Psalm 106:24 The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn't believe His promise to care for them.
This refers to the Jews when they wouldn't go into Canaan the first time they come to it - they simply didn't believe God would take care of them.
Before we're too hard on the Jews, let's ask ourselves how many times we do this - we feel God leading us to be or do something & we don't bc we don't think He'll come through for us.
I have 3 friends on the World Race - they took a huge step of faith, raised their support, & went. They "entered the pleasant land" & God took care of them. They'll never be the same for having been that trusting & done this extraordinary adventure.
I have another friend who's going on the WR, leaving behind a great job, a great life, & everything he's ever known. It's amazing. He'll never be the same. He may never be satisfied to live the American Dream ever again. He, like the other 3 on the WR, may be wrecked forever. His heart may always be out there in a much bigger world than most of us ever experience.
One of my sons is starting a research internship w/ Emory tomorrow. Who know what that may hold for him? How will God put His finger on my son's life? How will my son impact others?
Another son looks like will end up in Korea this academic year. How will being who he is change the people around him while there? And how will God mess with him while he's there?
But how many us us fail to enter the pleasant land in our day to day lives, in much less glamorous settings & circumstances? Many times, each of us has a choice each day to answer our Abba Father's call to adventure & be something for Him, or do something for Him that requires complete trust. We simply have to put one foot in front of the other.
Not an easy task, when we don't know the outcome.
But then, our Abba is with us.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
testing
Psalm 105:19 Until the time came to fulfill His word,
the Lord tested Joseph's character.
I wonder if that's what He's doing in my life now.
Some people say that if we wonder something like that, then that's probably what's going on.
Dictionary.com come defines testing thusly...
1. the means by which the presence, quality, or genuineness of anything is determined; a means of trial.
2. the trial of the quality of something: to put to the test.
3. a particular process or method for trying or assessing.
hmmm...
yeah, I feel my genuineness, quality, & assessment is being revealed.
brace yourself... I'm finding I'm not as holy as you think I am ;-)
(boy, howdy!)
testing is for Him - He already knows who & what we are.
testing is for us - so we'll see ourselves for who & what we are, as He sees us.
not a pretty picture sometimes.
It's all about trust - that is, that's a lot of what I'm seeing these days - trust
It's a whole lot easier to trust him when you're making a comfortable living, in an organized ministry, & surrounded by tons of people you know.
It's another thing when you're having to be very careful financially, not really sure who & what you're supposed to be & do, & r basically on your own.
I'm understanding pioneer missions in a whole different way - trust me, there's very little glam to it ;-)
the hope to hold on to in this verse is "until the time came to fulfill His word"
iow, something's coming
hmmmm...
the Lord tested Joseph's character.
I wonder if that's what He's doing in my life now.
Some people say that if we wonder something like that, then that's probably what's going on.
Dictionary.com come defines testing thusly...
1. the means by which the presence, quality, or genuineness of anything is determined; a means of trial.
2. the trial of the quality of something: to put to the test.
3. a particular process or method for trying or assessing.
hmmm...
yeah, I feel my genuineness, quality, & assessment is being revealed.
brace yourself... I'm finding I'm not as holy as you think I am ;-)
(boy, howdy!)
testing is for Him - He already knows who & what we are.
testing is for us - so we'll see ourselves for who & what we are, as He sees us.
not a pretty picture sometimes.
It's all about trust - that is, that's a lot of what I'm seeing these days - trust
It's a whole lot easier to trust him when you're making a comfortable living, in an organized ministry, & surrounded by tons of people you know.
It's another thing when you're having to be very careful financially, not really sure who & what you're supposed to be & do, & r basically on your own.
I'm understanding pioneer missions in a whole different way - trust me, there's very little glam to it ;-)
the hope to hold on to in this verse is "until the time came to fulfill His word"
iow, something's coming
hmmmm...
Sunday, May 29, 2011
control
Romans 13:14a let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you...
Do we really let Jesus control our lives?
Or do we simply let Him be part of our lives, listening to whatever He may say to us, but we're the one who's in charge of our life?
Do we trust Him enough to let Him take control of our lives?
Or do we want to live as we want, pursuing the dreams we have dreamed, & trying to secure all the things we want?
But if we give Him control, He'll make us do stuff we don't want to do.
He'll make us be things we don't wanna be.
But can we ever really absorb the fact that is we give Him control, that frees Him (the eternal, holy God of the universes) to initiate the life He dreamed for us a gajillion years ago?
Or what we really want is to be in control so the life we've dreamed will happen & hopefully He will bless?
Do we really let Jesus control our lives?
Or do we simply let Him be part of our lives, listening to whatever He may say to us, but we're the one who's in charge of our life?
Do we trust Him enough to let Him take control of our lives?
Or do we want to live as we want, pursuing the dreams we have dreamed, & trying to secure all the things we want?
But if we give Him control, He'll make us do stuff we don't want to do.
He'll make us be things we don't wanna be.
But can we ever really absorb the fact that is we give Him control, that frees Him (the eternal, holy God of the universes) to initiate the life He dreamed for us a gajillion years ago?
Or what we really want is to be in control so the life we've dreamed will happen & hopefully He will bless?
Saturday, May 28, 2011
give your bodies
There's so much in Romans 12 - read the whole chapter today!
Here's what stuck out that I felt I was supposed to share w/ y'all...
Romans 12
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God
because of all he has done for you.
Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.
This is truly the way to worship him.
2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God's will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect.
"by changing the way you think."
a tall order,
but He can do it.
He did for me.
I don't recognized the man I was before 2000. I'm wild, untamed, uncivilized - and I love it.
It can be more than a little scary,
but I wouldn't go back to who I was for anything.
Let Him change the way you think.
Here's what stuck out that I felt I was supposed to share w/ y'all...
Romans 12
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God
because of all he has done for you.
Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.
This is truly the way to worship him.
2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God's will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect.
"by changing the way you think."
a tall order,
but He can do it.
He did for me.
I don't recognized the man I was before 2000. I'm wild, untamed, uncivilized - and I love it.
It can be more than a little scary,
but I wouldn't go back to who I was for anything.
Let Him change the way you think.
Friday, May 27, 2011
read 'em all
Roman 11:29
For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. (New Living Translation)
for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. (New International Version)
for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (New American Standard Bible)
God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. (The Message)
For the gifts and(A) the calling of God are irrevocable. (English Standard Version)
God doesn't take back the gifts he has given or forget about the people he has chosen. (Contemporary English Version)
God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them. (New Century Version)
God never changes his mind when he gives gifts or when he calls someone. (God's Word Translation)
For once they are made, God does not withdraw his gifts of his calling.(J B Phillips Translation)
For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.] (Amplified Bible)
Ok, there's 10 different translations of the same verse. Who, besides me, needs to remember this?
For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. (New Living Translation)
for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. (New International Version)
for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (New American Standard Bible)
God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. (The Message)
For the gifts and(A) the calling of God are irrevocable. (English Standard Version)
God doesn't take back the gifts he has given or forget about the people he has chosen. (Contemporary English Version)
God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them. (New Century Version)
God never changes his mind when he gives gifts or when he calls someone. (God's Word Translation)
For once they are made, God does not withdraw his gifts of his calling.(J B Phillips Translation)
For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.] (Amplified Bible)
Ok, there's 10 different translations of the same verse. Who, besides me, needs to remember this?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
GO!
Romans 10
5 For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. 6 But faith's way of getting right with God says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven?' (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don't say, 'Who will go down to the place of the dead?' (to bring Christ back to life again)." 8 In fact, it says,
"The message is very close at hand;
it is on your lips and in your heart."
And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
Matthew 28
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
5 For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. 6 But faith's way of getting right with God says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven?' (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don't say, 'Who will go down to the place of the dead?' (to bring Christ back to life again)." 8 In fact, it says,
"The message is very close at hand;
it is on your lips and in your heart."
And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
Matthew 28
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
praise
Psalm 100
1 Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Worship the LORD with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
1 Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Worship the LORD with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
wow
In Romans, Paul takes us through a long, hard climb through 7 chapters, until we reach the summit here in chapter 8. I just couldn't cut any of it. Take you time, & read it all. There are so many cornerstones of our faith in this short chapter.
Romans 8
1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power* of the life-giving Spirit has freed you* from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.* So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life* because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children* of God.
15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,* including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope* for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers* in harmony with God's own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn* among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8
1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power* of the life-giving Spirit has freed you* from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.* So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life* because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children* of God.
15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,* including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope* for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers* in harmony with God's own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn* among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Monday, May 23, 2011
alike
It's nice to know that the apostle Paul was just like me.
Romans 7:15 I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate.16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.
17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God's law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Romans 7:15 I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate.16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.
17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God's law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
our bodies
Romans 6:
12 Do not let sin control the way you live;
do not give in to it's lustful desires.
13 Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness,
to be used for sinning.
Instead, give yourselves completely to God
since you have been given new life.
And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live;
do not give in to it's lustful desires.
13 Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness,
to be used for sinning.
Instead, give yourselves completely to God
since you have been given new life.
And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
peace
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Sometimes, in the immense distractions of this world, it's good to focus on the simple truths of life.
Sometimes, in the immense distractions of this world, it's good to focus on the simple truths of life.
Friday, May 20, 2011
faith, not works
Romans 4:5 people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their works.
Well, there you have it...
Faith in what?
Faith in Jesus being the means by which God can forgive & accept us - that His sacrifice of Himself for each of us is enough for us to establish a relationship with an unimaginably holy God.
Well, there you have it...
Faith in what?
Faith in Jesus being the means by which God can forgive & accept us - that His sacrifice of Himself for each of us is enough for us to establish a relationship with an unimaginably holy God.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
why there's just 1 way to God
Romans 3:21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago.
22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.
And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are, or what we have done.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin.
People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,
26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time.
God did this to demonstrate his righteousness,
for he himself is fair and just,
and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God?
No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
30a There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith...
22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.
And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are, or what we have done.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin.
People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,
26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time.
God did this to demonstrate his righteousness,
for he himself is fair and just,
and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God?
No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
30a There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
vital & green
As I move further into my senior adulthood, I realize & understand that many seniors fear being put on the shelf & forgotten, or even worse, just tolerated as dinosaurs.
Psalm 92:14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital & green.
I was reading Psalm 93 this morning & checked to see if there were any notes on it. (I have a Life Application Bible) My eye caught the note about vs 14 of Psalm 92. here's what it said...
"Honoring God is not limited to young people who seem to have unlimited strength & energy. Even in old age, devoted believers can produce spiritual fruit.
"There are many faithful older people who continue to have a fresh outlook & can teach us from a lifetime of experience of serving God.
"Seek out an elderly friend or relative who can tell you about his or her experiences with the Lord & challenge you to new heights of spiritual growth."
As I move further into my senior adulthood, I realize & understand that many seniors fear being put on the shelf & forgotten, or even worse, just tolerated as dinosaurs.
At the same time, I also see that many seniors retire from life. They've "done their stint" & now it's time for someone else to make they world happen. They quit engaging the world around them, do only things they want to do, have to plan or focus, play with their grandkids, & fritter away the rest of their lives.
I don't see that model supported by scripture.
All of my life, especially when I was young, I've wished & hoped for older people in my life that I could seek out & talk to who could help with my life from the experiences of their own lives.
At the same time, let me hasten to say, I wouldn't give a plug nickel for some old fart always telling me what to do.
As I move into full-blown senior adulthood, I would prefer to be the 1st kind of senior adult, not the 2nd.
for those of you who are in your 50's & older...
There are SO many people all around us who need someone to listen to them. People our age & older have a ripe opportunity to say to people (if nothing else) "don't do that - I did that, & I got into a LOT of trouble" or "that sounds good - that always worked for me".
Get up off your butts & engage these folks. We had people like that in our lives as we came along. Do the same for the jagillions of folks who need people like us to just listen to them, if nothing else. Trust me, none of us will have to look far or for very long to find them.
And cut them some slack - just because you meet some that are uber-obnoxious doesn't mean you should give up. Obnoxious has nothing to do with being young - it's a transgenerational affliction. ;-)
for those of you who are younger than your 50's...
Seek out these people in there 50's & older. They really do have something to share. And you don't have to do what they say. They're just expressing their opinions. Ya never know, they might actually have something worth hearing.
And cut them some slack - just because you meet some that are uber-obnoxious doesn't mean you should give up. Obnoxious has nothing to do with being older - it's a transgenerational affliction. ;-)
Psalm 92:14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital & green.
I was reading Psalm 93 this morning & checked to see if there were any notes on it. (I have a Life Application Bible) My eye caught the note about vs 14 of Psalm 92. here's what it said...
"Honoring God is not limited to young people who seem to have unlimited strength & energy. Even in old age, devoted believers can produce spiritual fruit.
"There are many faithful older people who continue to have a fresh outlook & can teach us from a lifetime of experience of serving God.
"Seek out an elderly friend or relative who can tell you about his or her experiences with the Lord & challenge you to new heights of spiritual growth."
As I move further into my senior adulthood, I realize & understand that many seniors fear being put on the shelf & forgotten, or even worse, just tolerated as dinosaurs.
At the same time, I also see that many seniors retire from life. They've "done their stint" & now it's time for someone else to make they world happen. They quit engaging the world around them, do only things they want to do, have to plan or focus, play with their grandkids, & fritter away the rest of their lives.
I don't see that model supported by scripture.
All of my life, especially when I was young, I've wished & hoped for older people in my life that I could seek out & talk to who could help with my life from the experiences of their own lives.
At the same time, let me hasten to say, I wouldn't give a plug nickel for some old fart always telling me what to do.
As I move into full-blown senior adulthood, I would prefer to be the 1st kind of senior adult, not the 2nd.
for those of you who are in your 50's & older...
There are SO many people all around us who need someone to listen to them. People our age & older have a ripe opportunity to say to people (if nothing else) "don't do that - I did that, & I got into a LOT of trouble" or "that sounds good - that always worked for me".
Get up off your butts & engage these folks. We had people like that in our lives as we came along. Do the same for the jagillions of folks who need people like us to just listen to them, if nothing else. Trust me, none of us will have to look far or for very long to find them.
And cut them some slack - just because you meet some that are uber-obnoxious doesn't mean you should give up. Obnoxious has nothing to do with being young - it's a transgenerational affliction. ;-)
for those of you who are younger than your 50's...
Seek out these people in there 50's & older. They really do have something to share. And you don't have to do what they say. They're just expressing their opinions. Ya never know, they might actually have something worth hearing.
And cut them some slack - just because you meet some that are uber-obnoxious doesn't mean you should give up. Obnoxious has nothing to do with being older - it's a transgenerational affliction. ;-)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
dates
I underline in my Bible. It's interesting that sometimes, when I reread a passage a few months or years later, the part I underlined speaks to me again, ven though I sometimes don't remember why I underlined it.
Sometimes I place dates beside things I underline. It's sometimes very interesting to see what was going through my mind at the time.
That's what's going on in Psalm 92 this a.m.
Psalm 92
1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD
5.16.07 - this was a month after I had stepped down the first time from leading House of Grace. Those were dark days, filled with condemnation & feeling like a failure (hmmm... I can relate to that now). That was 4 years ago. There's been a lot of water under the bridge since then. I wish I'd known 1 nano-speck of what lay ahead. It would have made those days easier.
2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening,
4 You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done.
11.10.08 - 6 weeks before we moved House of Grace to the Warehouse - what an adventure that was!
10 But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.
You have anointed me with the finest oil.
12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
13 For they are transplanted to the LORD's own house.
They flourish in the courts of our God.
14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green.
9.15.05 - the note I wrote here back in '05 was "for me?" - back then I wondered if this would be true for me as I aged. Part of me says YES! as I look back on those years since.
It's hard to see that now, as we sit hedged in, waiting for only God knows what.
15 They will declare, "The LORD is just!
He is my rock!
There is no evil in him!"
Sometimes I place dates beside things I underline. It's sometimes very interesting to see what was going through my mind at the time.
That's what's going on in Psalm 92 this a.m.
Psalm 92
1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD
5.16.07 - this was a month after I had stepped down the first time from leading House of Grace. Those were dark days, filled with condemnation & feeling like a failure (hmmm... I can relate to that now). That was 4 years ago. There's been a lot of water under the bridge since then. I wish I'd known 1 nano-speck of what lay ahead. It would have made those days easier.
2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening,
4 You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done.
11.10.08 - 6 weeks before we moved House of Grace to the Warehouse - what an adventure that was!
10 But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.
You have anointed me with the finest oil.
12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
13 For they are transplanted to the LORD's own house.
They flourish in the courts of our God.
14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green.
9.15.05 - the note I wrote here back in '05 was "for me?" - back then I wondered if this would be true for me as I aged. Part of me says YES! as I look back on those years since.
It's hard to see that now, as we sit hedged in, waiting for only God knows what.
15 They will declare, "The LORD is just!
He is my rock!
There is no evil in him!"
Monday, May 16, 2011
holding on
Psalm 91:1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the LORD your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.
2 This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the LORD your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
who's this for (besides me)?
Psalm 90:1 Lord, through all the generations
you have been our home!
home - from dictionary.com
1.a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household.
2.the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.
3.an institution for the homeless, sick, etc.: a nursing home.
4.the dwelling place or retreat of an animal.
5.the place or region where something is native or most common.
6.any place of residence or refuge: a heavenly home.
7.a person's native place or own country.
8.(in games) the destination or goal.
9. a principal base of operations or activities
4 For you, a thousand years are as a passing day,
as brief as a few night hours.
8 You spread out our sins before you—
our secret sins—and you see them all.
all - from dictionary.com
1.the whole of (used in referring to quantity, extent, or duration)
2.the whole number of (used in referring to individuals or particulars, taken collectively)
3.the greatest possible (used in referring to quality or degree)
4.every
5. any; any whatever
12 Teach us to make the most of our life,
so that we may grow in wisdom.
17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!
successful - from dictionary.com
the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.
you have been our home!
home - from dictionary.com
1.a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household.
2.the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.
3.an institution for the homeless, sick, etc.: a nursing home.
4.the dwelling place or retreat of an animal.
5.the place or region where something is native or most common.
6.any place of residence or refuge: a heavenly home.
7.a person's native place or own country.
8.(in games) the destination or goal.
9. a principal base of operations or activities
4 For you, a thousand years are as a passing day,
as brief as a few night hours.
8 You spread out our sins before you—
our secret sins—and you see them all.
all - from dictionary.com
1.the whole of (used in referring to quantity, extent, or duration)
2.the whole number of (used in referring to individuals or particulars, taken collectively)
3.the greatest possible (used in referring to quality or degree)
4.every
5. any; any whatever
12 Teach us to make the most of our life,
so that we may grow in wisdom.
17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!
successful - from dictionary.com
the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
clever or favor
Psalm 89:17b Our power is based on Your favor.
We spend our lives trying to be clever. We make our plans, we work our plans, we make it happen.
I've spent a good deal of my life trying to be clever.
We go to conferences hoping to learn stuff to make us more clever.
I've been to so many conferences in my life I can't remember them all.
The interesting thing is that I remember so very, very few of them & what they were supposed to teach me, & how they were supposed to make me more clever.
I wonder how different my life would have been if, while going to the conferences I went to, if I'd spent half as much time that I spent going to conferences just trying to get closer & more intimate with our Abba Father.
Because,you see, the longer I live, the more I realize that most of what I've been able to accomplish, for Him &/or through the ministries I've been a part of, has & is utterly dependent on one this, and one thing only - His favor.
We spend our lives trying to be clever. We make our plans, we work our plans, we make it happen.
I've spent a good deal of my life trying to be clever.
We go to conferences hoping to learn stuff to make us more clever.
I've been to so many conferences in my life I can't remember them all.
The interesting thing is that I remember so very, very few of them & what they were supposed to teach me, & how they were supposed to make me more clever.
I wonder how different my life would have been if, while going to the conferences I went to, if I'd spent half as much time that I spent going to conferences just trying to get closer & more intimate with our Abba Father.
Because,you see, the longer I live, the more I realize that most of what I've been able to accomplish, for Him &/or through the ministries I've been a part of, has & is utterly dependent on one this, and one thing only - His favor.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
holding on
I'm very thankful for the 5 passages I believe God gave me at the beginning of 2010, passages He knew I'd need during that year of transition & this year, 2011, of, well, whatever it can be called ;-)
I hope if you need any of what's said in these passages, you can just hold on to them.
I can't tell you adequately how these passages are an anchor for me right now. Sometimes, as I try to write this blog each morning, they are the only things I have to say. I hope they will be for all of you who need them as desperately as I do.
Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord,
no matter what happens.
Remember the reward it brings you!
36 Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.
Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead,
& fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful;
for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
He's the One Who will keep you on track.
I hope if you need any of what's said in these passages, you can just hold on to them.
I can't tell you adequately how these passages are an anchor for me right now. Sometimes, as I try to write this blog each morning, they are the only things I have to say. I hope they will be for all of you who need them as desperately as I do.
Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord,
no matter what happens.
Remember the reward it brings you!
36 Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.
Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead,
& fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful;
for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
He's the One Who will keep you on track.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
is this for you?
Don't know who this is for besides me. Felt like I was supposed to put these selected verses from Psalm 86 up for someone to read.
Psalm 86:1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble,
and you will answer me.
10 For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.
You alone are God.
11 Teach me your ways, O LORD,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.
12 With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
13 for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death.
15 But you, O Lord,
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
16 Look down and have mercy on me.
Give your strength to your servant;
save me, the son of your servant.
17 Send me a sign of your favor.
Then those who hate me will be put to shame,
for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.
Psalm 86:1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble,
and you will answer me.
10 For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.
You alone are God.
11 Teach me your ways, O LORD,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.
12 With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
13 for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death.
15 But you, O Lord,
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
16 Look down and have mercy on me.
Give your strength to your servant;
save me, the son of your servant.
17 Send me a sign of your favor.
Then those who hate me will be put to shame,
for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
how a word comes sometimes
Yesterday was a very frustrating day. I've got stuff to take care of today because of stuff that flew loose yesterday. It's made me grumpy, crabby, & generally irritated.
I know none of you EVER feel this way.
So when I got up this morning, I was needing some encouragement - even though I didn't expect any.
I know none of you ever get as pouty as I am right now.
So, when I checked my facebook.
Back in January, one of my sons, Heith, published a prophesy he's been given by the Lord. He didn't know who it was for.
It was for me, among others.
January was a really dark, discouraging, despairing time for me. On the 26th, God threw me a lifeline through Heith's prophesy.
This morning, someone had commented on it, & it turned up in my email inbox.
I read it again this morning.
He gently reminded me it's still in effect & He's still in control, even tho I feel out of control most of the time.
Here's the prophesy Heith shared then...
Word from the Good Lord
by Heith Daniels on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 6:53pm
Okay, might i first say that i have no idea who this is for. So i decided to put this on facebook and tag you in this because i suspected it might be for You OR you might know the person it is for and you will share this with them. Anyways, today i was praying, " God, I am a arrow in Your quiver," and as soon as i said that He gave me a vision. I visioned a Man pulling back an arrow, getting ready to launch it and this arrow was on Fire. Then i saw a field of grass that was dead all around, but it was soaked with oil. (Kinda like the Midevil times when the armies would soak the fields will oil and light them on fire to kill there foes.) And then i saw the Man shoot the arrow and it landed on the field soaked with oil and it burned all the dead grass away. Okay, now let me explain, if You havent already interpreted this message. The Man is God, You are the arrow, The Fire is the Holy Spirit inside of You, the field soaked with oil is a "place" where God as been putting His anoiting. Now lets put it all together, God is going to shoot You in a place where He has been preparing to send His Fire and to spread it. He will use You to burn away everything in that place that is dead so new life can grow.
Whoever this is for, He has been sharping You and anoiting You to go and spread Him and His Fire. Let me add that God is a Master Archer and where He shoots it is destined for You to land. He has been preparing His "fields" also and they are waiting to "light up." So do not be feared or scared for God is with You and He is excited for what is about to happen.
thank you,
Heith Daniels
I know none of you EVER feel this way.
So when I got up this morning, I was needing some encouragement - even though I didn't expect any.
I know none of you ever get as pouty as I am right now.
So, when I checked my facebook.
Back in January, one of my sons, Heith, published a prophesy he's been given by the Lord. He didn't know who it was for.
It was for me, among others.
January was a really dark, discouraging, despairing time for me. On the 26th, God threw me a lifeline through Heith's prophesy.
This morning, someone had commented on it, & it turned up in my email inbox.
I read it again this morning.
He gently reminded me it's still in effect & He's still in control, even tho I feel out of control most of the time.
Here's the prophesy Heith shared then...
Word from the Good Lord
by Heith Daniels on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 6:53pm
Okay, might i first say that i have no idea who this is for. So i decided to put this on facebook and tag you in this because i suspected it might be for You OR you might know the person it is for and you will share this with them. Anyways, today i was praying, " God, I am a arrow in Your quiver," and as soon as i said that He gave me a vision. I visioned a Man pulling back an arrow, getting ready to launch it and this arrow was on Fire. Then i saw a field of grass that was dead all around, but it was soaked with oil. (Kinda like the Midevil times when the armies would soak the fields will oil and light them on fire to kill there foes.) And then i saw the Man shoot the arrow and it landed on the field soaked with oil and it burned all the dead grass away. Okay, now let me explain, if You havent already interpreted this message. The Man is God, You are the arrow, The Fire is the Holy Spirit inside of You, the field soaked with oil is a "place" where God as been putting His anoiting. Now lets put it all together, God is going to shoot You in a place where He has been preparing to send His Fire and to spread it. He will use You to burn away everything in that place that is dead so new life can grow.
Whoever this is for, He has been sharping You and anoiting You to go and spread Him and His Fire. Let me add that God is a Master Archer and where He shoots it is destined for You to land. He has been preparing His "fields" also and they are waiting to "light up." So do not be feared or scared for God is with You and He is excited for what is about to happen.
thank you,
Heith Daniels
Monday, May 9, 2011
no good thing
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is our light & protector.
He gives us grace & glory.
No good thing will the Lord withhold
from those who do what is right.
no good thing...
for some reason, that struck me this morning
who needs to hear that this morning besides me?
I doesn't mean He's a vending machine
but it also means He's not this "celestial kill-joy" so many people view him as
yes, He's a unimaginably infinitely holy God
but He's also wanting us to identify Him as One who loves us as our Father
and wants us to relate to Him as a father
would any of us, mother or father, keep any of our children from receiving something good if they had a chance to have it?
then why is it so hard for us to believe that the holy God of the universes won't come through with the same thing?
He gives us grace & glory.
No good thing will the Lord withhold
from those who do what is right.
no good thing...
for some reason, that struck me this morning
who needs to hear that this morning besides me?
I doesn't mean He's a vending machine
but it also means He's not this "celestial kill-joy" so many people view him as
yes, He's a unimaginably infinitely holy God
but He's also wanting us to identify Him as One who loves us as our Father
and wants us to relate to Him as a father
would any of us, mother or father, keep any of our children from receiving something good if they had a chance to have it?
then why is it so hard for us to believe that the holy God of the universes won't come through with the same thing?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
direction
Knowing he'd never see them again, Paul said this to the Ephesians...
Acts 20:24 My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness & love.
That's true for me - I feel it more now than I ever have.
That's also true for you
Acts 20:24 My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness & love.
That's true for me - I feel it more now than I ever have.
That's also true for you
Saturday, May 7, 2011
puttin' the time in
Acts 19:8 Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. 9 But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord.
2 years...
Paul went every day for 2 years to the hall of Tyrannus to talk to people about Jesus. Some translations say he preached, some say he led discussions.
but he went every day for 2 years
so much for quick fix evangelism ;-)
we live in an instant society
for decades now we've had revivals & crusades - nothing wrong with those.
but it seems that the most lasting effects of evangelism seem to come from situations like this one with Paul.
A day to day contact with people, letting them into our lives, talking with them, & talking them through, all kinds of stuff. That's the kind of evangelistic effort that seems to take hold & last.
think about it
open your life up to people, & tell them about the effect Jesus has had on it.
that's all evangelism really is...
2 years...
Paul went every day for 2 years to the hall of Tyrannus to talk to people about Jesus. Some translations say he preached, some say he led discussions.
but he went every day for 2 years
so much for quick fix evangelism ;-)
we live in an instant society
for decades now we've had revivals & crusades - nothing wrong with those.
but it seems that the most lasting effects of evangelism seem to come from situations like this one with Paul.
A day to day contact with people, letting them into our lives, talking with them, & talking them through, all kinds of stuff. That's the kind of evangelistic effort that seems to take hold & last.
think about it
open your life up to people, & tell them about the effect Jesus has had on it.
that's all evangelism really is...
Friday, May 6, 2011
promises
Joshua 23:14b Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the LORD your God has come true. Not a single one has failed!
Psalm 81:1 Sing praises to God, our strength.
Sing to the God of Jacob.
2 Sing! Beat the tambourine.
Play the sweet lyre and the harp.
3 Blow the ram's horn at new moon,
and again at full moon to call a festival!
.
6 "Now I will take the load from your shoulders;
I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.
7 You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you;
I answered out of the thundercloud
and tested your faith when there was no water at Meribah.
10b Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
Yeah......
Psalm 81:1 Sing praises to God, our strength.
Sing to the God of Jacob.
2 Sing! Beat the tambourine.
Play the sweet lyre and the harp.
3 Blow the ram's horn at new moon,
and again at full moon to call a festival!
.
6 "Now I will take the load from your shoulders;
I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.
7 You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you;
I answered out of the thundercloud
and tested your faith when there was no water at Meribah.
10b Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
Yeah......
Thursday, May 5, 2011
our place
Acts 17:28 For in Him (God) we live and move and exist.
Unless we've abandoned ourselves to Him, we really can't know fully the truth of this statement.
Unless we've abandoned ourselves to Him, we really can't know fully the truth of this statement.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
promises
Joshua 21:43 So the LORD gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies. 45 Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.
Not a single promise was left unfulfilled.
So, here's what God's given me to hold on to in these days...
1 Thess 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful; for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Pro 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
He's the One Who will keep you on track.
Pro 4:25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
Heb 10: 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.
Is 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
So... it's gonna be interesting how all this shakes out
Not a single promise was left unfulfilled.
So, here's what God's given me to hold on to in these days...
1 Thess 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful; for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Pro 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
He's the One Who will keep you on track.
Pro 4:25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
Heb 10: 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.
Is 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
So... it's gonna be interesting how all this shakes out
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
now, for later
Psalm 78:70 He chose his servant David,
calling him from the sheep pens.
71 He took David from tending the ewes and lambs
and made him the shepherd of Jacob's descendants—
God's own people, Israel.
72 He cared for them with a true heart
and led them with skillful hands.
My Life Application Bible says this about this passage...
"Although David had been on the throne when this psalm was written, he is called a shepherd & not a king.
"Shepherding, a common profession at the time, was a highly responsible job. The flocks were completely dependent upon shepherds for guidance, provision, & protection. David had spent his early years as a shepherd.
"This was a training ground for the future responsibilities God had in store for him. When he was ready, God took him from caring for sheep to caring for Israel, God's people.
"Don't treat your present situation lightly or irresponsibly; it may be God's training ground for your future."
calling him from the sheep pens.
71 He took David from tending the ewes and lambs
and made him the shepherd of Jacob's descendants—
God's own people, Israel.
72 He cared for them with a true heart
and led them with skillful hands.
My Life Application Bible says this about this passage...
"Although David had been on the throne when this psalm was written, he is called a shepherd & not a king.
"Shepherding, a common profession at the time, was a highly responsible job. The flocks were completely dependent upon shepherds for guidance, provision, & protection. David had spent his early years as a shepherd.
"This was a training ground for the future responsibilities God had in store for him. When he was ready, God took him from caring for sheep to caring for Israel, God's people.
"Don't treat your present situation lightly or irresponsibly; it may be God's training ground for your future."
Monday, May 2, 2011
resilience
Acts 14:8 While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting 9 and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. 10 So Paul called to him in a loud voice, "Stand up!" And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.
11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, "These men are gods in human form!" 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. 13 Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles.
14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, 15 "Friends,* why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16 In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, 17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts." 18 But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.
19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
Notice at one point the crowd wanted to sacrifice to Paul & Barnabas as if they were gods.
The shortly thereafter, they stoned Paul & left him for dead.
When I was reading this section this morning, I wondered if that happened to me, or to you, if we'd still be willing to be public (or private) Christ followers?
just a thought...
11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, "These men are gods in human form!" 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. 13 Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles.
14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, 15 "Friends,* why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16 In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, 17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts." 18 But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.
19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
Notice at one point the crowd wanted to sacrifice to Paul & Barnabas as if they were gods.
The shortly thereafter, they stoned Paul & left him for dead.
When I was reading this section this morning, I wondered if that happened to me, or to you, if we'd still be willing to be public (or private) Christ followers?
just a thought...
Sunday, May 1, 2011
what to tell them
Acts 13:28 In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes n Him is freed from all guilt & declared right w/ God
There's a lot of talk these days about whether there's a hell or not - Time magazine even talk about it in a cover story.
There's a lot of talk about God's love & how "love wins"
I think in all this talk lately we've overlooked one every important fact...
God is not only the essence of love, but is so holy beyond imagining that we would vaporize just looking at Him.
We are not holy.
Holiness & sinfulness cannot co-exist - it like oil & water, to the infinite degree.
It is through Jesus' sacrifice we are made wrtie with God - we are forgiven of our sins - He doesn't see them, doesn't remember them.
And He is "faithful & just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"
There are those of us who believe in Jesus as the God-provided One who makes all this possible. Therefore, it makes it possible for us who are not holy to co-exist with Him who is infinitely holy.
There are those who don't - so their sins & sinfulness remain intact. Sinfulness & holiness can't co-exist. God does not condemn us to hell. We, through our unbelief, don't make it possible for us to live in the same place as God because we are still antithetical to Him & His persona.
So?
We need to tell people that God has made a way! Because of Jesus, we can be "declared right with God" - iow, we connect with God, because of Jesus.
(Is any of this making any sense? I hope so. Sometimes I think I sink into "christianese" & don't speak plainly enough.)
There's a lot of talk these days about whether there's a hell or not - Time magazine even talk about it in a cover story.
There's a lot of talk about God's love & how "love wins"
I think in all this talk lately we've overlooked one every important fact...
God is not only the essence of love, but is so holy beyond imagining that we would vaporize just looking at Him.
We are not holy.
Holiness & sinfulness cannot co-exist - it like oil & water, to the infinite degree.
It is through Jesus' sacrifice we are made wrtie with God - we are forgiven of our sins - He doesn't see them, doesn't remember them.
And He is "faithful & just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"
There are those of us who believe in Jesus as the God-provided One who makes all this possible. Therefore, it makes it possible for us who are not holy to co-exist with Him who is infinitely holy.
There are those who don't - so their sins & sinfulness remain intact. Sinfulness & holiness can't co-exist. God does not condemn us to hell. We, through our unbelief, don't make it possible for us to live in the same place as God because we are still antithetical to Him & His persona.
So?
We need to tell people that God has made a way! Because of Jesus, we can be "declared right with God" - iow, we connect with God, because of Jesus.
(Is any of this making any sense? I hope so. Sometimes I think I sink into "christianese" & don't speak plainly enough.)
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