"Reader, is your heart heavy this evening? God knew it would be; the comfort which your heart wants is treasured in the sweet assurance of the text. You are poor and needy, but he has thought upon you, and has the exact blessing which you require in store for you. Plead the promise, believe it and obtain its fulfilment. Do you feel that you never were so consciously vile as you are now? Behold, the crimson fountain is open still, with all its former efficacy, to wash your sin away. Never shall you come into such a position that Christ cannot aid you. No pinch shall ever arrive in your spiritual affairs in which Jesus Christ shall not be equal to the emergency, for your history has all been foreknown and provided for in Jesus."
Sunday, December 9, 2007
The Crimson Fountain Is Open Still
Another thought from Morning and Evening:
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Semester That Is
I figured it was time to do some journaling again, or at least give a little testimony of what has been going on for the past 3 months.
Once again, I've went back to college this fall, taking Calc II at Delta and then driving over to SVSU for Discrete Mathematics right after Calc. I didn't know what to expect this year with Calc II, but I figured it would be more difficult than Calc I. I also had no clue about Introduction to Discrete Math. But, I have to get my Math minor done ASAP so in the summer of '08 I can be looking for math teaching jobs. I was hoping I would be able to juggle two college classes with not too much difficulty. As last years Calc I class was coming to an end, it became more difficult and for some reason I wasn't trying as hard (married?). That made me nervous about Calc II.
Let's just say, after the first week (2 classes) I about had a nervous breakdown. In just a few meetings of each class, I was asking myself on the way to class "Is this the day that I no longer understand the material?" "Is this going to be my final day of 'getting' what the instructor is talking about." I was already feeling like I was drowning after just a couple classes, and here I am, not even in the middle of September. I was even considering the possibility of dropping Discrete Math. Things were not going good. Let me put it this way: I was doing backflips after Calc II class compared to my Discrete Math. My mind was just not wrapping about the Discrete stuff. Oh, and a 62% is a C. (All I need is a 62? How hard can it be?)
Since I have an hour to drive back home, all I could do was get down on my knees and start some heavy prayer. Only, I was driving, so I had to pretend I was on both knees. I had some major stress and heavy burdens and I was starting to crumble. I didn't have any hope or confidence that I could make it through this semester. Here I am, going to college because I felt like I should be pursuing a math minor, and I can't even make it past the first couple of basic classes. How in the world then am I supposed to make it through my other 3 required classes after this semester? The classes only get harder, right? Well, then I'm doomed. Do I even bother with math anymore? Should I pursue a different career?
Well, after heavy prayer before every class, things have made a complete turn around. It is now nearly the middle of November and I only have 3 tests and 7 classes to go! It took me many many weeks to finally see the bigger picture: If God wants me to teach math, then He is going to get me through this hurdle and these classes. If He wants me to take college math classes, then why would He set me up to fail? Once I realized those principles or promises, everything made more sense. If this is God's plan, then he'll provide me with what I need to get through it.
Once again, I've went back to college this fall, taking Calc II at Delta and then driving over to SVSU for Discrete Mathematics right after Calc. I didn't know what to expect this year with Calc II, but I figured it would be more difficult than Calc I. I also had no clue about Introduction to Discrete Math. But, I have to get my Math minor done ASAP so in the summer of '08 I can be looking for math teaching jobs. I was hoping I would be able to juggle two college classes with not too much difficulty. As last years Calc I class was coming to an end, it became more difficult and for some reason I wasn't trying as hard (married?). That made me nervous about Calc II.
Let's just say, after the first week (2 classes) I about had a nervous breakdown. In just a few meetings of each class, I was asking myself on the way to class "Is this the day that I no longer understand the material?" "Is this going to be my final day of 'getting' what the instructor is talking about." I was already feeling like I was drowning after just a couple classes, and here I am, not even in the middle of September. I was even considering the possibility of dropping Discrete Math. Things were not going good. Let me put it this way: I was doing backflips after Calc II class compared to my Discrete Math. My mind was just not wrapping about the Discrete stuff. Oh, and a 62% is a C. (All I need is a 62? How hard can it be?)
Since I have an hour to drive back home, all I could do was get down on my knees and start some heavy prayer. Only, I was driving, so I had to pretend I was on both knees. I had some major stress and heavy burdens and I was starting to crumble. I didn't have any hope or confidence that I could make it through this semester. Here I am, going to college because I felt like I should be pursuing a math minor, and I can't even make it past the first couple of basic classes. How in the world then am I supposed to make it through my other 3 required classes after this semester? The classes only get harder, right? Well, then I'm doomed. Do I even bother with math anymore? Should I pursue a different career?
Well, after heavy prayer before every class, things have made a complete turn around. It is now nearly the middle of November and I only have 3 tests and 7 classes to go! It took me many many weeks to finally see the bigger picture: If God wants me to teach math, then He is going to get me through this hurdle and these classes. If He wants me to take college math classes, then why would He set me up to fail? Once I realized those principles or promises, everything made more sense. If this is God's plan, then he'll provide me with what I need to get through it.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Thought of the Day
Here's the thought of the day from the sermon I heard this morning: God doesn't fill us with His power to accomplish things that we can do on our own.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Quote of the Day
I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic -- on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg -- or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.
–C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, pages 40-41.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Greatness
A thought from Morning and Evening:
You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think him to be when your thoughts are at the greatest.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Ascend!
More Morning and Evening.
But there is nothing which one saint was, that you may not be. There is no elevation of grace, no attainment of spirituality, no clearness of assurance, no post of duty, which is not open to you if you have but the power to believe. Lay aside your sackcloth and ashes, and rise to the dignity of your true position; you are little in Israel because you will be so, not because there is any necessity for it.
Thoughts From An Umpire
This is something that I have been thinking about and has been laid on my heart since the second week of May 2007 while I was at the Central Region Little League Umpire School in Indianapolis.
I’ve been an umpire for 10 years and “hard core” the last 4 years. I’ve seen and experienced a lot in umpiring that I feel parallels the life and role of a Christian. In fact, I’ve felt such a similar comparison between the two lifestyles that I’ve had to write all my thoughts down to point out the direct relationship I’ve noticed. I’m sure the list could go on and on, but here are the main points that have hit me the hardest this year when comparing the life of an umpire to the life of being a Christian. The list that follows isn’t really any particular order, just which thoughts came to mind first.
1. Being an umpire needs to be fun. I think the same should go for being a Christian.
2. Anyone can be an umpire. Anyone can be a Christian.
3. Know your rulebook. You can never know all or too much of the baseball rules. Last time I checked, you also can’t know all or too much of the Bible. Keep studying!
4. Know ALL the rules. There is a reason every rule was written. It might not make sense now and you may never need to apply it, but know it. That concept hit me hard when thinking about Bible study. How well do I know God’s word? How well do I know those awesome verses? Verses (rules) I have read that don’t make sense now, but I have a feeling will come to light in the future. You never know when you’ll have to apply that perfect baseball rule. You also never know when you’ll have to apply that perfect verse!
5. As an umpire, I’ve definitely screwed up. Oh, and as a Christian, I’ve definitely messed up.
6. Our job as umpires is to be a great example for all umpires. We should always be trying to find new umpires and train them to be good umpires. We are to be shepherds of men, fishers of new believers, and showing others what it means and takes to be a Christian (Umpire) and follower of Christ.
7. To be a good umpire, it takes hard work, dedication, commitment, and being willing to be embarrassed or be under heavy pressure with all the attention on what you do or say (in the limelight). If you are in the faith, people with put you under a microscope. How will you react if something doesn’t go as planned and all your fireworks are floating in the lake?
8. An umpire has to wear protection or we’ll be pounded. We need the armor of God or Satan will pound us. Our Bible (“Cup”) is our most important.
9. We need to encourage and support and build each umpire up. We’re all on the same team. The guy you are umpiring with might miss a call. We need to look out for our Christian brothers and pray for them and keep them accountable. It’s not about being the best umpire (Christian) out there.
10. Some umpires have an observer rating them during games. During every “game,” God is rating EVERYONE.
11. Umpires have to continually train to get better. They have to go to camps, clinics, and meetings. If you want to get closer with God, going to church, reading the Bible, and going to Bible study are key.
12. Umpires can’t let one bad call bother them. They have to forget and move on. No one is perfect. We try to be, but we’ll screw up. We’re human. Christians also can’t get down on themselves for every sin they commit. We’re going to make mistakes. We have to forget, move on, and ask for forgiveness. We’re human.
13. An umpire’s appearance constitutes 90% of people’s perceptions before they even walk on the field. If we look sharp, we can at least look like an umpire without doing or saying anything. We can also appear to be Christians, but the outside has to match the inside.
14. Whether you are young or old, experienced or inexperienced, you are still an umpire. The same philosophy goes for the Christian walk.
15. Some umpires are better than others. Some Christians are stronger than others.
16. If you are out of position on the field, it may be tough to convince people you made the right call. If you are in the wrong crowd or environment, it may be tough to convince strangers you are a Christian.
17. It’s very hard to umpire by yourself. The more guys on the field, the easier your day becomes. Well, the more bothers you can have fighting with you, the easier your walk will be.
18. Don’t go looking for boogers. Don’t check every defensive players glove to make sure it is the legal size. Once you start doing that, people will be questioning every call you make and how you make it. Don’t look for the speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring the log in your own.
19. Before every game, umpires “pregame” with their fellow umpire how they will handle various situations. Before you start your day, you should “pregame” with God for wisdom and guidance on (unknown) various situations.
20. Umpires make tons of calls in their career. Some bad, some worse. We do tons of things before we leave this life as Christians. Some bad, some worse.
21. We all have things to work on to make ourselves better umpires. Calling the balk is always tough in baseball. We all have things to work on to make ourselves more honorable before God. Some sins are more difficult to conquer than others. Maybe smoking is a struggle. Maybe it’s alcohol. It might take lots of time and determination to overcome those pitfalls.
You can take any profession and draw these same conclusions and parallels with what the Christian walk is all about. You could be a teacher, custodian, fast-food restaurant worker, pharmacist, etc. Whatever you do, it is the same for any profession with how your job and life should parallel what it takes to be a Christian.
This is something that has really hit me more this year than any other. Sitting in that classroom at umpire school, I really began to see beyond umpiring. I feel I have a bigger job to do than just call balls and strikes. I have two great umpire friends/mentors (Doug and DJ) who have kicked my butt the last 6 years to be a better umpire. As far as I can tell, neither one of those guys has a personal relationship with Christ. What have I been doing for them the past 6 years? Do I have the same passion for being a Christian as I do for being an umpire? Do I have the same desire to lead people to Christ as Doug and DJ have for developing umpires? Do I enjoy being a Christian as much as I do being an umpire? Am I a Christian umpire, or just an umpire? Do people see the difference?
Who are you? What profession are you in?
I’ve been an umpire for 10 years and “hard core” the last 4 years. I’ve seen and experienced a lot in umpiring that I feel parallels the life and role of a Christian. In fact, I’ve felt such a similar comparison between the two lifestyles that I’ve had to write all my thoughts down to point out the direct relationship I’ve noticed. I’m sure the list could go on and on, but here are the main points that have hit me the hardest this year when comparing the life of an umpire to the life of being a Christian. The list that follows isn’t really any particular order, just which thoughts came to mind first.
1. Being an umpire needs to be fun. I think the same should go for being a Christian.
2. Anyone can be an umpire. Anyone can be a Christian.
3. Know your rulebook. You can never know all or too much of the baseball rules. Last time I checked, you also can’t know all or too much of the Bible. Keep studying!
4. Know ALL the rules. There is a reason every rule was written. It might not make sense now and you may never need to apply it, but know it. That concept hit me hard when thinking about Bible study. How well do I know God’s word? How well do I know those awesome verses? Verses (rules) I have read that don’t make sense now, but I have a feeling will come to light in the future. You never know when you’ll have to apply that perfect baseball rule. You also never know when you’ll have to apply that perfect verse!
5. As an umpire, I’ve definitely screwed up. Oh, and as a Christian, I’ve definitely messed up.
6. Our job as umpires is to be a great example for all umpires. We should always be trying to find new umpires and train them to be good umpires. We are to be shepherds of men, fishers of new believers, and showing others what it means and takes to be a Christian (Umpire) and follower of Christ.
7. To be a good umpire, it takes hard work, dedication, commitment, and being willing to be embarrassed or be under heavy pressure with all the attention on what you do or say (in the limelight). If you are in the faith, people with put you under a microscope. How will you react if something doesn’t go as planned and all your fireworks are floating in the lake?
8. An umpire has to wear protection or we’ll be pounded. We need the armor of God or Satan will pound us. Our Bible (“Cup”) is our most important.
9. We need to encourage and support and build each umpire up. We’re all on the same team. The guy you are umpiring with might miss a call. We need to look out for our Christian brothers and pray for them and keep them accountable. It’s not about being the best umpire (Christian) out there.
10. Some umpires have an observer rating them during games. During every “game,” God is rating EVERYONE.
11. Umpires have to continually train to get better. They have to go to camps, clinics, and meetings. If you want to get closer with God, going to church, reading the Bible, and going to Bible study are key.
12. Umpires can’t let one bad call bother them. They have to forget and move on. No one is perfect. We try to be, but we’ll screw up. We’re human. Christians also can’t get down on themselves for every sin they commit. We’re going to make mistakes. We have to forget, move on, and ask for forgiveness. We’re human.
13. An umpire’s appearance constitutes 90% of people’s perceptions before they even walk on the field. If we look sharp, we can at least look like an umpire without doing or saying anything. We can also appear to be Christians, but the outside has to match the inside.
14. Whether you are young or old, experienced or inexperienced, you are still an umpire. The same philosophy goes for the Christian walk.
15. Some umpires are better than others. Some Christians are stronger than others.
16. If you are out of position on the field, it may be tough to convince people you made the right call. If you are in the wrong crowd or environment, it may be tough to convince strangers you are a Christian.
17. It’s very hard to umpire by yourself. The more guys on the field, the easier your day becomes. Well, the more bothers you can have fighting with you, the easier your walk will be.
18. Don’t go looking for boogers. Don’t check every defensive players glove to make sure it is the legal size. Once you start doing that, people will be questioning every call you make and how you make it. Don’t look for the speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring the log in your own.
19. Before every game, umpires “pregame” with their fellow umpire how they will handle various situations. Before you start your day, you should “pregame” with God for wisdom and guidance on (unknown) various situations.
20. Umpires make tons of calls in their career. Some bad, some worse. We do tons of things before we leave this life as Christians. Some bad, some worse.
21. We all have things to work on to make ourselves better umpires. Calling the balk is always tough in baseball. We all have things to work on to make ourselves more honorable before God. Some sins are more difficult to conquer than others. Maybe smoking is a struggle. Maybe it’s alcohol. It might take lots of time and determination to overcome those pitfalls.
You can take any profession and draw these same conclusions and parallels with what the Christian walk is all about. You could be a teacher, custodian, fast-food restaurant worker, pharmacist, etc. Whatever you do, it is the same for any profession with how your job and life should parallel what it takes to be a Christian.
This is something that has really hit me more this year than any other. Sitting in that classroom at umpire school, I really began to see beyond umpiring. I feel I have a bigger job to do than just call balls and strikes. I have two great umpire friends/mentors (Doug and DJ) who have kicked my butt the last 6 years to be a better umpire. As far as I can tell, neither one of those guys has a personal relationship with Christ. What have I been doing for them the past 6 years? Do I have the same passion for being a Christian as I do for being an umpire? Do I have the same desire to lead people to Christ as Doug and DJ have for developing umpires? Do I enjoy being a Christian as much as I do being an umpire? Am I a Christian umpire, or just an umpire? Do people see the difference?
Who are you? What profession are you in?
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Highly Recommended: Luther
I watched Luther for the second time last night and was reminded just how great a movie it is. It's rare to find a film or TV show that takes the Christian faith seriously and represents it accurately. Luther does both while reminding us just how many advantages the modern church has. The scene that sticks out in my mind after last night's viewing is near the end when Luther has finished his German translation of the New Testament and brings it to Frederick the Wise. Frederick can barely contain his excitement at being able to read the Word of God for the first time. Do any of us have that same appreciation for the Bibles we have?
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Building the Forms of Holiness
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (NASB)
Have you ever tried to make yourself more loving towards others? How about more patient? How successful have you been? Have you grown frustrated fighting against the flesh? Why is it so hard? Who is responsible for your growth as a Christian?
“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NASB)
Christian growth is a cooperative work between the believer and God. So, what is our part and what is God’s?
“Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.” Psalm 51:6-8 (NASB)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12 (NASB)
Who acts here, who is acted upon? God purifies and washes, restores and sustains. Whatever change takes place in your heart is His work.
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 (NASB)
Who acts here? The outward, visible work of “putting on” is the work of the believer.
Sanctification is like building with concrete. When working with concrete, a form must be constructed to hold the concrete while it cures. Our work of “putting on” makes the form that God pours His enduring work of holiness into. Forms are not often much to look at. The boards are scratched and gouged and of differing sizes. But after the concrete hardens the boards are removed and thrown away. The forms are temporary, the concrete endures.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NASB)
Faith is the final ingredient here. Building forms is pointless if no concrete will be poured into them. God does not pour out His grace where there is no faith to receive it.
But doesn’t it make us hypocrites to put on these behaviors when we feel the opposite? No, it does not because:
1. There is no hypocrisy in presenting these forms to others as if we really mean them, because we do.
2. We remember that these forms present the opportunity for God to do His work in us, they are not the work itself. We do not mistake our small attempts for true holiness.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)
Notes based on The Renewed Mind by Larry Christenson.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Quotable
"Standing in a garage doesn't make you a car."
My pastor has said that the previous two weeks. I'll leave you to contemplate the possible implications.
My pastor has said that the previous two weeks. I'll leave you to contemplate the possible implications.
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Tests Are Going To Come
June 24, 2007
Sunday School Lesson: God Is In Control
We've been studying the last few weeks the Old Testament and stories where God was always in control but we keep asking the same question, "Why does God allow it to happen?" For instance, we studied the book of Job for 3 weeks and how Job never questioned God no matter what was happening. In fact, his mindset was always to praise God because he never doubted God was in control.
Here's what I was wondering: We believe God is always in control and we all could point to times in our life where God bailed us out when there was nothing we could do in the situation. But why is it so hard for us to let go of stressors or anything that we are afraid to hand over to Jesus when we know it's the ONLY thing to do and that it's the RIGHT thing to do? We know He's in control, yet we have this pride that we can't let someone else be in control of our life.
So, here's what I came up with: The Bible is full of God's promises for our life. God has never broken those promises and never will. But I think we struggle with relating to the difference between a Godly promise and a human promise. Let's face it, human's can't keep promises. I can't, you can't, none of us can. So, when we think of God keeping a promise to never leave us or forsake us, I think we treat that promise like it's coming from a human. And since we know human promises can't hold water, that God's promise is going to fail as well. And that false thinking is the same as knowing a human is in control of a situation. If I can't trust myself to get through a situation, I'm certainly not going to put it in the hands of another human being for two reasons. 1) I have a better chance of handling it than someone else. 2) If I think I will fail, then I'll really think someone else will fail quicker giving them the situation. If we believe those two scary thoughts, then we hesitate to trust God will be in control of the situation. We put God in a human box that He can only do so much.
Anyway, Pastor was speaking yesterday on the "tests" we will all face in life. But we've never been tested like Abraham, especially in this story.
Genesis 22: 1-19
Abraham was asked to use his son Isaac as the sacrifice.
Notes:
Temptations are satan's way. God doesn't tempt us. He's not trying to "trip us up." God uses tests and trials. In this case, Abraham's loyalty was tested.
Isaac was old and strong enough to carry enough of the needed wood to build an alter. He was also old enough to understand how sacrifices went.
Abraham knew God's promises and had been standing on them.
v. 14: "The Lord will provide."
v. 18: "...because you have obeyed my (voice) promises."
If we haven't been standing on God's promises, we will not pass the test.
Application: Here is what God is asking you: When things get really tough, is he going to stand on those promises? And how long will he obey? How far can I test him?
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Sunday School Lesson: God Is In Control
We've been studying the last few weeks the Old Testament and stories where God was always in control but we keep asking the same question, "Why does God allow it to happen?" For instance, we studied the book of Job for 3 weeks and how Job never questioned God no matter what was happening. In fact, his mindset was always to praise God because he never doubted God was in control.
Here's what I was wondering: We believe God is always in control and we all could point to times in our life where God bailed us out when there was nothing we could do in the situation. But why is it so hard for us to let go of stressors or anything that we are afraid to hand over to Jesus when we know it's the ONLY thing to do and that it's the RIGHT thing to do? We know He's in control, yet we have this pride that we can't let someone else be in control of our life.
So, here's what I came up with: The Bible is full of God's promises for our life. God has never broken those promises and never will. But I think we struggle with relating to the difference between a Godly promise and a human promise. Let's face it, human's can't keep promises. I can't, you can't, none of us can. So, when we think of God keeping a promise to never leave us or forsake us, I think we treat that promise like it's coming from a human. And since we know human promises can't hold water, that God's promise is going to fail as well. And that false thinking is the same as knowing a human is in control of a situation. If I can't trust myself to get through a situation, I'm certainly not going to put it in the hands of another human being for two reasons. 1) I have a better chance of handling it than someone else. 2) If I think I will fail, then I'll really think someone else will fail quicker giving them the situation. If we believe those two scary thoughts, then we hesitate to trust God will be in control of the situation. We put God in a human box that He can only do so much.
Anyway, Pastor was speaking yesterday on the "tests" we will all face in life. But we've never been tested like Abraham, especially in this story.
Genesis 22: 1-19
Abraham was asked to use his son Isaac as the sacrifice.
Notes:
Temptations are satan's way. God doesn't tempt us. He's not trying to "trip us up." God uses tests and trials. In this case, Abraham's loyalty was tested.
Isaac was old and strong enough to carry enough of the needed wood to build an alter. He was also old enough to understand how sacrifices went.
Abraham knew God's promises and had been standing on them.
v. 14: "The Lord will provide."
v. 18: "...because you have obeyed my (voice) promises."
If we haven't been standing on God's promises, we will not pass the test.
Application: Here is what God is asking you: When things get really tough, is he going to stand on those promises? And how long will he obey? How far can I test him?
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Soul Care: The Spiritual value of sharing "Fish"
June 17, 2007
John 6: 1-15
Jesus Feeds 5,000
Pastor Bob was talking about what it takes to share our "fish" like the "lad" did in the incredible story of the 2 loaves of bread and 5 little fish. The little boy shared the fish with Jesus not really knowing what impact it would have.
Notes:
To share our "fish"...
I. Involves our cooperation
John 6: 1-15
Jesus Feeds 5,000
Pastor Bob was talking about what it takes to share our "fish" like the "lad" did in the incredible story of the 2 loaves of bread and 5 little fish. The little boy shared the fish with Jesus not really knowing what impact it would have.
Notes:
To share our "fish"...
I. Involves our cooperation
- We all have something to share
- We need the mindset to make ourselves available to Him
- The little boy hands it over to Jesus and trusts Him
- God can do it!
- He wants us to participate
II. It was all planned to begin with
"Fish" = an avenue God has placed you with or in that you can use for ministry
- Workplace, golfcourse, coaching, classroom, restaurant, etc.
- A platform to use to minister to other people
- Our mindset, Matthew 6, is seeking first His kingdom. Then He blesses us to do more and more
- He wants to use us to bless other people
Everything is an opportunity for ministry.
Application: Ask God to show you your "fish" this week. Who will you share with?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
That fatal to-morrow...
I've started reading Morning and Evening: Daily Readings by Charles Spurgeon online over at Christian Classics Ethereal Library. A quote from tonight's reading caught my attention:
Read the whole thing here.
That fatal to-morrow is blood-red with the murder of fair resolutions; it is the slaughter-house of the innocents.
Read the whole thing here.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
When I Remember
I was listening to my favorite song this morning and thought I'd share it (again).
Lyrics (from Christian Music Lyrics)
Lyrics (from Christian Music Lyrics)
That boy is gone
Sometimes I miss the way he wept at night
To be still and not run
To be rocked to sleep in Your light
These days there is not much that will bring tears to my eyes
But when I remember who I am and who You are
When I remember
A cloud moves in, rain falls, thunder strikes
And sunshine breaks through the clouds
I am walking blind
So distracted that I don't even feel when You hold me
When did I grow such thick skin
You are my sunshine and rain
My joy and sweet pain
I'm a spotless stain
That boy is gone
But nobody moves me like You do
When I remember
A cloud moves in, rain falls, thunder strikes
And sunshine breaks through the clouds
I can cry out of sorrow and joy
Every drop of rain turns into a crystal in the sun
So wash my eyes, my clothes, my skin, my bones, my soul
My feet, my love
I'm not forgotten
I'm in your thoughts cause I feel sunshine in the rain
To this day nobody moves
Nobody
Nobody moves me like You
Nahum: "Pass or Fail"
Ump and I discussed last night how we had both heard similar sermons the past weekend involving the theme of "pass or fail". Here's the notes from the sermon given by Pastor Ronn Johnson of CREF.
The minor prophets present an interesting theme which is consistent with the rest of Scripture: unlike most classes we can take in school, God's test for the human race comes with only two possible final grades- pass or fail. Consequently, we need to realize that:
1. Passing and failing students are now sharing the same classroom and only the teacher knows how people are doing.
Joel 2:30-32
Ezekiel 36:24
John 10:26-27
2. Students are responsible to know what the teacher requires.
Zephaniah 1:12
Jermiah 5:12-13
2 Timothy 4:3
3. No one will end the course with an average grade.
Nahum 1:2,7
Isaiah 66:22-24
Matthew 7:13-14
4. During the course the Teacher cares how each student does.
Zechariah 7:9-10
Psalm 34:13-14
Titus 3:8
5. Everyone will end the course either totally happy or totally sad.
Nahum 1:14; 2:2
Daniel 12:2
Romans 2:7-10
The minor prophets present an interesting theme which is consistent with the rest of Scripture: unlike most classes we can take in school, God's test for the human race comes with only two possible final grades- pass or fail. Consequently, we need to realize that:
1. Passing and failing students are now sharing the same classroom and only the teacher knows how people are doing.
Joel 2:30-32
Ezekiel 36:24
John 10:26-27
2. Students are responsible to know what the teacher requires.
Zephaniah 1:12
Jermiah 5:12-13
2 Timothy 4:3
3. No one will end the course with an average grade.
Nahum 1:2,7
Isaiah 66:22-24
Matthew 7:13-14
4. During the course the Teacher cares how each student does.
Zechariah 7:9-10
Psalm 34:13-14
Titus 3:8
5. Everyone will end the course either totally happy or totally sad.
Nahum 1:14; 2:2
Daniel 12:2
Romans 2:7-10
You either Pass or Fail
Well, I'm here. I'd like to give a little sneak peak of what I'd like to contribute to, just to make your mouth water in anticipation, but I'm not ready yet...but excited for the vision and possibilities for this new blog.
Here is one cool idea I just thought of though. How easy would it be to put on the blog video of the Cass City Missionary Church worship band? Fritz is lead vocals and Kurt Tuckey is the man when it comes to technology issues. I'll see what I can do.
Also, looking forward to the "Verse for the Day" display.
Oh, here is the link to the website for the Cass City Missionary Church.
Here is one cool idea I just thought of though. How easy would it be to put on the blog video of the Cass City Missionary Church worship band? Fritz is lead vocals and Kurt Tuckey is the man when it comes to technology issues. I'll see what I can do.
Also, looking forward to the "Verse for the Day" display.
Oh, here is the link to the website for the Cass City Missionary Church.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Samson: Hero of Faith?
The notes:
I. Samson’s birth foretold (Judges 13:2-5)
a. What is a Nazirite? (Numbers 6:2-5)
b. What is the purpose of being a Nazirite?
II. Philistine wife and the riddle game (Judges 14)
a. Why does Samson desire the Philistine woman? (verse 3)
b. Kills a lion (verses 5-6)
c. Propounds a riddle at wedding feast, wife betrays him under duress (verses 12-18)
i. How was she threatened? (verse 15)
d. Kills 30 Philistines to settle his riddle debt (verse 19)
e. Wife given to his best man (verse 20)
III. Revenge (Judges 15)
a. Finds his wife has been given to best man, vows revenge (verses 1-3)
b. Catches 300 foxes, ties them in pairs with a torch between them, sets them loose in Philistine fields and vineyards (verses 4-5)
c. Philistines kill Samson’s wife and father-in-law (verse 6)
d. Samson strikes the Philistines with a great slaughter (verse 8)
e. Betrayed by the men of Judah, Samson submits willingly (verses 11-13)
f. Breaks bonds, strikes down 1000 with the jawbone of a donkey (verses 14-16)
i. Why a donkey’s jawbone?
ii. Who does Samson think is responsible for the outcome of the battle?
g. Samson’s thirst quenched by miraculous means
i. God answers Samson’s call
IV. Gaza, Philistine stronghold (Judges 16:1-4)
a. Samson sees a harlot, stays with her
b. Enemies surround city, plan to kill him when he leaves in the morning
c. Samson awakes in the middle of the night, rips the gate and doorposts up and leaves city
V. Delilah (Judges 16:5-22)
a. Why does Samson tell Delilah the secret of his strength?
b. Samson’s eyes are gouged out by the Philistines. Does this seem especially notable?
VI. The Philistine Temple (Judges 16:23-31)
a. Philistines hold a great feast for Dagon, bring Samson in for entertainment (verse 25)
b. Samson calls out to God for strength (verse 28)
i. Should Samson have expected God to answer his prayer?
c. Samson brings down the temple of Dagon and kills 3000 Philistines
VII. Hero of Faith (Hebrews 11:32-34)
a. How did Samson display such faith as to be mentioned here?
b. Does he deserve to be mentioned in such company?
Commentary:
-Samson was a Nazirite, meaning he was supposed to be set apart for the Lord. This makes it ironic that Samson's main problem was worldliness. Sure, he didn't cut his hair, but far too often he chose the world (Philistine wife, the harlot in Gaza, Delilah) rather than the laws of God.
-Samson's most notable sins all occur because of the lust of his eyes. His punishment then, while not uncommon in that time, is very fitting.
-Is Samson a hero of faith, or is his example just recorded for our benefit?
I. Samson’s birth foretold (Judges 13:2-5)
a. What is a Nazirite? (Numbers 6:2-5)
b. What is the purpose of being a Nazirite?
II. Philistine wife and the riddle game (Judges 14)
a. Why does Samson desire the Philistine woman? (verse 3)
b. Kills a lion (verses 5-6)
c. Propounds a riddle at wedding feast, wife betrays him under duress (verses 12-18)
i. How was she threatened? (verse 15)
d. Kills 30 Philistines to settle his riddle debt (verse 19)
e. Wife given to his best man (verse 20)
III. Revenge (Judges 15)
a. Finds his wife has been given to best man, vows revenge (verses 1-3)
b. Catches 300 foxes, ties them in pairs with a torch between them, sets them loose in Philistine fields and vineyards (verses 4-5)
c. Philistines kill Samson’s wife and father-in-law (verse 6)
d. Samson strikes the Philistines with a great slaughter (verse 8)
e. Betrayed by the men of Judah, Samson submits willingly (verses 11-13)
f. Breaks bonds, strikes down 1000 with the jawbone of a donkey (verses 14-16)
i. Why a donkey’s jawbone?
ii. Who does Samson think is responsible for the outcome of the battle?
g. Samson’s thirst quenched by miraculous means
i. God answers Samson’s call
IV. Gaza, Philistine stronghold (Judges 16:1-4)
a. Samson sees a harlot, stays with her
b. Enemies surround city, plan to kill him when he leaves in the morning
c. Samson awakes in the middle of the night, rips the gate and doorposts up and leaves city
V. Delilah (Judges 16:5-22)
a. Why does Samson tell Delilah the secret of his strength?
b. Samson’s eyes are gouged out by the Philistines. Does this seem especially notable?
VI. The Philistine Temple (Judges 16:23-31)
a. Philistines hold a great feast for Dagon, bring Samson in for entertainment (verse 25)
b. Samson calls out to God for strength (verse 28)
i. Should Samson have expected God to answer his prayer?
c. Samson brings down the temple of Dagon and kills 3000 Philistines
VII. Hero of Faith (Hebrews 11:32-34)
a. How did Samson display such faith as to be mentioned here?
b. Does he deserve to be mentioned in such company?
Commentary:
-Samson was a Nazirite, meaning he was supposed to be set apart for the Lord. This makes it ironic that Samson's main problem was worldliness. Sure, he didn't cut his hair, but far too often he chose the world (Philistine wife, the harlot in Gaza, Delilah) rather than the laws of God.
-Samson's most notable sins all occur because of the lust of his eyes. His punishment then, while not uncommon in that time, is very fitting.
-Is Samson a hero of faith, or is his example just recorded for our benefit?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Jonah
We've studied Jonah 3 times in the past month at church and Sunday School, so I thought I'd start there. I'll sketch it out briefly, then fill in as I have opportunity.
1. God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach a message of judgement. Jonah instead heads to Tarshish, which is at the opposite end of the known world.
2. God sends a mighty storm against the boat Jonah is travelling in. The sailors cast lots and find Jonah is to blame. He asks that they throw him overboard and they do. The storm stops.
Reading this part of the book, I get the feeling Jonah knew this was coming. Did he really think he could go where God couldn't reach? The gods of the sailors were like this, deities of a specific area, which is why they were calling out to any god they could think of, hoping one might hear and rescue them.
3. Jonah is swallowed by a big fish. He prays to God and the fish vomits him up on dry land. Jonah heads to Nineveh.
Jonah gets all poetic and thankful in the belly of the fish, as is befitting a miraculous rescue. But I wonder if he was as thankful when he ended up back on shore? I can't help but suspect that when the sailors threw him overboard Jonah thought: Well, God is punishing me for my disobedience, but at least I won't have to go to Nineveh. Then he's spit up on the shore: Aww, crap.
4. Jonah preaches the Lord's message in Nineveh and the people repent, fasting and wearing sackcloth.
Given Jonah's reluctance about the whole enterprise, I wonder how much heart he put into preaching this message. I imagine something Pythonesque. Jonah walks into a crowded marketplace in Nineveh:
That's the end right? Well, no.
5. Jonah is angry with the Lord.
Jonah finds a place outside the city and waits, hoping for the destruction of the city. The Lord causes a vine to grow up that offers Jonah shade. The next day the vine withers and the sun and wind cause Jonah to feel faint. He begs to die. Then:
The main point? Jonah just doesn't get it. He cannot see the Ninevehites as God sees them. He has no mercy, he only wants to see them destroyed. He can't bear the thought that God cares about someone other than His chosen people. In this way Jonah is a type of Israel. They had become puffed up by their status and had little concern for those around them, despite the fact that Israel was generally as wicked as its pagan neighbors.
Application:
How have you tried to evade God's calling?
Does your standing as one of the "chosen" make you care more for the lost around you, or do you find yourself despising them?
1. God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach a message of judgement. Jonah instead heads to Tarshish, which is at the opposite end of the known world.
2. God sends a mighty storm against the boat Jonah is travelling in. The sailors cast lots and find Jonah is to blame. He asks that they throw him overboard and they do. The storm stops.
Reading this part of the book, I get the feeling Jonah knew this was coming. Did he really think he could go where God couldn't reach? The gods of the sailors were like this, deities of a specific area, which is why they were calling out to any god they could think of, hoping one might hear and rescue them.
3. Jonah is swallowed by a big fish. He prays to God and the fish vomits him up on dry land. Jonah heads to Nineveh.
Jonah gets all poetic and thankful in the belly of the fish, as is befitting a miraculous rescue. But I wonder if he was as thankful when he ended up back on shore? I can't help but suspect that when the sailors threw him overboard Jonah thought: Well, God is punishing me for my disobedience, but at least I won't have to go to Nineveh. Then he's spit up on the shore: Aww, crap.
4. Jonah preaches the Lord's message in Nineveh and the people repent, fasting and wearing sackcloth.
Given Jonah's reluctance about the whole enterprise, I wonder how much heart he put into preaching this message. I imagine something Pythonesque. Jonah walks into a crowded marketplace in Nineveh:
Jonah: (quietly) "Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown."
Old Woman: "What did you say?"
Jonah: "Well, umm, I said..."
Old Woman: "Did you say, 'Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown'?"
Jonah: "Err, yeah, something like that..."
Old Woman: "Woe is me! We're doomed, doomed! Find the king! Perhaps if we humble ourselves this Lord will have mercy? Where's the sackcloth?"
Jonah: "Aww, crap."
That's the end right? Well, no.
5. Jonah is angry with the Lord.
"Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity." (Jonah 4:2, NASB)
Jonah finds a place outside the city and waits, hoping for the destruction of the city. The Lord causes a vine to grow up that offers Jonah shade. The next day the vine withers and the sun and wind cause Jonah to feel faint. He begs to die. Then:
9Then God said to Jonah, "Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?" And he said, "I have good reason to be angry, even to death."
10Then the LORD said, "You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished overnight.
11"Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?" (Jonah 4:9-11, NASB)
The main point? Jonah just doesn't get it. He cannot see the Ninevehites as God sees them. He has no mercy, he only wants to see them destroyed. He can't bear the thought that God cares about someone other than His chosen people. In this way Jonah is a type of Israel. They had become puffed up by their status and had little concern for those around them, despite the fact that Israel was generally as wicked as its pagan neighbors.
Application:
How have you tried to evade God's calling?
Does your standing as one of the "chosen" make you care more for the lost around you, or do you find yourself despising them?
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Post #1
So, last week I was taking a seminar offered by BSF, which I got involved in back in September. The seminar was covering various resources and strategies for personal bible study. One thing that was mentioned was that it was a good idea to keep notes in a journal to record what you're learning. That's great, but my experience is that it takes too long, so I either don't write anything or write such that I can't read it later. I can type much faster, so jotting down some notes and then typing them would probably be quicker and more useful to me. But having a big Word file with everything lumped together would make it impossible to use. What I really thought I needed would be to have all the notes typed in an orderly way and be able to search by keywords and topics: exactly the kind of functionality the blog format offers.
So, after running the idea by Andy, this blog was started. I'm planning on using it to record facts, knowledge, insights, etc. from my personal bible study or whatever other useful thing I come across at church, online, or other bible studies. If you want to contribute, that's wonderful. I'll try to develop a list of resources so it will be useful even if you're not interested in posting. This will be a fairly serious endeavour, so joke labels and posts should stay at the CCM blog. I believe I'll need to invite everyone again to join this blog, so send me an email or comment if you're interested.
So, after running the idea by Andy, this blog was started. I'm planning on using it to record facts, knowledge, insights, etc. from my personal bible study or whatever other useful thing I come across at church, online, or other bible studies. If you want to contribute, that's wonderful. I'll try to develop a list of resources so it will be useful even if you're not interested in posting. This will be a fairly serious endeavour, so joke labels and posts should stay at the CCM blog. I believe I'll need to invite everyone again to join this blog, so send me an email or comment if you're interested.
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