"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they existed and were created" (Rev. 4:11).
We serve the only one who is worthy, and he is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because he created everything and it all exists by his will. This verse reminds us that everything in creation exists by God's will and for his glory. This truth deserves careful meditation, and personal acceptance.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A Glimpse of the Process
Do you ever have so much on your mind or so much to do that you don't know where to start? Sometimes it is like that for me when it comes to posting. Writer's block isn't always about not knowing what to write. Many times it is about not knowing where to start. I have two book reviews I want to write, and since I am reading a third book it will soon be three book reviews (unless I write the other two before I finish the third book). I have an ever growing list of books I want to read (which means that the list of reviews could get longer before it gets shorter).
Then there are a few situations in my life which are continuously on my mind. People and events play over and over in the theater of my mind. I analyze every frame to see if there was something I should have done different or in some cases I play out possible scenarios over what could happen if I did or said such-and-such. Although, I wouldn't speak about a person or situation on this blog in a way that would expose them to embarrassment, but I do think that hypothetical situations, not involving anyone I know personally, could be helpful resources for thinking through biblical principles.
Then there is the fruit of personal Bible study and reading. Often, I post on insights of this nature. Sometimes, a truth will hit me and I have to wrestle with it for awhile to make sure I have understood it correctly. These things tend to be harder to write about, because it is often difficult to get everything down into words.
I am trying to post every day. Some days it is a struggle to make it. Time and inspiration don't always meet at the same moment, but I will continue to try. Hopefully, this will help you get a glimpse of how I come up with posts (and why they don't always get posted in the a.m.).
Then there are a few situations in my life which are continuously on my mind. People and events play over and over in the theater of my mind. I analyze every frame to see if there was something I should have done different or in some cases I play out possible scenarios over what could happen if I did or said such-and-such. Although, I wouldn't speak about a person or situation on this blog in a way that would expose them to embarrassment, but I do think that hypothetical situations, not involving anyone I know personally, could be helpful resources for thinking through biblical principles.
Then there is the fruit of personal Bible study and reading. Often, I post on insights of this nature. Sometimes, a truth will hit me and I have to wrestle with it for awhile to make sure I have understood it correctly. These things tend to be harder to write about, because it is often difficult to get everything down into words.
I am trying to post every day. Some days it is a struggle to make it. Time and inspiration don't always meet at the same moment, but I will continue to try. Hopefully, this will help you get a glimpse of how I come up with posts (and why they don't always get posted in the a.m.).
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Lord Our Shepherd
I used to wonder what it meant in the Scriptures when it said that Jesus looked at the people like they were sheep without a shepherd. The more I am beginning to understand the depth of the fallenness of our world the, the more I understand. When you look at a mother, brokenhearted, sitting by the bedside of her sick child, or a man confused about why his wife left, or someone trapped in addiction spiraling out of control, It isn't hard to understand what it means.]
Satan is like a wild animal, tearing at the lambs of God. His tactics are usually the same. First, he separates them from the flock. It's easier to pick them off one at a time. When people start missing the worship gatherings at their local church, it is wise to see if you smell "wolf" in the air. Maybe they are sick, maybe it is something much more dangerous.
Once he has got them alone, he begins to terrorize them. He howls blood-curdling accusations at them, speaking guilt and condemnation. He then begins to come at them from different sides. His goal is to keep their eyes off of the Shepherd. He has to keep them blind to the fact that the Shepherd is near by, or else they would call out for help. He keeps them helpless and hopeless, so they think that crying out would be useless.
They have forgotten that the gospel informs us that our condemnation has fallen on Jesus. He paid for our sin on the cross. This truth doesn't give us the authority to sin at will. It informs us of his gracious love towards us that saves us from sin--past, present, and future. It shapes in us the motivation to live righteous lives.
We must continually reach out to the harassed and helpless with the truth of the gospel. Jesus doesn't just want to save, he wants to shepherd. When the Lord is our Shepherd we shall not want. When the Lord is our Shepherd he guards us with his rod and staff. When the Lord is our Shepherd, we share in his desire to increase his flock the the proclamation of the gospel. We all like sheep went astray, but having been found by the Great Shepherd, we must seek to help the "lost" sheep we encounter find their way to the Shepherd.
Satan is like a wild animal, tearing at the lambs of God. His tactics are usually the same. First, he separates them from the flock. It's easier to pick them off one at a time. When people start missing the worship gatherings at their local church, it is wise to see if you smell "wolf" in the air. Maybe they are sick, maybe it is something much more dangerous.
Once he has got them alone, he begins to terrorize them. He howls blood-curdling accusations at them, speaking guilt and condemnation. He then begins to come at them from different sides. His goal is to keep their eyes off of the Shepherd. He has to keep them blind to the fact that the Shepherd is near by, or else they would call out for help. He keeps them helpless and hopeless, so they think that crying out would be useless.
They have forgotten that the gospel informs us that our condemnation has fallen on Jesus. He paid for our sin on the cross. This truth doesn't give us the authority to sin at will. It informs us of his gracious love towards us that saves us from sin--past, present, and future. It shapes in us the motivation to live righteous lives.
We must continually reach out to the harassed and helpless with the truth of the gospel. Jesus doesn't just want to save, he wants to shepherd. When the Lord is our Shepherd we shall not want. When the Lord is our Shepherd he guards us with his rod and staff. When the Lord is our Shepherd, we share in his desire to increase his flock the the proclamation of the gospel. We all like sheep went astray, but having been found by the Great Shepherd, we must seek to help the "lost" sheep we encounter find their way to the Shepherd.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sermon Review 5-3-09
Morning: We continued the Redeeming the Harlot Bride series this morning. Drawing from Hosea 1:10-2:23 we looked at how the Lord was going to bring Israel through trouble to hope. Hosea's prophecy begins with a promise of restoration, centered around to reunited of the fracture kingdoms, Israel and Judea, and the appointment of one King. The promise focuses on the reversal of fortunes for the people: Jezreel, previously spoken of as a place of judgment, will become a fruitful valley; Lo-Ruhamah (Not Loved) will be come Loved (Ruhamah); Lo-Ammi (Not My People) will become My People (Ammi).
After promising restoration the Lord declared a time of trouble would come upon the harlot bride. She would be cut off from her lovers, stripped bare, and rejected. The difficulty would expose the false "love" of her lovers, teach her who truly had provided for her, and drive her back to her husband. The difficulty would be like the Vally of Achor (Trouble), but when she had come through that valley she would have hope.
The Lord not only promise correction, but reconciliation. He calls her out of her desolation, and woos her with gentle words. He promised to betroth her to himself, in righteousness and justice (his not hers, she has none), in love and compassion (again his, not hers) and in faithfulness. He will remove from her the name of her lovers. This expression, points to the giving of a new heart with new affections. He will present her to himself chaste and spotless, cleansed and free.
Evening: (5:00 p.m.) We did our second VBS clinic. The theme was Worship him and came out of Matthew 14:22-33. The life truth is because Jesus is the Son of God, we should worship him. (6:00p.m.) We had business meeting.
After promising restoration the Lord declared a time of trouble would come upon the harlot bride. She would be cut off from her lovers, stripped bare, and rejected. The difficulty would expose the false "love" of her lovers, teach her who truly had provided for her, and drive her back to her husband. The difficulty would be like the Vally of Achor (Trouble), but when she had come through that valley she would have hope.
The Lord not only promise correction, but reconciliation. He calls her out of her desolation, and woos her with gentle words. He promised to betroth her to himself, in righteousness and justice (his not hers, she has none), in love and compassion (again his, not hers) and in faithfulness. He will remove from her the name of her lovers. This expression, points to the giving of a new heart with new affections. He will present her to himself chaste and spotless, cleansed and free.
Evening: (5:00 p.m.) We did our second VBS clinic. The theme was Worship him and came out of Matthew 14:22-33. The life truth is because Jesus is the Son of God, we should worship him. (6:00p.m.) We had business meeting.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Lessons from Laughter
I truly believe that one of the greatest sounds in the world is the sound of children laughing. It seems so free and uninhibited. A child is free to allow his or her joy bubble up to the top, and spill out in rivers of laughter. They want to laugh. Someone in the room laughs and they want to join in the festivities. Someone laughs on t.v. and the quickly imitate what they here.
Laughter allows us to lighten up for a moment. It helps us to put life into perspective. Children need adults who can model the ability to laugh at themselves. Too often, we take ourselves too seriously. Children don't usually take themselves too seriously. They tend to enjoy the moment for all it's worth.
I am learning a lot about life from my little girl. Her infectious laugh, her clever smile, and her playful spirit are helping me to remember the greatest treasures in life can't be bought. I am also learning that the most important moment in my life isn't the next one, it's this one. Children seem to be able to live in the moment and adjust to the situation. They aren't hung up on the future.
I'm not saying we should give any thought to the future. However, most of our planning for the future borders on obsession. We spend some much time and effort saving for tomorrow, we fail to enjoy today. We don't even know if we will get tomorrow. How sad to come to an end of a day and realize that it possessed no joy.
Laughter allows us to lighten up for a moment. It helps us to put life into perspective. Children need adults who can model the ability to laugh at themselves. Too often, we take ourselves too seriously. Children don't usually take themselves too seriously. They tend to enjoy the moment for all it's worth.
I am learning a lot about life from my little girl. Her infectious laugh, her clever smile, and her playful spirit are helping me to remember the greatest treasures in life can't be bought. I am also learning that the most important moment in my life isn't the next one, it's this one. Children seem to be able to live in the moment and adjust to the situation. They aren't hung up on the future.
I'm not saying we should give any thought to the future. However, most of our planning for the future borders on obsession. We spend some much time and effort saving for tomorrow, we fail to enjoy today. We don't even know if we will get tomorrow. How sad to come to an end of a day and realize that it possessed no joy.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Cross Centered Living Study
We began our Cross Centered Living Study this past Wednesday Night (4-29-2009). We are using C. J. Mahaney's book as a guide. Dr. R. Albert Mohler says the book, "is nothing less than a manifesto for turning your world upside down."This study is meant to help us understand how to live our life with a continual focus on the cross of Christ. When it comes to the gospel, Mahaney reminds us, "Nothing else--not even things that are biblical and honorable--are of equal or great importance than this: God sent His Son to the cross to bear His wrath for sinners like you and me" (pg. 14-15, emphasis in original).
Is the cross the main thing in your life? Is it what defines you? Are you passionate about the gospel? If you aren't really sure how to answer these questions, I invite you to join us on Wednesday nights. If you can't say, "yes" to these questions, you would also benefit from this study. If you can say, "yes" to these questions, you, too, can be refreshed through this study.
Sermon Preview 5-3-2009
Morning: We will continue the series, Redeeming the Harlot Bride. The message, "T-R-O-U-B-L-E Spells Hope," comes from Hosea 1:10-2:23. The corrective hand of God is about to come upon the harlot. The harlot bride will be humiliated through chastisement, her so-called "lovers" will be exposed as liars, and the Lord will prove himself to be a faithful husband. The theme of this message centers around Hosea 2:15, "And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor (trouble) a door of hope." The message to Israel (and us by extension) is that once their sin has been punished they will be presented to him as a pure bride. Their chastisement points to another chastisement. Speaking of the coming Christ, Isaiah spoke, "But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace" (Isa. 53:5). Their forsakenness points to another forsakenness. As Jesus cried, "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?" The chastisement Israel faces is not as sign of God's hatred, but of his love. Because, the Lord chastises those he loves (see Heb. 12:5-11). Through great trouble the Lord provides the hope of unconditional love.
Evening: (5:00 p.m.) We will have the second of our VBS clinics. We will look at the moves to the VBS theme song, "Boomerang Express," and the Track (Day) 2 theme song, "This Is Why." We will also look at the "Peter's Discovery," day two's Bible story which comes from Matthew 14:22-33. In this lesson the kidaroos (children who attend VBS) learn that because Jesus is the Son of God, they can worship him. (6:00 p.m.) We will be looking at Matthew 14:22-33. (7:00 p.m.) We have our business meeting.
Evening: (5:00 p.m.) We will have the second of our VBS clinics. We will look at the moves to the VBS theme song, "Boomerang Express," and the Track (Day) 2 theme song, "This Is Why." We will also look at the "Peter's Discovery," day two's Bible story which comes from Matthew 14:22-33. In this lesson the kidaroos (children who attend VBS) learn that because Jesus is the Son of God, they can worship him. (6:00 p.m.) We will be looking at Matthew 14:22-33. (7:00 p.m.) We have our business meeting.
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