"The filth that our…resentful enemies fling at the Holy One, either does not stick, or, sticking, turns into glory." C. S. Lewis

“You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay…” Is.29.16 ESV

Have you ever felt that God should explain some of the things He does, or allows to happen? Every time we do this, we turn things upside down, place God on trial and set ourselves up as His judge—the Maker is questioned by what is made. Adam’s first exchange with God after he sinned was to blame Him, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate?” It is amazing love that forgives such arrogance in us. God turns His other cheek every time one of us questions His word or His ways. Yet, despite this, some still think Him to be a tyrant even as He mercifully sustains the very breath they use to curse Him. God help us to cease all prideful judgments and especially those directed toward Him. And, if He is so charitably tolerant toward us, should we not practice charitable tolerance especially toward those who attack our faith. 12/30/2008 ts

"The filth that our…resentful enemies fling at the Holy One, either does not stick, or, sticking, turns into glory." C. S. Lewis

“You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay…” Is.29.16 ESV

Have you ever felt that God should explain some of the things He does, or allows to happen? Every time we do this, we turn things upside down, place God on trial and set ourselves up as His judge—the Maker is questioned by what is made. Adam’s first exchange with God after he sinned was to blame Him, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate?” It is amazing love that forgives such arrogance in us. God turns His other cheek every time one of us questions His word or His ways. Yet, despite this, some still think Him to be a tyrant even as He mercifully sustains the very breath they use to curse Him. God help us to cease all prideful judgments and especially those directed toward Him. And, if He is so charitably tolerant toward us, should we not practice charitable tolerance especially toward those who attack our faith. 12/30/2008 ts

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow.” Lao-Tzu

Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Is.28.24 ESV

Progression is built into the framework of creation. Plowing gives way to planting and planting to pruning and pruning to harvest. One does not keep on plowing and plowing and plowing. There is a time to plow, indeed there is a time for everything under the sun, but one season passes naturally into another and we are wise to give ourselves to these ordered rhythms. The Spirit teaches us when to plow, when to plant, when to work, and when to play. We should learn to read the seasons of life, content our hearts with the change that necessarily comes as one passes into another and train ourselves “to go with the flow.” “For he is rightly instructed; his God teaches him.” Youth passes into age and we should all age with grace. Indeed, we should learn to make our peace with each passing season if we are to know the joy of God’s presence in them. Heraclitus observed that, “everything flows and nothing abides, everything gives way and nothing stays fixed.” There is one constant as we pass through this passing age, though it is manifest in many ways, even unknown by many, and that is the love of God in Christ. 12/29/2008 ts

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow.” Lao-Tzu

Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Is.28.24 ESV

Progression is built into the framework of creation. Plowing gives way to planting and planting to pruning and pruning to harvest. One does not keep on plowing and plowing and plowing. There is a time to plow, indeed there is a time for everything under the sun, but one season passes naturally into another and we are wise to give ourselves to these ordered rhythms. The Spirit teaches us when to plow, when to plant, when to work, and when to play. We should learn to read the seasons of life, content our hearts with the change that necessarily comes as one passes into another and train ourselves “to go with the flow.” “For he is rightly instructed; his God teaches him.” Youth passes into age and we should all age with grace. Indeed, we should learn to make our peace with each passing season if we are to know the joy of God’s presence in them. Heraclitus observed that, “everything flows and nothing abides, everything gives way and nothing stays fixed.” There is one constant as we pass through this passing age, though it is manifest in many ways, even unknown by many, and that is the love of God in Christ. 12/29/2008 ts

You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” Rick Warren

I, the Lord, am its keeper; every moment I water it. Lest anyone punish it, I keep it night and day. Is.27.3 ESV

It comforts me to know that God the Father is the Gardener who tends to the vineyard. We are not some wild vine growing aimlessly, but one under His tender care and direction. This gives purpose and meaning to everything in life. God keeps us as much in the dark night as He does in the day when all is bright. Jesus left us this imagery the night He was betrayed. When we consider all the good that has come from that dark night, we can rest assured that God working all things for good in our nights of trial. He keeps us both night and day. Days are promised to us as well as seasons of night. We may fully expect to see the warmth of the sun on our face. The Gardener fully intends His vineyard to bear fruit and every thing He does in our lives is to produce it. What He is doing right now, this very day He is doing for that purpose. He waters us every moment with all grace. 12/24/2008 ts

You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” Rick Warren

I, the Lord, am its keeper; every moment I water it. Lest anyone punish it, I keep it night and day. Is.27.3 ESV

It comforts me to know that God the Father is the Gardener who tends to the vineyard. We are not some wild vine growing aimlessly, but one under His tender care and direction. This gives purpose and meaning to everything in life. God keeps us as much in the dark night as He does in the day when all is bright. Jesus left us this imagery the night He was betrayed. When we consider all the good that has come from that dark night, we can rest assured that God working all things for good in our nights of trial. He keeps us both night and day. Days are promised to us as well as seasons of night. We may fully expect to see the warmth of the sun on our face. The Gardener fully intends His vineyard to bear fruit and every thing He does in our lives is to produce it. What He is doing right now, this very day He is doing for that purpose. He waters us every moment with all grace. 12/24/2008 ts

“The best way to forget ones self is to look at the world with attention and love.” Red Auerbach

“The best way to forget ones self is to look at the world with attention and love.” Red Auerbach

“In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.” Is.26.8 ESV

If you ask most people whose opinion matters most, most would say either their family or the Lord’s. Now I think we really want to believe that God’s opinion matters most, but truthfully, we still struggle with plying for the approval of people. This is not always a bad thing. Consider the encouragement; “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Another place in the Bible records these words, “I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” But this same apostle warned us that we should not live “by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” I think the idea is that God is pleased when we seek what is best for those around us without thinking of ourselves at all. There is a vast difference in the person who serves his neighbor to highlight the value of God in Christ and one who does good so that His neighbor will think highly of him. Both may perform the same task in the same way with the same level of skill and enthusiasm. But the motive of one is genuine love for their neighbor that ultimately results in the praise of God, and the other his own vanity. 12/23/2008 ts

“The best way to forget ones self is to look at the world with attention and love.” Red Auerbach

“The best way to forget ones self is to look at the world with attention and love.” Red Auerbach

“In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.” Is.26.8 ESV

If you ask most people whose opinion matters most, most would say either their family or the Lord’s. Now I think we really want to believe that God’s opinion matters most, but truthfully, we still struggle with plying for the approval of people. This is not always a bad thing. Consider the encouragement; “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Another place in the Bible records these words, “I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” But this same apostle warned us that we should not live “by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” I think the idea is that God is pleased when we seek what is best for those around us without thinking of ourselves at all. There is a vast difference in the person who serves his neighbor to highlight the value of God in Christ and one who does good so that His neighbor will think highly of him. Both may perform the same task in the same way with the same level of skill and enthusiasm. But the motive of one is genuine love for their neighbor that ultimately results in the praise of God, and the other his own vanity. 12/23/2008 ts

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Paul

“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces…” Is.25.8 ESV

Yesterday Brenda and I took our yellow lab Maggie to the pet store to get her a new Frisbee for Christmas. A tenderhearted woman came up and started petting her telling us that Maggie looked just like her Lab. When she looked up, we could see the tears in her eyes as she explained that her dog had recently died. After a few moments, she held up her hand, overwhelmed with emotion and sadly walked away. The pains of death visit us all.
In His first coming, Christ tasted death so that in His second, He will swallow it up forever. All our hopes are in Jesus-all of them. And, though we too will one day walk down into death’s valley, we will not walk alone and He is sure to lead us up from it into everlasting Son shine. Or, it just may be that we will be among those alive at His return and never experience death. But those who have this unique distinction will not precede those who have the privilege of going to the grave like Jesus and of coming forth in that same likeness. Nice way to look at it, don’t you think? In either case, we win because He has won. 12/22/2008 ts

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Paul

“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces…” Is.25.8 ESV

Yesterday Brenda and I took our yellow lab Maggie to the pet store to get her a new Frisbee for Christmas. A tenderhearted woman came up and started petting her telling us that Maggie looked just like her Lab. When she looked up, we could see the tears in her eyes as she explained that her dog had recently died. After a few moments, she held up her hand, overwhelmed with emotion and sadly walked away. The pains of death visit us all.
In His first coming, Christ tasted death so that in His second, He will swallow it up forever. All our hopes are in Jesus-all of them. And, though we too will one day walk down into death’s valley, we will not walk alone and He is sure to lead us up from it into everlasting Son shine. Or, it just may be that we will be among those alive at His return and never experience death. But those who have this unique distinction will not precede those who have the privilege of going to the grave like Jesus and of coming forth in that same likeness. Nice way to look at it, don’t you think? In either case, we win because He has won. 12/22/2008 ts

And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest;

as with the slave, so with his master;
as with the maid, so with her mistress;
as with the buyer, so with the seller;
as with the lender, so with the borrower;
as with the creditor, so with the debtor. Is.24.2 ESV

We are told in the Bible that God doesn't show partiality. Actually, this word translates, “God does not receive face.” These words are directed to the whole of humanity, but specifically to everyone who chooses to stand on their own record at judgment. You might wonder, well who else’s record would I be judged by if not by my own? And that, is the very point that Jesus came to make. Those who stand on their own record, will no doubt find that they do not measure up. Nobody has a passing grade. But Christ offers grace to every single person who realizes this about himself or herself and comes to Him for help. That amazing grace is that Jesus, with the permission of His Father, trades report cards with us. He gives us His perfect record and promises to expunge our own. That is the good news that Christians speak to the world. Actually there is one face that God does receive, one face that always brings a smile to the Father--one Son in whom He is well pleased. That of course is the face of Jesus and all who are with Him and in Him, will find a favorable reception at the judgment. We are with Him and in Him when we stop standing on our own record and begin trusting in His death and life to save us. 12/20/2008 ts

And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest;

as with the slave, so with his master;
as with the maid, so with her mistress;
as with the buyer, so with the seller;
as with the lender, so with the borrower;
as with the creditor, so with the debtor. Is.24.2 ESV

We are told in the Bible that God doesn't show partiality. Actually, this word translates, “God does not receive face.” These words are directed to the whole of humanity, but specifically to everyone who chooses to stand on their own record at judgment. You might wonder, well who else’s record would I be judged by if not by my own? And that, is the very point that Jesus came to make. Those who stand on their own record, will no doubt find that they do not measure up. Nobody has a passing grade. But Christ offers grace to every single person who realizes this about himself or herself and comes to Him for help. That amazing grace is that Jesus, with the permission of His Father, trades report cards with us. He gives us His perfect record and promises to expunge our own. That is the good news that Christians speak to the world. Actually there is one face that God does receive, one face that always brings a smile to the Father--one Son in whom He is well pleased. That of course is the face of Jesus and all who are with Him and in Him, will find a favorable reception at the judgment. We are with Him and in Him when we stop standing on our own record and begin trusting in His death and life to save us. 12/20/2008 ts

There will be two kinds of people in the end:

Those that will say to God 'Thy will be done' and those to whom God will say 'Thy will be done.' C.S. Lewis.

“The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory…” Is.23.9 ESV

The prophets, who warned now extinct empires of their impending doom, were quick to point out at least three things. First, they were being judged for their arrogance. Second, it was the Lord of hosts judging them. And third, God would carry out His judgment by handing them over to another arrogant nation. We learn several things about the nature of God’s dealings with us. One, He abhors pride in all its expressions. Two, His judgments often involve letting people have their own way which is to say He lets them injure themselves. And three, it is silly for us to blame God for all the terrible things that people do to each other trying to fulfill their own selfish purposes. One reason God gives us over to our pride, it to teach us that we need His help to make right choices and that without Him we will surely make the wrong ones. Why would any of us blame Him for the consequences of the wrong choices we make? But people do this all the time and the reason is that poor vision even blindness is one of the consequences of arrogance. God isn’t putting out our eyes, we are. 12/19/2008 ts

There will be two kinds of people in the end:

Those that will say to God 'Thy will be done' and those to whom God will say 'Thy will be done.' C.S. Lewis.

“The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory…” Is.23.9 ESV

The prophets, who warned now extinct empires of their impending doom, were quick to point out at least three things. First, they were being judged for their arrogance. Second, it was the Lord of hosts judging them. And third, God would carry out His judgment by handing them over to another arrogant nation. We learn several things about the nature of God’s dealings with us. One, He abhors pride in all its expressions. Two, His judgments often involve letting people have their own way which is to say He lets them injure themselves. And three, it is silly for us to blame God for all the terrible things that people do to each other trying to fulfill their own selfish purposes. One reason God gives us over to our pride, it to teach us that we need His help to make right choices and that without Him we will surely make the wrong ones. Why would any of us blame Him for the consequences of the wrong choices we make? But people do this all the time and the reason is that poor vision even blindness is one of the consequences of arrogance. God isn’t putting out our eyes, we are. 12/19/2008 ts

“Enjoy life. Think of all the women who passed up dessert on the Titanic.” - Anonymous

“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Is.22.13 ESV

Be where you are! Be this moment. I have spent considerable energy learning this valuable bit of wisdom. I have tendencies toward always being on the go, headed toward some destination rather than enjoying the journey. Now the verse above at first glance may seem to encourage us to value the present moment and give ourselves wholly to it. What is sobering is that this expression is used three times in the Bible and every single time the user is directing us to consider where we are going rather than where we are. This shouldn’t surprise us in the least. Life is both journey and destination. Sometimes being where you are demands that you think about where you are going. This happens at every fork in the road. And, there are as many forks, as there are decisions. We are encouraged to give ourselves to the present moment, not because this is all we have, not because we only go around once in life. We are encouraged to make the present moment count precisely because there is more to life than just this life. My death, when it comes, will simply transition me into my eternal state and how I live this present moment will determine all that I will be when I am there. 12/18/2008 ts

“Enjoy life. Think of all the women who passed up dessert on the Titanic.” - Anonymous

“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Is.22.13 ESV

Be where you are! Be this moment. I have spent considerable energy learning this valuable bit of wisdom. I have tendencies toward always being on the go, headed toward some destination rather than enjoying the journey. Now the verse above at first glance may seem to encourage us to value the present moment and give ourselves wholly to it. What is sobering is that this expression is used three times in the Bible and every single time the user is directing us to consider where we are going rather than where we are. This shouldn’t surprise us in the least. Life is both journey and destination. Sometimes being where you are demands that you think about where you are going. This happens at every fork in the road. And, there are as many forks, as there are decisions. We are encouraged to give ourselves to the present moment, not because this is all we have, not because we only go around once in life. We are encouraged to make the present moment count precisely because there is more to life than just this life. My death, when it comes, will simply transition me into my eternal state and how I live this present moment will determine all that I will be when I am there. 12/18/2008 ts

“Not on my watch!” President Bush (jotted in the margin of a report on the inaction during the genocide in Rwanda).

“Upon a watchtower I stand, O Lord, continually by day, and at my post I am stationed whole nights. Is.21.8 ESV

When I was a young man, I thought it best to rise early to spend time reading and praying before I went to work. I struggled to get out of bed in time to do this. I had to resort to an older friend to call and wake me. I even taped a scripture verse to the ceiling above my bed so that when I opened my eyes I would read, “Awake! Why sleepeth thou? We are told to be watchful and prayerful many times in the word of God. The imagery is that of a soldier standing post for the safety of others. Do we stand post for our family and friends? That is, do we watch over them with our prayers? Are we standing watch over our nation, over missionaries, over those suffering and oppressed in the world? Are we standing post over the soldiers who are standing post over us--our men in arms? I still get chill bumps remembering a line from a movie. “ One character asks another why she admired certain soldiers. She answered, “Because they stand upon a wall and say, ‘Nothing's going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch.’” How will judgment review our watch? Do we stand our post well? What dangers are being averted by our prayers? 12/17/2008 ts

“Not on my watch!” President Bush (jotted in the margin of a report on the inaction during the genocide in Rwanda).

“Upon a watchtower I stand, O Lord, continually by day, and at my post I am stationed whole nights. Is.21.8 ESV

When I was a young man, I thought it best to rise early to spend time reading and praying before I went to work. I struggled to get out of bed in time to do this. I had to resort to an older friend to call and wake me. I even taped a scripture verse to the ceiling above my bed so that when I opened my eyes I would read, “Awake! Why sleepeth thou? We are told to be watchful and prayerful many times in the word of God. The imagery is that of a soldier standing post for the safety of others. Do we stand post for our family and friends? That is, do we watch over them with our prayers? Are we standing watch over our nation, over missionaries, over those suffering and oppressed in the world? Are we standing post over the soldiers who are standing post over us--our men in arms? I still get chill bumps remembering a line from a movie. “ One character asks another why she admired certain soldiers. She answered, “Because they stand upon a wall and say, ‘Nothing's going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch.’” How will judgment review our watch? Do we stand our post well? What dangers are being averted by our prayers? 12/17/2008 ts

“If all Christians acted like Christ, the whole world would be Christian.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” Is.19.24 ESV

The ancient word for “peace,” referred to the binding together of something broken. The whole world is fragmented by the selfishness of corrupt hearts. The Prince of Peace has come into the world to heal our fragmented lives--first to His Father, and then to one another. Christ has canceled all debts but one and that is debt we have to love one another in His name. To love in Jesus name is to love people without condition--to seek the highest good of my neighbor or my enemy regardless of any notion they may have different from my own. If our goal as Christians is to spread the peace of Jesus, we may learn from those around us just how effective is our witness. Gandhi once told a Christian friend, “I don't reject Christ. I love Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ." He also gave us some advice on how best to represent Jesus to the nations. “A rose does not need to preach. It simply spreads its fragrance. The fragrance is its own sermon.” One apostle said as much, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.” 12/16/2008 ts

“If all Christians acted like Christ, the whole world would be Christian.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” Is.19.24 ESV

The ancient word for “peace,” referred to the binding together of something broken. The whole world is fragmented by the selfishness of corrupt hearts. The Prince of Peace has come into the world to heal our fragmented lives--first to His Father, and then to one another. Christ has canceled all debts but one and that is debt we have to love one another in His name. To love in Jesus name is to love people without condition--to seek the highest good of my neighbor or my enemy regardless of any notion they may have different from my own. If our goal as Christians is to spread the peace of Jesus, we may learn from those around us just how effective is our witness. Gandhi once told a Christian friend, “I don't reject Christ. I love Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ." He also gave us some advice on how best to represent Jesus to the nations. “A rose does not need to preach. It simply spreads its fragrance. The fragrance is its own sermon.” One apostle said as much, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.” 12/16/2008 ts

“You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom.” Wallace

At that time tribute will be brought to the Lord of hosts… from a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide…” Is.18.7 ESV

Traditionally we label a nation a Superpower when they are able to flex great military and industrial strength in the world. Only a few nations currently have this distinction. The United States certainly has no problem referring to itself as a superpower, even the world's greatest superpower. When you consider that we make up only six percent of the world's population, our classification as such is something to marvel. It is also something to consider. The Spirit prompts us to look at all the other nations whose time came and went. “Pride comes before a fall.” "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to them from heaven.” And perhaps the most important of all: “To whom much is given, much is required.” Of course, this is true for every individual as it is for every nation. The generosity of a nation is no better than the generosity of its citizens. All power is given for the purpose of service, if it used for any other purpose it is abused. 12/15/2008 ts

“You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom.” Wallace

At that time tribute will be brought to the Lord of hosts… from a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide…” Is.18.7 ESV

Traditionally we label a nation a Superpower when they are able to flex great military and industrial strength in the world. Only a few nations currently have this distinction. The United States certainly has no problem referring to itself as a superpower, even the world's greatest superpower. When you consider that we make up only six percent of the world's population, our classification as such is something to marvel. It is also something to consider. The Spirit prompts us to look at all the other nations whose time came and went. “Pride comes before a fall.” "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to them from heaven.” And perhaps the most important of all: “To whom much is given, much is required.” Of course, this is true for every individual as it is for every nation. The generosity of a nation is no better than the generosity of its citizens. All power is given for the purpose of service, if it used for any other purpose it is abused. 12/15/2008 ts

”The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” Eric Hoffer

”In that day man will look to his Maker…” Is.17.7 ESV

Difficulties often drive us to the Lord in prayer. Distresses will bring us to the Father as skinned knees bring children to their mothers. Churches are filled after a day of national disaster, and hearts seek His mercy when danger threatens. It is no wonder that when things are beyond us that we look beyond us. The eyes of faith understand that as high as the heavens are above the earth so great is God’s love for us. How humbling it is that He faithfully answers and attends to us, though we may have forgotten Him in brighter times. 12/14/2008 ts

”The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” Eric Hoffer

”In that day man will look to his Maker…” Is.17.7 ESV

Difficulties often drive us to the Lord in prayer. Distresses will bring us to the Father as skinned knees bring children to their mothers. Churches are filled after a day of national disaster, and hearts seek His mercy when danger threatens. It is no wonder that when things are beyond us that we look beyond us. The eyes of faith understand that as high as the heavens are above the earth so great is God’s love for us. How humbling it is that He faithfully answers and attends to us, though we may have forgotten Him in brighter times. 12/14/2008 ts

“The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” Jesus

Let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. Is.16.4 ESV

Every week the Internet brings into my home the suffering mass of refugees in Darfur, Zimbabwe, the Congo and many others from war torn countries in the world. It is not easy to be your brother’s keeper when they live half way around the world. I have joined actions groups, written senators, signed petitions to the United Nations and laid my intercessions before the Throne of Grace. Yet, I feel that same sense of frustration that so many have expressed. One woman wrote, “So many people have died already, but what can everyday individuals like me do, aside from buying arm bands and writing letters to politicians?”
I think most people feel this way at one time or another. There is nothing quite akin to hands on involvement and if possible, we all would like to hand deliver food to a starving refugee. God calls some people to do just that and if He has called you to go, don’t let anything deter you. Not everyone can be a hands on missionary of mercy but we can all find our place assisting the effort. I do not think that we should we underestimate the value of our advocacy to politicians and certainly not our intercessions to God. If we want to do more than this, just ask. If God desires more from us, He is able to let us know--only let us listen and do as we are able. 2/12/2008 ts

“The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” Jesus

Let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. Is.16.4 ESV

Every week the Internet brings into my home the suffering mass of refugees in Darfur, Zimbabwe, the Congo and many others from war torn countries in the world. It is not easy to be your brother’s keeper when they live half way around the world. I have joined actions groups, written senators, signed petitions to the United Nations and laid my intercessions before the Throne of Grace. Yet, I feel that same sense of frustration that so many have expressed. One woman wrote, “So many people have died already, but what can everyday individuals like me do, aside from buying arm bands and writing letters to politicians?”
I think most people feel this way at one time or another. There is nothing quite akin to hands on involvement and if possible, we all would like to hand deliver food to a starving refugee. God calls some people to do just that and if He has called you to go, don’t let anything deter you. Not everyone can be a hands on missionary of mercy but we can all find our place assisting the effort. I do not think that we should we underestimate the value of our advocacy to politicians and certainly not our intercessions to God. If we want to do more than this, just ask. If God desires more from us, He is able to let us know--only let us listen and do as we are able. 2/12/2008 ts

Why, then, did God give them free will?

Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. C. S. Lewis

“For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it?” Is.14.27 ESV

Jesus taught us to believe and delight in God’s fullness--in the Father’s absolute perfections. Because God is perfect, He does not lack anything of value. Nothing can be added to His knowledge or sovereignty. God does not grow older, or wiser or more powerful. He is perfect, whole and complete and “from Him, through Him and to Him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
In light of God’s absolute perfections, it staggers the mind to consider that the Sovereign Lord has decreed, at least for a season, that people be allowed to grieve Him--to grant them some measure of freedom to chose or not choose His will. We should ponder this amazing purpose. Surely, it is an act of His great wisdom to give us this freedom. And though much suffering has come from it, we are assured that the beauty that rises from it will be glorious. For though God lacks nothing, He wants our love and affection. And though we cannot love Him without His help, to love Him is still the choice He gives us. When we choose to do so, we swim in the ocean of His fullness and rest in the comforts of His love. Is there anything of greater value than love freely given? He must not think so. 12/11/2008 ts

Why, then, did God give them free will?

Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. C. S. Lewis

“For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it?” Is.14.27 ESV

Jesus taught us to believe and delight in God’s fullness--in the Father’s absolute perfections. Because God is perfect, He does not lack anything of value. Nothing can be added to His knowledge or sovereignty. God does not grow older, or wiser or more powerful. He is perfect, whole and complete and “from Him, through Him and to Him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
In light of God’s absolute perfections, it staggers the mind to consider that the Sovereign Lord has decreed, at least for a season, that people be allowed to grieve Him--to grant them some measure of freedom to chose or not choose His will. We should ponder this amazing purpose. Surely, it is an act of His great wisdom to give us this freedom. And though much suffering has come from it, we are assured that the beauty that rises from it will be glorious. For though God lacks nothing, He wants our love and affection. And though we cannot love Him without His help, to love Him is still the choice He gives us. When we choose to do so, we swim in the ocean of His fullness and rest in the comforts of His love. Is there anything of greater value than love freely given? He must not think so. 12/11/2008 ts

The choice of every lost soul can be expressed in the words, "Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven." C. S. Lewis

“Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger…” Is.13.9 ESV

Some people dismiss any idea that a loving God would appoint a day of wrath and call it the day of the Lord. I heard recently where one Christian dismissed his belief in hell by saying that a loving God would never ask us to forgive our enemies and then refuse to forgive His own. I believe this to be two-dimensional thinking at best and that it fails to take into account that the world is filled with people who do not want God’s forgiveness and care nothing for His mercies. It may be that it is not so much that God will not forgive His enemies, as it is that they refuse to accept it. Many despise the very idea of God, of any authority for that matter and want nothing but to have their own way. God’s final judgment promises to confine the wicked to a place where they can do no violence either to His children or to the new earth. And because God ordinarily will not violate their freedom to choose, beyond limiting any choice to injure others, it may be that He will permit them the freedom to continue doing violence to themselves. 12/11/2008 ts

The choice of every lost soul can be expressed in the words, "Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven." C. S. Lewis

“Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger…” Is.13.9 ESV

Some people dismiss any idea that a loving God would appoint a day of wrath and call it the day of the Lord. I heard recently where one Christian dismissed his belief in hell by saying that a loving God would never ask us to forgive our enemies and then refuse to forgive His own. I believe this to be two-dimensional thinking at best and that it fails to take into account that the world is filled with people who do not want God’s forgiveness and care nothing for His mercies. It may be that it is not so much that God will not forgive His enemies, as it is that they refuse to accept it. Many despise the very idea of God, of any authority for that matter and want nothing but to have their own way. God’s final judgment promises to confine the wicked to a place where they can do no violence either to His children or to the new earth. And because God ordinarily will not violate their freedom to choose, beyond limiting any choice to injure others, it may be that He will permit them the freedom to continue doing violence to themselves. 12/11/2008 ts

“Love is the Fire of Life; it either consumes or purifies.”

“Love is the Fire of Life; it either consumes or purifies.”

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Is.12.3 ESV

It is easy for me to see the corruptions of my sin nature. They announce themselves loudly in my attitudes and actions. It is not so easy for me to apprehend the blessings of Christ at work in me. I think that overall, the changes that God is bringing about in us, though certain, are subtle and quiet. The corruptions of the flesh flare up often like the raging fire, which destroys everything in a moment. The transformations of Jesus are like the acorn, slowly but surely growing into a mighty oak. It then seems by nature that it is easier to destroy than to renew. A moment of lust or anger can undo years of steady growth. If this is the case, where is the security in our transformation? Well, God has graciously not left our security entirely up to us. God has shown us repeatedly, that in His delicate hands, a woodland fire purges unhealthy undergrowth and burns away dead and fallen branches renewing life in a maturing forest. God also uses the failures of human flesh to burn away all that is dead in the community of the believing and in His hands, all things may work new life in our relationship with Him. 12/9/2008 ts

“Love is the Fire of Life; it either consumes or purifies.”

“Love is the Fire of Life; it either consumes or purifies.”

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Is.12.3 ESV

It is easy for me to see the corruptions of my sin nature. They announce themselves loudly in my attitudes and actions. It is not so easy for me to apprehend the blessings of Christ at work in me. I think that overall, the changes that God is bringing about in us, though certain, are subtle and quiet. The corruptions of the flesh flare up often like the raging fire, which destroys everything in a moment. The transformations of Jesus are like the acorn, slowly but surely growing into a mighty oak. It then seems by nature that it is easier to destroy than to renew. A moment of lust or anger can undo years of steady growth. If this is the case, where is the security in our transformation? Well, God has graciously not left our security entirely up to us. God has shown us repeatedly, that in His delicate hands, a woodland fire purges unhealthy undergrowth and burns away dead and fallen branches renewing life in a maturing forest. God also uses the failures of human flesh to burn away all that is dead in the community of the believing and in His hands, all things may work new life in our relationship with Him. 12/9/2008 ts

“Hear me, four quarters of the world - a relative I am!” Black Elk

“…but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.” Is.11.4 ESV

Whatever I do this day, let me in some way seek what is good for the poor and the meek of the earth. When Jesus taught us to pray, He told us to use certain possessive plurals to waken us to our connectedness to each other. The proper prayer is not give me my daily bread, forgive me my sin, but give us our daily bread; forgive us our debts; lead us; deliver us. The Father is not my Father but our Father. Sin would fragment us all into the isolation of selfishness. Christ would join us to one another, in dynamic community. He has shown us by example to look out not only for our own interest but also for the interest of others. And let our love for the poor and meek be something of substance not just another “be nice to the poor moment.” It is all too easy to give a hungry person the change in our pocket when what he really needs is lasting friendship. 12/8/2008 ts

“Hear me, four quarters of the world - a relative I am!” Black Elk

“…but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.” Is.11.4 ESV

Whatever I do this day, let me in some way seek what is good for the poor and the meek of the earth. When Jesus taught us to pray, He told us to use certain possessive plurals to waken us to our connectedness to each other. The proper prayer is not give me my daily bread, forgive me my sin, but give us our daily bread; forgive us our debts; lead us; deliver us. The Father is not my Father but our Father. Sin would fragment us all into the isolation of selfishness. Christ would join us to one another, in dynamic community. He has shown us by example to look out not only for our own interest but also for the interest of others. And let our love for the poor and meek be something of substance not just another “be nice to the poor moment.” It is all too easy to give a hungry person the change in our pocket when what he really needs is lasting friendship. 12/8/2008 ts

Sola De Gloria

Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? Is.10.15 ESV

When God uses us to accomplish some task for others, be it a means of grace or judgment, we should take care that we do not assign too much value to the role we have played. We credit Sir Alexander Fleming with the discovery of penicillin. Standing in his shadows, are the names Duchesne, Florey, Chain, Moyer and Crowfoot whose contributions brought the use of this medical wonder to the world. Perspective understands the necessity of each of these people in the annals of antibiotic treatment. Why do we feel the need to elevate the importance of one over the other? Well, all of us are infatuated with our own importance and foster a system that enables us to promote it.
Truthfully, every good thing done in the world is actually a good that God is doing. God not only uses people as tools to accomplish good, He fashions us as the tools we are and works in each person any value we bring to the process. All glory is God’s alone. We can no more take credit for our talent and the things accomplished with it, as we can for the color of our eyes. 12/7/2008 ts

Sola De Gloria

Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? Is.10.15 ESV

When God uses us to accomplish some task for others, be it a means of grace or judgment, we should take care that we do not assign too much value to the role we have played. We credit Sir Alexander Fleming with the discovery of penicillin. Standing in his shadows, are the names Duchesne, Florey, Chain, Moyer and Crowfoot whose contributions brought the use of this medical wonder to the world. Perspective understands the necessity of each of these people in the annals of antibiotic treatment. Why do we feel the need to elevate the importance of one over the other? Well, all of us are infatuated with our own importance and foster a system that enables us to promote it.
Truthfully, every good thing done in the world is actually a good that God is doing. God not only uses people as tools to accomplish good, He fashions us as the tools we are and works in each person any value we bring to the process. All glory is God’s alone. We can no more take credit for our talent and the things accomplished with it, as we can for the color of our eyes. 12/7/2008 ts

“Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness; To an opponent, tolerance; To a friend, your heart; To all, charity; To every child, a good example.
Oren Arnold

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…. Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end. “ Is.9.6-7

When Christ rules in the heart of His followers, His government is expressed in the world of men. As more people invite Christ into their lives, His government increases one person at a time. And, as His followers keep His commands to love, the world is being conquered with Him not with swords and violence but with the forgiveness of God and kindness. First century Christians suffered greatly sharing God’s forgiveness in Christ even forgiving the enemies that were slaughtering them. The nation of Rome is gone but the nation of Christ increases around the world. From the soil stained red by the blood of martyrs, the vine of Christ is spreading from nation to nation, increasing His government and His peace by bringing peace into hearts of those conquered by His love. Lord Jesus, make me an instrument of your peace. 12/5/2008 ts

“Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness; To an opponent, tolerance; To a friend, your heart; To all, charity; To every child, a good example.
Oren Arnold

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…. Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end. “ Is.9.6-7

When Christ rules in the heart of His followers, His government is expressed in the world of men. As more people invite Christ into their lives, His government increases one person at a time. And, as His followers keep His commands to love, the world is being conquered with Him not with swords and violence but with the forgiveness of God and kindness. First century Christians suffered greatly sharing God’s forgiveness in Christ even forgiving the enemies that were slaughtering them. The nation of Rome is gone but the nation of Christ increases around the world. From the soil stained red by the blood of martyrs, the vine of Christ is spreading from nation to nation, increasing His government and His peace by bringing peace into hearts of those conquered by His love. Lord Jesus, make me an instrument of your peace. 12/5/2008 ts

We do not read the Bible the way it is; we read it the way we are. --Evelyn Uyemura

“If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Is.8.20 ESV

Much debate continues between liberal and conservative Christians about the nature and place of the Bible in our lives. Some say it is God’s word, others, say it only contains God’s word. Those who hold to the latter have the challenge of deciding which parts are God’s word, to be believed and practiced and, those which are not and therefore to be dismissed. The former have the challenge reconciling all the tensions that exist in understanding the Bible, as well as distinguishing what is absolute and unchanging and what is merely cultural or tied to a passing economy and therefore subject to change. Now while I do believe that there are vital differences between these views, I am not writing here to espouse one view or the other but to make a simple observation. Do you see that both groups wind up sifting the Scriptures to determine what God would have us believe and practice today? What lies in the heart of the sifting process for both groups is the belief that God Himself is guiding us, just as He has in every generation. Of course, the problem has never been with His perfect guidance but with our flawed application of it. The essence of our hope liberal and conservative is not only do we need God’s help, we are assured that we have it that underneath it all are the Everlasting Arms to superintend all human weakness and preserve His own until the end. 12/5/2008 ts

We do not read the Bible the way it is; we read it the way we are. --Evelyn Uyemura

“If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Is.8.20 ESV

Much debate continues between liberal and conservative Christians about the nature and place of the Bible in our lives. Some say it is God’s word, others, say it only contains God’s word. Those who hold to the latter have the challenge of deciding which parts are God’s word, to be believed and practiced and, those which are not and therefore to be dismissed. The former have the challenge reconciling all the tensions that exist in understanding the Bible, as well as distinguishing what is absolute and unchanging and what is merely cultural or tied to a passing economy and therefore subject to change. Now while I do believe that there are vital differences between these views, I am not writing here to espouse one view or the other but to make a simple observation. Do you see that both groups wind up sifting the Scriptures to determine what God would have us believe and practice today? What lies in the heart of the sifting process for both groups is the belief that God Himself is guiding us, just as He has in every generation. Of course, the problem has never been with His perfect guidance but with our flawed application of it. The essence of our hope liberal and conservative is not only do we need God’s help, we are assured that we have it that underneath it all are the Everlasting Arms to superintend all human weakness and preserve His own until the end. 12/5/2008 ts

“When you have come to the edge of all light…and are about to drop off into the darkness,

Faith is knowing… there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” Patrick Overton

“If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.” Is.7.9 ESV

Have you ever noticed that when your spirit is down everything around you is suppressed? You can be in beautiful surroundings; have your health; but if your faith is weak, beauty does not delight the eyes and health does not supply strength. When our wings are wet because they are drenched in depression it is hard to get out of bed; much less ascend to the joys of life. As goes, the spirit of the soul so goes all else. This is why it is so vital that we attend to those means of grace, which strengthen our faith. Let my soul remember the nourishing power of God’s precious promises. His embrace will warm the coldness in my heart. The dew of His promises will refresh the dry places in my soul. His breath will fill the air with the fragrance of renewed clarity and focus. The blood and bread of His communion will course through the veins with adrenaline of desire and might and the rhythm of His song will bounce a dance back into our steps. What precious promise is the Spirit even now placing on your lips? Speak it and spread your wings. His warm winds are coming your way. 12/3/2008 ts

“When you have come to the edge of all light…and are about to drop off into the darkness,

Faith is knowing… there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” Patrick Overton

“If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.” Is.7.9 ESV

Have you ever noticed that when your spirit is down everything around you is suppressed? You can be in beautiful surroundings; have your health; but if your faith is weak, beauty does not delight the eyes and health does not supply strength. When our wings are wet because they are drenched in depression it is hard to get out of bed; much less ascend to the joys of life. As goes, the spirit of the soul so goes all else. This is why it is so vital that we attend to those means of grace, which strengthen our faith. Let my soul remember the nourishing power of God’s precious promises. His embrace will warm the coldness in my heart. The dew of His promises will refresh the dry places in my soul. His breath will fill the air with the fragrance of renewed clarity and focus. The blood and bread of His communion will course through the veins with adrenaline of desire and might and the rhythm of His song will bounce a dance back into our steps. What precious promise is the Spirit even now placing on your lips? Speak it and spread your wings. His warm winds are coming your way. 12/3/2008 ts

“Let this be my last word, that I trust in your love.” Rabindranath Tagore

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Is.6.1 ESV

I often need to remind myself that God is seated on His throne, that He rules over the affairs of men, and, on a more personal note, that He rules over my affairs. This is not to blame or credit Him with all that is wrong in the world or in my life, though I sometimes do exactly that. No, I need to be reminded that though God allows us the abuse of our freedoms, (our rebellion is the cause of all that is wrong in the world) the Lord still has the final say in everything. Why do I want to remind myself of this? If God allows murder and rape, cancer and starvation, how is this a comfort to any of us? Well, for one thing, He has shown us, repeatedly, that He is able to use even the sinful actions of people to work great good. Just consider the cruelty of the cross as His one supreme example. Christians do not find our comfort in the cruelty of the cross but in the final word spoken upon it. “It is finished.” 12/2/2008 ts

“Let this be my last word, that I trust in your love.” Rabindranath Tagore

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Is.6.1 ESV

I often need to remind myself that God is seated on His throne, that He rules over the affairs of men, and, on a more personal note, that He rules over my affairs. This is not to blame or credit Him with all that is wrong in the world or in my life, though I sometimes do exactly that. No, I need to be reminded that though God allows us the abuse of our freedoms, (our rebellion is the cause of all that is wrong in the world) the Lord still has the final say in everything. Why do I want to remind myself of this? If God allows murder and rape, cancer and starvation, how is this a comfort to any of us? Well, for one thing, He has shown us, repeatedly, that He is able to use even the sinful actions of people to work great good. Just consider the cruelty of the cross as His one supreme example. Christians do not find our comfort in the cruelty of the cross but in the final word spoken upon it. “It is finished.” 12/2/2008 ts

“To understand your parents' love you must raise children yourself.” Chinese Proverbs

“…let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near,
and let it come, that we may know it!” Is.5.19 ESV

Do we appreciate the counsel of God not only when it affirms our attitudes and actions but also when it runs against them. Any child of God knows it often does, especially those who are privileged to be parents as well. God’s disapproval is just as valuable as His approval when we realize it comes from a Father’s heart. He is warning us where we shouldn’t be walking and where lasting happiness cannot be found. A parent loves their child as much in what they tell them not to do as in what they encourage them to do. In every good family, we often hear the word, “No,” and especially where the child is too young to know better. How good it is that God loves us enough to say “no,” even when we do know better. 12/1/2008 ts

“To understand your parents' love you must raise children yourself.” Chinese Proverbs

“…let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near,
and let it come, that we may know it!” Is.5.19 ESV

Do we appreciate the counsel of God not only when it affirms our attitudes and actions but also when it runs against them. Any child of God knows it often does, especially those who are privileged to be parents as well. God’s disapproval is just as valuable as His approval when we realize it comes from a Father’s heart. He is warning us where we shouldn’t be walking and where lasting happiness cannot be found. A parent loves their child as much in what they tell them not to do as in what they encourage them to do. In every good family, we often hear the word, “No,” and especially where the child is too young to know better. How good it is that God loves us enough to say “no,” even when we do know better. 12/1/2008 ts

Nothing happens by chance, my friend... No such thing as luck. Richard Bach

Nothing happens by chance, my friend... No such thing as luck. Richard Bach

And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem. Is.4.3 ESV

Those who remain after judgment is passed are neither fortunate nor lucky. Noah and his family weren’t lucky; they found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and as such, did what God told to do to escape the coming judgment. Although God’s grace is unconditional, this does not mean that grace is random or uncertain. Every single person that the Father gives to Christ will come to Christ just as everyone may know with quiet confidence that they too have found favor in God’s sight—that they too shall escape judgment by simply believing in His dear Son. We should not dishonor the deliberate actions of God to rescue us by saying that we were just lucky. 12/1/2008 ts

Nothing happens by chance, my friend... No such thing as luck. Richard Bach

Nothing happens by chance, my friend... No such thing as luck. Richard Bach

And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem. Is.4.3 ESV

Those who remain after judgment is passed are neither fortunate nor lucky. Noah and his family weren’t lucky; they found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and as such, did what God told to do to escape the coming judgment. Although God’s grace is unconditional, this does not mean that grace is random or uncertain. Every single person that the Father gives to Christ will come to Christ just as everyone may know with quiet confidence that they too have found favor in God’s sight—that they too shall escape judgment by simply believing in His dear Son. We should not dishonor the deliberate actions of God to rescue us by saying that we were just lucky. 12/1/2008 ts