Songs: Constantly, Rev. Clay Evans and AARC Mass Choir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gdGovxWkak)
Praise on the Inside, J Moss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMyfAL6KoK8&feature=related)
Scripture: New Living Testament translation from biblegateway.com
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
I was just lying in bed the other day, drifting in and out of sleep, thinking about a lot of stuff. More and more things just kept coming to my mind and I just lay there, thinking about nothing in particular, but receiving and mulling over thoughts about a lot of different topics.
After a while of my mind racing in this way, I suddenly became aware of another train of thought flowing as an undercurrent in my mind, and this thought was simply, “Thank You.” As I became aware of this thought, it soon overwhelmed and expelled all other thoughts. Before I even knew it, I was wide awake and praying my thanks to God. Thanking Him for His revelation of Himself. Thanking Him for salvation. Thanking Him for His Son, my Savior, and the price that was paid to redeem me. Thanking Him for His Spirit within me, to lead and guide even my thoughts to a place of thanksgiving. Thanking Him for His mercy, thanking Him for His grace.
I am just so grateful ...
…and my journey with Him continues…
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
VBS 2011 – Day 1
Scripture: NKJV from biblegateway.com
Romans 12:1-2
Living Sacrifices to God
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Philippians 2:5-11
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Proverbs 16:3
3 Commit your works to the LORD,
And your thoughts will be established.
Romans 15:1-6
Bearing Others’ Burdens
1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Romans 8:5-8
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Hebrews 8:10
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
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I keep having it impressed upon my spirit to get into God’s Word. Toward that end, I am doing as a daily devotional a blog for the rest of this year – www.whateveryjointsupplies.blogspot.com - from Psalm 119, all Scripture. Today’s Verse of the Day from www.biblegateway.com is “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”” Matthew 4:4 NKJV ; to me, that just confirms what I’m doing.
And I received what I took as another confirmation yesterday. I took some of my grandchildren to a church for Vacation Bible School. I hadn’t planned to go to the adult class because I thought I was going to have to sit in the classroom with one of the younger children, but that was not necessary. So sitting unprepared as I was in the adult class (no Bible, nothing with which to take notes, etc.), the speaker posed a question about discipleship – what it means to be a disciple. The first verses that the speaker spoke from, regarding his topic of being seekers of Jesus, were Matthew 22:34-38.
The Scribes: Which Is the First Commandment of All?
34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.
Wow … I had just used a corresponding verse from Mark in the blog I did before coming to church, so that got my attention. The speaker went on to share his views on what it means to love the Lord with our minds, referencing Deuteronomy 6:5 (which I also put in my blog!), Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:5, Proverbs 16:3. He said that the things in the Old Testament were written for our learning, and the things in the New Testament were written for our living (I found Romans 15:1-6 as reference for part of this.) I waited for some things that didn’t happen – for him to say that we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), or mention the difference between the carnal and spiritual mind (Romans 8:5-8), or marvel at God’s grace in promising to put His laws in our minds (Hebrews 8:10) – but maybe that is coming later on this week, or maybe that’s just for me. (The Bible in which I was looking these verses up after I got home had a fairly recent program from a church service I had attended where the topic was discipleship …hmmm.)
Anyway, a verse was mentioned that I’ve been thinking about lately (especially being so immersed in Psalm 119 and thinking about God’s Word):
Psalm 138:2
I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
... as we were reminded that the journey is / can be as important as the destination.
…and my journey with Him continues…
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
About the Cross…
Songs: The Beauty of the Cross, Crystal Lewis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs-M1T_m4kc)
Beauty of the Cross, Jeff Johnson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwkmLr_xydY)
At the Cross, Gaither Vocal Band (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BN95l8UuTQ&feature=related)
Near the Cross, the Mississippi Mass Choir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mtD2N4gss0)
The Old Rugged Cross, Shelby State Gospel Choir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejU3FIgwmJ8&feature=related)
Scripture: NKJV from biblegateway.com
Matthew 10:38
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mark 8:34
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Luke 9:23
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Luke 14:27
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“ I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Glory Only in the Lord
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”
Philippians 2:5-11
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 2:13-15
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Hebrews 12:1-2
The Race of Faith
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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The first time I heard the expression “the beauty of the cross” I had a problem – I couldn’t see any beauty in what I considered an instrument of torture, of pain, of death. But as time has passed, it seems to me that there can be a savage, terrible beauty in some things where it wouldn’t normally seem so, depending upon one’s perspective. Because of what was achieved through the events that transpired on the cross where my Savior died, I can now see a beauty in it because of Him.
“The Cross” is another subject that has come up with me lately, from hearing concerns expressed regarding the removal of crosses in Christian churches as a means to grow membership, to reading of controversy about allowing crosses on public land (http://odb.org/2011/07/04/controversy-of-the-cross/). Even as I write this, I am remembering a couple of times when I had opportunity to grow spiritually because of the cross:
• Once, I had on a pair of earrings shaped like a crosses when I went into an auto parts store. It was pretty crowded and I was preoccupied with whatever was going on with me and my car, so I just wanted to get whatever I was buying and get out. The guy who ended up waiting on me wanted to talk, but I didn’t. As my transaction was just about finished, he asked me about my earrings – what the cross meant to me. I was pretty short with him as I gave an answer; then I completed my business and left. But I was soon convicted as I felt the Lord was letting me know what the cross meant to Him - what had been accomplished at the cross and at what price. I felt really bad – not only for taking the cross (and with it my Lord’s sacrifice there) for granted, but also for the way in which I did not represent the love of God exhibited on the cross in my interaction with the guy at the auto parts store. After repenting to God, I went back to the store a few days later to apologize, but was told that the person I was looking for no longer worked there.
• Another time, I was with someone when we met up with a person they knew who had a crucifix. The person I was with started fussing, telling the other person that they shouldn’t have a crucifix because Jesus was no longer on the cross. I had never really thought about the difference in an empty cross or a crucifix, as to me they both symbolized the same thing – that Jesus did die on the cross for our sins. At the time, I was not sensing any of the love that was shown us in His sacrifice in the tirade I was hearing but was saddened as I felt judgment, legalism, separation, disunity and other negative emotions coming forth. I left them, wondering if we really “get it” … if many of us who consider ourselves Christian - indeed, if I - really understand the significance of the cross and, if we do, what difference it makes (and what difference it should make) in our lives.
So I will meditate with awe and profound gratitude on the cross of Christ - endured as part of His obedience in the fulfillment of His purpose, accepted as His path to victory, displayed as a symbol of His love for me – and what it means in my desire to follow Him.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ephesians 2
By Grace Through Faith
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Brought Near by His Blood
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Christ Our Peace
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Christ Our Cornerstone
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Beauty of the Cross, Jeff Johnson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwkmLr_xydY)
At the Cross, Gaither Vocal Band (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BN95l8UuTQ&feature=related)
Near the Cross, the Mississippi Mass Choir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mtD2N4gss0)
The Old Rugged Cross, Shelby State Gospel Choir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejU3FIgwmJ8&feature=related)
Scripture: NKJV from biblegateway.com
Matthew 10:38
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mark 8:34
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Luke 9:23
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Luke 14:27
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“ I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Glory Only in the Lord
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”
Philippians 2:5-11
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 2:13-15
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Hebrews 12:1-2
The Race of Faith
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The first time I heard the expression “the beauty of the cross” I had a problem – I couldn’t see any beauty in what I considered an instrument of torture, of pain, of death. But as time has passed, it seems to me that there can be a savage, terrible beauty in some things where it wouldn’t normally seem so, depending upon one’s perspective. Because of what was achieved through the events that transpired on the cross where my Savior died, I can now see a beauty in it because of Him.
“The Cross” is another subject that has come up with me lately, from hearing concerns expressed regarding the removal of crosses in Christian churches as a means to grow membership, to reading of controversy about allowing crosses on public land (http://odb.org/2011/07/04/controversy-of-the-cross/). Even as I write this, I am remembering a couple of times when I had opportunity to grow spiritually because of the cross:
• Once, I had on a pair of earrings shaped like a crosses when I went into an auto parts store. It was pretty crowded and I was preoccupied with whatever was going on with me and my car, so I just wanted to get whatever I was buying and get out. The guy who ended up waiting on me wanted to talk, but I didn’t. As my transaction was just about finished, he asked me about my earrings – what the cross meant to me. I was pretty short with him as I gave an answer; then I completed my business and left. But I was soon convicted as I felt the Lord was letting me know what the cross meant to Him - what had been accomplished at the cross and at what price. I felt really bad – not only for taking the cross (and with it my Lord’s sacrifice there) for granted, but also for the way in which I did not represent the love of God exhibited on the cross in my interaction with the guy at the auto parts store. After repenting to God, I went back to the store a few days later to apologize, but was told that the person I was looking for no longer worked there.
• Another time, I was with someone when we met up with a person they knew who had a crucifix. The person I was with started fussing, telling the other person that they shouldn’t have a crucifix because Jesus was no longer on the cross. I had never really thought about the difference in an empty cross or a crucifix, as to me they both symbolized the same thing – that Jesus did die on the cross for our sins. At the time, I was not sensing any of the love that was shown us in His sacrifice in the tirade I was hearing but was saddened as I felt judgment, legalism, separation, disunity and other negative emotions coming forth. I left them, wondering if we really “get it” … if many of us who consider ourselves Christian - indeed, if I - really understand the significance of the cross and, if we do, what difference it makes (and what difference it should make) in our lives.
So I will meditate with awe and profound gratitude on the cross of Christ - endured as part of His obedience in the fulfillment of His purpose, accepted as His path to victory, displayed as a symbol of His love for me – and what it means in my desire to follow Him.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ephesians 2
By Grace Through Faith
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Brought Near by His Blood
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Christ Our Peace
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Christ Our Cornerstone
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
…and my journey with Him continues…
Monday, July 4, 2011
Freedom’s Price
Songs: Pray for the U.S.A, by The Clark Sisters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqv0Z0LgWsc&feature=related)
Scripture: from biblegateway.com
Isaiah 61, New King James Version (NKJV)
The Good News of Salvation
1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
Because the LORD has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Galatians 1:3-5, New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Galatians 2:20, New King James Version (NKJV)
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
1 Timothy 2:5-7, New King James Version (NKJV)
5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Titus 2:11-14, New King James Version (NKJV)
Trained by Saving Grace
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
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Been noticing a few things as of late:
• I was at the airport to pick someone up, and was waiting in the designated “Arrivals Lobby” area. Just looking around, I suddenly heard clapping, and turned in time to see some people in military uniforms coming down the hallway that led from the terminals. I was distracted by something else (doesn’t take much!) and looked away, but heard clapping again and looked back to see some more uniformed passengers arriving in the lobby. This time, I paid attention long enough to see that the clapping was coming from about three people who were wearing the red aprons of the USO, and that one person from their group always went out to meet / greet the service man or woman. I didn’t know that they did that … I’m glad to know that they do, though. I hope it helps …
(DUH!!! It just hit me that I could have gone to stand with the USO folks and helped welcome the military personnel!!! I didn’t even think about it at the time. What a difference it may have made to the service men and women to have a whole bunch of folks – not just 3 USO representatives – thanking them and welcoming them by clapping … if I hadn’t already promised to babysit tomorrow (and was going to be without a car), maybe I would go out to the airport and at least for a while show my appreciation for the military by joining the USO in clapping a welcome. I’ll have to check on that for another time…)
• I happened to see a film on television called, My Father’s Flag. There were several things in that movie that also struck a chord with me:
“Freedom is not free.” I remember seeing that saying on a sign outside an American Legion location and thinking how true it is.
Not too long ago, I happened to notice a POW / MIA flag flying outside of a small town courthouse. I had meant to look up the conditions for flying that flag, but haven’t gotten around to it … yet.
The issue of how Vietnam veterans feel about their service and the support they received, or not, as compared to veterans of other wars was mentioned on some reality show that was on recently.
The value of a life. I was watching another show (wow – seems like I’ve been watching a lot of television lately, or what?) and it was stated that a person who had previously not been viewed as of any worth was ascribed value because of someone else’s feelings about / attachment to / sacrifice for that person.
I am grateful for the service rendered, the sacrifices made, the hardships endured by all who serve this country in the military to help ensure our continued freedom.
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Romans 5, New King James Version (NKJV)
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Christ in Our Place
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
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But I am most grateful to my Heavenly Father, and to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all that has been done in providing such a perfect, full and complete salvation for us, for me…
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Romans 8, New King James Version (NKJV)
Free from Indwelling Sin
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Sonship Through the Spirit
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
From Suffering to Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
God’s Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:
“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Scripture: from biblegateway.com
Isaiah 61, New King James Version (NKJV)
The Good News of Salvation
1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
Because the LORD has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Galatians 1:3-5, New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Galatians 2:20, New King James Version (NKJV)
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
1 Timothy 2:5-7, New King James Version (NKJV)
5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Titus 2:11-14, New King James Version (NKJV)
Trained by Saving Grace
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
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Been noticing a few things as of late:
• I was at the airport to pick someone up, and was waiting in the designated “Arrivals Lobby” area. Just looking around, I suddenly heard clapping, and turned in time to see some people in military uniforms coming down the hallway that led from the terminals. I was distracted by something else (doesn’t take much!) and looked away, but heard clapping again and looked back to see some more uniformed passengers arriving in the lobby. This time, I paid attention long enough to see that the clapping was coming from about three people who were wearing the red aprons of the USO, and that one person from their group always went out to meet / greet the service man or woman. I didn’t know that they did that … I’m glad to know that they do, though. I hope it helps …
(DUH!!! It just hit me that I could have gone to stand with the USO folks and helped welcome the military personnel!!! I didn’t even think about it at the time. What a difference it may have made to the service men and women to have a whole bunch of folks – not just 3 USO representatives – thanking them and welcoming them by clapping … if I hadn’t already promised to babysit tomorrow (and was going to be without a car), maybe I would go out to the airport and at least for a while show my appreciation for the military by joining the USO in clapping a welcome. I’ll have to check on that for another time…)
• I happened to see a film on television called, My Father’s Flag. There were several things in that movie that also struck a chord with me:
“Freedom is not free.” I remember seeing that saying on a sign outside an American Legion location and thinking how true it is.
Not too long ago, I happened to notice a POW / MIA flag flying outside of a small town courthouse. I had meant to look up the conditions for flying that flag, but haven’t gotten around to it … yet.
The issue of how Vietnam veterans feel about their service and the support they received, or not, as compared to veterans of other wars was mentioned on some reality show that was on recently.
The value of a life. I was watching another show (wow – seems like I’ve been watching a lot of television lately, or what?) and it was stated that a person who had previously not been viewed as of any worth was ascribed value because of someone else’s feelings about / attachment to / sacrifice for that person.
I am grateful for the service rendered, the sacrifices made, the hardships endured by all who serve this country in the military to help ensure our continued freedom.
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Romans 5, New King James Version (NKJV)
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Christ in Our Place
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
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But I am most grateful to my Heavenly Father, and to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all that has been done in providing such a perfect, full and complete salvation for us, for me…
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Romans 8, New King James Version (NKJV)
Free from Indwelling Sin
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Sonship Through the Spirit
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
From Suffering to Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
God’s Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:
“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
…and my journey with Him continues…
The Comedian’s Platform
Songs: You Brought the Sunshine, The Clark Sisters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ddeBHw3P_0)
I Smile, Kirk Franklin (http://www.vevo.com/watch/kirk-franklin/i-smile/USZM21100052?source=instantsearch)
Scripture: NKJV from biblegateway.com
Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
John 15:11
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ReflectionsTV#p/u/9/6RZSFf7fPUA
Part 1; from 9:14, Nazareth tells how God uses his comedy
http://www.youtube.com/user/ReflectionsTV#p/u/31/m41ce73x5Tc
Part 2; @ 10:53, Nazareth shares his testimony, how and why he came to faith in Christ
I Smile, Kirk Franklin (http://www.vevo.com/watch/kirk-franklin/i-smile/USZM21100052?source=instantsearch)
Scripture: NKJV from biblegateway.com
Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
John 15:11
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
I saw a television program recently about Will Rogers. It was shown in this program how comedy gave him a platform for influencing people and impacting the times in which he lived.
Comedy seemed to be a theme as I saw an interview with a Christian comedian named Nazareth on another television program ([Life] Reflections). Nazareth shares how comedy gives him a platform for sharing God’s truth.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ReflectionsTV#p/u/9/6RZSFf7fPUA
Part 1; from 9:14, Nazareth tells how God uses his comedy
http://www.youtube.com/user/ReflectionsTV#p/u/31/m41ce73x5Tc
Part 2; @ 10:53, Nazareth shares his testimony, how and why he came to faith in Christ
I found myself crying with joy in hearing how God is using comedy, using laughter to bless people and bring them to Himself. And my heart was full(bringing more tears) in hearing Nazareth share his testimony, just being aware of the ways that God reaches into our lives and captures our hearts, captivating us with the revelation of His love for us, of our need for Him. I could only thank God for His wonderful, amazing grace and mercy toward us…
…and my journey with Him continues…
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Don’t Pray That! (#1)
Song: Bow Down and Worship Him, recorded by Paul Morton & Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Mass Choir - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQNp4n_5VFE
Scripture: (from www.biblegateway.com)
Ezra 8:21-23 (New King James Version), emphasis mine.
Fasting and Prayer for Protection
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
2 Peter 3:9 (New King James Version)
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
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I remember when I was just starting to participate in prayer at a church I was attending. Since I didn’t know a lot about prayer, I thought to learn from the others how to pray. One evening before Bible study, I remembered hearing someone pray something about God’s glory – for it to fall, to fill the place, to come in its fullness – but when I was about to pray that way I understood from the Lord very clearly, “Don’t pray that!” I stopped, but was confused and saddened – both at not knowing rightly how to pray such that I was being corrected and at not being able to pray for something that I thought would be a good thing, something I wanted to experience.
Later, after Bible study was over, people were hanging around in the sanctuary talking (you know how we do!) when a friend of mine came over to me. She handed me a thick envelope, and as I looked quizzically at her, she asked me not to open it until later. She explained that her husband had noticed that my tires were worn and they wanted me to get some new tires so that my children and I would be safe riding around. I can’t tell you what happened in that moment other than to say that I was quite literally overwhelmed by their gift, their care, their love. I felt as if my mind could not contain the knowledge of how greatly I was being blessed by God, and I trembled, feeling faint. All of my strength was gone as my legs gave way and I leaned back against the back of a pew. I don’t really remember what I said – I hope I said “thank you” – and I don’t know what I looked like or what expression I wore. I do know that I felt as if I would lose my mind for the wonder of it all, as if I was slipping away from all I knew to be real – but then I seemed to come back. This was so unexpected - I had not noticed my tires or their wear, and didn’t have the finances at that time to have done anything about them even if I had noticed.
Later that night at home in prayer, thanking God for my friends, my family, our safety, His provision, all of ways He shows His love and care to and for me and those about whom I care, He shared with me a terrifying answer: that just as I had been overcome by His goodness (in His provision through my friends), that should He answer my prayer and come (as I had been about to pray earlier that evening that He would), others would be overcome by His wrath.
I shuddered to think of the frightfulness of this, and worshiped (bowed low), thanking Him for His mercy, His longsuffering, His goodness, His love in being so patient with us.
Scripture: (from www.biblegateway.com)
Ezra 8:21-23 (New King James Version), emphasis mine.
Fasting and Prayer for Protection
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
2 Peter 3:9 (New King James Version)
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
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I remember when I was just starting to participate in prayer at a church I was attending. Since I didn’t know a lot about prayer, I thought to learn from the others how to pray. One evening before Bible study, I remembered hearing someone pray something about God’s glory – for it to fall, to fill the place, to come in its fullness – but when I was about to pray that way I understood from the Lord very clearly, “Don’t pray that!” I stopped, but was confused and saddened – both at not knowing rightly how to pray such that I was being corrected and at not being able to pray for something that I thought would be a good thing, something I wanted to experience.
Later, after Bible study was over, people were hanging around in the sanctuary talking (you know how we do!) when a friend of mine came over to me. She handed me a thick envelope, and as I looked quizzically at her, she asked me not to open it until later. She explained that her husband had noticed that my tires were worn and they wanted me to get some new tires so that my children and I would be safe riding around. I can’t tell you what happened in that moment other than to say that I was quite literally overwhelmed by their gift, their care, their love. I felt as if my mind could not contain the knowledge of how greatly I was being blessed by God, and I trembled, feeling faint. All of my strength was gone as my legs gave way and I leaned back against the back of a pew. I don’t really remember what I said – I hope I said “thank you” – and I don’t know what I looked like or what expression I wore. I do know that I felt as if I would lose my mind for the wonder of it all, as if I was slipping away from all I knew to be real – but then I seemed to come back. This was so unexpected - I had not noticed my tires or their wear, and didn’t have the finances at that time to have done anything about them even if I had noticed.
Later that night at home in prayer, thanking God for my friends, my family, our safety, His provision, all of ways He shows His love and care to and for me and those about whom I care, He shared with me a terrifying answer: that just as I had been overcome by His goodness (in His provision through my friends), that should He answer my prayer and come (as I had been about to pray earlier that evening that He would), others would be overcome by His wrath.
Proverbs 11:31 (The Message)
31 If good people barely make it, what's in store for the bad!
I shuddered to think of the frightfulness of this, and worshiped (bowed low), thanking Him for His mercy, His longsuffering, His goodness, His love in being so patient with us.
Romans 2:1-11 (New King James Version)
God’s Righteous Judgment
1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.
…and my journey with Him continues…
Death and / for God’s Glory
Songs: He is Here, Brian Doerkson (with song story at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jk3uoU4EBc&feature=related, singing with Christine Dente at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBYgZKkfGYY&feature=related )
Scripture: (from www.biblegateway.com)
Psalm 116:15 (New King James Version)
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.
Isaiah 57:1-2 (New King James Version)
Israel’s Futile Idolatry
1 The righteous perishes,
And no man takes it to heart;
Merciful men are taken away,
While no one considers
That the righteous is taken away from evil.
2 He shall enter into peace;
They shall rest in their beds,
Each one walking in his uprightness.
John 11:1-44 (New King James Version)
The Death of Lazarus
1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”
12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.
14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Jesus and Death, the Last Enemy
28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.”
32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?”
They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”
35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”
Lazarus Raised from the Dead
38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”
John 21:15-19 (New King James Version)
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Philippians 2:5-11 (New King James Version)
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
******************************************************
In doing the other blog this morning, I was looking at John 21:18-29, where Jesus speaks to Peter about the death through which Peter would glorify God. From what I’ve heard about it, my understanding is that Peter, following (a vision of) Jesus, went where he knew he would be captured and killed. I guess I’ve always thought of deaths for God’s glory as only a literal thing. But this morning, it also appeared to be a figurative thing (which, again, could lead to a literal thing) – a death of self-interest, a death of self-will, for the glory of God to be manifested. For me, having lived pretty much the way I wanted, the way I thought to live when I was younger, not really concerned about living for the Lord; and now, being old(er), stretching my hands out in worship and surrender, girded by the Holy Spirit, carried not (necessarily) where I wish (in my flesh).
As Jesus, in verse 8 of the Philippians 2 passage (which also happens to be part of the Sunday School lesson for today!) accepting His Father’s will:
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
5 You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
… and my journey with Him continues …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBYgZKkfGYY&feature=related )
Scripture: (from www.biblegateway.com)
Psalm 116:15 (New King James Version)
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.
Isaiah 57:1-2 (New King James Version)
Israel’s Futile Idolatry
1 The righteous perishes,
And no man takes it to heart;
Merciful men are taken away,
While no one considers
That the righteous is taken away from evil.
2 He shall enter into peace;
They shall rest in their beds,
Each one walking in his uprightness.
John 11:1-44 (New King James Version)
The Death of Lazarus
1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”
12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.
14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Jesus and Death, the Last Enemy
28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.”
32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?”
They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”
35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”
Lazarus Raised from the Dead
38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”
John 21:15-19 (New King James Version)
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Philippians 2:5-11 (New King James Version)
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
******************************************************
In doing the other blog this morning, I was looking at John 21:18-29, where Jesus speaks to Peter about the death through which Peter would glorify God. From what I’ve heard about it, my understanding is that Peter, following (a vision of) Jesus, went where he knew he would be captured and killed. I guess I’ve always thought of deaths for God’s glory as only a literal thing. But this morning, it also appeared to be a figurative thing (which, again, could lead to a literal thing) – a death of self-interest, a death of self-will, for the glory of God to be manifested. For me, having lived pretty much the way I wanted, the way I thought to live when I was younger, not really concerned about living for the Lord; and now, being old(er), stretching my hands out in worship and surrender, girded by the Holy Spirit, carried not (necessarily) where I wish (in my flesh).
As Jesus, in verse 8 of the Philippians 2 passage (which also happens to be part of the Sunday School lesson for today!) accepting His Father’s will:
Mark 14:36 (New King James Version)This reminds me of a story I heard on the Sid Roth television show, It’s Supernatural, with guest David Martin. I initially listened because Mr. Martin was speaking of an African revival (“the Shining Ones”). But in other information I found about it (http://62485.netministry.com/images/Mountaintop.pdf), there is a part in the story where several “great men of God” who died in a singular plane crash seemed to have foreknowledge of their deaths, but still got on the plane.
And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
John 12:24-26 (New King James Version)Psalm 139:1-6 (New King James Version)
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
5 You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
… and my journey with Him continues …
Life (Blog) Imitating Dream
Songs: Glorious Day, Casting Crowns (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqrqPGt11bA)
I Will Follow, Chris Tomlin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI)
Scripture: (from www.biblegateway.com)
John 21:15-22 (New King James Version)
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
The Beloved Disciple and His Book
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”
Philippians 2:1-16 (New King James Version)
Unity Through Humility
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Light Bearers
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
******************************************************
While I wasn’t sure when I went to bed where (or even if) I was to go to a church to worship today, I set my alarm just in case. As I write this, I think about what book of Romans says in 12:1 about “spiritual worship”:
Romans 12:1-6a (Amplified Bible)
1I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
3For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.
4For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use,
5So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].
6Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them:
[Okay – you know that I didn’t plan to have all of those verses from Romans, right? but I “fat-fingered” the ending verse, and ended up with verse 6 – guess that’s a confirmation that at least I needed to do some blogging today maybe, using my “gift” according to the grace given me?!]
Thinking about worship, thought of what I’d read recently about worship in David Needham’s book, Close to His Majesty: a road map to God [and it’s funny too, that the chapter to which I’m referring is called “GOD … WOW!”, and my last blog, which I wrote before I read that chapter in the book, had me going “wow”] …
Sometimes I fear, when God is working with me on something, that He is teaching me a lesson that I need to know because I am going to need it, and that the lesson is going to be hard, and the experience in which I will use what I learned will be undesirable. So, I don’t always want the lesson (like that will keep the “bad” thing away… I know, logic like that doesn’t make a lot of sense, huh?). But then it is as if He asks me, “If the ‘thing’ is going to happen anyway and you – or someone else - are going to need the knowledge from the lesson, wouldn’t you rather have the lesson beforehand so you will have what you need when you need it?” I guess so…
I was just thinking the other day about how I don’t like the hard lessons, but that they are sometimes what is needed – what I need. Case in point is when I got a ticket for a “rolling stop” at a stop sign. The officer wouldn’t give me a warning (they never do with me), so I try now to be more aware and careful to come to a complete stop at stop signs. It was at one of those complete stops where someone else speeded through their stop sign and my car would likely have been hit on the passenger side, where my child was sitting, had I done the “rolling stop” thingy. The question is: would I have been as careful to stop completely if the officer had only given me a warning, and I had not been inconvenienced and penalized – going to court, paying a fine, etc.? Maybe [ok, probably] not – maybe one day I’ll get to a point where a warning is enough…
Psalm 19:7-14 (Amplified Bible) – emphasis mine
7The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.
9The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.
11Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward.
12Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden [and unconscious] faults.
13Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and I shall be innocent and clear of great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 119:11 (Contemporary English Version)
11I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you.
… and my journey with Him continues …
I Will Follow, Chris Tomlin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI)
Scripture: (from www.biblegateway.com)
John 21:15-22 (New King James Version)
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
The Beloved Disciple and His Book
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”
Philippians 2:1-16 (New King James Version)
Unity Through Humility
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Light Bearers
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
******************************************************
The song Glorious Day by Casting Crowns was playing in my head as I opened my eyes. I thought about things that were going on in my life that I wanted to blog about related to that song, but I drifted back to sleep. Then I awoke with I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin having replaced the other song in my head’s playlist. Just as I was going to get up and blog about some things using that song, …The alarm went off and I woke up for real. I thought of the phrases, “life imitating art” and “art imitating life” as I realized I was dreaming about blogging. Guessed I’d better do it, so I got up and now here I am, blogging about dreaming about blogging. (Although I remember the songs from the dream, I don’t remember what I was going to write about them!!! So, I’ll see what comes out, and maybe even finish some others I’ve started…)
While I wasn’t sure when I went to bed where (or even if) I was to go to a church to worship today, I set my alarm just in case. As I write this, I think about what book of Romans says in 12:1 about “spiritual worship”:
Romans 12:1-6a (Amplified Bible)
1I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
3For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.
4For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use,
5So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].
6Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them:
[Okay – you know that I didn’t plan to have all of those verses from Romans, right? but I “fat-fingered” the ending verse, and ended up with verse 6 – guess that’s a confirmation that at least I needed to do some blogging today maybe, using my “gift” according to the grace given me?!]
Thinking about worship, thought of what I’d read recently about worship in David Needham’s book, Close to His Majesty: a road map to God [and it’s funny too, that the chapter to which I’m referring is called “GOD … WOW!”, and my last blog, which I wrote before I read that chapter in the book, had me going “wow”] …
Worship … is just as fitting when you hear the voice of God fulfilling your dreams … as it is when you feel His hand destroying them. It belongs in the midst of overwhelming joy as well as in overwhelming grief. … Worship is saying, “Wow!” to God … it is your automatic response out of your own utter smallness to a God too big … too awesome to grasp, bigger and more marvelous, too sovereign, too mysterious, too much beyond anything we can figure out. … Because God, rightly perceived, will always be a God too big. … Whatever we discover Him to be, He is far too big for us in our utter smallness to grasp. We can’t handle it. We weren’t made to handle it. We were made to worship.[ Made me think of the Chris Tomlin song, (You and I were) Made to Worship, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8KIQTc4L-8&feature=related]
Sometimes I fear, when God is working with me on something, that He is teaching me a lesson that I need to know because I am going to need it, and that the lesson is going to be hard, and the experience in which I will use what I learned will be undesirable. So, I don’t always want the lesson (like that will keep the “bad” thing away… I know, logic like that doesn’t make a lot of sense, huh?). But then it is as if He asks me, “If the ‘thing’ is going to happen anyway and you – or someone else - are going to need the knowledge from the lesson, wouldn’t you rather have the lesson beforehand so you will have what you need when you need it?” I guess so…
I was just thinking the other day about how I don’t like the hard lessons, but that they are sometimes what is needed – what I need. Case in point is when I got a ticket for a “rolling stop” at a stop sign. The officer wouldn’t give me a warning (they never do with me), so I try now to be more aware and careful to come to a complete stop at stop signs. It was at one of those complete stops where someone else speeded through their stop sign and my car would likely have been hit on the passenger side, where my child was sitting, had I done the “rolling stop” thingy. The question is: would I have been as careful to stop completely if the officer had only given me a warning, and I had not been inconvenienced and penalized – going to court, paying a fine, etc.? Maybe [ok, probably] not – maybe one day I’ll get to a point where a warning is enough…
Psalm 19:7-14 (Amplified Bible) – emphasis mine
7The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.
9The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.
11Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward.
12Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden [and unconscious] faults.
13Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and I shall be innocent and clear of great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.
Lord, please let this be true of me:
Psalm 119:11 (Contemporary English Version)
11I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you.
… and my journey with Him continues …
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Memories … Response
Songs: Remember Me, Mark Schultz and Ginny Owens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4uZn5gLIY8&feature=related)
All of Creation, MercyMe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkdniYsUrM8)
More than Enough, Chris Tomlin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHEm-b4IRYk&feature=related)
Scripture: (from www.biblegateway.com)
Psalm 103:1-5 (New King James Version)
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Devotionals: Our Daily Bread
March 11, 2011: http://odb.org/2011/03/11/the-overflow/
March 20, 2011: http://odb.org/2011/03/20/the-stones/
WOW – I had just posted my previous blog (Memories) before I went to pick someone up. Arriving at my destination, I turned off the car, but turned on the radio, just to hear what was on as I waited. There was a commercial on one channel, so I switched to another channel - another commercial. I didn’t turn the radio off because it will go off by itself after a few minutes, but I didn’t try another channel either. So I figured that I’d just spend the time catching up on my Our Daily Bread devotionals as I pulled out the booklet and started reading.
Just then, the song Remember Me by Mark Schultz came on. I was dumbfounded, thinking how I’d just listened to that song in preparing the blog. I put down the ODB and just sat, listening to the music and crying. It was as if God Himself was responding – in Person - to my obedience in blogging, showing His approval, rewarding my effort.
It had been raining very hard when I pulled up, but it stopped while the song played. I sat, watching the lightning, as the next song, All of Creation by MercyMe, came on and played. I rolled down my window so I could extend my hands in praise. My heart was filled to overflowing with gratitude for the relationship I have with such an awesome God through such a wonderful Savior, as I just basked in the joy of His Presence, sensing His majesty in nature’s fireworks display.
As the next song came on (Chris Tomlin’s More Than Enough), I thought of, agreed with and prayed the Psalmist’s declaration:
Psalm 73:25 (NKJV) Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
All of Creation, MercyMe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkdniYsUrM8)
More than Enough, Chris Tomlin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHEm-b4IRYk&feature=related)
Scripture: (from www.biblegateway.com)
Psalm 103:1-5 (New King James Version)
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Devotionals: Our Daily Bread
March 11, 2011: http://odb.org/2011/03/11/the-overflow/
March 20, 2011: http://odb.org/2011/03/20/the-stones/
WOW – I had just posted my previous blog (Memories) before I went to pick someone up. Arriving at my destination, I turned off the car, but turned on the radio, just to hear what was on as I waited. There was a commercial on one channel, so I switched to another channel - another commercial. I didn’t turn the radio off because it will go off by itself after a few minutes, but I didn’t try another channel either. So I figured that I’d just spend the time catching up on my Our Daily Bread devotionals as I pulled out the booklet and started reading.
Just then, the song Remember Me by Mark Schultz came on. I was dumbfounded, thinking how I’d just listened to that song in preparing the blog. I put down the ODB and just sat, listening to the music and crying. It was as if God Himself was responding – in Person - to my obedience in blogging, showing His approval, rewarding my effort.
It had been raining very hard when I pulled up, but it stopped while the song played. I sat, watching the lightning, as the next song, All of Creation by MercyMe, came on and played. I rolled down my window so I could extend my hands in praise. My heart was filled to overflowing with gratitude for the relationship I have with such an awesome God through such a wonderful Savior, as I just basked in the joy of His Presence, sensing His majesty in nature’s fireworks display.
As the next song came on (Chris Tomlin’s More Than Enough), I thought of, agreed with and prayed the Psalmist’s declaration:
Psalm 73:25 (NKJV) Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
Dear Lord, thank You so much for loving me, for all of the ways Your love is expressed and manifested in, to, for, by and through me. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for the beauty of Your creation. Thank You for safety. Thank You for the joy of Your Presence…You are my exceedingly great reward. In Jesus’ precious and mighty Name I pray, Amen.
… and my journey with Him continues …
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Memories
Songs: Remember Me, Mark Schultz and Ginny Owens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4uZn5gLIY8&feature=related)
Scripture:
Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
Books: God has not forgotten about you … and He cares more than you can imagine, by Leslie Haskin
I recently went to see a friend who is recovering from a stroke (Thank You, dear Jesus, for her progress!) Like Paul, I am grateful that the Lord had mercy on us both such that she is still here (see Philippians 2:27). I am also grateful that I had the chance to visit. During our time together, it was apparent that she was suffering some memory loss, and I was saddened to think that thoughts of some of the things which had meant so much to her, brought her such joy, were no longer readily accessible.
This feeling of sadness, of loss, reminded me of what I partially felt when I saw the movie The Notebook. I thought of the family and friends of those who are experiencing memory loss, and how hard it can be to see your loved ones that way.
Thinking of these things had me praying to God that I not forget Him – not the lessons I’ve learned from and about Him, the feelings of joy in His Presence, the warmth of His smile or the wonder at His love.
It occurred to me that perhaps one reason I am to blog about these things is so that if at any time I do forget, I can remember – if not the feelings at least the thoughts, the incidents, the circumstances of my journey with my Lord. So I return to my blogging with renewed sense of purpose which I hope will keep me motivated to be more faithful, more committed, more consistent.
Scripture:
Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
Books: God has not forgotten about you … and He cares more than you can imagine, by Leslie Haskin
I recently went to see a friend who is recovering from a stroke (Thank You, dear Jesus, for her progress!) Like Paul, I am grateful that the Lord had mercy on us both such that she is still here (see Philippians 2:27). I am also grateful that I had the chance to visit. During our time together, it was apparent that she was suffering some memory loss, and I was saddened to think that thoughts of some of the things which had meant so much to her, brought her such joy, were no longer readily accessible.
This feeling of sadness, of loss, reminded me of what I partially felt when I saw the movie The Notebook. I thought of the family and friends of those who are experiencing memory loss, and how hard it can be to see your loved ones that way.
Thinking of these things had me praying to God that I not forget Him – not the lessons I’ve learned from and about Him, the feelings of joy in His Presence, the warmth of His smile or the wonder at His love.
It occurred to me that perhaps one reason I am to blog about these things is so that if at any time I do forget, I can remember – if not the feelings at least the thoughts, the incidents, the circumstances of my journey with my Lord. So I return to my blogging with renewed sense of purpose which I hope will keep me motivated to be more faithful, more committed, more consistent.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of memory. I lift up to you all who are suffering with any memory loss. I lift up their family and friends and pray that they all will press in to You on behalf of themselves and their loved ones. I pray, Lord God, that the memory of You – of relationship with You – is restored, renewed, and revitalized for those with memory problem, for any of us who are prone to forget. Thank You that Your restoration is always better than the original, Your remedy more complete, more comprehensive than that which it replaces. Thank You that You never forget us, nor what we are going through. Thank You for Your faithfulness to Your promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You for the sweetness of the knowledge of You, of individual intimacy with You. Please forgive us for ever taking what You share with us of and about Yourself for granted. Thank You for Your great goodness, mercy, and love toward us. In Jesus’ precious and mighty Name I pray, Amen.
… and my journey with Him continues …
Saturday, March 26, 2011
More Strength! and Peace,,,
Songs: Strength – John P. Kee & New Life Community Choir (NLCC) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lVkoeIIS1E&feature=related part 1, and w/Dorinda Clark-Cole, part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSfHGsO_uqg&feature=related)
Everything I Need – Kutless (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXTFwGjzjag)
Scripture: Psalm 29:11
The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.
Scripture: Psalm 29:11
The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
***********************************************
I hadn't really planned to do this, but I stayed up all night the other night. The next day, I knew I had something to do, but thought that it would only take a little while. It took all day. But I didn’t get tired at all, praise be to God! I am so grateful for the strength that God gives...for the strength that He is ... for all that He is to and for me!
And His peace keeps me, even when things aren't going as I plan or as I think they should or as I want. Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect peace!
***********************************************
Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
1 Chronicles 29:12
Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.
Psalm 18:1
[ To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD, who spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said: ] I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 37:39
But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble.
Psalm 68:35
O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
Psalm 71:16
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD;I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 49:5
“ And now the LORD says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, And My God shall be My strength),
Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Daniel 10:19
And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
Joel 3:16
The LORD also will roar from Zion, And utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the LORD will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel.
Habakkuk 3:19
The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet,And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.
Zechariah 10:6
“ I will strengthen the house of Judah, And I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back, Because I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them aside; For I am the LORD their God, And I will hear them.
2 Timothy 4:17
[ The Lord Is Faithful ] But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
…and my journey with Him continues…
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Reading Material – (2g)
Here is information on another book I’ve read recently (Scripture is from biblegateway.org):
The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God. Having the guts to respond. - by Bill Hybels.
***********************************************
Isaiah 30:21, New International Version 1984, ©1984
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
In the stories presented, I saw anew the benefits of being obedient to God, and thereby being positioned to participate in the increase of His kingdom. Sometimes I do better at being obedient than at others; hopefully, I will grow stronger and mature spiritually to a point where I will be more obedient, not thinking about myself (which would make me subject to selfishness, pride, timidity, cowardice, etc.) but only about obeying God.
Proverbs 29:25, Contemporary English Version
Don't fall into the trap of being a coward-- trust the LORD, and you will be safe.
Mark 8:35, New Living Translation
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
2 Timothy 1:7, New Living Translation
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
And as I grow closer to God, I expect my ability to discern His voice, His whisper, to grow. Five “filters” were shared in examining whether a “whisper” is really from God: Ask if it is truly from God, check if it is Scriptural, consider if it is wise, determine if it is in tune with your own character, and discern what people you trust most think about it.
Proverbs 11:14, New King James Version
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 24:6, New King James Version
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
…and my journey with Him continues…
The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God. Having the guts to respond. - by Bill Hybels.
In this book, vision is cast, and a challenge is given to live in every circumstance of life with “an ear toward heaven – discerning whispers that arbitrate key decisions, nudges that rescue from dark nights of the soul, promptings that spur growth, urgings from the lips of another person, and inspiration that opens glazed-over eyes to the plight of injustice and poverty in our world” – and to “get gutsier about actually doing what God is prompting you to do.”
***********************************************
Isaiah 30:21, New International Version 1984, ©1984
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
In the stories presented, I saw anew the benefits of being obedient to God, and thereby being positioned to participate in the increase of His kingdom. Sometimes I do better at being obedient than at others; hopefully, I will grow stronger and mature spiritually to a point where I will be more obedient, not thinking about myself (which would make me subject to selfishness, pride, timidity, cowardice, etc.) but only about obeying God.
Proverbs 29:25, Contemporary English Version
Don't fall into the trap of being a coward-- trust the LORD, and you will be safe.
Mark 8:35, New Living Translation
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
2 Timothy 1:7, New Living Translation
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
And as I grow closer to God, I expect my ability to discern His voice, His whisper, to grow. Five “filters” were shared in examining whether a “whisper” is really from God: Ask if it is truly from God, check if it is Scriptural, consider if it is wise, determine if it is in tune with your own character, and discern what people you trust most think about it.
Proverbs 11:14, New King James Version
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 24:6, New King James Version
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
…and my journey with Him continues…
Reading Material – (2f)
Here is information on another book I’ve read recently (Scripture is from biblegateway.org):
Getting Another Chance from The God Who Won’t Let Go; Divine grace in the face of guilt, tragedy, and failure, by Dean Merrill.
Song: Second Chance, Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, featuring Monique Walker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlIzVnBM3jo&feature=related)
[There are multiple videos of this song. This one is live – slower and longer than some of the others - and at the end, Ms. Walker sings “Another Chance” – that was the former title of this book!]
I actually picked this book up when I was in the library because of the author. Always before, I had seen Dean Merrill’s name listed on a book as being “with” someone else who had “top billing” for authorship. The book was a good reminder that God’s mercy truly endures forever.
Someone had asked me about repentance, and I was able to share some information from this book with them:
1) In his book Let Us Enjoy Forgiveness, Judson Cornwall explains and then illustrates how completely God removes our sins once they are confessed. This excerpt begins with a comment on Colossians 2:13-14, “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to His cross.”
The more common Greek word for the cancellation of a contract is chiazein, which means to write the Greek letter chi, which is the same shape as a capital X, right across the document. This was called a “cross out.” But Paul uses the Greek word exaleiphein, which literally means “to wash over,” as in whitewashing, or “to wipe out.” The ink used in Paul’s day was basically soot mixed with gum and dilated with water. It would last for a long time and retain its color, but a wet sponge passed over the surface of the papyrus could wash the paper as clean as it had been before the writing had been inscribed on it. This is the word Paul uses here. Our sins have not merely been canceled out; they have been blotted out…
God made this truth tremendously clear to me when I was pasturing on the West Coast. I had been burdened for a pastor who had been defrocked by his denomination for immorality and had moved to my community to start life over as a watchman for a plywood mill. Over a period of many months, we lunched together and came to know each other quite well. I continuously sought to cause him to accept the forgiveness he used to preach and encouraged him to live as a forgiven man, but it was difficult for him, since he had lived most of his life in the concept that God has a separate standard for ministers. After more than a year, the reality of God’s forgiveness began to dawn upon him. … It was great to see this guilt-ridden brother begin to accept the fullness of God’s glorious forgiveness. In time, his denomination recognized the change in him and reinstated him, offering him a small church to begin his ministry anew. …
“Lord,” I prayed, “have I been mistaken about him all along? Did he really confess his sin, or did he merely admit his guilt? Is he caught up in self-condemnation, or is he still guilty in Your sight?”
God’s answer came in the form of an immediate vision. With my eyes still closed in prayer, I saw myself in a large room that had bookcases on all four walls with volumes of leather-bound books from floor to ceiling. It reminded me of a legal library. As I looked at the books, I saw that they were alphabetized by names of people. A large hand with an extended index finger began to move across the books, until it came to the one with this minister’s name on it. The book was removed from the shelf, placed on a small table, and opened in such a way that I could see and read the pages. The first page told the story of his birth, and subsequent pages told of his early childhood, of his call into the ministry while he was still in his teens, of his first ministry and pastorate, of his courtship and marriage and of his climb to a respected position in his denomination. … Everything that I read fit what I had come to know about this man.
The top of each page was dated, very much like a diary, and as the pages got closer and closer to the first incidence of adultery, I wondered how God would have it recorded. But when the book opened to that date, the page was absolutely blank, as were succeeding pages for what would be chapters of space. Then when we came to the date of his repentance, it was fully recorded with a marginal gloss that this had produced great rejoicing in heaven. Following this, the pages recorded his progress back into faith, his ministry in our church, his reacceptance into the denomination, and his call to the new church. Puzzled by the many blank pages, I asked if I could have a closer look at them. My request was granted, and I saw that there had been writing on the pages, but that it had been erased. On the bottom of each erased page, in red, were the initials “JC.”
True to His word, Jesus Christ had “blotted out the charges proved against you, the list of His commandments which you had not obeyed” (Colossians 2:14 LB). Heaven had no record of this man’s sin. The only existing record was in his memory.
Excited with this revelation, I rushed to the phone and called the brother. After I told him what God had shown me, he quit his job, took the church, and re-entered the ministry as a forgiven man.
God does not forgive and then file it away for future reference; he forgives and then erases the record. The pages of transcript that record our sinning are erased clean. Even the tape recording of our confession is erased, so that none will ever have access to our past. The guilt is removed and so is the evidence. This is the way God forgives the repentant one. Acts 3:19 urges us, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out [Greek exaleiphein], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (KJV).
2) To be forgiven, to have our blot erased and forgotten, is a great gift. But to watch God fill the empty space, writing a new thing upon the tablet of our lives, is even greater. It is the final evidence that He does not hold a grudge, that He has not schemed some kind of residual punishment for us. His love is so complete that it does not stop until He has assured us that we are more than just tolerable in His sight; we are valuable.
Justice: We get what we deserve.
Mercy: We do not get what we deserve.
Grace: We get what we do not deserve.
Sam Wilson
[ Makes me think of verses from Isaiah 43:1-4, 18-19:
The Redeemer of Israel
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life. ..
18 “ Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
…and Philippians 3:12-16 (New King James Version)
Pressing Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.]
Getting Another Chance from The God Who Won’t Let Go; Divine grace in the face of guilt, tragedy, and failure, by Dean Merrill.
“If you could use a fresh start,” this book “offers biblical insights that can help you align yourself with God’s redemptive will for your life. It provides practical questions for reflection. And through true-life examples, it reveals a Savior who will meet you in the midst of your circumstances … and flood your life with unexpected grace.”***********************************************
Song: Second Chance, Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, featuring Monique Walker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlIzVnBM3jo&feature=related)
[There are multiple videos of this song. This one is live – slower and longer than some of the others - and at the end, Ms. Walker sings “Another Chance” – that was the former title of this book!]
I actually picked this book up when I was in the library because of the author. Always before, I had seen Dean Merrill’s name listed on a book as being “with” someone else who had “top billing” for authorship. The book was a good reminder that God’s mercy truly endures forever.
Someone had asked me about repentance, and I was able to share some information from this book with them:
1) In his book Let Us Enjoy Forgiveness, Judson Cornwall explains and then illustrates how completely God removes our sins once they are confessed. This excerpt begins with a comment on Colossians 2:13-14, “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to His cross.”
The more common Greek word for the cancellation of a contract is chiazein, which means to write the Greek letter chi, which is the same shape as a capital X, right across the document. This was called a “cross out.” But Paul uses the Greek word exaleiphein, which literally means “to wash over,” as in whitewashing, or “to wipe out.” The ink used in Paul’s day was basically soot mixed with gum and dilated with water. It would last for a long time and retain its color, but a wet sponge passed over the surface of the papyrus could wash the paper as clean as it had been before the writing had been inscribed on it. This is the word Paul uses here. Our sins have not merely been canceled out; they have been blotted out…
God made this truth tremendously clear to me when I was pasturing on the West Coast. I had been burdened for a pastor who had been defrocked by his denomination for immorality and had moved to my community to start life over as a watchman for a plywood mill. Over a period of many months, we lunched together and came to know each other quite well. I continuously sought to cause him to accept the forgiveness he used to preach and encouraged him to live as a forgiven man, but it was difficult for him, since he had lived most of his life in the concept that God has a separate standard for ministers. After more than a year, the reality of God’s forgiveness began to dawn upon him. … It was great to see this guilt-ridden brother begin to accept the fullness of God’s glorious forgiveness. In time, his denomination recognized the change in him and reinstated him, offering him a small church to begin his ministry anew. …
“Lord,” I prayed, “have I been mistaken about him all along? Did he really confess his sin, or did he merely admit his guilt? Is he caught up in self-condemnation, or is he still guilty in Your sight?”
God’s answer came in the form of an immediate vision. With my eyes still closed in prayer, I saw myself in a large room that had bookcases on all four walls with volumes of leather-bound books from floor to ceiling. It reminded me of a legal library. As I looked at the books, I saw that they were alphabetized by names of people. A large hand with an extended index finger began to move across the books, until it came to the one with this minister’s name on it. The book was removed from the shelf, placed on a small table, and opened in such a way that I could see and read the pages. The first page told the story of his birth, and subsequent pages told of his early childhood, of his call into the ministry while he was still in his teens, of his first ministry and pastorate, of his courtship and marriage and of his climb to a respected position in his denomination. … Everything that I read fit what I had come to know about this man.
The top of each page was dated, very much like a diary, and as the pages got closer and closer to the first incidence of adultery, I wondered how God would have it recorded. But when the book opened to that date, the page was absolutely blank, as were succeeding pages for what would be chapters of space. Then when we came to the date of his repentance, it was fully recorded with a marginal gloss that this had produced great rejoicing in heaven. Following this, the pages recorded his progress back into faith, his ministry in our church, his reacceptance into the denomination, and his call to the new church. Puzzled by the many blank pages, I asked if I could have a closer look at them. My request was granted, and I saw that there had been writing on the pages, but that it had been erased. On the bottom of each erased page, in red, were the initials “JC.”
True to His word, Jesus Christ had “blotted out the charges proved against you, the list of His commandments which you had not obeyed” (Colossians 2:14 LB). Heaven had no record of this man’s sin. The only existing record was in his memory.
Excited with this revelation, I rushed to the phone and called the brother. After I told him what God had shown me, he quit his job, took the church, and re-entered the ministry as a forgiven man.
God does not forgive and then file it away for future reference; he forgives and then erases the record. The pages of transcript that record our sinning are erased clean. Even the tape recording of our confession is erased, so that none will ever have access to our past. The guilt is removed and so is the evidence. This is the way God forgives the repentant one. Acts 3:19 urges us, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out [Greek exaleiphein], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (KJV).
2) To be forgiven, to have our blot erased and forgotten, is a great gift. But to watch God fill the empty space, writing a new thing upon the tablet of our lives, is even greater. It is the final evidence that He does not hold a grudge, that He has not schemed some kind of residual punishment for us. His love is so complete that it does not stop until He has assured us that we are more than just tolerable in His sight; we are valuable.
Justice: We get what we deserve.
Mercy: We do not get what we deserve.
Grace: We get what we do not deserve.
Sam Wilson
[ Makes me think of verses from Isaiah 43:1-4, 18-19:
The Redeemer of Israel
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life. ..
18 “ Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
…and Philippians 3:12-16 (New King James Version)
Pressing Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.]
…and my journey with Him continues…
Reading Material – (2e)
Here is information on another book I’ve read recently (Scripture is from biblegateway.org):
another man’s war: The True Story of One Man’s Battle to Save Children in the Sudan, by Sam Childers.
***********************************************
In cleaning up, I kept coming upon a slip of paper for the address of Shekinah Fellowship, where I had sent a contribution once to aid in rescue of the children of Sudan and Uganda. Since I couldn’t seem to get rid of the paper, I looked them up on the internet and found that there was a book about the “gun-toting preacher” who runs the rescue efforts. Once again, the public library had the book, and it was in so I checked it out and read it.
When I had initially seen some film footage some years ago about the orphanage that was started for the rescued children, I was really horrified to see (and not just hear about) the evidence of some of the violence and atrocities they suffered. I was even more troubled when I felt the Lord speaking to me that their healing would only come through forgiveness. How could someone forgive this?
Then I remembered reading an account of holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom’s encounter with a Nazi guard who had been at one of the concentration camps where she was detained during the World War II. Part of an online account reprinted from a Guideposts magazine article tells the story (http://www.familylifeeducation.org/gilliland/procgroup/CorrieTenBoom.htm):
The book does talk some of the forgiveness those rescued have experienced – there is even a story where Pastor Sam had met with a man who had hurt many people, intending to kill him but instead “led him to eternal life in heaven….His old life of death and evil was gone, replaced with a new, clean, spotless life in Christ….All sinners are equally damned and everyone, no matter what they’ve done, can be equally forgiven and blessed.”
Hard lessons sometimes, but still…
another man’s war: The True Story of One Man’s Battle to Save Children in the Sudan, by Sam Childers.
This book follows “Childers’s remarkable transformation from violent thug to a man of faith, and his ongoing battle to save children in one of the world’s most lawless areas. His mission is simple: save the children, no matter the cost.”
***********************************************
In cleaning up, I kept coming upon a slip of paper for the address of Shekinah Fellowship, where I had sent a contribution once to aid in rescue of the children of Sudan and Uganda. Since I couldn’t seem to get rid of the paper, I looked them up on the internet and found that there was a book about the “gun-toting preacher” who runs the rescue efforts. Once again, the public library had the book, and it was in so I checked it out and read it.
When I had initially seen some film footage some years ago about the orphanage that was started for the rescued children, I was really horrified to see (and not just hear about) the evidence of some of the violence and atrocities they suffered. I was even more troubled when I felt the Lord speaking to me that their healing would only come through forgiveness. How could someone forgive this?
Mark 10:26-28 (Amplified Bible)
26And they were shocked and exceedingly astonished, and said to Him and to one another, Then who can be saved?27Jesus glanced around at them and said, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.
28Peter started to say to Him, Behold, we have yielded up and abandoned everything [once and for all and joined You as Your disciples, siding with Your party] and accompanied You [walking the same road that You walk].
Then I remembered reading an account of holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom’s encounter with a Nazi guard who had been at one of the concentration camps where she was detained during the World War II. Part of an online account reprinted from a Guideposts magazine article tells the story (http://www.familylifeeducation.org/gilliland/procgroup/CorrieTenBoom.htm):
“ ‘But since that time,’ he went on, ‘I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein,’ again the hand came out—’will you forgive me?’
“And I stood there—I whose sins had again and again to be forgiven—and could not forgive. Betsie had died in that place—could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
“It could not have been many seconds that he stood there—hand held out—but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.
“For I had to do it—I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. ‘If you do not forgive men their
trespasses,’ Jesus says, ‘neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’
“I knew it not only as a commandment of God, but as a daily experience. Since the end of the war I had had a home in Holland for victims of Nazi brutality. Those who were able to forgive their former enemies were able also to return to the outside world and rebuild their lives, no matter what the physical scars. Those who nursed their bitterness remained invalids. It was as simple and as horrible as that.
“And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion—I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. ‘… Help!’ I prayed silently. ‘I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’
“And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
“ ‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried. ‘With all my heart!’
“For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely, as I did then.”
The book does talk some of the forgiveness those rescued have experienced – there is even a story where Pastor Sam had met with a man who had hurt many people, intending to kill him but instead “led him to eternal life in heaven….His old life of death and evil was gone, replaced with a new, clean, spotless life in Christ….All sinners are equally damned and everyone, no matter what they’ve done, can be equally forgiven and blessed.”
Hard lessons sometimes, but still…
…and my journey with Him continues…
Reading Material – (2d)
Romans 2, New Century Version (NCV)
You People Also Are Sinful
1 If you think you can judge others, you are wrong. When you judge them, you are really judging yourself guilty, because you do the same things they do.2 God judges those who do wrong things, and we know that his judging is right.3 You judge those who do wrong, but you do wrong yourselves. Do you think you will be able to escape the judgment of God?4 He has been very kind and patient, waiting for you to change, but you think nothing of his kindness. Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives.5 But you are stubborn and refuse to change, so you are making your own punishment even greater on the day he shows his anger. On that day everyone will see God's right judgments.6 God will reward or punish every person for what that person has done.7 Some people, by always continuing to do good, live for God's glory, for honor, and for life that has no end. God will give them life forever.8 But other people are selfish. They refuse to follow truth and, instead, follow evil. God will give them his punishment and anger.9 He will give trouble and suffering to everyone who does evil—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews.10 But he will give glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does good—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews.11 For God judges all people in the same way.
12 People who do not have the law and who are sinners will be lost, although they do not have the law. And, in the same way, those who have the law and are sinners will be judged by the law.13 Hearing the law does not make people right with God. It is those who obey the law who will be right with him.14 (Those who are not Jews do not have the law, but when they freely do what the law commands, they are the law for themselves. This is true even though they do not have the law.15 They show that in their hearts they know what is right and wrong, just as the law commands. And they show this by their consciences. Sometimes their thoughts tell them they did wrong, and sometimes their thoughts tell them they did right.)16 All these things will happen on the day when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge people's secret thoughts. The Good News that I preach says this.
The Jews and the Law
17 What about you? You call yourself a Jew. You trust in the law of Moses and brag that you are close to God.18 You know what he wants you to do and what is important, because you have learned the law.19 You think you are a guide for the blind and a light for those who are in darkness.20 You think you can show foolish people what is right and teach those who know nothing. You have the law; so you think you know everything and have all truth.21 You teach others, so why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but you steal.22 You say that others must not take part in adultery, but you are guilty of that sin. You hate idols, but you steal from temples.23 You brag about having God's law, but you bring shame to God by breaking his law,24 just as the Scriptures say: "Those who are not Jews speak against God's name because of you."[a]
25 If you follow the law, your circumcision has meaning. But if you break the law, it is as if you were never circumcised.26 People who are not Jews are not circumcised, but if they do what the law says, it is as if they were circumcised.27 You Jews have the written law and circumcision, but you break the law. So those who are not circumcised in their bodies, but still obey the law, will show that you are guilty.28 They can do this because a person is not a true Jew if he is only a Jew in his physical body; true circumcision is not only on the outside of the body.29 A person is a Jew only if he is a Jew inside; true circumcision is done in the heart by the Spirit, not by the written law. Such a person gets praise from God rather than from people.
Footnotes:
a. Romans 2:24 "Those . . . you." Quotation from Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:20.
(Scripture is from biblegateway.org)
***********************************************
Here is information about another book I’ve read recently:
When God Comes to Church: Experiencing the Fullness of His Presence, by Steve Gaines, with Dean Merrill.
…and my journey with Him continues…
You People Also Are Sinful
1 If you think you can judge others, you are wrong. When you judge them, you are really judging yourself guilty, because you do the same things they do.2 God judges those who do wrong things, and we know that his judging is right.3 You judge those who do wrong, but you do wrong yourselves. Do you think you will be able to escape the judgment of God?4 He has been very kind and patient, waiting for you to change, but you think nothing of his kindness. Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives.5 But you are stubborn and refuse to change, so you are making your own punishment even greater on the day he shows his anger. On that day everyone will see God's right judgments.6 God will reward or punish every person for what that person has done.7 Some people, by always continuing to do good, live for God's glory, for honor, and for life that has no end. God will give them life forever.8 But other people are selfish. They refuse to follow truth and, instead, follow evil. God will give them his punishment and anger.9 He will give trouble and suffering to everyone who does evil—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews.10 But he will give glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does good—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews.11 For God judges all people in the same way.
12 People who do not have the law and who are sinners will be lost, although they do not have the law. And, in the same way, those who have the law and are sinners will be judged by the law.13 Hearing the law does not make people right with God. It is those who obey the law who will be right with him.14 (Those who are not Jews do not have the law, but when they freely do what the law commands, they are the law for themselves. This is true even though they do not have the law.15 They show that in their hearts they know what is right and wrong, just as the law commands. And they show this by their consciences. Sometimes their thoughts tell them they did wrong, and sometimes their thoughts tell them they did right.)16 All these things will happen on the day when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge people's secret thoughts. The Good News that I preach says this.
The Jews and the Law
17 What about you? You call yourself a Jew. You trust in the law of Moses and brag that you are close to God.18 You know what he wants you to do and what is important, because you have learned the law.19 You think you are a guide for the blind and a light for those who are in darkness.20 You think you can show foolish people what is right and teach those who know nothing. You have the law; so you think you know everything and have all truth.21 You teach others, so why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but you steal.22 You say that others must not take part in adultery, but you are guilty of that sin. You hate idols, but you steal from temples.23 You brag about having God's law, but you bring shame to God by breaking his law,24 just as the Scriptures say: "Those who are not Jews speak against God's name because of you."[a]
25 If you follow the law, your circumcision has meaning. But if you break the law, it is as if you were never circumcised.26 People who are not Jews are not circumcised, but if they do what the law says, it is as if they were circumcised.27 You Jews have the written law and circumcision, but you break the law. So those who are not circumcised in their bodies, but still obey the law, will show that you are guilty.28 They can do this because a person is not a true Jew if he is only a Jew in his physical body; true circumcision is not only on the outside of the body.29 A person is a Jew only if he is a Jew inside; true circumcision is done in the heart by the Spirit, not by the written law. Such a person gets praise from God rather than from people.
Footnotes:
a. Romans 2:24 "Those . . . you." Quotation from Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:20.
(Scripture is from biblegateway.org)
***********************************************
Here is information about another book I’ve read recently:
When God Comes to Church: Experiencing the Fullness of His Presence, by Steve Gaines, with Dean Merrill.
“People talk about getting God back into government and public schools, but what about getting God back into our churches? Gently guiding Christians to look inward about the matter, Pastor Steve Gaines calls for a determined return to the core point of corporate worship. Setting up the book’s absorbing discussion, he suggests a ‘reformation of worship, a whole new understanding based on Scripture of what it means to draw close to God’ [and] offers a reformative mission statement:
Worship services should not be designed primarily to attract people. Rather, worship services should be designed to attract
the manifest presence of God, and He in turn will attract the people.”
I found Romans 2 (my recent Lenten reading) reminding me of this book, in considering Christians “spiritual Jews” …
…and my journey with Him continues…
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (New King James Version)
Comfort in Suffering
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (New King James Version)
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
***********************************************
Some things weren’t going the way I expected. I wasn’t worried, though maybe just a little concerned. The Lord ministered to me through music as I drove doing errands:
Our God – Chris Tomlin
I Choose to Worship – Wes Morgan
Before the Morning – John Wilson
Wholly Yours – David Crowder Band
Beautiful – MercyMe
You Alone – Echoing Angels
I thought of all the comfort that the Lord was providing to me at this time – through His Presence, through the music. While parked, I was reading sermon notes from a church program (Providence Missionary Baptist Church); the sermon title was “God’s Comfort Can Cure” with Scripture text 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. In part, Pastor Gerald L. Durley says:
Comfort in Suffering
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (New King James Version)
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
***********************************************
Some things weren’t going the way I expected. I wasn’t worried, though maybe just a little concerned. The Lord ministered to me through music as I drove doing errands:
Our God – Chris Tomlin
I Choose to Worship – Wes Morgan
Before the Morning – John Wilson
Wholly Yours – David Crowder Band
Beautiful – MercyMe
You Alone – Echoing Angels
I thought of all the comfort that the Lord was providing to me at this time – through His Presence, through the music. While parked, I was reading sermon notes from a church program (Providence Missionary Baptist Church); the sermon title was “God’s Comfort Can Cure” with Scripture text 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. In part, Pastor Gerald L. Durley says:
Comfort is a word which in modern speech has lost much of its New Testament meaning. It suggests to us a kind of sedative, a palliative for pain of the body or mind. The comfort of God is no narcotic. The word “comforter” applied to the Holy Spirit means “strengthener” (John 14:16). It has the same root as "fortify.” We comfort a sufferer when we give him/her courage to bear their pain
or face any misfortune. Comfort is what establishes people back on their feet. The comfort of God is rooted in His fellowship. Comfort is felt when God enters the situation. God gives us comforting thoughts to guide us on our journey. The best answer to human need is a more adequate thought of God. Comfort makes trouble bearable. It delivers us from the fear of this crushing universe. It fills life with hope. It takes us out of the grip of loneliness. … Let us find God’s comfort for whatever we are going through by learning to trust Him more and more … draw closer to God and completely, even for a brief moment, surrender to God’s divine authority and accept His comfort.
Then, I met a woman and we talked for a little while. As we were parting, I introduced myself and asked her name. It was Comfort…
…and my journey with Him continues…
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Strength and Healing
Song: Time to Believe, by forever Jones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIH10cSarLc)
Scripture: Luke 7:1-10 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Faith of the Centurion
1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
***********************************************
Through God’s goodness and with His help, maybe I’m growing so I won’t be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Hallelujah!
1.) As I finally lay down for the night, I felt like there was something else that I was supposed to be doing. I wanted to be obedient, but I was really just too tired. Many times before in that situation, I would beg off, asking God to let me off the hook, forgive me for what I was not going to do, and then I would just go on to sleep. This time I just told Him that I was very tired, too physically tired to do it. I‘m not even sure I asked for strength – I just admitted my need. Almost immediately I felt strengthened! I smiled, and prayed a silent “thank You” as I sang a “thank You” song chorus. Then I got up and did what I was to do.
The next day, I read the previous day’s Our Daily Bread devotional (http://odb.org/2011/03/20/the-stones/), and at the end it said:
God’s faithfulness we’ve known throughout the years,
His oneness with us in our joys and tears;
So many times the Lord has helped us through,
Has answered prayer and given strength anew. —F. Hess
Remembering God’s goodness is a good cure for doubt.
2.) So today, I’m battling this cough – not sure if it’s because of a cold or allergy or some combination. I was trying to catch a nap, but the cough wouldn’t let up. I had some cough drops in another room, but – again – felt too tired to do what I should – in this case, to get up and get the medicine.
I remembered the strength I received the other day. I had really been physically tired and sleepy, but all of that was changed in an instant. What I felt, what my body was going through, changed. I had recently read the story of Jesus healing the centurion’s servant, and I thought about that as well. So I asked God if the “go and then it goes” applied to coughs as well. The cough stopped. There seemed to be this calming that settled on my throat and chest, and the coughing stopped. WOW!!! Thank You, God!
Song: Doxology, by Helen Baylor (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4aa6o_doxology-by-helen-baylor_music)
Romans 4:19-25
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
19Abraham didn’t weaken. Through faith he regarded the facts: His body was already as good as dead now that he was about a hundred years old, and Sarah was unable to have children. 20He didn’t doubt God’s promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, giving honor to God for the promise, he became strong because of faith 21and was absolutely confident that God would do what he promised. 22That is why his faith was regarded as God’s approval of him.
23But the words “his faith was regarded as God’s approval of him” were written not only for him 24but also for us. Our faith will be regarded as God’s approval of us who believe in the one who brought Jesus, our Lord, back to life. 25Jesus, our Lord, was handed over to death because of our failures and was brought back to life so that we could receive God’s approval.
New Living Translation (NLT)
19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
…and my journey with Him continues…