“For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Rom.7 ESV
Who hasn't felt the weight of these words? I am not the man I would like to be; I am most days someone I do not like. And, I wonder if this will ever change...if I will die still unable to to rule passions which always seem to get the best of me. But what is there to do but to crawl like a worm till I am cocooned in death.Jesus, thou hast made the grave but a chrysalis. Undeniably there is the seed of hope in me that I will one day be raised winged beauty, transformed into the likeness of the firstborn from the dead. It is this in between stage that bugs me. Pardon the pun Lord. Pardon also this man that I am and let us press on and finish what you started. 9/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Watson Mill)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly. Richard Fuller
“For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Rom.7 ESV
Who hasn't felt the weight of these words? I am not the man I would like to be; I am most days someone I do not like. And, I wonder if this will ever change...if I will die still unable to to rule passions which always seem to get the best of me. But what is there to do but to crawl like a worm till I am cocooned in death.Jesus, thou hast made the grave but a chrysalis. Undeniably there is the seed of hope in me that I will one day be raised winged beauty, transformed into the likeness of the firstborn from the dead. It is this in between stage that bugs me. Pardon the pun Lord. Pardon also this man that I am and let us press on and finish what you started. 9/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Watson Mill)
Who hasn't felt the weight of these words? I am not the man I would like to be; I am most days someone I do not like. And, I wonder if this will ever change...if I will die still unable to to rule passions which always seem to get the best of me. But what is there to do but to crawl like a worm till I am cocooned in death.Jesus, thou hast made the grave but a chrysalis. Undeniably there is the seed of hope in me that I will one day be raised winged beauty, transformed into the likeness of the firstborn from the dead. It is this in between stage that bugs me. Pardon the pun Lord. Pardon also this man that I am and let us press on and finish what you started. 9/27/2010 Conversations Within ts (Watson Mill)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
"There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds." Alfred Lord Tennyson
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Ps.145 ESV
An atheist friend once told me that if there is a God, surely people would fair better at judgment for not believing because they were trying to be intellectually honest than people who believed in God only to escape punishment. My friend's statement essentially says that there is value in testing the sincerity of ones beliefs. I think trying to be intellectually honest or sincere, may for non-believer be one of the most Christian things a they do. Jesus say the God seeks people who worship in spirit and truth. But if there is truth and I meant truth with a capital “T,” being sincere may not be enough. It isn't when a climber puts faith in a frayed rope; sincerity will matter little if the rope breaks. But I somewhat agree with my atheist friend though, it may just be that an honest faith expressed in honest doubt is closer to the kind of faith God seeks than a person who simply pretends to believe just to hedge a bet. 9/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
An atheist friend once told me that if there is a God, surely people would fair better at judgment for not believing because they were trying to be intellectually honest than people who believed in God only to escape punishment. My friend's statement essentially says that there is value in testing the sincerity of ones beliefs. I think trying to be intellectually honest or sincere, may for non-believer be one of the most Christian things a they do. Jesus say the God seeks people who worship in spirit and truth. But if there is truth and I meant truth with a capital “T,” being sincere may not be enough. It isn't when a climber puts faith in a frayed rope; sincerity will matter little if the rope breaks. But I somewhat agree with my atheist friend though, it may just be that an honest faith expressed in honest doubt is closer to the kind of faith God seeks than a person who simply pretends to believe just to hedge a bet. 9/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
"There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds." Alfred Lord Tennyson
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Ps.145 ESV
An atheist friend once told me that if there is a God, surely people would fair better at judgment for not believing because they were trying to be intellectually honest than people who believed in God only to escape punishment. My friend's statement essentially says that there is value in testing the sincerity of ones beliefs. I think trying to be intellectually honest or sincere, may for non-believer be one of the most Christian things a they do. Jesus say the God seeks people who worship in spirit and truth. But if there is truth and I meant truth with a capital “T,” being sincere may not be enough. It isn't when a climber puts faith in a frayed rope; sincerity will matter little if the rope breaks. But I somewhat agree with my atheist friend though, it may just be that an honest faith expressed in honest doubt is closer to the kind of faith God seeks than a person who simply pretends to believe just to hedge a bet. 9/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
An atheist friend once told me that if there is a God, surely people would fair better at judgment for not believing because they were trying to be intellectually honest than people who believed in God only to escape punishment. My friend's statement essentially says that there is value in testing the sincerity of ones beliefs. I think trying to be intellectually honest or sincere, may for non-believer be one of the most Christian things a they do. Jesus say the God seeks people who worship in spirit and truth. But if there is truth and I meant truth with a capital “T,” being sincere may not be enough. It isn't when a climber puts faith in a frayed rope; sincerity will matter little if the rope breaks. But I somewhat agree with my atheist friend though, it may just be that an honest faith expressed in honest doubt is closer to the kind of faith God seeks than a person who simply pretends to believe just to hedge a bet. 9/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. " – Herm Albright
“Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.” Pro.25 ESV
Everyday I repeat the Prayer of Saint Francis. You know the one that goes “Lord make me an instrument of your peace” On another note, not all repetition is good. I repeat myself, almost uncontrollably. Somehow I think that if I say the same thing several differ ways I will hammer in of my point of view. My wife assures me it doesn't. In fact she tells me it only aggravates her. I find that the harder I try to sell my goods to others, the more sales resistant they become. I guess the real lesson here is for me to stop being a salesman. Now if this is true, how do I become an instrument of peace? You know, where there is hatred let me sow love stuff. I mean I want to help bring pardon where there is injury, and light here there is darkness, and joy where there sadness. Perhaps the answer lies in the second stanza of this famous prayer. “Grant that I may not so much seek...to be understood, as to understand. The best way to be a positive influence is to probably stop trying to influence and just be there for those you love. 9/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Everyday I repeat the Prayer of Saint Francis. You know the one that goes “Lord make me an instrument of your peace” On another note, not all repetition is good. I repeat myself, almost uncontrollably. Somehow I think that if I say the same thing several differ ways I will hammer in of my point of view. My wife assures me it doesn't. In fact she tells me it only aggravates her. I find that the harder I try to sell my goods to others, the more sales resistant they become. I guess the real lesson here is for me to stop being a salesman. Now if this is true, how do I become an instrument of peace? You know, where there is hatred let me sow love stuff. I mean I want to help bring pardon where there is injury, and light here there is darkness, and joy where there sadness. Perhaps the answer lies in the second stanza of this famous prayer. “Grant that I may not so much seek...to be understood, as to understand. The best way to be a positive influence is to probably stop trying to influence and just be there for those you love. 9/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. " – Herm Albright
“Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.” Pro.25 ESV
Everyday I repeat the Prayer of Saint Francis. You know the one that goes “Lord make me an instrument of your peace” On another note, not all repetition is good. I repeat myself, almost uncontrollably. Somehow I think that if I say the same thing several differ ways I will hammer in of my point of view. My wife assures me it doesn't. In fact she tells me it only aggravates her. I find that the harder I try to sell my goods to others, the more sales resistant they become. I guess the real lesson here is for me to stop being a salesman. Now if this is true, how do I become an instrument of peace? You know, where there is hatred let me sow love stuff. I mean I want to help bring pardon where there is injury, and light here there is darkness, and joy where there sadness. Perhaps the answer lies in the second stanza of this famous prayer. “Grant that I may not so much seek...to be understood, as to understand. The best way to be a positive influence is to probably stop trying to influence and just be there for those you love. 9/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Everyday I repeat the Prayer of Saint Francis. You know the one that goes “Lord make me an instrument of your peace” On another note, not all repetition is good. I repeat myself, almost uncontrollably. Somehow I think that if I say the same thing several differ ways I will hammer in of my point of view. My wife assures me it doesn't. In fact she tells me it only aggravates her. I find that the harder I try to sell my goods to others, the more sales resistant they become. I guess the real lesson here is for me to stop being a salesman. Now if this is true, how do I become an instrument of peace? You know, where there is hatred let me sow love stuff. I mean I want to help bring pardon where there is injury, and light here there is darkness, and joy where there sadness. Perhaps the answer lies in the second stanza of this famous prayer. “Grant that I may not so much seek...to be understood, as to understand. The best way to be a positive influence is to probably stop trying to influence and just be there for those you love. 9/25/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, September 27, 2010
The salvation of human souls is the real business of life.” C. S. Lewis
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise...but is patient...” 2Pet.3 ESV
Christians believe that Jesus is returning some day. The promise mentioned here is the promise of that return and offers an explanation of why He hasn't come yet. He delays not because He is slow to keep His promise but He because He patiently waits for the last prodigal child to return to Him in faith. I feel certain that those who have already returned should pray for those yet to return if only because it is important to Jesus, not to mention that He has literally commissioned every follower with the task of helping people find their way home. The safe return of every “lost” son and daughter is the family business. There is no doubt that God desires the combined effort of every one of His followers to help light the way home. It is so very sad that we have done such a poor job doing so. 9/22/2010 Conversations Within ts
Christians believe that Jesus is returning some day. The promise mentioned here is the promise of that return and offers an explanation of why He hasn't come yet. He delays not because He is slow to keep His promise but He because He patiently waits for the last prodigal child to return to Him in faith. I feel certain that those who have already returned should pray for those yet to return if only because it is important to Jesus, not to mention that He has literally commissioned every follower with the task of helping people find their way home. The safe return of every “lost” son and daughter is the family business. There is no doubt that God desires the combined effort of every one of His followers to help light the way home. It is so very sad that we have done such a poor job doing so. 9/22/2010 Conversations Within ts
The salvation of human souls is the real business of life.” C. S. Lewis
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise...but is patient...” 2Pet.3 ESV
Christians believe that Jesus is returning some day. The promise mentioned here is the promise of that return and offers an explanation of why He hasn't come yet. He delays not because He is slow to keep His promise but He because He patiently waits for the last prodigal child to return to Him in faith. I feel certain that those who have already returned should pray for those yet to return if only because it is important to Jesus, not to mention that He has literally commissioned every follower with the task of helping people find their way home. The safe return of every “lost” son and daughter is the family business. There is no doubt that God desires the combined effort of every one of His followers to help light the way home. It is so very sad that we have done such a poor job doing so. 9/22/2010 Conversations Within ts
Christians believe that Jesus is returning some day. The promise mentioned here is the promise of that return and offers an explanation of why He hasn't come yet. He delays not because He is slow to keep His promise but He because He patiently waits for the last prodigal child to return to Him in faith. I feel certain that those who have already returned should pray for those yet to return if only because it is important to Jesus, not to mention that He has literally commissioned every follower with the task of helping people find their way home. The safe return of every “lost” son and daughter is the family business. There is no doubt that God desires the combined effort of every one of His followers to help light the way home. It is so very sad that we have done such a poor job doing so. 9/22/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, September 25, 2010
“Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where they is no river.” Nikita Khrushchev
“The LORD is high above all nations.” Ps.113 ESV
I am no big fan of politics. For one thing, politicians tend to polarize and confuse issues instead of offering real solutions. If one party is for painting the fence white the other party wants it black. Whatever the issue, if one politician is for it the other is against it. Nations reflect the same divided spirit; every country is infected with the delusion that they somehow have the right of way. But nations are no better than their citizens and unfortunately we all tend to act like a bunch of spoiled children on a playground. As strange as it might sound, the Scriptures tell us that God is over all this mess and what looks to us as total chaos is no match for His Divine purposes. Christians believe that He repeatedly delivers nations over to judgment or blessing and that He even uses them as His instruments to accomplish one or the other. Every King, President, Emperor, Parliament or Congress is seated or unseated by Him and regardless of any political maneuvering each will ultimately be made to serve His purposes. I guess we should pray for them as we should pray for ourselves. 9/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
I am no big fan of politics. For one thing, politicians tend to polarize and confuse issues instead of offering real solutions. If one party is for painting the fence white the other party wants it black. Whatever the issue, if one politician is for it the other is against it. Nations reflect the same divided spirit; every country is infected with the delusion that they somehow have the right of way. But nations are no better than their citizens and unfortunately we all tend to act like a bunch of spoiled children on a playground. As strange as it might sound, the Scriptures tell us that God is over all this mess and what looks to us as total chaos is no match for His Divine purposes. Christians believe that He repeatedly delivers nations over to judgment or blessing and that He even uses them as His instruments to accomplish one or the other. Every King, President, Emperor, Parliament or Congress is seated or unseated by Him and regardless of any political maneuvering each will ultimately be made to serve His purposes. I guess we should pray for them as we should pray for ourselves. 9/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where they is no river.” Nikita Khrushchev
“The LORD is high above all nations.” Ps.113 ESV
I am no big fan of politics. For one thing, politicians tend to polarize and confuse issues instead of offering real solutions. If one party is for painting the fence white the other party wants it black. Whatever the issue, if one politician is for it the other is against it. Nations reflect the same divided spirit; every country is infected with the delusion that they somehow have the right of way. But nations are no better than their citizens and unfortunately we all tend to act like a bunch of spoiled children on a playground. As strange as it might sound, the Scriptures tell us that God is over all this mess and what looks to us as total chaos is no match for His Divine purposes. Christians believe that He repeatedly delivers nations over to judgment or blessing and that He even uses them as His instruments to accomplish one or the other. Every King, President, Emperor, Parliament or Congress is seated or unseated by Him and regardless of any political maneuvering each will ultimately be made to serve His purposes. I guess we should pray for them as we should pray for ourselves. 9/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
I am no big fan of politics. For one thing, politicians tend to polarize and confuse issues instead of offering real solutions. If one party is for painting the fence white the other party wants it black. Whatever the issue, if one politician is for it the other is against it. Nations reflect the same divided spirit; every country is infected with the delusion that they somehow have the right of way. But nations are no better than their citizens and unfortunately we all tend to act like a bunch of spoiled children on a playground. As strange as it might sound, the Scriptures tell us that God is over all this mess and what looks to us as total chaos is no match for His Divine purposes. Christians believe that He repeatedly delivers nations over to judgment or blessing and that He even uses them as His instruments to accomplish one or the other. Every King, President, Emperor, Parliament or Congress is seated or unseated by Him and regardless of any political maneuvering each will ultimately be made to serve His purposes. I guess we should pray for them as we should pray for ourselves. 9/21/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, September 24, 2010
Every heart like every instrument must be tuned if it is to hear the melodious sonnet sung by creation.
“The LORD is to be praised!” Ps.113 ESV
It may sound kind of strange to us that someone would ask for praise. But far from some egotistical itch, God is not commanding people to praise Him because He needs admirers but because it is beneficial to us. We do the same thing every time we ask a child, “Now what do you say?” after we have given them something. It is wholesome for children to learn to say thank you. It is equally wholesome for grown-ups to grow in our appreciation of all that God is for us in life. God knows this and so, we are encouraged to praise Him. He knows that every time we do, we are reminded of where to find the “fount of every blessing,” so we don't go wasting our time chasing happiness where it cannot be found. 9/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
It may sound kind of strange to us that someone would ask for praise. But far from some egotistical itch, God is not commanding people to praise Him because He needs admirers but because it is beneficial to us. We do the same thing every time we ask a child, “Now what do you say?” after we have given them something. It is wholesome for children to learn to say thank you. It is equally wholesome for grown-ups to grow in our appreciation of all that God is for us in life. God knows this and so, we are encouraged to praise Him. He knows that every time we do, we are reminded of where to find the “fount of every blessing,” so we don't go wasting our time chasing happiness where it cannot be found. 9/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
Every heart like every instrument must be tuned if it is to hear the melodious sonnet sung by creation.
“The LORD is to be praised!” Ps.113 ESV
It may sound kind of strange to us that someone would ask for praise. But far from some egotistical itch, God is not commanding people to praise Him because He needs admirers but because it is beneficial to us. We do the same thing every time we ask a child, “Now what do you say?” after we have given them something. It is wholesome for children to learn to say thank you. It is equally wholesome for grown-ups to grow in our appreciation of all that God is for us in life. God knows this and so, we are encouraged to praise Him. He knows that every time we do, we are reminded of where to find the “fount of every blessing,” so we don't go wasting our time chasing happiness where it cannot be found. 9/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
It may sound kind of strange to us that someone would ask for praise. But far from some egotistical itch, God is not commanding people to praise Him because He needs admirers but because it is beneficial to us. We do the same thing every time we ask a child, “Now what do you say?” after we have given them something. It is wholesome for children to learn to say thank you. It is equally wholesome for grown-ups to grow in our appreciation of all that God is for us in life. God knows this and so, we are encouraged to praise Him. He knows that every time we do, we are reminded of where to find the “fount of every blessing,” so we don't go wasting our time chasing happiness where it cannot be found. 9/20/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, September 23, 2010
“In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.” Old Irish toast
“The Lord is at your right hand...” Ps.110 ESV
One week before Brenda and I took a southern loop into Florida, we purchased a new camper. Our old camper was a homemade rig made from an enclosed cargo trailer. When we got to Florida, we were surprised that many campgrounds did not allow people to camp in cargo trailers. We thought this funny since we had been living in one for nine months. Looking back I think God was looking after our interest in the purchase of a new camper. We would have been in a sore spot to travel to southern Florida only to find that we could not camp there.
When the Bible says that God is at my right hand it means that God looks after my best interest. It is not humbling to realize that God has actually made himself our servant. He serves us! He serves us in countless ways. He stands on our right side ready to assist us, to protect us, to look after all that concerns us. And, when He asks us to make His concerns our own even then He is looking after our best interest. For it is when we serve others, when we give that we receive. God stands at my right hand and tells me that it is my best interest to stand at His. 9/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
One week before Brenda and I took a southern loop into Florida, we purchased a new camper. Our old camper was a homemade rig made from an enclosed cargo trailer. When we got to Florida, we were surprised that many campgrounds did not allow people to camp in cargo trailers. We thought this funny since we had been living in one for nine months. Looking back I think God was looking after our interest in the purchase of a new camper. We would have been in a sore spot to travel to southern Florida only to find that we could not camp there.
When the Bible says that God is at my right hand it means that God looks after my best interest. It is not humbling to realize that God has actually made himself our servant. He serves us! He serves us in countless ways. He stands on our right side ready to assist us, to protect us, to look after all that concerns us. And, when He asks us to make His concerns our own even then He is looking after our best interest. For it is when we serve others, when we give that we receive. God stands at my right hand and tells me that it is my best interest to stand at His. 9/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
“In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.” Old Irish toast
“The Lord is at your right hand...” Ps.110 ESV
One week before Brenda and I took a southern loop into Florida, we purchased a new camper. Our old camper was a homemade rig made from an enclosed cargo trailer. When we got to Florida, we were surprised that many campgrounds did not allow people to camp in cargo trailers. We thought this funny since we had been living in one for nine months. Looking back I think God was looking after our interest in the purchase of a new camper. We would have been in a sore spot to travel to southern Florida only to find that we could not camp there.
When the Bible says that God is at my right hand it means that God looks after my best interest. It is not humbling to realize that God has actually made himself our servant. He serves us! He serves us in countless ways. He stands on our right side ready to assist us, to protect us, to look after all that concerns us. And, when He asks us to make His concerns our own even then He is looking after our best interest. For it is when we serve others, when we give that we receive. God stands at my right hand and tells me that it is my best interest to stand at His. 9/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
One week before Brenda and I took a southern loop into Florida, we purchased a new camper. Our old camper was a homemade rig made from an enclosed cargo trailer. When we got to Florida, we were surprised that many campgrounds did not allow people to camp in cargo trailers. We thought this funny since we had been living in one for nine months. Looking back I think God was looking after our interest in the purchase of a new camper. We would have been in a sore spot to travel to southern Florida only to find that we could not camp there.
When the Bible says that God is at my right hand it means that God looks after my best interest. It is not humbling to realize that God has actually made himself our servant. He serves us! He serves us in countless ways. He stands on our right side ready to assist us, to protect us, to look after all that concerns us. And, when He asks us to make His concerns our own even then He is looking after our best interest. For it is when we serve others, when we give that we receive. God stands at my right hand and tells me that it is my best interest to stand at His. 9/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
“I must stand on my head, I must stand on my head!” Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Ps.103 ESV
What comes to mind when you think of Ebenezer Scrooge? Most people associate his name with greed when in fact he is said to have become a model of kindness and generosity. Call someone a scrooge and people will think them greedy not generous. People tend to remember the negative stuff. My daughter remembers that I once spanked her over a bag of potato chips she left open. We laugh about it now, but it is hard for humans to forget the bad. The Scripture records several instances where God expressed terrible anger. These moments sort of stick with us and because of our tendency to remember the bad instead of the good we might think of God as being inclined toward wrath. Actually God is “slow to anger.” Even a casual glance at His dealing with sinful people everyday reveals that it takes a great deal to provoke Him. If we really want to know what God is like, we need only to look into the face of Jesus. 9/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
What comes to mind when you think of Ebenezer Scrooge? Most people associate his name with greed when in fact he is said to have become a model of kindness and generosity. Call someone a scrooge and people will think them greedy not generous. People tend to remember the negative stuff. My daughter remembers that I once spanked her over a bag of potato chips she left open. We laugh about it now, but it is hard for humans to forget the bad. The Scripture records several instances where God expressed terrible anger. These moments sort of stick with us and because of our tendency to remember the bad instead of the good we might think of God as being inclined toward wrath. Actually God is “slow to anger.” Even a casual glance at His dealing with sinful people everyday reveals that it takes a great deal to provoke Him. If we really want to know what God is like, we need only to look into the face of Jesus. 9/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
“I must stand on my head, I must stand on my head!” Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Ps.103 ESV
What comes to mind when you think of Ebenezer Scrooge? Most people associate his name with greed when in fact he is said to have become a model of kindness and generosity. Call someone a scrooge and people will think them greedy not generous. People tend to remember the negative stuff. My daughter remembers that I once spanked her over a bag of potato chips she left open. We laugh about it now, but it is hard for humans to forget the bad. The Scripture records several instances where God expressed terrible anger. These moments sort of stick with us and because of our tendency to remember the bad instead of the good we might think of God as being inclined toward wrath. Actually God is “slow to anger.” Even a casual glance at His dealing with sinful people everyday reveals that it takes a great deal to provoke Him. If we really want to know what God is like, we need only to look into the face of Jesus. 9/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
What comes to mind when you think of Ebenezer Scrooge? Most people associate his name with greed when in fact he is said to have become a model of kindness and generosity. Call someone a scrooge and people will think them greedy not generous. People tend to remember the negative stuff. My daughter remembers that I once spanked her over a bag of potato chips she left open. We laugh about it now, but it is hard for humans to forget the bad. The Scripture records several instances where God expressed terrible anger. These moments sort of stick with us and because of our tendency to remember the bad instead of the good we might think of God as being inclined toward wrath. Actually God is “slow to anger.” Even a casual glance at His dealing with sinful people everyday reveals that it takes a great deal to provoke Him. If we really want to know what God is like, we need only to look into the face of Jesus. 9/17/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
“Jesus wept.”
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted...” Ps.34 ESV
What breaks my heart? The first thing that comes to mind, is the possibility that people who possess such capacity for love and for beauty and depth of feeling might perish and never know the God who loves them and made them. I am somewhat driven by that one. Another thing that breaks my heart is of course human suffering--starving children, people who are lonely or afraid or have no sense of purpose or direction. This heartbreak spills over for animals who suffer, especially when I know that they are suffering not because of something they did but because we have sinned against our Creator. One thing that should break my heart but doesn't as much as it should are my personal sins. Even when I have remorse about some sin I have committed, I think I am more disappointed at my failure, my wounded pride than I am over the fact that I have betrayed God. But every time my heart is broken I not only know the Lord is near me, I sense that my heart is breaking because He dwells there. It is His anguish that I am feeling and somehow His broken heart flows over into mine. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
What breaks my heart? The first thing that comes to mind, is the possibility that people who possess such capacity for love and for beauty and depth of feeling might perish and never know the God who loves them and made them. I am somewhat driven by that one. Another thing that breaks my heart is of course human suffering--starving children, people who are lonely or afraid or have no sense of purpose or direction. This heartbreak spills over for animals who suffer, especially when I know that they are suffering not because of something they did but because we have sinned against our Creator. One thing that should break my heart but doesn't as much as it should are my personal sins. Even when I have remorse about some sin I have committed, I think I am more disappointed at my failure, my wounded pride than I am over the fact that I have betrayed God. But every time my heart is broken I not only know the Lord is near me, I sense that my heart is breaking because He dwells there. It is His anguish that I am feeling and somehow His broken heart flows over into mine. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Jesus wept.”
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted...” Ps.34 ESV
What breaks my heart? The first thing that comes to mind, is the possibility that people who possess such capacity for love and for beauty and depth of feeling might perish and never know the God who loves them and made them. I am somewhat driven by that one. Another thing that breaks my heart is of course human suffering--starving children, people who are lonely or afraid or have no sense of purpose or direction. This heartbreak spills over for animals who suffer, especially when I know that they are suffering not because of something they did but because we have sinned against our Creator. One thing that should break my heart but doesn't as much as it should are my personal sins. Even when I have remorse about some sin I have committed, I think I am more disappointed at my failure, my wounded pride than I am over the fact that I have betrayed God. But every time my heart is broken I not only know the Lord is near me, I sense that my heart is breaking because He dwells there. It is His anguish that I am feeling and somehow His broken heart flows over into mine. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
What breaks my heart? The first thing that comes to mind, is the possibility that people who possess such capacity for love and for beauty and depth of feeling might perish and never know the God who loves them and made them. I am somewhat driven by that one. Another thing that breaks my heart is of course human suffering--starving children, people who are lonely or afraid or have no sense of purpose or direction. This heartbreak spills over for animals who suffer, especially when I know that they are suffering not because of something they did but because we have sinned against our Creator. One thing that should break my heart but doesn't as much as it should are my personal sins. Even when I have remorse about some sin I have committed, I think I am more disappointed at my failure, my wounded pride than I am over the fact that I have betrayed God. But every time my heart is broken I not only know the Lord is near me, I sense that my heart is breaking because He dwells there. It is His anguish that I am feeling and somehow His broken heart flows over into mine. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, September 20, 2010
"A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black, because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light." Leonardo da Vinc
“the LORD is good! Ps.34 ESV
God is everywhere this very day delighting in His goodness. He invites us to celebrate it with Him, to taste and see that He is good, to feast at the buffet of a million beautiful sights and sounds, and readily drink deep droughts from the all that He has made. What worlds the Father has made for us to romp and stomp and play in. But some will protest, “What about the evils of the world, human suffering, war, disease? What do these say of His goodness? How can a good God permit such?” Well He does permit them even if He did not cause them . But even here we can behold a good God working great good in a fallen world even using the very creatures who brought evil into it. Haven't we witnessed immeasurable beauty in every compassionate act when people feed a starving child, or in the sacrifices of soldiers dying to free others, or in someones struggle to overcome cancer even grow from the experience. And what of people uniting to save a stranded whale or who drive hundreds of miles to help perfect strangers rebuild homes destroyed by a storm. It is the goodness of God to invent the story line of a million tales told in man's struggle to forge meaning out of chaos and to seek good in face of evil. It is against the backdrop of this darkness that Goodness is painting strokes of light even beauty. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
God is everywhere this very day delighting in His goodness. He invites us to celebrate it with Him, to taste and see that He is good, to feast at the buffet of a million beautiful sights and sounds, and readily drink deep droughts from the all that He has made. What worlds the Father has made for us to romp and stomp and play in. But some will protest, “What about the evils of the world, human suffering, war, disease? What do these say of His goodness? How can a good God permit such?” Well He does permit them even if He did not cause them . But even here we can behold a good God working great good in a fallen world even using the very creatures who brought evil into it. Haven't we witnessed immeasurable beauty in every compassionate act when people feed a starving child, or in the sacrifices of soldiers dying to free others, or in someones struggle to overcome cancer even grow from the experience. And what of people uniting to save a stranded whale or who drive hundreds of miles to help perfect strangers rebuild homes destroyed by a storm. It is the goodness of God to invent the story line of a million tales told in man's struggle to forge meaning out of chaos and to seek good in face of evil. It is against the backdrop of this darkness that Goodness is painting strokes of light even beauty. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
"A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black, because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light." Leonardo da Vinc
“the LORD is good! Ps.34 ESV
God is everywhere this very day delighting in His goodness. He invites us to celebrate it with Him, to taste and see that He is good, to feast at the buffet of a million beautiful sights and sounds, and readily drink deep droughts from the all that He has made. What worlds the Father has made for us to romp and stomp and play in. But some will protest, “What about the evils of the world, human suffering, war, disease? What do these say of His goodness? How can a good God permit such?” Well He does permit them even if He did not cause them . But even here we can behold a good God working great good in a fallen world even using the very creatures who brought evil into it. Haven't we witnessed immeasurable beauty in every compassionate act when people feed a starving child, or in the sacrifices of soldiers dying to free others, or in someones struggle to overcome cancer even grow from the experience. And what of people uniting to save a stranded whale or who drive hundreds of miles to help perfect strangers rebuild homes destroyed by a storm. It is the goodness of God to invent the story line of a million tales told in man's struggle to forge meaning out of chaos and to seek good in face of evil. It is against the backdrop of this darkness that Goodness is painting strokes of light even beauty. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
God is everywhere this very day delighting in His goodness. He invites us to celebrate it with Him, to taste and see that He is good, to feast at the buffet of a million beautiful sights and sounds, and readily drink deep droughts from the all that He has made. What worlds the Father has made for us to romp and stomp and play in. But some will protest, “What about the evils of the world, human suffering, war, disease? What do these say of His goodness? How can a good God permit such?” Well He does permit them even if He did not cause them . But even here we can behold a good God working great good in a fallen world even using the very creatures who brought evil into it. Haven't we witnessed immeasurable beauty in every compassionate act when people feed a starving child, or in the sacrifices of soldiers dying to free others, or in someones struggle to overcome cancer even grow from the experience. And what of people uniting to save a stranded whale or who drive hundreds of miles to help perfect strangers rebuild homes destroyed by a storm. It is the goodness of God to invent the story line of a million tales told in man's struggle to forge meaning out of chaos and to seek good in face of evil. It is against the backdrop of this darkness that Goodness is painting strokes of light even beauty. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, September 18, 2010
“Lord, hear my voice, my present voice I mean, Not that which may be speaking an hour hence...Dissolve my parliament and intervene.” C. S. Lewis
“The LORD is the stronghold of my life...” Ps.27 ESV
Father, sometimes I need you to protect me from me. As a parent, I know this is necessary in youngsters and I am certainly that. Perhaps not in human years but I am certainly a child in faith. I want You to step in and save me from childish decisions and I make many. Lord you are my stronghold not only from the enemies without but also from those within. I must run to you, to seek refuge from the endless debate within me, the divided me yet now, if only in this moment, longing to be one with You. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
Father, sometimes I need you to protect me from me. As a parent, I know this is necessary in youngsters and I am certainly that. Perhaps not in human years but I am certainly a child in faith. I want You to step in and save me from childish decisions and I make many. Lord you are my stronghold not only from the enemies without but also from those within. I must run to you, to seek refuge from the endless debate within me, the divided me yet now, if only in this moment, longing to be one with You. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Lord, hear my voice, my present voice I mean, Not that which may be speaking an hour hence...Dissolve my parliament and intervene.” C. S. Lewis
“The LORD is the stronghold of my life...” Ps.27 ESV
Father, sometimes I need you to protect me from me. As a parent, I know this is necessary in youngsters and I am certainly that. Perhaps not in human years but I am certainly a child in faith. I want You to step in and save me from childish decisions and I make many. Lord you are my stronghold not only from the enemies without but also from those within. I must run to you, to seek refuge from the endless debate within me, the divided me yet now, if only in this moment, longing to be one with You. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
Father, sometimes I need you to protect me from me. As a parent, I know this is necessary in youngsters and I am certainly that. Perhaps not in human years but I am certainly a child in faith. I want You to step in and save me from childish decisions and I make many. Lord you are my stronghold not only from the enemies without but also from those within. I must run to you, to seek refuge from the endless debate within me, the divided me yet now, if only in this moment, longing to be one with You. 9/14/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, September 17, 2010
“There is your truth, there is my truth, then there is the truth.” Chinese Proverb
“The LORD is my light and my salvation...”Ps.27 ESV
What is light but the power to see and the ability to see truth is certainly a gift of God. All that is true and false, right and wrong have long been established by Him. Our powers of reason, our intellectual prowess, or educational background are no substitute for God's Divine light and the person who has it, is blessed beyond measure. Truth is not determined by society, or personal whims or by the traditions of men. Truth is a person. All that is true is a mere extension of God's life expressed in the spiritual and physical world. Of all the miracles of Jesus, the healing of the blind teaches us not only that He is the truth, but He gives us to power to see it and believe it. We are all born spiritually blind and until Jesus touches our eyes we walk in darkness but light floods the soul when He does. 9/13/2010 Conversations Within ts
What is light but the power to see and the ability to see truth is certainly a gift of God. All that is true and false, right and wrong have long been established by Him. Our powers of reason, our intellectual prowess, or educational background are no substitute for God's Divine light and the person who has it, is blessed beyond measure. Truth is not determined by society, or personal whims or by the traditions of men. Truth is a person. All that is true is a mere extension of God's life expressed in the spiritual and physical world. Of all the miracles of Jesus, the healing of the blind teaches us not only that He is the truth, but He gives us to power to see it and believe it. We are all born spiritually blind and until Jesus touches our eyes we walk in darkness but light floods the soul when He does. 9/13/2010 Conversations Within ts
“There is your truth, there is my truth, then there is the truth.” Chinese Proverb
“The LORD is my light and my salvation...”Ps.27 ESV
What is light but the power to see and the ability to see truth is certainly a gift of God. All that is true and false, right and wrong have long been established by Him. Our powers of reason, our intellectual prowess, or educational background are no substitute for God's Divine light and the person who has it, is blessed beyond measure. Truth is not determined by society, or personal whims or by the traditions of men. Truth is a person. All that is true is a mere extension of God's life expressed in the spiritual and physical world. Of all the miracles of Jesus, the healing of the blind teaches us not only that He is the truth, but He gives us to power to see it and believe it. We are all born spiritually blind and until Jesus touches our eyes we walk in darkness but light floods the soul when He does. 9/13/2010 Conversations Within ts
What is light but the power to see and the ability to see truth is certainly a gift of God. All that is true and false, right and wrong have long been established by Him. Our powers of reason, our intellectual prowess, or educational background are no substitute for God's Divine light and the person who has it, is blessed beyond measure. Truth is not determined by society, or personal whims or by the traditions of men. Truth is a person. All that is true is a mere extension of God's life expressed in the spiritual and physical world. Of all the miracles of Jesus, the healing of the blind teaches us not only that He is the truth, but He gives us to power to see it and believe it. We are all born spiritually blind and until Jesus touches our eyes we walk in darkness but light floods the soul when He does. 9/13/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, September 16, 2010
“God will provide - ah, if only He would till He does!” Yiddish Proverb
“The Lord is my Shepherd...” Ps.23 ESV
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. Sadly, I don't always embrace this reality with confidence. I especially struggle with it when He has put me in one of the waiting rooms of the world. Perhaps I have asked for wisdom in a particular situation but still don't know what to do. It may be that that I have asked Him to lead me but I still don't know where to go. We do well to remember that shepherds make their sheep lie down and sometimes when they may have their eye on grass anywhere but where they are. Having everything I need doesn't mean I have tomorrow's needs today, or even that I have what I need the next hour, it means I have everything I need right now. Experience has taught me that there are times when my greatest need is to simply lie down and graze in the pasture where I am. Experience has also taught me I have never been in any situation where my Shepherd did not provide what was needed. Never! 9/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. Sadly, I don't always embrace this reality with confidence. I especially struggle with it when He has put me in one of the waiting rooms of the world. Perhaps I have asked for wisdom in a particular situation but still don't know what to do. It may be that that I have asked Him to lead me but I still don't know where to go. We do well to remember that shepherds make their sheep lie down and sometimes when they may have their eye on grass anywhere but where they are. Having everything I need doesn't mean I have tomorrow's needs today, or even that I have what I need the next hour, it means I have everything I need right now. Experience has taught me that there are times when my greatest need is to simply lie down and graze in the pasture where I am. Experience has also taught me I have never been in any situation where my Shepherd did not provide what was needed. Never! 9/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
“God will provide - ah, if only He would till He does!” Yiddish Proverb
“The Lord is my Shepherd...” Ps.23 ESV
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. Sadly, I don't always embrace this reality with confidence. I especially struggle with it when He has put me in one of the waiting rooms of the world. Perhaps I have asked for wisdom in a particular situation but still don't know what to do. It may be that that I have asked Him to lead me but I still don't know where to go. We do well to remember that shepherds make their sheep lie down and sometimes when they may have their eye on grass anywhere but where they are. Having everything I need doesn't mean I have tomorrow's needs today, or even that I have what I need the next hour, it means I have everything I need right now. Experience has taught me that there are times when my greatest need is to simply lie down and graze in the pasture where I am. Experience has also taught me I have never been in any situation where my Shepherd did not provide what was needed. Never! 9/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. Sadly, I don't always embrace this reality with confidence. I especially struggle with it when He has put me in one of the waiting rooms of the world. Perhaps I have asked for wisdom in a particular situation but still don't know what to do. It may be that that I have asked Him to lead me but I still don't know where to go. We do well to remember that shepherds make their sheep lie down and sometimes when they may have their eye on grass anywhere but where they are. Having everything I need doesn't mean I have tomorrow's needs today, or even that I have what I need the next hour, it means I have everything I need right now. Experience has taught me that there are times when my greatest need is to simply lie down and graze in the pasture where I am. Experience has also taught me I have never been in any situation where my Shepherd did not provide what was needed. Never! 9/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
“God will provide - ah, if only He would till He does!” Yiddish Proverb
“The Lord is my Shepherd...” Ps.23 ESV
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. Sadly, I don't always embrace this reality with confidence. I especially struggle with it when He has put me in one of the waiting rooms of the world. Perhaps I have asked for wisdom in a particular situation but still don't know what to do. It may be that that I have asked Him to lead me but I still don't know where to go. We do well to remember that shepherds make their sheep lie down and sometimes when they may have their eye on grass anywhere but where they are. Having everything I need doesn't mean I have tomorrow's needs today, or even that I have what I need the next hour, it means I have everything I need right now. Experience has taught me that there are times when my greatest need is to simply lie down and graze in the pasture where I am. Experience has also taught me I have never been in any situation where my Shepherd did not provide what was needed. Never! 9/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. Sadly, I don't always embrace this reality with confidence. I especially struggle with it when He has put me in one of the waiting rooms of the world. Perhaps I have asked for wisdom in a particular situation but still don't know what to do. It may be that that I have asked Him to lead me but I still don't know where to go. We do well to remember that shepherds make their sheep lie down and sometimes when they may have their eye on grass anywhere but where they are. Having everything I need doesn't mean I have tomorrow's needs today, or even that I have what I need the next hour, it means I have everything I need right now. Experience has taught me that there are times when my greatest need is to simply lie down and graze in the pasture where I am. Experience has also taught me I have never been in any situation where my Shepherd did not provide what was needed. Never! 9/12/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
“We all got it coming, kid.” Clint Eastwood -Unforgiven (the Movie)
“The LORD is my chosen portion...” Ps.16 ESV
Sometimes I say to myself, usually after some bad turn, “Well, you're only getting what you deserve dummy.” The truth is I have been spared getting what I deserve more times than not. Grace defines my days. I do not want to be treated as I deserve I can't imagine anyone in their right mind wanting that. When I tell Jesus that all my hopes are in Him I am hoping that God is my inheritance, my chosen portion. I am hoping not in the sense of wishing but in the sense of expecting it. Once we realize that all other ground is sinking sand and we choose Christ as our solid rock, let us at least stand boldly upon Him. If my confidence is in what Christ has secured for me, let me honor Him by confidently approaching the throne of grace, not hem hawing under some pretense of standing on my own record. We all got it coming at judgment the question each of us must ask is what do I expect to receive when its my turn and why. 9/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
Sometimes I say to myself, usually after some bad turn, “Well, you're only getting what you deserve dummy.” The truth is I have been spared getting what I deserve more times than not. Grace defines my days. I do not want to be treated as I deserve I can't imagine anyone in their right mind wanting that. When I tell Jesus that all my hopes are in Him I am hoping that God is my inheritance, my chosen portion. I am hoping not in the sense of wishing but in the sense of expecting it. Once we realize that all other ground is sinking sand and we choose Christ as our solid rock, let us at least stand boldly upon Him. If my confidence is in what Christ has secured for me, let me honor Him by confidently approaching the throne of grace, not hem hawing under some pretense of standing on my own record. We all got it coming at judgment the question each of us must ask is what do I expect to receive when its my turn and why. 9/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
“We all got it coming, kid.” Clint Eastwood -Unforgiven (the Movie)
“The LORD is my chosen portion...” Ps.16 ESV
Sometimes I say to myself, usually after some bad turn, “Well, you're only getting what you deserve dummy.” The truth is I have been spared getting what I deserve more times than not. Grace defines my days. I do not want to be treated as I deserve I can't imagine anyone in their right mind wanting that. When I tell Jesus that all my hopes are in Him I am hoping that God is my inheritance, my chosen portion. I am hoping not in the sense of wishing but in the sense of expecting it. Once we realize that all other ground is sinking sand and we choose Christ as our solid rock, let us at least stand boldly upon Him. If my confidence is in what Christ has secured for me, let me honor Him by confidently approaching the throne of grace, not hem hawing under some pretense of standing on my own record. We all got it coming at judgment the question each of us must ask is what do I expect to receive when its my turn and why. 9/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
Sometimes I say to myself, usually after some bad turn, “Well, you're only getting what you deserve dummy.” The truth is I have been spared getting what I deserve more times than not. Grace defines my days. I do not want to be treated as I deserve I can't imagine anyone in their right mind wanting that. When I tell Jesus that all my hopes are in Him I am hoping that God is my inheritance, my chosen portion. I am hoping not in the sense of wishing but in the sense of expecting it. Once we realize that all other ground is sinking sand and we choose Christ as our solid rock, let us at least stand boldly upon Him. If my confidence is in what Christ has secured for me, let me honor Him by confidently approaching the throne of grace, not hem hawing under some pretense of standing on my own record. We all got it coming at judgment the question each of us must ask is what do I expect to receive when its my turn and why. 9/11/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Few people appreciate a soldier until one needs a soldier.
“The LORD is a warrior...” Ex.15 NIV
Here is one of those Scriptural images of God that at first glance makes me uneasy but only until I realize how modern notions of God have begun to seep into the cracks of my fallacious understanding. Why should it bother me that God likens Himself to a warrior? I should be comforted by it. Does it not say, “His rod and staff comfort me.” We are blessed to have a God who declares war on wickedness, who will not let evil, however it is expressed, run rampant in the world. Our hope is to one day live in a place free of all threats-that our God is a warrior insures that such a kingdom is certain to come, that God loves and forgives his enemies when they repent insures that we will be allowed to live there. 9/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
Here is one of those Scriptural images of God that at first glance makes me uneasy but only until I realize how modern notions of God have begun to seep into the cracks of my fallacious understanding. Why should it bother me that God likens Himself to a warrior? I should be comforted by it. Does it not say, “His rod and staff comfort me.” We are blessed to have a God who declares war on wickedness, who will not let evil, however it is expressed, run rampant in the world. Our hope is to one day live in a place free of all threats-that our God is a warrior insures that such a kingdom is certain to come, that God loves and forgives his enemies when they repent insures that we will be allowed to live there. 9/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
Few people appreciate a soldier until one needs a soldier.
“The LORD is a warrior...” Ex.15 NIV
Here is one of those Scriptural images of God that at first glance makes me uneasy but only until I realize how modern notions of God have begun to seep into the cracks of my fallacious understanding. Why should it bother me that God likens Himself to a warrior? I should be comforted by it. Does it not say, “His rod and staff comfort me.” We are blessed to have a God who declares war on wickedness, who will not let evil, however it is expressed, run rampant in the world. Our hope is to one day live in a place free of all threats-that our God is a warrior insures that such a kingdom is certain to come, that God loves and forgives his enemies when they repent insures that we will be allowed to live there. 9/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
Here is one of those Scriptural images of God that at first glance makes me uneasy but only until I realize how modern notions of God have begun to seep into the cracks of my fallacious understanding. Why should it bother me that God likens Himself to a warrior? I should be comforted by it. Does it not say, “His rod and staff comfort me.” We are blessed to have a God who declares war on wickedness, who will not let evil, however it is expressed, run rampant in the world. Our hope is to one day live in a place free of all threats-that our God is a warrior insures that such a kingdom is certain to come, that God loves and forgives his enemies when they repent insures that we will be allowed to live there. 9/10/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, September 13, 2010
“He [man] has made a graveyard of the globe in trying his honest best to smooth his brother's path to happiness and heaven.”Mark Twain
“The LORD is God... there is no other.” Deut.4 ESV
Our four letters word “LORD” translates the four letter Hebrew word “YHWH.” It is thought to be pronounced Yahweh. In the days of King James it was thought to be pronounced Jehovah. Actually we are not sure how to pronounce it because the Jews so reverenced the name they would not say it. There may be ambiguity about how to pronounce the word but there is no ambiguity about which God is the God of Jews. When the Scriptures declare that the YHWH is God, it distinguishes Him as the covenant God of the Jewish people and since Christians worship the God of Jesus and Jesus was a Jew, YHWH is the God Christians worship and serve. I think history affirms that the American motto, “In God we trust,” isn't referring just to any god but that our Founding Father's were referring to the Judeo-Christian God. Why is this an important distinction? Well, for one thing, this God will have nothing of the modern notion that that says that Muslims, Buddhist and Hindi all worship Him by a different name. We may practice religious tolerance and well we should, our God does so at least for the present. Tolerance is one thing, merging our God into something He is not serves no one. We best represent the God of the Bible by being disciples of Jesus. His is the history of accepting persecution but never by compromise and certainly by never persecuting others. 9/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
Our four letters word “LORD” translates the four letter Hebrew word “YHWH.” It is thought to be pronounced Yahweh. In the days of King James it was thought to be pronounced Jehovah. Actually we are not sure how to pronounce it because the Jews so reverenced the name they would not say it. There may be ambiguity about how to pronounce the word but there is no ambiguity about which God is the God of Jews. When the Scriptures declare that the YHWH is God, it distinguishes Him as the covenant God of the Jewish people and since Christians worship the God of Jesus and Jesus was a Jew, YHWH is the God Christians worship and serve. I think history affirms that the American motto, “In God we trust,” isn't referring just to any god but that our Founding Father's were referring to the Judeo-Christian God. Why is this an important distinction? Well, for one thing, this God will have nothing of the modern notion that that says that Muslims, Buddhist and Hindi all worship Him by a different name. We may practice religious tolerance and well we should, our God does so at least for the present. Tolerance is one thing, merging our God into something He is not serves no one. We best represent the God of the Bible by being disciples of Jesus. His is the history of accepting persecution but never by compromise and certainly by never persecuting others. 9/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
“He [man] has made a graveyard of the globe in trying his honest best to smooth his brother's path to happiness and heaven.”Mark Twain
“The LORD is God... there is no other.” Deut.4 ESV
Our four letters word “LORD” translates the four letter Hebrew word “YHWH.” It is thought to be pronounced Yahweh. In the days of King James it was thought to be pronounced Jehovah. Actually we are not sure how to pronounce it because the Jews so reverenced the name they would not say it. There may be ambiguity about how to pronounce the word but there is no ambiguity about which God is the God of Jews. When the Scriptures declare that the YHWH is God, it distinguishes Him as the covenant God of the Jewish people and since Christians worship the God of Jesus and Jesus was a Jew, YHWH is the God Christians worship and serve. I think history affirms that the American motto, “In God we trust,” isn't referring just to any god but that our Founding Father's were referring to the Judeo-Christian God. Why is this an important distinction? Well, for one thing, this God will have nothing of the modern notion that that says that Muslims, Buddhist and Hindi all worship Him by a different name. We may practice religious tolerance and well we should, our God does so at least for the present. Tolerance is one thing, merging our God into something He is not serves no one. We best represent the God of the Bible by being disciples of Jesus. His is the history of accepting persecution but never by compromise and certainly by never persecuting others. 9/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
Our four letters word “LORD” translates the four letter Hebrew word “YHWH.” It is thought to be pronounced Yahweh. In the days of King James it was thought to be pronounced Jehovah. Actually we are not sure how to pronounce it because the Jews so reverenced the name they would not say it. There may be ambiguity about how to pronounce the word but there is no ambiguity about which God is the God of Jews. When the Scriptures declare that the YHWH is God, it distinguishes Him as the covenant God of the Jewish people and since Christians worship the God of Jesus and Jesus was a Jew, YHWH is the God Christians worship and serve. I think history affirms that the American motto, “In God we trust,” isn't referring just to any god but that our Founding Father's were referring to the Judeo-Christian God. Why is this an important distinction? Well, for one thing, this God will have nothing of the modern notion that that says that Muslims, Buddhist and Hindi all worship Him by a different name. We may practice religious tolerance and well we should, our God does so at least for the present. Tolerance is one thing, merging our God into something He is not serves no one. We best represent the God of the Bible by being disciples of Jesus. His is the history of accepting persecution but never by compromise and certainly by never persecuting others. 9/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, September 11, 2010
“Very few people chose war. They chose selfishness and the result was war. Each of us...must choose: total love or total war.” Dave Dellinger
“The LORD is peace.” Judges6 ESV
If the world is to know peace it must be reunited to God. If I am to know peace I too must be reunited to Him. I recently heard a gay man say and say with some feeling, “I am not a perversion.” I did not say it at the time but my second thought was, “But of course you are, we are all a perversion.” All of us are corrupt and each of us in our own way have corrupted the world. I say this was my second thought because my first though was sympathy simply because I know how desperate each of us are to be loved and accepted. Jesus has made it abundantly clear that God loves us, but He has also made it clear that God intends to transform each of us into something different than we presently are. The truth is unless we admit that we are a perversion of that we have no basis on which we might be reunited with Him. Jesus is called the Prince of peace because He comes to reunite us to God. To have His peace we must first admit that our self-rule is a declaration of war against God. The only peace God offers is the unity He knows in Himself and this peace only comes by complete and unconditional surrender to Him. 9/9/2010 Conversations Within ts
If the world is to know peace it must be reunited to God. If I am to know peace I too must be reunited to Him. I recently heard a gay man say and say with some feeling, “I am not a perversion.” I did not say it at the time but my second thought was, “But of course you are, we are all a perversion.” All of us are corrupt and each of us in our own way have corrupted the world. I say this was my second thought because my first though was sympathy simply because I know how desperate each of us are to be loved and accepted. Jesus has made it abundantly clear that God loves us, but He has also made it clear that God intends to transform each of us into something different than we presently are. The truth is unless we admit that we are a perversion of that we have no basis on which we might be reunited with Him. Jesus is called the Prince of peace because He comes to reunite us to God. To have His peace we must first admit that our self-rule is a declaration of war against God. The only peace God offers is the unity He knows in Himself and this peace only comes by complete and unconditional surrender to Him. 9/9/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Very few people chose war. They chose selfishness and the result was war. Each of us...must choose: total love or total war.” Dave Dellinger
“The LORD is peace.” Judges6 ESV
If the world is to know peace it must be reunited to God. If I am to know peace I too must be reunited to Him. I recently heard a gay man say and say with some feeling, “I am not a perversion.” I did not say it at the time but my second thought was, “But of course you are, we are all a perversion.” All of us are corrupt and each of us in our own way have corrupted the world. I say this was my second thought because my first though was sympathy simply because I know how desperate each of us are to be loved and accepted. Jesus has made it abundantly clear that God loves us, but He has also made it clear that God intends to transform each of us into something different than we presently are. The truth is unless we admit that we are a perversion of that we have no basis on which we might be reunited with Him. Jesus is called the Prince of peace because He comes to reunite us to God. To have His peace we must first admit that our self-rule is a declaration of war against God. The only peace God offers is the unity He knows in Himself and this peace only comes by complete and unconditional surrender to Him. 9/9/2010 Conversations Within ts
If the world is to know peace it must be reunited to God. If I am to know peace I too must be reunited to Him. I recently heard a gay man say and say with some feeling, “I am not a perversion.” I did not say it at the time but my second thought was, “But of course you are, we are all a perversion.” All of us are corrupt and each of us in our own way have corrupted the world. I say this was my second thought because my first though was sympathy simply because I know how desperate each of us are to be loved and accepted. Jesus has made it abundantly clear that God loves us, but He has also made it clear that God intends to transform each of us into something different than we presently are. The truth is unless we admit that we are a perversion of that we have no basis on which we might be reunited with Him. Jesus is called the Prince of peace because He comes to reunite us to God. To have His peace we must first admit that our self-rule is a declaration of war against God. The only peace God offers is the unity He knows in Himself and this peace only comes by complete and unconditional surrender to Him. 9/9/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, September 10, 2010
“No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers.” Author Unknown
“...the LORD is one.” Dt.6 ESV
To say the LORD is one is another way of saying there is one Lord. But it also affirms the oneness that is found in God and that is only found in Him. God is one in that He is perfectly whole and complete. He needs nothing, wants for nothing, He is perfect in all His perfections. He knows all there is to know, sees all that can be seen, decides all that is decided. Even our fallen choices are allowed under His sovereign rule, which says a great deal about the value He assigns choice. He is unified in perfect oneness and brings perfect unity to all that is made. All time and history, my personal history, the personal history of everyone and everything is given meaning and purpose in His eternal purposes even all the silly debates that men have about Him. His word is the first and last word. No wonder Jesus is called the Living Word. 9/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
To say the LORD is one is another way of saying there is one Lord. But it also affirms the oneness that is found in God and that is only found in Him. God is one in that He is perfectly whole and complete. He needs nothing, wants for nothing, He is perfect in all His perfections. He knows all there is to know, sees all that can be seen, decides all that is decided. Even our fallen choices are allowed under His sovereign rule, which says a great deal about the value He assigns choice. He is unified in perfect oneness and brings perfect unity to all that is made. All time and history, my personal history, the personal history of everyone and everything is given meaning and purpose in His eternal purposes even all the silly debates that men have about Him. His word is the first and last word. No wonder Jesus is called the Living Word. 9/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
“No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers.” Author Unknown
“...the LORD is one.” Dt.6 ESV
To say the LORD is one is another way of saying there is one Lord. But it also affirms the oneness that is found in God and that is only found in Him. God is one in that He is perfectly whole and complete. He needs nothing, wants for nothing, He is perfect in all His perfections. He knows all there is to know, sees all that can be seen, decides all that is decided. Even our fallen choices are allowed under His sovereign rule, which says a great deal about the value He assigns choice. He is unified in perfect oneness and brings perfect unity to all that is made. All time and history, my personal history, the personal history of everyone and everything is given meaning and purpose in His eternal purposes even all the silly debates that men have about Him. His word is the first and last word. No wonder Jesus is called the Living Word. 9/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
To say the LORD is one is another way of saying there is one Lord. But it also affirms the oneness that is found in God and that is only found in Him. God is one in that He is perfectly whole and complete. He needs nothing, wants for nothing, He is perfect in all His perfections. He knows all there is to know, sees all that can be seen, decides all that is decided. Even our fallen choices are allowed under His sovereign rule, which says a great deal about the value He assigns choice. He is unified in perfect oneness and brings perfect unity to all that is made. All time and history, my personal history, the personal history of everyone and everything is given meaning and purpose in His eternal purposes even all the silly debates that men have about Him. His word is the first and last word. No wonder Jesus is called the Living Word. 9/7/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, September 9, 2010
“Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of those pieces” Judith Viorst
“The LORD is my strength and my song...” Ex.15 ESV
What is strength but motivation to live life as it should be lived. Strength is the power to do--the delivery room where mere knowledge is birthed into wise action. This is the work of God's Spirit within the soul. He strengthens us. Our Father not only counsels his children what to do, He offers inner encouragements to follow His counsel, In so many words, God is the desire to do. He is our strength and song. He is that extra oomph the comes to us in that moment of decision, the One that prompts us to finish what we have started, to do what we know is right. His grace is the gumption we feel to do something about a concern. He is the spiritual vitality of all faith, hope and love. God is the pizazz of life, the beat and rhythm of every song that moves us to turn up up the volume and dance with delight. 9/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
What is strength but motivation to live life as it should be lived. Strength is the power to do--the delivery room where mere knowledge is birthed into wise action. This is the work of God's Spirit within the soul. He strengthens us. Our Father not only counsels his children what to do, He offers inner encouragements to follow His counsel, In so many words, God is the desire to do. He is our strength and song. He is that extra oomph the comes to us in that moment of decision, the One that prompts us to finish what we have started, to do what we know is right. His grace is the gumption we feel to do something about a concern. He is the spiritual vitality of all faith, hope and love. God is the pizazz of life, the beat and rhythm of every song that moves us to turn up up the volume and dance with delight. 9/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
“Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of those pieces” Judith Viorst
“The LORD is my strength and my song...” Ex.15 ESV
What is strength but motivation to live life as it should be lived. Strength is the power to do--the delivery room where mere knowledge is birthed into wise action. This is the work of God's Spirit within the soul. He strengthens us. Our Father not only counsels his children what to do, He offers inner encouragements to follow His counsel, In so many words, God is the desire to do. He is our strength and song. He is that extra oomph the comes to us in that moment of decision, the One that prompts us to finish what we have started, to do what we know is right. His grace is the gumption we feel to do something about a concern. He is the spiritual vitality of all faith, hope and love. God is the pizazz of life, the beat and rhythm of every song that moves us to turn up up the volume and dance with delight. 9/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
What is strength but motivation to live life as it should be lived. Strength is the power to do--the delivery room where mere knowledge is birthed into wise action. This is the work of God's Spirit within the soul. He strengthens us. Our Father not only counsels his children what to do, He offers inner encouragements to follow His counsel, In so many words, God is the desire to do. He is our strength and song. He is that extra oomph the comes to us in that moment of decision, the One that prompts us to finish what we have started, to do what we know is right. His grace is the gumption we feel to do something about a concern. He is the spiritual vitality of all faith, hope and love. God is the pizazz of life, the beat and rhythm of every song that moves us to turn up up the volume and dance with delight. 9/3/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
“When in doubt, don't.” Benjamin Franklin
“...so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Phil.1 ESV
If I really want to live my life in such as manner that it pleases God, I can only hope that God approves of the same activities and attitudes that I approve. Most Christians look to the Scriptures for guidance in this. But the Bible doesn't provide us an exhaustive list of approved and unapproved behavior. Oh, there are things clearly forbidden in God's Word just as there are things clearly approved. But there are many things not mentioned in the Bible and one may wonder, “What do I do now?” Not to worry, we are left with what should be an obvious option. Ask Him. What prevents us from asking God to make His will clear when we wonder about something. The Scriptures also give us the guideline that whatever is not of faith is sin. It would seem then a good rule that when I have doubts about doing something don't do it. We can always ask and wait for God to make the matter clear. The hard part is not only waiting till He makes it clear but clearing the heart of any attitude except to do what He wants when He does. 9/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
If I really want to live my life in such as manner that it pleases God, I can only hope that God approves of the same activities and attitudes that I approve. Most Christians look to the Scriptures for guidance in this. But the Bible doesn't provide us an exhaustive list of approved and unapproved behavior. Oh, there are things clearly forbidden in God's Word just as there are things clearly approved. But there are many things not mentioned in the Bible and one may wonder, “What do I do now?” Not to worry, we are left with what should be an obvious option. Ask Him. What prevents us from asking God to make His will clear when we wonder about something. The Scriptures also give us the guideline that whatever is not of faith is sin. It would seem then a good rule that when I have doubts about doing something don't do it. We can always ask and wait for God to make the matter clear. The hard part is not only waiting till He makes it clear but clearing the heart of any attitude except to do what He wants when He does. 9/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
“When in doubt, don't.” Benjamin Franklin
“...so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Phil.1 ESV
If I really want to live my life in such as manner that it pleases God, I can only hope that God approves of the same activities and attitudes that I approve. Most Christians look to the Scriptures for guidance in this. But the Bible doesn't provide us an exhaustive list of approved and unapproved behavior. Oh, there are things clearly forbidden in God's Word just as there are things clearly approved. But there are many things not mentioned in the Bible and one may wonder, “What do I do now?” Not to worry, we are left with what should be an obvious option. Ask Him. What prevents us from asking God to make His will clear when we wonder about something. The Scriptures also give us the guideline that whatever is not of faith is sin. It would seem then a good rule that when I have doubts about doing something don't do it. We can always ask and wait for God to make the matter clear. The hard part is not only waiting till He makes it clear but clearing the heart of any attitude except to do what He wants when He does. 9/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
If I really want to live my life in such as manner that it pleases God, I can only hope that God approves of the same activities and attitudes that I approve. Most Christians look to the Scriptures for guidance in this. But the Bible doesn't provide us an exhaustive list of approved and unapproved behavior. Oh, there are things clearly forbidden in God's Word just as there are things clearly approved. But there are many things not mentioned in the Bible and one may wonder, “What do I do now?” Not to worry, we are left with what should be an obvious option. Ask Him. What prevents us from asking God to make His will clear when we wonder about something. The Scriptures also give us the guideline that whatever is not of faith is sin. It would seem then a good rule that when I have doubts about doing something don't do it. We can always ask and wait for God to make the matter clear. The hard part is not only waiting till He makes it clear but clearing the heart of any attitude except to do what He wants when He does. 9/2/2010 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. ~Douglas Pagels
"Abraham...was called a friend of God.” James 2 ESV
Is there anything of greater value in the world than a friend. My friends are such an important part of everything I do. I think about them all the time, pray for them everyday, they influence every facet of my life. I would like to think, not so much that God is my friend, He is certainly that, but, I would like to think that I am a friend to Him. Abraham was a friend of God--I would like to believe that God looks at me as His friend. Jesus called His disciples friends. He confided in them and looked to them for companionship and laid down His life for them. It is not surprising that He would ask the same from them. Am I God's friend? Can He count on me? I know I have let Him down just as I have let down my best earthly friend. Recently I needed to ask her forgiveness. We shared only a look, I asking grace from her with pleading eyes and she gave it with a glance that said, “You know I do.” This same kind of stuff goes on all the time with God. He is such a good friend. My friend, I suspect, as with most things, that I need You to help me be a better friend to You. 8/31/2010 Conversations Within ts
Is there anything of greater value in the world than a friend. My friends are such an important part of everything I do. I think about them all the time, pray for them everyday, they influence every facet of my life. I would like to think, not so much that God is my friend, He is certainly that, but, I would like to think that I am a friend to Him. Abraham was a friend of God--I would like to believe that God looks at me as His friend. Jesus called His disciples friends. He confided in them and looked to them for companionship and laid down His life for them. It is not surprising that He would ask the same from them. Am I God's friend? Can He count on me? I know I have let Him down just as I have let down my best earthly friend. Recently I needed to ask her forgiveness. We shared only a look, I asking grace from her with pleading eyes and she gave it with a glance that said, “You know I do.” This same kind of stuff goes on all the time with God. He is such a good friend. My friend, I suspect, as with most things, that I need You to help me be a better friend to You. 8/31/2010 Conversations Within ts
A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. ~Douglas Pagels
"Abraham...was called a friend of God.” James 2 ESV
Is there anything of greater value in the world than a friend. My friends are such an important part of everything I do. I think about them all the time, pray for them everyday, they influence every facet of my life. I would like to think, not so much that God is my friend, He is certainly that, but, I would like to think that I am a friend to Him. Abraham was a friend of God--I would like to believe that God looks at me as His friend. Jesus called His disciples friends. He confided in them and looked to them for companionship and laid down His life for them. It is not surprising that He would ask the same from them. Am I God's friend? Can He count on me? I know I have let Him down just as I have let down my best earthly friend. Recently I needed to ask her forgiveness. We shared only a look, I asking grace from her with pleading eyes and she gave it with a glance that said, “You know I do.” This same kind of stuff goes on all the time with God. He is such a good friend. My friend, I suspect, as with most things, that I need You to help me be a better friend to You. 8/31/2010 Conversations Within ts
Is there anything of greater value in the world than a friend. My friends are such an important part of everything I do. I think about them all the time, pray for them everyday, they influence every facet of my life. I would like to think, not so much that God is my friend, He is certainly that, but, I would like to think that I am a friend to Him. Abraham was a friend of God--I would like to believe that God looks at me as His friend. Jesus called His disciples friends. He confided in them and looked to them for companionship and laid down His life for them. It is not surprising that He would ask the same from them. Am I God's friend? Can He count on me? I know I have let Him down just as I have let down my best earthly friend. Recently I needed to ask her forgiveness. We shared only a look, I asking grace from her with pleading eyes and she gave it with a glance that said, “You know I do.” This same kind of stuff goes on all the time with God. He is such a good friend. My friend, I suspect, as with most things, that I need You to help me be a better friend to You. 8/31/2010 Conversations Within ts
Monday, September 6, 2010
“If we only have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumbles." C.S. Lewis
“Enoch walked with God...” Gen.5
How much of my day do I really walk with You? Oh, I talk to You all the time; I pray for people, mumble, complain, ask questions even question You, but do I walk with You. I know You walk with me. I enjoy our conversations but I seem to forget what we talk about almost as soon as start to do something. It is so much easier to busy myself with “ministry” than to really walk with You. Sometimes I get the impression that You are following me around in stead of me following You and maybe that's some of it. Maybe walking with You is just that, aware that Your walking with me, I mean really awake to it, wanting to bless what I'm doing or wanting me to do those things You bless. Whatever, let me wake then, wake to your company, your partnership and then perhaps I will experience more of what it means to walk with You. 8/30/2010 Conversations Within ts
How much of my day do I really walk with You? Oh, I talk to You all the time; I pray for people, mumble, complain, ask questions even question You, but do I walk with You. I know You walk with me. I enjoy our conversations but I seem to forget what we talk about almost as soon as start to do something. It is so much easier to busy myself with “ministry” than to really walk with You. Sometimes I get the impression that You are following me around in stead of me following You and maybe that's some of it. Maybe walking with You is just that, aware that Your walking with me, I mean really awake to it, wanting to bless what I'm doing or wanting me to do those things You bless. Whatever, let me wake then, wake to your company, your partnership and then perhaps I will experience more of what it means to walk with You. 8/30/2010 Conversations Within ts
“If we only have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumbles." C.S. Lewis
“Enoch walked with God...” Gen.5
How much of my day do I really walk with You? Oh, I talk to You all the time; I pray for people, mumble, complain, ask questions even question You, but do I walk with You. I know You walk with me. I enjoy our conversations but I seem to forget what we talk about almost as soon as start to do something. It is so much easier to busy myself with “ministry” than to really walk with You. Sometimes I get the impression that You are following me around in stead of me following You and maybe that's some of it. Maybe walking with You is just that, aware that Your walking with me, I mean really awake to it, wanting to bless what I'm doing or wanting me to do those things You bless. Whatever, let me wake then, wake to your company, your partnership and then perhaps I will experience more of what it means to walk with You. 8/30/2010 Conversations Within ts
How much of my day do I really walk with You? Oh, I talk to You all the time; I pray for people, mumble, complain, ask questions even question You, but do I walk with You. I know You walk with me. I enjoy our conversations but I seem to forget what we talk about almost as soon as start to do something. It is so much easier to busy myself with “ministry” than to really walk with You. Sometimes I get the impression that You are following me around in stead of me following You and maybe that's some of it. Maybe walking with You is just that, aware that Your walking with me, I mean really awake to it, wanting to bless what I'm doing or wanting me to do those things You bless. Whatever, let me wake then, wake to your company, your partnership and then perhaps I will experience more of what it means to walk with You. 8/30/2010 Conversations Within ts
Saturday, September 4, 2010
“When I run I feel his pleasure.” Eric Liddell
“Well done!” Jesus
So what is a remarkable life? In some ways, its a personal taste kind of thing. What causes some to sit up and notice may not be of note to others. I may think the first blind man to summit Everest remarkable. You on the other hand may admire the guy with the most yards gained carrying a football. A quick look at the people who made the history books or a list of celebrities tell us the kinds of things people consider remarkable. And, while they have some appeal to us, I am not sure that God has noticed much. Jesus was astonished by a few things .He found the faith of a Roman centurion remarkable. He took note of a poor widow who gave her last cent to God. I suppose that if Christ considered faith and sacrifice remarkable we may take it that His Father also sits up and notices such things. Certainly what God considers worthy of comment should occupy our pursuits. But it may just be that faith, hope and love however expressed is what captures Him and if climbing Everest or running a football is the expression of these things it may just be that the how and why is just as important as the what. What I do with my life and how I do it and why I do it are all determined by what I love most. 8/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
So what is a remarkable life? In some ways, its a personal taste kind of thing. What causes some to sit up and notice may not be of note to others. I may think the first blind man to summit Everest remarkable. You on the other hand may admire the guy with the most yards gained carrying a football. A quick look at the people who made the history books or a list of celebrities tell us the kinds of things people consider remarkable. And, while they have some appeal to us, I am not sure that God has noticed much. Jesus was astonished by a few things .He found the faith of a Roman centurion remarkable. He took note of a poor widow who gave her last cent to God. I suppose that if Christ considered faith and sacrifice remarkable we may take it that His Father also sits up and notices such things. Certainly what God considers worthy of comment should occupy our pursuits. But it may just be that faith, hope and love however expressed is what captures Him and if climbing Everest or running a football is the expression of these things it may just be that the how and why is just as important as the what. What I do with my life and how I do it and why I do it are all determined by what I love most. 8/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
“When I run I feel his pleasure.” Eric Liddell
“Well done!” Jesus
So what is a remarkable life? In some ways, its a personal taste kind of thing. What causes some to sit up and notice may not be of note to others. I may think the first blind man to summit Everest remarkable. You on the other hand may admire the guy with the most yards gained carrying a football. A quick look at the people who made the history books or a list of celebrities tell us the kinds of things people consider remarkable. And, while they have some appeal to us, I am not sure that God has noticed much. Jesus was astonished by a few things .He found the faith of a Roman centurion remarkable. He took note of a poor widow who gave her last cent to God. I suppose that if Christ considered faith and sacrifice remarkable we may take it that His Father also sits up and notices such things. Certainly what God considers worthy of comment should occupy our pursuits. But it may just be that faith, hope and love however expressed is what captures Him and if climbing Everest or running a football is the expression of these things it may just be that the how and why is just as important as the what. What I do with my life and how I do it and why I do it are all determined by what I love most. 8/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
So what is a remarkable life? In some ways, its a personal taste kind of thing. What causes some to sit up and notice may not be of note to others. I may think the first blind man to summit Everest remarkable. You on the other hand may admire the guy with the most yards gained carrying a football. A quick look at the people who made the history books or a list of celebrities tell us the kinds of things people consider remarkable. And, while they have some appeal to us, I am not sure that God has noticed much. Jesus was astonished by a few things .He found the faith of a Roman centurion remarkable. He took note of a poor widow who gave her last cent to God. I suppose that if Christ considered faith and sacrifice remarkable we may take it that His Father also sits up and notices such things. Certainly what God considers worthy of comment should occupy our pursuits. But it may just be that faith, hope and love however expressed is what captures Him and if climbing Everest or running a football is the expression of these things it may just be that the how and why is just as important as the what. What I do with my life and how I do it and why I do it are all determined by what I love most. 8/28/2010 Conversations Within ts
Friday, September 3, 2010
“The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another.” James Matthew Barrie
“And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” Rev.20 ESV
Is the story of my life worth telling? Most of us I suppose would think not. There might be a few highlights here and there but on the whole few people live remarkable lives. What if I wanted to change that? We might think that we have nothing more to say over what we have already written but this is not true. Things like restitution, overcoming existing addictions, or redeeming wasted time all serve to give a good ending to a story that perhaps started out not so good. How my story turns out is more important than how it begins. We can't really accomplish a complete do over but we can certainly began this day to write something of worth, something of real value. Consider how remarkable the last few minutes of the repentant thief who hung next to Jesus. Who would have thought his story would be told round the world and give hope to so many a lost cause. 8/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Is the story of my life worth telling? Most of us I suppose would think not. There might be a few highlights here and there but on the whole few people live remarkable lives. What if I wanted to change that? We might think that we have nothing more to say over what we have already written but this is not true. Things like restitution, overcoming existing addictions, or redeeming wasted time all serve to give a good ending to a story that perhaps started out not so good. How my story turns out is more important than how it begins. We can't really accomplish a complete do over but we can certainly began this day to write something of worth, something of real value. Consider how remarkable the last few minutes of the repentant thief who hung next to Jesus. Who would have thought his story would be told round the world and give hope to so many a lost cause. 8/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
“The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another.” James Matthew Barrie
“And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” Rev.20 ESV
Is the story of my life worth telling? Most of us I suppose would think not. There might be a few highlights here and there but on the whole few people live remarkable lives. What if I wanted to change that? We might think that we have nothing more to say over what we have already written but this is not true. Things like restitution, overcoming existing addictions, or redeeming wasted time all serve to give a good ending to a story that perhaps started out not so good. How my story turns out is more important than how it begins. We can't really accomplish a complete do over but we can certainly began this day to write something of worth, something of real value. Consider how remarkable the last few minutes of the repentant thief who hung next to Jesus. Who would have thought his story would be told round the world and give hope to so many a lost cause. 8/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Is the story of my life worth telling? Most of us I suppose would think not. There might be a few highlights here and there but on the whole few people live remarkable lives. What if I wanted to change that? We might think that we have nothing more to say over what we have already written but this is not true. Things like restitution, overcoming existing addictions, or redeeming wasted time all serve to give a good ending to a story that perhaps started out not so good. How my story turns out is more important than how it begins. We can't really accomplish a complete do over but we can certainly began this day to write something of worth, something of real value. Consider how remarkable the last few minutes of the repentant thief who hung next to Jesus. Who would have thought his story would be told round the world and give hope to so many a lost cause. 8/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Thursday, September 2, 2010
“I need no other argument, I need no other plea, It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.” Lidie H. Edmunds
“I need no other argument, I need no other plea, It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.” Lidie H. Edmunds
“ And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life.” Rev.20 ESV
If we understand the Good Book right, my story, everyone's story will not only be told but reviewed in judgment. I can certainly think of a few things I want told in my story. I can also think of someone I want present when my story is told. What I mean is that we can either come to judgment with a lawyer or we can opt to represent ourselves. I would not dream of representing myself, I wouldn't have “a leg to stand on.” Everyone who is a Christian is counting on Jesus for representation. Any argument that I might make about being good enough, well, my wife and children could shoot holes through that. No, I will leave the argument with Christ. 8/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
“ And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life.” Rev.20 ESV
If we understand the Good Book right, my story, everyone's story will not only be told but reviewed in judgment. I can certainly think of a few things I want told in my story. I can also think of someone I want present when my story is told. What I mean is that we can either come to judgment with a lawyer or we can opt to represent ourselves. I would not dream of representing myself, I wouldn't have “a leg to stand on.” Everyone who is a Christian is counting on Jesus for representation. Any argument that I might make about being good enough, well, my wife and children could shoot holes through that. No, I will leave the argument with Christ. 8/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
“I need no other argument, I need no other plea, It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.” Lidie H. Edmunds
“I need no other argument, I need no other plea, It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.” Lidie H. Edmunds
“ And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life.” Rev.20 ESV
If we understand the Good Book right, my story, everyone's story will not only be told but reviewed in judgment. I can certainly think of a few things I want told in my story. I can also think of someone I want present when my story is told. What I mean is that we can either come to judgment with a lawyer or we can opt to represent ourselves. I would not dream of representing myself, I wouldn't have “a leg to stand on.” Everyone who is a Christian is counting on Jesus for representation. Any argument that I might make about being good enough, well, my wife and children could shoot holes through that. No, I will leave the argument with Christ. 8/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
“ And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life.” Rev.20 ESV
If we understand the Good Book right, my story, everyone's story will not only be told but reviewed in judgment. I can certainly think of a few things I want told in my story. I can also think of someone I want present when my story is told. What I mean is that we can either come to judgment with a lawyer or we can opt to represent ourselves. I would not dream of representing myself, I wouldn't have “a leg to stand on.” Everyone who is a Christian is counting on Jesus for representation. Any argument that I might make about being good enough, well, my wife and children could shoot holes through that. No, I will leave the argument with Christ. 8/26/2010 Conversations Within ts
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
“A story is a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to get it.” Don Miller
“Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon?” 1Kings. 11 ESV
I heard an interesting thought the other day, one that I thought worth pursuing. If my life were made into a story or a movie would it be interesting enough to follow? Another way of putting it. Am I living a remarkable life? Now I confess that this kind of thinking can be dangerous. It could set one off on some egotistical journey caught up in self-glory or fame. Such a life would hardly have value except perhaps as an example of one to avoid. But some people try to be remarkable, some are remarkable. There is a difference in calling attention to yourself and living a glorious life. When we consider the value of life, the sheer privilege of being alive, an endowment graciously bestowed by God, I should think it worthwhile to live each day gloriously. And, since nothing there is no glory to be compared to God's glory the truly glorious life is one that reflects the simple enjoyment of His. To value the value of God I think is the first step in living a valuable life. 8/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
I heard an interesting thought the other day, one that I thought worth pursuing. If my life were made into a story or a movie would it be interesting enough to follow? Another way of putting it. Am I living a remarkable life? Now I confess that this kind of thinking can be dangerous. It could set one off on some egotistical journey caught up in self-glory or fame. Such a life would hardly have value except perhaps as an example of one to avoid. But some people try to be remarkable, some are remarkable. There is a difference in calling attention to yourself and living a glorious life. When we consider the value of life, the sheer privilege of being alive, an endowment graciously bestowed by God, I should think it worthwhile to live each day gloriously. And, since nothing there is no glory to be compared to God's glory the truly glorious life is one that reflects the simple enjoyment of His. To value the value of God I think is the first step in living a valuable life. 8/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
“A story is a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to get it.” Don Miller
“Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon?” 1Kings. 11 ESV
I heard an interesting thought the other day, one that I thought worth pursuing. If my life were made into a story or a movie would it be interesting enough to follow? Another way of putting it. Am I living a remarkable life? Now I confess that this kind of thinking can be dangerous. It could set one off on some egotistical journey caught up in self-glory or fame. Such a life would hardly have value except perhaps as an example of one to avoid. But some people try to be remarkable, some are remarkable. There is a difference in calling attention to yourself and living a glorious life. When we consider the value of life, the sheer privilege of being alive, an endowment graciously bestowed by God, I should think it worthwhile to live each day gloriously. And, since nothing there is no glory to be compared to God's glory the truly glorious life is one that reflects the simple enjoyment of His. To value the value of God I think is the first step in living a valuable life. 8/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
I heard an interesting thought the other day, one that I thought worth pursuing. If my life were made into a story or a movie would it be interesting enough to follow? Another way of putting it. Am I living a remarkable life? Now I confess that this kind of thinking can be dangerous. It could set one off on some egotistical journey caught up in self-glory or fame. Such a life would hardly have value except perhaps as an example of one to avoid. But some people try to be remarkable, some are remarkable. There is a difference in calling attention to yourself and living a glorious life. When we consider the value of life, the sheer privilege of being alive, an endowment graciously bestowed by God, I should think it worthwhile to live each day gloriously. And, since nothing there is no glory to be compared to God's glory the truly glorious life is one that reflects the simple enjoyment of His. To value the value of God I think is the first step in living a valuable life. 8/23/2010 Conversations Within ts
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