The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. - Luke 19:10
Almost every week we see news about a search-and-rescue mission. It may involve a child who wandered away from a family picnic and is lost, or a hiker stranded on a mountain, or people trapped in the rubble following an earthquake. In every case, the people at risk are unable to help themselves. Those who are found and saved usually have lasting gratitude for those who joined in the search and rescued them.
The account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 is a story of search and rescue. At first glance it may seem like a series of chance events - Jesus was passing through Jericho and a rich tax collector climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of the miracle-working teacher. But this encounter with Jesus was not a coincidence. At the end of the narrative, Luke deliberately included Jesus' words to Zacchaeus, "Today salvation has come to this house...; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (w. 9-10).
Jesus began His search-and-rescue operation on earth by His life, death, and resurrection. He continues it today through the power of the Holy Spirit, and He graciously invites us to participate with Him by loving those who are lost. - David C. McCasland
People can't believe in Jesus
If the gospel they don't hear,
So we must proclaim its message
To the world - both far and near. - Sper
Those rescued from sin are best able to rescue those in sin.
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Luke 19:1-10
He entered and was passing through Jericho. There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short.
He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house."
He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully. When they saw it, they all murmured, saying, "He has gone in to lodge with a man who is a sinner." Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much."
Jesus said to him, "Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Each and everyone of us is sinner... we all not worth for Him... but, because of He loved us so much, we are able to have joy with Him and will be with Him forever in the future... We all used to be lost, but if we are humble to Him, he will save us...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Macauley
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." - Isaiah 6:8
Macauley Rivera, one of my dearest friends in Bible college, had a passion for the Savior. His heart's desire was to graduate, marry his fiancee Sharon, return to the inner city of Washington, DC, and plant a church to reach his friends and family for Christ.
That dream ended, however, when Mac and Sharon were tragically killed in an accident, leaving the student body stunned at the loss. At Mac's memorial service, the challenge was issued: "Mac is gone. Who will serve in his place?" As evidence of the impact of Mac's example, more than 200 students stood to take up the mantle of Christ's fallen servant.
The response of those students echoes the commitment of Isaiah. In a time of fear and insecurity, the prophet was summoned into the throne room of God, where he heard Him say, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Isaiah responded, "Here am I! Send me" (Isa. 6:8).
God still calls men and women to be His ambassadors today. He challenges us to serve Him - sometimes close to home, sometimes in distant lands. The question for us is, How will we respond to His call? May God give us the courage to say, "Here am I! Send me." - Bill Crowder
Take the task He gives you gladly;
Let His work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when He calleth,
"Here am I, send me, send me." - March
Whom God calls, He qualifies; Whom He qualifies, He sends.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Isaiah 6:1-8
In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew.
One called to another, and said. "Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory!" The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
Then I said, "Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unlean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of Hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. He touched my mouth with it, and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven."
I heard the Lord's voice, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!"
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
I will never think twice once I confirm it is a call from God... I will go and do it... and may God protect me all the way I go... as I need His help for everything...
Macauley Rivera, one of my dearest friends in Bible college, had a passion for the Savior. His heart's desire was to graduate, marry his fiancee Sharon, return to the inner city of Washington, DC, and plant a church to reach his friends and family for Christ.
That dream ended, however, when Mac and Sharon were tragically killed in an accident, leaving the student body stunned at the loss. At Mac's memorial service, the challenge was issued: "Mac is gone. Who will serve in his place?" As evidence of the impact of Mac's example, more than 200 students stood to take up the mantle of Christ's fallen servant.
The response of those students echoes the commitment of Isaiah. In a time of fear and insecurity, the prophet was summoned into the throne room of God, where he heard Him say, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Isaiah responded, "Here am I! Send me" (Isa. 6:8).
God still calls men and women to be His ambassadors today. He challenges us to serve Him - sometimes close to home, sometimes in distant lands. The question for us is, How will we respond to His call? May God give us the courage to say, "Here am I! Send me." - Bill Crowder
Take the task He gives you gladly;
Let His work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when He calleth,
"Here am I, send me, send me." - March
Whom God calls, He qualifies; Whom He qualifies, He sends.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Isaiah 6:1-8
In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew.
One called to another, and said. "Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory!" The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
Then I said, "Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unlean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of Hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. He touched my mouth with it, and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven."
I heard the Lord's voice, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!"
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
I will never think twice once I confirm it is a call from God... I will go and do it... and may God protect me all the way I go... as I need His help for everything...
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Are You Ready?
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work." - Acts 13:2
Three months before a planned mission trip, a friend and I were talking about the upcoming event. He said to me, "If anyone can't go, I'd me willing to step in and join you." This was not going to be an easy 8 days, for we would be painting, repairing, and fixing stuff in the July heat of Jamaica.Yet my friend seemed eager to go.
About 6 weeks before we were scheduled to leave, there was an opening. I e-mailed my friend - whom I hadn't seen in the interim - and asked if he was still interested. He immediately responded, "Sure! And I got a passport just in case you asked." He had made sure he was ready - just in case he got the call to go.
My friend's preparation reminds me of what happened back in the first century at Antioch. Paul and Barnabas were among a number of people getting themselves ready spiritually for whatever God might ask them to do, or wherever He might send them. They didn't prepare by getting a passport, but they "ministered to the Lord and fasted" (Acts 13:2). And when the Holy Spirit said, "Separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work" (v.2), they were all set for the journey.
Are you preparing for what God might want you to do? When the Spirit says, "Go," will you be ready? - Dave Branon
Available for God to use me,
Available, if God should choose me;
Should it be here or there, it doesn't matter where;
My waiting heart prepare. - Anthony
Keep your tools ready - God will find work for you.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 13:1-5
Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them." Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They had also John as their attendant.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Father, I wish to be use by You... Please give me power of learning... I still have a long way to go for and learn... and may all I do will please You... You are my Lord, please show me the way... what shall I do... none of my mind can stop You... I will only go for you...
Three months before a planned mission trip, a friend and I were talking about the upcoming event. He said to me, "If anyone can't go, I'd me willing to step in and join you." This was not going to be an easy 8 days, for we would be painting, repairing, and fixing stuff in the July heat of Jamaica.Yet my friend seemed eager to go.
About 6 weeks before we were scheduled to leave, there was an opening. I e-mailed my friend - whom I hadn't seen in the interim - and asked if he was still interested. He immediately responded, "Sure! And I got a passport just in case you asked." He had made sure he was ready - just in case he got the call to go.
My friend's preparation reminds me of what happened back in the first century at Antioch. Paul and Barnabas were among a number of people getting themselves ready spiritually for whatever God might ask them to do, or wherever He might send them. They didn't prepare by getting a passport, but they "ministered to the Lord and fasted" (Acts 13:2). And when the Holy Spirit said, "Separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work" (v.2), they were all set for the journey.
Are you preparing for what God might want you to do? When the Spirit says, "Go," will you be ready? - Dave Branon
Available for God to use me,
Available, if God should choose me;
Should it be here or there, it doesn't matter where;
My waiting heart prepare. - Anthony
Keep your tools ready - God will find work for you.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 13:1-5
Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them." Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They had also John as their attendant.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Father, I wish to be use by You... Please give me power of learning... I still have a long way to go for and learn... and may all I do will please You... You are my Lord, please show me the way... what shall I do... none of my mind can stop You... I will only go for you...
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Advice For The Groom
My son, hear the instruction of your father. - Proverbs 1:8
The custom of a bachelor party before a weddding is often charaterized by drunkenness and carousing. The party-hearty attitude seems driven by the belief that the groom will soon be married and have to settle down to a life of domestic boredom.
Not long ago, one of my nephews got married. The best man planned a get-together for Joel, but with a refreshing difference. Those invited were asked to bring some thoughts to share that would help him in this new chapter of life.
When I arrived at the informal breakfast, I found a cheerful spirit of camaraderie. Fathers, uncles, brothers, and friends were animated in lively discussion. The father of the bride and the father of the groom were asked to share their advice on what they had learned in their own Christian marriage. Their thoughts were personal, realistic, and biblical.
The book of Proverbs mirrors this kind of mentoring in facing life's challenges and rewards. "My son, hear the instruction of your father... for [it] will be a graceful ornament on your head" (Prov. 1:8-9).
How God-honoring it would be if more couples began their marriage with an attitude that heeded the wisdom of those who walked the path before them. - Dennis Fisher
Lord, give us ears to hear advice
From loved ones wise and humble,
So when life's challenges appear
We will not have to stumble. - Sper
He is truly wise who gains his wisdom from the experience of others.
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Proverbs 1:1-9
The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding; To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness, justice, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, Knowledge and discretion to the young man:
That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; That the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel: To understand a proverb, and parables, The words and riddles of the wise.
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolosh despise wisdom and instruction. My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching: For they will be a garland to grace your head, And chains around your neck.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The custom of a bachelor party before a weddding is often charaterized by drunkenness and carousing. The party-hearty attitude seems driven by the belief that the groom will soon be married and have to settle down to a life of domestic boredom.
Not long ago, one of my nephews got married. The best man planned a get-together for Joel, but with a refreshing difference. Those invited were asked to bring some thoughts to share that would help him in this new chapter of life.
When I arrived at the informal breakfast, I found a cheerful spirit of camaraderie. Fathers, uncles, brothers, and friends were animated in lively discussion. The father of the bride and the father of the groom were asked to share their advice on what they had learned in their own Christian marriage. Their thoughts were personal, realistic, and biblical.
The book of Proverbs mirrors this kind of mentoring in facing life's challenges and rewards. "My son, hear the instruction of your father... for [it] will be a graceful ornament on your head" (Prov. 1:8-9).
How God-honoring it would be if more couples began their marriage with an attitude that heeded the wisdom of those who walked the path before them. - Dennis Fisher
Lord, give us ears to hear advice
From loved ones wise and humble,
So when life's challenges appear
We will not have to stumble. - Sper
He is truly wise who gains his wisdom from the experience of others.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Proverbs 1:1-9
The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding; To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness, justice, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, Knowledge and discretion to the young man:
That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; That the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel: To understand a proverb, and parables, The words and riddles of the wise.
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolosh despise wisdom and instruction. My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching: For they will be a garland to grace your head, And chains around your neck.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Song Of The Saints
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For you alone are holy... Your judgements have been manifested. - Revelation 15:4
We've all heard the expression, "I don't get mad; I just get even." Reading about the judgements described in Revelation, one might assume that God will get "even" with sinners for their phenomenal offenses throughout the history of mankind.
The truth is that God's final judgement is a necessary expression of His holy jusitve. He can't turn a blind eye to sin. In fact, if He doesn't finally carry out justice as described in Revelation, it would be a denial of His holy character. That's why in the midst of His judgement, the saints will sing His praise: "Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy... Your judgements have been manifested" (15:4). Those who know God best do not judge Him for His judgements; rather, they worship and affirm His actions.
What should surprise us is not the massive scale of God's judgements, but that He's waiting so long! Desiring that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), God is now mercifully restraining His judgement and giving maximum space to His marvelous mercy and grace. Now is the time to repent and take advantage of His patient love. And when we do, we'll join the saints in praising Him for all eternity! - Joe Stowell
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure -
The saints' and angels' song. - Lehman
When God's justice is finally and fully revealed, His praises will resound.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 15
I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished. I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcome the beast, his image and the number of is name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, an the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations. Who wouldn't fear you, Lord, And glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed."
After these things I looked, nad the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes aroung their breasts.
One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven gold bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter int the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
We've all heard the expression, "I don't get mad; I just get even." Reading about the judgements described in Revelation, one might assume that God will get "even" with sinners for their phenomenal offenses throughout the history of mankind.
The truth is that God's final judgement is a necessary expression of His holy jusitve. He can't turn a blind eye to sin. In fact, if He doesn't finally carry out justice as described in Revelation, it would be a denial of His holy character. That's why in the midst of His judgement, the saints will sing His praise: "Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy... Your judgements have been manifested" (15:4). Those who know God best do not judge Him for His judgements; rather, they worship and affirm His actions.
What should surprise us is not the massive scale of God's judgements, but that He's waiting so long! Desiring that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), God is now mercifully restraining His judgement and giving maximum space to His marvelous mercy and grace. Now is the time to repent and take advantage of His patient love. And when we do, we'll join the saints in praising Him for all eternity! - Joe Stowell
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure -
The saints' and angels' song. - Lehman
When God's justice is finally and fully revealed, His praises will resound.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 15
I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished. I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcome the beast, his image and the number of is name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, an the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations. Who wouldn't fear you, Lord, And glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed."
After these things I looked, nad the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes aroung their breasts.
One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven gold bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter int the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Chimp Eden
If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us. - Numbers 14:8
Eugene Cussons rescues chimpanzees. Orphaned by those in the business of bush-meat trade and taken from the jungle as infants, many have lived their entire lives confined in a space smaller than a prison cell. When Cussons arrives to take them to the game, reserve he calls "Chimp Eden," he often finds them hostile and trusting.
"These chimps don't realize that I am one of the good guys," Cussons says. When he tries to put them into a smaller crate for the trip to their new home, they put up quiet a fight. "They don't know that I'm going to take them back to Chimp Eden and give them a life so much better."
On a much grander sale, God's offer to liberate us from the slavery of sin is often met with resistance. When He rescued the children of Israel from Egypt, God took them through difficult places that caused them to doubt His good intentions. "Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" they cried (Num. 14:3).
On our journey of faith, there are times when the "freedom" of sin that we left behind is more appealing than the retrictions of faith that lie ahead. We must trust the protective boundaries found in God's Word as the only way to get to the place of ultimate freedom. - Julie Ackerman Link
Sin's lure may look like freedom
But in its grip we're bound;
It's when we're bound to Jesus
Real freedom will be found. - D. De Haan
Obedience to God is the key to freedom.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Numbers 14:1-10
All the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. All the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said to them, Would that he had died in the land of Egypt! or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why does Yahweh bring us to this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be a prey: wouldn't it be better for us to return into Egypt? They said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes: and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceeding good land. If Yahweh delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it to us; a land which flows with milk and honey.
Only don't rebel against Yahweh, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and Yahweh is with us: don't fear them. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. The glory of Yahweh appeared in the tent of meeting to all the children of Israel.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Eugene Cussons rescues chimpanzees. Orphaned by those in the business of bush-meat trade and taken from the jungle as infants, many have lived their entire lives confined in a space smaller than a prison cell. When Cussons arrives to take them to the game, reserve he calls "Chimp Eden," he often finds them hostile and trusting.
"These chimps don't realize that I am one of the good guys," Cussons says. When he tries to put them into a smaller crate for the trip to their new home, they put up quiet a fight. "They don't know that I'm going to take them back to Chimp Eden and give them a life so much better."
On a much grander sale, God's offer to liberate us from the slavery of sin is often met with resistance. When He rescued the children of Israel from Egypt, God took them through difficult places that caused them to doubt His good intentions. "Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" they cried (Num. 14:3).
On our journey of faith, there are times when the "freedom" of sin that we left behind is more appealing than the retrictions of faith that lie ahead. We must trust the protective boundaries found in God's Word as the only way to get to the place of ultimate freedom. - Julie Ackerman Link
Sin's lure may look like freedom
But in its grip we're bound;
It's when we're bound to Jesus
Real freedom will be found. - D. De Haan
Obedience to God is the key to freedom.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Numbers 14:1-10
All the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. All the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said to them, Would that he had died in the land of Egypt! or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why does Yahweh bring us to this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be a prey: wouldn't it be better for us to return into Egypt? They said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes: and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceeding good land. If Yahweh delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it to us; a land which flows with milk and honey.
Only don't rebel against Yahweh, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and Yahweh is with us: don't fear them. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. The glory of Yahweh appeared in the tent of meeting to all the children of Israel.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Postponement Problems
We have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. - Romans 12:4
Many of us strunggle with them - postponement problems. A professor at the University of Calgary in Alberta studied the problem of procrastination for 5 years and reported that 95 percent of us put off soing one thing or another. One estimate showed that Americans lose approximately $400 million a year by putting off filling taxes! Because of fear or failure or other insecurities, we wait and wait before starting a project or making a decision.
Procrastination is a problem in the church too. Many of us postpone serving God. We know we should reach out to others, but we feel insecure or worried about what to do. Because we're unsure of our gifts or interests, we put off our involvement in the church. We worry, What if I do a poor job? What if I find out I can't even do it?
Romans 12 gives us some encouragement. Serving starts with presenting ourselves to God as "a living sacrifice" (v.1). Pray and give yourself anew to the Lord and His work. Then look aroung at what others are doing in your church and ask if you can join in. Start small if you need to, and try a number of things. Your church needs you. Ask God to help you overcome your postponement problems. - Anne Cetas
Don't put off for tomorrow
What you can do today;
Postponement may bring sorrow,
Prompt action is the way. - Hess
For a healthier church, exercise your spiritual gifts.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Romans 12:4-13
For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or sevice, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be withot hypocrosy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in deligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Many of us strunggle with them - postponement problems. A professor at the University of Calgary in Alberta studied the problem of procrastination for 5 years and reported that 95 percent of us put off soing one thing or another. One estimate showed that Americans lose approximately $400 million a year by putting off filling taxes! Because of fear or failure or other insecurities, we wait and wait before starting a project or making a decision.
Procrastination is a problem in the church too. Many of us postpone serving God. We know we should reach out to others, but we feel insecure or worried about what to do. Because we're unsure of our gifts or interests, we put off our involvement in the church. We worry, What if I do a poor job? What if I find out I can't even do it?
Romans 12 gives us some encouragement. Serving starts with presenting ourselves to God as "a living sacrifice" (v.1). Pray and give yourself anew to the Lord and His work. Then look aroung at what others are doing in your church and ask if you can join in. Start small if you need to, and try a number of things. Your church needs you. Ask God to help you overcome your postponement problems. - Anne Cetas
Don't put off for tomorrow
What you can do today;
Postponement may bring sorrow,
Prompt action is the way. - Hess
For a healthier church, exercise your spiritual gifts.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Romans 12:4-13
For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or sevice, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be withot hypocrosy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in deligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A Powerful Message
The gospel of Christ... is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. - Romans 1:16
Bible teacher Lehman Strauss was brought to Christ through the power of the Word when he was young. At his girlfriend's suggestion, he read Romans 3:23, 5:8, and 10:13. As he did, he was convicted of his sin. He wept and believed.
When his son Richard was 7 years old, he asked his father how to be saved. Lehman used to same verses that his girlfriend (who was now his wife) had used years earlier. His son believed too, and eventually became a pastor.
God's Word has tremendous power! The first recorded time God spoke, He created light (Gen. 1:3). He spoke a promise to Abraham (17:15-19) and enabled his 90-year-old wife Sarah to bear a child (21:1-2). God still speaks with power today, and all who hear and believe the gospel are saved (Rom. 1:16).
Yes, the message of Christ and His saving work on the cross can change the direction of a person's life. It has the power to reach the heart of that person you love and have prayed for many times. So don't give up in your witness. Be consistent in your daily walk. Keep praying and sharing the gospel with others. It's a powerful message! - David C. Egner
Sweetly echo the gospel call -
Wonderful words of life
Offer pardon and peace to all -
Wonderful words of life. - Bliss
Our words have power to influence; God's words have power to save.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolishness the wisdom of this world? For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.
For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Bible teacher Lehman Strauss was brought to Christ through the power of the Word when he was young. At his girlfriend's suggestion, he read Romans 3:23, 5:8, and 10:13. As he did, he was convicted of his sin. He wept and believed.
When his son Richard was 7 years old, he asked his father how to be saved. Lehman used to same verses that his girlfriend (who was now his wife) had used years earlier. His son believed too, and eventually became a pastor.
God's Word has tremendous power! The first recorded time God spoke, He created light (Gen. 1:3). He spoke a promise to Abraham (17:15-19) and enabled his 90-year-old wife Sarah to bear a child (21:1-2). God still speaks with power today, and all who hear and believe the gospel are saved (Rom. 1:16).
Yes, the message of Christ and His saving work on the cross can change the direction of a person's life. It has the power to reach the heart of that person you love and have prayed for many times. So don't give up in your witness. Be consistent in your daily walk. Keep praying and sharing the gospel with others. It's a powerful message! - David C. Egner
Sweetly echo the gospel call -
Wonderful words of life
Offer pardon and peace to all -
Wonderful words of life. - Bliss
Our words have power to influence; God's words have power to save.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolishness the wisdom of this world? For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.
For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Open Invitation
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
Versailles was made the capital of France by King Louis XIV in 1682 and remained the capital (except for a short time) until 1789 when it was moved back to Paris. The beautiful palace of Versailles included an opulent 241-foot-long Hall of Mirrors. When a visitor approached the king, he had to curtsy every five steps as he walked the entire distance to meet the king sitting on his dazzling silver throne!
Foreign emissaries to France submitted to that humiliating ritual to court the French monarch's favor toward their country. By contrast, our God, the King od kings, invites His people to come to His throne freely. We can come to Him anytime - no advance appointments and no bowing required!
How grateful we should be that our heavenly Father is so much more inviting! "Through [Christ] we... have access by one Spirit to the Father" (Eph. 2:18). Because of this, the writer of Hebrews urges us to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
Have you responded to God's open invitation? Come in awe and gratitude, for the God of this universe is willing to hear your petitions anytime. - C. P. Hia
You need to talk with God today,
Your heart's bowed down with care;
Just speak the words you have to say -
He'll always hear your prayer. - Hess
Access to God's throne is always open.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ephesians 2:14-22
For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Versailles was made the capital of France by King Louis XIV in 1682 and remained the capital (except for a short time) until 1789 when it was moved back to Paris. The beautiful palace of Versailles included an opulent 241-foot-long Hall of Mirrors. When a visitor approached the king, he had to curtsy every five steps as he walked the entire distance to meet the king sitting on his dazzling silver throne!
Foreign emissaries to France submitted to that humiliating ritual to court the French monarch's favor toward their country. By contrast, our God, the King od kings, invites His people to come to His throne freely. We can come to Him anytime - no advance appointments and no bowing required!
How grateful we should be that our heavenly Father is so much more inviting! "Through [Christ] we... have access by one Spirit to the Father" (Eph. 2:18). Because of this, the writer of Hebrews urges us to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
Have you responded to God's open invitation? Come in awe and gratitude, for the God of this universe is willing to hear your petitions anytime. - C. P. Hia
You need to talk with God today,
Your heart's bowed down with care;
Just speak the words you have to say -
He'll always hear your prayer. - Hess
Access to God's throne is always open.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ephesians 2:14-22
For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Our Legacy
Children are a heritage from the Lord. - Psalm 127:3
A friend of mine wrote recently, "If we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family left behind would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Why then do we invest so much in our work and so little in our children's lives?"
Why do we sometimes exhaust ourselves rising up early and going late to rest, "eating the bread of anxious toil" (Ps. 127:1-2 esv), busying ourselves to make our mark on this world, and overlooking the one investment that matters beyond everything else - our children?
Solomon declared, "Children are a heritage from the Lord" - an invaluable legacy He has bequeathed us. "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth" (v.4) is his striking simile. Nothing is more worthy of our energy and time.
There is no need for "anxious toil," working night and day, the wise man Solomon proclaimed, for the Lord dies take care of us (Ps. 127:2). We can make time for our children and trust that the Lord will provide for all of our physical needs. Children, whether our own or those we disciple, are our lasting legacy - an investment we'll never regret. - David H. Roper
Our children are a heritage,
A blessing from the Lord;
They bring a richness to our lives -
In each, a treasure stored. - Fasick
Time spent with your children is time wisely invested.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalms 127
It is vain for you to rise up early, To stay up late, Eating the bread of toil; For he gives sleep to his loved ones. Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't br disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A friend of mine wrote recently, "If we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family left behind would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Why then do we invest so much in our work and so little in our children's lives?"
Why do we sometimes exhaust ourselves rising up early and going late to rest, "eating the bread of anxious toil" (Ps. 127:1-2 esv), busying ourselves to make our mark on this world, and overlooking the one investment that matters beyond everything else - our children?
Solomon declared, "Children are a heritage from the Lord" - an invaluable legacy He has bequeathed us. "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth" (v.4) is his striking simile. Nothing is more worthy of our energy and time.
There is no need for "anxious toil," working night and day, the wise man Solomon proclaimed, for the Lord dies take care of us (Ps. 127:2). We can make time for our children and trust that the Lord will provide for all of our physical needs. Children, whether our own or those we disciple, are our lasting legacy - an investment we'll never regret. - David H. Roper
Our children are a heritage,
A blessing from the Lord;
They bring a richness to our lives -
In each, a treasure stored. - Fasick
Time spent with your children is time wisely invested.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalms 127
It is vain for you to rise up early, To stay up late, Eating the bread of toil; For he gives sleep to his loved ones. Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't br disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Saturday, June 20, 2009
A Happy Reunion
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. - Revelation 21:3
In 2002, Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her home in Utah. She lived a vagabond life in the constant presence of the couple accused of abducting her. Howeverm 9 months after she was abducted she was found and returned home. It was the happy reunion her family had been longing for.
In the book of Revelation, John describes a vision of a new heaven and a new earth and our future reunion with the Lord (21:1-5). The context is not just geographic, but a context of life for God's people - a glorious reality of God and His people dwelling together for eternity.
John describes the benefits that come to God's people when He takes up His abode in their midst. Abolished forever are the debilitating consequences of sin. In John's vision, sorrow, death, pain, and separation are all part of the first thing that are now gone. The old order gives way to the new and perfect order - a reunion of eternal blessedness. "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with mem, and He will dwell with the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new'?" (Rev. 21:3,5).
One day, we'll rejoice over a happy reunion in heaven with our heavenly Father. We cannot imagine what a day of rejoicing that will be! - Marvin Williams
Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion
With our dear loved ones who've gone before;
In that fair homeland we'll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset forevermore. - Brock
Separation is the law of earth - reunion is the law of heaven.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 21:1-5
I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made really like a bride adorned for her husband.
I heard a loud voice out of heaven singing, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away from the them every tear form their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, no pain, any more. The first things have passed away."
He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." He said, "Write, for these words of God are faithful and true."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
In 2002, Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her home in Utah. She lived a vagabond life in the constant presence of the couple accused of abducting her. Howeverm 9 months after she was abducted she was found and returned home. It was the happy reunion her family had been longing for.
In the book of Revelation, John describes a vision of a new heaven and a new earth and our future reunion with the Lord (21:1-5). The context is not just geographic, but a context of life for God's people - a glorious reality of God and His people dwelling together for eternity.
John describes the benefits that come to God's people when He takes up His abode in their midst. Abolished forever are the debilitating consequences of sin. In John's vision, sorrow, death, pain, and separation are all part of the first thing that are now gone. The old order gives way to the new and perfect order - a reunion of eternal blessedness. "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with mem, and He will dwell with the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new'?" (Rev. 21:3,5).
One day, we'll rejoice over a happy reunion in heaven with our heavenly Father. We cannot imagine what a day of rejoicing that will be! - Marvin Williams
Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion
With our dear loved ones who've gone before;
In that fair homeland we'll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset forevermore. - Brock
Separation is the law of earth - reunion is the law of heaven.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 21:1-5
I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made really like a bride adorned for her husband.
I heard a loud voice out of heaven singing, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away from the them every tear form their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, no pain, any more. The first things have passed away."
He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." He said, "Write, for these words of God are faithful and true."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Tempted Brothers
How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? - Genesis 39:9
Two brothers - both far from home - faced similar temptations. One, working away from the family, fell to the schemes of a younger woman. His sin led to embarrassment and family turmoil. The other, separated from loved ones because of family turmoil, resisted the advances of an older woman. His faithfulness led to rescue and renewal for the family.
Who are these bothers? Judah, who fell to the desperate scheme of his neglected daughter-in-law Tamar (Gen. 38). And Joseph, who ran from the arms of Potiphar's wife (Gen. 39). One chapter, an ugly story of irresponsibility and deception; the other, a beautiful chapter of faithfulness.
The stories of Judah and Joseph, presented back-to-back in the midst of "the history of Jacob" (37:2), show us that temptation itself is not the problem. Everybody faces tempatation, even Jesus did (Matt. 4:1-11). But how do we face temptation? Do we demostrate that faith in God can shield us from giving in to sin?
Joseph gave us one way of escape: Recognize sin as an affront to God and run from it. Jesus gave another: Answer temptation with truth from God's Word.
Facing temptation? See it as an opportunity to make God and His Word real in your life. Then run! - Dave Branon
We fall into temptation when we don't stand agaisnt it.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Genesis 39:1-12
Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
His master saw that Yahweh was with him, and that Yahweh made all that he did prosper in his hand. Joseph found favor in is sight. He ministered to him, and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
It happened from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of Yahweh was on all that he had, in the house and in the field. He left all that he had in Joseph's hand. He didn't concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate.
Joseph was well-built and handsome. It happened after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph; and she said, "Lie with me." But he refused, and said to his master's wife, "Behold, my master doesn't know that what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. He isn't greater in this house than I, neither has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"
It happened that as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he didn't listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. It happened about this time, that he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me!" He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Two brothers - both far from home - faced similar temptations. One, working away from the family, fell to the schemes of a younger woman. His sin led to embarrassment and family turmoil. The other, separated from loved ones because of family turmoil, resisted the advances of an older woman. His faithfulness led to rescue and renewal for the family.
Who are these bothers? Judah, who fell to the desperate scheme of his neglected daughter-in-law Tamar (Gen. 38). And Joseph, who ran from the arms of Potiphar's wife (Gen. 39). One chapter, an ugly story of irresponsibility and deception; the other, a beautiful chapter of faithfulness.
The stories of Judah and Joseph, presented back-to-back in the midst of "the history of Jacob" (37:2), show us that temptation itself is not the problem. Everybody faces tempatation, even Jesus did (Matt. 4:1-11). But how do we face temptation? Do we demostrate that faith in God can shield us from giving in to sin?
Joseph gave us one way of escape: Recognize sin as an affront to God and run from it. Jesus gave another: Answer temptation with truth from God's Word.
Facing temptation? See it as an opportunity to make God and His Word real in your life. Then run! - Dave Branon
We fall into temptation when we don't stand agaisnt it.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Genesis 39:1-12
Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
His master saw that Yahweh was with him, and that Yahweh made all that he did prosper in his hand. Joseph found favor in is sight. He ministered to him, and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
It happened from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of Yahweh was on all that he had, in the house and in the field. He left all that he had in Joseph's hand. He didn't concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate.
Joseph was well-built and handsome. It happened after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph; and she said, "Lie with me." But he refused, and said to his master's wife, "Behold, my master doesn't know that what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. He isn't greater in this house than I, neither has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"
It happened that as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he didn't listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. It happened about this time, that he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me!" He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Passionate Boldness
When they saw the boldness of Peter and John,... they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. - Acts 4:13
A young man was preaching to the passersby in Hounslow, on the outskirts of London, England. Most ignored him, a few ridiculed, and several stopped to listen. But regardless of the reaction of the people, he was undeterred. With a strong voice and clear resolve, he poured out his heart - not with the words of an angry prophet, but with deep concern for the men and women on that street. His eyes, facial expressions, and tone of voice revealed an attitude of compassion, not condemantion. In it all, he boldly shared the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
In Acts 4, when the church was still new, Peter and John also boldly addressed the people of their generation. The response of the leaders of their day? "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus" (v.13). That boldness was not the fruit of ministrial training but of much time spent in the presence of the Master. As a result, they had become passionate about what concerned Christ - the eternal destiny of men and women.
That same passionate boldness was on the face of the young man in Hounslow. Do people see it in us? - Bill Crowder
Will you he bold in your witness
By giving lost sinners God's Word?
Jesus will honor your service,
And sinners will surely be stirred. - Bosch
A Christian is an ambassador who speaks for the King of kings.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 4:5-13
It happened in the morning, that their rulers, elders, and scribed were gathered together in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we are examined today concerning a god deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole.
He is 'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which had become the head of the corner.' There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A young man was preaching to the passersby in Hounslow, on the outskirts of London, England. Most ignored him, a few ridiculed, and several stopped to listen. But regardless of the reaction of the people, he was undeterred. With a strong voice and clear resolve, he poured out his heart - not with the words of an angry prophet, but with deep concern for the men and women on that street. His eyes, facial expressions, and tone of voice revealed an attitude of compassion, not condemantion. In it all, he boldly shared the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
In Acts 4, when the church was still new, Peter and John also boldly addressed the people of their generation. The response of the leaders of their day? "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus" (v.13). That boldness was not the fruit of ministrial training but of much time spent in the presence of the Master. As a result, they had become passionate about what concerned Christ - the eternal destiny of men and women.
That same passionate boldness was on the face of the young man in Hounslow. Do people see it in us? - Bill Crowder
Will you he bold in your witness
By giving lost sinners God's Word?
Jesus will honor your service,
And sinners will surely be stirred. - Bosch
A Christian is an ambassador who speaks for the King of kings.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 4:5-13
It happened in the morning, that their rulers, elders, and scribed were gathered together in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we are examined today concerning a god deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole.
He is 'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which had become the head of the corner.' There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Common Cents
[Jesus said,] This poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury." - Mark 12:43
In 1987, Mike Hayes, a freshman at the University of Illinois, found a unique way to finance his education. He convinced a popular columist at the Chicago Tribune to ask his readers to "send in a penny for Mike."
"Just one penny," Hayes said. "A penny doesn't mean anything to anyone. If everyone... looks around the room right now, there will be a penny under the couch cushion... or on the floor. That's all I'm asking. A penny from each of your readers."
In less than a month the fund was up to 2.3 million cents. Donations came in from all over the US, as well as Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas. Mike eventually ended up with $28,000!
The common cent just isn't worth much - unless it's added to a whole bunch of other pennies. The woman we read about Mark 12 gave the equivalent of a fraction of a penny, which was "all that she had" (v. 44). But Jesus honored that little bit.
The widow's sacrifice was an example and an encouragement to the disciples - and to us. She gave all she had. Have we ever been so generous? Jesus used an unnamed widow to teach us what giving is all about.
It was less than a cent, yet it was a priceless gift of love to God. - Cindy Hess Kasper
One grace each child of God can show
Is giving from a willing heart;
Yet, if we wait till riches grow,
It well may be we'll never start. - D. De Haan
God looks at the heart, not the hand; the giver, not the gift.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin.
He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
In 1987, Mike Hayes, a freshman at the University of Illinois, found a unique way to finance his education. He convinced a popular columist at the Chicago Tribune to ask his readers to "send in a penny for Mike."
"Just one penny," Hayes said. "A penny doesn't mean anything to anyone. If everyone... looks around the room right now, there will be a penny under the couch cushion... or on the floor. That's all I'm asking. A penny from each of your readers."
In less than a month the fund was up to 2.3 million cents. Donations came in from all over the US, as well as Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas. Mike eventually ended up with $28,000!
The common cent just isn't worth much - unless it's added to a whole bunch of other pennies. The woman we read about Mark 12 gave the equivalent of a fraction of a penny, which was "all that she had" (v. 44). But Jesus honored that little bit.
The widow's sacrifice was an example and an encouragement to the disciples - and to us. She gave all she had. Have we ever been so generous? Jesus used an unnamed widow to teach us what giving is all about.
It was less than a cent, yet it was a priceless gift of love to God. - Cindy Hess Kasper
One grace each child of God can show
Is giving from a willing heart;
Yet, if we wait till riches grow,
It well may be we'll never start. - D. De Haan
God looks at the heart, not the hand; the giver, not the gift.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin.
He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
My Two Cents
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Proverbs 3:27
Recently, our family had to change internet cable services. Our former provider promised to send us a postage-paid box to mail their enquipment back to them. We waited. No box came. I phoned. The promised box still did not arrive, but we did get a bill for the equipment!
Wanting to get this resolved, I decided to return it at my own expense. I sent several faxes asking if they received it - but no reply. Then I got a refund check of $.02 for the returned equipment! An experience like that can be frustrating. A simple transaction was complicated by poor communication.
Sadly, some people in our churches may encounter an impersonal response to their needs. Whether seeking marital counseling, childcare, guidance for a troubled teen, or a loving community, they come away feeling uncared for.
The first-century church was not perfect, but it faithfully helped others. The church at Jerusalem "divided [their goods] among all, as anyone had need" (Acts 2:45).
Good communication is the starting point of learning other's needs. This enables us to provide personal and practical help to people when they need it. Resources, both material and spiritual, can then be directed to each person as the object of God's personal love. - Dennis Fisher
All who serve within the church
Should show by word and deed
A sensitivity to those
Who have a special need. - D. De Haan
God cares for you - care for others.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 2:40-47
With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together, and had all things in common.
They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. Day by Day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Recently, our family had to change internet cable services. Our former provider promised to send us a postage-paid box to mail their enquipment back to them. We waited. No box came. I phoned. The promised box still did not arrive, but we did get a bill for the equipment!
Wanting to get this resolved, I decided to return it at my own expense. I sent several faxes asking if they received it - but no reply. Then I got a refund check of $.02 for the returned equipment! An experience like that can be frustrating. A simple transaction was complicated by poor communication.
Sadly, some people in our churches may encounter an impersonal response to their needs. Whether seeking marital counseling, childcare, guidance for a troubled teen, or a loving community, they come away feeling uncared for.
The first-century church was not perfect, but it faithfully helped others. The church at Jerusalem "divided [their goods] among all, as anyone had need" (Acts 2:45).
Good communication is the starting point of learning other's needs. This enables us to provide personal and practical help to people when they need it. Resources, both material and spiritual, can then be directed to each person as the object of God's personal love. - Dennis Fisher
All who serve within the church
Should show by word and deed
A sensitivity to those
Who have a special need. - D. De Haan
God cares for you - care for others.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 2:40-47
With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together, and had all things in common.
They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. Day by Day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Ongoing Encouragement
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. - Colossians 3:21
Father's day is celebrated in many countries worldwide. Although the origins, activities, and actual day of observance differ widely, they all share the common thread of honoring fathers for their role as parents.
This year for Father's Day, I've decided to do something different. Instead of waiting to receive a card or phone call from my children, I'm sending words of appreciation to them and to my wife. After all, without them, I wouldn't be a dad.
Paul instructed fathers to be a positive part of their children's development rather than a source of anger and discouragement. He wrote, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged" (Col. 3:21). Both of these verses are embedded in passages about loving an honoring each other in family relationships.
The role of a father changes as children grow, but it doesn't end. Praise and encouragement are welcomed whether a child is 4 or 40. Prayer is always powerful. And it's never too soon to mend a broken relationship with a son or daughter.
Fathers, now is a good time to tell your children how much you love and appreciate them. - David C. McCasland
Our children need encouragement,
Expressions of our love and care;
Appreciation, when expressed,
Accentuates the bond we share. - Sper
The greatest gift a father can give to his children is himself.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Colossians 3:14-25
Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love our wives, and don't be bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Father's day is celebrated in many countries worldwide. Although the origins, activities, and actual day of observance differ widely, they all share the common thread of honoring fathers for their role as parents.
This year for Father's Day, I've decided to do something different. Instead of waiting to receive a card or phone call from my children, I'm sending words of appreciation to them and to my wife. After all, without them, I wouldn't be a dad.
Paul instructed fathers to be a positive part of their children's development rather than a source of anger and discouragement. He wrote, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged" (Col. 3:21). Both of these verses are embedded in passages about loving an honoring each other in family relationships.
The role of a father changes as children grow, but it doesn't end. Praise and encouragement are welcomed whether a child is 4 or 40. Prayer is always powerful. And it's never too soon to mend a broken relationship with a son or daughter.
Fathers, now is a good time to tell your children how much you love and appreciate them. - David C. McCasland
Our children need encouragement,
Expressions of our love and care;
Appreciation, when expressed,
Accentuates the bond we share. - Sper
The greatest gift a father can give to his children is himself.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Colossians 3:14-25
Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love our wives, and don't be bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Meditate On These Things
I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. - Psalm 145:5
Some Christians get a little skeptical when you start talking about meditation - not seeing the huge distinction between biblical meditation and some types of mystical meditation. In mystical meditation, according to one explanation, "the rational mind is shifted into neutral... so that the psyche can take over." The focus is inward, and the aim is to "become one with God."
In contrast, biblical meditation focuses on the things of the Lord, and its purpose is to renew our minds (Rom. 12:2) so that we think and act more like Christ. Its objective is to reflect on what God has said and done (Ps. 77:12; 119 15-16,97) and on what He is like (48:9-14).
In Psalm 19:14, David wrote, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord." Other psalms reflect on God's love (48:9), His deeds (77:12), His law (119:97), and His testimonies (119:99).
Fill your mind with Scripture and focus on the Lord's commands and promises and goodness. And remember this: Whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, "if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things" (Phil. 4:8). - Cindy Hess Kasper
Of all God's creatures, only man
Can worship, meditate, and plan;
The gift of thought sets him apart
To love the Lord with all his heart. - D. De Haan
To become more like Christ, meditate on who He is.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 119:89-105
Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever. Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains. Your laws remain to this day, For all things serve you. Unless your law had been my delight, I would habe perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts, For with them, you have revived me. I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.
I have seen a limit to all perfection, But your commands are boundless. How love I your law! It is my meditation all day. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For your commandments are always with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, For your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil way, That I might observe your word.
I have no turned aside from your ordinances, For you have taught me. How sweet are your promises to my taste, More than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts, I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light for my path.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Some Christians get a little skeptical when you start talking about meditation - not seeing the huge distinction between biblical meditation and some types of mystical meditation. In mystical meditation, according to one explanation, "the rational mind is shifted into neutral... so that the psyche can take over." The focus is inward, and the aim is to "become one with God."
In contrast, biblical meditation focuses on the things of the Lord, and its purpose is to renew our minds (Rom. 12:2) so that we think and act more like Christ. Its objective is to reflect on what God has said and done (Ps. 77:12; 119 15-16,97) and on what He is like (48:9-14).
In Psalm 19:14, David wrote, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord." Other psalms reflect on God's love (48:9), His deeds (77:12), His law (119:97), and His testimonies (119:99).
Fill your mind with Scripture and focus on the Lord's commands and promises and goodness. And remember this: Whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, "if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things" (Phil. 4:8). - Cindy Hess Kasper
Of all God's creatures, only man
Can worship, meditate, and plan;
The gift of thought sets him apart
To love the Lord with all his heart. - D. De Haan
To become more like Christ, meditate on who He is.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 119:89-105
Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever. Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains. Your laws remain to this day, For all things serve you. Unless your law had been my delight, I would habe perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts, For with them, you have revived me. I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.
I have seen a limit to all perfection, But your commands are boundless. How love I your law! It is my meditation all day. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For your commandments are always with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, For your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil way, That I might observe your word.
I have no turned aside from your ordinances, For you have taught me. How sweet are your promises to my taste, More than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts, I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light for my path.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Getting "In The Way"
Jesus said..., "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6
The ancient Romans were known for their roads, which crisscrossed their empire with wide, heavily traveled highways. It's what Jesus' audience would have pictured when He claimed, "I am the way" in John 14:6.
While this verse indicates that He is the way to heaven, there's really more to His statement. Cutting through the underbrush of the dense jungle of our world, Jesus is our trail-guide who makes a new way for us to live. While many follow the way of the world by loving their friends and hating their enemies, Jesus carves out a new way: "Love you enemies, bless those who curse you" (Matt. 5:44). It's easy to judge and criticize others, but Jesus the Way-maker says to take the plank out of our own eye first (7:3-4). And He cuts a path for us to live with generosity instead of greed (Luke 12:13-34).
When Jesus said "I am the way," He was calling us to leave the old ways that lead to destruction and to follow Him in His new way for us to live. In fact, the word follow (Mark 8:34) literally means, "to be found in the way" with Him. You and I can make the choice to travel the familiar and ultimately destructive ways, or we can follow Him and be found in the way with the One who is the way! - Joe Stowell
As people of the Lord we're called
To follow in His way;
And through the world won't understand,
They'll see Him on display. - Sper
We don't need to see the way if we're following the One who is the Way.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
John 14:1-6
"Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. Where I go, you know, and you know the way."
Thomas says to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No onw comes to the Father, except through me.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The ancient Romans were known for their roads, which crisscrossed their empire with wide, heavily traveled highways. It's what Jesus' audience would have pictured when He claimed, "I am the way" in John 14:6.
While this verse indicates that He is the way to heaven, there's really more to His statement. Cutting through the underbrush of the dense jungle of our world, Jesus is our trail-guide who makes a new way for us to live. While many follow the way of the world by loving their friends and hating their enemies, Jesus carves out a new way: "Love you enemies, bless those who curse you" (Matt. 5:44). It's easy to judge and criticize others, but Jesus the Way-maker says to take the plank out of our own eye first (7:3-4). And He cuts a path for us to live with generosity instead of greed (Luke 12:13-34).
When Jesus said "I am the way," He was calling us to leave the old ways that lead to destruction and to follow Him in His new way for us to live. In fact, the word follow (Mark 8:34) literally means, "to be found in the way" with Him. You and I can make the choice to travel the familiar and ultimately destructive ways, or we can follow Him and be found in the way with the One who is the way! - Joe Stowell
As people of the Lord we're called
To follow in His way;
And through the world won't understand,
They'll see Him on display. - Sper
We don't need to see the way if we're following the One who is the Way.
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John 14:1-6
"Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. Where I go, you know, and you know the way."
Thomas says to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No onw comes to the Father, except through me.
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A Fair Trade
I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great tresure. - Psalm 119:162
Scott and Mary Crickmore poured 15 years of their lives into helping to translate the New Testament in the Maasina dialect. It was for the Fulani tribe in the West African nation of Mali.
After the initial draft, Mary visited nearby villages and read it to people. She sat in huts with a group of men or women listening to them discuss what they understood. That helped her to make sure the words they were using in the translation were accurate and clear.
Some people would think that the Crickmores' sacrifice was too great - giving up their comfortable lifestyle, changing their diet to mush and rice, and living in less-than-ideal circumstances for those 15 years. But the Crickmores says it was "a fair trade," because now the Fulani people have the Word of God in a language they can read.
The psalmist delighted in God's Word. He stood in awe of it, rejoiced over it, loved it, and obeyed it (Ps. 119:161-168). He found great peace and hope in the Word.
The Fulani people are now able to discover the "great tresure" (v. 162) of God's Word. Would you agree with the Crickmores that any effort and sacrifice to get the Bible to others is "a fair trade"? - Anne Cetas
The Bible brings great hope and peace,
Beyond all earthy measure;
So we must share it with all those
Who don't possess this treasure. - Sper
One measure of our love for God is what we're willing to do to share His Word with others.
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Psalms 119:161-168
Princes have persecuted me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word, As one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law.
Seven times a day, I praise you, Because of your righteous ordinances. Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble. I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh.
I have done your commandments. My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly. I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, For all my ways are before you.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Scott and Mary Crickmore poured 15 years of their lives into helping to translate the New Testament in the Maasina dialect. It was for the Fulani tribe in the West African nation of Mali.
After the initial draft, Mary visited nearby villages and read it to people. She sat in huts with a group of men or women listening to them discuss what they understood. That helped her to make sure the words they were using in the translation were accurate and clear.
Some people would think that the Crickmores' sacrifice was too great - giving up their comfortable lifestyle, changing their diet to mush and rice, and living in less-than-ideal circumstances for those 15 years. But the Crickmores says it was "a fair trade," because now the Fulani people have the Word of God in a language they can read.
The psalmist delighted in God's Word. He stood in awe of it, rejoiced over it, loved it, and obeyed it (Ps. 119:161-168). He found great peace and hope in the Word.
The Fulani people are now able to discover the "great tresure" (v. 162) of God's Word. Would you agree with the Crickmores that any effort and sacrifice to get the Bible to others is "a fair trade"? - Anne Cetas
The Bible brings great hope and peace,
Beyond all earthy measure;
So we must share it with all those
Who don't possess this treasure. - Sper
One measure of our love for God is what we're willing to do to share His Word with others.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalms 119:161-168
Princes have persecuted me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word, As one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law.
Seven times a day, I praise you, Because of your righteous ordinances. Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble. I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh.
I have done your commandments. My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly. I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, For all my ways are before you.
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Saturday, June 13, 2009
Religious Nuts
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. - Colossians 4:6
I have a friend who was invited to a dinner party where he was seated next to a belligerent unbeliever who delighted in taunting Christians.
Throughout the evening, the man baited Matt mercilessly about the evil of Christendom throughout the ages. With each insult, my friend calmly replied, "That's an intersting point of view." And then he asked a question that revealed geuine interest in the man and deflected the discussion away from the issue that divided them.
As the two were walking out the door at the end of the evening, the man fired a final jab, at which point Matt put his arm around the other man's shoulders and chuckled. "My friend," he said, "all night long you've been trying to talk to me about religion. Are you a religious nut?"
The man's animosity dissolved in a burst of laughter and then in sobriety, for he was indeed a religious nut. All human beings are. We're insatiably and incurably religious - hounded by the relentless love of God, though we may try to keep Him away. Matt's kindness and deft humor awakened this man's heart so that he could be receptive to the gospel.
We are to be "wise as serpents" (Matt. 10:16) when dealing with non-Christians, speaking to them "with grace, seasoned with salt" (Col. 4:6). - David H. Roper
You have called us, Lord, to witness -
Called to speak the truth in love;
O how much we need to Your guidance
And Your wisdom from above. - D. De Haan
As the "salt of the earth," Christians can make others thirsty for the Water of Life.
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Matthew 10:16-22
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
"Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. You will be hates by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
I have a friend who was invited to a dinner party where he was seated next to a belligerent unbeliever who delighted in taunting Christians.
Throughout the evening, the man baited Matt mercilessly about the evil of Christendom throughout the ages. With each insult, my friend calmly replied, "That's an intersting point of view." And then he asked a question that revealed geuine interest in the man and deflected the discussion away from the issue that divided them.
As the two were walking out the door at the end of the evening, the man fired a final jab, at which point Matt put his arm around the other man's shoulders and chuckled. "My friend," he said, "all night long you've been trying to talk to me about religion. Are you a religious nut?"
The man's animosity dissolved in a burst of laughter and then in sobriety, for he was indeed a religious nut. All human beings are. We're insatiably and incurably religious - hounded by the relentless love of God, though we may try to keep Him away. Matt's kindness and deft humor awakened this man's heart so that he could be receptive to the gospel.
We are to be "wise as serpents" (Matt. 10:16) when dealing with non-Christians, speaking to them "with grace, seasoned with salt" (Col. 4:6). - David H. Roper
You have called us, Lord, to witness -
Called to speak the truth in love;
O how much we need to Your guidance
And Your wisdom from above. - D. De Haan
As the "salt of the earth," Christians can make others thirsty for the Water of Life.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Matthew 10:16-22
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
"Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. You will be hates by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
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Friday, June 12, 2009
Land Of Eternal Spring
I have beem young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken. - Psalm 37:25
The former president of Columbia Bible College in South Carolina, J. Robertson McQuilkin, pointed our that God has a wise purpose in letting us grow old and weak:
"I think God planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we'll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty which is forever. And so we'll be eager to leave the temporary, deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful, we might never want to leave."
When we are young, happily occupied with all our relationships and activities, we may not long for our celestial Home. But as time passes, we may find ourselves without family and friends, afflicted with dim vision and hearing difficulties, no longer able to relish food, or troubled by sleeplessness.
Here's the advice I give myself: Be grateful that, as the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17, "God... gives us richly all things to enjoy" in life's summer and winter we can anticipate that we'll soon be living in the land of eternal spring. - Vernon C. Grounds
There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way,
To prepare us a dwelling-place there. - Bennett
The promise of heaven is our eternal hope.
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Ecclesiates 12:1-7
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the evil days come, and the years draw near, When you will say, "I have no pleasure in them;" Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, And the clouds return after the rain;
In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, And the strong men shall bow themselves, And the grinders cease because they are few, And those who look out of the windows are darkened, And the doors shall be shut in the street;
When the sound of the grinding is low, And one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, And all the daughters of music shall be brought low; Yes, they shall be afraid of heights, And terrors will be in the way; And the almond tree shall blossom, And the grasshoper shall be a burden, And desire shall fail; Because man goes to his everlasting home, And the mourners go about the streets:
Before the silver cord is severed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pithcher is broken at the spring, Or the wheel broken at the cistern, And the dust returns to the earth as it was, And the spirit returns to God who gave it.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The former president of Columbia Bible College in South Carolina, J. Robertson McQuilkin, pointed our that God has a wise purpose in letting us grow old and weak:
"I think God planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we'll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty which is forever. And so we'll be eager to leave the temporary, deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful, we might never want to leave."
When we are young, happily occupied with all our relationships and activities, we may not long for our celestial Home. But as time passes, we may find ourselves without family and friends, afflicted with dim vision and hearing difficulties, no longer able to relish food, or troubled by sleeplessness.
Here's the advice I give myself: Be grateful that, as the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17, "God... gives us richly all things to enjoy" in life's summer and winter we can anticipate that we'll soon be living in the land of eternal spring. - Vernon C. Grounds
There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way,
To prepare us a dwelling-place there. - Bennett
The promise of heaven is our eternal hope.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ecclesiates 12:1-7
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the evil days come, and the years draw near, When you will say, "I have no pleasure in them;" Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, And the clouds return after the rain;
In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, And the strong men shall bow themselves, And the grinders cease because they are few, And those who look out of the windows are darkened, And the doors shall be shut in the street;
When the sound of the grinding is low, And one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, And all the daughters of music shall be brought low; Yes, they shall be afraid of heights, And terrors will be in the way; And the almond tree shall blossom, And the grasshoper shall be a burden, And desire shall fail; Because man goes to his everlasting home, And the mourners go about the streets:
Before the silver cord is severed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pithcher is broken at the spring, Or the wheel broken at the cistern, And the dust returns to the earth as it was, And the spirit returns to God who gave it.
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Risk
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. - 1 Peter 5:6
When our children were young, one of our favorite board game was Risk. World conquest was the objective. Each player mobilized his troops to take possession of countries and continents. It always amused me that the person who initially was leading the game seldom won. The reason is obvious. When other players sensed his mounting pride, they would join together against him.
Whether consciously or subconsciously, it is easy to dislike powerful people who have proud looks. Their very countenance seems to encourage others to throw obstacles in their paths or to be silent objectors.
In today's Bible reading, we are told that God hates seven things. Tellingly, the first is pride. When someone overvalues himself by undervaluing others, he inevitably reveals it with his proud look. Puffed up in self-conceit, he may also devise evil and sow discord. No wonder God hates proud looks.
Proud and powerful people may think they can disregard other's displeasure, but they cannot disregard God's opposition. Peter reminds us not to trust in ourselves but in the One who will exalt us "in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). As we submit to Him, we avoid the risk that pride brings to our character and we become thankful, humble servants of God. - Albert Lee
Naught have I gotten but what I received;
Grace hath bestowed it since I have believed;
Boasting excluded, pride I abase;
I'm only a sinner saved by grace! - Gray
No one can glorify self and Christ at the same time.
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Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which Yahweh hates; Yes, seven which are an abomination to him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood; A heart that devises wicked schemes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
When our children were young, one of our favorite board game was Risk. World conquest was the objective. Each player mobilized his troops to take possession of countries and continents. It always amused me that the person who initially was leading the game seldom won. The reason is obvious. When other players sensed his mounting pride, they would join together against him.
Whether consciously or subconsciously, it is easy to dislike powerful people who have proud looks. Their very countenance seems to encourage others to throw obstacles in their paths or to be silent objectors.
In today's Bible reading, we are told that God hates seven things. Tellingly, the first is pride. When someone overvalues himself by undervaluing others, he inevitably reveals it with his proud look. Puffed up in self-conceit, he may also devise evil and sow discord. No wonder God hates proud looks.
Proud and powerful people may think they can disregard other's displeasure, but they cannot disregard God's opposition. Peter reminds us not to trust in ourselves but in the One who will exalt us "in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). As we submit to Him, we avoid the risk that pride brings to our character and we become thankful, humble servants of God. - Albert Lee
Naught have I gotten but what I received;
Grace hath bestowed it since I have believed;
Boasting excluded, pride I abase;
I'm only a sinner saved by grace! - Gray
No one can glorify self and Christ at the same time.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which Yahweh hates; Yes, seven which are an abomination to him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood; A heart that devises wicked schemes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.
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A Life Remembered
That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - 2 Corinthians 1:4
Daddy, help me." Those were the last words Dianne and Gary Cronin heard their daughter say as she strunggled to breathe. Kristin, 14 years old, died suddenly - just 2 days after saying she didn't feel well. A strep infection attacked her body on Thursday. By Saturday, she was pleading with her daddy to help her.
Before Kristin died, I was scheduled to speak at her family's church in Soldotna, Alaska. In God's timing, I stood before the congregation the day after her funeral.
Kritin was one of those vivacious teens who loved Jesus and lived for Him - and whose sudden death leaves us with a million questions.
Because I went through a similar loss of my own teenage daughter a few years ago, I was able to offer some advice to this stunned and grieving church. First, I said, we must recognize God's sovereignty. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that Kristin's life was the exact length God intended. Second, I asked the church never to forget her family. Whether it's 2 months or 5 years later, the family will never "get over" losing Kristin. They will never stop needing Christians who care and remember.
In times like this, don't forget that God is in control and that He wants us to be a comfort to others. - Dave Branon
When we sustain a heartbreaking loss,
When grief overwhelms our soul,
The Savior who gave Himself on the cross
Reminds us that He's in control. - D. De Haan
In every desert of despair God has an oasis of comfort.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalms 139:1-16
Yahweh, you have seached me, And you know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my living down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.
You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me. This knowledge is beyond me. It's lofty. I can't attain it. Where could I go from you Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, you are there.
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there! If I take the wings of the dawn, And settle in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there your hand will lead me, And your right hand will hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me; The light around me will be night;" Even the darkness doesn't hide from you, But the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.
For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to you, For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
My frame wasn't hidden from you, When I was made in secret, Woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there were none of them.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Daddy, help me." Those were the last words Dianne and Gary Cronin heard their daughter say as she strunggled to breathe. Kristin, 14 years old, died suddenly - just 2 days after saying she didn't feel well. A strep infection attacked her body on Thursday. By Saturday, she was pleading with her daddy to help her.
Before Kristin died, I was scheduled to speak at her family's church in Soldotna, Alaska. In God's timing, I stood before the congregation the day after her funeral.
Kritin was one of those vivacious teens who loved Jesus and lived for Him - and whose sudden death leaves us with a million questions.
Because I went through a similar loss of my own teenage daughter a few years ago, I was able to offer some advice to this stunned and grieving church. First, I said, we must recognize God's sovereignty. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that Kristin's life was the exact length God intended. Second, I asked the church never to forget her family. Whether it's 2 months or 5 years later, the family will never "get over" losing Kristin. They will never stop needing Christians who care and remember.
In times like this, don't forget that God is in control and that He wants us to be a comfort to others. - Dave Branon
When we sustain a heartbreaking loss,
When grief overwhelms our soul,
The Savior who gave Himself on the cross
Reminds us that He's in control. - D. De Haan
In every desert of despair God has an oasis of comfort.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalms 139:1-16
Yahweh, you have seached me, And you know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my living down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.
You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me. This knowledge is beyond me. It's lofty. I can't attain it. Where could I go from you Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, you are there.
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there! If I take the wings of the dawn, And settle in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there your hand will lead me, And your right hand will hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me; The light around me will be night;" Even the darkness doesn't hide from you, But the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.
For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to you, For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
My frame wasn't hidden from you, When I was made in secret, Woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there were none of them.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Words And Numbers
I and My Father are one. - John 10:30
My husband is a "number" person; I am a "word" person. When my incompetence with numbers gets the best of me, I try to boost my ego by reminding Jay that word people are superior because Jesus called Himself the Word, not the Number.
Instead of trying to defend himself, Jay just smiled and goes on about his business, which consists of much more important things than my silly arguments.
Since Jay will not defend himself, I feel compelled to do so. Although I am right about Jesus being the Word, I am wrong in saying that He didn't refer to Himseld as a number. One of the most moving passages of Scripture is Christ's prayer just before His arrest and crucifixion. Facing death, Jesus prayed not only for Himself, but also for His disciples and for us. His most urgent request on our behalf involved a number: "[I pray] that they will all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" (John 17:21).
As people who live by the Word, we need to remember that "right words" sound hollow to the world unless we, being one in Christ, are glorifying God with one mind and one voice. - Julie Ackerman Link
Make us one, Lord, make us one;
Holy Spirit, make us one.
Let Your love flow so the world will know
We are one in You. Cymbala
God calls His children to unity.
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John 17:20-26
Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.
Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these that you sent me. I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
My husband is a "number" person; I am a "word" person. When my incompetence with numbers gets the best of me, I try to boost my ego by reminding Jay that word people are superior because Jesus called Himself the Word, not the Number.
Instead of trying to defend himself, Jay just smiled and goes on about his business, which consists of much more important things than my silly arguments.
Since Jay will not defend himself, I feel compelled to do so. Although I am right about Jesus being the Word, I am wrong in saying that He didn't refer to Himseld as a number. One of the most moving passages of Scripture is Christ's prayer just before His arrest and crucifixion. Facing death, Jesus prayed not only for Himself, but also for His disciples and for us. His most urgent request on our behalf involved a number: "[I pray] that they will all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" (John 17:21).
As people who live by the Word, we need to remember that "right words" sound hollow to the world unless we, being one in Christ, are glorifying God with one mind and one voice. - Julie Ackerman Link
Make us one, Lord, make us one;
Holy Spirit, make us one.
Let Your love flow so the world will know
We are one in You. Cymbala
God calls His children to unity.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
John 17:20-26
Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.
Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these that you sent me. I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Day Of Days
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. - 2 Timothy 2:3
In the television miniseries Band of Brothers, the 101st Airborne is flown over their drop zone during D-Day, the major offensive to liberate Europe from Nazi control. As the main character, Lt. Richard Winters, parachutes form the plane, the crack of antiaircraft and machine-gun fire fills the air.
Winters later reflected on his first day in combat. "That night, I took time to thank God for seeing me through that day of days... And if somehow I manage to get home again, I promise God and myself that I would find a quiet piece of land someplace, and spend the rest of my life in peace." Winters knew he must endure until that day came.
The Bible tells us that believers are caught in a conflict initiated by Satan's rebellion against God. Because of this, we are challenged to "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3). In Paul's day, the Roman legionnaires suffered in service for the emperor. As followers of Jesus, we may be called upon to do the same for the King of kings.
In heaven, we will no longer experience such difficulties but will enjoy lasting peace with the Savior. For now, we are to persevere by faith. - Dennis Fisher
Lord, the trials we face at times seem too much to bear.
We're grateful, though, for the reminders in
Your Word that You will stay by our side and helps us
endure till You call us Home. Amen.
Victory is sure for those who endure.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
2 Timothy 2:1-4
You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
In the television miniseries Band of Brothers, the 101st Airborne is flown over their drop zone during D-Day, the major offensive to liberate Europe from Nazi control. As the main character, Lt. Richard Winters, parachutes form the plane, the crack of antiaircraft and machine-gun fire fills the air.
Winters later reflected on his first day in combat. "That night, I took time to thank God for seeing me through that day of days... And if somehow I manage to get home again, I promise God and myself that I would find a quiet piece of land someplace, and spend the rest of my life in peace." Winters knew he must endure until that day came.
The Bible tells us that believers are caught in a conflict initiated by Satan's rebellion against God. Because of this, we are challenged to "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3). In Paul's day, the Roman legionnaires suffered in service for the emperor. As followers of Jesus, we may be called upon to do the same for the King of kings.
In heaven, we will no longer experience such difficulties but will enjoy lasting peace with the Savior. For now, we are to persevere by faith. - Dennis Fisher
Lord, the trials we face at times seem too much to bear.
We're grateful, though, for the reminders in
Your Word that You will stay by our side and helps us
endure till You call us Home. Amen.
Victory is sure for those who endure.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
2 Timothy 2:1-4
You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Adopted
Put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness. - Colossians 3:5
In ancient Rome, adoption was occasionally used by the emperors to pass on succession to competent heirs. Augustus Caesar was adopted by his great-uncle Julius Caesar. Other notable adoptees included the emperors Tiberius, Trajan, and Hadrian. All of them proved to be strong rulers because each lived like a child of his adoptive father.
Every Christian is an adopted child of the King of kings. We are greatly indebted to Him for His favor. But God, who has everything, does not need us to repay Him.
What does God desire? He wants us to live in a way that befits His children. Activities and values that are not in keeping with our position as God's children must be done away with (Col. 3:5). Selfish and destructive ways are to be replaced by activities and values that showcase our gratitude and love for God and reflect our status as His children. Paul wrote, "Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsufferig" (v.12).
Can others around you tell that you are indeed a child of the King? Ask the Holy Spirit what you need to put off and put on in your life so that you can reflect more truly your status as God's adopted cihld. - C. P. Hia
I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice and an alien by birth;
But I've been adopted, my name's written down -
An heir to a mansion, a robe, and a crown. - Buell
We honor God's name when we call Him our Father and live like His children.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Colossians 3:1-12
If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. Put to death therefore your members which are on earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. Don't lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, that is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, where there can't be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
In ancient Rome, adoption was occasionally used by the emperors to pass on succession to competent heirs. Augustus Caesar was adopted by his great-uncle Julius Caesar. Other notable adoptees included the emperors Tiberius, Trajan, and Hadrian. All of them proved to be strong rulers because each lived like a child of his adoptive father.
Every Christian is an adopted child of the King of kings. We are greatly indebted to Him for His favor. But God, who has everything, does not need us to repay Him.
What does God desire? He wants us to live in a way that befits His children. Activities and values that are not in keeping with our position as God's children must be done away with (Col. 3:5). Selfish and destructive ways are to be replaced by activities and values that showcase our gratitude and love for God and reflect our status as His children. Paul wrote, "Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsufferig" (v.12).
Can others around you tell that you are indeed a child of the King? Ask the Holy Spirit what you need to put off and put on in your life so that you can reflect more truly your status as God's adopted cihld. - C. P. Hia
I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice and an alien by birth;
But I've been adopted, my name's written down -
An heir to a mansion, a robe, and a crown. - Buell
We honor God's name when we call Him our Father and live like His children.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Colossians 3:1-12
If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. Put to death therefore your members which are on earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. Don't lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, that is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, where there can't be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The Circle Of Fear
Of anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. - 1 John 2:1
When the popular band The Eagles prepares a new song for concert, they sit in a circle with acoustic guitars and unamplified voices and rehearse their intricate vocals. They call this exercise "The Circle of Fear" because there is no place to hide and no way to conceal any errors they might make in the harmonies. That sense of absolute exposure for their mistakes is what makes this drill so frightening to them.
Apart from Christ, we would suffer a far worse kind of exposure before God of all justice. If we had na advocate and no escape, we would also have no hope. But in Christ, the believer has a Defender who stands before the Father on our behalf. First John 2:1 says, "My little children, these things I wrote to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." With our failings exposed, He takes our defense. Our Defender carries our relationship with God beyond a "circle of fear" to a fellowship of grace and truth.
Our challenge is to lives of purity and integrity that honor our heavenly Father. Yet, when we do fail, we do not need to fear abandonment or ridicule from our Father. We have an Advocate who will carry us through. - Bill Crowder
Frail children of dust , and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, not find Thee to fail.
Thy mercies how tender! How firm to the end!
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. - Grant
The One who died as our Substitute now lives as our Advocate.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 John 2:1-11
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.
This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him. But whoever keeps his word, God's love has most assuredly been perfected in him.
This is how we know that we are in him: he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked. Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.
Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already sines. He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is in the darkness even until now.
He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn't know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eye.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
When the popular band The Eagles prepares a new song for concert, they sit in a circle with acoustic guitars and unamplified voices and rehearse their intricate vocals. They call this exercise "The Circle of Fear" because there is no place to hide and no way to conceal any errors they might make in the harmonies. That sense of absolute exposure for their mistakes is what makes this drill so frightening to them.
Apart from Christ, we would suffer a far worse kind of exposure before God of all justice. If we had na advocate and no escape, we would also have no hope. But in Christ, the believer has a Defender who stands before the Father on our behalf. First John 2:1 says, "My little children, these things I wrote to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." With our failings exposed, He takes our defense. Our Defender carries our relationship with God beyond a "circle of fear" to a fellowship of grace and truth.
Our challenge is to lives of purity and integrity that honor our heavenly Father. Yet, when we do fail, we do not need to fear abandonment or ridicule from our Father. We have an Advocate who will carry us through. - Bill Crowder
Frail children of dust , and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, not find Thee to fail.
Thy mercies how tender! How firm to the end!
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. - Grant
The One who died as our Substitute now lives as our Advocate.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 John 2:1-11
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.
This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him. But whoever keeps his word, God's love has most assuredly been perfected in him.
This is how we know that we are in him: he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked. Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.
Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already sines. He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is in the darkness even until now.
He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn't know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eye.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Lord Of Our Years
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. - Psalm 90:2
When the Concise Oxford English Dictionary announced in 2006 that the world time was te most often usen noun in the English language, it didn't seem surprising. We live in a world where people are obsessed with using days, saving minutes, and trying to find more hours in the day. Although each of us has all the time that there is, few of us think we have enough.
Perhaps that's why Psalm 90 is such treasured passage. It shifts the focus from our time-bound lives to our eternal God. "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God" (v.2).
A stanza in Matthew Bridges' well-known hymn "Crown Him With Many Crowns" begins: "Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time." A potentate is a sovereign, a monarch, an anointed majesty - one who does not seek appointment or run for election.
God created time. He rules and transcends it. When we feel frustrated by the calender or captured by the clock, a quiet reading of Psalm 90 reminds us that our days and years are in the hands of our eternal God.
As we humbly bow before Him, we see time from a new perspective. - David C. McCasland
Crown Him the Lord of years,
The Potentate of time,
Creator of the rolling spheres,
Ineffably sublime. Bridges
We must have a right view of eternity to know the real value of time.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 90
Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever you had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. You turn man to destruction, saying, "Return, you children of men." For a thousand years in your sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, As a watch in the night.
You sweep them away as the sleep. In the morning they sprout like new grass. In the morning it sprouts and spring up. By evening, it is withered and dry. For we are consumed in you anger. We are trouble in your wrath. You have set our iniquities before you, Our secret sins in the light of your presence.
For all our days passed away in your wrath. We bring our years to an end as a sigh. The days of our years are seventy, Or even by reason of strength eighty years; Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, For it passed quickly, and we fly away.
Who knows the power of your anger, You wrath according to the fear that is due to you? So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, Yahweh! How long? Have compassion on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, For as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work appear to your servants; Your glory to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; Establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
When the Concise Oxford English Dictionary announced in 2006 that the world time was te most often usen noun in the English language, it didn't seem surprising. We live in a world where people are obsessed with using days, saving minutes, and trying to find more hours in the day. Although each of us has all the time that there is, few of us think we have enough.
Perhaps that's why Psalm 90 is such treasured passage. It shifts the focus from our time-bound lives to our eternal God. "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God" (v.2).
A stanza in Matthew Bridges' well-known hymn "Crown Him With Many Crowns" begins: "Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time." A potentate is a sovereign, a monarch, an anointed majesty - one who does not seek appointment or run for election.
God created time. He rules and transcends it. When we feel frustrated by the calender or captured by the clock, a quiet reading of Psalm 90 reminds us that our days and years are in the hands of our eternal God.
As we humbly bow before Him, we see time from a new perspective. - David C. McCasland
Crown Him the Lord of years,
The Potentate of time,
Creator of the rolling spheres,
Ineffably sublime. Bridges
We must have a right view of eternity to know the real value of time.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 90
Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever you had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. You turn man to destruction, saying, "Return, you children of men." For a thousand years in your sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, As a watch in the night.
You sweep them away as the sleep. In the morning they sprout like new grass. In the morning it sprouts and spring up. By evening, it is withered and dry. For we are consumed in you anger. We are trouble in your wrath. You have set our iniquities before you, Our secret sins in the light of your presence.
For all our days passed away in your wrath. We bring our years to an end as a sigh. The days of our years are seventy, Or even by reason of strength eighty years; Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, For it passed quickly, and we fly away.
Who knows the power of your anger, You wrath according to the fear that is due to you? So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, Yahweh! How long? Have compassion on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, For as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work appear to your servants; Your glory to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; Establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Pay It Forward
I have given ou an example, that you should do as I have done to you. - John 13:5
Pay it Forward is a movie about a 12-year-old's plan to make a difference in the world. Motivated by a teacher at his school , Trevor invites a homeless man to sleep in his garage. Unaware of this arrangement, his mother awakens one evening to find the man working on her truck. Holding him at gunpoint, she asks him to explain himself. He shows her that he has successfully repaired her truck and tells her about Trevor's kindness. He says, "I'm just paying it forward."
I think this is what Jesus had in mind in one of His last conversations with His disciples. He wanted to show them the full extent of His love. So before their last meal together, He took off His outer garment, wrapped a towel around His waist, and began to wash His disciples' feet. This was shocking because only slaves washed feet. It was an act of servanthood and a symbol that pointed to Jesus' sacrifice, passion, and humiliation on the cross. His request to His disciples was: "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet" (John 13:14). They were to "pay it forward."
Imagine how different our world would look if we gave the kind of love to others that God has given us through Jesus. - Marvin Williams
Christ's example teaches us
That we should follow Him each day,
Meeting one anoter's needs,
Though hmble service be the way. - Hess
To know love, open your heart to Jesus. To show love, open your heart to others.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
John 13:3-15
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" Jesus answered him, "You don't know what I am doing now, but you will understand later." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"
Jesus said to him, "Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you." For he knew him wh owould betray him, therefore he said, "You are not all clean."
So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am.
If then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Pay it Forward is a movie about a 12-year-old's plan to make a difference in the world. Motivated by a teacher at his school , Trevor invites a homeless man to sleep in his garage. Unaware of this arrangement, his mother awakens one evening to find the man working on her truck. Holding him at gunpoint, she asks him to explain himself. He shows her that he has successfully repaired her truck and tells her about Trevor's kindness. He says, "I'm just paying it forward."
I think this is what Jesus had in mind in one of His last conversations with His disciples. He wanted to show them the full extent of His love. So before their last meal together, He took off His outer garment, wrapped a towel around His waist, and began to wash His disciples' feet. This was shocking because only slaves washed feet. It was an act of servanthood and a symbol that pointed to Jesus' sacrifice, passion, and humiliation on the cross. His request to His disciples was: "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet" (John 13:14). They were to "pay it forward."
Imagine how different our world would look if we gave the kind of love to others that God has given us through Jesus. - Marvin Williams
Christ's example teaches us
That we should follow Him each day,
Meeting one anoter's needs,
Though hmble service be the way. - Hess
To know love, open your heart to Jesus. To show love, open your heart to others.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
John 13:3-15
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" Jesus answered him, "You don't know what I am doing now, but you will understand later." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"
Jesus said to him, "Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you." For he knew him wh owould betray him, therefore he said, "You are not all clean."
So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am.
If then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
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Monday, June 1, 2009
Holy Fools
If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. - Mark 9:23
When God spoke to Abram, he obeyed at once, departing for unknown land based only on a promise. Childless, he trusted God to make of him "a great nation" (Gen. 12:2).
God often does His work through "holy fools" - dreamers who strike out in ridiculous faith. Yet I tend to approach my decisions with calculation and restraint.
My church in Chicago once scheduled an all-night vigil of prayer during a major crisis. At length we discussed the particality of the event before finally putting it on the calender. The poorest members of the congregation, a group of senior citizens from a housing project, responded the most enthusiastically. I wondered how many of their prayer had gone unanswered over the years, yet they showed a childlike trust in the power of prayer. "How long do you want to stay - an hour ot two?" we asked, thinking of van shuttles. "Oh, we'll stay all night," they replied.
One woman in her 90s explained, "We can pray. We got time, and we got faith. Some of us don't sleep much anyway. We can pray all night if needs be." And so they did.
Meanwhile, a bunch of yuppies in downtown church learned an important lesson: Faith often appears where least expected and falters where it ought to thrive. - Philip Yancey
Faith looks across the storm - it does not doubt
Or stop to look at clouds and things without.
Faith does not question why when all His ways
Are hard to understand, but trusts and prays. - Anon
Prayer is the voice of faith.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Genesis 12:1-5
Now Yahweh said to Abram, "Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you, and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. In you will all of the families of the earth be blessed."
So Abram went, as Yahweh had spoken to him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed out of Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother's son, all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls who they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan.
Into the land of Canaan they came.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
When God spoke to Abram, he obeyed at once, departing for unknown land based only on a promise. Childless, he trusted God to make of him "a great nation" (Gen. 12:2).
God often does His work through "holy fools" - dreamers who strike out in ridiculous faith. Yet I tend to approach my decisions with calculation and restraint.
My church in Chicago once scheduled an all-night vigil of prayer during a major crisis. At length we discussed the particality of the event before finally putting it on the calender. The poorest members of the congregation, a group of senior citizens from a housing project, responded the most enthusiastically. I wondered how many of their prayer had gone unanswered over the years, yet they showed a childlike trust in the power of prayer. "How long do you want to stay - an hour ot two?" we asked, thinking of van shuttles. "Oh, we'll stay all night," they replied.
One woman in her 90s explained, "We can pray. We got time, and we got faith. Some of us don't sleep much anyway. We can pray all night if needs be." And so they did.
Meanwhile, a bunch of yuppies in downtown church learned an important lesson: Faith often appears where least expected and falters where it ought to thrive. - Philip Yancey
Faith looks across the storm - it does not doubt
Or stop to look at clouds and things without.
Faith does not question why when all His ways
Are hard to understand, but trusts and prays. - Anon
Prayer is the voice of faith.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Genesis 12:1-5
Now Yahweh said to Abram, "Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you, and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. In you will all of the families of the earth be blessed."
So Abram went, as Yahweh had spoken to him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed out of Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother's son, all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls who they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan.
Into the land of Canaan they came.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
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