Christian Today released an article telling of recent persecution of Chinese Christians. Reading the article stirred up a few thoughts in me:
Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). Although Christians in America have not faced persecution of this magnitude, the persecution fever is spreading, and will likely be here sooner than we think. I wonder how "American Christianity" will deal with this.
All too often we take for granted the great freedoms we have in America. This should be a continual reminder for thanksgiving and prayer. We ought not to neglect such freedoms, but take advantage of them and work while it is still daylight. "We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work" (John 9:4). "And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest" (Luke 10:2).
We ought to bear with our suffering brothers and sisters in prayer. "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12).
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Luke 1:31-33
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
Luke 2:9-14
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
Luke 2:9-14
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
Monday, December 22, 2008
100 Car Pileup
Many motorists traveling in Michigan on I-94 took part in a 100 car disaster which claimed the life of one man and injured others. South Bend News Station WNDU covered the story here.
This horrible crash occurred in the post area I recently transferred from. Working a different shift and in another post area I did not have to respond to this incident. It is a tremendous grace that many more people were not hurt.
This horrible crash occurred in the post area I recently transferred from. Working a different shift and in another post area I did not have to respond to this incident. It is a tremendous grace that many more people were not hurt.
A Commission to Pray
Luke 10:2
And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
Surely this is a commission to pray from Jesus. His words here, as well as in many other places, all too often fall on deaf ears (myself included). He says pray about something and though I'm familiar with this I haven't been very obedient to this instruction.
This life affords us many opportunities to see how plentiful the harvest is. With such an abundant harvest where are all the laborers? The lack of laborers is likely evidence of our prayerlessness. May He grant us the grace to change and to be obedient to his instructions, commissions, and commands.
Pray earnestly
to the Lord of the harvest
to send out laborers
into his harvest
And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
Surely this is a commission to pray from Jesus. His words here, as well as in many other places, all too often fall on deaf ears (myself included). He says pray about something and though I'm familiar with this I haven't been very obedient to this instruction.
This life affords us many opportunities to see how plentiful the harvest is. With such an abundant harvest where are all the laborers? The lack of laborers is likely evidence of our prayerlessness. May He grant us the grace to change and to be obedient to his instructions, commissions, and commands.
Pray earnestly
to the Lord of the harvest
to send out laborers
into his harvest
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
While We Sojourn
Check out John Bird's blog, While We Sojourn, where he posted a recent interview with me regarding Unbreakable Joy.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
"Evidences of God's Work in the Soul"
"Some of the evidences of God's work in the soul,
are: a lively interest in the things which concern
our eternal welfare, a trembling at God's Word
and being suitably affected thereby, hatred of sin,
loathing of self, and a childlike love for the Lord.
Ah, we never prize Divine grace so much--as
when we have been afflicted by indwelling sin.
It is a sense of our pollution and filth--
which moves us to turn again to the Fountain
open for sin and for impurity!"
- Arthur Pink, "Experimental Preaching" 1937
are: a lively interest in the things which concern
our eternal welfare, a trembling at God's Word
and being suitably affected thereby, hatred of sin,
loathing of self, and a childlike love for the Lord.
Ah, we never prize Divine grace so much--as
when we have been afflicted by indwelling sin.
It is a sense of our pollution and filth--
which moves us to turn again to the Fountain
open for sin and for impurity!"
- Arthur Pink, "Experimental Preaching" 1937
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Fighting & Being Carried
Sometimes in the battle of life I feel like I'm fighting well. Other times I feel like I'm just being carried by my Father who is strong enough to get me through - kind of like this:
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Training, Striving, Hoping, & Pressing On
Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Memorization Motivation
"You may doubt that you can do this, especially if you are older. But ask yourself this question, If I offered you $1,000 for every verse you memorized in the next week, how many do you think you could memorize? Yet God says of his word in Psalm 19:10-11, "They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward." The real value of the word is far greater than $1,000 a verse. The question is, Do you believe this? Believing this will be the crucial motivation you need."
Check this out: recommended weekly memory verses for 2009.
Here's a little more motivation.
HT:JT
Check this out: recommended weekly memory verses for 2009.
Here's a little more motivation.
HT:JT
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Treacherous & Treasonous Exchange
Romans 1:23b
exchanged the glory of the immortal God for...
Romans 1:25
...they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
Sin is exchanging the infinite glory of God for things infinitely less glorious.
Adam and Eve exchanged the truth that God is ultimately sufficient for the lie that something else could fulfill them, that something else was better for them. In the process they worshiped and served the creature - self rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!.
David exchanged the truth that God is ultimately satisfying for the lie that a temporary pleasure is greater than the infinite One. In the process he worshiped and served the creature - himself rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!.
Judas exchanged the truth that God is the ultimate source of value for the lie that finite treasure is more precious than infinite treasure. In the process he worshiped and served the creature - himself rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!.
What have you exchanged His glory for?
We're all guilty here. Have you repented?
If not, what would you continue to exchange His glory for?
exchanged the glory of the immortal God for...
Romans 1:25
...they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
Sin is exchanging the infinite glory of God for things infinitely less glorious.
Adam and Eve exchanged the truth that God is ultimately sufficient for the lie that something else could fulfill them, that something else was better for them. In the process they worshiped and served the creature - self rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!.
David exchanged the truth that God is ultimately satisfying for the lie that a temporary pleasure is greater than the infinite One. In the process he worshiped and served the creature - himself rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!.
Judas exchanged the truth that God is the ultimate source of value for the lie that finite treasure is more precious than infinite treasure. In the process he worshiped and served the creature - himself rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!.
What have you exchanged His glory for?
We're all guilty here. Have you repented?
If not, what would you continue to exchange His glory for?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Come and SEE
Just finished listening to Piper's recent excellent message, We have found the Messiah. The glory of Christ displayed therein is simply magnificent.
Monday, December 1, 2008
December Movie Giveaway
This month I will be giving away my favorite movie Amazing Grace. This is a wonderful movie based on the true story of William Wilberforce and his battle against the slave trade.
Having been so moved by the life of Wilberforce I must also recommend his book, Real Christianity, and Piper's biographical message on William Wilberforce.
To enter for this giveaway just leave a comment on this blog post. A winner will be determined by drawing at the end of the month.
Here's the trailer:
Having been so moved by the life of Wilberforce I must also recommend his book, Real Christianity, and Piper's biographical message on William Wilberforce.
To enter for this giveaway just leave a comment on this blog post. A winner will be determined by drawing at the end of the month.
Here's the trailer:
CD Giveaway Winner
Congratulations MWH you won the CD giveaway for the month of November, Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God. I'll get it to you as soon as possible.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thankful For: Top 10
1) Christ Jesus -
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." (Psalm 73:25)
2) The Scriptures -
"man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." (Deut. 8:3b)
3) My family -
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17)
4) Great friends - who pursue Christ and encourage me to do so
"A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 1:17)
5) Life - He did not have to make me
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14)
6) Unbreakable Joy -
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Hab. 3:17-18)
7) Hope -
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2)
8) The Lord's protection -
"I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2)
9) The Lord's abundant provision -
"Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven." (Psalm 78:23-24)
10) Overwhelming Grace -
"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." (John 1:16)
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." (Psalm 73:25)
2) The Scriptures -
"man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." (Deut. 8:3b)
3) My family -
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17)
4) Great friends - who pursue Christ and encourage me to do so
"A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 1:17)
5) Life - He did not have to make me
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14)
6) Unbreakable Joy -
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Hab. 3:17-18)
7) Hope -
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2)
8) The Lord's protection -
"I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2)
9) The Lord's abundant provision -
"Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven." (Psalm 78:23-24)
10) Overwhelming Grace -
"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." (John 1:16)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
4 Questions
How valuable is invaluable?
How big is infinite?
How old is eternal?
How pure is holy?
Revelation 22:13
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
Isaiah 6:1-3
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"
Speechless...
How big is infinite?
How old is eternal?
How pure is holy?
Revelation 22:13
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
Isaiah 6:1-3
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"
Speechless...
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
A Storm's Hope
Oh Lord I trust in You
You are my hope and my delight
Because of You I will rest peacefully in the midst of the storm
Though rivers may overflow
And hurricane force winds scream
I will take refuge in You my fortress
Though the treasures of the peoples lose their value
And the hearts of the peoples sink for lack of hope
I will not be shaken for You are my greatest treasure
Though the earth may tremble
And shake at it's fault lines
You are my Rock and my Foundation
Though society may rage
And though the peoples despair
I will not fear for You are my God
You have delivered You're people from the flames
You have saved in the heat of battle
Arrows cannot be let loose without Your permission
You have shut the mouths of lions
You have made a path through the midst of the sea
You have quenched the fury of the flames
You have said all things work out for the good of those who love You
And if You are for us who could be against us
And You have promised to never leave us
- A. B. Seal
You are my hope and my delight
Because of You I will rest peacefully in the midst of the storm
Though rivers may overflow
And hurricane force winds scream
I will take refuge in You my fortress
Though the treasures of the peoples lose their value
And the hearts of the peoples sink for lack of hope
I will not be shaken for You are my greatest treasure
Though the earth may tremble
And shake at it's fault lines
You are my Rock and my Foundation
Though society may rage
And though the peoples despair
I will not fear for You are my God
You have delivered You're people from the flames
You have saved in the heat of battle
Arrows cannot be let loose without Your permission
You have shut the mouths of lions
You have made a path through the midst of the sea
You have quenched the fury of the flames
You have said all things work out for the good of those who love You
And if You are for us who could be against us
And You have promised to never leave us
- A. B. Seal
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Future Read:
This looks to be a great book refocusing upon the true meaning of Christmas:
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas
Preview the preface and chapters 1 & 2 here.
HT: JT
Feasting or Fasting?
Dictionary.com's definition of sustenance:
sus⋅te⋅nance
[suhs-tuh-nuh
ns] –noun
What sustains you?
After eating a meal I feel full and the hunger sensation is no longer present. Spending time in the Scriptures also grants a sense of fullness. When I don't eat for a while I begin to get hungry, so also with reading the Scriptures. There is an almost tangible sense of satisfaction after having feasted on His Word.
Deuteronomy 8:3
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Matthew 4:4
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:48-51
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."
Are you feasting or are you fasting?
sus⋅te⋅nance
[suhs-tuh-nuh
ns] –noun | 1. | means of sustaining life; nourishment. |
| 2. | means of livelihood. |
| 3. | the process of sustaining. |
| 4. | the state of being sustained. |
What sustains you?
After eating a meal I feel full and the hunger sensation is no longer present. Spending time in the Scriptures also grants a sense of fullness. When I don't eat for a while I begin to get hungry, so also with reading the Scriptures. There is an almost tangible sense of satisfaction after having feasted on His Word.
Deuteronomy 8:3
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Matthew 4:4
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:48-51
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."
Are you feasting or are you fasting?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Stinkin Irish...
Is it ever appropriate to renounce one's favorite college football team?
In my case the Fighting Irish have been my favorite football team since I was in grade school. But how in the world do you tolerate it when your team loses to a team called the orange men?
Apparently it was so bad that the fans were throwing snowballs at the Irish players. Maybe I'm not the only one considering a jump from the bandwagon.
In my case the Fighting Irish have been my favorite football team since I was in grade school. But how in the world do you tolerate it when your team loses to a team called the orange men?
Apparently it was so bad that the fans were throwing snowballs at the Irish players. Maybe I'm not the only one considering a jump from the bandwagon.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Injustice of Neglect
When weapons of war are everywhere,
Why in this battle are they neglected?
Forgotten Scripture, and abandoned access to the Throne - from anywhere,
Teamwork with fellow soldiers not taught nor respected
Wasted access to an abundance of Christ-centered preaching
An overlooked profusion of books full of God-glorifying teaching
Friends with phone numbers unused
And liberty for entertainment abused
Means of grace all strewn around
The battlefield radio left upon a shelf
Unused and unconsidered mercies abound
As many succumb to a myopic focus upon self
This life is War!
We battle with that great whore
Of self, the world, and the enemy
Who, in the midst of war, neglects such a vast array of weaponry?
Why all the mess?
Why all this neglect?
When Christ has so blessed,
And when He deserves the utmost respect
Why in this battle are they neglected?
Forgotten Scripture, and abandoned access to the Throne - from anywhere,
Teamwork with fellow soldiers not taught nor respected
Wasted access to an abundance of Christ-centered preaching
An overlooked profusion of books full of God-glorifying teaching
Friends with phone numbers unused
And liberty for entertainment abused
Means of grace all strewn around
The battlefield radio left upon a shelf
Unused and unconsidered mercies abound
As many succumb to a myopic focus upon self
This life is War!
We battle with that great whore
Of self, the world, and the enemy
Who, in the midst of war, neglects such a vast array of weaponry?
Why all the mess?
Why all this neglect?
When Christ has so blessed,
And when He deserves the utmost respect
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Grace in the Midst of a Storm
Today the Michiana area had it's first battle with the coming winter. Niles sustained a few inches of snow before I got off work at 11pm.
At about 9:30pm, after just handling a minor weather related traffic accident, I responded to the scene of a vehicle in the ditch on US12. My patrol car was parked on the shoulder of US12 with the emergency lights activated as I awaited a tow truck to remove the stranded vehicle. As I walked back to my patrol car I opened the driver side door and looked up to see a vehicle sliding out of control towards me. With no time to go anywhere else I jumped up and stood on the floorboard of my car and pressed against the car as tightly as possible. The sliding vehicle quickly brushed by me and smacked into my open door, pealing it backwards. Photos may follow later.
Needless to say the two motorists who lost control of their vehicles received citations for this lack of control. Contrary to popular opinion, poor weather conditions are not excuses for losing control of one's vehicle. Rather the loss of control is evidence of the fact that one was going too fast for the weather conditions. For some reason people find this unreasonable? The man who was stranded in the ditch, and who watched as I was nearly hit, questioned the receiving of such a citation as he cited the fact that the road was snowy and slippery. My reply, "Exactly, all the more reason to drive with much caution and with reduced speeds in order to maintain control of your vehicle."
As providence would have it the lady who almost hit me was driving on a suspended license. An interesting coincidence with the last time I was almost hit. 2 years ago again in the midst of a snow storm on I-94 a suspended driver of a semi-truck lost control of the truck and came within feet of striking my parked patrol car as it crashed into the median and into a vehicle I had stopped to assist.
Again I'm reminded of tremendous and sovereign grace. A matter of a few inches could have resulted in significantly different results. There is One who draws the lines between protection and devastation. Today, again, I'm glad to have been on this side of that line. There may come a time when I may be on the other side of that line, and if that time ever comes, this same One will have drawn that line, for He alone draws such lines.
Psalm 68:20 (NIV)
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
At about 9:30pm, after just handling a minor weather related traffic accident, I responded to the scene of a vehicle in the ditch on US12. My patrol car was parked on the shoulder of US12 with the emergency lights activated as I awaited a tow truck to remove the stranded vehicle. As I walked back to my patrol car I opened the driver side door and looked up to see a vehicle sliding out of control towards me. With no time to go anywhere else I jumped up and stood on the floorboard of my car and pressed against the car as tightly as possible. The sliding vehicle quickly brushed by me and smacked into my open door, pealing it backwards. Photos may follow later.
Needless to say the two motorists who lost control of their vehicles received citations for this lack of control. Contrary to popular opinion, poor weather conditions are not excuses for losing control of one's vehicle. Rather the loss of control is evidence of the fact that one was going too fast for the weather conditions. For some reason people find this unreasonable? The man who was stranded in the ditch, and who watched as I was nearly hit, questioned the receiving of such a citation as he cited the fact that the road was snowy and slippery. My reply, "Exactly, all the more reason to drive with much caution and with reduced speeds in order to maintain control of your vehicle."
As providence would have it the lady who almost hit me was driving on a suspended license. An interesting coincidence with the last time I was almost hit. 2 years ago again in the midst of a snow storm on I-94 a suspended driver of a semi-truck lost control of the truck and came within feet of striking my parked patrol car as it crashed into the median and into a vehicle I had stopped to assist.
Again I'm reminded of tremendous and sovereign grace. A matter of a few inches could have resulted in significantly different results. There is One who draws the lines between protection and devastation. Today, again, I'm glad to have been on this side of that line. There may come a time when I may be on the other side of that line, and if that time ever comes, this same One will have drawn that line, for He alone draws such lines.
Psalm 68:20 (NIV)
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Ever Memorize Scripture?
I've done a little bit of scripture memorization and I've never felt it to be a wasted effort. Although The passages I've previously endeavored to memorize, and did actually remember without help - at least for a short period of time, are no longer stored word for word in my faulty memory. The powerful truth of these passages, however, did remain with me.
For instance Isaiah 53 was once a memorization project of mine and although I cannot an longer recite the entire passage verbatim, I do recall the powerful Christ-centered message therein. I can no longer quote Romans 1 but I do remember the main points highlighted there. Psalm 91 was one of my memorization projects and it too is not retained entirely, yet I recall the theme of God's protection of His people.
I remember especially during the Romans 1 project that the more I recited this chapter repeatedly in an effort to lock it into memory, the more I was beginning to understand it. The memorization effort is a forced meditation, and as such greatly helps with understanding.
I've recently been attempting to commit to memory, what is in my opinion one of the greatest (if not the greatest chapter) in all of Scripture - Romans 8.
3 Verses down and 36 more to go.
On a similar note, my wife and I are teaching our 5 year old daughter to memorize verses. She has several verses committed to memory and it's quite amazing how fast she is able to memorize them.
What verses would you want your children to remember? Or what verses did you memorize as a child?
Do you memorize Scripture? What have portions of Scripture have you committed to memory? Or what portions would you recommend memorizing?
For instance Isaiah 53 was once a memorization project of mine and although I cannot an longer recite the entire passage verbatim, I do recall the powerful Christ-centered message therein. I can no longer quote Romans 1 but I do remember the main points highlighted there. Psalm 91 was one of my memorization projects and it too is not retained entirely, yet I recall the theme of God's protection of His people.
I remember especially during the Romans 1 project that the more I recited this chapter repeatedly in an effort to lock it into memory, the more I was beginning to understand it. The memorization effort is a forced meditation, and as such greatly helps with understanding.
I've recently been attempting to commit to memory, what is in my opinion one of the greatest (if not the greatest chapter) in all of Scripture - Romans 8.
3 Verses down and 36 more to go.
On a similar note, my wife and I are teaching our 5 year old daughter to memorize verses. She has several verses committed to memory and it's quite amazing how fast she is able to memorize them.
What verses would you want your children to remember? Or what verses did you memorize as a child?
Do you memorize Scripture? What have portions of Scripture have you committed to memory? Or what portions would you recommend memorizing?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Who Wouldn't Want This?
Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Often times after having drank from that great Fountain of Living Waters, my soul does so overflow with peace, hope, and unbreakable joy. That He has made a way for us to come before Him whenever we want, and that He has given us His magnificent Word is simply astounding. That we may take part of Him, of knowing Him and enjoying Him is spectacular. I sometimes question myself as to why I don't press into His Word further and delay in His presence longer - this is mere foolishness and no doubt evidence of the frail condition of our human-ness.
This morning after meeting with Him, my heart is ravished and my soul is deeply satisfied. After tasting of such glories this question rings in my ears, "Who wouldn't want this?" Then I'm reminded of two things Jesus said:
"And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil."
"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel."
Quenched
My thirst now quenched
And with Your presence drenched
My heart is now satisfied
Overflowing with joy when You are Glorified
Oh that we may know You
And enjoy Your intimate fellowship too
What a wonder to delight
In Your majesty and might
Trembling in the presence of so much glory
Heart pounding and mind overwhelmed with the story
Of Your fierce and intense pursuit of us
It births faith anew, and hope that is marvelous
- A.B. Seal
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Often times after having drank from that great Fountain of Living Waters, my soul does so overflow with peace, hope, and unbreakable joy. That He has made a way for us to come before Him whenever we want, and that He has given us His magnificent Word is simply astounding. That we may take part of Him, of knowing Him and enjoying Him is spectacular. I sometimes question myself as to why I don't press into His Word further and delay in His presence longer - this is mere foolishness and no doubt evidence of the frail condition of our human-ness.
This morning after meeting with Him, my heart is ravished and my soul is deeply satisfied. After tasting of such glories this question rings in my ears, "Who wouldn't want this?" Then I'm reminded of two things Jesus said:
"And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil."
"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel."
Quenched
My thirst now quenched
And with Your presence drenched
My heart is now satisfied
Overflowing with joy when You are Glorified
Oh that we may know You
And enjoy Your intimate fellowship too
What a wonder to delight
In Your majesty and might
Trembling in the presence of so much glory
Heart pounding and mind overwhelmed with the story
Of Your fierce and intense pursuit of us
It births faith anew, and hope that is marvelous
- A.B. Seal
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Gratefully Diverse
Skin, bones, muscles, eyes, ears, fingers, elbows, and toes. How diverse one human being is. How diverse also the body of Christ is.
What a grace and an example of God’s spectacular creativity. We were not all pressed with the same cookie cutter. Each of us with unique voices, personalities, and even fingerprints. And this not by mistake, but by design.
How immensely I’ve benefited from being exposed to the variety in the body of Christ. I’ve benefited from those in the Charismatic camps as well as those of the not-so-charismatic camps. From those who are prone to an intellectual large mindedness and from those who are prone to a not-so-intellectual large heartedness. From those who see things differently than I do and from those who by all accounts are quite different from me in various ways.
How have you benefited from the diversity of Christ’s people?
Or have you missed out on this blessing because, whether by choice or by happenstance, you’ve been quite isolated in your particular corner of Christianity?
It's quite interesting how we gravitate towards those who are most like us. It's also interesting how we benefit from those who are not so much like us.
Though now it often seems we are given to an unusual and likely unnatural bent towards self-likeness we will see much fruit grow from the cross-pollination of growing into Christ-likeness as we become a part of the body that is tremendously larger than we are and notably more diverse.
What a grace and an example of God’s spectacular creativity. We were not all pressed with the same cookie cutter. Each of us with unique voices, personalities, and even fingerprints. And this not by mistake, but by design.
How immensely I’ve benefited from being exposed to the variety in the body of Christ. I’ve benefited from those in the Charismatic camps as well as those of the not-so-charismatic camps. From those who are prone to an intellectual large mindedness and from those who are prone to a not-so-intellectual large heartedness. From those who see things differently than I do and from those who by all accounts are quite different from me in various ways.
How have you benefited from the diversity of Christ’s people?
Or have you missed out on this blessing because, whether by choice or by happenstance, you’ve been quite isolated in your particular corner of Christianity?
It's quite interesting how we gravitate towards those who are most like us. It's also interesting how we benefit from those who are not so much like us.
Though now it often seems we are given to an unusual and likely unnatural bent towards self-likeness we will see much fruit grow from the cross-pollination of growing into Christ-likeness as we become a part of the body that is tremendously larger than we are and notably more diverse.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Paul Washer: Preaching Repentance
I watched this message last night and was greatly moved. What a grace it is to have free access to so many great messages.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Behold the Lion...
Revelation 5:2-5 , 95:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" 5:3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 5:4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.
5:5 And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."
5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Any Thoughts?
John 15:18
"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
John 15:20
Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
John 16:20-22
Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 16:21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Matthew 24:37
For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Romans 8:16-18
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 8:17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
That's NOT the point...
Romans 1:24-25
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
The creation was never meant to become the recipient of worship. Rather it was created in such a way as to display the magnificence and excellence of the One who designed it. These are my thoughts after an unusual experience at work this evening.
"That's not the point..." I thought to myself as I pondered the condition of those who gathered in the small building to engage in severely misplaced worship. Thoughts of the end time reference to the "days of Noah" (Mat. 24:37) passed through my mind.
"That's not the point..." The creation was not meant to be an end in itself, but a means to the ultimate end - the worship of the Living God. Eternal majesty neglected for things infinitely less glorious and infinitely less satisfying.
At this point you're probably wondering what this unusual experience was. Suffice it to say that it was a vivid example of idolatry. A living illustration that will leave a lasting impression on me as to the folly of worshiping finite things and the evil of the wayward human heart. It would not be appropriate considering the focus of this blog to delve into further detail.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
The creation was never meant to become the recipient of worship. Rather it was created in such a way as to display the magnificence and excellence of the One who designed it. These are my thoughts after an unusual experience at work this evening.
"That's not the point..." I thought to myself as I pondered the condition of those who gathered in the small building to engage in severely misplaced worship. Thoughts of the end time reference to the "days of Noah" (Mat. 24:37) passed through my mind.
"That's not the point..." The creation was not meant to be an end in itself, but a means to the ultimate end - the worship of the Living God. Eternal majesty neglected for things infinitely less glorious and infinitely less satisfying.
At this point you're probably wondering what this unusual experience was. Suffice it to say that it was a vivid example of idolatry. A living illustration that will leave a lasting impression on me as to the folly of worshiping finite things and the evil of the wayward human heart. It would not be appropriate considering the focus of this blog to delve into further detail.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Scriptures to Consider on Voting Day
Daniel 4:35
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?"
Psalm 115:3
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
Daniel 2:20-22
Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
1Samauel 8:4-9
8:4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 8:5 and said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations." 8:6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD. 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8:8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 8:9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?"
Psalm 115:3
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
Daniel 2:20-22
Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
1Samauel 8:4-9
8:4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 8:5 and said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations." 8:6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD. 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8:8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 8:9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Free Audio Books
This month ChristianAudio.com is giving away two of Calvin's works from his Institutes: Of Prayer & The Christian Life.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
CD Giveaway: Behold the Lamb of God
This month I will having a CD giveaway instead of the usual book giveaway. Considering that the winner of the November Giveaway will be determined on the last day of November, right in midst of the Christmas season, I'll be giving away Andrew Peterson's excellent album (my favorite Christmas album) Behold the Lamb of God.
To enter for the November Giveaway just leave a comment on this post.
Here's a taste of two songs from this album:
Behold the Lamb
Labor of Love
To enter for the November Giveaway just leave a comment on this post.
Here's a taste of two songs from this album:
Behold the Lamb
Labor of Love
Friday, October 31, 2008
Feeling Rather Feeble
How feeble are our finite words to handle the magnificent words of the One who is infinite.
Having been granted an opportunity to preach on this Sunday evening I've become increasingly aware of my finite-ness. How does one do justice to the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains with words. How does one describe such glory as he stands on one tremendous mountain peak only to be overcome by the multitudes of other spectacular peaks that have now come into view.
I remember when I was about 10 years old and our family lived in Stevensville Montana. Our house sat on one side of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley and faced the magnificent view of the Rocky Mountains several miles on the opposite side of the Valley. From our house we could see a tiny box that sat atop one of those nearby mountains and could be more than covered with the tip of my outstretched thumb as I looked out our living room window. That tiny box was a small cabin that had been used as a fire watch post.
I remember climbing St. Mary's peak with my dad and my cousin (we were able to drive more than half of the way up). Standing on the top of that mountain, near the old fire watch cabin we were able to see for miles in any direction. We could see our neighborhood on the other side of the valley and in the opposite direction was a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. What seemed to us like a monumental accomplishment now seemed ridiculously minuscule as mountains stretched in the other direction as far as the eye could see. Mountain peak after mountain peak, jagged, snow covered, and each more majestic than the next. Needless to say this was an experience that I will never forget.
How does one so small and so insignificant in the course of human history speak of such grandeur. These are the feelings and memories that I've experienced lately as I have attempted to climb the mountain peak of Romans 8:18. Just when I feel like I'm getting a grasp on it I begin to see numerous more magnificent peaks that leave me feeling incredibly small and ill prepared for this task. Almost speechless...
Having been granted an opportunity to preach on this Sunday evening I've become increasingly aware of my finite-ness. How does one do justice to the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains with words. How does one describe such glory as he stands on one tremendous mountain peak only to be overcome by the multitudes of other spectacular peaks that have now come into view.
I remember when I was about 10 years old and our family lived in Stevensville Montana. Our house sat on one side of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley and faced the magnificent view of the Rocky Mountains several miles on the opposite side of the Valley. From our house we could see a tiny box that sat atop one of those nearby mountains and could be more than covered with the tip of my outstretched thumb as I looked out our living room window. That tiny box was a small cabin that had been used as a fire watch post.
I remember climbing St. Mary's peak with my dad and my cousin (we were able to drive more than half of the way up). Standing on the top of that mountain, near the old fire watch cabin we were able to see for miles in any direction. We could see our neighborhood on the other side of the valley and in the opposite direction was a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. What seemed to us like a monumental accomplishment now seemed ridiculously minuscule as mountains stretched in the other direction as far as the eye could see. Mountain peak after mountain peak, jagged, snow covered, and each more majestic than the next. Needless to say this was an experience that I will never forget.
How does one so small and so insignificant in the course of human history speak of such grandeur. These are the feelings and memories that I've experienced lately as I have attempted to climb the mountain peak of Romans 8:18. Just when I feel like I'm getting a grasp on it I begin to see numerous more magnificent peaks that leave me feeling incredibly small and ill prepared for this task. Almost speechless...
Book Giveaway Winner
Congratulations Kamewh you're the winner of this month's book giveaway, The Discipline of Grace.
Contact me with the address you would like the book mailed to and I'll send it right away.
Enjoy!
Contact me with the address you would like the book mailed to and I'll send it right away.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Simple Yet Helpful
In an effort to better grasp the Scriptures it's interesting how a simple exercise like moving words around on a page can help you see more clearly what is truly there. A friend (Brian) shared this with me a few years ago and it has proved quite helpful in allowing me to see the depth of the text more clearly. I've found this particularly helpful when preparing to give a message on a certain text. It is however also very helpful for study and for gaining a better understanding of a text - even if you won't be preaching on it. If I remember correctly he referred to this as a mechanical layout.
For example read the below passage and then read it in a different lay out and see the difference for yourself (the lines are only used to hold space as the space bar alone in this blog format will not work):
Ephesians 1:4-6
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:4-6
For He chose us
__in Him
_____before the creation of the world
________to be holy
________and blameless
___________in His sight.
In love
__He predestined us
_____to be adopted
________as His sons
___________through Jesus Christ,
______________in accordance with His pleasure
______________and will
to the praise
__of His glorious grace,
_____which He has freely given us
________in the One He loves.
For example read the below passage and then read it in a different lay out and see the difference for yourself (the lines are only used to hold space as the space bar alone in this blog format will not work):
Ephesians 1:4-6
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:4-6
For He chose us
__in Him
_____before the creation of the world
________to be holy
________and blameless
___________in His sight.
In love
__He predestined us
_____to be adopted
________as His sons
___________through Jesus Christ,
______________in accordance with His pleasure
______________and will
to the praise
__of His glorious grace,
_____which He has freely given us
________in the One He loves.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Jeremy Riddle: God of All Glory
A spectacular video combined with an excellent worship song:
Psalm 19:1-3
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Psalm 19:1-3
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A Christ-Glorifying & Hope Giving Message
Friday, October 24, 2008
More Excerpts from Rutherford
Be content, ye are his wheat growing in our Lord's field. And if wheat, ye must go under our Lord's threshing instrument, in his barn-floor, and through his sieve, and through his mill to be bruised, as the Prince of your salvation, Jesus was (Isa. 53:9), that ye may be found good bread in your Lord's house.
Dry wells send us to the fountain.
Now would to God, all cold-blooded, faint-hearted soldiers of Christ would look again to Jesus and to his love; and when they look, I would have them to look again and again, and fill themselves with beholding of Christ's beauty; and I dare say then, that Christ should come in great court and request with many.
No pen, no words, no image can express to you the loveliness of my only, only Lord Jesus.
- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ
Dry wells send us to the fountain.
Now would to God, all cold-blooded, faint-hearted soldiers of Christ would look again to Jesus and to his love; and when they look, I would have them to look again and again, and fill themselves with beholding of Christ's beauty; and I dare say then, that Christ should come in great court and request with many.
No pen, no words, no image can express to you the loveliness of my only, only Lord Jesus.
- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Seeing Through Pain
'Tis a trying and woeful hour
Which bends the knee and proves weak my power to withstand
'Tis a painful and undesirable thorn
Which prods in directions which might be otherwise forlorn
'Tis the storms and trials of life
Which cause me to awaken in the midst of such strife
'Tis the continual pounding of the waves
Which teaches me to rely completely on Your hand that saves
'Tis sorrows such as these that cause
Us to gaze upon Thy scars and pains
And to consider, ponder, and pause
At Your work upon the cross, which washes away all our dark stains
- A. B. Seal
Which bends the knee and proves weak my power to withstand
'Tis a painful and undesirable thorn
Which prods in directions which might be otherwise forlorn
'Tis the storms and trials of life
Which cause me to awaken in the midst of such strife
'Tis the continual pounding of the waves
Which teaches me to rely completely on Your hand that saves
'Tis sorrows such as these that cause
Us to gaze upon Thy scars and pains
And to consider, ponder, and pause
At Your work upon the cross, which washes away all our dark stains
- A. B. Seal
Hope in the Midst of Storms
Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation,
or distress,
or persecution,
or famine,
or nakedness,
or danger,
or sword?
36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things
we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death
nor life,
nor angels
nor rulers,
nor things present
nor things to come,
nor powers,
39 nor height
nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation,
or distress,
or persecution,
or famine,
or nakedness,
or danger,
or sword?
36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things
we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death
nor life,
nor angels
nor rulers,
nor things present
nor things to come,
nor powers,
39 nor height
nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
"At the cross You beckon me"
When was the last time you meditated on what happened at the cross? When did you last consider what Jesus suffered and accomplished?
I was helped much today by thinking on this as I read of the death of Christ in Driscoll's book entitled, Death by Love.
The below music video is another excellent way to focus on Christ and his work at the cross. It seems that eternity will very likely reveal this event to be the focal point of the history of this world. Christ's message and work are overflowing from the lyrics of this truth saturated song.
I was helped much today by thinking on this as I read of the death of Christ in Driscoll's book entitled, Death by Love.
The below music video is another excellent way to focus on Christ and his work at the cross. It seems that eternity will very likely reveal this event to be the focal point of the history of this world. Christ's message and work are overflowing from the lyrics of this truth saturated song.
Monday, October 20, 2008
When the Righteous Suffer...
Desiring God recently held a regional conference on the theme of suffering entitled, Job: When the Righteous Suffer. The two messages and the Q&A are available to download for free.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Parting, only to Meet Again in Christ
He is not lost to you who is found to Christ. If he hath casten his bloom and flower, the bloom is fallen in heaven in Christ's lap; and as he was lent awhile to time, so is he given now to eternity, which will take yourself; and the difference of your shipping and his to heaven and Christ's shore, the land of life, is only in some few years, which weareth every day shorter, and some short and soon reckoned summers will give you a meeting with him.
Fall down and make a surrender of those that are gone, and these that are yet alive, to him. And for you, let him have all; and wait for himself, for he will come and will not tarry. Live by faith... He cannot die whose ye are.
Fall down and make a surrender of those that are gone, and these that are yet alive, to him. And for you, let him have all; and wait for himself, for he will come and will not tarry. Live by faith... He cannot die whose ye are.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Passing Pain & Eternal Glory
The sea-sick passenger shall come to land; Christ will be the first that will meet you on the shore.
I pray you learn to be worthy of his pains who correcteth; and let him wring, and be ye washed; for he hath a Father's heart, and a Father's hand, who is training you up, and making you meet for the high hall.
One year's time of heaven shall swallow up all sorrows, even beyond all comparison.
Christ is as full a feast as ye can have to hunger.
- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ
I pray you learn to be worthy of his pains who correcteth; and let him wring, and be ye washed; for he hath a Father's heart, and a Father's hand, who is training you up, and making you meet for the high hall.
One year's time of heaven shall swallow up all sorrows, even beyond all comparison.
Christ is as full a feast as ye can have to hunger.
- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ
Friday, October 17, 2008
Glimpses of Glory
Our love to him should begin on earth, as it shall be in heaven; for the bride taketh not by a thousand degrees so much delight in her wedding-garment as she doth in her bridegroom; so we, in the life to come, howbeit clothed with glory as with a robe, shall not be so much affected with the glory that goeth about us, as with the Bridegroom's joyful face and presence.
Christ's love, under a veil is love; if ye get Christ, howbeit not the sweet and pleasant way you would have him, it is enough, for the Well-Beloved cometh not our way.
I hope ye are not ignorant, that if peace was left to you in Christ's testament, so the other half of the testament was a legacy of Christ's sufferings (John 16:33).
- Samuel Rutherford, The loveliness of Christ
Christ's love, under a veil is love; if ye get Christ, howbeit not the sweet and pleasant way you would have him, it is enough, for the Well-Beloved cometh not our way.
I hope ye are not ignorant, that if peace was left to you in Christ's testament, so the other half of the testament was a legacy of Christ's sufferings (John 16:33).
- Samuel Rutherford, The loveliness of Christ
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Craving Contentment?
Murmuring, dissatisfaction, discontent
(J. C. Ryle, "Be Content" 1885)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with such things as you have, because God has said--Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
These words are very simple. A little child might easily understand them. They contain no high doctrine; they involve no deep metaphysical question; and yet, as simple as they are--the duty which these words enjoin on us, is of highest practical importance to all Christians.
Contentment is one of the rarest graces. Like all precious things--it is most uncommon. To practice contentment, is very hard. To talk of contentment in the day of health and prosperity is easy enough; but to be content in the midst of poverty, sickness, trouble, disappointments, and losses--is a state of mind to which very few can attain!
The fallen angels had heaven itself to dwell in, and the immediate presence and favor of God--but they were not content. Adam and Eve had the garden of Eden to live in, with a free grant of everything in it excepting one tree--but they were not content. Ahab had his throne and kingdom, but so long as Naboth's vineyard was not his--he was not content. Haman was the chief favorite of the Persian king--but so long as Mordecai sat at the gate--he was not content.
It is just the same everywhere in the present day. Murmuring, dissatisfaction, discontent with what we have, meet us at every turn. To say, with Jacob, "I have enough," seems flatly contrary to the grain of human nature. To say, "I want more," seems the mother tongue of every child of Adam.
Paul's direction ought to come with power to all our consciences: "Be content with such things as you have," not with such things as you once used to have--not with such things as you hope to have--but with such things as you now have. With such things, whatever they may be--we are to be content. With such a dwelling, such a family, such health, such income, such work, such circumstances as we now have--we are to be content.
Ah! reader, if you would be truly happy--seek it where alone it can be found. Seek it not in money, seek it not in pleasure, nor in friends, nor in learning. Seek it in having a will in perfect harmony with the will of God. Seek it in studying to be content.
You may say, that is fine talking--but how can we be always content in such a world? I answer, that you need to cast away your pride, and know your deserts, in order to be thankful in any condition. If men really knew that they deserve nothing, and are debtors to God's mercy every day--they would soon cease to complain.
Let me tell you why there is so little contentment in the world. The simple answer is, because there is so little grace, and true godliness. Few know their own sin; few feel their desert; and so few are content with such things as they have. Humility, self-knowledge, a clear sight of our own utter vileness and corruption; these are the true roots of contentment.
Let me tell you--what you should do, if you would be content. You must know your own heart, seek God for your portion, take Christ for your Savior, and use God's Word for your daily food. Contentment must be learned at the feet of Jesus Christ. He who has God for his friend, and heaven for his home--can wait for his good things, and be content with little here below.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A Plea for Fasting & Prayer
"I appeal to you to seek the Lord with me concerning the place of fasting and prayer in breaking through the darkened mind that engulfs the modern world, in regard to abortion and a hundred other ills. This is not a call for a collective tantrum that screams at the bad people, “Give me back my country.” It is a call to aliens and exiles in the earth, whose citizenship is in heaven and who await the appearance of their King, to “do business” until he comes (Luke 19:13). And the great business of the Christian is to “do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31), and to pray that God’s name be hallowed and his kingdom come and his will be done in the earth (Matthew 6:9-10). And to yearn and work and pray and fast not only for the final revelation of the Son of Man, but in the meantime, for the demonstration of his Spirit and power in the reaching of every people, and the rescuing of the perishing, and the purifying of the church, and the putting right of as many wrongs as God will grant."
- John Piper
HT:JT
- John Piper
HT:JT
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Infinite Christ & Eternal Glory
Every day we may see some new thing in Christ. His love hath neither brim nor bottom.
When we shall come home and enter to the possession of our Brother's fair kingdom, and when our heads shall find the weight of the eternal crown of glory, and when we shall look back to pains and sufferings; then shall we see life and sorrow to be less than one step or stride from prison to glory; and that our little inch of time - suffering is not worthy of our first night's welcome home to heaven.
- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ
When we shall come home and enter to the possession of our Brother's fair kingdom, and when our heads shall find the weight of the eternal crown of glory, and when we shall look back to pains and sufferings; then shall we see life and sorrow to be less than one step or stride from prison to glory; and that our little inch of time - suffering is not worthy of our first night's welcome home to heaven.
- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ
Friday, October 10, 2008
Motivating Grace
It is forgiveness that sets a man working for God. He does not work in order to be forgiven, but because he has been forgiven, and the consciousness of his sin being pardoned makes him long more for its entire removal than ever he did before.
An unforgiven man cannot work. He has not the will, nor the power, nor the liberty. He is in chains. Israel in Egypt could not serve Jehovah. "Let my people go that they may serve Me." was God's message to Pharoah (Exod. 8:1): first liberty, then service.
A forgiven man is the true worker, the true law-keeper. He can, he will, he must work for God. He has come into contact with the part of God's character which warms his cold heart. Forgiving love constrains him. He cannot but work for Him who has removed his sins from him as far as the east is from the west. Forgiveness has made him a free man, and given him a new and most loving Master. Forgiveness, received freely from the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, acts as a spring, an impulse, a stimulus of divine potency. It is more irresistible than law, or terror, or threat.
- Horatius Bonar
HT: The Discipline of Grace, by Jerry Bridges
(By the way, this is the best book I've read all year!)
An unforgiven man cannot work. He has not the will, nor the power, nor the liberty. He is in chains. Israel in Egypt could not serve Jehovah. "Let my people go that they may serve Me." was God's message to Pharoah (Exod. 8:1): first liberty, then service.
A forgiven man is the true worker, the true law-keeper. He can, he will, he must work for God. He has come into contact with the part of God's character which warms his cold heart. Forgiving love constrains him. He cannot but work for Him who has removed his sins from him as far as the east is from the west. Forgiveness has made him a free man, and given him a new and most loving Master. Forgiveness, received freely from the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, acts as a spring, an impulse, a stimulus of divine potency. It is more irresistible than law, or terror, or threat.
- Horatius Bonar
HT: The Discipline of Grace, by Jerry Bridges
(By the way, this is the best book I've read all year!)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Hysterical!
Check out Abraham Piper's blog on mondegreen at 22 Words.
This has to be the funniest blog post & collection of comments I've ever encountered in the blogosphere. I repeatedly found myself laughing out loud.
This has to be the funniest blog post & collection of comments I've ever encountered in the blogosphere. I repeatedly found myself laughing out loud.
Affliction & Awakening
What will awaken and enliven a sleepy and fatted people?
It seems that suffering and affliction are the lonely remedies to such an apathy. The life of the Christian is to be a life of war! And yet the warfare is hardly anywhere to be seen. However, the warfare language of the Scriptures is inescapable, indeed even bordering on outrageously blunt. Here is a mere sampling of such language:
Php 3:11-14 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 6:11-12 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1Co 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2Co 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
Eph 6:11-13 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Rev. 2:10b
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Luk 9:23 And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luk 9:24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Col 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and …
Joh 12:25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Back to the question. What will wake us up and shake us into vibrant Christ exalting life? The Scriptures are not scant on serious language, nor would the reading of such Scriptures lead one to conclude apathetic time wasting is wise nor prudent.
As I ask myself this question I cannot escape the thought that God has arranged many and various wake up calls. In fact it seems that this is one of the main purposes for, if not the main purpose for sufferings and trials. Without them we will simply sleep away and fatten ourselves with comfort upon comfort as we waste our lives into oblivion.
Thank You Lord for granting to us the mercies of sufferings and trials that we might awaken to Christ's glory and to Christ honoring, self-effacing service.
Psalm 119:67
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
2 Cor 1:8-9
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
"God is kind in ways that will not fit your mind."
- John Piper, The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God
It seems that suffering and affliction are the lonely remedies to such an apathy. The life of the Christian is to be a life of war! And yet the warfare is hardly anywhere to be seen. However, the warfare language of the Scriptures is inescapable, indeed even bordering on outrageously blunt. Here is a mere sampling of such language:
Php 3:11-14 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 6:11-12 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1Co 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2Co 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
Eph 6:11-13 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Rev. 2:10b
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Luk 9:23 And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luk 9:24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Col 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and …
Joh 12:25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Back to the question. What will wake us up and shake us into vibrant Christ exalting life? The Scriptures are not scant on serious language, nor would the reading of such Scriptures lead one to conclude apathetic time wasting is wise nor prudent.
As I ask myself this question I cannot escape the thought that God has arranged many and various wake up calls. In fact it seems that this is one of the main purposes for, if not the main purpose for sufferings and trials. Without them we will simply sleep away and fatten ourselves with comfort upon comfort as we waste our lives into oblivion.
Thank You Lord for granting to us the mercies of sufferings and trials that we might awaken to Christ's glory and to Christ honoring, self-effacing service.
Psalm 119:67
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
2 Cor 1:8-9
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
"God is kind in ways that will not fit your mind."
- John Piper, The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Warren Barfield: Love is not a Fight
Although I've heard this song previously on the radio, I had never really noticed how powerful the lyrics are. This song is appropriately featured in the new movie Fireproof. It was while watching this movie that I was first really impacted by the lyrics. Great song, awesome verbage, very moving. Give it a listen while reviewing the lyrics - see if you notice a difference.
Monday, October 6, 2008
"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord"
BBC has an informative article on the worldwide economic mess. While considering the wide spread economic disaster I was reminded of the below verses.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
It occurred to me that of all who must endure these economic hardships, Christians ought to hold out the hope that they have as a medicine to those sickened by failing banks and retirement accounts. With our hope firmly fixed like Habakkuk's we may yet become salt and light in a world losing what it holds most dear. We too may have much to lose, houses, material possessions, and maybe more. There is however, One who we will never lose, One who will never crumble, nor ever remotely lose His value. This is He of whom Habakkuk referred, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." The circumstances surrounding Habakkuk's rejoicing were not those to be rejoiced over, but he saw through those circumstances to the One who has promised to never leave us or forsake us.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
It occurred to me that of all who must endure these economic hardships, Christians ought to hold out the hope that they have as a medicine to those sickened by failing banks and retirement accounts. With our hope firmly fixed like Habakkuk's we may yet become salt and light in a world losing what it holds most dear. We too may have much to lose, houses, material possessions, and maybe more. There is however, One who we will never lose, One who will never crumble, nor ever remotely lose His value. This is He of whom Habakkuk referred, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." The circumstances surrounding Habakkuk's rejoicing were not those to be rejoiced over, but he saw through those circumstances to the One who has promised to never leave us or forsake us.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Analogies: Motorcycles & Christianity
It occurred to me that motorcycles do not have a reverse gear (well at least the overwhelming majority of them). Christians are to move forward towards God and not in reverse towards self, we are not to put our hand to the plow and then turn back.
While riding a motorcycle one has a difficult time looking backwards, although there are small rear view mirrors. This reflects the significant need for Christians to keep our focus forward on Christ, for what is behind us is unchangeable and under the blood of Christ.
The faster one travels the less one should be concerned about what is behind. During a Christian’s pursuit of God he or she may experience great times of growth and progress. It is especially necessary that during these times one is focused upon God and not the rear view mirrors, for to do otherwise may result in a significant and sudden de-acceleration.
While riding a motorcycle one has a difficult time looking backwards, although there are small rear view mirrors. This reflects the significant need for Christians to keep our focus forward on Christ, for what is behind us is unchangeable and under the blood of Christ.
The faster one travels the less one should be concerned about what is behind. During a Christian’s pursuit of God he or she may experience great times of growth and progress. It is especially necessary that during these times one is focused upon God and not the rear view mirrors, for to do otherwise may result in a significant and sudden de-acceleration.
There is however safety equipment that one may take advantage of. Helmets and other safety gear may significantly increase safety. We need to use wisdom and the graces that God has provided which would provide a level of protection we would otherwise be foolish to travel without.
Many motorcycles have an intense ability to accelerate and to maintain high rates of speed. Because of the work of Christ, our engines have been tuned to be able to pursue Him at ever increasing rates. He beckons us to pursue Him, and on the race track of the Christian life there are no speed limits. Rather our limitations are due to our experience, boldness, courage to press on, and faith In Him. He leads us to Himself as fast as we are able and willing to go.
I’m reminded of another similarity between motorcycles and Christians. One day all motorcycles will find their way to the junk yard, and one day all Christians will return to the dust from which they were made. We may enjoy both our motorcycles and our loved ones, yet all will perish some day.
Many motorcycles have an intense ability to accelerate and to maintain high rates of speed. Because of the work of Christ, our engines have been tuned to be able to pursue Him at ever increasing rates. He beckons us to pursue Him, and on the race track of the Christian life there are no speed limits. Rather our limitations are due to our experience, boldness, courage to press on, and faith In Him. He leads us to Himself as fast as we are able and willing to go.
I’m reminded of another similarity between motorcycles and Christians. One day all motorcycles will find their way to the junk yard, and one day all Christians will return to the dust from which they were made. We may enjoy both our motorcycles and our loved ones, yet all will perish some day.
Oh, but there is One who will never perish who will never see decay. This is where the similarities between motorcycles and Christians cease. For on that great and final day our God will raise His people to be with Him and to enjoy Him forever. In the meanwhile all of mankind’s innovative creations and enjoyable means of transport and hobby will continue to decay. This will not, however, be reason to despair for His magnificent presence in the midst of His glorious new creation will not be lacking in any way. To be in the presence of the One who has spoken the universe into existence, the One who loves self-sacrificially and died in our place, the One who has never had a beginning and will never have an end – this will be all satisfying to all people for all eternity…
In case you were wondering this is my motorcycle. It's a 2003 Honda VFR Interceptor 800 with about 27,000 miles.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Spurgeon's "All of Grace" Free!
This month's free Audio Book from ChristianAudio.com is "All of Grace" by Charles Spurgeon.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Job: New Illustrated Edition
Desiring God is releasing this new addition of Piper's poetic summary of the book of Job. The book was previously released under the title, The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God.
I must reiterate what I've previously written about this material; this material (book / audio) has had the most significant influence on my understanding of suffering and the sovereignty of God. Again I must highly recommend the audio version (approx. 45 min.) in which John Piper reads his four poems on Job (download for free here). If you've never heard this then I would plead with you to do yourself the tremendous favor.
The audio from the above trailer is merely several different clips from the poems joined together in order to give an audio sample.
October Book Giveaway
This month I'll be giving away The Discipline of Grace, by Jerry Bridges. Amazon has some helpful reviews (There are currently 16: 5 Stars, 3: 4 Stars, and 1: 1 Star).
This has been a very helpful book highlighting the tension between God's grace and our responsibility. Discipline and Dependence are the two wings of the airplane of the Christian life - and the airplane simply will not fly without both wings (illustration borrowed from Bridges' book).
To qualify for the book giveaway just leave a comment on this blog post and at the end of the month I'll draw names from a hat to determine the winner.
This has been a very helpful book highlighting the tension between God's grace and our responsibility. Discipline and Dependence are the two wings of the airplane of the Christian life - and the airplane simply will not fly without both wings (illustration borrowed from Bridges' book).
To qualify for the book giveaway just leave a comment on this blog post and at the end of the month I'll draw names from a hat to determine the winner.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September Book Giveaway Winner
Congratulations CPULLUM, you're the winner of the book giveaway for the month of September: Real Christianity.
Contact me with the address you would like the book mailed to and I'll send it as soon as possible.
Contact me with the address you would like the book mailed to and I'll send it as soon as possible.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thoughts & Notes from the DG Conference
Sinclair Ferguson’s message on James 3:1-2
- Sinclair did an excellent job of covering this text well and of getting to the Gospel and to Jesus from this text. This was a spectacular message which concluded with a glimpse of Jesus keeping control of His tongue in Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”
If beholding is becoming (as in 2 Cor. 3:18), then as I see Jesus keeping control of His mouth in midst of such intense affliction, I may be enabled, encouraged, and equipped to keep my control of my mouth in the midst affliction.
Mark Driscoll gave an intense and very powerful message entitled “How Sharp the Edge? Christ, Controversy, and Cutting Words.”
1) Christians are to Feed the Sheep
2) Christians are to Rebuke the Swine – the Habitually Unrepentant
The Bible is easily read in thought of others, and painfully read in light of self.
When you’re in the middle of a war you’ve got to bring out the big guns.
3) Christians are to Shoot the Wolves – False Teachers
With wolves you cannot be to severe. With the wounded sheep you cannot be too gentle.
With wolves you shoot & with the sheep you weep.
Jesus shoots the wolves.
Jesus & Anything Ruins Everything.
It’s Jesus & Nothing!
Some people will not fight over anything. Some people will fight over everything.
Some times the most loving thing you can do is destroy someone before they go to ultimate destruction (Paul handing someone over to Satan…)
4) Bark at the Dogs – Religious People
Should we use satire? Jesus did.
Repent of Religion.
“God commands all people every where to repent.”
They take themselves way too seriously and take God way to lightly.
5) Pray for the Shepherds
Because they need the wisdom to discern the Wolves from the Sheep.
Pray for the shepherds. Pray for them more than you criticize, e-mail, gossip, or blog about them. Pray that they would have a discerning mind to know who is a sheep.
Pray that they would have a thick skin. Pray that they would have a humorous outlook. That they would laugh at themselves, that they would have a tender heart toward Jesus and the sheep. That they wouldn’t be hammered, that they would keep a tender heart, that they would have a humble disposition, that when criticisms are true, they would repent. That they would look at a criticism for a kernel of truth to be sanctified by.
Pray that shepherds would have encouraging families, that their wife would endure all the criticism, backbiting, people who would use her to get influence, that she would remain close to Jesus and be a place of refreshment for her husband, that she would know her job is to keep her husband from despair—not by always agreeing with him but agreeing that she will always be for him.
Pray for his children as people take shots at his family. That his children would not go astray because critics love that.
Pray that one of the elders in the church is a good sniper. That he could spot people who are trying to take down the pastor. If the pastor tries to do it, it’s a lose-lose situation. Some of you elders here need to get in the middle.
Pray that the shepherds would have evangelistic devotion, that they would not just feed the sheep, but that they would love the lost. That they would not waste their time checking their ratings and overlook Paul’s admonition to do the work of an evangelist. That they wouldn’t be so buried in firefights that they can’t see more people become sheep.
Pray for the shepherds, that they would learn selective hearing, that they would listen to their elders, that they would invite into their lives good counsel. Not everything that is said is worth a hearing. Shepherds can become so hard-hearted that their ears are closed and they spend time justifying themselves when they shouldn’t. They need to know who to listen to, who to heed, and who to not to.
Pray for the young shepherds, that older shepherds would not shoot them like wolves and wouldn’t criticize them like dogs, but would encourage them like dads.
Paul Trip gave an excellent message on our use of words and whether they originate from our tiny selfish kingdom or God’s Magnificent Eternal Kingdom.
The very first words ever were spoken by God. Words themselves belong to God.
Words can either give life or they can bring death – you choose.
God help us never to consider talk as if it did not matter.
“When you think your problems come from external sources rather than internal (self) then you stop seeking God’s grace to change.”
“I am my greatest communication problem.”
Sin makes me obsessed with my needs, my wants, and my feelings.
I want. I want. I want. I want. I want. I want. I want. I want. (Me monster)
Love is willing self-sacrifice for the redeeming good of another that does not demand reciprocation.
(Paraphrase Summary) My words will either come from a heart of “this is my kingdom how dare you attempt to rule here” or “this is God’s Kingdom, and you are a fellow citizen of His Kingdom.”
John Piper’s message entitled, “Is there Christian Eloquence?” was an exposition of two texts: 1st Cor. 1:17 & 2:1
“No man can give the impression that he himself is clever and that Christ is mighty to save.” – James Denny (spelling?)
Although the bulk of the message was given to identify and clarify the problem/issue, the final answer to Piper’s title question is Yes.
Here are his 5 supporting points:
1. Eloquence—that is, artistic, surprising, provocative, or aesthetically pleasing language—may keep people awake and focused because they find it interesting for reasons they can’t articulate.
2. Eloquence may bring an adversarial mind into greater sympathy with the speaker.
3. Eloquence may have an awakening effect on a person’s heart and mind short of regeneration, but still important in awakening in them emotional sensitivity to beautiful things.
4. Certain kinds of eloquence (cadence, parallelism, meter, rhyme, assonance, consonance) may not only add interest, but also increase impact by helping the memory.
5. The beauty of eloquence can join with the beauty of truth and increase the power of your words.
Bob Kauflin gave a message on Music as a gift from God to serve the Word.
Singing Helps us to remember the Word.
If the teaching in your church was limited to the songs that you sing, how well taught would your church be?
Music is a language of emotion.
We ought to blend types of music and be willing to learn from them all.
Daniel Taylor gave a lengthy message on the theme of story in our lives.
“The best way to conceive of faith is a story in which you are a character.”
With all due respect to Mr. Taylor, this was a message that probably could have been covered in about 10 minutes, and probably should have been.
All of the messages from this conference are available to download for free in either audio or video format.
- Sinclair did an excellent job of covering this text well and of getting to the Gospel and to Jesus from this text. This was a spectacular message which concluded with a glimpse of Jesus keeping control of His tongue in Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”
If beholding is becoming (as in 2 Cor. 3:18), then as I see Jesus keeping control of His mouth in midst of such intense affliction, I may be enabled, encouraged, and equipped to keep my control of my mouth in the midst affliction.
Mark Driscoll gave an intense and very powerful message entitled “How Sharp the Edge? Christ, Controversy, and Cutting Words.”
1) Christians are to Feed the Sheep
2) Christians are to Rebuke the Swine – the Habitually Unrepentant
The Bible is easily read in thought of others, and painfully read in light of self.
When you’re in the middle of a war you’ve got to bring out the big guns.
3) Christians are to Shoot the Wolves – False Teachers
With wolves you cannot be to severe. With the wounded sheep you cannot be too gentle.
With wolves you shoot & with the sheep you weep.
Jesus shoots the wolves.
Jesus & Anything Ruins Everything.
It’s Jesus & Nothing!
Some people will not fight over anything. Some people will fight over everything.
Some times the most loving thing you can do is destroy someone before they go to ultimate destruction (Paul handing someone over to Satan…)
4) Bark at the Dogs – Religious People
Should we use satire? Jesus did.
Repent of Religion.
“God commands all people every where to repent.”
They take themselves way too seriously and take God way to lightly.
5) Pray for the Shepherds
Because they need the wisdom to discern the Wolves from the Sheep.
Pray for the shepherds. Pray for them more than you criticize, e-mail, gossip, or blog about them. Pray that they would have a discerning mind to know who is a sheep.
Pray that they would have a thick skin. Pray that they would have a humorous outlook. That they would laugh at themselves, that they would have a tender heart toward Jesus and the sheep. That they wouldn’t be hammered, that they would keep a tender heart, that they would have a humble disposition, that when criticisms are true, they would repent. That they would look at a criticism for a kernel of truth to be sanctified by.
Pray that shepherds would have encouraging families, that their wife would endure all the criticism, backbiting, people who would use her to get influence, that she would remain close to Jesus and be a place of refreshment for her husband, that she would know her job is to keep her husband from despair—not by always agreeing with him but agreeing that she will always be for him.
Pray for his children as people take shots at his family. That his children would not go astray because critics love that.
Pray that one of the elders in the church is a good sniper. That he could spot people who are trying to take down the pastor. If the pastor tries to do it, it’s a lose-lose situation. Some of you elders here need to get in the middle.
Pray that the shepherds would have evangelistic devotion, that they would not just feed the sheep, but that they would love the lost. That they would not waste their time checking their ratings and overlook Paul’s admonition to do the work of an evangelist. That they wouldn’t be so buried in firefights that they can’t see more people become sheep.
Pray for the shepherds, that they would learn selective hearing, that they would listen to their elders, that they would invite into their lives good counsel. Not everything that is said is worth a hearing. Shepherds can become so hard-hearted that their ears are closed and they spend time justifying themselves when they shouldn’t. They need to know who to listen to, who to heed, and who to not to.
Pray for the young shepherds, that older shepherds would not shoot them like wolves and wouldn’t criticize them like dogs, but would encourage them like dads.
Paul Trip gave an excellent message on our use of words and whether they originate from our tiny selfish kingdom or God’s Magnificent Eternal Kingdom.
The very first words ever were spoken by God. Words themselves belong to God.
Words can either give life or they can bring death – you choose.
God help us never to consider talk as if it did not matter.
“When you think your problems come from external sources rather than internal (self) then you stop seeking God’s grace to change.”
“I am my greatest communication problem.”
Sin makes me obsessed with my needs, my wants, and my feelings.
I want. I want. I want. I want. I want. I want. I want. I want. (Me monster)
Love is willing self-sacrifice for the redeeming good of another that does not demand reciprocation.
(Paraphrase Summary) My words will either come from a heart of “this is my kingdom how dare you attempt to rule here” or “this is God’s Kingdom, and you are a fellow citizen of His Kingdom.”
John Piper’s message entitled, “Is there Christian Eloquence?” was an exposition of two texts: 1st Cor. 1:17 & 2:1
“No man can give the impression that he himself is clever and that Christ is mighty to save.” – James Denny (spelling?)
Although the bulk of the message was given to identify and clarify the problem/issue, the final answer to Piper’s title question is Yes.
Here are his 5 supporting points:
1. Eloquence—that is, artistic, surprising, provocative, or aesthetically pleasing language—may keep people awake and focused because they find it interesting for reasons they can’t articulate.
2. Eloquence may bring an adversarial mind into greater sympathy with the speaker.
3. Eloquence may have an awakening effect on a person’s heart and mind short of regeneration, but still important in awakening in them emotional sensitivity to beautiful things.
4. Certain kinds of eloquence (cadence, parallelism, meter, rhyme, assonance, consonance) may not only add interest, but also increase impact by helping the memory.
5. The beauty of eloquence can join with the beauty of truth and increase the power of your words.
Bob Kauflin gave a message on Music as a gift from God to serve the Word.
Singing Helps us to remember the Word.
If the teaching in your church was limited to the songs that you sing, how well taught would your church be?
Music is a language of emotion.
We ought to blend types of music and be willing to learn from them all.
Daniel Taylor gave a lengthy message on the theme of story in our lives.
“The best way to conceive of faith is a story in which you are a character.”
With all due respect to Mr. Taylor, this was a message that probably could have been covered in about 10 minutes, and probably should have been.
All of the messages from this conference are available to download for free in either audio or video format.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Gone to Minneapolis...
I won't be blogging for a few days as I'll be in Minneapolis at the Desiring God Conference.You may be interested to check out Resurgence where Mike Anderson will be live blogging at this conference.
You may also be interested in a recent Resurgence blog post: Driscoll's Thoughts on Piper.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Beholding the Glory of Christ
Our specific responsibility in the pursuit of holiness as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:18, then, is to behold the glory of the Lord as it is displayed in the gospel. The gospel is the "mirror" through which we now behold His beauty. One day we shall see Christ, not as in a mirror, but face to face. Then, "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (I John 3:2). Until then we behold Him in the gospel. Therefore, we must "preach the gospel to ourselves every day."
To behold the glory of Christ in the gospel is a discipline. It is a habit we must develop by practice as we learn to preach the gospel to ourselves. As I have repeatedly said, although sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit, it is a work in which He involves us... we will be looking at other disciplines that we must practice in the pursuit of holiness. But none is more important than the discipline of beholding the glory of Christ in the "mirror" of the gospel.
Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace
To behold the glory of Christ in the gospel is a discipline. It is a habit we must develop by practice as we learn to preach the gospel to ourselves. As I have repeatedly said, although sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit, it is a work in which He involves us... we will be looking at other disciplines that we must practice in the pursuit of holiness. But none is more important than the discipline of beholding the glory of Christ in the "mirror" of the gospel.
Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Subject of the Gospel...
It is the gospel that exhibits God's highest glory, which he chiefly designs to display before sinful men, even that glory of God that shineth in the face of Christ. It is the gospel that sets forth the glory of Christ, and by which the Holy Spirit himself is glorified; and it is it that will be honoured with the concomitant (accompanying) influence of the Holy Spirit...
If it should now be asked what is that special doctrine of the gospel, and, strictly speaking, the doctrine of faith? I shall answer briefly -
All revealed truth ought to be greatly valued, and received by faith, and, if properly used, may be subservient to the main subject and design of the gospel. But the special subject of the gospel is Christ; and preaching Christ, according to the light and direction of the Word of God, is preaching the gospel... To preach Christ the Savior and the Lord, is the sum of gospel-preaching.
- James Fraser, A Treatise on Sanctification (1774)
HT: The Discipline of Grace
If it should now be asked what is that special doctrine of the gospel, and, strictly speaking, the doctrine of faith? I shall answer briefly -
All revealed truth ought to be greatly valued, and received by faith, and, if properly used, may be subservient to the main subject and design of the gospel. But the special subject of the gospel is Christ; and preaching Christ, according to the light and direction of the Word of God, is preaching the gospel... To preach Christ the Savior and the Lord, is the sum of gospel-preaching.
- James Fraser, A Treatise on Sanctification (1774)
HT: The Discipline of Grace
Monday, September 22, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Blind?
Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes which cannot behold the sun and the stars,
Or those which cannot behold Your glory?
The eyes that cannot see all the beauty of creation,
Or those that cannot see that You have created it?
Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes that will never look upon a father’s face,
Or those that will never look upon You as Father?
The eyes which cannot see a loved one,
Or those which cannot see how much we are loved by You?
Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes which cannot see to read,
Or those which cannot see that You are the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us?
The eyes that cannot see fresh bread, hot from the oven,
Or those that cannot see that man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of the Lord?
Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes that do not see to find the way,
Or those that do not see that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
The eyes which will never see the beauty of many pearls,
Or those which will never see that You are the pearl of greatest price?
The eyes which cannot behold the sun and the stars,
Or those which cannot behold Your glory?
The eyes that cannot see all the beauty of creation,
Or those that cannot see that You have created it?
Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes that will never look upon a father’s face,
Or those that will never look upon You as Father?
The eyes which cannot see a loved one,
Or those which cannot see how much we are loved by You?
Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes which cannot see to read,
Or those which cannot see that You are the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us?
The eyes that cannot see fresh bread, hot from the oven,
Or those that cannot see that man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of the Lord?
Which eyes are more blind?
The eyes that do not see to find the way,
Or those that do not see that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
The eyes which will never see the beauty of many pearls,
Or those which will never see that You are the pearl of greatest price?
- A. B. Seal
02-11-2006
Mission Trip to Honduras with Vision Outreach International
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Forget Not All of His Benefits
Psalm 103
103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
The rest of this Psalm is an extended meditation by David as he purposefully recalls the benefits of the Lord. Here is his list:
- who forgives all your iniquity,
- who heals all your diseases,
- who redeems your life from the pit,
- who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
- who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
- The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
- He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
- The LORD is merciful and gracious,
- slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
- He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.
- He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
- For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
- as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
- As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
- For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
- As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
- The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
David ends this Psalm with an exhortation to the angels, to the servants of God, and even to himself to bless the Lord:
Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
The rest of this Psalm is an extended meditation by David as he purposefully recalls the benefits of the Lord. Here is his list:
- who forgives all your iniquity,
- who heals all your diseases,
- who redeems your life from the pit,
- who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
- who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
- The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
- He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
- The LORD is merciful and gracious,
- slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
- He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.
- He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
- For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
- as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
- As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
- For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
- As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
- The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
David ends this Psalm with an exhortation to the angels, to the servants of God, and even to himself to bless the Lord:
Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
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