Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 3 – Psalm 119:2, 19, 105, 165
Love, they say, should be reciprocal and for the most part I would agree. I take issue however with some of the teachings that I have seen/heard lately. To keep things simple, let this be stated:
We love Him, because he first loved us. We have a Blessed Hope because He gave us Jesus, what more could we need? If you’re looking for your best life now, you’re nearsighted. Be careful that you don’t trade your birth right for a bowl of soup.
I am blessed, because I try to keep his testimonies and seek him with my whole heart. I am crushed when I fail Him. “I’d rather have Jesus than anything that this old world affords me”.
I am just a Sojourner in this earth. Although princes and principalities may oppose me, He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.
Don’t we get it? Do we not realize that even though Satan and some of the angels fell, that God never sent them a redeemer?
God, who am I that you are mindful of me? Hold me accountable always. Help me to hear the words in my ear when you say “This is the way, walk in it.” Whenever I turn to the right or left, bring me back to the path. Narrow was the Gate, but the path is also. Illuminate this way. Keep my feet secure as the hind feet of the deer. Do not hide your commandments from me. Keep your precepts before me. Get glory from a wretch.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day 2 – Mark 1:35-45
These first two texts that have been given are so rich one hardly knows where to begin in a journal. It’s like sitting down to a table for a feast that is covered with nothing but deserts. I am trying to limit myself to each of these texts as they come up each day. After all, “It is not good to eat much honey….” I think in this case that eating too much of the word of God isn’t always a bad thing, but I will definitely agree that once digested it can make for some bitter gall.
Slowing down and savoring each bite seems more prudent. I suppose I will have to look for other snacks during the day. A little meat to nourish the body is in order I think. I haven’t read through Ephesians in a while………….
To today’s text –
It is not yet daylight; Jesus is still risen and he sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us.
Everyone is still looking for a Savior. Make sure it is Jesus. How can two walk together lest they agree? When you think of Heaven, it should include Jesus. Otherwise it is still just Hell.
The people looking for him were instead looking for the “Man” that could heal them and cast out demons. Some perhaps only came for the spectacle. This is not a picture of a three-ringed-circus.
What “Purpose” did Jesus come for? It was later revealed, but you should look into the early days of his ministry and see what he is speaking of here. We all too often neglect the full purpose of the Gospel. Go back to Mark 1:15 and read what Jesus said. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” Don’t think that the “Gospel” only includes the records in the New Testament. This “time” that has been “fulfilled” was prophesied in the Garden of Eden. The Messiah has come to crush the head of the serpent. You can’t neglect what happened “In the Beginning”. Only after wandering around in the woods for hours will you realize that you are lost.
Preaching in their synagogues and throughout all Galilee, Jesus had a message. Look at the Sermon on the Mount for the people. Look at the parables for both the people and the leaders. Look at Paul’s theology for the scholar.
I find it necessary to point out too that there were demons to be cast out. Some were even cast out of those who were in the Synagogues. Choose the word you hear carefully.
40-45
Bring your needs before God. To realize you have needs is to be poor in spirit. We are all spiritual lepers, tainted with sin. Sin has crept in. It has become full grown and will lead to death. Jesus Wept.
Great faith draws men to healing. They are imploring God to heal them. Most men seek the right source, they usually fail however to see the true need. God is willing that none should perish. Their suffering may be used to draw them near. Their leprosy may be intentional. A blind man would never yearn for sight if he never knew it was something to be had.
“And God said” such powerful words. “I am willing; be cleansed.” He is always willing, but some purposes are greater than Leprosy. A little rain is more enjoyable after the drought.
Go, give God the glory. There was an appointed ritual to give God the glory for the healing of Leprosy. (Leviticus 14:3) Yet the man instead told others about the man that had healed him.
Guard your heart. Give God the glory when it is due. Like a sheep we often run past the Shepherd and start eating the lush green grass of the field.
There is bread and wine at the table but I came for the company.
Day 2 – Mark 1:35-45
These first two texts that have been given are so rich one hardly knows where to begin in a journal. It’s like sitting down to a table for a feast that is covered with nothing but deserts. I am trying to limit myself to each of these texts as they come up each day. After all, “It is not good to eat much honey….” I think in this case that eating too much of the word of God isn’t always a bad thing, but I will definitely agree that once digested it can make for some bitter gall.
Slowing down and savoring each bite seems more prudent. I suppose I will have to look for other snacks during the day. A little meat to nourish the body is in order I think. I haven’t read through Ephesians in a while………….
To today’s text –
It is not yet daylight; Jesus is still risen and he sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us.
Everyone is still looking for a Savior. Make sure it is Jesus. How can two walk together lest they agree? When you think of Heaven, it should include Jesus. Otherwise it is still just Hell.
The people looking for him were instead looking for the “Man” that could heal them and cast out demons. Some perhaps only came for the spectacle. This is not a picture of a three-ringed-circus.
What “Purpose” did Jesus come for? It was later revealed, but you should look into the early days of his ministry and see what he is speaking of here. We all too often neglect the full purpose of the Gospel. Go back to Mark 1:15 and read what Jesus said. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” Don’t think that the “Gospel” only includes the records in the New Testament. This “time” that has been “fulfilled” was prophesied in the Garden of Eden. The Messiah has come to crush the head of the serpent. You can’t neglect what happened “In the Beginning”. Only after wandering around in the woods for hours will you realize that you are lost.
Preaching in their synagogues and throughout all Galilee, Jesus had a message. Look at the Sermon on the Mount for the people. Look at the parables for both the people and the leaders. Look at Paul’s theology for the scholar.
I find it necessary to point out too that there were demons to be cast out. Some were even cast out of those who were in the Synagogues. Choose the word you hear carefully.
40-45
Bring your needs before God. To realize you have needs is to be poor in spirit. We are all spiritual lepers, tainted with sin. Sin has crept in. It has become full grown and will lead to death. Jesus Wept.
Great faith draws men to healing. They are imploring God to heal them. Most men seek the right source, they usually fail however to see the true need. God is willing that none should perish. Their suffering may be used to draw them near. Their leprosy may be intentional. A blind man would never yearn for sight if he never knew it was something to be had.
“And God said” such powerful words. “I am willing; be cleansed.” He is always willing, but some purposes are greater than Leprosy. A little rain is more enjoyable after the drought.
Go, give God the glory. There was an appointed ritual to give God the glory for the healing of Leprosy. (Leviticus 14:3) Yet the man instead told others about the man that had healed him.
Guard your heart. Give God the glory when it is due. Like a sheep we often run past the Shepherd and start eating the lush green grass of the field.
There is bread and wine at the table but I came for the company.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Today, I start on a spiritual journey in preparation for our Sept 28th mission trip to Romania.
Over the past month I have struggled significantly with the person I am, and my position in Christ. It all came to a head yesterday and I am now seeking God to help me through my dry season.
For the past 2 years I have studied non-stop, but just realized yesterday that I was doing it all for the wrong reasons. I have little doubt that I have a calling from God to teach/preach, but my study and preparation was done for the purpose of knowledge and not for the worship of God. So much time I have spent trying to fill the void between my ears and neglecting my duty to foster the relationship that God wishes me to have with him. My search for knowledge bloomed into an Idol. I went from worshipping the magnificent Word of God to worshipping the knowledge I had of him.
I look back on the days of my studies and see all the times that God has pressed my heart into a personal time of worship and regret the opportunities that I have undoubtedly missed because of my short sightedness.
Using a list given to me by our Mission’s Director, I will postpone the systematic studies that have enveloped me over the past year and begin a 30 day spiritual prep study.
Pray for me. Times are tough.
Day 1 - Psalm 51
What a place to start and oh so appropriate. This is the text I used for the 2nd sermon I ever preached. I should practice what I preach.
God sees no difference between Lust and Adultery and it applies to more than flesh and blood.
David laments here over his sin. His spirit is broken and the conviction of Sin obviously unbearable. His bones are broken. God broke them. Blessed are those who are poor in spirit. He has a need and knows it. He has sinned against God alone and is need of cleansing.
Isaiah 1:18
Matthew 5:3
Only the Blood of Jesus can cleanse us white as snow. Only the poor in Spirit realize the absence of his presence. Like Cain we often leave his presence, even if it’s not intentional.
Justified in the blood, but we must put on Christ to continually be sanctified. The sacrifice of the Lamb means nothing without the broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart. Isaiah 1:11
You can carry a cross and it just be manual Labor.
The Lamb can be killed, but you must have placed your hand on its head. The herbs are bitter, but you must eat it all before the day dawns. The skin goes to you, you are now a priest and its memorial should not be a thing to be arbitrarily displayed. You must throw off the old man and put on Christ.
Not a knock-off North Face Jacket. Not the knock-off Reboks. We need to put on the heir of God, not an air of resemblance. Know God, cast down your Idols.
It was in sin that my mother conceived me, but Oh God make me hear joy and gladness of your thoughts about me. Let me read those words on a white stone in my name. Search out all the hidden parts of me also. Even if they need to cry out within my soul, leave no stone left unturned. Let every part of my stony heart cry out Your name.
Create a clean heart me God and renew a steadfast spirit. Restore to me the Joy of Your salvation. By your grace, lift my heart to you.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will be converted. It’s the need to give you Glory that drives me to work for you. You are the God of my salvation.
Do good, in your good pleasure. Keep clean this temple. Declare Holy ground within this heart and abide there till we meet face to face.
Today, I start on a spiritual journey in preparation for our Sept 28th mission trip to Romania.
Over the past month I have struggled significantly with the person I am, and my position in Christ. It all came to a head yesterday and I am now seeking God to help me through my dry season.
For the past 2 years I have studied non-stop, but just realized yesterday that I was doing it all for the wrong reasons. I have little doubt that I have a calling from God to teach/preach, but my study and preparation was done for the purpose of knowledge and not for the worship of God. So much time I have spent trying to fill the void between my ears and neglecting my duty to foster the relationship that God wishes me to have with him. My search for knowledge bloomed into an Idol. I went from worshipping the magnificent Word of God to worshipping the knowledge I had of him.
I look back on the days of my studies and see all the times that God has pressed my heart into a personal time of worship and regret the opportunities that I have undoubtedly missed because of my short sightedness.
Using a list given to me by our Mission’s Director, I will postpone the systematic studies that have enveloped me over the past year and begin a 30 day spiritual prep study.
Pray for me. Times are tough.
Day 1 - Psalm 51
What a place to start and oh so appropriate. This is the text I used for the 2nd sermon I ever preached. I should practice what I preach.
God sees no difference between Lust and Adultery and it applies to more than flesh and blood.
David laments here over his sin. His spirit is broken and the conviction of Sin obviously unbearable. His bones are broken. God broke them. Blessed are those who are poor in spirit. He has a need and knows it. He has sinned against God alone and is need of cleansing.
Isaiah 1:18
Matthew 5:3
Only the Blood of Jesus can cleanse us white as snow. Only the poor in Spirit realize the absence of his presence. Like Cain we often leave his presence, even if it’s not intentional.
Justified in the blood, but we must put on Christ to continually be sanctified. The sacrifice of the Lamb means nothing without the broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart. Isaiah 1:11
You can carry a cross and it just be manual Labor.
The Lamb can be killed, but you must have placed your hand on its head. The herbs are bitter, but you must eat it all before the day dawns. The skin goes to you, you are now a priest and its memorial should not be a thing to be arbitrarily displayed. You must throw off the old man and put on Christ.
Not a knock-off North Face Jacket. Not the knock-off Reboks. We need to put on the heir of God, not an air of resemblance. Know God, cast down your Idols.
It was in sin that my mother conceived me, but Oh God make me hear joy and gladness of your thoughts about me. Let me read those words on a white stone in my name. Search out all the hidden parts of me also. Even if they need to cry out within my soul, leave no stone left unturned. Let every part of my stony heart cry out Your name.
Create a clean heart me God and renew a steadfast spirit. Restore to me the Joy of Your salvation. By your grace, lift my heart to you.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will be converted. It’s the need to give you Glory that drives me to work for you. You are the God of my salvation.
Do good, in your good pleasure. Keep clean this temple. Declare Holy ground within this heart and abide there till we meet face to face.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Fine Print
There is a sign at the top of this hill and I stand and read. Under the main script, there is additional print so small that even in all their abundance they merely appear to be a smudge. They are written in blood and are the deeds of men, past and present.
In what was more than a cursory glance, my eyes focus on what appears under my own name and the deeds listed there-on. In shame I read those words of my failings. Recalling each account and finding no excuse for a single one.
At the top of the sign, I focus upon the larger script. It is in all languages, and tongues and cries out “Behold the Lamb of God, This is Jesus The King of the Jews!” and with it, my deeds were nailed to the Cross. Colossians 2:13-15
I am thankful today for a lot of things. But this Love I have found in Jesus is beyond all measure.
Happy Thanksgiving!
There is a sign at the top of this hill and I stand and read. Under the main script, there is additional print so small that even in all their abundance they merely appear to be a smudge. They are written in blood and are the deeds of men, past and present.
In what was more than a cursory glance, my eyes focus on what appears under my own name and the deeds listed there-on. In shame I read those words of my failings. Recalling each account and finding no excuse for a single one.
At the top of the sign, I focus upon the larger script. It is in all languages, and tongues and cries out “Behold the Lamb of God, This is Jesus The King of the Jews!” and with it, my deeds were nailed to the Cross. Colossians 2:13-15
I am thankful today for a lot of things. But this Love I have found in Jesus is beyond all measure.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Acts 27:18-22
When we are amongst the tempest all may seem lost. It is at such times that we must clear out of our lives the things that weigh us down so we can ride higher in the Living Waters that flow from Christ. Standing at the rudder, we must throw out the tackle of our own dependence and remain constant to steer our ships towards the salvation that will save our souls.
Sometimes however, the tempest is too much. We look at our situation, and God say's "I told you so but fear not for there will be no loss of life for you, even if the ship is destroyed."
If in mercy we are delivered then perhaps next time we will listen. Learn to seek shelter before the storm and from the cleft will we watch it pass.
However, forget not that we are sometimes placed in the storm so that others might hear the truth by reason and also be saved.
When we are amongst the tempest all may seem lost. It is at such times that we must clear out of our lives the things that weigh us down so we can ride higher in the Living Waters that flow from Christ. Standing at the rudder, we must throw out the tackle of our own dependence and remain constant to steer our ships towards the salvation that will save our souls.
Sometimes however, the tempest is too much. We look at our situation, and God say's "I told you so but fear not for there will be no loss of life for you, even if the ship is destroyed."
If in mercy we are delivered then perhaps next time we will listen. Learn to seek shelter before the storm and from the cleft will we watch it pass.
However, forget not that we are sometimes placed in the storm so that others might hear the truth by reason and also be saved.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Lord has been raised up just outside the city. His words still echo in my ear. I can hear him now as if he were still standing within my site and speaking. I hear the truth of the Word pouring out as freely as his blood did from Mt Calvary. Every drop is so precious. It is only his blood that can cleanse us. His sacrifice alone is the only sufficient substitute for our own. So much was taken for granted while he was with us.
At the foot of the altar, we fall to our knees. The veil has been torn exposing all that was considered Holy. Seeing nothing beyond the torn veil, it is proven that this house has been left totally desolate. There is no need to ever return here for sacrifices.
I build for my Lord now a Tent, a tabernacle for his presence. He dwells within this tent as in the days of the Exodus when he delivered his people from Egypt. His cloud by day marks my direction to travel midst the trouble in the world, but his fire by night lights up the darkness in which we live.
In this frame of mind I walk ever closer as he guides me to cross the Jordan. I am now carrying the Ark and within him is held the Covenant. Knowing that with the power of the Lord within, the waters that I was borne of parted as soon as my feet touched them. When I walk with the Lord, I am always on solid ground. My rock is He, and He is my shelter. When centered within me, He will spring forth a river of living water that flows out to all who would thirst.
The Lord has chosen this tent so that Word might travel beyond the wilderness and into a world that is in need of a promised land. At every turn I see the blind and the deaf trying to enter Eden while yet here on Earth. It seems that all my efforts to warn them are wasted. They can not hear me plead nor see me trying to wave them away. Instead they follow the direction of those that are speaking the language of the world who only tells the traveler what they want to hear. In horror I watch as they blindly approach the Cherubim and are then hacked to pieces by those flaming swords, dismembered eternally in fire. Oh that they could see.
At the foot of the altar, we fall to our knees. The veil has been torn exposing all that was considered Holy. Seeing nothing beyond the torn veil, it is proven that this house has been left totally desolate. There is no need to ever return here for sacrifices.
I build for my Lord now a Tent, a tabernacle for his presence. He dwells within this tent as in the days of the Exodus when he delivered his people from Egypt. His cloud by day marks my direction to travel midst the trouble in the world, but his fire by night lights up the darkness in which we live.
In this frame of mind I walk ever closer as he guides me to cross the Jordan. I am now carrying the Ark and within him is held the Covenant. Knowing that with the power of the Lord within, the waters that I was borne of parted as soon as my feet touched them. When I walk with the Lord, I am always on solid ground. My rock is He, and He is my shelter. When centered within me, He will spring forth a river of living water that flows out to all who would thirst.
The Lord has chosen this tent so that Word might travel beyond the wilderness and into a world that is in need of a promised land. At every turn I see the blind and the deaf trying to enter Eden while yet here on Earth. It seems that all my efforts to warn them are wasted. They can not hear me plead nor see me trying to wave them away. Instead they follow the direction of those that are speaking the language of the world who only tells the traveler what they want to hear. In horror I watch as they blindly approach the Cherubim and are then hacked to pieces by those flaming swords, dismembered eternally in fire. Oh that they could see.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Open Doors
I sit in a room this morning amazed at how many different doors there are around me. No decoration. Very little comfort in the waiting. Only His words and patience to keep me company. To only sit here feels wrong, but I have no place to go. So silently, I wait.
Some time ago, I checked each door. In the beginning, they were all locked. When I knocked, there was no response. Every morning I still walk up to each door and try each one. Only recently did I discover that indeed there are now several doors that I could open myself but the blessed hope that I seek was not in there. There is no reason to enter unless He opens it for me.
My soul yearns for the day when after prayer I shall open my eyes and see that open door. To see the Master in the doorway waving me inside. Calling for me to follow. In my preparation, I hear him moving just outside. I know it won't be long. Trusting that His timing holds a purpose. He is surely making preparations of his own both outside this room, and within.
Echo'ing the Revelation, I close my eyes again and pray "Even so, Come, Lord Jesus."
I sit in a room this morning amazed at how many different doors there are around me. No decoration. Very little comfort in the waiting. Only His words and patience to keep me company. To only sit here feels wrong, but I have no place to go. So silently, I wait.
Some time ago, I checked each door. In the beginning, they were all locked. When I knocked, there was no response. Every morning I still walk up to each door and try each one. Only recently did I discover that indeed there are now several doors that I could open myself but the blessed hope that I seek was not in there. There is no reason to enter unless He opens it for me.
My soul yearns for the day when after prayer I shall open my eyes and see that open door. To see the Master in the doorway waving me inside. Calling for me to follow. In my preparation, I hear him moving just outside. I know it won't be long. Trusting that His timing holds a purpose. He is surely making preparations of his own both outside this room, and within.
Echo'ing the Revelation, I close my eyes again and pray "Even so, Come, Lord Jesus."
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