After a week of traveling with the Northern Lights to Maryland and back I find myself refreshed but exhausted. It is a privilege to know, serve, and love those God loves. As a team we saw most of our members in their own homes or with their own families. Loved ones reveal subtle but influential qualities.
My doctor said this morning that my thyroid levels are normal. It's good to hear, but I was hoping for more energy. Hope deferred? Must not be. My heart is not "sick" but very optimistic and alive!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:13
Monday, March 17, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Enduring riches
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
~Lord, make our work last. May our deeds and efforts not consist of futility.
My Utmost . . .
If we do not apply our beliefs about God to the issues of everyday life, the vision God has given us will never be fulfilled.
Waiting for a vision that "tarries" is the true test of our faithfulness to God.
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
~Lord, make our work last. May our deeds and efforts not consist of futility.
My Utmost . . .
If we do not apply our beliefs about God to the issues of everyday life, the vision God has given us will never be fulfilled.
Waiting for a vision that "tarries" is the true test of our faithfulness to God.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sidekick
My faithful Jeep is more vehicle than I need to get to work and back, so I'm considering a Suzuki Sidekick. This past weekend we took a look at the one I'm considering. It seems like a good thing, but I want to be wise in decision and timing.
I can see myself with my Sidekick making my way through snow and whatever. It seems solid and dependable. It's been taken care of meticulously. I'm excited about it, but I don't want to rush God's plan. I'm hoping for clarity over the next few days as to wise planning.
In all things God works for our good. The events of life and our perceptions are NOT reality because truth is not relative. Even when considering standard events of life, exciting (or difficult) as they may be, truth and God's mind are larger issues. They are reality.
I can see myself with my Sidekick making my way through snow and whatever. It seems solid and dependable. It's been taken care of meticulously. I'm excited about it, but I don't want to rush God's plan. I'm hoping for clarity over the next few days as to wise planning.
In all things God works for our good. The events of life and our perceptions are NOT reality because truth is not relative. Even when considering standard events of life, exciting (or difficult) as they may be, truth and God's mind are larger issues. They are reality.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
If you love . . .
I'm reminded of the game where two people work toward a common goal. The one is blindfolded; the other is giving instructions. Dependence and trust are necessary in this relationship if they are to reach their goal. One can become very disoriented and off track, but the commands of the partner correct the errors and restore the wayward one to the right path.
Christ's "if you love" statements are not statements of manipulation. He doesn't say "If you really loved me then you would . . ." Perhaps a more comprehensive understanding of love would increase our capacity for understanding.
Contrary to what is often taught, love does indeed seek to get. It seeks to be completed, to have needs and desires met. True love gives, but true love depends as well. This structure is presented in John 15 regarding abiding. Each occurrence of "abide" can be substituted with "cling to" or "supply." The structure extends into the usage of "love." The same terminology can be substituted.
As the Father has supplied me, so I supply you. Continue in my supply. 15:9
If you keep My commandments you continue in my love/supply. 15:10
If you love Me keep my commandments. 14:15
(I contend this view of love extends throughout scripture. The greatest command is to cling to the Lord. The second is to supply others. There is no greater love than that a man supply his very life.)
God's commands are His supply. If we loved Him we would listen to the direction He gives us to correct our way. We go through this life viewing the inside of the blindfold, but He opens our eyes to wondrous things from His law. I will run the course of Your commandments. Ps 119.
I separate His commands and laws from His love. To reject His commands is to reject His love. Do I share God's goal for my life - Christlikeness, God's glory, my good, etc.? Do I listen to His commands. If I love Him, I will.
Christ's "if you love" statements are not statements of manipulation. He doesn't say "If you really loved me then you would . . ." Perhaps a more comprehensive understanding of love would increase our capacity for understanding.
Contrary to what is often taught, love does indeed seek to get. It seeks to be completed, to have needs and desires met. True love gives, but true love depends as well. This structure is presented in John 15 regarding abiding. Each occurrence of "abide" can be substituted with "cling to" or "supply." The structure extends into the usage of "love." The same terminology can be substituted.
As the Father has supplied me, so I supply you. Continue in my supply. 15:9
If you keep My commandments you continue in my love/supply. 15:10
If you love Me keep my commandments. 14:15
(I contend this view of love extends throughout scripture. The greatest command is to cling to the Lord. The second is to supply others. There is no greater love than that a man supply his very life.)
God's commands are His supply. If we loved Him we would listen to the direction He gives us to correct our way. We go through this life viewing the inside of the blindfold, but He opens our eyes to wondrous things from His law. I will run the course of Your commandments. Ps 119.
I separate His commands and laws from His love. To reject His commands is to reject His love. Do I share God's goal for my life - Christlikeness, God's glory, my good, etc.? Do I listen to His commands. If I love Him, I will.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Love - Solomon
Love flashes like fire,the brightest kind of flame.
Many waters cannot quench love,
nor can rivers drown it.
Who better demonstrates than a loving Father.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
"Impossibility" highlights God's Power
“Your religious life is to be a series of impossibilities made possible and actual by God’s almighty power.” A. Murray
What seems impossible? Whatever they may be, they are the fronts most ideal for displaying God's unhindered power.
What seems impossible? Whatever they may be, they are the fronts most ideal for displaying God's unhindered power.
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