We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:5
This past week, my daily devotional book has been taking me through "Disciplines of the Mind": Fear, Faith, Regret, Hope, Bitterness, Love, Weakness, Power. Today it wrapped it up with the verse above - telling us to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Last Sunday in Sunday School - Ms. Faye taught on vocation versus occupation. She gave an example at the end of the lesson that has come back to me several times this week. There was a castle owned by a Master, and outside the castle there was a garden. The Master left the man in charge of the garden while he was gone. A visitor came to the castle occasionally, and the garden was always meticulously kept. Everything was just perfect every time he came by. He noticed that the Master had been gone for quite some time, but that the garden was still kept very neat and orderly; just perfect. One day he asked the gardener how long the Master had been gone, and he said, "I guess it's been about 10 years." The visitor then asked, "When do you expect him back?" And the gardener said,
"I expect him every day."
And all week I thought...
That's how I should work... both at my job, with my family, with my friends, with strangers, doing God's work, living this life that God has given me, when thoughts creep in that don't glorify Him.
Instead of living life like the Master is away and I'll have a chance to clean up when I hear He's coming - I need to work and live and think and love for Him; expecting Him every day.
LORD, take captive my thoughts and help me to remember:
Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunrise...
Thursday morning I was driving to work, and I had just finished reading Psalm 8 before leaving the house:
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
As I was driving, I was getting to see the most beautiful sunrise I had seen in a while. The sunlight was beginning to stretch around the horizon, changing the grey sky and clouds into a beautiful range of purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
As I watched the sunrise, what really caught my breath as just so beautiful were two clouds. They were so close to the sun, and turned towards it just right – and they almost seemed to just be on fire from the glow of the sun. They weren’t just beautiful because they were clouds highlighted or changed by the sun – they were beautiful because they really didn’t even look like clouds anymore, they just looked like more of the sun…
(30) He must increase, but I must decrease. ~ John 3:30
(28) And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
(29) And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
~ Exodus 34:28-29
(3) Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
~ Psalms 80:3
Lord, help us turn towards You and spend time with You so we look more like Your Son. Thank You for being mindful enough of us to teach us Your truth.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
As I was driving, I was getting to see the most beautiful sunrise I had seen in a while. The sunlight was beginning to stretch around the horizon, changing the grey sky and clouds into a beautiful range of purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
As I watched the sunrise, what really caught my breath as just so beautiful were two clouds. They were so close to the sun, and turned towards it just right – and they almost seemed to just be on fire from the glow of the sun. They weren’t just beautiful because they were clouds highlighted or changed by the sun – they were beautiful because they really didn’t even look like clouds anymore, they just looked like more of the sun…
(30) He must increase, but I must decrease. ~ John 3:30
(28) And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
(29) And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
~ Exodus 34:28-29
(3) Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
~ Psalms 80:3
Lord, help us turn towards You and spend time with You so we look more like Your Son. Thank You for being mindful enough of us to teach us Your truth.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Holy Father
Man's idea of his own good is always measured relatively against some other man's "badness"
"Good" is always relative
Only holiness is its own absolute
Holy Father...
The only True standard by which we can measure "goodness" -
and yet once we measure ourselves against holiness,
we realize "there is none good but God".
Our righteousness is but filthy rags
That's what that means...
Even the best "good" we can do
never matches up to Truth and holiness.
If we're honest and truly humble in the light of holiness,
We realize that we always have, always do, and always will fall short -
and must beg for mercy in the light of His holiness
and trust in His righteousness instead of our own.
Only through the death and work of Jesus Christ on the cross
can holiness ever reach down to us.
He's the only door to eternity in the presence of our
Holy Father.
Thank You Father for-giving me eyes to see You.
"Good" is always relative
Only holiness is its own absolute
Holy Father...
The only True standard by which we can measure "goodness" -
and yet once we measure ourselves against holiness,
we realize "there is none good but God".
Our righteousness is but filthy rags
That's what that means...
Even the best "good" we can do
never matches up to Truth and holiness.
If we're honest and truly humble in the light of holiness,
We realize that we always have, always do, and always will fall short -
and must beg for mercy in the light of His holiness
and trust in His righteousness instead of our own.
Only through the death and work of Jesus Christ on the cross
can holiness ever reach down to us.
He's the only door to eternity in the presence of our
Holy Father.
Thank You Father for-giving me eyes to see You.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
You are the Lord my God...
The Confessions of St. Augustine
You were my Guide, and You helped me return to viewing reality through the eyes of my soul, such as I had, instead of placing the eyes of my mind above the eyes of my soul. Through spiritual eyes I was better able to see the Light Unchangeable...
But this Light did stand above my soul, because the Light made me;
I stood below the Light, because I was made by it.
He that knows the truth knows what that Light is.
And he that knows truth knows eternity.
And he that knows love knows truth.
O Truth who is Eternity!
O Love who is Truth!
O Eternity who is Love!
You are my God. To You do I sigh night and day.
... In the glare, I trembled with love and awe, and I perceived that I was far off from You, I was living in a region foreign to You, and I heard Your voice from a distant height...
As I listened to Your high voice, I beheld other things that are below You... only One truly exists and remains unchangeably existing. It is then good for me to hold fast unto God, for if I remain not in Him, I cannot live in myself. But since He remains steadfast, He is able to renew all things.
You are the Lord my God, who stands in no need of my goodness in order for You to exist.
You were my Guide, and You helped me return to viewing reality through the eyes of my soul, such as I had, instead of placing the eyes of my mind above the eyes of my soul. Through spiritual eyes I was better able to see the Light Unchangeable...
But this Light did stand above my soul, because the Light made me;
I stood below the Light, because I was made by it.
He that knows the truth knows what that Light is.
And he that knows truth knows eternity.
And he that knows love knows truth.
O Truth who is Eternity!
O Love who is Truth!
O Eternity who is Love!
You are my God. To You do I sigh night and day.
... In the glare, I trembled with love and awe, and I perceived that I was far off from You, I was living in a region foreign to You, and I heard Your voice from a distant height...
As I listened to Your high voice, I beheld other things that are below You... only One truly exists and remains unchangeably existing. It is then good for me to hold fast unto God, for if I remain not in Him, I cannot live in myself. But since He remains steadfast, He is able to renew all things.
You are the Lord my God, who stands in no need of my goodness in order for You to exist.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
There is none good but God (Luke 18:19)
"I placed myself behind myself all the time. You (God) took me from behind myself, put me in front of myself, I saw myself and was horrified."
~ Augustine (Ravi Zacharias paraphrase)
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. ~Luke 18:19
~ Augustine (Ravi Zacharias paraphrase)
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. ~Luke 18:19
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Who can understand Lord...
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
I.
II.
IV.
V.
VI.
1 John 4:19
(19) We love him, because he first loved us.
Who can understand Lord,
The riches of Your grace?
And Your glory that’s reflected
In our precious Savior’s face?
II.
The cross was but a moment;
Satan thought he’d won that day -
But You were not surprised Lord;
Because You planned it that Way.
III.
They didn’t push Him to Calvary;
He walked and carried His cross.
They didn’t force those nails in His hands;
He took them for the lost.
IV.
Before time You knew my sin,
And still Your mercy pours -
How precious God that You are mine,
And that You call me Yours.
V.
Our cold dead hearts serve self and sin,
When left to their own will,
Refusing God and all His ways,
Which only He could fulfill.
VI.
What a beautiful plan He made,
On His throne above.
He could have crushed Satan at the Fall,
But instead He won our love.
I.
Romans 11:33
(33) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
2 Corinthians 4:6
(6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
II.
III.1 Corinthians 2:7-8
(7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
(8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known
it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 John 3:16
(16) Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
IV.
Ephesians 1:4-5
(4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
(5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by
Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
John 10:14
(14) I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
V.
Jeremiah 17:9
(9) The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can
know it?Matthew 19:17 (17) ...there is none good but one, that is, God
Matthew 5:17
(17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Ephesians 2:1
(1) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins
VI.
(21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.1 Peter 1:20-21
(20) Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
(21) Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and
gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Genesis 3:15
(15) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.Rom 8:20-21
(20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly,
but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
1 John 4:19
(19) We love him, because he first loved us.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
my God, You test the heart...
1 Chronicles 29
David offers his own precious metals and expensive material things for the building of the Temple of God. As king, he asks his people to do the same - and they did. They offered "their own" silver, and gold, and precious jewels to be used for the building of the Temple. David bursts into praises as he describes getting to watch the people offer these things to God willingly...
9: Then the people rejoiced for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
14: But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of thine own have we given Thee.
17-18: As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee.
O LORD God of Abraham, Issac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of Thy people, and prepare their hearts unto Thee.
It's so crazy how we tend to cling to our material goods and money when it comes to God's work. I find myself far too caught up in "I need this" and "I want this", and find that I've wasted money over and over before I even realize it. (sidenote: actually one of the first reasons I stopped watching TV - commercials and their influence on me, and the fact that even the shows themselves were becoming advertisements).
That said - "I'm preaching to myself here". It's so easy for me to justify throwing money away on things I "absolutely have to have" - and then days later I'm thinking "why did I buy this?".
However, when it comes to giving money, time, and things for God's work, do I find it as easy to hand it over willingly? I'm not sure that I do - not as much as I'd like.
I just think it's so subtle - because when I want something, the "think about the budget" of my conscience seems so quiet, and the "OOooooooh cool! I will love having this!" is SO LOUD.
On the other hand, it seems that anytime I feel prompted to give something extra for a ministry or something - the "WELL ARE YOU SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH FOR THE BILLS?" all of a sudden finds a way to scream instead of whisper. Or the "are you sure you have time? You are so busy" taps me on the shoulder and tries to create stress of rushing, thereby sucking the joy out of even offering my time.
But you know, when I intentionally push through those naggings, and offer whatever it may be - because I sincerely wanted to - there's this sweetness on the other side of obedience with a willing heart:
Lord, you give me each breath; thank You for helping me realize it's time I can give back to You.
Lord - every dime I have is a gift from You, given to me to use for Your glory. Forgive me for the times I forget that it's all Yours.
Lord - all these things that grow old, rust, break and lose my interest seem so important when desire is high - but the waning of my interest over time just reminds me
You are the only lasting joy.
...keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of Thy people, and prepare their hearts unto Thee.
David offers his own precious metals and expensive material things for the building of the Temple of God. As king, he asks his people to do the same - and they did. They offered "their own" silver, and gold, and precious jewels to be used for the building of the Temple. David bursts into praises as he describes getting to watch the people offer these things to God willingly...
9: Then the people rejoiced for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
14: But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of thine own have we given Thee.
17-18: As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee.
O LORD God of Abraham, Issac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of Thy people, and prepare their hearts unto Thee.
It's so crazy how we tend to cling to our material goods and money when it comes to God's work. I find myself far too caught up in "I need this" and "I want this", and find that I've wasted money over and over before I even realize it. (sidenote: actually one of the first reasons I stopped watching TV - commercials and their influence on me, and the fact that even the shows themselves were becoming advertisements).
That said - "I'm preaching to myself here". It's so easy for me to justify throwing money away on things I "absolutely have to have" - and then days later I'm thinking "why did I buy this?".
However, when it comes to giving money, time, and things for God's work, do I find it as easy to hand it over willingly? I'm not sure that I do - not as much as I'd like.
I just think it's so subtle - because when I want something, the "think about the budget" of my conscience seems so quiet, and the "OOooooooh cool! I will love having this!" is SO LOUD.
On the other hand, it seems that anytime I feel prompted to give something extra for a ministry or something - the "WELL ARE YOU SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH FOR THE BILLS?" all of a sudden finds a way to scream instead of whisper. Or the "are you sure you have time? You are so busy" taps me on the shoulder and tries to create stress of rushing, thereby sucking the joy out of even offering my time.
But you know, when I intentionally push through those naggings, and offer whatever it may be - because I sincerely wanted to - there's this sweetness on the other side of obedience with a willing heart:
Lord, you give me each breath; thank You for helping me realize it's time I can give back to You.
Lord - every dime I have is a gift from You, given to me to use for Your glory. Forgive me for the times I forget that it's all Yours.
Lord - all these things that grow old, rust, break and lose my interest seem so important when desire is high - but the waning of my interest over time just reminds me
You are the only lasting joy.
...keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of Thy people, and prepare their hearts unto Thee.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Long before I knew His name...
Long before I knew His name,
Or what He’d done for me –
He had written down my name
In a book of eternity.
Long before I took a breath,
Or opened blinded eyes,
He had a plan to open them
To the truth of Jesus Christ.
There’s nothing that I could have done
To merit His love for me.
All my efforts had fallen short;
I was His enemy.
But He whispered out His name to me,
In patience through all time,
And called me to His blessed Son;
Now I'm His and He is mine.
He’s my Savior, my Redeemer,
Precious Lord, and my Friend
And He covers with His blood,
All mistakes and every sin.
He took the shame and sorrow,
In my place so I could be
Forever in the Presence
Of that blessed Trinity.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
In perfect harmony,
And Jesus' death upon that cross,
Is the door for you and me.
There's nothing we could have done,
To reach His throne above,
So He provided His own way,
And mingled righteousness with love.
By faith alone our eyes will see,
The gift given by His grace –
And through His Word He shows us,
His glory in Jesus’ face.
Or what He’d done for me –
He had written down my name
In a book of eternity.
Long before I took a breath,
Or opened blinded eyes,
He had a plan to open them
To the truth of Jesus Christ.
There’s nothing that I could have done
To merit His love for me.
All my efforts had fallen short;
I was His enemy.
But He whispered out His name to me,
In patience through all time,
And called me to His blessed Son;
Now I'm His and He is mine.
He’s my Savior, my Redeemer,
Precious Lord, and my Friend
And He covers with His blood,
All mistakes and every sin.
He took the shame and sorrow,
In my place so I could be
Forever in the Presence
Of that blessed Trinity.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
In perfect harmony,
And Jesus' death upon that cross,
Is the door for you and me.
There's nothing we could have done,
To reach His throne above,
So He provided His own way,
And mingled righteousness with love.
By faith alone our eyes will see,
The gift given by His grace –
And through His Word He shows us,
His glory in Jesus’ face.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Peace and labor...
Typed these up to read during the day at work since I'm struggling to stay in His peace...
Listened to:
On the way to work:
Genesis audio Bible; Abraham laughed in his heart and responded that Ishmael could be the chosen son, because he did not believe that it was possible for he and Sarah to have a child; God corrected him and restated his original plan. Even in our belief we have unbelief... Lord help my unbelief.
At work:
Labor Not for the Food that Perishes - John Piper
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
~ John 14:27
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
~ Romans 13:15
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. ~ Psalm 29:11
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
~ Psalm 34:14
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: ~ Psalm 39:12
Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
~ Psalm 83:1
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. ~ Psalm 85:10
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
~ Isaiah 26:3
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
~ Isaiah 55:12
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
~ Mark 4:39
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace,
~ Mark 5:34
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
~ Luke 1: 78-79
Listened to:
On the way to work:
Genesis audio Bible; Abraham laughed in his heart and responded that Ishmael could be the chosen son, because he did not believe that it was possible for he and Sarah to have a child; God corrected him and restated his original plan. Even in our belief we have unbelief... Lord help my unbelief.
At work:
Labor Not for the Food that Perishes - John Piper
Monday, July 21, 2008
Listening to today..
On the way to work:
God at War - Dr. Erwin Lutzer
At work:
Jesus is Precious Because We Yearn for Beauty - John Piper
Reminded me of:
Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.
~John Keats
God at War - Dr. Erwin Lutzer
At work:
Jesus is Precious Because We Yearn for Beauty - John Piper
Reminded me of:
Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.
~John Keats
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
I will be satisfied... when I see Your face.
Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
He restoreth my soul...
Just had to praise Him for the vacation He gave me last week. I really can't even put into words the early mornings and the feeling of peace I got from reading and praying outside looking at His wonderful mountains - so I'll just say thank You and include a link with some pictures here. He is awesome.
my Flickr page
Sunday, June 29, 2008
There is a place beside Him...
Exodus 33:19-23
(19) And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
(20) And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
(21) And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
(22) And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
(23) And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Moses said unto the Lord,
"If You have shown me grace,
Then show me Lord Yourself
And all Your perfect ways.
I don’t want to go one step my Lord,
Without Your Presence here.
Lord I’ve known enough of You to see,
I always need You near."
And Moses asked one more thing of Him:
"Show to me Your glory" –
And God then explained to him,
The blessed redemption story.
“I’ll make my goodness pass by thee,
And will make known My name.
I’ll be gracious and merciful
Unto all of those I claim
But to see the face of God
No man can do today,
But a glimpse of Me is possible –
And I will show the Way.
There is a place beside me,
And on that Rock you’ll stand,
You can hide there in the cleft of Him,
And be covered by My hand.
And when I’ve passed you by you’ll see
My glory on His face -
And through the cross you'll come to know
My mercy and My grace"
Oh even just a glimpse of Him,
Is more than we should know –
Holiness cannot exist
Where sin and evil show.
But I thank God He passed me by,
And let me see Him go,
He hides His Word inside my heart,
That His light might show:
There is a place beside Him,
And on that Rock you’ll stand,
You can hide there in the cleft of Him,
And be covered by His hand.
When He’s passed you by you’ll see
His glory on the face
Of Jesus Christ our Savior –
The blessed gift of faith by grace.
(19) And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
(20) And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
(21) And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
(22) And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
(23) And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Moses said unto the Lord,
"If You have shown me grace,
Then show me Lord Yourself
And all Your perfect ways.
I don’t want to go one step my Lord,
Without Your Presence here.
Lord I’ve known enough of You to see,
I always need You near."
And Moses asked one more thing of Him:
"Show to me Your glory" –
And God then explained to him,
The blessed redemption story.
“I’ll make my goodness pass by thee,
And will make known My name.
I’ll be gracious and merciful
Unto all of those I claim
But to see the face of God
No man can do today,
But a glimpse of Me is possible –
And I will show the Way.
There is a place beside me,
And on that Rock you’ll stand,
You can hide there in the cleft of Him,
And be covered by My hand.
And when I’ve passed you by you’ll see
My glory on His face -
And through the cross you'll come to know
My mercy and My grace"
Oh even just a glimpse of Him,
Is more than we should know –
Holiness cannot exist
Where sin and evil show.
But I thank God He passed me by,
And let me see Him go,
He hides His Word inside my heart,
That His light might show:
There is a place beside Him,
And on that Rock you’ll stand,
You can hide there in the cleft of Him,
And be covered by His hand.
When He’s passed you by you’ll see
His glory on the face
Of Jesus Christ our Savior –
The blessed gift of faith by grace.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Rooted and built up...
In Him.
The other day I read through Colossians, which I keep being drawn to - and I just really loved this verse:
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
~ Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV
I went to my Granny's old house to walk around some this week, because I needed to remember:
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
I walked by the little creek, and I noticed all of the visible roots of the huge trees nearby reaching down towards the water. They sent out roots toward the solid, firm ground in the opposite direction to hold them up... but those other roots crept, slowly but surely, straight down towards that source of nice cold refreshing water.
I woke up this morning thinking about some planting I'm going to be doing today, and I thought... how do roots know where to go?
I was reminded of my Colossians verse above... so I decided to research the "science" of the matter to help me (consider the lilies) get some insight on God's design.
I love when He shows us something in His creation that helps us understand His design in our lives... I thought maybe this would teach me something about "searching for the living water" and "avoiding the spiritually dry patches in life".
The Science behind the phenomenon I found is this:
Original article
“The key is in the fuzzy coat of hairs on the roots of plants” says Professor Liam Dolan. “We have identified a growth control mechanism that enables these hairs to find their way and to elongate when their path is clear”.
Root hairs explore the soil in much the same way as a person would feel their way in the dark. If they come across an obstacle, they feel their way around until they can continue growing in an opening. In the meantime, the plant is held in place as the hairs grip the soil.
This ability is governed by a self-reinforcing cycle. A protein at the tip of root hairs called RHD2 produces free radicals that stimulate the uptake of calcium from the soil. Calcium then stimulates the activity of RHD2, producing more free radicals and further uptake of calcium. When an obstacle blocks the hair’s path, the cycle is broken and growth starts in another location and direction.
“This remarkable system gives plants the flexibility to explore a complex environment and to colonise even the most unpromising soils”, says Professor Dolan.
“It also explains how seedlings are able to grow so quickly once they have established”.
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
~ Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV
We receive Christ... (the truth)
We walk in Christ... (the way)
Rooted in Him
Walking in a dark world... but "seeing", with spiritual eyes, His paths of righteousness by His Light
Established (strengthened... foundation) in the faith
Planting roots where we know the ground is firm in Him, and sending out "feelers" - seeking more of Him...
The living water
I like that the little hairs on the roots just keep searching and seeking for the nutrients and water... and I love this sentence:
"When an obstacle blocks the hair’s path, the cycle is broken and growth starts in another location and direction."
I tend to linger at the obstacles... like how you have to run your tongue over a sore spot in your mouth over and over, even though it hurts each time. Or, how you have a bruise, and occasionally you press it "just to see if it still hurts".
Lord... teach me how to seek You in every possible direction. Help me to recognize obstacles in my path to you. Help me not linger in the nutrient-deficient patches and droughts of life. Help me break the cycle when I reach them, and turn instead in the other direction back to You, seeking You that much more.
Thank you for teaching me the invisible things of Your Word through Your beautiful Creation I can see here.
Thank You for making me lie down in Your green pastures, and for leading me by Your hand by Your still waters, and for restoring my soul and for showing me that only You can do it for me. Thank You for reminding me that You are my Shepherd, and I am Your child.
I love You because You first loved me.
The other day I read through Colossians, which I keep being drawn to - and I just really loved this verse:
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
~ Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV
I went to my Granny's old house to walk around some this week, because I needed to remember:
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
I walked by the little creek, and I noticed all of the visible roots of the huge trees nearby reaching down towards the water. They sent out roots toward the solid, firm ground in the opposite direction to hold them up... but those other roots crept, slowly but surely, straight down towards that source of nice cold refreshing water.
I woke up this morning thinking about some planting I'm going to be doing today, and I thought... how do roots know where to go?
I was reminded of my Colossians verse above... so I decided to research the "science" of the matter to help me (consider the lilies) get some insight on God's design.
I love when He shows us something in His creation that helps us understand His design in our lives... I thought maybe this would teach me something about "searching for the living water" and "avoiding the spiritually dry patches in life".
The Science behind the phenomenon I found is this:
Original article
“The key is in the fuzzy coat of hairs on the roots of plants” says Professor Liam Dolan. “We have identified a growth control mechanism that enables these hairs to find their way and to elongate when their path is clear”.
Root hairs explore the soil in much the same way as a person would feel their way in the dark. If they come across an obstacle, they feel their way around until they can continue growing in an opening. In the meantime, the plant is held in place as the hairs grip the soil.
This ability is governed by a self-reinforcing cycle. A protein at the tip of root hairs called RHD2 produces free radicals that stimulate the uptake of calcium from the soil. Calcium then stimulates the activity of RHD2, producing more free radicals and further uptake of calcium. When an obstacle blocks the hair’s path, the cycle is broken and growth starts in another location and direction.
“This remarkable system gives plants the flexibility to explore a complex environment and to colonise even the most unpromising soils”, says Professor Dolan.
“It also explains how seedlings are able to grow so quickly once they have established”.
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
~ Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV
We receive Christ... (the truth)
We walk in Christ... (the way)
Rooted in Him
Walking in a dark world... but "seeing", with spiritual eyes, His paths of righteousness by His Light
Established (strengthened... foundation) in the faith
Planting roots where we know the ground is firm in Him, and sending out "feelers" - seeking more of Him...
The living water
I like that the little hairs on the roots just keep searching and seeking for the nutrients and water... and I love this sentence:
"When an obstacle blocks the hair’s path, the cycle is broken and growth starts in another location and direction."
I tend to linger at the obstacles... like how you have to run your tongue over a sore spot in your mouth over and over, even though it hurts each time. Or, how you have a bruise, and occasionally you press it "just to see if it still hurts".
Lord... teach me how to seek You in every possible direction. Help me to recognize obstacles in my path to you. Help me not linger in the nutrient-deficient patches and droughts of life. Help me break the cycle when I reach them, and turn instead in the other direction back to You, seeking You that much more.
Thank you for teaching me the invisible things of Your Word through Your beautiful Creation I can see here.
Thank You for making me lie down in Your green pastures, and for leading me by Your hand by Your still waters, and for restoring my soul and for showing me that only You can do it for me. Thank You for reminding me that You are my Shepherd, and I am Your child.
I love You because You first loved me.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
My perfect, spotless righteousness
No man ever loved like Jesus. He taught the blind to see and the dumb to speak. He died on the cross to save us. He bore our sins. And now God says, "Because He did, I can forgive you."
- Billy Graham
Love dad
--------------------------------------------------
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:21
I heard a sermon Wednesday (Dr. Erwin Lutzer), and the quote from Dad at the top reminded me of it - this statement from Martin Luther was quoted:
Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon
yourself what is mine and given me what is yours. You have become what You were not so that I might become what I was not.
-Martin Luther
All day long Wednesday, and and all week after - I just kept thinking... "I am His sin" - "He is my righteousness". I just keep letting it run through my head... we can't even grasp what that really means. Because we will never have God's wrath poured on us - because it was instead poured on Him on the cross... on the perfect spotless Lamb - Prince of Peace - King of Kings - instead of on me.
It should have been me... but because of Jesus, it wasn't. Praise God for a perfect plan no man could have ever dreamed up. I'm amazed more and more as I see how every little detail moves toward the goal of God's plan. Even the things we see as "getting in the way", "impossible to overcome" - every little detail He can work to the good of His plan. And those who love Him love His plan - so in the end everything works for the good of us who love Him.
He loved us... so that we could love Him. If we really had a grasp of just how Holy, Awesome, and Mighty He is - the fact that He LOVED US FIRST - how amazing?
I heard a song Thursday morning (Selah - Before the Throne of God Above) - and it tied together all of the things I've been thinking on the past couple of days... and when I heard the words:
"my name is graven on His hands; My name is written on His heart",
the tears just started rolling...
He knew our name before there was time - and He (Creator of all things!) let us nail Him and OUR SINS to a cross.
He is our righteousness
and we are His sin -
and all we have to do is claim His blood as the only good we have, and He begins to change our hearts into something we never could have been without Him... amazing is even too small a word for that saving grace and the gift of faith.
Before the Throne of God Above
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
- Billy Graham
Love dad
--------------------------------------------------
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:21
I heard a sermon Wednesday (Dr. Erwin Lutzer), and the quote from Dad at the top reminded me of it - this statement from Martin Luther was quoted:
Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon
yourself what is mine and given me what is yours. You have become what You were not so that I might become what I was not.
-Martin Luther
All day long Wednesday, and and all week after - I just kept thinking... "I am His sin" - "He is my righteousness". I just keep letting it run through my head... we can't even grasp what that really means. Because we will never have God's wrath poured on us - because it was instead poured on Him on the cross... on the perfect spotless Lamb - Prince of Peace - King of Kings - instead of on me.
It should have been me... but because of Jesus, it wasn't. Praise God for a perfect plan no man could have ever dreamed up. I'm amazed more and more as I see how every little detail moves toward the goal of God's plan. Even the things we see as "getting in the way", "impossible to overcome" - every little detail He can work to the good of His plan. And those who love Him love His plan - so in the end everything works for the good of us who love Him.
He loved us... so that we could love Him. If we really had a grasp of just how Holy, Awesome, and Mighty He is - the fact that He LOVED US FIRST - how amazing?
I heard a song Thursday morning (Selah - Before the Throne of God Above) - and it tied together all of the things I've been thinking on the past couple of days... and when I heard the words:
"my name is graven on His hands; My name is written on His heart",
the tears just started rolling...
He knew our name before there was time - and He (Creator of all things!) let us nail Him and OUR SINS to a cross.
He is our righteousness
and we are His sin -
and all we have to do is claim His blood as the only good we have, and He begins to change our hearts into something we never could have been without Him... amazing is even too small a word for that saving grace and the gift of faith.
Before the Throne of God Above
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
He hides a smiling face...
William Cowper (1731–1800)
God Moves in Mysterious Ways
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
God Moves in Mysterious Ways
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
Cowper struggled with depression and despair - and yet he wrote some of the most beautiful hymns we have. Piper's Hidden Smile of God outlines the lives of John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress), William Cowper (There is a Fountain), and David Brainerd (missionary to American Indians). It's good to read about those who fought the fight before us... all three of these men struggled in life for different reasons - but their one common bond was crying out to God in the midst of the pain - and being strengthened despite the otherwise seeming hopelessness.
If we don't remember that the Christian life isn't always rainbows and sunshine - it's easy to lose hope when things aren't going our way. Reading this was a good reminder that I'll see storms along the way - but not to lose hope in the storms; even the winds and waves obey His voice. Nothing can touch me that doesn't pass through His hand.
Thank You Lord for protecting me - even when I forget You are right by my side, and thank You for reminding me that You are.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things (Isaiah 40:26)
I thank God for the mind-boggling discoveries of science. It is as though a blind servant should keep bringing gorgeous jewels to the table.
—John Piper
The Heavens Declare Thy Glory (Isaac Watts)
The heav’ns declare Thy glory, Lord,
In every star Thy wisdom shines
But when our eyes behold Thy Word,
We read Thy Name in fairer lines.
The rolling sun, the changing light,
And nights and days, Thy power confess
But the blest volume Thou hast writ
Reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.
Sun, moon, and stars convey Thy praise
Round the whole earth, and never stand:
So when Thy truth begun its race,
It touched and glanced on every land.
Nor shall Thy spreading Gospel rest
Till through the world Thy truth has run,
Till Christ has all the nations blest
That see the light or feel the sun.
Great Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Bless the dark world with heav’nly light;
Thy Gospel makes the simple wise,
Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.
Thy noblest wonders here we view
In souls renewed and sins forgiv’n;
Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew,
And make Thy Word my guide to Heaven.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Revelational Haiku...
And they shall see His face
There shall be no night
And they will need no candle,
Neither light of sun.
~ Revelation 22:4-5 (paraphrase)
Though we often see
The end of things as darkness,
Light is hope renewed.
There shall be no night
And they will need no candle,
Neither light of sun.
~ Revelation 22:4-5 (paraphrase)
Though we often see
The end of things as darkness,
Light is hope renewed.
Restless heart
Thou has formed us for Thyself,
and our hearts are restless till they
find rest in Thee.
Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient,
ever new, late have I loved you!
You were within me, but I was outside,
and it was there that I searched for you.
In my unloveliness I plunged into
the lovely things which you created.
You were with me, but I was not with you.
Created things kept me from you;
yet if they had not been in you
they would have not been at all.
You called, you shouted,
and you broke through my deafness.
and you broke through my deafness.
You flashed, you shone,
and you dispelled my blindness.
You breathed your fragrance on me;
I drew in breath and now I pant for you.
I have tasted you,
now I hunger and thirst for more.
You touched me,
and I burned for your peace.
and I burned for your peace.
—Confessions, St. Augustine
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Present evidence... or Presence evident?
You always grow to love the people you pray for. That's because you
develop God's heart of love for them. Don't pass up the chance to
experience that.
That's a quote from my little daily calendar Nikki got me - and I liked what it said, because it goes along with the Sunday School lesson I heard this past weekend. Ms. Denease talked about how the early Christians were characterized by the love they showed to each other, as well as how they loved the world - and showed it with actions.
Because of some discussions I've had lately, I've been reading books on other religions, and reading books on "historical evidence of Christ" - and while I think that it is very important for us to be able to defend our faith to a world that looks for facts... I think I was getting too caught up in finding ways to have facts ready to "convince" someone of the truth of Christ. As important as that is, faith isn't something that is reached by being "convinced" by words... otherwise it wouldn't be faith.
The only earthly evidence we truly have to change the world's attitude today about Christ is how our lives change because of Him... and I think the world has begun to laugh at what we say, because our actions so rarely show it.
In the Church History class we learned about what the skeptics said about Christians in the early church - and as much as they thought the Gospel was foolishness, they were amazed - "my how they love one another and even those who persecute them".
The proof God gives us to share with the world that rejects Him is our lives being changed and by showing a love that is impossible to have within us without Him. The actions of Jesus described in the New Testament were revolutionary at the time, because He reached out and touched lepers, and talked to Samaritans and the "worst of sinners" - when other Jews crossed to the other side of the street rather than walk by them.
That lesson, this quote, sermons I've heard even so far this week, and some things that Pastor Mike said last night are making me examine myself... and examine what it is I think I am supposed to do in order to share Christ with others. What is faith? How does it differ from belief, and how do we show it to the world? Am I doing that? Am I allowing a supernatural love to be manifested within myself and then pouring out to others?
No, I realize I haven't been. I've been relying too much on my effort, and my "ideas of how people should act" and that is quenching what the Holy Spirit can do through me if I get myself out of the way. It's so easy to fall back on self and not even realize it... and self always ends up being selfish, prideful, harsh... that doesn't speak of Christ to the world.
Once we proclaim to be "Christians", the world automatically puts our lives and actions and words under a magnifying glass - because they so desparately want to see proof that the cross is real and that the message is real... and the cross is real, and the message it sends is many-fold, but here are two important ones I think:
1. Sin is real, and it is an offense to a Holy God and it cannot exist in His presence. We all fall short and cannot escape sin without the help of that Holy God.
2. In an unfathomable demonstration of love to the human mind, God sent His Son and took on His own wrath of our sin by letting His own creation nail Him to a cross. He allowed His perfectly obedient Son with a servant's heart to experience the wrath that He could have been pouring on us... that is the love that we are supposed to come to understand through true faith in Christ that is given to us as a gift. That is a love that no human could have dreamed up.
Then - we have to remember that faith is a gift given through the grace of God. If we ever stop thinking it was a gift, and start thinking that "we made a decision", then we stop loving those who are blind to the message, and start elevating ourselves above them because we think we "achieved something".
Religion makes us proud because we think we've accomplished something, but the Gospel shows us all that we are just as unworthy of God's grace as those who haven't yet accepted Christ.
I heard a song yesterday that sort of drove this point home for me:
Only Thing
Ronnie Freeman
I heard someone say the other day
They'd seen in me true love displayed
Blessed by something I had done for them
No sooner had they said these words
I found myself somehow disturbed
Uneasy as I took their compliment
Cause I know the heart inside this man
I know the truth of who I am...
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
If you could walk the hallways of my heart
And see things as they really are
I wonder if you might be surprised
Seeing faded walls of pride and fear
Rooms I've filled with faithless tears
And corners where I've stood in compromise
But you'd see the work His grace has done
You'd know just how far I've come
In a thousand years
When the dust of this world clears
And I look back on my life
And see in perfect light
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
When I start thinking I'm good - I've lost the truth of the Gospel myself.
It is our responsibility to be obedient to God's Word - faith does evidence itself through good works done for God's glory. But none of those works done by us can be credited to ourselves. The minute we start patting ourselves on the back for something "good" we've done - we've forgotten that it's only by His work within us that anything truly good comes out of us.
Only once we realize that can we stop looking down at those who don't believe, and instead look up with gratefulness that we have been given a gift of faith. That should make us realize that we were only given that gift in order to share it and to show the love of Christ that has been shown to us so that the world might have proof of Him.
We can't convince them with intellect or facts - and if we could, it wouldn't be saving faith... it would just be belief, just like believing the sky is blue because we can see it (and even the demons believe and tremble - James 2:19).
I realize I can't "convince" anyone of the Gospel - it has to be by faith given as a gift, by the hearing of the Word and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. All we can do is speak and share the Word and lay the rest at Jesus' feet!
Matthew 16:16-17And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon
Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father
which is in heaven.
The Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing... but evidence of the presence of His powerful Word in our lives and hearts shown through actions to each other and the world, even in the face of persecution... that's how the Gospel is proven true in the world today.
That's how the early church spread across the nations, even while Christians were being burned at the stake and persecuted left and right. Even in the face of persecution they showed Christ's love pouring out of their lives, because they loved Him because they truly realized what He had done for them. Only if we are different can we truly claim that the Gospel is true and changes hearts...
Lord renew my mind, heart, life, and guide my thoughts, words and actions so that:
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35
Lord let Your Holy Word be spoken through my every thought, word, and action... for Your glory. Hide me behind Your cross and Your glorious Gospel.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Seek and ye shall find...
If the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity would generally be regarded as beyond all doubt.
~ F. F. Bruce ~
The following is quoted: http://www.cornerstoneuk.org.uk/investigate/questions/reliable/
___________________________________________________
The late Professor FF Bruce of Manchester University made the following observation: ‘The evidence for our New Testament writings is ever so much greater than the evidence for many writings of classical authors, the authenticity of which no one dreams of questioning.’ He goes on to say, ‘And if the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity would generally be regarded as beyond all doubt’ (FF. Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are they reliable? (IVP 1960) p.15).
Why do you think that is? I think the main reason is that if the Bible is true, people will have to change the way they think and live. That’s why I believe so many people dismiss the Bible. It’s not because there is insufficient evidence for its reliability, but rather they are determined to keep God out of their lives. But simply dismissing the Bible does not change it’s message or it’s teaching. If the Bible is true, then that has huge implications for everyone’s eternal destination - including yours. Therefore, don’t put this off any longer, make it your aim to examine the truth of the Bible and in particular the claims of Jesus Christ.
________________________________________________Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me,
and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nationsJeremiah 29:12-14
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened...
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Luke 11:9-10,13
Thank You Lord for rebuilding your walls of truth in me, and for allowing me to see the power of your Word in the midst of a world that screams at us the desire for it to be foolishness. I'm constantly amazed by being able to experience the words of the song, I once was blind - but now I see.Thank You Father for Your amazing grace.
Help us follow Christ and live a life of amazement and praise to You Lord. Help us not just say empty words, but actually realize that Your grace is truly amazing.
Hide Your Word in our hearts, and help us to do Your Will - so the world can see Christ changing our lives and then cry out to You to be saved by Your grace themselves.
You promise if we seek You and ask for You that You won't deny us a relationship with You.
Revive us and help us live lives through You that make them want to seek You...
Monday, March 31, 2008
He'll Make a Way
For any of us to say that we can earn our own salvation is to say that God is something less than perfectly holy, and this is to say that God is less than God
We must always be aware that one of Satan's oldest and most diabolical strategies is to convince humans that God cannot be trusted.
We all know from our "experience that we do not live up to all that we know we should do (or not do) in relationship to God and our fellowman."
~So What's the Difference
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
~ Hebrews 12:2
How much does that verse say? Jesus was there at the Creation of our world. His hand reached out and painted the stars, the moon, the sun, the ocean, the land... He formed man from clay and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils.
Jesus helped paint the portrait - He is the author... but then, He stepped into His own painting. He inhabited the body of a human baby boy (His creation), completely dependent on the Father - carried in the arms of His own creation.
He grew and "learned" and taught... to minds incapable of understanding the beautiful picture He created for them to enjoy.
Those hands He created from dust, nailed His beautiful hands and feet to a wooden cross - made from a tree He created. As they did this, He cried out to the Father for their forgiveness. for they know not what they do.
We reject the opportunity to walk in the garden with God everyday... we've spat on the beautiful face of Christ, and have driven the nails through those hands.
He stepped into His beautiful painting to turn the characters around to see the Majesty beyond the canvas... the Creator God who loved enough to enter the creation to restore our fellowship with Him.
He is the author of our faith... and He stepped in to finish it, because He knows that - without Him - we are blind to the painter's hand reaching out to guide us through the truth of His original purpose - to walk with Him.
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Genesis 5:24
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Genesis 6:8-9
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8
Monday, March 10, 2008
My Path...
A lot of things have happened so far this year... and a lot of things are hard to understand... and I'm not writing to try to explain them, or really even discuss them. But there are a couple of verses that have been running through my mind lately and quotes in my reading that have just really settled into my brain and heart and have helped me along.
They've helped me realize there is a huge comforting hand reaching out to every single one of us... we just have to turn around from the distractions that the world throws at us to see Him. These quotes and such have popped up along the way and made me think... and I just wanted to collect them here in one spot.
Lord, I am so grateful for You, my Heavenly Father who always knows how to comfort me, even when I least expect it. I love You, and I'm amazed each and every day how much You love me and how You show it in the smallest and biggest ways. Help me learn to walk with You... instead of just grasping at terms, vocabulary, rituals rules and concepts... help me learn to grow in the relationship You offer out to each of us...
I saw a sign the other day, and it said something so simple... but so complex
"God loves you,
Do you love Him?"
Father I just love you so much... help people see the joy You are growing in me... Lord,let my life be a light...
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path ~ Psalms 119:105
See then that ye walk circumspectly [careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences], not as fools, but as wise ~ Ephesians 5:15
The Bible is not meant merely to inform, but to transform Anonymous
The door to God is humility John the Short
For any of us to say that we can earn our own salvation is to say that God is something less than perfectly holy, and this is to say that God is less than God. ~ So What's the Difference
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring [sunrise] from on high hath visited us,
To give light until them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace." ~ Luke 1:78-79 (Thank you for peace Lord)
Note from my Life Application Bible on the statement from the disciples on the mountain after Jesus' transfiguration when they wanted to stay and make three tabernacles (read it Sunday 3-9-2008; my last day at my cabin retreat when I woke up at 4am and read for my last few hours of retreat... does God have perfect timing or what? ;)
Sometimes we too have such an inspiring experience we want to stay where we are - away from the reality and problems of our daily lives. Knowing that struggles await us in the valley encourages us to linger on the mountaintop. Yet staying on top of a mountain prohibits us from ministering to others. Instead of becoming spiritual giants, we would soon become dwarfed by self-centeredness. We need times of retreat and renewal, but only so we cn return to minister to the world. Our faith must make sense off the mountain as well as on it.
He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. ~ Psalms 55:18
Christianity is a battle, not a dream. ~ Wendell Phillips
They've helped me realize there is a huge comforting hand reaching out to every single one of us... we just have to turn around from the distractions that the world throws at us to see Him. These quotes and such have popped up along the way and made me think... and I just wanted to collect them here in one spot.
Lord, I am so grateful for You, my Heavenly Father who always knows how to comfort me, even when I least expect it. I love You, and I'm amazed each and every day how much You love me and how You show it in the smallest and biggest ways. Help me learn to walk with You... instead of just grasping at terms, vocabulary, rituals rules and concepts... help me learn to grow in the relationship You offer out to each of us...
I saw a sign the other day, and it said something so simple... but so complex
"God loves you,
Do you love Him?"
Father I just love you so much... help people see the joy You are growing in me... Lord,let my life be a light...
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path ~ Psalms 119:105
See then that ye walk circumspectly [careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences], not as fools, but as wise ~ Ephesians 5:15
The Bible is not meant merely to inform, but to transform Anonymous
The door to God is humility John the Short
For any of us to say that we can earn our own salvation is to say that God is something less than perfectly holy, and this is to say that God is less than God. ~ So What's the Difference
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring [sunrise] from on high hath visited us,
To give light until them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace." ~ Luke 1:78-79 (Thank you for peace Lord)
Note from my Life Application Bible on the statement from the disciples on the mountain after Jesus' transfiguration when they wanted to stay and make three tabernacles (read it Sunday 3-9-2008; my last day at my cabin retreat when I woke up at 4am and read for my last few hours of retreat... does God have perfect timing or what? ;)
Sometimes we too have such an inspiring experience we want to stay where we are - away from the reality and problems of our daily lives. Knowing that struggles await us in the valley encourages us to linger on the mountaintop. Yet staying on top of a mountain prohibits us from ministering to others. Instead of becoming spiritual giants, we would soon become dwarfed by self-centeredness. We need times of retreat and renewal, but only so we cn return to minister to the world. Our faith must make sense off the mountain as well as on it.
He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. ~ Psalms 55:18
Christianity is a battle, not a dream. ~ Wendell Phillips
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Don't go pickin' blackberries...
An excerpt from my Ravi Zacharias book I'm reading tonight. His writing borders on poetic, and I liked the two quotes he uses here so I had to share it:
What a remarkable illustration of self-inflicted poverty! It is possible to hold a treasure in your hand but be ignorant of it and go for the wrapping instead. The proximity to truth and distance from its worth is repeated innumerable times in our lives...
No one saw this tragedy lived out more than Jesus did. The masses came to Him frequently and left embracing lesser things while forfeiting the real treasure He was offering them. He often expressed surprise at their shallowness in being unable to look beyond the surface...
PROPELLED BY THE SENSATIONAL
Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
...How inconceivable was the loss for the people when the signs became the ends in themselves and the One signified became the means. The special effects became the attraction, and the central figure was obscured...
Capturing the beauty of the conversion of the water into wine, the poet Alexander Pope said, "The conscious water saw its Master and blushed." That sublime description could be reworked to explain each one of these miracles. Was it any different in principle for a broken body to mend at the command of its Maker? Was it far-fetched for the Creator of the universe, who fashioned matter out of nothing, to multiply bread for the crowd? Was it not within the power of the One who called all the molecules into existence to interlock them that they might bear His footsteps?...
Those who smirk at His walking on water have forgotten the miracle He has already performed in the very composition of water...
The people and the disciples who saw Jesus performing the miracle of feeding the multitude followed Him with deliberate intentions. They sought the very power that they assumed would make life more delectable - to ensure a full stomach and a limitless supply of bread...
Food and power distracted the mind from the need of nourishment for the soul. It is crucial to note that Jesus' response to their demand is in stark contrast to the self-aggrandizement that would-be messiahs covet. Rather than bask in the accolades of a feigning crowd and soak in their praise or enlarge His following, Jesus slippd away from their clamoring midst. In fact, He wept over their self-deception. He knew the motives and misconceptions with which they lived...
Not only do we remain unfulfilled when we pursue these hungers, but in their very pursuit comes a disorientation that misrepresents and misunderstands where the real satisfaction comes from. This is very, very important to know...
Jon Karkauer's book Into Thin Air relates the hazards that plagued the climbers in their expedition to Mount Everest during the spring of 1996. That year, the attempt to reach the summit resulted in a great loss of life... One of those whose life was lost was Andy Harris [who] had stayed at the peak past the deadline that the leaders themselves had set. On his descent, he became in dire need of oxygen. Harris radioed his predicament to the base camp, telling them of his need and that he had come upon a cache of oxygen canisters left by other climbers, all empty. Those who had already passed by the canisters on their own return from the summit knew that they were not empty, but full. Even as they pleaded with him on the radio to make use of them, it was to no avail. Already starved for oxygen, Harris continued to argue that the canisters were empty.
The problem was that the lack of what he needed so disoriented his mind that though he was surrounded by a restoring supply he continued to complain of its absence. The very thing he held in his hand was absent in his brain and ravaged his capacity to recognize what he was clutching in his grasp.
What oxygen is to the body, the Bread of Life is to the soul. Without that bread, all other hungers will be improperly perceived. In fact, in like manner, the absence of that bread over a prolonged period makes the bread itself seem worthless. Life is meant to be lived with the fulfillment of the one need that defines all other means of fulfillment and the one love that defines all other loves.
Quoted from, Jesus Among Other Gods - Ravi Zacharias
What a remarkable illustration of self-inflicted poverty! It is possible to hold a treasure in your hand but be ignorant of it and go for the wrapping instead. The proximity to truth and distance from its worth is repeated innumerable times in our lives...
No one saw this tragedy lived out more than Jesus did. The masses came to Him frequently and left embracing lesser things while forfeiting the real treasure He was offering them. He often expressed surprise at their shallowness in being unable to look beyond the surface...
PROPELLED BY THE SENSATIONAL
Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
...How inconceivable was the loss for the people when the signs became the ends in themselves and the One signified became the means. The special effects became the attraction, and the central figure was obscured...
Capturing the beauty of the conversion of the water into wine, the poet Alexander Pope said, "The conscious water saw its Master and blushed." That sublime description could be reworked to explain each one of these miracles. Was it any different in principle for a broken body to mend at the command of its Maker? Was it far-fetched for the Creator of the universe, who fashioned matter out of nothing, to multiply bread for the crowd? Was it not within the power of the One who called all the molecules into existence to interlock them that they might bear His footsteps?...
Those who smirk at His walking on water have forgotten the miracle He has already performed in the very composition of water...
The people and the disciples who saw Jesus performing the miracle of feeding the multitude followed Him with deliberate intentions. They sought the very power that they assumed would make life more delectable - to ensure a full stomach and a limitless supply of bread...
Food and power distracted the mind from the need of nourishment for the soul. It is crucial to note that Jesus' response to their demand is in stark contrast to the self-aggrandizement that would-be messiahs covet. Rather than bask in the accolades of a feigning crowd and soak in their praise or enlarge His following, Jesus slippd away from their clamoring midst. In fact, He wept over their self-deception. He knew the motives and misconceptions with which they lived...
Not only do we remain unfulfilled when we pursue these hungers, but in their very pursuit comes a disorientation that misrepresents and misunderstands where the real satisfaction comes from. This is very, very important to know...
Jon Karkauer's book Into Thin Air relates the hazards that plagued the climbers in their expedition to Mount Everest during the spring of 1996. That year, the attempt to reach the summit resulted in a great loss of life... One of those whose life was lost was Andy Harris [who] had stayed at the peak past the deadline that the leaders themselves had set. On his descent, he became in dire need of oxygen. Harris radioed his predicament to the base camp, telling them of his need and that he had come upon a cache of oxygen canisters left by other climbers, all empty. Those who had already passed by the canisters on their own return from the summit knew that they were not empty, but full. Even as they pleaded with him on the radio to make use of them, it was to no avail. Already starved for oxygen, Harris continued to argue that the canisters were empty.
The problem was that the lack of what he needed so disoriented his mind that though he was surrounded by a restoring supply he continued to complain of its absence. The very thing he held in his hand was absent in his brain and ravaged his capacity to recognize what he was clutching in his grasp.
What oxygen is to the body, the Bread of Life is to the soul. Without that bread, all other hungers will be improperly perceived. In fact, in like manner, the absence of that bread over a prolonged period makes the bread itself seem worthless. Life is meant to be lived with the fulfillment of the one need that defines all other means of fulfillment and the one love that defines all other loves.
Quoted from, Jesus Among Other Gods - Ravi Zacharias
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Worship
Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God.
It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness,
Nourishment of mind by His truth,
Purifying of imagination by His beauty,
Opening of the heart to His love,
And submission of will to His purpose.
And all this gathered up in adoration is the
Greatest of human expressions of which we are capable.
- William Temple
Lord,
Awaken my conscience, by making me stand in awe of your Holiness;
Nourish my mind with the gift of understanding of the truth of Your Word through Your Holy Spirit;
Sanctify my thoughts through meditation on Your holiness and Your glory that shines in the face of Jesus Christ;
Enter into my heart and open it to love You and all others, the way You first loved us;
Create in me a desire to do Your Will and glorify You in all I do;
Renew me, excite me, and help me express my adoration for You always;
I am only capable through You to express this greatest expression to You and for You.
Start a revival, that we might express Your glory with the adoration and excitement you deserve. Help us love You more.
Help us worship You.
Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
- Psalms 80:3
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. - Isaiah 57:15
It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness,
Nourishment of mind by His truth,
Purifying of imagination by His beauty,
Opening of the heart to His love,
And submission of will to His purpose.
And all this gathered up in adoration is the
Greatest of human expressions of which we are capable.
- William Temple
Lord,
Awaken my conscience, by making me stand in awe of your Holiness;
Nourish my mind with the gift of understanding of the truth of Your Word through Your Holy Spirit;
Sanctify my thoughts through meditation on Your holiness and Your glory that shines in the face of Jesus Christ;
Enter into my heart and open it to love You and all others, the way You first loved us;
Create in me a desire to do Your Will and glorify You in all I do;
Renew me, excite me, and help me express my adoration for You always;
I am only capable through You to express this greatest expression to You and for You.
Start a revival, that we might express Your glory with the adoration and excitement you deserve. Help us love You more.
Help us worship You.
Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
- Psalms 80:3
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. - Isaiah 57:15
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Psalm 57
...Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Joyful New Year
If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have never thought that these words would ever cross my mind, much less be the truth; but I can honestly say that I wouldn't want to spend New Year's Eve anywhere else but church like we did tonight.
The preaching of God's Word was awesome. The message to live this next year for our created purpose - to glorify God; it's so simple and so complicated. It's so easy but so difficult. I can't do it on my own, but I can do all things through Christ.
Lord help me to consider you in all decisions, all speech, all action - let me live every moment to glorify you. I just felt this overwhelming feeling - this intense desire to really live up to that - to really want to meditate and pray and strive on living to glorify God.
Here's a thought I wrote down in my journal a week or so ago, that I've been meaning to type up here. It was brought on by one statement in Preacher Mike's sermon about the word worship and it's Greek root meaning.
The word "worship" in Greek as used in the New Testament is:
PROSKUNEO (4352) - to worship, to kiss (like a dog licking its master's hand),
to prostrate oneself in homage. John 4:23 and Revelation 7:11
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Rev 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God
Things that I thought about after realizing this root meaning:
1. Things we say and know about dogs:
"Man's best friend"
Having one may help people's health
Many people go to great lengths to have and take care of dogs
2. Why do people love dogs so much?
- They desire and seek out our personal attention, and revel in it when they get it
- They are obedient to our commands, even when they don't understand our reasoning
3. A well-trained dog delights in doing its master's commands. People spend much time, effort, and money training their dogs - and no one considers a dog owner to be arrogant when expecting a dog to obey rules, because:
- the dog may not understand the necessity of being house-trained, but we all know the dog owner sees the big picture
- the dog eventually obeys because the master teaches, even though he doesn't understand the why. He obeys because the master has shown him the importance of obedience.
- the dog respects the master's plan out of a trust that the master will provide and love
- the dog desires to be in the presence of the owner, and obeys in order to maintain the privilege of being in that presence
Even though we might not always understand the importance of obedience, God has written in our hearts a means of knowing right and wrong. Sometimes our minds and hearts try to overrule the conscience - or that still small voice when the Holy Spirit guides us. Deep down we all have the means of knowing His Will for us if we'll only seek it out.
Even if we don't understand the reason or need for the obedience, if there is a love for the Master in us - we will obey out of respect for the Master's plan:
- The knowledge of His Providence and infinite wisdom guiding our decisions
- The knowledge that He provides and cares for those who love Him
- The desire to be in His presence eternally
It's not about not doing the wrong thing so you don't go to Hell - it is about being guided to do the Master's will out of a desire of being in His glorious presence and in fellowship with Him forevermore.
A dog doesn't know why we say no when he goes to chew the couch, but eventually he obeys our rules out of a genuine desire to be obedient and to be in our presence.
We often think: why does God want to control this and that about my life? Do we really own our lives? Actually God is just lending us time. It's not our time; it is God's time, and it is to be used for His glory.
He is a Holy and just God. He created all things according to His plan, and created an order for all of it. Being just pieces of the whole, we don't always see His "big picture", so we do not understand it all. He provided a guidebook for obedience and the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding. Even so, He also gave us a means to escape our inability to completely obey by sending His Son to pay the price for us.
Why? So that we might live to glorify Him, as Christ lived, and that we might desire and enjoy and praise the opportunity to enjoy His presence eternally even though we cannot earn that privilege ourselves through works.
Lord help us desire your presence in way that would make us desire to be obedient for your glory, that others might see something different about us and know that You are the reason for our joy no matter our circumstances. Help us live for Your glory in this New Year.
The preaching of God's Word was awesome. The message to live this next year for our created purpose - to glorify God; it's so simple and so complicated. It's so easy but so difficult. I can't do it on my own, but I can do all things through Christ.
Lord help me to consider you in all decisions, all speech, all action - let me live every moment to glorify you. I just felt this overwhelming feeling - this intense desire to really live up to that - to really want to meditate and pray and strive on living to glorify God.
Here's a thought I wrote down in my journal a week or so ago, that I've been meaning to type up here. It was brought on by one statement in Preacher Mike's sermon about the word worship and it's Greek root meaning.
The word "worship" in Greek as used in the New Testament is:
PROSKUNEO (4352) - to worship, to kiss (like a dog licking its master's hand),
to prostrate oneself in homage. John 4:23 and Revelation 7:11
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Rev 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God
Things that I thought about after realizing this root meaning:
1. Things we say and know about dogs:
"Man's best friend"
Having one may help people's health
Many people go to great lengths to have and take care of dogs
2. Why do people love dogs so much?
- They desire and seek out our personal attention, and revel in it when they get it
- They are obedient to our commands, even when they don't understand our reasoning
3. A well-trained dog delights in doing its master's commands. People spend much time, effort, and money training their dogs - and no one considers a dog owner to be arrogant when expecting a dog to obey rules, because:
- the dog may not understand the necessity of being house-trained, but we all know the dog owner sees the big picture
- the dog eventually obeys because the master teaches, even though he doesn't understand the why. He obeys because the master has shown him the importance of obedience.
- the dog respects the master's plan out of a trust that the master will provide and love
- the dog desires to be in the presence of the owner, and obeys in order to maintain the privilege of being in that presence
Even though we might not always understand the importance of obedience, God has written in our hearts a means of knowing right and wrong. Sometimes our minds and hearts try to overrule the conscience - or that still small voice when the Holy Spirit guides us. Deep down we all have the means of knowing His Will for us if we'll only seek it out.
Even if we don't understand the reason or need for the obedience, if there is a love for the Master in us - we will obey out of respect for the Master's plan:
- The knowledge of His Providence and infinite wisdom guiding our decisions
- The knowledge that He provides and cares for those who love Him
- The desire to be in His presence eternally
It's not about not doing the wrong thing so you don't go to Hell - it is about being guided to do the Master's will out of a desire of being in His glorious presence and in fellowship with Him forevermore.
A dog doesn't know why we say no when he goes to chew the couch, but eventually he obeys our rules out of a genuine desire to be obedient and to be in our presence.
We often think: why does God want to control this and that about my life? Do we really own our lives? Actually God is just lending us time. It's not our time; it is God's time, and it is to be used for His glory.
He is a Holy and just God. He created all things according to His plan, and created an order for all of it. Being just pieces of the whole, we don't always see His "big picture", so we do not understand it all. He provided a guidebook for obedience and the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding. Even so, He also gave us a means to escape our inability to completely obey by sending His Son to pay the price for us.
Why? So that we might live to glorify Him, as Christ lived, and that we might desire and enjoy and praise the opportunity to enjoy His presence eternally even though we cannot earn that privilege ourselves through works.
Lord help us desire your presence in way that would make us desire to be obedient for your glory, that others might see something different about us and know that You are the reason for our joy no matter our circumstances. Help us live for Your glory in this New Year.
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