Trembling is often spoken of throughout the Bible and I came across it a few times in my VT reading last night. Psalm 2:11 says, "Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling." The definition of tremble is, "to shake involuntarily with quick, short movements, as from fear, excitement, weakness, or cold; quake; quiver."
Do I tremble before the Lord? God tells us in I Chronicles 16:30 to "Tremble before Him". The only time I remember trembling before the Lord was the night I learned I had cancer. As I laid in bed replaying what went wrong that day trying to grasp what the initial diagnosis indicated. What happened that day? We left for the hospital thinking I couldn't possibly have cancer and came home knowing the horrible truth. I realized I could die and I was fearful. Fearful of leaving Eric and my two babies. Fearful of how they would live on without me not understanding why I was taken away from them. Fearful that they wouldn't really remember me because Katelyn was only 3-years-old and Em 4-mos.-old. That was the night I trembled and cried out to God. Then I cried out to Eric and he came and wrapped me in his arms and trembled and cried with me. We were wrapped in God's arms together that night.
It says in Habakkuk 3:16 that the prophet Habakkuk trembled, "I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us." My study notes give more insight as to what was going on in this verse: "Hearing the hymnic recollection of God's mighty deeds of old in Israel's behalf fills the prophet with an awe so profound that he feels physically weak. Alternatively, it is possible that the message from the Lord that Babylon would be sent against Judah had so devastated him that he felt ill - until he heard the Lord's further word, wait quietly." "Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14.
That dreadful night made me feel like Habakkuk did when he heard the horrible truth about Babylon. Habakkkuk goes on to say, "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the fines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls. Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places."
Here Habakkuk is probably anticipating the awful truth about what is going to happen and coming to a point of growth in his faith. He's saying that no matter what the circumstances may bring that he would still rejoice in his God. I LOVE the last sentence of the book, " The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places." He is asking God for sure footed confidence to go through the battle.
I think that night I trembled before the Lord is where I took a turn in my faith. Over the next few weeks I went from trembling fear to facing my reality. I'm not sure I totally rejoiced in my circumstances but I faced them head on. I called upon God for strength so that I could get through what He had placed before me.
I pray that as we go through life and face our trials that we will not forget about the Lord. That we will come trembling before Him asking for strength to make our feet like hinds' feet so that we are able to walk on high places.
Krista Jones
2.11.08
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Contentment
"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11).
Paul, denied of every comfort, wrote the above words in his dungeon. A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning, and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac; and so on all through the garden. Coming to a heart's-ease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. "Well, heart's-ease, I'm glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened." "No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heart's-ease, I am determined to be the best little heart's-ease that I can."
"Others may do a greater work,
But you have your part to do;
And no one in all God's heritage
Can do it so well as you."
They who are God's without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only what He wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored an hundredfold.
Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Paul, denied of every comfort, wrote the above words in his dungeon. A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning, and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac; and so on all through the garden. Coming to a heart's-ease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. "Well, heart's-ease, I'm glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened." "No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heart's-ease, I am determined to be the best little heart's-ease that I can."
"Others may do a greater work,
But you have your part to do;
And no one in all God's heritage
Can do it so well as you."
They who are God's without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only what He wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored an hundredfold.
Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Do Not Forget
"And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant." Exodus 14:31
The Israelites witnessed miracle after miracle, even as the shackles of slavery fell off their ankles. They were protected by the goodness of God from the Egyptian plagues and were led by His goodness out of Egypt.
But the most miraculous display of God's goodness was when He shored up the waves of the Red Sea to open a path for their escape. I can picture the Israelites looking up like bewildered tourists at the water, which rose like glass skyscrapers on either side. "Wow, look at that . . . God is amazing!" they must have exclaimed.
If you want to hear how thrilled they were, read Exodus 15. The people were so excited that they went on for twenty-one verses shouting hosannas to the Lord. But exactly three short verses later, in Exodus 15:24, their joy turned sour. It seems that for three days "they traveled in the desert without finding water . . . So the people grumbled."
It was as if the miracle of the Red Sea had never happened. The excitement of the Israelites' songs and praises faded all too quickly when they ran into a little trouble. And the irony is, they grumbled about water! Didn't they recall that God could do wonderful things with water? They had just watched him hold back a whole sea of it. yet they couldn't trust for His goodness even for three short days. How quickly they forget.
Yet how quickly we forget. W>e are slow to remember God's goodness, yet quick to complain. We doubt the protection and provision of our God. Perhaps we ought to take the advice God gave those Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:9: "Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen." That's one verse we ought not to forget.
By Joni Eareckson Tada, taken from Women's Devotional Bible 1
The Israelites witnessed miracle after miracle, even as the shackles of slavery fell off their ankles. They were protected by the goodness of God from the Egyptian plagues and were led by His goodness out of Egypt.
But the most miraculous display of God's goodness was when He shored up the waves of the Red Sea to open a path for their escape. I can picture the Israelites looking up like bewildered tourists at the water, which rose like glass skyscrapers on either side. "Wow, look at that . . . God is amazing!" they must have exclaimed.
If you want to hear how thrilled they were, read Exodus 15. The people were so excited that they went on for twenty-one verses shouting hosannas to the Lord. But exactly three short verses later, in Exodus 15:24, their joy turned sour. It seems that for three days "they traveled in the desert without finding water . . . So the people grumbled."
It was as if the miracle of the Red Sea had never happened. The excitement of the Israelites' songs and praises faded all too quickly when they ran into a little trouble. And the irony is, they grumbled about water! Didn't they recall that God could do wonderful things with water? They had just watched him hold back a whole sea of it. yet they couldn't trust for His goodness even for three short days. How quickly they forget.
Yet how quickly we forget. W>e are slow to remember God's goodness, yet quick to complain. We doubt the protection and provision of our God. Perhaps we ought to take the advice God gave those Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:9: "Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen." That's one verse we ought not to forget.
By Joni Eareckson Tada, taken from Women's Devotional Bible 1
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Praising the Lord
Last night I came up on a wonderful little chapter. Apparently, this is the shortest psalm in the whole book and it speaks of praising the Lord. Psalm 117, "Praise the Lord, all nations; laud Him, all peoples! For His loving-kindness is great towards us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord!"
The definition of Praise is, "The offering of grateful homage in word or song, as an act of worship: a hymn of praise to God"; and "singing someone's praises, to praise someone publicly and enthusiastically."
Many verses in the book of Psalm speaks of praising the Lord. "O clap your hands, all peoples; shout to God with a voice of Joy." (Ps. 47:1) and "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises." (Ps. 98:4) are just a few. Have you ever just praised God for who He is? - The Great I AM, Son-of-Man, Divine teacher, Soul Winner, Great Physician, Bread of Life; Defender of the Weak and Light of the World. I have a long list of these kinds of names I like to praise the Lord with every morning. It feels so good just to praise Him before I start my time with Him. Gets my mind focused on whom I worship.
My notes in my study Bible also say this about praising, "The praise of God in the Psalter is rarely a private matter between the psalmist and the Lord. It is usually a public (at the temple) celebration of God's holy virtues or of His saving acts of gracious bestowal of blessings as in Psalm 9:1, "I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders." I love worship every Sunday as I stand next to others singing praises to God together as one. - Krista Jones 2.5.08
I know there are times when praising is not on my lips. When times are difficult or I'm hurting. That is when it's the most important. No matter what I'm dealing with, He is right besides me being who He is - Defender of the Weak, Sympathetic, Mighty God, Strong, Victorious, Powerful, Loving, Merciful, Forgiving, Model Sufferer, Miracle Worker, Mighty Fortress, Freedom, Liberator, Understanding, Graciously Hears, All-knowing, Hope, Just, Gentle, Merciful, Great Healer, Provider, Lifter of my Head, Renewer, Breath of Life, Wounded Lord, Water of Life, Consoler, Compassionate, Light, Joy Giver, Steadfast, Strength, Protector, Satisfying, Redeemer, Deliverer, Exhorter and Relief Giver. He is also our Messiah, Jehovah, Lord Savior, Son-of God, Everlasting Father, Abba, Living Word, Good Shepherd, True Vine, Creator and Christ. His name is ABOVE EVERY NAME. I encourage you to pick one of these attributes of God and cling to it. Study what it means and what the Bible says about it. Find comfort, healing and strength from what the Word says to help get you through your difficult time. Romans 8:39 says, "Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Did you get that? NOTHING can separate us from the Love of God.
The definition of Praise is, "The offering of grateful homage in word or song, as an act of worship: a hymn of praise to God"; and "singing someone's praises, to praise someone publicly and enthusiastically."
Many verses in the book of Psalm speaks of praising the Lord. "O clap your hands, all peoples; shout to God with a voice of Joy." (Ps. 47:1) and "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises." (Ps. 98:4) are just a few. Have you ever just praised God for who He is? - The Great I AM, Son-of-Man, Divine teacher, Soul Winner, Great Physician, Bread of Life; Defender of the Weak and Light of the World. I have a long list of these kinds of names I like to praise the Lord with every morning. It feels so good just to praise Him before I start my time with Him. Gets my mind focused on whom I worship.
My notes in my study Bible also say this about praising, "The praise of God in the Psalter is rarely a private matter between the psalmist and the Lord. It is usually a public (at the temple) celebration of God's holy virtues or of His saving acts of gracious bestowal of blessings as in Psalm 9:1, "I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders." I love worship every Sunday as I stand next to others singing praises to God together as one. - Krista Jones 2.5.08
I know there are times when praising is not on my lips. When times are difficult or I'm hurting. That is when it's the most important. No matter what I'm dealing with, He is right besides me being who He is - Defender of the Weak, Sympathetic, Mighty God, Strong, Victorious, Powerful, Loving, Merciful, Forgiving, Model Sufferer, Miracle Worker, Mighty Fortress, Freedom, Liberator, Understanding, Graciously Hears, All-knowing, Hope, Just, Gentle, Merciful, Great Healer, Provider, Lifter of my Head, Renewer, Breath of Life, Wounded Lord, Water of Life, Consoler, Compassionate, Light, Joy Giver, Steadfast, Strength, Protector, Satisfying, Redeemer, Deliverer, Exhorter and Relief Giver. He is also our Messiah, Jehovah, Lord Savior, Son-of God, Everlasting Father, Abba, Living Word, Good Shepherd, True Vine, Creator and Christ. His name is ABOVE EVERY NAME. I encourage you to pick one of these attributes of God and cling to it. Study what it means and what the Bible says about it. Find comfort, healing and strength from what the Word says to help get you through your difficult time. Romans 8:39 says, "Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Did you get that? NOTHING can separate us from the Love of God.
Krista Jones
2.18.08
2.18.08
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Reachable Jesus
"He remembered us when we were in trouble. His love continues forever." Psalm 136:23
God chose to reveal Himself through a human body.
The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under it's nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were callused and dusty. And His tears . . . oh, don't miss the tears . . . they came from a hart as broken as yours or mine ever has been.
So, people came to Him. My, how they came to Him! They came at night; they touched Him as He walked down the street; they followed Him around the sea; they invited Him into their homes and placed their children at His feet. Why? Because He refused to be a statue in a cathedral or a priest in an elevated pulpit. He chose instead to be a touchable, approachable, reachable Jesus. - "God Came Near"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"
God chose to reveal Himself through a human body.
The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under it's nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were callused and dusty. And His tears . . . oh, don't miss the tears . . . they came from a hart as broken as yours or mine ever has been.
So, people came to Him. My, how they came to Him! They came at night; they touched Him as He walked down the street; they followed Him around the sea; they invited Him into their homes and placed their children at His feet. Why? Because He refused to be a statue in a cathedral or a priest in an elevated pulpit. He chose instead to be a touchable, approachable, reachable Jesus. - "God Came Near"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"
Monday, June 23, 2008
Experience His Rest
"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." NUMBERS 6:24-26
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." DEUTERONOMY 33:27
THOU wilt in time experience that thou dost belong not only to this life, but also art capable of enjoying and beholding God and eternal things, to thy perfect contentment and rest. Thou wilt then fix thine eyes, like a little innocent child, upon the face of God, steadfastly and joyfully; and He in return, like a faithful and loving mother, will keep His eyes upon thee, by which thou wilt be made holy through and through, and transformed into the same image from glory to glory. All thy delight, joy, and bliss will be in God, and God, in return, will have His joy and good pleasure in thee. He will rest and dwell in thee, as in His serene throne of peace; and thy spirit, that had so long gone astray, like a friendless child in a foreign land, will again sweetly repose in its true rest and home, in undisturbed peace. And thus thou wilt become a clear heaven of the ever-blessed God, in which He will dwell, and which He will fill with His divine light and love, and in which He will be glorified in time and in eternity.
GERHARD TERSTEEGEN
By Mary Wilder Tileston, taken from, "Joy and Strength"
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." DEUTERONOMY 33:27
THOU wilt in time experience that thou dost belong not only to this life, but also art capable of enjoying and beholding God and eternal things, to thy perfect contentment and rest. Thou wilt then fix thine eyes, like a little innocent child, upon the face of God, steadfastly and joyfully; and He in return, like a faithful and loving mother, will keep His eyes upon thee, by which thou wilt be made holy through and through, and transformed into the same image from glory to glory. All thy delight, joy, and bliss will be in God, and God, in return, will have His joy and good pleasure in thee. He will rest and dwell in thee, as in His serene throne of peace; and thy spirit, that had so long gone astray, like a friendless child in a foreign land, will again sweetly repose in its true rest and home, in undisturbed peace. And thus thou wilt become a clear heaven of the ever-blessed God, in which He will dwell, and which He will fill with His divine light and love, and in which He will be glorified in time and in eternity.
GERHARD TERSTEEGEN
By Mary Wilder Tileston, taken from, "Joy and Strength"
Friday, June 20, 2008
Filling myself up with Junk!
I came across verse Psalm 106:20, "Thus they (the Israelites) exchanged their glory for the image of an ox that eats grass." Lately I've been thinking about what I allow into my life. I really think that over the past few months I let myself get caught up in watching things I shouldn't have - my Trash TV. Or, allowed myself to read books that weren't glorifying to the Lord. In my heart I felt that it was wrong but I ignored it. I let the trash take over and develop into spiritual cancer. In essence I exchanged my glory for an image. The image might not be of an actual idol but I see other things to be idols as well. TV, books, material possessions, money and so forth.
And what has filling myself up with junk gotten me? NOTHING! Jeremiah 2:11b says, "But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit." It not only has gotten me nothing but those around me did not profit from what the Lord could have done through me. I pray that the Lord will continue to convict me of the things I shouldn't be doing that fill me up with junk. And that I will be sensitive to those spiritual tugs instead of ignore them. I am so thankful that I am Loved by a Father that forgives like he forgave the Israelites. We still suffer the consequences of our actions but we are none-the-less forgiven.
Krista Jones
2.4.08
And what has filling myself up with junk gotten me? NOTHING! Jeremiah 2:11b says, "But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit." It not only has gotten me nothing but those around me did not profit from what the Lord could have done through me. I pray that the Lord will continue to convict me of the things I shouldn't be doing that fill me up with junk. And that I will be sensitive to those spiritual tugs instead of ignore them. I am so thankful that I am Loved by a Father that forgives like he forgave the Israelites. We still suffer the consequences of our actions but we are none-the-less forgiven.
Krista Jones
2.4.08
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A Trustworthy Name
"I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the Name of the LORD" (Zephaniah 3:12).
When true religion is ready to die out among the wealthy it finds a home among the poor of this world, rich in faith. The LORD has even now His faithful remnant. Am I one of them?
Perhaps it is because men are afflicted and poor that they learn to trust in the name of the LORD. He that hath no money must try what he can do on trust. He whose own name is good for nothing in his own esteem, acts wisely to rest in another name, even that best of names, the name of Jehovah. God wilt always have a trusting people, and these will be an afflicted and poor people. Little as the world thinks of them, their being left in the midst of a nation is the channel of untold blessings to it. Here we have the conserving salt which keeps in check the corruption which is in the world through lust.
Again the question comes home to each one of us. Am I one of them? Am I afflicted by the sin within me and around me? Am I poor in spirit, poor spiritually in my own judgment? Do I trust in the LORD? This is the main business. Jesus reveals the name, the character, the person of God; am I trusting in Him? If so, I am left in this world for a purpose. LORD, help me to fulfill it.
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
When true religion is ready to die out among the wealthy it finds a home among the poor of this world, rich in faith. The LORD has even now His faithful remnant. Am I one of them?
Perhaps it is because men are afflicted and poor that they learn to trust in the name of the LORD. He that hath no money must try what he can do on trust. He whose own name is good for nothing in his own esteem, acts wisely to rest in another name, even that best of names, the name of Jehovah. God wilt always have a trusting people, and these will be an afflicted and poor people. Little as the world thinks of them, their being left in the midst of a nation is the channel of untold blessings to it. Here we have the conserving salt which keeps in check the corruption which is in the world through lust.
Again the question comes home to each one of us. Am I one of them? Am I afflicted by the sin within me and around me? Am I poor in spirit, poor spiritually in my own judgment? Do I trust in the LORD? This is the main business. Jesus reveals the name, the character, the person of God; am I trusting in Him? If so, I am left in this world for a purpose. LORD, help me to fulfill it.
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A Heart Like His
"We are like clay, and you are the potter; your hands made us all." Isaiah 64:8
[God] wants us to be just like Jesus.
Isn't that good news? You aren't stuck with today's personality. You aren't condemned to "grumpydom." You are tweakable. Even if you're worried each day of your life, you needn't worry the rest of your life. So what if you were born a bigot? You don't have to die one.
Where did we get the idea we can't change? From whence come statements such as, "It's just my nature to worry" or, "I'll always be pessimistic. I'm just that way." . . . Who says? Would we make similar statements about our bodies? "It's just my nature to have a broken leg. I can't do anything about it." Of course not. If our bodies malfunction, we seek help. Shouldn't we do the same with our hearts? Wouldn't we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Can't we request treatment for our selfish tirades? of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts. He wants us to have a heart like His. - "Just Like Jesus"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
[God] wants us to be just like Jesus.
Isn't that good news? You aren't stuck with today's personality. You aren't condemned to "grumpydom." You are tweakable. Even if you're worried each day of your life, you needn't worry the rest of your life. So what if you were born a bigot? You don't have to die one.
Where did we get the idea we can't change? From whence come statements such as, "It's just my nature to worry" or, "I'll always be pessimistic. I'm just that way." . . . Who says? Would we make similar statements about our bodies? "It's just my nature to have a broken leg. I can't do anything about it." Of course not. If our bodies malfunction, we seek help. Shouldn't we do the same with our hearts? Wouldn't we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Can't we request treatment for our selfish tirades? of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts. He wants us to have a heart like His. - "Just Like Jesus"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sacrifices
Have you ever had trouble getting through the book of Leviticus with all the different rules and regulations? I know I have trouble and tend to gloss over them. Yet, last night I came across the different sacrifices and checked out what my study notes said about them. It was eye opening to see what the purposes and descriptions of the sacrifices were.
"When more than one kind of offering was presented, the procedure was usually as follow: 1. sin offering or guilt offering, 2. burnt offering, 3 peace offering and grain offering (along with a drink offering). This sequence furnishes part of the spiritual significance of the sacrificial system. First, sin had to be dealt with (sin offering or guilt offering). Second, the worshiper committed himself completely to God (burnt offering and grain offering). Third, fellowship or communion between the Lord, the priest and the worshiper (peace offering) was established. To state if another way, there were sacrifices of expiation (sin offerings and guilt offerings), consecration (burnt offerings and grain offerings) and communion (peace offerings - these included vow offerings, thank offerings and freewill offerings)."
It all puts the torture of reading about the sacrifices and the reasons why we have to read in detail (and I repeat in detail) the many offenses, illnesses and mistakes in perspective. All these different sacrifices represent how we should deal with our sin and relationship with Jesus. If the sin isn't dealt with we can't fellowship with Him. Admit the sin and deal with it. Romans 3:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Turn away from the sin and commit yourself to the Lord and thus, you will have fellowship with Him again. Remember, it says, that it's a free gift from God. So what are you waiting for?
Krista Jones
2.2.08
"When more than one kind of offering was presented, the procedure was usually as follow: 1. sin offering or guilt offering, 2. burnt offering, 3 peace offering and grain offering (along with a drink offering). This sequence furnishes part of the spiritual significance of the sacrificial system. First, sin had to be dealt with (sin offering or guilt offering). Second, the worshiper committed himself completely to God (burnt offering and grain offering). Third, fellowship or communion between the Lord, the priest and the worshiper (peace offering) was established. To state if another way, there were sacrifices of expiation (sin offerings and guilt offerings), consecration (burnt offerings and grain offerings) and communion (peace offerings - these included vow offerings, thank offerings and freewill offerings)."
It all puts the torture of reading about the sacrifices and the reasons why we have to read in detail (and I repeat in detail) the many offenses, illnesses and mistakes in perspective. All these different sacrifices represent how we should deal with our sin and relationship with Jesus. If the sin isn't dealt with we can't fellowship with Him. Admit the sin and deal with it. Romans 3:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Turn away from the sin and commit yourself to the Lord and thus, you will have fellowship with Him again. Remember, it says, that it's a free gift from God. So what are you waiting for?
Krista Jones
2.2.08
Monday, June 16, 2008
That Magnificent Gift of Thought
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2
Though human nature as we know it now is fallen and morally degenerate, it yet stands at the top in the order of Gods creation. Of no other being was it said, In the image of God created he him. Mans nature indicates that he was created for three things: To think, to worship and to work. Under think may be included everything that the intellect can do, from the simplest act to the creation of an oratorio or the founding of an empire. In his ability to observe, to inquire, to collect data and to reason from it to causes, laws and principles, man stands easily supreme above all other creatures. The domestication of the wild forces of nature, the conquest of disease, the amelioration of the pains and woes of our physical organism-all has been done by the thinking man riding on the wings of his imagination out into the unknown and daring to entertain notions no one had entertained before. To make out of the raw material that is a man a thinking man, an imaginative, dreaming man, is one of the most urgent tasks of society. This task begins in the nursery and goes on through to the university. Whatever institution, large or small, famous or obscure, dedicates itself to the necessary and heavy job of teaching men to think deserves the gratitude of the whole human race.
Thought - What an amazing ability is that of thinking. What we set our minds on, to a large degree, charts our course and determines whether our fallen nature or the Holy Spirit dictates our living.
By A.W. Tozer
Though human nature as we know it now is fallen and morally degenerate, it yet stands at the top in the order of Gods creation. Of no other being was it said, In the image of God created he him. Mans nature indicates that he was created for three things: To think, to worship and to work. Under think may be included everything that the intellect can do, from the simplest act to the creation of an oratorio or the founding of an empire. In his ability to observe, to inquire, to collect data and to reason from it to causes, laws and principles, man stands easily supreme above all other creatures. The domestication of the wild forces of nature, the conquest of disease, the amelioration of the pains and woes of our physical organism-all has been done by the thinking man riding on the wings of his imagination out into the unknown and daring to entertain notions no one had entertained before. To make out of the raw material that is a man a thinking man, an imaginative, dreaming man, is one of the most urgent tasks of society. This task begins in the nursery and goes on through to the university. Whatever institution, large or small, famous or obscure, dedicates itself to the necessary and heavy job of teaching men to think deserves the gratitude of the whole human race.
Thought - What an amazing ability is that of thinking. What we set our minds on, to a large degree, charts our course and determines whether our fallen nature or the Holy Spirit dictates our living.
By A.W. Tozer
Friday, June 13, 2008
God's Sovereign Control
"The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" Exodus 4:11
I received a letter recently from a woman names Joanna. She wrote:
Joni, thank you for your ministry to the disabled. I'm legally blind and teach at a church school. My husband and I would like to know if you have a Biblical answer to the question of whether it is right to have children when there's a possibility they might inherit a handicap. we believe children are gifts from God, but many have said it is selfish to have a child who could potentially have a handicap. We're unsure of what to do.
I searched high and low in the Bible to find a direct answer to Joanna's question. But it only says that God gives children as blessings with no reference to their abilities or disabilities. In my opinion, in the absence of a clear direction from Scripture, the decision is left up to the individual.
But there was an important verse in Exodus 4 that I was able to share with Joanna. It seems Moses was distraught about his own handicap, a kind of speech impairment. God answered him in the eleventh verse: "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him site or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (4:11)
Moses needed to hear that. But Exodus 4:11 is also a powerful statement and a wonderful assurance to an expectant mother. God controls all things, whether genetic mistakes or chromosomes miscounts. Somehow, all these, "accidents" - whether prenatal problems or injuries at birth - come under the sovereign control of God.
And what does God value most in any person's life, whether able-bodied or disabled? Isn't it a personal relationship with Him? A life of love and kindness? A cheerful spirit and a heart that is godly? These qualities are possible for even severely disabled people to cultivate.
And Joanna and her husband? They're decorating a nursery right now.
By Joni Eareckson Tata, taken from Women's Devotional Bible 1
I received a letter recently from a woman names Joanna. She wrote:
Joni, thank you for your ministry to the disabled. I'm legally blind and teach at a church school. My husband and I would like to know if you have a Biblical answer to the question of whether it is right to have children when there's a possibility they might inherit a handicap. we believe children are gifts from God, but many have said it is selfish to have a child who could potentially have a handicap. We're unsure of what to do.
I searched high and low in the Bible to find a direct answer to Joanna's question. But it only says that God gives children as blessings with no reference to their abilities or disabilities. In my opinion, in the absence of a clear direction from Scripture, the decision is left up to the individual.
But there was an important verse in Exodus 4 that I was able to share with Joanna. It seems Moses was distraught about his own handicap, a kind of speech impairment. God answered him in the eleventh verse: "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him site or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (4:11)
Moses needed to hear that. But Exodus 4:11 is also a powerful statement and a wonderful assurance to an expectant mother. God controls all things, whether genetic mistakes or chromosomes miscounts. Somehow, all these, "accidents" - whether prenatal problems or injuries at birth - come under the sovereign control of God.
And what does God value most in any person's life, whether able-bodied or disabled? Isn't it a personal relationship with Him? A life of love and kindness? A cheerful spirit and a heart that is godly? These qualities are possible for even severely disabled people to cultivate.
And Joanna and her husband? They're decorating a nursery right now.
By Joni Eareckson Tata, taken from Women's Devotional Bible 1
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Then What’s Next To Do?
"Everyone who asks receives . . ." Luke 11:10
Ask if you have not received. There is nothing more difficult than asking. We will have yearnings and desires for certain things, and even suffer as a result of their going unfulfilled, but not until we are at the limit of desperation will we ask. It is the sense of not being spiritually real that causes us to ask. Have you ever asked out of the depths of your total insufficiency and poverty? "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God . . . " ( James 1:5 ), but be sure that you do lack wisdom before you ask. You cannot bring yourself to the point of spiritual reality anytime you choose. The best thing to do, once you realize you are not spiritually real, is to ask God for the Holy Spirit, basing your request on the promise of Jesus Christ (see Luke 11:13 ). The Holy Spirit is the one who makes everything that Jesus did for you real in your life.
"Everyone who asks receives . . . ." This does not mean that you will not get if you do not ask, but it means that until you come to the point of asking, you will not receive from God (seeMatthew 5:45 ). To be able to receive means that you have to come into the relationship of a child of God, and then you comprehend and appreciate mentally, morally, and with spiritual understanding, that these things come from God.
"If any of you lacks wisdom . . . ." If you realize that you are lacking, it is because you have come in contact with spiritual reality— do not put the blinders of reason on again. The word ask actually means "beg." Some people are poor enough to be interested in their poverty, and some of us are poor enough spiritually to show our interest. Yet we will never receive if we ask with a certain result in mind, because we are asking out of our lust, not out of our poverty. A pauper does not ask out of any reason other than the completely hopeless and painful condition of his poverty. He is not ashamed to beg— blessed are the paupers in spirit (see Matthew 5:3).
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"
Ask if you have not received. There is nothing more difficult than asking. We will have yearnings and desires for certain things, and even suffer as a result of their going unfulfilled, but not until we are at the limit of desperation will we ask. It is the sense of not being spiritually real that causes us to ask. Have you ever asked out of the depths of your total insufficiency and poverty? "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God . . . " ( James 1:5 ), but be sure that you do lack wisdom before you ask. You cannot bring yourself to the point of spiritual reality anytime you choose. The best thing to do, once you realize you are not spiritually real, is to ask God for the Holy Spirit, basing your request on the promise of Jesus Christ (see Luke 11:13 ). The Holy Spirit is the one who makes everything that Jesus did for you real in your life.
"Everyone who asks receives . . . ." This does not mean that you will not get if you do not ask, but it means that until you come to the point of asking, you will not receive from God (seeMatthew 5:45 ). To be able to receive means that you have to come into the relationship of a child of God, and then you comprehend and appreciate mentally, morally, and with spiritual understanding, that these things come from God.
"If any of you lacks wisdom . . . ." If you realize that you are lacking, it is because you have come in contact with spiritual reality— do not put the blinders of reason on again. The word ask actually means "beg." Some people are poor enough to be interested in their poverty, and some of us are poor enough spiritually to show our interest. Yet we will never receive if we ask with a certain result in mind, because we are asking out of our lust, not out of our poverty. A pauper does not ask out of any reason other than the completely hopeless and painful condition of his poverty. He is not ashamed to beg— blessed are the paupers in spirit (see Matthew 5:3).
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Were they so different from us?
"God looked down from heaven on all people to see if anyone was wise, if anyone was looking to God for help." Psalm 53:2
In one of the greatest testimonies to the authenticity of Scripture, the Word of God doesn't avoid showing the weaknesses of man; it doesn't cover up the unpleasant; it doesn't hide the dents in the armor. In an honest look at humanity, we read that Abraham doubted, that Moses lost his temper, that Peter denied his Lord. These chosen men of God - were they so different from us?
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
In one of the greatest testimonies to the authenticity of Scripture, the Word of God doesn't avoid showing the weaknesses of man; it doesn't cover up the unpleasant; it doesn't hide the dents in the armor. In an honest look at humanity, we read that Abraham doubted, that Moses lost his temper, that Peter denied his Lord. These chosen men of God - were they so different from us?
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Unshaken in Christ
"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early" (Ps. 46:2, 3, 5)
"Shall not be moved"--what an inspiring declaration! Can it be possible that we, who are so easily moved by the things of earth, can arrive at a place where nothing can upset us or disturb our calm? Yes, it is possible; and the Apostle Paul knew it. When he was on his way to Jerusalem where he foresaw that "bonds and afflictions" awaited him, he could say triumphantly, "But none of these things move me." Everything in Paul's life and experience that could be shaken had been shaken, and he no longer counted his life, or any of life's possessions, dear to him. And we, if we will but let God have His way with us, may come to the same place, so that neither the fret and tear of little things of life, nor the great and heavy trials, can have power to move us from the peace that passeth understanding, which is declared to be the portion of those who have learned to rest only on God.
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out." To be as immovable as a pillar in the house of our God, is an end for which one would gladly endure all the shakings that may be necessary to bring us there! --Hannah Whitall Smith
When God is in the midst of a kingdom or city He makes it as firm as Mount Zion, that cannot be removed. When He is in the midst of a soul, though calamities throng about it on all hands, and roar like the billows of the sea, yet there is a constant calm within, such a peace as the world can neither give nor take away. What is it but want of lodging God in the soul, and that in His stead the world is in men's hearts, that makes them shake like leaves at every blast of danger? --Archbishop Leighton
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever." There is a quaint old Scottish version that puts iron into our blood:
"Who sticketh to God in stable trust
As Zion's mount he stands full just,
Which moveth no whit, nor yet doth reel,
But standeth forever as stiff as steel!"
Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
"Shall not be moved"--what an inspiring declaration! Can it be possible that we, who are so easily moved by the things of earth, can arrive at a place where nothing can upset us or disturb our calm? Yes, it is possible; and the Apostle Paul knew it. When he was on his way to Jerusalem where he foresaw that "bonds and afflictions" awaited him, he could say triumphantly, "But none of these things move me." Everything in Paul's life and experience that could be shaken had been shaken, and he no longer counted his life, or any of life's possessions, dear to him. And we, if we will but let God have His way with us, may come to the same place, so that neither the fret and tear of little things of life, nor the great and heavy trials, can have power to move us from the peace that passeth understanding, which is declared to be the portion of those who have learned to rest only on God.
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out." To be as immovable as a pillar in the house of our God, is an end for which one would gladly endure all the shakings that may be necessary to bring us there! --Hannah Whitall Smith
When God is in the midst of a kingdom or city He makes it as firm as Mount Zion, that cannot be removed. When He is in the midst of a soul, though calamities throng about it on all hands, and roar like the billows of the sea, yet there is a constant calm within, such a peace as the world can neither give nor take away. What is it but want of lodging God in the soul, and that in His stead the world is in men's hearts, that makes them shake like leaves at every blast of danger? --Archbishop Leighton
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever." There is a quaint old Scottish version that puts iron into our blood:
"Who sticketh to God in stable trust
As Zion's mount he stands full just,
Which moveth no whit, nor yet doth reel,
But standeth forever as stiff as steel!"
Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Monday, June 09, 2008
Taking Shelter Under God's Wings
Last night I again came across a few verse that talked about taking shelter under God's wings. Psalms 91:1-4 says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark."
This reminded me of a devotional I read a few days ago.
"Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His Pinions." Deuteronomy 33:11
The mother eagle had tried by every means to induce the little one to leave the nest, but he was afraid.
"Suddenly, as if discouraged, she rose well above him. I held my breath, for I knew what was coming. The little fellow stood on the edge of the nest, looking down at the plunge which he dare not take. There was a sharp cry from behind which made him alert, tense as a watch-spring. The next instant the mother eagle had swooped, striking the nest at his feet, sending his support of twigs and himself with them out into the air together.
"He was afloat now, afloat on the blue air in spite of himself, and flapped lustily for life. Over him, under him, beside him, hovered the mother on tireless wings, calling softly that she was there. But the awful fear of the depths and the lance tops of the spruces was upon the little one; his flapping grew more wild; he fell faster and faster. Suddenly, more in fright, it seemed to me, that because he had lost his strength - he lost his balance and tipped head downward in the air. It was all over now; he folded his wings to be dashed in pieces among the trees. Then like a flash the old mother eagle shot under him, his despairing feet touched her broad shoulders, between her wings. He righted himself, rested an instant, found his head; then she dropped like a shot from under him, leaving him to come down on his own wings. A handful of feathers, torn out by his claws, hovered slowly down after them.
"It was all the work of an instant before I lost them among the trees far below. And when I found them again with my glass, the eaglet was in the top of a great pine, and the mother was feeding him." - Christabel Gladwell
How wonderful is it that we serve a God that loves us so much that He knows just how to grow us. I can picture myself as that little eaglet looking over my cozy position into a fearful world ahead of me. I know I have to fly because it's what I do. Yet I can't seem to make myself take that first step out of the nest. And there is God, right beside me encouraging me to take that step because He knows what will happen if I do. He is patient. Yet, He will make His move that will force me out of my comfort zone (cancer) and into the air where I can't grasp anything to support me. It is here where I need not give up. I can't, because He won't let me. As that baby bird started giving up and falling I remembered the fall I took into the darkness of despair. As I was falling, the Lord swooped down under me, gave me rest and strength, and brought me down to a gentle landing. It is there that I received rest and nourishment. It is there I learned to fly. Not to fly on my own but to fly on His wings.
Krista Jones
2.1.08
This reminded me of a devotional I read a few days ago.
"Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His Pinions." Deuteronomy 33:11
The mother eagle had tried by every means to induce the little one to leave the nest, but he was afraid.
"Suddenly, as if discouraged, she rose well above him. I held my breath, for I knew what was coming. The little fellow stood on the edge of the nest, looking down at the plunge which he dare not take. There was a sharp cry from behind which made him alert, tense as a watch-spring. The next instant the mother eagle had swooped, striking the nest at his feet, sending his support of twigs and himself with them out into the air together.
"He was afloat now, afloat on the blue air in spite of himself, and flapped lustily for life. Over him, under him, beside him, hovered the mother on tireless wings, calling softly that she was there. But the awful fear of the depths and the lance tops of the spruces was upon the little one; his flapping grew more wild; he fell faster and faster. Suddenly, more in fright, it seemed to me, that because he had lost his strength - he lost his balance and tipped head downward in the air. It was all over now; he folded his wings to be dashed in pieces among the trees. Then like a flash the old mother eagle shot under him, his despairing feet touched her broad shoulders, between her wings. He righted himself, rested an instant, found his head; then she dropped like a shot from under him, leaving him to come down on his own wings. A handful of feathers, torn out by his claws, hovered slowly down after them.
"It was all the work of an instant before I lost them among the trees far below. And when I found them again with my glass, the eaglet was in the top of a great pine, and the mother was feeding him." - Christabel Gladwell
How wonderful is it that we serve a God that loves us so much that He knows just how to grow us. I can picture myself as that little eaglet looking over my cozy position into a fearful world ahead of me. I know I have to fly because it's what I do. Yet I can't seem to make myself take that first step out of the nest. And there is God, right beside me encouraging me to take that step because He knows what will happen if I do. He is patient. Yet, He will make His move that will force me out of my comfort zone (cancer) and into the air where I can't grasp anything to support me. It is here where I need not give up. I can't, because He won't let me. As that baby bird started giving up and falling I remembered the fall I took into the darkness of despair. As I was falling, the Lord swooped down under me, gave me rest and strength, and brought me down to a gentle landing. It is there that I received rest and nourishment. It is there I learned to fly. Not to fly on my own but to fly on His wings.
Krista Jones
2.1.08
Friday, June 06, 2008
Give Yourself
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Psalm 3:27
"I just want you to know that your child was delightful in the nursery this morning." "You have a wonderful way with people, and I admire that." "Your house is so warm and welcoming." "you told that guy the truth on that deal, and I respect you for it."
Wouldn't it be great to hear things like that all the time? How many times do you think about saying something encouraging or uplifting to someone else, but you just don't feel comfortable? It's a risk; what if they think you're just trying to butter them up? You could come off sounding insincere. So you keep it to yourself instead, and the encouraging word never gets said. Oh, maybe you think about it later and have every good intention of writing a note, but you never get it written. time goes by and you're lost that moment forever.
It's not just words, of course. There are times when you might see a situation that could use something - time, money, skills - that you possess and could share. It might be as simple as offering to drive an elderly neighbor to the store or washing a friend's car when they're too busy to take care of it. Or it might be a case where you have extra money and know of someone who's struggling financially. What a joy to send an anonymous gift!
Think of the times that someone has given you something right when you needed it - an encouraging note or phone call, a helping hand with a project or a few bucks when you were strapped for cash. It meant a lot to you, didn't it? Don't miss the opportunity to give to someone else.
By Bernie Sheahan, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
"I just want you to know that your child was delightful in the nursery this morning." "You have a wonderful way with people, and I admire that." "Your house is so warm and welcoming." "you told that guy the truth on that deal, and I respect you for it."
Wouldn't it be great to hear things like that all the time? How many times do you think about saying something encouraging or uplifting to someone else, but you just don't feel comfortable? It's a risk; what if they think you're just trying to butter them up? You could come off sounding insincere. So you keep it to yourself instead, and the encouraging word never gets said. Oh, maybe you think about it later and have every good intention of writing a note, but you never get it written. time goes by and you're lost that moment forever.
It's not just words, of course. There are times when you might see a situation that could use something - time, money, skills - that you possess and could share. It might be as simple as offering to drive an elderly neighbor to the store or washing a friend's car when they're too busy to take care of it. Or it might be a case where you have extra money and know of someone who's struggling financially. What a joy to send an anonymous gift!
Think of the times that someone has given you something right when you needed it - an encouraging note or phone call, a helping hand with a project or a few bucks when you were strapped for cash. It meant a lot to you, didn't it? Don't miss the opportunity to give to someone else.
By Bernie Sheahan, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Productive Pain
"All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
I’ll never forget when our youngest child Matthew fell and broke his wrist. It was grotesque! His arm took a sharp left turn at his wrist and then turned again to resume its normal journey to his hand.
We rushed him to the hospital where the doctor began to set his wrist. I watched as the physician pulled and twisted Matthew’s arm. I wanted to jump up and pull him away from my son! But I simply sat and watched, knowing that the agony was necessary to make Matt whole again.
If we trust earthly doctors to do that for our children, how much more we should be willing to trust God, the Great Physician, to reset our broken lives “to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). One of God’s purposes in pain is to brand the image of Jesus in our hearts. Can we weep with those who weep? God may need to stain our cheeks with our own tears so that we can genuinely empathize with others as Jesus did. Are we self-sufficient? God may need to strip away our security to conform us to the God-sufficiency that Christ displayed. Are we faithless? It may require a tragedy to teach us to trust the Father as Jesus did.
Next time you feel broken, don’t panic—praise Him! God is at work!
— Joe Stowell
Life’s fractures can be mended
By faith in Christ the Lord—
At first the pain but then the gain
And usefulness restored. —Hess
God’s purpose in pain is to brand His image in our hearts.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
I’ll never forget when our youngest child Matthew fell and broke his wrist. It was grotesque! His arm took a sharp left turn at his wrist and then turned again to resume its normal journey to his hand.
We rushed him to the hospital where the doctor began to set his wrist. I watched as the physician pulled and twisted Matthew’s arm. I wanted to jump up and pull him away from my son! But I simply sat and watched, knowing that the agony was necessary to make Matt whole again.
If we trust earthly doctors to do that for our children, how much more we should be willing to trust God, the Great Physician, to reset our broken lives “to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). One of God’s purposes in pain is to brand the image of Jesus in our hearts. Can we weep with those who weep? God may need to stain our cheeks with our own tears so that we can genuinely empathize with others as Jesus did. Are we self-sufficient? God may need to strip away our security to conform us to the God-sufficiency that Christ displayed. Are we faithless? It may require a tragedy to teach us to trust the Father as Jesus did.
Next time you feel broken, don’t panic—praise Him! God is at work!
— Joe Stowell
Life’s fractures can be mended
By faith in Christ the Lord—
At first the pain but then the gain
And usefulness restored. —Hess
God’s purpose in pain is to brand His image in our hearts.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
A World Without Sin
"Then wolves will live in peace with lambs, and leopards will lie down to rest with goats." Isaiah 11:6
Can you imagine a world minus sin? Have you done anything recently because of sin?
At the very least, you've complained. You've worried. You've grumbled. You've hoarded when you should have shared. You've turned away when you should have helped . . .
Because of sin, you've snapped at the ones you love and argued with the ones you cherish. You have felt ashamed, guilty, bitter.
Sin has sired a thousand heartaches and broken a million promises. Your addiction can be traced back to sin. Your mistrust can be traced back to sin. Bigotry, robbery, adultery - all because of sin. But in heaven, all of this will end.
Can you imagine a world without sin? If so, you can imagine haven. - When Christ Comes
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"
Can you imagine a world minus sin? Have you done anything recently because of sin?
At the very least, you've complained. You've worried. You've grumbled. You've hoarded when you should have shared. You've turned away when you should have helped . . .
Because of sin, you've snapped at the ones you love and argued with the ones you cherish. You have felt ashamed, guilty, bitter.
Sin has sired a thousand heartaches and broken a million promises. Your addiction can be traced back to sin. Your mistrust can be traced back to sin. Bigotry, robbery, adultery - all because of sin. But in heaven, all of this will end.
Can you imagine a world without sin? If so, you can imagine haven. - When Christ Comes
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"
Monday, June 02, 2008
Loving the Psalms!
I love the Psalms. No matter what you're dealing with, it has some nugget to impart upon you. Last night I came across Psalm 86: 4-7, "Make glad the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and give heed to the voice of my supplications! In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, for You will answer me."
Isn't it wonderful that our loving Lord hears our prayers? There are days when I pray and it seems like my prayers aren't being heard because nothing is happening. But it doesn't mean that God hasn't heard me. He knows me, those I pray for and the situations I'm in better then I do. For whatever reason, growth, patience or timing need to be just right. If I flew headlong into something I think needs to happen I will most definitely mess it up. But if I pray and wait upon the Lord, He will guide me and bring about answers in just the right way.
Krista Jones
2.10.08
Isn't it wonderful that our loving Lord hears our prayers? There are days when I pray and it seems like my prayers aren't being heard because nothing is happening. But it doesn't mean that God hasn't heard me. He knows me, those I pray for and the situations I'm in better then I do. For whatever reason, growth, patience or timing need to be just right. If I flew headlong into something I think needs to happen I will most definitely mess it up. But if I pray and wait upon the Lord, He will guide me and bring about answers in just the right way.
Krista Jones
2.10.08
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