“I think earth, if chosen instead of Heaven, will turn out to have been, all along, only a region in Hell: and earth, if put second to Heaven, to have been from the beginning a part of Heaven itself.” C. S. Lewis
“…the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus…” 2Tim.1.1 ESV
I read recently where one young man who was paralyzed in a sporting event, opted for assisted suicide because he felt that he was living a second-class existence. For him life was no longer worth living.
Now life pretty much sums up why I have come to Christ. It would be safe to say that I love life; life is good, though not everything in it is good, and, I feel that to all intents and purposes I would like to do this forever. It is not that I relish the thought of doing this forever in my present condition. But we are not promised that are we? The promise Jesus made to us of an eternal and abundant life begins here but is fully realized there. We, like an expectant mother, are in labor waiting the delivery of all our hopes and dreams. And, when realized, all the pain we have known here will certainly share a kinship with the joys of the life there. One brother put it this way; “the Blessed will say ‘we have never lived anywhere except in Heaven,’ and the Lost, ‘We were always in Hell.’”
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Friday, October 31, 2008
life is good
“I think earth, if chosen instead of Heaven, will turn out to have been, all along, only a region in Hell: and earth, if put second to Heaven, to have been from the beginning a part of Heaven itself.” C. S. Lewis
“…the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus…” 2Tim.1.1 ESV
I read recently where one young man who was paralyzed in a sporting event, opted for assisted suicide because he felt that he was living a second-class existence. For him life was no longer worth living.
Now life pretty much sums up why I have come to Christ. It would be safe to say that I love life; life is good, though not everything in it is good, and, I feel that to all intents and purposes I would like to do this forever. It is not that I relish the thought of doing this forever in my present condition. But we are not promised that are we? The promise Jesus made to us of an eternal and abundant life begins here but is fully realized there. We, like an expectant mother, are in labor waiting the delivery of all our hopes and dreams. And, when realized, all the pain we have known here will certainly share a kinship with the joys of the life there. One brother put it this way; “the Blessed will say ‘we have never lived anywhere except in Heaven,’ and the Lost, ‘We were always in Hell.’”
“…the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus…” 2Tim.1.1 ESV
I read recently where one young man who was paralyzed in a sporting event, opted for assisted suicide because he felt that he was living a second-class existence. For him life was no longer worth living.
Now life pretty much sums up why I have come to Christ. It would be safe to say that I love life; life is good, though not everything in it is good, and, I feel that to all intents and purposes I would like to do this forever. It is not that I relish the thought of doing this forever in my present condition. But we are not promised that are we? The promise Jesus made to us of an eternal and abundant life begins here but is fully realized there. We, like an expectant mother, are in labor waiting the delivery of all our hopes and dreams. And, when realized, all the pain we have known here will certainly share a kinship with the joys of the life there. One brother put it this way; “the Blessed will say ‘we have never lived anywhere except in Heaven,’ and the Lost, ‘We were always in Hell.’”
Thursday, October 30, 2008
“Let it be, let it be…Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.” Paul McCartney
“To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” 1Tim.6.16 ESV
Anyone who has tried to listen to a radio with an out of date tuner, knows how difficult it can be turning the knob back and forth trying to tune in the desired station. And, until you do, you of course can’t enjoy the music. It not that the music isn’t there, the problem is tuning in to the right frequency to hear it. Now, God is neither lacking honor nor dominion, the music of His glory and government is all around us. The problem is that our hearts are not always tuned to it. This is why worship is so vital to spiritual health. In it we ascribe to God the glory due Him and tune our hearts to sing His praise. This often means speaking to our heart, turning the knob so to speak, and telling it out right, to give honor to God who has all honor and to bring us under His gracious rule. To say “amen” of course punctuates the message we are preaching to our heart and translates, “Let it be.” 10/29/2008 ts
Anyone who has tried to listen to a radio with an out of date tuner, knows how difficult it can be turning the knob back and forth trying to tune in the desired station. And, until you do, you of course can’t enjoy the music. It not that the music isn’t there, the problem is tuning in to the right frequency to hear it. Now, God is neither lacking honor nor dominion, the music of His glory and government is all around us. The problem is that our hearts are not always tuned to it. This is why worship is so vital to spiritual health. In it we ascribe to God the glory due Him and tune our hearts to sing His praise. This often means speaking to our heart, turning the knob so to speak, and telling it out right, to give honor to God who has all honor and to bring us under His gracious rule. To say “amen” of course punctuates the message we are preaching to our heart and translates, “Let it be.” 10/29/2008 ts
“Let it be, let it be…Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.” Paul McCartney
“To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” 1Tim.6.16 ESV
Anyone who has tried to listen to a radio with an out of date tuner, knows how difficult it can be turning the knob back and forth trying to tune in the desired station. And, until you do, you of course can’t enjoy the music. It not that the music isn’t there, the problem is tuning in to the right frequency to hear it. Now, God is neither lacking honor nor dominion, the music of His glory and government is all around us. The problem is that our hearts are not always tuned to it. This is why worship is so vital to spiritual health. In it we ascribe to God the glory due Him and tune our hearts to sing His praise. This often means speaking to our heart, turning the knob so to speak, and telling it out right, to give honor to God who has all honor and to bring us under His gracious rule. To say “amen” of course punctuates the message we are preaching to our heart and translates, “Let it be.” 10/29/2008 ts
Anyone who has tried to listen to a radio with an out of date tuner, knows how difficult it can be turning the knob back and forth trying to tune in the desired station. And, until you do, you of course can’t enjoy the music. It not that the music isn’t there, the problem is tuning in to the right frequency to hear it. Now, God is neither lacking honor nor dominion, the music of His glory and government is all around us. The problem is that our hearts are not always tuned to it. This is why worship is so vital to spiritual health. In it we ascribe to God the glory due Him and tune our hearts to sing His praise. This often means speaking to our heart, turning the knob so to speak, and telling it out right, to give honor to God who has all honor and to bring us under His gracious rule. To say “amen” of course punctuates the message we are preaching to our heart and translates, “Let it be.” 10/29/2008 ts
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
“We all make a god out of what we take the most pleasure in.” John Piper
“but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.” 1Tim5.6 ESV
It is interesting that the word “self-indulgent,” translates the Greek from which we get the word “spa.” Now most people associate living in the lap of luxury as a delicacy known only by a privileged few. But is a plush life really desirable? The apostle describes the self-indulgent person as being dead even while living. Why? Isn’t it true that God made pleasures to be enjoyed? Well yes, this same apostle warned us that we should avoid people who “forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created” and that “nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” But there is a great deal of difference between people who enjoy pleasure and those who live for it. I can think of few miseries greater than one who is always chasing the good life and missing out of the life in front of them. But one misery certainly greater than chasing pleasure is to have pleasure turn and catch you. This happens when we make a god out of our belly and wind up serving our pleasures rather than employing them as a means to enjoy God who graciously made them. 10/28/2008 ts
It is interesting that the word “self-indulgent,” translates the Greek from which we get the word “spa.” Now most people associate living in the lap of luxury as a delicacy known only by a privileged few. But is a plush life really desirable? The apostle describes the self-indulgent person as being dead even while living. Why? Isn’t it true that God made pleasures to be enjoyed? Well yes, this same apostle warned us that we should avoid people who “forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created” and that “nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” But there is a great deal of difference between people who enjoy pleasure and those who live for it. I can think of few miseries greater than one who is always chasing the good life and missing out of the life in front of them. But one misery certainly greater than chasing pleasure is to have pleasure turn and catch you. This happens when we make a god out of our belly and wind up serving our pleasures rather than employing them as a means to enjoy God who graciously made them. 10/28/2008 ts
“We all make a god out of what we take the most pleasure in.” John Piper
“but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.” 1Tim5.6 ESV
It is interesting that the word “self-indulgent,” translates the Greek from which we get the word “spa.” Now most people associate living in the lap of luxury as a delicacy known only by a privileged few. But is a plush life really desirable? The apostle describes the self-indulgent person as being dead even while living. Why? Isn’t it true that God made pleasures to be enjoyed? Well yes, this same apostle warned us that we should avoid people who “forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created” and that “nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” But there is a great deal of difference between people who enjoy pleasure and those who live for it. I can think of few miseries greater than one who is always chasing the good life and missing out of the life in front of them. But one misery certainly greater than chasing pleasure is to have pleasure turn and catch you. This happens when we make a god out of our belly and wind up serving our pleasures rather than employing them as a means to enjoy God who graciously made them. 10/28/2008 ts
It is interesting that the word “self-indulgent,” translates the Greek from which we get the word “spa.” Now most people associate living in the lap of luxury as a delicacy known only by a privileged few. But is a plush life really desirable? The apostle describes the self-indulgent person as being dead even while living. Why? Isn’t it true that God made pleasures to be enjoyed? Well yes, this same apostle warned us that we should avoid people who “forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created” and that “nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” But there is a great deal of difference between people who enjoy pleasure and those who live for it. I can think of few miseries greater than one who is always chasing the good life and missing out of the life in front of them. But one misery certainly greater than chasing pleasure is to have pleasure turn and catch you. This happens when we make a god out of our belly and wind up serving our pleasures rather than employing them as a means to enjoy God who graciously made them. 10/28/2008 ts
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” Henry Ward Beecher
“…we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” 1Tim.4.10 ESV
If you believe in Christ you know firsthand that He is your blessed Savior and Lord. But Jesus is a savior to everyone even if they are unaware of it. Did the world wake this day to the rising sun? All have done so because of Christ. People around the world will eat, enjoy music, behold the beauty of the changing seasons and all because Christ secured these blessing by His death on the cross. Jesus holds all things together; every process in heaven and earth operates in, by and because of Him. Even the lungs that exchanged oxygen for carbon dioxide in the soldiers who crucified Him, did so only because He sustains that process as He does every other law in the universe. Christ is the savior of all but He is especially of those who believe in Him. How so? Well it is not only that every temporal experience is made to touch the eternal; though that would be different enough. No, there is also a profound appreciation for blessedness by those who know they have been sustained even rescued, that the “lucky” will never know. Do you feel fortunate or blessed? Is it chance or Christ telling you the story of your life?
If you believe in Christ you know firsthand that He is your blessed Savior and Lord. But Jesus is a savior to everyone even if they are unaware of it. Did the world wake this day to the rising sun? All have done so because of Christ. People around the world will eat, enjoy music, behold the beauty of the changing seasons and all because Christ secured these blessing by His death on the cross. Jesus holds all things together; every process in heaven and earth operates in, by and because of Him. Even the lungs that exchanged oxygen for carbon dioxide in the soldiers who crucified Him, did so only because He sustains that process as He does every other law in the universe. Christ is the savior of all but He is especially of those who believe in Him. How so? Well it is not only that every temporal experience is made to touch the eternal; though that would be different enough. No, there is also a profound appreciation for blessedness by those who know they have been sustained even rescued, that the “lucky” will never know. Do you feel fortunate or blessed? Is it chance or Christ telling you the story of your life?
“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” Henry Ward Beecher
“…we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” 1Tim.4.10 ESV
If you believe in Christ you know firsthand that He is your blessed Savior and Lord. But Jesus is a savior to everyone even if they are unaware of it. Did the world wake this day to the rising sun? All have done so because of Christ. People around the world will eat, enjoy music, behold the beauty of the changing seasons and all because Christ secured these blessing by His death on the cross. Jesus holds all things together; every process in heaven and earth operates in, by and because of Him. Even the lungs that exchanged oxygen for carbon dioxide in the soldiers who crucified Him, did so only because He sustains that process as He does every other law in the universe. Christ is the savior of all but He is especially of those who believe in Him. How so? Well it is not only that every temporal experience is made to touch the eternal; though that would be different enough. No, there is also a profound appreciation for blessedness by those who know they have been sustained even rescued, that the “lucky” will never know. Do you feel fortunate or blessed? Is it chance or Christ telling you the story of your life?
If you believe in Christ you know firsthand that He is your blessed Savior and Lord. But Jesus is a savior to everyone even if they are unaware of it. Did the world wake this day to the rising sun? All have done so because of Christ. People around the world will eat, enjoy music, behold the beauty of the changing seasons and all because Christ secured these blessing by His death on the cross. Jesus holds all things together; every process in heaven and earth operates in, by and because of Him. Even the lungs that exchanged oxygen for carbon dioxide in the soldiers who crucified Him, did so only because He sustains that process as He does every other law in the universe. Christ is the savior of all but He is especially of those who believe in Him. How so? Well it is not only that every temporal experience is made to touch the eternal; though that would be different enough. No, there is also a profound appreciation for blessedness by those who know they have been sustained even rescued, that the “lucky” will never know. Do you feel fortunate or blessed? Is it chance or Christ telling you the story of your life?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.” Albert Einstein
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.” Albert Einstein
“Great is the mystery of godliness…” 1Tim3.16 KJV
All that inclines my heart to seek God is certainly a mystery to me. Others have expressed the same sentiments. One Christian his uttered his own incomprehension by asking, “And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?” I am not sure how faith came to my heart or why Christ would take an interest in me. The story of redemption will prove to be the world greatest mystery rivaled only by the obscurity of why anyone would chose the anguish of hell over and against the goodness of God. 10/22/2008 ts
“Great is the mystery of godliness…” 1Tim3.16 KJV
All that inclines my heart to seek God is certainly a mystery to me. Others have expressed the same sentiments. One Christian his uttered his own incomprehension by asking, “And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?” I am not sure how faith came to my heart or why Christ would take an interest in me. The story of redemption will prove to be the world greatest mystery rivaled only by the obscurity of why anyone would chose the anguish of hell over and against the goodness of God. 10/22/2008 ts
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.” Albert Einstein
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.” Albert Einstein
“Great is the mystery of godliness…” 1Tim3.16 KJV
All that inclines my heart to seek God is certainly a mystery to me. Others have expressed the same sentiments. One Christian his uttered his own incomprehension by asking, “And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?” I am not sure how faith came to my heart or why Christ would take an interest in me. The story of redemption will prove to be the world greatest mystery rivaled only by the obscurity of why anyone would chose the anguish of hell over and against the goodness of God. 10/22/2008 ts
“Great is the mystery of godliness…” 1Tim3.16 KJV
All that inclines my heart to seek God is certainly a mystery to me. Others have expressed the same sentiments. One Christian his uttered his own incomprehension by asking, “And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?” I am not sure how faith came to my heart or why Christ would take an interest in me. The story of redemption will prove to be the world greatest mystery rivaled only by the obscurity of why anyone would chose the anguish of hell over and against the goodness of God. 10/22/2008 ts
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
"The hardest thing you'll learn in this journey is to give up the illusion of controlling your own life" Jake Colsen
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Mat.11.28 ESV
I think most of us know that there is no concern too great for God. But, we manage to convince ourselves that many of the things that weigh us down are just too small to bring to Him. Or is that really the problem? We are glad to trust Jesus with the big stuff and by that I mean things over which we have no control anyway. It’s the small everyday concerns that we feel we must handle, simply because we believe that we can. If we are honest with ourselves it is not so much the measure of God’s concern over these small matters as it is the measure of our control over them. It is hard to relinquish control. Lets face it, anything we regard as a great concern is of little consequence to the Almighty. By comparison it’s all puny to Him. But we are not! If the life of Jesus tells us anything, it tells us that. The real issue then, is not whether He is concerned about the matter but am I willing to let go and trust Him with it. Deep down we all know what we must do to find the rest He would give to us. 10/22/2008 ts
I think most of us know that there is no concern too great for God. But, we manage to convince ourselves that many of the things that weigh us down are just too small to bring to Him. Or is that really the problem? We are glad to trust Jesus with the big stuff and by that I mean things over which we have no control anyway. It’s the small everyday concerns that we feel we must handle, simply because we believe that we can. If we are honest with ourselves it is not so much the measure of God’s concern over these small matters as it is the measure of our control over them. It is hard to relinquish control. Lets face it, anything we regard as a great concern is of little consequence to the Almighty. By comparison it’s all puny to Him. But we are not! If the life of Jesus tells us anything, it tells us that. The real issue then, is not whether He is concerned about the matter but am I willing to let go and trust Him with it. Deep down we all know what we must do to find the rest He would give to us. 10/22/2008 ts
"The hardest thing you'll learn in this journey is to give up the illusion of controlling your own life" Jake Colsen
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Mat.11.28 ESV
I think most of us know that there is no concern too great for God. But, we manage to convince ourselves that many of the things that weigh us down are just too small to bring to Him. Or is that really the problem? We are glad to trust Jesus with the big stuff and by that I mean things over which we have no control anyway. It’s the small everyday concerns that we feel we must handle, simply because we believe that we can. If we are honest with ourselves it is not so much the measure of God’s concern over these small matters as it is the measure of our control over them. It is hard to relinquish control. Lets face it, anything we regard as a great concern is of little consequence to the Almighty. By comparison it’s all puny to Him. But we are not! If the life of Jesus tells us anything, it tells us that. The real issue then, is not whether He is concerned about the matter but am I willing to let go and trust Him with it. Deep down we all know what we must do to find the rest He would give to us. 10/22/2008 ts
I think most of us know that there is no concern too great for God. But, we manage to convince ourselves that many of the things that weigh us down are just too small to bring to Him. Or is that really the problem? We are glad to trust Jesus with the big stuff and by that I mean things over which we have no control anyway. It’s the small everyday concerns that we feel we must handle, simply because we believe that we can. If we are honest with ourselves it is not so much the measure of God’s concern over these small matters as it is the measure of our control over them. It is hard to relinquish control. Lets face it, anything we regard as a great concern is of little consequence to the Almighty. By comparison it’s all puny to Him. But we are not! If the life of Jesus tells us anything, it tells us that. The real issue then, is not whether He is concerned about the matter but am I willing to let go and trust Him with it. Deep down we all know what we must do to find the rest He would give to us. 10/22/2008 ts
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
“Like a lame man’s legs under him is wisdom in the mouth of a fool”
“Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.” 1Tim1.8
The lawful use of Scripture implies its opposite. God’s word may be used, and has been used, improperly. We all should take great care when citing the Bible for our own purposes. The highest employ of Scripture is when the Holy Spirit uses it as a means to speak to human hearts about the glory God in the face of Christ. Failing to interact with the Holy Spirit when we read the Bible is like dipping your finger in honey but not putting it to your tongue. All you will do is get sticky fingers and attract flies. 10/21/2008 ts
The lawful use of Scripture implies its opposite. God’s word may be used, and has been used, improperly. We all should take great care when citing the Bible for our own purposes. The highest employ of Scripture is when the Holy Spirit uses it as a means to speak to human hearts about the glory God in the face of Christ. Failing to interact with the Holy Spirit when we read the Bible is like dipping your finger in honey but not putting it to your tongue. All you will do is get sticky fingers and attract flies. 10/21/2008 ts
“Like a lame man’s legs under him is wisdom in the mouth of a fool”
“Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.” 1Tim1.8
The lawful use of Scripture implies its opposite. God’s word may be used, and has been used, improperly. We all should take great care when citing the Bible for our own purposes. The highest employ of Scripture is when the Holy Spirit uses it as a means to speak to human hearts about the glory God in the face of Christ. Failing to interact with the Holy Spirit when we read the Bible is like dipping your finger in honey but not putting it to your tongue. All you will do is get sticky fingers and attract flies. 10/21/2008 ts
The lawful use of Scripture implies its opposite. God’s word may be used, and has been used, improperly. We all should take great care when citing the Bible for our own purposes. The highest employ of Scripture is when the Holy Spirit uses it as a means to speak to human hearts about the glory God in the face of Christ. Failing to interact with the Holy Spirit when we read the Bible is like dipping your finger in honey but not putting it to your tongue. All you will do is get sticky fingers and attract flies. 10/21/2008 ts
Monday, October 20, 2008
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matt4.4 ESV
It is interesting that Jesus did not say that we live on words, which have come from the mouth of God, but literally every word that is coming from His mouth. Some may consider emphasizing this present tense participle sort of splitting hairs but I believe it to be important. After all people do not live today on meals they ate last week. We need daily nourishment and not just for the body but the soul. It is not only what God has said to you but also what is He saying to you now. The desire of my heart is not just to read the Bible everyday, to hear a recording of what He has said, I want to hear Him speak to me today. Isn’t the live concert always better than a recording? Notice also the expression, “from the mouth of God.” Jesus is directing us to listen every day to what God is saying, to be hung on His every word (remember those E.F. Hutton commercials). The Bible is not intended to be some static written code but a dynamic means through which God speaks with us moment to moment though the Holy Spirit living in us. Perhaps He committed His word to writing because He doesn’t mind repeating Himself, especially to those of us who are hard of hearing. 10/18/2008 ts
It is interesting that Jesus did not say that we live on words, which have come from the mouth of God, but literally every word that is coming from His mouth. Some may consider emphasizing this present tense participle sort of splitting hairs but I believe it to be important. After all people do not live today on meals they ate last week. We need daily nourishment and not just for the body but the soul. It is not only what God has said to you but also what is He saying to you now. The desire of my heart is not just to read the Bible everyday, to hear a recording of what He has said, I want to hear Him speak to me today. Isn’t the live concert always better than a recording? Notice also the expression, “from the mouth of God.” Jesus is directing us to listen every day to what God is saying, to be hung on His every word (remember those E.F. Hutton commercials). The Bible is not intended to be some static written code but a dynamic means through which God speaks with us moment to moment though the Holy Spirit living in us. Perhaps He committed His word to writing because He doesn’t mind repeating Himself, especially to those of us who are hard of hearing. 10/18/2008 ts
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matt4.4 ESV
It is interesting that Jesus did not say that we live on words, which have come from the mouth of God, but literally every word that is coming from His mouth. Some may consider emphasizing this present tense participle sort of splitting hairs but I believe it to be important. After all people do not live today on meals they ate last week. We need daily nourishment and not just for the body but the soul. It is not only what God has said to you but also what is He saying to you now. The desire of my heart is not just to read the Bible everyday, to hear a recording of what He has said, I want to hear Him speak to me today. Isn’t the live concert always better than a recording? Notice also the expression, “from the mouth of God.” Jesus is directing us to listen every day to what God is saying, to be hung on His every word (remember those E.F. Hutton commercials). The Bible is not intended to be some static written code but a dynamic means through which God speaks with us moment to moment though the Holy Spirit living in us. Perhaps He committed His word to writing because He doesn’t mind repeating Himself, especially to those of us who are hard of hearing. 10/18/2008 ts
It is interesting that Jesus did not say that we live on words, which have come from the mouth of God, but literally every word that is coming from His mouth. Some may consider emphasizing this present tense participle sort of splitting hairs but I believe it to be important. After all people do not live today on meals they ate last week. We need daily nourishment and not just for the body but the soul. It is not only what God has said to you but also what is He saying to you now. The desire of my heart is not just to read the Bible everyday, to hear a recording of what He has said, I want to hear Him speak to me today. Isn’t the live concert always better than a recording? Notice also the expression, “from the mouth of God.” Jesus is directing us to listen every day to what God is saying, to be hung on His every word (remember those E.F. Hutton commercials). The Bible is not intended to be some static written code but a dynamic means through which God speaks with us moment to moment though the Holy Spirit living in us. Perhaps He committed His word to writing because He doesn’t mind repeating Himself, especially to those of us who are hard of hearing. 10/18/2008 ts
Saturday, October 18, 2008
“The Glory of God, and, as our only means of glorifying Him, the salvation of human souls, is the real business of life. C.S. Lewis
“For not all have faith.” 2Thess3.2 ESV
This word may state the obvious but it implies a great deal. The world is full of wicked people who oppose any influence that stands in the way of selfish pursuits. Often they will seek to harm, by all possible means available, those who promote anything that would. Be warned and wary of them but never without compassion. We should remember that we also walked in darkness before the light of Christ.
The Lord is faithful. He will establish and guard His own against the wicked but do so, even as He sends us among them as messengers of light. God sent His own dear Son as a missionary and into harms way. He is surely willing to put us in harms way for the same cause if it is necessary. Jesus said if they persecuted Him they would certainly persecute us. But is it not the blessing of the persecuted to see the very salvation of those that are persecuting them? 10/18/2008 ts
This word may state the obvious but it implies a great deal. The world is full of wicked people who oppose any influence that stands in the way of selfish pursuits. Often they will seek to harm, by all possible means available, those who promote anything that would. Be warned and wary of them but never without compassion. We should remember that we also walked in darkness before the light of Christ.
The Lord is faithful. He will establish and guard His own against the wicked but do so, even as He sends us among them as messengers of light. God sent His own dear Son as a missionary and into harms way. He is surely willing to put us in harms way for the same cause if it is necessary. Jesus said if they persecuted Him they would certainly persecute us. But is it not the blessing of the persecuted to see the very salvation of those that are persecuting them? 10/18/2008 ts
“The Glory of God, and, as our only means of glorifying Him, the salvation of human souls, is the real business of life. C.S. Lewis
“For not all have faith.” 2Thess3.2 ESV
This word may state the obvious but it implies a great deal. The world is full of wicked people who oppose any influence that stands in the way of selfish pursuits. Often they will seek to harm, by all possible means available, those who promote anything that would. Be warned and wary of them but never without compassion. We should remember that we also walked in darkness before the light of Christ.
The Lord is faithful. He will establish and guard His own against the wicked but do so, even as He sends us among them as messengers of light. God sent His own dear Son as a missionary and into harms way. He is surely willing to put us in harms way for the same cause if it is necessary. Jesus said if they persecuted Him they would certainly persecute us. But is it not the blessing of the persecuted to see the very salvation of those that are persecuting them? 10/18/2008 ts
This word may state the obvious but it implies a great deal. The world is full of wicked people who oppose any influence that stands in the way of selfish pursuits. Often they will seek to harm, by all possible means available, those who promote anything that would. Be warned and wary of them but never without compassion. We should remember that we also walked in darkness before the light of Christ.
The Lord is faithful. He will establish and guard His own against the wicked but do so, even as He sends us among them as messengers of light. God sent His own dear Son as a missionary and into harms way. He is surely willing to put us in harms way for the same cause if it is necessary. Jesus said if they persecuted Him they would certainly persecute us. But is it not the blessing of the persecuted to see the very salvation of those that are persecuting them? 10/18/2008 ts
Friday, October 17, 2008
“Church isn’t where you meet. Church is who you are. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.” Bridget Willard
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” 2Thess2.15 ESV
We are warned to never substitute the traditions of men over leading by the Spirit of God, but there are many good traditions, which were given to us by the Spirit Himself and which we are encouraged to keep. I can think of four that have been handed down to us and practiced by every generation of God’s people. From the earliest days, Christians have devoted themselves: to the teaching of the Scriptures, to a fellowship of mutual commitment to one another, to the breaking of bread (the practice of communion) and to prayer. Of course there are others. I think we should note that these four means of grace have been expressed with varying degrees of formality and informality. Some have chosen to organize and meet in church buildings, others choose to meet wherever, and with very little organization. All of us should keep in mind that it is the soup we seek to serve and preserve not the pot that holds it. ts
Life in every breath. Every breath of Christ!
We are warned to never substitute the traditions of men over leading by the Spirit of God, but there are many good traditions, which were given to us by the Spirit Himself and which we are encouraged to keep. I can think of four that have been handed down to us and practiced by every generation of God’s people. From the earliest days, Christians have devoted themselves: to the teaching of the Scriptures, to a fellowship of mutual commitment to one another, to the breaking of bread (the practice of communion) and to prayer. Of course there are others. I think we should note that these four means of grace have been expressed with varying degrees of formality and informality. Some have chosen to organize and meet in church buildings, others choose to meet wherever, and with very little organization. All of us should keep in mind that it is the soup we seek to serve and preserve not the pot that holds it. ts
Life in every breath. Every breath of Christ!
“Church isn’t where you meet. Church is who you are. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.” Bridget Willard
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” 2Thess2.15 ESV
We are warned to never substitute the traditions of men over leading by the Spirit of God, but there are many good traditions, which were given to us by the Spirit Himself and which we are encouraged to keep. I can think of four that have been handed down to us and practiced by every generation of God’s people. From the earliest days, Christians have devoted themselves: to the teaching of the Scriptures, to a fellowship of mutual commitment to one another, to the breaking of bread (the practice of communion) and to prayer. Of course there are others. I think we should note that these four means of grace have been expressed with varying degrees of formality and informality. Some have chosen to organize and meet in church buildings, others choose to meet wherever, and with very little organization. All of us should keep in mind that it is the soup we seek to serve and preserve not the pot that holds it. ts
Life in every breath. Every breath of Christ!
We are warned to never substitute the traditions of men over leading by the Spirit of God, but there are many good traditions, which were given to us by the Spirit Himself and which we are encouraged to keep. I can think of four that have been handed down to us and practiced by every generation of God’s people. From the earliest days, Christians have devoted themselves: to the teaching of the Scriptures, to a fellowship of mutual commitment to one another, to the breaking of bread (the practice of communion) and to prayer. Of course there are others. I think we should note that these four means of grace have been expressed with varying degrees of formality and informality. Some have chosen to organize and meet in church buildings, others choose to meet wherever, and with very little organization. All of us should keep in mind that it is the soup we seek to serve and preserve not the pot that holds it. ts
Life in every breath. Every breath of Christ!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
“The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try nothing and succeed” Lloyd Jones
To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power…2Thess.1.11 ESV
One must pull on two oars to paddle a rowboat or you will simply go in circles. The same is true for our maturity in Jesus. With one oar we trust God and with the other, we try. Some, confusing the call of God (justification) and walking worthy of the call (sanctification) have said that we must stop all trying and start trusting. And, this is certainly true in answering the call (justification) for no one can be justified by works but by faith in the death of Christ alone. But this does not mean that once made right with God that we do not resolve to do good as His children. Our good, will never be good enough and that is the reason for Christ. But having received the gift of God’s forgiveness we try to walk worthy of it and do so by trusting and obeying. In the worthy walk (sanctification) trying goes hand and hand with trusting. That is why we trust God to supply what is needed and help us as we try to do good. God supplies us in a number of ways, He tells us what is good, He works in us a desire for it, and He even gives us the faith to trust Him as we try to do it. Every commandment of God is prefaced with the inner encouragement to trust Him for its execution. But trusting without trying is only pulling with one oar and it is the reason so many Christians simply travel in circles. We can only trust Christ to answer the call of God but we must trust and try if we are to walk worthy of the call. 10/16/2008 ts
One must pull on two oars to paddle a rowboat or you will simply go in circles. The same is true for our maturity in Jesus. With one oar we trust God and with the other, we try. Some, confusing the call of God (justification) and walking worthy of the call (sanctification) have said that we must stop all trying and start trusting. And, this is certainly true in answering the call (justification) for no one can be justified by works but by faith in the death of Christ alone. But this does not mean that once made right with God that we do not resolve to do good as His children. Our good, will never be good enough and that is the reason for Christ. But having received the gift of God’s forgiveness we try to walk worthy of it and do so by trusting and obeying. In the worthy walk (sanctification) trying goes hand and hand with trusting. That is why we trust God to supply what is needed and help us as we try to do good. God supplies us in a number of ways, He tells us what is good, He works in us a desire for it, and He even gives us the faith to trust Him as we try to do it. Every commandment of God is prefaced with the inner encouragement to trust Him for its execution. But trusting without trying is only pulling with one oar and it is the reason so many Christians simply travel in circles. We can only trust Christ to answer the call of God but we must trust and try if we are to walk worthy of the call. 10/16/2008 ts
“The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try nothing and succeed” Lloyd Jones
To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power…2Thess.1.11 ESV
One must pull on two oars to paddle a rowboat or you will simply go in circles. The same is true for our maturity in Jesus. With one oar we trust God and with the other, we try. Some, confusing the call of God (justification) and walking worthy of the call (sanctification) have said that we must stop all trying and start trusting. And, this is certainly true in answering the call (justification) for no one can be justified by works but by faith in the death of Christ alone. But this does not mean that once made right with God that we do not resolve to do good as His children. Our good, will never be good enough and that is the reason for Christ. But having received the gift of God’s forgiveness we try to walk worthy of it and do so by trusting and obeying. In the worthy walk (sanctification) trying goes hand and hand with trusting. That is why we trust God to supply what is needed and help us as we try to do good. God supplies us in a number of ways, He tells us what is good, He works in us a desire for it, and He even gives us the faith to trust Him as we try to do it. Every commandment of God is prefaced with the inner encouragement to trust Him for its execution. But trusting without trying is only pulling with one oar and it is the reason so many Christians simply travel in circles. We can only trust Christ to answer the call of God but we must trust and try if we are to walk worthy of the call. 10/16/2008 ts
One must pull on two oars to paddle a rowboat or you will simply go in circles. The same is true for our maturity in Jesus. With one oar we trust God and with the other, we try. Some, confusing the call of God (justification) and walking worthy of the call (sanctification) have said that we must stop all trying and start trusting. And, this is certainly true in answering the call (justification) for no one can be justified by works but by faith in the death of Christ alone. But this does not mean that once made right with God that we do not resolve to do good as His children. Our good, will never be good enough and that is the reason for Christ. But having received the gift of God’s forgiveness we try to walk worthy of it and do so by trusting and obeying. In the worthy walk (sanctification) trying goes hand and hand with trusting. That is why we trust God to supply what is needed and help us as we try to do good. God supplies us in a number of ways, He tells us what is good, He works in us a desire for it, and He even gives us the faith to trust Him as we try to do it. Every commandment of God is prefaced with the inner encouragement to trust Him for its execution. But trusting without trying is only pulling with one oar and it is the reason so many Christians simply travel in circles. We can only trust Christ to answer the call of God but we must trust and try if we are to walk worthy of the call. 10/16/2008 ts
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Animal Passions
“The happiness of a man…does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.” Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor…” 1Thess4.3-4 ESV
This past weekend we left our white Labrador, Maggie, in the car while we ran inside the store for a few minutes. We also inadvertently left a package of cookies on the dash. When we returned, Maggie had not only helped herself to a few cookies, she had eaten the whole package and looked somewhat sick for it. Her animal passions got the best of her.
Sex like eating is a God created desire. And, looking out for our best interest, like any good parent, God places certain restrictions on its enjoyment. No good mother would let her child eat a whole package of cookies. This does not mean that she doesn’t make and serve them to her children. Hopefully when the child matures they will have learned from their dear mother the difference between eating and gorging. God certainly expects more from His higher creatures than he does from animals and desires that we not be controlled by our passions. Self-control is one thing that separates us from being animals. It is also one thing that enables us to enjoy eating and sex without being enjoyed by them. 10/14/2008 ts
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor…” 1Thess4.3-4 ESV
This past weekend we left our white Labrador, Maggie, in the car while we ran inside the store for a few minutes. We also inadvertently left a package of cookies on the dash. When we returned, Maggie had not only helped herself to a few cookies, she had eaten the whole package and looked somewhat sick for it. Her animal passions got the best of her.
Sex like eating is a God created desire. And, looking out for our best interest, like any good parent, God places certain restrictions on its enjoyment. No good mother would let her child eat a whole package of cookies. This does not mean that she doesn’t make and serve them to her children. Hopefully when the child matures they will have learned from their dear mother the difference between eating and gorging. God certainly expects more from His higher creatures than he does from animals and desires that we not be controlled by our passions. Self-control is one thing that separates us from being animals. It is also one thing that enables us to enjoy eating and sex without being enjoyed by them. 10/14/2008 ts
Animal Passions
“The happiness of a man…does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.” Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor…” 1Thess4.3-4 ESV
This past weekend we left our white Labrador, Maggie, in the car while we ran inside the store for a few minutes. We also inadvertently left a package of cookies on the dash. When we returned, Maggie had not only helped herself to a few cookies, she had eaten the whole package and looked somewhat sick for it. Her animal passions got the best of her.
Sex like eating is a God created desire. And, looking out for our best interest, like any good parent, God places certain restrictions on its enjoyment. No good mother would let her child eat a whole package of cookies. This does not mean that she doesn’t make and serve them to her children. Hopefully when the child matures they will have learned from their dear mother the difference between eating and gorging. God certainly expects more from His higher creatures than he does from animals and desires that we not be controlled by our passions. Self-control is one thing that separates us from being animals. It is also one thing that enables us to enjoy eating and sex without being enjoyed by them. 10/14/2008 ts
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor…” 1Thess4.3-4 ESV
This past weekend we left our white Labrador, Maggie, in the car while we ran inside the store for a few minutes. We also inadvertently left a package of cookies on the dash. When we returned, Maggie had not only helped herself to a few cookies, she had eaten the whole package and looked somewhat sick for it. Her animal passions got the best of her.
Sex like eating is a God created desire. And, looking out for our best interest, like any good parent, God places certain restrictions on its enjoyment. No good mother would let her child eat a whole package of cookies. This does not mean that she doesn’t make and serve them to her children. Hopefully when the child matures they will have learned from their dear mother the difference between eating and gorging. God certainly expects more from His higher creatures than he does from animals and desires that we not be controlled by our passions. Self-control is one thing that separates us from being animals. It is also one thing that enables us to enjoy eating and sex without being enjoyed by them. 10/14/2008 ts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
“It's choice--not chance--that determines your destiny.” Michellee Jean Nidetch
For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 1Thess3.3 ESV
Jesus explained to the apostle Paul at his conversion that he would suffer many things for the sake of the gospel. Paul pretty much expected that suffering was part of his destiny and he certainly had his share in every town.
I can’t say that I would put this kind of information in a brochure advertising the benefits of becoming a follower of Christ. Actually, Christ isn’t selling anything, though to listen to some modern day evangelists you might think that He is. No, while Jesus certainly promises eternal life, He also promises, at least for many of His followers, a life of suffering and sacrifice. And, such suffering is not limited to those persecuted by the hand of others. How so? Well, suffering comes to many Christians by their own hand, in things like sacrificial service, living on less to give more, and denying self to serve others. I guess in this sense we decide our own destiny. We might say that it is our destiny at present to suffer with Jesus just as surely as it is our destiny to be raised with Him in glory. 10/13/2008 ts
Jesus explained to the apostle Paul at his conversion that he would suffer many things for the sake of the gospel. Paul pretty much expected that suffering was part of his destiny and he certainly had his share in every town.
I can’t say that I would put this kind of information in a brochure advertising the benefits of becoming a follower of Christ. Actually, Christ isn’t selling anything, though to listen to some modern day evangelists you might think that He is. No, while Jesus certainly promises eternal life, He also promises, at least for many of His followers, a life of suffering and sacrifice. And, such suffering is not limited to those persecuted by the hand of others. How so? Well, suffering comes to many Christians by their own hand, in things like sacrificial service, living on less to give more, and denying self to serve others. I guess in this sense we decide our own destiny. We might say that it is our destiny at present to suffer with Jesus just as surely as it is our destiny to be raised with Him in glory. 10/13/2008 ts
“It's choice--not chance--that determines your destiny.” Michellee Jean Nidetch
For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 1Thess3.3 ESV
Jesus explained to the apostle Paul at his conversion that he would suffer many things for the sake of the gospel. Paul pretty much expected that suffering was part of his destiny and he certainly had his share in every town.
I can’t say that I would put this kind of information in a brochure advertising the benefits of becoming a follower of Christ. Actually, Christ isn’t selling anything, though to listen to some modern day evangelists you might think that He is. No, while Jesus certainly promises eternal life, He also promises, at least for many of His followers, a life of suffering and sacrifice. And, such suffering is not limited to those persecuted by the hand of others. How so? Well, suffering comes to many Christians by their own hand, in things like sacrificial service, living on less to give more, and denying self to serve others. I guess in this sense we decide our own destiny. We might say that it is our destiny at present to suffer with Jesus just as surely as it is our destiny to be raised with Him in glory. 10/13/2008 ts
Jesus explained to the apostle Paul at his conversion that he would suffer many things for the sake of the gospel. Paul pretty much expected that suffering was part of his destiny and he certainly had his share in every town.
I can’t say that I would put this kind of information in a brochure advertising the benefits of becoming a follower of Christ. Actually, Christ isn’t selling anything, though to listen to some modern day evangelists you might think that He is. No, while Jesus certainly promises eternal life, He also promises, at least for many of His followers, a life of suffering and sacrifice. And, such suffering is not limited to those persecuted by the hand of others. How so? Well, suffering comes to many Christians by their own hand, in things like sacrificial service, living on less to give more, and denying self to serve others. I guess in this sense we decide our own destiny. We might say that it is our destiny at present to suffer with Jesus just as surely as it is our destiny to be raised with Him in glory. 10/13/2008 ts
Monday, October 13, 2008
What is your net worth?
“The service of man is the only means by which you can serve God.” Sri Sathya Sai Baba
For you are our glory and joy. 1Thess2.20 ESV
When we speak of someone’s glory we refer in part to the worth significance and value they have been in life. One question of course, is to whom, and I should think the final answer would be to God. It may prove wise to consider the ways my life has been of value to Him?
Christ has told us that we serve Him when we serve others. This simply means that when we value people and center our lives around loving them, then our value increases before God. In the end it will not be our possessions, power or prestige but how we used these things to minister the value of Christ to the people of the world. 0/13/2008 ts
For you are our glory and joy. 1Thess2.20 ESV
When we speak of someone’s glory we refer in part to the worth significance and value they have been in life. One question of course, is to whom, and I should think the final answer would be to God. It may prove wise to consider the ways my life has been of value to Him?
Christ has told us that we serve Him when we serve others. This simply means that when we value people and center our lives around loving them, then our value increases before God. In the end it will not be our possessions, power or prestige but how we used these things to minister the value of Christ to the people of the world. 0/13/2008 ts
What is your net worth?
“The service of man is the only means by which you can serve God.” Sri Sathya Sai Baba
For you are our glory and joy. 1Thess2.20 ESV
When we speak of someone’s glory we refer in part to the worth significance and value they have been in life. One question of course, is to whom, and I should think the final answer would be to God. It may prove wise to consider the ways my life has been of value to Him?
Christ has told us that we serve Him when we serve others. This simply means that when we value people and center our lives around loving them, then our value increases before God. In the end it will not be our possessions, power or prestige but how we used these things to minister the value of Christ to the people of the world. 0/13/2008 ts
For you are our glory and joy. 1Thess2.20 ESV
When we speak of someone’s glory we refer in part to the worth significance and value they have been in life. One question of course, is to whom, and I should think the final answer would be to God. It may prove wise to consider the ways my life has been of value to Him?
Christ has told us that we serve Him when we serve others. This simply means that when we value people and center our lives around loving them, then our value increases before God. In the end it will not be our possessions, power or prestige but how we used these things to minister the value of Christ to the people of the world. 0/13/2008 ts
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Therefore, you, too, must be ready because the Son of Man will return when you least expect him.
and to wait for his Son from heaven…1Thess1.10 ESV
Time and again groups of people have sold all their possessions and followed some cultist leader to a remote mountaintop to wait for the return of Christ on a predicted day. Christ of course said that even He did not know the day or hour.
Even though there have been many false predictions, anyone reading the New Testament would quickly surmise that first century Christians were looking for the return of Christ. Jesus Himself told us that He would return as a thief in the night and that we should live vigilant lives. The two thousand years that have passed since Jesus said this have caused some to wonder if it is all a cruel hoax. For others the delay has only intensified their vigilance.
Did you rise this morning waiting on the Son to return from heaven? It seems to me that to believe that the return of Christ is near at hand is not so much actively watching the skies as it is actively making preparations for it. Am I living in such a manner that I am making investments in the coming economy of the Kingdom of Heaven? 10/10/2008 ts
Time and again groups of people have sold all their possessions and followed some cultist leader to a remote mountaintop to wait for the return of Christ on a predicted day. Christ of course said that even He did not know the day or hour.
Even though there have been many false predictions, anyone reading the New Testament would quickly surmise that first century Christians were looking for the return of Christ. Jesus Himself told us that He would return as a thief in the night and that we should live vigilant lives. The two thousand years that have passed since Jesus said this have caused some to wonder if it is all a cruel hoax. For others the delay has only intensified their vigilance.
Did you rise this morning waiting on the Son to return from heaven? It seems to me that to believe that the return of Christ is near at hand is not so much actively watching the skies as it is actively making preparations for it. Am I living in such a manner that I am making investments in the coming economy of the Kingdom of Heaven? 10/10/2008 ts
Therefore, you, too, must be ready because the Son of Man will return when you least expect him.
and to wait for his Son from heaven…1Thess1.10 ESV
Time and again groups of people have sold all their possessions and followed some cultist leader to a remote mountaintop to wait for the return of Christ on a predicted day. Christ of course said that even He did not know the day or hour.
Even though there have been many false predictions, anyone reading the New Testament would quickly surmise that first century Christians were looking for the return of Christ. Jesus Himself told us that He would return as a thief in the night and that we should live vigilant lives. The two thousand years that have passed since Jesus said this have caused some to wonder if it is all a cruel hoax. For others the delay has only intensified their vigilance.
Did you rise this morning waiting on the Son to return from heaven? It seems to me that to believe that the return of Christ is near at hand is not so much actively watching the skies as it is actively making preparations for it. Am I living in such a manner that I am making investments in the coming economy of the Kingdom of Heaven? 10/10/2008 ts
Time and again groups of people have sold all their possessions and followed some cultist leader to a remote mountaintop to wait for the return of Christ on a predicted day. Christ of course said that even He did not know the day or hour.
Even though there have been many false predictions, anyone reading the New Testament would quickly surmise that first century Christians were looking for the return of Christ. Jesus Himself told us that He would return as a thief in the night and that we should live vigilant lives. The two thousand years that have passed since Jesus said this have caused some to wonder if it is all a cruel hoax. For others the delay has only intensified their vigilance.
Did you rise this morning waiting on the Son to return from heaven? It seems to me that to believe that the return of Christ is near at hand is not so much actively watching the skies as it is actively making preparations for it. Am I living in such a manner that I am making investments in the coming economy of the Kingdom of Heaven? 10/10/2008 ts
Friday, October 10, 2008
Championship Wrestling
The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing. Marcus Aurelius
Epaphras, who is…always struggling on your behalf in his prayers…” Col4.12 ESV
I would say that most of the time my conversations with God are free and natural. But there are also times, especially when I am praying for someone I love, that the weight of my concerns for them make my prayers seems more like a wrestling match. The word struggle in the verse above is from the Greek agōnizomai and if you tried just now to sound it out, you would hear the word “agony” in it. Actually the word means to labor or contend for a prize as in a wrestling competition. I think there are many levels in prayer where we wrestle. One of course is reconciling our desires with God’s will and often with God’s timing. Another is overcoming our worst fears and doubts about His final decision. And, if we are honest with ourselves (this can be its own wrestling match) there are times when we labor to persuade God to do what we are asking Him to do. While there are no assurances that God will give us what we want, He will certainly give us what we need. We can also be certain that all this laboring and striving in prayer is doing one thing that God desires in our prayers. Struggling works the spiritual muscles of our faith, which is after all a great prize itself. 10/9/2008 ts
Epaphras, who is…always struggling on your behalf in his prayers…” Col4.12 ESV
I would say that most of the time my conversations with God are free and natural. But there are also times, especially when I am praying for someone I love, that the weight of my concerns for them make my prayers seems more like a wrestling match. The word struggle in the verse above is from the Greek agōnizomai and if you tried just now to sound it out, you would hear the word “agony” in it. Actually the word means to labor or contend for a prize as in a wrestling competition. I think there are many levels in prayer where we wrestle. One of course is reconciling our desires with God’s will and often with God’s timing. Another is overcoming our worst fears and doubts about His final decision. And, if we are honest with ourselves (this can be its own wrestling match) there are times when we labor to persuade God to do what we are asking Him to do. While there are no assurances that God will give us what we want, He will certainly give us what we need. We can also be certain that all this laboring and striving in prayer is doing one thing that God desires in our prayers. Struggling works the spiritual muscles of our faith, which is after all a great prize itself. 10/9/2008 ts
Championship Wrestling
The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing. Marcus Aurelius
Epaphras, who is…always struggling on your behalf in his prayers…” Col4.12 ESV
I would say that most of the time my conversations with God are free and natural. But there are also times, especially when I am praying for someone I love, that the weight of my concerns for them make my prayers seems more like a wrestling match. The word struggle in the verse above is from the Greek agōnizomai and if you tried just now to sound it out, you would hear the word “agony” in it. Actually the word means to labor or contend for a prize as in a wrestling competition. I think there are many levels in prayer where we wrestle. One of course is reconciling our desires with God’s will and often with God’s timing. Another is overcoming our worst fears and doubts about His final decision. And, if we are honest with ourselves (this can be its own wrestling match) there are times when we labor to persuade God to do what we are asking Him to do. While there are no assurances that God will give us what we want, He will certainly give us what we need. We can also be certain that all this laboring and striving in prayer is doing one thing that God desires in our prayers. Struggling works the spiritual muscles of our faith, which is after all a great prize itself. 10/9/2008 ts
Epaphras, who is…always struggling on your behalf in his prayers…” Col4.12 ESV
I would say that most of the time my conversations with God are free and natural. But there are also times, especially when I am praying for someone I love, that the weight of my concerns for them make my prayers seems more like a wrestling match. The word struggle in the verse above is from the Greek agōnizomai and if you tried just now to sound it out, you would hear the word “agony” in it. Actually the word means to labor or contend for a prize as in a wrestling competition. I think there are many levels in prayer where we wrestle. One of course is reconciling our desires with God’s will and often with God’s timing. Another is overcoming our worst fears and doubts about His final decision. And, if we are honest with ourselves (this can be its own wrestling match) there are times when we labor to persuade God to do what we are asking Him to do. While there are no assurances that God will give us what we want, He will certainly give us what we need. We can also be certain that all this laboring and striving in prayer is doing one thing that God desires in our prayers. Struggling works the spiritual muscles of our faith, which is after all a great prize itself. 10/9/2008 ts
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Are you living life or just surviving it?
“Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.” ~Voltaire
“…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Col3.16 ESV
Many of the things graciously given to us by God, were designed not only to sustain life, it is His kind intention that they express it. These wonders promote life, health and peace and are themselves the very enjoyment of living. We don’t just eat to stay alive do we? Much of the enjoyment we have in life is centered around eating. And, eating and drinking are the activities not only of the body but also the soul. Doesn’t the soul find as much pleasure in eating, as does the tongue?
Why should our prayers or meditations be any different? Why do we make a religion out of these precious gifts? These things were graciously given not only to sustain our spiritual life; they, like food and drink to the body, are to the soul the very enjoyment of spiritual living. But just as dieting makes a chore out of eating, religion makes a chore out of praying. 10/8/2008 ts
“…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Col3.16 ESV
Many of the things graciously given to us by God, were designed not only to sustain life, it is His kind intention that they express it. These wonders promote life, health and peace and are themselves the very enjoyment of living. We don’t just eat to stay alive do we? Much of the enjoyment we have in life is centered around eating. And, eating and drinking are the activities not only of the body but also the soul. Doesn’t the soul find as much pleasure in eating, as does the tongue?
Why should our prayers or meditations be any different? Why do we make a religion out of these precious gifts? These things were graciously given not only to sustain our spiritual life; they, like food and drink to the body, are to the soul the very enjoyment of spiritual living. But just as dieting makes a chore out of eating, religion makes a chore out of praying. 10/8/2008 ts
Are you living life or just surviving it?
“Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.” ~Voltaire
“…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Col3.16 ESV
Many of the things graciously given to us by God, were designed not only to sustain life, it is His kind intention that they express it. These wonders promote life, health and peace and are themselves the very enjoyment of living. We don’t just eat to stay alive do we? Much of the enjoyment we have in life is centered around eating. And, eating and drinking are the activities not only of the body but also the soul. Doesn’t the soul find as much pleasure in eating, as does the tongue?
Why should our prayers or meditations be any different? Why do we make a religion out of these precious gifts? These things were graciously given not only to sustain our spiritual life; they, like food and drink to the body, are to the soul the very enjoyment of spiritual living. But just as dieting makes a chore out of eating, religion makes a chore out of praying. 10/8/2008 ts
“…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Col3.16 ESV
Many of the things graciously given to us by God, were designed not only to sustain life, it is His kind intention that they express it. These wonders promote life, health and peace and are themselves the very enjoyment of living. We don’t just eat to stay alive do we? Much of the enjoyment we have in life is centered around eating. And, eating and drinking are the activities not only of the body but also the soul. Doesn’t the soul find as much pleasure in eating, as does the tongue?
Why should our prayers or meditations be any different? Why do we make a religion out of these precious gifts? These things were graciously given not only to sustain our spiritual life; they, like food and drink to the body, are to the soul the very enjoyment of spiritual living. But just as dieting makes a chore out of eating, religion makes a chore out of praying. 10/8/2008 ts
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Beware the controlling spiritual leader
“Liberty is the prevention of control by others.” John Acton
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Mat7.15 ESV
There are many dangerous people who have taken to themselves the cloak being a spiritual guru over others. The first century had its share and Paul spent a great deal of energy warning Christians about them. Control freaks are often disguised as Bible teachers, pastors and priests, and often burden their followers with a great deal of religions nonsense. I once heard of a pastor who persuaded the men in his congregation that it was God’s will that they all grow beards.
Too many people in ministry measure their worth by the number of people who come hear them speak and the degree of influence they can exercise over them. What characterizes a controlling pastor? Fruit of course. Even when these people talk about following Jesus they somehow and always come back to supporting their church or whatever else they are trying accomplish. Controlling pastors want you to serve Christ by serving their cause; real pastors just help you to serve Christ. Wolves prey on the sheep; shepherds serve them. ts
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Mat7.15 ESV
There are many dangerous people who have taken to themselves the cloak being a spiritual guru over others. The first century had its share and Paul spent a great deal of energy warning Christians about them. Control freaks are often disguised as Bible teachers, pastors and priests, and often burden their followers with a great deal of religions nonsense. I once heard of a pastor who persuaded the men in his congregation that it was God’s will that they all grow beards.
Too many people in ministry measure their worth by the number of people who come hear them speak and the degree of influence they can exercise over them. What characterizes a controlling pastor? Fruit of course. Even when these people talk about following Jesus they somehow and always come back to supporting their church or whatever else they are trying accomplish. Controlling pastors want you to serve Christ by serving their cause; real pastors just help you to serve Christ. Wolves prey on the sheep; shepherds serve them. ts
Beware the controlling spiritual leader
“Liberty is the prevention of control by others.” John Acton
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Mat7.15 ESV
There are many dangerous people who have taken to themselves the cloak being a spiritual guru over others. The first century had its share and Paul spent a great deal of energy warning Christians about them. Control freaks are often disguised as Bible teachers, pastors and priests, and often burden their followers with a great deal of religions nonsense. I once heard of a pastor who persuaded the men in his congregation that it was God’s will that they all grow beards.
Too many people in ministry measure their worth by the number of people who come hear them speak and the degree of influence they can exercise over them. What characterizes a controlling pastor? Fruit of course. Even when these people talk about following Jesus they somehow and always come back to supporting their church or whatever else they are trying accomplish. Controlling pastors want you to serve Christ by serving their cause; real pastors just help you to serve Christ. Wolves prey on the sheep; shepherds serve them. ts
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Mat7.15 ESV
There are many dangerous people who have taken to themselves the cloak being a spiritual guru over others. The first century had its share and Paul spent a great deal of energy warning Christians about them. Control freaks are often disguised as Bible teachers, pastors and priests, and often burden their followers with a great deal of religions nonsense. I once heard of a pastor who persuaded the men in his congregation that it was God’s will that they all grow beards.
Too many people in ministry measure their worth by the number of people who come hear them speak and the degree of influence they can exercise over them. What characterizes a controlling pastor? Fruit of course. Even when these people talk about following Jesus they somehow and always come back to supporting their church or whatever else they are trying accomplish. Controlling pastors want you to serve Christ by serving their cause; real pastors just help you to serve Christ. Wolves prey on the sheep; shepherds serve them. ts
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Convenient inconveniences
“Patience, n. A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue.” Ambrose Bierce
…for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father…” Col1.11 ESV
I should think that most of us do not usually link patience with joy. Generally when I think of patience I imagine “putting up” with something beyond my control like standing in a long line at Wal-Mart. You can bet that I have exhausted every means to find the shortest line but having found none, I patiently endure whatever line is available. And, I usually feel that I have done well if I do not begrudge my fate. But to say that I have patience with joy? Hardly! Now my use of the word “fate” is no slip of the tongue. You may think me silly but I believe that God has somehow led me to be at such a place at such a time if for no other purpose but to teach me patience. And, if I am not having a good day I will blame Him (if you can believe such arrogance) for wasting my time. Perhaps I would know joy in my patience if I would give thanks to God at such times. Give thanks for what? Well for one thing, can we not thank God that inconveniences to my hurried schedule are actually convenient opportunities to trust His providence. If that is not enough, we can at least be grateful for His patience in trying to help us overcome our arrogant impatience. 10/7/2008 ts
…for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father…” Col1.11 ESV
I should think that most of us do not usually link patience with joy. Generally when I think of patience I imagine “putting up” with something beyond my control like standing in a long line at Wal-Mart. You can bet that I have exhausted every means to find the shortest line but having found none, I patiently endure whatever line is available. And, I usually feel that I have done well if I do not begrudge my fate. But to say that I have patience with joy? Hardly! Now my use of the word “fate” is no slip of the tongue. You may think me silly but I believe that God has somehow led me to be at such a place at such a time if for no other purpose but to teach me patience. And, if I am not having a good day I will blame Him (if you can believe such arrogance) for wasting my time. Perhaps I would know joy in my patience if I would give thanks to God at such times. Give thanks for what? Well for one thing, can we not thank God that inconveniences to my hurried schedule are actually convenient opportunities to trust His providence. If that is not enough, we can at least be grateful for His patience in trying to help us overcome our arrogant impatience. 10/7/2008 ts
Convenient inconveniences
“Patience, n. A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue.” Ambrose Bierce
…for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father…” Col1.11 ESV
I should think that most of us do not usually link patience with joy. Generally when I think of patience I imagine “putting up” with something beyond my control like standing in a long line at Wal-Mart. You can bet that I have exhausted every means to find the shortest line but having found none, I patiently endure whatever line is available. And, I usually feel that I have done well if I do not begrudge my fate. But to say that I have patience with joy? Hardly! Now my use of the word “fate” is no slip of the tongue. You may think me silly but I believe that God has somehow led me to be at such a place at such a time if for no other purpose but to teach me patience. And, if I am not having a good day I will blame Him (if you can believe such arrogance) for wasting my time. Perhaps I would know joy in my patience if I would give thanks to God at such times. Give thanks for what? Well for one thing, can we not thank God that inconveniences to my hurried schedule are actually convenient opportunities to trust His providence. If that is not enough, we can at least be grateful for His patience in trying to help us overcome our arrogant impatience. 10/7/2008 ts
…for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father…” Col1.11 ESV
I should think that most of us do not usually link patience with joy. Generally when I think of patience I imagine “putting up” with something beyond my control like standing in a long line at Wal-Mart. You can bet that I have exhausted every means to find the shortest line but having found none, I patiently endure whatever line is available. And, I usually feel that I have done well if I do not begrudge my fate. But to say that I have patience with joy? Hardly! Now my use of the word “fate” is no slip of the tongue. You may think me silly but I believe that God has somehow led me to be at such a place at such a time if for no other purpose but to teach me patience. And, if I am not having a good day I will blame Him (if you can believe such arrogance) for wasting my time. Perhaps I would know joy in my patience if I would give thanks to God at such times. Give thanks for what? Well for one thing, can we not thank God that inconveniences to my hurried schedule are actually convenient opportunities to trust His providence. If that is not enough, we can at least be grateful for His patience in trying to help us overcome our arrogant impatience. 10/7/2008 ts
Monday, October 6, 2008
“Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice” Anonymous
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phil 4.9 ESV
We may look at this verse in the opposite direction to see the proper witness of a Christian. When we practice our faith in Christ others will no doubt see it. Only when they see someone practicing faith will they be able to really hear anything said about it. After all we do not want them to merely hear what we say but receive it as credible. Perhaps then with God’s grace they will learn it for themselves. Now the danger of course is that I practice my faith simply for show. The only good reason for wanting to be an example at all is because we love the people in our life and want what it best for them. We do not want people to be impressed with us but with Christ. The best way to help my family and friends experience God’s peace is for me to experience it first in myself. 10/4/2008 ts
We may look at this verse in the opposite direction to see the proper witness of a Christian. When we practice our faith in Christ others will no doubt see it. Only when they see someone practicing faith will they be able to really hear anything said about it. After all we do not want them to merely hear what we say but receive it as credible. Perhaps then with God’s grace they will learn it for themselves. Now the danger of course is that I practice my faith simply for show. The only good reason for wanting to be an example at all is because we love the people in our life and want what it best for them. We do not want people to be impressed with us but with Christ. The best way to help my family and friends experience God’s peace is for me to experience it first in myself. 10/4/2008 ts
“Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice” Anonymous
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phil 4.9 ESV
We may look at this verse in the opposite direction to see the proper witness of a Christian. When we practice our faith in Christ others will no doubt see it. Only when they see someone practicing faith will they be able to really hear anything said about it. After all we do not want them to merely hear what we say but receive it as credible. Perhaps then with God’s grace they will learn it for themselves. Now the danger of course is that I practice my faith simply for show. The only good reason for wanting to be an example at all is because we love the people in our life and want what it best for them. We do not want people to be impressed with us but with Christ. The best way to help my family and friends experience God’s peace is for me to experience it first in myself. 10/4/2008 ts
We may look at this verse in the opposite direction to see the proper witness of a Christian. When we practice our faith in Christ others will no doubt see it. Only when they see someone practicing faith will they be able to really hear anything said about it. After all we do not want them to merely hear what we say but receive it as credible. Perhaps then with God’s grace they will learn it for themselves. Now the danger of course is that I practice my faith simply for show. The only good reason for wanting to be an example at all is because we love the people in our life and want what it best for them. We do not want people to be impressed with us but with Christ. The best way to help my family and friends experience God’s peace is for me to experience it first in myself. 10/4/2008 ts
Saturday, October 4, 2008
“All mortals tend to turn into the things they are pretending to be.” C.S. Lewis
I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Phil3.12 ESV
I came to Christ during the Jesus movement of the late sixties and early seventies. I was a Jesus hippy, complete with long hair and denim covered Bible. And, because I wanted to be like Jesus I wore sandals, sometimes dressed in a robe and wore a wooden cross around my neck. Don’t all children try to wear the garb of what they want to be when they play make believe? I smile to think of my teenage attempts to be like Jesus but I was headed in the right direction. It helps to wear a toy holster if you are pretending to be a cowboy. Think of all the kids who wore those plastic play fireman hats, who grew up and became actual firemen. It would seem, at least for the present, that all we can really do is pretend to be what we will actually be when we get to glory. There we shall be all grown up and truly like Him. Of course, the real clothing of Christ is not sandals and a robe, but love, joy, peace and patience. Yes, it is kindness, goodness, meekness and self-control. For now let us play and pretend to be Jesus until we actually grow up into Him. 10/3/2008 ts
I came to Christ during the Jesus movement of the late sixties and early seventies. I was a Jesus hippy, complete with long hair and denim covered Bible. And, because I wanted to be like Jesus I wore sandals, sometimes dressed in a robe and wore a wooden cross around my neck. Don’t all children try to wear the garb of what they want to be when they play make believe? I smile to think of my teenage attempts to be like Jesus but I was headed in the right direction. It helps to wear a toy holster if you are pretending to be a cowboy. Think of all the kids who wore those plastic play fireman hats, who grew up and became actual firemen. It would seem, at least for the present, that all we can really do is pretend to be what we will actually be when we get to glory. There we shall be all grown up and truly like Him. Of course, the real clothing of Christ is not sandals and a robe, but love, joy, peace and patience. Yes, it is kindness, goodness, meekness and self-control. For now let us play and pretend to be Jesus until we actually grow up into Him. 10/3/2008 ts
“All mortals tend to turn into the things they are pretending to be.” C.S. Lewis
I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Phil3.12 ESV
I came to Christ during the Jesus movement of the late sixties and early seventies. I was a Jesus hippy, complete with long hair and denim covered Bible. And, because I wanted to be like Jesus I wore sandals, sometimes dressed in a robe and wore a wooden cross around my neck. Don’t all children try to wear the garb of what they want to be when they play make believe? I smile to think of my teenage attempts to be like Jesus but I was headed in the right direction. It helps to wear a toy holster if you are pretending to be a cowboy. Think of all the kids who wore those plastic play fireman hats, who grew up and became actual firemen. It would seem, at least for the present, that all we can really do is pretend to be what we will actually be when we get to glory. There we shall be all grown up and truly like Him. Of course, the real clothing of Christ is not sandals and a robe, but love, joy, peace and patience. Yes, it is kindness, goodness, meekness and self-control. For now let us play and pretend to be Jesus until we actually grow up into Him. 10/3/2008 ts
I came to Christ during the Jesus movement of the late sixties and early seventies. I was a Jesus hippy, complete with long hair and denim covered Bible. And, because I wanted to be like Jesus I wore sandals, sometimes dressed in a robe and wore a wooden cross around my neck. Don’t all children try to wear the garb of what they want to be when they play make believe? I smile to think of my teenage attempts to be like Jesus but I was headed in the right direction. It helps to wear a toy holster if you are pretending to be a cowboy. Think of all the kids who wore those plastic play fireman hats, who grew up and became actual firemen. It would seem, at least for the present, that all we can really do is pretend to be what we will actually be when we get to glory. There we shall be all grown up and truly like Him. Of course, the real clothing of Christ is not sandals and a robe, but love, joy, peace and patience. Yes, it is kindness, goodness, meekness and self-control. For now let us play and pretend to be Jesus until we actually grow up into Him. 10/3/2008 ts
Friday, October 3, 2008
“Wax on, wax off, wax on, wax off” Mr. Miyagi
“Work out your salvation…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Phil2.13 ESV
When God works some grace in us, we should certainly work it out. What I mean is that we should give expression to those inner encouragements we receive from Him. The Holy Spirit not only tells us what is right, I believe that He places in us a desire for it. What is left is for us to finish what He has furnished, to express the desire in some obedient action. We want God’s will because He has graciously put the want in us. Of course the problem is with all those other wants. I should think it wise that we take a lesson from Mr. Miyagi. Remember Karate Kid? “Wax on, wax off, wax on, wax off.” In other words, we train before we fight. In those moments when a desire to do God’s will is greatest, we should rehearse our responses to opponent desires. We should practice, if only in our mind, what we will do when anger, or lust or pride make their move. Take time each day to train yourself for godliness. ts
When God works some grace in us, we should certainly work it out. What I mean is that we should give expression to those inner encouragements we receive from Him. The Holy Spirit not only tells us what is right, I believe that He places in us a desire for it. What is left is for us to finish what He has furnished, to express the desire in some obedient action. We want God’s will because He has graciously put the want in us. Of course the problem is with all those other wants. I should think it wise that we take a lesson from Mr. Miyagi. Remember Karate Kid? “Wax on, wax off, wax on, wax off.” In other words, we train before we fight. In those moments when a desire to do God’s will is greatest, we should rehearse our responses to opponent desires. We should practice, if only in our mind, what we will do when anger, or lust or pride make their move. Take time each day to train yourself for godliness. ts
“Wax on, wax off, wax on, wax off” Mr. Miyagi
“Work out your salvation…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Phil2.13 ESV
When God works some grace in us, we should certainly work it out. What I mean is that we should give expression to those inner encouragements we receive from Him. The Holy Spirit not only tells us what is right, I believe that He places in us a desire for it. What is left is for us to finish what He has furnished, to express the desire in some obedient action. We want God’s will because He has graciously put the want in us. Of course the problem is with all those other wants. I should think it wise that we take a lesson from Mr. Miyagi. Remember Karate Kid? “Wax on, wax off, wax on, wax off.” In other words, we train before we fight. In those moments when a desire to do God’s will is greatest, we should rehearse our responses to opponent desires. We should practice, if only in our mind, what we will do when anger, or lust or pride make their move. Take time each day to train yourself for godliness. ts
When God works some grace in us, we should certainly work it out. What I mean is that we should give expression to those inner encouragements we receive from Him. The Holy Spirit not only tells us what is right, I believe that He places in us a desire for it. What is left is for us to finish what He has furnished, to express the desire in some obedient action. We want God’s will because He has graciously put the want in us. Of course the problem is with all those other wants. I should think it wise that we take a lesson from Mr. Miyagi. Remember Karate Kid? “Wax on, wax off, wax on, wax off.” In other words, we train before we fight. In those moments when a desire to do God’s will is greatest, we should rehearse our responses to opponent desires. We should practice, if only in our mind, what we will do when anger, or lust or pride make their move. Take time each day to train yourself for godliness. ts
Thursday, October 2, 2008
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Anonymous
“Yes, and I will rejoice…” Phil1.18 ESV
Which of us is not able to look back and recall past blessings? Isn’t it true that God has blessed us time and time again? Isn’t it also true that even now, this very moment we are surrounded by present favor? Even if we are this day, facing some trial, we are still encircled by expressions of His love, mercy and grace. We rejoice in God’s favor and not only give thanks for past and present blessings, we may be confidence that we will rejoice in our tomorrows for blessings that are sure to come. Because of Jesus, our best days are before us. There is no need to fear the future when we are in the company of Christ today. He has brought us to the present; He will see us to our future. We have rejoiced. We do, even now, rejoice! Yes, and we will rejoice. 10/1/2008 ts
Life in every breath. Every breath of Christ!
http://gracemodeste.blogspot.com/
Which of us is not able to look back and recall past blessings? Isn’t it true that God has blessed us time and time again? Isn’t it also true that even now, this very moment we are surrounded by present favor? Even if we are this day, facing some trial, we are still encircled by expressions of His love, mercy and grace. We rejoice in God’s favor and not only give thanks for past and present blessings, we may be confidence that we will rejoice in our tomorrows for blessings that are sure to come. Because of Jesus, our best days are before us. There is no need to fear the future when we are in the company of Christ today. He has brought us to the present; He will see us to our future. We have rejoiced. We do, even now, rejoice! Yes, and we will rejoice. 10/1/2008 ts
Life in every breath. Every breath of Christ!
http://gracemodeste.blogspot.com/
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Anonymous
“Yes, and I will rejoice…” Phil1.18 ESV
Which of us is not able to look back and recall past blessings? Isn’t it true that God has blessed us time and time again? Isn’t it also true that even now, this very moment we are surrounded by present favor? Even if we are this day, facing some trial, we are still encircled by expressions of His love, mercy and grace. We rejoice in God’s favor and not only give thanks for past and present blessings, we may be confidence that we will rejoice in our tomorrows for blessings that are sure to come. Because of Jesus, our best days are before us. There is no need to fear the future when we are in the company of Christ today. He has brought us to the present; He will see us to our future. We have rejoiced. We do, even now, rejoice! Yes, and we will rejoice. 10/1/2008 ts
Life in every breath. Every breath of Christ!
http://gracemodeste.blogspot.com/
Which of us is not able to look back and recall past blessings? Isn’t it true that God has blessed us time and time again? Isn’t it also true that even now, this very moment we are surrounded by present favor? Even if we are this day, facing some trial, we are still encircled by expressions of His love, mercy and grace. We rejoice in God’s favor and not only give thanks for past and present blessings, we may be confidence that we will rejoice in our tomorrows for blessings that are sure to come. Because of Jesus, our best days are before us. There is no need to fear the future when we are in the company of Christ today. He has brought us to the present; He will see us to our future. We have rejoiced. We do, even now, rejoice! Yes, and we will rejoice. 10/1/2008 ts
Life in every breath. Every breath of Christ!
http://gracemodeste.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” A. J. Muste
“They shall eat, but not be satisfied…” Hosea 1.10 ESV
The other day I told Brenda that I was hungering for some time in the woods. Walking through a forest, works the same enchantment in my soul as reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. God reveals Himself in them and I am moved to childlike wonder and worship--but not always. I have known hurried seasons in my life when I thought that if I could only sit by forest stream then peace would return to my heart. But I learned sometime ago that peaceful places do not always quiet the heart, just as the Scriptures do not always comfort it. There is no peace in us, nor can there be, when we are holding on to selfish notions. Anytime we refuse fellowship with God, we are out of sync with all His other graces. Food does not satisfy; sleep gives no rest, and peaceful places do not calm the soul. To seek peace without God is to seek breath without air. Every good and beautiful thing was created to lead us to Him and if they cannot because we refuse Him they can lead us nowhere. Anytime we center ourselves around ourselves we only travel in circles. 9/30/2008 ts
The other day I told Brenda that I was hungering for some time in the woods. Walking through a forest, works the same enchantment in my soul as reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. God reveals Himself in them and I am moved to childlike wonder and worship--but not always. I have known hurried seasons in my life when I thought that if I could only sit by forest stream then peace would return to my heart. But I learned sometime ago that peaceful places do not always quiet the heart, just as the Scriptures do not always comfort it. There is no peace in us, nor can there be, when we are holding on to selfish notions. Anytime we refuse fellowship with God, we are out of sync with all His other graces. Food does not satisfy; sleep gives no rest, and peaceful places do not calm the soul. To seek peace without God is to seek breath without air. Every good and beautiful thing was created to lead us to Him and if they cannot because we refuse Him they can lead us nowhere. Anytime we center ourselves around ourselves we only travel in circles. 9/30/2008 ts
“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” A. J. Muste
“They shall eat, but not be satisfied…” Hosea 1.10 ESV
The other day I told Brenda that I was hungering for some time in the woods. Walking through a forest, works the same enchantment in my soul as reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. God reveals Himself in them and I am moved to childlike wonder and worship--but not always. I have known hurried seasons in my life when I thought that if I could only sit by forest stream then peace would return to my heart. But I learned sometime ago that peaceful places do not always quiet the heart, just as the Scriptures do not always comfort it. There is no peace in us, nor can there be, when we are holding on to selfish notions. Anytime we refuse fellowship with God, we are out of sync with all His other graces. Food does not satisfy; sleep gives no rest, and peaceful places do not calm the soul. To seek peace without God is to seek breath without air. Every good and beautiful thing was created to lead us to Him and if they cannot because we refuse Him they can lead us nowhere. Anytime we center ourselves around ourselves we only travel in circles. 9/30/2008 ts
The other day I told Brenda that I was hungering for some time in the woods. Walking through a forest, works the same enchantment in my soul as reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. God reveals Himself in them and I am moved to childlike wonder and worship--but not always. I have known hurried seasons in my life when I thought that if I could only sit by forest stream then peace would return to my heart. But I learned sometime ago that peaceful places do not always quiet the heart, just as the Scriptures do not always comfort it. There is no peace in us, nor can there be, when we are holding on to selfish notions. Anytime we refuse fellowship with God, we are out of sync with all His other graces. Food does not satisfy; sleep gives no rest, and peaceful places do not calm the soul. To seek peace without God is to seek breath without air. Every good and beautiful thing was created to lead us to Him and if they cannot because we refuse Him they can lead us nowhere. Anytime we center ourselves around ourselves we only travel in circles. 9/30/2008 ts
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