They say that every snowflake is different. If that were true, how could the world go on? How could we ever get up off our knees? How could we ever recover from the wonder of it? --Jeanette Winterson
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Why I want to live.
When I talk about doctrine, it's NOT about me, it's about scripture, it's about His thoughts and His ways (Isaiah 55:8-11). When I talk about change, it's NOT about me, it's for Him and His
kingdom (Matt 6:33), for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers
over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly places. (Eph 6:12). When I talk about growth, it's NOT about
me, it's so that, indeed, I can count everything as loss because of the
surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, and for his sake suffer the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
(Php 3:8-11). When I talk about maturity, it's NOT about me, it's so
that we can all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves
and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by
craftiness in deceitful schemes (Eph 4:11-16).
Why do I focus on growth? Because God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 2:4). Because we have been given the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:12-16) and should use it. Because we should learn from Him since He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think (Eph 3:20) and, as Paul prayed on his knees, so that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:16-19)
It's not for me I want to live, but for Him.
Why do I focus on growth? Because God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 2:4). Because we have been given the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:12-16) and should use it. Because we should learn from Him since He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think (Eph 3:20) and, as Paul prayed on his knees, so that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:16-19)
It's not for me I want to live, but for Him.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Please, Make Yourself at Home!
One of my favorite verses follows Judas' simple question...
Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:22-23)
The Greek word for 'keep' used here means to guard or protect, usually from loss or injury. To me, this verse means that if we love Him, motivated by His love for us, then we will guard and even cherish His word in our hearts. Our thoughts will become His thoughts as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). And if we guard and cherish His word in our hearts, Jesus and His Father will come and make themselves at home in our hearts. After all, home is wherever the heart is.
Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:22-23)
The Greek word for 'keep' used here means to guard or protect, usually from loss or injury. To me, this verse means that if we love Him, motivated by His love for us, then we will guard and even cherish His word in our hearts. Our thoughts will become His thoughts as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). And if we guard and cherish His word in our hearts, Jesus and His Father will come and make themselves at home in our hearts. After all, home is wherever the heart is.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
...To Die Is Gain
I wrote this post a few days ago when feeling pretty down. However, I edited it this day (3/3/2013) before posting it.
Right now, I just want to forget about how that verse in Philippians 1:21 begins, which is "For to me to live is Christ." Rather, I want to skip to the end of that verse, and the title of this blog post, "to die is gain." The conclusion of the next two verses speak to my heart at this time as well: "If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better."
I want what is far better! I'd rather skip life on earth and rest eternally. Sometimes, a worldly existence seems like such a trivial and vain striving after the wind. Am I depressed? Or am I just tired of ‘chasing the wind?’ I wonder for a moment, then realize my focus is off. Yes, at times like this I just want to die and get it over with. The struggles of this world hardly seem worth it. I think, "What a contrast it is between the magnificent Kingdom of God versus the puny kingdoms of the world!" I think, "My desire is to depart, for that is far better."
But, I soon realize that what I really want is to "be with Christ." Simultaneously, I know with confidence that I can do that here and now. Even better, I can be in Christ, and He in me, and we in the Father, sharing the same Holy Spirit, His gift to those who believe.
Should I not suffer as Christ suffered? I don't mean physically. I mean the loneliness of mind and social rejection that result from separating from the world and its ways. I understand we are on the battlefield right smack in the middle of enemy territory, an enemy who is the prince of the power of the very air we breathe. But, suffering is difficult, even impossible, without Him. I should expect to suffer with Christ. After all, who am I to escape this suffering and think I can share in the fullness of His glory?
What am I to do? To make life as a Christian soldier tolerable, I need to constantly align my goal with His, which is to bring many sons into glory. I need to diligently devote myself to seeking deeper understanding of His eternal purpose, which He has revealed to us in the Mystery, and that through Christ, and by the power of His Spirit, grasp what are the awesome dimensions --breadth, length, height, and depth-- of His glorious plan for those who are called according to His purpose, that we may be filled with all the fullness of Him, and know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.
Oh, how I want this! Knowing Him and His plan quickly transforms the idea of making life 'tolerable' into one of becoming utterly joyful. His word is able to lift my heart into the heavens and rejoice, again I say rejoice, that my citizenship is with Him, my eternal inheritance is secure, and that He is motivated by unadulterated love to lavish grace upon grace towards me that I may love Him and be in Him until He makes His home with me, even while I walk this earth.
Maybe, I should concern myself with Paul's conclusion, not his opening remarks. For he completes this dilemma about life and death in Philippians 1:25-26 like this, "But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
I don't know who, if anyone, will read this post. I also don't know whether or not it will make a difference in anyone's life but mine. But if you, O reader, should be even slightly inclined to look into these things yourself, be encouraged that this is a noble thing indeed, and that your seeking will be rewarded.
Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly than all that we ask or think or imagine, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)
Amen: So be it! So let it be! And so it will be! (Clark)
Right now, I just want to forget about how that verse in Philippians 1:21 begins, which is "For to me to live is Christ." Rather, I want to skip to the end of that verse, and the title of this blog post, "to die is gain." The conclusion of the next two verses speak to my heart at this time as well: "If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better."
I want what is far better! I'd rather skip life on earth and rest eternally. Sometimes, a worldly existence seems like such a trivial and vain striving after the wind. Am I depressed? Or am I just tired of ‘chasing the wind?’ I wonder for a moment, then realize my focus is off. Yes, at times like this I just want to die and get it over with. The struggles of this world hardly seem worth it. I think, "What a contrast it is between the magnificent Kingdom of God versus the puny kingdoms of the world!" I think, "My desire is to depart, for that is far better."
But, I soon realize that what I really want is to "be with Christ." Simultaneously, I know with confidence that I can do that here and now. Even better, I can be in Christ, and He in me, and we in the Father, sharing the same Holy Spirit, His gift to those who believe.
Should I not suffer as Christ suffered? I don't mean physically. I mean the loneliness of mind and social rejection that result from separating from the world and its ways. I understand we are on the battlefield right smack in the middle of enemy territory, an enemy who is the prince of the power of the very air we breathe. But, suffering is difficult, even impossible, without Him. I should expect to suffer with Christ. After all, who am I to escape this suffering and think I can share in the fullness of His glory?
What am I to do? To make life as a Christian soldier tolerable, I need to constantly align my goal with His, which is to bring many sons into glory. I need to diligently devote myself to seeking deeper understanding of His eternal purpose, which He has revealed to us in the Mystery, and that through Christ, and by the power of His Spirit, grasp what are the awesome dimensions --breadth, length, height, and depth-- of His glorious plan for those who are called according to His purpose, that we may be filled with all the fullness of Him, and know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.
Oh, how I want this! Knowing Him and His plan quickly transforms the idea of making life 'tolerable' into one of becoming utterly joyful. His word is able to lift my heart into the heavens and rejoice, again I say rejoice, that my citizenship is with Him, my eternal inheritance is secure, and that He is motivated by unadulterated love to lavish grace upon grace towards me that I may love Him and be in Him until He makes His home with me, even while I walk this earth.
Maybe, I should concern myself with Paul's conclusion, not his opening remarks. For he completes this dilemma about life and death in Philippians 1:25-26 like this, "But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
I don't know who, if anyone, will read this post. I also don't know whether or not it will make a difference in anyone's life but mine. But if you, O reader, should be even slightly inclined to look into these things yourself, be encouraged that this is a noble thing indeed, and that your seeking will be rewarded.
Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly than all that we ask or think or imagine, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)
Amen: So be it! So let it be! And so it will be! (Clark)
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Praise for my God!!
My God, my God, why have you loved me so?
Why are you so close to me, listening to my every cry and whisper?
O my God, I pray to you by day, and you answer, and by night, and I find rest in your arms.
You are holy, Lord, enthroned on high, I continually praise you in my heart.
I've learned to trust in you, and you delivered me.
I cried to you and I was rescued; in you I trusted and I was not put to shame.
You've made your home in my heart; my help is in no other.
I delight in you, and you give me the desires of my heart.
And the desires of my heart have become to delight in you.
My soul is precious in your sight. You delight with singing over me.
My cup overflows. You have given me new life, a new heart.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Why are you so close to me, listening to my every cry and whisper?
O my God, I pray to you by day, and you answer, and by night, and I find rest in your arms.
You are holy, Lord, enthroned on high, I continually praise you in my heart.
I've learned to trust in you, and you delivered me.
I cried to you and I was rescued; in you I trusted and I was not put to shame.
You've made your home in my heart; my help is in no other.
I delight in you, and you give me the desires of my heart.
And the desires of my heart have become to delight in you.
My soul is precious in your sight. You delight with singing over me.
My cup overflows. You have given me new life, a new heart.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Would Anyone Care?
My heart pounds inside my chest, sending extra blood to my
furious legs, racing through unfamiliar streets of dirt and grime. I think my body must be redirecting its blood
flow to give speed to my escape because my head is so light with fear as cold
sweat continues to dampen the back of my neck.
They’re going to kill me, and I don’t want to die! Fear and despair combine their dark forces in
my soul as I seek to wipe the blur of endless tears from my line of
vision. Yet, I have no idea where I’m
running.
“Please, God, just let it be away from those who tortured me and burned me.”
I’m fooling myself. There is no escape. I only succeeded in enraging them more by tearing off into the night. Just as plainly as I ran out, so did hope. I’m alone, hated without a cause, despised, spit upon, slapped, punched, kicked, raped, burned, and yet kept barely alive for them to continue another day. Oh, how I wish for eternity that another day would never come! Oh, how foolish I am to wish anything!
I’m tired. I’ve been running as if the devil himself was grasping at my heels every step of the way. And I’m drained. The breaths of my sobs have left my lungs almost as desperate as I am. Water for my tears has gone arid. Fresh wounds trickle warm blood down my face and thighs.
“What’s the use?” I whisper to myself, “If they’re going to kill me, would it just be better to take my own life?”
I’ve never thought a thought like that before. Would anyone care? Would anyone notice? Would anyone even…
Just then, I noticed I’m not alone. Someone had seen me running, or rather, falling forward, sobbing. I give up. If this is God’s will for me, so be it. I’m too tired to fight. I just hope I lose consciousness, quickly, so as not to cringe in pain. I grow faint, collapsing among the gravel stones, then do faint.
As it happened, that “someone,” who had seen me running, was like my guardian angel; a ministry worker who already saw more cruelty and death up close than the average civilian on the edge of a war zone; a ministry worker overflowing with the love of Christ, endangering her own life, because she sought the welfare of another, me; one who, with joy, uttered loud thanks to God because this child escaped alive.
Hours later, I awaken to odd sensations; I am clean, I am warm, and I am on something soft. My wounds are freshly bandaged. I am wrapped in warm softness. I slowly draw a full breath of clean air, and sigh. My ‘guardian angel’ smiles at me signaling the rest of my life’s journey will be different. Someone cares.
Want to help make the most impact in a situation like this? If, for whatever reason, you cannot be the guardian angel, please find it in your heart to support those who help our neighbors in all lands to be loved, just as we ourselves are loved by Christ.
What if one hundred percent (100%) of your donation went directly to those in need? Wellspring International is an arm of Ravi Zacharais International Ministries. Ravi is a well-known International speaker and defender of the Christian Faith. Administered by Ravi’s daughter Naomi Zacharais, Wellspring covers their own expenses, investigates all requests for funds thoroughly, often going to the location.
They do the research so you can be confident that your money goes where you want it to. One Hundred Percent (100%) of your money goes to help women and children in crisis.
Would anyone care? Wellspring International does.
“Please, God, just let it be away from those who tortured me and burned me.”
I’m fooling myself. There is no escape. I only succeeded in enraging them more by tearing off into the night. Just as plainly as I ran out, so did hope. I’m alone, hated without a cause, despised, spit upon, slapped, punched, kicked, raped, burned, and yet kept barely alive for them to continue another day. Oh, how I wish for eternity that another day would never come! Oh, how foolish I am to wish anything!
I’m tired. I’ve been running as if the devil himself was grasping at my heels every step of the way. And I’m drained. The breaths of my sobs have left my lungs almost as desperate as I am. Water for my tears has gone arid. Fresh wounds trickle warm blood down my face and thighs.
“What’s the use?” I whisper to myself, “If they’re going to kill me, would it just be better to take my own life?”
I’ve never thought a thought like that before. Would anyone care? Would anyone notice? Would anyone even…
Just then, I noticed I’m not alone. Someone had seen me running, or rather, falling forward, sobbing. I give up. If this is God’s will for me, so be it. I’m too tired to fight. I just hope I lose consciousness, quickly, so as not to cringe in pain. I grow faint, collapsing among the gravel stones, then do faint.
As it happened, that “someone,” who had seen me running, was like my guardian angel; a ministry worker who already saw more cruelty and death up close than the average civilian on the edge of a war zone; a ministry worker overflowing with the love of Christ, endangering her own life, because she sought the welfare of another, me; one who, with joy, uttered loud thanks to God because this child escaped alive.
Hours later, I awaken to odd sensations; I am clean, I am warm, and I am on something soft. My wounds are freshly bandaged. I am wrapped in warm softness. I slowly draw a full breath of clean air, and sigh. My ‘guardian angel’ smiles at me signaling the rest of my life’s journey will be different. Someone cares.
Want to help make the most impact in a situation like this? If, for whatever reason, you cannot be the guardian angel, please find it in your heart to support those who help our neighbors in all lands to be loved, just as we ourselves are loved by Christ.
What if one hundred percent (100%) of your donation went directly to those in need? Wellspring International is an arm of Ravi Zacharais International Ministries. Ravi is a well-known International speaker and defender of the Christian Faith. Administered by Ravi’s daughter Naomi Zacharais, Wellspring covers their own expenses, investigates all requests for funds thoroughly, often going to the location.
They do the research so you can be confident that your money goes where you want it to. One Hundred Percent (100%) of your money goes to help women and children in crisis.
Would anyone care? Wellspring International does.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Longest Thread of Blog Comments I've Ever Seen... And Contributed To!
I can hardly believe I contributed to many of the 146 comments in this post. But what a discussion it was! It is well worth the read if you have the time. It's from a post called The Call to Worship, but the discussion itself gets into the foundations of the gospel. Special thanks to Alan Knox for the use of his blog during this discussion.
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