Sunday's Sermon
Undeniable Conviction
Mercy-filled Chastisement
Grace-fueled Repentance
Restoration through His Spirit / His Word
Renewed freedom
Purified Worship
We sang this song before dismissing, and it has been a powerful reminder since of the cleansing work God is about in my heart! I praise Him. He has given me what I could never deserve in the process of sanctification...
To be conformed to His image - O the bliss!!!
All I Have Is Christ:
I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave.
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still.
But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace.
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.
© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Friday, February 04, 2011
A New Favorite...by Sojourn
Listening to here: Only Your Blood Is Enough
Words and music by Neil Robins, adapted from “Psalm 51, pt. 2” by Isaac Watts
I am ashamed, conceived in sin, I’ve always been.
Born in a world where Adam’s fall corrupts us.
Rooted is the seed of death in life’s first breath.
The law demands a perfect heart, but I’m defiled in every part
For only Your blood is enough to cover my sin
Only Your blood is enough to cover me
All this guilt disturbs my peace; I find no release.
Who will save me from my crime? I’m helpless.
Behold, I fall before Your face in need of grace.
So speak to me in a gentle voice, for in Your mercies I rejoice.
For only Your blood is enough to cover my sin
Only Your blood is enough to cover me
Lord, create my heart anew (Father, come and make us wise)
Only You are pure and true (Lead us away from our demise)
Lord, You are the remedy (For only your blood can set us free)
For only Your blood can set us free; only Your blood can set us free
No bleeding bird, no bleeding beast
No hyssop branch, no priest,
No running brook, no flood, no sea
Can wash away this stain from me
For only Your blood is enough to cover my sin
For only Your blood is enough to cover me
Words and music by Neil Robins, adapted from “Psalm 51, pt. 2” by Isaac Watts
I am ashamed, conceived in sin, I’ve always been.
Born in a world where Adam’s fall corrupts us.
Rooted is the seed of death in life’s first breath.
The law demands a perfect heart, but I’m defiled in every part
For only Your blood is enough to cover my sin
Only Your blood is enough to cover me
All this guilt disturbs my peace; I find no release.
Who will save me from my crime? I’m helpless.
Behold, I fall before Your face in need of grace.
So speak to me in a gentle voice, for in Your mercies I rejoice.
For only Your blood is enough to cover my sin
Only Your blood is enough to cover me
Lord, create my heart anew (Father, come and make us wise)
Only You are pure and true (Lead us away from our demise)
Lord, You are the remedy (For only your blood can set us free)
For only Your blood can set us free; only Your blood can set us free
No bleeding bird, no bleeding beast
No hyssop branch, no priest,
No running brook, no flood, no sea
Can wash away this stain from me
For only Your blood is enough to cover my sin
For only Your blood is enough to cover me
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Girls in Pretty Clothes
So yesterday I read Prov. 31 with my boys, because it was the 31st, and well, that's just how we roll over here.
I asked a couple of questions, voiced a few observations, and that was it - we hurried off to the rest of our busy morning routine.
This morning, however, Glendon announced that he wanted to share "what he learned yesterday". I will type with his choice of words, so that none of the wisdom is lost in translation:
"The Mom was telling her son what kind of lady to marry, and she said to stay away from the girls in pretty clothes because they have evil hearts. The Mom told the king to just go ahead and marry a lady with dirty clothes (G must have missed the part about scarlett and tapestry, but ok....) who has Jesus in her heart. Your really have to watch out for those ladies in those pretty cloths (here we're jumping into Prov. 5 a bit) because those pretty clothes are not private, and those ladies just want to take all of the men to the dark side."
So, all you girls in those pretty, but not private, clothes, watch out! My 6 yr old is on to ya!
I asked a couple of questions, voiced a few observations, and that was it - we hurried off to the rest of our busy morning routine.
This morning, however, Glendon announced that he wanted to share "what he learned yesterday". I will type with his choice of words, so that none of the wisdom is lost in translation:
"The Mom was telling her son what kind of lady to marry, and she said to stay away from the girls in pretty clothes because they have evil hearts. The Mom told the king to just go ahead and marry a lady with dirty clothes (G must have missed the part about scarlett and tapestry, but ok....) who has Jesus in her heart. Your really have to watch out for those ladies in those pretty cloths (here we're jumping into Prov. 5 a bit) because those pretty clothes are not private, and those ladies just want to take all of the men to the dark side."
So, all you girls in those pretty, but not private, clothes, watch out! My 6 yr old is on to ya!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thinking on Holiness
"O Father, enable me to esteem holiness with apparent failure as infinitely better than success which is coupled with compromise." ~ Spurgeon
Personal holiness is to be separate from the intoxicating, but false and hell-bound, securities that this world offers. Rev18:1-8
To know God is to evidence an ever increasing separation from the world-celebrated tendencies natural to this human flesh.
Personal holiness is to be separate from the intoxicating, but false and hell-bound, securities that this world offers. Rev18:1-8
To know God is to evidence an ever increasing separation from the world-celebrated tendencies natural to this human flesh.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Because Jesus is God, I (blank).....
John 5:16-29. Jesus is God.
If He were not God, His death and resurrection would be pointless,
but He is God, so His death and resurrection are everything.
He is Lord and Master.
His deity demands response.
Dan challenged the youth group last night with this question:
"Because Jesus is God, I...(fill in the blank)....
The responses from the K'NM small group were rich:
Because Jesus is God, I will repent of my sin right away.
Because Jesus is God, I will stop deliberately, wilfully disobeying.
Because Jesus is God, I will pray when faced with temptation.
Because Jesus is God, I will forgive those who have wronged me.
Because Jesus is God, I will share the gospel without fear.
Because Jesus is God, I will show humility at school.
Because Jesus is God, I will surrender EVERY area of my life to His control.
Because Jesus is God, I will rely on His strength rather than my own.
Because Jesus is God, I will turn away from the idols I am tempted to worship.
Because Jesus is God, I will cultivate an eternal mindset.
Because Jesus is God, I will pray more, and differently, and with deeper worship.
Because Jesus is God, I will be patient with those who annoy me.
Because Jesus is God, I am not my own. I am His slave!
We closed our Small Group time with this prayer titled, "Christ Alone":
"O God,
Thy main plan, and the end of thy will is to make Christ glorious and beloved in heaven where He is now ascended,
where one day all the elect will behold His glory and love and glorify Him forever.
Though here I love Him but little,
may this be my portion at last.
In this world thou has given me a beginning,
one day it will be perfected in the realm above.
Thou has helped me to see and know Christ,
though obscurely,
to take Him, receive Him,
to possess Him, love Him,
to bless Him in my heart, mouth, life.
Let me study and stand for discipline,
and all the ways of worship,
out of love for Christ;
and to show my thankfulness;
to seek and know His will from love,
to hold it in love,
and daily to care for and keep this state of heart.
Thou hast led me to place all my nature and happiness in oneness with Christ,
in having heart and mind centered only on Him,
in being like Him in communicating good to others;
This is my heaven on earth,
But I need the force, energy, impulses of thy Spirit to carry me on the way to my Jerusalem.
Here it is my duty to be as Christ in this world,
to do what He would do,
to live as He would live,
to walk in love and meekness;
then would He be known,
then would I have peace in death."
~The Valley of Vision
If He were not God, His death and resurrection would be pointless,
but He is God, so His death and resurrection are everything.
He is Lord and Master.
His deity demands response.
Dan challenged the youth group last night with this question:
"Because Jesus is God, I...(fill in the blank)....
The responses from the K'NM small group were rich:
Because Jesus is God, I will repent of my sin right away.
Because Jesus is God, I will stop deliberately, wilfully disobeying.
Because Jesus is God, I will pray when faced with temptation.
Because Jesus is God, I will forgive those who have wronged me.
Because Jesus is God, I will share the gospel without fear.
Because Jesus is God, I will show humility at school.
Because Jesus is God, I will surrender EVERY area of my life to His control.
Because Jesus is God, I will rely on His strength rather than my own.
Because Jesus is God, I will turn away from the idols I am tempted to worship.
Because Jesus is God, I will cultivate an eternal mindset.
Because Jesus is God, I will pray more, and differently, and with deeper worship.
Because Jesus is God, I will be patient with those who annoy me.
Because Jesus is God, I am not my own. I am His slave!
We closed our Small Group time with this prayer titled, "Christ Alone":
"O God,
Thy main plan, and the end of thy will is to make Christ glorious and beloved in heaven where He is now ascended,
where one day all the elect will behold His glory and love and glorify Him forever.
Though here I love Him but little,
may this be my portion at last.
In this world thou has given me a beginning,
one day it will be perfected in the realm above.
Thou has helped me to see and know Christ,
though obscurely,
to take Him, receive Him,
to possess Him, love Him,
to bless Him in my heart, mouth, life.
Let me study and stand for discipline,
and all the ways of worship,
out of love for Christ;
and to show my thankfulness;
to seek and know His will from love,
to hold it in love,
and daily to care for and keep this state of heart.
Thou hast led me to place all my nature and happiness in oneness with Christ,
in having heart and mind centered only on Him,
in being like Him in communicating good to others;
This is my heaven on earth,
But I need the force, energy, impulses of thy Spirit to carry me on the way to my Jerusalem.
Here it is my duty to be as Christ in this world,
to do what He would do,
to live as He would live,
to walk in love and meekness;
then would He be known,
then would I have peace in death."
~The Valley of Vision
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Always, Equally, Ready to Fulfill His Promises
"But do not overlook this fact, beloved, that with the Lord, a day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day." 2 Peter 3:8"In the infinity of his own duration there is abundant time (for God) to accomplish his designs, and it can make no difference with him whether they are accomplished in one day or extended to one thousand years. Man has but a short time to live, and if he does not accomplish his purposes in a very brief period, he never will. But it is not so with God. He always lives; and we cannot therefore infer, because the execution of His purposes seems to be delayed, that they are abandoned." ~ Barnes
Psa 90:4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
"One day is with the Lord as a thousand years - That is, in one day, in one moment he can do the work of a thousand years. Therefore he "is not slow:" he is always equally ready to fulfill his promise. And a thousand years are as one day - That is, no delay is long to God. A thousand years are as one day to the eternal God. Therefore "he is longsuffering:" he gives us space for repentance, without any inconvenience to himself. In a word, with God time passes neither slower nor swifter than is suitable to him and his economy; nor can there be any reason why it should be necessary for him either to delay or hasten the end of all things. How can we comprehend this? If we could comprehend it, St. Peter needed not to have added, with the Lord." ~ WesleyWord Study of "Ignorant":
G2990 λανθάνω lanthanō lan-than'-o
A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses; to lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially unwittingly: - be hid, be ignorant of, unawares.
1) Impatience manifested in complaining, hopelessness, apathy regarding my walk, or that of those around me. 2) Prayers that are dictated by my time table, rather than trust in His perfect work!
"He is always equally ready to fulfill His promises."
Oh Father, I have done this. I have overlooked the truth that you are Infinite and Perfect within time as you work out Your will. O God, there is none like you- Always Equally Ready! Forgive me for my attitudes of hopelessness and apathy in how I approach the unsaved people in my life. I have complained. I have despaired. I have been lazy in witnessing. I have been small in my faith. This is and has been sinful overlooking of Who You are. To know You, is to know the One Who is Always Equally Ready to work His perfect will.
This knowledge of you removes all fear and discouragement and instills trust. Teach me to dive even deeper into this truth; to bring my heart and mind and actions under the spotlight of your revealing truth that I might be changed. I desire, O God, to exalt You and Your glory in all things, including my perspective on Your time!
Amen
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
01-12-11 Journal Notes
Going deeper on 2 Peter 3:7!
"But by the same word, the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire; being kept for the day of judgement and destruction of the ungodly."
Questions:
Whose/what word?
God's Decree! By the same power with which He spoke creation into existence, He spoke the flood's destruction, and will one day, speak a firey judgement upon this earth, and those on it who have rejected His Lordship will perish.
Word Studies:
Word ~ log'os ~ The Divine expression of God's reasonings, motives, computation, command.
Stored up~ θησαυρίζω~thay-sow-rid'-zo
From G2344; to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively): - lay up (treasure), (keep) in store, (heap) treasure (together, up).
Fire~πῦρ~poor
A primary word; “fire” (literally or figuratively, specifically lightning): - fiery, fire.
Judgement~κρίσις~kree'-sis
(Subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension a tribunal; by implication justice (specifically divine law): - accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.
Destruction~ἀπώλεια~ap-o'-li-a
From a presumed derivative of G622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal): - damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste.
Ungodly~ἀσεβής~as-eb-ace'
From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G4576; irreverent, that is, (by extension) impious or wicked: - ungodly (man).
Cross References:
Psa 50:3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
Isa 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.
Prayer:
Dear Gracious and Good God!
You are holy - the All Powerful One! I am nothing,that you should be mindful of me, and yet here I sit, wallowing in the riches of Your parenthood and Lordship. You love me. I do not grasp this nor live in this as I should. Death is coming to all that is around me, but my hope is sure and steadfast because of Your convenant love and faithfulness. You are the Promise Keeper! I lift up my eyes to heaven - to what I know is coming, and I see the earth all around me through the grid of this truth. I am not dismayed, but excited for that day when I will see You face to face and know you, and finally be free - completely free of this sinful flesh. In that day I will praise you in perfection! You are worthy of all praise!
Give me a following heart this day, Lord, so that I can serve and worship you with my life!
Amen
"But by the same word, the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire; being kept for the day of judgement and destruction of the ungodly."
Questions:
Whose/what word?
God's Decree! By the same power with which He spoke creation into existence, He spoke the flood's destruction, and will one day, speak a firey judgement upon this earth, and those on it who have rejected His Lordship will perish.
Word Studies:
Word ~ log'os ~ The Divine expression of God's reasonings, motives, computation, command.
Stored up~ θησαυρίζω~thay-sow-rid'-zo
From G2344; to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively): - lay up (treasure), (keep) in store, (heap) treasure (together, up).
Fire~πῦρ~poor
A primary word; “fire” (literally or figuratively, specifically lightning): - fiery, fire.
Judgement~κρίσις~kree'-sis
(Subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension a tribunal; by implication justice (specifically divine law): - accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.
Destruction~ἀπώλεια~ap-o'-li-a
From a presumed derivative of G622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal): - damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste.
Ungodly~ἀσεβής~as-eb-ace'
From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G4576; irreverent, that is, (by extension) impious or wicked: - ungodly (man).
Cross References:
Psa 50:3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
Isa 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.
Prayer:
Dear Gracious and Good God!
You are holy - the All Powerful One! I am nothing,that you should be mindful of me, and yet here I sit, wallowing in the riches of Your parenthood and Lordship. You love me. I do not grasp this nor live in this as I should. Death is coming to all that is around me, but my hope is sure and steadfast because of Your convenant love and faithfulness. You are the Promise Keeper! I lift up my eyes to heaven - to what I know is coming, and I see the earth all around me through the grid of this truth. I am not dismayed, but excited for that day when I will see You face to face and know you, and finally be free - completely free of this sinful flesh. In that day I will praise you in perfection! You are worthy of all praise!
Give me a following heart this day, Lord, so that I can serve and worship you with my life!
Amen
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Excitement to the Extreme!!!
True contentment with God's will for your life is when you find that the "surprises" He gives you are exactly what you desperately desire!
It's just so much fun that way!
(Thank you bunches to the sweet friends who left these balloons on our doorstep!
Your love is a blessing to us all!)
Monday, March 29, 2010
This man loves his wife as Jesus loves the church.....
I have a feeling that he's married to a woman after God's own heart...
and I love their example of obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading in their lives!
I have a feeling that he's married to a woman after God's own heart...
and I love their example of obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading in their lives!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
...yet I creep to Thy throne of grace...
Read this poem today on the Desiring God blog.
Loved it!
It made me stop and think deeply about God's love for me...
It makes me want to love this way, my neighbors, that stoney hearts might bleed!
Discipline
Throw away thy rod,
Throw away thy wrath:
O my God,
Take the gentle path.
For my heart's desire
unto thine is bent:
I aspire
To a full consent.
Not a word or look
I affect to own,
But by book,
And thy book alone.
Though I fail, I weep:
Though I halt in pace,
Yet I creep
To the throne of grace.
Then let wrath remove;
Love will do the deed:
For with love
Stony hearts will bleed.
Love is swift of foot;
Love's a man of war,
And can shoot,
And can hit from far.
Who can scape his bow?
That which wrought on thee,
Brought thee low,
Needs must work on me.
Throw away thy rod;
Though man frailties hath,
Thou art God:
Throw away thy wrath.
(George Herbert: The Complete English Works, 174-175)
Loved it!
It made me stop and think deeply about God's love for me...
It makes me want to love this way, my neighbors, that stoney hearts might bleed!
Discipline
Throw away thy rod,
Throw away thy wrath:
O my God,
Take the gentle path.
For my heart's desire
unto thine is bent:
I aspire
To a full consent.
Not a word or look
I affect to own,
But by book,
And thy book alone.
Though I fail, I weep:
Though I halt in pace,
Yet I creep
To the throne of grace.
Then let wrath remove;
Love will do the deed:
For with love
Stony hearts will bleed.
Love is swift of foot;
Love's a man of war,
And can shoot,
And can hit from far.
Who can scape his bow?
That which wrought on thee,
Brought thee low,
Needs must work on me.
Throw away thy rod;
Though man frailties hath,
Thou art God:
Throw away thy wrath.
(George Herbert: The Complete English Works, 174-175)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Cross Centered 3 yr Old.
This morning as the boys and I drove down to CLS, we decided to play a game. We took turns listing off ways that we see, taste, and experience God's love for us.....
Some of the things listed:
The Sun, moon, and stars.
The Bible.
The Birds and Trees.
A world to live in.
Forgiveness.
Family - Daddy, Momma, Brother and Baby.
An engine to make our car run. (G's class is studying transportation this month =)
Our church family at RBC
This list went on....
Funny thing was every time it was J's turn to list something, he would say the same thing....
"Jesus died on the cross for our sins."
As a recent reader of "Living the Cross Centered Life", I thought to myself....
CJ Mahaney would be so pleased! =)
This made me smile, but brought home a message to my heart as well.
In his child -ness, Jaydon has latched onto one thing he knows about Jesus, and he will repeat that over and over in answer to any question about God.
For him it is simple..... Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He hasn't become overly familiar with that great truth and moved on to expressing what seems more knowledgable or profound.
I want to be three years old again. I want to be stuck continuously on that one glorious truth:
Jesus Christ took my place, bore my shame, and by His suffering I have been healed.
Everything else must flow out of this!
Some of the things listed:
The Sun, moon, and stars.
The Bible.
The Birds and Trees.
A world to live in.
Forgiveness.
Family - Daddy, Momma, Brother and Baby.
An engine to make our car run. (G's class is studying transportation this month =)
Our church family at RBC
This list went on....
Funny thing was every time it was J's turn to list something, he would say the same thing....
"Jesus died on the cross for our sins."
As a recent reader of "Living the Cross Centered Life", I thought to myself....
CJ Mahaney would be so pleased! =)
This made me smile, but brought home a message to my heart as well.
In his child -ness, Jaydon has latched onto one thing he knows about Jesus, and he will repeat that over and over in answer to any question about God.
For him it is simple..... Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He hasn't become overly familiar with that great truth and moved on to expressing what seems more knowledgable or profound.
I want to be three years old again. I want to be stuck continuously on that one glorious truth:
Jesus Christ took my place, bore my shame, and by His suffering I have been healed.
Everything else must flow out of this!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
NOT Giving Up...
"For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work
and the love that you showed for His sake in serving the saints,
as you still do.
And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness
to have the full assurance of hope until the end,
so that you may not be sluggish,
but imitators of those who through faith and patience
inherit the promises." ~ Hebrews 6:10-12
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Are you scared INTO your wits?
Randy Alcorn says...
"The fear of God is a profound respect for His holiness, which includes a fear of the consequences of disobeying Him. It shouldn't scare us out of our wits; it should scare us into them.
God says...
"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:27)."
Read his entire post here:
"The fear of God is a profound respect for His holiness, which includes a fear of the consequences of disobeying Him. It shouldn't scare us out of our wits; it should scare us into them.
God says...
"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:27)."
Read his entire post here:
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Lessons from Jonah
Over the weekend, Steve and I watched the Veggie Tales rendition of the story of Jonah with our boys.
I have been studying through some of the Minor Prophets in the past weeks, and all dancing, singing vegetables aside, I felt prompted to make the book of Jonah my study for this week.
I'm reading through the short book each day, and then digging in deeper with my trusty Bible Knowledge Commentary, Concordance and the Holy Spirit.
It's Tuesday, and I'm already knee deep in wonderful truth that God is using to strengthen my faith and obedience. I love His word!!!
A few of my observations of the book as a whole:
Facts of Interest:
~Jonah was the only OT prophet to attempt running away from God.
~Jonah was 1 of 4 OT prophets that Jesus referred to during His earthly ministry. Matt. 12:41
Date:
~ Jonah took place somewhere in Jereboam's reign. 793-753 B.C. 2 Kings 14:25
Setting:
King Jereboam was successfully expanding his territory, while the Assyrian kingdom was in decline. However, prophets, Amos and Hosea had already been called to preach that the Assyrians would rise and Israel would be taken captive as a result of their disobedience to God's law.
Part of Jonah's hesitancy to obey might be explained by a patriotic fear and hesitancy to aid a nation that would become a future captor of his homeland.
(Application: Fear leads to disobedience.)
4 Truths that I see demonstrated in the book of Jonah:
1)God's concern for gentile people. Through Israel (Is.49:3) God's message of compassion was to be preached to all people.
2) The Sovereignty of God to accomplish His purposes. Though Israel was failing terribly in her missionary task, God faithfully called them to repentance - even through a running, disobedient, angry, self-centered prophet.
3)The response of the gentile Ninevah served as a rebuke to a wayward and unrepentant Israel. Even the ship's mariners demonstrate a spiritual insight (calling the sleeping man of God to prayer) and concern for Jonah (rowing hard to avoid having to throw Jonah overboard) in stark contrast to Jonah (and Israel's) lack of concern for God's law and the gentile nations around them.
4)Jonah, himself, was a symbol to Israel of her disobedience and indifference. God's punishment of Jonah mirrors His wrath over Israel's disobedience, while at the same time, His gracious and merciful dealings with Jonah mirror His slowness to anger and restoration of Israel.
Jonah's account of this story was written from a repentant heart...this is how it was shared with Israel, calling them to the same desired response to God's rebuke.
Over viewing the book of Jonah left me warming my heart next to the fire of His love for me:
~His faithful message of salvation to all people - including gentiles - me!
~His redemption of me. His relenting of what I do deserve, and merciful outpouring of what I don't deserve.
~His righteous punishment of my sin. Just like Jonah - it's the belly of the whale that draws me to repentance. I praise Him for His chastening.
~When I run, He stops me. When I repent, He gives me another command to obey. This is grace.
~He causes me to face questions that reveal my heart, so that I can change. "Do you do well to be angry?" He is so patient to not just zap me then and there.
~He allows me to be a part of His glorifying work despite my utter unworthiness. This I do not deserve, nor ever will.
Historical details obtained from Cook's Bible Knowledge Series
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wanna Trade?
Remember being a kid and asking someone, "hey, wanna trade"? The question usually motivated by a belief that what the other kid had was better and fueled by a desire to have the better thing for self......
Been thinking recently about what we trade for something we believe is better for self.
What do you trade in order to get a good laugh, have a fun time, obtain some approval for self ( or at least the fleeting semblance of approval)?
What do you sacrifice in order to gain attention, be heard, look good, experience pleasure?
Is it the wisdom from above that you forfeit because foolishness is momentarily more fun?
Is it grace?
Is it obedience?
Is it lasting joy?
Is it your integrity?
Your purity of speech?
Is it the very likeness of Christ being formed in you - traded for some fleeting rubbish of self-pleasing pomp?
I asked myself these questions?
Then I asked myself this:
Is it worth it?
Been thinking recently about what we trade for something we believe is better for self.
What do you trade in order to get a good laugh, have a fun time, obtain some approval for self ( or at least the fleeting semblance of approval)?
What do you sacrifice in order to gain attention, be heard, look good, experience pleasure?
Is it the wisdom from above that you forfeit because foolishness is momentarily more fun?
Is it grace?
Is it obedience?
Is it lasting joy?
Is it your integrity?
Your purity of speech?
Is it the very likeness of Christ being formed in you - traded for some fleeting rubbish of self-pleasing pomp?
I asked myself these questions?
Then I asked myself this:
Is it worth it?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Purposeful vs. Permissable
Do you ask yourself, "Is there anything in the Bible forbidding this?"
or do you ask rather, "Is there a command, example, principle, sanction in God's word supporting this?"
There is a stark difference in these questions, and they reveal much about one's reverence for God's word.
The one question reveals a desire to merely avoid discipline or punishment....to know just what we can "get away" with. This is incomplete reverence.
The other question reflects a heart desire for God's glory....pursuing His pleasure over oneself to the fullest. It is focused on what is purposeful rather than what is merely permissable. It reveals a higher aim than just "staying out of trouble".
Every thought, activity, choice, relationship, joke, priority etc, should be brought under the governing rule of God's word not merely to see if it's "ok", but to determine it's neccesity and fruitfulness in regards to the highest aim - God's glory made evident in the lives of His people.
or do you ask rather, "Is there a command, example, principle, sanction in God's word supporting this?"
There is a stark difference in these questions, and they reveal much about one's reverence for God's word.
The one question reveals a desire to merely avoid discipline or punishment....to know just what we can "get away" with. This is incomplete reverence.
The other question reflects a heart desire for God's glory....pursuing His pleasure over oneself to the fullest. It is focused on what is purposeful rather than what is merely permissable. It reveals a higher aim than just "staying out of trouble".
Every thought, activity, choice, relationship, joke, priority etc, should be brought under the governing rule of God's word not merely to see if it's "ok", but to determine it's neccesity and fruitfulness in regards to the highest aim - God's glory made evident in the lives of His people.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
He sees, He knows, He remembers...
"And God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
God saw the people of Israel -- and God knew."
If you read and re-read these verses (Ex. 1:24-25) until your mind, heart, and soul literally FEEL their weight, I promise you, you won't be the same person.
Your heart will still before the undeniable, outside-the-bouds-of-human-comprehension, absolutely indescribable goodness of God's great faithfulness.
The I AM sees us, and He knows.
Worship.
My Pastor is currently teaching through Exodus. Check out his sermons on the book here:
God saw the people of Israel -- and God knew."
If you read and re-read these verses (Ex. 1:24-25) until your mind, heart, and soul literally FEEL their weight, I promise you, you won't be the same person.
Your heart will still before the undeniable, outside-the-bouds-of-human-comprehension, absolutely indescribable goodness of God's great faithfulness.
The I AM sees us, and He knows.
Worship.
My Pastor is currently teaching through Exodus. Check out his sermons on the book here:
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Sting of True Love
Last night Steve corrected me for something I said.
It stung.
His timing, manner, and words were all absolutely godly and appropriate for my growth.
Like the burn of cleansing soap to a cut open knee, truth was handed to me; the sting caused only by my need for it's cleansing work.
That I would be given a husband who cares that much about my good astounds me!
Today, he is married to a bit more humble, grateful, and godly wife because of his Christ-likeness!
So yeah, it stung. It's true love, and I am so blessed!
It stung.
His timing, manner, and words were all absolutely godly and appropriate for my growth.
Like the burn of cleansing soap to a cut open knee, truth was handed to me; the sting caused only by my need for it's cleansing work.
That I would be given a husband who cares that much about my good astounds me!
Today, he is married to a bit more humble, grateful, and godly wife because of his Christ-likeness!
So yeah, it stung. It's true love, and I am so blessed!
Saturday, November 07, 2009
A period of time devoted.....
Webster says that vacation is :
"A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest, or relaxation, a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday:
Freedom or release from duty, business, or activity."
Our little family has just enjoyed what we call our "yearly vacation", though as I ponder the above definition.... I'm not sure that Webster is quite on mark when it comes to what God has given us this week. In fact I'm certain that the word vacation misses the mark entirely!
We did break from some of our duties, but not all. We did experience rest, relaxation, and the pleasure that comes from being together all day, every day.
However, the defining factor for our time was not the rest, or the fun enjoyed, but the concentrated focus on receiving this time from God's hand and stewarding it faithfully.
There was more time to pray together, and with our boys. We listened to several sermons, and then discussed their application. We worshipped God as our paths were slowed down to more deeply take in creation and His word!
In our culture, in the sinfulness of human flesh, vacation is most often approached selfishly; with expectations for freedom from duty, or the stimulation of pleasure bearing rule.
What God gave us this week was far better! He called us aside for a time to focus closely on the gift of our family, and to rejoice fully in serving one another. Along the way, there were fun experiences, good learning opportunities, some super yummy food, and even some caught-up-on sleep! We're refreshed and thankful!
"A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest, or relaxation, a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday:
Freedom or release from duty, business, or activity."
Our little family has just enjoyed what we call our "yearly vacation", though as I ponder the above definition.... I'm not sure that Webster is quite on mark when it comes to what God has given us this week. In fact I'm certain that the word vacation misses the mark entirely!
We did break from some of our duties, but not all. We did experience rest, relaxation, and the pleasure that comes from being together all day, every day.
However, the defining factor for our time was not the rest, or the fun enjoyed, but the concentrated focus on receiving this time from God's hand and stewarding it faithfully.
There was more time to pray together, and with our boys. We listened to several sermons, and then discussed their application. We worshipped God as our paths were slowed down to more deeply take in creation and His word!
In our culture, in the sinfulness of human flesh, vacation is most often approached selfishly; with expectations for freedom from duty, or the stimulation of pleasure bearing rule.
What God gave us this week was far better! He called us aside for a time to focus closely on the gift of our family, and to rejoice fully in serving one another. Along the way, there were fun experiences, good learning opportunities, some super yummy food, and even some caught-up-on sleep! We're refreshed and thankful!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
What is this thing we call, FUN?
According to Webster...
–noun
1. something that provides mirth or amusement:
2. enjoyment or playfulness:
-synonym
1. Pleasure
Fun is the feeling of enjoyment that comes from an activity, person, or place that makes us feel pleasure.
The word is used many different ways in this culture and within our little spot of history.
My interest lies with how this thing that we call,"fun" stands up before Holy God, and His call to us, His followers.
In looking at my own walk, I see that fun, the enjoyment of it, and the pursuit of it, can very quickly become the most deceptive idol I will ever be tempted to worship.
It is so super sneaky, because it panders to the flesh of me, which needs little to no invitation before rising to serve itself.
The Enemy figures he can't get me to fall in the areas most Christians point to as sinful; adultery, murder, blasphemy etc, but he'll snark me into doing good things for the wrong reasons. He finds a way to entrap me into making things that should be all about Jesus all about me.
Sound familiar?
I can hear some of you, "What? Are you saying that having fun is wrong?" *scandalized expressions*
NO! Experiencing pleasure within God's design is not sin. God created us to desire and know the pleasure of Himself.
The Bible is full of scripture telling us of the great joy and pleasure we will reap as we follow Jesus, dying to self, and uniting with Him in true life. It tells us of how precious unity and edification are between believers. God made us to relate to one another, to enjoy one another.
However, the moment that the experience of pleasure becomes a desire rather than an undeserved by product of following Jesus....we fall.
How do we see this? There are many ways idol worship of fun shows itself.
In my life, at different times...these have popped up.
1) Greater desire to set aside time to experience fun over spending time with the Lord.
2) Extensive mental investment in the next great experience of fun....when will it be? who will it be with? how can I make it happen? what will I wear? =)
3) Neglect of God-given duties based on their seeming inability to give us the experience of fun.
4) Complaining of heart and mouth when we are unable to participate in something we've decided would be fun.
5) Jealousy over the fun others have experienced without us. Comparison. "She's more fun." "I had more fun with them than with her." Even if this never comes out of our mouths...it reveals misfocus.
6) Decisions made / Responses given based on the level of individual fun promised. "I'll serve where and when I will experience the most fun."
7) Relationship investment given or neglected based up on how much fun is experienced...Where you sit? Who you talk to?
The most telltale sign of all comes in how we respond to conviction over an idolatry issue with fun. When there is a quick, immediate, and extremely protective response to the thought that priorities are imbalanced in this area, idolatry is confirmed.
We show that we care more about maintaining an experience of pleasure than purifying our worship of Christ!
I've heard it argued, "Doesn't God want us to have fun." "God is fun."
First and foremost, before we ever say "God is" anything...we must confirm with the Bible.
God is good.
God is holy.
God is full of grace.
God is everywhere.
God is Awesome.
God is the Giver of Pleasure.
God is our Helper.
God is my Keeper.
The list goes on, but the word fun is a man made word...not given by God.
Jesus came to give abundant life in conformation to His likeness.
He gives great joy in the Christian's walk through fellowship with Him.
Heaven will be the absolute epitome of pleasure to be experienced. ever. and. beyond. all because He will be there.
The man made word, "fun", is a word where we have taken an undeserved fruit of following Jesus, joy, and turned it into something self-focused; something to be sought after. Something to be worshiped.
God started showing me the deceptiveness of this idol over a year ago (see points 1-7 above), and I've taken some extreme steps to purify my motives and decisions in why I do things, go places, invest in people. I continue to seek deeper purity in this area, and God is faithful to continue cleansing me.
This is the cool thing: I can honestly tell you that what I have found has astounded me....
More undeserved and pleasureful joy has been poured out on me than I imagined, or have before experienced.
There has been greater freedom in realizing that I don't NEED the experience of fun. I can just take it as it comes and praise Jesus for it!
There has been new insight that true pleasure is found in doing things for the Lord's pleasure....making that my pursuit.
There has been awakening to activities, relationships, and places I was totally missing before.
I laugh, sometimes obnoxiously so. I carry on with inside jokes which are usually super lame. I enjoy games, activities, events, and destinations (coffee shops).
I love to chase my boys around the house singing 80's love songs into my hair brush or curling iron.
I love being with people...all sorts of people...whoever God ordains I spend any given moment with.
God has been so good to me!
I am learning to experience the great joy that Jesus has given into my life - completely undeserved by me - only of His grace - as a by product of purified worship, not the experience that I pursue.
He is, His likeness, His ministry, His presence is what I chase after.
This world can have it's thing called fun, I want the pleasure of Jesus!
–noun
1. something that provides mirth or amusement:
2. enjoyment or playfulness:
-synonym
1. Pleasure
Fun is the feeling of enjoyment that comes from an activity, person, or place that makes us feel pleasure.
The word is used many different ways in this culture and within our little spot of history.
My interest lies with how this thing that we call,"fun" stands up before Holy God, and His call to us, His followers.
In looking at my own walk, I see that fun, the enjoyment of it, and the pursuit of it, can very quickly become the most deceptive idol I will ever be tempted to worship.
It is so super sneaky, because it panders to the flesh of me, which needs little to no invitation before rising to serve itself.
The Enemy figures he can't get me to fall in the areas most Christians point to as sinful; adultery, murder, blasphemy etc, but he'll snark me into doing good things for the wrong reasons. He finds a way to entrap me into making things that should be all about Jesus all about me.
Sound familiar?
I can hear some of you, "What? Are you saying that having fun is wrong?" *scandalized expressions*
NO! Experiencing pleasure within God's design is not sin. God created us to desire and know the pleasure of Himself.
The Bible is full of scripture telling us of the great joy and pleasure we will reap as we follow Jesus, dying to self, and uniting with Him in true life. It tells us of how precious unity and edification are between believers. God made us to relate to one another, to enjoy one another.
However, the moment that the experience of pleasure becomes a desire rather than an undeserved by product of following Jesus....we fall.
How do we see this? There are many ways idol worship of fun shows itself.
In my life, at different times...these have popped up.
1) Greater desire to set aside time to experience fun over spending time with the Lord.
2) Extensive mental investment in the next great experience of fun....when will it be? who will it be with? how can I make it happen? what will I wear? =)
3) Neglect of God-given duties based on their seeming inability to give us the experience of fun.
4) Complaining of heart and mouth when we are unable to participate in something we've decided would be fun.
5) Jealousy over the fun others have experienced without us. Comparison. "She's more fun." "I had more fun with them than with her." Even if this never comes out of our mouths...it reveals misfocus.
6) Decisions made / Responses given based on the level of individual fun promised. "I'll serve where and when I will experience the most fun."
7) Relationship investment given or neglected based up on how much fun is experienced...Where you sit? Who you talk to?
The most telltale sign of all comes in how we respond to conviction over an idolatry issue with fun. When there is a quick, immediate, and extremely protective response to the thought that priorities are imbalanced in this area, idolatry is confirmed.
We show that we care more about maintaining an experience of pleasure than purifying our worship of Christ!
I've heard it argued, "Doesn't God want us to have fun." "God is fun."
First and foremost, before we ever say "God is" anything...we must confirm with the Bible.
God is good.
God is holy.
God is full of grace.
God is everywhere.
God is Awesome.
God is the Giver of Pleasure.
God is our Helper.
God is my Keeper.
The list goes on, but the word fun is a man made word...not given by God.
Jesus came to give abundant life in conformation to His likeness.
He gives great joy in the Christian's walk through fellowship with Him.
Heaven will be the absolute epitome of pleasure to be experienced. ever. and. beyond. all because He will be there.
The man made word, "fun", is a word where we have taken an undeserved fruit of following Jesus, joy, and turned it into something self-focused; something to be sought after. Something to be worshiped.
God started showing me the deceptiveness of this idol over a year ago (see points 1-7 above), and I've taken some extreme steps to purify my motives and decisions in why I do things, go places, invest in people. I continue to seek deeper purity in this area, and God is faithful to continue cleansing me.
This is the cool thing: I can honestly tell you that what I have found has astounded me....
More undeserved and pleasureful joy has been poured out on me than I imagined, or have before experienced.
There has been greater freedom in realizing that I don't NEED the experience of fun. I can just take it as it comes and praise Jesus for it!
There has been new insight that true pleasure is found in doing things for the Lord's pleasure....making that my pursuit.
There has been awakening to activities, relationships, and places I was totally missing before.
I laugh, sometimes obnoxiously so. I carry on with inside jokes which are usually super lame. I enjoy games, activities, events, and destinations (coffee shops).
I love to chase my boys around the house singing 80's love songs into my hair brush or curling iron.
I love being with people...all sorts of people...whoever God ordains I spend any given moment with.
God has been so good to me!
I am learning to experience the great joy that Jesus has given into my life - completely undeserved by me - only of His grace - as a by product of purified worship, not the experience that I pursue.
He is, His likeness, His ministry, His presence is what I chase after.
This world can have it's thing called fun, I want the pleasure of Jesus!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)