Categories
Category: encouragement
And thus we see in this life that God has need of the high and the lowly, the great and the small, the gold and the baser metal; and out of all, and through all, and in all, He works His wondrous way, and permits His Creatures to join, as it were, with Him in the turning of the world from darkness to His marvelous light. Mary E. Ropes, Mary Jones and Her Bible (1882)
Little Welsh Mary Jones was dirt poor. She loved Christ from the earliest age and studied God’s word from a neighboring farmer’s Bible. Welsh Bibles were exceedingly rare and hard to come by. This intelligent and precocious girl was determined to one day have her own Bible. She worked and saved, and after six years finally had enough to purchase her own. She walked barefoot from her village at the foot of Cader Idris, Llanfihangel-y-pennant to Bala – 25 miles away to buy one from the renowned Pastor Thomas Charles. He did not have one to give her. Her immediate tears and obvious devotion inspired the creation of the British and Foreign Bible Society in 1804. That organization and its spin-offs have distributed millions of Bible and conducted thousands of translations in the past two centuries.
Although he didn’t have one to give her, Mary’s tears melted Pastor Charles and he nonetheless found someone else’s Bible to give the girl. Mary Jones’ story is an inspiring read and insight into the not terribly distant past. Thanks to Mark Hamby and Lamplighter publishing, the book is in print and available: Mary Jones and Her Bible.
From the Bible Society’s website:
The need we address
Bible Society exists because millions lack the Bible in a language they can understand, in a form they can use or at a price they can afford. At the same time millions still have no understanding of the Bible’s value for them and their communities.We call this Bible poverty.
The vision we have
We are working to see a day when the Bible’s God-given revelation, inspiration and wisdom is shaping the lives and communities of people everywhere.Our task is urgent. This is because of what people, communities and nations lose when the Bible’s life-changing message is not theirs.
Our task is huge:
- More than 4,400 languages still wait for even one book of the Bible.
- Though a billion people can’t read, only 3 per cent of languages have the Bible in audio.
- Every 5 seconds, someone goes blind but the complete Braille Bible exists in only 35 languages.
- In our own country the Bible is no longer a point of reference for everyday life.
- Christians often lack the confidence to apply the Bible’s message in a society that increasingly sees it as irrelevant.
Mary Jones died in 1864 and was buried at the graveyard of Bryn-crug Calvinistic Methodist Chapel. The Bible, she walked 25 miles to buy, is now stored in the Bible Society’s archives in Cambridge University Library.
28And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. Mark 12
We can best evaluate how well we love by those around us. The people with whom we spend the most time are the best indicators of whether we’re walking Jesus’ walk and displaying the fruits of a Christian life. Often, such people know us better than we know ourselves. Our conceit and wishful self-perception do not deceive them. Often, I’m tempted to define how Godly I am by how much time I spend doing purely religious activities, like reading my Bible, praying, and doing charity work. That’s probably not the best test though. I suspect the best way to measure whether we’re living the Christian life is to evaluate how well we love God and those around us. Perhaps the best way to love God is to share his love with those whom he created and died for on the cross.
To determine whether you love, evaluate whether you are loved. Be sensitive to whether co-workers are happy to see you at the beginning of the day. When you come home, look for family members greeting you with a smile. Does the dog wag its tail or run the other way? Intimacy begins with your family. I think it’s an act of worship to know the dreams of each member of your family and to dream with them, to hold them and let them know you love them. Praise and thank God in their presence for the gift of their life. Praise and thank God in your private prayers for them. Seek intimacy with friends. I naturally keep walls up, as I suppose most people do. As Christians though, we should be committed to opening up and knowing and loving those that God puts on our path.
Marriage is “ground zero” for most of us in learning to love purely. The sacrament of marriage continually requires the Christian application of selfless love. In marriage, two become one. There is no better place to witness the presence or absence of Christ-like love. In unconditional love, the marital union blossoms into a life-long relationship of trust, happiness, and peace. Without it, the relationship or a spouse withers and dies.
Too many churches ignore the Apostle Paul’s instructions to husbands and wives. The media gives critical attention to the role of the New Testament wife. Namely, in the book of Ephesians, as well as in other places, Paul called on wives to submit to their husbands and established that husbands are the head of the family. Our secular, non-believing compatriots ignore Paul’s instruction. Even for believers, Paul’s admonition sounds harsh to our modern, egalitarian ears. Unfortunately, the press reports only half the story.
In the book of Ephesians, in the very next paragraph, Paul calls on husbands to love their wives, “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her … .” (Eph. 5:25.) Christ loved the church unconditionally and completely. (John 15:13.) Paul calls for a radical commitment. Unfortunately, our secular friends are not the only ones to miss the significance of Paul’s complete instructions; many Christians fail to realize the radical nature of Paul’s instruction. God calls the Christian wife to submit to a man whose duty it is to unconditionally and completely love her, even unto the point of his death. The wife is to submit to her servant of love. In such a relationship, there is simply no room for egos, pride, or selfish desires. In a relationship of submission and servant love, divorce is unthinkable, which explains why God hates divorce. (Mal. 2:16.) Christian marriage should shine as a light to the world, especially a world where the majority of marriages end in the tears of loneliness, betrayal and divorce.
Of course, this is often easier to understand than it is to live it. I’ve heard about Dads coming home from a long days work and finding the house in complete disarray, dinner uncooked, children swinging from the chandeliers, and Mom displeased over the whole affair. Of course, I’ve never come home to such an estate, however, this is often considered a state of normalcy in homeschooling families … so I’ve read. It’s also not unheard of for the Dad to get angry over this and to let his dissatisfaction be known.
It recently occurred to me how differently we men respond to other “crises.” In the Army, if I moved to reinforce a fellow soldier’s position and found the enemy breaking through the wire, it wouldn’t occur to me to get mad and insist that my fellow soldier work harder. I’d immediately jump in and help. On the football field, if my running back fumbled the ball, instead of getting mad and looking for blame, I’d immediately jump to recover the ball for our team. Same on the soccer field; if a fellow defender was beaten, I’d do everything I could to help stop the shot on goal. I should have that exact same spirit and immediate response when I get home and find my spouse under duress, but that’s quite often not my natural response, yet my family is the most important team I’ll ever be on and my wife my lifetime MVP.
Let us encourage each other to be of good cheer and to do good works pleasing to Jesus. Rejoice!
See Todd Wilson’s Family Man ministry, blog and hilarious books here.
Categories
I am second
Categories
Peace On Earth
“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
We expect Christmas season to be a time of happiness and celebration. Sadly, it is also a time of grief and disappointment to many. We mourn the loss of loved ones, and the tragedy of “what might have been”.
Thankfully, we have hope. Our pain and grief will have an end. God has not forgotten us.
One of the popular Christmas carols was born out of great tragedy. The American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, lived in Massachusetts during the time of the American Civil War. Longfellow’s personal tragedy was combined with the national tragedy during this war: his wife was killed during an accidental fire at their house, leaving Longfellow himself badly burned. In addition to this, his oldest son had gone off to war and returned severely wounded. Specific details are here.
The war was nearing its end on Christmas day 1864 when Longfellow was finally able to pen these words of hope: “God is not dead, nor does he sleep.”
The words of Longfellow’s poem have been revised for the popular Christmas carol, “I heard the bells on Christmas Day”. The stanzas regarding the Civil War are omitted from the carol and the third stanza regarding “night to day” is moved to the end. Yet for any readers of American history, the original poem below illustrates the despair that birthed these words of hope:
“Christmas Bells”
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!Then from each black accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Categories
Questions
Can I trust God for what he says?
What if it doesn’t make sense? What if God’s word goes against everything I understand? Can I still trust him?
What if God’s word makes me look foolish to others? Can I still trust him?
Am I close enough to God to hear him over the roar of life?
Do I hear him over the council of friends?
Do I hear him over my own prejudices? What if the answer is not what I want to hear?
Why do I read God’s word?
When was the last time I let it criticize me?
What did I change?
How long did the change last?
How has it helped me to serve others?
How has it helped me to serve God?
Categories
Stress overload?
How many times have you gotten into stress overload this week?
I found this reminder at the end of a very stressful week:
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
The word “mind” used here could also be translated as our thoughts or intentions. Likewise, the word “stayed” could be translated as leaned or rested.
Therefore, the encouragement here is that we need to rest our thoughts and our plans on God. When we are sure that we are leaning on God with our plans, then we can have peace regardless of what happens with these plans. It is now up to God and not up to us.
How much time do we spend talking with God about our plans?
Do we allow God to give us input?
Do we search out His Word for what he would want us to learn?
Do we trust God with the results?
If you are like me, this is very difficult to put into practice. I often put put together my plans and then quickly go into action. It is only after I failed that I realized that I never included God in my planning.
Thought for this week: Spend some time each day simply talking with God about your plans. Be listening for Him to answer.
Categories
Friends Forever
Excellent article by Michael Hyatt on how to become your spouse’s best friend. He recommends the following very simple three step process:
1. Make a list of what you would want in a best-friend.
2. Now become that person for your spouse.
3. Keep sowing the seeds, until the relationship blossoms.
Please read the entire article: How to Become Your Spouse’s Best Friend
Categories
Jacob’s Wives
From Dima Kotik at Truthonly.com and friends, a modern adaptation on the history of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah:
For an insightful, interesting and serious commentary on the same story, see Richard S. Strauss’ Never Satisfied! – The Story of Jacob and Rachel.
Categories
National Day of Prayer
The mission of today’s National Day of Prayer is “to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.” http://nationaldayofprayer.org/
Please pray:
- for our nation in regard to the fight against terrorism and also for the safety of our military worldwide.
- that America would return to the authority of the Bible, especially as the nation deals with issues like “gay” marriage, abortion, stem-cell research, etc.
- for guidance and wisdom for churches and ministries nationwide, and that God will bless our churches as they proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and seek to bring about reformation and repentance.
- for the persecuted church worldwide. For example, the Chinese government continues to crack down on Christians, including the recent arrest of 47 believers (in broad daylight) at an unregistered Beijing church; other members of this church have lost their jobs. Pray that Christians in China will be able to exercise religious freedom.
- for each of us to submit to God and be transformed to the likeness of Christ in our daily lives.
Categories
Soli Deo Gloria – Restoration
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:4 -9
Jesus is my Savior and Rescuer. He restores us to God. He shall restore all of creation to God.
Jesus Christ is returning, sooner than most think, to rescue us, to restore us to the place and existence for which our soul longs. Nature groans under the curse, waiting for that day.
He will return for us, to take us to a place where there will be no more tears, no more suffering, no more death. We will live in the presence and glory of the almighty God.
John 6:38-40 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
We will be in heaven, with God, forever, only because of Jesus.
Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. Ps. 37:27-28.
We have faith in what God accomplished in the past. Our hope is in what he promises for our future. He promises a perfect and lasting peace for those that put their trust in Him.
… knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. … So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:14-18
God, give us the eyes to see and the strength to truly believe in your eternity for us, and to live in that hope.
“… 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.” Rev. 21:4
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
We praise you God for your Glory. We REJOICE in you Lord. Forever.
“Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Rev. 22:20-21
Categories
Soli Deo Gloria – Sanctification
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:4 -9
God creates and saves; he also is our sustenance and strength. Christians have no need to be anxious or troubled, despite our troubling world and troubling times. Life can be hard, painful and more often than not, it’s unpredictable. When we try to overcome, we so often fall short or become confused. We should rejoice, even in hardship, because our strength is not in our effort. Don’t struggle or worry. Look to Christ for he strengthens those who put their faith in him.
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Mt. 16:24-25
In the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus explained
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'”
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.”
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ” …
We worship the God of the living. The author of life. The creator of life. God loves life. Through his strength he created us. Through his strength he saved us. Through his strength he perfects and strengthens us in the likeness of his son – in a truer image of God. He did not create and save us to then watch us struggle.
Following our master is, again, not about us. Our strength is about him. Our peace is about him. We have to lay ourselves down. I must become less. He must become more.
Romans 6: Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 3:10
Galatians 2: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
We were saved by grace and we are to live in his grace. He is our life and our identity. Our self in Adam is dead. Our new identity was raised in Christ, our second birth. Our new self is a historical reality.
Acts 17:28: For in him we live and move and have our being.
How do we become less and he become more? It is a question of our emphasis, not of results.
I have caught myself impatiently yelling at my children to BE PATIENT!!!!! BE QUIET!!!!
We teach what we know. We reproduce who we are. Are children learn much more from who we are than from what we teach. We learned more from watching who are parents were than we did from what they told us. The best lessons were those that coincided with how they lived. The lessons that resonated were those that matched both how they lived and matched their passions.
We will learn and grow strong in the ways of God when we spend time with Jesus. When we sit quietly at his feet. When we look to him first. Remember as a child, looking to your parent first for guidance? Encouragement? For love? Those of you with children, when they look up at you trying to figure out what to do, when they are scared, when they need a friend. Sanctification depends on our resting in Christ foremost. Knowing him.
Remember Mary and Martha – Martha was so busy serving Jesus. Mary was enjoying the presence of Christ. Martha complained. “Martha Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Mt. 7:21-23
The one thing we must focus on first is Christ, sitting at his feet, loyally. That is first. We must know him before we can serve him. Once we know him, our first lesson is that it’s not about us. On the inevitable day of judgment, we do not warrant his approval. He gave us grace.
Our strength, our identity, our sanctification comes NOT from our efforts. It comes from knowing and sitting at the feet of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our strength is in Christ, not in ourselves. Our sanctification is to God’s glory only.
The Roman Emperor Claudius II Gothicus, AD 268-70, is said to have been a large and fierce man. In his efforts to fight the invading Goths and Germans, he attempted to increase the size of the Roman army. Volunteers were few, due largely to what was essentially a life-long commitment of being a Roman soldier. Legend has it that the Emperor believed young men weren’t joining because they were too comfortable and too interested in pursuing women. (Some things never change. My classmates in college often were incredulous that I was volunteering for military service. I was often asked “Why?!”.) With dictatorial efficiency, Claudius solved that problem by simply outlawing marriage.
One problem, legend has it that the Priest Valentinus continued to marry Christians. When called before the Emperor, Valentinus refused to acknowledge the Roman Gods and reportedly witnessed to Claudius the truths of Jesus Christ. Claudius had Valentinus killed.
A few observations from this legend of Valentine, whom we celebrate each year with a festival of love and affection.
He was martyred over refusing to surrender the sacrament of marriage to Rome and for proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ to a pagan emperor. This legendary Valentine sounds more like a man passionate for Christ and the integrity of the church and its sacraments than he does the ruby little cherubs we see on the front of Valentines Day cards who are committed to spreading kisses and romantic mischief.
If we want to celebrate Valentines Day consistent with the man for whom the day is named, we should honor this legendary martyr through observances he would approve and that would be consistent with his life. Foremost, we should take the opportunity to witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ to someone.
Second, we should look for a way to support the sacrament of marriage. For those of us married, that should start with tending to our own marriages. Are we entirely faithful – not just physically, but also emotionally, in our relations, and with our time as well – to our life mate? We should pray over our marriage, with our spouse. For those not married, give an encouraging word to your married friends and pray today for their marriages. Tell them you are praying for them.
Third, recommit today to loving in a manner worthy of our Christian calling — with all that we have and all that we are. We are called not just to love others and God with all that we are, but to love also our enemies and those we just do not like. May Christ so strengthens us.
God bless and Happy Valentines Day.
Update: A Godly Valentines Day Gift from a husband to a wife: commit to praying with your bride – see Spiritual Intimacy a Marriage ‘Game Changer’
I had the honor of giving the devotional this morning at Answers in Genesis after the scheduled speaker, Dr. Jackson, was not able to attend due to weather. After discussing the importance of keeping Vegemite out of the Super Bowl, I reviewed four reasons for being a rejoicing fan – of Jesus Christ. Devotional here: Rejoice! Four Reasons
10 Points of Joyful Parenting by Ann Voskamp
Build Memories with Your Children by Tim Dudley
Returns on Parental Investment by John Derbyshire
Commercials contain some of the best (and some of the worst) entertainment …
And yes, I’ve encouraged my kids to take martial arts, essentially for the same overprotective reasons.
Categories
New Year’s Resolutions
This is the time of the year when we tend to take stock of ourselves and our lives. We often make promises on things that we try to improve – many of which we never complete.
In the early 1700’s, Jonathan Edwards compiled a list of 70 resolutions. While we may review our resolutions every year, Edwards committed to reviewing his resolutions every week! You can read Edwards’ complete list here.
Instead of making yet another annual list of promises that I cannot keep, here is my list of resolutions for this year and following:
1. Resolved to seek Christ as the top priority in my life.
All other priorities must take a secondary role after Christ.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
2. Resolved to developing spiritual growth in myself, my family, and in other believers where I have contact.
It is not enough to pass the time or to make good conversation. We must continue to grow in our own lives and seek to build each other up.
Hebrews 3:12-13
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called”Today,”so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
3. Resolved to present Christ to those who do not know him.
Walk the talk, but also look for opportunities to speak of him.
1 Peter 3:15
but set apart Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
4. Resolved to be honorable and exemplary in my professional life.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
5. Resolved to be active and responsible in physical, financial, mental, and social matters.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
6. Resolved to never break from the fight against temptation.
Philippians 3:19-20
… whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
7. Resolved to seek out service to others, not for my gain, but for the advancement of Christ and for building up others.
James 2:15-17
If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them,”Go in peace, be warmed and be filled”, and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
8. Resolved to repent and seek forgiveness when I fail in these things.
1 John 1:8-9
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Categories
While You Were Sleeping
Thanks to Casting Crowns for writing this song and making it famous:
“While You Were Sleeping”
Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you’re lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonightOh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleepingOh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to saveJerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleepingUnited States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re lying in the dark
There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the nightAmerica, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleepingUnited States of America
Looks like another silent night
Categories
Forever
“No matter how great your pain is right now, it is not forever.”
I heard this quote from my pastor recently. The lesson is about our Eternal State with God himself. Forever.
We are reminded in Scripture to to focus on the forever. The problems that we encounter here and today are nothing compared to the Forever.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, while we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are unseen are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I am reminded again and again how little I know about life. I cannot even manage my own problems this week, let alone my entire life. And my life is much more fortunate than many.
How little I know.
How little we all know about life.
We look at life as if it is about to crush us down. We look at what we see, hear, and touch, and define this as our life.
We measure ourselves by our accomplishments and our pains that we encounter.
How little we know.
God has not made us for this 70-year span here on earth. We are meant to be with him. Forever.
What will life be like when finally see God? How little will we care about our day-to-days pains from here on earth?
We will have stepped out of the shadows and will finally get to experience the REAL life.
Forever!
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.” – Revelation 21:3-4
No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. – Revelation 22:3
Categories
Testimony
God calls us to be witnesses of what he’s done in our lives. In February this year, I had the privilege of sharing my testimony with the staff at Answers in Genesis. What a fantastic group of people. Of course my testimony is rather lengthy (I am a lawyer), but this rendition covers the major points of my salvation story and the beginnings of my journey to becoming a young Earth creationist: Tony’s testimony at AiG
Categories
True Beauty
The apostle Paul encourages us to focus on those things that are good and pure. Mother’s day is a day devoted to just that – celebrating and rejoicing in one of the purest and best aspects of humanity. The bond of mother and child is one of our strongest and most intimate forces. Praise God for the love of and for our mothers.
I thank God for the woman who gave me birth and raised me and for the woman who has given selflessly of herself to birth and raise our children. My wife’s love for our children is as certain and steady and warming as the sunrise. I thank God also for my grandmothers who loved my parents into existence, and then me, my siblings, and my cousins.
We really shouldn’t need a particular day to celebrate mothers. The birthday of each child should be a celebration of the birth, i.e. a celebration of what God has accomplished through the mother’s labor. The child should bring gifts to the mother. That is not, however, the nature of parenting, particularly of motherhood.
There’s an old Hebrew proverb, God could not be everywhere, so he made mothers. While I disagree with that theology, I agree with its sentiment. Motherly love is perhaps the closest our fallen race gets to godliness. Self-sacrificing love is the essence of motherhood. Thank you Moms!
Sapphire Sky 