I became a Christian when I was eight. This was the time I first believed I couldn't live without Jesus because my sins set me up to spend eternity in Hell. I knew I couldn't live without Jesus because I wanted to spend eternity with him.
I still don't understand the full Gospel message, but I have faith these thoughts are put in my head because God has something bigger in mind. Though, right now, these thoughts are like a dagger in my side. I fear putting these thoughts aside because I know I will have to walk around with a dagger even more so. Walking makes the dagger go deeper. I must wrestle my way through the muddy water to find an end.
Praise God for these pains in my soul. While this pain spreads in my veins like a disease, I must know the end will be for God's glory.
Pray that I wrestle with boldness but keep a humble heart to hear God's voice. I can't wait to get back to fully understanding the gift of the Gospel God has given me.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Do I understand?
This afternoon my thoughts have fallen back on my great depravity. I don't understand.
I deserve nothing but the wrath of God. He controls the "giveth" and "taketh" of all humans. The great Creator, God, has every right to punish me to eternal damnation in hell. Look at my life. I'm bleeding from the inside out. The drink I take with my hands is splendid and glorious but the stomach it falls into is morbid and dead. Why so evil am I? Look at my dirty hands? I can look and see so many failing points in my life. Look at the way I treat her, him, them, and even myself. What am I doing? My sin is ugly. God looks at my sin and sees a vile bottle of Hell. Is this what I have to offer to Him who is mighty and pure? How glorifying is my life?
How do I deserve anything? If posted at the city gates, my sins would condemn me to wear a scarlet letter and take the blame. I deserve nothing. I don't deserve the job, friends, car, family, money, and food I eat. Why eat a meal today? I don't deserve it. I only deserve Hell. Where am I to go but down?
I'm stuck on "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Yes, I have sinned and I can't make anything more of it. Like a dog I continually come back to my vomit. How pitiful? I don't understand.
I don't understand the gospel. Never before has my sin been so exposed in my thoughts and dreams. Those closest to me can clearly see the exposition of my great sin. How unworthy am I? I am only understanding half the gospel, but the other half is too far to be seen. I see the 2nd half of the gospel on a page, but I don't understand. I've told many people in my lifetime about the gospel but I still don't understand myself. I have faith that God can use a man who only understands half of the gospel to somehow deliver the full gospel message to someone else's heart. But how big must the gap be that I don't understand the 2nd half of the Gospel?
I don't understand.
The second half of the gospel is clearly wrapped in Jesus Christ. I believe he was God in human flesh. I believe he lived a pure life. I believe he came to save man. But do I really believe he is the great Messiah? Do I believe he, the spotless lamb, shed his blood for me? Yes, for me? Do I believe he is the mediator to God? He is the bridge to salvation? He is the way, the truth and life? Do I believe he has "caused us" Christians to repent and know the true love and the true joy? Do I believe man even has a chance to live eternally in heaven? Do I believe sinful humans can even deserve breathe, life, family, love, relationships, money, and food?
I don't understand.
To fully comprehend the truth in the whole Gospel is beyond my imagination. I see it and I have faith it is true. But do I fully understand it?
The Gospel story takes great faith to look at the depravity of man and know Christ's cleansing hand upon us. The truth is told in the Bible so man must have this great faith. God loves us as humans even in the midst of our heavy sin. He also proves that his love endures and never fails, and our sin to him is never too heavy. He wipes our sins clean because his son Jesus Christ already paid the greatest debt on the Cross. Jesus shed the blood for us so we don't have to die and go to Hell. God also tells us he has given us grace through saving grace and common grace. No, we don't deserve anything but God's rather, but through God's grace he has given us great hope in knowing he works for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28).
The Gospel is why we must eat our daily meals and give praise to God. The Gospel is why we must love our families and give praise to God. The Gospel is why we must delight in all relationships and give praise to God who defines our greatest relationship. The Gospel is why we must rejoice to God when we are blessed with money. The Gospel is why we must praise God for job opportunities. Bottom line, the Gospel is a gift from God that we must receive and give all glory to him who deserves everything.
God deserves all our praise, and he ultimately deserves all our lives. He desires for all of us to grasp the gift of the Gospel, which is wrapped in his son Jesus Christ. He wants to see us share the great news of the gift of salvation freely bestowed upon us.
Even though I know the Gospel as truth, I pray I will eventually be able to fully understand the whole Gospel. If there was any prayer request, may we all pray that we would daily come to fully know the whole Gospel. Yes, we are great sinners, but God has administered his grace upon us through his son Jesus Christ. Now, may his Holy Spirit guide us to this truth every day we live.
I deserve nothing but the wrath of God. He controls the "giveth" and "taketh" of all humans. The great Creator, God, has every right to punish me to eternal damnation in hell. Look at my life. I'm bleeding from the inside out. The drink I take with my hands is splendid and glorious but the stomach it falls into is morbid and dead. Why so evil am I? Look at my dirty hands? I can look and see so many failing points in my life. Look at the way I treat her, him, them, and even myself. What am I doing? My sin is ugly. God looks at my sin and sees a vile bottle of Hell. Is this what I have to offer to Him who is mighty and pure? How glorifying is my life?
How do I deserve anything? If posted at the city gates, my sins would condemn me to wear a scarlet letter and take the blame. I deserve nothing. I don't deserve the job, friends, car, family, money, and food I eat. Why eat a meal today? I don't deserve it. I only deserve Hell. Where am I to go but down?
I'm stuck on "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Yes, I have sinned and I can't make anything more of it. Like a dog I continually come back to my vomit. How pitiful? I don't understand.
I don't understand the gospel. Never before has my sin been so exposed in my thoughts and dreams. Those closest to me can clearly see the exposition of my great sin. How unworthy am I? I am only understanding half the gospel, but the other half is too far to be seen. I see the 2nd half of the gospel on a page, but I don't understand. I've told many people in my lifetime about the gospel but I still don't understand myself. I have faith that God can use a man who only understands half of the gospel to somehow deliver the full gospel message to someone else's heart. But how big must the gap be that I don't understand the 2nd half of the Gospel?
I don't understand.
The second half of the gospel is clearly wrapped in Jesus Christ. I believe he was God in human flesh. I believe he lived a pure life. I believe he came to save man. But do I really believe he is the great Messiah? Do I believe he, the spotless lamb, shed his blood for me? Yes, for me? Do I believe he is the mediator to God? He is the bridge to salvation? He is the way, the truth and life? Do I believe he has "caused us" Christians to repent and know the true love and the true joy? Do I believe man even has a chance to live eternally in heaven? Do I believe sinful humans can even deserve breathe, life, family, love, relationships, money, and food?
I don't understand.
To fully comprehend the truth in the whole Gospel is beyond my imagination. I see it and I have faith it is true. But do I fully understand it?
The Gospel story takes great faith to look at the depravity of man and know Christ's cleansing hand upon us. The truth is told in the Bible so man must have this great faith. God loves us as humans even in the midst of our heavy sin. He also proves that his love endures and never fails, and our sin to him is never too heavy. He wipes our sins clean because his son Jesus Christ already paid the greatest debt on the Cross. Jesus shed the blood for us so we don't have to die and go to Hell. God also tells us he has given us grace through saving grace and common grace. No, we don't deserve anything but God's rather, but through God's grace he has given us great hope in knowing he works for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28).
The Gospel is why we must eat our daily meals and give praise to God. The Gospel is why we must love our families and give praise to God. The Gospel is why we must delight in all relationships and give praise to God who defines our greatest relationship. The Gospel is why we must rejoice to God when we are blessed with money. The Gospel is why we must praise God for job opportunities. Bottom line, the Gospel is a gift from God that we must receive and give all glory to him who deserves everything.
God deserves all our praise, and he ultimately deserves all our lives. He desires for all of us to grasp the gift of the Gospel, which is wrapped in his son Jesus Christ. He wants to see us share the great news of the gift of salvation freely bestowed upon us.
Even though I know the Gospel as truth, I pray I will eventually be able to fully understand the whole Gospel. If there was any prayer request, may we all pray that we would daily come to fully know the whole Gospel. Yes, we are great sinners, but God has administered his grace upon us through his son Jesus Christ. Now, may his Holy Spirit guide us to this truth every day we live.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Only You
2 months ago I posted my thoughts on Psalm 73.
Now today I can't describe the full passion I wish to understand the phrase in verse 25. "And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you."
Is this true?
Pray God's scripture will wash over me. May there be nothing on earth I desire besides my God, my God.
Now today I can't describe the full passion I wish to understand the phrase in verse 25. "And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you."
Is this true?
Pray God's scripture will wash over me. May there be nothing on earth I desire besides my God, my God.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
I desire God
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put and end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Psalm 73:25-28
What an honor it is to kneel before the feet of Jesus. I can look at today, or even this week, and see how many times I have missed opportunities to relish in thanksgiving and praises to Him who saves.
But all I know is there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you, Father. My flesh and heart continue to fail, but you, Lord, are my strength and portion forever. God, I long to always be near to you. Please let me avoid the temptation to walk another way for, you say, those who are unfaithful will perish. But I know it is good to be near God. Thank you for allowing me to know this truth. I pray, God, you will be my refuge so that I may be passionate about spreading your Gospel.
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put and end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Psalm 73:25-28
What an honor it is to kneel before the feet of Jesus. I can look at today, or even this week, and see how many times I have missed opportunities to relish in thanksgiving and praises to Him who saves.
But all I know is there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you, Father. My flesh and heart continue to fail, but you, Lord, are my strength and portion forever. God, I long to always be near to you. Please let me avoid the temptation to walk another way for, you say, those who are unfaithful will perish. But I know it is good to be near God. Thank you for allowing me to know this truth. I pray, God, you will be my refuge so that I may be passionate about spreading your Gospel.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Zechariah 9 Explodes
the book of Zechariah starts off with a lot of visions of horseman, horns and crafsmen, man with a measuring line, joshua the high priest, golden lampstand, flying scroll, and the last vision of four chariots. So in essence, I haven't really dug very deep into trying to find the true context and points to these listed visions, but the biggest explosion of insight happens in Chapter 9.
Ninth chapter starts with the place of people before God. What are they doing? V.3 Tyre has built herself a rampart and heaped up silver like dust, and fine gold like the mud of the streets. Then V.4 explains "The Lord will strip her of her possessions and strike down her powers on the sea, and she shall be devoured by fire." So God further explains his judgement on the people.
Then the next two sections are titled wonderfully from the ESV kids. Verses 9-13 is labeled "The coming King of Zion" and 14-17 is "The Lord will save his people." Usually I don't pay much attention to titles that men have penciled, but these titles grab you after reading 8 chapters of visions and somewhat confusing text. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." In exclamation, rejoice for God of salvation is coming to you.
This is when I imagine people just sitting around a room as the light of God suddenly appears with him entering the room. The whole crowd would jump to their feet in loud praise and thanksgiving. Loud applause gives glory to the Lamb, our Saviour. His entrance is majestic, but what God comes in on a donkey? This shows our God comes with love and peace. Verse 10 says "he shall speak peace to the nations."
People are so self-righteous. They strive after gold and silver like Tyre, but why settle for such material goods? Imagine bringing home gold and silver to your family. Yes, there would be rejoicing for a little while, but soon the treasure would run dry. So think of the entrance of Jesus Christ! This is the inheritance of a lifetime for all eternity. O God, how I love thee.
The rest of Chapter 9 continues to tell of God's great hand over his people. Here are the last two verses of the chapter.
"On that day the Lord their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land. For how great is his goodness, and how great his beauty! Grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the young women."
O what a day...have you ever thought we are like jewels of the crown of God?
Ninth chapter starts with the place of people before God. What are they doing? V.3 Tyre has built herself a rampart and heaped up silver like dust, and fine gold like the mud of the streets. Then V.4 explains "The Lord will strip her of her possessions and strike down her powers on the sea, and she shall be devoured by fire." So God further explains his judgement on the people.
Then the next two sections are titled wonderfully from the ESV kids. Verses 9-13 is labeled "The coming King of Zion" and 14-17 is "The Lord will save his people." Usually I don't pay much attention to titles that men have penciled, but these titles grab you after reading 8 chapters of visions and somewhat confusing text. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." In exclamation, rejoice for God of salvation is coming to you.
This is when I imagine people just sitting around a room as the light of God suddenly appears with him entering the room. The whole crowd would jump to their feet in loud praise and thanksgiving. Loud applause gives glory to the Lamb, our Saviour. His entrance is majestic, but what God comes in on a donkey? This shows our God comes with love and peace. Verse 10 says "he shall speak peace to the nations."
People are so self-righteous. They strive after gold and silver like Tyre, but why settle for such material goods? Imagine bringing home gold and silver to your family. Yes, there would be rejoicing for a little while, but soon the treasure would run dry. So think of the entrance of Jesus Christ! This is the inheritance of a lifetime for all eternity. O God, how I love thee.
The rest of Chapter 9 continues to tell of God's great hand over his people. Here are the last two verses of the chapter.
"On that day the Lord their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land. For how great is his goodness, and how great his beauty! Grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the young women."
O what a day...have you ever thought we are like jewels of the crown of God?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Our hearts have peace in God
The life of St. Augustine offers strong writing on knowing God and the happiness that ensues from a relationship with him.
Here are some quotes from him that are running through my head tonight...
"O Lord, that I may love you [freely], for I can find nothing more precious."
"If your delight is in souls, love them in God...and draw as many with you to him as you can." "You yourself [O God] are their joy. Happiness is to rejoice in you and for you and because of you. This is true happiness and there is no other."
"The thread of our speech comes alive through the very joy we take in what we are speaking about."
On Evangelism: "I am not alone in this desire [for the blessed state of happiness], nor are there only a few who share it with me: without exception we all long for happiness...All agree that they want to be happy...They may all search for it in different ways, but all try their hardest to reach the same goal, that is, joy." "You made us for yourself, and our hearts find no peace till they rest in you." "He is happy who possesses God."
On things of the world: "If the things of this world delight you, praise God for them but turn your love away from them and give it to their Maker, so that in the things that please you may not displease him."
The blanket quote for knowing Augustine's heart in his conversion:
"How sweet all at once it was for me to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose!...You drove them from me, you who are the true, the sovereign joy. You drove them from me and took their place...O Lord my God, my Light, my Wealth, and my Salvation."
Here are some quotes from him that are running through my head tonight...
"O Lord, that I may love you [freely], for I can find nothing more precious."
"If your delight is in souls, love them in God...and draw as many with you to him as you can." "You yourself [O God] are their joy. Happiness is to rejoice in you and for you and because of you. This is true happiness and there is no other."
"The thread of our speech comes alive through the very joy we take in what we are speaking about."
On Evangelism: "I am not alone in this desire [for the blessed state of happiness], nor are there only a few who share it with me: without exception we all long for happiness...All agree that they want to be happy...They may all search for it in different ways, but all try their hardest to reach the same goal, that is, joy." "You made us for yourself, and our hearts find no peace till they rest in you." "He is happy who possesses God."
On things of the world: "If the things of this world delight you, praise God for them but turn your love away from them and give it to their Maker, so that in the things that please you may not displease him."
The blanket quote for knowing Augustine's heart in his conversion:
"How sweet all at once it was for me to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose!...You drove them from me, you who are the true, the sovereign joy. You drove them from me and took their place...O Lord my God, my Light, my Wealth, and my Salvation."
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
St. Augustine
I'm so thankful for St. Augustine 1600 years ago.
I've just become extremely intrigued to read the biographies of old pastor dudes. St. Augustine was a beast. But wait, let me "slow my roll," he was a true man. I've only just begun to unravel the inspiring words from him, but I can't wait to learn more a man that lived in 300 AD. (I never thought I would have this desire when I was in 6th grade dancing around my bedroom listening to "underdog" by Audio Adrenaline with a few lamps on for soft lighting.)
"How sweet all at once it was for me to rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose!...You drove them from me, you who are true, the sovereign joy"-Augustine
Every man needs to read Augustine. I'm only beginning...
I've just become extremely intrigued to read the biographies of old pastor dudes. St. Augustine was a beast. But wait, let me "slow my roll," he was a true man. I've only just begun to unravel the inspiring words from him, but I can't wait to learn more a man that lived in 300 AD. (I never thought I would have this desire when I was in 6th grade dancing around my bedroom listening to "underdog" by Audio Adrenaline with a few lamps on for soft lighting.)
"How sweet all at once it was for me to rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose!...You drove them from me, you who are true, the sovereign joy"-Augustine
Every man needs to read Augustine. I'm only beginning...
Friday, October 2, 2009
His love quiets your soul
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. -Zephaniah 3:17
I've got to be honest, I never thought I'd be so attached to a verse in Zephaniah, but this is the reason why I'm reading through the minor prophets. I need these uncovered verses to jump out at me, but, of course, I believe this is the power of God's word.
I'm so thankful. Today God is with me like he was yesterday and will be tomorrow. He's God whom saves the dreaded sinner such as I, and he will continually rejoice with gladness over us as we seek him. His love quiets us. How will God quiet our worried, anxious, and nervous minds? With his love he will quiet us.
For a long time now, there has been a lot on my mind, but during this time I'm trying to stay focused on Christ. His grace, mercy, goodness, and love are immeasurable and great. I wish to sit in the shadows of the Cross all the days that I live in hopes to gain a better view from the front row of his majesty. How can I love thee more? How can I be closer to thee?
Yesterday I realized I might be perfectly content being able to read scripture all day long, but a closed room wouldn't be good enough so I'd need to be reading from the top of the tallest building just so I can be closer to God in Heaven. My God has brought me through so much in my life, much less the last few months, and I wish I could at least kneel beside him to give him the glory and praises he requires. The Almighty God, King of my soul, is the love that quiets my soul.
I recently had to tell a friend our contact should be minimal because I thought our close communication was distracting them from knowing God to the fullest. The conversation saddened my heart to know I'd have to eliminate our personal communication, but, no matter what the cost, Christ must always be magnified and sought first in our lives. This makes me think of Paul when he said, "For me to live is Christ and die is gain." Our lives must soak up Christ. But death does not frighten my main goals because death is only a celebration to be closer to Christ. While I know Christ is being exalted in our dedication to follow after him, I'm just praying for the time when I can rejoice with my friend again. When we talk again I know it will be full of joy and peace because it will be all God. Not just God's will, but our minds will be seeking His name. What is better? I choose to sacrifice today so we can rejoice in the future with Christ further magnified than he was before. O How he love us.
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all
I've got to be honest, I never thought I'd be so attached to a verse in Zephaniah, but this is the reason why I'm reading through the minor prophets. I need these uncovered verses to jump out at me, but, of course, I believe this is the power of God's word.
I'm so thankful. Today God is with me like he was yesterday and will be tomorrow. He's God whom saves the dreaded sinner such as I, and he will continually rejoice with gladness over us as we seek him. His love quiets us. How will God quiet our worried, anxious, and nervous minds? With his love he will quiet us.
For a long time now, there has been a lot on my mind, but during this time I'm trying to stay focused on Christ. His grace, mercy, goodness, and love are immeasurable and great. I wish to sit in the shadows of the Cross all the days that I live in hopes to gain a better view from the front row of his majesty. How can I love thee more? How can I be closer to thee?
Yesterday I realized I might be perfectly content being able to read scripture all day long, but a closed room wouldn't be good enough so I'd need to be reading from the top of the tallest building just so I can be closer to God in Heaven. My God has brought me through so much in my life, much less the last few months, and I wish I could at least kneel beside him to give him the glory and praises he requires. The Almighty God, King of my soul, is the love that quiets my soul.
I recently had to tell a friend our contact should be minimal because I thought our close communication was distracting them from knowing God to the fullest. The conversation saddened my heart to know I'd have to eliminate our personal communication, but, no matter what the cost, Christ must always be magnified and sought first in our lives. This makes me think of Paul when he said, "For me to live is Christ and die is gain." Our lives must soak up Christ. But death does not frighten my main goals because death is only a celebration to be closer to Christ. While I know Christ is being exalted in our dedication to follow after him, I'm just praying for the time when I can rejoice with my friend again. When we talk again I know it will be full of joy and peace because it will be all God. Not just God's will, but our minds will be seeking His name. What is better? I choose to sacrifice today so we can rejoice in the future with Christ further magnified than he was before. O How he love us.
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Cross 1st
Daily seeking the Gospel is essential to living a Cross centered life.
How do you keep the flame of gospel passion burning brightly in the drizzle of real life? Preach to yourself, memorize the Gospel, pray the Gospel, sing the Gospel, review how the gospel has changed you, study the Gospel.
Make the Cross your focus, but I know many times we can get caught on "grey" issues of the Bible. Here is a quote from C.J. Mahaney about this...
"Regardless of your personal opinion about the Rapture or the Millennium, it's undeniable that in Scripture the work of Christ at Calvary still takes center stage. His Second Coming is the culmination of the victory He accomplished over death and hell at the cross. Jesus didn't instruct His disciples to concern themselves with the details of when and where He would return. They were to watch and pray, but their primary preoccupation was to be exulting in and proclaiming the good news of His death and resurrection."
How do you keep the flame of gospel passion burning brightly in the drizzle of real life? Preach to yourself, memorize the Gospel, pray the Gospel, sing the Gospel, review how the gospel has changed you, study the Gospel.
Make the Cross your focus, but I know many times we can get caught on "grey" issues of the Bible. Here is a quote from C.J. Mahaney about this...
"Regardless of your personal opinion about the Rapture or the Millennium, it's undeniable that in Scripture the work of Christ at Calvary still takes center stage. His Second Coming is the culmination of the victory He accomplished over death and hell at the cross. Jesus didn't instruct His disciples to concern themselves with the details of when and where He would return. They were to watch and pray, but their primary preoccupation was to be exulting in and proclaiming the good news of His death and resurrection."
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
You are my God
This morning I was going back through some verses I tweeted while reading in Hosea last month. This verse captivates me...
"And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, "You are my people'; and he shall say, 'You are my God." Hosea 2:23
This might be the greatest thing man could ever say. "You are my God." After seeing lost person after lost person continue to deny the deity and all satisfying glory of knowing Christ Jesus, tears come down my face when I can hear the lost finally say to God, "You are my God." For it is not us who saves people but Jesus Christ and the work of the Spirit in the tri-unity.
We merely talk, but through the grace of God we are given the opportunity to share through him.
May you today you say in your heart, "You are my God." This is evidence of your life laid down before the Father. What a glorious thought!
"And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, "You are my people'; and he shall say, 'You are my God." Hosea 2:23
This might be the greatest thing man could ever say. "You are my God." After seeing lost person after lost person continue to deny the deity and all satisfying glory of knowing Christ Jesus, tears come down my face when I can hear the lost finally say to God, "You are my God." For it is not us who saves people but Jesus Christ and the work of the Spirit in the tri-unity.
We merely talk, but through the grace of God we are given the opportunity to share through him.
May you today you say in your heart, "You are my God." This is evidence of your life laid down before the Father. What a glorious thought!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Time for C.J.
In my continual goal to digest more knowledge of the Bible through scripture, preachers, and authors, I've now started reading "Living the Cross Centered Life" by C.J. Mahaney.
In his introduction he makes known the importance of restating the Cross because many of us never understood from the start.
"Too many of us have fumbled the most important truth of the Bible, and therefore we've suffered the consequences."
This quote is probably the least quotable quote in the whole introduction, but the fact of the quote is so true. Are we lukewarm? Do we live for the Cross?
In his introduction he makes known the importance of restating the Cross because many of us never understood from the start.
"Too many of us have fumbled the most important truth of the Bible, and therefore we've suffered the consequences."
This quote is probably the least quotable quote in the whole introduction, but the fact of the quote is so true. Are we lukewarm? Do we live for the Cross?
Monday, August 17, 2009
If man could only respect women
Pray for Men
Pray for Women
The nation is full of deceit and lies, but as Christians we must rise above the worldly temptations.
If man could only respect women...
I pray God will daily give me more wisdom on how man should treat women.
Pray for Women
The nation is full of deceit and lies, but as Christians we must rise above the worldly temptations.
If man could only respect women...
I pray God will daily give me more wisdom on how man should treat women.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
In Response to "Early Marriage"
After reading through the article and discussing the issue with a friend, I've come to realize some strong emotional disappointments we can make about early marriage. The disappointments can be found in those that aren't dating, engaged, married, or even finding a position close to a marriage possibility. Quotes like this can easily discourage single woman:
"Among evangelical churchgoers, there are about three single women for every two single men...God does work miracles. But the fact remains that there just aren't as many serious Christian young men as there are women, and the men know it."
In response to the article, I want to address the Cross and our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate road map. Here is a passage that describes God's blessing on us.
"Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard....If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make our bones strong." Isaiah 58:8,10-11a
In words of the ESV study bible, "God reaffirms his readiness to bless his obedient people." He will respond to those who seek Him (Matt 6:33). While the world may deem signals that seem deserted towards a future Christian spouse, we must maintain our strength in knowing "the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard." In my terms, He has our backs when we seek him.
Wayne Grudem's book on "Systematic Theology" has a good section on God's providence. Before we understand this thought of His providence, we must first understand God is the creator and controller of all things. He is God. Now Grudem breaks God's providence down into different categories: Preservation, Concurrence, and Government (governing).
Grudem says God's providence includes concurrence, which means "God cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do."
I say this because this is important for understanding God's "rearing" in our lives. Ephesians 1:11 Paul says God "accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will." You and me are listed in His will because no one is left out. "In your book were written, every one of them the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them," said David (Ps. 139:16). God knew us and planned us before we were born. Then we also must read this verse from Acts 17:28 "in him we live and move." I love the word move here. Our actions within a life in God's will are moving.
God is our backbone, but we must guide ourselves away from laziness. We must "move." I fear for the man who stays in his chair all day and expects his life to change.
If you worry about being single, you are already off on the wrong step. Don't worry about being single. Wake up every morning remember and your reasserting your life under Christ. God,in triune, daily guides our lives, and we must believe this. Don't selfishly try to fix it yourselves. Fall in love with Christ and his providence.
"Among evangelical churchgoers, there are about three single women for every two single men...God does work miracles. But the fact remains that there just aren't as many serious Christian young men as there are women, and the men know it."
In response to the article, I want to address the Cross and our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate road map. Here is a passage that describes God's blessing on us.
"Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard....If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make our bones strong." Isaiah 58:8,10-11a
In words of the ESV study bible, "God reaffirms his readiness to bless his obedient people." He will respond to those who seek Him (Matt 6:33). While the world may deem signals that seem deserted towards a future Christian spouse, we must maintain our strength in knowing "the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard." In my terms, He has our backs when we seek him.
Wayne Grudem's book on "Systematic Theology" has a good section on God's providence. Before we understand this thought of His providence, we must first understand God is the creator and controller of all things. He is God. Now Grudem breaks God's providence down into different categories: Preservation, Concurrence, and Government (governing).
Grudem says God's providence includes concurrence, which means "God cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do."
I say this because this is important for understanding God's "rearing" in our lives. Ephesians 1:11 Paul says God "accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will." You and me are listed in His will because no one is left out. "In your book were written, every one of them the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them," said David (Ps. 139:16). God knew us and planned us before we were born. Then we also must read this verse from Acts 17:28 "in him we live and move." I love the word move here. Our actions within a life in God's will are moving.
God is our backbone, but we must guide ourselves away from laziness. We must "move." I fear for the man who stays in his chair all day and expects his life to change.
If you worry about being single, you are already off on the wrong step. Don't worry about being single. Wake up every morning remember and your reasserting your life under Christ. God,in triune, daily guides our lives, and we must believe this. Don't selfishly try to fix it yourselves. Fall in love with Christ and his providence.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Case for Early Marriage
In a recent edition of Christianity Today, Mark Regnerus wrote the cover story on "The Case for Early Marriage." This is a thought process that I think many of us hardly think about. Let me share with you some key quotes in his article.
-Just under 80 percent of unmarried, church-going, conservative Protestants who are currently dating someone are having sex of some sort.
-Evangelicals tend to marry slightly earlier that other Americans, but not by much. Many of them plan to marry in their mid-20s. Yet waiting for sex until then feels far too long to most of them. And I am suggesting that when people wait until their mid-to-late 20s to marry, it is unreasonable to expect them to refrain from sex. It's battling our Creator's reproductive designs.
-Among evangelical churchgoers, there are about three single women for every two single men.
-God does work miracles. But the fact remains that there just aren't as many serious Christian young men as there are women, and the men know it.
-We buy, read, and pass along books about battling our sexual urges, when in face we are battling them far longer than we were meant to.
-Many of us think about marriage much like those outside the church-as a capstone that completes the life of the autonomous self.
-The focus of 20-somethings has become less about building mature relationships and fulfilling responsibilities, and more about enjoying oneself, traveling, and trying on identities and relationships. After all the fun, it will be time to settle down and get serious.
-The mentality that we need to shield young adults from the usual struggles of life by encouraging them to delay marriage until they are financially secure usually rests on an unrealistic standard of living.
-Marrying simply for the lure of sex is not what Paul had in mind.
-Family and friends ought to do their best to help young couples discern whether there is more to their love than sexual desire.
-The fact is that God makes no promises of great sex to those who wait. Some experience difficult marriages. Spouses wander. Others cannot conceive children...
-While sex matters, marriage matters more. The importance of Christian marriage as a symbol of God's covenantal faithfulness to his people-and a witness to the future union of Christ and his bride-will only grow in significance as the wider Western culture diminishes both the meaning and actual practice of marriage. Marriage itself will become a witness to the gospel.
-If a young couple displays maturity, faith, fidelity, a commitment to understand marriage as a covenant, and a sense of realism about marriage, then it's our duty-indeed, our pleasure-to help them expedite the part of marriage that involves public recognition and celebration of what God is already knitting together. We ought to "rejoice and delight" in them, and praise their love (Song of Sol. 1:4)
You can find the full article at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/august/16.22.html
-Just under 80 percent of unmarried, church-going, conservative Protestants who are currently dating someone are having sex of some sort.
-Evangelicals tend to marry slightly earlier that other Americans, but not by much. Many of them plan to marry in their mid-20s. Yet waiting for sex until then feels far too long to most of them. And I am suggesting that when people wait until their mid-to-late 20s to marry, it is unreasonable to expect them to refrain from sex. It's battling our Creator's reproductive designs.
-Among evangelical churchgoers, there are about three single women for every two single men.
-God does work miracles. But the fact remains that there just aren't as many serious Christian young men as there are women, and the men know it.
-We buy, read, and pass along books about battling our sexual urges, when in face we are battling them far longer than we were meant to.
-Many of us think about marriage much like those outside the church-as a capstone that completes the life of the autonomous self.
-The focus of 20-somethings has become less about building mature relationships and fulfilling responsibilities, and more about enjoying oneself, traveling, and trying on identities and relationships. After all the fun, it will be time to settle down and get serious.
-The mentality that we need to shield young adults from the usual struggles of life by encouraging them to delay marriage until they are financially secure usually rests on an unrealistic standard of living.
-Marrying simply for the lure of sex is not what Paul had in mind.
-Family and friends ought to do their best to help young couples discern whether there is more to their love than sexual desire.
-The fact is that God makes no promises of great sex to those who wait. Some experience difficult marriages. Spouses wander. Others cannot conceive children...
-While sex matters, marriage matters more. The importance of Christian marriage as a symbol of God's covenantal faithfulness to his people-and a witness to the future union of Christ and his bride-will only grow in significance as the wider Western culture diminishes both the meaning and actual practice of marriage. Marriage itself will become a witness to the gospel.
-If a young couple displays maturity, faith, fidelity, a commitment to understand marriage as a covenant, and a sense of realism about marriage, then it's our duty-indeed, our pleasure-to help them expedite the part of marriage that involves public recognition and celebration of what God is already knitting together. We ought to "rejoice and delight" in them, and praise their love (Song of Sol. 1:4)
You can find the full article at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/august/16.22.html
Thursday, July 16, 2009
1 year
Today officially marks my one year anniversary of working at Channel 7. I can't believe the past year. Oh, where God has taken me. The journey from graduation, resumes, Montgomery, and Hattiesburg was incredible last year; but I can only stand in awe to think of God's grace in my life. I remember sitting in the late afternoon meeting on a Tuesday in mid-December. Nearly 9 people had just been laid-off, and I was wondering why I was still there. My questions of wondering were quickly jump started into a revitalized, and creative, churn for helping sports and news.
The past year has simply been incredible. I'm so thankful for where God has brought me. My church and close friends are only a blessing from God.
I pray this next year God will continue to sanctify me. My heart longs to become closer to God and understand his love, and I can hardly display patience for the next year. I pray God's will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Thank you Lord, thank you.
The past year has simply been incredible. I'm so thankful for where God has brought me. My church and close friends are only a blessing from God.
I pray this next year God will continue to sanctify me. My heart longs to become closer to God and understand his love, and I can hardly display patience for the next year. I pray God's will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Thank you Lord, thank you.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Communicable Attributes of God
Some points from Grudem:
Peace:
God is not a God of confusion but of peace. -1Corinthians 14:33
"God's peace means that in God's being and in his actions he is separate from all confusion and disorder, yet he is continually active in innumerable well-ordered, fully controlled, simultaneous actions."
-A key word is "separate" from confusion/disorder.
The 3rd fruit of the Spirit is peace in Galatians 5:22. How often do we consider peace as a fruit of the Spirit in someone else?
People rub off peace to others so how do we share peace?
Righteousness:
"God's righteousness means that God always acts in accordance with what is right and is himself the final standard of what is right."
-When God's righteousness is questions we should immediately know we have no right to say God is unrighteous or unjust. "Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place.."Job 38:12.
-We are a small account, unworthy.
Jealousy:
This word is often used negative but should always be known in a positive sense as well.
"God's jealousy means that God continually seeks to protect his own honor."
It is only right for God to seek his honor and glory.
"He alone is infinitely worthy of being praised."
-this knowledge will also help us understand true worship.
Wrath:
God hates everything that opposes his moral character.
"God's wrath means that he intensely hates all sin."
This is an attribute of God worthy to be praised.
What would God be if he didn't hate sin?
Patience is also linked with wrath.
-"The delay of execution of God's wrath upon evil is for the purpose of leading people to repentance. Romans 2:4
Peace:
God is not a God of confusion but of peace. -1Corinthians 14:33
"God's peace means that in God's being and in his actions he is separate from all confusion and disorder, yet he is continually active in innumerable well-ordered, fully controlled, simultaneous actions."
-A key word is "separate" from confusion/disorder.
The 3rd fruit of the Spirit is peace in Galatians 5:22. How often do we consider peace as a fruit of the Spirit in someone else?
People rub off peace to others so how do we share peace?
Righteousness:
"God's righteousness means that God always acts in accordance with what is right and is himself the final standard of what is right."
-When God's righteousness is questions we should immediately know we have no right to say God is unrighteous or unjust. "Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place.."Job 38:12.
-We are a small account, unworthy.
Jealousy:
This word is often used negative but should always be known in a positive sense as well.
"God's jealousy means that God continually seeks to protect his own honor."
It is only right for God to seek his honor and glory.
"He alone is infinitely worthy of being praised."
-this knowledge will also help us understand true worship.
Wrath:
God hates everything that opposes his moral character.
"God's wrath means that he intensely hates all sin."
This is an attribute of God worthy to be praised.
What would God be if he didn't hate sin?
Patience is also linked with wrath.
-"The delay of execution of God's wrath upon evil is for the purpose of leading people to repentance. Romans 2:4
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Prayer
God is moving in ways I can't fathom. Praise God for my thirst and desire! My prayer is that you will daily gravitate to God's word. I pray you will dive deeper into learning more about Christ because the turnaround makes your cup larger and larger.
"For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45c
God I come to you tonight in humbleness and thanksgiving. Praise be to you my Lord! Thank you for your love. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your mercy. And thank you for your goodness. I'm sorry for the wrongful sins I have committed. My past is filthy of evil deeds, but thank you for your cleansing. Thank you for the cross. I deserve nothing, and I'm on my knees saying "Father, how could I?" How could I ever sin against a great and Holy God? Please forgive me. To know your son fell to his knees with the weight of all of our sins, this thought crushes my soul. I'm sorry. But Lord thank you for loving me. I pray your name will be glorified. I pray your name will continue to be spread through your people, and I pray all will hear of the name Jesus Christ. Please continue to allow me to be a vessel for your Name. Thank you Lord.
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for your joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. -Luke 6:20-23
"For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45c
God I come to you tonight in humbleness and thanksgiving. Praise be to you my Lord! Thank you for your love. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your mercy. And thank you for your goodness. I'm sorry for the wrongful sins I have committed. My past is filthy of evil deeds, but thank you for your cleansing. Thank you for the cross. I deserve nothing, and I'm on my knees saying "Father, how could I?" How could I ever sin against a great and Holy God? Please forgive me. To know your son fell to his knees with the weight of all of our sins, this thought crushes my soul. I'm sorry. But Lord thank you for loving me. I pray your name will be glorified. I pray your name will continue to be spread through your people, and I pray all will hear of the name Jesus Christ. Please continue to allow me to be a vessel for your Name. Thank you Lord.
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for your joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. -Luke 6:20-23
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