Abiding Grace

Worth Memorizing

2012-02-11T10:18:00.001-08:00

Psalm 43.3,4 (NLT) "Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!"

A Pretty Good Prayer Spot...

2012-02-08T12:08:00.001-08:00

...to consider: The Call of and Professing Wisdom

"The Word of the Lord does not return void" Isaiah 55...
• Invitation for real satisfaction
• Promise of living in the ways of God
• Illustration of repentance: nature manifests and praises God

Psalm 34.8,9
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing."
• Know the fear of the Lord
• Do the will of the Lord
• Be in the faithfulness of the Lord

Two Great Quotes on Entrusting Prayer

2012-01-30T09:13:00.001-08:00

The Spirit of Jesus is conscious of one thing only —a perfect oneness with the Father, and He says “Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.” All I do ought to be founded on a perfect oneness with Him, not on a self-willed determination to be godly. This will mean that I can be easily put upon, easily over-reached, easily ignored; but if I submit to it for His sake, I prevent Jesus Christ being persecuted.

Oswald Chambers

Only be sure you have the sail up. Do not miss the gale for want of preparation for it. Seek help of God, that you may be more earnest in duty when made more strong in faith; that you may be more constant in prayer when you have more liberty at the throne; that you may be more holy in your conversation whilst you live more closely with Christ.

Charles Spurgeon

Gratitude & Justice

2012-01-26T19:34:00.001-08:00

"Thoughtfulness...is a necessary condition of gratitude, which in turn is a prerequisite of the virtue of justice."

Douglas McManahan

A Prayer for Impactfull Song

2012-01-26T16:45:00.001-08:00

"Lord, the power of song can stir our hearts to courage and break down walls of resistance. Help us compose lyrics of our lives that move enemies to compassion and make justice to rise up and dance in every corner of the world. Amen."

From www.commonprayer.net/

Unity of the Godhead's Renewing Grace

2012-01-23T10:03:00.001-08:00

Almighty God, whose Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

May Christ, who sends us to the nations, give us the power of his Spirit. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Reflection After Reading Psalm 147

2012-01-18T06:57:00.001-08:00

"Great is our Lord and mighty in power.

Compassionate God, as you know each star you have created, so you know the secrets of every heart; in your loving mercy bring to your table all who are fearful and broken, all who are wounded and needy, that our hungers may be satisfied in the city of your peace; through Christ who is our peace."

(from the morning Daily Office)

Use the Force Luke...I Mean Tim

2012-01-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

WRITTEN BY GEOFF FOSTERFOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL...
http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2012/01/13/nfl-divisional-round-playoffs-wsj-picks/

...and it's awesome!

Denver Broncos (+13.5) at New England Patriots
DR: Broncos; KC: Pats; GF: Broncos; HTC: Broncos

When I wrote the prediction for the Broncos vs. Patriots game a couple weeks ago, I drew an analogy to the scene from “Star Wars” where the Dark Side (Patriots) unleashes the full power of their best weapons to destroy the peaceful planet of Alderaan (aka Planet Tebowmania). That more or less happened in Week 15, as the Patriots racked up 451 yards and 41 points and left Denver fans second-guessing their faith in the power of the Force (the Tebow). The Broncos would lose the next two and trip backwards into the playoffs. But then, they shocked the galaxy with their defeat of the Steelers in the wild card round, and a new hope was born. The scrappy Rebel Alliance, disregarding decades of football logic and blindly following its belief in Tebow, has lived to battle the Dark Side again. So in this possible climax to the season, will Denver’s young leader use his cosmic powers to destroy the Death Star (Gillette Stadium)?

Last week, Pittsburgh made the mistake of assuming the Denver quarterback couldn’t make the big throws down the field. They thought he was a one-dimensional running threat who could be contained with a modest scheme. But John Fox trusted his QB’s arm and unleashed him. Here is a “Star Wars”-inspired scene before that game where our hero Tim was training with Obi-Won Fox and Han Elway, an old gunslinger who has never been a true believer in this type of gimmicky football.

[Tim is training with his throwing arm aboard the Millennium Bronco.]
Fox: Remember, a professional option quarterback can feel the Tebow flowing through him.
Tim: You mean it controls your actions?
Fox: Partially, but it also obeys your commands.
[Tim gets sacked.]
Elway: [laughs] Hokey religions and college football weapons are no match for a good pro-style quarterback at your side, kid.
Tim: You don’t believe in the Tebow, do you?
Elway: Kid, I’ve flown from one side of this NFL to the other. I’ve seen a lot of strange stuff, but I’ve never seen anything to make me believe there’s one all-powerful Tebow that can make a team win. There was no mystical energy field that controlled my team’s destiny. Anyway, it’s all a lot of simple tricks and nonsense.
Fox: I suggest you try it again, Tim. Only this time, let go of your desire to run and act on instinct.
Tim: But with the run game down, I can’t even move the ball! How am I supposed to fight?
Fox: Your legs can deceive you. Don’t trust them. Stretch out the field with your arm! [Watches Tim complete a long pass] You see? You can do it.
Elway: I call it luck.
Fox: In my experience, there is no such thing as luck.

This is a valid question: Was Tebow just lucky in his defeat of the Steelers, which was sealed on an inexplicable 80-yard overtime bomb to Demaryius Thomas? Can it be repeated? Luck or not, they showed the Patriots their cards, and Bill Belichick certainly won’t make the same miscalculation as Mike Tomlin. And this is key, as this game will come down to whether or not the Denver offense can exploit a vulnerable (OK, lousy) New England defense. No matter how underrated rookie Von Miller and the Denver defense is, you know the Patriots will score points, probably 25 to 55, depending on their mood that day and wind conditions. It is very likely this saga will end with Tebow doubled-over on the ground, while Emperor Belichick shoots lightning into him and tackles.

Another quick scene:
Emperor Belichick: Young fool. Only now, at the end, do you understand. [Shoots another bolt of lightning into Tim] Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the Dark Side! You have paid the price for your lack of throwing ability! [Continues shooting lightning at Tim]

But then Darth Brady realizes he believes in Tebow and picks up Belichick and throws him down a reactor shaft, and all the Broncos celebrate with a dance party with the Ewoks who joyously play the drums on old Patriot helmets. … OK, that might not happen. And it’s a pity, because a complete New England implosion is probably the Broncos’ only hope of winning. Still, the last contest should have been closer (New England recovered three fumbles that changed the game), so I will take the points and not underestimate the power of Tebow. – GF

Get Through

2012-01-13T07:29:00.001-08:00

"For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone."

Lamentations 3.31-33 (NIV)

2012-01-08T11:44:00.001-08:00

Psalm 42.8
"By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life."

Great Missional Prayer (from this morning's Daily Office)

2011-12-17T08:23:00.001-08:00

The Collect of the day is said

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A Soon To Be Classic

2011-12-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

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All of God Making Us Fully Alive!

2011-12-01T12:22:00.001-08:00

Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

2011-11-15T21:47:00.001-08:00

"Lead by the Spirit" Galatians 5.18

2011-11-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

"If you be led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. As if he had said, “You must expect a struggle between flesh and spirit as long as you are in the world, that the flesh will be lusting against the spirit as well as the spirit against the flesh; but if, in the prevailing bent and tenour of your lives, you be led by the Spirit,—if you act under the guidance and government of the Holy Spirit and of that spiritual nature and disposition he has wrought in you,—if you make the word of God your rule and the grace of God your principle,—it will hence appear that you are not under the law, not under the condemning, though you are still under the commanding, power of it; for there is now no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit; and as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God,’ ’ Rom. 8:1–14."

Henry, M. (1996). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Ga 5:13–26). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Commercial for Speech Class

2011-10-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

Galatians 3.18 (& it's context vs. 6-22)

2011-10-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Father gave the inheritance to Abraham by promise. In such, God is consistent with His holiness, wisdom and His faithfulness (Matthew Henry). So that, by faith, we experience Jesus' grace. We walk in grace as the Holy Spirit manifests His character and transforms us in the image of the Son!

Opulence

2011-10-08T09:22:00.001-07:00

"Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."

http://bible.us/Prov8.10.NIV

Die to Self

2011-10-06T15:13:00.001-07:00

It is interesting that Jesus in Luke 9, obviously He had not yet gone to the cross, could have said "role away your grave stone, daily and follow me" but He said "come die".

Colossians 3.15-17

2011-10-02T06:51:00.001-07:00

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

http://bible.us/Col3.15.NIV

Colossians 1—A Poem

2011-09-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

Why fight the Eternal One

Why resist the Son who died

And rose again the Living Son

In whom we can confide

Present agent of creation

He holds all things together

His world in subordination

Worships Him beyond all measure

Reconciled we are brought near

Forgiven, sanctified and loved

To Him we are most dear

Now in hope established

Jesus our Prince of Peace

As our life, may He increase

A Prayer for Wisdom in Action

2011-09-20T08:30:00.001-07:00

Philippians 1:9-11 MSG

"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God."

Submitting to the Holy Spirit, Part of Our Daily Picking Up Our Cross and Dying to Self

2011-09-16T07:31:00.001-07:00

Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT

"throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."

Small Groups Thought

2011-09-08T23:59:00.001-07:00

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Acts 2.42, 46,47 NIV

Elements of Small Groups:
1. Scripture
2. Speaking into each others lives
3. Eating together
4. Prayer
5. Gratitude
6. Praise & Communion
7. Living our faith out in the real world

Yea, it's a lot, but it's so simple. Why don't we do these things with our family and friends? Why do our church programs make this complicated? Let's start in our families and see where the Holy Spirit takes it from there...

The Beauty of Jesus: the Fullness of God

2011-08-27T11:57:00.001-07:00

"For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell"
Colossians 1.19 (ESV)

From the ESV Study Bible...
"Jesus not only bears God's glory, but all that God is also dwells in Him. He possesses the wisdom, power, Spirit and glory of God."

Being Content

2011-08-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

Philippians 4:10-13, 19 NIV

"I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.... And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

2011-08-16T17:47:00.001-07:00

I was chilling this morning at our local Starbucks-lite, hanging out with Jesus and thinking through His presence in the Gideon story (Judges 6-8).

Jesus is directly present as a Theophany, as the angel of the LORD (Judges 6.11-22). But what really had my brain turning is how, behind the text, the author contrasts Gideon against Jesus through Jesus' roles as prophet, priest and king.

Prophet: before Gideon even gets on the scene, an unknown prophet lays out God's message of deliverance (6.7-10). It is as if the author says, "fine you won't listen to Deborah, the 'prophet-woman' (4.4) so I'll give you a 'prophet man' (6.8) and because you won't listen to him either, the leader your about to get surely will not be speaking for God!" Aren't we glad that Jesus does, as the "Word" of God (John 1.1)!

Priest: at the end of Gideon's life he goes out in a blaze of anti-glory by creating a golden Ephod snare (8.24-27). This idol looks religious but takes Israel's eyes of the Lord and serves as a tangible manifestation of their syncretic relationship with the pagan idol worship of the nations around them. How often do we live that way, focused on churchianity and not Jesus, our High Priest (Hebrews 4.14; 12.1,2).

King: one of the great tensions in Judges is the people's looking for someone to fight for them and save them (1.1). So when the people come to Gideon and ask him to be king (8.22) we think maybe Gideon will not end so bad (8.23). But then he creates an idol (see above) and then names his son Abimelek: my father is king (8:31). May we live on mission with Jesus serving our king (Philippians 2.9-11).

If these observation can stand up to scrutiny, wow what great literature and inspiration by the Holy Spirit! May we not live in our own strength, like Gideon and instead may we cooperate with Jesus our prophet, priest and king! Note, I don't think we can call Gideon and anti-Christ, he is mentioned in Hebrews 11. Instead, maybe the point is simply, no matter how much God does through a person, don't look to the human vessel but let us keep our eyes on Jesus.

Is it weird: I love Cupping

2011-08-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Cupping Teqnique - YouTube: ""

Too Funny

2011-06-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

The only Dodger uniform you'll ever see on my blog!

2011-06-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Opportunities to be Missional are Everywhere

2011-06-10T09:42:00.001-07:00

We Hold What Truths? - National Review Online

Unstated in this argument is a great thought for believers: how ought we live different from our culture. In the enlightenment the church jumped wholesale on the bandwagon...and while great for the advancement of civilization there are so many aspects that have left the church marginalized and impotent.

Reason, without God and elevating humanity, pushed out theological constructs determining what it means to be human and too many changed from a faith that is 'reasonable and grounded' into faith being a 'blind leap'. Fast forward several generations and we have churches that entertain to produce emotions or (what might be worse in my estimation) churches that are so cerebral they become legalistic and in a strange twist of irony become centers and safe havens where Pharassies can 'feel' holy and smart.

How important to be a people on mission together to "go" out into our world and live a Jesus way of life. To live for His kingdom means that we will look for how to impact ALL arenas of life and not simply adopt the ways in which our world constructs meaning. Note that simply deconstructing (complaining and pointing out problems) society makes the legalistic Christians like the those in this article, hilarious! So instead, let us live a Jesus way of life, suggesting Him as the only viable solution to life's issues...from abortion to social construction to not denying emotion in the life of a believer to what questions we ask politicians. Jesus our only source of salvation for eternity and for everyday life!

Some day kids will carry 'Bush Truth' cards like I carried 'Regan Truth' cards in highschool.

2011-06-08T08:58:00.001-07:00

Bush Did It! Bush Didn’t Do It! - Article - National Review Online

No art? No social change. No innovation economy. (May 26, 2011) | Opinion Blog | Stanford Social Innovation Review

2011-05-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

No art? No social change. No innovation economy. (May 26, 2011) | Opinion Blog | Stanford Social Innovation Review

Interesting article. Don't agree with everything but I made two observations: 1. the value of Jesus centered engagement with the creation of creative culture. 2. his "unlock" points sound a lot like practical missionality (minus the Jesus focus).

Anniversary of "Win one for the Gipper" Speach!

2011-05-17T08:14:00.001-07:00

Reagan at Notre Dame - Article - National Review Online

2011-05-16T13:27:00.001-07:00

To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. http://bible.us/Col1.29.TNIV

Tangible Missionality (Colossians 1.6b)

2011-05-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just reflecting on the end of Colossians 1.6 regarding, praying and living so that others would 'truly understand God's grace'. I started praying for my unsaved friends and contacts and then started praying for people in my church and others believers (family and friends). When praying for those who already know Jesus I was struck that some of them "get" grace and others are pretty immature in their faith and it occurred to me that is the heart beat of being missional: non-discriminating against who is "in or out" but simply pointing ALL people to Jesus.

May we all 'truly understand God's grace'!

2011-05-05T14:14:00.001-07:00

"Behind the corpse in the reservoir, behind the ghost on the links,

Behind the lady who dances and the man who madly drinks,

Under the look of fatigue, the attack of the migraine and the sigh

There is always another story, there is more than meets the eye."

--WH Auden

Chipotle's Grand Opening in Lodi!

2011-05-04T19:56:00.001-07:00

So good! So happy! Only half an hour away and no toll bridges...beautiful!

Celebrating Royalty...

2011-04-29T13:03:00.001-07:00

American Tea: humus and crackers, popcorn, fruit, homemade chocolate scones and Devonshire (like) cream.

...Psalm 113:5-9 "Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes with the princes of his people. He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.Praise the Lord."

...1 Peter 2:9-10 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Something for Contemplation

2011-04-28T09:35:00.001-07:00

Philippians 3:1-3 NLT (sections of)

"...rejoice in the Lord....to safeguard your faith....For we...worship by the Spirit of God...We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort"

Oh Lord forgive us for being complacent and lead us against this evil!

2011-04-26T15:51:00.001-07:00

Five Truths about Planned Parenthood - Article - National Review Online

This is SO Cool!

2011-04-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

What's My Focus: Getting to Heaven; or Living so Others Experience Grace?

2011-04-21T11:35:00.001-07:00

"I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith." Philippians 1.23-25
http://bible.us/Phil1.23.NLT

Joe Blogs: Poscast with my baseball hero

2011-04-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Joe Blogs: Poscast with my baseball hero: "The Poscast with Duane Kuiper There's a baseball bat in my office that I sometimes pick up when stuck between paragraphs. I don't swing th..."

A Long Wait...

2011-03-30T15:53:00.001-07:00

...but so sweet!

God's Work That Is Bigger Than Us!

2011-03-27T06:44:00.001-07:00

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
http://bible.us/Eph3.20.TNIV

The emphasis in vs. 20 is not to be placed on us...we dream up plans and God will work beyond us. This gives us too much control and limits God. Unstated behind this interpretation is 'if we don't imagine big God won't work'; that is some horrible theology.

Rather the emphasis is on God's "immeasurable" work that is beyond our comprehension. (“Infinitely beyond,” “far more abundantly than” NET Bible). And yet He works in us and His glory is seen in us His people, through His church!

This begs questions regarding: are we OK with God working in ways we will not understand? are we putting God in a box and demanding of Him how He is to work? will we allow God to work any what He wishes as He glorifies Himself?

A Little Longer

2011-03-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

2011-03-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

“Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.”

Frank Lloyd Wright

Ladybug

2011-03-08T12:57:00.001-08:00

Living Our Life Like God Is In Charge

2011-03-08T08:51:00.001-08:00

Ephesians 2:10 NLT/CEV mix
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live."

In God's sovereign love (Ephesians 2.4) He redeemed me from sin, death and wrath (2.3). That life of sin was no way to live, in fact I wasn't fully alive until He saved me (2.5). Actually, His purpose for me is even greater than this life, it is to set my identity on His future FULL glorification (2.6,7). Alas, until then I am filled with hope and His direction because even before I was, the great I Am had a plan for me to live IN JESUS (2.10). How cool: before time He thought of me; after time He has a plan for me; and in time He has a way for me to live, in Himself!

That being said I thought this mix of translations represented a great pinnacle to the argument or at least a key thought for me to memorize.

Ephesians 2:10 NLT/CEV mix
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live."

Interesting Article

2011-03-05T20:14:00.001-08:00

The Weekend Interview with Paul Johnson: Why America Will Stay on Top - WSJ.com

How’s this for a teaser of the article…

“The former governor of Alaska, he says, "is in the good tradition of America, which this awful political correctness business goes against." Plus: "She's got courage. That's very important in politics. You can have all the right ideas and the ability to express them. But if you haven't got guts, if you haven't got courage the way Margaret Thatcher had courage—and [Ronald] Reagan, come to think of it. Your last president had courage too—if you haven't got courage, all the other virtues are no good at all. It's the central virtue."”

Cones and Spheres Homework

2011-03-04T14:29:00.001-08:00

Man I love homeschooling.

Keith Green - Easter Song (live)

2011-03-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

And Why Not!

2011-02-24T08:55:00.001-08:00

MercuryNews.com : An argument for 'Toy Story 3' winning best picture

Who didn't see this movie and cry? Sure maybe it's because I have kids, and to be fair I only saw three movies last year, but really when are the actual winners actually worth watching?

Being Lead by the Spirit Not by the Flesh

2011-02-23T08:25:00.001-08:00

NETBible: Galatians 4:29

Buster's the Man!

2011-02-15T10:42:00.001-08:00

Mercury News Article

Our Speaking (into Our Cultural and Political Realities)

2011-02-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

I understand the sense of loss that many believers are feeling in the current political and cultural climate in our country. We love America and we appreciate our freedom, especially to worship. When leaders seem to disrespect that heritage and evil runs rampant, we are rocked back on our heels. Naturally questions are asked, “how did it come to this”, “what is the problem and how do we correct it?” There are some musings that we will dare not mutter, “have we failed”?

I think the venomous attacks and jokes about, “I’ll pray, but only for another to take his place” come from a wounded heart. But that reality begs the question, why are our hearts wounded? Is it possible that we have taken our eyes off of Jesus and held our country in more affection then our savior? Clearly not every Christian who feels dismayed is responding in hatred, so let us simply pause and see what voices we are listening to and who speaks for us.

Summing up Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Pallin’s claim that President Obama is deliberately weakening our country, Michael Medved says,

“Regardless of the questionable pop psychology of this analysis, as a political strategy it qualifies as almost perfectly imbecilic. Republicans already face a formidable challenge in convincing a closely divided electorate that the president pursues wrong-headed policies. They will never succeed in arguing that those initiatives have been cunningly and purposefully designed to wound the republic. In Mr. Obama's case, it's particularly unhelpful to focus on alleged bad intentions and rotten character when every survey shows more favorable views of his personality than his policies.” (In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, click here for link.)

Regardless of one’s view of the politics of the matter, regardless of one’s understanding of the patriotic thing to do; it reminded me of what ought to be the Christian response:

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” 1 Timothy 2.1-8

I wonder if a Christian who does hate the president will confess their sin of not trusting the sovereignty of God by holding onto their anger (Psalm 37.8,9 & Philippians 4.5,6). Maybe we should allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts in this matter (Psalm 139. 23). Maybe, in our desire to ‘save’ the country we love we can start with such a confession (2 Chronicles 7.14 ). Maybe our speaking us should start here, in the throne room of God Almighty. Maybe then, we can humbly work to make changes from a ‘fear of the Lord’ perspective, recognizing His love and faithfulness and in chargeness (Isaiah 40.15,23-26).

2011-02-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

"You need to be concise, so that a thought
can run on without ever being caught
in bomastic battering our weary ears.
You also must create a style that veers
from grave to giddy, runs from lyrical
to lofty, and can be satirical.
while limiting your zeal and holding back
your point of view. A joke can oftern hack
through knotty problems more emphatically
than something stated diplomatically."

--The Satires of Horace

translated by AM Juster

Go Panda

2011-02-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

Well maybe he'll be ready to go!

Say Hey: Mays still a hit in New York | SFGiants.com: News

2011-01-21T15:13:00.001-08:00

Say Hey: Mays still a hit in New York | SFGiants.com: News

Awesome Pic!

Ransomed Heart Ministries -- Daily Reading

2011-01-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

Ransomed Heart Ministries -- Daily Reading: "Official Site of John Eldredge's Ransomed Heart Ministries"

Reflecting Jesus in the "Good Work"

2011-01-07T13:54:00.001-08:00

Prayer from 2 Timothy 2.21,22

"Jesus, as Your under shepherd help me not only pursue Your righteousness, You as the only author of faith, Your love and You as the Prince of Peace but also reflect You to Your flock. Holy Spirit use me as You see fit in Your good work. Amen "

Advent Week Three—Isaiah 9.6,7 His Awesomeness, Our Awe | Windborn Church Blog

2010-12-14T22:16:00.001-08:00

Advent Week Three—Isaiah 9.6,7 His Awesomeness, Our Awe | Windborn Church Blog

Loving Jesus in the busy Christmas season

2010-12-09T12:06:00.001-08:00

As a child we have a love hate relationship with the anticipation of Christmas' arrival. We love the decorations and getting ready to throw the best birthday party we can for the birth the baby Jesus. Ah but it is so hard to wait, we hate buying presents for others while we have to wait to see what Santa is going to bring us.

When we become adults all of this simply turns into tasks to cross off a list during the busiest time of year. That is why it is always good to receive the corrective of a simple Jesus focus. In the midst of being Martha's will we find time to be Mary's? It is good to have parties but do we remember we are throwing them to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. It is good to buy presents but do we remember we give gifts because the Father gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son.

The Mosaic Study Bible lists a compilation of verses, from the three year church liturgy cycle, to focus us during this season on actively anticipating Jesus' coming. I love the flow of the readings from those in exile waiting for God's blessings to our current day sufferings and waiting for God to take us home! May these Scriptural readings bless you in your relationship with Jesus.

Zephaniah 3.14-20
Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 6.12-24
Luke 3.7-22
John 16.5-15
Romans 8.18-30

You might want to consider the following application questions as you meditate on God's word:

Listen—what is the Lord saying to you through this study?
Adore—how can you love Jesus more through what you have learned?
Obey—how can you cooperate with His leading; how does He want to move in your life as you apply these truths, on which you have been meditating?

Advent Week Two—Isaiah 9.6,7 His Grace, our Gratefulness

2010-12-05T15:55:00.001-08:00

Theme's from Sunday:

Jesus' grace enables us to walk in the Spirit and to be grateful.
The nature of this child, the Son of God, being pre-existing God!
The nature of Jesus' work: as lead by the Spirit, Jesus brings His justice among the nations.
He calls us to Himself to provide rest through grace, we in turn call on Him (calling Him the wonderful names in Isaiah 9.6).
Jesus as our High Priest listens to the Father and speaks to us, allowing us to walk/live by the Holy Spirit.

Corresponding passages to look up and study through the week:

John 1.1-18—vs. 1 Jesus is eternal, He has always been; vs. 14, 16, & 17 Jesus came full of grace and truth.
John 1.26-34—Jesus' baptism and anointing in the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 11.1-3a, 10—Spirit of the Lord on Jesus as He calls us to Himself.
Isaiah 61.1-3 & Luke 4.14-21—Jesus' ministry bringing rest and healing.
Exodus 29.42,43 & Hebrews 10.21—Jesus as our High Priest.

Remember, as you pray for the Holy Spirit to illumine your time in the Word:

Listen—what is the Lord saying to you through this study?
Adore—how can you love Jesus more through what you have learned?
Obey—how can you cooperate with His leading; how does He want to move in your life as you apply these truths, on which you have been meditating?

Prayer and Absolution

2010-12-05T05:45:00.001-08:00

"You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
You bring pardon and peace to the broken in heart: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy."

"God, the Father of mercies, has reconciled the world to himself through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ, not counting our trespasses against us, but sending his Holy Spirit to shed abroad his love among us. By the ministry of reconciliation entrusted by Christ to his Church, receive his pardon and peace to stand before him in his strength alone, this day and evermore. Amen."

from Book of Common Prayer

Advent Week One—Isaiah 9.1-7 His Sovereignty, our Surrender

2010-12-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

Theme’s from Sunday:

· In the midst of war and economic collapse: return to the Lord.

· Our God is a God of provision, stepping into our humanity to bring salvation and healing.

· He moves us from the darkness of our sins into His grace and light.

· With His sovereign military might, He can be trusted to handle our issues.

Corresponding passages to look up and study through the week:

· Isaiah 1—setting up the nature of Judah’s judgment.

· Isaiah 6—Isaiah’s calling.

· Isaiah 7—the sign of Immanuel, note that King Ahaz will not trust the Lord so Immanuel is actually a sign of judgment.

· John 12.37-50—Isaiah saw Jesus’ glory and the context of Jesus’ ministry.

· Matthew 4.12-17—Jesus’ calling into His light with repentance.

Remember, as you pray for the Holy Spirit to illumine your time in the Word:

· Listen—what is the Lord saying to you through this study?

· Adore—how can you love Jesus more through what you have learned?

· Obey—how can you cooperate with His leading; how does He want to move in your life as you apply these truths, on which you have been meditating?

A personalized philosophy of ministry statement regarding my complete dependence on God’s grace to fulfill my office how in the world can any believer do good works (Titus 1.16; 2.3, 7, 14; 3.1, 8)

2010-11-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

To be consumed by the good work God wants from me (2 Timothy 3.17) is to understand the persistence, diligence and demand (Philippians 2.12, 13) of the appointment to ministry (Ephesians 4.11-16) which flows from His calling of grace (Galatians 1.6, 15). That I may be motivated in what occupies me and the actions I undertake by the grace of Jesus (Galatians 2.21) that radically saved me; and that I may be motivated by yielding to the Holy Spirit's control of my life (Ephesians 3.16, 17, 20) so that the Holy Spirit may reflect the character of Jesus through me (2 Corinthians 3.18). Because only the good that is by constitution or nature reflective of the character of God (1 Peter 1.15, 16) can be beautiful, excellent, precious, praiseworthy, noble, virtuous or moral (Philippians 4.8, 9). This happens, primarily, as I diligently study the Scriptures that the Holy Spirit inspired (2 Timothy 3.16) and allow the Holy Spirit to transform (Romans 12.1, 2) my life and ministry (2 Timothy 4.2).

World Series champion Giants should keep contending - Tom Verducci - SI.com

2010-11-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

World Series champion Giants should keep contending - Tom Verducci - SI.com

Oh really...

The Media Joke

2010-11-02T09:39:00.001-07:00

Now the giants get some respect. Unlike before game 4 when the Fox pundits gave
Bumgarner no chance to beat the Rangers bats…oops.

No duh…the Giants had better pitching and hitting than anybody! They beat some good pitchers…admit it the Giants are not as bad as you thought and the baseball anointed messiah, Lee, is not as good as you thought.

What do you know, the wacked out media's anointed political messiah is lame too and going to have a sweeping referendum against him today! Horrible: media 0-2. Giants RULE!

How the Giants did it and where they will go from here - MLB - Sporting News

2010-11-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

How the Giants did it and where they will go from here - MLB - Sporting News

Unbelievable bland analysis. This kind of lame-state the obvious reporting is what I expect from the Joe Buck's of the world.

MLB Playoffs: Two World Series losses could mark the end of Cliff Lee's brief run with the Texas Rangers - ESPN

2010-11-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

MLB Playoffs: Two World Series losses could mark the end of Cliff Lee's brief run with the Texas Rangers - ESPN

Over Rated!

Giants aren't going away any time soon - MLB News - FOX Sports on MSN

2010-11-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Giants aren't going away any time soon - MLB News - FOX Sports on MSN

At least Timmy also wears bow ties...

No drought about it: Giants end 53 years of frustration by winning the World Series - latimes.com

2010-11-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

No drought about it: Giants end 53 years of frustration by winning the World Series - latimes.com

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

The Man!

2010-11-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Joyous fans near and far cheer, savor the moment - Sacramento Sports - Kings, 49ers, Raiders, High School Sports | Sacramento Bee

2010-11-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

Joyous fans near and far cheer, savor the moment - Sacramento Sports - Kings, 49ers, Raiders, High School Sports Sacramento Bee

Go Nuts

Game 5 breakdown: How the Giants got to Cliff Lee - USATODAY.com

2010-11-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Game 5 breakdown: How the Giants got to Cliff Lee - USATODAY.com

A little respect!

SF Giants say title is for their teams of past

2010-11-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

SF Giants say title is for their teams of past

I love Will the Thrill's and JT's honesty.

The Official Site of The San Francisco Giants | SFGiants.com: Homepage

2010-11-02T08:54:00.001-07:00

The Official Site of The San Francisco Giants | SFGiants.com: Homepage

Tozer Devotional

2010-10-16T23:03:00.001-07:00

Good stuff to ponder.

Tozer Devotional

Bible Reading Bookmark

2010-10-12T14:12:00.001-07:00

Here is a project I'm working on for church...

Feed on the Word of God

Listening to Jesus in His revealed Scripture.

First, begin with prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what He has for you in His truth.
Read the passage you are going to study, slowly.
What key phrase or word jumps out at you?

Second, meditate or study God's Word

Seek after the meaning of the text that God inspired the human author to write.
Ask questions of the text to help you comprehend the passage:
- What does the text say? What are the key words?
- What is the main point? What is the meaning of the text?
- What truths are here? What ideas are supporting the main point?

Third, pray the text

Respond by expressing your thoughts back to God.
Adore Him, thank Him let His thoughts be your thoughts as you talk to Him in prayer.

Fourth, contemplate and apply the passage

Memorize a verse or two of the passage that specifically spoke to you.
How does this passage apply to your life? Is there something new to know, be or do from this passage? Is the Spirit leading to change a behavior in your life?
Now that you have worked on the text, let the text work on you: rest in God's truth. Do not be in such a hurry to get on with your day. Hang out with Jesus!

No Exhortation with out Encouragment

2010-10-01T12:53:00.001-07:00

Titus 2.12-14 provides such great encouragement from Jesus' ministry to us: the appearing of His grace, the imparting His holiness on us, how He is the only source of hope and it's all because of His sacrifice to die on the cross for our sins. In 2.15 Paul comands Titus to exhort God's people to obey (because the aurhority is Jesus'). Without encouragment the pastor cannot exhort. How sad, the pastor or Christian who wants the heavy hand of God as the center of the message without the encoragment of Jesus.

Grace worked out in the real world. The pastor/flock relationship.

2010-09-22T22:28:00.001-07:00

In prep for this Sunday's sermon on Galatians 4.1-20 I was struck by how Paul's "real life" relationship with the churches in Galatia provide the field of application for all the great theology of the book. Simple though I know, but still in light of the opening verses of the chapter it is in a pastor/flock relationship, in the church, that the Trinity's adoption of us is experienced. When we commit to a local body and the structure the Lord has given to His church, we fully know how much He loves and provides for us. It is my opportunity as a shepherd to provide Jesus' care and a congregation member's opportunity to receive from Jesus. That reality makes it almost depressing when, in our consumer society, people bounce around from church to church and thus do not experience the fullness of body life that Jesus intends. Likewise it is sad when pastor act as ranchers and managers in the body and deprive Jesus' intent for the flock…there is another reason why Scripture refers to pastors as shepherds.

A prayer for your day from Titus 1.1

2010-09-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

May Jesus be the object your faith.

May you rest in knowing that God choose you.

May you listen to Jesus as He reveals Himself to you.

May you know Jesus more and more.

May you allow Him, as the truth, change you.

May you follow as He leads you to look more like Him.

Loving Jesus' Appearing

2010-09-03T12:04:00.001-07:00

I have been meditating on 2 Timothy 4.8 and the idea there of the crown of righteousness being awarded "to all who have loved His appearing." I wanted to dwell on this verse a bit so I did a word study on the use of "appearing" in Scripture. A starting observation: Jesus' appears refers to both His first and second coming (as I already have eluded). Here are some summary statements from the study in the following categories: Theology, what God has done or will do; possible emotional response to "love" His appearing; and other applications.

Theology—

2 Thessalonians 2.8 speaks of Jesus' power, at His return, to defeat Satan and his anti-Christ.
2 Timothy 1.10 reveals how God saves us with a holy calling, given by the Father to Jesus before time began.
2 Timothy 4.1 has the fantastic context of how the Holy Spirit uses Scripture in our lives. In Paul's argument he relies on God as judge of all, that Jesus came once and He's coming again, and that His rule and reign has been inaugurated (first advent) and will be finished latter (second advent).
Titus 2.11-14, while a simple thought, let's not forget that grace is a work of God!

Emotional Response—

2 Thessalonians 2.8 Jesus is so worth loving as we long for the day that evil is conquered and He rights the wrongs of injustice.
2 Thessalonians 2.8 how amazing that I cannot come to Him so He came to me and imparted Himself in my life! May I humbly await His glory, my destiny.
2 Timothy 1.10 the great I AM, creator of the ends of the earth and still He shows and becomes the manifestation of God the Father's plan, wow.
2 Timothy 4.1 to have a teachable attitude and allow the Spirit to do His work in my life through Scripture. What fantastic motivation to preach Jesus: the timeless and eternal presence of Jesus.

Applications—

2 Thessalonians 2.8 no matter what the difficulty, HANG ON! the victory is Jesus'.
2 Thessalonians 2.8 to live and minister "well" as, in every moment, I practice the presence of God.
2 Timothy 1.10 in all the ways Jesus' speaks to me—I am to obey!
2 Timothy 4.1 preach the Word. Nothing else.

Closing Observations—

It is interesting that all but one of these references are in the pastoral epistles. This then is huge, for my own walk with Jesus but also how I pastor.
There is (in the background) the setting of suffering. Paul is saying "I've suffered", "don't be afraid of my suffering" and "join me, in my suffering". Specifically in 2 Timothy 1.8 the invitation is not to masochism, but an invitation to live boldly on Jesus' mission.
I have applied the label of being "consumed by the good work" to all this pastoral motivation, from Titus 3.17.

SUMMARY STATEMENT: to have my affections set on the appearing of Jesus, as I long to hear Him speak to me!

The Abundance of Grace

2010-08-26T14:26:00.001-07:00

"The redeeming work of Christ and the rightness He won for us together with the work of the Spirit in us as the power of the new life are spoken of as grace. It includes all that Christ has done and still does, all He has and gives, and all He is for us and in us. John says, "We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). The law was given by Moses, Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. "And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace" (John 1:16)."

—Andrew Murray in Covenants & Blessings

Grace Working in Us

2010-08-16T10:07:00.001-07:00

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ".

—2 Thessalonians 1.11, 12

Read the context of verses 3-10 to see that Paul had "in mind" how God grows our faith so that we endure trial and because God is just in His holiness He will punish evil and reward those who persevere with His grace. As we pray for whatever requests we have may we be open to how God will work in us!

Standing for and Living Lives of Grace, Graciously

2010-08-15T17:19:00.001-07:00

As I was preparing for next week's sermon on Galatians 1.11-2.14 I thought of an interesting juxtaposition between the kind of graciousness in the William Barclay quote below and standing up for grace. In Galatians, Paul accounts of standing up to Peter for the freedom of grace i.e., not adding Jewish works to salvation. We cannot possibly speak the truth in love without the Holy Spirit's leading us to do so graciously. Paul accounts for this later on in chapter 5 with the fruit of the Spirit. Even in difficult matters, standing for Jesus is to be done in such a way that we can be called peace makers (see Matthew 5.9). May we reflect the beauty of Jesus' calling us by grace by standing for and living lives of grace, graciously!

The Great Need for Graciousness

2010-08-12T13:03:00.001-07:00

"...live in such a way that loveliness and the graciousness of the truth is plain for all to see. The defeat of error depends not on skill in controversy but in the demonstration in life of the more excellent way."

—William Barclay
commentary on 2 Timothy 3.8, 9

Love, Faithfulness, Righteousness & Peace

2010-07-13T11:05:00.001-07:00

"Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other" Psalm 85.10.

Praise the Lord, that Jesus our Emmanuel reveals the compassion and loving kindness of our great heavenly Father (John 15.13-17)! Praise the Lord, that the Holy Spirit our advocate reveals the holiness sanctifying work of our amazing heavenly Father (John 16.13-15 & 17.17)!

“Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

2010-07-01T13:54:00.001-07:00

Jesus finishes his parable of the sower with these words (Matthew 13.1-23). When the disciples don't get the point (Luke 8.9 & Mark 4.10,11) Jesus quotes Isaiah 6. Ah, the seeing and hearing but not understanding line…what!?

I've been reading a collection of sermons on the gospel of John by AW Tozer titled And He Dwelt Among Us. In chapter 3 Tozer discusses the notion that Jesus made the world and yet the world does not recognize Him (John 1.10). Ah, the seeing and hearing but not understanding line.

The parallel and Tozer's writing are so beautiful I had to ask Regal Books for, and was granted, permission to post the chapter on our church web site. Here's the link to the Windborn Church site. Ah, may the seeing and hearing but not understanding line NOT apply to us as we listen and obey with following when our Good Shepherd calls us by name!

Defined by Jesus’ Grace Even in Difficult Times

2010-03-18T11:53:00.001-07:00

Today I noticed what I had previous written on the side bar of this blog. That my intent on this blog (which is a conversation no more, no one is paying attention and participating in posting) is "to discuss the intersection of grace and missional(ity) in a lost and hurting world". Standing in this junction is Jesus. Without Him being the vine, we branches have no ministry. For a lost and hurting world, we are to show them what it looks like to entrust our own losses and hurts to Him. Because turmoil hangs around all of us, we that are being sanctified by grace, ought not be defined by anxiety but by the peace that is Jesus, as our Prince.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1.7 (NKJ). "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4.6,7 (TNIV). Did you catch that? As we are in Jesus, it is His job to guard our hearts and minds. Our amazing God, working in such wonderful ways in our soul, truly "transcends all understanding"! In our lives, in our churches, for the lost and hurt—may we allow Jesus to guard our lives and may we remember to abide in Him.

The Spirit's Lead through Prayer

2010-03-18T11:33:00.001-07:00

Consider the following quote regarding a pastor's philosophy of ministry.

A "tendency is to thoroughly popularize the ministry. He is no longer God's man, but a man of affairs, of the people. He prays not, because his mission is to the people. If he can move the people, create an interest, a sensation in favor of religion, an interest in Church work— he is satisfied. His personal relation to God is no factor in his work. Prayer has little or no place in his plans."
-- EM Bounds in Preacher and Prayer.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

2010-03-16T10:24:00.001-07:00

Breath in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.

by Augustine of Hippo

John 10's Notice to Me: a Pastor

2010-03-06T13:32:00.001-08:00

Quote from Matthew Henry's Commentary

"The under-shepherds, who are entrusted to feed the flock of God, ought to be careful and faithful in the discharge of that trust; magistrates must defend them, and protect and advance all their secular interests; ministers must serve them in their spiritual interests, must feed their souls with the word of God faithfully opened and applied, and with gospel ordinances duly administered, taking the oversight of them. They must enter by the door of a regular ordination, and to such the porter will open; the Spirit of Christ will set before them an open door, give them authority in the church, and assurance in their own bosoms. They must know the members of their flocks by name, and watch over them; must lead them into the pastures of public ordinances, preside among them, be their mouth to God and God's to them; and in their conversation must be examples to the believers."

Penitential Prayer

2010-01-01T12:06:00.001-08:00

O Lord and Master of my life,
take from me the spirit of sloth,
despair, lust of power and idle talk;
grant rather the spirit of chastity, humility,
patience, and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King,
grant me to see my own transgressions
and not to judge my brother,
for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages.
O God, cleanse me, a sinner.
--Ephraim of Syria (Turkey/306-373)

Denver Seminary Articles Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision

2009-12-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

Denver Seminary Articles Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision

Reign in ALL of us

2009-12-17T17:34:00.001-08:00

Call: Who is it that you seek?

Response: I seek the Lord our God.

Call: Do you seek Him with all your heart? Do you seek Him with all your soul? Do you seek Him with all your mind? Do you seek Him with all your strength?

Response: Amen. Christ, have mercy.

Consider: Psalm 25.4-7; Matthew 22.37; 1 John 1.9

Eternal Father, we celebrate the gift of Your incarnate Son in this season of Advent. Jesus, thank you for being born into our humanness. Holy Spirit, fill us with joy this Christmas as we come to you with all that we are.
Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit: one God, everlasting in glory, live and reign in our lives. Amen.

Our Hearts Are Restless

2009-12-03T13:33:00.001-08:00

"Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ".

—1 Corinthians 1.7 (NLT)

"Everlasting God,

in whom we live and move and have our being:

You have made us for Yourself,

so that our hearts are restless

until they rest in you."

—Augustine of Hippo (Algeria/ 354-430)

As we celebrate Jesus' first advent, let us eagerly await His second coming/His next Advent. May we this Christmas season keep our eyes and our hearts desire on Jesus alone!

(Scripture and quote from the Mosaic: Holy Bible.)

Meditation on Jesus

2009-11-20T14:00:00.001-08:00

"The more you know about Christ, the less will you be satisfied with superficial views of Him; and the more deeply you study His transactions in the eternal covenant, His engagements on your behalf as the eternal security, and the fullness of His grace that shines in all His offices, the more truly will you see the King in His beauty. Learn to look at Him this way. Long increasingly to see Jesus. Meditation and contemplation are often like windows of gold and gates of silver through which we behold the Redeemer. Meditation puts the telescope to the eye and enables us to see Jesus in a better fashion than we could have seen Him if we had lived in the days of His earthly sojourn. Our conversation ought to be more in heaven, and we should be more taken up with the person, the work, the beauty of our incarnate Lord."

—Charles Spurgeon