tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-357680742024-03-07T11:18:11.180-08:00Tuesday's slice of breadA weekly post premised on this: Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord (Prov. 16:20)Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.comBlogger723125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-60620861946784308612020-01-07T09:40:00.001-08:002020-01-07T09:40:24.804-08:00Building BlocksHow was Solomon's temple built? Both 1 Kings 6:1-38 and 2 Chronicles 3:1-9 provide descriptions.<br />
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One of the aspects from 1 Kings 6 stood out as I read: "The house, while it was being built, was built of stone prepared at the quarry, and there was neither hammer nor axe, not any iron tool heard in the house while it was being built" (1 Kings 6:7).<br />
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Pre-cut and pre-organized, the stones were taken from the quarry to the site of the temple.<br />
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In a like manner, God prepares and places His own for their use to Him.<br />
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First Peter 2 refers to Christ and those in Him in these terms: "And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ Jesus" (2 Peter 2:4-5).<br />
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This reminds me of Romans 12:1: "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."<br />
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Christ is the cornerstone, chosen and set by God. God also chooses and sets us, not as the dead stones which made up the temple in the Old Testament, but as living stones who serve our Lord and His Father. Our sacrifices are made acceptable to God not by our doing but that of Christ Jesus.<br />
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In Revelation 21:10-27 we read of the New Jerusalem, its appearance and its residents. 21:22 notes: "I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temples." To which I say, "Amen, come quickly, Lord Jesus."Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-84661076406786694262019-12-31T10:16:00.001-08:002019-12-31T10:16:23.969-08:00The Greatest GiftThe greatest gift is the most costly as well: God's only Son given Incarnate to dwell with men as man and then to bear in His Holy Person the wrath of His Holy Father as the Substitution for the sins of all They determined before time to bring to faith, repentance, life instead of eternal death--the sentence Christ bore with merciful willingness, even as His Father poured out the vials of His wrath on the One Who was due only eternal glory.<br />
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Who can fathom the cost of salvation borne by the Son in obedience to the Father, granted life to the chosen through the Spirit?<br />
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Neither myrrh nor frankincense nor gold can purchase the souls so valued of old.<br />
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The costliest gift planned from eternity,<br />
Given in time, wrapped not in royal robes<br />
But human flesh swaddled in humility--<br />
God with us, God for us, God redeeming us for God,<br />
God giving up His life, God receiving back His life, God for God yet for man.<br />
Who can comprehend the plan the Godhead devised?<br />
We can respond to such grace only with repentance and gratitude for such merciful acts of saving sinners.<br />
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<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-30303320331568327482019-11-26T08:10:00.000-08:002019-11-26T08:10:15.780-08:00Two Kitchen Sink PrayersSometimes I am more aware than others of my meetings with God just in the normal operations of my at-home responsibilities. It amazes me that He is as interested in my days and what I fill them with as He was when I worked outside my home. This always encourages me, as do these Scripture passages: Psalm 111; Proverbs 24:3-4; Proverbs 16:3. Make note and take note of those.<br />
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<b>God is Sovereign</b><br />
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God is Sovereign<br />
Of the universe<br />
And of my kitchen sink--<br />
Not just my future<br />
But here, where I think,<br />
Of the plans I make<br />
And the tasks I do--<br />
The small with the large<br />
Are all the same to You,<br />
And that brings me comfort<br />
Along with responsibility,<br />
Knowing You reign<br />
Sovereign over all<br />
Large and small<br />
There and then<br />
Here and now<br />
The universe<br />
My home.<br />
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God, Sovereign of the every-day,<br />
Of the "small things,"<br />
I meet You at the kitchen sink,<br />
You give my days/prayers/heart/work/wings,<br />
Guard and Guide<br />
Who does reside<br />
In everyplace and none,<br />
By Your grace<br />
With You I am one.<br />
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<b>How Wonderful and Marvelous and Awesome</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
How wonderful and marvelous and awesome<br />
To think that the same One<br />
Who sovereignly oversees all creation<br />
Gave for such as me His Son<br />
And with that giving--breathless thought--<br />
Dwells now with me day and night<br />
Yet high and lifted up and worshiped in the highest heaven<br />
Yet with me somehow here 24/7<br />
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Reigning over the vase expanses of universe and time<br />
Yet He deigns to be mine--<br />
Sovereign of all the little things<br />
As well as all divine<br />
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It can't be fathomed,<br />
No mortal mind can wrap around<br />
Yet this is so I have found<br />
And in this finding is comfort as well:<br />
That the Sovereign One would with me deign to dwell<br />
<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-61747980883474568222019-11-12T10:12:00.001-08:002019-11-12T10:12:49.170-08:00Is This YES Necessary?Long ago I misunderstood Proverbs 24:10-12: "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'Behold, we did not know this,' does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay everyone according to his or her work?"<br />
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My misunderstanding caused me to say YES to every good opportunity which came along, until one day I collapsed at work. I don't know how I managed to get home, but I had to reconsider all of the YES answers I had given.<br />
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I had to cut back all of my commitments but one--I had to keep working. All of the others got phone calls explaining why I was cutting back. Only one place tried to put the guilt trip on me whereas all of the others were understanding.<br />
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I had to learn the hard way that not every YES is necessary.<br />
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Sometimes a NO, sometimes a NOT NOW, sometimes a YES--but all take discernment.<br />
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One question I ask is, "Am I the only person qualified to take this on?"<br />
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Another is, if I say YES, will someone else miss a learning opportunity they would have had from saying YES?<br />
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Then, if I say YES to this, what will I have to say NO to and what will that mean?<br />
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Furthermore, am I really helping in this situation or just enabling someone to not take responsibility that is rightly theirs?<br />
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Discernment is developed over time.<br />
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Reading Proverbs helps as does asking other Christians for their input.<br />
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To this day I have to ask, "Is this YES necessary?"Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-57843254591883148422019-11-05T10:24:00.002-08:002019-11-05T10:24:31.664-08:00Considering Holiness and HumilityHoliness and humility are twin virtues it would seem,<br />
And in the light of Scripture both gleam.<br />
Both are Christ-like in their origin and goal;<br />
Both only God can use, can cause us to be whole.<br />
Humility is so hard because it slips away<br />
As soon as someone comments on how humble any day.<br />
And holiness is something we won't fully gain until<br />
God glorifies us and then, like His Son, we can dwell<br />
In His presence safely, eternally, well.<br />
Until then, holiness and humility--twin virtues--are sought<br />
That His glory is known, is known from that which is Christ-bought.<br />
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Philippians 2:3-11: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves, do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God has highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-82870670831088042432019-10-29T08:19:00.001-07:002019-10-29T08:19:46.187-07:00Considering the Place of Good Works in the Life of a ChristianIn his letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that our salvation is altogether of God's mercy, love, and grace: "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses and sins, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:4-10, ESV).<br />
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Our pastor taught through Paul's letter to Titus several years ago. One expression which got my attention is that of <b>good works</b>. These are not saving works; that has been accomplished once for all by the perfect life and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.<br />
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Good works: Titus 2:13-14: "'waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession, who are zealous for good deeds" (ESV).<br />
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Good works: Titus 3:8: "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people" (ESV).<br />
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Good works: Titus 3:14: "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful" (ESV).<br />
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What might these good works include? It depends on how the Lord has gifted each one of us, but they are all important to the full functioning of the body of Christ to the glory of God.<br />
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See Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter 12: "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to thing, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them" (vv. 3-6a, ESV).<br />
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But there are commands to all, whatever gifts we might have: "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope,.be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints.and show hospitality.<br />
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own estimation. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, leave peacefully with all. Do not avenge yourselves , but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:9-21, ESV).<br />
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And of course these positives and negatives from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (ESV).<br />
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Lord, grant me by the power of your Holy Spirit to so love and and to so serve that those who see my good works might glorify the Father who is in heaven, as the Lord says in Matthew 5:16. Amen.<br />
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<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-77475624453112254142019-10-22T07:41:00.002-07:002019-10-22T07:41:52.511-07:00Some Thoughts about Spiritual FruitfulnessTrue spiritual fruitfulness can only be that of the Spirit as we read in Galatians 5:22-23a: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."<br />
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This fruit can be grown only on the true Vine, Christ: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.... Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing" (John 15:1-2, 4-5).<br />
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How is this fruit manifested as it is grown on this Vine and pruned by this Vinedresser?<br />
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Let's go back to Galatians 5 and pick up what Paul also wrote: "Against such things [referring to the fruit of the Spirit] there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another (vv. 23b-26).<br />
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Our walk--our daily life in Christ--reflects this daily crucifixion--humility instead of boastfulness, compassion instead of challenging, generosity instead of envying--"love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."<br />
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<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-37098216698502627392019-10-15T10:09:00.001-07:002019-10-15T10:09:46.984-07:00Some Thoughts about the Church as FamilySpeaking to the Eleven in the Upper Room, Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you love one another. By this will all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35; NAS).<br />
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Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul expanded on what such love looks like: "Love is patient; love is kind and not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; NAS).<br />
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But such love is not always perfected in us in this life, so we also need to heed these admonitions: "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality....Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation....If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men" (Romans 12:9-13, 15, 18; NAS).<br />
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Paul included the following in his letter to the Ephesians: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32; NAS).<br />
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And this from Hebrews 12: "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble; and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord" (vv. 11-14; NAS).<br />
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James stated this: "This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God" (James 1:19-20; NAS).<br />
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And this encouragement from John's first letter: "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will seem Him just as He is. And anyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:1-3; NAS).<br />
<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-3149619046998783832019-10-08T08:43:00.003-07:002019-10-08T11:28:25.277-07:00Family ResemblancesI have been going through old photos recently and can't help but notice family resemblances. If you ever met my rather extensive family, you'd see how. I take after our dad's side and my sister after our mom's side in looks. These are obvious physical similarities. But beyond those, we also share nonphysical interests--the exception being my never having gotten into golf. Because of our common interests, we are a close knit family. But more important than that family tree is another family tree.<br />
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Let's begin by looking at two versions of Ephesians 3:17-19.<br />
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"So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of Christ" (NASB).<br />
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"So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, have the 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" (ESV).<br />
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I decided to look this up after a Bible study some months ago. It seems that being rooted and grounded in God's love provides both source and establishment of our life and our growth and our fruitfulness.<br />
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Psalm 1:1-3: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way or sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers" (ESV).<br />
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Jeremiah 17:7-8: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit" (ESV).<br />
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Psalm 92:12-15: "The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him" (ESV).<br />
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1 John 3:1-3: "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God, and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and it has not appeared yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him, purifies himself, just as He is pure" (NASB).<br />
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<u>Tree Rings</u><br />
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Trees grow true<br />
To their seed<br />
Yet influenced<br />
By soil, sun, water,<br />
Storm and root,<br />
Shadow and knife.<br />
Each season marks<br />
A ring of life,<br />
Unique though<br />
Trees grow true<br />
To their seed.<br />
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<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-69359971158627682802019-10-01T13:55:00.000-07:002019-10-01T13:55:03.602-07:00Living Joyfully within God-Ordained LimitationsAs one of those people with limitations for as long as I can recall--even longer than I can recall--I have gone through a variety of emotions: resentment, anger, resignation, finally reconciliation and realization. Realization? <i>Psalm 139: "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it" </i>(verses 1-6).<br />
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How often have I felt hemmed in, limited, and not seen this as wonderful? Yet, as David also wrote in this intimate Psalm: <i>"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately women in the depth of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written every one of them, all the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them" </i>(verses 12-16).<br />
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Given, then, that God was involved in those ways in my creation, how could I be angry or resentful or resigned? Instead, through this and other Scripture, I became not only reconciled to my present (not eternal) limitations, but also realized that there are benefits to them, somewhat in keeping with these: <i>"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" </i>(2 Corinthians 1:3-4).<br />
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I have found a lot of consolation in these verses from Psalm 119 (ESV): <i>"This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life" (50); Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word: (67); "It is good for me that I was afflicted that I might keep your statues" (71); Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments" (73); "I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me" (75); "Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant" (76); "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction" (92); "I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!" (107); "Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight" (143); "Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law" (153).</i><br />
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By the on-going grace of God, then, I have moved from resentment, anger, resignation, finally to reconciliation and realization that these limitations (temporary) are part of God's process of sanctifying and making me useful.Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-50833678420455006642019-10-01T12:14:00.001-07:002019-10-01T12:14:30.211-07:00Revisiting Sanctification--That Huge SubjectIn His prayer recorded in John 17, Christ prayed this: "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth" (17:17; NAS). This, then, points all believers to the one and sole source of sanctification: Scripture.<br />
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Romans 11 ends with this exclamation: "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable are His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO HAS BEEN HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" (verses 33-36).<br />
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Where could Paul go from there? Romans 12 begins: "Therefore [in light of these truths] I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (12:1-2; expansion added).<br />
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What do we use to renew our minds in line with God's will but God's Word? As Paul wrote to Timothy: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).<br />
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Scripture teaches us, reproves us, corrects us, trains us in righteousness, equips us.<br />
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As Peter wrote, "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Christ Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust" (2 Peter 1:2-5).<br />
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What are the elements of sanctification? Peter listed several: "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8).<br />
<br />
What was Peter's testimony? "For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased'--and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your own hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:16-21).<br />
<br />
How do we decide what to dwell on? "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" (Philippians 4:8).<br />
<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-89843909646909831392019-10-01T10:03:00.000-07:002019-10-01T10:03:33.558-07:00The Question of Spiritual Birth FamilyWhether born into a family where the Word of God is believed, loved, cherished,<br />
Or born into one which has not time for that or for Him,<br />
Whether we grew up going to church whenever the doors were opened,<br />
Or didn't have a family which thought in those terms and had other priorities,<br />
We were all born into the family of Adam, of Noah, of sin in our DNA and<br />
Of sin in our hearts, priorities, proclivities--<br />
Sin nourished by the world's systems of all kinds,<br />
Sin nurtured from birth by both the well-meaning and the ill-meaning<br />
In our lives.<br />
And we, because of being born to trespass and to sin,<br />
Revealed in trespassing and in sinning,<br />
Whatever forms those took for us individually.<br />
We were spiritually dead and we didn't know it, and we didn't care.<br />
Entangled in the nets of the world, the flesh, the devil,<br />
Enjoying such entanglements,<br />
Until,<br />
Unless,<br />
The intervening, amazing, saving grace of God;<br />
God in heaven, God incarnate, God crucified, God risen, God ascended, God<br />
Interceding;<br />
Unless,<br />
Until,<br />
And oh then if<br />
He does<br />
Graciously,<br />
Eternally,<br />
Divinely<br />
Intervene and intercede,<br />
Giving us life by giving His life,<br />
Who are we not to fall and not to call,<br />
"Save me, perishing, sinful me," knowing<br />
Such grace is willing, is able, is active.<br />
Mercy so great, mercy so free, mercy so costly,<br />
Saved such as me.Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-61778143994568024252019-09-10T09:58:00.001-07:002019-09-10T09:58:54.818-07:00Revisiting SovereigntyBecause we do not live under a monarchy, it is easy to lack an appreciation for God as sovereign<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Sovereign, Sovereignty</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
According to the <i>M-W Dictionary</i>,</div>
<div>
A sovereign [noun] is one possessing or held to possess sovereignty,</div>
<div>
One that exercises supreme authority within a limited sphere,</div>
<div>
An acknowledged leader; ARBITER.</div>
<div>
A sovereign [adjective] is defined as</div>
<div>
Superlative in quality; EXCELLENT;</div>
<div>
Of the most excellent kind; SUPREME;</div>
<div>
Having regenerative, curative powers;</div>
<div>
Of an unqualified nature; UNMITIGATED;</div>
<div>
Having undisputed ascendancy; PARAMOUNT;</div>
<div>
Enjoying autonomy; INDEPENDENT;</div>
<div>
Relating to, characteristic of, or befitting a sovereign;</div>
<div>
Synonyms [see FREE].</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What a lot of words for sovereign [noun] and sovereign [adjective],</div>
<div>
And yet, and yet</div>
<div>
They only begin to describe</div>
<div>
<i>The</i> Sovereign.</div>
<div>
He is indeed Arbiter/Lawgiver/Judge.</div>
<div>
He is in all ways excellent.</div>
<div>
He is most supreme.<br /><div>
He is unmitigated in holiness.</div>
<div>
He is paramount in perfection.</div>
<div>
He is absolute governor as Sustainer, as Creator.</div>
<div>
His sphere is unlimited.</div>
<div>
He is independent in ways we creatures cannot conceive of.</div>
<div>
He has a freedom of which we cannot imagine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And yet, and yet,</div>
<div>
These words only begin;</div>
<div>
The Word is--without beginning, without end,</div>
<div>
With control of all,</div>
<div>
Even the most mundane of details,</div>
<div>
As well as the most critical, as far as we can tell.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He rules over all invisible [except to Him].</div>
<div>
He rules over all visible.</div>
<div>
He rules over all time and</div>
<div>
Over all space and</div>
<div>
Over all created beings and</div>
<div>
Over all created others.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No detail escapes His notice;</div>
<div>
No technology is beyond His grasp;</div>
<div>
No relationships or details are too boring for His interest.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What comfort!</div>
<div>
Amazing,</div>
<div>
Grace.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Extent of God's Sovereignty</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
God is sovereign over sparrow and sorrow,</div>
<div>
Over trees that stand and those that don't,</div>
<div>
Over death and over life,</div>
<div>
Over all the details of death and</div>
<div>
Over all the details of life--</div>
<div>
The death of a person or of a nation,</div>
<div>
The life of a nation or of a person,</div>
<div>
Details none can fully fathom</div>
<div>
Other than God Himself.</div>
<div>
God is sovereign graciously,</div>
<div>
Not a bystander in the least,</div>
<div>
And of His goodness let us feast,</div>
<div>
Even at a time of sorrow,</div>
<div>
For in that too He participates--</div>
<div>
This day and tomorrow.</div>
<div>
God is great and God is good,</div>
<div>
God is merciful in ways we have not understood,</div>
<div>
God is sovereign and so we can rest--</div>
<div>
Whatever He ordains is best.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Knowing God Is Sovereign</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Knowing God is sovereign means</div>
<div>
I can sleep at night, and</div>
<div>
When sleep doesn't come,</div>
<div>
I can pray in confidence</div>
<div>
To my Intercessor,</div>
<div>
To God my Sovereign,</div>
<div>
Who lives and reigns,</div>
<div>
Now and forever,</div>
<div>
Who acts on behalf of</div>
<div>
His people in all respects--</div>
<div>
Righteous, just, holy, perfect,</div>
<div>
In time and in action.</div>
<div>
Knowing God is sovereign </div>
<div>
Brings rest to my soul,</div>
<div>
For in His grace I am and am being made whole.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-7737440348235619692019-09-03T11:59:00.001-07:002019-09-03T11:59:39.726-07:00Rest<b>A Place of Quiet Rest</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
We claim that we aim for a place of quiet rest<br />
Even as we fill our days, afternoons, evenings with activity<br />
Until we fall into bed, collapse exhausted, asking,<br />
"Why is there no quiet? Why is there no rest?"<br />
Perhaps we need to examine our willingness<br />
To sacrifice sound for silence, noise for knowledge, willy-nillyness for wisdom.<br />
Perhaps we only think we yearn for a place of quiet rest,<br />
While our hearts are not committed to that,<br />
And until they are, there will be neither quiet nor rest.<br />
<br />
<b>Come Away and Rest Awhile</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"Come away and rest a while," said the Lord to His weary disciples.<br />
The same can be said for so many of us now.<br />
We need to separate ourselves from<br />
The everyday demands and<br />
The seasonal pressures to<br />
Rest a while with Him,<br />
Savior and Shepherd,<br />
Lie down in green pastures,<br />
Partake of still waters,<br />
Be refreshed in soul.<br />
Hear that sweet call:<br />
"Come away and rest a while."<br />
<br />
<b>Rest</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Our Creator is the One who established rest when, as we are told in Genesis 2, He rested on the seventh day from all His work. Later, in Exodus 20, He put a Sabbath rest in place. But we don't really "get" rest or resting. There is always one more task to do, one more phone call to make, one more text to send, one more e-mail to respond to, one more--until we fall into bed exhausted yet with a to-do-list running on the treadmills of our minds.<br />
<br />
We need to revisit what the Scriptures include about rest. Both Old and New Testaments testify to the importance of more than one kind of rest.<br />
<br />
"Everyone" knows the Ten Commandments, which include this in Exodus 20:<br />
"Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner with you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy" (vv. 6-11). Exodus is not the only book in the Old Testament where commands regarding rest come up.<br />
<br />
In the New Testament, Matthew 11:28-30 is a passage often referred to:<br />
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light."<br />
<br />
Picture that! Sharing this common implement with the Lord and in so doing, learning from Him? Who doesn't want that kind of soul rest?<br />
<br />
In Mark 6:30-33, the Lord recognized the need for physical rest:<br />
"The apostles gathered together with Jesus, and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest awhile.' (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) They went away in a boat to a secluded place by themselves." As you read in Mark 6, you learn this rest didn't last long.<br />
<br />
Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 likewise refers to a form of rest:<br />
"and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God." When our faith rests on the power of God, it is a sure and eternal rest.<br />
<br />
Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9--another often referenced passage--states:<br />
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell [or rest] in me." Again, we rest not in our power but Christ's.<br />
<br />
And the writer of Hebrews in chapters 3 and 4 compares and contrasts the restlessness of unbleif and the rest promised believer, with reference back to the Old Testament.<br />
<br />
For example, we read Hebrews 4:8-13:<br />
"For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. For there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disbelief. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."<br />
<br />
My understanding of the rest which believers have is twofold: we have a rest from works which we thought salvific but then rested in the completed works of Christ; and, when we die, we will rest in the presence of Christ.<br />
<br />
I once wrote a poem about that second form of rest:<br />
<br />
<b>It is <i>that</i> rest</b><br />
<br />
It is <i>that</i> rest for which we long,<br />
The rest for the residents,<br />
The rest and the song,<br />
The praises presented to our Lord and Kind,<br />
Before the throne.<br />
It is <i>that</i> rest for which we strive<br />
While earth calls us "alive."<br />
It is <i>that</i> rest within our breast<br />
For which we long,<br />
The rest and the song.<br />
The last breath here is the first breath of eternity,<br />
And now that pulls us through until<br />
The rest and the song are ours too.Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-23810701931376577722019-08-27T08:51:00.000-07:002019-08-27T08:51:30.944-07:00Connecting Disappointment with Discouragment<b>Considering Disappointment</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Disappointments are part of life, like it or not, and how we respond is what matters.<br />
<br />
When we put all of our eggs in the basket labeled "human beings," we will inevitably be disappointed.<br />
<br />
People may not intend to be misunderstood, but they are.<br />
<br />
People may not intend to hurt, but still they do.<br />
<br />
People may not intend to injure, but still they do.<br />
<br />
People may not intend what happens, but still it happens.<br />
<br />
So long as we seek our contentment, joy, happiness, in human relationships, we will reap some disappointments.<br />
<br />
Thankfully there is One who will never disappoint, never disillusion;<br />
<br />
One who calls for us to come to Him, to bring our burdens, sorrows;<br />
<br />
One who will, when necessary, discipline His own.<br />
<br />
Never will He disappoint, for He has appointed all we will experience, all the days He has ordained for us.<br />
<br />
<b>When Disappointment Comes</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
When disappointment comes, look at it closely and say,<br />
"I shall turn you away;<br />
I shall choose instead to pray,<br />
'Forgive me for wanting to have my way.'"<br />
<br />
When disappointment wants to stay,<br />
Turn it out and lock the door and pray,<br />
"Let me have instead Your way,<br />
In this and all that comes today."<br />
<br />
When disappointment tries to come in some other guise,<br />
Be wise and at any cost do not let it in--<br />
Tell it to get lost,<br />
And fall again on your knees and say,<br />
"Let me see things Your way through this day."<br />
<br />
Look rather for all the ways the Lord is good;<br />
Choose not to feel misunderstood<br />
Or unappreciated or unloved--<br />
Look at God and His gifts from above.<br />
<br />
Choose, for Christian, now you can.<br />
Choose and stand;<br />
Choose and stand.<br />
<br />
<i>As I was thinking about the subjects of disappointment and discouragement, it seemed to me that if we don't deal with disappointment, it often works its way into discouragement.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Disappointment and Discouragement</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Disappointment and discouragement--like so many other emotions--often seem to set in after something positive has happened to us.<br />
<br />
Think of Elijah. Think of the Psalmists. Think of Jeremiah. Think of Charles Spurgeon.<br />
<br />
What, or more accurately, Who helped each one to recover from their disappointment and discouragement?<br />
<br />
Remembering the Lord. His goodness and His faithfulness are the keys. We see it in Psalms 42 and 43 with the recurring motif: "Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him." We see it in Lamentations 3: "This I call to mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore I have hope in Him" (vv. 21-24).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-87247681482040068502019-08-20T11:37:00.001-07:002019-08-20T11:37:52.013-07:00Meditations on a Tuesday Morning In the beginning God,<br />
<br />
And through all time,<br />
Both outside and inside of time,<br />
The Holy and Divine,<br />
<br />
Our Father who is in heaven<br />
<br />
Created the heavens and the earth<br />
With purpose and with glory and with perfection.<br />
<br />
Hallowed be Your name<br />
<br />
--let me recognize that Your Name is Holy already and behave accordingly.<br />
<br />
Your kingdom come,<br />
<br />
Your will be done<br />
<br />
--am I willing to see that?<br />
--am I willing to participate in that?<br />
--am I willing to obey that?<br />
<br />
On earth as it is in heaven<br />
<br />
--immediately<br />
--joyfully<br />
--fully<br />
--reverently<br />
<br />
Give us this day<br />
<br />
--not yesterday<br />
--not tomorrow<br />
<br />
Our daily bread<br />
<br />
--this reminds me of these verses:<br />
Proverbs 30:7-9:<br />
"Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:<br />
Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me. Lest I be full and deny You and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God."<br />
<br />
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors<br />
<br />
--presupposes a willingness to forgive on our part<br />
--and times without number<br />
<br />
And lead us not into temptation<br />
--to quote James:<br />
"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one."<br />
<br />
but deliver us from evil<br />
<br />
--"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."<br />
<br />
For Thine is the kingdom<br />
<br />
--eternal kingship<br />
--the realm in which Your will is fulfilled<br />
<br />
and the power<br />
<br />
--sovereignty<br />
--authority<br />
--jurisdiction<br />
--dominion<br />
<br />
and the glory<br />
<br />
--praise, honor, distinction<br />
--renown<br />
--worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving<br />
--magnificence<br />
--eternity<br />
<br />
forever.<br />
<br />
Amen.<br />
<br />
--Amen.Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-67129785721006057012019-08-13T10:15:00.001-07:002019-08-13T10:15:31.525-07:00Thoughts about PeaceI started work on this before the most recent mass shootings.<br />
<br />
<b>Peace</b>, according to the world is<br />
"the normal, non-warring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world" or<br />
"The state existing during the absence of war" or<br />
"Freedom from civil disorder."<br />
<br />
<b>Peace</b> according to God, is--<br />
|<br />
A priority of His (Isaiah 9:6: "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will be upon His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.")<br />
<br />
Essential to all relationships (Ephesians 2:13-18: "But now in Christ Jesus you who were formerly far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandment contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one man, thus establishing peace; and might reconcile them both into one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.")<br />
<br />
Acquired by repentant faith (Romans 4:23-5:5: "Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which awe stand; and we exulted in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.")<br />
<br />
Cultivated with care (Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.")<br />
<br />
Eternally experienced (Matthew 5:3-12: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the poor in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and say all kinds of evil against you for My sake. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I given to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.")<br />
<br />
Peace is something we all want, but usually demand it on our terms. Only One could both lay out the terms of peace, both vertically and horizontally, and make peace possible.<br />
<br />
Such peace is something our hearts yearn for, but it can be had only on God's terms. Grind your teeth at the thought? He isn't obligated to make peace with rebels such as we are. That He deigns to offer peace should cause us to agree to the terms, whatever they are.<br />
<br />
What astounds me is that He not only determined the terms, but has seen to it that they are already fulfilled. How could that be? A holy God and a far-from-holy person have nothing in common.<br />
<br />
That is why a gracious and merciful God decided on His own to bring about the Incarnation, giving His only Son to live a life that would fulfill all the requirements of the Law and then suffer the death of a criminal. God, having raised Christ from the dead, verifies and authenticates His acceptance of this sacrifice. This salvation is for both Jew and Gentile alike, as Scripture above notes.<br />
<br />
Repentant faith will make this peace yours.<br />
<br />
<b>The Peace of God</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The peace of God is like<br />
The pearl of great price:<br />
Flawless and costly,<br />
Desirable above all,<br />
Rare yet available,<br />
For He has already paid<br />
That price that we might<br />
Not only obtain but keep it,<br />
Eternity to eternity,<br />
If we will only give up our temporal "things."Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-12630402435666749572019-07-30T08:38:00.000-07:002019-07-30T08:38:01.962-07:00Thoughts about GraceIt is easy to get ahead of where we should be, as Proverbs 19:2 indicates. God's provisions are for us, as Luke 11:3 points out: for "us each day our daily bread." And this is not just the physical bread but, more important, that which feeds our spirits. As Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).<br />
<br />
<b>Daily Grace</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
God gives me grace daily<br />
When I take of the living bread,<br />
Strength as I need it,<br />
Wisdom for my plans<br />
From the living Head.<br />
<br />
God gives me grace<br />
For all I face,<br />
But not until the time;<br />
God gives grace, and fully,<br />
As is His good design.<br />
<br />
I don't know what will face me,<br />
If any days will come;<br />
But I know that He will meet my needs,<br />
He's done the needful sum.<br />
<br />
God's grace is good and daily and sufficient as He planned,<br />
And all I need to have it is<br />
To stretch out a prayerful, obedient hand.<br />
<br />
<b>Examining Grace</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Grace: what a concept! Unmerited favor--for merited would not be favor but payback.<br />
<br />
Grace--derived from <i>rejoice</i>--and when we experience grace, we can only respond with rejoicing, and awed hearts because we don't "deserve" grace.<br />
<br />
Grace: said to be descriptive of God's favor, His forgiving mercy, the gospel (of grace, of course), gifts (spiritual), and eternal life.<br />
<br />
Grace: the source of salvation, call of God, faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), justification, forgiveness, and that blessed comfort.<br />
<br />
Grace: described as all-abundant, glorious, great, manifold, and rich.<br />
<br />
Grace: believers are under it, receive it, stand in it, abound in it, are to be strong in it, grow in it, speak with it, and will inherit it.<br />
<br />
Grace: who can wrap their mind around such a gift as this?<br />
<br />
It is more than one package can contain, hold, yet small enough for the heart to encompass.<br />
<br />
It is beyond the most mature believer to fully comprehend, but not for the newest or the youngest to receive and rejoice in.<br />
<br />
Grace.<br />
<br />
<b>Furthermore</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Did you know that the Bible ends with grace? Revelation 22:31: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen."<br />
<br />
The Psalmist wrote a plea for grace in Psalm 86:6: "Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace."<br />
<br />
Grace is the subject of John 1:14, 16-17; Acts 4:33; 20:24, 32; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2.<br />
<br />
What is the point of grace? I discussed this with my husband a while ago. We agreed that God shows grace--what is known as common grace--to all people, as in the instance of rain falling on the just and the unjust alike. And the promise through Noah that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood, and we would enjoy regular seasons.<br />
<br />
But saving grace is another matter altogether. This is what Paul refers to in Romans when he talks about our being justified by grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ (3:24), a promise that rests on grace (4:16), through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the glory of God (5:2).<br />
<br />
Does saving grace free us to sin? As Paul wrote: "What shall we say, then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!" (Romans 6:1) and restates this later in that chapter: "What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? By no means!" (6:15).<br />
<br />
For other references on the subject, read 2 Corinthians 6:1; 9:8; 12:9; Galatians 1:6; 2:21; 5:4; 6:18; Ephesians 2:1, 4-10.<br />
<br />
In Philippians1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 2:16-17 and other letters Paul mentions God's grace.<br />
<br />
The writers of Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude, and Revelation also highlight it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
It seems to me that anything God has seen fit to emphasize we should pay close attention to also.<br />
<br />
2 John 3: "Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-53440847268772406852019-07-23T13:19:00.000-07:002019-07-23T13:19:44.397-07:00Again Thinking About MercyGod expressed mercy last year in the home-going of my mom, and this year in my cardiac issues.<br />
<br />
<b>Again Thinking About Mercy</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Like others of God's attributes,<br />
Mercy is something we need to<br />
Both receive and to give,<br />
Pass on, not<br />
Withhold.<br />
Mercy is one of those graces<br />
Which has its place in the redeemed heart<br />
As a gift, then<br />
To be given<br />
As a gift, without<br />
Stint, without<br />
Quid pro quo, generously--<br />
As a gift.<br />
Blessed are the merciful,<br />
For they shall receive mercy--<br />
Matthew 5.<br />
<br />
Back in 2013, in doing research on <b>mercy</b>, I went to various sources. Dictionary.com defined <b>mercy</b> first as "compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: <i>Have mercy on the poor sinner</i>." Yes, you read that right. The example given here is "have mercy on the poor sinner."<br />
<br />
An online Bible dictionary defined <b>mercy</b> this way: "compassion for the miserable. It's object is misery. By the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards the souls of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness (Gen. 19:19; Ex. 20:6; 34:6; Ps. 85:10; 86:15, 16). In Christ mercy and truth meet together. <b>Mercy</b> is also a Christian grace (Matt. 5:7; 18:33-35)."<br />
<br />
Synonyms: "forgiveness, indulgence, clemency, leniency, lenity, tenderness, mildness."<br />
<br />
I found more than 100 references to <b>mercy</b> in the O.T. using BibleGateway.com and more than 50 in the N.T. I won't give all of them here, only a sample.<br />
<br />
The first use of the terms comes in Genesis 43:14 when Jacob reluctantly says to his remaining sons as they prepare to return to Egypt: "May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved on my children, I am bereaved."<br />
<br />
In Exodus 25, we are introduced to the <b>mercy seat</b>, which would cover the ark and be where God would meet them through their high priest.<br />
<br />
When Moses asked to see God, he was given this promise in Exodus 33:19: "And he said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name "The Lord" and I will me gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." Paul would remember this when he wrote his letter to the Romans (see Romans 9:15).<br />
<br />
What occasions caused those in the Old Testament to ask for <b>mercy</b>? <b>Nehemiah</b> prayed at the beginning of the book which bears his name: "'O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayers of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him <b>mercy</b> in the sight of this man.' Now I was cupbearer to the king." Nehemiah had a burden for Jerusalem and only the permission of the king would allow him to carry it out."<br />
<br />
<b>David</b> sought <b>mercy</b> multiple times, which are recorded and probably others which are not.<br />
<br />
<b>Job</b> speaks of <b>mercy</b> in chapters 8, 9, 19, and 21, including this plea recorded in 19:21: "Have <b>mercy</b> on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me!"<br />
<br />
In what we commonly refer to as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes this promise: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive <b>mercy</b>" (Matt 5:7).<br />
<br />
Among the matters which Jesus called the woes on the scribes and the Pharisees was their lack of <b>mercy</b>: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and <b>mercy</b> and faithfulness.. These you ought to have done without neglecting the other" (Matt. 23:23).<br />
<br />
One of my favorite passages in <b>Ephesians</b> begins this way: "But God, being rich in <b>mercy</b>, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (2:4-6). <i>His</i> mercy, <i>His</i> love, <i>His</i> grace=my salvation here and my future in His presence.<br />
<br />
For those who have received this <b>mercy</b>, we do what the writer of Hebrews encouraged us to do: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive <b>mercy</b> and find grace to help in time of need" (4:16).<br />
<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-26651335815314259442019-07-09T08:35:00.001-07:002019-07-09T08:35:38.458-07:00The Guarded Heart (revisited)Again posting on the subject of the heart, in keeping with my impending third angiogram this year on July 12.<br />
<br />
<b>The Guarded Heart</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Proverbs 4:23 instructs us: "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."<br />
<br />
What does a guarded heart look like? What kind of diligence is required?<br />
<br />
First, it is a cleansed heart, aware of what Jeremiah 17:9 says of its natural condition: "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked."<br />
<br />
Then, it knows that it is one not fully committed to "loving the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" much less loving its neighbor as itself (Matthew 22:37-39).<br />
<br />
Further, it is responsive to the whole Word of God, not just the parts it likes.<br />
<br />
It understands the need to guard the eyes as Job 31:1 and Matthew 5:27-28 note.<br />
<br />
It takes heed to guarding its path/walk and ears as Proverbs 5:4-14 commands.<br />
<br />
It is in agreement with this also: "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess out sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9).<br />
<br />
It is conscious of the need to do this: "Little children, guard yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).<br />
<br />
It prays with the Psalmist: "Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You" (Psalm 25:20).<br />
<br />
It also makes this commitment: "... 'I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle while the wicked are in my presence" (Psalm 39:1)<br />
<br />
It reiterates Psalm 141:3 as a prayer: "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips."<br />
<br />
In this, it agrees with what James wrote in his letter regarding the tongue (chapter 3).<br />
<br />
<i>Diligence</i>, according to Dictionary.com, is a noun defined first as constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind; second as a legal term meaning the degree of care or caution required by the circumstances of a person.<br />
<br />
Considering these definitions, read these sections from Peter's second letter:<br />
<br />
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also [referring back to the previous verses], applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge" (1:2-5; read through verse 10)<br />
<br />
"You therefore, beloved, knowing beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (3:17-18)<br />
<br />
The guarded heart, then, is a fully guarded thing, from eyes to ears to mouth to feet, growing in discernment, grace, and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-85008010699285774792019-07-02T10:12:00.000-07:002019-07-02T10:12:17.192-07:00Heart Watch (Revisited)Since this year has turned out to be a cardiac year for me, with another angiogram planned for July 12, it seemed appropriate to re-post the following thoughts.<br />
<br />
<b>Heart Watch</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
How easy it is for us<br />
Mere mortals to<br />
Lose heart, to<br />
Lose perspective, to<br />
Forget God sees things<br />
As they are,<br />
Forget God deals with people<br />
Personally,<br />
Forget His time is perfect, whereas<br />
Our sense of time is tragically<br />
Warped by sin--our sins, others' sins--<br />
And won't ever be made right until<br />
He makes all things right<br />
In His time, and then will come<br />
Eternity.<br />
<br />
<i>Proverbs 4:23: "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."</i>Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-62204554009984996622019-06-25T10:26:00.003-07:002019-06-25T11:09:32.403-07:00When the Common Is Uncommon (revisited)"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.<br />
He makes me lie down in green pastures.<br />
He leads me beside still waters.<br />
He restores my soul.<br />
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.<br />
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.<br />
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.<br />
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."<br />
<br />
<b>Psalm 23</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I would guess that many if not most memorize this Psalm while doing Scripture memorization programs. It becomes like the passage we know as The Lord's Prayer: common, rote, rattled off w/o much thought. Since having cardiac issues this year, I have spent a considerable amount of my time thinking about Psalm 23 and the common becomes uncommon to me.<br />
<br />
The LORD--<i>not just any lord but the One and Only Lord</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Is--<i>not might be or just hoped for</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
My shepherd--<i>guide, provider, and discipliner</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I shall not want--<i>because He provides for all my needs</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
He makes me to lie down--<i>which I might not think of doing but need to</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
In green pastures--<i>sweet and full, meeting my needs.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
He leads me--<i>or I might not want to go there</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Beside still waters--<i>necessary for nourishment as much as green pastures</i>.<br />
<br />
He restores my soul--<i>and do I not need that daily?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
He lead me--<i>me! personally</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
In paths of righteousness--<i>again, very specific, and His</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
For his name's sake--<i>so remarkable that his leading me is for the sake of his name; more to think about: his name.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me--<i>How can it be the valley of the<u> shadow</u> of death and not the valley of death? Christ's death has made it so for those who are his own.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows--<i>He prepares, anoints, and causes my cup to overflow; I do not need to fear my enemies because he is with me.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever--What does it mean to have goodness and mercy following me? Protecting me. <i>And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
John 14:1-3: <i>Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for your, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
John 17:24: <i>Father, I desires that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundaiton of the world.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-8255020370586023032019-05-07T11:59:00.000-07:002019-05-07T11:59:02.494-07:00To Quote Job; Building EnduranceOne of the most famous statements in the book of Job may be, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have been giving more thought to this recently. It has been surprising to have to have cardiac procedures and to be starting cardiac rehab. In a sense the Lord as taken away a certain amount of physical expectation. However, on the other side of this, He has seen fit in His infinite wisdom to give me time to reflect.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How have I used the time He has given me so far? How will I use whatever time remains after this? Have I been so focused on earthly matters--horizontal living--so as to skimp on developing a heavenly mindset--vertical, eternal?</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Colossians 3:1-4</i> reminds all believers: "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until then, there are responsibilities to fulfill.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Building Endurance</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
One of the goals of cardiac rehab is to build physical endurance, and not just for the weeks that rehab includes. After that, we move into maintaining such. I know that will be the most challenging aspect. It's easy to procrastinate maintaining those requirements.Even so, that will help temporarily. I need to do this. Just as in his first letter to Timothy, Paul stated, "For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (<i>1 Timothy 4:8</i>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The writer of <i>Hebrews</i> had much to say about building spiritual endurance in encouraging the readers of this letter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He reminds them of what they experienced and then says, "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised" (<i>Hebrews 10:35-36</i>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Hebrews 11</i> enumerates those who had previously walked by faith. This chapter begins, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it men of old gained approval.... And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that His is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (<i>Hebrews 11:1-2,6</i>). And the chapter concludes, "And all these, having gained acceptance through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect" (<i>Hebrews 11:39-40</i>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What more can we take away from <i>Hebrews</i>?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Hebrews 12</i> makes clear: "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (<i>Hebrews 12:1-4</i>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later in <i>Hebrews 12</i> we also read, "He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righterousness" (<i>Hebrews 12:10b-11</i>)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>James</i> also connects trials with endurance: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you have be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (<i>James 1:3-4</i>). "We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealing, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful" (<i>James 5:11</i>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What do I see are the benefits in building spiritual endurance? In <i>Hebrews 12</i>: so that we may share in His holiness and bear the peaceful fruit of righteousness, and in <i>James 1</i> that the testing of our faith through trials produces endurance, and that endurance is perfecting and completing us (sanctifying). and reveals in <i>James 5 </i>that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-86536166842314883482019-04-30T08:53:00.000-07:002019-04-30T08:53:17.762-07:00"Many are the plans"Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the will of the Lord that will be established."<br />
<br />
I can certainly attest to that.<br />
<br />
After a busy 2018, I was hoping for a different 2019.<br />
<br />
However, early this year, I went to my primary care doctor, who referred me to a cardiologist, who sent me to the hospital for tests.<br />
<br />
Tests revealed a partially blocked artery in my heart.<br />
<br />
So, in March I had an angiogram, which confirmed that, and in April an angioplasty, by which a stent was inserted to open that artery.<br />
<br />
Because of this, 2019 has meant more rest than I expected, but not more than the Lord had planned for me.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for the medical people who took care of me.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for those who have stepped up to assist, especially my husband.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for the week my sister was here.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for the Lord's provision in all things temporal and eternal.<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to beginning cardiac rehab May 3.<br />
<br />
<b>Comforts</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Never forsaken, never forgotten,<br />
Helped by the everlasting arms.<br />
Resting on His eternal character;<br />
Counting on His promises completely mine.<br />
O what a Savior, precious Redeemer,<br />
Gave all His sinless life for my sins.<br />
Precious Redeemer, risen Lord;<br />
Coming back soon, by me adored;<br />
Coming back soon, by all adored.<br />
<br />
<br />Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35768074.post-36830959584723006562019-03-19T09:13:00.000-07:002019-03-19T09:13:00.647-07:00Forgetfulness, Righteous Fear, and Sinful Fear RevisitedContinuing to unpack the consequences of forgetfulness, this week we look at fear. There are two kinds of fear. One, the fear of God, is a righteous fear. The other kind, which manifests itself in various forms, is a sinful fear. How easy it is to give way to sinful fears when we forget the ways God's grace and mercy have manifested themselves. Worst of all, we forget the Incarnation, the Cross, and the Resurrection.<br />
<br />
<b>Holy Fear</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Before Genesis 3, fear as we know it probably did not exist.<br />
I would think there was a right reverence of God by Adam and Eve before then,<br />
But not the fear they knew after that initial disobedience.<br />
Adam even told God they hid because they were afraid after that disobedience.<br />
Fear became a logical outcome of disobedience and remains so to this day,<br />
Instinctively now.<br />
We fear age;<br />
We fear disease;<br />
We fear injury;<br />
We fear death;<br />
We fear being<br />
Found out as<br />
Sinners--<br />
And well we should.<br />
God told our first parents that disobedience would have consequences,<br />
And so it was and so it is.<br />
We disobey Him in thought, in word, in deed,<br />
Fearlessly as sinners, thinking those consequences can be avoided--<br />
They cannot be.<br />
Sin leads to death, sooner or later, and judgement, and eternity<br />
Apart.<br />
And some say, "Why should He make <i>only one way</i> to be reconciled?"<br />
And I say, "Why should He make <i>any</i> way?"<br />
Such merciful grace is not a right but a gift,<br />
A gift He can choose to give or to withhhold,<br />
Just as we can, on a human level, give or withhold gifts.<br />
Making a way to be reconciled with a sinner is a merciful gift of<br />
Such amazing magnitude and cost to the Giver that the only<br />
Logical response to Him can be<br />
Grateful thanks and "Thy will be done."<br />
O friend of sinners, O lover of my soul, that You would act to make me whole!<br />
This wretch You chose to make Your child, the highest cost of any adoption--<br />
Adoration is my response!<br />
Made accepted in the Beloved!<br />
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!<br />
Come in holy fear, reverence Him alone.<br />
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<b>Fearing God Rightly</b><br />
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Fearing God involves trembling before His holiness,<br />
Revering in His Fatherhood, having been adopted into His eternal family,<br />
Being grateful for His sacrifice which involved the Godhead.<br />
Repenting of sin, for all sins are ultimately against Him,<br />
Enjoying His forgiveness,<br />
Resting in His infinite unchangingness,<br />
Bowing before His throne.<br />
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<b>Sinful Fear and Its Remedy</b><br />
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How easy it is to give way to fear,<br />
To let it dominate thought and life,<br />
To let it swallow up all hope;<br />
How easy it is to give way.<br />
How hard it is to be humble instead,<br />
To admit the need for<br />
The strength of Another,<br />
To admit being a sinner<br />
In need of Another.<br />
But that Other was the most humble,<br />
Obeying His Father from birth to the grace,<br />
Laying down that one perfect life<br />
For those who have lived in sin, fear, pride.<br />
And so there is no need to fear,<br />
Except to fear the One who owns body and soul,<br />
Who has the right to send the disobedient to hell,<br />
And who most certainly will.<br />
O fear the Father and cast yourself on the mercy of the Savior through the Spirit!<br />
Note Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "The conclusion, when all has been heard is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act into judgment, everything hidden, whether it is good or evil."<br />
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A good book is <i>The Forgotten Fear: Where Have All the God-Fearers Gone? </i>by Albert N. Martin.Ebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com0