Happy Holidays. When does baseball season start?

http://m.mlb.com/video/v535653983/deck-the-calls-best-giants-calls-of-alltime

A Great Definition of Abiding

“This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit.”

 http://ref.ly/1J4.13 via the Logos Bible Android app.

We Are To Be Worshipers First

Dustin Butler shared David Kowalski's post.

David Kowalski "We’re here to be worshipers first and workers only second. We take a convert and immediately make a worker out of him. God never meant it to be so. God meant that a convert should learn to be a worshiper, and after that he can learn to be a worker…The work done by a worshiper will have eternity in it." -- A. W. Tozer "Trying to work for God without worshipping God results in joyless legalism. Work minus worship magnifies your will power not God’s worth. If you try to do things for God without delighting in God you bring dishonor upon God. Serving God without savoring God is lifeless and unreal." -- John Piper

Relationships

http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/10/the-case-for-bad-coffee.html

Personally Knowing God

from "ESV Gospel Transformation Bible" 

"Here, David focuses on God’s faithfulness to him personally ( 138: 1– 3 , 7– 8 ), which extends, then, to God’s faithfulness to Israel as a whole through whom the nations of the world will one day bow in thanksgiving to Yahweh, the God of Israel (vv. 4– 6 )."

Combine with the thought from Gracestoration, lesson 2 'entrust' about a renewed understanding of who God is.

Living for Jesus

      I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.
            Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.

Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Ga 2:19–21). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

Jesus As Our Prophet Priest & King

Thoughts on Hebrews 1.1ff

Entrusting Ourselves to Jesus

22 Out of the confidence that the Lord is enthroned (v. 19), the psalmist encourages the godly to reflect on his justice. In contrast to the treachery of man, the Lord will “sustain” the righteous so that they will not be overcome (cf. 37:23–24). The oracle of salvation encourages the godly to “cast” their “cares” (lit., “what he has given you”; cf. 1 Peter 5:7) on the Lord. For a similar expression see 37:5–7. Calvin, after struggling with this text, wrote:

It is not enough that we make application to God for the supply of our wants. Our desires and petitions must be offered up with a due reliance upon his providence, for how many are there who pray in a clamorous spirit, and who, by the inordinate anxiety and restlessness which they evince, seem resolved to dictate terms to the Almighty.… and there can be no question that the only means of checking an excessive impatience is an absolute submission to the Divine will, as to the blessings which should be bestowed. (3:344)^[1]

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^[1] VanGemeren, W. A. (1991). Psalms. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 5, p. 397). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

Worth More Thought!

"ESV Gospel Transformation Bible" by ESV Bibles by Crossway - "Psalm PSALM— NOTE ON 46

"As Immanuel (“ God with us”), Jesus is the personification of this psalm. For Jesus himself is our present refuge and future victory. God’s past record of strong protection for his people is a present comfort to the psalmist; it is “well proved” (v. 1 ). Even if the unthinkable should occur—even the implosion of the earth— God’s faithfulness to his promises drives away fear (vv. 2– 3 ).

The Christian’s confidence is even more certain because Christ personally promised to be with us to the “end of the age” ( Matt. 28: 20 ). Like a secret aqueduct to a besieged city, God’s grace convinces the psalmist that the church will not only survive any onslaught but also will thrive in joy ( Ps. 46: 4– 7 ). Jesus specifically revealed that the Holy Spirit is that means of grace who causes “rivers of living water” to flow from the heart of the believer ( John 7: 37– 39 )."

Add "Grace" (sanctified by) And This Is Pretty Good

http://reformedpub.com/10-things-i-didnt-understand-before-i-was-reformed/

Psalm 21

From "ESV Gospel Transformation Bible" by ESV Bibles by Crossway:

       "As the full significance of this psalm is seen in light of Christ’s ministry fulfilling David’s plans, we understand that , having saved his people from their sins by Christ’s sacrifice, God raised him and granted him eternal life ( Ps. 21: 4 ; Rom. 4: 23– 25 ). As the risen victor over death, Christ earned authority to convey all the blessings he earned to his people whom he saves ( Ps. 21: 5– 8 ; Acts 13: 34 ). His “crown of fine gold” signifies his power to defeat all the enemies of his church ( Ps. 21: 3 , 9– 12 ; Rev. 14: 14 ). Because Christ submitted himself to God’s will through his sufficient sacrifice, God enforces his authority to bring all of his enemies into submission ( Ps. 21: 7 ; Heb. 10: 12– 13 ).

       Christ was then exalted to the right hand of his Father, and the “joy of [his] presence” was restored ( Ps. 21: 6 ; Heb. 1: 3 ). The joy of that reconciliation and the “power” of that co-regency explain the believer’s eternal song of “praise” ( Ps. 21: 13 ; Rev. 5: 9– 14 ). David trains believers to pray for more than just everyday nuisances. We must also pray “your kingdom come, your will be done” ( Matt. 6: 10 ), and this psalm assures us that these things will happen."

Start reading this book for free: http://amzn.to/1K0SGdZ

All to Jesus I Entrust

From "ESV Gospel Transformation Bible" notes on Psalm 9:

"In Jesus Christ we see these marks of God in beautiful flesh-and-blood reality. For Christ is both a lion and a lamb ( Rev. 5: 5– 6 ). He is both supremely powerful ( 2 Thess. 1: 7– 10 ) and supremely gentle ( Matt. 11: 29 ). He is a strong refuge and a tender friend. In Jesus, we see concretely the God of Psalm 9 . Jesus is “a stronghold for the oppressed” ( Ps. 9: 9 ). He came to preach good news to the poor (v. 18 ; Luke 4: 18 )."

Start reading this book for free: http://amzn.to/1CRRyEc

Learning from Jesus

This quote comes from Dottie Bingham's discipleship material Gracestoration!

Theological Beards

Justice on Earth

On this earth there will never be a shortage of political, economic, and military conflicts. These will continue to rage around us until Jesus brings the full manifestation of His Kingdom on this earth. So we pray: "Your Kingdom come" (Matthew 6.10)!

Psalm 89.13-15 reminds us:

Your arm is endowed with power;
your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. 

We must affirm that our almighty God is righteous, and just, and loving, and forgiving. We must affirm that our sovereign God sets up rulers and disposes them (Isaiah 40). We must affirm that our faithful God works His own power and might through us as we yield to the Spirit of His Son (Romans 8.9,11). We must affirm in our prayers, and in our lives, His amazing grace.

Reminding ourselves that Justice is His work will keep us from getting distracted with the latest fades and causes. Reminding ourselves that Peace is His work will keep us from anxiety as we trust in Him. Reminding ourselves that He desires to express His Faithfulness through us keeps us from being selfish. When we yield to the empowerment of His Holy Spirit we live in cooperation with the work He is doing through us to a lost and hurting world!

IN particular, we implore thy grace and protection for the ensuing day. Keep us temperate in all things, and diligent in our several callings. Grant us patience under our afflictions. Give us grace to be just and upright in all our dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion; and ready to do good to all men, according to our abilities and opportunities. Direct us in all our ways. Defend us from all dangers and adversities; and be graciously pleased to take us, and all who are dear to us, under thy fatherly care and protection. These things, and whatever else thou shalt see to be necessary and convenient to us, we humbly beg, through the merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. (from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer)

Searching for God's Wisdom

I'm reading Proverbs 2:4–5 http://ref.ly/Pr2.4-5 via @Logos

Reflections December 2004 — What Do You Desire? | C.S. Lewis Institute

Reflections December 2004 — What Do You Desire? | C.S. Lewis Institute:



'via Blog this'

Amen & Wow

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/8-lies-christians-believe

Wisdom in Jesus

"I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we’ve been shown the mystery! I’m telling you this because I don’t want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or “the Secret.”"

Eugene Peterson. The Message (Col 2:2–4).

Good ol' Spurgeon

Evening, April 19

“The Amen.”
— Revelation 3:14

The word Amen solemnly confirms that which went before; and Jesus is the great Confirmer; immutable, for ever is “the Amen” in all his promises. Sinner, I would comfort thee with this reflection. Jesus Christ said, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” If you come to him, he will say “Amen” in your soul; his promise shall be true to you. He said in the days of his flesh, “The bruised reed I will not break.” O thou poor, broken, bruised heart, if thou comest to him, he will say “Amen” to thee, and that shall be true in thy soul as in hundreds of cases in bygone years. Christian, is not this very comforting to thee also, that there is not a word which has gone out of the Saviour’s lips which he has ever retracted? The words of Jesus shall stand when heaven and earth shall pass away. If thou gettest a hold of but half a promise, thou shalt find it true. Beware of him who is called “Clip-promise,” who will destroy much of the comfort of God’s word.

Jesus is Yea and Amen in all his offices. He was a Priest to pardon and cleanse once, he is Amen as Priest still. He was a King to rule and reign for his people, and to defend them with his mighty arm, he is an Amen King, the same still. He was a Prophet of old, to foretell good things to come, his lips are most sweet, and drop with honey still—he is an Amen Prophet. He is Amen as to the merit of his blood; he is Amen as to his righteousness. That sacred robe shall remain most fair and glorious when nature shall decay. He is Amen in every single title which he bears; your Husband, never seeking a divorce; your Friend, sticking closer than a brother; your Shepherd, with you in death’s dark vale; your Help and your Deliverer; your Castle and your High Tower; the Horn of your strength, your confidence, your joy, your all in all, and your Yea and Amen in all.

Psalm 33.17-22

"A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you."

Some Thoughts on Psalm 29

Psalm 29

“The power of his kingdom: He sits upon the flood. As he has founded the earth, so he has founded his own throne, upon the floods, Ps. 24:2. The ebbings and flowings of this lower world, and the agitations and revolutions of the affairs in it, give not the least shake to the repose nor to the counsels of the Eternal Mind. The opposition of his enemies is compared to the flood (Ps. 93:3, 4); but the Lord sits upon it; he crushes it, conquers it, and completes his own purposes in despite of all the devices that are in men’s hearts.^[1]

(3.) In the kingdom of grace. Here his glory shines most brightly, [1.] In the adorations he receives from the subjects of that kingdom (v. 9). In his temple, where people attend his discoveries of himself and his mind and attend him with their praises, every one speaks of his glory. In the world every man sees it, or at least may behold it afar off (Job 36:25); but it is only in the temple, in the church, that it is spoken of to his honour. All his works do praise him (that is, they minister matter for praise), but his saints only do bless him, and speak of his glory of his works, Ps. 145:10. [2.] In the favours he bestows upon the subjects of that kingdom, v. 11. First, He will qualify them for his service: He will give strength to his people, to fortify them against every evil work and to furnish them for every good work; out of weakness they shall be made strong; nay, he will perfect strength in weakness. Secondly, He will encourage them in his service: He will bless his people with peace. Peace is a blessing of inestimable value, which God designs for all his people. The work of righteousness is peace (great peace have those that love thy law); but much more the crown of righteousness: the end of righteousness is peace; it is endless peace. When the thunder of God’s wrath shall make sinners tremble the saints shall lift up their heads with joy.^[2]

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^[1] Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 782). Peabody: Hendrickson.

^[2] Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 782). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Mathew Henry on Psalm 9

"With the thoughts of that sweet satisfaction and repose of mind which those have that make God their refuge (v. 10): “Those that know thy name will put their trust in thee, as I have done” (for the grace of God is the same in all the saints), “and then they will find, as I have found, that thou dost not forsake those that seek thee;” for the favour of God is the same towards all the saints. Note, (1.) The better God is known the more he is trusted. Those who know him to be a God of infinite wisdom will trust him further than they can see him (Job 35:14); those who know him to be a God of almighty power will trust him when creature-confidences fail and they have nothing else to trust to (2 Chr. 20:12); and those who know him to be a God of infinite grace and goodness will trust him though he slay them, Job 13:15. Those who know him to be a God of inviolable truth and faithfulness will rejoice in his word of promise, and rest upon that, though the performance be deferred and intermediate providences seem to contradict it. Those who know him to be the Father of spirits, and an everlasting Father, will trust him with their souls as their main care and trust in him at all times, even to the end. (2.) The more God is trusted the more he is sought unto. If we trust God we shall seek him by faithful and fervent prayer, and by a constant care to approve ourselves to him in the whole course of our conversations. (3.) God never did, nor ever will, disown or desert any that duly seek to him and trust in him. Though he afflict them, he will not leave them comfortless; though he seem to forsake them for a while, yet he will gather them with everlasting mercies."

What Happened to Bob Ross' Paintings? | Mental Floss

What Happened to Bob Ross' Paintings? | Mental Floss:



'via Blog this'



Why not ask the big life changing questions like this?

Beautiful thought.

http://bit.ly/1EvxvOd Shared via TweetCaster

Yummy, take two.

http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7315551-kitchenaid-craft-coffee/

Yummy, who wants a cup of Joe

Man I love coffee!

<iframe src='http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7315551-kitchenaid-craft-coffee/embed_videos.html?video=757204e2-3117-4d66-9b7b-3e24d5826393&embed=true' width="512" height="288" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowFullScreen></iframe>

I for one, am glad that God provides His own glory.

https://windbornchurchblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/contemplating-the-provisions-of-god-in-john-15-hope-is-a-gift-of-grace/

Personalizing Psalm 21.6,7

Surely I have been granted with unending blessings and I have been made glad with the joy of Jesus' presence.For I trust in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High I will not be shaken.

Happy New Year

May it be a great year of seeking and finding Jesus' wisdom and way and life!