Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
There are many people who struggle with someone claiming to know the truth. It is
a fact that our culture is rampant with 'truths,' each person claiming their own
truth. Relativism is the belief that everyone is entitled to have their own version of
the truth, reality, even what is right and wrong.
Well, I don't agree for one major reason. If there are a number of versions of the
truth, than there can be no truth. If there is no truth, then we are all in a big heap of
trouble.
The basic push-back to the claims of Jesus is that we Americans are steeped in independence. We, quite frankly, do not want anyone, even Jesus Christ, declaring to us what is true. We will decide what we are comfortable with as far as truth is concerned. Statistics would show that fewer Americans are attending churches despite that fact that many would label themselves, Christians.
Jesus Christ is a historical figure that walked this earth with a message of hope
and reconciliation for sinners, that would be all of us, to a God who created us and
loves us. Does that mean that all will hear His message, that all will respond to His
message with repentance and faith? No. Does it mean that anyone whose heart is
called by a long-suffering God to a softening and a yearning for membership in
God's church family will be accepted? I believe it does.
So there is an independence, if you will, to consider this truth. Believing it requires
some study, some intelligent searching of scripture, some prayer and a willingness to
be open to the greatest calling ever given to mankind. Are we capable of being good
enough to earn our way into heaven? No. Are there a myriad number of ways to
protect our souls for eternity? Well, not according to the scripture above.
For those of you simply not interested in considering Jesus, I will pray for you
and ask God to open your hearts. Independence does not provide a pathway to what
is truth. Driving our own bus through life will result in an unprotected soul.
One out of one dies. There is but one truth. May I pray that you will head in the
direction of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, sooner rather than later
Praise our God!
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Friday, June 3, 2016
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Come, Jesus...just not on Black Friday!
I'm not a big fan of the so called Black Friday! I've never gotten up rediculously
early to shop for presents, and I don't see it happening in the future. I
understand that it is an economic 'color,' black standing for positive retail
sales, as opposed to being in the 'red.'
The whole idea of 'Christmas' showing up in stores before Halloween has
even arrived is nauseating to me. Now I should share that I DO NOT find the
wonderment of Christmas to be a negative in any way. My childhood memories
of family, dinner, ornaments and tree, etc. are very positive; it is a great
time to be a child. My daughter's eyes when she came down the stairs to see
the tree and trappings were wide with joy, and that was wonderful for me.
However, Christ is the reason, and he has been, in many situations, removed
from the very holiday that is supposed to be about his glorious arrival on this
planet. Getting 'Christmas' cards from folks that do not ever mention Him
bothers me greatly and makes me worry about their future! The cards are
placed quickly in the circular file.
Now, horror of horrors, what if our Lord Jesus Christ arrived back, again, on
Black Friday. Maybe He would descend out of the East from the clouds at the
sound of the trumpet into a Walmart parking lot. Realistically, He would be
here on very important business, and I am quite sure that He would, in no way,
care... but I certainly would. He knows the hearts of people; He is aware
that what remains important about His return would not be changed by the
traffic jams, pushing and shoving of those who were battling in the Black
Friday rush.
Here's the bottom line: Jesus needs to be Christmas. His glorious life and
the blessing that he brought to mankind at a terrible cost to Himself need
to be the center of this holiday. Just as the world has gotten turned upside-
down, the birth of our Savior and King has been pushed aside by the need to
get bargains off of the shelves before others do. Upon His arrival, that, and many
other things, will change, forever.
Yes, come Jesus...but if it's possible, wait until Saturday.
Praise God!
early to shop for presents, and I don't see it happening in the future. I
understand that it is an economic 'color,' black standing for positive retail
sales, as opposed to being in the 'red.'
The whole idea of 'Christmas' showing up in stores before Halloween has
even arrived is nauseating to me. Now I should share that I DO NOT find the
wonderment of Christmas to be a negative in any way. My childhood memories
of family, dinner, ornaments and tree, etc. are very positive; it is a great
time to be a child. My daughter's eyes when she came down the stairs to see
the tree and trappings were wide with joy, and that was wonderful for me.
However, Christ is the reason, and he has been, in many situations, removed
from the very holiday that is supposed to be about his glorious arrival on this
planet. Getting 'Christmas' cards from folks that do not ever mention Him
bothers me greatly and makes me worry about their future! The cards are
placed quickly in the circular file.
Now, horror of horrors, what if our Lord Jesus Christ arrived back, again, on
Black Friday. Maybe He would descend out of the East from the clouds at the
sound of the trumpet into a Walmart parking lot. Realistically, He would be
here on very important business, and I am quite sure that He would, in no way,
care... but I certainly would. He knows the hearts of people; He is aware
that what remains important about His return would not be changed by the
traffic jams, pushing and shoving of those who were battling in the Black
Friday rush.
Here's the bottom line: Jesus needs to be Christmas. His glorious life and
the blessing that he brought to mankind at a terrible cost to Himself need
to be the center of this holiday. Just as the world has gotten turned upside-
down, the birth of our Savior and King has been pushed aside by the need to
get bargains off of the shelves before others do. Upon His arrival, that, and many
other things, will change, forever.
Yes, come Jesus...but if it's possible, wait until Saturday.
Praise God!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
So what would I say about Jesus?
1 John 2:2 ESV /
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.I have met a new friend here in Florida who mentioned to me that he likes the preaching
at his church because it is about," Jesus and me." That got me to thinking.... what would he say about this Jesus and his relationship with our Savior.
Well he hasn't responded yet, but it brought to mind the question...What would I say about Jesus? Until a few years ago, I would have had very little to say, and that's very
sad and frightening at the same time. I would have mentioned Christmas and probably
done what many lost folks do... called Him a great teacher and moral man.
Well, thanks be to God, I know a bit more now. So here goes, briefly.
He, Jesus, is God. That can be a bit confusing, right? I mean isn't God the Father and
Jesus the Son of God? Yes, and no. Without even trying to explain the Trinity, I'll just
say that Jesus is fully God. The relationship between He and His Father has existed for
eternity, is never changing and as strong as ever. Jesus was God on Earth. God incarnate.
His glorious attributes are the essence of God.
He, Jesus, is Lord of Salvation! There is simply no other path to forgiveness and
acceptance by God. The actions of Jesus provided the culmination of a plan that began
before time to bring God's creation into acceptance. Jesus is the propitiation for our sins,
He has paid the debt in full, He is the Great High Priest that can walk with us into the
very presence of our God. Without our accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, we are
eternally lost and separate from God. That's simply not a good place to be!!!!
He, Jesus, is our shepherd! Without Him, we, like all sheep, will tend to wander
and get lost. He cares for us and protects us when there is no way we can contuinue to
safely exist without Him. He gathers us to Him and uses His staff and rod in the
process of bringing us to safe keeping. He is strength, gentleness, compassion and
the truth. He is our friend with a capital F. Our lives should be full of the desire to
follow Him, cherish Him, glorify Him and Trust Him!
He, Jesus, is the light of the world! He has defeated darkness. He has defeated
even death. He has dealt a death-blow to Satan. He is the final judge of this world
and, upon His return, will make all things right and just! He is warmth and hope.
He is King and Lord.
HE IS JESUS!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Yes, we CAN go home again!
Second Corinthians 5:1 “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
You are probably familiar with an old saying that goes something like this: 'You can never
go home again,' which apparently was taken from a Thomas Wolfe novel. I remember
a time when I had to move back in with my parents while in college at Ohio State University;
it wasn't easy for any of us! You get established, for better or worse, on your own, with
your own set of rules and schedules, only to return to the parents' set of norms!
The problem, it seems to me, with that saying and the reality of returning to a previous
earthly home, is simply that it isn't 'really' our home. Our real and true home is one that
we will be moving back into when the days of this life run their course; the beauty is
that there will be no problematic transition this time, just a smooth transition back to what
truly is our normal and wondrous place of residence: heaven!
What a homecoming that will be!!! We will see Jesus in His glory, Almighty Father God,
saints abounding and many, yes many, or those that were friends and family members
while we were on this earth. Some of those relationships will be different, there are
questions and uncertainties about how, exactly, things will work there, but oh how
wonderful it will all be!
I am most excited to see my grandparents, friends that have passed and maybe even
some folks that I didn't meet fully, here, yet who passed briefly into and out of my life.
I am most anxious to see what sort of 'job' is in store for me, what type of food we
may eat and how we will recall our days here on earth.
So what about the interim...what should we be doing as we wait with patience for
this return? Well we have tasks that we are called upon in scripture to work at.
We need to be doing that which glorifies our Lord, worshiping Him with all our
energies and spreading ,in whatever way we are led, the saving gracious
gospel of Jesus Christ. That's plenty to keep us occupied!
Can't wait! I'm really quite ready. Come, Jesus, we await your glorious return!
Praise God!
The problem, it seems to me, with that saying and the reality of returning to a previous
earthly home, is simply that it isn't 'really' our home. Our real and true home is one that
we will be moving back into when the days of this life run their course; the beauty is
that there will be no problematic transition this time, just a smooth transition back to what
truly is our normal and wondrous place of residence: heaven!
What a homecoming that will be!!! We will see Jesus in His glory, Almighty Father God,
saints abounding and many, yes many, or those that were friends and family members
while we were on this earth. Some of those relationships will be different, there are
questions and uncertainties about how, exactly, things will work there, but oh how
wonderful it will all be!
I am most excited to see my grandparents, friends that have passed and maybe even
some folks that I didn't meet fully, here, yet who passed briefly into and out of my life.
I am most anxious to see what sort of 'job' is in store for me, what type of food we
may eat and how we will recall our days here on earth.
So what about the interim...what should we be doing as we wait with patience for
this return? Well we have tasks that we are called upon in scripture to work at.
We need to be doing that which glorifies our Lord, worshiping Him with all our
energies and spreading ,in whatever way we are led, the saving gracious
gospel of Jesus Christ. That's plenty to keep us occupied!
Can't wait! I'm really quite ready. Come, Jesus, we await your glorious return!
Praise God!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Whole Life PLUS..God's amazing life assurance policy
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
I can remember when telemarketing calls used to make up about 80% of my incoming
phone calls! Aaaarrrgghhh! The ones that I probably most hid from were the life
insurance salespeople because I knew it was needed... just didn't enjoy being reminded
of my mortality and didn't want to have that be my 'conversation of the day.'
Well, have I got a life insurance (assurance) deal for you! This policy comes to you
without a phone call, from a "company" that has been around for..well, since time began.
There's no contract to sign, no paperwork to keep, no premiums to mail in or, if you
are really brave, to pay on-line. The cost of the policy is free; that's right, a free gift
from none other than my favorite CEO, Almighty God Himself.
But it came to you at a cost! Jesus Christ, who became sin so that we would no longer
be seen as sinful, was sacrificed upon a cross so that this policy could be available to those
who would choose to give their lives and their trust to Him. He served as the only
possible propitiation for our sin; He was the payment for sin that God could not and can
not accept. His righteousness was exchanged for our sinful nature so that when we
stand before a Holy God, we will be seen as the righteousness of Lord Jesus.
But wait, I'm not done with the sales pitch. Not only is this a policy that cannot be
revoked, the beneficiary is YOU! That's right, when you die for the first and only
time, the glorious payout promised by this policy is eternal life in the presence
of God. You receive a place in the new Heaven, experience a glorious resurrected
body and become a permanent resident in a place where there is no evil, no sin,
no death, no tears.....get the picture?
Here's the payment plan... you need to accept Jesus into the prominent position
in your heart, as your Lord and Savior. You need to give up trying to direct your
life and turn it over to Him. That's the bottom line. The extra benefits abound....
less stress, worry, pride, anger, sinfulness and hopelessness.
How and where do you sign up? Easy. Take a knee or two and ask God to
save you with this Life Assurance Plus promise. He's waiting. Do it now!
Praise God!
I can remember when telemarketing calls used to make up about 80% of my incoming
phone calls! Aaaarrrgghhh! The ones that I probably most hid from were the life
insurance salespeople because I knew it was needed... just didn't enjoy being reminded
of my mortality and didn't want to have that be my 'conversation of the day.'
Well, have I got a life insurance (assurance) deal for you! This policy comes to you
without a phone call, from a "company" that has been around for..well, since time began.
There's no contract to sign, no paperwork to keep, no premiums to mail in or, if you
are really brave, to pay on-line. The cost of the policy is free; that's right, a free gift
from none other than my favorite CEO, Almighty God Himself.
But it came to you at a cost! Jesus Christ, who became sin so that we would no longer
be seen as sinful, was sacrificed upon a cross so that this policy could be available to those
who would choose to give their lives and their trust to Him. He served as the only
possible propitiation for our sin; He was the payment for sin that God could not and can
not accept. His righteousness was exchanged for our sinful nature so that when we
stand before a Holy God, we will be seen as the righteousness of Lord Jesus.
But wait, I'm not done with the sales pitch. Not only is this a policy that cannot be
revoked, the beneficiary is YOU! That's right, when you die for the first and only
time, the glorious payout promised by this policy is eternal life in the presence
of God. You receive a place in the new Heaven, experience a glorious resurrected
body and become a permanent resident in a place where there is no evil, no sin,
no death, no tears.....get the picture?
Here's the payment plan... you need to accept Jesus into the prominent position
in your heart, as your Lord and Savior. You need to give up trying to direct your
life and turn it over to Him. That's the bottom line. The extra benefits abound....
less stress, worry, pride, anger, sinfulness and hopelessness.
How and where do you sign up? Easy. Take a knee or two and ask God to
save you with this Life Assurance Plus promise. He's waiting. Do it now!
Praise God!
Friday, February 28, 2014
the Lord's Amazing Hydration
Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst. The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4: 14
The meeting at Jacob's well is fascinating on many many levels. First, it represents the
longest conversation involving Jesus in the New Testament. It is also amazing just based
on the fact that Jesus has spoken to someone who would ordinarily be shunned by a
Hebrew man. His knowledge of this woman is amazing along with His statements
regarding who He is.
But the whole water motif is amazingly important and "refreshing!" This water
symbol is found throughout the Bible from the creation in Genesis to Revelation, as
the river of life.
The River of Life - And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Rev 22
Even on the cross, as Christ Jesus is pierced, there comes a flow of both blood and water
from His body. There are suggestions that this is a result of shock or the flogging He endured, but the idea of baptismal cleansing and sacrificial blood flow are certainly worth
considering from a symbolic sense.
I'm not smart enough to pinpoint what all these water references mean, but I believe
that one can accurately say that Jesus is the one, and only one, who sustains us in life
and in our own resurrection. He is sufficient in our lives and for our lives; He is truly
all that we need. Because He is omniscient, omnipotent and sovereign, He is fully
capable of our dependence on Him for all everything we need.
Water is both necessary and sustaining in our lives. It is precious and not to be
wasted. When we bow down to Jesus and bring Him into prominence in our lives,
He becomes the shepherd taking care of the flock, each member of the flock. He
refuses to allow harm to each of us when we accept Him as Lord and Savior in
our lives.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-39
His arms are ope n and He beckons all to come to Him. What a wonderful request!
What an important decision, one that truly has everlasting implications!
Praise Jesus, our redeemer!
Monday, February 10, 2014
So... what do YOU need?
Matthew 11:28-30
New International Version (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
We all have needs. Being human, many of these needs are similar and, being human, we
also have needs that are individual in nature and different, possibly, from those around
us. So... what are YOUR needs?
Do you need to be loved unconditionally? Because of your human nature, a lot of love
between humans is conditional. Whether or not unconditional love is even possible between
humans is probably debatable.
Do you need to be less afraid, worried and stressed? Our lives can fill up with anxiety
over things that we cannot control, even if we wish to.
Do you need to feel purpose in your life... REAL purpose? It's a fact that we can be
financially stable, secure in our workplace, have families that seem to be doing well
and STILL not feel an overlying purpose to our lives.
Do you need to be less reactive toward others? Do you find that you have issues with
jealousy, envy, anger, covetous thoughts... the list can go on and on. Being our own
regulators of these emotions is often not enough to bring real change.
Do you need to harness sin in your life. Do you find yourself constantly promising that
you will not allow temptation to sway your behavior, only to find that you repeat the same
sinfulness over and over again?
Do you need to hand over the controls to your life to someone else? Is being the one
in control who can "get by" and "fix things" becoming an obvious illusion? Would you
want to let someone else be in control of things?
Well....I could go on and on. There are lots of needs, and they are varied and
serious... YET...there is one common solution! JESUS! He is ALL you need today
and forever. He is fully capable to caring for you, loving you and being the center
of your life. He is LORD, KING, SAVIOR, SHEPHERD... you get the picture..HE
IS ALL WE NEED!
Praise God!
We all have needs. Being human, many of these needs are similar and, being human, we
also have needs that are individual in nature and different, possibly, from those around
us. So... what are YOUR needs?
Do you need to be loved unconditionally? Because of your human nature, a lot of love
between humans is conditional. Whether or not unconditional love is even possible between
humans is probably debatable.
Do you need to be less afraid, worried and stressed? Our lives can fill up with anxiety
over things that we cannot control, even if we wish to.
Do you need to feel purpose in your life... REAL purpose? It's a fact that we can be
financially stable, secure in our workplace, have families that seem to be doing well
and STILL not feel an overlying purpose to our lives.
Do you need to be less reactive toward others? Do you find that you have issues with
jealousy, envy, anger, covetous thoughts... the list can go on and on. Being our own
regulators of these emotions is often not enough to bring real change.
Do you need to harness sin in your life. Do you find yourself constantly promising that
you will not allow temptation to sway your behavior, only to find that you repeat the same
sinfulness over and over again?
Do you need to hand over the controls to your life to someone else? Is being the one
in control who can "get by" and "fix things" becoming an obvious illusion? Would you
want to let someone else be in control of things?
Well....I could go on and on. There are lots of needs, and they are varied and
serious... YET...there is one common solution! JESUS! He is ALL you need today
and forever. He is fully capable to caring for you, loving you and being the center
of your life. He is LORD, KING, SAVIOR, SHEPHERD... you get the picture..HE
IS ALL WE NEED!
Praise God!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Secrets we do NOT need to know!
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are
revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all
the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29: 29
It seems that the more we learn and know about God and His miraculous nature and
creation, the more we long to know even more. Maybe it's a human nature thing; we are
inquisitive and seek to broaden our knowledge. Yet, it seems to me that many of God's
secrets ought to remain His, alone. It is possible that we aren't capable or able
to comprehend a lot of those things we seek answers to. Somewhere along the way we
need to accept the fact that all questions will be or may not need to be answered when
we fall asleep and our souls are in Heaven.
So, what are some of the unanswered questions that you would like to know when you
arrive? I have some.....
How come God chose folks that weren't exactly perfect to be major players in His plan?
You know, King David, Moses, Abraham... Well, that answer is almost self-evident. No one,
not even these great Biblical characters is/was perfect, except, of course, the Son of God.
What about election and predestination? Why are some chosen and others apparently not?
Since God alone can bring salvation, how did He make these decisions?
What about time, as it applies to God? is time just a human dimension? If God can see
all of time laid out before Him, can he go back and make changes?
Could Jesus have sinned? We knew that he was tempted in the same way humans are
tempted and we know that He lived a perfect, Holy life, but could He have?
Why did God give humans the possibility of redemption and not the angels?
What will the new earth and the new heaven be like? What about those new, perfect
resurrected bodies?
Will we see loved ones in Heaven? Will we recognize them and have similar relationships
with them?
Well, I could certainly go on. While it is fun to ponder some of these issues, there is
plenty that has been revealed to us in God's word and creation. Obviously, we haven't
been given all the details... maybe they are to come and maybe we just won't
really care.
I am looking forward to the future. Come, Jesus! We are certainly ready to take
to our knees and exalt You!!
It seems that the more we learn and know about God and His miraculous nature and
creation, the more we long to know even more. Maybe it's a human nature thing; we are
inquisitive and seek to broaden our knowledge. Yet, it seems to me that many of God's
secrets ought to remain His, alone. It is possible that we aren't capable or able
to comprehend a lot of those things we seek answers to. Somewhere along the way we
need to accept the fact that all questions will be or may not need to be answered when
we fall asleep and our souls are in Heaven.
So, what are some of the unanswered questions that you would like to know when you
arrive? I have some.....
How come God chose folks that weren't exactly perfect to be major players in His plan?
You know, King David, Moses, Abraham... Well, that answer is almost self-evident. No one,
not even these great Biblical characters is/was perfect, except, of course, the Son of God.
What about election and predestination? Why are some chosen and others apparently not?
Since God alone can bring salvation, how did He make these decisions?
What about time, as it applies to God? is time just a human dimension? If God can see
all of time laid out before Him, can he go back and make changes?
Could Jesus have sinned? We knew that he was tempted in the same way humans are
tempted and we know that He lived a perfect, Holy life, but could He have?
Why did God give humans the possibility of redemption and not the angels?
What will the new earth and the new heaven be like? What about those new, perfect
resurrected bodies?
Will we see loved ones in Heaven? Will we recognize them and have similar relationships
with them?
Well, I could certainly go on. While it is fun to ponder some of these issues, there is
plenty that has been revealed to us in God's word and creation. Obviously, we haven't
been given all the details... maybe they are to come and maybe we just won't
really care.
I am looking forward to the future. Come, Jesus! We are certainly ready to take
to our knees and exalt You!!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Is it really YOUR life?
..Oh, we are not as strong, as we think we are!
Rich Mullins
You would have to be pretty old or a fan of British early 60's rock to remember the
Animals' song, "It's my life." I remember it most vividly being played in a subterranean
bar on the campus of the Ohio State University called the North Heidelberg. The song
is a blues/ rock mantra about being able to do what we want with our own life. That
theme is still prevalent in our society especially in ads that suggest that something will
improve our lives if we eat, use, drink... it.
Well, we are born here into this world with a set span of years and each of us has
been granted a path of life which makes us individuals unlike everyone else, unique, as
it were. We have also been granted the ability to makes decisions, some call it free
will. Society establishes points in our years when we become independent of our parents
and strike out on our own paths.
However, we are created beings. This life that we live belongs, if you will, to our creator...
we are His. I think this calls into question the whole concept of our ownership of this body,
this soul, this life.
When an artist paints a landscape and the work comes to a creative end, he or she will
sign that piece of art, usually in a bottom corner establishing who it is who brought this art work into existence.
Our lives are embossed with the signature of our sovereign God. He is the one who created
us, breathed life into our nostrils, began the beating of our hearts. We have been given a
name known only to Him that we will hear and recognize when we are brought into His
holy presence. Yes, "our" life is really His life.
This realization establishes some very different goals for one who understands the reality
of the life we live. Suddenly it becomes important to acknowledge and be thankful for
each day we live, to actively praise and glorify He whom we belong to, to live this
life gratefully in light of the grace and love He has shown for us. We are His because this
is the way life is supposed to be lived.
So throw open your arms and accept the reality that you are a cherished member of the
family of God! Embrace Him and Love Him with all your heart and soul. The way it is
supposed to be! God's way!
Rich Mullins
You would have to be pretty old or a fan of British early 60's rock to remember the
Animals' song, "It's my life." I remember it most vividly being played in a subterranean
bar on the campus of the Ohio State University called the North Heidelberg. The song
is a blues/ rock mantra about being able to do what we want with our own life. That
theme is still prevalent in our society especially in ads that suggest that something will
improve our lives if we eat, use, drink... it.
Well, we are born here into this world with a set span of years and each of us has
been granted a path of life which makes us individuals unlike everyone else, unique, as
it were. We have also been granted the ability to makes decisions, some call it free
will. Society establishes points in our years when we become independent of our parents
and strike out on our own paths.
However, we are created beings. This life that we live belongs, if you will, to our creator...
we are His. I think this calls into question the whole concept of our ownership of this body,
this soul, this life.
When an artist paints a landscape and the work comes to a creative end, he or she will
sign that piece of art, usually in a bottom corner establishing who it is who brought this art work into existence.
Our lives are embossed with the signature of our sovereign God. He is the one who created
us, breathed life into our nostrils, began the beating of our hearts. We have been given a
name known only to Him that we will hear and recognize when we are brought into His
holy presence. Yes, "our" life is really His life.
This realization establishes some very different goals for one who understands the reality
of the life we live. Suddenly it becomes important to acknowledge and be thankful for
each day we live, to actively praise and glorify He whom we belong to, to live this
life gratefully in light of the grace and love He has shown for us. We are His because this
is the way life is supposed to be lived.
So throw open your arms and accept the reality that you are a cherished member of the
family of God! Embrace Him and Love Him with all your heart and soul. The way it is
supposed to be! God's way!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
I know now, God, that you will not see ME!
But if we walk in light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of
Jesus, His son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
It's a truly daunting scenario! The Bible tells us that we will, at the day of judgement,
be called upon to account for each and every sin we have committed. Now that's a
situation that we cannot and will not avoid; it is God's promise and there are no
broken promises when it comes to God's word.
Now there is going to be a real problem accounting, one at a time, for the sins I have
committed in this lifetime. They are too many and too varied to even begin to
remember or consider. Yet, there I will be.. and you, as well, whether you happen to
believe in Jesus Christ or not. Time won't be an issue because time isn't a factor to
a God who is not under the limitations of time.
Well, it took some time, but I have come to understand and appreciate the ramifications
of the work Jesus did at the cross. He completed and paid the ransom for all those many
sins that have been a part of my life and, unfortunately, even with my best intentions, will
continue, at some pace, until that judgement day. He paid the price, and in so doing,
made it possible for a wondrous moment.
When our Almighty God looks upon me, and all those who have accepted the need for
the savior, Jesus, and who believe upon Him and call Him Lord, He will not see me. He
will not see a trembling, needy, fallen, sin-riddled soul. He will, instead, be gazing upon
the pure righteousness of His glorious son, Christ Jesus. He won't see me; He will see
Blessed Jesus.
Talk about a miracle, talk about a gift, talk about Grace...it's the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It's the one and only way to be assured of Life everlasting in the presence of God, Jesus
and the Spirit.
Thank you, God! All praise and glory to You!
Jesus, His son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
It's a truly daunting scenario! The Bible tells us that we will, at the day of judgement,
be called upon to account for each and every sin we have committed. Now that's a
situation that we cannot and will not avoid; it is God's promise and there are no
broken promises when it comes to God's word.
Now there is going to be a real problem accounting, one at a time, for the sins I have
committed in this lifetime. They are too many and too varied to even begin to
remember or consider. Yet, there I will be.. and you, as well, whether you happen to
believe in Jesus Christ or not. Time won't be an issue because time isn't a factor to
a God who is not under the limitations of time.
Well, it took some time, but I have come to understand and appreciate the ramifications
of the work Jesus did at the cross. He completed and paid the ransom for all those many
sins that have been a part of my life and, unfortunately, even with my best intentions, will
continue, at some pace, until that judgement day. He paid the price, and in so doing,
made it possible for a wondrous moment.
When our Almighty God looks upon me, and all those who have accepted the need for
the savior, Jesus, and who believe upon Him and call Him Lord, He will not see me. He
will not see a trembling, needy, fallen, sin-riddled soul. He will, instead, be gazing upon
the pure righteousness of His glorious son, Christ Jesus. He won't see me; He will see
Blessed Jesus.
Talk about a miracle, talk about a gift, talk about Grace...it's the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It's the one and only way to be assured of Life everlasting in the presence of God, Jesus
and the Spirit.
Thank you, God! All praise and glory to You!
Monday, December 16, 2013
My selfish heavenly wish
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
Heaven remains a mystery to all of us who long for the time we will be
living in the presence of our Lord and King. We actually know more about
what will not be there, than what will. The descriptions in John's visions
and trips by Isaiah, Ezekiel and Paul leave us with more questions than
answers.
We can, I believe, be assured that we need not sign up for harp lessons before
arriving and probably won't need to worry about whether or not we are
too heavy to be supported by clouds. I am pretty sure that we will see many
folks that we love and, sadly, may not see some that we weren't sure were
those called by Christ into His family.
Well, I have a very selfish dream about my first moments in Heaven. I have
no doubt that I will find myself upon my knees. I feel that it may be the case
that I will be totally speechless. I am thinking that this will be the most
beautiful place imaginable, the most peaceful place possible and a place
devoid of sin, pain, tears, strife and hated. Wow!
Well, here's what I wish with all my heart will happen. I want to reach
out somehow and take hold of the hand(s) of my Lord Jesus Christ. I just
want to touch Him, to hold that hand close to me. I know in scripture
that there will be no more tears, but what about spontaneous tears of
pure joy?
Now I will pray for this moment each day of my life, hoping that my
prayers will be answered with a YES!
There is just one problem, though. There may be a call to the angels
to pry my fingers loose from that hand. Once I hold onto Him, I just
know that I will never want to let go. Selfish, I know. But, oh how I
long to see it happen!
Praise God, all glory to Him, forever and ever!
Heaven remains a mystery to all of us who long for the time we will be
living in the presence of our Lord and King. We actually know more about
what will not be there, than what will. The descriptions in John's visions
and trips by Isaiah, Ezekiel and Paul leave us with more questions than
answers.
We can, I believe, be assured that we need not sign up for harp lessons before
arriving and probably won't need to worry about whether or not we are
too heavy to be supported by clouds. I am pretty sure that we will see many
folks that we love and, sadly, may not see some that we weren't sure were
those called by Christ into His family.
Well, I have a very selfish dream about my first moments in Heaven. I have
no doubt that I will find myself upon my knees. I feel that it may be the case
that I will be totally speechless. I am thinking that this will be the most
beautiful place imaginable, the most peaceful place possible and a place
devoid of sin, pain, tears, strife and hated. Wow!
Well, here's what I wish with all my heart will happen. I want to reach
out somehow and take hold of the hand(s) of my Lord Jesus Christ. I just
want to touch Him, to hold that hand close to me. I know in scripture
that there will be no more tears, but what about spontaneous tears of
pure joy?
Now I will pray for this moment each day of my life, hoping that my
prayers will be answered with a YES!
There is just one problem, though. There may be a call to the angels
to pry my fingers loose from that hand. Once I hold onto Him, I just
know that I will never want to let go. Selfish, I know. But, oh how I
long to see it happen!
Praise God, all glory to Him, forever and ever!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Move over Dr. Phil... I give you Christ Jesus
‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,
saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are
My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’—Isaiah 8:9
Understanding the human mind is certainly not easy! When we become Christian, we
begin to be much more aware of our own inner selves, and it isn't always such a positive
revelation. We find, with the help of the Holy Spirit, that we are convicted and therefore
aware of our sins, ones that, before, we might not have even identified as sins. We begin
to see weaknesses and conditions that we cannot fix without the grace and provision of
God.
Consider, if you will, the unique perspective of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
A truly remarkable scripture, isn't it. I will always remember, with a degree of embarrassment, that it reminded me of a riddle when I first encountered it. But it
certainly isn't a riddle: Jesus is God. He is fully God and, being so, He is completely
aware of that which He created...mankind. Yet, He is different from His creation
because He is God. I give you transcendent, majestic, omnipotent, omnipresent, Holy...
I could go on. Those are God characteristics and differ, completely, from how we
would describe people.
Now the amazing part! Jesus Christ, fully God, came into this world and became
fully man. He was, simultaneously, fully Divine and fully human. He, therefore, was
subject to the same emotions, desires, temptations, illnesses...you get it, He was a
human being.
What a marvelous happening, obviously, because without Jesus incarnate, we would
never have been seen as righteous, would never have been justified by His loving
blood, never have been atoned for through the work and death of our Savior. He did
these things for the glory of His father with a unique perspective on humans: He was
after all, creator and creation. How great must His understanding, compassion and
love be for us. He intercedes with full knowledge and understanding of what it is to
be human and what it is to be God! Praise His Holy Name!!!
Understanding the human mind is certainly not easy! When we become Christian, we
begin to be much more aware of our own inner selves, and it isn't always such a positive
revelation. We find, with the help of the Holy Spirit, that we are convicted and therefore
aware of our sins, ones that, before, we might not have even identified as sins. We begin
to see weaknesses and conditions that we cannot fix without the grace and provision of
God.
Consider, if you will, the unique perspective of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
A truly remarkable scripture, isn't it. I will always remember, with a degree of embarrassment, that it reminded me of a riddle when I first encountered it. But it
certainly isn't a riddle: Jesus is God. He is fully God and, being so, He is completely
aware of that which He created...mankind. Yet, He is different from His creation
because He is God. I give you transcendent, majestic, omnipotent, omnipresent, Holy...
I could go on. Those are God characteristics and differ, completely, from how we
would describe people.
Now the amazing part! Jesus Christ, fully God, came into this world and became
fully man. He was, simultaneously, fully Divine and fully human. He, therefore, was
subject to the same emotions, desires, temptations, illnesses...you get it, He was a
human being.
What a marvelous happening, obviously, because without Jesus incarnate, we would
never have been seen as righteous, would never have been justified by His loving
blood, never have been atoned for through the work and death of our Savior. He did
these things for the glory of His father with a unique perspective on humans: He was
after all, creator and creation. How great must His understanding, compassion and
love be for us. He intercedes with full knowledge and understanding of what it is to
be human and what it is to be God! Praise His Holy Name!!!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Home Sweetest Home
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you John 14:2
"Home" has a connotation of comfort and welcome. It's usually a place we think of
in a very positive sense; it'a a place where we feel we have roots. I can remember,
vividly, sitting on the back screened-in porch at my parents' home, crying, because
they were about to move out. I didn't even live there, any more; yet, there were
so many memories associated with the place that a great sense of loss came over me.
It's also disconcerting to re-visit an old neighborhood only to find that your old "home"
is either in disrepair or possibly even torn down.
A House Is Made Of Walls And Beams..A Home Is Built With Love And Dreams
So it is important not to confuse house and home, even though they may be one
and the same. "Home" may very well be whatever location one finds himself in,
as long as it is occupied by those he loves.
The one problem with our earthly homes is that they are temporary, not
permanent. The people who make up our earthly homes are temporary, as well.
That old home where parents and family resided will eventually become the
place where a different set of people reside. Our loved ones and family members,
our friends and close associates all will pass away. We are temporary; mortality
will end us all.
So the Bible verse above is super important and super comforting to those who
are solidly in Jesus. The home He speaks of is not temporary. It is eternal. Even
though we know more about what will not be in heaven than what will, we have
been assured by one who is Truth that we are bound for a place where God is
present, and we are bound for a home where there will be no transition. Until we
get there, we do not know what the floor-plan is like, don't know what the
accommodations and furnishings will be like. We do know that this final, glorious
home will be in the presence of the Holy God that we praise and honor. I have
the feeling that this home and its inhabitants will be more glorious than we can
even imagine. Aren't you a bit anxious? I certainly am! Praise God!
"Home" has a connotation of comfort and welcome. It's usually a place we think of
in a very positive sense; it'a a place where we feel we have roots. I can remember,
vividly, sitting on the back screened-in porch at my parents' home, crying, because
they were about to move out. I didn't even live there, any more; yet, there were
so many memories associated with the place that a great sense of loss came over me.
It's also disconcerting to re-visit an old neighborhood only to find that your old "home"
is either in disrepair or possibly even torn down.
A House Is Made Of Walls And Beams..A Home Is Built With Love And Dreams
So it is important not to confuse house and home, even though they may be one
and the same. "Home" may very well be whatever location one finds himself in,
as long as it is occupied by those he loves.
The one problem with our earthly homes is that they are temporary, not
permanent. The people who make up our earthly homes are temporary, as well.
That old home where parents and family resided will eventually become the
place where a different set of people reside. Our loved ones and family members,
our friends and close associates all will pass away. We are temporary; mortality
will end us all.
So the Bible verse above is super important and super comforting to those who
are solidly in Jesus. The home He speaks of is not temporary. It is eternal. Even
though we know more about what will not be in heaven than what will, we have
been assured by one who is Truth that we are bound for a place where God is
present, and we are bound for a home where there will be no transition. Until we
get there, we do not know what the floor-plan is like, don't know what the
accommodations and furnishings will be like. We do know that this final, glorious
home will be in the presence of the Holy God that we praise and honor. I have
the feeling that this home and its inhabitants will be more glorious than we can
even imagine. Aren't you a bit anxious? I certainly am! Praise God!
Friday, November 22, 2013
We have His Covenant on it!
A covenant is a strong thing! It's, essentially, an agreement where two parties
agree on something with promises from each as part of the agreement. When God
is a part of a covenant, that's saying something very very powerful!
There were several noteworthy covenants in the old testament including covenants
between God and Noah, the rainbow comes to mind, here. A covenant with
Abraham promising a nation of descendants, which, was of course, improbable
considering his age. The Mosaic covenant between God and the people of Israel
brings to mind the ten commandments and the covenant with Kind David
establishes the lineage for the birth of Jesus Christ.
25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Cor. 11:25
This last covenant, established through the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus
was a fulfillment of prophecy where God promised to write the law on the hearts of
men, not just men of Israel but of Judah, as well. In other words, the covenant opens
the way for all peoples to be in an acceptable relationship with God. The sacrifice
needed to establish this covenant, by a great High Priest, Jesus, was the key to making
this agreement.
Now, it's amazing, is it not, that a Holy, Just, Righteous, Sovereign God would be willing
to make such an agreement with His creation that has fallen short on all accounts. A
creation that has been rebellious, has been in sin and one that turns away from God is
far from deserving of an agreement that promises eternal habitation and acceptance,
promises the opportunity to live in the presence of the Holy God who created it.
So what's our part? We, in my way of thinking, need to be down our knees, even if
they are old and hurt like mine do, praising and thanking Him for His loving-kindness
and Grace. Did He need to enter into this type of agreement? Absolutely not. Did we
earn or merit such an agreement. Nope. Our job is to accept, love and cherish Jesus
Christ as our savior and King. Calling that a job is really a misnomer. It's a privilege..
with a capital P! Praise God!
agree on something with promises from each as part of the agreement. When God
is a part of a covenant, that's saying something very very powerful!
There were several noteworthy covenants in the old testament including covenants
between God and Noah, the rainbow comes to mind, here. A covenant with
Abraham promising a nation of descendants, which, was of course, improbable
considering his age. The Mosaic covenant between God and the people of Israel
brings to mind the ten commandments and the covenant with Kind David
establishes the lineage for the birth of Jesus Christ.
25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Cor. 11:25
This last covenant, established through the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus
was a fulfillment of prophecy where God promised to write the law on the hearts of
men, not just men of Israel but of Judah, as well. In other words, the covenant opens
the way for all peoples to be in an acceptable relationship with God. The sacrifice
needed to establish this covenant, by a great High Priest, Jesus, was the key to making
this agreement.
Now, it's amazing, is it not, that a Holy, Just, Righteous, Sovereign God would be willing
to make such an agreement with His creation that has fallen short on all accounts. A
creation that has been rebellious, has been in sin and one that turns away from God is
far from deserving of an agreement that promises eternal habitation and acceptance,
promises the opportunity to live in the presence of the Holy God who created it.
So what's our part? We, in my way of thinking, need to be down our knees, even if
they are old and hurt like mine do, praising and thanking Him for His loving-kindness
and Grace. Did He need to enter into this type of agreement? Absolutely not. Did we
earn or merit such an agreement. Nope. Our job is to accept, love and cherish Jesus
Christ as our savior and King. Calling that a job is really a misnomer. It's a privilege..
with a capital P! Praise God!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Gospel 1.0 God's Operating System
There won't be a 2.0! No need for tweaking or updating this operating system. Won't
need the Geek Squad, no problems with viruses. No need to call to talk to a representative
in Calcutta. Won't even need to turn it off and on again- it is quite simply an ingenious,
perfect system of Grace.
It works on the following bases:
-God is Holy and cannot accept sin; it is an abomination to Him.
-We aren't so holy! We are sinful and, on our own, cannot stop sinning and are,
therefore, in rebellion against God.
-Long before God spoke things into creation and breathed life into Adam, He
created the plan for salvation. One plan only. Atonement through the blood sacrifice
of His only, beloved Son, Jesus
-Through His grace, He sent Jesus to live on earth, a God-man, who was to
live a perfect sinless life so that He could be the great high priest necessary for the
forgiveness of sin
-In exchange for this gift, God requires those saved to believe in Jesus, accept Him
as their savior and Lord and trust Him, totally.
-This gospel of grace is not earned nor is it deserved; it is a glorious redemptive gift
This gift isn't and never was FREE. It came at a great cost; the torture, humiliation and
Crucifixion of He who was sacrificed for the very ones who were slaying Him. It is
also priceless; the greatest gift ever given for any reason to anyone!
Christ died for those who would be His people. The Bible suggests that this does
not mean everyone, which is the whole discussion that centers around election
or predestination.
Our jobs? We need to be wholly appreciative, loving God with all our being, making
it our goal to live a life centered on God and driven by the Holy Spirit to become
more Christ-like. We need to turn over our lives in trust to be used by God for His
own good.
We won't need any on-line classes to operate this system. It actually uses us to bring
about its work. It's truly user-friendly! Log me on and keep me there, oh God. Thank
you for your Grace!
need the Geek Squad, no problems with viruses. No need to call to talk to a representative
in Calcutta. Won't even need to turn it off and on again- it is quite simply an ingenious,
perfect system of Grace.
It works on the following bases:
-God is Holy and cannot accept sin; it is an abomination to Him.
-We aren't so holy! We are sinful and, on our own, cannot stop sinning and are,
therefore, in rebellion against God.
-Long before God spoke things into creation and breathed life into Adam, He
created the plan for salvation. One plan only. Atonement through the blood sacrifice
of His only, beloved Son, Jesus
-Through His grace, He sent Jesus to live on earth, a God-man, who was to
live a perfect sinless life so that He could be the great high priest necessary for the
forgiveness of sin
-In exchange for this gift, God requires those saved to believe in Jesus, accept Him
as their savior and Lord and trust Him, totally.
-This gospel of grace is not earned nor is it deserved; it is a glorious redemptive gift
This gift isn't and never was FREE. It came at a great cost; the torture, humiliation and
Crucifixion of He who was sacrificed for the very ones who were slaying Him. It is
also priceless; the greatest gift ever given for any reason to anyone!
Christ died for those who would be His people. The Bible suggests that this does
not mean everyone, which is the whole discussion that centers around election
or predestination.
Our jobs? We need to be wholly appreciative, loving God with all our being, making
it our goal to live a life centered on God and driven by the Holy Spirit to become
more Christ-like. We need to turn over our lives in trust to be used by God for His
own good.
We won't need any on-line classes to operate this system. It actually uses us to bring
about its work. It's truly user-friendly! Log me on and keep me there, oh God. Thank
you for your Grace!
Friday, November 15, 2013
We have to be reminded to remember!
It is my belief that deep within us is the knowledge of God's existence. I have called it
the God spot; yet the concept is certainly not mine. Add to this inner knowledge the fact that
we deeply wish to have a relationship with God. Agnostics and Atheists alike, in my
opinion, are just fooling themselves, or trying to fool us. The search for meaning in
our lives and answers about why we even exist, all point back to that realization that we
are creations of God.
So how does all that apply to the Christmas mess? Have you noticed that Christmas is
upon us? It's in the stores, on the tele, on Al Gore's internet, in the mail... Halloween ended
and, "boom," Christmas materialized. Tiz the season, but what's the reason? I spent
several day-after Thanksgiving mornings going into work at 4am so that the shoppers who
lined up for gifts after midnight would have breakfast options. Those were folks standing
in line for Kiss Me Elmo's or Cabbage Patch Kids or Beanie Babies, etc.
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come..
It is a season for joy, yet statistics suggest that it is also a season when depression and
angst show up, big time. There are financial pressures, there are the pressures of preparing
for family, etc. But I believe that there is something missing in all this Christmas hustle and
bustle: Jesus Christ.
We need to be reminded to remember that this is not Tiny Tim's Christmas. not the Grinch's
Christmas, not Santa Claus's Christmas.. it's Christ's Christmas.
Had you visited me any time in the first 60 years of my life during the holiday season, you
would have seen the traditional secular items. There would have been some decorations,
presents under the tree (with the star, on top, of course), Christmas carols in the air...maybe
even a cute manger scene. What there would not have been is the underlying recognition that the greatest gift ever given to anyone, at any time, for any reason
was the real reason for celebration... the glorious birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I was in need of a reminder to remember.
So do we wring our hands, gnash our teeth and shake our heads over this secularization
and materialization of Christmas? No, I'd rather we take that energy and reach out
to remind those around us to remember the real reason for Christmas joy. One person
at a time; one heart at a time.
Let Earth receive her King! Her King, indeed. Something we should remember and
rejoice over Every Single Day! Praise God!
the God spot; yet the concept is certainly not mine. Add to this inner knowledge the fact that
we deeply wish to have a relationship with God. Agnostics and Atheists alike, in my
opinion, are just fooling themselves, or trying to fool us. The search for meaning in
our lives and answers about why we even exist, all point back to that realization that we
are creations of God.
So how does all that apply to the Christmas mess? Have you noticed that Christmas is
upon us? It's in the stores, on the tele, on Al Gore's internet, in the mail... Halloween ended
and, "boom," Christmas materialized. Tiz the season, but what's the reason? I spent
several day-after Thanksgiving mornings going into work at 4am so that the shoppers who
lined up for gifts after midnight would have breakfast options. Those were folks standing
in line for Kiss Me Elmo's or Cabbage Patch Kids or Beanie Babies, etc.
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come..
It is a season for joy, yet statistics suggest that it is also a season when depression and
angst show up, big time. There are financial pressures, there are the pressures of preparing
for family, etc. But I believe that there is something missing in all this Christmas hustle and
bustle: Jesus Christ.
We need to be reminded to remember that this is not Tiny Tim's Christmas. not the Grinch's
Christmas, not Santa Claus's Christmas.. it's Christ's Christmas.
Had you visited me any time in the first 60 years of my life during the holiday season, you
would have seen the traditional secular items. There would have been some decorations,
presents under the tree (with the star, on top, of course), Christmas carols in the air...maybe
even a cute manger scene. What there would not have been is the underlying recognition that the greatest gift ever given to anyone, at any time, for any reason
was the real reason for celebration... the glorious birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I was in need of a reminder to remember.
So do we wring our hands, gnash our teeth and shake our heads over this secularization
and materialization of Christmas? No, I'd rather we take that energy and reach out
to remind those around us to remember the real reason for Christmas joy. One person
at a time; one heart at a time.
Let Earth receive her King! Her King, indeed. Something we should remember and
rejoice over Every Single Day! Praise God!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Alistair Begg
"All the deepest longings of the human heart are answered in the gospel."
Isn't that a phenomenal set of words? They were spoken by Alistair Begg in a talk
given at a Ligonier Ministry conference this year. I'm not sure if these are his original words or if they are ones spoken by another, but I am sure that they are profound.
Had I known that Mr. Begg was the pastor at Parkside Church in the Cleveland area
while I was living and teaching in a suburb of Columbus, I would gladly have made the
100 mile drive to Bainbridge to be among his congregation. I just love the man and his
teaching. (I also must admit that I love the accent..so much so that I have to be careful
not to lose the important stuff just listening to the way he forms the words)
The quote above was a part of a talk he was giving about mercy. Luke 6:27-36 was the
scripture base for his talk, and these are verses that represent great challenges in
our lives. There is no question that living a life that honors the words of Jesus and
seeks to be like Him is a monumental goal for humans who sin. Showing mercy
as the words from these verses suggests, loving those who mistreat us, giving to others
without the expectation of the gift being returned, doing to others as we would
have them treat us are easy to read and digest and very very difficult to fulfill. Left
to our own devices, our own pride, our own self-contentedness; living in this sinful
world, a world that seems to emphasize getting ahead and taking care of ourselves,
we are definitely in need of the Holy Counselor to help us try to live up to His
directions. God is merciful. Jesus is merciful. We need to strive to show mercy
to others through prayer and guidance.
As for the quote above, those words seem so very very truthful. We all, in the depths
of our hearts, have a desire to see meaning and good in our lives. We all long for
a future and, I believe, whether admitted or not, we ALL long to know God. It's
a part of our creation, a part of our humanity to be united with He who created us,
indeed, He who loves us and has forgiven us through the justifying blood of the
Lord, Jesus Christ. The gospel is the Good news, the news that answers our hopes,
our fears and our needs. Praise God for His loving-kindness and mercy!
Isn't that a phenomenal set of words? They were spoken by Alistair Begg in a talk
given at a Ligonier Ministry conference this year. I'm not sure if these are his original words or if they are ones spoken by another, but I am sure that they are profound.
Had I known that Mr. Begg was the pastor at Parkside Church in the Cleveland area
while I was living and teaching in a suburb of Columbus, I would gladly have made the
100 mile drive to Bainbridge to be among his congregation. I just love the man and his
teaching. (I also must admit that I love the accent..so much so that I have to be careful
not to lose the important stuff just listening to the way he forms the words)
The quote above was a part of a talk he was giving about mercy. Luke 6:27-36 was the
scripture base for his talk, and these are verses that represent great challenges in
our lives. There is no question that living a life that honors the words of Jesus and
seeks to be like Him is a monumental goal for humans who sin. Showing mercy
as the words from these verses suggests, loving those who mistreat us, giving to others
without the expectation of the gift being returned, doing to others as we would
have them treat us are easy to read and digest and very very difficult to fulfill. Left
to our own devices, our own pride, our own self-contentedness; living in this sinful
world, a world that seems to emphasize getting ahead and taking care of ourselves,
we are definitely in need of the Holy Counselor to help us try to live up to His
directions. God is merciful. Jesus is merciful. We need to strive to show mercy
to others through prayer and guidance.
As for the quote above, those words seem so very very truthful. We all, in the depths
of our hearts, have a desire to see meaning and good in our lives. We all long for
a future and, I believe, whether admitted or not, we ALL long to know God. It's
a part of our creation, a part of our humanity to be united with He who created us,
indeed, He who loves us and has forgiven us through the justifying blood of the
Lord, Jesus Christ. The gospel is the Good news, the news that answers our hopes,
our fears and our needs. Praise God for His loving-kindness and mercy!
Friday, November 1, 2013
TRUTH or Consequences
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.
Well , I will admit, up front, that I am small-brained. I have taken Philosophy courses
that dealt with the concept of truth and that didn't go so well. I have listened to tapes,
read books and engaged in discussion with those smarter that I, and I always come away
shaking my head, trying to clear the fog.
So don't read on if you expect anything other than my feelings.
I believe there has to be A TRUTH. For there to be a whole bunch of truths, I think
that fits into the relativism category, each one real because it is what that person
thinks is true, sounds like mental anarchy. Truths aren't the same as feelings,
opinions, preferences, etc. Truths aren't grey areas somewhere between black
and white. I guess I am saying that for anything to make sense there has to be some
absolute truth.
It is my belief that God is truth because I do not believe that he is capable of being
untruthful. I believe that the Bible is the true word of God. If He is truth then His word
is truth. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He, is therefore, also the truth.
My concern, here, is the consequence of not accepting God, rejecting Him and His truth.
God did a very brave thing, a loving thing. He created us with free will; the right to choose
to accept Him or reject Him. We all meet people who decide to believe in their own truth;
people who, in a real sense, are "being their own God."
Wow, I think that is eternally dangerous. Rejecting the truth, rejecting Jesus, rejecting
the unearned gift of salvation through the grace of God, means that there is an eternity
facing that person. An eternity in the absence of God. I'm not the hell fire and damnation
sort, but it is a fact that Jesus did not skirt the concept of Hell. he spoke often and
clearly about those who would choose not to believe in Him. There's no attempt to sugar
coat things; it's gonna be eternal, and that's a long, long time. That's why I pray
daily and work daily to try and reach those I love who haven't accepted Jesus. He is
the way and the truth and the life. It's an eternally important thing...the truth. God.
Praise Him!!
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.
Well , I will admit, up front, that I am small-brained. I have taken Philosophy courses
that dealt with the concept of truth and that didn't go so well. I have listened to tapes,
read books and engaged in discussion with those smarter that I, and I always come away
shaking my head, trying to clear the fog.
So don't read on if you expect anything other than my feelings.
I believe there has to be A TRUTH. For there to be a whole bunch of truths, I think
that fits into the relativism category, each one real because it is what that person
thinks is true, sounds like mental anarchy. Truths aren't the same as feelings,
opinions, preferences, etc. Truths aren't grey areas somewhere between black
and white. I guess I am saying that for anything to make sense there has to be some
absolute truth.
It is my belief that God is truth because I do not believe that he is capable of being
untruthful. I believe that the Bible is the true word of God. If He is truth then His word
is truth. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He, is therefore, also the truth.
My concern, here, is the consequence of not accepting God, rejecting Him and His truth.
God did a very brave thing, a loving thing. He created us with free will; the right to choose
to accept Him or reject Him. We all meet people who decide to believe in their own truth;
people who, in a real sense, are "being their own God."
Wow, I think that is eternally dangerous. Rejecting the truth, rejecting Jesus, rejecting
the unearned gift of salvation through the grace of God, means that there is an eternity
facing that person. An eternity in the absence of God. I'm not the hell fire and damnation
sort, but it is a fact that Jesus did not skirt the concept of Hell. he spoke often and
clearly about those who would choose not to believe in Him. There's no attempt to sugar
coat things; it's gonna be eternal, and that's a long, long time. That's why I pray
daily and work daily to try and reach those I love who haven't accepted Jesus. He is
the way and the truth and the life. It's an eternally important thing...the truth. God.
Praise Him!!
Monday, October 28, 2013
He's Oh So Beautiful To Me
“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him,
nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.” Isaiah 53: 4
What a prophetic set of verses is Isaiah 53. To me, it's one of the most remarkable set of verses in the Bible. Since there are no other verses that speak of the physical appearance
of Jesus, we are left with very little idea of what he actually looked like. He was a Jewish
man who, I have read it suggested, would not have stood out from the others who followed
Him.
The Renaissance painters set the stage for an artistic depiction of Jesus which has followed
through time which is probably not very accurate. What I have noticed in both the artistic
representations and the film portrayals is the representation of His eyes. I am going to go
out on a purely speculative limb and suggest that His eyes, being the eyes of the King of
the Universe, would have been striking to look into. Being God with all that that entails,
being among mankind with its many problems and limitations and having an awareness
of His total walk on this earth, would create, I believe, a depth to those eyes; eyes filled with
compassion, love and an understanding of the needs of those He healed and taught.
Obviously the Transfiguration presented a different, amazing look at God's son. Peter, James
and John got a glimpse into the powerful beauty that Is Jesus. I'm surprised that Peter,
one who was rarely at a loss for words, could even speak. No plain, unremarkable
being was there; this was the God of all creation shining in brilliance before them.
So he may have been unremarkable in a physical sense, but that's where the adjective
"unremarkable" ends in talking about Jesus. The universe was created through Him. We
were created in His image. He, humbly, was born into poverty upon this earth with the
task of bringing the truth of the Gospel. He performed miracles well beyond the ones that
have been recorded in the pages of the gospels, and marched toward the brutal death that
would provide salvation for all who answered God's call and believed upon Him. His resurrection established and completed the covenant allowing sinful humans to
be adopted, sins ransomed, into the family of the Living God.
Absolutely REMARKABLE! Absolutely! Thank you beautiful Lord Jesus, thank YOU!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Everything Changes...well, almost everything!
James 1:17 (NASB)
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Things certainly change in our lives. I don't know about others, but I do not adapt well to
change. I am definitely a routine sort of person.
Still remember going to the Levi store on Ohio State's campus as a freshman, and buying
30/30 jeans. That's 30" inseam and 30" waist. Well, one of those numbers is the same.
If I were to buy those jeans today, they "might" make it up to just below my kneecaps!
I once had lots of hair. Growing up in the 60's, hair was important! I used to fuss with it
daily so that it would be cool. That certainly has changed! I knew things were changing
when a student remarked, upon looking down at my head, that he could see the state of
Ohio on the top of my head. Now I spend just as much time trying to do the comb-over!
It's a losing battle. (did I mention the hair growing where it isn't suppose to?)
Yep, things change. Styles change. Music changes. Weather changes. Friends change.
Jobs change...now days, it isn't at all odd to see folks change jobs very frequently. Some
changes are rhythmic like the ocean tides, some changes are abrupt, like the need to
move to a new home or job. Seasons change...I miss that in north Texas. Our health
changes. Technology changes...and Fast! Dreams and expectations change. Obviously,
I could go on and on.
However, one thing never changes! GOD! He is steadfast, my rock. When He says
something, He follows up. His word is truth and does not change. He always keeps
His promises. His word is something that remains as true today as it was from the
very beginning of creation. We can thoroughly depend on our God... always.
That's comforting to me and, hopefully, to you. We can derive peace of mind and
great hope from the never-fluctuating love and righteousness of our Lord. He is sovereign,
just and permanent. He is God!
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Things certainly change in our lives. I don't know about others, but I do not adapt well to
change. I am definitely a routine sort of person.
Still remember going to the Levi store on Ohio State's campus as a freshman, and buying
30/30 jeans. That's 30" inseam and 30" waist. Well, one of those numbers is the same.
If I were to buy those jeans today, they "might" make it up to just below my kneecaps!
I once had lots of hair. Growing up in the 60's, hair was important! I used to fuss with it
daily so that it would be cool. That certainly has changed! I knew things were changing
when a student remarked, upon looking down at my head, that he could see the state of
Ohio on the top of my head. Now I spend just as much time trying to do the comb-over!
It's a losing battle. (did I mention the hair growing where it isn't suppose to?)
Yep, things change. Styles change. Music changes. Weather changes. Friends change.
Jobs change...now days, it isn't at all odd to see folks change jobs very frequently. Some
changes are rhythmic like the ocean tides, some changes are abrupt, like the need to
move to a new home or job. Seasons change...I miss that in north Texas. Our health
changes. Technology changes...and Fast! Dreams and expectations change. Obviously,
I could go on and on.
However, one thing never changes! GOD! He is steadfast, my rock. When He says
something, He follows up. His word is truth and does not change. He always keeps
His promises. His word is something that remains as true today as it was from the
very beginning of creation. We can thoroughly depend on our God... always.
That's comforting to me and, hopefully, to you. We can derive peace of mind and
great hope from the never-fluctuating love and righteousness of our Lord. He is sovereign,
just and permanent. He is God!
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