Noah got through a cataclysmic flood. All who entered the ark came out alive at the other end of that cataclysmic event. They entered the ark and "the Lord shut them in." Noah and family did not get through it unscathed. Think of the years of ridicule he went through while building the ark. Think of all the friends and family that Noah and his family lost due to the flood. Think of the devastation of the land after the waters departed. They had to start all over again.
Today we are going through what seems like cataclysmic times, floods, earthquakes, crime, unemployment ,recession, depression etc. etc. etc. Let God help you get through it. Let God help you endure. Let God help you start all over again. Let God share in your burdens. Go to Christ. Start that relationship with him on a daily basis. Pray, read and meditate on the scriptures and he will speak.
"These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood. In other words, life continues, they got through it, and so shall we.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Mary's Response To The Angel Gabriel
"Behold I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.
Luke 1:38
Mary realized what this birth meant for her. How would Joseph respond? She knew there would always be whispers about her fidelity among the community. She has been told that she was favored among women but the blessing from God would bring hurt and pain along with it. She does not pray to change God's mind but accepts His plans. What a great example for us. It has been said that "Jesus Christ came not to make life easy, but to make men great." Mary had great courage and strength and a submissive attitude toward God. God chose well. May you and I develop these same qualities so we too may be used and blessed.
Luke 1:38
Mary realized what this birth meant for her. How would Joseph respond? She knew there would always be whispers about her fidelity among the community. She has been told that she was favored among women but the blessing from God would bring hurt and pain along with it. She does not pray to change God's mind but accepts His plans. What a great example for us. It has been said that "Jesus Christ came not to make life easy, but to make men great." Mary had great courage and strength and a submissive attitude toward God. God chose well. May you and I develop these same qualities so we too may be used and blessed.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Joseph, Christmas Thoughts
Life just never worked out the way Joseph had planned. I'm sure he imagined how wonderful marriage to Mary would be. The pain and disappointment he felt when Mary told him she was pregnant must have been great. Before he was told in a dream that the situation was from God, he showed great love toward Mary. He wanted to quietly take her away, to save her from disgrace. The marriage was not working out the way he had planned but God was in it.
How did he feel when arriving in Bethlehem, after a long and exhausting trip, to find there was no place for them at an inn? Why was not Joeseph's parents there? Did they abandon him? He could not find suitable accommodations for his wife, who was so close to giving birth. How did he feel when the child he would raise, was born in a stable with the livestock? Did he feel like a failure, an insufficient provider? This was not as he had imagined, but God was in it.
I wonder if Joseph liked living in Egypt? In one instance he had plans of returning to Nazareth with his expanded family. He probably was looking forward to the joy of being reunited with friends and loved ones. Introducing them to the new arrival. In the next instance the family are fleeing for their lives to Egypt. Egypt instead of Nazareth, but God was in it.
Sometimes life doesn't seem to be working out. Maybe, just maybe, God is in it.
How did he feel when arriving in Bethlehem, after a long and exhausting trip, to find there was no place for them at an inn? Why was not Joeseph's parents there? Did they abandon him? He could not find suitable accommodations for his wife, who was so close to giving birth. How did he feel when the child he would raise, was born in a stable with the livestock? Did he feel like a failure, an insufficient provider? This was not as he had imagined, but God was in it.
I wonder if Joseph liked living in Egypt? In one instance he had plans of returning to Nazareth with his expanded family. He probably was looking forward to the joy of being reunited with friends and loved ones. Introducing them to the new arrival. In the next instance the family are fleeing for their lives to Egypt. Egypt instead of Nazareth, but God was in it.
Sometimes life doesn't seem to be working out. Maybe, just maybe, God is in it.
Monday, December 07, 2009
The Shepherds
Jesus says “I am the Good Shepherd.” John 10: 11. I have found that shepherds in Jesus time were looked down upon. They were continually in the field with their sheep and could not keep the rules of the orthodox, hand washing, ceremonial cleansing and stated hours of prayer. I have heard them called the homeless of their day. They did the hardest most time consuming work for the smallest of pay. Society did not think much of them but yet scripture, Old and New, is full of their example. I find comfort that Jesus identifies himself with the most humble of people. The shepherds may not have been able to keep the rules of the orthodox, but they spent their time with a strong awareness of God. Whenever they slept under the stars and were caught in the elements of nature, they, more than others were aware of God’s presence. I am reminded of the story of Christ birth. When God announced the birth of his son he did not announce it to the wealthy or the powerful. He did not announce it to Caesar. He did not announce it to Herod. He did not announce it the orthodox, Scribes and Pharisees. He did not announce it to the wise. The Magi had to study, search, and seek, but God split the skies open with angels who said to the humble shepherds, He’s over there! Be last of all. Be servant of all. Sit in the last chair
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
The Chrstmas Wise Men
It amazes me that men not from Israel but from Persia(Iran) , made their way to Bethlehem to see the child Jesus. In their country they were men of wealth and influence. They were the priest of their region of the world. God gave these men a way to the truth through their own religion. These astrologers were given light by the grace of God. They proved how hungry for God they were by traveling all that way on camel and donkey. It was no easy trip and was extremely dangerous.Compare them to the scribes and Chief Priest of Israel who in Jerusalem, informed the Magi and Herod that the Anointed One would be born in Bethlehem a scant four miles away. Why did not the religious leaders of Israel who had been given and knew the ordinances and prophecies of the one true God go with the Magi? Their reaction was one of complete indifference. They were so busy in their Temple duties and religious obligations that Jesus meant nothing to them. He was completely disregarded. I believe that in the United States that we react like the scribes. There is a church on every corner, a Bible in every home and hotel room, and most of us know something about Jesus, his birth, death and resurrection, but we are indifferent to it all. Too busy.May we be like the Magi who hungered and thirst for the truth of God. May we also be willing to go through any hardship to find Him. May we cease to be indifferent when God has blessed us with so much. May we lay down at the feet of Jesus in worship and adoration. May we bring Him the very best gift we have, ourselves.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Quote 8
"The good life- the one that truly satisfies-exists only when we stop wanting a better one. It is the condition of savoring what is rather than longing for what might be.........Satisfaction comes when we step off the escalator of desire and say, This is enough. What I have will do. What I make of it is up to me and my vital union with the living Lord."
Charles Swindoll
Living on the Ragged Edge
Study in Ecclesiastes
Charles Swindoll
Living on the Ragged Edge
Study in Ecclesiastes
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Thunder
“And from the throne proceed flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder.”
Revelation 4: 5.
One of the things I like best about Oklahoma is the thunder storms. I thrill to the hard rain, the low roll of thunder followed by the flash of lightning. Then the loud boom, which shakes the ground and the house. I feel the power of God and yet I realize that this is only an infinitesimal fraction of that power. In our own solar system Jupiter’s red spot is a storm that can swallow the earth whole. On a 12 inch scale, Earth would be one inch away from the Sun, Pluto 3 ½ feet. The nearest star other than the Sun would lie 4 ½ miles away! Our sun is only one lonely star among several hundred billion throughout the universe. Our galaxy is one amongst millions. Yet the Sovereign Almighty God who created all this became a man and lived among us! He was born not in a palace but a stable. He cried. His wonderful mother not much more than a girl herself cleaned him. He grew. He played. He worked. His muscles ached. He hungered. He ate. He was thirsty. He drank. He grew tired. He slept. He showed anger. He laughed with our children on his lap. He prayed. He fasted. He had compassion. He healed us. He fed us. He forgave us. He told stories. He taught. He taught us how to love. He showed us how to love. He told us to pray for those who persecute us, to love our enemies. He washes our feet and told us to do likewise. And then we killed him. I hear thunder.
“And I looked and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals;For You were slain,And have redeemed us to God byYour bloodOut of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,”Revelation 4: 6, 7, 9.
Revelation 4: 5.
One of the things I like best about Oklahoma is the thunder storms. I thrill to the hard rain, the low roll of thunder followed by the flash of lightning. Then the loud boom, which shakes the ground and the house. I feel the power of God and yet I realize that this is only an infinitesimal fraction of that power. In our own solar system Jupiter’s red spot is a storm that can swallow the earth whole. On a 12 inch scale, Earth would be one inch away from the Sun, Pluto 3 ½ feet. The nearest star other than the Sun would lie 4 ½ miles away! Our sun is only one lonely star among several hundred billion throughout the universe. Our galaxy is one amongst millions. Yet the Sovereign Almighty God who created all this became a man and lived among us! He was born not in a palace but a stable. He cried. His wonderful mother not much more than a girl herself cleaned him. He grew. He played. He worked. His muscles ached. He hungered. He ate. He was thirsty. He drank. He grew tired. He slept. He showed anger. He laughed with our children on his lap. He prayed. He fasted. He had compassion. He healed us. He fed us. He forgave us. He told stories. He taught. He taught us how to love. He showed us how to love. He told us to pray for those who persecute us, to love our enemies. He washes our feet and told us to do likewise. And then we killed him. I hear thunder.
“And I looked and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals;For You were slain,And have redeemed us to God byYour bloodOut of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,”Revelation 4: 6, 7, 9.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Biblical Ghost Story - Eliphaz Sees a Spirit
Job 4:12-19
“Now a word was brought to me stealthily; my ear received the whisper of it.
Amid thoughts from visions of the night,when deep sleep falls on men,
dread came upon me, and trembling,which made all my bones shake.
A spirit glided past my face;the hair of my flesh stood up.
It stood still,
but I could not discern its appearance.
A form was before my eyes;
there was silence, then I heard a voice:
‘Can mortal man be in the right before God?
Can a man be pure before his Maker?
Even in his servants he puts no trust,
and his angels he charges with error;
how much more those who dwell in houses of clay,
whose foundation is in the dust,
who are crushed like the moth.
“Now a word was brought to me stealthily; my ear received the whisper of it.
Amid thoughts from visions of the night,when deep sleep falls on men,
dread came upon me, and trembling,which made all my bones shake.
A spirit glided past my face;the hair of my flesh stood up.
It stood still,
but I could not discern its appearance.
A form was before my eyes;
there was silence, then I heard a voice:
‘Can mortal man be in the right before God?
Can a man be pure before his Maker?
Even in his servants he puts no trust,
and his angels he charges with error;
how much more those who dwell in houses of clay,
whose foundation is in the dust,
who are crushed like the moth.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Song of Solomon
As I was reading the Song of Solomon, the words and actions of the Shulammite girl reminded me of the Psalms. She remembers the previous times that she and her Beloved were together, she remembers his past acts. She dreams about him. She looks forward to the time when they will be together always, and know each other in a more intimate, stronger way. When they are apart, she seeks after him. She searches for him. She continually sings his praises. She reminds me much of the Psalmist.
"I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have
done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirst for you like a
parched land. Psalm 143:4-6
Unlike the Psalms we hear the personal response from the Beloved in a more direct way. He see's her as more beautiful than all others. He tells us how wonderful and perfect she is. And like the Shulammite girl, he wants to be with her as much as she wants to be with him. Think about that, God wants to be with you as much as you want to be with Him! I urge everyone to read the Song of Solomon and remember anew God's great love.
"I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have
done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirst for you like a
parched land. Psalm 143:4-6
Unlike the Psalms we hear the personal response from the Beloved in a more direct way. He see's her as more beautiful than all others. He tells us how wonderful and perfect she is. And like the Shulammite girl, he wants to be with her as much as she wants to be with him. Think about that, God wants to be with you as much as you want to be with Him! I urge everyone to read the Song of Solomon and remember anew God's great love.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Love Despite The Hurt
I am a very vulgar and flawed man. I remember things I have done in my life that make me shudder. God loves me anyway. He continues to bless me despite myself, even though I don't understand why. I love Him more because of it. I want so much to be more like Him. If He continues to love me despite my flaws, can't I love other flawed people in my life? The family member who continues to be combative, the boss who shows no understanding, the church member who is judgemental and hurtful. I want to be like Jesus.
Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 119: 1
Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 119: 1
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Personal prayer From Psalm 119
1. Deal bountifully with me.
2. Open my eyes to scripture.
3. Put false ways far from me.
4. Enlarge my heart toward others.
5. Turn me from worthless things.
6. Teach me good judgement and knowledge.
7. Keep steady my walk through life.
8. Let no iniquity get dominion over me.
9. Be ready to help me.
10. Grant me peace.
2. Open my eyes to scripture.
3. Put false ways far from me.
4. Enlarge my heart toward others.
5. Turn me from worthless things.
6. Teach me good judgement and knowledge.
7. Keep steady my walk through life.
8. Let no iniquity get dominion over me.
9. Be ready to help me.
10. Grant me peace.
Monday, July 13, 2009
About God
He is high above all the nations. - Psalm 112
He looks far down on the heavens and the earth. - Psalm 112
He is holy. - Leviticus 11:44
He remembers me. - Jeremiah 2:2
He is for me. - Psalm 56:9
He is compassionate. - Psalm 78:38
He cares. - 1 Peter 5:7
He does not wish that any should perish. - 2 Peter 3:9
He made himself nothing in the form of a servant. - Philippians 2:7
He is gentle and lowly of heart. - Matthew 11:29
He remembers that I am but flesh. - Psalm 78:39
He loves me. - Galatians 2: 20
He gave himself up for me. - Galatians 2:20
He was despised and rejected by men. - Isaiah 53: 3
He was slain. - Revelation 5: 9
He ransomed people by his blood. Revelation 5: 9
He abundantly pardons. - Isaiah 55:7
He atones for my iniquity. - Psalm 78:38
He satisfies the longing soul. - Psalm 107:9
He gives grace to the humble. - James 4:6
He gives power and strength to his people. - Psalm 68:35
He will never forsake me. - Hebrews 13:5
He will take me to himself. - John 14: 3
He is the beginning and the end. - Revelation 22: 13
He is to be feared. - Psalm 114: 7
He is to be recieved - John 1: 12
He looks far down on the heavens and the earth. - Psalm 112
He is holy. - Leviticus 11:44
He remembers me. - Jeremiah 2:2
He is for me. - Psalm 56:9
He is compassionate. - Psalm 78:38
He cares. - 1 Peter 5:7
He does not wish that any should perish. - 2 Peter 3:9
He made himself nothing in the form of a servant. - Philippians 2:7
He is gentle and lowly of heart. - Matthew 11:29
He remembers that I am but flesh. - Psalm 78:39
He loves me. - Galatians 2: 20
He gave himself up for me. - Galatians 2:20
He was despised and rejected by men. - Isaiah 53: 3
He was slain. - Revelation 5: 9
He ransomed people by his blood. Revelation 5: 9
He abundantly pardons. - Isaiah 55:7
He atones for my iniquity. - Psalm 78:38
He satisfies the longing soul. - Psalm 107:9
He gives grace to the humble. - James 4:6
He gives power and strength to his people. - Psalm 68:35
He will never forsake me. - Hebrews 13:5
He will take me to himself. - John 14: 3
He is the beginning and the end. - Revelation 22: 13
He is to be feared. - Psalm 114: 7
He is to be recieved - John 1: 12
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
A Good Mix
I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted…. “Woe is me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6: 1&5. Someone told me this week that one sin is as bad as another. He spoke the truth and that is the great horror. There is a strange mix of joy, and horror in a relationship with God. The joy of being close and growing closer is very real but so is the horror of the awareness of sin and ugliness in my life. The closer my relationship to Jesus, the more I become aware, like Isaiah, of sin in myself and sin in the world. Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the alter. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. Isaiah 6: 6-7. Ouch!! Sounds painful and it is. Once sin is seen it must be repented of and cut out. I have found that sometimes God uses people who are just like me to do the cutting. He has used other Gary’s who are arrogant, prideful, selfish and hurtful to cut out the arrogance, pride, selfishness and hurtfulness in me. Sometimes sin is a one time occurrence that once revealed can be forgiven by saying I’m sorry and never doing it again. More than I would like to admit, it is deeper than that and can only be taken care of with pain. “My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 11: 5-6. And there is joy! He loves us. He changes us. He helps us to become the human beings he always intended us to be. Oh what a mix! “ If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with a rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness…Psalm 89: 30-35. “Holy, holy, holy is the LordAlmighty;The whole earth if full of hisglory.” Isaiah 6: 3.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
My Mission Statement
1.The world doesn't owe me anything, it was here first.
(from Mark Twain)
2. I have been given much. I have no time to ponder that which has been denied. (from Helen Keller)
3. I will not be ashamed.
4. To live is Christ and many years of fruitful labour.
(Philippians 1: 19-20)
5. I will give to God what I have. A few fish, a staff, a vial of oil.
(from Mark Twain)
2. I have been given much. I have no time to ponder that which has been denied. (from Helen Keller)
3. I will not be ashamed.
4. To live is Christ and many years of fruitful labour.
(Philippians 1: 19-20)
5. I will give to God what I have. A few fish, a staff, a vial of oil.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Inspiration From The Persecuted Church
“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.” Revelation 12: 11. On my post, What is a Man Worth, I received a comment, “God died for me, would I do the same?” Good question. It is clear from the New Testament that we, if necessary, are to do just that, to be loyal to Christ even unto death. Eleven of the twelve disciples were martyred. In their deaths they gave the world one of the great proofs of the resurrection of Jesus. Men will not die for a hoax. They will not die for a lie. They saw the risen Lord and they died horrible, painful deaths in the confidence that they would be with Him.The Apostle Paul and most of his church planting companions were martyred, Barnabas, Silas, Aristarchus, Secundus, Sopater, Titus, Timothy, Gaius, John Mark, Aquila, and Luke. Thousands upon thousands of first and second generation Christians were executed because they would not proclaim Caesar as Lord. The early church father Polycarp while being led to his execution was asked to proclaim Caesar as Lord. He replied, “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” And as he waited to be burned alive he prayed, “I give thanks that You have counted me worthy of this day and this hour.”Today in many countries, Christians risk their lives by professing faith in Christ. Anti- conversion laws have been written. Churches are burned, Christians beaten, arrested, taken away, imprisoned and yes some are being killed.And so the question remains, am I; are you, willing to die for Him? Am I; are you, willing to remain loyal to Christ and give up living the comfortable way? If we can’t do the latter I doubt we can do the former. The truth of Revelation 12: 11 is if we remain loyal in our lifestyle and our deaths, if we choose loyalty to Christ and suffer we defeat the “great dragon, that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan who leads the whole world astray.” Revelation 12: 9.Our Father, “deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13.“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Whats A Man Worth?
What's a man worth?
Does anyone know?
Is he measured by riches,
By friend or foe?
Can we tell by his virtues,
His station in life?
His accent? His color?
His peace, or his strife?
The length of his hair,
The shape of his nose,
His smile or his handshake
The cut of his clothes?
What's a man worth?
We turn to our Guide.
And Christ gives His answer,
"For each man I died."
Author unknown.
Does anyone know?
Is he measured by riches,
By friend or foe?
Can we tell by his virtues,
His station in life?
His accent? His color?
His peace, or his strife?
The length of his hair,
The shape of his nose,
His smile or his handshake
The cut of his clothes?
What's a man worth?
We turn to our Guide.
And Christ gives His answer,
"For each man I died."
Author unknown.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Freedom In Christ
For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude vs. 4. (ESV)
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.Colossians 2: 20-23. (ESV)
These are extremes. They were part of the early Church and they are with us today. John and Jude fought against those who would trade upon the grace of God to live a life gratifying any of their desires. The elderly disciple John would write that “anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God.” 2John: 9. (Message). The Apostle Paul was in a continual battle against those who would want to place burdens, rules and regulations on the Church to secure a place of control. Paul would say that “they want to shut you out of the free world of God’s grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and directions, making them feel important.” Galatians 4:17. (Message). You can find Churches that are close to one extreme or the other. Most of the arguing we have among ourselves as Christians is because our doctrines lean toward one or the other. To be honest I find this battle rages inside me. So what is the answer? Jude tells us to “carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love. Keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life.” Jude vs. 20-21. (Message). Spend time in personal communion with God. Read Scripture and practice the freedom of living deeply in Christ. We are free to imitate Jesus. We are free to be the person He wants us to be. We are free to walk with Him. We are free to talk with Him. When you commune with Christ wherever it may be, the living room, bedroom, outdoors or anywhere, heaven and earth become one, the seen and the unseen. Christ is all that matters and He lives in us. What a glorious time.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3: 17-18. (ESV)
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.Colossians 2: 20-23. (ESV)
These are extremes. They were part of the early Church and they are with us today. John and Jude fought against those who would trade upon the grace of God to live a life gratifying any of their desires. The elderly disciple John would write that “anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God.” 2John: 9. (Message). The Apostle Paul was in a continual battle against those who would want to place burdens, rules and regulations on the Church to secure a place of control. Paul would say that “they want to shut you out of the free world of God’s grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and directions, making them feel important.” Galatians 4:17. (Message). You can find Churches that are close to one extreme or the other. Most of the arguing we have among ourselves as Christians is because our doctrines lean toward one or the other. To be honest I find this battle rages inside me. So what is the answer? Jude tells us to “carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love. Keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life.” Jude vs. 20-21. (Message). Spend time in personal communion with God. Read Scripture and practice the freedom of living deeply in Christ. We are free to imitate Jesus. We are free to be the person He wants us to be. We are free to walk with Him. We are free to talk with Him. When you commune with Christ wherever it may be, the living room, bedroom, outdoors or anywhere, heaven and earth become one, the seen and the unseen. Christ is all that matters and He lives in us. What a glorious time.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3: 17-18. (ESV)
Monday, May 04, 2009
Definition 6
Joy- Is the confidence I feel in knowing and trusting Christ regardless of the circumstances.
Dr. Wendell Lang
Dr. Wendell Lang
Monday, April 27, 2009
To Give Grace
Grace. If there is one word that I want to understand fully it is this one. I have experienced the grace of God, and yet I really do not know what grace is. How can I experience something and not know what it is? I feel like Paul, “I see in a mirror dimly.” With me there is the realization that I fully do not understand the grace and love that God bestows upon me. I am still so blind in so many areas concerning Christ, especially grace. I have looked up definitions of grace, but from the written page they come across coldly. In Vines Expository Dictionary the definition of grace is in part, favorable regard, loving-kindness and goodwill generally. Jesus while we were still at enmity with Him responded with grace. Even now despite the pride, selfishness, condescension, materialism, etc...etc...etc... which still exist within, Jesus treats me graciously. He has a favorable regard, loving-kindness, and goodwill toward me. Amazing. If I truly believe that God is gracious to me, despite myself, why the difficulty in being gracious toward others? Do I have a high regard for the inattentive waitress? Grace. Do I show loving-kindness for my co-worker who insults? Grace. Do I have goodwill generally for the person who may or may not be taking advantage of social services or am I just angry? Grace. Do I have a favorable regard for my supervisor? Grace. Do I show loving-kindness to my wife when we are at odds? Grace. Do I have goodwill generally for the brother or sister in Christ who seems always to hold a different opinion at Church business meetings? Grace. Grace is wonderful and easy to receive but sometimes difficult to give. May we choose to be gracious and pray for the strength.“Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.” Romans 12: 14-17.“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each
Monday, April 20, 2009
Who Would I Be?
As I read Mark’s Gospel, I wonder where I would be if I lived during the time that Jesus was on earth. What would I be doing, where would I fit into the narrative? Would I need, like Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, to be taken by the hand and lifted up in order to serve? Ch 1: 31. Would I be like the leper who came in need of cleansing? Ch 1: 40. Would I be as the four, who brought their friend to Christ, and would let nothing and no one, including a crowd stand in their way? Ch 2: 3-5. Would I, as Levi, leave my love for money and follow Jesus. Ch 2: 13-14. Would I be like the man who turned away from following, because of my many possessions? Ch 10: 17-22. Maybe I would be just one within the multitudes, part of the masses for whom Christ had great compassion. Ch 6: 34. Certainly I would have been one of those who followed Him but were not one of the chosen twelve. Ch 4: 10. Probably not. A shiver runs down my spine, for I know myself. When Jesus chose the twelve, I would have left in disappointment and possibly anger, thinking that Jesus plays favorites. Would I be like the men who asked Jesus to leave the area because he hurt business? Ch 5: 17. How I wish I was like the Gentile woman from Syrophenicia, who no matter how rudely treated, kept her faith in Christ. Ch 7: 24-30. Am I like the twelve, jockeying for position of who would be the greatest when Christ came into His kingdom? Ch 9: 33-34. Do I want more recognition within my church, and would I argue with others to get it? Would I be like the Scribes and Pharisees, unable to give up my position? Who were unable to say, like John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease?” John 3: 30. It is so difficult to voluntarily sit in a lower chair. I am some of all, good and bad. So who would you be? Who are you most like?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The Greatest News In All History!
Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Low in the Grave He Lay
Robert Lowry 1826-1899
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Low in the Grave He Lay
Robert Lowry 1826-1899
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Steadfastness In Chaos
“You will give him perfect peace whose mind is steadfast on You.” Isaiah 26: 3.
I say this verse everyday. I want always, to keep my mind, my sight, on Christ no matter how difficult the circumstances. At present there is looming a situation that brings anxiety and I seek perfect peace by keeping my mind steadfast. The situation, though worrisome, is no greater than what most people have faced before and will face again. Life on earth is chaotic and Jesus will bring me through. In Matthew 14: 22-33, Jesus comes to the disciples with the storm, walking on the water. The wind and waves batter the boat just as chaos, turmoil and change batter our lives. We, as Peter, hear Christ say, “Take courage,” “Do not be afraid.” Peter shows us how we should respond. “Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” If the storm is of God’s doing, the difficult circumstances are meant to bring us closer to Him. Peter got out of the boat. He acted courageously. As long as his gaze was on Jesus he walked on the waves. He conquered through Christ who strengthened him. When he became afraid, he focused more on the circumstances and sank. The situation overcame him. I can relate. Verse 31 is my favorite of the whole passage. “Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him.” I’m guessing it was a very powerful grip.
It comforts me to know that in life’s storms I can come through walking above the waves, unafraid, with my mind steadfast on Jesus. If my faith falters and I look more at the problems of life instead of Christ, He will grab hold.
A Hymnist wrote it best with these lyrics;
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.”
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 8.
I say this verse everyday. I want always, to keep my mind, my sight, on Christ no matter how difficult the circumstances. At present there is looming a situation that brings anxiety and I seek perfect peace by keeping my mind steadfast. The situation, though worrisome, is no greater than what most people have faced before and will face again. Life on earth is chaotic and Jesus will bring me through. In Matthew 14: 22-33, Jesus comes to the disciples with the storm, walking on the water. The wind and waves batter the boat just as chaos, turmoil and change batter our lives. We, as Peter, hear Christ say, “Take courage,” “Do not be afraid.” Peter shows us how we should respond. “Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” If the storm is of God’s doing, the difficult circumstances are meant to bring us closer to Him. Peter got out of the boat. He acted courageously. As long as his gaze was on Jesus he walked on the waves. He conquered through Christ who strengthened him. When he became afraid, he focused more on the circumstances and sank. The situation overcame him. I can relate. Verse 31 is my favorite of the whole passage. “Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him.” I’m guessing it was a very powerful grip.
It comforts me to know that in life’s storms I can come through walking above the waves, unafraid, with my mind steadfast on Jesus. If my faith falters and I look more at the problems of life instead of Christ, He will grab hold.
A Hymnist wrote it best with these lyrics;
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.”
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 8.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Quote 7
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
"The thief could not walk in the paths of righteousness, for there was a nail through either foot. He could not perform any good works for there was a nail through either hand. He could not turn over a new leaf and live a better life for he was dying.”
Arthur Pink
We are not saved by what we do, but by our faith in what God has done in Christ Jesus.
Luke 23: 39-43
"The thief could not walk in the paths of righteousness, for there was a nail through either foot. He could not perform any good works for there was a nail through either hand. He could not turn over a new leaf and live a better life for he was dying.”
Arthur Pink
We are not saved by what we do, but by our faith in what God has done in Christ Jesus.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Definition 5
Judgement of Charity
Assumes the best in disagreement. There is no impugning of peoples motives.
Assumes the best in disagreement. There is no impugning of peoples motives.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Pay Attention!
“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times saying I repent, you must forgive him.” Luke 17: 3&4.
I doubt the sincerity of anyone who asks forgiveness from me seven times in a day. That’s the point of this verse. We are not to look continually at others and how they treat us. We are to love them friend or foe. “Pay attention to yourselves.” When I read passages like the one above I tend to pass over them quickly, much less try to put them into practice. I am astounded Jesus wants us to do so many things difficult. Things like continually forgiving, loving our enemies, being last of all, not putting ourselves forward and take the last seat. The disciples thought these difficult too. “The Apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith.” Jesus replies, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey you.” Luke 17: 5&6. In Matthew 17: 20 Jesus says of mustard seed faith that it could “move mountains.” If one can move trees and mountains with faith the size of a mustard seed than how small is the faith needed to forgive? How small is the faith needed to love enemies? It seems that Jesus is telling us that these things take much less faith than the mustard seed size faith. No wonder Jesus ask the question, “When the Son of Man comes will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18: 8. May we pay more attention to ourselves and put more faith and trust in Christ to be able to love our enemies, turn the other cheek and continually forgive. Then, quite possibly, maybe, trees will be uprooted and mountains moved.
I doubt the sincerity of anyone who asks forgiveness from me seven times in a day. That’s the point of this verse. We are not to look continually at others and how they treat us. We are to love them friend or foe. “Pay attention to yourselves.” When I read passages like the one above I tend to pass over them quickly, much less try to put them into practice. I am astounded Jesus wants us to do so many things difficult. Things like continually forgiving, loving our enemies, being last of all, not putting ourselves forward and take the last seat. The disciples thought these difficult too. “The Apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith.” Jesus replies, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey you.” Luke 17: 5&6. In Matthew 17: 20 Jesus says of mustard seed faith that it could “move mountains.” If one can move trees and mountains with faith the size of a mustard seed than how small is the faith needed to forgive? How small is the faith needed to love enemies? It seems that Jesus is telling us that these things take much less faith than the mustard seed size faith. No wonder Jesus ask the question, “When the Son of Man comes will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18: 8. May we pay more attention to ourselves and put more faith and trust in Christ to be able to love our enemies, turn the other cheek and continually forgive. Then, quite possibly, maybe, trees will be uprooted and mountains moved.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Mercy During Devestation
One of the great theologians, Scarlett O’Hara, said in a time of great distress “tomorrow is another day.” If you don’t like receiving your theology from Scarlett how about from the Prophet Jeremiah? “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness,” Lamentations 3: 22-23. Jeremiah, unlike Scarlett, knew to hold on for the next day because he knew intimately God’s character. Jeremiah was a prophet that most did not want to hear. He did not fill large arenas. The popular false prophets told the citizens of Jerusalem what they wanted to hear. Jeremiah told them the uncomfortable truth. He brought God’s indictment against them. Their unrighteousness would bring punishment.As he stood on a hillside overlooking the devastated war torn city, he wrote the great words “His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.” He wrote these words after seeing things that no human eyes should have to see. He wrote these words after being treated like no one should be treated. I don’t believe he had great joy in his heart when he wrote about God’s mercies. He was as devastated as the city. His laments are sorrowful and full of pain. “He had besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.” Lamentations 3: 5-7. Walled me down with chains, besieged and surrounded! Jeremiah is paralleling his life with that of Jerusalem’s. His life has been bitter because he obeyed God, Jerusalem’s because they disobeyed. But then he remembered God! He remembered God and it brought him hope. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,” Jeremiah 3: 21, 22.
Jeremiah knew God, he trusted God, and he had experienced God. The words he wrote about God’s character were fact. God is merciful and that was enough for him to go on to the next day and the next.We know more of God’s character than even Jeremiah. Jeremiah was looking ahead for the Messiah. We know, that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son..” We know that God gave His son to a world of chaos, devastation, bitterness and chains. Jesus experienced it all and he conquered. He loved us so much he was tortured and slain for us. Devastation is all around us, tsunamis, hurricanes, wars and terrorist have layed waste to many lives. Maybe the devastation is as simple as, being hurt by those we love, or the loss of a job. But then we remember God and there is hope.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 35-39.
Jeremiah knew God, he trusted God, and he had experienced God. The words he wrote about God’s character were fact. God is merciful and that was enough for him to go on to the next day and the next.We know more of God’s character than even Jeremiah. Jeremiah was looking ahead for the Messiah. We know, that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son..” We know that God gave His son to a world of chaos, devastation, bitterness and chains. Jesus experienced it all and he conquered. He loved us so much he was tortured and slain for us. Devastation is all around us, tsunamis, hurricanes, wars and terrorist have layed waste to many lives. Maybe the devastation is as simple as, being hurt by those we love, or the loss of a job. But then we remember God and there is hope.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 35-39.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bittersweet Reality
“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting.” Ecclesiastes 7: 2. Gary’s paraphrase; It is better to be at a funeral than to be at a party. I always take a longer glance at Old Testament scripture that reminds me of what Jesus taught. “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5: 4.
What does scripture mean that mourning is better than revelry? Ecclesiastes continues: “for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the heart of pleasure.” There are so many things in this life that distract us from God. I know that when I have been out of God‘s will, it is in the stillness and darkness of night that reality comes to my mind and spirit. I know that when I was without Christ and had no relationship with God it was at night and in silence the horror of my reality set in. I could not wait for daylight to come and the business to take me away from reality. To me this is what Jesus meant by “Blessed are those who mourn”, it is in the disastrous times and the worst of times that we are forced to face reality. I have found that the worst times of my life have turned out to be, eventually, the greatest blessings. God has, because of them brought me closer to him, and because I am closer to him I have more joy! There is nothing wrong with having fun, but for all of us, at times, we use it to ignore or forget about our condition or relationship with God. Gary’s paraphrase; the heart of the wise face reality, the heart of fools say “party on”.
What does scripture mean that mourning is better than revelry? Ecclesiastes continues: “for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the heart of pleasure.” There are so many things in this life that distract us from God. I know that when I have been out of God‘s will, it is in the stillness and darkness of night that reality comes to my mind and spirit. I know that when I was without Christ and had no relationship with God it was at night and in silence the horror of my reality set in. I could not wait for daylight to come and the business to take me away from reality. To me this is what Jesus meant by “Blessed are those who mourn”, it is in the disastrous times and the worst of times that we are forced to face reality. I have found that the worst times of my life have turned out to be, eventually, the greatest blessings. God has, because of them brought me closer to him, and because I am closer to him I have more joy! There is nothing wrong with having fun, but for all of us, at times, we use it to ignore or forget about our condition or relationship with God. Gary’s paraphrase; the heart of the wise face reality, the heart of fools say “party on”.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Steadfast Love
O give thanks to the LORD for He is good;
for His steadfast love endures for ever.
Psalm 118:1
God's steadfast love endures what forever?
circumstances?
troubles?
me?
the world?
time?
eternity?
Can you think of others? Please comment.
for His steadfast love endures for ever.
Psalm 118:1
God's steadfast love endures what forever?
circumstances?
troubles?
me?
the world?
time?
eternity?
Can you think of others? Please comment.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
The Pearl of Great Value
I have changed my mind concerning the meanings of two small parables in the 13th chapter of Matthew. Verse 44 say's,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Verse 45 - 46 reads, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
All my life I have been taught that the kingdom of heaven is so important and valuable that we should put it of most importance in our lives. True, but salvation, the kingdom of God is a free gift. We cannot purchase or earn it.
In other parables, fields represent the world. There is only one great redeemer Christ Jesus the Lord who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2: 6-8 Jesus purchased the field. And so the pearl of great price is you! Make no mistake about it, God loves you! You are prized and valuable to Him.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Verse 45 - 46 reads, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
All my life I have been taught that the kingdom of heaven is so important and valuable that we should put it of most importance in our lives. True, but salvation, the kingdom of God is a free gift. We cannot purchase or earn it.
In other parables, fields represent the world. There is only one great redeemer Christ Jesus the Lord who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2: 6-8 Jesus purchased the field. And so the pearl of great price is you! Make no mistake about it, God loves you! You are prized and valuable to Him.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession... Malachi 3:17
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Truth About Jesus
I was asked at work, in the hearing of others, if people of other religions were going to heaven. The person asking me was testing my faith in Christ. He was playing got ya. I do not like the feeling that I have when this moment comes, and if you share Christ it comes up often. I tell them the truth. It does not matter what I think. Jesus said about himself“I am the truth the way and the life no one comes to the Father but through me.” According to Jesus heaven is not the goal anyway but a relationship with God is. All other religions are guesses about God. Jesus is the truth, and he says about himself, that he is the truth. I didn’t say it, Jesus said it. It really does not matter what I think, but now it does matter what you think. C. S. Lewis wrote that to say the things Jesus said your options are limited to the following:1. He really wasn’t who he said he was and knew it which makes him a liar.2. He really wasn’t who he said he was but believed it which makes him a lunatic.3. He was who he said he was and said so which makes him Lord. Lord, liar or lunatic, the decision is yours. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even those who believe in His name. John 1: 12.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Insulting Christ
With the insults to Christ and his followers recently by men like Bill Maher, Christopher Hitchens and Jack Black, I am reminded by those who insulted Him while He was here on earth. On his way to the cross Jesus was insulted, ridiculed, reviled and viscously attacked verbally. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying…save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God! In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him. Matthew 27: 39-43.
Every insult then and now was nailed to his cross and crucified with him there. There is forgiveness for all of us at his cross, even those who insult him. Jesus does not want revenge, he is not angry; he only wants us to be forgiven. On the cross he prayed “Father forgive them they do not know what they are doing.” Forgiveness can be found at the cross. A thief who was crucified beside him believing that Jesus was the Son of God simply asked him “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23: 42-43.
In tears the apostle Paul said that “many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction…and their glory is in their shame.” Philippians 3: 18-19. When Jesus is insulted, our tears are not because of the insult, our tears are for the insulters.
Every insult then and now was nailed to his cross and crucified with him there. There is forgiveness for all of us at his cross, even those who insult him. Jesus does not want revenge, he is not angry; he only wants us to be forgiven. On the cross he prayed “Father forgive them they do not know what they are doing.” Forgiveness can be found at the cross. A thief who was crucified beside him believing that Jesus was the Son of God simply asked him “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23: 42-43.
In tears the apostle Paul said that “many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction…and their glory is in their shame.” Philippians 3: 18-19. When Jesus is insulted, our tears are not because of the insult, our tears are for the insulters.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Ride On
Ride on! ride on in majesty! Hark! all the tribes hosanna cry; O Savior meek, pursue thy road with palms and scattered garments strowed.
Ride on! ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; O Christ, thy triumphs now begin o’er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on! ride on in majesty! The angel-squadrons of the sky look down with sad and wondering eyes to see the approaching sacrifice.
Ride on! ride on in majesty! Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh; the Father on his sapphire throne expects his own anointed Son.
Ride on! ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; bow thy meek head to mortal pain, then take, O God, thy power, and reign.
Henry Hart Milman 1791-1868
"HENRY HART MILMAN." Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hart_Milman
Ride on! ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; O Christ, thy triumphs now begin o’er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on! ride on in majesty! The angel-squadrons of the sky look down with sad and wondering eyes to see the approaching sacrifice.
Ride on! ride on in majesty! Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh; the Father on his sapphire throne expects his own anointed Son.
Ride on! ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; bow thy meek head to mortal pain, then take, O God, thy power, and reign.
Henry Hart Milman 1791-1868
"HENRY HART MILMAN." Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hart_Milman
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
An Important Command
Love one another. God’s people should love one another. John the Apostle repeats over and over, love one another. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” 1 John 4: 7. “ Dear friends since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4: 11. “ God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4: 16. “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4: 19-21.
The Apostle Peter instructs the Church to love one another. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1: 22. Finally, all of you live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers. 1 Peter 3: 8. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4: 8.
Where do I begin in quoting the Apostle Paul writing about the Church loving one another? He wrote so much on the subject. Read chapter 13 of 1st Corinthians. Paul writes in Philippians to “make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:2”.
Our Sovereign Lord Jesus commanded us directly to love one another. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13: 34. Let me draw your attention to a couple of words, command and must.For a command to believers that is so repeated and stressed in scripture why are we doing such a poor job? We treat church quarrels as a natural occurrence. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. James 4: 1-2. In the meantime many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are being wounded. They leave our churches never to return. Do we care about the damage we have done? Do we regret the pain the wounds we have caused? Do we really take our Lord’s command seriously?
Love one another. Be last of all. Be servant of all. Sit in the last chair.
The Apostle Peter instructs the Church to love one another. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1: 22. Finally, all of you live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers. 1 Peter 3: 8. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4: 8.
Where do I begin in quoting the Apostle Paul writing about the Church loving one another? He wrote so much on the subject. Read chapter 13 of 1st Corinthians. Paul writes in Philippians to “make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:2”.
Our Sovereign Lord Jesus commanded us directly to love one another. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13: 34. Let me draw your attention to a couple of words, command and must.For a command to believers that is so repeated and stressed in scripture why are we doing such a poor job? We treat church quarrels as a natural occurrence. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. James 4: 1-2. In the meantime many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are being wounded. They leave our churches never to return. Do we care about the damage we have done? Do we regret the pain the wounds we have caused? Do we really take our Lord’s command seriously?
Love one another. Be last of all. Be servant of all. Sit in the last chair.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Enemies At The Table
“Love your enemies”. “Pray for those who curse you.” Turn the other cheek.” Forgive “seventy-seven times.” “Be last of all.” All things Jesus taught. Sometimes, we look at these teachings and think, they can’t be done. They can’t by us, but through Christ they can. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Jesus dwells in us and we in him. If we have close fellowship with him we can follow him in his teaching of non-resentment and non-retaliation. Part of the 23rd Psalm has always puzzled me. The phrase in verse 5, “Thou preperest a table for me in the presence of my enemies.” Why would God set a table for David so his enemies could look on? I believe that David is not to sit there and gloat. He is to invite them to dinner. They are to partake of the abundance that God has provided. The best way to destroy enemies is to make them friends. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5: 44, 45. We say we want to be like Jesus, to be the person he wants us to be. I have read that scripture uses the term “son of” as an adjective. So if someone calls you a “son of contentment” this means that you are a contented person. In the verse above we are “sons of the Father if we love our enemies. We are most like the Father and look most like him if we love our enemies. Do we really want to be like Jesus? Share your table. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5: 8. “He causes the sun to shine on the evil and the good, and sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5: 45.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
The Horror The Joy
I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted…. “Woe is me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6: 1&5.
Someone told me this week that one sin is as bad as another. He spoke the truth and that is the great horror. There is a strange mix of joy, and horror in a relationship with God. The joy of being close and growing closer is very real but so is the horror of the awareness of sin and ugliness in my life. The closer my relationship to Jesus, the more I become aware, like Isaiah, of sin in myself and sin in the world.
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the alter. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. Isaiah 6: 6-7.
Ouch!! Sounds painful and it is. Once sin is seen it must be repented of and cut out. I have found that sometimes God uses people who are just like me to do the cutting. He has used other Gary’s who are arrogant, prideful, selfish and hurtful to cut out the arrogance, pride, selfishness and hurtfulness in me. Sometimes sin is a one time occurrence that once revealed can be forgiven by saying I’m sorry and never doing it again. More than I would like to admit, it is deeper than that and can only be taken care of with pain.
“My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 11: 5-6.
And there is joy! He loves us. He changes us. He helps us to become the human beings he always intended us to be. Oh what a mix!
“ If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with a rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness…Psalm 89: 30-35. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;The whole earth if full of his
glory.” Isaiah 6: 3.
Someone told me this week that one sin is as bad as another. He spoke the truth and that is the great horror. There is a strange mix of joy, and horror in a relationship with God. The joy of being close and growing closer is very real but so is the horror of the awareness of sin and ugliness in my life. The closer my relationship to Jesus, the more I become aware, like Isaiah, of sin in myself and sin in the world.
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the alter. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. Isaiah 6: 6-7.
Ouch!! Sounds painful and it is. Once sin is seen it must be repented of and cut out. I have found that sometimes God uses people who are just like me to do the cutting. He has used other Gary’s who are arrogant, prideful, selfish and hurtful to cut out the arrogance, pride, selfishness and hurtfulness in me. Sometimes sin is a one time occurrence that once revealed can be forgiven by saying I’m sorry and never doing it again. More than I would like to admit, it is deeper than that and can only be taken care of with pain.
“My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 11: 5-6.
And there is joy! He loves us. He changes us. He helps us to become the human beings he always intended us to be. Oh what a mix!
“ If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with a rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness…Psalm 89: 30-35. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;The whole earth if full of his
glory.” Isaiah 6: 3.
Definition 4
Habit- Is a consistent pattern in my life that for better or for worse ends up shaping the person I become.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Boring Scripture
Have you ever been reading through the Bible and given up because of the endless genealogies, or instructions on building the tabernacle and procedures for sacrifices? It never ends. Maybe you have skipped over them and started reading where the story begins again. But then you can't say you read the whole Bible through. I've done both. I know that these are important, and that they are forshadowings of Christ and His crucifixion, but they still make for boring reading.
I'm reading the Bible through and and I am forcing myself to read every name, every instruction about every hook and crevice of the tabernacle. Tedious, tedious, tedious. I was reading instructions about the tabernacle in Exodus and realized that Moses was in the very presence of God when given these instructions! I'm sure they were not boring to him. Oh that God would be so specific with me. Maybe there's a reason He is not.
Exodus 27: 8 reads; " As it has been shown you on the mountain, so shall it be made."
When I am on the mountaintop and God tells me through my heart simple instructions like be nicer to your wife, do more housecleaning, call your mother more often, drop your anger to that person who offended you, etc.. etc.. etc.. and I continue on in my own habitual way of life, why should He tell me more? I need to do the first things before I can expect more instructions and more times on the mountain.
I'm reading the Bible through and and I am forcing myself to read every name, every instruction about every hook and crevice of the tabernacle. Tedious, tedious, tedious. I was reading instructions about the tabernacle in Exodus and realized that Moses was in the very presence of God when given these instructions! I'm sure they were not boring to him. Oh that God would be so specific with me. Maybe there's a reason He is not.
Exodus 27: 8 reads; " As it has been shown you on the mountain, so shall it be made."
When I am on the mountaintop and God tells me through my heart simple instructions like be nicer to your wife, do more housecleaning, call your mother more often, drop your anger to that person who offended you, etc.. etc.. etc.. and I continue on in my own habitual way of life, why should He tell me more? I need to do the first things before I can expect more instructions and more times on the mountain.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thunder
“And from the throne proceed flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder.” Revelation 4: 5.
One of the things I like best about Oklahoma is the thunder storms. I thrill to the hard rain, the low roll of thunder followed by the flash of lightning. Then the loud boom, which shakes the ground and the house. I feel the power of God and yet I realize that this is only an infinitesimal fraction of that power. In our own solar system Jupiter’s red spot is a storm that can swallow the earth whole. On a 12 inch scale, Earth would be one inch away from the Sun, Pluto 3 ½ feet. The nearest star other than the Sun would lie 4 ½ miles away! Our sun is only one lonely star among several hundred billion throughout the universe. Our galaxy is one amongst millions. Yet the Sovereign Almighty God who created all this became a man and lived among us! He was born not in a palace but a stable. He cried. His wonderful mother not much more than a girl herself cleaned him. He grew. He played. He worked. His muscles ached. He hungered. He ate. He was thirsty. He drank. He grew tired. He slept. He showed anger. He laughed with our children on his lap. He prayed. He fasted. He had compassion. He healed us. He fed us. He forgave us. He told stories. He taught. He taught us how to love. He showed us how to love. He told us to pray for those who persecute us, to love our enemies. He washes our feet and told us to do likewise. And then we killed him. I hear thunder.
“And I looked and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals;For You were slain,And have redeemed us to God byYour bloodOut of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,”Revelation 4: 6, 7, 9.
One of the things I like best about Oklahoma is the thunder storms. I thrill to the hard rain, the low roll of thunder followed by the flash of lightning. Then the loud boom, which shakes the ground and the house. I feel the power of God and yet I realize that this is only an infinitesimal fraction of that power. In our own solar system Jupiter’s red spot is a storm that can swallow the earth whole. On a 12 inch scale, Earth would be one inch away from the Sun, Pluto 3 ½ feet. The nearest star other than the Sun would lie 4 ½ miles away! Our sun is only one lonely star among several hundred billion throughout the universe. Our galaxy is one amongst millions. Yet the Sovereign Almighty God who created all this became a man and lived among us! He was born not in a palace but a stable. He cried. His wonderful mother not much more than a girl herself cleaned him. He grew. He played. He worked. His muscles ached. He hungered. He ate. He was thirsty. He drank. He grew tired. He slept. He showed anger. He laughed with our children on his lap. He prayed. He fasted. He had compassion. He healed us. He fed us. He forgave us. He told stories. He taught. He taught us how to love. He showed us how to love. He told us to pray for those who persecute us, to love our enemies. He washes our feet and told us to do likewise. And then we killed him. I hear thunder.
“And I looked and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals;For You were slain,And have redeemed us to God byYour bloodOut of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,”Revelation 4: 6, 7, 9.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Mature Christian
The last post has got me to thinking of how little faith and lack of maturity in Christ that we church members have. We show it by all of the church hopping. When we leave a church because we do not get our way, it demonstrates our lack of maturity. When we leave a church because we don't like the new pastor as well as the old one, it demonstrates our lack of maturity. When we leave a church because someone has hurt our feelings, demonstrates a lack of maturity. When we leave a church because we may not particularly like some of its members, we demonstrate a lack of maturity. If we cannot love in the church what makes us think we can love people outside of it?
Our love for God will prove insincere,
Our love for the world will prove ineffective,
until our love for one another proves indisputable.
Black, White, Asian, and all other nationalities must be able to love,worship and work together. Blue collar and white collar, management and labour must be able to worship together. Rich and poor, contemporary and traditional, old and young must learn to worship together. Paul makes it clear in Ephesians that there are no walls in Christ Jesus. If we cannot love in the church what makes us think we can love people outside of it?
My church has gone though and is going through the same struggles that most other churches do. The church has had four pastors in seven years. We are working through, like most churches, having contemporary and traditional forms of worship. The church has a large senior citizen membership as well as a growing younger membership. Through it all members have come and gone. People who were close to each pastor have left. People have left because of the difficulties inherent in having contemporary and traditional services. But through it all there are also members who have stayed and continued to do the work of the church. They have chosen to remain and love all even when they disagreed with the decisions that were made. They are mature Christians. If we cannot love in the church what makes us think we can love people outside it?
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:10
Our love for God will prove insincere,
Our love for the world will prove ineffective,
until our love for one another proves indisputable.
Black, White, Asian, and all other nationalities must be able to love,worship and work together. Blue collar and white collar, management and labour must be able to worship together. Rich and poor, contemporary and traditional, old and young must learn to worship together. Paul makes it clear in Ephesians that there are no walls in Christ Jesus. If we cannot love in the church what makes us think we can love people outside of it?
My church has gone though and is going through the same struggles that most other churches do. The church has had four pastors in seven years. We are working through, like most churches, having contemporary and traditional forms of worship. The church has a large senior citizen membership as well as a growing younger membership. Through it all members have come and gone. People who were close to each pastor have left. People have left because of the difficulties inherent in having contemporary and traditional services. But through it all there are also members who have stayed and continued to do the work of the church. They have chosen to remain and love all even when they disagreed with the decisions that were made. They are mature Christians. If we cannot love in the church what makes us think we can love people outside it?
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:10
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Though He Slay Me
“Lord, Son of David have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Jesus did not answer a word. Matthew 15: 22, 23. He ignored her. She was not insulted; her need was greater than her pride. This Canaanite woman knew who could meet her needs. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” verse 23. She was persistent; she continually kept following after them to get to Jesus. Not only that but she was persistent in the presence of many, many who were condescending to her, and these many were the people who were closest to Jesus. Once again it didn’t matter her need was larger than her pride; her love for her daughter was greater than insult. He answered, “I came only to the lost sheep of Israel.” verse 24. Jesus tells her that he is here only to help certain people. For the third time she does not give up. The women came and knelt before him. Lord, help me! verse 25. And now what does Jesus do? He calls her a dog. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” verse 26. Was she hurt, was she crushed? No, she only knew the need of her daughter and she knew that Jesus was the only one who could help her. Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. Job 13: 15. Her answer to Jesus seems even to have surprised him. Yes, Lord,” but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” verse 27. Then Jesus answered, “ Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” verse 28.
One of the great difficulties for us when we read this passage of scripture is that it seems so unlike Jesus. We can’t believe he could act in such a way, that he would respond in such a rude manner to this poor needy woman. Sometimes though Jesus would act much like an actor on stage to bring out the best in people. After the resurrection on the road to Emmaus Jesus acted like he was traveling further than the two disciples so that they would invite him to stay with them for the evening. Luke 24: 28-29. Jesus acted to bring out the best in this Canaanite woman so we could learn from her.
Is our need for Jesus greater than our pride? No matter how good the church there are always some in it who will ignore you. There are always people in it who are condescending because you’re not the right type of person, you don’t wear the right clothes, you’re not in management, or you don’t golf. Some of these people may even be in positions of leadership. But you must have fellowship, don’t let a few people keep you from experiencing all that God has for you. You can’t go it alone. Don’t let your pride keep you from your needs being healed. And her daughter was healed from that very hour. verse 28.
One of the great difficulties for us when we read this passage of scripture is that it seems so unlike Jesus. We can’t believe he could act in such a way, that he would respond in such a rude manner to this poor needy woman. Sometimes though Jesus would act much like an actor on stage to bring out the best in people. After the resurrection on the road to Emmaus Jesus acted like he was traveling further than the two disciples so that they would invite him to stay with them for the evening. Luke 24: 28-29. Jesus acted to bring out the best in this Canaanite woman so we could learn from her.
Is our need for Jesus greater than our pride? No matter how good the church there are always some in it who will ignore you. There are always people in it who are condescending because you’re not the right type of person, you don’t wear the right clothes, you’re not in management, or you don’t golf. Some of these people may even be in positions of leadership. But you must have fellowship, don’t let a few people keep you from experiencing all that God has for you. You can’t go it alone. Don’t let your pride keep you from your needs being healed. And her daughter was healed from that very hour. verse 28.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Unchanging Gracious Loving God
Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13: 8. Since God is the same today as He has always been, God’s character in the Old Testament should match that of the New Testament. It seems that the difference between the Old and New Testaments is one of perspective. The Old focuses more on Israel and God’s dealing with the nations on Israel’s behalf. God protects Israel, from whom will come salvation for all nations and all men, Jesus Christ. The New Testament focuses on Christ life, death, and resurrection. It tells of the spread of the Gospel, the good news, the church. It is concerned with only one kingdom, the Kingdom of God.In the Old Testament the relationships between God and the individuals who trust in Him are lovely. In the book of Genesis, I like the passages where God takes care of women who are in bad situations by no fault of their own. I love the verbs attributed to God. Sarah’s pregnant maidservant, Hagar, runs away. Sarah has become jealous and abusive because of the pregnancy. God is so gracious. In chapter 16 scripture states that God found Hagar, God heard Hagar, God answered Hagar. The Angel of God appeared to Hagar. God’s grace was so great that it gave Hagar strength to do what God wanted her to do, go back and put up with the abuse. Hagar was so amazed that she calls God the “God who sees me!” God was also gracious to Sarah for He fulfilled His promise to her and she in her old age became pregnant with Isaac.Leah and Rachel were sisters married to the same man because of the deceit of their father. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Scripture states in chapter 29 that God realized Leah was unloved. God opened her womb. God saw her misery. God heard her prayers. God gave her sons. God is so compassionate, He didn’t stop there. In this rivalry both sides felt hurt, both sides felt pain. God was gracious to both. Rachel also had children from her maidservant and then herself. Rachel says of God, “He took my side, He vindicated me, He listened to me, He gave me a son, He remembered me, He rewarded me.” The God of the Old is the God of the New, the same love and the same gracious acts.So Jacob sent word for Rachel and Leah to meet him out in the field where his flocks were. He said, “I notice that your father has changed toward me; he doesn’t treat me the same as before. But the God of my father hasn’t changed; He’s still with me.Genesis 31: 4-5
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Character Trait
There is a character trait that God likes, hard work. Not just hard work but hard work for the stranger, for the alien. Please do not confuse busyness and work. Busyness clutters life and makes it unenjoyable. Work brings joy and a sense of accomplishment(I cant believe I just wrote that) especially when done for God. The young girl Rebekah was asked by Abraham’s servant for a drink of water, a very easy task, but she also watered his 10 camels. They were large pack camels and had just completed a long journey. One camel can drink up to 20 gallons of water!This task must have taken a tremendous amount of labor. All the while the servant sits and watches! Because of her kindness, because of her hospitality, because of the hard work for someone she did not know, she would be chosen to marry Isaac, Abraham’s son.
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:46-48
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:46-48
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Abraham The Father Of The Faithful
Did this man know happiness? Probably now and again as when Ishmael and Isaac were born or as when God stayed his hand in the land of Moriah. But that was not what mattered. His destiny, his cross, if you like, was to show faith, to lift himself time after time from the floor of disappointment and despair and return to the fight of life, to hear the tremendous promises and yet be content with the flimsiest of fulfillments before he died, to follow desperately God’s retreating shadow because he knew there was nothing else worth following, to lay down his pilgrim’s staff while still in the valley of deep darkness, seeing only the faintest rays of the suns rising on the distant hills. What an example is there for us whose faith is fitful and fleeting and cold and selfish, hardly deserving the name.
John C. L. Gibson The Daily Study Bible Series, Genesis. Westminster Press.
And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6
Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for yourself, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. Genesis 15:13-15
So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? John 6: 67-68
John C. L. Gibson The Daily Study Bible Series, Genesis. Westminster Press.
And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6
Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for yourself, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. Genesis 15:13-15
So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? John 6: 67-68
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Get Through It
Noah got through a cataclysmic flood. All who entered the ark came out alive at the other end of that cataclysmic event. They entered the ark and "the Lord shut them in." Noah and family did not get through it unscathed. Think of the years of ridicule he went through while building the ark. Think of all the friends and family that Noah and his family lost due to the flood. Think of the devastation of the land after the waters departed. They had to start all over again.
Today we are going through what seems like cataclysmic times, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, crime, recession, depression etc. etc. etc. Let God help you get through it. Let God help you endure. Let God help you start all over again. Let God share in your burdens. Go to Christ. Start that relationship with him on a daily basis. Pray, read and meditate on the scriptures and he will speak.
"These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood. In other words, life continues, they got through it, and so shall we.
Genesis 7:16
Genesis 10:1
Today we are going through what seems like cataclysmic times, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, crime, recession, depression etc. etc. etc. Let God help you get through it. Let God help you endure. Let God help you start all over again. Let God share in your burdens. Go to Christ. Start that relationship with him on a daily basis. Pray, read and meditate on the scriptures and he will speak.
"These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood. In other words, life continues, they got through it, and so shall we.
Genesis 7:16
Genesis 10:1
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