" We need to be living lives that demand an explanation!"
quote taken from Jeff Vanderstelt
When we read the Bible , what is the natural conclusion of the life that Christ wants you to live?
Based on God's word and His Spirit at work in us filling us with power ( Acts 1:8) , leading us into understanding of the Word ( Jn 16:13) , and Sealing us in Christ ( 2 Cor5:5, Eph 1:13) .....
What is the natural course my life should take in response to God.
Being content is something that has been a common theme this last week. This idea of contentment that we find in 1 Timothy 6: 6-10. I have just been pondering what it looks like to live out these verses. I don't think that Paul could state it any clearer for Timothy. Now Timothy was being charged to preach and teach this. Paul was living it, you know I find those leaders that call us to action that when they are really demonstrating it in their own lives I find I have a greater desire to get behind them. Paul in Phil 4:13, the verse we all love to quote out of context, is clearly laying out the most natural and logical response to the foundational truths of his salvation. Jesus Christ is more than enough for me in any circumstance. For we see that for Paul no matter what happened in life he found contentment in Christ. Were there days of struggle and days of forgetting the truth? I would have to say yes because we are human and so was Paul. I think that Paul though was living his life out in such a way as to be walking according to the Spirit and serving his Savior and Creator God.
Lord fill me with understanding of your Word and Father I am weak is so many ways. I need your Spirit to be my strength in standing in this world. That I might learn to apply your Word to my life and live out a life which demands an explanation which can be none other than Jesus.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
30 day fast from movies
So after pondering and reflecting on a post that Doug Philips posted from John Piper. I have decided that I would fast from movies for the next 30 days. In this time I will use the times I would normally want to watch a movie to meditate and reflect on God's word. I was specifically convicted with the thought that if I were to die today what would I want to be caught doing? My prayer is that I would be able to say " exactly what I had planned to do" . I look forward to seeing how God will challenge and grow me in this area of media and entertainment.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Spectacular Sins
So I just read this short book this morning. This was a challenging read as far as the depth of theology that is tackled in its short 110 pages. In it though were some incredible gems which Piper skillfully unpacked. The actual complete title is "Spectacular Sins and their global purpose in the glory of Christ". In this book he covers 8 topics deallying with God's sovereignty and man's sin. The accounts of Adam, The Tower of Babel, Joseph, and David as well as others are covered in this book.
Here are some of the questions which sparked the writing of this book which actually came out of a teaching series.
" How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?"
" Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?"
"Why does God not restrain sin more often?"
" Can we have faith and Joy during the severity of the Last Days?"
To use Piper's words he summed up his book as follows:
" My aim is that you would conquer unbelief and despair in the face of spectacular sin and misery."
" Recently I went back almost three decades and listened to my candidating sermon at the church I still serve. It was Jan. 27, 1980. I told that old and graying downtown church that I had one supreme passion and one simple goal. I learned it from my father, and I learned it from the apostle Paul. I exist to magnify Jesus Christ. That is, I am on this planet for one ultimate reason: to do whatever I can to make Jesus Christ known and treasured - a knowing and treasuring that accords with his infinite beauty and immeasurable worth...
We are Christian Hedonist at Bethlehem. That means we believe and pursue the truth that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. But we know that in this life, joy in God is never unmixed with sorrow. Never. Love wont allow that. Our banner bears the seal of 2 Cor 6:10 'sorrowful yet always rejoicing'. We are pushing our way through a blood spattered life that makes us feel connected to the world and disconnected at the same time."
This will be a book that I know I will read through again. It is short, concise and filled with scripture. I thank God for the many men who faithfully handle God's Word and proclaim the gospel message.
Here are some of the questions which sparked the writing of this book which actually came out of a teaching series.
" How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?"
" Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?"
"Why does God not restrain sin more often?"
" Can we have faith and Joy during the severity of the Last Days?"
To use Piper's words he summed up his book as follows:
" My aim is that you would conquer unbelief and despair in the face of spectacular sin and misery."
" Recently I went back almost three decades and listened to my candidating sermon at the church I still serve. It was Jan. 27, 1980. I told that old and graying downtown church that I had one supreme passion and one simple goal. I learned it from my father, and I learned it from the apostle Paul. I exist to magnify Jesus Christ. That is, I am on this planet for one ultimate reason: to do whatever I can to make Jesus Christ known and treasured - a knowing and treasuring that accords with his infinite beauty and immeasurable worth...
We are Christian Hedonist at Bethlehem. That means we believe and pursue the truth that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. But we know that in this life, joy in God is never unmixed with sorrow. Never. Love wont allow that. Our banner bears the seal of 2 Cor 6:10 'sorrowful yet always rejoicing'. We are pushing our way through a blood spattered life that makes us feel connected to the world and disconnected at the same time."
This will be a book that I know I will read through again. It is short, concise and filled with scripture. I thank God for the many men who faithfully handle God's Word and proclaim the gospel message.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Trust in the Lord
As I have been having several conversations with people lately; I have found that the topic of trust has come up consistently. What does it really look like to daily trust God? How would my actions or even my thought life be different?
Prov. 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths."
I have also been thinking a lot this last year about the phrase "wait on the Lord". I have found that this idea requires actions not stagnation or passivity. Yet there is certainly a balance in life we find this tension played out in James 4:13-17. I don't know what the future will hold but I will trust in the Lord and wait on the Lord in His timing and in His way. Lord move within my heart to trust you more and within my mind to be more confident in your ways. Give me the confidence in you Lord to live according to your Word. Grow me into the Godly man that you would have me to be. May I always remain grounded in my identity in you. The future seems unknown and difficult but neither should keep me back. You Lord will provide the light for my path only as much as is needed for the next step. May my stride be strong and my steps sure straining as if it were a race and only one receives the prize. My all my life be for your glory alone.
The Lord knows the plans that He has for me.
Please pray with me for the next three months. I found out today that I am on the waiting list for Moody. This then is definitely a hopeful place to be but a difficult one as well. I need to live this summer in such a way as to plan on attending Moody. This means I need to work for the seven or so weeks that I will have in Lansing. I am praying that God would open the door for work.
Prov. 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths."
I have also been thinking a lot this last year about the phrase "wait on the Lord". I have found that this idea requires actions not stagnation or passivity. Yet there is certainly a balance in life we find this tension played out in James 4:13-17. I don't know what the future will hold but I will trust in the Lord and wait on the Lord in His timing and in His way. Lord move within my heart to trust you more and within my mind to be more confident in your ways. Give me the confidence in you Lord to live according to your Word. Grow me into the Godly man that you would have me to be. May I always remain grounded in my identity in you. The future seems unknown and difficult but neither should keep me back. You Lord will provide the light for my path only as much as is needed for the next step. May my stride be strong and my steps sure straining as if it were a race and only one receives the prize. My all my life be for your glory alone.
The Lord knows the plans that He has for me.
Please pray with me for the next three months. I found out today that I am on the waiting list for Moody. This then is definitely a hopeful place to be but a difficult one as well. I need to live this summer in such a way as to plan on attending Moody. This means I need to work for the seven or so weeks that I will have in Lansing. I am praying that God would open the door for work.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who do rejoice and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15
Have you ever thought about which one of these you do better?
Do you find it easier to rejoice with people when things have gone well with them?
OR
Do you find it easier to weep with those who are hurting?
Maybe you have never even thought about it. I have pondered this verse several times with my life in view of it. I have to say that for me I do both but not consistently. That is that I find myself weeping with those who are hurting but not always. Then there are the times that I can rejoice with someone and again I find that I am not consistent. I was evaluating my life to see if there was a common factor between the two responses and I believe there is. I have found that if I have not been in the Word and have my mind focused on Christ and seeing the world through His lenses then I tend to not be able to empathy or celebration. I see that both of these then can be rooted in Pride. Yes that word and topic yet once again appears on my blog because it is so foundationally opposed to the way of Jesus.
I want to praise God for the work that He has been doing in my life. One of the areas that I was struggling in last year was in the area of jealousy. Specifically in regards to relationships. It can be hard to be around people all the time when they are the ones who are married or getting married or in a relationship headed towards marriage. I have realized that the times that I would be focused on that and allowing it to consume me were the very times that I was not focusing on Jesus and the work that He was trying to bring about in my life. I honestly can say that I can today rejoice with Brian and Emma as I heard the great news of their engagement. Praise God for His work in their lives and the picture of redemption that is displayed in marriage.
On the flip side, weeping with those who weep. I have found that in the past I would be more prone to being what some would call heartless. Granted I believe that the context must be a guide and truly only God and myself know what my heart was thinking. But I find the same to be true about showing empathy towards someone. Even when I can not relate personally to the trial or pain; if I am living life see people the way Jesus sees them then I will be able to honestly comfort and care for them this includes weeping and hurting with them. I believe that this is the heart of God.
Father fill my heart with compassion for the lost and hurting, transform my mind by your word to understand the reality of this life, and give me eyes to see people the way you see them. May your love flow from my heart and my actions. May my words be edifying and uplifting and drenched in the gospel truths. For it is only in through and by Jesus that I am alive.
A humble slave to righteousness
Have you ever thought about which one of these you do better?
Do you find it easier to rejoice with people when things have gone well with them?
OR
Do you find it easier to weep with those who are hurting?
Maybe you have never even thought about it. I have pondered this verse several times with my life in view of it. I have to say that for me I do both but not consistently. That is that I find myself weeping with those who are hurting but not always. Then there are the times that I can rejoice with someone and again I find that I am not consistent. I was evaluating my life to see if there was a common factor between the two responses and I believe there is. I have found that if I have not been in the Word and have my mind focused on Christ and seeing the world through His lenses then I tend to not be able to empathy or celebration. I see that both of these then can be rooted in Pride. Yes that word and topic yet once again appears on my blog because it is so foundationally opposed to the way of Jesus.
I want to praise God for the work that He has been doing in my life. One of the areas that I was struggling in last year was in the area of jealousy. Specifically in regards to relationships. It can be hard to be around people all the time when they are the ones who are married or getting married or in a relationship headed towards marriage. I have realized that the times that I would be focused on that and allowing it to consume me were the very times that I was not focusing on Jesus and the work that He was trying to bring about in my life. I honestly can say that I can today rejoice with Brian and Emma as I heard the great news of their engagement. Praise God for His work in their lives and the picture of redemption that is displayed in marriage.
On the flip side, weeping with those who weep. I have found that in the past I would be more prone to being what some would call heartless. Granted I believe that the context must be a guide and truly only God and myself know what my heart was thinking. But I find the same to be true about showing empathy towards someone. Even when I can not relate personally to the trial or pain; if I am living life see people the way Jesus sees them then I will be able to honestly comfort and care for them this includes weeping and hurting with them. I believe that this is the heart of God.
Father fill my heart with compassion for the lost and hurting, transform my mind by your word to understand the reality of this life, and give me eyes to see people the way you see them. May your love flow from my heart and my actions. May my words be edifying and uplifting and drenched in the gospel truths. For it is only in through and by Jesus that I am alive.
A humble slave to righteousness
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A divided heart renders us usless for Him
This was a poem that I found while reading the journal entries of Jim Elliot.
I believe it came from an old hymnal.
The meditation that has come from reflecting on these thoughts is convicting and inspiring.
Have I an object, Lord, below
Which would divide my heart with Thee?
Which would divert its even flow
In answer to Thy constancy?
O teach me quickly to return
And cause my heart afresh to burn.
Have I a hope, however dear,
Which would defer Thy coming, Lord
Which would detain my spirit here
Where naught can lasting joy afford?
From it, my Savior, set me free
To look and long and wait for Thee.
Be Thou the object bright and fair
To fill and satisfy the heart,
My hope to meet Thee in the air,
And nevermore from Thee to part;
That I may undistracted be
To follow, serve, and wait for Thee.
G.W. Frazer
I believe it came from an old hymnal.
The meditation that has come from reflecting on these thoughts is convicting and inspiring.
Have I an object, Lord, below
Which would divide my heart with Thee?
Which would divert its even flow
In answer to Thy constancy?
O teach me quickly to return
And cause my heart afresh to burn.
Have I a hope, however dear,
Which would defer Thy coming, Lord
Which would detain my spirit here
Where naught can lasting joy afford?
From it, my Savior, set me free
To look and long and wait for Thee.
Be Thou the object bright and fair
To fill and satisfy the heart,
My hope to meet Thee in the air,
And nevermore from Thee to part;
That I may undistracted be
To follow, serve, and wait for Thee.
G.W. Frazer
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Am I living for the end?
Phil2:20
"For I have no one like him who is genuinely concerned for your welfare."
Philippians 3
Am I glorying in, am I boasting in, am I proud of things in this world that I should be ashamed of?
Are all the things I think about the things of this earth or are they the things of heaven?
How do I stay focused on eternity?
It is so easy to wake up every day and feel like I am at home here. Rather than being a stranger...that is the reality.
Will I look like an idiot and be a fool for Jesus?
Two questions to ask ourselves
1 What have I done this last week that matters in light of eternity?
2 What have I done this last week that will not matter in eternity?
"For I have no one like him who is genuinely concerned for your welfare."
Philippians 3
Am I glorying in, am I boasting in, am I proud of things in this world that I should be ashamed of?
Are all the things I think about the things of this earth or are they the things of heaven?
How do I stay focused on eternity?
It is so easy to wake up every day and feel like I am at home here. Rather than being a stranger...that is the reality.
Will I look like an idiot and be a fool for Jesus?
Two questions to ask ourselves
1 What have I done this last week that matters in light of eternity?
2 What have I done this last week that will not matter in eternity?
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