sit down and watch us walk on without her. Usually we will walk fifty or sixty feet before we notice she is no longer walking with us and turn to see her just sitting there. Her absolute refusal to be around strife has turned our gruff words into laughter many times. Maggie knows how to keep aloof from strife. Actually the Hebrew word means to sit or cease from participation in something. Learning detachment when someone is provoking you is honorable. If you don’t want to get caught in a tug-of-war, simply drop your end of the rope. In our family we are learning that when Maggie tucks her tail we should tuck our tongues. 8/20/2008 ts
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
If you want more, desire less.
If you want more, desire less.
“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov19.2 ESV
Unless a bear is chasing you, haste is generally a waste of time. And, even though most people know this, it would appear that phantom bears stalk the forest of our modern hectic schedule. Every day is a whirlwind of activity running from one thing to another, we are always out of time, always out of breath.
One problem is not that there are too few hours in a day as it is that we try to cram too many activities into them. The gap between what we want and what we actually need has lengthened the distance we feel we must travel each week. Sadly we have no time to enjoy whatever it is that we are chasing. I mean, do you ever see anyone actually sitting in a gazebo or on a porch swing anymore, even though they may have one in the country and one in the city. Haste indeed makes waste, but most of the junk we chase is waste. This is one reason why desire without knowledge is not good. Time given to nurturing the soul will help prune us from wanting things we don’t need and to put our energies into the enjoyment of all that we have. 8/19/2008 ts
“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov19.2 ESV
Unless a bear is chasing you, haste is generally a waste of time. And, even though most people know this, it would appear that phantom bears stalk the forest of our modern hectic schedule. Every day is a whirlwind of activity running from one thing to another, we are always out of time, always out of breath.
One problem is not that there are too few hours in a day as it is that we try to cram too many activities into them. The gap between what we want and what we actually need has lengthened the distance we feel we must travel each week. Sadly we have no time to enjoy whatever it is that we are chasing. I mean, do you ever see anyone actually sitting in a gazebo or on a porch swing anymore, even though they may have one in the country and one in the city. Haste indeed makes waste, but most of the junk we chase is waste. This is one reason why desire without knowledge is not good. Time given to nurturing the soul will help prune us from wanting things we don’t need and to put our energies into the enjoyment of all that we have. 8/19/2008 ts
If you want more, desire less.
If you want more, desire less.
“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov19.2 ESV
Unless a bear is chasing you, haste is generally a waste of time. And, even though most people know this, it would appear that phantom bears stalk the forest of our modern hectic schedule. Every day is a whirlwind of activity running from one thing to another, we are always out of time, always out of breath.
One problem is not that there are too few hours in a day as it is that we try to cram too many activities into them. The gap between what we want and what we actually need has lengthened the distance we feel we must travel each week. Sadly we have no time to enjoy whatever it is that we are chasing. I mean, do you ever see anyone actually sitting in a gazebo or on a porch swing anymore, even though they may have one in the country and one in the city. Haste indeed makes waste, but most of the junk we chase is waste. This is one reason why desire without knowledge is not good. Time given to nurturing the soul will help prune us from wanting things we don’t need and to put our energies into the enjoyment of all that we have. 8/19/2008 ts
“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov19.2 ESV
Unless a bear is chasing you, haste is generally a waste of time. And, even though most people know this, it would appear that phantom bears stalk the forest of our modern hectic schedule. Every day is a whirlwind of activity running from one thing to another, we are always out of time, always out of breath.
One problem is not that there are too few hours in a day as it is that we try to cram too many activities into them. The gap between what we want and what we actually need has lengthened the distance we feel we must travel each week. Sadly we have no time to enjoy whatever it is that we are chasing. I mean, do you ever see anyone actually sitting in a gazebo or on a porch swing anymore, even though they may have one in the country and one in the city. Haste indeed makes waste, but most of the junk we chase is waste. This is one reason why desire without knowledge is not good. Time given to nurturing the soul will help prune us from wanting things we don’t need and to put our energies into the enjoyment of all that we have. 8/19/2008 ts
Monday, August 18, 2008
We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. ~Herman Melville
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Prov18.1 ESV
True community is a precious gift from God. It exists where common people share a common life and each individual contributes to the health of the whole. Christ is the common life of those committed to Him. He is the tie that binds our hearts together. This fellowship, in its purest form, has no denominational, racial or national bounds. Jesus likened Himself to the vine and called us His branches, inseparably connected as much to one another as we are to Him. When we fail to support one another, or refuse to allow others to support us, we make ourselves as free radicals and as such we may mutate, as cancer cells in the body. 8/18/2008 ts
True community is a precious gift from God. It exists where common people share a common life and each individual contributes to the health of the whole. Christ is the common life of those committed to Him. He is the tie that binds our hearts together. This fellowship, in its purest form, has no denominational, racial or national bounds. Jesus likened Himself to the vine and called us His branches, inseparably connected as much to one another as we are to Him. When we fail to support one another, or refuse to allow others to support us, we make ourselves as free radicals and as such we may mutate, as cancer cells in the body. 8/18/2008 ts
We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. ~Herman Melville
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Prov18.1 ESV
True community is a precious gift from God. It exists where common people share a common life and each individual contributes to the health of the whole. Christ is the common life of those committed to Him. He is the tie that binds our hearts together. This fellowship, in its purest form, has no denominational, racial or national bounds. Jesus likened Himself to the vine and called us His branches, inseparably connected as much to one another as we are to Him. When we fail to support one another, or refuse to allow others to support us, we make ourselves as free radicals and as such we may mutate, as cancer cells in the body. 8/18/2008 ts
True community is a precious gift from God. It exists where common people share a common life and each individual contributes to the health of the whole. Christ is the common life of those committed to Him. He is the tie that binds our hearts together. This fellowship, in its purest form, has no denominational, racial or national bounds. Jesus likened Himself to the vine and called us His branches, inseparably connected as much to one another as we are to Him. When we fail to support one another, or refuse to allow others to support us, we make ourselves as free radicals and as such we may mutate, as cancer cells in the body. 8/18/2008 ts
Saturday, August 16, 2008
“Adversity makes men remember God” Titus Livy
The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Prov16.4
I think most people from time to time have questioned some of God’s activities, even if they have not verbalized it. For instance why did God make poison ivy, or mosquitoes, HIV or tsunamis? We may as well ask why and an all-sufficient God created at all. The answer repeated to us again and again from the Scriptures is simply that everything that God does, He does for His own glory. His every action or inaction is to highlight His supreme worth and value and everything He has made serves a purpose in revealing it. Someone has suggested and I think rightly that God created us as the overflow of His goodness; that our highest purpose is to enjoy Him as that one unique being we call God. As for all the un-pleasantries in our rebellious world, well let’s just say that the word rebellious explains much. Our rebellion and the many ways it has corrupted the world, is still not beyond His great goodness and wisdom. God time and again has used pain and suffering just as the surgeon cuts his patient with the one intent to restore them to health. 8/16/2008 ts
I think most people from time to time have questioned some of God’s activities, even if they have not verbalized it. For instance why did God make poison ivy, or mosquitoes, HIV or tsunamis? We may as well ask why and an all-sufficient God created at all. The answer repeated to us again and again from the Scriptures is simply that everything that God does, He does for His own glory. His every action or inaction is to highlight His supreme worth and value and everything He has made serves a purpose in revealing it. Someone has suggested and I think rightly that God created us as the overflow of His goodness; that our highest purpose is to enjoy Him as that one unique being we call God. As for all the un-pleasantries in our rebellious world, well let’s just say that the word rebellious explains much. Our rebellion and the many ways it has corrupted the world, is still not beyond His great goodness and wisdom. God time and again has used pain and suffering just as the surgeon cuts his patient with the one intent to restore them to health. 8/16/2008 ts
“Adversity makes men remember God” Titus Livy
The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Prov16.4
I think most people from time to time have questioned some of God’s activities, even if they have not verbalized it. For instance why did God make poison ivy, or mosquitoes, HIV or tsunamis? We may as well ask why and an all-sufficient God created at all. The answer repeated to us again and again from the Scriptures is simply that everything that God does, He does for His own glory. His every action or inaction is to highlight His supreme worth and value and everything He has made serves a purpose in revealing it. Someone has suggested and I think rightly that God created us as the overflow of His goodness; that our highest purpose is to enjoy Him as that one unique being we call God. As for all the un-pleasantries in our rebellious world, well let’s just say that the word rebellious explains much. Our rebellion and the many ways it has corrupted the world, is still not beyond His great goodness and wisdom. God time and again has used pain and suffering just as the surgeon cuts his patient with the one intent to restore them to health. 8/16/2008 ts
I think most people from time to time have questioned some of God’s activities, even if they have not verbalized it. For instance why did God make poison ivy, or mosquitoes, HIV or tsunamis? We may as well ask why and an all-sufficient God created at all. The answer repeated to us again and again from the Scriptures is simply that everything that God does, He does for His own glory. His every action or inaction is to highlight His supreme worth and value and everything He has made serves a purpose in revealing it. Someone has suggested and I think rightly that God created us as the overflow of His goodness; that our highest purpose is to enjoy Him as that one unique being we call God. As for all the un-pleasantries in our rebellious world, well let’s just say that the word rebellious explains much. Our rebellion and the many ways it has corrupted the world, is still not beyond His great goodness and wisdom. God time and again has used pain and suffering just as the surgeon cuts his patient with the one intent to restore them to health. 8/16/2008 ts
Friday, August 15, 2008
In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer. ~Albert Camus
“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.” Prov15.30 ESV
Most have heard the litmus test of having a positive or negative attitude; “Is the glass half full or half empty?” There is little doubt that our attitude plays a major roll in life and that making a conscious choice to see opportunities where others see obstacles can indeed be a good thing. But it is unrealistic even unhealthy to burden ourselves with trying to be positive when a situation calls us to express, remorse or grief or even righteous anger. Of course some would say these expressions can be constructive and therefore are positive. No doubt this is true, but don’t confuse positive with feeling happy. The notion that we need to feel “happy” all the time when there are many reasons in this world not to, can keep us from learning the lessons that sorrow can teach. "For the moment no discipline seems joyous but afterwards leaves the peaceful fruit of righteousness." The light of this understanding and the knowledge that God works all things together for good will ultimately rejoice the heart even though we may go through a season of weeping. Be where you are and let the grace of God lead you forward. 8/15/2008 ts
Most have heard the litmus test of having a positive or negative attitude; “Is the glass half full or half empty?” There is little doubt that our attitude plays a major roll in life and that making a conscious choice to see opportunities where others see obstacles can indeed be a good thing. But it is unrealistic even unhealthy to burden ourselves with trying to be positive when a situation calls us to express, remorse or grief or even righteous anger. Of course some would say these expressions can be constructive and therefore are positive. No doubt this is true, but don’t confuse positive with feeling happy. The notion that we need to feel “happy” all the time when there are many reasons in this world not to, can keep us from learning the lessons that sorrow can teach. "For the moment no discipline seems joyous but afterwards leaves the peaceful fruit of righteousness." The light of this understanding and the knowledge that God works all things together for good will ultimately rejoice the heart even though we may go through a season of weeping. Be where you are and let the grace of God lead you forward. 8/15/2008 ts
In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer. ~Albert Camus
“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.” Prov15.30 ESV
Most have heard the litmus test of having a positive or negative attitude; “Is the glass half full or half empty?” There is little doubt that our attitude plays a major roll in life and that making a conscious choice to see opportunities where others see obstacles can indeed be a good thing. But it is unrealistic even unhealthy to burden ourselves with trying to be positive when a situation calls us to express, remorse or grief or even righteous anger. Of course some would say these expressions can be constructive and therefore are positive. No doubt this is true, but don’t confuse positive with feeling happy. The notion that we need to feel “happy” all the time when there are many reasons in this world not to, can keep us from learning the lessons that sorrow can teach. "For the moment no discipline seems joyous but afterwards leaves the peaceful fruit of righteousness." The light of this understanding and the knowledge that God works all things together for good will ultimately rejoice the heart even though we may go through a season of weeping. Be where you are and let the grace of God lead you forward. 8/15/2008 ts
Most have heard the litmus test of having a positive or negative attitude; “Is the glass half full or half empty?” There is little doubt that our attitude plays a major roll in life and that making a conscious choice to see opportunities where others see obstacles can indeed be a good thing. But it is unrealistic even unhealthy to burden ourselves with trying to be positive when a situation calls us to express, remorse or grief or even righteous anger. Of course some would say these expressions can be constructive and therefore are positive. No doubt this is true, but don’t confuse positive with feeling happy. The notion that we need to feel “happy” all the time when there are many reasons in this world not to, can keep us from learning the lessons that sorrow can teach. "For the moment no discipline seems joyous but afterwards leaves the peaceful fruit of righteousness." The light of this understanding and the knowledge that God works all things together for good will ultimately rejoice the heart even though we may go through a season of weeping. Be where you are and let the grace of God lead you forward. 8/15/2008 ts
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Be open-minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out. ~Stephen A. Kallis, Jr
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. Prov14.15 ESV
There is a great deal of difference in one who graciously respects people who have a different belief system than their own and one who foolishly believes that all religious practices lead to the same place. It is silly to deny that real contradictions exist between the many different religions in the world. It is just as silly to believe that these religions do not share similar beliefs and hopes. But, even though there are real differences I can still live charitably with my neighbor even defend their right to hold to beliefs different than my own. But even this has limitations. If my neighbor does not share my conviction that people should be free to choose their religious beliefs then He will certainly be at odds with me and I with him. Some people are so opened minded that they never lay hold of anything that is truly true. Others are so narrow minded that they never let go of beliefs that are truly false. 8/14/2008 ts
There is a great deal of difference in one who graciously respects people who have a different belief system than their own and one who foolishly believes that all religious practices lead to the same place. It is silly to deny that real contradictions exist between the many different religions in the world. It is just as silly to believe that these religions do not share similar beliefs and hopes. But, even though there are real differences I can still live charitably with my neighbor even defend their right to hold to beliefs different than my own. But even this has limitations. If my neighbor does not share my conviction that people should be free to choose their religious beliefs then He will certainly be at odds with me and I with him. Some people are so opened minded that they never lay hold of anything that is truly true. Others are so narrow minded that they never let go of beliefs that are truly false. 8/14/2008 ts
Be open-minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out. ~Stephen A. Kallis, Jr
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. Prov14.15 ESV
There is a great deal of difference in one who graciously respects people who have a different belief system than their own and one who foolishly believes that all religious practices lead to the same place. It is silly to deny that real contradictions exist between the many different religions in the world. It is just as silly to believe that these religions do not share similar beliefs and hopes. But, even though there are real differences I can still live charitably with my neighbor even defend their right to hold to beliefs different than my own. But even this has limitations. If my neighbor does not share my conviction that people should be free to choose their religious beliefs then He will certainly be at odds with me and I with him. Some people are so opened minded that they never lay hold of anything that is truly true. Others are so narrow minded that they never let go of beliefs that are truly false. 8/14/2008 ts
There is a great deal of difference in one who graciously respects people who have a different belief system than their own and one who foolishly believes that all religious practices lead to the same place. It is silly to deny that real contradictions exist between the many different religions in the world. It is just as silly to believe that these religions do not share similar beliefs and hopes. But, even though there are real differences I can still live charitably with my neighbor even defend their right to hold to beliefs different than my own. But even this has limitations. If my neighbor does not share my conviction that people should be free to choose their religious beliefs then He will certainly be at odds with me and I with him. Some people are so opened minded that they never lay hold of anything that is truly true. Others are so narrow minded that they never let go of beliefs that are truly false. 8/14/2008 ts
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander. Holocaust Museum, Washington, DC:
The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice. Prov13.23 ESV
Jesus said, “The poor will be with you always.” One of the reasons for this is injustice. Now, we may not be able to affect much change for social justice in China, but we can work effectively for it in our community and certainly see to it in our treatment of the person in front of us. A kind word of encouragement can give riches to the woman behind that register with a long line of irate and impatient customers. The gift of a lawn mower may improve the quality of life for an inner city teen. To work for social justice is to do what is right for another when it is in your power to do so. Of course to do this we need wisdom to guide our expressions. Sometimes the very best way to do right by a person is not to give materially to them at all but to refrain from such giving. No good minded person would offer to help a diabetic by serving them a sugar rich diet. And giving welfare to one who will not work is not helping them at all. Of course we are inclined to credit laziness to the poverty of our neighbor. But poverty can be far more than a lack of money and we should give whatever is needed to help our neighbor, perhaps, our friendship. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. 8/13/2008 ts
but it is swept away through injustice. Prov13.23 ESV
Jesus said, “The poor will be with you always.” One of the reasons for this is injustice. Now, we may not be able to affect much change for social justice in China, but we can work effectively for it in our community and certainly see to it in our treatment of the person in front of us. A kind word of encouragement can give riches to the woman behind that register with a long line of irate and impatient customers. The gift of a lawn mower may improve the quality of life for an inner city teen. To work for social justice is to do what is right for another when it is in your power to do so. Of course to do this we need wisdom to guide our expressions. Sometimes the very best way to do right by a person is not to give materially to them at all but to refrain from such giving. No good minded person would offer to help a diabetic by serving them a sugar rich diet. And giving welfare to one who will not work is not helping them at all. Of course we are inclined to credit laziness to the poverty of our neighbor. But poverty can be far more than a lack of money and we should give whatever is needed to help our neighbor, perhaps, our friendship. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. 8/13/2008 ts
Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander. Holocaust Museum, Washington, DC:
The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice. Prov13.23 ESV
Jesus said, “The poor will be with you always.” One of the reasons for this is injustice. Now, we may not be able to affect much change for social justice in China, but we can work effectively for it in our community and certainly see to it in our treatment of the person in front of us. A kind word of encouragement can give riches to the woman behind that register with a long line of irate and impatient customers. The gift of a lawn mower may improve the quality of life for an inner city teen. To work for social justice is to do what is right for another when it is in your power to do so. Of course to do this we need wisdom to guide our expressions. Sometimes the very best way to do right by a person is not to give materially to them at all but to refrain from such giving. No good minded person would offer to help a diabetic by serving them a sugar rich diet. And giving welfare to one who will not work is not helping them at all. Of course we are inclined to credit laziness to the poverty of our neighbor. But poverty can be far more than a lack of money and we should give whatever is needed to help our neighbor, perhaps, our friendship. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. 8/13/2008 ts
but it is swept away through injustice. Prov13.23 ESV
Jesus said, “The poor will be with you always.” One of the reasons for this is injustice. Now, we may not be able to affect much change for social justice in China, but we can work effectively for it in our community and certainly see to it in our treatment of the person in front of us. A kind word of encouragement can give riches to the woman behind that register with a long line of irate and impatient customers. The gift of a lawn mower may improve the quality of life for an inner city teen. To work for social justice is to do what is right for another when it is in your power to do so. Of course to do this we need wisdom to guide our expressions. Sometimes the very best way to do right by a person is not to give materially to them at all but to refrain from such giving. No good minded person would offer to help a diabetic by serving them a sugar rich diet. And giving welfare to one who will not work is not helping them at all. Of course we are inclined to credit laziness to the poverty of our neighbor. But poverty can be far more than a lack of money and we should give whatever is needed to help our neighbor, perhaps, our friendship. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. 8/13/2008 ts
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
"Knowing is knowing and doing is doing". Anonymous
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. Prov12.23 ESV
Wisdom is often expressed by simple contrast, noting the differences between what is good and evil or wise and foolish. Here the prudent and the foolish are seen in contrast. One is guarded in their use of knowledge while the other gives little thought to their words. One practices verbal restraint, the other speaks whatever’s on their mind. One is quiet and reserved but the other is constantly trying to be the center of attention.
Now it is good to be able to note these contrasts. It is better to be able to note them in ourselves, better yet, to be inclined toward the wiser of the two but it is only the very best when we practice it. I should think that the devils are pleased to make use of any ability we might have to skillfully define prudence. By contrast, God is pleased when we are prudent. 8/12/2008 ts
Wisdom is often expressed by simple contrast, noting the differences between what is good and evil or wise and foolish. Here the prudent and the foolish are seen in contrast. One is guarded in their use of knowledge while the other gives little thought to their words. One practices verbal restraint, the other speaks whatever’s on their mind. One is quiet and reserved but the other is constantly trying to be the center of attention.
Now it is good to be able to note these contrasts. It is better to be able to note them in ourselves, better yet, to be inclined toward the wiser of the two but it is only the very best when we practice it. I should think that the devils are pleased to make use of any ability we might have to skillfully define prudence. By contrast, God is pleased when we are prudent. 8/12/2008 ts
"Knowing is knowing and doing is doing". Anonymous
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. Prov12.23 ESV
Wisdom is often expressed by simple contrast, noting the differences between what is good and evil or wise and foolish. Here the prudent and the foolish are seen in contrast. One is guarded in their use of knowledge while the other gives little thought to their words. One practices verbal restraint, the other speaks whatever’s on their mind. One is quiet and reserved but the other is constantly trying to be the center of attention.
Now it is good to be able to note these contrasts. It is better to be able to note them in ourselves, better yet, to be inclined toward the wiser of the two but it is only the very best when we practice it. I should think that the devils are pleased to make use of any ability we might have to skillfully define prudence. By contrast, God is pleased when we are prudent. 8/12/2008 ts
Wisdom is often expressed by simple contrast, noting the differences between what is good and evil or wise and foolish. Here the prudent and the foolish are seen in contrast. One is guarded in their use of knowledge while the other gives little thought to their words. One practices verbal restraint, the other speaks whatever’s on their mind. One is quiet and reserved but the other is constantly trying to be the center of attention.
Now it is good to be able to note these contrasts. It is better to be able to note them in ourselves, better yet, to be inclined toward the wiser of the two but it is only the very best when we practice it. I should think that the devils are pleased to make use of any ability we might have to skillfully define prudence. By contrast, God is pleased when we are prudent. 8/12/2008 ts
Monday, August 11, 2008
“We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount” Omar Bradley
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.Prov11.24 ESV
Here is one incantation, which will render our invisible God visible. Give and you will receive. Keep and you will suffer loss. It makes no sense to the eye or understanding that taking money out of your purse and giving it away will actually add money to your purse. But here is one place where we may catch a glimpse of the otherwise invisible hand of God. As our hand takes out to give, His hand puts in and we receive. But He does things like this all the time, showing up where He is least expected. He evidently loves to be found in this magical game of hide and seek. And who would have thought that Christ would make death the door to life? 8/11/2008 ts
Here is one incantation, which will render our invisible God visible. Give and you will receive. Keep and you will suffer loss. It makes no sense to the eye or understanding that taking money out of your purse and giving it away will actually add money to your purse. But here is one place where we may catch a glimpse of the otherwise invisible hand of God. As our hand takes out to give, His hand puts in and we receive. But He does things like this all the time, showing up where He is least expected. He evidently loves to be found in this magical game of hide and seek. And who would have thought that Christ would make death the door to life? 8/11/2008 ts
“We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount” Omar Bradley
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.Prov11.24 ESV
Here is one incantation, which will render our invisible God visible. Give and you will receive. Keep and you will suffer loss. It makes no sense to the eye or understanding that taking money out of your purse and giving it away will actually add money to your purse. But here is one place where we may catch a glimpse of the otherwise invisible hand of God. As our hand takes out to give, His hand puts in and we receive. But He does things like this all the time, showing up where He is least expected. He evidently loves to be found in this magical game of hide and seek. And who would have thought that Christ would make death the door to life? 8/11/2008 ts
Here is one incantation, which will render our invisible God visible. Give and you will receive. Keep and you will suffer loss. It makes no sense to the eye or understanding that taking money out of your purse and giving it away will actually add money to your purse. But here is one place where we may catch a glimpse of the otherwise invisible hand of God. As our hand takes out to give, His hand puts in and we receive. But He does things like this all the time, showing up where He is least expected. He evidently loves to be found in this magical game of hide and seek. And who would have thought that Christ would make death the door to life? 8/11/2008 ts
Saturday, August 9, 2008
“The worst sins of men are spiritual.” C. S. Lewis
“Stolen water is sweet,” Prov9.17 ESV
C. S. Lewis writes, “It is the stealing of the apple that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory. This does not palliate the stealing. It makes it worse. There is sacrilege to the theft. We have abused a holy thing.”
If this were not wicked enough, how terrible it is when a person not only finds the apple they have stolen to be sweet, but that the very act of stealing it would make it sweeter. Spiritual sins are worse than physical ones. Most people find compassion for the person who would steal because they are hungry but there is utter disgust over one who would steal just for the pleasure of stealing. Of all the sins confessed by Augustine, the one that plagued his conscience most was stealing a pear from his neighbor, when he didn’t even like pears. Most sins involve perverting some good thing given to us by God, but the greater sin is to find pleasure not only in the natural pleasure (sex, food, drink) but to find one's pleasure perverting it. 8/9/2008 ts
C. S. Lewis writes, “It is the stealing of the apple that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory. This does not palliate the stealing. It makes it worse. There is sacrilege to the theft. We have abused a holy thing.”
If this were not wicked enough, how terrible it is when a person not only finds the apple they have stolen to be sweet, but that the very act of stealing it would make it sweeter. Spiritual sins are worse than physical ones. Most people find compassion for the person who would steal because they are hungry but there is utter disgust over one who would steal just for the pleasure of stealing. Of all the sins confessed by Augustine, the one that plagued his conscience most was stealing a pear from his neighbor, when he didn’t even like pears. Most sins involve perverting some good thing given to us by God, but the greater sin is to find pleasure not only in the natural pleasure (sex, food, drink) but to find one's pleasure perverting it. 8/9/2008 ts
“The worst sins of men are spiritual.” C. S. Lewis
“Stolen water is sweet,” Prov9.17 ESV
C. S. Lewis writes, “It is the stealing of the apple that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory. This does not palliate the stealing. It makes it worse. There is sacrilege to the theft. We have abused a holy thing.”
If this were not wicked enough, how terrible it is when a person not only finds the apple they have stolen to be sweet, but that the very act of stealing it would make it sweeter. Spiritual sins are worse than physical ones. Most people find compassion for the person who would steal because they are hungry but there is utter disgust over one who would steal just for the pleasure of stealing. Of all the sins confessed by Augustine, the one that plagued his conscience most was stealing a pear from his neighbor, when he didn’t even like pears. Most sins involve perverting some good thing given to us by God, but the greater sin is to find pleasure not only in the natural pleasure (sex, food, drink) but to find one's pleasure perverting it. 8/9/2008 ts
C. S. Lewis writes, “It is the stealing of the apple that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory. This does not palliate the stealing. It makes it worse. There is sacrilege to the theft. We have abused a holy thing.”
If this were not wicked enough, how terrible it is when a person not only finds the apple they have stolen to be sweet, but that the very act of stealing it would make it sweeter. Spiritual sins are worse than physical ones. Most people find compassion for the person who would steal because they are hungry but there is utter disgust over one who would steal just for the pleasure of stealing. Of all the sins confessed by Augustine, the one that plagued his conscience most was stealing a pear from his neighbor, when he didn’t even like pears. Most sins involve perverting some good thing given to us by God, but the greater sin is to find pleasure not only in the natural pleasure (sex, food, drink) but to find one's pleasure perverting it. 8/9/2008 ts
Friday, August 8, 2008
“Your feet will bring you to where your heart is.” Irish Proverb
for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. Pro8.11 ESV
Apart of wisdom’s wisdom is that we train our desires so that we have a greater desire for superior desires. In other words, we would choose, wisdom over wealth, health over one more piece of pie, friendship over pride, and pleasing God over everything. Since we always choose whatever desire is the greatest at any given moment, wisdom will influence, focus and incline our heart toward the superior desires. Wisdom is personified, or given the qualities of a person in the book of Proverbs. Truthfully, the person of the Holy Spirit is wisdom and He lives in us, ever enlightening, encouraging and enabling us to choose all the good that God would have for us. 8/8/2008 ts
Apart of wisdom’s wisdom is that we train our desires so that we have a greater desire for superior desires. In other words, we would choose, wisdom over wealth, health over one more piece of pie, friendship over pride, and pleasing God over everything. Since we always choose whatever desire is the greatest at any given moment, wisdom will influence, focus and incline our heart toward the superior desires. Wisdom is personified, or given the qualities of a person in the book of Proverbs. Truthfully, the person of the Holy Spirit is wisdom and He lives in us, ever enlightening, encouraging and enabling us to choose all the good that God would have for us. 8/8/2008 ts
“Your feet will bring you to where your heart is.” Irish Proverb
for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. Pro8.11 ESV
Apart of wisdom’s wisdom is that we train our desires so that we have a greater desire for superior desires. In other words, we would choose, wisdom over wealth, health over one more piece of pie, friendship over pride, and pleasing God over everything. Since we always choose whatever desire is the greatest at any given moment, wisdom will influence, focus and incline our heart toward the superior desires. Wisdom is personified, or given the qualities of a person in the book of Proverbs. Truthfully, the person of the Holy Spirit is wisdom and He lives in us, ever enlightening, encouraging and enabling us to choose all the good that God would have for us. 8/8/2008 ts
Apart of wisdom’s wisdom is that we train our desires so that we have a greater desire for superior desires. In other words, we would choose, wisdom over wealth, health over one more piece of pie, friendship over pride, and pleasing God over everything. Since we always choose whatever desire is the greatest at any given moment, wisdom will influence, focus and incline our heart toward the superior desires. Wisdom is personified, or given the qualities of a person in the book of Proverbs. Truthfully, the person of the Holy Spirit is wisdom and He lives in us, ever enlightening, encouraging and enabling us to choose all the good that God would have for us. 8/8/2008 ts
Thursday, August 7, 2008
“Religion is as helpful as throwing a drowning man both ends of a rope” Anonymous
“Treasure up my commandments with you… Pro7.1 ESV
Every morning my desire is not just to study the Bible so much as it is to interact with its Author. Sadly, I do not always do this. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
Strange as it might seem, we need to guard our heart from making an idol out of the Bible. It is possible to study the Bible, teach the Bible but entirely miss its purpose, which is to lead us to the living Christ. The Bible is a great treasure but only in so far as we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking in it. The Pharisees were certainly people of the book yet did not recognize Jesus at all when He came. For many Christians, the Bible has replaced God. We do well to remember that the eternal Word is a Person and that the Word became the message from God in human flesh. His gift to us now that He has ascended is the living Holy Spirit, not just a written code. Just as it is possible to treasure His commands in our hearts, it is possible to stumble over them as the Pharisees did and make a religion out of what should only be a dynamic relationship. 8/7/2008 ts
Every morning my desire is not just to study the Bible so much as it is to interact with its Author. Sadly, I do not always do this. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
Strange as it might seem, we need to guard our heart from making an idol out of the Bible. It is possible to study the Bible, teach the Bible but entirely miss its purpose, which is to lead us to the living Christ. The Bible is a great treasure but only in so far as we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking in it. The Pharisees were certainly people of the book yet did not recognize Jesus at all when He came. For many Christians, the Bible has replaced God. We do well to remember that the eternal Word is a Person and that the Word became the message from God in human flesh. His gift to us now that He has ascended is the living Holy Spirit, not just a written code. Just as it is possible to treasure His commands in our hearts, it is possible to stumble over them as the Pharisees did and make a religion out of what should only be a dynamic relationship. 8/7/2008 ts
“Religion is as helpful as throwing a drowning man both ends of a rope” Anonymous
“Treasure up my commandments with you… Pro7.1 ESV
Every morning my desire is not just to study the Bible so much as it is to interact with its Author. Sadly, I do not always do this. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
Strange as it might seem, we need to guard our heart from making an idol out of the Bible. It is possible to study the Bible, teach the Bible but entirely miss its purpose, which is to lead us to the living Christ. The Bible is a great treasure but only in so far as we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking in it. The Pharisees were certainly people of the book yet did not recognize Jesus at all when He came. For many Christians, the Bible has replaced God. We do well to remember that the eternal Word is a Person and that the Word became the message from God in human flesh. His gift to us now that He has ascended is the living Holy Spirit, not just a written code. Just as it is possible to treasure His commands in our hearts, it is possible to stumble over them as the Pharisees did and make a religion out of what should only be a dynamic relationship. 8/7/2008 ts
Every morning my desire is not just to study the Bible so much as it is to interact with its Author. Sadly, I do not always do this. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
Strange as it might seem, we need to guard our heart from making an idol out of the Bible. It is possible to study the Bible, teach the Bible but entirely miss its purpose, which is to lead us to the living Christ. The Bible is a great treasure but only in so far as we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking in it. The Pharisees were certainly people of the book yet did not recognize Jesus at all when He came. For many Christians, the Bible has replaced God. We do well to remember that the eternal Word is a Person and that the Word became the message from God in human flesh. His gift to us now that He has ascended is the living Holy Spirit, not just a written code. Just as it is possible to treasure His commands in our hearts, it is possible to stumble over them as the Pharisees did and make a religion out of what should only be a dynamic relationship. 8/7/2008 ts
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
“We work to become, not to acquire.” Elbert Hubbard
“Go to the ant…consider her ways and be wise.” Pro6.6 ESV
Most people regard ants as pests rather than teachers. A good many people not only see ants this way they also have a similar attitude toward work. Monday morning for many is the drudge of life, that pesky burden we all must carry till we get to the weekend when we can finally do what we want to do and not what we have to do. But as Adam gave us work by the sweat of our brow so Christ comes to redeem it. In Him work is far more than just paying the mortgage. God tells us to learn from the ant, especially from its collective unity, productivity and to admire its ingenuity and industry. God would shape our view of work as He would shape our view of all things, to see it as a means to glorify and enjoy Him.
I believe it to be a mistaken notion, that when we get to heaven we will sit around all day drinking mint juleps. As God assigned work to Adam in the garden so I believe we will live productive lives in glory. We were created to be creative. Work, rest, play are all gifts of God to be enjoyed and even the ants employed to teach us this. 8/6/2008 ts
Most people regard ants as pests rather than teachers. A good many people not only see ants this way they also have a similar attitude toward work. Monday morning for many is the drudge of life, that pesky burden we all must carry till we get to the weekend when we can finally do what we want to do and not what we have to do. But as Adam gave us work by the sweat of our brow so Christ comes to redeem it. In Him work is far more than just paying the mortgage. God tells us to learn from the ant, especially from its collective unity, productivity and to admire its ingenuity and industry. God would shape our view of work as He would shape our view of all things, to see it as a means to glorify and enjoy Him.
I believe it to be a mistaken notion, that when we get to heaven we will sit around all day drinking mint juleps. As God assigned work to Adam in the garden so I believe we will live productive lives in glory. We were created to be creative. Work, rest, play are all gifts of God to be enjoyed and even the ants employed to teach us this. 8/6/2008 ts
“We work to become, not to acquire.” Elbert Hubbard
“Go to the ant…consider her ways and be wise.” Pro6.6 ESV
Most people regard ants as pests rather than teachers. A good many people not only see ants this way they also have a similar attitude toward work. Monday morning for many is the drudge of life, that pesky burden we all must carry till we get to the weekend when we can finally do what we want to do and not what we have to do. But as Adam gave us work by the sweat of our brow so Christ comes to redeem it. In Him work is far more than just paying the mortgage. God tells us to learn from the ant, especially from its collective unity, productivity and to admire its ingenuity and industry. God would shape our view of work as He would shape our view of all things, to see it as a means to glorify and enjoy Him.
I believe it to be a mistaken notion, that when we get to heaven we will sit around all day drinking mint juleps. As God assigned work to Adam in the garden so I believe we will live productive lives in glory. We were created to be creative. Work, rest, play are all gifts of God to be enjoyed and even the ants employed to teach us this. 8/6/2008 ts
Most people regard ants as pests rather than teachers. A good many people not only see ants this way they also have a similar attitude toward work. Monday morning for many is the drudge of life, that pesky burden we all must carry till we get to the weekend when we can finally do what we want to do and not what we have to do. But as Adam gave us work by the sweat of our brow so Christ comes to redeem it. In Him work is far more than just paying the mortgage. God tells us to learn from the ant, especially from its collective unity, productivity and to admire its ingenuity and industry. God would shape our view of work as He would shape our view of all things, to see it as a means to glorify and enjoy Him.
I believe it to be a mistaken notion, that when we get to heaven we will sit around all day drinking mint juleps. As God assigned work to Adam in the garden so I believe we will live productive lives in glory. We were created to be creative. Work, rest, play are all gifts of God to be enjoyed and even the ants employed to teach us this. 8/6/2008 ts
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
“For everything you have missed...
“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.” Prov.5.15 ESV
Remember your mother telling you to go outside and play or come inside and play. Maybe it was a great day for sunshine, so she directed you to play outside. Maybe there was an approaching storm so she called you to play inside. Outside or in, her every instruction was attentive love. An immature child, may have the impression that dear old mom can’t make up her mind or that she really doesn’t want him to play at all. But of course, moms are not against pleasure or play; they are simply “for” us. Such is a good mom.
God the Father is a good mother. He too encourages us to enjoy pleasure, and to play. And, His directives for doing so, “always” flow from His attentive love. I once read a book titled Pro-existence written by Udo Middelman, the late Francis Schaffer’s son-in-law. The book helped awaken me to what should have been obvious; that God is “for” life, not “against” it. As the Creator, God not only knows the best way to the best pleasures, He is committed to our enjoyment of them. But sense life is more than play and pleasure and because He is committed to life, He looks over it all. Every time God forbids something, He is approving something else, something better. He asks us to believe this and this is of course is faith. Perhaps this is why Jesus said we must humble ourselves as children to enter the Father’s Kingdom. 8/5/2008 ts
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.” Prov.5.15 ESV
Remember your mother telling you to go outside and play or come inside and play. Maybe it was a great day for sunshine, so she directed you to play outside. Maybe there was an approaching storm so she called you to play inside. Outside or in, her every instruction was attentive love. An immature child, may have the impression that dear old mom can’t make up her mind or that she really doesn’t want him to play at all. But of course, moms are not against pleasure or play; they are simply “for” us. Such is a good mom.
God the Father is a good mother. He too encourages us to enjoy pleasure, and to play. And, His directives for doing so, “always” flow from His attentive love. I once read a book titled Pro-existence written by Udo Middelman, the late Francis Schaffer’s son-in-law. The book helped awaken me to what should have been obvious; that God is “for” life, not “against” it. As the Creator, God not only knows the best way to the best pleasures, He is committed to our enjoyment of them. But sense life is more than play and pleasure and because He is committed to life, He looks over it all. Every time God forbids something, He is approving something else, something better. He asks us to believe this and this is of course is faith. Perhaps this is why Jesus said we must humble ourselves as children to enter the Father’s Kingdom. 8/5/2008 ts
“For everything you have missed...
“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.” Prov.5.15 ESV
Remember your mother telling you to go outside and play or come inside and play. Maybe it was a great day for sunshine, so she directed you to play outside. Maybe there was an approaching storm so she called you to play inside. Outside or in, her every instruction was attentive love. An immature child, may have the impression that dear old mom can’t make up her mind or that she really doesn’t want him to play at all. But of course, moms are not against pleasure or play; they are simply “for” us. Such is a good mom.
God the Father is a good mother. He too encourages us to enjoy pleasure, and to play. And, His directives for doing so, “always” flow from His attentive love. I once read a book titled Pro-existence written by Udo Middelman, the late Francis Schaffer’s son-in-law. The book helped awaken me to what should have been obvious; that God is “for” life, not “against” it. As the Creator, God not only knows the best way to the best pleasures, He is committed to our enjoyment of them. But sense life is more than play and pleasure and because He is committed to life, He looks over it all. Every time God forbids something, He is approving something else, something better. He asks us to believe this and this is of course is faith. Perhaps this is why Jesus said we must humble ourselves as children to enter the Father’s Kingdom. 8/5/2008 ts
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.” Prov.5.15 ESV
Remember your mother telling you to go outside and play or come inside and play. Maybe it was a great day for sunshine, so she directed you to play outside. Maybe there was an approaching storm so she called you to play inside. Outside or in, her every instruction was attentive love. An immature child, may have the impression that dear old mom can’t make up her mind or that she really doesn’t want him to play at all. But of course, moms are not against pleasure or play; they are simply “for” us. Such is a good mom.
God the Father is a good mother. He too encourages us to enjoy pleasure, and to play. And, His directives for doing so, “always” flow from His attentive love. I once read a book titled Pro-existence written by Udo Middelman, the late Francis Schaffer’s son-in-law. The book helped awaken me to what should have been obvious; that God is “for” life, not “against” it. As the Creator, God not only knows the best way to the best pleasures, He is committed to our enjoyment of them. But sense life is more than play and pleasure and because He is committed to life, He looks over it all. Every time God forbids something, He is approving something else, something better. He asks us to believe this and this is of course is faith. Perhaps this is why Jesus said we must humble ourselves as children to enter the Father’s Kingdom. 8/5/2008 ts
Monday, August 4, 2008
“Cruel is the strife of brothers.” Aristotle
”You store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.” Ps31.20 ESV
If you have ever heard a recording of yourself talking to someone, you know that the experience can be very telling. Most people will say something like, “Do I really sound like that?” or “Did I really say that?” The other day we got one of those videos people send via cell phones recording a candid moment. In the video you could hear someone speaking in the background and though they did not actually say it, the tone in their voice could have easily added the word “Stupid!” to the end of the sentence. Brenda and I have started taking notice of how many things we say where the manner might easily add a derogatory such as “dim-whit”, or “idiot” somewhere in it. Someone has said that ninety percent of the friction in the world in caused by the tone of one’s voice.
God would spare us this! His presence is the absence of strife. More of Jesus in me means less strife in me--fewer criticisms and negative judgments. 8/4/2008 ts
If you have ever heard a recording of yourself talking to someone, you know that the experience can be very telling. Most people will say something like, “Do I really sound like that?” or “Did I really say that?” The other day we got one of those videos people send via cell phones recording a candid moment. In the video you could hear someone speaking in the background and though they did not actually say it, the tone in their voice could have easily added the word “Stupid!” to the end of the sentence. Brenda and I have started taking notice of how many things we say where the manner might easily add a derogatory such as “dim-whit”, or “idiot” somewhere in it. Someone has said that ninety percent of the friction in the world in caused by the tone of one’s voice.
God would spare us this! His presence is the absence of strife. More of Jesus in me means less strife in me--fewer criticisms and negative judgments. 8/4/2008 ts
“Cruel is the strife of brothers.” Aristotle
”You store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.” Ps31.20 ESV
If you have ever heard a recording of yourself talking to someone, you know that the experience can be very telling. Most people will say something like, “Do I really sound like that?” or “Did I really say that?” The other day we got one of those videos people send via cell phones recording a candid moment. In the video you could hear someone speaking in the background and though they did not actually say it, the tone in their voice could have easily added the word “Stupid!” to the end of the sentence. Brenda and I have started taking notice of how many things we say where the manner might easily add a derogatory such as “dim-whit”, or “idiot” somewhere in it. Someone has said that ninety percent of the friction in the world in caused by the tone of one’s voice.
God would spare us this! His presence is the absence of strife. More of Jesus in me means less strife in me--fewer criticisms and negative judgments. 8/4/2008 ts
If you have ever heard a recording of yourself talking to someone, you know that the experience can be very telling. Most people will say something like, “Do I really sound like that?” or “Did I really say that?” The other day we got one of those videos people send via cell phones recording a candid moment. In the video you could hear someone speaking in the background and though they did not actually say it, the tone in their voice could have easily added the word “Stupid!” to the end of the sentence. Brenda and I have started taking notice of how many things we say where the manner might easily add a derogatory such as “dim-whit”, or “idiot” somewhere in it. Someone has said that ninety percent of the friction in the world in caused by the tone of one’s voice.
God would spare us this! His presence is the absence of strife. More of Jesus in me means less strife in me--fewer criticisms and negative judgments. 8/4/2008 ts
Friday, August 1, 2008
“Love is a gift. You can't buy it…someone has to give it to you.” Kurt Langner
“By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”. Eph2.8 ESV
Every time we have some notion that we must do something to appease God, the Spirit of Christ reminds us that the gift of His acceptance is indeed a gift. A gift is a gift; it isn’t earned. But it is accepted and may be rejected. And while it is impossible for us to appease God, we may certainly try to please Him. Not like an insincere and silly person who tries to induce favors from Him by being nice. No, when we realize that He has freely and totally accepted us, we, without strings attached, and just as freely, offer Him some part of ourselves. Even as a child offers his mother a stick drawing of them holding hands and smiling, and for no other reason but the pure pleasure of being their child, we too seek to please not appease. God’s pleasure in us is derived simply when we find our pleasure in Him. 8/1/2008 ts
Every time we have some notion that we must do something to appease God, the Spirit of Christ reminds us that the gift of His acceptance is indeed a gift. A gift is a gift; it isn’t earned. But it is accepted and may be rejected. And while it is impossible for us to appease God, we may certainly try to please Him. Not like an insincere and silly person who tries to induce favors from Him by being nice. No, when we realize that He has freely and totally accepted us, we, without strings attached, and just as freely, offer Him some part of ourselves. Even as a child offers his mother a stick drawing of them holding hands and smiling, and for no other reason but the pure pleasure of being their child, we too seek to please not appease. God’s pleasure in us is derived simply when we find our pleasure in Him. 8/1/2008 ts
“Love is a gift. You can't buy it…someone has to give it to you.” Kurt Langner
“By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”. Eph2.8 ESV
Every time we have some notion that we must do something to appease God, the Spirit of Christ reminds us that the gift of His acceptance is indeed a gift. A gift is a gift; it isn’t earned. But it is accepted and may be rejected. And while it is impossible for us to appease God, we may certainly try to please Him. Not like an insincere and silly person who tries to induce favors from Him by being nice. No, when we realize that He has freely and totally accepted us, we, without strings attached, and just as freely, offer Him some part of ourselves. Even as a child offers his mother a stick drawing of them holding hands and smiling, and for no other reason but the pure pleasure of being their child, we too seek to please not appease. God’s pleasure in us is derived simply when we find our pleasure in Him. 8/1/2008 ts
Every time we have some notion that we must do something to appease God, the Spirit of Christ reminds us that the gift of His acceptance is indeed a gift. A gift is a gift; it isn’t earned. But it is accepted and may be rejected. And while it is impossible for us to appease God, we may certainly try to please Him. Not like an insincere and silly person who tries to induce favors from Him by being nice. No, when we realize that He has freely and totally accepted us, we, without strings attached, and just as freely, offer Him some part of ourselves. Even as a child offers his mother a stick drawing of them holding hands and smiling, and for no other reason but the pure pleasure of being their child, we too seek to please not appease. God’s pleasure in us is derived simply when we find our pleasure in Him. 8/1/2008 ts
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