My Crew love to go swimming! This year we've begun to pack a lunch and stay for a couple hours. I've got one fish, two aspiring mermaids, and one little miss who is content to play on the fringes. Except, that Little Miss Timid no longer has a playmate when she stays on the fringes. So today she decided that she wanted to slide down the big slide. But when she got to the top, she remembered how high it is... and I spent the next fifteen minutes trying to coax her to slide down. I walked her through all the normal steps of how I love her, and I will catch her, and she can trust me, and have I ever let her hurt herself at the pool before... But in that moment, the six or eight feet separating us made her fear loom larger than my love and care for her. And as I was trying to shepherd her heart, it felt like the Lord was whispering in my own ear, "Trust me." When I have sick kid, or our funds are a little tight, I am so quick to forget that He has always provided for us and WILL ALWAYS provide. In those moments of stress, my fear looms larger than my Father's love for me. But even when I doubt, He's still there.
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:1-6
"These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:25-27
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalms 9:9-10
Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Psalms 33:20-22
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Graves
My father-in-law passed away just over two years ago. My Crew asks fairly frequently if we can "go to Granddad's grave". Yesterday we were on the way home and we said that yes, we could stop by for a few minutes. So we drove down through the cemetery to Granddad's burial plot. As we were passing the many occupied graves, my first thought was, "There are SO MANY people represented here." And then I thought, "One day these graves will give up their dead, and the sea will give up its dead, and even the bodies that have been cremated will reconstitute... and those that believed on the gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation will be gathered together to live with Him forever!!!" There will be no more need for graves!
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
1 Corinthians 15:51-55
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
1 Corinthians 15:51-55
Friday, July 26, 2013
Love Requires Sparks?
Apparently when I was in high school, we had a church teacher ask us what love is. He says that I replied that "love is sacrifice". I don't remember that occasion, but I still agree with that assessment. I read a blog this morning, and while some of the details of the story are a bit different, the theme is the same. Love is SO MUCH MORE than the sparks and chemistry and "foot popping" you see in the movies.
When you think your love story is boring
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:10
When you think your love story is boring
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:10
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Murphy's Law
You have probably heard the phrase, "If anything can go wrong, it will." It felt like that kind of morning here. I had planned to go visit my sis-in-law for an hour or two this morning. But I stayed on Facebook too long reading articles and blogs... Then when I got up to start breakfast, I remembered that I had too much mess on the counter from last night... And the dish rag was wadded up and stinky in the bottom of the sink... So I stuck it in the microwave to kill the stink-making bacteria-- but the microwave started sparking! At that point I had to rearrange my small appliances to make room for the extra microwave... and we still hadn't eaten breakfast! So an hour and a half later we were FINALLY eating... but my sis-in-law was starting lunch (which is immediately followed by nap time). The good news for me is that it is summer, and my routine is pretty flexible. The better news is that God never does something "too long", or leaves a mess in the way of accomplishing His purposes. In fact, NOTHING can alter God's purposes or get in His way! =)
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Psalms 138:8
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?
Isaiah 40:13
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:11-12
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Psalms 138:8
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?
Isaiah 40:13
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:11-12
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Sinful Ripples
I've been thinking about how very sinful I am. Particularly as my sin affects those I love. All sin is ULTIMATELY treason against a Holy God, but that does not mean that my sinful behavior doesn't have an impact on anyone but myself. In fact, because Someone is ALWAYS Watching, my guess would be that my sin always impacts someone else in a negative way... I started down this path by thinking back on my parenting mistakes as I sat up with one of my Crew, post-nightmare, in the early morning hours. And it makes me SO SAD! I want to cry when I think about my wicked heart and how it has hurt my children. Like when I yell at them. Or when I punish them in my anger. Or when I ignore them. And then I see them imitating my sinful example. =(
But God...
A Song of Ascents. Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalms 130:1-8
But God...
A Song of Ascents. Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalms 130:1-8
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Don't Settle
People keep asking us if we're "settled in" to our new house yet. My answer is basically "yes", while for Shorty it's still a bit up in the air. =) The definition of "settle" is "to establish, appoint, or fix" or "to come to rest". However, as I was thinking of the word "settle" I was drawn toward the phrase "settle for". When we began our house hunt, there were things that we thought were "deal breakers", and then there were things that we were willing to "settle for". The awesome thing is that in our house we got everything we knew we wanted AND everything we wouldn't have thought to ask for (plus a few things we could have done without! ;)).
Then I started thinking about spiritual things. How often do we "settle for" in that sphere of life? Do I settle for only hearing God's Word through the mouths of others, instead of also being in the Word on my own? Do I settle for merely seeing God's people a couple of times a week (or less), instead of REALLY getting to know them-- and letting them REALLY know me? Do I settle for teachings that say that I should be healthy and happy now, instead of believing that this life is a battle that God is using to make me more like my Savior? Do I settle for being thankful for the physical blessings I have, instead of seeking to use my abundance to bless others?
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
"Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Luke 13:24
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:12
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:7-10
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:1-3
In light of this, Strive! Battle! Aim for holiness! Struggle! Fight!... today, tomorrow and always. DON'T SETTLE!!! And at the end we can say with Paul:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Then I started thinking about spiritual things. How often do we "settle for" in that sphere of life? Do I settle for only hearing God's Word through the mouths of others, instead of also being in the Word on my own? Do I settle for merely seeing God's people a couple of times a week (or less), instead of REALLY getting to know them-- and letting them REALLY know me? Do I settle for teachings that say that I should be healthy and happy now, instead of believing that this life is a battle that God is using to make me more like my Savior? Do I settle for being thankful for the physical blessings I have, instead of seeking to use my abundance to bless others?
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
"Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Luke 13:24
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:12
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:7-10
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:1-3
In light of this, Strive! Battle! Aim for holiness! Struggle! Fight!... today, tomorrow and always. DON'T SETTLE!!! And at the end we can say with Paul:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Small Things
My youngest daughter likes for me to "tuck her in" to bed at night. This consists of me pulling the blankets up over her and giving her a kiss on the forehead or cheek. It takes mere seconds. But it is one of her FAVORITE parts of the day! She asks me every night before she goes to bed, and if she has a bad dream she wants me to tuck her in again. So I started thinking, it is such a small gesture, but it SHOUTS "I love you." for her. And as I followed that train of thought, I realized that it really is the "small things"-- the hugs, the notes in a lunchbox or suitcase, the kisses, the snuggle moments, the "one more" stories-- that add up to make us FEEL loved. Not that "big" things are unimportant, but they are big for a reason and just can't plausibly happen all the time. So do the "small things" today for the ones you love! And be motivated by the fact that God did the BIGGEST thing in sending Christ!
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:28-32
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:10-11
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:28-32
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:10-11
Friday, July 19, 2013
Dense
I'll be doing a lot of baking the next two days in preparation for a birthday party. As I was mixing up my first batch of baked yummies this morning I was reminded of a post idea I had Sunday. This past Sunday we observed the Lord's Supper at church. As we were waiting for everyone to be served, I was pondering the bread. Jesus instituted His meal at the annual Jewish observance of the Passover, so the bread we use is unleavened. If you're not familiar with baking, leaven is what makes breads, cakes, and cookies light and fluffy. God told the Israelites that they were to eat unleavened bread to remind themselves that they left Egypt in a hurry (because at that time, leaven required rising time-- think yeast). However, God is great and His thoughts are so high that he is able to weave layers of meaning into one symbol, and I think He did that with the unleavened bread. See, without leaven, the bread is very dense. And as I pondered that, I thought about how Jesus' life was (and continues to be) "dense" with righteousness. While my life is filled with frivolous things, and is corrupted by sin. And it makes me marvel that it pleased the Triune God for the Son to leave the glories of Heaven, live on this fallen globe, and die in the place of His people-- who at the time were still His enemies!
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:6-11
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:6-11
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Abundance
I grew up as a preacher's kid. And I was adamant that I would not be in ministry as an adult. Honestly, formal church ministry terrified me! It is so demanding. People are so needy. Not everyone all the time, but the needs can easily become overwhelming... God's ministry through Shorty at our church has become much more formal over the last few years, from just a member, to small group leader, to deacon. And so has God's ministry through me. And honestly, church ministry is still terrifying! So many people watching me, patterning their lives after what they see in mine. I try to point them to Christ, but I fail! Some time ago, as I was reading through the gospels, I noticed that when Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000+, there was an entire BASKET of leftovers for each apostle! And I was in awe that Jesus fed and SATISFIED the crowd, and there was still an ABUNDANCE for his ministers!
After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost." So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.
John 6:1-13
*If you're interested in a fuller picture, you can read the corresponding accounts in Matthew 14, Mark 6, and Luke 9.
After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost." So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.
John 6:1-13
*If you're interested in a fuller picture, you can read the corresponding accounts in Matthew 14, Mark 6, and Luke 9.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Hide Your Word in My Heart
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalms 119:11
"Storing up" makes me think of several different things, grain silos, treasure vaults (Hobbit style!), and oddly enough, my father-in-laws "Y2K" stores of water jugs... "Store up" is an intentional verb, requiring conscious effort. In fact, LOTS of the verbs in Psalm 119 are intentional words, but more on that another time... =)
I've been actively working for almost nine months now on memorizing Scripture again. And I love waking up with a portion (or portions) of Scripture already running through my mind! Here's the portion that was on my mind this morning:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
A few observations. First, these verses begin by reminding us that we are not alone. God created us to be in relationships with him and with other people. The author of Hebrews knows this and is encouraging us to follow the example of other believers who have ALSO laid aside those things that will hinder their faith. I LOVE that! It is so easy for me to start thinking that I'm the only one to (fill in the blank), but I'm not! Next, look at the VERBS!!! "Lay aside", "run", "looking". We have a very active role in the outworking of our faith. And the best part, the motivation for EVERYTHING we do, Jesus. Look to Jesus the "founder and PERFECTER of our faith". Recognize your sin. Lay it aside. Then turn your focus to Christ and run in the footsteps of your Savior!
Psalms 119:11
"Storing up" makes me think of several different things, grain silos, treasure vaults (Hobbit style!), and oddly enough, my father-in-laws "Y2K" stores of water jugs... "Store up" is an intentional verb, requiring conscious effort. In fact, LOTS of the verbs in Psalm 119 are intentional words, but more on that another time... =)
I've been actively working for almost nine months now on memorizing Scripture again. And I love waking up with a portion (or portions) of Scripture already running through my mind! Here's the portion that was on my mind this morning:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
A few observations. First, these verses begin by reminding us that we are not alone. God created us to be in relationships with him and with other people. The author of Hebrews knows this and is encouraging us to follow the example of other believers who have ALSO laid aside those things that will hinder their faith. I LOVE that! It is so easy for me to start thinking that I'm the only one to (fill in the blank), but I'm not! Next, look at the VERBS!!! "Lay aside", "run", "looking". We have a very active role in the outworking of our faith. And the best part, the motivation for EVERYTHING we do, Jesus. Look to Jesus the "founder and PERFECTER of our faith". Recognize your sin. Lay it aside. Then turn your focus to Christ and run in the footsteps of your Savior!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Give Me Life
The phrase "give me life" appears nine times in Psalm 119.
Psalm 119:25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Psalm 119:40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
Psalm 119:88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Psalm 119:107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
Psalm 119:149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
Psalm 119:154 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!
Psalm 119:156 Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules.
Psalm 119:159 Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love.
This Psalm is all about God's word. The Psalmist uses several different words to refer to God's word, they are law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes, commandments, rules, word, and promise. I was fascinated and amazed to discover that only eight verses (out of 176!) don't have at least one of these words. And in Psalm 119 life revolves around God's word.
But as I chewed on this concept, I began to wonder, What is life? (From a biblical perspective.) And I was reminded of several passages.
then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature... And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 2:7,16-17
"See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.
Deuteronomy 30:15-16
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
John 1:1-4
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:22-23
So I came to the conclusion that "life" is being in a favorable standing with God. Adam had a favorable standing with God when he was created and until he sinned. The Israelites were promised God's favor if they obeyed, and Jesus always had the Father's favor.
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
Mark 1:9-11
I think I'll echo the Psalmist's prayer: Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!
Psalm 119:25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Psalm 119:40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
Psalm 119:88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Psalm 119:107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
Psalm 119:149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
Psalm 119:154 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!
Psalm 119:156 Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules.
Psalm 119:159 Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love.
This Psalm is all about God's word. The Psalmist uses several different words to refer to God's word, they are law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes, commandments, rules, word, and promise. I was fascinated and amazed to discover that only eight verses (out of 176!) don't have at least one of these words. And in Psalm 119 life revolves around God's word.
But as I chewed on this concept, I began to wonder, What is life? (From a biblical perspective.) And I was reminded of several passages.
then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature... And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 2:7,16-17
"See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.
Deuteronomy 30:15-16
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
John 1:1-4
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:22-23
So I came to the conclusion that "life" is being in a favorable standing with God. Adam had a favorable standing with God when he was created and until he sinned. The Israelites were promised God's favor if they obeyed, and Jesus always had the Father's favor.
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
Mark 1:9-11
I think I'll echo the Psalmist's prayer: Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Give and Take?
I'm still pondering, and reading, and rereading Psalm 119. If you're not familiar with this Psalm, it is divided out into eight verse stanzas. The footnote in my Bible says that in Hebrew, it was organized in such a way that each line in a stanza began with the same Hebrew letter. Which is why you have the funny headings above each stanza. Those "headings" are how we spell the names of the Hebrew letters (aleph, beth, gimel, etc.). Notice how in the first three stanzas there is a give and take happening. The Psalmist says, "I will do..." (marked in blue) and then he requests that God do something (marked in red).
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!
My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.
You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.
Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.
Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Psalms 119:1-24
There is a lot of blue in these verses. The Psalmist is making some pretty big promises. He says he'll "keep", "delight in", and "meditate on" God's word. And he'll "fix his eyes" on God's ways. In the next stanza we get a bit of a shift. The light of God's law shows him the sin in his heart.
My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!
Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.
I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
Psalms 119:25-32
In the fifth stanza the shift completes itself as the Psalmist recognizes his utter inability to keep the law. And he does the only thing a believer can do when faced with his sin. Rest in the mercies of God.
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
Psalms 119:33-40
Because Christ fulfilled the law in the place of His people, and bore the wrath for the sins of His people, we have forgiveness and fellowship with the Holy, Holy, Holy God. Rather than it being a relationship of "give and take" (I give some, He gives some.). It is a relationship of He "gives" and I "take", and then live my life with gratitude in the grace He supplies.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!
My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.
You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.
Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.
Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Psalms 119:1-24
There is a lot of blue in these verses. The Psalmist is making some pretty big promises. He says he'll "keep", "delight in", and "meditate on" God's word. And he'll "fix his eyes" on God's ways. In the next stanza we get a bit of a shift. The light of God's law shows him the sin in his heart.
My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!
Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.
I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
Psalms 119:25-32
In the fifth stanza the shift completes itself as the Psalmist recognizes his utter inability to keep the law. And he does the only thing a believer can do when faced with his sin. Rest in the mercies of God.
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
Psalms 119:33-40
Because Christ fulfilled the law in the place of His people, and bore the wrath for the sins of His people, we have forgiveness and fellowship with the Holy, Holy, Holy God. Rather than it being a relationship of "give and take" (I give some, He gives some.). It is a relationship of He "gives" and I "take", and then live my life with gratitude in the grace He supplies.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
Friday, July 12, 2013
Cleanse Your Palette
If you've ever been shopping for a new perfume, you may have been given a cup of coffee beans to sniff between fragrances. The purpose of the coffee beans is to "cleanse" your olfactory palette so that you smell the true fragrance, and not a mixture-- or even worse, simply become desensitized to the fragrances altogether.
We've been in our new house for two months and one week. I have fought and fought with the cat odor left over from the previous owner. I have even isolated and removed the source of the WORST of the stench. And to be quite honest, I was weary of the battle. However, I began to clean another spot of carpet this morning, and it appears to me that vinegar is also a palette cleanser. I've been using some vinegar in the rinse water for my carpet shampooer. The thing is, upon leaving the room I've been working on, I have been ASSAULTED by this bizarre conglomeration of smells-- good, bad, and UGLY!
And then I began to ponder... ;) I've spent a lot of time recently watching movies and shows, and reading books, that are not distinctively Christian. (Not that I think I should ONLY watch, or read, "Christian" things.) But if that is the only thing I'm spending my time on, I become desensitized to the sin that is displayed in those shows or books-- AND my own sin. So I need time in the Word to "cleanse" my spiritual palette. And just like I got weary of fighting the odors in my house, I can grow weary of the battle with my ever-present sin. =(
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:8-9
We've been in our new house for two months and one week. I have fought and fought with the cat odor left over from the previous owner. I have even isolated and removed the source of the WORST of the stench. And to be quite honest, I was weary of the battle. However, I began to clean another spot of carpet this morning, and it appears to me that vinegar is also a palette cleanser. I've been using some vinegar in the rinse water for my carpet shampooer. The thing is, upon leaving the room I've been working on, I have been ASSAULTED by this bizarre conglomeration of smells-- good, bad, and UGLY!
And then I began to ponder... ;) I've spent a lot of time recently watching movies and shows, and reading books, that are not distinctively Christian. (Not that I think I should ONLY watch, or read, "Christian" things.) But if that is the only thing I'm spending my time on, I become desensitized to the sin that is displayed in those shows or books-- AND my own sin. So I need time in the Word to "cleanse" my spiritual palette. And just like I got weary of fighting the odors in my house, I can grow weary of the battle with my ever-present sin. =(
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:8-9
Thursday, July 11, 2013
More on Hope
I have tried writing stories for each of my Crew. I wrote the one for my oldest five or six years ago, then the other kids asked me to write stories FOR them. So I pondered how to write a story for my little "word collector". It features a princess and a dragon and a WHOLE LOT of words... including the word "hope".
hope: 1. A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.
~1828 Webster's Dictionary
We place our hope in all kinds of things. As I pondered "hope", I realized that (at least in my mind) it is closely related to "trust".
Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
Psalms 62:10
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
Psalms 118:9
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
Psalms 146:3
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalms 20:7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
I was reminded as I listened to a sermon recently that my hope is not set on circumstances, or something... but someOne. Here's the link: The Guarantee of a Better Covenant
Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'" This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews 7:11-28
hope: 1. A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.
~1828 Webster's Dictionary
We place our hope in all kinds of things. As I pondered "hope", I realized that (at least in my mind) it is closely related to "trust".
Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
Psalms 62:10
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
Psalms 118:9
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
Psalms 146:3
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalms 20:7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
I was reminded as I listened to a sermon recently that my hope is not set on circumstances, or something... but someOne. Here's the link: The Guarantee of a Better Covenant
Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'" This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews 7:11-28
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Happy Birthday!!!
My blog is one year old!!! =) I actually realized this yesterday as I was reading some of my oldest posts. And I was marveling at how the length of my posts has grown. (I apologize to those of you who preferred the brevity of the early posts... my words seem to have acquired a life of their own. ;)) And then I began thinking about how much change and growth happened in the first year of my Crew's lives. They went from not being able to even roll over and only drinking milk, to feeding themselves and walking (some of them) and talking (again, some of them! ;)). My blog seems to have done something like that. In the beginning it was barely a paragraph and one to two scriptures... Now some of them are more like dissertations! ;)
But seriously, I had a conversation with my oldest daughter several months ago about what blogs were about. I told her that it depends on the author. Some are how to's, some are crafting related, some are about books, or music, or parenting... and she said, "And yours is about the gospel." Well, I hope so. My prayer is that not only will God use it to remind me of the lessons He's thrown my way, but also that He will use it to strengthen His church and draw unbelievers to Himself. =)
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."
Romans 1:16-17
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8
But seriously, I had a conversation with my oldest daughter several months ago about what blogs were about. I told her that it depends on the author. Some are how to's, some are crafting related, some are about books, or music, or parenting... and she said, "And yours is about the gospel." Well, I hope so. My prayer is that not only will God use it to remind me of the lessons He's thrown my way, but also that He will use it to strengthen His church and draw unbelievers to Himself. =)
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."
Romans 1:16-17
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
In His Image
I watched Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" this weekend. I've never read the book, and I've only seen a brief portion of an older movie version. But I was thinking as I watched about how EVERY person is made in the image of God.
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:26-27
I also began to think about the fact that we are afraid of what we don't understand, or is simply different than us. In the story of the Hunchback, he is feared because his body is deformed. But in Disney's version (Remember, I don't have any other point of reference.) Quasimodo has such a sweet soul. And I pondered how our initial reaction of shock and disgust shows that we realize that something about his image-bearing has been corrupted. And, in cases like Quasimodo's, not because of anything that the misformed person has done.
There is another group in that story that are segregated and persecuted. The gypsies. That got me started thinking about segregation... and the Holocaust... and genocide. I've just finished a book called The Book Thief and have begun one called No Longer a Slumdog both of which highlight the injustices of grouping, and persecuting, people based upon their genetics. But I also read a blog recently addressing how the church has mishandled the issue of homosexuality. And I saw a connection. Many in the church cannot understand the temptation of homosexuality. And in my observation, the reaction to the growing prevalence of homosexuality has been shock and disgust-- at least from the older generations. However, I think we may have forgotten that they are still image bearers just like us.
I can hear my brothers and sisters beginning to argue that the image-bearing of homosexuals has been corrupted. They don't do it well. But that begs the question... Do you? Every time you yell at your kids, or lie to someone, or eat too much, or get angry in traffic-- your image-bearing is corrupted. Sin has corrupted us all. Now please don't hear me saying that we should embrace sin in the church. But we MUST learn how to love sinners well, AND speak the gospel (that all people are sinners, and that Christ died for sinners) into their lives. And THEN encourage the change in behavior that naturally grows from rebirth.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:18-21
You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:2-3
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:5-10
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
And lest my reader or I feel falsely righteous....
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.
Matthew 5:21-22
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 5:27-28
By this definition I am a murderer... and an adulterer...
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:26-27
I also began to think about the fact that we are afraid of what we don't understand, or is simply different than us. In the story of the Hunchback, he is feared because his body is deformed. But in Disney's version (Remember, I don't have any other point of reference.) Quasimodo has such a sweet soul. And I pondered how our initial reaction of shock and disgust shows that we realize that something about his image-bearing has been corrupted. And, in cases like Quasimodo's, not because of anything that the misformed person has done.
There is another group in that story that are segregated and persecuted. The gypsies. That got me started thinking about segregation... and the Holocaust... and genocide. I've just finished a book called The Book Thief and have begun one called No Longer a Slumdog both of which highlight the injustices of grouping, and persecuting, people based upon their genetics. But I also read a blog recently addressing how the church has mishandled the issue of homosexuality. And I saw a connection. Many in the church cannot understand the temptation of homosexuality. And in my observation, the reaction to the growing prevalence of homosexuality has been shock and disgust-- at least from the older generations. However, I think we may have forgotten that they are still image bearers just like us.
I can hear my brothers and sisters beginning to argue that the image-bearing of homosexuals has been corrupted. They don't do it well. But that begs the question... Do you? Every time you yell at your kids, or lie to someone, or eat too much, or get angry in traffic-- your image-bearing is corrupted. Sin has corrupted us all. Now please don't hear me saying that we should embrace sin in the church. But we MUST learn how to love sinners well, AND speak the gospel (that all people are sinners, and that Christ died for sinners) into their lives. And THEN encourage the change in behavior that naturally grows from rebirth.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:18-21
You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:2-3
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:5-10
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
And lest my reader or I feel falsely righteous....
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.
Matthew 5:21-22
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 5:27-28
By this definition I am a murderer... and an adulterer...
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Happy, Pleasure, Delight
I like words! I've been thinking about the word "happy" again...
Dictionary.com defines it this way:
happy: delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing
And Thesaurus.com gives this list of synonyms:
But I like the 1828 edition of Webster's dictionary best.
happy: 2. Being in the enjoyment of agreeable sensations from the possession of good; enjoying pleasure from the gratification of appetites or desires. The pleasurable sensations derived from the gratification of sensual appetites render a person temporarily happy; but he only can be esteemed really and permanently happy, who enjoys peace of mind in the favor of God. To be in any degree happy, we must be free from pain both of body and of mind; to be very happy, we must be in the enjoyment of lively sensations of pleasure, either of body or mind.
Which brings me to the Shorter Catechism. We were introduced to catechism about five years ago. Well, I'd heard of catechism from some of my Catholic friends, but I had not heard of Protestants catechizing. If you're not familiar with the Westminster or Baptist catechism, they are an organized list of questions and answers regarding the basics of the Christian faith which can be memorized by children or new believers (or anyone else =)). We began to use the catechism book that we had been given during our family worship. The question that I've been chewing on a bit this week is:
Q: "In what condition did God make Adam and Eve?"
A: He made them holy and happy.
Mommy and I were talking about a week ago about happiness and she commented that happiness is the "preferred state" for all people. Which made me think of the catechism question above. I've been pondering how we all try to get back to that state of happiness in which Adam and Eve were created. But I've also been pondering this short passage from The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. (If you are not familiar with The Screwtape Letters, it is written from the perspective of an older demon instructing a younger demon on how to effectively tempt/entice/enslave the souls of humans. So "the Enemy" refers to God, and "Our Father" refers to Satan.)
"Never forgot that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made the pleasures: all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the human to take the pleasure which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable. An ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure is the formula. It is more certain; and it’s better style. To get the man’s souls and give him nothing in return — that is what really gladdens Our Father’s Heart."
Real happiness grows from a right relationship with our Creator. And insofar as we enjoy the pleasures He created within the parameters He set, we receive happiness. =)
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6:17
then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2:7-9
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 2:16-17
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
Psalms 119:14
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Psalms 119:16
Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Psalms 119:24
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Psalms 119:35
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
Psalms 119:46-47
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Psalms 119:77
I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.
Psalms 119:174
Dictionary.com defines it this way:
happy: delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing
And Thesaurus.com gives this list of synonyms:
| blessed, blest, blissful, blithe, can't complain, captivated, cheerful, chipper, chirpy, content, contented, convivial, delighted, ecstatic, elated, exultant, flying high, gay, glad, gleeful, gratified, intoxicated, jolly, joyful, joyous, jubilant, laughing, light, lively, looking good, merry, mirthful, on cloud nine, overjoyed, peaceful, peppy, perky, playful, pleasant, pleased, sparkling, sunny, thrilled, tickled, tickled pink, up, upbeat, walking on air |
happy: 2. Being in the enjoyment of agreeable sensations from the possession of good; enjoying pleasure from the gratification of appetites or desires. The pleasurable sensations derived from the gratification of sensual appetites render a person temporarily happy; but he only can be esteemed really and permanently happy, who enjoys peace of mind in the favor of God. To be in any degree happy, we must be free from pain both of body and of mind; to be very happy, we must be in the enjoyment of lively sensations of pleasure, either of body or mind.
Which brings me to the Shorter Catechism. We were introduced to catechism about five years ago. Well, I'd heard of catechism from some of my Catholic friends, but I had not heard of Protestants catechizing. If you're not familiar with the Westminster or Baptist catechism, they are an organized list of questions and answers regarding the basics of the Christian faith which can be memorized by children or new believers (or anyone else =)). We began to use the catechism book that we had been given during our family worship. The question that I've been chewing on a bit this week is:
Q: "In what condition did God make Adam and Eve?"
A: He made them holy and happy.
Mommy and I were talking about a week ago about happiness and she commented that happiness is the "preferred state" for all people. Which made me think of the catechism question above. I've been pondering how we all try to get back to that state of happiness in which Adam and Eve were created. But I've also been pondering this short passage from The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. (If you are not familiar with The Screwtape Letters, it is written from the perspective of an older demon instructing a younger demon on how to effectively tempt/entice/enslave the souls of humans. So "the Enemy" refers to God, and "Our Father" refers to Satan.)
"Never forgot that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made the pleasures: all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the human to take the pleasure which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable. An ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure is the formula. It is more certain; and it’s better style. To get the man’s souls and give him nothing in return — that is what really gladdens Our Father’s Heart."
Real happiness grows from a right relationship with our Creator. And insofar as we enjoy the pleasures He created within the parameters He set, we receive happiness. =)
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6:17
then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2:7-9
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 2:16-17
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
Psalms 119:14
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Psalms 119:16
Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Psalms 119:24
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Psalms 119:35
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
Psalms 119:46-47
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Psalms 119:77
I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.
Psalms 119:174
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Freedom
Freedom
1. A state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement. Freedom is personal, civil, political, and religious. [See Liberty.]
~~ Webster's Dictionary (Emphasis mine.)
As I was reading Psalm 119 again this morning, (I feel like I could read just Psalm 119 for the next six months and not completely plumb its depths!) I was thinking about freedom. Freedom used to sing to me of autonomy, "No one else tells me what to do." Now there are more strains to the tune. As I've gotten older, there are FEWER people trying to tell me what to do, but as I often remind my children, "There will always be SOMEONE who will have authority over you." So freedom makes me think of safety and "room to move" and choices and happiness. Interestingly enough, as I was reading the Psalm, I realized that sometimes RULES also mean freedom...
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
Psalms 119:32
I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.
Psalms 119:44-45
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Psalms 119:96
However, as wonderful as God's law is, it is insufficient to save me from my sin...
So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
Romans 7:12
For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.
Hebrews 10:1
But Jesus fulfilled the law in my place!
For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4
1. A state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement. Freedom is personal, civil, political, and religious. [See Liberty.]
~~ Webster's Dictionary (Emphasis mine.)
As I was reading Psalm 119 again this morning, (I feel like I could read just Psalm 119 for the next six months and not completely plumb its depths!) I was thinking about freedom. Freedom used to sing to me of autonomy, "No one else tells me what to do." Now there are more strains to the tune. As I've gotten older, there are FEWER people trying to tell me what to do, but as I often remind my children, "There will always be SOMEONE who will have authority over you." So freedom makes me think of safety and "room to move" and choices and happiness. Interestingly enough, as I was reading the Psalm, I realized that sometimes RULES also mean freedom...
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
Psalms 119:32
I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.
Psalms 119:44-45
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Psalms 119:96
However, as wonderful as God's law is, it is insufficient to save me from my sin...
So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
Romans 7:12
For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.
Hebrews 10:1
But Jesus fulfilled the law in my place!
For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Grown Up
"Critics
who treat adult as a term of approval, instead of as a merely
descriptive term, cannot be adults themselves. To be concerned about
being grown up, to admire the grown up because it is grown up, to blush
at the suspicion of being childish; these things are the marks of
childhood and adolescence.... When I was ten, I read fairy tales in
secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now
that I am fifty, I read them openly. When I became a man, I put away
childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be
very grown up." --C.S. Lewis
I found this quote when I was writing Fairy Tales, and I love it! I have told people for ten years that I refuse to outgrow things like slides, and swings, and riding a grocery cart down an empty aisle (after all, I wouldn't want to hurt anyone! ;)), and happily ever afters! Well, sadly, I HAVE outgrown swings-- not because I think I'm too "grown up" but because it now upsets my stomach and hurts my head. I've had several friends recommend switching the playground swing for a porch swing... but it's not the same! =( But I don't expect to outgrow juvenile fiction. I prefer to pull fiction from the juvenile side of the library. In fact, now my oldest daughter and I fight (the playful kind) over the same books! =D I especially like fantasy in the kids' section because you still get the happy endings! The authors there aren't so concerned with making their stories seem "realistic".
So I've been pondering a little more about being "grown up". When I was a kid, I thought that to be "grown up" meant choices and autonomy. I could do what I wanted, when I wanted, with few or no consequences... How WRONG I was!!! And I'd imagine (after dealing with MANY children) that this is a pretty common expectation. But the Bible's explanation of "growing up" is drastically different. Growing up is knowing our Savior better.
...until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:13-16
And growing in love.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
1 Corinthians 13:4-11
And growing in responsibility.
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:2-5
That's a pretty TALL order! But the good news is that Christ DID "grow up" according to God's definition. And He did it PERFECTLY! =)
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52
God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:28-31
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
I found this quote when I was writing Fairy Tales, and I love it! I have told people for ten years that I refuse to outgrow things like slides, and swings, and riding a grocery cart down an empty aisle (after all, I wouldn't want to hurt anyone! ;)), and happily ever afters! Well, sadly, I HAVE outgrown swings-- not because I think I'm too "grown up" but because it now upsets my stomach and hurts my head. I've had several friends recommend switching the playground swing for a porch swing... but it's not the same! =( But I don't expect to outgrow juvenile fiction. I prefer to pull fiction from the juvenile side of the library. In fact, now my oldest daughter and I fight (the playful kind) over the same books! =D I especially like fantasy in the kids' section because you still get the happy endings! The authors there aren't so concerned with making their stories seem "realistic".
So I've been pondering a little more about being "grown up". When I was a kid, I thought that to be "grown up" meant choices and autonomy. I could do what I wanted, when I wanted, with few or no consequences... How WRONG I was!!! And I'd imagine (after dealing with MANY children) that this is a pretty common expectation. But the Bible's explanation of "growing up" is drastically different. Growing up is knowing our Savior better.
...until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:13-16
And growing in love.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
1 Corinthians 13:4-11
And growing in responsibility.
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:2-5
That's a pretty TALL order! But the good news is that Christ DID "grow up" according to God's definition. And He did it PERFECTLY! =)
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52
God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:28-31
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Monday, July 1, 2013
Engage Your Brain
"Engage your brain." is one of my current most repeated phrases. Not only are my Crew old enough to think, but Shorty and I have been training them to think-- and think WELL. One of my precious daughters generally tries to excuse her bad attitude by saying that she "didn't know" or "didn't realize" or "didn't think" that she was being disrespectful. This morning as I was shepherding her again, I pointed her toward Psalm 119. I had noticed several things in this Psalm as I read it this morning. (More observations to come... ;)) I told her that if she acts without thinking, her response will probably be sinful because she is still sinful. Just like if I'm not THINKING, my responses will probably be sinful because I'm still sinful. And not just thinking, but thinking about God and His ways. And then I reminded her that Christ always thought and spoke and lived God's way IN OUR PLACE!
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
Psalms 119:15
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Psalms 119:16
Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
Psalms 119:27
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
Psalms 119:48
When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.
Psalms 119:52
I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
Psalms 119:55
When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;
Psalms 119:59
Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Psalms 119:78
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
Psalms 119:83
I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.
Psalms 119:109
I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.
Psalms 119:141
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.
Psalms 119:148
Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.
Psalms 119:153
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
Psalms 119:176
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
Psalms 119:15
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Psalms 119:16
Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
Psalms 119:27
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
Psalms 119:48
When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.
Psalms 119:52
I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
Psalms 119:55
When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;
Psalms 119:59
Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Psalms 119:78
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
Psalms 119:83
I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.
Psalms 119:109
I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.
Psalms 119:141
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.
Psalms 119:148
Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.
Psalms 119:153
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
Psalms 119:176
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