So I'm lazy at posting, I'll admit it. Not too much has been going on around here. Work has been slow, but picked up for this week, how long lived it will be I'm not sure.
I think God's been teaching me to be content where I'm at, which translates to resting in the promise and provision that he has given. More specifically, I've been quite restless about remaining where I'm working. There were other job opportunities that seemed very attractive for the moment, but would not provide the same quality of learning.
I'm getting kind of a feeling like David got when he numbered his, except not nearly as severe.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
I can't say that I have a lot of inspiration going into this post. I'm looking to buy a house which is exciting and intimidating at the same time. The real concerns I am having is moving into a sketchy area of town, but I don't expect any sympathy from some of the readers. The concern is not for me but for my future wife. It's not easy to live in a fallen world where the evil desires of man go unchecked, where sin is only atoned for by one man. Don't let the world fool you. Control is in God's hand and it always will be.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I have to say that I have been really overwhelmed by the grace of God these past weeks. We've started marriage counseling and it is so exciting to see how God has worked in Andrea's and my life throughout our relationship. Persevering through a mostly long distance relationship bears a lot of witness to God in our relationship. I had a conversation with someone who was starting a long distance relationship. I told her I'd gone 6 months without seeing Andrea, someone quickly added, "but you have God on your side". This struck me in a couple different ways. Unbelievers do watch our walks closely, they can see the new life that we live. That's why it is so important practice what you preach. One of the major things that damages our credibility is hypocrisy within Christianity. I have heard people say so many times, " she/he is a Christian and they do it why can't you". The subject doesn't matter, but the conflicting views projected on the unbeliever do.
26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Matthew 10:26-27
Make your life transparent so that the unbelieving may see the power of God in your life, but also so that when you sin your brother or sister may see and help you up.
26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Matthew 10:26-27
Make your life transparent so that the unbelieving may see the power of God in your life, but also so that when you sin your brother or sister may see and help you up.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Walk with Authority
I have spent the last few days with the Porter family in Regina. It is always encouraging and refreshing to stay with them. This morning there was a police bust of some kind across the street. I think I counted about 12 officers in total. This lead me to some of the notions of my past.
Obviously I wasn't going to go out and chase down a gang member, but if I had to I wouldn't be afraid. It's like when I was young, I carried myself with the thought that it didn't matter if I got hurt or died, God had my back. Where did I lose my way? There are numerous times when I know I had protection of another kind.
So my challenge to you and to myself is to in faith put yourself in a situation at least out of your comfort zone. Tell someone that Jesus loves them, do a random act of kindness. If you want to be used by God you have to give him something to work with. You'll be amazed how the smallest thing is huge when God's in it.
Obviously I wasn't going to go out and chase down a gang member, but if I had to I wouldn't be afraid. It's like when I was young, I carried myself with the thought that it didn't matter if I got hurt or died, God had my back. Where did I lose my way? There are numerous times when I know I had protection of another kind.
So my challenge to you and to myself is to in faith put yourself in a situation at least out of your comfort zone. Tell someone that Jesus loves them, do a random act of kindness. If you want to be used by God you have to give him something to work with. You'll be amazed how the smallest thing is huge when God's in it.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Engaged!
Sorry for the slowness of posting this momentous occasion. I am engaged to married to Andrea Porter! The date is set at January 31st 2009.
I want to direct all the focus of this event and the glory towards God. If you haven't noticed yet that's the whole reason for this blog. It has definitely been a long distance relationship, with only about 6 of the 20 months together. I'd like to thank everybody who has supported us and I hope that we will have your continuing support.
I want to direct all the focus of this event and the glory towards God. If you haven't noticed yet that's the whole reason for this blog. It has definitely been a long distance relationship, with only about 6 of the 20 months together. I'd like to thank everybody who has supported us and I hope that we will have your continuing support.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Servants
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7: 15-17
At first glance this text seemed overbearing to me. We're going to serve him one day in his temple? Does that seem a little bit oppressive to anyone else?
Then I thought about it a little bit more. We are slaves to something, most likely to this world and the sin in it. To serve God is not just one option among a list of things to serve. To serve God is to break away from the list of worldly options.
Now think about being in the Sanctuary of God, dwell on the comfort that can only come from being in the presence of God. Imagine how wonderful this life would be if all we had to worry about is serving God without the distractions of a job, money or school. God promises this to us in the end, when it's all said and done, all we'll need to do is serve. I love Him.
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7: 15-17
At first glance this text seemed overbearing to me. We're going to serve him one day in his temple? Does that seem a little bit oppressive to anyone else?
Then I thought about it a little bit more. We are slaves to something, most likely to this world and the sin in it. To serve God is not just one option among a list of things to serve. To serve God is to break away from the list of worldly options.
Now think about being in the Sanctuary of God, dwell on the comfort that can only come from being in the presence of God. Imagine how wonderful this life would be if all we had to worry about is serving God without the distractions of a job, money or school. God promises this to us in the end, when it's all said and done, all we'll need to do is serve. I love Him.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
I am tired of timidity, I'm tired of caring what others see. Just imagine if you walked talked and lived with the authority of Christ! Yet we do not, for some reason we cannot. Has the old nature not been put off? Am I not a new creation in Christ Jesus? I 'm positive that I am. I cannot ever deny the saving grace of Jesus, I will never turn to unbelief. Still without passion I live! This lament does not bring resolution, but only more longing for change. So I give you this text:
50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."[g]
55"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"[h] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
Now sit back and read that passage again. Flesh and blood have no inheritance in the Kingdom! The fingers with which I type will be rendered useless. The feet you walk on will be gone. Yet the text says we will all be changed, there's no specification between believers and unbelievers. All will be judged. All should be warned. So what are we holding back for? The death that is brought on by sin has been erased. Jesus took our sins, he forgave them! If we are in him, and he in us then our imperishable spirit is assured a place in eternity. So fear nobody but his majesty!
Now that you can see the end and what it holds, where do you stand? Do not fear the one who destroys the body but fear the one who destroys the soul. Can you walk in the authority of Christ?
50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."[g]
55"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"[h] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
Now sit back and read that passage again. Flesh and blood have no inheritance in the Kingdom! The fingers with which I type will be rendered useless. The feet you walk on will be gone. Yet the text says we will all be changed, there's no specification between believers and unbelievers. All will be judged. All should be warned. So what are we holding back for? The death that is brought on by sin has been erased. Jesus took our sins, he forgave them! If we are in him, and he in us then our imperishable spirit is assured a place in eternity. So fear nobody but his majesty!
Now that you can see the end and what it holds, where do you stand? Do not fear the one who destroys the body but fear the one who destroys the soul. Can you walk in the authority of Christ?
Friday, April 18, 2008
Drunk
Recently I heard a sermon on this text, 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2
The speaker ended the sermon by telling me to get drunk off of the spiritual milk. Like a newborn baby craves milk, that's how we are supposed to crave the things of God. Then to get drunk off of spiritual things would to have them in excess. This became even more real to me yesterday as I was waiting for the bus. A drunk women came and sat beside me and proceeded to talk to me and I talked back. She then sat beside me on the bus and talked to me until she got off the bus. She was drunk, she was talking. If we are drunk off the spiritual milk we will be talking.
"Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks". Is your hearts desire something other than the cup that Jesus drank? Does your speech edify Christ? I'll pray that it does.
The speaker ended the sermon by telling me to get drunk off of the spiritual milk. Like a newborn baby craves milk, that's how we are supposed to crave the things of God. Then to get drunk off of spiritual things would to have them in excess. This became even more real to me yesterday as I was waiting for the bus. A drunk women came and sat beside me and proceeded to talk to me and I talked back. She then sat beside me on the bus and talked to me until she got off the bus. She was drunk, she was talking. If we are drunk off the spiritual milk we will be talking.
"Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks". Is your hearts desire something other than the cup that Jesus drank? Does your speech edify Christ? I'll pray that it does.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Summer
I had been planning to cook at camp again this summer, I'd even asked for a leave of absence. This did not work out though, so I will be in Winnipeg. It wasn't the way I had worked things out in my head. I had already expected to go to camp because I thought that was where God wanted me. Then again what do I know about the will of God.
At first I took it pretty hard, but I soon found peace in knowing it was above me. Knowing that the things of this life are passing away, to sulk on this would prove my faith shallow. I don't know the plans he holds for me, but I trust and obey.
At first I took it pretty hard, but I soon found peace in knowing it was above me. Knowing that the things of this life are passing away, to sulk on this would prove my faith shallow. I don't know the plans he holds for me, but I trust and obey.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
From one sheep to another
Hello fellow sheep! We are all sheep following one Chief Shepard.
2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-3
We are all sheep, whether we believe or we do not. Some sheep are lost and need to be brought back into the fold. Be examples to the flock because you never know who's watching your every step. Yet do not lord yourself over those entrusted to you. In other words do not see yourself as higher than anyone but see them as equal. And do it all with the hope of eternal glory. It's just a good verse, check it out.
2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-3
We are all sheep, whether we believe or we do not. Some sheep are lost and need to be brought back into the fold. Be examples to the flock because you never know who's watching your every step. Yet do not lord yourself over those entrusted to you. In other words do not see yourself as higher than anyone but see them as equal. And do it all with the hope of eternal glory. It's just a good verse, check it out.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Resolution
In Self seeking blindness I couldn't see the impact I was having on other people. I went to work and talked to my Sous Chef today. He assured me that I was doing well in my position and that he would be disappointed to see me leave before I was finished. God showed me that I was having an impact on the people around me. That was reassurance enough to know that this is where God wants me. It's all about Him and not about me.
Step out on the Water
I've been having some doubts lately about continuing in the cooking industry. It's probably been bothering me for about 2 months now. Originally, when I started schooling my mind was not where it should have been. When I decided to go to college my original intention was to run away from God. Only by God's grace did was I returned into his fellowship.
While at school I decided that I would use my cooking to serve the Lord. I found school interesting and I liked learning about cooking, but that's changed now in this apprenticeship. I have had no desire to continue learning, the food industry seems hollow to me, only glorifying the temporary things of this world. So basically it feels like I should be doing something else.
Studying the bible takes up more of my time than studying food so logically I made the decision that bible college would be the next step for me. I'm just putting this out there I have made no decisions yet. Is it ignorant to step out to nothing on what feels like faith? Don't most people change career paths a few times? If you ask me how I got into cooking I can't honestly tell you. Please pray for me and give me some of your insight, especially those who have life experience.
While at school I decided that I would use my cooking to serve the Lord. I found school interesting and I liked learning about cooking, but that's changed now in this apprenticeship. I have had no desire to continue learning, the food industry seems hollow to me, only glorifying the temporary things of this world. So basically it feels like I should be doing something else.
Studying the bible takes up more of my time than studying food so logically I made the decision that bible college would be the next step for me. I'm just putting this out there I have made no decisions yet. Is it ignorant to step out to nothing on what feels like faith? Don't most people change career paths a few times? If you ask me how I got into cooking I can't honestly tell you. Please pray for me and give me some of your insight, especially those who have life experience.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Cast it all
You know what it's like, your job is stressing you out or God's vision for you isn't clear. I know I've been feeling it. The truth of the matter is that christ came and died to take those burdens.
1 Peter 5:6-8 (New International Version)
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
When you find humility you'll find anxiety that will comes with it. Humility is essential to any successful christian walk. In your anxiety is where your character is tested, it's tested for patience and for perseverance. It will take patience to wait on God's direction but it will take perseverance to remain steadfast in the Lord. It means looking to God in his Word, in your prayers and in fasting.
In your time of anxiety it's important to keep alert because in your selfish anguish doubt will come and the devil is always waiting to confirm your doubts. Hold on he's strong.
1 Peter 5:6-8 (New International Version)
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
When you find humility you'll find anxiety that will comes with it. Humility is essential to any successful christian walk. In your anxiety is where your character is tested, it's tested for patience and for perseverance. It will take patience to wait on God's direction but it will take perseverance to remain steadfast in the Lord. It means looking to God in his Word, in your prayers and in fasting.
In your time of anxiety it's important to keep alert because in your selfish anguish doubt will come and the devil is always waiting to confirm your doubts. Hold on he's strong.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Written
My ways are not your ways Lord
My thought are not your thoughts
The life I live is not my own, but when
My vision is blurred at best
My motives are shot
Laid dead like bodies that rot
When can I see again?
When will the light shine through the cloud
Soon, I hope
Joy is hope in the Lord
Joy comes in the morning
It's been a long night
My thought are not your thoughts
The life I live is not my own, but when
My vision is blurred at best
My motives are shot
Laid dead like bodies that rot
When can I see again?
When will the light shine through the cloud
Soon, I hope
Joy is hope in the Lord
Joy comes in the morning
It's been a long night
Friday, March 7, 2008
Can I tell them about you Lord?
Too often I find myself imagining situations where I get enough courage to approach people I don't know. It's the strangest thing, because as brave as I am in my mind I'm not that outgoing most of the time.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”- Psalm 139:23-24
I can't tell if my anxious thoughts are pleasing to God or not, is it pride? It feels like I hold back because I don't want to do anything to hurt the name of Jesus. Yet by keeping silent I ultimately do damage to the anyone that was looking for God and I deprive them of that.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”- Psalm 139:23-24
I can't tell if my anxious thoughts are pleasing to God or not, is it pride? It feels like I hold back because I don't want to do anything to hurt the name of Jesus. Yet by keeping silent I ultimately do damage to the anyone that was looking for God and I deprive them of that.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Why do you believe what you believe?
This is a question every Christian needs to ask themselves at least once. If you've grown up in a Christian home and the only thing you've got to assure your salvation is that you asked Jesus into your heart when you were 5, I'm worried for your soul. I know for myself that when I realized this it was the turning point in my faith. I'm very thankful for the environment that I grew up in, but it's that very environment that brought me a false sense of security. I thought that since I had prayed the prayer and I went to church that I was home free.
The point when I realized that Jesus was so much more than fire insurance was the point where my life gained direction, meaning and no ending.
So why choose Jesus? I looked into the other religions and thankfully I could see the deception created by each of them. I knew that there was a God and I had to find Him. It took stumbling into God's word expecting nothing and receiving everything to make me see that there was a God that loved me. I can't properly explain what it takes to come to belief in Christ, because it is such an unimaginable experience. I knew that my sin stank and I needed to be clean. So here is are some things God offers that the world doesn't:
-hope of something after life
-Reconciliation of sins through Jesus
-Love in an unfailing form
-Joy
-A Father that guides and keeps us
-Peace
-A spirit to Guide us
-the Perfect Father
-satisfaction that nothing on earth can offer
There are so many more than this, please add to the list!
I believe because Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old testament and the sacrificial Lamb for mankind. I believe because God's power is evident in his book and in the people which he works through now. Most of all I believe because once the blindness of my heart was gone I could see Jesus and I could see the light that is Faith and I have never wanted to turn away from Him. I think I'll be given more answers as I continue to seek God in my life.
This is a question every Christian needs to ask themselves at least once. If you've grown up in a Christian home and the only thing you've got to assure your salvation is that you asked Jesus into your heart when you were 5, I'm worried for your soul. I know for myself that when I realized this it was the turning point in my faith. I'm very thankful for the environment that I grew up in, but it's that very environment that brought me a false sense of security. I thought that since I had prayed the prayer and I went to church that I was home free.
The point when I realized that Jesus was so much more than fire insurance was the point where my life gained direction, meaning and no ending.
So why choose Jesus? I looked into the other religions and thankfully I could see the deception created by each of them. I knew that there was a God and I had to find Him. It took stumbling into God's word expecting nothing and receiving everything to make me see that there was a God that loved me. I can't properly explain what it takes to come to belief in Christ, because it is such an unimaginable experience. I knew that my sin stank and I needed to be clean. So here is are some things God offers that the world doesn't:
-hope of something after life
-Reconciliation of sins through Jesus
-Love in an unfailing form
-Joy
-A Father that guides and keeps us
-Peace
-A spirit to Guide us
-the Perfect Father
-satisfaction that nothing on earth can offer
There are so many more than this, please add to the list!
I believe because Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old testament and the sacrificial Lamb for mankind. I believe because God's power is evident in his book and in the people which he works through now. Most of all I believe because once the blindness of my heart was gone I could see Jesus and I could see the light that is Faith and I have never wanted to turn away from Him. I think I'll be given more answers as I continue to seek God in my life.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Poor
"Blessed are the poor in spirit" Matthew 5:3
What does it mean to be poor in spirit? What does it mean to be poor? It means to be in poverty or have low quality.
Jesus teaches blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. So as I see it, when you are poor in money you need and want more money. To compare the spirit to money is not the greatest but it will work. To get more money you have to work at a job, put in more hours and more effort. To gain more spirit is exactly the same! When Jesus says this he knows that when someone is poor they are always trying to escape their poverty. Do you think your spirit is really satisfied? Our human spirit will never be satisfied with the worldly things, it takes new birth, it takes the coming of the holy spirit into you.
Look at the Israelites they lived most of their lives unsatisfied and always looking to other religions. They didn't have the holy spirit to guide them.
Don't deprive yourself the riches God has laid up for us in him. Feed your spirit, pray fast and read. So blessed are the poor in spirit because they continually hunger for what only God can give.
What does it mean to be poor in spirit? What does it mean to be poor? It means to be in poverty or have low quality.
Jesus teaches blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. So as I see it, when you are poor in money you need and want more money. To compare the spirit to money is not the greatest but it will work. To get more money you have to work at a job, put in more hours and more effort. To gain more spirit is exactly the same! When Jesus says this he knows that when someone is poor they are always trying to escape their poverty. Do you think your spirit is really satisfied? Our human spirit will never be satisfied with the worldly things, it takes new birth, it takes the coming of the holy spirit into you.
Look at the Israelites they lived most of their lives unsatisfied and always looking to other religions. They didn't have the holy spirit to guide them.
Don't deprive yourself the riches God has laid up for us in him. Feed your spirit, pray fast and read. So blessed are the poor in spirit because they continually hunger for what only God can give.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Bombardment
Well since my last post I have got an extremely clear answer. I was told through books, through two different sermons and by way of the bible. The one thing that rang true in all these sources was to love. I'd forgotten that I'm supposed to be like Jesus and not just proclaim him. I have to actually live a life in which I imitate Christ as best I can.
I have to be willing to drop my own agenda to show love to someone. I don't think Jesus would have said "Sorry I can't heal you now because I have to get to my bible study".
"Love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:38-39
I have to be willing to drop my own agenda to show love to someone. I don't think Jesus would have said "Sorry I can't heal you now because I have to get to my bible study".
"Love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:38-39
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Why are we so afraid?
Okay, so we profess ourselves to be Christians but we won't preach in the streets, it's even hard to say the name of Jesus in the workplace. I'm guilty of all these thing; I keep to myself on the bus, and I won't tell a co-worker about Jesus unless they ask. What is the problem with me? With a lot of Christians?
"For we were not given a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love and self discipline" 2 timothy 1:7
I feel like a runner that got stuck in the block. My eyes want to go but my feet won't carry me. I don't know why I won't step out of my comfort zone. I have nothing to fear , not even death can hold me. Is this something that everyone experiences? I know I'm not old in the faith but neither were the disciples.
"For we were not given a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love and self discipline" 2 timothy 1:7
I feel like a runner that got stuck in the block. My eyes want to go but my feet won't carry me. I don't know why I won't step out of my comfort zone. I have nothing to fear , not even death can hold me. Is this something that everyone experiences? I know I'm not old in the faith but neither were the disciples.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A time for what?
It seems like January has an effect on me which causes me to rethink what my motives are for where I am and what they are for where I'm going. Thankfully I found the answer in the bible and not within my own sinful motives. Micah 6:1-8
1 Listen to what the LORD says:
"Stand up, plead your case before the mountains;
let the hills hear what you have to say.
2 Hear, O mountains, the LORD's accusation;
listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
For the LORD has a case against his people;
he is lodging a charge against Israel.
3 "My people, what have I done to you?
How have I burdened you? Answer me.
4 I brought you up out of Egypt
and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
also Aaron and Miriam.
5 My people, remember
what Balak king of Moab counseled
and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD."
6 With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
It's not like we are still offering rams, but it doesn't mean we aren't trying to appease our own conscience with works. God has done everything for us! He put the breathe in our lungs, the food in our stomaches. The best thing we can do before the Lord is humble ourselves in everything we do. If there is no pride in us then there is room for God. Put off yourself and seek him alone.
1 Listen to what the LORD says:
"Stand up, plead your case before the mountains;
let the hills hear what you have to say.
2 Hear, O mountains, the LORD's accusation;
listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
For the LORD has a case against his people;
he is lodging a charge against Israel.
3 "My people, what have I done to you?
How have I burdened you? Answer me.
4 I brought you up out of Egypt
and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
also Aaron and Miriam.
5 My people, remember
what Balak king of Moab counseled
and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD."
6 With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
It's not like we are still offering rams, but it doesn't mean we aren't trying to appease our own conscience with works. God has done everything for us! He put the breathe in our lungs, the food in our stomaches. The best thing we can do before the Lord is humble ourselves in everything we do. If there is no pride in us then there is room for God. Put off yourself and seek him alone.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Fanatic
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. Ezekiel 36:25
This verse should define what God has done in your life. Am I being cleansed? Is my past dirtier than my present? One way of telling if your walk with God is progressing is to look back on it and check if you are being cleansed. As we move forward in our walk we should be putting off more things that detract from our relationship with God. Anything that is binding you to the earth should be out under the microscope, even sports or tv easily become idols. I want to be a fanatic. To be separated from anything that would lump me in with the world.
Yes we believe Jesus saves us from hell, but do we believe he changes everything else about our life?
" In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven" Matthew 5:16
Set yourself apart.
This verse should define what God has done in your life. Am I being cleansed? Is my past dirtier than my present? One way of telling if your walk with God is progressing is to look back on it and check if you are being cleansed. As we move forward in our walk we should be putting off more things that detract from our relationship with God. Anything that is binding you to the earth should be out under the microscope, even sports or tv easily become idols. I want to be a fanatic. To be separated from anything that would lump me in with the world.
Yes we believe Jesus saves us from hell, but do we believe he changes everything else about our life?
" In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven" Matthew 5:16
Set yourself apart.
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Thesis
My life is not my own. My life is a gift from God, who has shown me grace and redeemed me from sin. With this in mind I want to make my life a prayer to God. The means with which I will be used I cannot fathom. In the meantime I must be emptied of all self to make room for God to work. So I'm left as vessel for God and nothing less than that will do.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Meditate on this
Psalm 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. [a]
4 Their voice [b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. [a]
4 Their voice [b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Thank God with your time instead of for it.
Well it was nice to have two weeks off for Christmas and spend time with Andrea and my siblings. Towards the end of the time I could not get rid of a weight that had sat upon my shoulders. I knew exactly what I'd done, I greedily accepted my free time without using it to benefit my relationship with God. I could feel the disconnect but yet my hardened heart made me avoid the regenerate solace that I needed.
Today there was a special day of prayer at church for the missionaries in our conference. As usual seeing all the reports on the missionaries made me rethink my position in life. I feel like I've hit an early mid-life crisis, or my comprehension of one anyway.
I've told myself that my training time would also be a time of biblical training as well as culinary. I've got jitters now. I want God to rock my life in a new direction, I want to hear the call and drop everything. I'm not to sure why I'm telling all of you this, but feel free to give it to me straight.
Today there was a special day of prayer at church for the missionaries in our conference. As usual seeing all the reports on the missionaries made me rethink my position in life. I feel like I've hit an early mid-life crisis, or my comprehension of one anyway.
I've told myself that my training time would also be a time of biblical training as well as culinary. I've got jitters now. I want God to rock my life in a new direction, I want to hear the call and drop everything. I'm not to sure why I'm telling all of you this, but feel free to give it to me straight.
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