In Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare writes that "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet". The point seems to be that a name is merely a label. And to some degree that is true. The label for the flower that we call a "rose" in English, is just an English label. Other languages have different labels for that flower. But there is a sense in which the label that we apply to a thing begins to take on life.
When I was very small, I called my mother "Mama". When I was 10-ish, I was very angry with her for a while, and I started calling her "Mom". Then a few years later, (after our relationship had corrected itself) I began to call her "Mommy". As another example (again when I was very small), I had a little stuffed tiger named "Tiger". I took him EVERYWHERE, and I left him lots of places too! =? But still, even though I'm 30 years old, when I think of Tiger, I get emotional warm fuzzies.There is another sense in which a name is more than just a label. When my Shorty and I chose names for our children, we were very conscious of the meanings of those names. We named our Crew hoping that they would "grow up into their names", so to speak.
As I was pondering what's in a name recently, I began to think about the names that God has given Himself. The first one that came to my mind was "I AM". When Moses asked God who he should say sent him to the Israelites, God's reply was "I am". So I was pondering the implications of "I am". It shows God's independence. He does not come FROM something else, and He does not NEED anything. He is self-existent and self-sufficient. (Just to be clear, when I talk about God, I'm referring to all three persons of the Godhead. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.) Another implication of the "I am", is omnipresence. He didn't say, "I am with you." He just said, "I am". And if He just IS, then He is always present! =) I'm sure there are more, but that's all I've got for now. =)
Then Moses said to God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
Exodus 3:13-14
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalms 90:2
Friday, August 30, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Expect Sporadic
My posts usually take one of two tracks, either they tend to highlight ways in which life is a parable of a spiritual principle, OR they show the contrast between us and our Creator. Well, I am again faced with a contrast. As my Crew have gotten older, the amount of time that their schooling requires (both teaching and preparing), has grown. When I just had my oldest in kindergarten, we only needed an hour and a half to two hours to do her lessons. This should have been the same with my first two (since they were just in K and 1st). Except I wasn't sufficiently prepared. =/ By the time I had three, I had realized that I needed to really sit down and schedule so that each child would receive the instruction that they required. And I was faced with my own limits. So the pattern holds true. This year, as I scheduled my students, our day is the longest it's ever been. And with the other demands on my time-- something's gotta' give! It is a matter of a limited resource (TIME), and priorities. And as I looked at the commitments in my life, and how important they are to me, I realized that my blog has to give. So, if something comes to me (and I can articulate it quickly), I'll post. Otherwise... expect sporadic.
Now how does this show a contrast between me and my Creator??? Quite simply, I am limited-- and He is not! =)
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised! The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
Psalms 113:1-6
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: "I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish,
Isaiah 44:24-25
Now how does this show a contrast between me and my Creator??? Quite simply, I am limited-- and He is not! =)
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised! The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
Psalms 113:1-6
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: "I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish,
Isaiah 44:24-25
Monday, August 26, 2013
Building Blocks
One of the classic children's toys-- for I don't know how long-- has been blocks. They've been changed and "improved", so that now we have plastic blocks instead of wooden. (The better to not break heads open, my dear! ;)) And really cool blocks with activities in the middle. But kids of all ages (and the young at heart) LOVE to play with blocks. One of my Crew's favorite activities with blocks has always been, "how high can we stack them?". But we all know that to stack them high, we have to have blocks underneath.
You may have heard of the idea that we should try to read a text from Scripture as though we'd never read or heard it before. First of all, that is impossible. (Unless you really are reading it for the first time.) Second, that is really not helpful. It's like building blocks. The first time you read a passage, you get a bit of information. But the next time you read that passage, your mind (through the Spirit) is able to build on the information you already have. And that process continues so that after having read a passage ten times, I've built a small "tower" of knowledge about the passage and what it is telling me about God. And even more so after reading thirty, fifty, a hundred times and more. Now WHY would I want to put all that aside when I read? It would be like my Crew wanting to build a six foot tower, but tearing it down every time we had a five block stack! The objective is to KNOW God, the means is by reading and studying His Scriptures-- repeatedly! =)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 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 4:11-16
You may have heard of the idea that we should try to read a text from Scripture as though we'd never read or heard it before. First of all, that is impossible. (Unless you really are reading it for the first time.) Second, that is really not helpful. It's like building blocks. The first time you read a passage, you get a bit of information. But the next time you read that passage, your mind (through the Spirit) is able to build on the information you already have. And that process continues so that after having read a passage ten times, I've built a small "tower" of knowledge about the passage and what it is telling me about God. And even more so after reading thirty, fifty, a hundred times and more. Now WHY would I want to put all that aside when I read? It would be like my Crew wanting to build a six foot tower, but tearing it down every time we had a five block stack! The objective is to KNOW God, the means is by reading and studying His Scriptures-- repeatedly! =)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 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 4:11-16
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Prime Your Heart
I haven't mowed a lawn in about 17 years-- I think. Shorty is adamant that that is his job... and I don't argue! ;) But when I was younger, I did have to do my share of mowing. I didn't mind too much-- except for the blisters on my hands that invariably followed! =P
I know from my mowing days that there is a little black bubble button on (at least some) push mowers, that is called the primer. You push it a couple times before trying to crank the mower, and it sprays in just a bit of gas to give the motor a gentle shove toward starting. More recently (within this decade! ;)) I've had LOTS of experience with the kind of primer that you slap on walls before you begin painting a new color. In both instances, the primer is PREPARATION for the main thing.
And I've been thinking this weekend about priming my heart for worship on Lord's Day. Especially by Saturday evening, I'm really gearing up-- or "priming"-- for Sunday. I plan what we'll be eating, try to make sure that everyone has clean clothes to wear, often do some tidying up in the house. But it is SO EASY to neglect "priming" my heart. You are familiar with the Sundays when you wake up late, there's nothing to eat, everyone needs some article of clothing to complete their attire for the morning, you can't find the hairbrush... or the match for any of a dozen single shoes... And just as you get everyone out the door, there is a shepherding issue...
So how DO I prime my heart to meet with my God and His people??? Well, there is certainly the practical aspect of things. Order in my domestic duties does lend itself to me being able to focus on the state of my heart. But for the past few years, I've made it my habit to turn on either some worship music or a sermon while I am preparing our breakfast. And even more than that, my heart is primed when I am making it a point to spend time daily in prayer and in God's Word.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Isaiah 1:16-18
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalms 51:6-7
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"
Mark 1:1-3
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
Psalms 119:147-149
I know from my mowing days that there is a little black bubble button on (at least some) push mowers, that is called the primer. You push it a couple times before trying to crank the mower, and it sprays in just a bit of gas to give the motor a gentle shove toward starting. More recently (within this decade! ;)) I've had LOTS of experience with the kind of primer that you slap on walls before you begin painting a new color. In both instances, the primer is PREPARATION for the main thing.
And I've been thinking this weekend about priming my heart for worship on Lord's Day. Especially by Saturday evening, I'm really gearing up-- or "priming"-- for Sunday. I plan what we'll be eating, try to make sure that everyone has clean clothes to wear, often do some tidying up in the house. But it is SO EASY to neglect "priming" my heart. You are familiar with the Sundays when you wake up late, there's nothing to eat, everyone needs some article of clothing to complete their attire for the morning, you can't find the hairbrush... or the match for any of a dozen single shoes... And just as you get everyone out the door, there is a shepherding issue...
So how DO I prime my heart to meet with my God and His people??? Well, there is certainly the practical aspect of things. Order in my domestic duties does lend itself to me being able to focus on the state of my heart. But for the past few years, I've made it my habit to turn on either some worship music or a sermon while I am preparing our breakfast. And even more than that, my heart is primed when I am making it a point to spend time daily in prayer and in God's Word.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Isaiah 1:16-18
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalms 51:6-7
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"
Mark 1:1-3
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
Psalms 119:147-149
Friday, August 23, 2013
Paper Characters
I love stories!!! =) Books, movies, TV series, even (some) video games! I enjoy getting to know the characters, and their lives. This week I've had a bit of free time and have been able to sit down with a few books. It's been GRAND! As I was telling Shorty about one of the stories, I said it was really fun because the characters have depth, and dimension-- they seem REAL. You wouldn't be surprised to bump into them as you walked down the street. As compared to the "paper characters" that I see in a lot of the shows that my Crew like to watch. You know the ones. They say their cheesy lines in something close to monotone, and you can't imagine ever MEETING someone like that.
Then I started thinking about Christ. If you've only ever heard the Sunday school stories, he may seem like a "paper character". I mean really, who feeds thousands with a sack lunch?? Or walks on water??? But if you read the gospels in their entirety (and the rest of the New Testament, for that matter), you see Jesus for who He really is: a REAL person. The Greatest character in the greatest story ever!
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52
Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
John 4:6
And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
Mark 3:4-5
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept.
John 11:32-35
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Then I started thinking about Christ. If you've only ever heard the Sunday school stories, he may seem like a "paper character". I mean really, who feeds thousands with a sack lunch?? Or walks on water??? But if you read the gospels in their entirety (and the rest of the New Testament, for that matter), you see Jesus for who He really is: a REAL person. The Greatest character in the greatest story ever!
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52
Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
John 4:6
And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
Mark 3:4-5
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept.
John 11:32-35
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Portrait of a Righteous Man
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalms 1:1-6
I am in awe when I think of the time and talent that is required to paint a portrait. I am creative, but drawing or painting are NOT my medium! I've been reading and pondering Psalm 1 for the last couple weeks. And I have come to the conclusion that it is a portrait of a righteous person. You've got what he is, and what he's not. First we get a glimpse of his relationships. He does not "walk", "stand", or "sit" in company with those who oppose the Lord. Instead, he meditates (which implies intentionality) on God's law "day and night". Then we get the illustration. "He is like a tree planted by streams of water". This Psalm was penned in a desert area. In the desert, everything is heat and light, so a tree by a stream is a picture of an oasis. Water, shade, food. And it says he prospers. Why? Because his DELIGHT is in the Lord. He is focusing on his God and what pleases his God. Next is an ever so brief sentence again showing what the righteous man is not. "The wicked... are like chaff". I was struck by the difference between a tree and chaff. A tree is alive, strong, and valuable, while chaff is dead, weak, and worthless. So the wicked will not stand. They will be driven to their knees under the wrath of God...
Now at this point you may be thinking, "That's cool. I fall in the righteous person category." But the text doesn't allow us to go there. It doesn't say "Blessed is the man who generally walks not..." and "his delight is sometimes (or often) in the law of the Lord..." and "on his law he meditates occasionally". No these are exclusive statements. He "walks not", "his delight is in", and he "meditates day and night"! Suddenly, I see that I don't live up to the standard. But I know the One who does!
So were does that leave me? I know that Christ died for sinners. I know I'm a sinner. And I believe that His life and death are a sufficient substitute for me. So I am counted in the congregation of the righteous. And the Lord is able to make me, along with the rest of His people, stand-- on account of the One Righteous Man.
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
Psalms 37:23-24
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 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 5:20-21
Psalms 1:1-6
I am in awe when I think of the time and talent that is required to paint a portrait. I am creative, but drawing or painting are NOT my medium! I've been reading and pondering Psalm 1 for the last couple weeks. And I have come to the conclusion that it is a portrait of a righteous person. You've got what he is, and what he's not. First we get a glimpse of his relationships. He does not "walk", "stand", or "sit" in company with those who oppose the Lord. Instead, he meditates (which implies intentionality) on God's law "day and night". Then we get the illustration. "He is like a tree planted by streams of water". This Psalm was penned in a desert area. In the desert, everything is heat and light, so a tree by a stream is a picture of an oasis. Water, shade, food. And it says he prospers. Why? Because his DELIGHT is in the Lord. He is focusing on his God and what pleases his God. Next is an ever so brief sentence again showing what the righteous man is not. "The wicked... are like chaff". I was struck by the difference between a tree and chaff. A tree is alive, strong, and valuable, while chaff is dead, weak, and worthless. So the wicked will not stand. They will be driven to their knees under the wrath of God...
Now at this point you may be thinking, "That's cool. I fall in the righteous person category." But the text doesn't allow us to go there. It doesn't say "Blessed is the man who generally walks not..." and "his delight is sometimes (or often) in the law of the Lord..." and "on his law he meditates occasionally". No these are exclusive statements. He "walks not", "his delight is in", and he "meditates day and night"! Suddenly, I see that I don't live up to the standard. But I know the One who does!
So were does that leave me? I know that Christ died for sinners. I know I'm a sinner. And I believe that His life and death are a sufficient substitute for me. So I am counted in the congregation of the righteous. And the Lord is able to make me, along with the rest of His people, stand-- on account of the One Righteous Man.
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
Psalms 37:23-24
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 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 5:20-21
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Lead by Example
Our life has been pretty busy for the last month or so. We had two birthday parties, a couple of baby showers, and so much other summer fun-- which meant LOTS of people, and food, and running... and messes! =) But I love it! However, in the craziness that is party prep and clean-up, the piano has been inaccessible. This week the piano has been unearthed, and I've been sitting down to play (read that "practice"). My playing is definitely Rusty. But I noticed a very funny thing today. If I don't sit down to play, my Crew are not likely to either. On the days that I DO practice, though, at least one of them will practice as well! And I was reminded of the fact that Jesus leads us by His example. He showed us how to do what he calls us to do. And we are to be inspired by His perfection!!! =)
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15-16
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:21-24
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15-16
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:21-24
Monday, August 19, 2013
Writer's Block
Every post I have tried to write today has fizzled out! I've got nothing to say... Well, I've got things to say, but I can't make them come out right. So today I'll revert to something very simple...
God made you.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
You are a sinner.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23
Christ died for sinners.
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
And if you believe you will be saved from God's wrath against your sin.
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
God made you.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
You are a sinner.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23
Christ died for sinners.
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
And if you believe you will be saved from God's wrath against your sin.
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Friday, August 16, 2013
Delight
Delight: 1. A high degree of pleasure, or satisfaction of mind; joy.
I married my Shorty a little over twelve years ago. Until our wedding I had never been kissed, and I was waiting with eager anticipation for that first kiss! It was spectacular-- well worth the wait! When I describe it for my girls, I tell them it was like fireworks in my mouth. =D
As I thought about this post, and pondered the definition of delight, I realized that much of the time I've had with Shorty has been a delight! In fact, I would heartily concur with those who say that marriage is the greatest earthly relationship there is. But there is a greater delight. We were created for fellowship with our Creator. And the Psalmist expresses this throughout Psalm 119.
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
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Psalms 119:77
If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
Psalms 119:92
Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
Psalms 119:97
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalms 119:103
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
Psalms 119:111
My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
Psalms 119:123
You get the picture... So go get some delight in His word for yourself! =)
I married my Shorty a little over twelve years ago. Until our wedding I had never been kissed, and I was waiting with eager anticipation for that first kiss! It was spectacular-- well worth the wait! When I describe it for my girls, I tell them it was like fireworks in my mouth. =D
As I thought about this post, and pondered the definition of delight, I realized that much of the time I've had with Shorty has been a delight! In fact, I would heartily concur with those who say that marriage is the greatest earthly relationship there is. But there is a greater delight. We were created for fellowship with our Creator. And the Psalmist expresses this throughout Psalm 119.
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
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Psalms 119:77
If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
Psalms 119:92
Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
Psalms 119:97
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalms 119:103
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
Psalms 119:111
My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
Psalms 119:123
You get the picture... So go get some delight in His word for yourself! =)
Thursday, August 15, 2013
That's A LOT of Sin
As I was talking to my oldest daughter recently, we came to the topic of sin. I told her that Christ paid for all her sin on the cross, and she replied, "That's A LOT of sin." I agreed with her, but I wanted to blow her mind a little bit-- so I told her to think about all her sin, and then multiply that by three. Because I've been alive almost three times as long as her. Then asked her to think about my grandma, who has been alive more than twice as long as me. We continued on to all our church family... then to all the believers that are currently alive... to all believers since Christ... to all the Old Testament believers.....
And Christ paid for ALL OF IT!!! I did blow her mind-- and mine too! How great is this Triune God! It pleased the Father to crush the Son on account of the sins of His people, and to send the Spirit to apply that sacrifice to them!
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1
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
A Maskil of David. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalms 32:1-5
And Christ paid for ALL OF IT!!! I did blow her mind-- and mine too! How great is this Triune God! It pleased the Father to crush the Son on account of the sins of His people, and to send the Spirit to apply that sacrifice to them!
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1
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
A Maskil of David. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalms 32:1-5
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Soak, Rinse, Repeat...
I cleaned the bathrooms today. (This is quite a feat both because I cleaned BOTH, and because I very RARELY cleaned my one bathroom in the old house.) My new house is something of a fixer-upper. There was nothing pressing that HAD to be done before we could move in, but there are lots of little things (and medium-sized things... and even some BIG things! ;)) that we have on a mental list of "to do's". =) One of those is related to our shower head. We have GREAT water pressure in all other points of the house, but the shower in our bathroom trickles rather than flows. VERY FRUSTRATING! And so Shorty and I have been discussing whether we wanted to go ahead and replace it (since that's on the list) or just try to clean it...
I decided when I went to the store last week to buy a bottle of CLR, because it was less than twenty percent of the cost of a new shower head. =) And so I began the process of trying to get my shower head clean... It goes like this:
1) Hold a jar with CLR up so that the shower head is submerged-- for five minutes (only five because my arms get tired.).
2) Remove the jar and turn on the shower. Allow to flush for several minutes.
3) Give the object time to rest.
4) Repeat.
Soak, rinse, repeat...
And as I was soaking, I thought about sanctification. Unlike the shower head, I was not pristine to begin with. I was born-- even conceived-- with "caked-on" sin (so to speak). It is ingrained into me. But God is busy making me more like my Savior. And where there will come a time when my shower head wears out and I will have to replace it, God is able to take what is corrupted, and make it perfect! =)
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
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
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
I decided when I went to the store last week to buy a bottle of CLR, because it was less than twenty percent of the cost of a new shower head. =) And so I began the process of trying to get my shower head clean... It goes like this:
1) Hold a jar with CLR up so that the shower head is submerged-- for five minutes (only five because my arms get tired.).
2) Remove the jar and turn on the shower. Allow to flush for several minutes.
3) Give the object time to rest.
4) Repeat.
Soak, rinse, repeat...
And as I was soaking, I thought about sanctification. Unlike the shower head, I was not pristine to begin with. I was born-- even conceived-- with "caked-on" sin (so to speak). It is ingrained into me. But God is busy making me more like my Savior. And where there will come a time when my shower head wears out and I will have to replace it, God is able to take what is corrupted, and make it perfect! =)
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
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
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
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Reminder
My oldest daughter has professed faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior, and has been baptized. It makes the way I shepherd her a bit different than her siblings. When I have to discipline her for disobedience, I often remind her that Christ always obeyed perfectly in her place. So yesterday morning we began our morning with disobedience and subsequent discipline. I talked to her about how God gets to tell her what to do because he made her. Then I said, "Not only that, but Christ BOUGHT you-- didn't he?" She replied, "No." I asked her why she said no, and she answered that she still disobeys.
So I began asking her the questions that she answered at her baptism. Do you believe that you are a sinner? Do you believe that your sin deserves the wrath of God? Do you believe that Jesus was fully God and fully man in one person, that He lived a perfect life, that He died in your place, and that He was raised bodily from the grave? Do you believe that His sacrifice was sufficient to pay for your sins? Then I asked her if she still sins... and if I still sin... and if her daddy still sins... and if our pastor still sins... And I got to explain that while we WANT to obey (at least sometimes) we still live with our sin natures. And the process by which God peels away layers of sin from our lives is called sanctification. It was a much needed reminder to me to rest in Christ's sufficiency even as I strive against my sin.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
Romans 7:18-19
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
So I began asking her the questions that she answered at her baptism. Do you believe that you are a sinner? Do you believe that your sin deserves the wrath of God? Do you believe that Jesus was fully God and fully man in one person, that He lived a perfect life, that He died in your place, and that He was raised bodily from the grave? Do you believe that His sacrifice was sufficient to pay for your sins? Then I asked her if she still sins... and if I still sin... and if her daddy still sins... and if our pastor still sins... And I got to explain that while we WANT to obey (at least sometimes) we still live with our sin natures. And the process by which God peels away layers of sin from our lives is called sanctification. It was a much needed reminder to me to rest in Christ's sufficiency even as I strive against my sin.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
Romans 7:18-19
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Friday, August 9, 2013
Shopping Theologically
I had to go grocery shopping this morning. My Crew have been fussing at me all week because we were out of this or that. I ran into a snag when I got to the baking aisle. When I got married, I usually bought corn oil for cooking and baking, but several years ago I noticed that it was a fair bit more expensive than vegetable oil. As I was looking at the oil today, it occurred to me that I didn't know what "vegetable" oil was made from-- so I checked the ingredients list. Result: soybean oil. Now if you are at all concerned with what kinds of foods are considered "healthy", you know that (in the U.S.) soybeans are not on that list. There's a lot of information out there about genetically modified soybeans, and whatnot...
So as I was standing there mulling over whether to buy vegetable oil, or go back to corn oil, or switch to some "healthier" alternative, I thought, "How should my theology impact this decision?" Now that may seem like a completely absurd question to you, but everything we do is ultimately driven by what we truly believe. And for the Christian, we've been told what to believe and how to think by the Bible. It's not always straightforward or easy-- in fact, it is often the opposite, requiring much time and study and thought. But the principles are there.
So here's how my thought process went. Are my family allergic to the product we are currently using? No. Would switching to a different product be a wiser choice financially? Not necessarily. WHY am I suddenly concerned with this? It seems to be a grab at eternal youth/health... which is futile. Now my answers are not universal. In fact, these might not even be the right questions for someone else to ask in this situation... The point is to be intentional about applying the principles of Scripture to my life for God's glory.
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Peter 1:2-4
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.
Psalms 119:9-11
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Romans 16:25-27
So as I was standing there mulling over whether to buy vegetable oil, or go back to corn oil, or switch to some "healthier" alternative, I thought, "How should my theology impact this decision?" Now that may seem like a completely absurd question to you, but everything we do is ultimately driven by what we truly believe. And for the Christian, we've been told what to believe and how to think by the Bible. It's not always straightforward or easy-- in fact, it is often the opposite, requiring much time and study and thought. But the principles are there.
So here's how my thought process went. Are my family allergic to the product we are currently using? No. Would switching to a different product be a wiser choice financially? Not necessarily. WHY am I suddenly concerned with this? It seems to be a grab at eternal youth/health... which is futile. Now my answers are not universal. In fact, these might not even be the right questions for someone else to ask in this situation... The point is to be intentional about applying the principles of Scripture to my life for God's glory.
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Peter 1:2-4
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.
Psalms 119:9-11
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Romans 16:25-27
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Heavy Burden
I read Psalm 119 again yesterday morning. I wanted to talk about the verses about delight... but that will have to wait, because as I read, I was nearly overwhelmed by the law! I've already talked about how many times this Psalm references God's law, rules, testimonies, commands, etc. So as I read there was this battle in my heart saying, "Yes, I love your commands! But NO! I often don't love your commands!" Like Paul says in Romans:
So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
Romans 7:12
But I cannot keep God's law.
Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
Acts 15:10
yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 2:16
So I started to look for the "promise" words in the Psalm.
Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;
Psalms 119:41
I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
Psalms 119:58
Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.
Psalms 119:76
And what is the promise???
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
Genesis 3:15
This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. And He has this to say:
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:29-30
The gospel is easy. Seemingly TOO easy. It is rest in Christ's perfect law keeping! It is rest in His sufficient sacrifice for my sin! It is rest in God's unconditional love toward His people! And in that rest, a striving toward the holiness that marks me as a member of His family, as I gaze on His holiness.
So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
Romans 7:12
But I cannot keep God's law.
Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
Acts 15:10
yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 2:16
So I started to look for the "promise" words in the Psalm.
Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;
Psalms 119:41
I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
Psalms 119:58
Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.
Psalms 119:76
And what is the promise???
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
Genesis 3:15
This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. And He has this to say:
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:29-30
The gospel is easy. Seemingly TOO easy. It is rest in Christ's perfect law keeping! It is rest in His sufficient sacrifice for my sin! It is rest in God's unconditional love toward His people! And in that rest, a striving toward the holiness that marks me as a member of His family, as I gaze on His holiness.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Anticipation
We celebrated a birthday this weekend! It was a whirlwind of fun... and I'm glad it's done! ;) It was really funny to watch the birthday girl after her friends had trickled home Saturday afternoon. She had birthday money burning a hole in her pocket, but I was too tired to take her shopping at that point, so she was just kind of moping around. I asked her what the problem was and she replied that she was just kind of bored...
It took me back to when I was a kid-- not so much with birthdays, but definitely with Christmas. I loved the anticipation, from the decorating, to the cooking, to the wrapped gifts under the tree! But the day after Christmas was just kind of blah! When you're ten (or twelve, or fifteen, or five), the "newness" of toys can wear off pretty quickly... ;) And I explained this to our mopey birthday girl. We gone shopping for the party on Wednesday. We made decorations on Thursday. I cooked all day on Friday. Then the party Friday night. Not to mention the planning and list making on Monday... She had been anticipating the party for at least a week! And when the adrenaline began to sag, all the fun from the party seemed just a little less fun. =(
Which got me started thinking about the things I anticipate. Right now the subject of my anticipation is the Gospel Coalition's 2014 Women's Conference. I got the email last week with links to info on the entire conference: speakers, schedule, workshops, etc. And I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! I wish it were next week! =) But part of me knows that when it is over, and I'm back in my regular hum-drum of life, even the spiritual fun will seem just a little less so. However, there is an even greater event that I'm anticipating. One day Jesus Christ will return to live with His people forever. And no sin will ever mar our joy again! =)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Revelation 21:1-7
And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 21:22-27
It took me back to when I was a kid-- not so much with birthdays, but definitely with Christmas. I loved the anticipation, from the decorating, to the cooking, to the wrapped gifts under the tree! But the day after Christmas was just kind of blah! When you're ten (or twelve, or fifteen, or five), the "newness" of toys can wear off pretty quickly... ;) And I explained this to our mopey birthday girl. We gone shopping for the party on Wednesday. We made decorations on Thursday. I cooked all day on Friday. Then the party Friday night. Not to mention the planning and list making on Monday... She had been anticipating the party for at least a week! And when the adrenaline began to sag, all the fun from the party seemed just a little less fun. =(
Which got me started thinking about the things I anticipate. Right now the subject of my anticipation is the Gospel Coalition's 2014 Women's Conference. I got the email last week with links to info on the entire conference: speakers, schedule, workshops, etc. And I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! I wish it were next week! =) But part of me knows that when it is over, and I'm back in my regular hum-drum of life, even the spiritual fun will seem just a little less so. However, there is an even greater event that I'm anticipating. One day Jesus Christ will return to live with His people forever. And no sin will ever mar our joy again! =)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Revelation 21:1-7
And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 21:22-27
Friday, August 2, 2013
Hungry
Our bodies need food. When babies get hungry, they cry. When children get hungry, they whine. When adults get hungry, we tend to get angry. And if you watch a baby, even after he's been eating for a while, if you take his food away before he feels full, he will fuss. We all want to eat until we are satisfied.
I've not been having my devotions this week. I think there were three or four days that I just skipped them altogether. Which left my soul HUNGRY! I mean, my body would be hungry if I didn't eat for three or four DAYS! So yesterday I did make a point to sit down and have my devotions. But I was feeling listless and the portion of Scripture that I read didn't really resonate... basically I left still hungry. And it showed ALL DAY LONG. I yelled at the kids repeatedly when we should have been having fun together-- and when I should have been faithfully training them... =(
The good news is twofold. One, Christ obeyed PERFECTLY in my place, and the Father sees Christ's righteousness when He looks at me. (That's the best part!) But second, my Crew got to see me fail-- and then repent. Not perfectly--again. *sigh* But there were times when I yelled and then apologized to the child who had been the recipient of my unrighteous anger.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:19-21
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
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalms 32:5
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Psalms 51:2-3
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
I've not been having my devotions this week. I think there were three or four days that I just skipped them altogether. Which left my soul HUNGRY! I mean, my body would be hungry if I didn't eat for three or four DAYS! So yesterday I did make a point to sit down and have my devotions. But I was feeling listless and the portion of Scripture that I read didn't really resonate... basically I left still hungry. And it showed ALL DAY LONG. I yelled at the kids repeatedly when we should have been having fun together-- and when I should have been faithfully training them... =(
The good news is twofold. One, Christ obeyed PERFECTLY in my place, and the Father sees Christ's righteousness when He looks at me. (That's the best part!) But second, my Crew got to see me fail-- and then repent. Not perfectly--again. *sigh* But there were times when I yelled and then apologized to the child who had been the recipient of my unrighteous anger.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:19-21
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
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalms 32:5
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Psalms 51:2-3
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Thursday, August 1, 2013
So UN-Godlike...
I told Shorty several years ago that it is my opinion that the BEST movies are adapted from books! (Not all books are translated well, but when they ARE, the movies are awesome!) And it is my preference to read the book version FIRST, and then watch the movie. So I checked out Life of Pi when we went to the library a few weeks ago. The story is fascinating so far, and some of the observations he makes are bulls-eye accurate. I was fascinated when I reached the point in the story where he shares his introduction to the Christian faith. Here's an excerpt of his thoughts about the God-man, Jesus Christ, as compared to the Hindu gods he was familiar with.
"Even Rama, that most human of avatars, who had to be re minded of his divinity when he grew long-faced over the struggle to get Sita, his wife, back from Ravana, evil king of Lanka, was no slouch. No spindly cross would have kept him down. When push came to shove, he transcended his limited human frame with strength no man could have and weapons no man could handle.
That is God as God should be. With shine and power and might. Such as can rescue and save and put down evil.
This Son, on the other hand, who goes hungry, who suffers from thirst, who gets tired, who is sad, who is anxious, who is heckled and harassed, who has to put up with followers who don't get it and opponents who don't respect Him-- what kind of a god is that? It's a god on too human a scale, that's what..."
But the distinctly Christian perspective says that His "humanness" is what makes him so compelling, and is in fact necessary for Him to be an acceptable sacrifice.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
However, being fully human was not sufficient, He also had to be fully God to satisfy the infinite wrath of God.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Colossians 1:19-20
And because He WAS an acceptable sacrifice, He conquered our greatest enemies-- sin and death-- for us!
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
But without the work of the Holy Spirit, we remain blind to the wisdom of God.
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 1:21-25
"Even Rama, that most human of avatars, who had to be re minded of his divinity when he grew long-faced over the struggle to get Sita, his wife, back from Ravana, evil king of Lanka, was no slouch. No spindly cross would have kept him down. When push came to shove, he transcended his limited human frame with strength no man could have and weapons no man could handle.
That is God as God should be. With shine and power and might. Such as can rescue and save and put down evil.
This Son, on the other hand, who goes hungry, who suffers from thirst, who gets tired, who is sad, who is anxious, who is heckled and harassed, who has to put up with followers who don't get it and opponents who don't respect Him-- what kind of a god is that? It's a god on too human a scale, that's what..."
But the distinctly Christian perspective says that His "humanness" is what makes him so compelling, and is in fact necessary for Him to be an acceptable sacrifice.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
However, being fully human was not sufficient, He also had to be fully God to satisfy the infinite wrath of God.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Colossians 1:19-20
And because He WAS an acceptable sacrifice, He conquered our greatest enemies-- sin and death-- for us!
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
But without the work of the Holy Spirit, we remain blind to the wisdom of God.
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 1:21-25
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