October 31, 2013
So
Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because
of the word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he
asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it and did not inquire of the LORD.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Fighting for our Children
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. (Exodus 17:11)
The years of young adulthood can be scary for parents as they watch their beloved children make relationship and career decisions that have huge implications for their futures. Keeping communication open with our children is critical during this time. So is prayer. As Moses held up his hands to keep winning the war, so must we continously pray to win the battle that is raging against our children.
TV~
That our sons may grow up as the young plants, and that our daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple. [Psalm 144:12]
The years of young adulthood can be scary for parents as they watch their beloved children make relationship and career decisions that have huge implications for their futures. Keeping communication open with our children is critical during this time. So is prayer. As Moses held up his hands to keep winning the war, so must we continously pray to win the battle that is raging against our children.
TV~
That our sons may grow up as the young plants, and that our daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple. [Psalm 144:12]
Monday, October 28, 2013
150 Beads
In the twelfth century, religious orders recited together the 150
Psalms as a way to mark the hours of the day and the days of the week. Most of the laity were illiterate and wanted to share in this
practice, so praying on a string of 150 beads or knots began as a
parallel to praying the Psalms substituting instead 150 repititions of the Lord's prayer. Eventually the Hail Mary was added to the recitations.
Rosary use continues today as that once designed for the illiterate. Since the fifteenth century, the beads have been divided into 15 "decades, " with a mystery of an event in the life of Jesus assigned to each decade. This, too, was to help the illiterate meditate on stories in the Bible.
Today, however, few people are illiterate. We can read the Bible and we can read the Psalms. I would love to see rosary praying be restored to the original format of the monks, as that of reciting the Psalms regularly.
TV~
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. [James 5:13]
Rosary use continues today as that once designed for the illiterate. Since the fifteenth century, the beads have been divided into 15 "decades, " with a mystery of an event in the life of Jesus assigned to each decade. This, too, was to help the illiterate meditate on stories in the Bible.
Today, however, few people are illiterate. We can read the Bible and we can read the Psalms. I would love to see rosary praying be restored to the original format of the monks, as that of reciting the Psalms regularly.
TV~
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. [James 5:13]
Sunday, October 27, 2013
How to Become a Diamond
On the shores of the Delaware Bay in southern New Jersey, one can find small stones known as "Cape May Diamonds." These "diamonds" are different from the expensive, sparkling, precious stones found in engagement rings.
They are small pieces of quartz crystal that begin their lives truly “in-the-rough” in the upper reaches of the Delaware River. They journey more than 200 miles over thousands of years and their sharp edges are smoothed as they are propelled along the river bottom. Eventually the stones come to rest on the shores of the Delaware Bay.1
Our journey is 80+ years, if we are strong. As we are propelled along in this life, let us allow our sharp edges to be smoothed, thus turning us into "diamonds."
The grandest character is grown in hardship. ~ Streams in the Desert
TV~
Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. [Psalm 90:10]
1. New Jersey Monthly, May 5, 2009
They are small pieces of quartz crystal that begin their lives truly “in-the-rough” in the upper reaches of the Delaware River. They journey more than 200 miles over thousands of years and their sharp edges are smoothed as they are propelled along the river bottom. Eventually the stones come to rest on the shores of the Delaware Bay.1
Our journey is 80+ years, if we are strong. As we are propelled along in this life, let us allow our sharp edges to be smoothed, thus turning us into "diamonds."
The grandest character is grown in hardship. ~ Streams in the Desert
TV~
Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. [Psalm 90:10]
1. New Jersey Monthly, May 5, 2009
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Fine Wine
I visited two wineries yesterday. The wines of the older, more established winery were much more flavorful and enjoyable. Their grape vines were more mature, established and the winemakers more experienced in their art.
Tending grape vines, I understand, is quite labor-intensive. One has to work diligently to fight disease and blight. However, over the years, the hard work pays off.
Keep tending the vines in your life - those of your marriage, children, good friends and family. This hard work also will pay off with time, resulting in a flavorful, mature result.
TV~
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [Galatians 6:9]
Tending grape vines, I understand, is quite labor-intensive. One has to work diligently to fight disease and blight. However, over the years, the hard work pays off.
Keep tending the vines in your life - those of your marriage, children, good friends and family. This hard work also will pay off with time, resulting in a flavorful, mature result.
TV~
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [Galatians 6:9]
Friday, October 25, 2013
Little Lamb
The Lamb
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Gave thee life & bid thee feed.
By the stream & o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing wooly bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice!
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Little Lamb I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb I'll tell thee!
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb:
He is meek & he is mild,
He became a little child:
I a child & thou a lamb,
We are called by his name.
Little Lamb God bless thee.
Little Lamb God bless thee.
TV~
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Wisdom vs. Wisdom
Earth's Wisdom:
Source: Not from above, earthly, sensual, demonic
Results: Envy, self-seeking, selfish ambition, confusion, every evil thing
True Wisdom:
Source: God
Results: Given to us in abundance, if we ask for it. Yields peace, gentleness, mercy, good fruit, no show of favoritism, no hypocrisy.
TV~
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness." [I Corinthians 3:19]
Source: Not from above, earthly, sensual, demonic
Results: Envy, self-seeking, selfish ambition, confusion, every evil thing
True Wisdom:
Source: God
Results: Given to us in abundance, if we ask for it. Yields peace, gentleness, mercy, good fruit, no show of favoritism, no hypocrisy.
TV~
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness." [I Corinthians 3:19]
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Byproduct of Grief
Anyone who has suffered grief understands the twisting inner pain that keeps one awake at night. However, a beautiful byproduct of this horrific pain can be kindness. In acute suffering, the griever often has no desire to inflict emotional pain upon another human being.
" And so I learned about grief, and about the absence and emptiness that for a long time make grief unforgettable. We went on, the three of us remaining, as we had to do…
A sort of heartbreaking kindness grew..... grew among us all. It was a kindness of doing whatever we could think of that might help or comfort one another. But it was a kindness too of forbearance, of not speaking, of not reminding... That kindness kept us alive, I think, but it was a hardship too.” (Wendell Berry, as quoted in Hannah Coulter)
TV~
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... [Isaiah 53:3a]
" And so I learned about grief, and about the absence and emptiness that for a long time make grief unforgettable. We went on, the three of us remaining, as we had to do…
A sort of heartbreaking kindness grew..... grew among us all. It was a kindness of doing whatever we could think of that might help or comfort one another. But it was a kindness too of forbearance, of not speaking, of not reminding... That kindness kept us alive, I think, but it was a hardship too.” (Wendell Berry, as quoted in Hannah Coulter)
TV~
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... [Isaiah 53:3a]
Monday, October 21, 2013
Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks
From the three directives of I Thessalonians 5:16-18 that were mentioned yesterday....
Rejoicing always has to do with attitude as well as action. Both praying without ceasing and giving thanks for all things are actions that can be done regardless of attitude.
If we try to rejoice, but don't have the ability to do it, we can pray that God will enable us to rejoice and then we can give thanks for answered prayer whether we see an immediate answer or not.
TV~
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. [Isaiah 65:24]
Rejoicing always has to do with attitude as well as action. Both praying without ceasing and giving thanks for all things are actions that can be done regardless of attitude.
If we try to rejoice, but don't have the ability to do it, we can pray that God will enable us to rejoice and then we can give thanks for answered prayer whether we see an immediate answer or not.
TV~
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. [Isaiah 65:24]
Sunday, October 20, 2013
3 Directives
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.… (I Thessalonians 5:17-19)
Which of the above do you find the hardest? For me, it is "rejoice always." However, this is God's will, in Christ Jesus. And, we are promised: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (I John 5:14)
TV~
For when I am weak, then I am strong. [2 Corinthians 12:10]
Which of the above do you find the hardest? For me, it is "rejoice always." However, this is God's will, in Christ Jesus. And, we are promised: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (I John 5:14)
TV~
For when I am weak, then I am strong. [2 Corinthians 12:10]
Saturday, October 19, 2013
How to Love a Rose Bush
Every person is like a rose bush, beautiful and special - yet thorny. We handle some people without getting too many pricks and pokes, appreciating their unique beauty. Others we learn to avoid due to the bleeding that comes from regular contact. Some rose bushes that we avoid also are overgrown with poison ivy. Avoiding the poison ivy rose bush would seem to be a no-brainer.
God loves each rose bush and wants us to love the others as ourselves... even the ones we have learned to avoid. I have no desire to love certain ones of these. Deep inside is the fear of yet more damage being inflicted upon me.
The prayer: Lord, give me YOUR love for this person. Every part of me wants to run, but You can place the strength, ability and even the desire to love this most undesirable person.
TV~
"If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."
[I Corinthians 13:2b]
God loves each rose bush and wants us to love the others as ourselves... even the ones we have learned to avoid. I have no desire to love certain ones of these. Deep inside is the fear of yet more damage being inflicted upon me.
The prayer: Lord, give me YOUR love for this person. Every part of me wants to run, but You can place the strength, ability and even the desire to love this most undesirable person.
TV~
"If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."
[I Corinthians 13:2b]
Friday, October 18, 2013
Our Great Hope
From Community Bible Study materials:
What great hope does James offer to encourage and exhort the believers to be patient?
He tells believers to be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. The great day of the LORD is near-- near and coming quickly. (Zephaniah 1:14)
TV~
He which testifieth these things saith, "Surely I come quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. [Revelation 22:20]
What great hope does James offer to encourage and exhort the believers to be patient?
He tells believers to be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. The great day of the LORD is near-- near and coming quickly. (Zephaniah 1:14)
TV~
He which testifieth these things saith, "Surely I come quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. [Revelation 22:20]
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Let Nothing Disturb You....
Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila~
Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing frighten you.
All things pass.
God does not change.
Patience achieves everything.
Whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no hands but yours; no feet but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world.
Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands with which He is to bless His people.
Let nothing frighten you.
All things pass.
God does not change.
Patience achieves everything.
Whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no hands but yours; no feet but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world.
Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands with which He is to bless His people.
TV~
God has chosen to make known... the glorious
riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. [Colossians 1:27]
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
New Eyes for My Spouse
A friend of mine lived in an impossible marriage. She was given permission, by her pastor, to divorce her husband. In spite of this, she tenaciously perservered within the seeminly doomed marriage. Today, her situation has stabilized and her marriage is much better, even happy.
Here is a prayer that she said made a big difference. "Lord, give me Your love for my husband. Help me to see him through Your eyes."
TV~
...To know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. [Ephesians 3:19]
Here is a prayer that she said made a big difference. "Lord, give me Your love for my husband. Help me to see him through Your eyes."
TV~
...To know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. [Ephesians 3:19]
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
New Eyes
Many of my friends are becoming empty nesters. They now have time to travel, pursue personal goals and relax after many years of raising children. I, too, have spent many years raising children, but the empty nest is years away. I want to travel, pursue personal goals and relax, but I can't.
In the phonics book belonging to my five-year-old are various short, encouraging maxims. Here is what I read today: "The real voyage of discovery consists not of seeking NEW LANDSCAPES, but of having NEW EYES."
Lord, give me new eyes as I look at life today.
TV~
My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word... Revive me, O Lord, according to Your ordinances. [Psalm 119:148, 149]
In the phonics book belonging to my five-year-old are various short, encouraging maxims. Here is what I read today: "The real voyage of discovery consists not of seeking NEW LANDSCAPES, but of having NEW EYES."
Lord, give me new eyes as I look at life today.
TV~
My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word... Revive me, O Lord, according to Your ordinances. [Psalm 119:148, 149]
Monday, October 14, 2013
Carpe Diem
Why seize the day?
You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)
You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. (Psalm 39:5)
No one knows what is coming-- who can tell someone else what will happen after them? (Ecclesiastes 10:14)
Even a small step in the right direction is better than no movement at all..
TV~
Behold, now is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians 6:2]
You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)
You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. (Psalm 39:5)
No one knows what is coming-- who can tell someone else what will happen after them? (Ecclesiastes 10:14)
Even a small step in the right direction is better than no movement at all..
TV~
Behold, now is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians 6:2]
Sunday, October 13, 2013
47
There is a painting at church of Jesus on the cross, with his mother Mary there at the foot. Mary has gray hair. If she gave birth to Jesus, say at age 17, then she would have been 47. Yes, her hair most likely would have been gray.
I had a season of significant grief at age 47. It allowed me to appreciate Mary's great love for her Savior Son and to realize her agony of heart as she watched him suffer and faced her own future without him.
Every difficult road we travel broadens our level of compassion for the suffering of others.
TV~
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. [Lamentations3:3]
I had a season of significant grief at age 47. It allowed me to appreciate Mary's great love for her Savior Son and to realize her agony of heart as she watched him suffer and faced her own future without him.
Every difficult road we travel broadens our level of compassion for the suffering of others.
TV~
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. [Lamentations3:3]
Friday, October 11, 2013
Sticking it Out
Day in, day out. His mercies are new EVERY morning. A day leads to a week, which leads to a month, to a year, to five years, and so on. The highest mountain in the whole world is still climbed by taking only one small step at a time, and keeping on going....
TV~ (See May 3, 2013, for the meaning of "TV.")
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. [I Corinthians 10:13]
TV~ (See May 3, 2013, for the meaning of "TV.")
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. [I Corinthians 10:13]
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Betrayal
Jesus knew the meaning of betrayal.
For it is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonor, for then I could have borne it;
Neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against me; for then I would have hid myself from him;
But it was even thou, my companion, my guide, and mine own familiar friend. We took sweet counsel together, and walked in the house of God as friends. (Psalm 55:12-15)
TV~
O cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall nourish thee, and shall not suffer the righteous to fall forever. [Psalm 55:23]
For it is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonor, for then I could have borne it;
Neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against me; for then I would have hid myself from him;
But it was even thou, my companion, my guide, and mine own familiar friend. We took sweet counsel together, and walked in the house of God as friends. (Psalm 55:12-15)
TV~
O cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall nourish thee, and shall not suffer the righteous to fall forever. [Psalm 55:23]
A Way God Reaches Out
There is a consistent way, over the years, that God has shown me that He KNOWS and is real. When going through a time of great duress, a scripture will be dropped in front of me that, due to its perfect timing, is clearly from God.
Now is one of those times. And there, in my morning prayer reading for October 9 was, " God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed; God shall help her, and that right early." (Psalm 46:5) This verse was one "given" to me by the Lord several years ago.
Then, just today, for October 10, was the Olive Tree chosen verse. "As for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of the Lord. My trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever." (Psalm 52:9)
Thank you, Lord.
TV~
I will alway give thanks unto thee for that thou hast done; and I will hope in thy Name, for thy saints like it well. [Psalm 53:10]
Now is one of those times. And there, in my morning prayer reading for October 9 was, " God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed; God shall help her, and that right early." (Psalm 46:5) This verse was one "given" to me by the Lord several years ago.
Then, just today, for October 10, was the Olive Tree chosen verse. "As for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of the Lord. My trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever." (Psalm 52:9)
Thank you, Lord.
TV~
I will alway give thanks unto thee for that thou hast done; and I will hope in thy Name, for thy saints like it well. [Psalm 53:10]
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Three Times
The number three so often is used by God, who is a three-in-one God.
Interesting that in Psalm 42 and 43, the following words are repeated, in essence, three times:
Why art thou so vexed, O my soul? and why art thou so disquieted within me?
O put thy trust in God; for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance and my God.
TV~
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...
[Proverbs 3:5]
Interesting that in Psalm 42 and 43, the following words are repeated, in essence, three times:
Why art thou so vexed, O my soul? and why art thou so disquieted within me?
O put thy trust in God; for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance and my God.
TV~
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...
[Proverbs 3:5]
Monday, October 7, 2013
Humbled
Today I am eating humble pie, after yesterday's post. I had a conversation with someone who is facing deep emotional pain, due to a situation similar to my own.
What did I do? I was a gloss-overer! I told her the great things about her situation. It didn't help her. Upon leaving the room, I realized what I had done. Why did I respond to her that way? When I examined my deep inner feelings, I realized that I also was being a judger. In my opinion, her situation, although similar in nature to mine, was actually much much easier than my own due to its logistics. Deep inside I was thinking, "It could be worse. Be thankful."
Forgive me, grieving lady. I pray sweet moments of comfort for you.
TV~
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
[Romans 7:15]
What did I do? I was a gloss-overer! I told her the great things about her situation. It didn't help her. Upon leaving the room, I realized what I had done. Why did I respond to her that way? When I examined my deep inner feelings, I realized that I also was being a judger. In my opinion, her situation, although similar in nature to mine, was actually much much easier than my own due to its logistics. Deep inside I was thinking, "It could be worse. Be thankful."
Forgive me, grieving lady. I pray sweet moments of comfort for you.
TV~
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
[Romans 7:15]
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Knife-turner or Comforter?
There are seasons of life when we face deep emotional pain. It feels like we are walking around with an open, bleeding wound. The response of others to our personal pain can greatly help, or not. Here is a list of typical responses:
~ Glaze-overer : Trying to be helpful, but not understanding. "Look on the bright side...."
~ Judger : Thinking that we aren't handling the situation as best as we ought. "Things could be so much worse. You should be thankful."
~ Distancer : Avoiding contact due to the difficulty of what we are going though.
~ Knife-turner : Responding in a way with words and/or actions that greatly increases our pain, hence turning the knife in our wound.
~ Comforter : Compassionately responding to our pain with words and actions that spread a healing balm on our emotional wound.
As I read the above and think of my recent season of great pain, I can see a particular face in each category. Yesterday, I encountered the knife-turner. This verse in today's sermon addressed my strong feelings against this person:
TV~
Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. [Matthew 18:21,22]
I will, by God's help.
~ Glaze-overer : Trying to be helpful, but not understanding. "Look on the bright side...."
~ Judger : Thinking that we aren't handling the situation as best as we ought. "Things could be so much worse. You should be thankful."
~ Distancer : Avoiding contact due to the difficulty of what we are going though.
~ Knife-turner : Responding in a way with words and/or actions that greatly increases our pain, hence turning the knife in our wound.
~ Comforter : Compassionately responding to our pain with words and actions that spread a healing balm on our emotional wound.
As I read the above and think of my recent season of great pain, I can see a particular face in each category. Yesterday, I encountered the knife-turner. This verse in today's sermon addressed my strong feelings against this person:
TV~
Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. [Matthew 18:21,22]
I will, by God's help.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Roots of a Quarrel
Here is a list of what causes strife in relationships, based on James 4:2.
1. Our personal desires for pleasure
2. Lust for things we don't have
3. Coveting and not getting what we want
Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison.
TV~
You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. [Micah 7:19]
1. Our personal desires for pleasure
2. Lust for things we don't have
3. Coveting and not getting what we want
Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison.
TV~
You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. [Micah 7:19]
Friday, October 4, 2013
Coming up Roses
There are two rose bushes on my hill that have become overgrown with weedy vines. Last week, I spent an hour pulling the vines off one of the rose bushes. It was a tangled mess, during which a thorn pierced my thumb. Two days later, ten beautiful pink roses bloomed from that freed rose bush. They are still in bloom today.
What kind of beautiful flowers might be waiting to bloom in our lives, if only we could get rid of the tangled mess of sin? Sometimes we need assistance to removing the vines.
TV~
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...
[Hebrews 12:1]
What kind of beautiful flowers might be waiting to bloom in our lives, if only we could get rid of the tangled mess of sin? Sometimes we need assistance to removing the vines.
TV~
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...
[Hebrews 12:1]
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Uncertainty
Through all the twists and turns of life, we know not what lies around the corner. But we know the One who knows. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
TV~
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [I Peter 5:7]
TV~
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [I Peter 5:7]
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Why Cleanse the Thoughts of Our Hearts?
Yesterday, I mentioned a phrase that is prayed every week at my church, "Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit...."
There is a second part to that prayer. It says, "...that we may worthily magnify thy holy name through Christ our Lord. Amen."
There is a reason why God will cleanse the thoughts of our hearts. It is so we will be qualified to amplify and build up the name of God. All this can only be done because of Christ's saving work on the cross.
TV~
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. [Psalm 34:3]
There is a second part to that prayer. It says, "...that we may worthily magnify thy holy name through Christ our Lord. Amen."
There is a reason why God will cleanse the thoughts of our hearts. It is so we will be qualified to amplify and build up the name of God. All this can only be done because of Christ's saving work on the cross.
TV~
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. [Psalm 34:3]
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Cleanse the Thoughts of Our Hearts
Found myself awake at 4 a.m., feeling afraid. No, I'm not afraid of the dark. These are grown-up fears; fears of what the future may hold for loved ones, fears of growing old, fear of the pain of grief.
I sought the Lord and the following phrase, which is said every week by our priest, came to my mind: "Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit..."
That verb, cleanse, usually makes me think of sins of impurity. However, I realized that I needed to be cleansed of my fears.
TV~
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [Isaiah 41:10]
I sought the Lord and the following phrase, which is said every week by our priest, came to my mind: "Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit..."
That verb, cleanse, usually makes me think of sins of impurity. However, I realized that I needed to be cleansed of my fears.
TV~
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [Isaiah 41:10]
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