“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Ro.6 ESV
For years, my Christian life focused almost entirely on the dying side--saying no to myself side of following Jesus. In recent years, He is leading me to the absolute joy of living on the resurrected side--saying yes to Him. What I mean is that as a young Christian all I could see was everything Christ was calling me from, every thing He was asking me to surrender, the losing of my life. These days I still see the need to die to self, see it every day in fact, but I see with greater clarity all that Jesus is calling me to, the gaining of my life. He is slowly shifting my focus to rise from the dead and run and play in the garden of His resurrection. 7/27/2010 Conversations Within ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The way some people follow Christ you would think that being a Christian it is always Winter but never Spring.
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Ro.6 ESV
For years, my Christian life focused almost entirely on the dying side--saying no to myself side of following Jesus. In recent years, He is leading me to the absolute joy of living on the resurrected side--saying yes to Him. What I mean is that as a young Christian all I could see was everything Christ was calling me from, every thing He was asking me to surrender, the losing of my life. These days I still see the need to die to self, see it every day in fact, but I see with greater clarity all that Jesus is calling me to, the gaining of my life. He is slowly shifting my focus to rise from the dead and run and play in the garden of His resurrection. 7/27/2010 Conversations Within ts
For years, my Christian life focused almost entirely on the dying side--saying no to myself side of following Jesus. In recent years, He is leading me to the absolute joy of living on the resurrected side--saying yes to Him. What I mean is that as a young Christian all I could see was everything Christ was calling me from, every thing He was asking me to surrender, the losing of my life. These days I still see the need to die to self, see it every day in fact, but I see with greater clarity all that Jesus is calling me to, the gaining of my life. He is slowly shifting my focus to rise from the dead and run and play in the garden of His resurrection. 7/27/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 30, 2010
“Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self.” Charles H. Spurgeon
“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.” Ps.149 ESV
Humility is not so much a virtue to be attained, as it is a truth to be realized. It is a truth we realize about ourselves, apart of which, is that without vital connection to my Creator, all that is good in me has been corrupted into something dreadful. But once we realize this about ourselves, and take the gracious hand offered to us, we become an object of great pleasure to God and of great value to others. The Lord delights in humble hearts because we are never more like Jesus than when we embrace all that God wants to be for us and in turn become all that He desires to be for others in us. There are two sides to a truly humble heart. The first is when we know our need; the second is when we allow Him to meet it. When these two things come together, God is pleased and we will be satisfied. 7/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Humility is not so much a virtue to be attained, as it is a truth to be realized. It is a truth we realize about ourselves, apart of which, is that without vital connection to my Creator, all that is good in me has been corrupted into something dreadful. But once we realize this about ourselves, and take the gracious hand offered to us, we become an object of great pleasure to God and of great value to others. The Lord delights in humble hearts because we are never more like Jesus than when we embrace all that God wants to be for us and in turn become all that He desires to be for others in us. There are two sides to a truly humble heart. The first is when we know our need; the second is when we allow Him to meet it. When these two things come together, God is pleased and we will be satisfied. 7/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self.” Charles H. Spurgeon
“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.” Ps.149 ESV
Humility is not so much a virtue to be attained, as it is a truth to be realized. It is a truth we realize about ourselves, apart of which, is that without vital connection to my Creator, all that is good in me has been corrupted into something dreadful. But once we realize this about ourselves, and take the gracious hand offered to us, we become an object of great pleasure to God and of great value to others. The Lord delights in humble hearts because we are never more like Jesus than when we embrace all that God wants to be for us and in turn become all that He desires to be for others in us. There are two sides to a truly humble heart. The first is when we know our need; the second is when we allow Him to meet it. When these two things come together, God is pleased and we will be satisfied. 7/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Humility is not so much a virtue to be attained, as it is a truth to be realized. It is a truth we realize about ourselves, apart of which, is that without vital connection to my Creator, all that is good in me has been corrupted into something dreadful. But once we realize this about ourselves, and take the gracious hand offered to us, we become an object of great pleasure to God and of great value to others. The Lord delights in humble hearts because we are never more like Jesus than when we embrace all that God wants to be for us and in turn become all that He desires to be for others in us. There are two sides to a truly humble heart. The first is when we know our need; the second is when we allow Him to meet it. When these two things come together, God is pleased and we will be satisfied. 7/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 29, 2010
“I was gratified to be able to answer promptly. I said, "I don't know."” Mark Twain
“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! ” Prov.15 ESV
On a recent trip outside the southeast, my wife asked a number of questions about local fauna or agricultural practices as we merrily traveled down the road. My answer to all of her questions was a simple, “I don’t know.” After several states of this, she remarked how unusual it was that I did not know a single answer to any of her questions. I commented that if there was anything to learn from this was that she could put greater stock in those times when I did know the answer.
When we don’t know something the best answer is to admit that we don’t. Otherwise, our credibility is damaged when we are caught bluffing our way though areas outside our experience. When Jesus refused to answer Pilate, it wasn’t because He did not know the answer. He decided that the best answer was no answer. If you don’t something, admit it. And, just because you do know something, doesn’t mean it is best to say you do. 7/24/2010 Conversations Within ts
On a recent trip outside the southeast, my wife asked a number of questions about local fauna or agricultural practices as we merrily traveled down the road. My answer to all of her questions was a simple, “I don’t know.” After several states of this, she remarked how unusual it was that I did not know a single answer to any of her questions. I commented that if there was anything to learn from this was that she could put greater stock in those times when I did know the answer.
When we don’t know something the best answer is to admit that we don’t. Otherwise, our credibility is damaged when we are caught bluffing our way though areas outside our experience. When Jesus refused to answer Pilate, it wasn’t because He did not know the answer. He decided that the best answer was no answer. If you don’t something, admit it. And, just because you do know something, doesn’t mean it is best to say you do. 7/24/2010 Conversations Within ts
“I was gratified to be able to answer promptly. I said, "I don't know."” Mark Twain
“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! ” Prov.15 ESV
On a recent trip outside the southeast, my wife asked a number of questions about local fauna or agricultural practices as we merrily traveled down the road. My answer to all of her questions was a simple, “I don’t know.” After several states of this, she remarked how unusual it was that I did not know a single answer to any of her questions. I commented that if there was anything to learn from this was that she could put greater stock in those times when I did know the answer.
When we don’t know something the best answer is to admit that we don’t. Otherwise, our credibility is damaged when we are caught bluffing our way though areas outside our experience. When Jesus refused to answer Pilate, it wasn’t because He did not know the answer. He decided that the best answer was no answer. If you don’t something, admit it. And, just because you do know something, doesn’t mean it is best to say you do. 7/24/2010 Conversations Within ts
On a recent trip outside the southeast, my wife asked a number of questions about local fauna or agricultural practices as we merrily traveled down the road. My answer to all of her questions was a simple, “I don’t know.” After several states of this, she remarked how unusual it was that I did not know a single answer to any of her questions. I commented that if there was anything to learn from this was that she could put greater stock in those times when I did know the answer.
When we don’t know something the best answer is to admit that we don’t. Otherwise, our credibility is damaged when we are caught bluffing our way though areas outside our experience. When Jesus refused to answer Pilate, it wasn’t because He did not know the answer. He decided that the best answer was no answer. If you don’t something, admit it. And, just because you do know something, doesn’t mean it is best to say you do. 7/24/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were? ~Satchel Paige
“Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Ps.103 ESV
It is accepted in our health conscious society, that diet, exercise, personal habits and attitudes can make us feel older or younger than we really are. The adages, “You are as young as you feel,” or “Age is an attitude,” reflect our belief that the inner world of the spirit always flows out into the physical world.
God calls each of His children to come to the quiet, to renew and revitalize our inner life with the blessings of His fellowship. As an eagle sheds old dead feathers so that new ones grow in their place, the Spirit of Christ works in us to shed old destructive attitudes and actions and to be renewed day by day by His presence in us.
It is one thing to feel physically tired; it is another to have an exhausted inner life. And what is his word to the weary? “Come to me ” “I know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” 7/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
It is accepted in our health conscious society, that diet, exercise, personal habits and attitudes can make us feel older or younger than we really are. The adages, “You are as young as you feel,” or “Age is an attitude,” reflect our belief that the inner world of the spirit always flows out into the physical world.
God calls each of His children to come to the quiet, to renew and revitalize our inner life with the blessings of His fellowship. As an eagle sheds old dead feathers so that new ones grow in their place, the Spirit of Christ works in us to shed old destructive attitudes and actions and to be renewed day by day by His presence in us.
It is one thing to feel physically tired; it is another to have an exhausted inner life. And what is his word to the weary? “Come to me ” “I know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” 7/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were? ~Satchel Paige
“Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Ps.103 ESV
It is accepted in our health conscious society, that diet, exercise, personal habits and attitudes can make us feel older or younger than we really are. The adages, “You are as young as you feel,” or “Age is an attitude,” reflect our belief that the inner world of the spirit always flows out into the physical world.
God calls each of His children to come to the quiet, to renew and revitalize our inner life with the blessings of His fellowship. As an eagle sheds old dead feathers so that new ones grow in their place, the Spirit of Christ works in us to shed old destructive attitudes and actions and to be renewed day by day by His presence in us.
It is one thing to feel physically tired; it is another to have an exhausted inner life. And what is his word to the weary? “Come to me ” “I know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” 7/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
It is accepted in our health conscious society, that diet, exercise, personal habits and attitudes can make us feel older or younger than we really are. The adages, “You are as young as you feel,” or “Age is an attitude,” reflect our belief that the inner world of the spirit always flows out into the physical world.
God calls each of His children to come to the quiet, to renew and revitalize our inner life with the blessings of His fellowship. As an eagle sheds old dead feathers so that new ones grow in their place, the Spirit of Christ works in us to shed old destructive attitudes and actions and to be renewed day by day by His presence in us.
It is one thing to feel physically tired; it is another to have an exhausted inner life. And what is his word to the weary? “Come to me ” “I know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” 7/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
“Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” C. S. Lewis
“And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jesus
A professor once asked a group of students if deciding what to believe in terms of one’s faith, was more like guessing the number of beans in a jar, or more like choosing your favorite song?" Students inevitably said it was like choosing their favorite song. It is interesting that people often decide what to believe about God based on what makes them feel good but would never dream of doing this where personal health is concerned. People generally don’t choose a treatment for cancer based on their emotions but on a diligent search for facts even if it means making their best guess on which treatment is best. Christian faith is not a blind leap into the dark but a rational belief rooted in the testimony of creditable people who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. I don’t believe in the God of Jesus because he makes me feel good, he sometimes makes me very uncomfortable. I believe in the God of Jesus because Jesus is the only one I know who validated his claims by rising from the dead. 7/22/2010 Conversations Within ts
A professor once asked a group of students if deciding what to believe in terms of one’s faith, was more like guessing the number of beans in a jar, or more like choosing your favorite song?" Students inevitably said it was like choosing their favorite song. It is interesting that people often decide what to believe about God based on what makes them feel good but would never dream of doing this where personal health is concerned. People generally don’t choose a treatment for cancer based on their emotions but on a diligent search for facts even if it means making their best guess on which treatment is best. Christian faith is not a blind leap into the dark but a rational belief rooted in the testimony of creditable people who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. I don’t believe in the God of Jesus because he makes me feel good, he sometimes makes me very uncomfortable. I believe in the God of Jesus because Jesus is the only one I know who validated his claims by rising from the dead. 7/22/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.” C. S. Lewis
“And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jesus
A professor once asked a group of students if deciding what to believe in terms of one’s faith, was more like guessing the number of beans in a jar, or more like choosing your favorite song?" Students inevitably said it was like choosing their favorite song. It is interesting that people often decide what to believe about God based on what makes them feel good but would never dream of doing this where personal health is concerned. People generally don’t choose a treatment for cancer based on their emotions but on a diligent search for facts even if it means making their best guess on which treatment is best. Christian faith is not a blind leap into the dark but a rational belief rooted in the testimony of creditable people who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. I don’t believe in the God of Jesus because he makes me feel good, he sometimes makes me very uncomfortable. I believe in the God of Jesus because Jesus is the only one I know who validated his claims by rising from the dead. 7/22/2010 Conversations Within ts
A professor once asked a group of students if deciding what to believe in terms of one’s faith, was more like guessing the number of beans in a jar, or more like choosing your favorite song?" Students inevitably said it was like choosing their favorite song. It is interesting that people often decide what to believe about God based on what makes them feel good but would never dream of doing this where personal health is concerned. People generally don’t choose a treatment for cancer based on their emotions but on a diligent search for facts even if it means making their best guess on which treatment is best. Christian faith is not a blind leap into the dark but a rational belief rooted in the testimony of creditable people who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. I don’t believe in the God of Jesus because he makes me feel good, he sometimes makes me very uncomfortable. I believe in the God of Jesus because Jesus is the only one I know who validated his claims by rising from the dead. 7/22/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, July 26, 2010
If you would forget your troubles, immerse yourself in the sea of service to your fellow man...
...be as the dew of heaven refreshing all you meet.
“…the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 1 ESV
The joy of Jesus is surely discovered in refreshing others. If we would possess that joy or better yet, have His joy possess us, let us give ourselves to the sacred service of refreshing hearts. Serve the Lord with gladness and be sure to serve the Lord by refreshing others. Water the garden of every person you meet with encouraging words and intercessory prayers. Pray with them. Pray for them. It is in times of personal prayer that God’s Spirit will tell us how to refresh those we love. He will fill our days with loving and though such, fill our hearts with the delights of divine joy. Here is the Christ life. He would free us from the prison of our selfishness and lead us to the heights of fruitful fellowship. He would make us to be as the dew that falls from heaven and refreshes the hearts of the weary. 7/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
“…the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 1 ESV
The joy of Jesus is surely discovered in refreshing others. If we would possess that joy or better yet, have His joy possess us, let us give ourselves to the sacred service of refreshing hearts. Serve the Lord with gladness and be sure to serve the Lord by refreshing others. Water the garden of every person you meet with encouraging words and intercessory prayers. Pray with them. Pray for them. It is in times of personal prayer that God’s Spirit will tell us how to refresh those we love. He will fill our days with loving and though such, fill our hearts with the delights of divine joy. Here is the Christ life. He would free us from the prison of our selfishness and lead us to the heights of fruitful fellowship. He would make us to be as the dew that falls from heaven and refreshes the hearts of the weary. 7/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
If you would forget your troubles, immerse yourself in the sea of service to your fellow man...
...be as the dew of heaven refreshing all you meet.
“…the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 1 ESV
The joy of Jesus is surely discovered in refreshing others. If we would possess that joy or better yet, have His joy possess us, let us give ourselves to the sacred service of refreshing hearts. Serve the Lord with gladness and be sure to serve the Lord by refreshing others. Water the garden of every person you meet with encouraging words and intercessory prayers. Pray with them. Pray for them. It is in times of personal prayer that God’s Spirit will tell us how to refresh those we love. He will fill our days with loving and though such, fill our hearts with the delights of divine joy. Here is the Christ life. He would free us from the prison of our selfishness and lead us to the heights of fruitful fellowship. He would make us to be as the dew that falls from heaven and refreshes the hearts of the weary. 7/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
“…the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 1 ESV
The joy of Jesus is surely discovered in refreshing others. If we would possess that joy or better yet, have His joy possess us, let us give ourselves to the sacred service of refreshing hearts. Serve the Lord with gladness and be sure to serve the Lord by refreshing others. Water the garden of every person you meet with encouraging words and intercessory prayers. Pray with them. Pray for them. It is in times of personal prayer that God’s Spirit will tell us how to refresh those we love. He will fill our days with loving and though such, fill our hearts with the delights of divine joy. Here is the Christ life. He would free us from the prison of our selfishness and lead us to the heights of fruitful fellowship. He would make us to be as the dew that falls from heaven and refreshes the hearts of the weary. 7/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Is there any greater pleasure on earth than a circle of Christian friends around a fire?" C. S. Lewis
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts.2 ESV
.
I can think of few things in life that can surpass the beauty, simplicity and value of a small band of true friends, individuals who play together and pray together. Here is church in its purest form. I refer to something more than just a home Bible Study. Oh, they may certainly study the Scriptures together, but life in this circle of friends usually centers on doing, more than just discussing. They share books, activities, meals, life’s ups and downs; they pretty much share everything. Some of these fellowships don’t even live in the same city or state but this doesn’t stop them from keeping up with each other, or getting together for a camping trip or dinner and a movie. I have seen such groups come together around a weekend of play; some ministry purpose or they simply support one another in a variety of individual services. Belonging to one of these groups is as simple as really committing yourself to your friends. It may take time but when you love people, really love them; they usually wind up loving you. The best comes when this circle of love starts to overflow. 7/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
.
I can think of few things in life that can surpass the beauty, simplicity and value of a small band of true friends, individuals who play together and pray together. Here is church in its purest form. I refer to something more than just a home Bible Study. Oh, they may certainly study the Scriptures together, but life in this circle of friends usually centers on doing, more than just discussing. They share books, activities, meals, life’s ups and downs; they pretty much share everything. Some of these fellowships don’t even live in the same city or state but this doesn’t stop them from keeping up with each other, or getting together for a camping trip or dinner and a movie. I have seen such groups come together around a weekend of play; some ministry purpose or they simply support one another in a variety of individual services. Belonging to one of these groups is as simple as really committing yourself to your friends. It may take time but when you love people, really love them; they usually wind up loving you. The best comes when this circle of love starts to overflow. 7/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
Is there any greater pleasure on earth than a circle of Christian friends around a fire?" C. S. Lewis
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts.2 ESV
.
I can think of few things in life that can surpass the beauty, simplicity and value of a small band of true friends, individuals who play together and pray together. Here is church in its purest form. I refer to something more than just a home Bible Study. Oh, they may certainly study the Scriptures together, but life in this circle of friends usually centers on doing, more than just discussing. They share books, activities, meals, life’s ups and downs; they pretty much share everything. Some of these fellowships don’t even live in the same city or state but this doesn’t stop them from keeping up with each other, or getting together for a camping trip or dinner and a movie. I have seen such groups come together around a weekend of play; some ministry purpose or they simply support one another in a variety of individual services. Belonging to one of these groups is as simple as really committing yourself to your friends. It may take time but when you love people, really love them; they usually wind up loving you. The best comes when this circle of love starts to overflow. 7/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
.
I can think of few things in life that can surpass the beauty, simplicity and value of a small band of true friends, individuals who play together and pray together. Here is church in its purest form. I refer to something more than just a home Bible Study. Oh, they may certainly study the Scriptures together, but life in this circle of friends usually centers on doing, more than just discussing. They share books, activities, meals, life’s ups and downs; they pretty much share everything. Some of these fellowships don’t even live in the same city or state but this doesn’t stop them from keeping up with each other, or getting together for a camping trip or dinner and a movie. I have seen such groups come together around a weekend of play; some ministry purpose or they simply support one another in a variety of individual services. Belonging to one of these groups is as simple as really committing yourself to your friends. It may take time but when you love people, really love them; they usually wind up loving you. The best comes when this circle of love starts to overflow. 7/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 23, 2010
“Many men do not understand that the need for fellowship is really as deep as the need for food...
... and so they go through life accepting many substitutes...” Joshua Loth Liebman
“…our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1Jo.1 ESV
Recent trends show that many Christians are dropping out of active church attendance. Among the ones we have talked too, it is not because of personal failings that they no longer attend church, but rather because church at least in its organized form is failing to provide anything of substance to their lives. But one thing is abundantly clear, at least in so far as, Jesus is concerned. He tells us that we need each other and He would have us share the burden and joys of this life in spiritual commitment to each other. I told someone the other day that Brenda and I are looking for simpler expressions of Christian community than are often found in the busyness of church life. And, while we continue to “attend church” the focus of our fellowship is in the friendships we nurture not in the meetings we attend. Are their people in our life that share a mutual commitment to Lordship under Jesus, to grow in grace and encouragement to ministry? Have we pledged our lives in service to others to help them and allow them to help us discover all that God is for us in Christ? People attend church all their life and never find this kind of fellowship. If I don’t have it, let me at least start to create it by proactively loving those round me. 7/19/2010 Conversations Within ts
“…our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1Jo.1 ESV
Recent trends show that many Christians are dropping out of active church attendance. Among the ones we have talked too, it is not because of personal failings that they no longer attend church, but rather because church at least in its organized form is failing to provide anything of substance to their lives. But one thing is abundantly clear, at least in so far as, Jesus is concerned. He tells us that we need each other and He would have us share the burden and joys of this life in spiritual commitment to each other. I told someone the other day that Brenda and I are looking for simpler expressions of Christian community than are often found in the busyness of church life. And, while we continue to “attend church” the focus of our fellowship is in the friendships we nurture not in the meetings we attend. Are their people in our life that share a mutual commitment to Lordship under Jesus, to grow in grace and encouragement to ministry? Have we pledged our lives in service to others to help them and allow them to help us discover all that God is for us in Christ? People attend church all their life and never find this kind of fellowship. If I don’t have it, let me at least start to create it by proactively loving those round me. 7/19/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Many men do not understand that the need for fellowship is really as deep as the need for food...
... and so they go through life accepting many substitutes...” Joshua Loth Liebman
“…our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1Jo.1 ESV
Recent trends show that many Christians are dropping out of active church attendance. Among the ones we have talked too, it is not because of personal failings that they no longer attend church, but rather because church at least in its organized form is failing to provide anything of substance to their lives. But one thing is abundantly clear, at least in so far as, Jesus is concerned. He tells us that we need each other and He would have us share the burden and joys of this life in spiritual commitment to each other. I told someone the other day that Brenda and I are looking for simpler expressions of Christian community than are often found in the busyness of church life. And, while we continue to “attend church” the focus of our fellowship is in the friendships we nurture not in the meetings we attend. Are their people in our life that share a mutual commitment to Lordship under Jesus, to grow in grace and encouragement to ministry? Have we pledged our lives in service to others to help them and allow them to help us discover all that God is for us in Christ? People attend church all their life and never find this kind of fellowship. If I don’t have it, let me at least start to create it by proactively loving those round me. 7/19/2010 Conversations Within ts
“…our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1Jo.1 ESV
Recent trends show that many Christians are dropping out of active church attendance. Among the ones we have talked too, it is not because of personal failings that they no longer attend church, but rather because church at least in its organized form is failing to provide anything of substance to their lives. But one thing is abundantly clear, at least in so far as, Jesus is concerned. He tells us that we need each other and He would have us share the burden and joys of this life in spiritual commitment to each other. I told someone the other day that Brenda and I are looking for simpler expressions of Christian community than are often found in the busyness of church life. And, while we continue to “attend church” the focus of our fellowship is in the friendships we nurture not in the meetings we attend. Are their people in our life that share a mutual commitment to Lordship under Jesus, to grow in grace and encouragement to ministry? Have we pledged our lives in service to others to help them and allow them to help us discover all that God is for us in Christ? People attend church all their life and never find this kind of fellowship. If I don’t have it, let me at least start to create it by proactively loving those round me. 7/19/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 22, 2010
“Put your future in good hands…” Anonymous
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Ps.20 ESV
I think most of us trust common sense, or our powers of reason, or laws of science. We generally trust our senses and therefore the conclusions we draw from them. If my army is bigger than my enemy’s army, I can go to war with confidence. If my doctor is the best cardiologist in his field, I rest easier on the operating table. Now God certainly makes use of ordinary means but He also chooses to work without them, above them and sometimes even against them. He may give a superior force into the hands of an inferior one. He may choose to give a lesser surgeon skill beyond his abilities. He may at times ask us to trust His judgment over our own and do something we would otherwise think outrageous. However God works, God is the one who decides the outcome. It seems foolish then to put our trust in anything but Him. Our faith enables us to see His hand in common sense or a surgeon even His power to lead us in spite of our own stupidity. 7/16/2010 Conversations Within ts
I think most of us trust common sense, or our powers of reason, or laws of science. We generally trust our senses and therefore the conclusions we draw from them. If my army is bigger than my enemy’s army, I can go to war with confidence. If my doctor is the best cardiologist in his field, I rest easier on the operating table. Now God certainly makes use of ordinary means but He also chooses to work without them, above them and sometimes even against them. He may give a superior force into the hands of an inferior one. He may choose to give a lesser surgeon skill beyond his abilities. He may at times ask us to trust His judgment over our own and do something we would otherwise think outrageous. However God works, God is the one who decides the outcome. It seems foolish then to put our trust in anything but Him. Our faith enables us to see His hand in common sense or a surgeon even His power to lead us in spite of our own stupidity. 7/16/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Put your future in good hands…” Anonymous
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Ps.20 ESV
I think most of us trust common sense, or our powers of reason, or laws of science. We generally trust our senses and therefore the conclusions we draw from them. If my army is bigger than my enemy’s army, I can go to war with confidence. If my doctor is the best cardiologist in his field, I rest easier on the operating table. Now God certainly makes use of ordinary means but He also chooses to work without them, above them and sometimes even against them. He may give a superior force into the hands of an inferior one. He may choose to give a lesser surgeon skill beyond his abilities. He may at times ask us to trust His judgment over our own and do something we would otherwise think outrageous. However God works, God is the one who decides the outcome. It seems foolish then to put our trust in anything but Him. Our faith enables us to see His hand in common sense or a surgeon even His power to lead us in spite of our own stupidity. 7/16/2010 Conversations Within ts
I think most of us trust common sense, or our powers of reason, or laws of science. We generally trust our senses and therefore the conclusions we draw from them. If my army is bigger than my enemy’s army, I can go to war with confidence. If my doctor is the best cardiologist in his field, I rest easier on the operating table. Now God certainly makes use of ordinary means but He also chooses to work without them, above them and sometimes even against them. He may give a superior force into the hands of an inferior one. He may choose to give a lesser surgeon skill beyond his abilities. He may at times ask us to trust His judgment over our own and do something we would otherwise think outrageous. However God works, God is the one who decides the outcome. It seems foolish then to put our trust in anything but Him. Our faith enables us to see His hand in common sense or a surgeon even His power to lead us in spite of our own stupidity. 7/16/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
“Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse.” (Murphy’s Law paraphrase)
“Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse.” (Murphy’s Law paraphrase)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Rom.8.28 ESV
I recently impaled my leg on the branch of a bush trying to improve my angle to take a picture of a mountain goat. Now I can easily see how God is working all things together for my good because I met a new friend and brother in the physician who stitched up my leg. We are already sharing books and enjoying spiritual fellowship via email. His community and mine were graciously added to the day of my accident.
On another matter, I can’t see how God is working all things together for my good when several days and several states later, I developed chills and high fever and another good doctor friend naturally suspecting infection, had to reopen my wound which had healed rather nicely. He did not find any infection and we discovered the very next day that fever had nothing to do with my wound and now I have wait another ten days for my wound to heal again. That I can sometimes see the good that God is working in my life and other times I can’t make heads or tells about what He is doing doesn’t change the truth of these words all. All things are working together for good, not just when I see they do. 7/15/2010 Conversations Within ts
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Rom.8.28 ESV
I recently impaled my leg on the branch of a bush trying to improve my angle to take a picture of a mountain goat. Now I can easily see how God is working all things together for my good because I met a new friend and brother in the physician who stitched up my leg. We are already sharing books and enjoying spiritual fellowship via email. His community and mine were graciously added to the day of my accident.
On another matter, I can’t see how God is working all things together for my good when several days and several states later, I developed chills and high fever and another good doctor friend naturally suspecting infection, had to reopen my wound which had healed rather nicely. He did not find any infection and we discovered the very next day that fever had nothing to do with my wound and now I have wait another ten days for my wound to heal again. That I can sometimes see the good that God is working in my life and other times I can’t make heads or tells about what He is doing doesn’t change the truth of these words all. All things are working together for good, not just when I see they do. 7/15/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse.” (Murphy’s Law paraphrase)
“Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse.” (Murphy’s Law paraphrase)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Rom.8.28 ESV
I recently impaled my leg on the branch of a bush trying to improve my angle to take a picture of a mountain goat. Now I can easily see how God is working all things together for my good because I met a new friend and brother in the physician who stitched up my leg. We are already sharing books and enjoying spiritual fellowship via email. His community and mine were graciously added to the day of my accident.
On another matter, I can’t see how God is working all things together for my good when several days and several states later, I developed chills and high fever and another good doctor friend naturally suspecting infection, had to reopen my wound which had healed rather nicely. He did not find any infection and we discovered the very next day that fever had nothing to do with my wound and now I have wait another ten days for my wound to heal again. That I can sometimes see the good that God is working in my life and other times I can’t make heads or tells about what He is doing doesn’t change the truth of these words all. All things are working together for good, not just when I see they do. 7/15/2010 Conversations Within ts
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Rom.8.28 ESV
I recently impaled my leg on the branch of a bush trying to improve my angle to take a picture of a mountain goat. Now I can easily see how God is working all things together for my good because I met a new friend and brother in the physician who stitched up my leg. We are already sharing books and enjoying spiritual fellowship via email. His community and mine were graciously added to the day of my accident.
On another matter, I can’t see how God is working all things together for my good when several days and several states later, I developed chills and high fever and another good doctor friend naturally suspecting infection, had to reopen my wound which had healed rather nicely. He did not find any infection and we discovered the very next day that fever had nothing to do with my wound and now I have wait another ten days for my wound to heal again. That I can sometimes see the good that God is working in my life and other times I can’t make heads or tells about what He is doing doesn’t change the truth of these words all. All things are working together for good, not just when I see they do. 7/15/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” Johann Sebastian Bach
“I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.” Ps.49 ESV
Instrumental music is my favorite because it complements thoughts instead of competing with them, or at least when I ‘m writing. Music is such an important part of my life, and is such a precious gift. It is one of those extras in life and as someone rightly said, “It is only goodness that gives extras.“
My favorite time of each day is when I listen to music, read, write and pray. God is not loud like many voices in the world. To hear Him we must draw away to the quiet. Jesus went to the mountains; I go to music. I believe that we all move around too much. Our hectic and hurried lives have left us, as Bilbo Baggins said, “like too little butter spread over too much bread.” The rapids of life may be exciting but quiet waters run slow and deep. 7/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
Instrumental music is my favorite because it complements thoughts instead of competing with them, or at least when I ‘m writing. Music is such an important part of my life, and is such a precious gift. It is one of those extras in life and as someone rightly said, “It is only goodness that gives extras.“
My favorite time of each day is when I listen to music, read, write and pray. God is not loud like many voices in the world. To hear Him we must draw away to the quiet. Jesus went to the mountains; I go to music. I believe that we all move around too much. Our hectic and hurried lives have left us, as Bilbo Baggins said, “like too little butter spread over too much bread.” The rapids of life may be exciting but quiet waters run slow and deep. 7/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” Johann Sebastian Bach
“I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.” Ps.49 ESV
Instrumental music is my favorite because it complements thoughts instead of competing with them, or at least when I ‘m writing. Music is such an important part of my life, and is such a precious gift. It is one of those extras in life and as someone rightly said, “It is only goodness that gives extras.“
My favorite time of each day is when I listen to music, read, write and pray. God is not loud like many voices in the world. To hear Him we must draw away to the quiet. Jesus went to the mountains; I go to music. I believe that we all move around too much. Our hectic and hurried lives have left us, as Bilbo Baggins said, “like too little butter spread over too much bread.” The rapids of life may be exciting but quiet waters run slow and deep. 7/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
Instrumental music is my favorite because it complements thoughts instead of competing with them, or at least when I ‘m writing. Music is such an important part of my life, and is such a precious gift. It is one of those extras in life and as someone rightly said, “It is only goodness that gives extras.“
My favorite time of each day is when I listen to music, read, write and pray. God is not loud like many voices in the world. To hear Him we must draw away to the quiet. Jesus went to the mountains; I go to music. I believe that we all move around too much. Our hectic and hurried lives have left us, as Bilbo Baggins said, “like too little butter spread over too much bread.” The rapids of life may be exciting but quiet waters run slow and deep. 7/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, July 19, 2010
“And, now my life song sings.” Casting Crowns
“To you, O LORD, I will make music.” Ps.101 ESV
Is there any medium in all the world that can compare to the power of music to stir one’s soul? Like all other endowments, this one is returned to God as an offering each time excellence is expressed in it. It doesn’t matter if the artist believes in God or not. All things are from Him. But as each sweet melody rises in those who do worship Him, each heart so lifted, ascends like fragrant incense to the God who created both the man or woman and the music. All things are to Him. How precious this gift! How delightful is its ability to express joy and sorrow, excitement and ecstasy. Every human experience is expressed in music. All things are through Him. “To you, O LORD, I will make music.” You are the music of my life. 7/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
Is there any medium in all the world that can compare to the power of music to stir one’s soul? Like all other endowments, this one is returned to God as an offering each time excellence is expressed in it. It doesn’t matter if the artist believes in God or not. All things are from Him. But as each sweet melody rises in those who do worship Him, each heart so lifted, ascends like fragrant incense to the God who created both the man or woman and the music. All things are to Him. How precious this gift! How delightful is its ability to express joy and sorrow, excitement and ecstasy. Every human experience is expressed in music. All things are through Him. “To you, O LORD, I will make music.” You are the music of my life. 7/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
“And, now my life song sings.” Casting Crowns
“To you, O LORD, I will make music.” Ps.101 ESV
Is there any medium in all the world that can compare to the power of music to stir one’s soul? Like all other endowments, this one is returned to God as an offering each time excellence is expressed in it. It doesn’t matter if the artist believes in God or not. All things are from Him. But as each sweet melody rises in those who do worship Him, each heart so lifted, ascends like fragrant incense to the God who created both the man or woman and the music. All things are to Him. How precious this gift! How delightful is its ability to express joy and sorrow, excitement and ecstasy. Every human experience is expressed in music. All things are through Him. “To you, O LORD, I will make music.” You are the music of my life. 7/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
Is there any medium in all the world that can compare to the power of music to stir one’s soul? Like all other endowments, this one is returned to God as an offering each time excellence is expressed in it. It doesn’t matter if the artist believes in God or not. All things are from Him. But as each sweet melody rises in those who do worship Him, each heart so lifted, ascends like fragrant incense to the God who created both the man or woman and the music. All things are to Him. How precious this gift! How delightful is its ability to express joy and sorrow, excitement and ecstasy. Every human experience is expressed in music. All things are through Him. “To you, O LORD, I will make music.” You are the music of my life. 7/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, July 17, 2010
“What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us;
... it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” Monica Baldwin
"Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?" Gen.41 ESV
It did not matter that Joseph was a young man, that he was a filthy foreigner, at least in the eyes of the Egyptians, or that he just came from Pharaoh’s prison. The ruler of Egypt could not help but take notice that the Spirit of God was upon him. Why is it that we do not hear this about every Christian? We after all share the same promised Spirit as Joseph. But we do well to remember that it was not always this way for Israel’s favorite son. He had been a cocky and arrogant tattletale. It was only after the Lord led him through the “valley of humiliation” and removed the facade of Joseph’s conceit that Spirit of God could be seen in him. Lord, I would see more of Thee and less of me. This will probably hurt a little. 7/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
"Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?" Gen.41 ESV
It did not matter that Joseph was a young man, that he was a filthy foreigner, at least in the eyes of the Egyptians, or that he just came from Pharaoh’s prison. The ruler of Egypt could not help but take notice that the Spirit of God was upon him. Why is it that we do not hear this about every Christian? We after all share the same promised Spirit as Joseph. But we do well to remember that it was not always this way for Israel’s favorite son. He had been a cocky and arrogant tattletale. It was only after the Lord led him through the “valley of humiliation” and removed the facade of Joseph’s conceit that Spirit of God could be seen in him. Lord, I would see more of Thee and less of me. This will probably hurt a little. 7/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
“What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us;
... it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” Monica Baldwin
"Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?" Gen.41 ESV
It did not matter that Joseph was a young man, that he was a filthy foreigner, at least in the eyes of the Egyptians, or that he just came from Pharaoh’s prison. The ruler of Egypt could not help but take notice that the Spirit of God was upon him. Why is it that we do not hear this about every Christian? We after all share the same promised Spirit as Joseph. But we do well to remember that it was not always this way for Israel’s favorite son. He had been a cocky and arrogant tattletale. It was only after the Lord led him through the “valley of humiliation” and removed the facade of Joseph’s conceit that Spirit of God could be seen in him. Lord, I would see more of Thee and less of me. This will probably hurt a little. 7/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
"Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?" Gen.41 ESV
It did not matter that Joseph was a young man, that he was a filthy foreigner, at least in the eyes of the Egyptians, or that he just came from Pharaoh’s prison. The ruler of Egypt could not help but take notice that the Spirit of God was upon him. Why is it that we do not hear this about every Christian? We after all share the same promised Spirit as Joseph. But we do well to remember that it was not always this way for Israel’s favorite son. He had been a cocky and arrogant tattletale. It was only after the Lord led him through the “valley of humiliation” and removed the facade of Joseph’s conceit that Spirit of God could be seen in him. Lord, I would see more of Thee and less of me. This will probably hurt a little. 7/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 16, 2010
As the Scriptures are being destroyed by…cultural infiltration and compromise, do we have the courage—
... as Bible-believing Christians — to mark the watershed? Francis Schaeffer
“Truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Jesus (Mt.5 NASB)
In a recent trip to the mountains, my wife and I crossed over the Continental Divide several times. The “divide” refers to the watershed created by the mountains that separates the waters that run to the Pacific Ocean from those that run to the Atlantic. The late Dr. Francis Schaeffer said that what we believe about the Bible is the watershed for all those who would love God. Do I believe the Scriptures to be God’s word or simply man’s word? This is the watershed and it will decide where my faith ultimately leads us. The two places will no doubt be miles apart. For me, choosing between these two very different views is rather simple. Because I have chosen to follow Jesus I would see the Scriptures the way Jesus viewed the Scriptures. He taught that the very letters of every word is sustained by God and will remain so until the end of the age. 7/8/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Jesus (Mt.5 NASB)
In a recent trip to the mountains, my wife and I crossed over the Continental Divide several times. The “divide” refers to the watershed created by the mountains that separates the waters that run to the Pacific Ocean from those that run to the Atlantic. The late Dr. Francis Schaeffer said that what we believe about the Bible is the watershed for all those who would love God. Do I believe the Scriptures to be God’s word or simply man’s word? This is the watershed and it will decide where my faith ultimately leads us. The two places will no doubt be miles apart. For me, choosing between these two very different views is rather simple. Because I have chosen to follow Jesus I would see the Scriptures the way Jesus viewed the Scriptures. He taught that the very letters of every word is sustained by God and will remain so until the end of the age. 7/8/2010 Conversations Within ts
As the Scriptures are being destroyed by…cultural infiltration and compromise, do we have the courage—
... as Bible-believing Christians — to mark the watershed? Francis Schaeffer
“Truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Jesus (Mt.5 NASB)
In a recent trip to the mountains, my wife and I crossed over the Continental Divide several times. The “divide” refers to the watershed created by the mountains that separates the waters that run to the Pacific Ocean from those that run to the Atlantic. The late Dr. Francis Schaeffer said that what we believe about the Bible is the watershed for all those who would love God. Do I believe the Scriptures to be God’s word or simply man’s word? This is the watershed and it will decide where my faith ultimately leads us. The two places will no doubt be miles apart. For me, choosing between these two very different views is rather simple. Because I have chosen to follow Jesus I would see the Scriptures the way Jesus viewed the Scriptures. He taught that the very letters of every word is sustained by God and will remain so until the end of the age. 7/8/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Jesus (Mt.5 NASB)
In a recent trip to the mountains, my wife and I crossed over the Continental Divide several times. The “divide” refers to the watershed created by the mountains that separates the waters that run to the Pacific Ocean from those that run to the Atlantic. The late Dr. Francis Schaeffer said that what we believe about the Bible is the watershed for all those who would love God. Do I believe the Scriptures to be God’s word or simply man’s word? This is the watershed and it will decide where my faith ultimately leads us. The two places will no doubt be miles apart. For me, choosing between these two very different views is rather simple. Because I have chosen to follow Jesus I would see the Scriptures the way Jesus viewed the Scriptures. He taught that the very letters of every word is sustained by God and will remain so until the end of the age. 7/8/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 15, 2010
“If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss bank.” Woody Allen
"It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Jesus
Today’s bread is largely printed on paper or at least we live as if it is. It is no surprise then that money is nicked named “Bread.” Jesus lovingly directs us to live on Heaven’s bread and fresh baked bread at that. He did not tell us to live on words that “came” from God’s mouth but on words that “come” from His mouth. It almost seems contradictory that He begins this encouragement by the words, “It is written,” until you realize how Jesus viewed the Scriptures. He tells us to listen to the Scriptures and in them find the fresh baked bread of God’s word. The Scriptures are living and active, God not only spoke them to their original audience but also continues to speak in them to any who will but listen. When I read the Bible, am I listening to God or just reading a book. 7/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
Today’s bread is largely printed on paper or at least we live as if it is. It is no surprise then that money is nicked named “Bread.” Jesus lovingly directs us to live on Heaven’s bread and fresh baked bread at that. He did not tell us to live on words that “came” from God’s mouth but on words that “come” from His mouth. It almost seems contradictory that He begins this encouragement by the words, “It is written,” until you realize how Jesus viewed the Scriptures. He tells us to listen to the Scriptures and in them find the fresh baked bread of God’s word. The Scriptures are living and active, God not only spoke them to their original audience but also continues to speak in them to any who will but listen. When I read the Bible, am I listening to God or just reading a book. 7/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
“If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss bank.” Woody Allen
"It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Jesus
Today’s bread is largely printed on paper or at least we live as if it is. It is no surprise then that money is nicked named “Bread.” Jesus lovingly directs us to live on Heaven’s bread and fresh baked bread at that. He did not tell us to live on words that “came” from God’s mouth but on words that “come” from His mouth. It almost seems contradictory that He begins this encouragement by the words, “It is written,” until you realize how Jesus viewed the Scriptures. He tells us to listen to the Scriptures and in them find the fresh baked bread of God’s word. The Scriptures are living and active, God not only spoke them to their original audience but also continues to speak in them to any who will but listen. When I read the Bible, am I listening to God or just reading a book. 7/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
Today’s bread is largely printed on paper or at least we live as if it is. It is no surprise then that money is nicked named “Bread.” Jesus lovingly directs us to live on Heaven’s bread and fresh baked bread at that. He did not tell us to live on words that “came” from God’s mouth but on words that “come” from His mouth. It almost seems contradictory that He begins this encouragement by the words, “It is written,” until you realize how Jesus viewed the Scriptures. He tells us to listen to the Scriptures and in them find the fresh baked bread of God’s word. The Scriptures are living and active, God not only spoke them to their original audience but also continues to speak in them to any who will but listen. When I read the Bible, am I listening to God or just reading a book. 7/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
“Soft days for evangelical Christians are past ...
...and only a strong view of Scripture is sufficient to withstand the pressure of an all-pervasive culture built on relativistic thinking.” Francis Schaeffer
“For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” Ps.138 ESV
To say that we live in a relativistic culture simply means that any notions of right and wrong, true and false are determined by cultural opinion not by a belief in any Divine revelation. At many points in history, the governing Law of the land was “Rex-Lex,” meaning the King is law. America challenged this notion and under a Judeo-Christian heritage, moved from “Rex-lex” to “Lex-Rex,” which means the Law is King. This of course was not any law but law modeled after God’s Law, and not just any God but the God of both the Old and New Testament. Our nation originally founded under God has shifted to being a nation under many gods. Modern society has decided that God’s Law doesn’t rule and the King doesn’t rule, the people rule. Any laws that exist are subject to the whims of society. The first man of course decided no less than this, which is of course why Christ came. 7/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
“For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” Ps.138 ESV
To say that we live in a relativistic culture simply means that any notions of right and wrong, true and false are determined by cultural opinion not by a belief in any Divine revelation. At many points in history, the governing Law of the land was “Rex-Lex,” meaning the King is law. America challenged this notion and under a Judeo-Christian heritage, moved from “Rex-lex” to “Lex-Rex,” which means the Law is King. This of course was not any law but law modeled after God’s Law, and not just any God but the God of both the Old and New Testament. Our nation originally founded under God has shifted to being a nation under many gods. Modern society has decided that God’s Law doesn’t rule and the King doesn’t rule, the people rule. Any laws that exist are subject to the whims of society. The first man of course decided no less than this, which is of course why Christ came. 7/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Soft days for evangelical Christians are past ...
...and only a strong view of Scripture is sufficient to withstand the pressure of an all-pervasive culture built on relativistic thinking.” Francis Schaeffer
“For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” Ps.138 ESV
To say that we live in a relativistic culture simply means that any notions of right and wrong, true and false are determined by cultural opinion not by a belief in any Divine revelation. At many points in history, the governing Law of the land was “Rex-Lex,” meaning the King is law. America challenged this notion and under a Judeo-Christian heritage, moved from “Rex-lex” to “Lex-Rex,” which means the Law is King. This of course was not any law but law modeled after God’s Law, and not just any God but the God of both the Old and New Testament. Our nation originally founded under God has shifted to being a nation under many gods. Modern society has decided that God’s Law doesn’t rule and the King doesn’t rule, the people rule. Any laws that exist are subject to the whims of society. The first man of course decided no less than this, which is of course why Christ came. 7/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
“For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” Ps.138 ESV
To say that we live in a relativistic culture simply means that any notions of right and wrong, true and false are determined by cultural opinion not by a belief in any Divine revelation. At many points in history, the governing Law of the land was “Rex-Lex,” meaning the King is law. America challenged this notion and under a Judeo-Christian heritage, moved from “Rex-lex” to “Lex-Rex,” which means the Law is King. This of course was not any law but law modeled after God’s Law, and not just any God but the God of both the Old and New Testament. Our nation originally founded under God has shifted to being a nation under many gods. Modern society has decided that God’s Law doesn’t rule and the King doesn’t rule, the people rule. Any laws that exist are subject to the whims of society. The first man of course decided no less than this, which is of course why Christ came. 7/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, July 12, 2010
“There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity...
“There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. Charles Spurgeon
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! Ps.34 ESV
One of my favorite pass times is to use a set of binoculars, not to magnify things far away but to explore things only a few feet from me. I have spent hours musing a delicate dew drop on the stamen of a lily, or watching a trail of ants traversing through a jungle of grass, or a beetle climbing down the bark ravines of loblolly pine. I even image myself walking in this miniature world exploring a sage forest of moss or prancing over blazing orange lichen growing on some rock. A whole universe opens before you and all within five feet of where you stand. In all this beauty, the creative energy of God electrifies the imagination and one can’t help but be enchanted by His greatness in small things. The visible world is one lens that enables our faith to magnify the greatness of our invisible God. Oh, magnify the LORD with me! 7/6/2010 Conversations Within ts
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! Ps.34 ESV
One of my favorite pass times is to use a set of binoculars, not to magnify things far away but to explore things only a few feet from me. I have spent hours musing a delicate dew drop on the stamen of a lily, or watching a trail of ants traversing through a jungle of grass, or a beetle climbing down the bark ravines of loblolly pine. I even image myself walking in this miniature world exploring a sage forest of moss or prancing over blazing orange lichen growing on some rock. A whole universe opens before you and all within five feet of where you stand. In all this beauty, the creative energy of God electrifies the imagination and one can’t help but be enchanted by His greatness in small things. The visible world is one lens that enables our faith to magnify the greatness of our invisible God. Oh, magnify the LORD with me! 7/6/2010 Conversations Within ts
“There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity...
“There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. Charles Spurgeon
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! Ps.34 ESV
One of my favorite pass times is to use a set of binoculars, not to magnify things far away but to explore things only a few feet from me. I have spent hours musing a delicate dew drop on the stamen of a lily, or watching a trail of ants traversing through a jungle of grass, or a beetle climbing down the bark ravines of loblolly pine. I even image myself walking in this miniature world exploring a sage forest of moss or prancing over blazing orange lichen growing on some rock. A whole universe opens before you and all within five feet of where you stand. In all this beauty, the creative energy of God electrifies the imagination and one can’t help but be enchanted by His greatness in small things. The visible world is one lens that enables our faith to magnify the greatness of our invisible God. Oh, magnify the LORD with me! 7/6/2010 Conversations Within ts
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! Ps.34 ESV
One of my favorite pass times is to use a set of binoculars, not to magnify things far away but to explore things only a few feet from me. I have spent hours musing a delicate dew drop on the stamen of a lily, or watching a trail of ants traversing through a jungle of grass, or a beetle climbing down the bark ravines of loblolly pine. I even image myself walking in this miniature world exploring a sage forest of moss or prancing over blazing orange lichen growing on some rock. A whole universe opens before you and all within five feet of where you stand. In all this beauty, the creative energy of God electrifies the imagination and one can’t help but be enchanted by His greatness in small things. The visible world is one lens that enables our faith to magnify the greatness of our invisible God. Oh, magnify the LORD with me! 7/6/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Grow old with me! The best is yet to be. ~Robert Browning
Grow old with me! The best is yet to be. ~Robert Browning
“The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” Prov.20 ESV
I remember the first time I heard John Denver’s song, “Poem Prayers and Promises;” I was moved by its lyrics. One line in particular stirred me, even though I was young at the time. It muses the simple fact of aging--“The changes somehow frighten me but still I have to smile. It turns me on to think I’m growing old.” It is a grace of God to make peace with age. The deeply veined lines on calloused hands have a beauty not surpassed by youthful strength. There is as much beauty in the autumn and winter years as in spring and summer of life. It is an honor to live long, to see gray mist settle upon one’s beard and brow. What a marvel that even though God knew of Adam’s fall before he fell and He would design such beauty even in a fallen world and give us the power to appreciate it. Who would have thought? But it is just like Him for He makes all things beautiful in it time. 7/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
“The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” Prov.20 ESV
I remember the first time I heard John Denver’s song, “Poem Prayers and Promises;” I was moved by its lyrics. One line in particular stirred me, even though I was young at the time. It muses the simple fact of aging--“The changes somehow frighten me but still I have to smile. It turns me on to think I’m growing old.” It is a grace of God to make peace with age. The deeply veined lines on calloused hands have a beauty not surpassed by youthful strength. There is as much beauty in the autumn and winter years as in spring and summer of life. It is an honor to live long, to see gray mist settle upon one’s beard and brow. What a marvel that even though God knew of Adam’s fall before he fell and He would design such beauty even in a fallen world and give us the power to appreciate it. Who would have thought? But it is just like Him for He makes all things beautiful in it time. 7/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
Grow old with me! The best is yet to be. ~Robert Browning
Grow old with me! The best is yet to be. ~Robert Browning
“The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” Prov.20 ESV
I remember the first time I heard John Denver’s song, “Poem Prayers and Promises;” I was moved by its lyrics. One line in particular stirred me, even though I was young at the time. It muses the simple fact of aging--“The changes somehow frighten me but still I have to smile. It turns me on to think I’m growing old.” It is a grace of God to make peace with age. The deeply veined lines on calloused hands have a beauty not surpassed by youthful strength. There is as much beauty in the autumn and winter years as in spring and summer of life. It is an honor to live long, to see gray mist settle upon one’s beard and brow. What a marvel that even though God knew of Adam’s fall before he fell and He would design such beauty even in a fallen world and give us the power to appreciate it. Who would have thought? But it is just like Him for He makes all things beautiful in it time. 7/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
“The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” Prov.20 ESV
I remember the first time I heard John Denver’s song, “Poem Prayers and Promises;” I was moved by its lyrics. One line in particular stirred me, even though I was young at the time. It muses the simple fact of aging--“The changes somehow frighten me but still I have to smile. It turns me on to think I’m growing old.” It is a grace of God to make peace with age. The deeply veined lines on calloused hands have a beauty not surpassed by youthful strength. There is as much beauty in the autumn and winter years as in spring and summer of life. It is an honor to live long, to see gray mist settle upon one’s beard and brow. What a marvel that even though God knew of Adam’s fall before he fell and He would design such beauty even in a fallen world and give us the power to appreciate it. Who would have thought? But it is just like Him for He makes all things beautiful in it time. 7/5/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 9, 2010
“Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.” C.S. Lewis
“He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.” Mic.7 ESV
Like any good parent, or we should say “better” than any good parent, there are times when God is angry at our behavior. But thanks be, He does not stay that way. God delights in love and in loving and that my friend, is very good news. God doesn’t just love us; He delights in loving us. This means He finds pleasure in actively working to secure all that is good for His children. This may mean of course that He lovingly spanks us when we act badly. God’s displeasure is always governed by the pleasure He finds in steadfast love, at least where His children are concerned. 7/4/2010 Conversations Within ts
Like any good parent, or we should say “better” than any good parent, there are times when God is angry at our behavior. But thanks be, He does not stay that way. God delights in love and in loving and that my friend, is very good news. God doesn’t just love us; He delights in loving us. This means He finds pleasure in actively working to secure all that is good for His children. This may mean of course that He lovingly spanks us when we act badly. God’s displeasure is always governed by the pleasure He finds in steadfast love, at least where His children are concerned. 7/4/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.” C.S. Lewis
“He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.” Mic.7 ESV
Like any good parent, or we should say “better” than any good parent, there are times when God is angry at our behavior. But thanks be, He does not stay that way. God delights in love and in loving and that my friend, is very good news. God doesn’t just love us; He delights in loving us. This means He finds pleasure in actively working to secure all that is good for His children. This may mean of course that He lovingly spanks us when we act badly. God’s displeasure is always governed by the pleasure He finds in steadfast love, at least where His children are concerned. 7/4/2010 Conversations Within ts
Like any good parent, or we should say “better” than any good parent, there are times when God is angry at our behavior. But thanks be, He does not stay that way. God delights in love and in loving and that my friend, is very good news. God doesn’t just love us; He delights in loving us. This means He finds pleasure in actively working to secure all that is good for His children. This may mean of course that He lovingly spanks us when we act badly. God’s displeasure is always governed by the pleasure He finds in steadfast love, at least where His children are concerned. 7/4/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 8, 2010
“Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe photographs.” Ansel Adams
"Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." John 20 ESV
Thomas required proof of the resurrection before He would commit to it. I guess one question for us is do we believe Thomas and the other disciples who say they saw it. It seems to boil down to trust at every level. Thomas trusted his senses we trust his testimony. And, we express this kind of faith every day. I never performed laboratory tests on the antibiotic I’m taking for my eyes. Neither did the optometrist that prescribed them for that matter. Faith is traced from one person to another, back to the original researcher. Every subsequent user affirms its credibility or not. Does my day-to-day faith affirm the credibility of Christ’s life and teachings or not. If someone were to give a user review of what they witnessed in me of the resurrected Christ would I get five stars, would He? 7/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thomas required proof of the resurrection before He would commit to it. I guess one question for us is do we believe Thomas and the other disciples who say they saw it. It seems to boil down to trust at every level. Thomas trusted his senses we trust his testimony. And, we express this kind of faith every day. I never performed laboratory tests on the antibiotic I’m taking for my eyes. Neither did the optometrist that prescribed them for that matter. Faith is traced from one person to another, back to the original researcher. Every subsequent user affirms its credibility or not. Does my day-to-day faith affirm the credibility of Christ’s life and teachings or not. If someone were to give a user review of what they witnessed in me of the resurrected Christ would I get five stars, would He? 7/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe photographs.” Ansel Adams
"Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." John 20 ESV
Thomas required proof of the resurrection before He would commit to it. I guess one question for us is do we believe Thomas and the other disciples who say they saw it. It seems to boil down to trust at every level. Thomas trusted his senses we trust his testimony. And, we express this kind of faith every day. I never performed laboratory tests on the antibiotic I’m taking for my eyes. Neither did the optometrist that prescribed them for that matter. Faith is traced from one person to another, back to the original researcher. Every subsequent user affirms its credibility or not. Does my day-to-day faith affirm the credibility of Christ’s life and teachings or not. If someone were to give a user review of what they witnessed in me of the resurrected Christ would I get five stars, would He? 7/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thomas required proof of the resurrection before He would commit to it. I guess one question for us is do we believe Thomas and the other disciples who say they saw it. It seems to boil down to trust at every level. Thomas trusted his senses we trust his testimony. And, we express this kind of faith every day. I never performed laboratory tests on the antibiotic I’m taking for my eyes. Neither did the optometrist that prescribed them for that matter. Faith is traced from one person to another, back to the original researcher. Every subsequent user affirms its credibility or not. Does my day-to-day faith affirm the credibility of Christ’s life and teachings or not. If someone were to give a user review of what they witnessed in me of the resurrected Christ would I get five stars, would He? 7/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Bow your passions to truth don’t bend the truth to your passions.
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” 2Tim.4 ESV
It is true that many egotistical, controlling people have perverted the Scriptures for their own personal ends and tried to scare people into following them. It is also true that many trying to escape them have dismissed the Bible preferring instead to fashion God after their own ideas and notions. Those who pervert the Scriptures and those who dismiss them, for all practical purposes, share the same fate if the Scriptures are indeed God’s word to man. Jesus certainly taught they were. But even though I accept what Jesus said, there are times when I am tempted to bend the Bible to my passions rather than bow my passions to God’s word. We know we have given in to this temptation when we surround ourselves with teachers who scratch our itch rather than put healing lotion on what’s causing it. The time predicted by the apostle is clearly upon us. 7/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
It is true that many egotistical, controlling people have perverted the Scriptures for their own personal ends and tried to scare people into following them. It is also true that many trying to escape them have dismissed the Bible preferring instead to fashion God after their own ideas and notions. Those who pervert the Scriptures and those who dismiss them, for all practical purposes, share the same fate if the Scriptures are indeed God’s word to man. Jesus certainly taught they were. But even though I accept what Jesus said, there are times when I am tempted to bend the Bible to my passions rather than bow my passions to God’s word. We know we have given in to this temptation when we surround ourselves with teachers who scratch our itch rather than put healing lotion on what’s causing it. The time predicted by the apostle is clearly upon us. 7/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
Bow your passions to truth don’t bend the truth to your passions.
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” 2Tim.4 ESV
It is true that many egotistical, controlling people have perverted the Scriptures for their own personal ends and tried to scare people into following them. It is also true that many trying to escape them have dismissed the Bible preferring instead to fashion God after their own ideas and notions. Those who pervert the Scriptures and those who dismiss them, for all practical purposes, share the same fate if the Scriptures are indeed God’s word to man. Jesus certainly taught they were. But even though I accept what Jesus said, there are times when I am tempted to bend the Bible to my passions rather than bow my passions to God’s word. We know we have given in to this temptation when we surround ourselves with teachers who scratch our itch rather than put healing lotion on what’s causing it. The time predicted by the apostle is clearly upon us. 7/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
It is true that many egotistical, controlling people have perverted the Scriptures for their own personal ends and tried to scare people into following them. It is also true that many trying to escape them have dismissed the Bible preferring instead to fashion God after their own ideas and notions. Those who pervert the Scriptures and those who dismiss them, for all practical purposes, share the same fate if the Scriptures are indeed God’s word to man. Jesus certainly taught they were. But even though I accept what Jesus said, there are times when I am tempted to bend the Bible to my passions rather than bow my passions to God’s word. We know we have given in to this temptation when we surround ourselves with teachers who scratch our itch rather than put healing lotion on what’s causing it. The time predicted by the apostle is clearly upon us. 7/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
“Intense love does not measure it just gives.” Mother Teresa
“Love never ends.” 1Cor.13 ESV
We praise unconditional love, and well we should. To pledge yourself to someone and say to them, “I will always love you, no matter what,” is a powerful thing. But it can also be easily misunderstood. We may love someone unconditionally but there are conditions demanded by our love. What I mean is that if you really love someone you pledge yourself not to his or her temporal happiness but to their highest good. I once told someone I love “unconditionally” that if they thought I would approve of their participation in destructive behavior they had greatly underestimated my love for them and, my commitment to their happiness. To love someone unconditionally is to never say, “I will love you if…” You love the person without any “ifs,” and, you always love them. But love demands certain things from us such as never settling, as far as we are concerned, for anything less than God’s best for them. 6/30/2010 Conversations Within ts
We praise unconditional love, and well we should. To pledge yourself to someone and say to them, “I will always love you, no matter what,” is a powerful thing. But it can also be easily misunderstood. We may love someone unconditionally but there are conditions demanded by our love. What I mean is that if you really love someone you pledge yourself not to his or her temporal happiness but to their highest good. I once told someone I love “unconditionally” that if they thought I would approve of their participation in destructive behavior they had greatly underestimated my love for them and, my commitment to their happiness. To love someone unconditionally is to never say, “I will love you if…” You love the person without any “ifs,” and, you always love them. But love demands certain things from us such as never settling, as far as we are concerned, for anything less than God’s best for them. 6/30/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Intense love does not measure it just gives.” Mother Teresa
“Love never ends.” 1Cor.13 ESV
We praise unconditional love, and well we should. To pledge yourself to someone and say to them, “I will always love you, no matter what,” is a powerful thing. But it can also be easily misunderstood. We may love someone unconditionally but there are conditions demanded by our love. What I mean is that if you really love someone you pledge yourself not to his or her temporal happiness but to their highest good. I once told someone I love “unconditionally” that if they thought I would approve of their participation in destructive behavior they had greatly underestimated my love for them and, my commitment to their happiness. To love someone unconditionally is to never say, “I will love you if…” You love the person without any “ifs,” and, you always love them. But love demands certain things from us such as never settling, as far as we are concerned, for anything less than God’s best for them. 6/30/2010 Conversations Within ts
We praise unconditional love, and well we should. To pledge yourself to someone and say to them, “I will always love you, no matter what,” is a powerful thing. But it can also be easily misunderstood. We may love someone unconditionally but there are conditions demanded by our love. What I mean is that if you really love someone you pledge yourself not to his or her temporal happiness but to their highest good. I once told someone I love “unconditionally” that if they thought I would approve of their participation in destructive behavior they had greatly underestimated my love for them and, my commitment to their happiness. To love someone unconditionally is to never say, “I will love you if…” You love the person without any “ifs,” and, you always love them. But love demands certain things from us such as never settling, as far as we are concerned, for anything less than God’s best for them. 6/30/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, July 5, 2010
Understanding is the reward of obedience. George MacDonald
“Whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven…” Jesus
The other day someone told me that he was choosing to not live his life by a book that was written by men centuries ago but was choosing instead to worship the God of love that Jesus spoke about. The book they were referring to was of course the Bible. It is interesting that everything this person knows about Jesus or any of his teachings about life and God come from this very book. It is even more interesting to realize that Jesus told his followers to live by the Book. It does little good to point out how God’s people have struggled to do this or the problems it causes each of us. The point is if you are going to call yourself, a follower of Jesus, follow Him. This does not mean that we will not have difficulties reconciling the Old and New Testament to each other, or what they teach with our lives today. It does mean that we need that singular attitude which is demanded of everyone who comes to Jesus, “Not my will but your will be done.” 6/29/2010 Conversations Within ts
The other day someone told me that he was choosing to not live his life by a book that was written by men centuries ago but was choosing instead to worship the God of love that Jesus spoke about. The book they were referring to was of course the Bible. It is interesting that everything this person knows about Jesus or any of his teachings about life and God come from this very book. It is even more interesting to realize that Jesus told his followers to live by the Book. It does little good to point out how God’s people have struggled to do this or the problems it causes each of us. The point is if you are going to call yourself, a follower of Jesus, follow Him. This does not mean that we will not have difficulties reconciling the Old and New Testament to each other, or what they teach with our lives today. It does mean that we need that singular attitude which is demanded of everyone who comes to Jesus, “Not my will but your will be done.” 6/29/2010 Conversations Within ts
Understanding is the reward of obedience. George MacDonald
“Whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven…” Jesus
The other day someone told me that he was choosing to not live his life by a book that was written by men centuries ago but was choosing instead to worship the God of love that Jesus spoke about. The book they were referring to was of course the Bible. It is interesting that everything this person knows about Jesus or any of his teachings about life and God come from this very book. It is even more interesting to realize that Jesus told his followers to live by the Book. It does little good to point out how God’s people have struggled to do this or the problems it causes each of us. The point is if you are going to call yourself, a follower of Jesus, follow Him. This does not mean that we will not have difficulties reconciling the Old and New Testament to each other, or what they teach with our lives today. It does mean that we need that singular attitude which is demanded of everyone who comes to Jesus, “Not my will but your will be done.” 6/29/2010 Conversations Within ts
The other day someone told me that he was choosing to not live his life by a book that was written by men centuries ago but was choosing instead to worship the God of love that Jesus spoke about. The book they were referring to was of course the Bible. It is interesting that everything this person knows about Jesus or any of his teachings about life and God come from this very book. It is even more interesting to realize that Jesus told his followers to live by the Book. It does little good to point out how God’s people have struggled to do this or the problems it causes each of us. The point is if you are going to call yourself, a follower of Jesus, follow Him. This does not mean that we will not have difficulties reconciling the Old and New Testament to each other, or what they teach with our lives today. It does mean that we need that singular attitude which is demanded of everyone who comes to Jesus, “Not my will but your will be done.” 6/29/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, July 3, 2010
“Does it matter to a man dying in a desert by which choice of route he missed the only well.” C. S. Lewis
“You believe in God, believe also in me…” Jesus
The most common faith of the people I have spoken with in recent years is not Christian but actually, a number of faiths joined by whatever works best for that individual. This is not to say that they do not hold to Christian beliefs. Most people respect Jesus and have borrowed some of his teachings-at least the ones that work for them. They may also borrow from Buddha, Mohammad, and Confucius, or anyone whose ideas will support their notions of being happy. It would be fair to say that this mixing of beliefs and practices is not truly Christian, nor is it Buddhist or Islamic or purely any other faith. Christians do not believe every notion held by other faiths is erroneous. We believe that simply borrowing from Jesus falls short of Christian faith when the only option Christ ultimately offers is to accept Him and therefore His whole message. Anything less is to miss the only point He really came to make. 6/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
The most common faith of the people I have spoken with in recent years is not Christian but actually, a number of faiths joined by whatever works best for that individual. This is not to say that they do not hold to Christian beliefs. Most people respect Jesus and have borrowed some of his teachings-at least the ones that work for them. They may also borrow from Buddha, Mohammad, and Confucius, or anyone whose ideas will support their notions of being happy. It would be fair to say that this mixing of beliefs and practices is not truly Christian, nor is it Buddhist or Islamic or purely any other faith. Christians do not believe every notion held by other faiths is erroneous. We believe that simply borrowing from Jesus falls short of Christian faith when the only option Christ ultimately offers is to accept Him and therefore His whole message. Anything less is to miss the only point He really came to make. 6/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Does it matter to a man dying in a desert by which choice of route he missed the only well.” C. S. Lewis
“You believe in God, believe also in me…” Jesus
The most common faith of the people I have spoken with in recent years is not Christian but actually, a number of faiths joined by whatever works best for that individual. This is not to say that they do not hold to Christian beliefs. Most people respect Jesus and have borrowed some of his teachings-at least the ones that work for them. They may also borrow from Buddha, Mohammad, and Confucius, or anyone whose ideas will support their notions of being happy. It would be fair to say that this mixing of beliefs and practices is not truly Christian, nor is it Buddhist or Islamic or purely any other faith. Christians do not believe every notion held by other faiths is erroneous. We believe that simply borrowing from Jesus falls short of Christian faith when the only option Christ ultimately offers is to accept Him and therefore His whole message. Anything less is to miss the only point He really came to make. 6/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
The most common faith of the people I have spoken with in recent years is not Christian but actually, a number of faiths joined by whatever works best for that individual. This is not to say that they do not hold to Christian beliefs. Most people respect Jesus and have borrowed some of his teachings-at least the ones that work for them. They may also borrow from Buddha, Mohammad, and Confucius, or anyone whose ideas will support their notions of being happy. It would be fair to say that this mixing of beliefs and practices is not truly Christian, nor is it Buddhist or Islamic or purely any other faith. Christians do not believe every notion held by other faiths is erroneous. We believe that simply borrowing from Jesus falls short of Christian faith when the only option Christ ultimately offers is to accept Him and therefore His whole message. Anything less is to miss the only point He really came to make. 6/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, July 2, 2010
“In passing, we should note this curious mark of our own age:
“In passing, we should note this curious mark of our own age: the only absolute allowed is the absolute insistence that there is no absolute.” Francis Schaeffer
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Ps.25 ESV
To ask God to lead us in truth is to believe in the very least that there is some truth to lead us to. Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?” The question is still echoed today. Is there an absolute truth--a reality that transcends mere opinion? One would think that any thing God says would qualify. For me, it is really quite simple. I believe in Jesus. I believe in his life, his teachings and not just the ones that make me comfortable but every word He said. I believe in Jesus because I believe Jesus is more than a mere man but God come to us in human flesh. I believe this because of His resurrection. And, I believe in the resurrection not because of warm fuzzy feelings in my heart but because there were eyewitnesses that I have come to trust by looking at the fruit of their life. But ultimately my faith in Christ is inseparably connected to my faith not in the frail and fallible disciples who passed along His life and teaching but in the power of an infallible God to bring His word to me through them. 6/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Ps.25 ESV
To ask God to lead us in truth is to believe in the very least that there is some truth to lead us to. Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?” The question is still echoed today. Is there an absolute truth--a reality that transcends mere opinion? One would think that any thing God says would qualify. For me, it is really quite simple. I believe in Jesus. I believe in his life, his teachings and not just the ones that make me comfortable but every word He said. I believe in Jesus because I believe Jesus is more than a mere man but God come to us in human flesh. I believe this because of His resurrection. And, I believe in the resurrection not because of warm fuzzy feelings in my heart but because there were eyewitnesses that I have come to trust by looking at the fruit of their life. But ultimately my faith in Christ is inseparably connected to my faith not in the frail and fallible disciples who passed along His life and teaching but in the power of an infallible God to bring His word to me through them. 6/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
“In passing, we should note this curious mark of our own age:
“In passing, we should note this curious mark of our own age: the only absolute allowed is the absolute insistence that there is no absolute.” Francis Schaeffer
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Ps.25 ESV
To ask God to lead us in truth is to believe in the very least that there is some truth to lead us to. Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?” The question is still echoed today. Is there an absolute truth--a reality that transcends mere opinion? One would think that any thing God says would qualify. For me, it is really quite simple. I believe in Jesus. I believe in his life, his teachings and not just the ones that make me comfortable but every word He said. I believe in Jesus because I believe Jesus is more than a mere man but God come to us in human flesh. I believe this because of His resurrection. And, I believe in the resurrection not because of warm fuzzy feelings in my heart but because there were eyewitnesses that I have come to trust by looking at the fruit of their life. But ultimately my faith in Christ is inseparably connected to my faith not in the frail and fallible disciples who passed along His life and teaching but in the power of an infallible God to bring His word to me through them. 6/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Ps.25 ESV
To ask God to lead us in truth is to believe in the very least that there is some truth to lead us to. Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?” The question is still echoed today. Is there an absolute truth--a reality that transcends mere opinion? One would think that any thing God says would qualify. For me, it is really quite simple. I believe in Jesus. I believe in his life, his teachings and not just the ones that make me comfortable but every word He said. I believe in Jesus because I believe Jesus is more than a mere man but God come to us in human flesh. I believe this because of His resurrection. And, I believe in the resurrection not because of warm fuzzy feelings in my heart but because there were eyewitnesses that I have come to trust by looking at the fruit of their life. But ultimately my faith in Christ is inseparably connected to my faith not in the frail and fallible disciples who passed along His life and teaching but in the power of an infallible God to bring His word to me through them. 6/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, July 1, 2010
“You have no rose without a thorn; the diligent picker will avoid the pricks and gather the flower.” Sri Sathya Sai Baba
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Prov.10 ESV
The Hebrew word “diligent” referred to a sharp pointed instrument used in threshing grain. This instrument separated the good from the bad, the desirable from the undesirable, what was valuable from what was to be thrown out. To be diligent is to be discerning, deliberate and decisive. The Spirit of Christ offers to help us clarify what we truly want. He helps us sift through our divided self and leads us into a clear apprehension of God’s will. When we come to know this people with a reputation for getting things done, tell us to write it down. What is left, is to do what it takes for as long as it takes to see it through. 6/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
The Hebrew word “diligent” referred to a sharp pointed instrument used in threshing grain. This instrument separated the good from the bad, the desirable from the undesirable, what was valuable from what was to be thrown out. To be diligent is to be discerning, deliberate and decisive. The Spirit of Christ offers to help us clarify what we truly want. He helps us sift through our divided self and leads us into a clear apprehension of God’s will. When we come to know this people with a reputation for getting things done, tell us to write it down. What is left, is to do what it takes for as long as it takes to see it through. 6/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
“You have no rose without a thorn; the diligent picker will avoid the pricks and gather the flower.” Sri Sathya Sai Baba
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Prov.10 ESV
The Hebrew word “diligent” referred to a sharp pointed instrument used in threshing grain. This instrument separated the good from the bad, the desirable from the undesirable, what was valuable from what was to be thrown out. To be diligent is to be discerning, deliberate and decisive. The Spirit of Christ offers to help us clarify what we truly want. He helps us sift through our divided self and leads us into a clear apprehension of God’s will. When we come to know this people with a reputation for getting things done, tell us to write it down. What is left, is to do what it takes for as long as it takes to see it through. 6/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
The Hebrew word “diligent” referred to a sharp pointed instrument used in threshing grain. This instrument separated the good from the bad, the desirable from the undesirable, what was valuable from what was to be thrown out. To be diligent is to be discerning, deliberate and decisive. The Spirit of Christ offers to help us clarify what we truly want. He helps us sift through our divided self and leads us into a clear apprehension of God’s will. When we come to know this people with a reputation for getting things done, tell us to write it down. What is left, is to do what it takes for as long as it takes to see it through. 6/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
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